Blogroll

Michael Tchao's content creation journey started with one essential thing: a business plan.

Before he ever hit publish, the food creator mapped out exactly what he wanted his career to look like — from making a full-time living through content creation to working with his dream brands. That sense of intention still shapes the way he approaches every opportunity today. As he puts it, creators can either "sit under the tree and wait for an apple to fall," or "find a way to climb the tree and pick that apple."

At VidCon 2026, Tchao sat down with Mashable Culture Editor Crystal Bell to discuss the strategy that's guided his career from the beginning: why he started pitching brands before he even had 2,000 followers, why he believes creators shouldn't wait for opportunities to find them, and why he's skeptical of one of the creator economy's most common pieces of advice: be more niche.

Conventional creator wisdom says to pick a lane and stay there. As social platforms become more crowded, marketers have increasingly gravitated toward niche creators with highly engaged audiences, and industry analysts predict demand for niche creators will continue to rise.

Tchao doesn't necessarily disagree with the premise, but he does question the long-term strategy.

"If you want to have short-term growth, I think niching is super smart," he says. "But a lot of times what I see with creators is they niche, niche, niche... and they get pigeonholed. They can't get out. And if you have other interests, like we all do, I think that's a recipe for burnout."

Instead, Tchao encourages creators to think less about locking themselves into a single content category and more about identifying the underlying value they provide. For him, that isn't simply "food" — it's making complicated cooking concepts easy to understand. That broader mission gives him the flexibility to experiment while staying recognizable to his audience.

He also reflects on the importance of finding community in a profession that can often feel isolating, why even a single conversation at an event like VidCon can change the trajectory of a creator's career, and the philosophy that guides every video he makes: "No one really cares about me," he says. "They care about how the content can help themselves as a viewer."

Watch the full interview above.

The 2026 World Cup has entered the quater-final stage. France and Morocco kick off the festivities.

France are tipped to win the tournament but Morocco will prove their toughest opposition so far. Is this the moment that France come unstuck? Or will Mbappé lead them to another thrilling win?

It all kicks off at 4 p.m. ET today. Here's all the information you need to watch today's soccer action.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: July 9

• France vs. Morocco (Boston Stadium) — kickoff at 4 p.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup games todayWatch France vs. Morocco

France had to fight and claw their way through the Round of 16, with opponents Paraguay relying on underhanded tactics to rattle the French. But Mbappé and the rest of the team kept their heads and eked out a 1-0 win. It was a testament to their skill and teamwork, but it wasn't the dominant performance fans expected for the World Cup contenders — proof that France aren't totally dominant. Morocco, meanwhile, have been on fine form, eliminating the Netherlands on penalties and easily dispatching co-hosts Canada.

Live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement

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

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

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

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

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

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

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

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

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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup isn't just happening on official grass anymore.

On Sunday, July 12, FIFA and YouTube will host the inaugural YouTube FIFA Creator Cup, a creator-led exhibition match that brings some of the platform's biggest personalities together with soccer legends for a livestream from New York City's Central Park.

Leading the event is YouTube megastar iShowSpeed, whose World Cup livestreams have made him one of the tournament's defining internet personalities. And with over 57 million YouTube subscribers, he's also one of the platform's most recognizable faces. He'll be joined by creators including Celine Dept, TBJZL of the Sidemen, Jasontheween, Zhong, Zias, Coringa, AboFlah, Brittany Wilson, Mercedes Roa, and more, alongside FIFA legends and coached by Cafu and Marco Materazzi.

SEE ALSO: IShowSpeed had no idea he was sitting next to NYC Mayor Mamdani at the World Cup

"The World Cup is the biggest stage in the world and we're bringing that same energy to Central Park," Speed said in a statement. "Football brings everybody together, and that's what I love about it. To do this with YouTube and FIFA, live in New York City, with fans watching from all over the world, it's going to be special."

The match will take place at Wollman Rink and stream live globally on FIFA's official YouTube channel, with a simulcast on Speed's own YouTube channel beginning at 5 p.m. ET.

The Creator Cup marks the latest sign that FIFA is treating YouTube creators as more than influencers covering the tournament. Increasingly, they've become part of the programming itself. Throughout the World Cup, creators have livestreamed matches from the stands, interviewed players, and generated massive attention around the competition. According to YouTube, videos from its FIFA creator roster have already surpassed 1 billion views during the tournament.

For FIFA, the exhibition is another way to reach younger audiences who are more likely to experience major sporting events through creators rather than traditional broadcasters. And for Speed, whose streams have drawn massive crowds at stadiums throughout the tournament, it further cements his status as one of the World Cup's biggest personalities, even if he isn't playing for a national team.

That role has extended beyond livestreaming. Speed's song "Champions" was included on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup soundtrack after initially being released as an unofficial anthem, making the Creator Cup the latest step in his transformation from superfan to World Cup fixture.

Legendary referee Pierluigi Collina will oversee the match, while Sam Mewis and Kristie Mewis of The Women's Game and Zach Misischia and Brian Conforth of The Makeshift Project will report from the sidelines. Veteran broadcaster Max Bretos will handle play-by-play commentary.

This year's World Cup has made one thing clear: creators are no longer on the sidelines. They're lacing up, kitting out, and hitting the pitch.

After 321 days of sleep, a NASA spacecraft woke up in the cold outer fringes of the solar system. 

New Horizons, the spacecraft that flew past Pluto in 2015, entered hibernation on purpose to save energy as it drifted deeper into the Kuiper Belt, a disk beyond Neptune of comets and tiny icy worlds. 

At some 6 billion miles from Earth, a wakeup call from mission control would have taken nine hours to travel through space. Instead, the spacecraft woke itself up on June 23 from a previously scheduled command. 

New Horizons needs its strength. The intrepid explorer is expected to continue operating into the 2050s over a distance perhaps 100 times farther from the sun than Earth. During its travels, it will visit one more Kuiper Belt rock, following its flyby of Arrokoth seven years ago. The team is now using the Vera C. Rubin Observatory to figure out its next destination, said Alan Stern, the mission's principal investigator, in a comment on X.

SEE ALSO: Japan and China just flew past asteroids. Here's what they saw.

Scientists have used New Horizons to measure how solar wind — the stream of charged particles flowing away from the sun — changes as it moves toward the edge of the solar system.

They found that the solar wind gradually slows as it travels outward because it collides with atoms drifting in from interstellar space. New measurements show the solar wind is 13 to 15 percent slower out there than it is near Earth. The spacecraft's data was published in The Astrophysical Journal. 

New Horizons delivered this composite image of Kuiper Belt object Arrokoth when it flew by in January 2019. Credit: NASA / Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory / Southwest Research Institute / Roman Tkachenko

Scientists predict the solar wind will slow much more dramatically when New Horizons reaches the so-called "termination shock," where the sun's particles suddenly lose speed. Voyager 2, which is now 13.3 billion miles away from Earth in interstellar space, previously measured a 46-percent drop in solar wind speed when it had reached that point. It was then about 84 times farther from the sun than Earth. 

Learning how the solar wind changes helps scientists map the edge of the sun's influence, said Heather Elliott, a researcher at the Texas-based Southwest Research Institute. And despite the Voyager twins having already left the solar system, the "edge" of the heliosphere — this region in space affected by the sun — is still mysterious. 

"Not only do we learn more about how the sun's influence ends," said Elliott, first author of the paper, in a statement, "but we also gain a deeper understanding of the boundary between our solar system and interstellar space — a critical step toward planning future interstellar travel."

New Horizons launched 20 years ago and flew past Jupiter in 2007 for a gravity boost and scientific observations. It became the first spacecraft to explore Pluto and its moons. New Horizons also detected a previously unknown population of distant objects beyond the known Kuiper Belt with its long-range camera. The discovery could mean the belt extends much farther than expected or that a second, more-distant belt of icy bodies exists beyond it. 

Apple is likely to join the foldable market this year — but Samsung is gearing up to have a competitor in place before the iPhone Ultra even launches.

Samsung is set to show off its latest wares at a Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, and it's widely expected that the company will announce a third foldable to add onto the Fold and Flip form factors it has already been selling for years now.

This new foldable will reportedly be a shorter, wider device, similar in shape to the still-unannounced iPhone Ultra.

Here's everything you need to know about the wide Samsung foldable before its likely launch later this month.

SEE ALSO: Samsung finally confirms Galaxy Unpacked for July 22 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide: When is it coming?

As previously mentioned, Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event is on July 22. The phone will likely not hit shelves that day, but it should be available within a few weeks, if precedent holds.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide: What is it called?

This is where things get confusing. While we expect that the new wide foldable will be called Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, it is not a true successor to the Z Fold 7 (launched in 2025), at least not in terms of design.

There will be a successor to the Z Fold 7 launched alongside the new wide foldable, but it's reportedly called the Z Fold 8 Ultra. Hopefully Samsung will clear up the confusion on why that should be.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide: Design and specs

Samsung hasn't officially announced the Z Fold 8, but we have a decent idea of what to expect based on various leaks over the past several months.

For example, prominent leaker Sonny Dickson posted images on X back in April purporting to show dummy cases for the new batch of foldables.

Two of them look familiar to fans of Samsung phones, but one of them is clearly more squat and more wide than anything the company has made yet. We are pretty sure that's the Z Fold 8.

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

There are now official details yet, but leaker Tarun Vats recently posted specs on X. They include:

• 5.5-inch cover display with 120Hz refresh rate

• 7.6-inch inner display with 120Hz refresh rate

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset

• 12GB RAM

• 256GB/512GB/1TB storage

• 4,800mAh battery

Based on the dummy units seen above, those display dimensions sound about right. The idea, evidently, is to have a roughly 4:3 aspect ratio in the inner display, which is what Apple is reportedly going to do with its foldable.

This was recently corroborated even more by Android Authority, which found alleged images of the phone in One UI 9 files.

Yeah, that's not a regular Samsung foldable. Credit: Android Authority

As for the other specs offered by Tarun Vats, there are no real surprises here. The RAM and storage counts are pretty normal for what will likely be an expensive phone, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset has been used in other recent Samsung devices.

All that should keep the phone performing smoothly. A 4,800mAh battery is also roughly what we would expect from a device like this. Hopefully, it'll be able to keep a charge for at least 24 hours.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide: Cameras

This is one area where it seems like Samsung is making compromises. In the render above from Android Authority, there are only two rear cameras on the Z Fold 8. That's not ideal: the Z Fold 7 had three, and we expect the same of the Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Tarun Vats' specs list suggests they won't be the most powerful lenses in the world, either. A 50MP wide and 50MP ultrawide lens, with two 10MP selfie cameras, may sound impressive — but it's a far cry from the 200MP main lens we got on the Z Fold 7.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide: Price

It's impossible to say what this phone will cost prior to its announcement. RAMageddon is very real, and foldables were already in the neighborhood of $2,000 before memory became impossible to come by.

Do not be shocked if this phone, even with its weaker cameras, is out of your price range.

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites for free with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

The online world is full of content restrictions and blockades. It might not always seem like that, but look around. More and more restrictions on your movement are coming into force.

Porn naturally comes with a lot of restrictions, but there's really nothing wrong with adults visiting their favorite sites at entirely appropriate moments. When the time is right, you should be able to bypass content restrictions to access sites like XNXX from any network and location. And fortunately, you can do exactly that with a quick and easy hack.

If you want to unblock porn sites like XNXX from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to unblock XNXX for free

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

Unblock porn sites like XNXX by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit XNXX

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

The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like XNXX without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when temporarily away from a secure network.

If you want to retain permanent access to everything the online world has to offer, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for porn is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for fast and reliable unblocking of porn sites like XNXX, 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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock XNXX for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub for free with a VPN. The best services for unblocking porn sites from Australia is ExpressVPN.

The world of porn continues to be impacted by age-verification laws. Back in early 2025, more than a third of U.S. states introduced age verification laws for online adult content. Pornhub hit back by blocking users from those locations. A similar situation took place France and the UK, and now Australians are facing the same set of challenges.

The porn blocks arrived just days before new online safety codes came into effect, requiring organisations to verify the ages of users. It's the same story we've seen before, with the same straightforward workaround.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — here's how to claim

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

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Australia

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

Unblock Pornhub from Australia by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Pornhub

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

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

• Servers in locations all around the world

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Multiple simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantees

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

Unblock Pornhub for free in Australia with ExpressVPN.

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

Wimbledon is hurtling towards the finals taking place this weekend, but in many senses, the biggest game of the tournament is scheduled for the semi-final stage. Top seed Sinner faces off against Djokovic for a place in the final. It's going to be electric in centre court.

Djokovic came through an epic five-set match with Auger-Aliassime to make this stage of the tournament. Sinner had a much more straightforward victory over Struff. The Italian hasn't really been tested since his tough first-round match with Kecmanović, but you'd imagine Djokovic will stretch him.

If you want to watch Sinner vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Sinner vs. Djokovic for free

Sinner vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

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

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

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

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for Wimbledon?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

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

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

The Wimbledon finals are fast approaching. We're down to the final four players in both singles draws, with some fascinating matchups on the schedule.

Muchová vs. Gauff is a particularly interesting contest. Both players have looked really slick making it to this stage. Muchová battled to beat Osaka in the last round. Gauff needed three sets to beat Pegula. Now they face off for a spot in the final.

If you want to watch Muchová vs. Gauff in Wimbledon 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Muchová vs. Gauff for free

Muchová vs. Gauff in Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

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

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

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

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for Wimbledon?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

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

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!

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.

Featured Video For You 'The Vampire Lestat's Sam Reid on Magnus, Claudia, Sofia, and more 11. Reminders of Him

Another day, another Colleen Hoover novel adaptation, with Reminders of Him set for home release this week. Directed by Vanessa Caswill (Love at First Sight) and co-written by Hoover and Lauren Levine, this drama is all about processing guilt and finding a path forward in unthinkable circumstances. Longlegs star Maika Monroe plays Kenna, a woman who serves time for the vehicular manslaughter of her boyfriend, Scotty (Outer Banks' Rudy Pankow).

Having given birth to a daughter named Diem (Zoe Kosovic) in prison, Kenna's freedom comes with getting to know this now-six-year-old stranger, the apprehension and complexity of reconnecting with Scotty's parents and best friend Ledger (I Know What You Did Last Summer's Tyriq Withers), and the all-too-present consequences of her past. Tear-jerker for sure.* — Shannon Connellan, Senior Editor

Starring: Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Graham, and Bradley Whitford

How to watch: Reminders of Him is begins streaming on Peacock on July 10.

10. The Long Walk

One of several high-profile Stephen King adaptations to be hitting screens this year — hi, The Running Man and IT: Welcome to Derry! — The Long Walk conjures up a nightmarish dystopian future in which the U.S. hosts a yearly death march for young men. The last walker standing wins any wish that their heart desires, but at what cost?

Director Francis Lawrence, who helmed four of the five Hunger Games films, pulls no punches in The Long Walk. The result is a relentlessly bleak saga buoyed by a talented young cast that includes Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, and Ben Wang. Serious emphasis on bleak, as this movie is not for the faint of heart (or anyone looking for a happy watch). As I wrote in my review, "After almost two hours of being immersed in this string of deaths, you may find yourself begging, 'Enough already!' The Long Walk, however, does not let up, trapping you in a never-ending nightmare of bloodied feet and fraying minds." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Joshua Odjick, Roman Griffin Davis, Josh Hamilton, Judy Greer, and Mark Hamill

How to watch: The Long Walk debuts on HBO Max on July 10.

9. Faces of Death

The absolute nightmare that is content moderation lies at the heart of Faces of Death, the Barbie Ferreira–starring horror that feels way too real. It's inspired by the 1978 VHS exploitation film or "video nasty" of the same name, which had people unsure whether the extreme violence on screen was real or not. It was banned in several countries — you should really watch British horror film Censor to understand this era of film vetting — but it turns up on the shelf of a character in Daniel Goldhaber's new film.

But now, we're in 2026, the age of the internet. The Euphoria star plays Margot, who works not at a movie censorship body but a social media company like TikTok or YouTube. Alongside co-workers (like one played by constant movie star Charli XCX), Margot is part of the department where content is screened against community guidelines and either blocked or left up to feed the attention economy. However, some of those violent videos look super-real, and influencers are going missing...* — S.C.

Starring: Barbie Ferreira, Charli XCX, Jermaine Fowler, Aaron Holliday, Dacre Montgomery, Josie Totah

How to watch: Faces of Death debuts on Shudder on July 10.

8. Summer Sparks

Hungering for a light-hearted romantic comedy? Roku has got you a seasonal treat with Summer Sparks.

Jesse Metcalfe stars as Adam, a single dad looking to reconnect with his teen son during their time at Camp Evergreen. Perhaps the annual cook-off will prove the perfect place to bond? However, Adam's craving for competition catches the eye of Monica (Kathryn Davis), a single mom who's looking to share the camp she loved in her childhood with her own kids. Over cooking and talking childcare, the two develop a spark all their own. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Jesse Metcalfe, Kathryn Davis, and Max Baribeau

How to watch: Summer Sparks is now streaming on Roku.

7. The Man Will Burn

First kicking off in 1986, Burning Man is a week-long event held in the sprawling Nevada desert that becomes a canvas of self-expression for a jubilant community of participants. But while the vibes are party, a lot of planning goes into its mounting each year.

From filmmakers Jehane Noujaim and Vikram Gandhi comes The Man Will Burn, a four-part documentary series that digs into all things Burning Man. As you can see from the trailer, the docuseries will feature interviews with the revelers and the organizers. So, you'll see the highs, lows, and obstacles that are part of "the burn." — K.P.

How to watch: The Man Will Burn is now streaming on HBO Max.

6. The Five-Star Weekend

The small-screen adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand's novel The Five-Star Weekend arrives on Peacock this week, bringing summery vibes and an all-star cast along with it. Jennifer Garner plays Hollis Shaw, a cook and food blogger trying to recover from a devastating loss. As part of her grieving process, she decides to host a weekend getaway at her Nantucket house. Her guests? Friends from different stages of her life (and one extra surprise invitee), played by D’Arcy Carden, Gemma Chan, Regina Hall, and Chloë Sevigny.* — B.E.

Starring: Jennifer Garner, Chloë Sevigny, Regina Hall, Gemma Chan, D'Arcy Carden, Harlow Jane, and Timothy Olyphant

How to watch: The Five-Star Weekend is now streaming on Peacock.

5. The Mountain

If Moana coming to theaters has you craving more stories out of Polynesia, don't miss The Mountain. Rachel House, who played Moana's grandmother in the 2016 film, directs this coming-of-age adventure, produced by her Hunt For the Wilderpeople director, Taika Waititi.

Written by House and Tom Furniss, The Mountain centers on Sam (Elizabeth Atkinson), a young Maori girl with cancer and a big plan to defeat it. Tapping into her roots, Sam is convinced that if she summits the Taranaki mountain, communing with nature will heal her. Along the way, she teams up with a couple of misfits, and together this trio of kids treks to a better future. Meanwhile, their parents understandably freak out about their children going AWOL. Funny and bittersweet, this Kiwi offering is a great pick for a family movie night. — K.P.

Starring: Elizabeth Atkinson, Reuben Francis, Terence Daniel, Byron Coll, Troy Kingi, Fern Sutherland, and Sukena Shah

How to watch: The Mountain is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

4. Obsession

Audiences went feral for writer/director Curry Barker's ultra-creepy Obsession. The film turns rom-com expectations on its head by presenting a lovelorn protagonist named Bear (Michael Johnston), who might seem like a nice guy but is actually the movie's villain.

Obsessed with his friend Nikki (a riveting Inde Navarrette), he makes a wish that she'll not only notice him, but will love him more than anyone else. In the way of the mythic monkey's paw, this wish goes horribly wrong, transforming Bear's dream girl into a nightmare. Obsession is thoroughly chilling, especially thanks to Navarrette's harrowing performance. But Barker's exploration of sexual politics ultimately feels juvenile because of a flubbed final act. As I explained more in-depth in my review, "This makes the finale of Obsession unnerving — not so much for what it shows, but for the empathy it ultimately lacks."* — K.P.

Starring: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter

How to watch: Obsession is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

3. Backrooms

The concept of the Backrooms began with a 4chan post, which then-teenager Kane Parsons masterfully expanded into a series of extremely viral short horror films. Backrooms is his full-length feature adaptation, and it's about a bitter furniture shop owner (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who discovers the doorway to another world in the basement of his store. So, does Parsons manage to land the jump to feature? For the most part, yes. Backrooms uses uncanny spaces and an ominous soundscape to chilling effect, dragging us into a world that's as unsettling as it is endless. The movie's only real issue is its third act, which loses some tension after we see the face of the thing that's been chasing the characters through this hellish labyrinth.

"Despite this, Backrooms is still well worth a watch. The ending isn't enough to spoil what came before," I wrote in my Mashable review. "If anything, Parsons has managed to prove himself as an incredibly talented emerging filmmaker while also establishing the first chapter in what will surely end up becoming a brand-new horror franchise."* — Sam Haysom, General Assignment Editor, UK

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell

How to watch: Backrooms is now available for pre-order on Prime Video.

2. Amores Perros

Alejandro González Iñárritu's debut feature is over 25 years old now, but it seems to have cemented its place as a cult classic. Running over two-and-a-half hours long, the sprawling drama follows three different sets of characters whose lives are brought together by a car crash in Mexico. To say too much more would probably be doing it a disservice, but the film's Rotten Tomatoes rating — 93 percent critic, 94 percent audience — pretty much speaks for itself. If it's been on your list for a while but you haven't got round to watching it, maybe now's the time. — S.H.

Starring: Emilio Echevarría, Gael García Bernal, Goya Toledo, Álvaro Guerrero, Vanessa Bauche, Jorge Salinas, Adriana Barraza, and Humberto Busto

How to watch: Amores Perros begins streaming on MUBI on July 10.

Best of streaming this week: Little House on the Prairie

A childhood classic comes to Netflix this summer with Little House on the Prairie, based on the beloved series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Like the books, the TV series introduces the Ingalls family, who uproot their lives in the big woods of Wisconsin and begin a new life on the prairie. The show looks to introduce Wilder's work to a new generation, but let's be real: Plenty of adults will also be checking it out to make sure it stays true to the story they grew up loving.* — B.E.

Starring: Alice Halsey, Skywalker Hughes, Luke Bracey, and Crosby Fitzgerald

How to watch: Little House on the Prairie is now streaming on Netflix.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

TL;DR: Pay once and get enough cloud storage for life with this 100TB Internxt Cloud Storage lifetime subscription, now $999.99 (reg. $9,900).

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 100TB $999.99
$9,900 Save $8,900.01   Get Deal

Cloud storage seems affordable until you realize you’ll be paying for it every month for the rest of your life. If you want to give your wallet a break, you might want to check out a more permanent option.

Internxt Cloud Storage lets you own your storage space rather than rent it, and right now, 100 TB of storage is on sale for just $999.99.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

It feels like everything comes with a subscription fee these days. Internxt Cloud Storage lets you knock one of these subscriptions off your monthly budget, allowing you to pay once and secure enough space for life.

This 100TB of space gives you enough room for your photos, videos, files, and then some. You can also rest easy knowing your data is secure, as Internxt provides end-to-end encryption. That means not even the company itself can access your files — which can’t be said for the competitors, who not only access but also profit from your data.

Internxt Cloud Storage offers post-quantum encryption — well beyond the AES-256 standard used by most providers —so you’re protected against future quantum computing threats, too. It’s also GDPR-compliant, independently audited by Securitum, and the full codebase is available on GitHub.

Transferring your data is simple thanks to Internxt’s cross-platform compatibility, which lets you store, share, and send from any device or operating system you own. There are also apps for Android, iOS, web browsers, and desktop for easy access.

Lock in this 100TB Internxt Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for only $999.99 (reg. $9,900) today.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Simplify your cell phone with this Kyocera DuraXE Epic E4830 Flip Phone, on sale now for just $111.99 (reg. $269.99) while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kyocera Kyocera DuraXE Epic E4830 Flip Phone AT&T + GSM Unlocked (Refurbished) $111.99
$269.99 Save $158   Get Deal

Sometimes it’s best to go back to basics. If you’ve been looking for an easier way to stay connected, with fewer distractions and more reliability, it may be time to return to a good old flip phone.

The Kyocera DuraXE Epic E4830 Flip Phone gives you a simple way to stay connected, and right now you can snag one for only $111.99 (reg. $269.99).

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

It’s time to step away from the apps. We need to stay connected to our loved ones, but that doesn’t have to come with a device that keeps you doomscrolling until midnight. The Kyocera DuraXE Epic E4830 Flip Phone makes it easier to talk and text, while remaining rugged enough to keep up with your busy life.

Our smartphones today aren’t exactly life-proof. From shattered screens to water incompatibility, it’s easy for one to be out of commission. But you don’t have to worry about this Kyocera DuraXE; it’s shock-resistant and ready to withstand drops, dust, and even water exposure.

The Kyocera DuraXE’s battery offers 10 hours of talk time and 16 days of standby time. When you need to power it back up, it charges via USB-C. The battery is also removable, so it can be swapped on the go for longer device life.

While this flip phone simplifies your communication, it’s not slacking in the power department. A 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 processor can keep up with your calls, messages, and other basic phone functions.

You can use this phone with AT&T, or if you’re with another carrier, it’s GSM-compatible. It has a 5MP camera to snap photos, and you can save them with 16GB of storage. The Kyocera DuraXE also offers expandable memory support up to 512GB via microSD if you need it.

You’re saving big on this Kyocera DuraXE thanks to its Grade A refurbished rating, which means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition while you score the low price.

Snag a Kyocera DuraXE Epic E4830 Flip Phone for only $111.99 today.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our editorial experts vetted the deal based on our independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save money for the consumer, we wrote the content.

Whether you're the parent of a Lego-obsessed child or an avid builder and collector yourself, there's no better time to shop for new sets than the Lego Insiders Days event.

Conceived of as a thank-you to Lego loyalists, the Insiders Days sale runs from July 9-12 and unlocks special privileges for Lego Insiders including exclusive sets, special discounts, and double or even quadruple the usual loyalty points on select offers. There are even special perks you can unlock with each order, from free shipping on orders over $35 to special gift sets unlocked with purchases over $100 (a Lego Airplane) or $180 (a Lego Sea Serpent ship).

Not a member yet? No problem: you can sign up here to unlock access to the sales event. Being a member is totally free (though you must be 18+ to register) and a no-brainer if you like Lego and want to be rewarded for every new purchase or gain access to member-exclusive sets. 

Here are some of our favorite Insiders Days picks for Lego builders of all ages and abilities:

Team Spidey Webquarters Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Team Spidey Webquarters $49.99 at LEGO
  Shop Now

Suitable for ages: 2+

If you're shopping for a toddler, safety and simplicity are your top priorities, followed by something that appeals to their imagination. We love this Team Spidey Webquarters set, inspired by the popular kids show Spidey and His Amazing Friends. This 65-piece set features miniatures of Spidey, Miles Morales, and their arch-nemesis Rhino, plus two vehicles — Rhino's Wrecker and a motorbike, as well as a host of fun, thematic accessories, from a giant web to a full pizza. Your toddler can recreate scenes from the show or imagine new adventures for these budding superheros. 

Buy now for $49.99 at LEGO.com

Moon Mission Science Kit Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Moon Mission Science Kit $49.99 at LEGO
  Shop Now

Suitable for ages: 8+

This relatively simple set, suitable for young children, nonetheless allows parents to teach some pretty complex concepts to their kids, and maybe even instill in them a love of science. It centers around two astronaut figurines and a space ship, with plenty of accessory pieces like a lunar greenhouse and a launchpad with a moving lever that are sure to stoke imaginations and encourage exploration and problem solving. 

Buy now for $49.99 at LEGO.com

Elphaba & Glinda Figures from Wicked Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Elphaba & Glinda Figures $54.99 at LEGO
  Shop Now

Suitable for ages: 10+

Part musical, part fantasy adventure, Wicked has been nothing short of a sensation, and fans of the movie will love this Elphaba and Glinda figurine set. Don't be fooled by the seemingly simple setup: each figurine comes with moving limbs and multiple accessories, including Glinda's tiara and handbag and Elphaba's broom and witch's hat. There's even a hidden QR code that, once scanned, lets users sing along to the movie's hallmark song, "Defying Gravity." 

Buy now for $54.99 at LEGO.com

Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex $249.99 at LEGO
  Shop Now

Suitable for ages: 18+

Inspired by the Jurassic Park film franchise and featuring history's most famous apex predator, this Tyrannosaurus rex fossil set features more than 3,000 pieces plus two figurines based on characters from the first film. Once built, this 1:12 scale model stands more than 12.5 inches/33 centimeters tall and would complement any desk or bookshelf. Lego even included a plaque with important dino facts as well as some film references hidden in the display stand. 

Buy now for $249.99 at LEGO.com

Hogsmeade Village – Collectors' Edition Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Hogsmeade Village – Collectors' Edition $399.99 at LEGO
  Shop Now

Suitable for ages: 18+ 

Every true Harry Potter fan has spent some time daydreaming about a stroll through the winter wonderland that is Hogsmeade Village, so being able to bring the set to life through Lego is incredible. And with more than 3,000 individual pieces, three buildings and 12 figurines, there's an endless variety of possible scenarios to play out in your mind, from a shopping trip to Zonko’s Joke Shop or a shared pint of Butterbeer at the Hog's Head pub. Iconic characters featured in this set include Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Dumbledore and Draco Malfoy, but one of the set's best features is its two-way design: from the front, you get the exterior of each building, but flip it around and you get a cutout view into the interior, where the real magic happens. 

Buy now for $399.99 at LEGO.com

OpenAI's ChatGPT revolutionized the artificial intelligence industry with an intelligent bot that can chat with you. However, chatting with ChatGPT (as with most competitor models) doesn't feel like a real conversation; it's more of a Q&A session with a really knowledgeable nerd.

On Wednesday, OpenAI launched GPT-Live, a new model that has a "full-duplex architecture," allowing it to listen and speak at the same time. This enables it to keep a far more realistic conversation, including giving you faster answers, and letting you know it's paying attention with an occasional "mhmm."

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's GPT-5.6 finally set for public release after delays

We haven't been able to test it out yet, though OpenAI posted a video showing the model's capabilities. The conversation does sound more natural, though the additional chatter probably takes some getting used to.

Google has a similar feature called Gemini Live, which can also keep up a longer conversation, though it doesn't seem to be as chatty as GPT-Live.

OpenAI says GPT-Live is the smartest voice model it has launched. Currently, it uses GPT-5.5 in the background, but the company says that will be "continuously updated" as new models are released. This is notable, as OpenAI is scheduled to launch its most powerful model yet, GPT-5.6, today.

Right now, GPT-Live is being rolled out to users globally, in two flavors: GPT-Live-1 and GPT-Live-1 mini (it's not yet available for us). OpenAI says it'll bring these models to its API "soon."

Featured Video For You Is ChatGPT Changing the Way We Write?

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, July 9, 2026:

AcrossSomething to look for while circling the block

• The answer is Spot.

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

Grow weary

• The answer is Tire.

This clue number x 2

• The answer is Dozen.

Rice-shaped pasta

• The answer is Orzo.

December 25th, for short

• The answer is Xmas.

DownCalm before the ___

• The answer is Storm.

Favorite food of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

• The answer is Pizza.

Black-and-white cookies

• The answer is Oreos.

(This clue number x 2) + 2

• The answer is Ten.

Release personal information about, informally

• The answer is Dox.

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

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

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

The Moon has now entered its final stretch of the lunar cycle before the New Moon. Over the next few nights, the illuminated portion visible from Earth will continue to decrease until it disappears completely from view.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, July 9, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in its Waning Crescent phase, with 34% of its surface visible.

Tonight when you look up without any visual aids you'll see just the Oceanus Procellarum and the Kepler Crater. With binoculars or a telescope, you'll see this plus the Grimaldi Basin, Mare Humorum, and the Gassendi Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on July 29.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to orbit Earth, passing through eight distinct phases during that time. While the same hemisphere of the Moon is always turned toward Earth, the portion lit by the Sun changes as it moves along its orbit. This shifting illumination makes the Moon look like it’s changing shape over the course of the month, cycling through crescents, quarter phases, and the bright Full Moon. This regular sequence is known as the lunar cycle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A quick look at the best Prime Day 2026 deals we've spotted so far: Best robot vacuum deal Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum A$749 (was $2,799, 73% off) Get Deal Best budget robot vacuum deal Eureka E20 Plus A$349 (was $862.95, 60% off) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra A$378 (was $649, 42% off) Get Deal Best Laptop Deal Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 14IPH11 Aura Edition 1429 ((was $2,499, 43% off)) Get Deal Best Wearables Deal Apple Watch Ultra 3 999 ((was $1,399, 29% off)) Get Deal Best TV Deal Prism+ Q75 Ultra 75" 4K QLED Smart Google TV A$1,299 (was $1,843, 33% off) Get Deal

Amazon's famed Prime Day sale has kicked off Down Under for 2026, with deals running across Amazon Australia until July 13. That means a whole week of eyewatering discounts on just about everything, with a strong focus on tech. If you need a new robovac, TV, headphones, or just about anything else gadget-y, now is the time. Below, we've listed the best deals we've seen so far and will be updating this page all week. Happy hunting!

Best robot vacuum deals

• EUREKA E20 Plus Robot Vacuum – A$349 (was $862.95, 60% off)

• ECOVACS DEEBOT N20 Plus Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop – A$429 (was $949, 55% off)

• roborock Q7T+ Robot Vacuum & Mop – A$399 (was $999, 60% off)

Best smart home deals

• Ring Battery Video Doorbell – A$39.90 (was $149, 47% off)

• Ring Spotlight Camera Pro (2nd Gen) – A$279 (was $399, 30% off)

• Blink Outdoor 4 Wireless smart security camera – A$29 (was $89, 67% off)

• D-Link DCS-8302LH FHD Weather Resistant Wi-Fi Camera – A$89 (was $199.95, 55% off)

• WUUK 2K Battery Operated Outdoor Security Camera – A$237.49 (was $369.99, 36% off)

Best smartphone and tablet deals

• Apple iPhone 16e (128GB) – A$894 (was $999, 11% off)

• Nothing Phone (2a) 5G 128GB – A$480.92 (was $529, 9% off)

• Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G 256GB – A$427 (was $599, 29% off)

• Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) – A$639 (was $949, 33% off)

• Lenovo Idea Tab 5G 11" 256GB + Lenovo Tab Pen – A$397 (was $949, 34% off)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite 256GB – A$569 (was $799, 29% off)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 256GB– A$477 (was $549, 13% off)

• Samsung Galaxy S25 512GB – A$1,099 (was $1,599, 34% off)

Best wearable tech deals

• Garmin vívoactive 5 – A$346 (was $499, 30% off)

• Garmin Venu 3, GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display – A$595 (was $749, 21% off)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch – A$347 (was $499, 30% off)

• Garmin Lily 2 Classic, Silver – A$398 (was $469, 15% off)

• Google Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch – A$240.46 (was $356, 32% off)

• Polar Ignite 3 GPS Smartwatch – A$296.96 (was $499, 40% off)

Best headphone and speaker deals

• Bose QuietComfort SC Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – A$239.99 (was $499, 52% off)

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones – A$278 (was $549, 49% off)

• Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones – A$62.69 (was $119, 48% off)

• Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones – A$177.00 (was $259, 32% off)

• Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker – A$141 (was $249.95, 43% off)

• Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth Travel Speaker – A$68 (was $99.95, 31% off)

Best TV and home cinema deals

• LG 85-inch QNED80B Evo AI Mini LED 4K Smart TV 2026 – A$2,370 (was $3,499, 32% off)

• LG 55" QNED86 Evo AI Mini LED 4K Smart TV 2025 – A$999 (was $1,199, 17% off)

• Kogan 43" QLED 4K 144Hz Smart AI Google TV – A$446.24 (was $799, 44% off)

• Sony 50" X77L BRAVIA LED 4K HDR Google TV – A$899 (was $1,199, 25% off)

• SKYWORTH Q6600H 65" - QLED+ 4K Smart Google TV – A$749 (was $999, 25% off)

• Denon AVR-X1800H 8K AV Receiver – A$995 (was $1,299, 23% off)

• Yamaha A-S701 2-Channel Integrated, 100 W Stereo Amplifier – A$1,069 (was $1,499, 29% off)

• Kimwood FHD Mini Projector with Upgraded HiFi Speaker – A$85.49 (was $139.99, 39% off)

• VOPLLS 600 ANSI 4K Smart Mini Projector – A$168.99 (was $269.99, 37% off)

• WiMiUS Portable HDR10 4K Projector – A$379.99 (was $659.99, 42% off)

Best laptop deals

• HP OmniBook Ultra Flip AI 14" Laptop – A$3,498 (was $4,299, 32% off)

• Lenovo Legion 5i, 15.1" – A$2,398 (was $4,299, 20% off)

• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15.6" FHD Laptop – A$664 (was $999, 34% off)

• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15.3" Laptop – A$999 (was $1,499, 33% off)

After a new PC? Check out the top computer deals on our sister site, PCMag Australia.

--

With literally thousands of deals on Amazon.com.au, finding the good ones can be a laborious task. So we've done the hard work for you and tracked down the best deals on everything tech. If you enjoy window shopping yourself (AKA, scrolling), you can check out Amazon's Prime Day page.

You will need to be an Amazon Prime member to partake in the fun. If this isn't you, fear not! You can grab a no-obligation 30-day free Prime trial and still get in on the action.

What is Amazon Prime Day? Is it different in Australia?

In 2026, Prime Day Australia is taking place on a completely different week to in the US, who had theirs in the last week of June this year. Previously, the dates had overlapped.

Prime Day is an twice-a-year online sales event (think Black Friday or Click Frenzy), only it is exclusive to Amazon Prime customers. It started as a one-day event in the US in 2015, but has since expanded to a week long event that takes place across the globe, including Australia. The first Prime Day Down Under happened in 2018, and has grown every year since. Australian users get access to deals on both Amazon.com.au and the Amazon Global Store until the conclusion of the event in the US.

Additionally, the Shop Local Businesses store highlights a number of small Australian businesses that are also partaking in the Prime Day fun.

What will be on sale this Prime Day?

While it can be difficult to predict specific products that go on sale, Amazon has promised over 100,000 deals in Australia from big brands, small local brands, and everything in-between. The brands that Amazon has confirmed will be a part of Prime Day include Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Bose, and more – a pretty hefty list!

Expect deals across all categories, including tech, such as TVs, Smart Home, Headphones, Gaming, as well as homeware, sports, fashion, beauty and more.

How to find the best deals during Prime Day in Australia

Amazon is quite often the cheapest place to find a given product at the best of times, but the really good deals only come up a few times a year. The above list features some of the very best tech deals available right now. However, you can also properly prepare for the event to make sure you truly get the most out of it.

Before Prime Day kicks off, you should put together a shopping list of items that you are after, then 'wishlist' those products on Amazon and set deal alerts on the Amazon app. This will ensure you don't miss top deals on products that you especially want.

Ensure you are subscribed to Amazon Prime, or else you won't be able to secure the products for the Prime Day deal price. A subscription costs A$6.99 per month, but there is a 30-day free trial available if you are just looking to take part in Prime Day and nothing else.

It is also worth spending a bit of time on Amazon and familiarising yourself with its interface and how it works. This can save you time and hassle when the deals start dropping (many of which are only available for a limited time).

How to shop on Amazon Prime Day

Of course, we'll be keeping track of all the best Prime Day deals we spot in the lists above. But if you are keen to trawl through some deals yourself, here's how to best shop during the event.

• Amazon app: If you'll be out and about on Prime Day, download Amazon's mobile app, log in, and you'll be ready to shop wherever you are.

• Amazon Wishlist: Add items to your wishlist in the product interface to get alerted if it goes on sale.

• Ask Alexa: Why move at all? The main idea behind Amazon's Echo devices is to sell you stuff, so Alexa is more than willing to help you add things to your cart.

• Amazon Global Store: Check out the best deals from the US and across the world on the Amazon Global Store.

• Support Local: Amazon's Shop Local Business initiative highlights deals curated from small Aussie businesses across Amazon.

Amazon Prime Day is back for another year! Running from July 7-13, you can grab a hefty discount on a variety of smart home products, including Dreame’s range of automated cleaning gadgets. From easy-to-use robot vacuums to powerful hair dryers, you’ll save up to 73% off and give your home the cleaning upgrade it needs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame L10s Ultra Gen2 Robot Vacuum and Mop AU$529 at Amazon AU
AU$1,699 Save AU$1,170 Robot vacuum and mop with MopExtend RoboSwing technology, 10,000PA suction power, and Duo Scrub Mopping System. Get Deal

When looking for a solid starter robot vacuum for your home, you can’t go wrong with the L10s Ultra Gen2 for only A$529. Equipped with Dreame’s “advanced MopExtend RoboSwing Technology” and Pet Zone Cleaning, this gadget will rid your space of spills, stains, and pet hair with ease. However, if you want an automated cleaner with extra power, their flagship X40 Ultra is down to an unbelievable price of A$749. With 12,000Pa suction power and SideReach Edge Cleaning, this robot cleaner can clean the parts of your home you’ve been struggling to reach.

The best Dreame robot vacuum Prime Day deals

• Dreame F20 Eco Robot Vacuum and Mop - A$199 (was $599, 67% off)

• Dreame L40 Ultra CE Robot Vacuum - A$499.99 (was $1,499, 67% off)

• Dreame D30 Ultra Robot Vacuum - A$599.99 (was $1,499, 60% off)

• Dreame L10s Ultra Gen3 Robot Vacuum - A$639.99 (was $1,999, 68% off)

• Dreame L50 Ultra CE Robot Vacuum and Mop - A$1,299.99 (was $2,499, 48% off)

However, Dreame’s Prime Day sale extends beyond their range of robot vacuums. If you’d prefer to replace your cordless vacuum, the A$189 G10 Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner can both suction and mop your floors in one go.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame G10 Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner AU$189.04 at Amazon AU
AU$549 Save AU$359.96   Get Deal

Meanwhile, Dreame has also slashed prices on their range of smart hair dryers, with the ultra-fast drying Dazzle now only A$229.99 – and you can get an extra 15% off using code W444QFST.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame dreame Dazzle Hair Dryer AU$229.99 at Amazon AU
AU$499 Save AU$269.01   Get Deal

This promotion will run strictly during Amazon’s annual Prime Day from July 7-13, so you’ve got until stocks last to take advantage. However, since these deals are locked to Amazon Prime members only, just make sure your subscription is up to date (or sign up for a 30-day free trial).

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

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

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

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

A ringed treat.

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

DONUT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Hello!

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 9, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

HOWDY

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Copy.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 9 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 9, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CLONE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Sway.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SWING

Final Hurdle hint

A chump.

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

PATSY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Hit it with a net

• Green: Pro wideouts

• Blue: Lacrosse

• Purple: How to spell FIFA

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Racket/Paddle Sports

• Green: NFL Wide Receivers

• Blue: Lacrosse Terms

• Purple: FIFA

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #653 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Racket/Paddle Sports: BADMINTON, PADEL, SQUASH, TENNIS

• NFL Wide Receivers: HIGGINS, LAMB, OLAVE, WADDLE

• Lacrosse Terms: CLEAR, CRADLE, CREASE, RIDE

• FIFA: ASSOCIATION, FOOTBALL, FEDERATION, INTERNATIONALE

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

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

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

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