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Nearly any robot vacuum can sufficiently clear tile or hardwood floors of the hair and crumbs blowing across them like tumbleweeds. But for a robot vacuum to work on carpet, suction power and time spent cleaning need to be boosted to uproot the debris embedded in any pile height.

Do robot vacuums really work on carpet?

Yes, several robot vacuum cleaners do a pretty phenomenal job on carpets and rugs — depending on a few factors. Suction power is, of course, the most important number in determining the best robot vacuums for carpet. Most robot vacuum brands measure suction power in Pascals (iRobot and Shark are weird about using Pascals sometimes). When suction power in Pascals (Pa) is advertised, you'll ideally want to hit at least 8,000 Pa for sufficient carpet cleaning, and under no circumstances entertain anything lower than 5,000 Pa. For reference, robot vacuums at the premium end of the spectrum clock between 10,000 and 22,000 Pa.

SEE ALSO: Roborock Saros Z70 review: If you think you need the robot vacuum with an arm, no you don't

But beefy suction power needs to be aided by competent brush roll systems — a dual brush roll design is your best chance when it comes to pet hair pickup. These are designed to dig into low- and high-pile carpet to pinch hair and large chunks, while the suction power inhales fine debris that a weaker robot vac would pass right over.

Naturally, the robot vacs with the most advanced features like these also tend to be the most expensive. So shopping for a robot vacuum during big sale events like Prime Day is your best shot to find those premium robot vacuums at more digestible prices — sometimes up to 50% off. Prime Day 2025 officially runs from July 8 through 11, but a ton of robot vacuums are already on sale at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Not all cheap robot vacuums suck — I tested and genuinely trust these 3 picks

Not sure which robot vacuum would work best on your carpets or rugs? I test and compare a ton of top robot vacs as they come out in my own home, narrowing down the best options and refreshing my recommendations as necessary. For this list, I kept an extra close eye on performance on a variety of carpet pile lengths, rugs, and bath mats, pet hair and debris pick up, transitions between floor types, automatic suction settings, and more. Here are my three favorites of 2025:

Other robot vacuums I've tested recently

I tested several other top robot vacuums in the past that didn't make the most recent cut for this list. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, Narwal Freo X Ultra were my top recommendations at one point, but have since been overshadowed by newer, more powerful models that are a better bang for your buck. I've also tested some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were OK, but ultimately aren't a top pick for me. The Dreame X50 Ultra is one of them.

Though I had a better overall experience with the Roborock Saros 10R than the Saros 10, I want to note that the Saros 10 is also a great robot vacuum for carpets. The Saros 10 actually has slightly stronger suction power (22,000 Pa versus 20,000 Pa), but the difference is pretty negligible in the long run.

TL;DR: Live stream Queensland Reds vs. Lions for free on RugbyPass TV. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 British and Irish Lions officially started their Australian campaign with an impressive victory over Western Force, but there are no prizes for winning these games. It's all about testing out combinations, building momentum, and finding chemistry before the Test matches against the Wallabies.

The Lions will be hoping for another strong performance against the Queensland Reds. If you want to watch Queensland Reds vs. Lions for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Queensland Reds vs. Lions?

Queensland Reds vs. Lions starts at 11 a.m. BST on July 2. This fixture takes place at the Brisbane Stadium.

How to watch Queensland Reds vs. Lions for free

Queensland Reds vs. Lions is available to live stream for free on RugbyPass TV.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S., but anyone from around the world can gain access with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to live stream Queensland Reds vs. Lions from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Queensland Reds vs. Lions for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to 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 U.S.

4. Visit RugbyPass TV

5. Stream Queensland Reds vs. Lions 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Queensland Reds vs. Lions without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for RugbyPass TV?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Queensland Reds vs. Lions for free with ExpressVPN.

In today’s volatile climate, global travel isn’t just about logistics—it’s about risk management and policy adaptation. As rules shift rapidly, you need a proactive, structured approach to sending employees abroad or receiving international staff in the U.S. Audit employee visa status. Know who is working under temporary authorization and monitor renewal timelines. If employees have […]

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TL;DR: Put all your AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini Pro, and Leonardo.AI in one place with a lifetime subscription to 1minAI, an all-in-one AI app, on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $234). 

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI: Lifetime Subscription $39.99 at The Mashable Shop
$234 Save $194.01 Get Deal

The free version of some AI models like ChatGPT can get the job done, but if you want the good stuff, you should consider opting for a paid subscription.  

1minAI consolidates many of the most popular AI models — like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI — into one platform where you can use them all seamlessly, whether you need to generate text, images, or even full videos. A lifetime subscription to 1minAI usually costs $234, but you can get one on sale now for $39.99. 

What can you do with 1minAI

1minAI gives you one platform where you can access AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta AI, Mistral AI, and more. You don't just get the baseline version, either — 1minAI users can chat with GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, Gemini Pro 1.5, and Llama 2 or Llama 3. 

Like a ton of other AI platforms, 1minAI has a limit to how much you can generate every month. Unlike other platforms, the limit is incredibly high. Here's what your lifetime subscription gets you every month. 

First, you get a baseline of 1,000,000 credits per month. Then, every day you log in, you get an additional 15,000 free credits. These will roll over if you don't use them all, too. 

In practice, those huge numbers mean you could generate up to 362,500 words, research nearly 2,000 SEO keywords, generate 386 images, upscale 241 images, remove 24 backgrounds, convert text to speech for over 120,000 characters, and generate up to 12 videos. 

Your AI Swiss Army Knife

Put all your go-to AI tools in one place. Get a lifetime subscription to 1minAI for $39.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Your access to Pornhub is under threat.

Early in 2025, more than a third of U.S. states introduced age verification laws. In response, Pornhub banned visitors from those states from accessing their website. The same thing happened in France, so where's next? The reasons for this ban are complicated, but the workaround is straightforward.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure server in another location. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access adult sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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 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 your favorite site, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free with ExpressVPN.

The moon is in another phase of the lunar cycle, and we have all the information you need about tonight's visibility and what to look out for.

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

See what's happening with the moon tonight, July 2.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Wednesday, July 2, the moon phase is First Quarter. According to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 48% of the moon will be lit up and visible to us on Earth.

First Quarter is the stage of the lunar cycle where the moon appears to be a half moon. This is day seven of the lunar cycle, and with significantly more of the moon on display, there's plenty to see when you look up.

Unaided, you'll be able to see the Mare Serenitatis, Mare Tranquillitatis, and the Mare Fecunditatis on the moon's surface. If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, these will be positioned in the top right of the moon. If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, direct your gaze to the bottom left.

If you have binoculars, you'll also spot the Endymion Crater and the Posidonius Crater are visible, as well as the Mare Nectaris. And with a telescope, like last night, you'll be able to see the Apollo 11 and Apollo 17 spot and the Rupes Altai. You'll also get a sneak peek at the Descartes Highlands. NASA tells us this is a crater just south of the Apollo 16 landing spot.

When is the next full moon?

This month's full moon will take place on July 10. The last full moon was on June 11.

What are moon phases?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Access free live streams of Women's Euro 2025 from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

This has already been a special summer for sport. The schedule has been stacked with events including the Club World Cup, Lions Tour, and Wimbledon, and now Women's Euro 2025 is here to add something new to the mix. We didn't really need more live sport this summer, but are we complaining? Absolutely not. We're greedy for more of the good stuff.

If you want to watch Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is Women's Euro?

The European Women's Championship (Women's Euros) is the main competition in women's association football between national teams of the UEFA confederation. The competition is the women's equivalent of the UEFA European Championship, featuring 16 European women's national teams competing in a group stage followed by knockout fixtures.

England are the defending champions

When is Women's Euro 2025?

Women's Euro 2025 is the 14th edition of the tournament. This year's competition takes place from July 2-27.

How to watch Women's Euro 2025 for free

There are a number of free streaming platforms offering coverage of Women's Euro 2025:

• Austria — ORF

• Belgium — RTBF and VRT

• France — TF1

• Germany — ARD and ZDF

• Italy — RAI

• Netherlands — NOS

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)

These free streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access free live streams of Women's Euro 2025 from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Women's Euro 2025 by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to 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 BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)

5. Watch Women's Euro 2025 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Women's Euro 2025 before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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

In the early stages of 2025, the world of porn was rocked after a number of states introduced laws that required visitors to upload ID before accessing sites. Pornhub battled back by banning visitors from these states from accessing their website. These restrictions are still in place, but fortunately, a simple workaround exists.

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

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Montana

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.

SEE ALSO: I've tested a bunch of popular VPNs. This is the only one I recommend for streaming.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Pornhub for free in Montana 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.

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

To heighten.

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

RAISE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

What football players wear.

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

CLEAT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Dirt often found in a bathroom.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 2 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 2, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

GRIME

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Where a wedding takes place.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 2 Hurdle Word 4 answer

VENUE

Final Hurdle hint

To estimate.

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

GUESS

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

Like every MCU property at this point, Ironheart has a post-credit scene teasing what's to come.

In Ironheart's post-credit sequence, Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos), now missing his magical hood, links up with sorceress-in-training Zelma Stanton (Regan Aliyah) for some magical aid. Following his battle with Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) and fallout with newly introduced Mephisto (Sacha Baron Cohen), he says that he's in need of "Supreme-like help," hinting that the pair are off to find Sorcerer Supreme Wong (Benedict Wong).

SEE ALSO: 'Ironheart' finally brings Mephisto into the MCU. But is it too late?

There's just one problem here, and it's a problem that Marvel has been dealing with for a while now: Will this scene actually amount to anything in the MCU?

The MCU has a post-credits problem.

Even though Ironheart is uneven at points, it's still a show I'd like to see continued in a Season 2, where we'd presumably see what Parker and Zelma get up to in addition to Riri's next steps. However, given that Loki and Daredevil: Born Again are the only two live-action Marvel Studios shows to have gotten second season orders, and the way Disney rushed Ironheart's release out over two weeks, my hopes aren't high. Based on the rollout alone, it doesn't seem like Marvel is confident about how Riri's story fits into the future of the MCU. That's a shame, since the series touches on fascinating themes like wealth disparity and AI ethics, as well as bringing far more representation into the MCU, from its mostly Black cast to its queer and nonbinary characters like Slug (Shea Couleé) and Jeri (Zoe Terakes).

If Ironheart doesn't get a chance at a Season 2, it'll join the ranks of Moon Knight and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law as scrapped shows with definite potential for further seasons. (While Ms. Marvel technically got a continuation in The Marvels, I'd consider it to be in this camp too.) More than that, it joins a long list of MCU projects whose post-credit scenes go nowhere. Remember Moon Knight teasing Marc Spector's (Oscar Isaac) third persona Jake Lockley? Or She-Hulk revealing that Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) has a son named Skaar (Wil Deusner)? Still waiting to see where either of those stories will go, years down the line.

But these teases don't stop at the MCU's TV offerings. They extend to its films too. Charlize Theron popped up as sorceress Clea in the final moments of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Brett Goldstein appeared as Hercules in Thor: Love and Thunder's post-credit scene, and Harry Styles made his MCU debut as Eros in Eternals. But have any of these characters come back? No!

Instead, post-Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has been throwing everything it can at the wall, gesturing out to storylines that will likely never see the light of day instead of reliably hinting at the next confirmed project. And while it's fascinating to view the franchise as an ever-evolving living document that's adapting in real time to current events (see: Disney's Fox acquisition bringing in the X-Men and Fantastic Four, or the abandonment of Jonathan Majors' Kang), it's also aggravating as a viewer to get attached to characters the MCU hints might take up space in future storylines, but never get the concrete opportunity to do so.

I'd love to see more of Riri and Parker and Zelma and the rest of Ironheart's crew. But given Marvel's track record, I'm not hopeful, just frustrated.

Ironheart Season 1 is now streaming on Disney+.

When Marvel's WandaVision first started airing in 2021, the name "Mephisto" was unavoidable.

Every week, fans theorized the demonic Marvel villain would be revealed as the mastermind behind all of Wanda's (Elizabeth Olsen) suffering. The theory made sense, given that in the comics, Wanda's (Elizabeth Olsen) twins Billy and Tommy (Julian Hillard and Jett Klyne) are fragments of Mephisto's soul that he later reabsorbs. However, Mephisto truthers were left cold when Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) turned out to the show's one and only big bad.

SEE ALSO: 'Ironheart' review: Grief and AI collide in Ryan Coogler's Marvel series

Still, viewers continued to anticipate Mephisto's arrival in other shows. Was the image of a devil in a stained-glass window proof Mephisto would be in Loki? Nope, it was just a reference to Loki (Tom Hiddleston) himself. Did Madisynn (Patty Guggenheim) make a deal with Mephisto during her jaunt to a hellish dimension in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law? Nope, that was just a demon goat named Jake.

As Marvel's slate of Disney+ shows expanded, the Mephisto fervor died down. Perhaps he really just wasn't coming to the MCU after all.

Enter Ironheart, which pits tech whiz Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) against the magic-powered Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos). In the show's Season 1 finale, Ironheart finally reveals where Parker got his magic hood, and the answer is one Marvel fans have been clamoring for since WandaVision: Parker got the hood from none other than Mephisto (Sacha Baron Cohen).

What's Mephisto doing in Ironheart?

In episode 6 of Ironheart, viewers learn that Parker made a bargain with Mephisto in order to get his heart's desire: become filthy rich. Mephisto would give Parker all the tools — namely, the hood — he needed to meet his goal. In return, Parker would give up "something you won't even miss," as Mephisto put it. Nothing sketchy about that vagueness at all!

SEE ALSO: Shea Couleé knows that now is the time for 'Ironheart'

Later in the episode, Riri makes a similar deal with Mephisto, ultimately getting her best friend Natalie (Lyric Ross) back. Still, the stage is set for a showdown with the demon, because all magic has a cost. Surely the magic of resurrection demands the steepest price of them all.

Is Mephisto's arrival too late to be exciting?

On paper, the Mephisto reveal is an exciting one for MCU fans who have been begging for it since WandaVision. Even if his appearance in Ironheart isn't comic book-accurate like it would have been in a show like WandaVision, it's still fitting given the show's broader conflict between magic and technology.

However, with the supervillain's arrival coming in 2025 — four years after Mephisto fever hit its peak — it feels like the wind has been taken out of the SS Mephisto's sails. Much of that comes down to Ironheart's production schedule.

Ironheart wrapped production in Nov. 2022, then took almost three years to come out. At the time of writing and filming, bringing in Mephisto must have seemed like a massive deal: a moment of fan service that also brings Riri's story in an intriguing new direction. And maybe it would have felt massive had Ironheart been released in a timely manner.

Instead, the Mephisto reveal reads more like an artifact of the early era of Marvel Studios TV, when Marvel was experimenting with a varied, if overcrowded, slate, featuring highs like WandaVision and Ms. Marvel and lows like Secret Invasion. Since then, though, of Marvel Studios' live-action offerings, only Loki and Daredevil have received second seasons. Plus, Marvel has retooled how it's approaching TV production, suggesting a shift away from its first slate of shows.

Between that and Ironheart's two-week release, it seems like Marvel and Disney don't have much confidence in how Riri and the rest of the show's characters will fit into the MCU landscape going forward. That could include Mephisto, whose appearance, after so much hype, may just amount to nothing.

In the end, nothing sums up my reaction to the Mephisto reveal quite like Parker's own reaction to hearing Mephisto's name for the first time.

"Is that supposed to mean something to me?" he asks.

In 2022, that line would have read like a fun in-joke to fans. But in 2025, it comes across as a reminder of just how unwieldy the MCU has gotten — and of how many loose ends its TV shows have left in their wake.

Ironheart Season 1 is now streaming on Disney+.

Like so many people, I eagerly awaited the Switch 2's launch, and couldn't believe it when the day finally arrived. However, in an unprecedented move for me, after spending an extensive amount of time with it the past few weeks, I ended up selling it.

In today’s fast-moving digital world, where shiny new tech seems to hit shelves every other week, there’s a growing savvy shift towards refurbished electronics. Far from being hand-me-downs, some bargains, like eBay’s Refurbished devices, can provide pristine looks and brilliant performance, minus the premium price tag.

No matter what turns your head, be it a snappier processor, a crisper display, or a longer-lasting battery, today we can find you some sweet secondhand gear without breaking your bank. Let’s dive into it.

The value of performance

Imagine getting the latest smartphone, laptop, or tablet without paying full retail. Refurbished devices are typically tested and restored to meet manufacturer-like standards, so performance and aesthetics often rival brand-new counterparts. For many, the allure lies in that sweet spot between quality and cost.

If you’re after a high-performing laptop but don’t want to shell out thousands, a refurbished model can deliver the same speed, storage, and visuals you crave (just at a fraction of the cost). To make that search easier, eBay’s Refurb program has a few grading conditions from Certified, Excellent, Very Good and Good which basically act as a pricing scale. So you can shop easily by condition on a budget that works for you.

And because demand for tech keeps climbing, prices on new gear can skyrocket overnight. Refurbs let you sidestep that cost inflation, securing top-tier specs without the sticker shock.

How eBay’s refurbished program ensures trust

Not all refurbished offerings are created equal, though. That’s where eBay’s Refurbished platform stands out. Every eBay seller is held accountable through rigorous performance standards: if a device arrives in less-than-promised condition, you’re protected. In fact, eBay’s Money Back Guarantee* provides a safety net—so if your refurbished purchase doesn’t match its description, you can get a refund. By combining seller oversight with a buyer-first guarantee, eBay helps customers shop refurbished with real confidence.

Added perks: Shipping, returns, and warranty

Beyond finance-conscious perks, eBay’s Refurbished program often includes extras like free shipping and 30-day returns***, plus a 1-year warranty**, all of which underscore the platform’s commitment to quality. Imagine this: you find a refurbished monitor that checks every box with a vibrant display, slim bezels, and energy-efficient panels but costs hundreds less than a brand-new model.

And while technology evolves fast, the underlying components (i.e.: processors, RAM, and storage) can often stay relevant for years. That means your refurbished device can stay capable and responsive, handling everyday tasks, streaming videos, or even tackling light creative work.

A refurbished range for every need

Speaking of selections, eBay’s categories span across nearly every tech niche. Are you in search of a refurbished laptop that's perfect for your work or studies? The Refurbished Laptops page offers everything from ultraportable solutions for on-the-go work to beefier notebooks with considerable graphical grunt.

Perhaps you’re setting up a home office on a budget. Time to browse Refurbished Monitors to find crisp resolutions and wide colour gamuts that rival brand-new displays.

On the go? Refurbished Tablets & E-Book Readers blend convenience with performance, helping you read, stream, or sketch without breaking the bank. Because eBay aggregates offerings from multiple trusted refurbishers, you get access to a vast inventory that’s continually updated.

Future-proofing your tech investments

But aside from cost savings, there’s another reason why refurbished tech is increasingly seen as future-proof. In a world where new releases are par for the course, owning a device that’s just a generation or two old doesn’t necessarily feel outdated.

In many cases, software updates and general usage demands remain well within the capabilities of these devices for years. Plus, with a budget freed up by choosing refurbished, you might even afford higher-end specs than you would if buying new. Say goodbye to cringe-worthy compromises on screen resolution or build quality; now you can opt for a refurbished model that checks all the boxes.

For those who like to swap devices regularly, refurbished gear also removes the “cost trap” of rapid upgrades. Instead of losing a big chunk of value trading in a brand-new device after only a few months, you can buy refurbished, enjoy peak performance, and then sell or trade it later without severe depreciation anxiety.

Who benefits most from refurbished tech?

Educational buyers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs often find this approach especially appealing. Students might have tight budgets but still crave robust laptops. Freelancers can reinvest savings into software or tools that enhance their workflow. Small-business owners can equip staff with reliable devices without sacrificing quality. Across the board, adopting refurbished tech just makes financial sense.

Of course, lingering doubts around refurbished goods often centres on trust: Will a “used” device really hold up? That’s why eBay’s Refurbished program is built on transparency. Every product listing clearly states its condition, and seller ratings provide real-world feedback. Should any issue arise, you have recourse through eBay’s return policies and purchase protections. The bottom line: these safeguards aren’t just marketing fluff; they’re real commitments to ensure you’re satisfied.

Your next steps

In a world brimming with tech temptations, why pay full price when you can invest in intelligent upgrades? Embrace refurbished electronics and discover a future-proof way to stay equipped without paying a premium. There’s never been a better time to take a smarter path to digital innovation.

Learn & shop more:

• Browse Refurbished Electronics on eBay

• Discover Refurbished Monitors

• Explore Refurbished Laptops

Disclaimers:
For full eligibility criteria and all terms and conditions, read eBay’s Money Back Guarantee Policy.

eBay money-back guarantee = "Refurbished Program T&Cs apply"

1 year warranty = "Refurbished Program T&Cs apply"

30 day returns = "Refurbished Program T&Cs apply"

eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands mentioned

Today, Google is celebrating its new "AI Mode" feature with a special promo. The animation, which pops up on the Google homepage, features Google's new gradient logo and directs the search engine's users to its improved AI Mode, one that Google calls its "most powerful AI search."

Google first unveiled generative AI search results last year, to some strange results. In 2025, it's been no different, with AI Overviews still struggling to answer basic questions.

But the new version of AI-powered search is meant to help users with their "toughest questions." Here's how it works.

What is Google AI Mode?

AI Mode is Google's new search feature that intends to provide direct answers to search queries. The answers are a blend of AI-generated responses with content from around the internet, which is summarized and linked to.

The new feature uses Gemini 2.5, a modified version of Google's core AI model. Information gathered by the model is distilled into concise answers. Google AI Mode can take multimodal queries: while searching, users can ask any question using text, voice, or images.

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Robby Stein, Google's VP of Search, said AI Mode is "particularly helpful for questions that need further exploration, comparisons, and reasoning."

"You can ask nuanced questions that might have previously taken multiple searches — like exploring a new concept or comparing detailed options — and get a helpful AI-powered response with links to learn more," said Stein.

How do you use AI Mode?

Google AI Mode is only available widely in the US so far, but is also being tested in India. If you're in the US, you can use the tool now. Users can either:

• Head over to the Google homepage and select AI Mode, seen on the right-hand side of the search bar.

• Search directly at: google.com/aimode.

• Open the Google app on a mobile device and tap AI Mode on the homescreen.

A global rollout for the feature is possibly imminent, though Google hasn't made any announcements yet. Let's see how this new AI-powered search fares.

UPDATE: Jul. 2, 2025, 10:13 a.m. EDT This story was updated to describe the animated Google logo was a "promo" for AI Mode rather than a "doodle," per a Google spokesperson.

As a lesbian, you may know all about dating apps. Lesbian Americans (along with bisexual and gay Americans) are far more likely to have ever used dating apps than straight Americans: 51 percent to 28 percent, according to the Pew Research Center.

There are a few reasons why LGBTQ people might turn to online dating quicker than hetero folks. For one, you might live in an area without a thriving LGBTQ community, and in-person dating may be hard. If you don't know other lesbians to begin with, how can you meet more IRL to date? (Sometimes, lesbian spaces can also be co-opted by The Straights.) And, unfortunately, in-person dating may also be less safe depending on where you live. 

Thankfully, we live in a time where we can find people like us with a few swipes. Lesbians are welcome on major dating apps, and there are also niche ones specifically for lesbians and other queer women and people. But which one to choose?

How to find the best dating apps for lesbians Niche lesbian dating apps aren't your only option for finding love. Credit: Stacey Zhu / Mashable

In Mashable's recommendations below, you'll find both general dating apps and apps specifically for queer people. As the former appeals to the general population, you'll find more users in these spaces. The caveat, however, is that when you swipe on other women, you might find those coupled with men who are looking for another woman to have a threesome with (aka unicorn hunters). No judgment here, but that's probably not what you're looking for. Then again, people of all types are on dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. You never know who you may come across.

Then there are apps specifically for the community, like HER and Lex. If you yearn for a smaller dating scene, head for these apps. While there's no "Grindr for lesbians" — we go into why in the FAQ section — these apps are more so like stepping into your neighborhood lesbian bar than an app like Bumble. 

You can also try multiple dating apps, as each one below has a free version. You can filter out which gender you identify with and are looking for, and sometimes, like in the case of OkCupid, there are many options to choose from.

Diving into the dating pool isn't easy, but the water's fine. Check out our guide below for the full rundown of our recommendations and dating app reviews.

Netflix subscribers and NASA superfans are getting a special treat just in time for the summer, as the two join forces to bring live space programming right to the streaming platform.

Coming soon, subscribers will be able to watch NASA's free streaming content, currently offered through its service NASA+, on Netflix, including rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, mission coverage, and live views beamed down from the International Space Station (ISS).

SEE ALSO: 'Sinners' comes to streaming this week with Black American Sign Language option

The space organization launched NASA+ in 2023, a free, on-demand streaming service that provides space fans with a one-stop shop for all of the federal agency's headline-generating missions, documentaries, and other original content. NASA+ is available on desktop and through the NASA app, as well as Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku's NASA channel.

Behind the scenes, Netflix has pivoted to more live content, including obtaining the rights to live sports coverage, like the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and WWE's Raw. Netflix is also overhauling its user experience, which will involve a new, streamlined homepage and recommendations, AI-powered search, and a potential vertical video feed that will play show and movie clips similar to TikTok's FYP.

"The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 calls on us to share our story of space exploration with the broadest possible audience," said general manager of NASA+ Rebecca Sirmons. "Together, we're committed to a Golden Age of Innovation and Exploration — inspiring new generations — right from the comfort of their couch or in the palm of their hand from their phone."

Don't have Netflix? Want even more space content? Watch Mashable's Earth livestream, brought to you by the ISS and a partnership with Earth/space live streaming company Sen.

Nothing isn't just a phone and earbuds company anymore.

On the same day that the UK-based tech startup debuted its Phone (3) flagship handset, Nothing also showed off its first pair of over-ear headphones. Nothing Headphone (1) brings a similar sort of iconoclastic design language from Nothing's other products to the realm of over-ear cans. They've got big, blocky, rectangular frames around the ear cups and a number of physical buttons and controls on the headphones themselves for every function you could imagine.

Nothing Headphone (1) launches on July 15, just like Phone (3), and will cost a fairly hefty $299.99.

SEE ALSO: Nothing Phone (3) announced. See specs, price, preorder details

These headphones support what Nothing is calling "AI-adaptive active noise cancelation" with 40MM drivers and support for spatial audio. The hardware was made in partnership with KEF, a first for Nothing. One thing that might make Headphone (1) appealing to some users is the preponderance of physical controls on the unit itself. There's a dedicated voice assistant button that can be customized to do other things, as well as a roller button that can control volume, playback, and ANC modes on its own depending on what you do with it. Another roller button is used for skipping tracks or answering phone calls, and as a boon to people like me, there's a dedicated on/off switch.

As is usually the case with headphones, it's hard to tell how comfortable they are or how good they sound from marketing materials alone. But if you're already bought into the Nothing ecosystem, this seems like a perfectly adequate continuation of that philosophy, if nothing else.

You can now add the convenience of Amazon’s Alexa to your cars at the lowest price ever, as long as you have Amazon Prime. This hands-free device, which usually costs between $35 and $55, is now being sold for just $15 on Amazon. That’s a great deal and a worthwhile price if you've been wanting to add Alexa to your car.

UPDATE: Jul. 1, 2025, 3:10 p.m. EDT We've updated this story to add more details about Target's upcoming Circle Week deals and Circle 360 promos.

After letting Amazon Prime Day hog the spotlight last July, Target's biggest sale of the summer will directly compete with it in 2025. The bullseye retailer has announced its plans to host a Circle Week event from Sunday, July 6 to Saturday, July 12, bookending Prime Day by 72 hours. (It's slated for July 8 to 11 in 2025, making it the longest Prime Day on record.)

Like Amazon's flagship sale, Target Circle Week is a members-only affair: Its deals will be exclusive to shoppers who have joined the retailer's free Target Circle loyalty program and its premium Target Circle 360 program ($10.99/month or $99/year). The latter unlocks unlimited same-day delivery for orders of $35 or more, free two-day shipping on select items, 120-day returns, and exclusive monthly gifts and discounts.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025: Dates, deals, and the competition

Circle 360 members will receive early access to Target Circle Week deals starting Saturday, July 5. (Only paying, non-trial members are eligible, per a Target rep.) According to a company press release, shoppers who sign up for Circle 360 anytime before the sale ends will save $50 on their first same-day delivery order, which effectively covers half of their annual membership fee. Verified teachers and students can save 50% on a yearly membership to ring in the start of back-to-school season.

Sign up: Target Circle Free to join Learn More Target Circle 360 $99/year (save 50% as a verified teacher or student) Learn More

Target said its top Circle Week deals will include discounts of "up to 50% off hundreds of items across every category — from school supplies and electronics to everyday essentials." Highlights include:

• Up to 40% off tech and gaming gear

• 40% off Casaluna and Threshold bedding 

• 30% off select backpacks and school supplies 

• "Buy two, get one free" on books, movies and music 

• "Buy one, get one 50% off" select groceries

• Save $10 for every $40 spent on toys 

Target also plans to offer three "Deals of the Day" each day of Circle Week. One of them will involve a 10% discount on Target gift cards — a sneaky way to save even more on Circle Week purchases.

Verified college students who are Target Circle members will receive a one-time 20% discount they can use storewide during Circle Week. (It'll stack with the sale's other deals, too.) Students can go about verifying their status on Target's website using a valid student ID, a class schedule, or a tuition receipt.

Circle Week is a recurring weeklong sale that Target runs several times a year. Its summer slot traditionally overlaps with Prime Day in mid-July, though last year, it fell the week prior.

The second week of July will be a busy one: Best Buy, Walmart, and even TikTok Shop are also hosting their own anti-Prime Day sales.

The best early Prime Day deals to shop this week Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

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

• Hisense 55" Class QD6 Series (2025 Model) QLED 4K UHD TV — $257.99 (List Price $379.99)

• Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid ANC Headphones (Black) — $63.99 (List Price $79.99)

• iRobot Roomba 105 — $219.99 (List Price $319.99)

A very successful first launch caused the FixHub Power Series portable soldering line from iFixit to go out of stock for a while. Now, it is fully back in stock and ready for immediate shipping across the United States. There's no longer a need to wait for a reservation or preorder.