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Project Hail Mary is the first movie to bring me to the theaters in an embarrassing amount of time. So long I'm not willing to disclose it on the internet. But I am so glad it's the film that brought be back to the theater because it was So. Dang. Good.

How to watch 'Project Hail Mary' at a glance: Rent or buy it 'Project Hail Mary' on Prime Video $5.99 or $12.99 Get Deal Rent or buy it 'Project Hail Mary' on Apple TV $5.99 or $12.99 Get Deal Rent or buy it 'Project Hail Mary' on Fandango at Home $5.99 or $12.99 Get Deal Stream it Amazon Prime trial free for 30 days (save $14.99) Get Deal Stream it MGM+ $7.99/month Get Deal

The book was a masterpiece and I'm happy to report that Drew Goddard's adaptation of Andy Weir's novel (of the same name) does it justice. Sure, it took some liberties with the story, but it makes for a faster-paced, more emotional journey. Plus, I'm not mad about a lot of the science babble getting cut.

It stars a witty, impeccably dressed Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace and an adorable rock spider alien named Rocky (voiced by James Oritz).

Project Hail Mary made its theatrical debut on March 20, 2026 and enjoyed an extended stay in theaters across the country, but now the film has (finally) expanded its horizons, giving you other ways to tune in. Here's everything you need to know in order to watch Grace and Rocky at home.

What is Project Hail Mary about?

Middle school science teacher Ryland Grace (Gosling) wakes up from a coma on a spacecraft (the Hail Mary) with no memory of who he is or why he's there. As his memory slowly returns, he realizes he's the sole survivor of a crew on a suicide mission to save Earth from alien microorganisms (astrophage) that are eating the sun's energy. Can his science skills and perseverance help him to save humanity?

Check out the official trailer below:

When will Project Hail Mary be streaming?

Amazon MGM Studios announced in mid-April that it was delaying the streaming release for Project Hail Mary and extending its theatrical run. The film even returned to IMAX theaters for a week to give audiences a chance to see the film in the way it was originally intended.

"We announced yesterday that MGM is extending the exclusive theatrical window for Project Hail Mary, so it won’t be on streaming anytime soon," Co-director Christopher Miller said in a post on X. "This is a movie that needs to be seen on a big screen...make plans to see it in a theater now! Bring friends and loved ones. It’s an experience to share with others."

As the highest-grossing film for Amazon MGM ever and the second highest earner for 2026 as a whole, the studio waited as long as possible before debuting it on streaming. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Project Hail Mary officially hit the streaming circuit on June 18.

How to watch Project Hail Mary at home Credit: Amazon MGM Studios Buy or rent it on digital

Project Hail Mary officially made its at-home debut on digital retail sites like Prime Video and Fandango at Home on May 12, 2026. You can buy it forever at any of the retailers below or rent it for 30 days.

• Prime Video — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99

• Apple TV — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99

• Google Play — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99

• YouTube — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99

Stream it on MGM+ or Prime Video

Project Hail Mary has had quite an interesting ride since leaving the theaters. Following its digital release, it made its streaming debut on Amazon's niche streaming service MGM+ on June 18.

Previous Amazon MGM Studios films like Challengers and Blink Twice graced MGM+ first before finally expanding to Prime Video. So, while it seems bizarre that Amazon would choose to debut its biggest movie ever on its smaller, niche streaming service, it's not out of the ordinary.

If you held off on signing up for MGM+ in hopes of it expanding to Prime Video, your patience has been rewarded. Project Hail Mary is now set to make its Prime Video streaming debut on July 3, 2026.

The good news is that you can score a free 30-day trial to Prime if you're a new or returning subscriber, which will allow you to watch Project Hail Mary for free. It appears that MGM+ no longer offers free trials, but it is cheaper overall if you're ineligible for the Amazon Prime trial at $7.99 per month ($5.17 per month if you sign up for a full year).

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Amazon Prime monthly subscription free 30-day trial, then $14.99 per month Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ $7.99 per month Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ add-on via Prime Video $7.99 per month Get Deal

UPDATE: Jul. 1, 2026, 10:02 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest streaming details for "Project Hail Mary," including its Prime Video debut date and pricing updates on digital retailers.

New MacBook Pro and iPad Pro devices are coming, but perhaps slightly later than we'd hoped for.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pros and iPad Pros in the first half of 2027.

Starting with the laptops, the MacBook Pro with Apple's new M7 chip will come with a new design, which probably means it'll be a little slimmer than current models. Some of these may have OLED displays, as has been rumored for a while. The timing on these is a little murky as Apple itself is struggling with the chip shortage that recently pushed the prices of its products across the board.

The one exception to this is the new 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip, as that one should launch before the end of the year. This chip cycle is a little different for Apple as the company will reportedly skip the M6 Pro and M6 Max chips and go straight to M7 chips, which are optimized for AI purposes.

Then there are the tablets, which might come with M6 or M7 chips. Either way, this will be an upgrade over the current iPad Pro models, which launched last October with an M5 chip. Design-wise, they'll look roughly the same as before, though they might have a new vapor chamber cooling system inside.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s ‘Hide My Email’ feature is reportedly leaking email addresses

Again, timing is a little unclear, but Apple reportedly plans to launch the iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027 (remember, this September, we're probably only getting the Pro models and the new, foldable iPhone), so the new iPads could be lumped together with those.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, July 2, 2026:

AcrossThe "A" of G.P.A.: Abbr.

• The answer is AVG.

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

Fashion's Oscar ___ Renta

• The answer is De La.

Waterways traveled by gondola in 2-Down

• The answer is Canals.

The Ponte di Rialto in 2-Down, e.g.

• The answer is Bridge.

Remove, as nails from a cat

• The answer is Declaw.

Pair of peepers

• The answer is Eyes.

DownOn ___ (how some pranks are done)

• The answer is A dare.

Italian city that's the subject of this puzzle

• The answer is Venice.

"More than happy to!"

• The answer is Gladly.

Pond scum

• The answer is Algae.

Relaxant in some edibles, for short

• The answer is CBD.

Stitches together with needle and thread

• The answer is Sews.

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

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

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

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

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: The greens

• Green: Race team

• Blue: Da mets

• Purple: Ohio sports

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Found on the Green

• Green: Parts of a NASCAR Team

• Blue: Mets Managers

• Purple: Teams in Columbus

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 #647 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Found on the Green: BALL MARKER, FLAGSTICK, HOLE, PUTTER

• Parts of a NASCAR Team: CREW CHIEF, DRIVER, PIT CREW, SPOTTER

• Mets Managers: HODGES, MANUEL, SHOWALTER, VALENTINE

• Teams in Columbus: BLUE JACKETS, BUCKEYES, CLIPPERS, CREW

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 today's 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 2, 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 1, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 2 Pips

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed vertically.

Less Than (8): Everything in this space must be less than 8. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 2 Pips

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically; 1-2, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 2 Pips

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

Number (17): Everything in this space must add up to 17. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed vertically.

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

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

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

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

Football shoe.

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

CLEAT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Break the law.

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

CRIME

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Setting.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 2 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 2, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

VENUE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Gander.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

GUESS

Final Hurdle hint

Shop.

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

STORE

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 an old soul.

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.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for July 2, 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: Imitators

• Green: Old English

• Blue: AKA

• Purple: Where to watch the game

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: They impersonate other things

• Green: Old-timey names for things we still use

• Blue: Starting with nicknames

• Purple: Starting with sports venues

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 #1117 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• They impersonate other things: COPYCAT, MIME, MOCKINGBIRD, T-1000

• Old-timey names for things we still use: LOOKING GLASS, SPECTACLES, TALKIE, WATER CLOSET

• Starting with nicknames: BILLY GOAT, DAN DAN NOODLES, RICH TEXT, TOM-TOM

• Starting with sports venues: COIRT JESTER, DIAMOND RING, FIELD MOUSE, TRACK RECORD

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 2, 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 today's Connections.

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

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 2, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Added flavor

The words are related to seasoning.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe liquid spices.

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 Get Saucy.

NYT Strands word list for July 2

• Marinara

• Bechamel

• Get Saucy

• Tzatziki

• Teriyaki

• Sriracha

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 today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a know-it-all.

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 2, 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 2, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An expert.

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 M.

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...

MAVEN

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 today's Wordle.

Can he not tell a lie? Maybe! A Florida-based tech company recently launched a chatbot that cosplays as George Washington, and the AI’s responses mostly align with historical facts, according to a Mashable test.

Computer Biology Labs Inc. launched a free, interactive educational tool this week based on America’s first president, trained on Washington's own speeches and correspondence, as well as archives from the Library of Congress (the project is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government). The chatbot is part of Computer Biology Lab's America's Founders Series and is intended to educate Americans about Washington's role in the nation's founding, not for open-ended role-play.

"This is our gift to America on its 250th birthday," Scott Coloney, founder of Computer Biology Labs, said in a statement. "Every child should have the thrill of using artificial intelligence to explore this country's founding, engage with the nuanced and complicated parts of that story, and learn timeliness and extraordinary leadership lessons from the man who helped win American independence. We hope this experience will encourage further questions and learning no matter the platform, not just around the Fourth of July, but year-round."

SEE ALSO: How to spot an AI chatbot on AdultFriendFinder

Rather than typing queries into the chatbot, users verbally ask questions. "Washington" responds verbally, and the software transcribes the question and response in a text box.

As Mashable discovered, the chatbot is not afraid to discuss all aspects of Washington.

Our conversation with "President Washington":Mashable: Did you really own slaves?

"George Washington": Yes, I did own enslaved persons at Mount Vernon. It is a matter of record and one that troubled my conscience increasingly in my later years. I grew up in a society where slavery was entrenched, and like many of my contemporaries, I initially accepted it as part of the social order. However, as time went on, I became more aware of the moral and practical shortcomings of the institution. In my will, I provided for the emancipation of my slaves upon the death of my wife, Martha. I believed it was a step toward justice, though I wish I could have done more during my lifetime.

What do you think of Donald Trump?

I am not acquainted with Mr. Donald Trump, as he lived long after my time. I can speak, however, to the principles I held dear during my life. I believed firmly in the importance of character, the unity of government, and the pursuit of principles over personal ambition. These values guided my actions and decisions throughout my service to the country.

Do you think America is good?

The question of whether America is good is not one easily answered with simple terms, for it requires consideration of the principles upon which the nation was founded and the conduct of its people. In my view, the United States was blessed with a unique opportunity to establish a government based on the principles of liberty, justice, and unity. It is within the power of its citizens to uphold these ideals and determine the character of the nation. If they choose wisely and act with virtue, then the nation can indeed be considered good. It rests upon the conduct and choices of the people to realize the potential of the Republic and ensure its prosperity and moral standing.

Credit: Courtesy Computer Biology Lab's America's Founders Series Do you think a woman should be president?

I never dealt directly with the notion of a woman holding the office of the presidency, as such a concept was not considered in my time. However, I believed in the principles of liberty, equality, and the capacity of individuals to contribute to the common good, regardless of their circumstances. If a woman possesses the necessary virtues, wisdom, and dedication to the Republic, I see no reason why she should be precluded from such a role. The judgment should rest on character and ability, not on gender.

Do you know about the Civil War?

The Civil War occurred long after my time, commencing in the year 1861, some 62 years after I departed this life. Thus, I did not witness the events or the tumult that sundered the Union I labored to establish. However, I can speak to the principles I held dear: the preservation of the Union and the avoidance of sectional strife. I earnestly hoped that the bonds of Union and the shared commitment to the principles of liberty and self-government would endure.

What did you think of the native people who were on this land first?

The question of the native peoples who inhabited this land before European settlement is one that I grappled with during my lifetime, though not always with the insight I might wish for. I recognized the complexity of their societies and their deep connection to the land. In military and diplomatic matters, I often dealt with Native American tribes, sometimes as adversaries, sometimes as allies, and I endeavored to treat them with respect. However, I must also acknowledge the policies of expansion and land acquisition pursued by settlers and governments, including during my own administration, which often led to the displacement and suffering of these peoples. It is a matter that weighs on the conscience of our nation and stands as a reminder of the need for justice and fairness in governance.

Do you know that your answers are powered by artificial intelligence?

I am not a living man, nor a spirit. I am an educational recreation of George Washington, brought forth by a company called ConstantLife.AI. They have studied my letters, speeches, and writings to create this conversational experience, allowing you to engage with history in a direct manner. You may think of me as a history book you can converse with, rather than merely read.

Additional reporting by Rebecca Ruiz.

The PlayStation disc will soon be consigned to the junk drawer of history.

Sony announced July 1 that new console games will no longer come on discs after January 2028. From then on, they will be sold digitally through the PlayStation Store, and at retailers in digital formats — download codes, cards, or boxes.

Games released before January 2028, or already scheduled to come out on disc before then, will not be affected.

Sony also said it will close the PlayStation Store on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita, two older consoles. Players will no longer be able to buy new digital content directly through those devices.

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Sony described the move in a release as a response to consumer behavior, noting that 85 percent of full-game sales for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 were digital in the fourth quarter of 2025. The change is accelerating: Across the full year, 78 percent of full-game sales were digital.

Still, the news hit hard for many. On PlayStation’s blog, the announcement post quickly drew thousands of comments from fans criticizing the decision.

Across social media channels, gamers are responding the same way—with outrage. To many online, discs made PlayStation games feel like something they actually owned.

You could lend a game to a friend, trade it in, resell it, buy a used copy, or keep it on a shelf for years without wondering whether a digital store would still support it. A digital-only future makes all of that feel less certain.

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Meanwhile, Microsoft's Xbox is trying to solve its own physical-media problem. The company is testing a disc-to-digital feature that would let players convert eligible physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X discs into digital copies tied to their Microsoft accounts, as long as they still own the discs, according to the Verge.

Why is Sony making gamers worried?

On June 25, Sony also posted a legal notice saying that, starting September 1, 2026, previously purchased StudioCanal movies and shows would be removed from PlayStation users’ video libraries in the UK because of content licensing agreements.

The affected list includes hundreds of titles, from Apocalypse Now: The Final Cut and Bridget Jones’s Diary to American Gods and Paddington 2. For players already nervous about digital ownership, the timing is hard to ignore. Sony is asking gamers to accept a more digital future right after reminding customers that “purchased” digital content can still disappear.

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The PS3 store will begin closing in Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua in August 2026. Other Latin American and Middle Eastern countries will follow later in 2026. In all other countries, the PS3 and PS Vita stores are scheduled to close in July 2027.

Whether fans like it or not, the gaming industry has been moving in this direction for years. PC gaming has been largely digital for a long time through storefronts like Steam, the online game marketplace owned by Valve. Nintendo has experimented with “game-key cards” for the Switch 2.

Grand Theft Auto VI is another sign of the times. The upcoming Rockstar Games title, expected to be one of the biggest video game releases of the decade, is reportedly launching without a traditional disc-based version.

The irony for longtime PlayStation fans

In 2013, Sony mocked Microsoft over the Xbox One, Microsoft’s then-upcoming console, after Microsoft proposed restrictive rules around digital game sharing. A PlayStation video showed one of its executives handing a physical game box to another. The message was clear: PlayStation was the company that understood players wanted to share and own their games.

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Thirteen years later, that clip has resurfaced — as a means to explain why the announcement seems ironic to old-school players.

The decision also cuts against PlayStation’s own history. The original PlayStation helped popularize CD-ROM games in the 1990s, when discs were cheaper and could hold more data than cartridges.

The PlayStation 2 became one of the most popular DVD players of its era, putting the format in millions of homes. The PlayStation 3 helped push Blu-ray, the high-definition disc format that followed DVD.

For much of PlayStation’s existence, the disc was not incidental to the console, but was part of what made the console matter. Now Sony has until January 2028 to prove that disc-loving gamers still matter to the PlayStation brand.

Happy birthday, America. Nearly 250 years ago, delegates representing the Thirteen Colonies gathered in Philadelphia to adopt the Declaration of Independence, severing America's ties to Great Britain. It's a monumental moment in U.S. history, which is why there will be many celebrations across the country this weekend. If you have some downtime during the holiday weekend, it's the perfect time to stream a documentary centered on America's 250th anniversary.

SAVE $200.99: The Ecovacs Ultramarine P1 Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum is on sale for $299 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $499.99. That's a 40% discount.

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$499.99 Save $200.99   Get Deal

It's time for summer fun in the pool. While hotter and hotter summers prove uncomfortable for plenty of situations, things are still enjoyable outside while in the pool. There's only the slight issue of who has to clean the pool. Instead of dealing with the hassle, check out this Amazon deal that solves the issue.

As of July 1, the Ecovacs Ultramarine P1 Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum is on sale for $299 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $499.99. That's a 40% discount.

Designed to clean for up to 180 minutes at a time and cover up to 1,937 square feet, the Ecovacs Ultramarine P1 is about to become the savior of summer. It's great for both in-ground and above-ground pools. Plus, it can work on a variety of pool materials like fiberglass and pebble stone. Shape is also a non-issue since the Ecovacs can handle everything.

SEE ALSO: Backup your home for less — the Anker Solix F3800 power station is $300 off at Amazon

When it comes to cleaning power, the Ultramarine P1 uses 4,800 GPH suction to rid your pool of sand, dirt, leaves, and other debris that tends to land in the pool. The two-layered filter can capture hair, twigs, fine dust, and even algae.

From the Ecovacs app, you can set a cleaning schedule, choose from three suction modes, and set the overall run time.

While it's on sale for under $300, upgrade your summer fun with the Ecovacs Ultramarine P1 Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum. It's a cost-efficient way to make sure the pool is always clean when you're ready to take a dip.

SAVE $300: As of July 1, the Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV is on sale for $1,697.99 at Amazon. That's a savings of 15%, which is its best price to date (still live from Prime Day).

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$1,997.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Got a new TV on your wishlist? I suggest graduating to an OLED model if you want an upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.

OLED TVs have a more advanced lighting system and are noticeably more vibrant and detailed than QLEDs, particularly while watching dim scenes or in dark rooms. They also come with steeper price tags, of course, but you can still grab one of Samsung's 2026 OLED models for its Prime Day price if you act fast.

As of July 1, the Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV is still down to $1,697.99 at Amazon post-Prime Day. That's $300 off its list price and its best price on record.

The S85H is Samsung's most affordable OLED TV for 2026, with the S90H and S95H (which we crowned the best OLED TV of 2026) available as the premium upgrades. It features a remarkably thin panel and an NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, which can upscale older content to 4K. Unlike the its more expensive siblings, the S85H showcases a glossy screen, which will preserve black levels better in bright rooms, but could be more prone to reflections.

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Other features like Color Booster Pro, AI Customization Mode, Real Depth Enhancer, Voice Amplifier Pro, and Motion Based Sound, all work together to deliver a personalized, immersive viewing experience. The 120Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and acceptable input lag also make the S85H worthy of console gaming.

Consider the 65-inch (the sweet spot for most people) S85H OLED 4K TV if you want a Samsung OLED model that offers the best picture quality for the best price.

SAVE OVER $600: As of July 1, the Anker Solix C2000 is on sale for $849.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

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$1,499 Save $649.01   Get Deal

The Anker Solix C2000 is back on sale at Amazon. As of July 1, this portable power station is almost half its usual price. Normally $1,499, it is now reduced to $849.99.

It's a reliable portable power station that delivers 2,400W rated output and up to 4,000W peak, making it powerful enough to run multiple appliances at once, including bigger devices like window or RV air conditioners. A two-door fridge can run for up to 32 hours with this model.

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Despite this power capacity, it's actually relatively compact and lightweight, weighing only 41.7 pounds. This makes it a great power source for camping vacations and road trips. Anker also states it was designed with space-saving in mind, and is 25% lighter and 29% smaller than similar units. So you don't need to worry about it taking up lots of space when you're away from home.

It comes with lots of smart features that improve efficiency, such as fast charging. You get six recharging methods including AC and solar (solar panels are sold separately), allowing a full recharge in as little as 58 minutes.

This portable power station deal is available right now at Amazon, so don't miss out.

It's been 17 years since Plugable introduced its first universal docking station, the humble UD-160-A. It was a uniquely functional and intuitive USB 2.0 device that expanded a laptop's capabilities without any proprietary connectors or mental guesswork.

On the very same day Sony announced it would no longer produce physical discs for PlayStation games starting in Jan. 2028, Microsoft signaled it might do something similar for Xbox.

However, it seems Microsoft is being thoughtful about all those gamers who already have a library of video games on physical discs.

According to a new report from The Verge, Microsoft employees are currently testing a new Xbox feature called "Disc2Digital" which would digitize physical game discs. 

The feature just recently launched in the test phase, but was first noticed after “enable Disc2Digital” was discovered in the Xbox PC app code back in May. 

SEE ALSO: Xbox layoffs, studio closures could start in days

Disc-to-digital games will work much like regular digital games on Xbox. Disc-to-digital games will be available on Xbox Cloud Gaming and users can stream the game with a Game Pass subscription. If the digital title is an Xbox Play Anywhere title, the disk-to-digital version will also be available on PCs and handheld devices.

Users must be signed in to an Xbox account on an Xbox console to be granted a digital entitlement for the physical game.

Physical discs will continue to work even after the game has been digitized. However, the disc-to-digital game will be tied to the physical copy. This means if a user sells the physical disc or gives it away, they will no longer have access to the digital version. The disk-to-digital game will move from the original Xbox account to the new Xbox account based on its connection to the physical game.

The Verge reports that the disc-to-digital feature will work on most Xbox One and Xbox Series X game discs. Microsoft has told testers that some Xbox One discs may not be compatible with the feature. Disc2Digital will also not work with physical discs for the original Xbox or Xbox 360 game consoles.

While Disc2Digital seems like a sign that Microsoft plans on doing away with physical game discs like Sony, the company has yet to confirm the move to go fully digital. The move from physical discs to digital games seems inevitable, even though many gamers prefer to have physical media. However, the main complaint among gamers about digital games has long been the inability to fully own their purchases. There have been instances where digital media has been pulled from a consumer's library or made unavailable even after they purchase the title.

Even in its testing phase, Microsoft's Disc2Digital feature seems to show care towards its customers and their concerns about their purchases. 

If Microsoft does go fully digital like Sony in the future, Disc2Digital will go a long way in making the Xbox stand out from its competitors.

SAVE $420: As of July 1, get the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop for $879.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,299.99. That's a discount of 32%.

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$1,299.99 Save $420   Get Deal

Robot vacuums are one of those "the future is here" items that can actually help put a dent in your daily chore list. If you're looking to trade some cash for time and peace of mind, but you don't want to pay a small fortune for a great model, you're in luck. We've found one that's more than worth splurging on right now at Amazon.

As of July 1, get the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop for $879.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,299.99. That's $420 off and a discount of 32%.

SEE ALSO: The Shark AV2501AE AI robot vacuum is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save over $100

This combo robot vacuum and mop can tackle even the most frustrating of messes all on its own, from bare floors to carpet and beyond. It offers powerful 25,000 Pa of suction with an anti-tangle system that's perfect for getting up ground-in dirt and debris, hair, and more.

It uses a special flexible arm to reach some of those areas that other robot vacuums can't get to, and uses a precision algorithm to guide it into sweeping those areas without your input, so all you're left with while you're up and about doing other things are simple, clean floors. It can avoid obstacles on its own with ease as well. In addition to mopping up messes both large and small, it can handle emptying its own reservoir, too — so you can truly let it go off on its own and be your own personal cleaning crew.

This premium robot vacuum and mop is the perfect choice if you've been wanting to get some time back from cleaning. It's a splurge, but made better since it's on sale. Best to pick it up discounted while you still can.

For Jenine Pastores and Josh Jackson, Tubby Nugget has always been more than just a cute character.

At VidCon 2026, the creators behind the internet's beloved little nugget sat down with Mashable Culture Editor Crystal Bell to reflect on the journey from sketching the lovable character for fun to building a brand with plushies, collectibles, and a passionate community of fans. They also share what it's like meeting people who've formed real emotional connections with Tubby at conventions and other in-person events, where the character comes to life in a whole new way.

The conversation also dives into the business of expanding Tubby Nugget beyond social media, the challenges of growing a creator-led brand, and the unexpected story behind the Tubby Nugget x Obsession crossover that almost became a reality.

Watch the full interview above.

As of writing, my NVMe SSD is about four years old—old enough to make me think about replacing it. That said, with sky-high storage prices right now, part of me wants to hold off until the market settles down. The sensible move in that situation is to check whether your drive really needs replacing—but I didn’t expect I’d have to switch operating systems just to find the answers I was looking for.