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TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 for $42.97 (reg. $219) and own Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote with a lifetime license.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $42.97
$219 Save $176.03   Get Deal

Between streaming services and different phone apps, you’re probably paying for too many recurring subscriptions as is. Those monthly charges sure have a way of piling up! If you’d rather make one purchase and move on, Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 is available for $42.97 (reg. $219) through July 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Unlike Microsoft 365, this version doesn’t require an ongoing subscription. A single purchase installs the software on one compatible Mac, giving you lifetime access to the classic desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (Basic), and OneNote.

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For many users, those are the apps that utilized most. Whether you’re writing up documents in Word, organizing budgets and data in Excel, forming presentations in PowerPoint, or managing email through Outlook, the suite covers the everyday tasks students, families, freelancers, and small business owners rely on.

Since the applications run locally on your Mac, you won’t lose access if you decide not to keep paying a subscription. Microsoft also includes updates for the 2021 version, and the software supports the three most recent versions of macOS, including Sonoma, Sequoia, and Tahoe.

Be sure to note that this license is for one Mac only, and it isn’t compatible with virtual machine environments such as Parallels Pro. You’ll also need to redeem your code within seven days of purchase. This deal is intended for those who just want the familiar Office applications without another monthly bill.

If Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are already part of your everyday work routine, this lifetime license could end up paying for itself relatively quickly. You can pick up Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 for $42.97 (reg. $219) through July 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Bring home a reliable and affordable workhorse laptop, the Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3, for just $439.99 (reg. $799) while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (2022) 15.6" 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Win11Pro (Refurbished) $439.99
$799 Save $359.01   Get Deal

Looking for a laptop with plenty of memory and high RAM capacity? That can be an expensive feat these days, but this Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 delivers all that in a sleek, portable — and, most importantly, affordable — package.

Right now, you can snag a Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 for just $439.99 while supplies last.

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If you’re in the market for a laptop that can actually keep up with your workload, the Lenovo ThinkPad is up for the challenge. This laptop comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 5675U processor and an impressive 16GB of RAM that can handle your entire to-do list — and all without costing upwards of $1,000 (we’re looking at you, MacBooks).

Hoping to store your important files locally? This model comes with a 512GB SSD, so you have plenty of space for files and apps.

The 15.6-inch touchscreen display is large enough for checking spreadsheets and sharp enough for your video calls. You can easily connect from anywhere via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. There’s also a numeric keypad feature on the keyboard that makes it easy to deal with numbers.

When you fire up this Lenovo ThinkPad, it’s ready to rock and running Windows 11 Pro, an operating system designed with the modern professional in mind. It’s packed with tools to boost your productivity and includes access to Teams and Copilot.

Windows 11 Pro includes improved cybersecurity features, and you can also take advantage of Lenovo’s ThinkShield Security Features, which protect your sensitive data, and a webcam privacy shutter for extra peace of mind.

You’re saving hundreds on this laptop due to its Grade A refurbished rating. That means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition, and you’ll score a deep discount.

Bring home a Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 today for just $439.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Christian Brantley is better known online as CircleToonsHD. With a distinctive animation style that focuses on strategically simple character designs, he's created a workflow that allows him not only to create cartoons regularly but also to comment on emerging news and trends in gaming, tech, and other areas of pop culture.

With an irreverent sensibility and energetic attitude, the graphic designer turned indie animator earned over a million views on videos like "How AI Killed the Internet" and "How One Item Fractured Elden Ring's Fanbase." Posting videos regularly, he's earned over 500,000 followers on TikTok and 4 million subscribers on YouTube. Plus, he's launched his own video game, a virtual card game called Fool's Blade.

But how did Circle grow from a side project to an indie animation success story? While Brantley was at VidCon 2026, he sat down with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko to dig into the secrets of success, including how he discovered his "superpower" and when he knew it was time to bet on himself.

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Adobe Stock What is it you love about content creation?

CircleToonsHD: I think what really brings me to content creation is when it finally becomes like a physical manifestation — where you can see the fans, like VidCon. Because it's really easy to fall into the numbers, likes, and subscriptions. And that's kind of nebulous. But when you can finally make actual tangible impacts, either with my game [Fool's Blade] or my content? People go, "You inspired my work," or "I'm going to college because of the stuff that you put out," you know?

I had someone in my meet-and-greet say that they are going to college for animation, partially because of stuff they watch from me. That's the same feeling I [had] watching animators back in the day, in early YouTube, that inspired me to make my stuff. So, if you can kind of make those impacts and those connections, that's like everything for me.

It makes it tangible, you know? We had a huge meet-and-greet yesterday. We met so many amazing people, and they showed me on their iPads the art they're making. They showed me their channels and stuff, telling me, "I have 300 subscribers — it's so small." And I'm like, "Have you ever seen a room with 300 people? Like, that's huge. That's super cool."

What were some of the animators that inspired you?

Ooh, the early Newgrounds days, early YouTube days, the Egoraptors of the world — he's still around making some amazing stuff with Glitch Productions. Really, those precursor early YouTube days were, like, so pivotal and formative for everything that I make.

Was there a moment when you were like, "I've made it!"?

There's kind of like two modes of "made it."

I had a few videos kind of explode in, like, 2016 or 2017, and they were getting millions of views. And I was like, "Oh my gosh." That was the first time I made it. But I didn't have enough subs or consistency to make it my full-time job. The money wasn't coming in. So it was really mind-blowing that millions of people were watching the content. But I was like, "This can't kind of be a full-time job. It could just like a quick flash in the pan thing." Because it's really easy to have, like, one thing explode and then never again.

So I was really excited about that. I worked a full-time job, where I was a graphic designer and large-format pressman. I was doing YouTube at the same time for about three years. Then one day, the money just ticked slightly above. And I was like, "I'm gonna bet on myself, I'm gonna do this." And I left to do YouTube full time, and it's the best bet I ever made.

I made that bet on myself. It was nerve-racking at first, but when it came through, and now I could pour those kinds of hours into it full time, it really started flowing in. So I hunkered down and built out the style. I built out the production so I could make animations every week, because that wasn't common in the YouTube space, and it still isn't.

I honed in on a different style that was efficient and fun, and that allowed me to get in front of jokes and current pop culture. So I really had this leg up when something crazy happened in the gaming space, or the movie space, or the internet space. I could have something out in three minutes, and all my other animator buddies are like, "Oh my gosh, like, that's a superpower." And so that really is when I knew that could do it full time and bet on it. I had that timing.

What is it you love about working on the internet?

Oh man, the connections you can make over long distances. I have a lot of buddies that — tangible, in-person [relationships] now — but that initially would come from just shooting over a message on Twitter, on Instagram, on Discord, being like, "Hey, I love your stuff, like, do you want to like make something?" And that just can't happen anywhere else.

A lot of times, when I was growing initially, I would be super nervous reaching out to these bigger creators. And now it's the other way around, and so I have, like, a window into how it felt to help out, I guess.

So a buddy of mine that came here, YouTube's GarrettTheCarrot, I've been around him to see him grow from like 70,000 to now something like 6 million subs. He was talking about he was so nervous to reach out to me and I was like, "Dude, your work is awesome; I don't care if you have one follower if you're creative." Meeting other creatives is infectious, and it makes your creative work better, and it makes it easy to work online.

When was the moment where you knew you wanted to be an animator?

I've always had an interest in art. I paint. I do graphic design. I was always sketching in a book. But I think when I realized that indie animation and people putting themselves out there was getting just as successful and fun, and later on lucrative as TV and movie, and it was real, you know? I was like, "I want to give it a whirl," because it became a real thing.

How long did it take before you saw significant growth in followers, and what do you think instigated that?

I tell people that I made over 2000 things before I made a penny. A lot of people post a 10th video, and [if it doesn't go viral are] like, "It's not for me." And I'm like, "You're not even in the flames! You've got to get in there."

My YouTube channel was created in 2012, and there's some fun animations there. But about 2016 or 2017 [I developed the style I use now], so [there were about] five, six years until it started doing something recognizable under the brand. But I was constantly posting stuff on YouTube, and Instagram, and Twitter, and grinding it out.

So I always tell people that don't blow up in their first six months, "You're not even 10% into it yet. You gotta bet on yourself over and over again." And it's important that you enjoy what you're doing. If you're doing it for the only explicit purpose of blowing up or making it big, you're not doing it for the right reasons.

Mashable is reporting live from VidCon 2026 in Anaheim. Follow our coverage for creator interviews, panel highlights, and the biggest moments from the convention floor.

The interview above was edited for length and clarity.

Several single women recently told Mashable the truth about dating in 2026: it's bleak. But that doesn't mean there's no hope. While singles are increasingly frustrated with dating apps, one coach said the apps aren't keeping people single; it's how they're using them. If you're swiping into the void and avoiding talking to people, yes, it may be hard to find a date! But it is absolutely possible to find your person online. In fact, Mashable recently interviewed several married couples who met on dating apps.

According to 2023 findings from the Pew Research Center, one in ten partnered adults (married, living with a partner, or in a committed relationship) met their partner on a dating app or site. If you're a younger adult and/or LGBTQ, you're more likely to have met your significant other online: one in five adults under 30 and nearly one in four for LGBTQ adults.

SEE ALSO: My favorite dating app just got even cooler with a new feed redesign

The same study found that almost half (44 percent) of dating app users said a major reason for using them was to meet a long-term partner. So, if that's you, you're certainly not alone, despite what you might see people lament on TikTok. 

But with so many apps, from Bumble to eharmony, it can be challenging to determine which ones to invest in. And the discourse on dating app culture can be unrelenting. In 2025, singles told Mashable they'd rather meet a potential partner in person, but they're begrudgingly on the apps. Some, like Tinder, have seen their revenue decrease in recent years, while Hinge is growing. Even then, though, daters bemoan even the most popular of apps. A Kinsey scientist recently told Mashable where daters are going wrong: use dating apps as a tool, not to let them run the show — and stop self-optimizing, already.

Despite the frustration over The Apps™, it's undeniable that if you want to date from the comfort and safety of your home, they're the way to do it. If you're, say, introverted or have difficulty approaching someone in person, an app can still be useful.

What is the #1 best dating app?

Considering the variation in experiences on all the dating apps, it's difficult to quantify which ones are the "best." Some people find their spouses on Tinder, while others are disappointed that their matches are only looking for hookups. 

That being said, if you're looking for something serious, your best bet is likely an app with a large user base, options for you to indicate what you're looking for in your bio, and filters to weed out who you really want to partner with. There are also apps whose branding is geared towards finding one's ultimate match — like eharmony and Match, both decades-old sites with reputations for helping users find their spouse. Hinge, Bumble, and Coffee Meets Bagel also have a reputation for more "serious" connections.

Depending on the type of relationship you're seeking, you may also benefit from a more niche app. Take one app on our list, SilverSingles, for people over 50. Sure, there are older adults on apps like Tinder and Bumble as well, but you may have more luck finding someone age-appropriate if you're in a space meant just for you.

Which dating site is best for serious relationships?

Mashable has researched to pick out a few from the plethora of dating sites (and apps) out there. These options are available for both Android and Apple users, so the type of phone you have won't determine your options. In terms of monetary investment, you can use some of these for free (like Tinder and Bumble), while others are more pay-to-play. We've also included some "niche" options, like the aforementioned SilverSingles and Elite Singles, so you have more than the standard buffet of dating apps.

Here are the best dating apps for serious relationships:

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Tour de France for free on SBS on Demand. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We know there's a lot of sport taking place right now and your schedule is probably stacked with live action from the World Cup and Wimbledon, but can we suggest making a little time for the Tour de France? It is the world's most prestigious cycling race, after all.

This edition of the Tour de France is shaping up to be pretty special. Tadej Pogacar will be tough to beat. He's seeking a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title, but he's going to face stiff competition from his rival Jonas Vingegaard and new star Paul Seixas. It's going to be a fascinating ride over the next few weeks, and it's already started with a number of days of intense racing.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 Tour de France for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the Tour de France?

The Tour de France is an annual men's multi-stage bicycle race held in France (and often passing through nearby countries). This famous race forms part of the Grand Tours (alongside the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España).

The defending champion is Tadej Pogacar.

When is the 2026 Tour de France?

The 2026 Tour de France is the 113th edition of the event. This year's event takes place from July 4-26.

How to watch the 2026 Tour de France for free

The 2026 Tour de France is available to live stream for free on SBS on Demand.

SBS on Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the 2026 Tour de France from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 Tour de France for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Connect to SBS on Demand

5. Stream the 2026 Tour de France 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 unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 Tour de France without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to follow the 2026 Tour de France before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for Tour de France?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams from around the world, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 the 2026 Tour de France for free with ExpressVPN.

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

Every Grand Slam could make a claim for being the biggest tennis event on the schedule, but Wimbledon has something special.

Maybe it's the fast-paced tennis on lush green surfaces? Maybe it's the crisp white outfits? Or maybe it's the copious amounts of champagne and strawberries consumed by fans? Whatever the reason, Wimbledon is hard to beat. And now that we're into the latter stages of the tournament, the action really is heating up.

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

What is Wimbledon?

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It is the third of four Grand Slam tennis events each year.

The defending singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek.

When is Wimbledon in 2026?

The 2026 Wimbledon Championships is the 139th edition of the tournament. This year's event takes place from June 29 to July 12.

How to watch Wimbledon 2026 for free

Wimbledon 2026 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

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

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

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

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

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

Live stream Wimbledon 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

Summer slumber isn't a thing at Mountain View: Google's new Pixel smartphones will be unveiled on August 12.

The company recently sent out invites for the event, which will be held in New York City, at 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 12. The invite shows a detail of (presumably) the upcoming phone (in a dazzling gold/copper color) and its camera.

"Come celebrate with us in NYC on August 12. It's the night the next generation of Pixel arrives," the invite says.

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The company is expected to launch a massive addition to its phone lineup, with rumors pointing to four new devices: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

At the event, Google is also expected to launch a new wearable, the Pixel Watch 5.

SEE ALSO: Google launches Nano Banana 2 Lite and Gemini Omni Flash. How to try them now

The event timing is notable as it's about a month ahead of Apple's September event, where the company is likely to unveil new iPhones, including its first-ever foldable phone, the iPhone Ultra.

To make this summer even more interesting, Samsung is also about to launch new foldable phones, including a super-wide version of the Galaxy Z Fold, at an Unpacked event on July 22.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Baserunner

• Green: Trench work

• Blue: Florida postseason games

• Purple: Rangers in baseball

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Baserunning Outcomes

• Green: Can Precede "Block" In Football

• Blue: CFB Bowl Games in Florida

• Purple: Members of the Texas Rangers

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

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

Drumroll, please!

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

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Baserunning Outcomes: PICKLE, PICKOFF, STEAL, TAG

• Can Precede "Block" In Football: CHOP, CRACKBACK, PANCAKE, PASS

• CFB Bowl Games in Florida: CITRUS, GASPARILLA, ORANGE, POP-TARTS

• Members of the Texas Rangers: BURGER, DEGROM, GORE, ROCKER

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

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

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

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

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 8, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 8, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 8 Pips

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 2-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 2-0, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 8 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 3-3, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 8 Pips

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 2-1, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 0-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 2-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally.

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

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from West Virginia with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

More than a third of U.S. states have introduced age verification laws for online adult content, including West Virginia. Pornhub has responded to these new laws by restricting access to potential users from those locations. It's a complicated situation with a quick and easy workaround.

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

How to unblock Pornhub for free in West Virginia

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

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Pornhub

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

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

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, 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 always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• 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).

Unblock Pornhub for free in West Virginia with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

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

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

Greenery.

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

PLANT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Bright.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 8, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

LIGHT

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Small change.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 8 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 8, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

TWEAK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Grim.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

BLEAK

Final Hurdle hint

Just a bit.

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

OUNCE

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

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

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 July 8, 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: Shreds

• Green: Idea

• Blue: Rock on!

• Purple: Dwelling

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

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Cut into thin pieces

• Green: Motif

• Blue: Guitar-playing techniques

• Purple: House ___

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 #1123 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Cut into thin pieces: GRATE, PLANE, SHAVE, SLIVER

• Motif: DRIFT, PLOT, THEME, THREAD

• Guitar-playing techniques: PICK, PLUCK, STRUM, TAP

• House ___: CARDS, LORDS, WAX, WORSHIP

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 8, 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 the latest Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a troublemaker.

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 July 8, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Here comes trouble

The words are related to being mischievous.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe troublemaking.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Little Devil.

NYT Strands word list for July 8

• Whippersnapper

• Hellion

• Little Devil

• Rapscallion

• Scamp

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 the latest Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you believe in evil.

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 July 8, 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 July 8, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Devil.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

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...

DEMON

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 the latest Wordle.

One of the worst-kept secrets in tech isn't a secret anymore.

After months of rumors and leaks, Samsung on Tuesday finally confirmed what we already knew: There will be a Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22 in London, starting at 9am ET. You'll be able to watch the event live on Samsung's website or its YouTube channel.

In the brief announcement sent to media outlets, Samsung said it will "introduce its latest Galaxy innovations that build on its leadership in foldables."

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked preview: Everything we expect from the July event

That's right in line with what we expect to see at this Galaxy Unpacked event. Reporting suggests Samsung will launch three foldables instead of just two this year: A Z Flip 8, a Z Fold 8, and a Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The Z Fold 8 will be a new model with a shorter, wider form factor, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra will be a successor to the excellent Z Fold 7.

We're also expecting to see at least two new Galaxy Watch models, as well as Samsung's first foray into smart glasses, which may be called Galaxy Glasses.

And if there are any surprises beyond those announcements? We'll know in a couple of weeks.

On tenterhooks waiting for Insta360's new 360-degree camera to come out? You won't have to wait much longer.

Insta360's latest filing with FCC reveals the company's X6 360-degree camera, model code CINSABXA, received FCC certification on July 3.

What does this mean? It means that nothing stands in the way of the X6's launch, likely early in the fall.

Insta360 has not yet confirmed a launch date, but the usual timeframe for product launches following FCC certification suggests the X6 will be announced in August or September.

SEE ALSO: DJI and Insta360 go to war in the U.S. over action gimbal cameras

Detailed specs are not confirmed in the filing, but other reports suggest the Insta360 X6 adds intriguing new features to the popular 360 degree camera. The X6 will reportedly be able to shoot video in 8K at 60fps, which is an upgrade from the maximum 30fps in 8K from its predecessor, the X5.

The X6 is also reportedly able to shoot in 10-bit color, with larger sensors meaning better recordings in low-light conditions.

Pricing has also not been confirmed, but reports suggest that the X6 will launch somewhere between $549 and $599.

Insta360 is quickly becoming a powerhouse in the camera market. The company most recently released the Insta360 Luna Ultra, a gimbal camera that rivals DJI's Osmo Pocket line.

Still, Insta360 is still best known for its flagship line of 360 degree cameras — most frequently launched in April. The Insta360 X5 was launched in April 2025, and the X4 came out in the April before that.

But April 2026 came and went without the release of its next generation 360 degree camera, leaving eager customers concerned.

So thanks to the the FCC filing, Insta360 fans can look forward to the release of the company's newest 360 degree camera in a matter of weeks.

TL;DR: Learn all 14 Babbel languages for life for just $159 with code LEARN and build real conversation skills through expert-created lessons.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $159
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AI can translate a sentence in seconds, but actually holding a conversation with another person is a different skill. That’s where Babbel takes a different approach. Instead of relying primarily on AI-generated lessons, Babbel’s courses are created by 100+ linguists and language educators who focus on helping people communicate naturally in real-life situations.

For a limited time, you can get lifetime access to all 14 Babbel languages for a one-time $159 (reg. $299) when you use the StackSocial code LEARN.

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Rather than asking you to memorize endless vocabulary lists, Babbel builds lessons around conversations you’ll actually have — ordering food, asking for directions, introducing yourself, navigating travel, or chatting with coworkers. The goal isn’t simply knowing another language; it’s feeling comfortable using it.

Lessons take about 10 to 15 minutes, making it easy to fit practice into a lunch break or commute. Your progress syncs across desktop, tablet, and phone, and you can even download lessons for offline learning when you’re traveling.

Babbel also incorporates speech recognition to help refine pronunciation and offers personalized review sessions that reinforce what you’ve already learned. There’s even an AI conversation partner for additional speaking practice, but it’s designed to complement — not replace — the expert-developed curriculum at the heart of the platform.

Lifetime access includes 14 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Polish, Danish, Norwegian, Turkish, Indonesian, Russian, and English.

If you’re looking for a language-learning platform built around authentic conversations instead of automated content, this offers a refreshingly human approach.

Get lifetime access to Babbel Language Learning for a one-time $159 (reg. $299) with the StackSocial code LEARN through July 31.

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If you drive a Ford Mustang or Mustang Mach-E, you may need to take your vehicle to the dealership in the near future. Ford has issued two separate recall campaigns covering 110,626 vehicles due to a windshield wiper defect and a rear differential issue that can result in a sudden loss of power.

I used to think I didn't spend a lot of time on my phone—then I saw the harsh reality. I wanted to fix this, so I did some research and found a tool that helped me decrease my phone use when it's at its worst: late at night. The solution I found is surprisingly easy and requires no third-party apps.

Google announced an event to introduce the Pixel 11 in New York City on August 12th. The invitation says little, but includes a teaser image of the phone that appears to confirm a rumored all-black camera bar. The design will otherwise be familiar to Pixel 10 (and Pixel 9) fans, but there are more interesting details to look forward to.