Blogroll
Bumble set to launch paid IRL date feature
Dating app Bumble is apparently launching a paid group-date feature soon, Business Insider reported.
The feature, called Plans, will launch in New York and require users to pay a flat fee to RSVP to an IRL "Plan" — a small IRL gathering. Bumble users can also invite a plus-one, who will also have to pay the fee, according to Business Insider.
SEE ALSO: The big question LGBTQ daters are asking, according to HingeAfter users attend, they'll be asked if they liked any other participants, and then they can match from there.
Business Insider also noted a new Instagram account, @plansbybumble, which is currently private.
The news comes weeks after Bumble founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd announced that Bumble is killing the swipe feature and promising a new experience. In recent earnings calls, Wolfe Herd has discussed a new AI-powered Bumble akin to an assistant and matchmaker — which led to backlash from users online.
While the app is becoming more AI-forward, the company is also investing more in IRL events. It's hosting several meetups in New York City this summer, for example. Plans also isn't the app's first foray into helping users make the leap from screen to scene. In 2017, the app launched an IRL hub called The Hive, and it hosted other singles events in 2022.
Bumble's revenue and paying users are down year over year, according to its latest earnings report, so it's no surprise it's trying multiple tactics to try to win users back.
Recently, Tinder launched a similar Double Date Mode that lets users invite friends to group dates. (Though that doesn't cost extra.) It's also adding more AI features, including its own AI matchmaker, Chemistry. Tinder has also had some financial losses recently, but its latest earnings report indicated that the decline may be slowing.
Mashable has reached out to Bumble for comment.
Act quickly: The 15-inch LG Gram Book is under $550 at Best Buy
SAVE $150: The 15-inch LG Gram Book (8GB, 512GB SSD) is on sale at Best Buy for $549.99, down from the normal price of $699.99. That's a 23% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG 15-inch LG Gram Book (8GB, 512GB SSD) $549.99 at Best Buy$699.99 Save $150 Get Deal
We've all watched tech (and storage) prices go wild this year. The problem is, we still need that tech to function in everyday life. If you're in need of a fresh laptop but don't feel like spending six digits, check out this limited-time offer from Best Buy.
For the rest of June 3, the 15-inch LG Gram Book (8GB, 512GB SSD) is on sale at Best Buy for $549.99, marked down from the normal price of $699.99. That's a 23% discount that takes a hefty $150 off the price.
Equipped with the new Intel Core Ultra 5 Series 1 processor, the LG Gram is a great option if you're looking to go ultra-lightweight. This 15-inch model weighs just 3.74 pounds with a 0.76-inch thickness. That makes this an ideal model for travel or for college students taking a laptop to classes.
Keep in mind this model with 8GB RAM doesn't have a ton of internal memory, so it'll be best for simple tasks like web browsing, emails, or streaming shows.
SEE ALSO: The giant 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 gaming monitor is on sale for $600 offLG added an anti-glare screen to help with easy viewing and it gets up to 300 nits of brightness. There's also a built-in shutter closure for when you're not on video chats. Unlike some modern laptops, the LG includes all the ports you'd want: two USB-C, a headphone jack, and an HDMI.
For those in need of a laptop that's lightweight and affordable, it doesn't get more attractive than this Best Buy deal. But don't think for too long because the 15-inch LG Gram Book is only available for $549.99 for a handful of hours.
The closest thing to Pixel's Now Playing is already built into your Android phone
One of Google’s oldest Pixel-exclusive features is the ever-present “Now Playing” music recognition. It also happens to be one of the most difficult to hack onto other Android phones. Thankfully, there’s already a built-in solution that’s almost as good.
9 Microsoft Excel tools that make Google Sheets users jealous
There's no doubt that Google Sheets has closed the gap on a ton of everyday spreadsheet tasks. However, Microsoft Excel still offers a handful of specialized power tools that set it apart. From automated data cleaning to heavy-duty optimization and brilliant layout tricks, these features are a big reason Excel still leads in many workflows.
5 ESP32 alternatives for your next project (and why you should use them)
Espressif’s ESP32 series is the go-to choice for many people looking to take on microcontroller-powered projects. Not only are they cheap and versatile, but they’re also available in a variety of configurations for just about every need.
Learn to Lead Better Under Pressure
Pressure reveals how you naturally respond when decisions matter most. During high-stakes moments, your default reactions shape what you notice, how quickly you move, and where your blind spots emerge. Performing well under pressure starts with understanding those patterns and building the flexibility to respond differently when circumstances demand it. Expand your range. Learn your default response patterns, […]
257257These are 4 of the oldest digital files that still exist today
Did you know that an estimated 75% of all American silent films have been lost? Over 90% of the films made before 1929, and about 50% of American films made before 1950.
I checked the Ethernet cables around my house and found a stupidly simple problem
Be honest: When did you last check your Ethernet cables? If the answer is "probably not since I've installed them," I can't blame you. I also didn't care about the state of my wired connections until they finally backfired and prompted me to investigate.
How to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli in the 2026 French Open for free on France TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
After the highly eventful early rounds at the 2026 French Open — which saw shocking exits of No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 3 Novak Djokovic at the hands of underdog opponents — the action seemed to settle with yesterday's quarter final, as No. 2 Alexander Zverev powered through Rafael Jodar in straight sets.
Zverev is the favorite to win the whole tournament but just behind him is No. 4 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who now faces No. 10 Flavio Cobolli in the quarter finals.
Cobolli, a 24-year-old Italian, has looked dominant so far, and will prove tricky competition for French-Canadian Auger-Aliassime. It should be a fast and furious contest between two in-form opponents.
If you want to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli for freeAuger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on France TV.
France TV is geo-restricted to France, 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 France, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in France
Connect to France TV
Watch the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Roland-Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2026 French Open before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for sport?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.
The 5 apps I uninstall on every Samsung Galaxy phone
Samsung makes some of the best phones, and I've been buying and reviewing them for the last 14 years. A common problem is all the bloatware and pre-installed apps, which is why one of my first steps is to purge most of them. Samsung is slowly moving toward Google apps by default, but here are the apps I uninstall or disable on every Galaxy phone.
My smart home learns my routines without cloud AI—here's how it works
Our daily routines are rarely fixed. The way we interact with our smart homes changes from day to day. Using Home Assistant, my smart home has learned my routines without the aid of AI or cloud services.
Why wait for Prime Day? The Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are $30 off right now at Amazon.
SAVE $30: As of June 3, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are back to their lowest price yet at Amazon for $149.99. This is $30 off their full price of $179.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker $149.99 at Amazon$179.99 Save $30 Get Deal
The Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro is a pretty special pair of earbuds. Not only are they open earbuds, allowing for more awareness of your surroundings while listening, but they also have noise-canceling features. Mashable's Bethany Allard said they're "the answer for people who can't decide between open and noise-canceling earbuds" in her review. If they've been on your radar, they're actually on sale right now at Amazon.
As of June 3, every color of the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are discounted to $149.99 at Amazon. This saves you $30 off their full price of $179.99 and marks a return to their lowest price at the retailer so far. Ahead of Prime Day, this is a great deal to take advantage of.
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!Allard highlights in her review of the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro that if you're someone who's "interested in open earbuds, not quite ready to give up ANC buds altogether, and can't reasonably see themselves carrying around two pairs of earbuds, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pros are the best option available." However, she does mention that "you make some concessions: the ANC won't be the best, and you're locked into an ear hook design."
Alongside its dual listening modes, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pros offer a battery life that lasts up to seven hours on a charge in Open-Ear mode or five hours in ANC mode. That's a good amount of time to work with, and it'll last you through a workout or a commute for the day. Of course, those times can be pushed up further with the charging case as well (up to 34 hours in Open-Ear mode or 24 hours in ANC).
On top of all that, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds have even landed on our list of the best open earbuds. So, why not scoop them up while they're still on sale at Amazon?
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.
8 new Paramount+ shows and movies streaming in June
As summer arrives, Paramount+ is turning up the heat with a spunky lineup of new content and returning shows blending true-crime intrigue, espionage thrills, character-driven storytelling, and action-packed entertainment. It’s also time for Tony Awards.
The big question LGBTQ daters are asking, according to Hinge
It's Pride Month, and although LGBTQ daters are queer all year, the spotlight is on them this June. As such, Hinge just published its annual D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends, and Expertise) Report to lay out what dating is currently like for today's queer singles.
The title of this year's report is "Clarity Builds Chemistry," and it discusses the uncertainty young LGBTQ daters feel. (Not surprising, considering the amount of uncertainty in the world at large right now, that it'd distill into individuals' personal lives.)
SEE ALSO: Gay dating app Sniffies just got $100 million from Match GroupIn its Jan. 2026 survey of over 31,000 global respondents, Hinge found that more LGBTQ daters feel a lot or great uncertainty about the world than heterosexual daters (76 to 52 percent, respectively), but they can also find uncertainty helpful. Seventy-four percent of LGBTQ daters say uncertainty helps them understand what they're looking for in relationships. Uncertainty contributes to these daters identifying dealbreakers, clarifying their preferences, and identifying what feels right vs. wrong.
Community also helps LGBTQ daters. Hinge found that queer daters are asking, "Would I bring this person around my friends?" rather than, "What are we?" This might be because of the importance of chosen family for young LGBTQ people.
As such, queer daters are 33 percent more likely than straight daters to say it matters that their friends like the person they're dating (this rises to 37 percent for trans daters). They're also 20 percent more likely to want to check whether a potential partner fits with their friend circle. In a world of uncertainty, having a solid support system is crucial.
Hinge found that consistency also puts LGBTQ daters at ease in their uncertain world: 86 percent said consistent communication from someone they're starting to date makes them feel less anxious. Seventy-eight percent said making clear plans also makes them feel less anxious (compared to 56 percent of heterosexual daters).
PDA in an early relationship helps over half (65 percent) of LGBTQ daters feel more secure, but they're 50 percent more likely than straight daters to hesitate to show affection on the first date because they feel unsafe in their surroundings. Hinge's love and connection expert, Moe Ari Brown, wrote that, "You don't have to share the same comfort level to have a great date: staying present and responsive turns a potential point of tension into a moment of real connection."
"Asking one another what kinds of affection feel good in public — and which feel better in private — keeps PDA grounded in reassurance," Brown continued.
And forget the timelines. More LGBTQ daters, especially bisexual daters (76 percent and 83 percent), focus on slowly building a connection with someone rather than moving on a certain timeline than straight daters (64 percent). Overall, LGBTQ daters are also more likely to say that settling down isn't a step, but a mindset.
The findings are in contrast to Hinge's Nov. 2025 D.A.T.E. report, which was all about communication and AI. Less than a year later, daters — especially LGBTQ ones — are more focused on clarity, whether that's in public displays of affection, or private affirmations.
Samsungs 32-inch Odyssey G5 QHD gaming monitor has dropped to a record low price on Amazon
TL;DR: Amazon has slashed the price of the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) QHD gaming monitor to $219.99, $130 off its original $349.99 price; that’s its lowest price with the retailer ever, and it still offers a 1440p gaming display with a 180Hz refresh rate.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-Inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) QHD Resolution Gaming Monitor $219.99 at Amazon$349.99 Save $130 Get Deal
With the rise of OLED and 4K gaming monitors, HD and QHD models are getting more affordable than ever — and you can now score $130 off a top-tier 32-inch unit from Samsung.
As of June 3, the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) QHD gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for only $219.99, down 37% from its usual list price, and is sold and shipped by Amazon directly. With that $130 drop, this gaming monitor is now at its lowest Amazon price ever, as confirmed by price-tracking site camelcamelcamel.
For this massively lower price, the G50F offers QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution, similar to standard HD but with 1.7 times the pixel density for a fuller display, without making the more expensive jump to 4K. Whether you’re catching up on RPGs like Crimson Desert or linear action-adventures like 007: First Light, everything will still be sharper and pleasing to the eyes.
For lovers of fast-paced multiplayer games like Fortnite, the fast IPS panel also brings a 178-degree viewing angle to help keep the picture clear, while the 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time keep gameplay both buttery smooth and far more responsive
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!Despite not being 4K, the Odyssey G5’s display still includes HDR10 for brighter highlights and deeper-looking shadows. Plus, the included AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility helps keep any visuals intact by reducing screen tearing as much as possible.
On the off chance you're open to diving into 4K, LG’s 32-inch OLED UltraGear monitor has been cut to just under $800 on Amazon, too.
For a model that’s a bit smaller, the 27-inch, 1440p LG OLED UltraGear gaming monitor is now only $500, down nearly half.
If you’re also a Pokémon TCG fan, although currently not available on Amazon, the newly announced Pitch Black expansion — Booster Packs, ETBs, Display Boxes, and Booster Bundles — is available to preorder at TCGplayer.
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.
Stop paying $240 a year for Acrobat—these 3 free tools do everything you actually need
Adobe Acrobat is the definitive software if you need to work with PDFs, but for the vast majority of people, it’s almost a bit overkill. Acrobat costs between $15 and $30 per month, which works out to a $240 annual subscription just to work with PDFs.
Seams can spoil your 3D prints, here’s what they are and how to hide them
Have you noticed small vertical lines on your 3D prints that look a bit like scars? These are seams, and they’re an inescapable part of extrusion-based 3D printing methods.
Grab the Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart Booster Display Box on sale for under $100 at Amazon
TL;DR: Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart 2025 Booster Box on sale for $99.62, down from its current standard price of $105.59. That gets you 24 ready-to-mix Jumpstart boosters, with every pack including 20 cards, all the lands needed to play, and at least one Rare or Mythic Rare card.
Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart Booster Box $99.92 at Amazon$105.59 Save $5.67 Get Deal
If you’ve been thinking about getting into Magic: The Gathering without immediately needing to learn every corner of deckbuilding, Jumpstart is still one of the easiest ways to get started with the trading card game, and you can now do so with its biggest box on sale.
As of June 3, Amazon lists the Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart 2025 Booster Box for $99.62, with the item shipped and sold by Amazon itself rather than a third-party seller. This is a 90-day low price; Amazon’s typical price for the 24-pack box is $105.59, saving you $5.97 with this sale price.
On the other hand, you can save even more when shopping outside of Amazon. TCGplayer listings starting at $89 with shipping included, dropping below its $89.09 market price. Slightly higher, Walmart sits at $89.99 via Flipside Gaming.
Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart Boosters are built around the idea of getting started simply by opening two boosters, shuffling them together, and starting to play — with no drafting, no decklist research, and no digging through your bulk box for lands required.
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!Each of the included 24 Jumpstart boosters contains 20 Magic cards with all the lands already included. Every booster also comes with one anime-inspired card and at least one Rare or Mythic Rare, which is a plus for collectors.
There are over 46 possible themes, too, including Goblins, Dinosaurs, Ninjas, and other chaotic little pairings that can make each game feel different.
To get ready for what’s to come in MTG, you can preorder the 30-pack Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box for under $140 — a record low price. Right now, though, you can also buy the Magic: The Gathering Aetherdrift Bundle on sale for $40.
If you’re also a Pokémon TCG fan, although it is currently not available on Amazon, the newly announced Pitch Black expansion — Booster Packs, ETBs, Display Boxes, and Booster Bundles — is available to preorder at TCGplayer.
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is over $100 off right now at Amazon ahead of Prime Day
SAVE OVER $100: As of June 3, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is marked down to $369 at Amazon. This is $130 off its full price of $499.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Beam Gen 2 $369 at Amazon$499 Save $130 Get Deal
If you spend a lot of time in front of your TV, a soundbar is a must-have for your setup to boost your sound system. While some come with hefty price tags, the good news is that Amazon already has excellent deals on select models ahead of Prime Day. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is one of them, which has had $130 slashed off its price tag.
As of June 3, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar in black has been marked down from $499 to $369 at Amazon, which is a pretty solid price cut. Its lowest-ever price at the retailer may have been $349, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, but that's just a $20 difference. It's certainly still worth grabbing at this price, and we think it's one worth grabbing in general.
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!When it comes to our top picks for soundbars, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 lands as our 'More Affordable Sonos Pick' in our roundup of the best soundbars. This is because "it offers impressive value for the money." It's a soundbar that's "incredibly easy to set up, and because it can sync with your other Sonos products, it's easy to build a genuine home theater surround sound system."
Speaking from experience, I definitely think the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is worth having for your TV. Whether I'm watching movies, shows, or playing games, it delivers crisp, clear sound so I can catch every detail on screen. I've also paired it with two Sonos Era 100 speakers to create a surround-sound setup, and the good news is those are on sale at Amazon right now as well. It's the perfect time to scoop everything up for an audio upgrade.
Don't miss out on this chance to save on the Sonos Beam Gen 2 at Amazon.
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.
The Daily Show mocks Ivanka Trumps island purchase
A lot of people may be struggling with the cost of living at the moment, but Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are rolling in it. The couple recently announced that they're developing a private island in the Mediterranean, and The Daily Show's Michael Kosta had thoughts.
"For those of you who are thinking, 'hey, before buying a private island shouldn't billionaires maybe read the room,' what you don't understand is the island doesn't have rooms yet. They can't lay the foundations for those rooms until they've burned down all those stupid trees, OK?" says the host in the clip above, before going on to play a clip of the U.S. president's daughter speaking about the project with podcaster David Senra.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
"It feels more like a challenge than anything else," says Trump. "It feels like the culmination of all of my experience in real estate, all of my travel...a lot of reflection on how I want to live, how I think people increasingly are wanting to live, and trying to really build something that's a tangible manifestation of that."
"Of course, 'a tangible manifestation' of the way people— come on lady, you're rich, and you bought an island, just say that!" yells Kosta. "Not everything has to be a deep, spiritual journey, you know?"
Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.


