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This was another busy week in tech news, with new hardware from Razer and HyperX, a Linux Mint beta release, another upgrade for Home Assistant, and much more. Here are the biggest stories you might have missed.

If you're using a Linux computer, you may think many games you want to play, especially a vintage classic, is going to require futzing with compatibility layers and other nonsense—if it's playable at all. In reality, right at your fingertips are many fun and free games that emulate the ones you remember.

I have to admit I’m not sold on flip phones. The original Galaxy Z Flip is what first got me excited about foldables, but I didn’t like using it in real life. Since then, I’ve tried several other flip phones from Samsung and Motorola. I’m still not sure if I’m sold, but the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is trying hard to convince me.

Most guys have a love-hate relationship with dating apps. But between work and life, meeting someone organically can feel nearly impossible. That's the promise of online dating — an unlimited number of meet-cutes right to your phone, no serendipity required.

We get it, though. Dating as a man in 2025 is tough. It's not just the pressure to make or the fear of rejection if you do — it's the endless swiping through fake profiles, scammers, AI-generated thirst traps, bots posing as potential matches, relentless Instagram models trying to lure you into their OnlyFans scam, and matches with impossibly high expectations (yes, the "6-6-6 rule" is a real thing).

But despite the challenges, dating apps do work. One 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that one in 10 partnered adults met their significant other through online dating. The numbers are even higher for young people and the LGBTQ+ community.

Don't get discouraged — plenty of men and women are looking for love, friendship, and lust online. Credit: Zain Awais / Mashable

When asked about their experiences with dating apps, 53 percent of users said they had a positive experience, with 14 percent rating it as "very positive." And there's more good news — 57 percent of guys reported positive experiences and results compared to 48 percent of women. Finding that success is just a matter of choosing the best dating app for your needs.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know The best dating apps for guys who know what they want

This guide is your cheat sheet for the best dating apps for men in 2025. We've done the research and found the apps that are actually worth your time. Whether you're looking for something casual or something serious, we have a dating app to recommend.

Pro tip: Don't be afraid to experiment. Try out a few different apps and see what works for you. And most importantly, don't get discouraged! Sometimes, the occasional bad date or disappointing flirtation is just the price you pay to meet the match of a lifetime.

Weddings can be a test on your sanity and bank account, but as a product tester, they're also a ripe time for speaker testing. This year, I married my wife at a family home, which was the most beautiful and memorable backdrop for our wedding. However, it also meant that we didn't have the privilege of a venue with included amenities — in other words, we had to bring everything in ourselves. That's how, one day about two months out from the big day, I panicked, remembering we needed a speaker for the ceremony.

Like any experienced host (and product tester), we have a few Bluetooth speakers around the house, but these devices usually support our parties of 10 to 20 — not 150 people. Plus, we needed a party speaker with wireless microphone compatibility to take us from the ceremony to cocktail hour. That's how I stumbled into the new JBL PartyBox 520.

The 520 is the brand's newest and most expensive party speaker that's hefty but remains wireless and portable. From our bachelorette party to our outdoor wedding, the JBL PartyBox 520 kept the good vibes going all weekend long.

The sound is crisp and booming — indoors or outside The JBL PartyBox 520 delivered great sound in the back room of a bar or against the backdrop of my mother-in-law's gardens. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

No matter where we stationed the JBL PartyBox 520, the sound rang out in clear, well-rounded sound. When in the low-ceilinged back room of a bar for our bachelorette party, we could turn up the volume and have it fill up the space without ever feeling tinny or blown out. However, when we didn't have the acoustics of an indoor space, the speaker still delivered smooth sound.

When we used it in the outdoor garden, the sound was beautiful. It worked equally well on older tracks like God Only Knows by the Beach Boys and modern pop like Love You For A Long Time by Maggie Rogers. And even among the crowd of 150 people who were chatting and mingling during cocktail hour, the speaker was still loud enough to hear the music soundtracking the afternoon.

It has adjustable treble, bass, and echo for audiophiles looking for a specific sound, as well as bass boost for any bass enthusiasts. Not to mention, you can pair multiple 520 speakers together with Auracast for even bigger events.

It runs for hours at a time wirelessly — plus it's waterproof

With an outdoor wedding, we knew we needed the fine balance of a wireless speaker, so that we didn't have to lay a power cord that someone might trip on, that was still big enough to fill the space without having blown out sound. The PartyBox 520 checked all of those boxes, quite literally functioning as the biggest Bluetooth speaker I've ever interacted with.

It runs for up to 15 hours when fully charged. While we didn't need the speaker to run for that long, it did give peace of mind that the speaker wouldn't suddenly kick it mid-vows.

Another factor while partying in the outdoors? Rain. The JBL PartyBox 520 has a waterproof rating of IPX4, designating it as splash-proof. Essentially, that means it's not meant to handle full downpour but a light sprinkle might handle it.

In true New England fashion, our beautiful sunny day turned to a light rain shower in just ten minutes, and thanks to the IPX rating, we didn't have to stress about the water.

With wireless mics, it becomes the ultimate karaoke machine Unfortunately if you want to use mics with the JBL PartyBox 520, you'll need to purchase them separately. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

While looking for a wireless wedding speaker, we had one wild card need, the ability to plug in wireless mics to utilize during our ceremony and for karaoke. Luckily, JBL is well-equipped to handle this with their PartyBox mics that seamlessly connect to the brand's PartyBox speakers. Unfortunately, you do have to buy the mics separately.

On the rear of the JBL PartyBox 520 are to auxiliary inputs for a receiver. It's beyond easy to use the mics with the PartyBox as you just plug in the receiver and turn on the mics. The speaker and microphones work together to bring distinct sounds without any annoying feedback. During our ceremony, the crowd could hear our officiant perfectly; no one yelling to turn up the volume.

The best part is that you can even use multiple mics at a time. This was perfect for our joint bachelorette, where we wanted to do karaoke but the bar didn't have a setup. The JBL PartBox 520 was the perfect answer as it was able to play music and project the mics at the same time, allowing for both solos and duets. During our hours of karaoke, the mics and speakers did have occasional moments of sharp feedback, something to be aware of while using the two close together.

My wife and I dueting 'Silver Springs' on the JBL PartyBox 520. A questionable choice ahead of our wedding. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Added lights and sound effects make it a real party All of the JBL PartyBox 520's controls sit on top of the speaker. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

In addition to the mics, the PartyBox 520 has two standout features to pump things up. It comes with a built-in light display that syncs to whatever music you're playing and performs a little light show. If you're not so into the lights or find it distracting for your event, you can also turn off the light feature.

For those looking to get into the DJ-ing spirit, the JBL PartyBox 520 comes with three built-in sound effects. Are they particularly useful? No. Are they extremely fun to press while you're having a good time and feeling silly? Oh, yeah.

Even with the wheels, it's a heavy lift Wife pictured for scale. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

When you think of a Bluetooth speaker, you're probably thinking of an ultra-portable device that you can move around your home or even toss in a bag to take to your next party. While the PartyBox 520 is a wireless Bluetooth speaker, it is not that. This speaker is a big boy. At 30 inches tall, it's large and stands on its own. But more than its physical size, it's extremely heavy at 64.8 lbs..

Luckily, it does come on wheels with a handle, sort of like a suitcase. It moves easily on smooth surfaces; however, when pushing it over grass or rougher terrain, it tends to stick, and you really feel its weight.

Plus, if you're trying to transport it from place to place, it's a big lift and might not be feasible for the average person.

The price makes it an investment

Another hindrance with the PartyBox 520 is its price. At $879.95, it's quite the investment. If you're just looking for a big Bluetooth speaker, I think there are more affordable options. However, if you're looking for a party speaker that essentially functions as a sound system, it's a great investment.

Is the JBL PartyBox 520 worth it? Is the JBL PartyBox 520 worth it? Depends on what you're looking for. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

If you want to seriously invest in a sound system for your parties, the JBL PartyBox 520 is a great investment, and the best party speaker I've tested to date. It has a dazzling light show that syncs to music and the ability to use mics with it. Not to mention, it delivers really stellar sound with adjustable bass, treble, and echo.

However, if you don't need anything as heavy-duty, there are cheaper and more portable options like the JBL PartyBox 320, which has similar dimensions to the 520 but only weighs 36 pounds instead of 64.

Scientists have discovered a peculiar supernova that may have resulted from a star's misguided attempt to swallow a black hole.

The new case, soon to be published in The Astrophysical Journal, supports the idea that massive stars don't just explode when they get old. Dramatic space collisions may trigger at least some of these fatal blasts, too. 

To find the exotic supernova, dubbed SN 2023zkd, astronomers used a new artificial intelligence algorithm tied to a Slack bot to scan for unusual explosions in real time. Called the Light curve Anomaly Identification and Similarity Search, the tool's prompt notification gave them enough of a lead to plan and execute large telescope observations before the explosion faded out. 

Scientists have used classic AI methods like this for decades to help sift through heaps of data, said V. Ashley Villar, an assistant professor of astronomy at Harvard, especially in the age of robotic telescopes, which spot thousands of flickering lights nightly. But nowadays, generative AI, which can learn from data, is becoming increasingly helpful, said Villar, an author of the paper. 

"Our research group has embraced these new technologies to help us in our daily tasks: classifying stellar explosions, inferring physical properties of stars quickly, and even identifying exciting new systems like 2023zkd," she told Mashable. "We do this by carefully integrating our astrophysical knowledge and sanity-checking responses from AI systems."

SEE ALSO: A star may have survived partial black hole spaghettification

The explosion, about 730 million light-years away from Earth, was first detected in July 2023 by the Zwicky Transient Facility, a robotic telescope partly funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation in California.

What made this event unusual was that it didn't have just one burst of light, but two, spaced about eight months apart. And that wasn't the only surprise. After digging through the archives, researchers found that the source had been gradually increasing in brightness before it detonated. That kind of ramp-up to a supernova is not the status quo, the researchers said.

Half a century ago, black holes were an idea on paper that even leading scientists doubted. Now they’re firmly established in astronomy. The most common type, stellar black holes, form when a massive star ends its life in a supernova, collapsing its remaining material into a dense, compact object, from which no light escapes.

Unlike planets or stars, black holes don't have a surface. Instead, they’re surrounded by an "event horizon," the ultimate point of no return, where anything crossing it is trapped forever by gravity.

Scientists think a star's attempt to swallow a black hole triggered a strange supernova, according to a new study by the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and MIT. Credit: Melissa Weiss / CfA illustration What makes it a weird supernova

It's possible the black hole ravaged the star before it could blast apart. If that were the case, the black hole might have reeled in the stellar material, causing the debris to smash into surrounding gas, which then sparked a supernova emission. 

But the simplest explanation for what happened is that a massive helium-rich star was in a close orbit with a companion black hole, each perhaps 10 times more massive than the sun. When they began to merge, the event triggered the supernova, according to The Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and MIT, who led the study as part of the Young Supernova Experiment. That project is a sky survey to catch the explosions immediately after their onset. 

The AI tool flagged the event months before its most unusual behavior, said Alexander Gagliano, another author of the upcoming paper. 

"Both the star and the black hole 'feel' one another's gravitational pull. In one sense, the black hole is 'swallowed' by the hot gas of the star, which is sloshing around the system," Gagliano told Mashable. "But in another sense, the black hole is responsible for the ultimate destruction of the star." 

How artificial intelligence tools helped

Here's how the LAISS AI tool worked: Each supernova source is broken down by its features, such as its color, duration, and peak brightness, as well as by its host galaxy's characteristics. Those components go into a database for an algorithm to review for events that are statistically abnormal. 

About half of the supernovas it flags are genuinely weird. Another roughly 25 percent turn out to be active supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies, which are not what the researchers are looking for. Though the tool turns up a lot of events they don't want, it at least narrows them down to a more manageable list for further vetting, said Gagliano, an Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions fellow.  

That being said, the new Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which scientists expect will exponentially increase the number of supernova detections, will require even more creative and selective solutions for sorting through the data. 

"More recently, we've been moving to more 'modern' AI methods to extract less interpretable but more flexible features from images of the supernova galaxies," Villar said. 

Fun fact: The LAISS tool also has the capability to find and group similar supernovas. To do this, it relies on ANNOY, an open-source Spotify algorithm — except instead of recommending songs with similar vibes, it suggests astronomical events. 

Now you might be wondering: When a massive star goes supernova, it typically collapses into a black hole. But what happens when a star goes supernova because of its interaction with a black hole? 

"A larger black hole is what remains," Gagliano said.

The rise of vibe coding is based on the promise of services like GPT-5: that in the future, you won’t have to know how to program at all in order to “create” software — you’ll just need to know how to communicate your software ideas in plain old English. The AI will do all the programming and debugging for you.

The ultimate goal: “software on demand,” or any kind of app, website, or visualization you can dream up, whenever you want it. But how close are we? If you’re totally new to coding and don’t want to learn how to code yourself, should you expect to get something usable? I set out to try some of the bigger consumer AI services to see how they perform. In short, I'm looking for the best vibe coding tools for beginners, not more advanced tools like Cursor or Windsurf.

For these tests, I used GPT-5, Claude 4.1 Opus, and Grok 4 (Expert). 

How I tested vibe coding

To see how well each of the different AI services performed when it came to coding, I asked each service to create a web-based game, a web-based productivity service, and an iOS app.

Just like when I tested the best AI image generators, I used the same prompts to test each model. Here are the vibe coding prompts I used:

• Make a 2D browser game where you control a spaceship with the arrow keys and shoot lasers with the spacebar. Asteroids should spawn randomly and drift across the screen. If a laser hits an asteroid, it explodes and your score goes up. If the spaceship hits an asteroid, the game ends and shows the final score. 

• Make a web-based to-do app that lets me add things to my list, view items as a list or in a calendar, and lets me add information like a time it needs to be completed (not just a date). Also, add a random quote generator that shows a different random inspirational quote each time I press a button.

• Create a complete iOS app for tracking personal fitness goals, where users can log daily workouts and view progress charts. The app should include a home screen showing a list of logged workouts with details like date, type, duration, and calories burned, plus options to add new entries, edit or delete existing ones, and search or filter by date or workout type.

My prompts test different kinds of software and services, as well as different kinds of information. The AI will need to build some kind of physics framework for the game, for example, and either find a pre-set list of quotes, or call an API to find quotes, in the productivity app.

I’m certainly no expert coder. I do have some basic web-development knowledge and can find my way around HTML and CSS files just fine, but that’s about where my experience in programming ends. I certainly won’t be able to assess how these services perform when it comes to code efficiency. I’m judging the end product based on how well those services follow my prompts. 

I've included links to the game and webpages these vibe coding tools created, but I won't ask you to download the app. You'll just have to take my word for it.

Vibe-coding a Web-based game The game created by Claude. Credit: Screenshot: Christian de Looper

See Play the results:

• ChatGPT

• Claude

• Grok

All three services were able to create a working web game, with slightly different mechanics and additional touches. ChatGPT and Grok offered a game that included asteroids flying in from all directions and the ability to rotate the ship. Claude went for a Space Invaders-type set-up, with asteroids only entering from the top of the screen, and the ship pointed at the top. 

Still, Claude’s approach was the best-looking. There were bright, retro colors, a background with stars, and a cool movement trail behind the user. ChatGPT came in close second, and while there weren’t stars in the background or a sense of movement, I liked its minimalistic approach, which highlighted explosions. Grok’s game looked the worst — and played the worst — the design was boring and the asteroids were just gray circles.

The game created by Grok 4. Credit: Screenshot: Christian de Looper The game created by ChatGPT. Credit: Screenshot: Christian de Looper

In the end I preferred the overall look of Claude’s game, but the functionality of ChatGPT’s. 

Winners: ChatGPT, Claude

Vibe-coding a Web-based app The app created by ChatGPT. Credit: Screenshot: Christian de Looper

See the results:

• ChatGPT

• Claude

• Grok

All three services were able to create a productivity app that allowed the user to see the tasks on a calendar, and to see inspirational quotes with the press of a button. The basic interface was similar across all three of the services, too. They all opened to a list view by default, offering fields to type in a task and an option to select a date and time for the task.

However, the apps differed greatly in appearance. Grok was the most basic, once again. Its app looked like a Word document, with a few buttons and fields to enter text. Once again, ChatGPT was a significant step up in look, but not as flashy as Claude. It gave the inspirational quote a different background color, while Claude gave the whole interface a different color and used emoji to highlight times and dates.

The Grok productivity app. Credit: Screenshot: Christian de Looper The Claude productivity app. Yes, that's a quote from Nelson Mandela. Credit: Screenshot: Christian de Looper

Differences in functionality were even greater. Grok's app was basically unusable; once a task was created, there was no way to remove it or check it off. Claude included a “delete” button next to tasks in the list view; clicking on a task in the calendar view generated a prompt asking if you wanted to delete a task.

ChatGPT, however, was the most functional in key areas. In the list view, it included a checkbox to mark a task as completed, along with a separate button to delete a task, and even a button to edit a task. It also included a “Notes” field for each task, allowing users to add more than just the task name and its due date. All of which for a much better to-do list, even if it wasn’t the flashiest. 

Winner: ChatGPT

Vibe-coding an iOS app

This one was…a little more challenging.

Why? Well, Claude is the only service that actually generated a working iOS app. Both ChatGPT and Grok created apps that failed to run in Apple's Xcode. The app that Claude created ran fine.

That said, Claude didn’t really go the extra mile.

The iOS productivity app created by Claude. Credit: Screenshot: Christian de Looper The iOS productivity app created by Claude. Credit: Screenshot: Christian de Looper

Claude's app allowed me to enter workouts, then displayed them in a list view, allowing me to filter based on workout type, time they were logged, and so on. But it didn’t calculate calories burned for me (I had to enter that information just like I entered workout types and how long I worked out for). And its “progress” chart was just a bar graph that showed how many calories I burned during different workout types. There was no way to create or view goals.

To actually run an app on your iPhone that isn’t from the App Store, you have to jump through some hoops. This isn’t something beginners can do in a minute or two; they'd be better off sticking to web-based AI coding for now. 

Winner: Claude

The state of vibe coding

Two things are clear. Firstly, AI services are getting very good at helping non-coders or beginner coders create apps, services, and games. Secondly, we cannot yet dream up any piece of software and expect an AI service to spit out a flawless, working product. I don’t think we’re very far off, however.

App creation takes a little more than just generating a downloadable file. if you’re not interested in troubleshooting or learning any basics, I’d steer clear from trying to create actual iOS or Android apps. Web-only apps are preferable.

So what should you use to code if you’re a beginner? Well, if all you want to do is experiment with web apps and little games, both ChatGPT and Claude work well. Excluding the app creation test, ChatGPT performed better. OpenAI’s GPT-5, being free to all, is easier to access than Claude Opus 4.1 — and for those who subscribe to each service’s respective $20-per-month plan, OpenAI imposes fewer limits. Still, don’t expect sub-par coding from Claude.

And to be fair to Grok, you’ll still likely get working websites if you use it — they’ll just be basic, boring, and may not stick as closely to your prompts. As with Grok Imagine, xAI has a long way to go to catch up with its rivals.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $14.97
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Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $54.97
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A ChatGPT user recently became convinced that he was on the verge of introducing a novel mathematical formula to the world, courtesy of his exchanges with the artificial intelligence, according to the New York Times. The man believed the discovery would make him rich, and he became obsessed with new grandiose delusions, but ChatGPT eventually confessed to duping him. He had no history of mental illness.

Many people know the risks of talking to an AI chatbot like ChatGPT or Gemini, which include receiving outdated or inaccurate information. Sometimes the chatbots hallucinate, too, inventing facts that are simply untrue. A less well-known but quickly emerging risk is a phenomenon being described by some as "AI psychosis."

Avid chatbot users are coming forward with stories about how, after a period of intense use, they developed psychosis. The altered mental state, in which people lose touch with reality, often includes delusions and hallucinations. Psychiatrists are seeing, and sometimes hospitalizing, patients who became psychotic in tandem with heavy chatbot use.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about AI companions

Experts caution that AI is only one factor in psychosis, but that intense engagement with chatbots may escalate pre-existing risk factors for delusional thinking.

Dr. Keith Sakata, a psychiatrist at the University of California at San Francisco, told Mashable that psychosis can manifest via emerging technologies. Television and radio, for example, became part of people's delusions when they were first introduced, and continue to play a role in them today.

AI chatbots, he said, can validate people's thinking and push them away from "looking for" reality. Sakata has hospitalized 12 people so far this year who were experiencing psychosis in the wake of their AI use.

"The reason why AI can be harmful is because psychosis thrives when reality stops pushing back, and AI can really soften that wall," Sakata said. "I don't think AI causes psychosis, but I do think it can supercharge vulnerabilities."

Here are the risk factors and signs of psychosis, and what to do if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms:

Risk factors for experiencing psychosis

Sakata said that several of the 12 patients he's admitted thus far in 2025 shared similar underlying vulnerabilities: Isolation and loneliness. These patients, who were young and middle-aged adults, had become noticeably disconnected from their social network.

While they'd been firmly rooted in reality prior to their AI use, some began using the technology to explore complex problems or questions. Eventually, they developed delusions, or what's also known as a false fixed belief.

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Lengthy conversations also appear to be a risk factor, Sakata said. Prolonged interactions can provide more opportunities for delusions to emerge as a result of various user inquiries. Long exchanges can also play a role in depriving the user of sleep and chances to reality-test delusions.

An expert at the AI company Anthropic also told The New York Times that chatbots can have difficulty detecting when they've "wandered into absurd territory" during extended conversations.

UT Southwestern Medical Center psychiatrist Dr. Darlene King has yet to evaluate or treat a patient whose psychosis emerged alongside AI use, but she said high trust in a chatbot could increase someone's vulnerability, particularly if the person was already lonely or isolated.

King, who is also chair of the committee on mental health IT at the American Psychiatric Association, said that initial high trust in a chatbot's responses could make it harder for someone to spot a chatbot's mistakes or hallucinations.

Additionally, chatbots that are overly agreeable, or sycophantic, as well as prone to hallucinations, could increase a user's risk for psychosis, in combination with other factors.

Etienne Brisson founded The Human Line Project earlier this year after a family member believed a number of delusions they discussed with ChatGPT. The project offers peer support for people who've had similar experiences with AI chatbots.

Brisson said that three themes are common to these scenarios: The creation of a romantic relationship with a chatbot the user believes is conscious; discussion of grandiose topics, including novel scientific concepts and business ideas; and conversations about spirituality and religion. In the last case, people may be convinced that the AI chatbot is God, or that they're talking to a prophetic messenger.

"They get caught up in that beautiful idea," Brisson said of the magnetic pull these discussions can have on users.

Signs of experiencing psychosis

Sakata said people should view psychosis as a symptom of a medical condition, not an illness itself. This distinction is important because people may erroneously believe that AI use may lead to psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, but there is no evidence of that.

Instead, much like a fever, psychosis is a symptom that "your brain is not computing correctly," Sakata said.

These are some of the signs you might be experiencing psychosis:

• Sudden behavior changes, like not eating or going to work

• Belief in new or grandiose ideas

• Lack of sleep

• Disconnection from others

• Actively agreeing with potential delusions

• Feeling stuck in a feedback loop

• Wishing harm on yourself or others

What to do if you think you, or someone you love, is experiencing psychosis

Sakata urges people worried about whether psychosis is affecting them or a loved one to seek help as soon as possible. This can mean contacting a primary care physician or psychiatrist, reaching out to a crisis line, or even talking to a trusted friend or family member. In general, leaning into social support as an affected user is key to recovery.

Any time psychosis emerges as a symptom, psychiatrists must do a comprehensive evaluation, King said. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and its causes. There is no specific treatment for psychosis related to AI use.

Sakata said a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients reframe their delusions, can be effective. Medication like antipsychotics and mood stabilizers may help in severe cases.

Sakata recommends developing a system for monitoring AI use, as well as a plan for getting help should engaging with a chatbot exacerbate or revive delusions.

Brisson said that people can be reluctant to get help, even if they're willing to talk about their delusions with friends and family. That's why it can be critical for them to connect with others who've gone through the same experience. The Human Line Project facilitates these conversations through its website.

Of the 100-plus people who've shared their story with the Human Line Project, Brisson said about a quarter were hospitalized. He also noted that they come from diverse backgrounds; many have families and professional careers but ultimately became entangled with an AI chatbot that introduced and reinforced delusional thinking.

"You're not alone, you're not the only one," Brisson said of users who became delusional or experienced psychosis. "This is not your fault."

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

Finding a gaming headset that can do it all across multiple devices is hard enough, but earbuds? That's almost impossible.

Earbuds usually only connect to phones or a Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth, plus the added portability and convenience of earbuds compared to over-ear headphones comes with a major drop in sound quality. But there is some hope for those who really prefer this form of audio companion.

SteelSeries’ range of Arctis GameBuds demonstrates a major change in how we think about earbuds. The GameBuds make it so you can play on whatever device you like on the go or at home, whilst playing perfectly with active lifestyles. Users get all-around great sound no matter what you’re doing. 

SteelSeries versatility

In the same manner as others in the SteelSeries audio range (like the Arctis Nova 7X headset), the Arctis GameBuds come in two styles. The PlayStation SKU can connect to almost every platform you can think of via 5.3 Bluetooth or wireless 2.4GHz USB-C dongle, including the PS5, PS4, Switch 1, Switch 2, PC, tablet, etc.

The only console you can't connect to is the Xbox, due to the Microsoft-made console’s alternate wireless protocol technology requiring its own dedicated type of connectivity.

Credit: Mashable/SteelSeries

That’s where the “Designed for Xbox” Arctis GameBuds X come in. This iteration’s dongle comes with a switch that has a separate mode for Xbox and PC, which actually means everything else. With the included USB-C to USB-A converter, you can plug the dongle into your Xbox and enjoy gaming, TV, and movies as you would on every other device.

Earbuds for on-the-go and gaming

This improved connectivity adds more versatility to what’s already a solid pair of earbuds for gamers and non-gamers alike. Delivered via neodymium magnetic drivers at 20–20,000 Hz, the Arctis GameBuds bring immersive sound in either its ANC (active noise cancellation) or transparency modes — all of which you can tweak in the SteelSeries mobile app, with re-mapping controls. 

SEE ALSO: The 8 best earbuds to buy in 2025, selected by Mashable audio experts

When out in public, the ANC mode doesn’t fully block out the hustle and bustle of a busy train station or a gym’s awful playlist compared to fully over-ear headphones, but still does the job well enough that you can enjoy your favourite songs or podcasts without letting those external sounds bother you. 

Credit: Mashable/SteelSeries

If you’re heading somewhere where carrying a full set of over-ear headphones would be a nuisance, or you simply don’t have the luggage space, the less powerful noise cancellation is still a worthwhile tradeoff. 

Passing the gym test

If you’re a regular gym goer or jogger who loves to game as well, the Arctis GameBuds should be something to carefully consider. Their effective design really took me by surprise. Along with an IP55 rating for dirt, dust, or water protection, these not only sound great, but they stay in place throughout even the most strenuous of workouts.

Compared to other earbuds, like my Sony WF-1000XM3s, the slightly more curved and rounded Arctis aesthetic makes it so each bud slots within the concha of your ear for a better and stronger fit. And the smaller profile adds a certain sleekness.

The Arctis GameBuds have a more accurate fit compared to other earbuds. Credit: Mashable/SteelSeries/Sony

So, whether I'm lifting weights, bobbing my head up and down with back extensions, or sprinting like a madman on the treadmill, both GameBuds stayed firmly within my ears without a single dropout. Be sure to check the three sizes of earbud tips the GameBuds come with and swap in the correct size for your ears if needed, to ensure the best fit at all times.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best noise-cancelling earbuds include the most comfortable buds I've ever worn

I did have a couple of occasions where I was lying down and doing scissor kicks and leg raises, resulting in the GameBuds edging outwards and causing my podcasts to stop playing. The Wear Sense feature automatically pauses the audio when they drop out, which is helpful.

Wonderful presets and portable gaming

When you’re done with the outside world, the Arctis GameBuds can switch from an audiobook on my walk home via Bluetooth to playing The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered on my PS5 — or streaming King of the Hill on my Xbox Series X via the 2.4GHz dongle, all without ever taking them out. 

The Arctis GameBuds work great for handheld consoles too Credit: Mashable/SteelSeries/Nintendo

The 200+ presets already available after the latest update are another sweet bonus. Along with medium-specific soundscapes like “Movie: Immersion” or “Music: Clear Vocals”, the GameBuds come with hundreds of game-specific presets to get the best out of each title without any tweaking. 

It’s slightly annoying that you can only create additional custom presets with the SteelSeries GG software, especially if you’re diving into a more obscure indie game or a brand-new title like Donkey Kong Bananza, but the base-level presets still offer a top-rate earbud-audio experience all the same. 

Speaking of Nintendo Switch 2 games, the Arctis GameBuds work perfectly with the newly released handheld, both in handheld and docked via Bluetooth and dongle. The dongle works perfectly for home gaming, commutes, and long flights, since you can use the dongle’s 2.4GHz for playing Mario Kart World at the best latency level — while being able to switch to Bluetooth for your phone on the fly. 

Although the top of the clamshell case doesn’t feel like the best quality in the world, with a thin plastic layer that doesn't exactly scream durability, the GameBud’s 40-hour battery life through its rechargeable design makes these a total package that’s perfect for any adventure.

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It might come as a surprise that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun — just one brand — rather than a generic trademark. Roombas are robot vacuums made by iRobot, and looking for the best Roomba to buy is a much more specific task than assessing the best robot vacuums in general, all brands included. However, Roomba's Band-Aid or Kleenex level fame really does prove just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of robotic vacuum cleaners.

SEE ALSO: How to make your robot vacuum work better: 3 setup tips to do right now

Roomba's recognizability makes so much sense: Not only did iRobot launch the first successful commercial robot vacuum back in the day, but the company has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but shopping in 2025, you only need to understand the difference between a few relevant Roomba models.

What's up with iRobot overhauling the lineup this year?

After Amazon and iRobot called it quits with their pending acquisition back in 2024, there was speculation that iRobot was shutting down. Nope, it was just rebranding. iRobot randomly released a whole handful of new Roomba series in March 2025, deviating from its (unofficial) summer release schedule. I think iRobot had two reasons to hurry: the post-CES spring release of the top robot vacuums from iRobot's main competitors and, yes, the company's rocky financial situation. As someone who tests robot vacuums for a living, I'll be the first to admit that Roombas were definitely flopping in a sea of smarter, more fairly-priced robot vacs from the likes of Roborock and iRobot's biggest Google search competition, Shark.

iRobot has spent 2025 playing catch-up with its competition. For the first time, you can buy Roombas that use LiDAR for smart mapping, Roomba vacuum and mop combos with dual spinning mopping pads, and a Roomba that compacts its own dust rather than taking up floor space with a self-emptying dock. iRobot is even measuring suction power in Pascals (Pa) now, making it much easier to see how well a Roomba would work on carpet, compared to other brands.

SEE ALSO: Dreame's summer vacuum launch is the biggest vacuum drop of 2025 so far

Despite such innovations, the new 2025 Roombas are surprisingly affordable, especially compared to the debut prices of past Roombas. With all of these new Roombas thickening the plot, the same old question remains: "Which Roomba is the best?" I've tested nearly every Roomba released since 2019, and I'm regularly updating this guide as I test the 2025 models in my own apartment. After comparing suction, pet hair pickup, mopping, smart mapping, small obstacle detection, and price, I chose the Roombas that offer the best value for different types of households.

How to tell the difference between the Roomba models

The iRobot Roomba 105. The Roomba Combo i5+. The Roomba Combo j7+ (not to be confused with the Roomba j7). The arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but we can teach you.

When shopping for a Roomba, you'll choose from what I call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter and a number (like j9+ or i5) or the word Max is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 105, 205, or 692) or just words (like Roomba Vac or Essential).

A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock, and Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title. "Max" is a new Roomba term introduced with the Roomba Combo 10 Max — it refers to the ability of a hybrid Roomba to wash and dry its own mopping pad within the self-empty dock. On the other end of the spectrum, "Essential" means "most basic" in the Roomba family, meaning no smart mapping.

Other Roombas I've tested

I've tested several Roombas that are no longer main players in the Roomba guide for 2025. The Roomba Combo j9+ doesn't wash or dry its mopping pad, and is simply too expensive to be worth buying over its siblings like the Roomba Combo 10 Max, Roomba Plus 505. or Roomba Max 705. Plus, the j9's increasing obsoleteness has pretty much halted its ability to get a noteworthy discount nowadays.

I have also removed any 600 series Roombas from this guide for a similar reason: They just can't compete with the newer cheap Roombas that have stronger suction and smart mapping. When I tested the Roomba 694, it pissed me off more than it impressed. The Roomba 694 and Roomba 692 are hard to find in stock, anyway, and it's rarely for less than the Roomba 105 (my new top pick for the best cheap Roomba).

TL;DR: Save $417 on this AI stock-picking app that can help you navigate crazy markets and keep your cool.

I was watching the first of the month’s market crashes and wondered, ‘Does it make sense to invest right now?’ I’d always been curious about the stock market, at least in terms of how people actually got rich by practically gambling, but I didn’t have a single clue where to begin — let alone how to even buy a stock.

Once I saw a TikTok calling this period a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (take that with a grain of salt), I decided to take my chance. But I needed help researching everything: what stocks to choose and how to track them. That’s when I found Sterling Stock Picker, and made my first investment with their $68.99 lifetime subscription (reg. $486).

How I invested my first dollar

My biggest concern wasn’t that the market wouldn’t eventually recover, but that I would choose ‘bad’ stocks due to my lack of experience. Sterling Stock Picker helped me feel calm with the 5-minute questionnaire covering my wants and ability to handle risk.

Then, I started researching stocks with help from AI. I also learned about something called exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are like groups of stocks. I didn’t know what these were at first, so I consulted the AI assistant, Finley AI, and it told me that it’s like putting a stake into a huge nest of companies at once rather than individually.

Once I selected a few ETFs to invest in, I opened a free brokerage account (sadly, you can’t directly invest through Sterling Stock Picker). I purchased my shares and put the information into Sterling Stock Picker so I could view my portfolio with fun graphs and charts and get alerts when prices change — which may help me determine when to sell.

How it’s going

Well, it’s only been a few days since I’ve made my investments and, if you’ve been keeping up with the news, things have been up and down. One day, my $1,000 portfolio was up $100, and the next, it was down $20. 

As a total beginner, I won’t offer any formal advice to you other than to do your research and be well-informed, and Sterling Stock Picker is a great tool to do just that.

Get a Sterling Stock Picker lifetime subscription for $68.99 (reg. $486).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: SSP Software Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription $68.99
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The moon is half lit up tonight, which means a lot of things. Namely, we're in a new lunar cycle.

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

So, what's happening with the moon tonight, Aug. 16?

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Saturday, Aug. 16, the moon phase is Third Quarter (also known as the Last Quarter) and it is 46% lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

From this point onwards, the moon will be less and less visible, as we're now on day 23 of the lunar cycle. But there's still plenty to spot on the moon's surface, if you look hard enough. With your naked eye, catch a glimpse of the Aristarchus Plateau, the Tycho Crater, and the Copernicus Crater.

With binoculars, see even more, including the Archimedes Crater, Alphonsus Crater, and the Clavius Crater. If you have a telescope, look out for the Apollo 12, Reiner Gamma, and the Schiller Crater, too.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Sept. 7. The last full moon was on Aug. 9.

What are moon phases?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strength.

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

FORCE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Harmful.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

TOXIC

Hurdle Word 3 hint

On a large scale.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

MACRO

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A noise made when laughing.

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

SNORT

Final Hurdle hint

To provide.

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

CATER

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

Need a new pair of headphones? Of course you do. We all do. Headphones are absolutely essential in the modern Bluetooth-connected world, but technology moves at lightning speed. It's always time for an upgrade. The good news is, there are dozens of headphones and earbuds out there to consider. The bad news, however, is that finding the perfect pair to suit you and your lifestyle isn't always easy.

A good way to start is by asking yourself some key questions. What do you actually need thd headphones for? Working out? Commuting? Listening at home? There are more questions: Do you need a super long battery life or quick and easy charging? What about noise cancellation, so you can drown out the world around you? All headphones fundamentally promise the same thing — to deliver great sound — but some pairs are better tailored to your specific lifestyle.

Sure, you could always visit Amazon and nab the cheapest pair, but that’s never a long term solution. You should always do your research before buying a pair of headphones. Let us get the ball rolling with some helpful headphone information and a selection of the best headphones and earbuds available right now.

Which is better — over-ear headphones or earbuds?

There’s no clear-cut winner. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. Some people prefer the old school-feel of over-ear headphones. Others like buds that drill tunes directly into their ears. There are benefits to both. Over-ear headphones tend to have higher-quality sound, and therefore audiophiles should focus largely on over-ear style headphones. Earbuds meanwhile are more compact, portable, and inconspicuous. Generally, earbuds will likely suit anyone who prioritises portability — whether that’s for commuting, air travel, or taking to the gym — and anyone who gets uncomfortable from long, sweaty sessions under padded headphones.

What is noise cancellation?

This is another important feature that’s common in the latest headphones. It’s a built-in feature that keeps out or suppresses external noise, allowing you to fully immerse in the music without any distractions. There are two basic types of noise cancellation — passive and active noise cancelling. Passive noise cancellation is achieved by the design of the headphones, which may physically block out noise. Active noise cancellation — or ANC — uses a system of small microphones to pick up incoming sounds and create anti-noise sound waves that cancel them out.

There are other advanced modes, such as ANC that adapts to surroundings (known as adaptive noise cancellation), or a transparency mode that allows in certain ambient sounds. This is especially useful in you work in an office and need to tune into chats with colleagues, or for listening out for announcements on public transport.

What features to headphones have?

Some of the jargon around headphones can be confusing, so we've broken down some of the most important headphone features to help you pick a perfect pair:

• Bluetooth codecs — These are clever bits of software that encode and decode digital audio signals. The codecs decode at a specific bitrate, which determines whether the headphones have a high or low latency (AKA lag), measured in milliseconds. Look out for headphones with low latency that support Qaulcomm’s aptX codecs, which are usually rated as the best codecs for streaming video content or hooking up to a TV.

• Closed-back/open-back — Closed back headphones have completely sealed ear cups, which directs sound to your ears and keeps out ambient noise. Open-back headphones let air into the ear cup but can cause sound leakage that goes both ways — in and out. This is sometimes found on very expensive headphones for clearer, more natural sound. Closed-back are a go-to choice for commuting and loud environments.

• Drivers — These are little cone-shaped gadgets in the ear cups that are responsible for your tunes. They convert electrical signals into sounds. In over-ear headphones they usually measure between 20mm and 50mm in headphones. In earbuds, they measure between 8mm and 15mm.

• Spatial audio — This is an audio technology that's becoming increasingly common, particularly with Apple's premium headphones or headphones that support Dolby Atmos. Spatial audio effectively creates a 3D soundstage and a virtual surround sound experience. Every manufacturer has its own version, usually with a different name, such as Sony's 360 Reality Audio, but they all amount to the same thing.

Keep these features in mind when shopping around for your next pair.

What are the best headphones?

We've checked out just about every set of headphones and earbuds, and taken notes to help you decide. Regardless of your budget or requirements, there's a perfect pair of headphones for your needs. Just pick the pair that, well, sounds best.

These are the best headphones in 2025.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 4 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: Courage

• Green: Improvements

• Blue: To beat

• Purple: Thin wrappers

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Intrepidity

• Green: Renovations

• Blue: Trounce

• Purple: Kinds of soft/lightweight paper

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 #798 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Intrepidity: FORTITUDE, GRIT, PLUCK, RESOLVE

• Renovations: CONSTRUCTION, REPAIRS, UPGRADES, WORK

• Trounce: CREAM, CRUSH, ROUT, SHELLAC

• Kinds of soft/lightweight paper: CREPE, ROLLING, TISSUE, TOILET

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 August 4

Are you also playing NYT 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.