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The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a good cook.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. 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 today's 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?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of 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 until the game ends.

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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: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 20, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Cooking functions

• Green: Power

• Blue: Song themes

• Purple: Iconic films

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Stove knob settings

• Green: Potency

• Blue: Music theory concepts

• Purple: "___ Day" movies

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 #1074 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Stove knob settings: HIGH, MEDIUM, OFF, SIMMER

• Potency: CONCENTRATION, FORCE, INTENSITY, MIGHT

• Music theory concepts: INTERVAL, KEY, MODE, SCALE

• "___ Day" movies: GROUNDHOG, INDEPENDENCE, THE LONGEST, TRAINING

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 20, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you hate to rush.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 20, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: No rush

The words are related to sluggishness.

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Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe moving without haste.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Take Your Time.

NYT Strands word list for May 20

• Gentle

• Relaxed

• Slow

• Take Your Time

• Leisurely

• Placid

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're not put-together.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. 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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 20, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 20, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Ruin.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

WRECK

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle 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.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 Wordle.

SAVE $150: As of May 20, the Dyson Airwrap i.d. is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap i.d. $499.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $150   Get Deal

Years after its release, the Dyson Airwrap is still one of the most beloved hair styling tools out there. Whether it's the promise of the famed Dyson air technology or the results of a fabulous blowout, this device is clearly here to stay. And if you've been eyeing one up for some time, you can now find the Dyson Airwrap i.d. discounted at Amazon.

For a limited time, the price has dropped from $649.99 to $499.99. This price is across several models, including the Long for Straight to Wavy Hair and Complete Diffuse for Curly to Coily Hair, in several colors.

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!

The Dyson Airwrap i.d. is a multi-styler created for different hair types. It has six styling functions including drying, curling, waving, shaping, stretching, and diffusing. It uses Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to the MyDyson app, where users answer questions about their hair type and length to create a personalized styling profile. The Airwrap i.d. then stores preferred wrap, style, and cold shot settings for more consistent styling.

It is powered by the Dyson digital motor V9, which spins at up to 110,000rpm to generate airflow for the Coanda effect. Heat control keeps temperatures under 302°F, so you don't need to worry about heat damage.

Get this Airwrap deal at Amazon now.

TL;DR: As of May 20, the Jackery HomePower 3000 is on sale for $1,698.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3000 $1,698.99 at Amazon
$2,999 Save $1,300.01   Get Deal

Need reliable backup power for outages or off-grid use? The Jackery HomePower 3000 has dropped in price again at Amazon, and this time it's down to its lowest-ever price. This latest Amazon discount sees the price drop to $1,698.99 for the unit plus two 200W solar panels.

This portable power station has a 3,600W output, 7,200W surge capacity, and a 3,072Wh battery capacity designed for serious home backup power. It can power appliances such as refrigerators, fans, and WiFi routers, and can keep your household backed up for 15 hours (or two days of refrigerator runtime).

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The unit has AC, USB-C, USB-A, and DC ports, alongside dual 100W PD ports for charging devices such as phones and tablets. There are several recharge options too, including hybrid AC and DC charging in 1.7 hours, AC charging in 2.2 hours, solar charging with 2 SolarSaga 200W panels, 12V car charging, and gas generator support.

It uses ChargeShield 2.0 technology to improve charging speeds and battery health which is paired with the LiFePO4 battery, rated for 4,000 cycles.

Get this portable power station deal at Amazon right now.

SAVE OVER $90: As of May 20, the Ninja Slushi is on sale for $259 at Amazon, marking a return to its lowest-ever price at the retailer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi $259 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $90.99   Get Deal

Amazon's Memorial Day sale has officially begun and there's already a wide variety of deals to consider, including some that are perfect pick-ups ahead of summer. If you're looking to have some tasty frozen drinks during the warmer months, the Ninja Slushi is on sale for $259 right now.

This figure is just over $90 off the Ninja Slushi's full price of $349.99, but that's not all. This also marks a return to its lowest price point at Amazon, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. What better time to grab it?

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The Ninja Slushi is a seriously fun addition to any kitchen, and one friends and family are sure to love when the weather gets hot. It can turn a variety of liquids into frozen drinks with the help of its RapidChill Technology. It even comes with five preset settings to help you find your drink of choice: slush, spiked slush, frozen juice, frappé, and milkshake.

Mashable's Leah Stodart loved it on our review, saying it "does what it claims to do: take liquids like coffee, cocktails, and protein shakes to a slushy consistency within the hour — no ice required." She continued: "Having one on your countertop may be extra as hell if you already have a blender or Creami, but the refreshing spin on mundane bevs is a serotonin booster worth trying."

If it sounds like a must for your summertime hangouts this year, don't miss out on this deal on the Ninja Slushi at Amazon. And if you really want to go all-out with frozen drinks, there's also the new Ninja Slushi Twist to check out, which Snooki and JWoww love.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: T-Mobile has dropped new deals on the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17 Pro. Score the latest iPhone lineup for free right now at T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

Google has been dominating the headlines this week, for good reason. Google I/O delivered loads of exciting news for anyone interested in AI, smart glasses, and all thing Android.

We recognize that this is a tough time for Apple devotees, so we've scoured the market for something to keep this dedicated bunch going whilst the attention is on Google. We know that Apple users don't like to be out of the spotlight for long, so we've tracked down a selection of standout mobile deals that deserve some attention.

T-Mobile has just dropped new iPhone deals that are live for a limited time:

• Apple iPhone 17e — free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on most plans.

• Apple iPhone 17 — free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro — free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

The value of these iPhones is applied as 24 monthly credits to your bill. That means you're still paying for the phone but you're getting paid back in full over time.

It's important to note that you do need to pay taxes and a $35 device connection fee with these "free deals," but that's always the case with this type of offer from leading mobile carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Anyway, that's a small price to pay for the latest iPhone tech.

Score the latest iPhone 17 lineup for free with T-Mobile.

In terms of physics, the Shark BlastBoss is kind of the antithesis of a vacuum: It's still a cordless cleaning tool, but it blows instead of sucks. I swear I wanted to try it for more reasons than the fact that it comes in pink. Upon the BlastBoss's debut in March 2026, I immediately thought of all the dust and crumbs I encounter regularly that don't really budge from the suction power of a robot or stick vacuum.

The Shark BlastBoss is marketed for a huge range of indoor and outdoor use. Since I don't have any outdoor space at my apartment, I also took it on a trip to my parents' house to test its versatility in a garage and a basement and on a porch. I found several ways to use the BlastBoss just in the past month, and there are countless possibilities beyond that. TL;DR? Use the table of contents to skip down to the testing tea for usage inside, outside, and in the car.

What does the Shark BlastBoss do?

The Shark BlastBoss is a handheld cordless blower that uses high-velocity air to clean dirty spots where it doesn't make sense to use a vacuum.

BlastBoss air is stronger than air being sucked the opposite way from a vacuum. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The BlastBoss weighs less than 1.5 pounds. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The reach of suction power has a much more limited radius than air being blown out the other direction. And often, stubborn household dust or debris lodged in tiny cracks only responds to the positive pressure of a quick blow (rather than the negative pressure of vacuum suction). I won't pretend to understand the science behind it further than that — all I know is that people my age were born knowing to blow on an uncooperative N64 cartridge, not try to vacuum it.

The BlastBoss is really just an intense embodiment of blowing the dust off, with power up to 190 MPH that can be controlled through attachments like an extender wand, broom, and precision nozzle. Battery life depends on which of the three settings you're using: It can last between five and seven minutes on boost mode, up to 10 minutes on outdoor mode, and nearly an hour on indoor mode.

SEE ALSO: 'Why does my robot vacuum suck now?' Well, when's the last time you cleaned it?

The BlastBoss comes in five colors: classic gray or white, plus blue, green, or pink. (Cosmo and Wanda, you ain't slick.)

Using the Shark BlastBoss indoors

A lot of BlastBoss advertising shows it being used outside or in a car, so I initially wasn't sure how much use I'd get out of it inside my apartment. My first order of business was to blow the dust and cat hair off my MacBook keyboard, which was borderline ASMR to watch. Then it hit me: This thing is literally a power duster.

I've been using the BlastBoss to sweep off any items that attract that sticky layer of dust: knick-knacks on the TV stand, picture frames, faux plant leaves, the top of the record player, high-up shelves that I can't see but I know are covered in gray fluff. I try to wipe most of these down with an actual cloth from time to time, but the BlastBoss is a great way to make dusting a once-a-week chore instead of a once-or-twice-per-year chore.

SEE ALSO: The Dreame FP10 air purifier cleans fur off its own filter. Just as crucially, it matches my living room aesthetic.

Dusting off the bar shelves on my kitchen island was a breeze — the BlastBoss's indoor setting is gentle enough to blow off fragile items without knocking them over. My handheld Dyson feels too big and awkward to sneak in between each glass, and can't suck up the super-fine debris that's smaller than a cat hair.

If you weren't particularly passionate about dusting before, you are now. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable These shelves get disgustingly dusty, and cat toys always get lost underneath. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

I also realized that the BlastBoss is really good at getting small items out from under furniture, as long as there's room for it to blow out the other side. One of my cats constantly loses stuff under the bottom shelf of that same kitchen island, so I pointed the BlastBoss down there to see what happens. A handful of bobby pins, a crinkle ball, and her beloved spider ring "toy" shot out the other side, as well as a ton of crumbs and hair tumbleweeds.

As a professional robot vacuum reviewer, I'm constantly down on the floor to inspect a vacuum's cleaning performance. That also means that I'm constantly face-to-face with all of the fallen food particles wedged under the fridge and oven. The BlastBoss was able to blow some of those out into the middle of the floor. And that perfectly aligns with the whole ethos of my job: Make a mess and let a robot vacuum deal with it.

Using the Shark BlastBoss outdoors

The BlastBoss is an instant staple tool for anyone with a porch, deck or patio, or even just a garage.

You'll get around 26 inches of reach with both extender attachments clicked on, and it's lightweight enough to comfortable hold up with one hand. My mom was more than happy for me to blow down the spider webs and remnants from an old bird nest from the lanterns on the side of her house.

This is so much better than getting spiderwebs stuck on broom bristles. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Outdoor mode is very effective on dirty cushions, even in the cracks. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

It's also much easier to blow leaves off of patio furniture cushions than it is to try to brush them off (or suck them up with a stick vacuum, if you really wanted to bring it outside).

When the broom attachment is clicked on, it's a bad day to be a pile of leaves in the yard or a layer of pine needles on the porch. I was able to clear the 15+ foot long concrete patio of lawnmower clippings and a mess of seeds from the bird feeder in a minute or two — much faster (and less of a workout) than doing it all with a manual broom.

Shark calls this a "BlastBroom." Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Your typical sweeping motion goes a lot further with a massive gush of air behind it. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

I think you'd get your money's worth out of the BlastBoss in a single fall season alone. I mean, it's basically a leaf blower — but a cute, compact one that wouldn't feel like it has to be stored outside. Back to my parents' house, I can already picture how convenient it'll be to grab the BlastBoss out of a closet near a door for quick sidewalk and patio upkeep (rather than going all the way to a storage shelf in the garage).

Using the Shark BlastBoss in the car

Regardless of your spot on the "religiously" to "never" scale of vacuuming out your car, the BlastBoss is awesome to have on hand for quick seat and trunk refreshes.

I can hit my car interior with my handheld Dyson all I want, but there are always some little specks that won't budge. The jet of air from the BlastBoss takes care of them in a snap. For specks in seat cushion cracks, I just open the closest door and blow them right off the side. For specks stuck in the ridges of the rubber mat in my trunk, I get in my back carseat and blow them out the back. Parents on TikTok and YouTube do the same thing with snack spills in car seats.

Even if I don't eat in the car, crumbs seem to spawn under here. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Boost mode got the sticky pieces that don't come off when I shake the mat upside down. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

I also use the BlastBoss to blow dirt, rocks, and leaves out from under the two front seats, where my handheld vacuum won't fit. I still have to vacuum that debris up, but the BlastBoss at least gets it to a spot where the vacuum can reach it.

One of my first thoughts was that the BlastBoss would rock for getting pesky-ass sand out of the car. My second thought was that you could theoretically just blow legs and shoes off before anyone even gets in the car. If you're a frequent beachgoer or otherwise outdoorsy person, you could just keep the BlastBoss in the car and grab it whenever you need it — it doesn't die just sitting there, as a lot of cordless vacuums do. Mine has only needed to be charged twice in the month that I've had it, and there was a day or two when I was using it way more intensely than normal for testing purposes.

SEE ALSO: The Shark UV Reveal's blacklight found stains that other robot vacuums missed, but I still have a gripe with its mop

The internet has filled me in on multiple hacks that I would have never thought up on my own. Apparently, you can use the BlastBoss to blow dry your car after washing it to prevent streaks and water spots, or use the precision nozzle to blow up an inflatable mattress.

Is the Shark BlastBoss worth it?

The Shark BlastBoss has proven to be super handy in small spaces and larger homes, plus outdoor spaces and the car. If you know you should be dusting or sweeping out your car more often than you do, I think the BlastBoss makes the job quick and easy enough that you'll have the motivation to do it.

Not that there are many other cute and casual air blasters for comparison, but the $149.99 price tag seems pretty practical for a tool with so many uses. Plus, the compact handle and removable attachments should be out of the way in storage.

Shark BlastBoss $149.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

If you've grabbed drinks with any single friend lately or scrolled through TikTok, you know the general consensus: dating apps are exhausting. App fatigue is very real, and it makes finding a genuine connection online feel like a second full-time job. As someone who's been testing and reviewing dating apps for years, I get asked one question over and over: Which dating apps actually work?

My answer is always the same: The only real "hack" is choosing the right app for what you actually want. Someone on eharmony is looking for a ring, while users on hookup apps like Tinder are... well, you know what they're looking for. You can't bring casual energy to a serious platform and expect good results, and vice versa.

"Dating apps can feel overwhelming because there are so many of them, but the truth is the platform matters a lot less than the mindset you bring to it," Davide De Pierro, author of The Letters I Never Sent, tells Mashable. "You can download all of them if you want, but eventually you still have to show up as yourself, which is the scary part, but also the freeing part. Because once you do that, you don’t have to keep track of which version of yourself you’re pretending to be. If you’re honest about who you are and what you want, the right connection can happen anywhere."

So, before you delete your profiles and swear off romance forever, take a breath. Despite the burnout, dating apps are still one of the most reliable ways to meet a partner. A 2025 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus found that 65 percent of people aged 18 to 29 have used a dating app, and a 2023 Pew Research Center report found that one in five young people met their significant other on one.

You just need the right tool. That's why I've put in the hours, the swipes, and the subscription fees to find the best dating app for every kind of single person. To help you find your match, these are all of the top dating apps worth downloading in 2026.

If you need even more personalized advice, check out our guides to the best dating apps for men, women, and the LGBTQ community.

The dating apps I'd skip (and why)

You'll probably notice a few popular apps are missing from my list. That’s intentional. Part of my job is to filter out the platforms that aren't worth your time, money, or sanity. An app doesn't get my recommendation just because it's well-known — it has to be effective and safe.

Here are a few popular dating apps I'd skip:

• Plenty of Fish (POF): I know this one shows up on a lot of lists, but in my opinion, it's a dating app ghost town. POF launched as a dating site back in 2003, and it shows. In my experience (and based on widespread user feedback), the platform is filled with bots and scams, and the odds of finding a quality connection are stacked against you. Unless you enjoy sifting through fake profiles, I think your time is better spent elsewhere.

• Raya: Raya is basically the Soho House of dating apps. It's exclusive, expensive, and not for the average person. You have to fill out an application to use it, and the vetting process can take anywhere from a few days to a few years. While it might be great for networking or bagging an influencer, it's just not a practical recommendation for most people who are simply looking for a date. (See also: The League.)

• Niche "hookup" sites (like BeNaughty, Fling, etc.): There's a chance you've seen ads for sites like these, which promise quick, no-strings-attached fun. Based on my research and countless user reviews, I'd advise you to steer clear. These platforms are notorious for being overrun with bots and having questionable billing practices, with users reporting unexpected and hard-to-cancel subscription charges.

SpaceX plans to launch the next test of Starship on Thursday evening after a seven-month break spent rebuilding major parts of the rocket and its launch site.

The company last flew Starship in October 2025. Since then, engineers have redesigned the engines, reworked the spacecraft's heat shield, and built a new launchpad at Starbase, SpaceX's private launch complex in South Texas.

The upcoming mission, known as Flight 12, will debut what SpaceX calls the next generation of Starship and its Super Heavy booster. Together, the two stages stand about 400 feet tall and form the largest and most powerful rocket system ever built.

The test carries high stakes for both SpaceX and NASA. The U.S. space agency plans to use Starship to land astronauts on the moon as part of its Artemis program later this decade. At the same time, SpaceX founder Elon Musk wants the vehicle to eventually carry people and cargo to Mars. But before that can happen, the company must prove the rocket can launch reliably, survive the fiery plunge back through Earth's atmosphere, and eventually fly again without months of repairs between missions.

"The Starship production pipeline is full and will complete roughly 10 more ships and about half that number of boosters this year," Musk said in an X post on Monday. "If something goes wrong, it will not be a major setback, unless the launch stand is destroyed."

SEE ALSO: This NASA gear may be the first to survive the brutal lunar night How to watch SpaceX's Starship launch

People can watch the launch live on SpaceX's website or on the company's X account. The webcast is expected to begin as early as 4:45 p.m. CT on Thursday, May 21, or about 45 minutes before liftoff. SpaceX says the launch window opens at 5:30 p.m. CT, though weather or technical issues could still delay the attempt. The date has already been pushed back a couple of times, and the company has created a social media thread to track the postponements. 

The long gap since the last flight reflects how much SpaceX has changed after earlier tests exposed weaknesses in the hardware. But the overhaul extended beyond the rocket itself. The launch site now includes a new launch mount, upgraded fuel systems, and redesigned "chopsticks," the mechanical arms meant to catch returning boosters.

A revamped Starship rocket and spacecraft sit fully stacked at the private SpaceX launchpad in South Texas ahead of Flight Test 12. Credit: SpaceX

One of Starship's biggest trouble spots is its heat shield, which uses thousands of protective tiles to protect the spacecraft during reentry from space. As Starship falls back through the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds, friction superheats the air around it. Earlier flights lost tiles or suffered damage underneath them.

This time, SpaceX plans to intentionally remove one tile so engineers can study how the surrounding tiles handle the stress. The company also painted some tiles white to help onboard cameras track changes during flight.

Flight 12 will also test upgrades to the rocket's Raptor engines. The newer versions generate more power while using fewer exposed parts — changes SpaceX hopes will improve reliability and reduce maintenance.

The mission includes several other experiments aimed at future deep-space flights. Starship will deploy 20 mock Starlink satellites during the more than one-hour test and attempt to restart one of its engines while in space, a maneuver future moon and Mars missions will likely require. If the ship completes the flight, it is expected to splash down in the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, the Super Heavy rocket booster will attempt a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico rather than returning to the launch tower for a midair catch. SpaceX says it chose the more cautious approach this time because the booster design changed significantly since earlier flights.

Even after nearly a dozen test missions, Starship remains very much a work in progress. SpaceX follows a development strategy that relies on frequent testing, accepting failures, and quickly redesigning hardware between flights.

Meanwhile, NASA is rewriting its moon plans around SpaceX and competitor Blue Origin's commercial hardware, bending the missions around their contractors' needs to get astronauts onto the surface faster. In public, they talk about cadence and "muscle memory." Behind the scenes, they're watching one thing above all: how quickly SpaceX can reshape its lunar lander to match the new schedule. 

"SpaceX has been considering alternatives of their current Starship design," said Lori Glaze, NASA's acting exploration chief, "while implementing a more streamlined approach to try and speed things up and pull things forward."

TL;DR: Watch Love Island UK for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Forget all about sunning yourself on a picture-perfect beach this summer. Love Island UK is back on our screens for the forseeable future, so cancel all your plans.

Prepare yourself for weeks of cringey pickup lines, awkward breakups, and massive meltdowns. There's also a slim chance that contestants will find love, but that's not really what Love Island is about. It's all about the drama, and we really can't get enough.

If you're interested in watching Love Island UK in 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Love Island UK in 2026?

The 13th season of Love Island UK starts on June 1. Love Island seasons typically run for eight weeks.

How to watch Love Island UK for free in 2026

The 13th season of Love Island UK is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world 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 ITVX to watch Love Island UK from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Love Island UK for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like 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 ITVX

5. Stream Love Island UK for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the latest season of Love Island UK without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to watch a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight 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 Love Island UK for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Finally master PDFs with this lifetime license to AcePDF Converter & Editor, now just $23.99 (reg. $99.99) with code PDF20 through May 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker AcePDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $23.99
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Name a more annoying modern struggle than battling a PDF file while on a deadline. If you’d like to make peace with this pesky file type once and for all, you need AcePDF Converter & Editor. This tool simplifies the PDF editing and converting process, and right now you can secure it for life for just $23.99 with code PDF20 until May 31.

Every now and then, an app comes along and makes us wonder how we ever lived without it. AcePDF Converter and Editor delivers exactly that, simplifying the PDF process.

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Whether you need to convert a PDF to another file format, like MS Word, Excel, PPT, HTML, PNG, or a JPG, or you’re trying to split, merge, or compress a PDF file, AcePDF makes it easy. You don’t have to sacrifice quality in the process, either — this app creates high-quality conversions that maintain the original layouts, images, and hyperlinks.

Need to edit a PDF? That’s just as simple with AcePDF, which makes it easy to fill out forms and add or enhance content in existing PDFs.

While working within the app, a comment feature lets you annotate documents with underscores, quick notes, stamps, texts, and more. If you’re dealing with sensitive information, you can encrypt and protect files with a passcode and unlock feature. Adding watermarks is also an option, while built-in OCR technology lets you extract text from image-based PDFs.

Lock in a lifetime license to AcePDF Converter & Editor for $23.99 now through May 31 with code PDF20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Tackle whatever work throws at you with this Apple MacBook Pro, on sale now for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) until June 14.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 2020 (Refurbished) $429.97
$1,999 Save $1,569.03   Get Deal

Looking for a laptop you won’t have to replace in a year or two? There’s a reason the MacBook Pro is known for its power and reliability — and sky-high price tag.

Right now, you can score your own MacBook Pro for only $429.97 — over $1,500 off the usual price tag — through June 14, while supplies last.

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If the hefty price has kept you from upgrading your laptop to a MacBook Pro, you’ll want to check out this deal. It lets you bring home Apple‘s more powerful, portable device for under $450 while still enjoying all the bells and whistles the brand offers.

This MacBook Pro is powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor that offers Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz, so it’s ready for all your multitasking and heavier-lift tasks. 16GB of RAM even makes it easy to tackle video editing and coding smoothly.

If you like gaming or watching content, you’ll appreciate the Intel Iris Plus Graphics. You’ll see it all on a stunning 13.3-inch Retina display, which offers Apple’s True Tone technology that automatically adjusts for better visibility and reduced eye strain.

This model is equipped with a massive 1TB of storage that you can grow with over time, with plenty of space to store files locally and download your favorite apps. It also has a Magic Keyboard, complete with the Apple Touch Bar, which lets you quickly access shortcuts. Touch ID offers a secure and easy login to help keep your data safe, too.

You’ll get up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, so you can tackle a full work day and a little more without ever hunting down an electrical outlet. Speaking of charging, there are an impressive four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports available for all your connecting needs.

Wondering how you’re saving so much on this powerful MacBook Pro? This model is Grade A refurbished, meaning it will arrive in near-mint condition, with minimal to no scuffing, while you enjoy the deep discount.

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TL;DR: Keep 1TB of files securely on hand with this SanDisk Extreme USB 3.2 Portable SSD, on sale now for $169.99 (reg. $282.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk Extreme USB 3.2 Portable SSD $169.99
$282.99 Save $113   Get Deal

Tired of running out of storage on your devices? Sick of spending a small fortune on cloud storage month after month? Let this SanDisk Extreme USB 3.2 Portable SSD help. It offers a safe, portable space to store 1TB of data, and it’s currently on sale for $169.99.

The SanDisk Extreme USB 3.2 Portable SSD helps keep your devices from overflowing and saves you money in cloud storage, all while keeping your important content easily accessible. From family photos to important files, this drive is ready to hold 1TB worth of data.

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From super-fast file transfer speeds up to 1050MB/s to a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Interface, SanDisk Extreme makes transferring files quick and efficient. It’s also super durable, so you can rest easy knowing it’s all safe. This drive has IP65 water and dust resistance and can withstand drops from up to three meters.

If you’re working with sensitive material, the SanDisk Extreme is ready to protect it thanks to 256-bit AES encryption and password security.

Take this 1TB drive everywhere thanks to a convenient carabiner loop that attaches to backpacks or belts. It’s also light enough to pop in your pocket or bag without weighing you down, since it’s under two ounces.

A plug-and-play setup makes it easy to start transferring files instantly. It works with Windows and macOS, so it’s widely compatible, too.

Simplify your file storage with some help from this 1TB SanDisk Extreme USB 3.2 Portable SSD, now for only $169.99 (reg. $282.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

It's been exactly three years since Confide, one of the most popular apps for naughty chats, officially shut down. We're still grieving the loss of this cross-platform gem. Confide’s disappearing messages and end-to-end encryption were beloved by celebrities, politicians, and ordinary people looking for a way to let loose without the headache of security concerns or a digital paper trail.  

If you're looking to fill a Confide-sized hole in your life, there are other great sexting platforms worth exploring, chief among them AdultFriendFinder. It doesn't have all of the same cybersecurity features of Confide — in fact, it doesn't even have an official phone app — but that hasn't stopped this site from accumulating millions of active users worldwide, making it a favorite stop for people looking to flirt with their fingers.   

Here's how AdultFriendFinder stacks up against Confide, in both positive and negative ways, and why you should consider giving it a try the next time you want to explore the internet's wild side:

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Finding a partner

The major difference between Confide and AFF, from a sexting perspective, comes down to how you find a partner. With Confide, you have to do the heavy lifting first. The platform isn't meant to help you meet strangers, only connect with people you already know in some capacity. With AFF, on the other hand, there's an in-built community of millions of people across the globe, all of them on the site to enjoy some adult fun.

SEE ALSO: I had a Grindr sugar daddy for a day. Then he tried to get a refund.

If you're looking to meet someone for the first time, or just connect for a quick naughty chat, AdultFriendFinder offers both a search function, allowing you to browse through local singles or even search by specific kinks, and a wide array of groups and discussion forums based around naughty topics as varied as bondage, foot fetishes and erotic story writing. 

Security

For privacy-minded people, Confide was a fantastic app, boasting end-to-end encryption across all communication formats (including photo and video), ScreenShield technology to guard against screenshots, and self-destructing messaging. All of these security features made it a highly attractive app for sexting, since the combination of cybersecurity, anonymity, and the promise of no digital record keeping allowed people a measure of security rarely found on other sites and apps.

Unfortunately, this is one area where AFF falls short. They've already had one major data breach in 2016, in which more than 400 million accounts were compromised, and though they've made real efforts to improve their security protocols since then, they still don't claim to have end-to-end messaging encryption. They do, however, offer ConfirmID to verify accounts, a process that requires both a government-issued ID card and a facial scan, so if you want to err on the side of caution, you can restrict your communications to verified accounts. 

Group messaging

Another huge benefit to Confide was the ability to find or create group chats, which helped people who shared a common kink or fantasy to establish their own digital spaces. AdultFriendFinder doesn't have a private messaging group chat, but it does offer kink-based, public-facing discussion groups and messaging boards, which offer a great place to meet like-minded people.

SEE ALSO: 3 AdultFriendFinder red flags — how to avoid scams on AFF

There's also nothing stopping you from using those groups to meet individuals. In fact, AFF actively encourages those interactions. So if you do find someone in a discussion forum that you happen to hit it off with, you can use that interaction to break the ice in a one-on-one private chat. 

Live broadcasts

One place Confide decidedly fell short was in broadcasting. You could use the app to send photos, videos and even voice notes, but you couldn't actually initiate a video call. While AFF doesn't yet offer one-on-one video conferencing, it does host webcam shows on its servers, so you can either start your own show and hope to attract someone that way or join the chat room of another person's show to shoot your shot. 

If you happen to join a popular live show and want to find a way to stand out from the crowd, AFF allows you to earn or purchase "points," which you can then use to tip the broadcaster, making your message pop in the cam chat. You can also initiate a private message with any person in the broadcast by navigating to the Viewers tab, scrolling down to the member you want to talk to and then clicking on the Private Chat icon to the right of their name.

Staying anonymous

If privacy is your primary concern, you shouldn't overlook AFF just because it lacks disappearing messages and end-to-end encryption. Spend a quick minute perusing profiles on the site and you'll see that many AdultFriendFinder users choose to remain largely anonymous, with no face photos or identifying information on their profiles at all. 

The site is remarkably generous in how it allows users to engage with it, and unlike with traditional dating sites, there's no obligation to show your face or even use your real name in a public-facing capacity. Moreover, there's a real culture of "anything goes" on the site, so if you want to use it as a traditional dating site, you can meet people who want that, but if you just want to use it for a sneaky link or a one-and-done dirty chat, that's also perfectly acceptable. 

The bottom line? What AFF lacks in security features, it more than makes up for with a massive userbase, a laissez-faire, sex-positive culture, and the option to keep your anonymity as you browse the site and search for a like-minded chat partner. 

Dell pulled back the curtain on its new entry-level Alienware gaming laptop on May 14, four months after teasing it at CES. It's called the Alienware 15, which might ring a bell, and it's now available for purchase on Dell starting at $1,299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Alienware 15 (AMD Ryzen 5 220, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,299 at Dell
  Shop Now

That price is somewhat higher than expected. In a January blog post foreshadowing its arrival, Dell said the then-unnamed Alienware 15 would be sold "at our most accessible price point yet." That would put it around $1,000 or less, given that last year's Alienware 16 Aurora started at $1,099.99. But the base Alienware 15 is ultimately $200 more expensive than the 2025 base 16 Aurora. That's the laptop market for you.

"The rising cost of RAM is affecting pricing across the industry," a Dell representative told Mashable, referring to the ongoing RAM shortage fueled by global AI center construction. "The Alienware 15 is priced to be competitive against this new backdrop."

Here's the 2026 Alienware gaming laptop lineup (so far). Credit: Dell

The Alienware 15 is still the cheapest model in the 2026 Alienware lineup by several hundred bucks. It joins the now-mid-range 16/16X Aurora and the flagship 16/18 Area-51 gaming laptops, which start at $1,639.99 and $2,599.99, respectively. Moreover, Dell plans to run "regular promotions" on the Alienware 15, the company rep added.

A discount would help justify some of the Alienware 15's uninspired specs. It's equipped with a dim display, older wireless connectivity, and last-generation processors. Some configurations come with a GPU that's three to five years old, including the base model.

On the non-gaming front, Dell is also launching some new mid-range consumer laptops called the Dell 14S and 16S. They feature slim aluminum builds, OLED display options, and up to 26 hours of battery life. They're available for purchase from May 14, too, starting at $1,319.99 in Intel Core Ultra Series 3 configurations. (The 14S' base model will arrive on May 28 at $1,269.99.) Additional variants with AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series CPUs will arrive later this month.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell 14S (Intel Core Ultra 5 322, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,319.99 at Dell.com
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell 16S (Intel Core Ultra 5 322, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,319.99 at Dell.com
  Shop Now Alienware 15 features and specs

If "Alienware 15" sounds familiar, it's because Dell's new entry-level gaming laptop shares a name with a 15-inch PC of yore. The company sold several iterations of an Alienware 15 from 2015 to 2018 starting around $1,199.99 to $1,299.99. But whereas those laptops were flashy and chunky — CNET called the 2016 model "a tank covered with Christmas lights" — the 2026 Alienware 15 is relatively svelte and demure.

The Alienware 15 has a 15.3-inch 165Hz display. Credit: Dell

Dell bills its design as an "essentials-only aesthetic." It has a metallic Nova Black finish and a holographic logo on its lid, and that's pretty much it. Instead of showy RGB accents, you just get white keyboard backlighting. This isn't necessarily a bad thing: It's not too "gamer-y" to use in an office or classroom.

The Alienware 15's keyboard features plain backlighting and a numpad. Credit: Dell

The Alienware 15 measures 0.81 to 0.9 inches thick and weighs 4.85 to 4.96 pounds, depending on the configuration. It's not especially thin, but it's much lighter than Alienware's Aurora and Area-51 models. (For what it's worth, Dell is also planning on launching new ultra-slim gaming laptops sometime this year.) It has a different hinge design with a simple rear exhaust system instead of a rear thermal shelf, similar to the Auroras.

The Alienware 15 is the lightest laptop in the current Alienware lineup. Credit: Dell

The Alienware 15 has a polycarbonate resin (plastic) lid and bottom cover, but Dell promises it has the same solid build quality as its higher-end machines. "We put the Alienware 15 through the same gauntlet of internal stress tests as every other laptop in our lineup," said Matt McGowan, Alienware's Head of Product. That includes hinge, keyboard, spill, and drop testing.

Under the Alienware 15's hood, you get a last-gen Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor or AMD Ryzen 200 Series processor. (The AMD options are cheapest.) Graphics card options include Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 5050, 4050, and 3050 GPUs, with the latter arriving sometime down the road. The RTX 50 Series models will have a "Cryo-Chamber" thermal structure that allows for more airflow.

Left: It's VERY subtle... Credit: Dell Right: ... but the RTX 50 Series models have a slightly different bottom thermal setup for better airflow. Credit: Dell

Here's the rundown of the rest of the Alienware 15's specs:

• Storage options: 512GB or 1TB SSD

• Memory options: 8GB to 32GB RAM

• Display: 15.3-inch, 1920 x 1200 panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio, a 165Hz refresh rate, 300 nits of brightness, and AMD FreeSync support

• Ports: Ethernet port, HDMI port, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a headphone jack

• Webcam: 720p

• Connectivity: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2

Dell has been on a mission to make its gaming gear more accessible in 2026. Last month, it released a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor that's only $350.

Disclosure: CNET and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.

UPDATE: May. 20, 2026, 4:22 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with clarification on the Dell 14S' pricing at launch.

Picture the scenario: It's Friday night and you're at a loose end. It's the best night of the week and you've got nothing to do. Due to boredom and loneliness, you decide you're going to use the internet to find a hookup — if not for this weekend then certainly next weekend.

But now it's a case of choices. Which dating site or app offers your best chance of success? In the wild world of online dating, there are two names that stand out above all others — especially when it comes to keeping things fun and casual. Those names are of course Tinder and AdultFriendFinder. Both are veterans of the online dating game, but operate on different ends of hookup spectrum. They also take very different approaches to connecting strangers. 

Is one inherently better than the other? Not necessarily. It's more a case of which one works better for you. That all depends on what you're looking for — not just the kind of person you want but the kind of hookup you want — and how you tend to go about your search. To help you choose your best hookup option, we've looked at some of the key differences between AdultFriendFinder and Tinder.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Tinder Tinder   Learn More AdultFriendFinder vs. Tinder for hookups

Historically, both of these options are notoriously hookup-focused — so you've certainly come to the right place with these platforms — but they operate in entirely different ways. That means they also attract very different people, so it's important to understand the differences if you're going to get the most out of them.

But don't forget that while both are hookup platforms, they offer slightly different things — Tinder is a hookup but also a place where you can find a relationship, while AFF is more sex focused and can be pretty NSFW.

Do you prefer an app or website?

Tinder began as an app and will likely remain an app, but AdultFriendFinder is one of the few dating websites that never opted for native smartphone support. It's kind of an old school internet approach. So, if you prefer to do your swiping on the couch or on the toilet, Tinder is your best bet. But if you don't mind using a desktop to score your next hookup, you'll appreciate the richer selection of features through AdultFriendFinder, which include chat rooms, discussion boards, and live webcam broadcasts. 

SEE ALSO: All your Hinge questions, answered

From a hookup perspective, Tinder's algorithm-driven approach can be somewhat limiting, since the only way to speak to someone is to match first, whereas AdultFriendFinder is more generous in its approach, allowing you both the traditional match-first-and-then-talk approach while also offering you more public spaces to interact with people based on shared interests.

If you're looking for the fastest possible connection, AFF is probably the way to go, but if you can be patient, Tinder's ability to serve up an endless array of nearby singles shouldn't be underestimated. There's a reason that just the name Tinder has become shorthand for the whole internet dating phenomenon.

The cost of using both services

Both services have a free tier option, but it's worth remembering that Tinder is the better option for anyone who doesn't want to submit credit card information. A free Tinder account allows you to browse, swipe, match, and talk to people. There's no subscription fee necessary. A free account on AdultFriendFinder only allows you to create a profile, explore the public areas, and interact with people in group settings. If you want some one-on-one interaction via AFF, you'll need to upgrade to a Gold membership.

That being said, if you really want to make the most of both services and maximize your chances of scoring a hookup, the premium membership tiers do offer some valuable features. Tinder has three subscription Tiers — Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Platinum — that offer unlimited likes, the ability to "boost" your profile in the search results, and even, at the highest tier, the ability to message people you haven't already matched with or see people who like your profile. Tinder uses a dynamic pricing model, depending on your age, gender and location, but you should expect to pay between $4.99 and $9.99 in the United States for a Plus membership, and above that for the higher tiers.

SEE ALSO: All your Tinder questions, answered

AdultFriendFinder's Gold membership costs between $19.95 and $39.95 per month, depending on the length of the subscription you opt for, and it really helps the site shine. A premium membership unlocks one-on-one messaging, upgrades your search options, and gives you insights into who is checking out your profile, which makes finding a hookup much more efficient. 

The user demographics

Another major difference between Tinder and AdultFriendFinder, and one that can make or break your hookup search, is the demographic data. Both Tinder and AFF skew male, with AdultFriendFinder clocking in at approximately 65 percent male, 35 percent female and Tinder posting even more lopsided numbers, with roughly 75 percent of its users identifying as male. That's pretty common with any mainstream dating app or site. But that's not even the most important demographic statistic in the case of AdultFriendFinder and Tinder.

The big difference between AdultFriendFinder users and Tinder users isn't gender but age. Tinder is most popular among the young, with its average user between 18 and 24 years of age, while the average AdultFriendFinder user is between 30 and 38 years of age.

So which option offers your best chance for success? If you're younger, or if you live among a younger demographic, like in a city or college town, you're probably better off dipping your toe into Tinder's waters. But if you're in your 30s or 40s and looking for something fun and casual, AdultFriendFinder will have the best options for you.

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 Wednesday, May 20, 2026:

AcrossRoss Edgley's 1,700+-mile journey around Great Britain, for example

• The answer is Swim.

Fuzzy fruit

• The answer is Kiwi.

Someone who assumes the worst intentions in everything

• The answer is Cynic.

Orangutans, e.g.

• The answer is Apes.

Work well together

• The answer is Mesh.

DownFormer competitor of Google Hangouts

• The answer is Skype.

Signature products of Napa Valley

• The answer is Wines.

"Yeah, in my dreams!"

• The answer is I Wish.

Open ___ night

• The answer is Mic.

Something found on a Mac (that anagrams to MAC)

• The answer is Cam.

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.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk says a lot of silly things.

For example, he said that Tesla's steel-plated, but not fully steel-ball-resistant Cybertruck is "apocalypse-level safe." He also said that "Cybertruck will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes & even seas that aren’t too choppy."

Well, one guy apparently took that seriously, and tested it out with his Cybertruck in Grapevine Lake, an 8,000-acre lake northwest of Dallas, Texas.

Now, he's in jail.

SEE ALSO: The Apple iPhone 17 is free right now with T-Mobile — how to claim this week

According to Grapevine Police's official account on Facebook, "The driver stated he intentionally drove into the lake to use the Cybertruck’s “Wade Mode” feature. The vehicle became disabled and took on water. The driver and passengers abandoned the vehicle and the Grapevine Fire Department Water Rescue Team assisted in removing it from the lake. The driver was arrested on charges of Operation of Vehicle in Closed Section of Park/Lake and numerous water safety equipment violations."

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

Tesla's official documentation for Wade Mode says it "allows Cybertruck to enter and drive through bodies of water, such as rivers or creeks," but it also says that "The maximum wade depth is approximately 32 in. (815 mm) measuring from the bottom of the tire."

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creator today

It doesn't help, however, that Musk himself once tweeted that the Cybertruck "needs be able to get from Starbase to South Padre Island, which requires crossing the channel." We checked, and that's roughly 400m of distance, if going through the Brazos Santiago Pass. According to Wikipedia, the water depth there is 42 feet, which is a lot more than 32 inches. In other words, no, the Cybertruck cannot safely get from Starbase to South Padre Island.

SEE ALSO: Tesla recalls 219,000 cars over rearview camera bug

This is not the first time someone drove their Cybertruck into a body of water and got stuck. It's a horrible idea, it will probably void the warranty (per Tesla's documentation), and someone might get seriously injured. Do not do this, ever.

Cam boy scammers. Piles of dead bodies. A sinister conspiracy.

From these elements alone, you might think Apple TV's Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed is a salacious crime caper. That's not entirely off, but it's so, so much more thanks to the person who stumbles onto all these dirty secrets: newly divorced mother Paula Sanders (Tatiana Maslany).

SEE ALSO: Everything coming to Apple TV in 2026 What's Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed about? Tatiana Maslany and Brandon Flynn in "Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed." Credit: Apple TV

When we first meet Paula, she's nearing the end of her tether. She and her ex Karl (Jake Johnson) are on the verge of a custody battle over their daughter Hazel (Nola Wallace). On top of that, she's finishing up a grueling apartment move, and her boss at her fact-checking job seems allergic to giving her a promotion.

With all this stress weighing on her, Paula seeks companionship and release with cam boy Trevor (Brandon Flynn). Their virtual conversations primarily focus on getting each other off, but they go deeper than that. Paula regularly tells Trevor her frustrations with Karl and her job. Between her candor and his understanding responses, you might think their intimacy goes deeper than physicality.

Then Trevor gets kidnapped during one of their calls.

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From there, Paula must face one of two unsettling realities. Either she just witnessed a bloody crime, or Trevor is pulling a scam on her, meaning their connection was just a means to an end. For a woman whose entire life is in flux, neither option is reassuring. So begins Paula's independent investigation into the truth, the sordid details of which clash with her personal life in a relentless spiral of blackmail and violence.

What follows is a dizzying, adrenaline-fueled ride. Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed careens from dark comedy to crime thriller to custody drama, sometimes over the course of a single scene. Frantic jump cuts and Wynne Bennett's pounding techno score throw viewers into Paula's stressed state of mind, while grisly cliffhangers keep the gasps rolling in. Anchoring it all is Maslany's magnificent performance as Paula.

Tatiana Maslany kills it in Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed. Tatiana Maslany in "Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed." Credit: Apple TV

If you've watched any of Maslany's performances — her Emmy-winning clone work in Orphan Black, her devilishly funny turn in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, her smaller but unforgettable role in The Monkey — then you should know to expect excellence from her. She delivers that and then some in Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.

As Paula's hunt for the truth gets underway, her life splinters in two. There's the part of her that is investigating strangers' houses and buying a gun for protection. Then there's the part of her that's trying to make life as normal as possible for Hazel post-divorce.

Maslany excels in both modes, bringing physical comedy to everything from jumping off roofs to goofy mother-daughter TikTok dances. But it's when the two halves of her life collapse into one another that she really shines. A ticking time bomb of rage and desperation, Maslany makes sure Paula's anxieties are never far from the surface. Occasionally, they burst out in fierce monologues directed at coworkers or lawyers or detectives. Even then, though, Maslany pulls back, as Paula is abundantly aware that any emotional outburst from her could backfire on her chances of keeping custody of Hazel.

Yes, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed is filled to the brim with intense plot twists and juicy conspiracies. But the most maddening aspect of the series is the judgment placed on Paula as a mother. When Karl finds out about her chats with Trevor, his immediate reaction is to use them against her in court — and he's far from the only one who hopes to punish her for acting on her desire. No wonder Paula feels like her whole life is chaos. Like every mother, she's expected to do it all: Coach her daughter's soccer team, host pizza parties, and look put-together the whole time. The one moment she tries to do something for herself, it backfires, and everyone judges her for it. Meanwhile, does Karl get flamed for his prior infidelity? Of course not. Maslany walks the tightrope of Paula's anger at that double standard and her reluctant adherence to it spectacularly.

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed surrounds the fraying Paula with an impressive ensemble, ranging from oddballs to downright menaces. Flynn is a slippery fantasy as Trevor, while The White Lotus' Murray Bartlett shows off how scary he can be as a sinister fixer. Elsewhere, Johnson and Jessy Hodges bring buttoned-up maliciousness to Karl and his new wife Mallory. Rounding out the crew are two very different pairs. There's the no-nonsense, sports betting fanatic Detective Gonzalez (Dolly de Leon) and her sweet partner Detective Baxter (Jon Michael Hill), as well as Paula's snarky but deeply invested coworkers Rudy (Charlie Hall) and Geri (Kiarra Hamagami Goldberg). Both pairs' dynamics allow for some offbeat breaks from Paula's panic, further fleshing out the show's freewheeling genre tendencies.

Of course, though, it's Paula's show through and through. Maslany and series creator David J. Rosen have crafted a compelling trainwreck of a character, one whom you'll want to follow to the ends of the earth — or at the very least, the end of 10 pulse-pounding episodes.

The first two episodes of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed are now streaming on Apple TV, with a new episode every Wednesday.