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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

Lightheaded.

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

DIZZY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Wrote out.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 23, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SPELT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A portion.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 23, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SHARE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Raunchy.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 23 Hurdle Word 4 answer

SAUCY

Final Hurdle hint

To pry open.

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

JIMMY

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

As Republicans in Congress push to pass Donald Trump’s so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" by July 4, the Senate parliamentarian has been quietly reviewing its sweeping provisions. While some controversial items — like proposed SNAP spending cuts — have been removed, one surprising element has remained intact: a 10-year moratorium blocking states from regulating artificial intelligence.

SEE ALSO: Congress passes ‘Take It Down’ Act to fight AI-fueled deepfake pornography

According to Senate Budget Committee Democrats, the Senate parliamentarian said that the AI moratorium complies with the special budgetary rules Republicans are using to advance the bill. If passed, the measure would bar states from enforcing new AI regulations for a decade and would penalize those that do by withholding federal broadband funding.

The provision isn’t final yet — it can still be challenged on the Senate floor and only needs a simple majority vote to be struck from the bill. Still, it has drawn bipartisan backlash. Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, notably, admitted she hadn’t read the bill and said she would have voted against it had she known the provision was included.

If the spending package passes as is, it would mark a major win for tech companies eager to avoid a fragmented landscape of state-level AI laws. With no sweeping federal AI framework in place, states have been left to navigate a complex mix of data privacy, copyright, and algorithmic governance issues on their own. This moratorium would effectively freeze those efforts in their tracks.

So far, 47 out of 50 US states have either enacted or proposed some form of AI legislation, reflecting broad, bipartisan concern over the technology’s unchecked growth. More than 200 state lawmakers from both parties have urged Congress to scrap the moratorium, warning it could override a wide range of consumer protection laws.

These include regulations aimed at safeguarding children’s online safety, addressing harms from generative AI, and overseeing how governments adopt and deploy AI systems.

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Opens in a new window Credit: SwiftScan SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription AU$64
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This app is more than just a document scanner

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SwiftScan also saves and organizes your scans in folders. If you ever need an older scan, the app includes OCR technology that makes them easily searchable later without endless scrolling.

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

Apple may have stayed quiet on the AI front during its WWDC 2025 keynote, but behind the scenes, the company is actively exploring new moves in the space.

SEE ALSO: A foldable Apple iPhone is nearly ready for production, new leak reveals

According to Bloomberg, Apple has held early internal discussions — led by its head of mergers and acquisitions — about a possible acquisition of Perplexity AI, the AI-powered search startup founded by Aravind Srinivas. While no formal offers have been made, top Apple executives have considered multiple scenarios involving the company.

One option is a partnership that would integrate Perplexity’s technology into iOS to power a native AI search experience. Another possibility is a full acquisition, which would allow Apple to integrate Perplexity’s AI directly into Siri or a broader Apple-run search platform.

The report also notes that acquiring Perplexity could give Apple a strategic fallback if its multibillion-dollar search deal with Google — worth billions annually to keep Chrome the default search engine on iOS — is forced to end by a court order.

Regardless, the move would be a strategic win for Apple, which continues to trail behind rivals like Google and Meta in the AI race. At WWDC, Apple once again avoided giving any concrete timeline for the rollout of its much-hyped Apple Intelligence update for Siri. Rumors suggest the company is significantly behind schedule, with doubts growing about whether the revamped Siri will be ready by the end of the year.

Thousands of people have watched Ronica Rupan make her Cucumber Lime Mint Aqua Fresca, her Lemon Ginger Turmeric Wellness Shots, and her Citrus Herb Fire Sauce. Her fans are obsessed with her videos showing exactly how she makes her sleepy girl mocktail and her jerk roasted cauliflower, and that's not just because the recipes are great — it's because the food looks delicious and her video quality is that of a studio.

At VidCon 2025's Meta Night Out, we sat down with Rupan to find out exactly what she uses to create content for her 508,000 Instagram followers, 127,100 TikTok followers, and 47,200 YouTube subscribers.

Sony FX30 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon / Sony Sony Cinema Line FX30 Super 35 Camera Shop Now

Ronica actually has two Sony FX30s, which she sets up in her kitchen on tripods.

"Because I film everything and edit everything on my own, and it's all food content, I need to capture all the shots at once," she told Mashable.

Aperture 300 light

She uses two lights — an aperture 300 light and a soft box — to ensure her food looks as good as it tastes.

"You gotta capture that cheese pull," she said.

DJI Osmo Opens in a new window Credit: DJI / Amazon DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Shop Now

She'll also include shots from her DJI Osmo camera, which she likes because it can capture a wide variety of angles.

Adobe Premiere Pro

Ronica said she edits everything on her desktop in Premiere— even content that's intended for short-form video.

"Even when I edit something short, I'm still very desktop," she said, adding that even if she gets footage from her Meta glasses, which she occasionally uses, she'll upload that to her laptop for editing, too.

Mashable was live at the Anaheim Convention Center this week, covering VidCon 2025. Check out our coverage of your favorite creators, the latest trends, and how creators are growing their followings, their influence, and making a living online at Mashable.com.

Brooke Ashley Hall has 1.3 million followers on Instagram, 14.9 million followers on TikTok, and 232,000 subscribers on YouTube, which might make you think she has a full production team at her disposal, but not quite. Her husband Marco Hall helps produce her work, and her son said he works as part of her "ideation team."

"We've gotta keep Gen A out here," Hall joked at VidCon 2025.

We sat down with the beauty and lifestyle creator at Meta Night Out to chat about everything she needs to get her work done. Spoiler alert: She says the most important item she brings is "the personality." She edits on Final Cut Pro on her computer, and uses Photoshop to edit her photos, but when it comes to hardware, here are the three items she uses most.

DJI drone

Hall and her husband say she shoots everything on her iPhone and a DJI drone.

"Depending on which content, if you're thinking about, like, the aesthetic videos, I use my iPhone, believe it or not. And a drone," Hall said.

Sony ZV-1 camera

"I do use a Sony ZV-1 (camera for content creators and vloggers) for vlogging, but not for more aesthetic videos." She adds that she shot on her iPhone a video of her walking down stairs in a robe — the video garnered 19.6 million views.

The "Alix Earle light"

As Mashable has previously reported, "TikTok creator Alix Earle first recommended this simple clip-on camera light in a 2022 video, and it's been an Amazon bestseller ever since." Hall is a fan of it, too.

"We've had it forever, but it's the one that clips on the front of your phone," Hall said, adding that she keeps one in her pocket. "It's great that [Alix Earle] made it so popular."

Mashable was live at the Anaheim Convention Center this week, covering VidCon 2025. Check out our coverage of your favorite creators, the latest trends, and how creators are growing their followings, their influence, and making a living online at Mashable.com.

Nicole Laeno is just 19 years old, but she has somehow managed to amass a pretty astonishing online community, with 5.7 million followers on TikTok, 3.7 million subscribers on YouTube, and 1.9 million followers on Instagram. And she's done it thoughtfully, with care, and with all the right tech.

At VidCon 2025's Meta Night Out, Laeno told Mashable that she shoots most of her content on her phone.

"My phone is always a great tool," she said. She uses both the front and back camera, but says the back camera has "better quality" and says using 0.5 is "great to capture." She edits her photos directly on her camera roll because it's "super quick and easy," and her content on Instagram's Edits.

Nicole Laeno attends Meta Night Out at VidCon 2025. Credit: Mashable

She found that mics and tripods from Amazon work just fine, but there are two investment cameras she can't make content for her millions of fans and followers without.

Canon PowerShot V1 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon / Canon Canon PowerShot V1 Shop Now

She loves the Canon PowerShot V1 for plenty of reasons, but points to the fuzz microphone — a built-in three-microphone array — as one of the specs she adores.

Canon EOS R50 V Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon / Canon Canon EOS R50 V Shop Now

She says her EOS R50 V is "really cool" because it has a "vertical tripod." This camera is designed specifically for vloggers and content creators, so it's no surprise that the dedicated vertical tripod mount is an addition Laeno loves.

She uses her phone for more casual recording and the Canon cameras for "higher-quality, more produced content."

Mashable was live at the Anaheim Convention Center this week, covering VidCon 2025. Check out our coverage of your favorite creators, the latest trends, and how creators are growing their followings, their influence, and making a living online at Mashable.com.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, June 22, 2025:

AcrossMan's name with the same two vowels as BOAT, fittingly

• The answer is Noah.

Watch in one sitting, as a TV series

• The answer is Binge.

Mammal that cracks open sea urchins with rocks

• The answer is Otter.

Publicist's concern

• The answer is Brand.

Chooses, with "for"

• The answer is Opts.

DownLike some cold brew coffee

• The answer is Nitro.

How beer may be served

• The answer is On tap.

One helping to seal the deal

• The answer is Agent.

Groups of buffalo

• The answer is Herds.

___ the Drag Queen, "RuPaul's Drag Race" winner who competed on "The Traitors"

• The answer is Bob.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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 the latest Mini Crossword.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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 today: Hints and answers for June 22 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's The Mini crossword answers for June 22, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A hum.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

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...

THRUM.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 22

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

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

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

Did you go to the zoo 20 years ago? Over 364 million people did.

On April 23, 2005, YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim stood in front of the elephants at the San Diego Zoo, recorded some light commentary, and posted it to YouTube. It was the first ever video uploaded to the platform. Originally conceived as a dating site, YouTube instead ushered in a new digital world: one of abundant content, influencers and creators, algorithmic obsession, the viral spread of disinformation, and a society increasingly shaped by metrics — likes, shares, and views.

SEE ALSO: VidCon 2025: YouTube legends Hank Green, Rosanna Pansino, and Dr. Pimple Popper reflect on how the platform has changed

Its impact is so vast that it's difficult to measure. Last year alone, the video-sharing platform brought in $36.15 billion in ad revenue, according to Variety. At VidCon 2025, YouTube’s VP of Creator Products, Amjad Hanif, shared that roughly 20 million videos are uploaded to the platform every day. 

YouTube wasn’t the first social media site. Platforms like GeoCities, Classmates.com, SixDegrees.com, Friendster, and MySpace all predate it. But those sites functioned like static digital places for users to present personal information or to find people they already knew in real life. There was no algorithm, and certainly no "content" in the way we understand it today. YouTube, in its early days, was similar. Yet somehow it not only endured but flourished, shifted the fabric of our communication, and democratized the ability for documentary filmmakers, comedians, and artists to make their work. What was once a place designed for dating has become a mass of monetization and the home of the $250 billion creator economy. 

How did we get here? And, 20 years later, what comes next?

The first creator economy

YouTube didn’t just host videos; it created the first true creator economy, giving rise to a generation of influencers who could actually make a living from their work. Yes, people were making videos before YouTube, but traditional media had high walls. Hollywood gatekeepers controlled who got to be seen, heard, and paid. YouTube blew that model wide open. 

"The reason YouTube has outlasted almost every other platform, or stayed the distance, is that when it comes to longform video, it's very simple — it's not just a content platform, it's a creator economy backbone," Matt Navarra, a social media expert, told Mashable. "While other platforms were following trends, YouTube built infrastructure."

Google acquired YouTube in 2006, and, once YouTube became part of the largest and most powerful search engine in the world, it had a pretty spectacular amount of resources, traffic, and money at its disposal — and it gave some of those resources, traffic, and money to its users. 

SEE ALSO: Creators share their secrets for maximizing income with YouTube Shopping

In 2007, YouTube launched the YouTube Partner Program, introducing creator payouts, which Mark Bergen, a journalist and author of Like, Comment, Subscribe: How YouTube Drives Google's Dominance and Controls Our Culture, argues effectively invented the idea of the content creator as a profession. Users began relying on the platform to make an income, and that financial incentive made creators loyal; few were eager to abandon a platform that paid them, especially when rivals couldn’t offer the same. More than that, new creators began flooding the YouTube system, hoping to experience the same freedom and fame available to them only on the platform. 

But long before the paychecks and polished production came the passion. Early creators like John and Hank Green weren’t chasing clout or a paycheck — because neither really existed yet. "When we started, there was no way to make money and there was also no status tied to it," Hank Green later recalled during VidCon 2025's "YouTube Legends" panel. That was part of the appeal. "Nobody [was] getting paid well, but everybody's together, loving it, and community, it turns out, is more important for happiness than money. I miss those days when I was making $20,000 a year with a bunch of nerds who didn’t expect that it would ever become a cultural force or phenomenon," he said. "But I’m also very happy that there is an opportunity for really talented people who would never be able to have creative careers, to have those careers now."

YouTube has "figured out the creator economy and has had a lock on that for nearly 20 years. Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, everyone's tried and failed to come anywhere close to that," Bergen told Mashable. He said none of the other platforms "have built out just this size and scale of an actual digital economy and a workforce."

Navarra pointed out that the early YouTubers — creators like John and Hank Green, Rhett & Link, Grace Helbig, and Tyler Oakley, many of whom were inducted into the inaugural VidCon Hall of Fame this year — didn't only create content, but they built empires, aided by YouTube's global reach and monetization tools. Navarra said it set the "gold standard" for creator sustainability.

Videos don't just trend, they rank — and that's a superpower that no one else has quite matched in the same way. - Mark Bergen, journalist and author

A big part of this success is due to discoverability, which didn't happen independently. 

"That's a major reason why you have all these incentives for people to keep posting, to keep upping the production value, to keep trying to become an influencer and creator, because you can make a living or aspire to make a living. And you can't discount the fact that it's been part of Google," Bergen said.

That integration gave YouTube a unique edge. As Navarra put it, "Videos don't just trend, they rank — and that's a superpower that no one else has quite matched in the same way."

Of course, being the first had its drawbacks. YouTube had to confront the growing pains of content creation before anyone else, especially when it came to moderation. Its policies evolved over time, and other platforms often followed its lead, though not without controversy.

"YouTube has been the canary in the coal mine for content moderation at scale because it faced existential threats earlier than most platforms," Navarra said. And it's true. In the early days, YouTube focused on removing videos that violated its guidelines related to nudity, graphic violence, and hate speech. But as the platform matured, so did its approach. It had to make room for content with educational, documentary, or artistic value, and later, make calls on videos in the public interest, like campaign content from electoral candidates that violated its own policies.

"YouTube has become one of the most brand-safe video or social platforms, which is why advertisers still spend big there despite their size and complexity," Navarra said, adding that while they "haven't been without their failures," they have still fared "better than most platforms across the longer time frame."

What's next? Short-form vs. long-form, AI, and TV

YouTube was a pioneer in online video, but it seemed caught off guard when TikTok made short-form vertical video the dominant format. TikTok entered the U.S. market in 2018, prompting YouTube to respond with Shorts in 2019. Instagram quickly followed with Reels in 2020.

YouTube Shorts now averages over 200 billion daily views, Hanif said during a YouTube Keynote at VidCon 2025, intended to celebrate its 20th anniversary. That's a huge number, but it isn't necessarily representative culturally. It's more of a "functional tool that hasn't found its soul or character or purpose as much as other platforms have in terms of short-form video," Navarra said.

"It works on paper: the views are huge, the monetization has improved, but culturally, TikTok owns the vibe. The issue is more perception… YouTube's DNA is in storytelling and depth… If YouTube can crack cultural relevance with Shorts and not just scale, then it becomes fairly unbeatable," Navarra said.

And while plenty of people watch YouTube Shorts, viewers are leaning more towards long-form video on YouTube — and they're watching it on their TVs.

"More and more when people say they're watching TV, they're watching YouTube," Hanif said at VidCon. 

Gwen Miller, the senior director of growth at Mythical Entertainment, noted during a VidCon panel that this trend bodes well for creators. Longer watch times on TVs mean viewers are more likely to sit through ads, which leads to greater earnings for creators.

SEE ALSO: AI actors and deepfakes aren't coming to YouTube ads. They're already here.

Content isn’t the only thing changing on YouTube, and AI is quickly becoming a driving force behind where the platform is headed next.

"In terms of AI and YouTube's future, if you look where YouTube is heading, AI is central," Navarra said. "It's not a gimmick but as a growth engine. The platform's big advantage isn't just the size and age, it's the way it quietly builds the most advanced tools for creators anywhere else on the internet."

And YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced last week at the Cannes Lions 2025 Festival of Creativity that Veo 3, the latest model of Google DeepMind’s video generation model, which allows you to create AI-generated backgrounds and video clips, is coming to YouTube Shorts later this summer.

Autodubbing, an AI tool that allows creators to dub their videos in other languages, is currently available in nine languages and will soon be available in 20 languages, Hanif said. Kevin Allocca, YouTube’s global director of culture and trends, said at VidCon that 52 percent of 14 to 24-year-olds in the U.S. have watched content or creators that have been translated from another language. For instance, MrBeast dubs his videos in 16 different languages, including Japanese, French, Hindi, and Spanish, which have garnered him massive followings internationally.

The idea that AI is central to the future of creation isn't something YouTube is alone in predicting. In 2023, Ollie Forsyth, the founder of New Economies, found that 33 percent of creators used AI. That number has jumped to 80 percent in 2025, in large part due to the importance of language dubbing. During Forsyth's talk "Mapping the Modern Creator Economy: Trends, Tensions, and What Comes Next" at VidCon this year, he argued that every creator is going to have to be AI-focused because AI agents will be able to allow creators to be truly flexible and more efficient. It'll help them free up the time they spend on admin, finances, brand partnerships, marketing, and more as startups use AI to solve these problems. 

If history is any indication of the future, it might be more helpful to look at this from a different perspective — it isn't necessarily guessing what the future of YouTube will look like, but more knowing that whatever future is chosen will be mirrored across every other social media platform.

For years, Google released the latest version of Android in the third quarter of the year, usually toward the end of summer or the beginning of autumn. Android 16 was instead launched much earlier, so it’s already out in the wild. That means folks with modern smartphones can expect it sooner rather than later. 

In general, you should always accept official updates. Not only do you get the latest features, but you also get security updates that keep your phone safe. So, if you decide to take the update for no other reason, that alone should be good enough. While Google I/O 2025, the Android I/O Show, and the developer's beta gave us a pretty good peek at the future of Android, I've been testing out the new update now that it's officially here.

So, if you want to get excited about fresh, new features, I have some cool new stuff to share. If you’re waiting to push the update button, here are some features that Google has packed into Android 16 that may help convince you to go through with it. 

Material 3 Expressive Credit: Google

Let’s start with what you’re most likely to see first, and that’s Android 16’s new Material 3 Expressive UI update. This introduces a host of adaptive and responsive UI elements to the OS, from buttons that jiggle when you interact with them to app controls that are more colorful and dynamic than their more static predecessors. 

You can find some examples in Google’s video for it, but it’s all pretty well thought out. It won’t change the functionality of anything, but by giving everything a fresh coat of paint and a more responsible nature, it definitely makes Android 16 feel different from Android 15, and that’ll become even more apparent once more apps support the new UI. 

Adaptive apps make foldables even cooler Credit: Google

Speaking of apps, Google put some sauce in Android 16 to make those work better, too. This one won’t be readily apparent yet as developers need time to integrate it, but the idea is neat. Google calls it Adaptive Apps, and the idea is for app developers to make their apps for a variety of screen sizes instead of just one. Now that we’re in the era of foldables, a developer making a mobile-only UI for their apps is much more noticeable, and Adaptive Apps fixes that issue. 

The idea is pretty simple. Apps would look normal on a typical smartphone display, but would automatically spread out over the width of the screen if you use them on a tablet or a foldable. This solves one of the largest pain points with larger displays in that mobile-only apps still only function one way. Like Material 3 Expressive, app developers will need some time to get this going, but once they do, it’ll look awesome. 

Live update notifications (and stacked notifications) Credit: Google

One of my favorite things about Android updates every year is the improvements to notifications. For Android 16, there are two. The first is what Google calls live update notifications, or “consistent progress notifications” if you look at the API. These notifications give you real-time notifications that deliver constant updates. This was made for cases like when ordering Doordash and the notification will show you the driver’s progress without needing to open the app. There are likely other use cases as well and developers have free rein to use it. 

The other improvement is auto-grouping notifications. These take notifications from the same app and stack them up in a single notification so you don’t have to flick away two, three, or even more notifications from the same app. This simplifies the notification shade by reducing the total number of notifications when the same app is sending a bunch of them, which I personally can’t wait to see. 

Desktop windows Credit: Google

With Android 16, Google introduced desktop windows to the experience. These will likely be used most often on larger screens like computers or tablets, but it brings Android one step closer to the other OS that uses windows. You know the one. In any case, this will definitely play with Samsung’s DeX mode. It isn’t available yet, but will be later this year, but people were able to try it out with the QPR1 Beta 2 build earlier this year. 

In addition, larger displays got more love from Google. External display support has been improved as a function of Android 16 actually having a real desktop mode now. This will make using your devices on larger screens with peripherals like keyboards and mice much better, and gives you yet another way to use your device in a different way. 

More security protections if you want them Credit: Google

Security is always a main focus with a major Android update, and Android 16 is no different. Google added a few new tools to help you stay safe and private. One is called Identity Check, which forces biometrics when accessing specific settings and features outside of trusted locations. For example, if your phone is stolen and taken elsewhere, they won’t be able to access your password autofill without your fingerprint. 

The other big addition is Advanced Protection, which basically acts like Windows Defender. It’s a built-in security suite that can identify harmful apps, protect from online attacks, and even block spam calls. Finally, there is also the Safety Check feature in the Personal Safety app that lets you check in with your loved ones if you’re at risk of personal injury or going somewhere by yourself. 

Better accessibility, especially for hearing aids Credit: Google

Accessibility also got a pretty big boost, which is exciting for those with impairments. Functionally, the one we think most people will use is the improved support for hearing devices in the call app. This adds support for more hearing device brands and lets you use LE Audio devices more easily during calls. 

In addition, you can use your Android 16 phone as a microphone input for your LEA hearing aids and also adjust the ambient volume for LE Audio hearing devices, allowing you to manage your hearing device much more effectively. Android 16 also includes native support for Auracast broadcast audio, which allows Bluetooth LE Audio devices to connect to multiple sources, which can be a boon for the hearing impaired as well. 

Credit: Google

These are just some of the highlights of Android 16. We didn’t even mention the app drawer blurring, APV codec support, and the variety of improvements that are coming to Pixel devices, like the hybrid auto exposure feature. It’s not the largest Android update we’ve ever seen, but it’s got plenty of neat stuff to check out as soon as you hit that update button. 

TL;DR: Never run out of things to watch with BitMar Streaming Content Finder, now only $14.99 with code BITMAR5 through July 20.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription $14.99
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If you’re planning on cranking the AC and spending a lot of time inside this summer, you’re going to need something to watch. BitMar Streaming Content Finder is up to the challenge.

This streaming content finder helps you find movies, shows, music, and more, and you can get a lifetime subscription for less than the price of a month with other streamers — just $14.99 — with code BITMAR5 through July 20.

This AI-powered search tool unlocks a world of free content

Tired of juggling multiple streaming subscriptions? BitMar Streaming Content Finder lets you unlock a lifetime of free entertainment for just $15 — no more jumping from one streamer to another. This AI-powered tool serves up millions of free movies, shows, videos, music, and more, all in one convenient place.

BitMar is a smart, Bing-powered search engine with a user-friendly interface that scours the internet to find you free content from around the world. All of it will be ad-free — a major plus when streaming from sites like YouTube.

You can stream on up to five devices with this lifetime subscription, so you can enjoy your finds on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV.

With BitMar, you’re paying for the platform, not the content. But don’t worry — it complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which means this content-finding model allows content creators and owners to monetize via the free traffic BitMar brings them. 

Enjoy millions of things to watch BitMar Streaming Content Finder, now only $14.99 with code BITMAR5 through July 20.

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It's no secret that the Nintendo Switch 2 didn't launch with a whole lot of big, first-party titles right off the jump. For most Switch 2 buyers, Mario Kart World is going to be doing the heavy lifting until we get to the launch of the next big Nintendo game, Donkey Kong Bananza, on July 17.

But in the meantime, there are still quite a few games you can play that aren't Mario Kart, like Cyberpunk 2077 and Fast Fusion. I think that one of those other games may fly under the radar, though, and it really shouldn't, because it's great, and it's only $10. It's called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and after playing through it, I think it's a no-brainer buy for any new Switch 2 owners that are looking for other stuff to check out.

SEE ALSO: The best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories include an irresistible Piranha Plant webcam and an upgraded controller

The basic concept of Switch 2 Welcome Tour is pretty much what it sounds like: You take a tour of the Nintendo Switch 2 console in the style of an interactive museum exhibit. The thing is, I mean that literally — in the game, you'll walk through a gigantic version of the handheld, exploring everything from the Joy-Con controllers, to the display, to the Nintendo Switch 2 camera. You can even go under the hood, checking things out like each Joy-Con's internal chip, cooling vents, and more.

You literally go *inside* the Switch. Credit: Nintendo

Welcome Tour is as fun as it is educational. In each area you venture into, you'll be met with a series of interactive exhibits that are meant teach you about how the Switch 2 works. These activities can take the shape of minigames, tech demos, and quizzes, and delve deeply into features like HD Rumble, mouse controls, and lots more. To get to each area, you're required to visit and check off each piece of the Switch in your Nintendo stamp book, and by the end, you'll know your new console inside and out.

The minigames and demos are super quirky and fun. Credit: Nintendo

It's a blast to play, and I could see a lot of people skipping it because it costs money and isn't being pushed by Nintendo as much as their other upcoming flagship games. Yes, I do think it should be free — PlayStation included Astro's Playroom on every PS5, which was amazing and serves a similar purpose to Welcome Tour — but this is Nintendo, and slapping a price tag on something like this is a very Nintendo thing to do. It's up to you if you're willing to accept that, but my opinion is that even at $9.99, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is worth getting. There's really no better introduction to the newest console on the block.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour' $9.99 at Nintendo
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TL;DR: Let AI work for you with an Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription to this all-in-one platform, 1min.AI, now for just $99 (reg. $540).

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $99.99
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Feeling overwhelmed by the many different AI models and their unique strengths? Let 1min.AI bring them all together and make using AI simple and effortless.

This all-in-one AI tool gives you access to different models in one easy spot, and right now, a lifetime subscription to its Advanced Business Plan can be yours for just $99 (reg. $540).

Simplify your workflow with one all-in-one AI platform

If you haven’t yet explored the power of AI, now’s the perfect time to discover what this technology can do for you. 1min.AI unites major AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Midjourney, Mistral, and more, in one convenient spot.

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TL;DR: Make this MacBook Air your summer travel buddy for just $199.97 (reg. $999) now through July 20.

Got big plans for the summer? When it comes to a laptop that combines power and portability, you can’t beat the MacBook Air. Apple’s lightest laptop doesn’t skimp on performance, and while this model typically comes with a sky-high price tag, right now you can score one for $199.97 through July 20.

Work from anywhere with this lightweight MacBook

Whether you’re taking PTO or plan on sneakily working from the hotel pool, the MacBook Air not only won’t judge — it also won’t give away that you’re out of office. This 2.96-pound sleek, silver laptop can tag along anywhere and boasts 12 hours of battery life on a single charge to keep you going no matter where the day takes you.

This MacBook Air is equipped with a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM to handle all the multitasking you throw at it, and the 13.3-inch widescreen display makes multitasking and media viewing a breeze. Intel HD Graphics 6000 provides crystal-clear visuals, making it great for both working on emails and binge-watching Netflix.

With 128GB of storage, you can keep your most important files saved locally, while still having room to download your favorite apps. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi let you connect your devices and access the internet from anywhere.

You’re getting an $800 discount on this MacBook thanks to its grade A refurbished rating. That means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition, with virtually no signs of prior use, while you enjoy the price drop.

Take work on the go with this MacBook Air, now $199.97 (reg. $999) through July 20, while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) $199.97
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TL;DR: Upgrade your old PC with Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, now just $14.97 (reg. $199) through July 20.

Want your old PC to feel like new again? You don’t have to go out and buy a whole new computer — simply upgrading its operating system breathes new life into an old device. And right now, you can do that for just $14.97 with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license. But act fast — this deal only runs through July 20.

A new operating system lets an old PC perform some new tricks. And if you have an older device lying around, this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license offers a complete overhaul for just $15.

Modernize your old PC with Windows 11 Pro

Windows 11 Pro is designed for today’s professionals, so whether you use your PC for work or play, you’ll appreciate the new features that simplify your tasks. Enjoy an updated, seamless interface that’s easy to navigate, snap layouts, improved voice typing, and a more powerful search experience.

Since upgrading cybersecurity is essential but often overlooked, Windows 11 Pro handles it for you. This operating system offers advanced security measures, including biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus defenses, all designed to boost your online protection.

This operating system includes some excellent features for your professional life, like Microsoft Teams, Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox. And you’ll have the ability to go mouse and keyboard-free with the touchscreen option.

If you need any help, you’ll have an AI-powered assistant right on your desktop with Copilot. And gamers will love DirectX 12 Ultimate, which provides graphics that make you feel like you’re there.

Note: This operating system requires 4GB RAM and 40GB of hard drive space to run.

Give your PC a revamp with Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, now just $14.97 (reg. $199) through July 20.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $14.97
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TL;DR: Give your PC a productivity boost with this Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license, now just $29.97 (reg. $229) through July 20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97
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Still using free software? If you’ve been getting by with bare-bones word processors or spreadsheet apps, it might be time to upgrade your workflow and invest in a better option.

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 brings back the staples you know and love, and right now, a lifetime license is just $29.97 (reg. $229) through July 20.

Upgrade your PC with these essential Microsoft tools

Work smarter, not harder, with Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019. Free apps are great and all, until you really need to get things done. This Microsoft Office suite includes seven apps, which cost less than $5 each, and you’ll have access for life.

This powerful suite gives you all the tools you need to conquer work, school, and everyday tasks. Draft polished documents with Word, manage your budget in Excel, and create standout presentations in PowerPoint. This license also includes Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, all for one simple, one-time price.

Don’t worry that this version dates back to 2019. It’s actually been redesigned with improved cloud connectivity and enhanced features. You’ll get access to new analysis capabilities in Excel, new presentation tools in PowerPoint, and updated email and contact management features in Outlook.

Note: Make sure you’re running Windows 10 or 11 before purchase, as Windows 7 and 8 won’t support the software.

Upgrade your PC and your workflow with this Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license, now just $29.97 (reg. $229) through July 20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Manchester City vs. Al Ain in the 2025 Club World Cup for free on DAZN. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Club World Cup action continues with a number of exciting games this weekend, including Manchester City vs. Al Ain. All eyes will be on the Al Ain as they look to recover after losing 5-0 to Juventus in their opening game.

If you want to watch Manchester City vs. Al Ain in the 2025 Club World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Manchester City vs. Al Ain?

Manchester City vs. Al Ain in the 2025 Club World Cup kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on June 22. This fixture takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

How to watch Manchester City vs. Al Ain for free

Manchester City vs. Al Ain in the 2025 Club World Cup is available to live stream for free on DAZN.

The Club World Cup is free to stream all around the world, but if you're having problems accessing this streaming platform on your network, you can consider using a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so that you can secure access to free live streams from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free live streams of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup 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 a location with access to DAZN

4. Visit DAZN

5. Stream the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup 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 Manchester City vs. Al Ain in the 2025 Club World Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the Club World Cup 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 DAZN?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on DAZN, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds 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 Manchester City vs. Al Ain in the 2025 Club World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Mexico vs. Costa Rica in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup for free on YouTube. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup action continues with the final round of group-stage fixtures. There are a number of really interesting matchups, including Mexico vs. Costa Rica. Both sides are level on six points after two games, so this is a battle for top spot in Group A.

If you want to watch Mexico vs. Costa Rica in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Mexico vs. Costa Rica?

Mexico vs. Costa Rica in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on June 22. This fixture takes place at the Allegiant Stadium.

How to watch Mexico vs. Costa Rica for free

Mexico vs. Costa Rica in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

These free live stream is not available all around the world, but fans in excluded territories can still watch this game for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with access (like Italy), meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Gold Cup from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup 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 Italy

4. Visit YouTube

5. Live stream the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup 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 the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Mexico vs. Costa Rica (plus the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming services 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 YouTube?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on YouTube, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Italy

• 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 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 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream USA vs. Haiti in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup for free on YouTube. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup action with USA vs. Haiti. USA only need a point to guarantee top spot in Group D, and even that is probably not necessary with their superior goal difference. Haiti need a victory to stand any chance of moving onto the knockout rounds.

If you want to watch USA vs. Haiti in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is USA vs. Haiti?

USA vs. Haiti in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on June 22. This fixture takes place at the AT&T Stadium.

How to watch USA vs. Haiti for free

USA vs. Haiti in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

These free live stream is not available all around the world, but fans in excluded territories can still watch this game for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with access (like Italy), meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Gold Cup from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup 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 Italy

4. Visit YouTube

5. Live stream the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup 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 the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream USA vs. Haiti (plus the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming services 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 YouTube?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on YouTube, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Italy

• 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 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 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup for free with ExpressVPN.