Feed aggregator

As the president heads to the Middle East, America’s dominance over A.I. chips has become a powerful source of leverage for the president.

SAVE $300: As of May 12, the Original Peloton Bike is on sale for $1,145 at Amazon. This deal saves you $300 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peloton Original Peloton Bike $1,144.99
$1,445 Save $300.01 Get Deal

If you made a commitment to better your fitness in 2025 but haven't yet found the exercise that works best for you, the Peloton is calling. The interactive, at-home fitness experience that the Peloton offers makes moving your body feel less like a chore and more like a treat. This experience doesn't come cheap, but this is where we can help.

As of May 12, the Original Peloton Bike is on sale for $1,145 at Amazon. This deal saves you $300 on list price. The only time this bike was cheaper was back at the end of 2023. So if you've been very patiently waiting for a price drop to buy, this could be your moment to take the plunge into the world of Peloton.

SEE ALSO: Fitness tech brand Wahoo puts tariff surcharge in its shipping costs

The Peloton offers a compact footprint, adjustable seat and handlebars, and a large screen. With a Peloton All-Access membership (purchased separately for $44 per month), you get access to the full library of Peloton workouts in addition to cycling, including yoga and boxing. Plus, you can follow along with your favorite live instructor and compete with your fellow bikers online, which is a nice bonus.

Save $300 on the Peloton and start taking your fitness seriously.

SAVE $100: As of May 12, the Sonos Ace headphones are on sale for $349 at Amazon. That's 22% off their list price of $449.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ace $349 at Amazon
$449 Save $100 Get Deal

Summer is right around the corner, and if you're looking for some new headphones to take on any trips or adventures you have planned, you're in luck. There are some great models on sale right now, including the Sonos Ace headphones. These popular headphones have dropped to their lowest-ever price at Amazon.

The Sonos Ace are currently listed for $349, a 22% price drop from their list price of $449. As mentioned before, this also marks a return to their lowest-ever price (according to price tracker camelcamelcamel), so there's no better time to grab them.

SEE ALSO: We've found the 9 best headphones of 2025 after extensive testing

The Sonos Ace feature excellent sound quality alongside spatial audio and Active Noise Cancellation that can immerse you in your favorite music, audiobooks, and more while you're vacationing this year. We had very high praise for them in our review, where Mashable's Miller Kern said, "I would recommend Sonos Ace to people who 1) are true audiophiles who value incredible sound quality above all else, and 2) have a Sonos ecosystem at home and will use the TV audio swap feature with their Sonos Ace and soundbar."

Treat yourself to some new headphones this year with this deal on the Sonos Ace at Amazon.

If you're curious to see more headphones on sale, you can also save on the Beats Studio Pro right now at Amazon. Or, if you prefer earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2 are also discounted there right now.

SAVE OVER $500: As of May 12, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 power station is on sale for $949 at Amazon. That's over $500 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 $949 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $550 Get Deal

It's the time to step outside into the great outdoors. Open the windows, kick through the door, and engage with the world.

But before you do that, make sure you've got the right equipment — like a portable power station. These handy power packs can keep you connected and power multiple appliances without breaking the bank.

SEE ALSO: Get the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station for its lowest-ever price

As of May 12, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 power station is on sale for $949 at Amazon. That's over $500 off the list price, and almost the lowest-ever price on Amazon. The only time we've seen this drop lower was around Black Friday, so unless you're willing to wait until after summer, this might be the best time to buy.

The 2000 v2 offers three AC ports delivering a total output of 2,200W and a massive 2,042Wh capacity. This beast meets your power needs for home backup, outdoor camping, and small businesses. Plus, the USB-C PD 100W port enables fast charging for your electronic devices without the need for an additional adapter.

Get prepped for summer with over $500 off the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 power station.

Hotel Wi-Fi is a hassle. You typically have to connect by filling out a web form with some details (it's extra annoying when email is required), and then you have to repeat that on all the devices you own.

Apple is working to make this process a lot easier, and we might see the results pretty soon.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (via 9to5Mac), Apple's iOS 19 will come with a feature that will automatically sync public Wi-FI networks across all of your devices. You'll still have to fill out that web form once, but once you do that, you won't have to worry about it anymore, as all your devices will connect automatically.

It's unclear how this would work, or whether it would require hotels and other public Wi-Fi vendors to upgrade their systems in some way, but it sounds like a pretty big upgrade from entering your name and number several times in a row (and if you're traveling with kids, like I often do, the number can go to double digits).

SEE ALSO: Apple is working on a chip for smart glasses, report claims

Apple's iOS 19 will likely be announced in June, followed by a launch in September. The new version of Apple's mobile operating system is also rumored to come with a fresh design, improved and expanded Apple Intelligence (including a smarter Siri), an updated Health app, and more.

SAVE $100: As of May 12, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon. That's 22% off its list price of $449.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 265 $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100 Get Deal

If running is part of your workout routine, it's nice to have a smartwatch or fitness tracker that can help you keep track and hit your fitness goals. If you're on the search for the former, there are quite a few on sale right now that are worth a look. This includes the Garmin Forerunner 265, which has received a great discount at Amazon.

At the moment, the Garmin Forerunner 265 running smartwatch is on sale at Amazon for $349.99. This is 22% off its list price of $449.99 and marks a return to its lowest-ever price, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. It's listed as a limited-time deal right now, so act fast to secure it at its best price.

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers you can buy in 2025: From smartwatches to rings

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is an excellent fit for a runner's lifestyle, packed with personalized suggested workouts, 30+ built-in sports apps, and a training readiness score that can help you prepare for the day's workout. It also boasts a battery life of up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, so you can stay focused on your fitness goals rather than recharging.

This limited-time deal won't last long, act fast to save on the Garmin Forerunner 265 running smartwatch at Amazon.

If you're curious to see more smartwatch deals, you can also save on the Garmin Forerunner 965 at Amazon right now alongside the Garmin Lily 2.

SAVE $85: As of May 12, the Kindle Scribe is on sale for $339.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 19% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe $339.99 at Amazon
$419.98 Save $79.99 Get Deal

If you've been waiting to pounce on the new Kindle Scribe, now is the time to do it. Released in late 2024, this new Kindle device has taken the e-reader world by storm. It received a groundbreaking redesign, meaning you can now write on your books and documents, perfect if you're a margins person.

And as of May 12, it's currently back down to its lowest-ever price of $339.99. This is for the 32GB model in either color: metallic jade ot tungsten.

SEE ALSO: To Paperwhite or not to Paperwhite, these are the best Kindles in Amazon's lineup

This Kindle Scribe deal also comes with the Premium Pen, so you can jot down notes and convert them to text as easily as writing in a notebook. This is a big upgrade on the basic pen, as this model comes with an eraser at the top so you can quickly remove mistakes just by flipping the pen. It is also battery-free and works through a special power source embedded in the Kindle Scribe, so you don't need to charge it.

Besides its note-taking abilities, the Scribe has a 10.2-inch, 300 ppi Paperwhite display, glare and ink-free. Like the original Kindle model, it's perfect for sitting outside in the sun or in hard-to-read lighting. And if you're a haphazard note taker, don't worry, you can summarize your notes, as well as change their length and tone with clever built-in AI notebook tools.

To get this great Kindle Scribe deal, head to Amazon without delay.

SAVE $50: As of May 12, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is on sale for $89.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 36% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet $89.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

If you're looking for a fantastic tablet deal, look no further than the Amazon Fire HD 10. An impressive and affordable device, this model is currently at its cheapest price this year. In fact, it's not been priced this low since September 2024.

As of May 12, you can save $50 at the new price of $89.99. This discount is available on all colorways for the 32GB model (with ads). Without ads, you can purchase for $104.99.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets for digital art in 2025

For under $100, this tablet really can't go wrong. It has a 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display screen, so it's perfect for streaming your favorite shows, reading, and searching the web. Like most Amazon devices, it comes with built-in Alexa for hands-free control and searching. It also has a 5 MP front-facing camera so you can video chat with pals, take selfies or even film TikToks.

It's not the latest in the Fire range, so if you want something more advanced, we recommend the Fire 11 Max. This option has even more advanced tools and features an 11-inch display, plus faster performance with 4GB of RAM.

Head to Amazon to score this great deal.

TL;DR: Gift your dad a simple photo scanner this Father’s Day when you get 20% off the Kodak Slide N Scan, now $189.99.

Listen, you couldn’t make him happy by being the high school quarterback or actually finishing law school, but maybe this Father’s Day, you could please your boomer dad with a useful gift: the Kodak Slide N Scan photo scanner. Get all the parental approval you crave when you save 20% and get the Slide N Scan this Father’s Day for just $189.99 (reg. $224.99).

One-button photo scanning

Even if your dad isn’t super into tech, he can master the Slide N Scan. All it takes is slotting your old negatives or slides through the quick feed tray. Each one will get scanned in with digital enhancements that you can see immediately in the scanner’s 5-inch Liquid-Crystal display. With a 14MP image sensor (that you can tweak up to 22MP) you can easily digitize old film or slides even if they’re black and white.

If the 5-inch screen is small for Dad’s eyes, hook the film scanner to a computer or TV for better viewing. Once he’s happy with the scan, he can save it to digital storage or easily share it on social media. The brightened digital versions of old negatives will breathe life back into days he thought were long past. And he won’t have to feel bad about tossing the boxes and albums of original printed photos that are just taking up space.

Bonus points: If you help him scan his photos now, you won’t have to go through them all when you help him move into the old folks’ home.

Make dad happy — and maybe even share some nostalgic time going through photos — when you get the Slide N Scan for $189.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner $189.99
$224.99 Save $35 Get Deal

TL;DR: Protect your real phone number from scammers, online buyers, and blind dates with Hushed, now $19.99.

Stop scammers from getting hold of your real phone number when you use Hushed to get a lifetime virtual private phone number, now for under $20. Everyone wants your phone number these days, even when you’re just signing up for a website account. And forget about trying to sell something online or set up a date with someone from Tinder without exposing your personal number. Ditch the scam callers, the online marketplace buyers who will ghost you anyway, and the dating site creepers by only sharing your Hushed number. Hushed protects your privacy, and its entry-level plan is now reduced from $150 to only $19.99 when you use code SAVE20.

What’s included with a Hushed phone number?

This basic plan from Hushed comes with enough data and call time to use for remote workers, online sales, or dating apps. With your $19.99 plan, you’ll get 6,000 text messages or 1,000 phone minutes per year. There are no monthly fees, but you can add more minutes or text credits before the year ends. As long as you make at least one call or send one text every six months, you can retain the same number for life. After 12 months, your license will automatically renew.

You’ll operate all calls, texts, and voicemail from a single app. You can choose from hundreds of area codes across the US or Canada, which may be ideal for remote workers hoping to choose an area code close to their company’s headquarters. Set up a customized voicemail or call forwarding. You can use Wi-Fi or data for calls to avoid service charges on your main phone service.

Use code SAVE20 if your privacy is worth $19.99; grab this deal to save on a second Hushed phone line for life.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hushed Hushed Private Phone Line: Lifetime Virtual Number Subscription $19.99
$150 Save $130.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Youbooks is a unique AI tool that combines AI models to write your book how you want it, and it’s only $49 for life.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book but got stuck on where to start, Youbooks can help get you over that hurdle. This AI-powered platform helps transform your ideas into professional-quality non-fiction books, and right now, you can get a lifetime subscription for just $49 (reg. $540).

AI can write your book

What makes Youbooks stand from other AI tools is its use of multiple AI models, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama, to craft well-rounded and coherent content. You can create massive manuscripts of up to 300,000 words, so whether you’re a content creator, educator, or entrepreneur, Youbooks gives you a solid way to bring your ideas to life.

You can even upload your own research, documents, or notes to steer the AI in the right direction and make sure the final product reflects your voice and expertise. Plus, Youbooks taps into real-time web research to pull in current facts and stats, keeping your book accurate and up to date.

You also have a lot of flexibility when it comes to style. You can set the tone and writing style you want, and once your book is ready, you own it completely. You’re free to publish, sell, or share it however you like.

With 150,000 monthly credits included (and the option to stack codes for more), there’s plenty of room to create.

It’s now only $49 to get a Youbooks lifetime subscription, but it won’t stay that way.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change

Opens in a new window Credit: Youbooks Youbooks - AI Non-Fiction Book Generator: Lifetime Subscription $49
$540 Save $491 Get Deal

TL;DR: You can essentially save every document you ever create in this lifetime 20TB of cloud storage from Internxt now $399 with coupon code STORAGE20.

Video recordings of work presentations. Your college MP3 collection. Approximately 70,000 photos of your dog and brunches on vacation. All of these files add up to quickly exhaust space on free cloud storage options. Pay for enough storage for a lifetime when you get Internxt’s 20TB plan. Internxt has already dropped to deal-level pricing, but you can save an extra 20% with the coupon code STORAGE20 and get 20TB of storage for life for $399 (reg. $1,499).

Simple syncing

Using Internxt to stash your files is simple, with an intuitive user interface made for fast uploading and direct sharing. Accessible from desktop apps, web browsers, and iOS/Android apps, Internxt is a flexible option. Plus, you can sync your files and photos across all platforms, including Linux.

If you’re looking for a decentralized, privacy-oriented cloud storage system that you can access from any device, Internxt is the affordable option for that.

Cloud storage designed for privacy

Many users could benefit from cloud storage, but don’t want to risk their privacy by uploading sensitive documents. And yet, digitally storing files has quickly become a safeguard against physical dangers, such as house fires and theft. Internxt is built for privacy so that even the most reluctant users can feel more secure. Files are shared with end-to-end encryption so unintended recipients can’t open them. Open-source codes are accessible via GitHub for any curious users.

Designed with Post-Quantum Encryption, these files can remain safe from computer hacking power. Internxt is structured with zero-knowledge storage, which means no one but the user has the information to get to their files. It’s GDPR compliant and audited and verified by Securitum. Internxt was designed to keep your data safe and private, and it has taken all the steps to show that.

Save when you get 20TB — enough space to save millions of photos — from Internxt with coupon code STORAGE20 for just $399.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB) $399.99
$1,499 Save $1,099.01 Get Deal

SAVE $180: As of May 12, Beats Studio Pro headphones are on sale for $169.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 51% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $169.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $180.04 Get Deal

We're always on the hunt for deals on headphones and earbuds here at Mashable, and this latest Amazon discount on the Beats Studio Pro is one that deserves a shout-out. As of May 12, these headphones are reduced by over 50%, saving you $180 on list price. This deal is available across all eight colorways but does not include the power adapter.

A truly well-known name when it comes to high-quality audio, these Beats headphones offer premium sound quality with noise cancellation and spatial audio support. Choose from Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode to pick how much immersion you want.

SEE ALSO: Beats Studio Buds + are down to their lowest-ever price at Amazon

And let's not forget the battery life, promising to last up to 40 hours. And if you're in a rush, a quick 10-minute 'Fast Fuel' charge will give you up to four hours of additional playback. The voice-targeting mics clearly filters out any background noise for crisp, clear call performance, perfect for on the go phone calls or long voice notes.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

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 Monday, May 12, 2025:

AcrossThe "D" of D.J.

• The answer is Disc.

Yet to tie the knot

• The answer is Unwed.

Clothing material that becomes 3-Down after "doubling" a letter

• The answer is Swede.

Like the motion of the ocean

• The answer is Tidal.

Actress Garr

• The answer is Teri.

Down"___ in the Wind" (Kansas classic)

• The answer is Dust.

People of the Arctic

• The answer is Inuit.

Stockholm resident

• The answer is Swede.

Traditional wood for a hope chest

• The answer is Cedar.

Where one looks for lox

• The answer is Deli.

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 yesterday's Mini Crossword.

We thought that the glimpse of Joel (Pedro Pascal) we caught at the end of The Last of Us Season 2, episode 5, might mean we see more of him in episode 6 — and based on the trailer, that's exactly what's going to happen.

The teaser above shows Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel in Jackson, presumably filling in some of the five-year time gap that took place between Seasons 1 and 2. Things start off happily enough, but there are some shots further in that suggest we may be about to learn how Ellie found out what Joel did at the Firefly hospital.

This is going to be painful, isn't it?

The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

The best VPNs aren't always the most expensive. Some leading VPNs are actually really affordable, which is great news for anyone looking to secure cheap online security, data protection, and increased streaming options.

You have come to the right place if you're looking for a premium VPN with advanced features, without the big price tag. We've lined up some great value options for absolutely everyone, and there is no need to compromise on security, connection speed, customer support, or anything else.

But first, there are a few things we need to cover.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide valuable protection for your data and identity when you're navigating the online world. How do they do this? VPNs offer online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address and makes all of your information unreadable.

All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware. VPNs are primarily designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for your iPhone

VPNs can also be used to stream movies and shows from around the world, and the process is actually really simple. We've already mentioned how VPNs provide anonymity by hiding your real IP address. Well, this technique can also be used to manipulate the streaming market. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming sites into thinking that you are based in a different country. This provides access to all the extra content that would normally be restricted in your location.

Should you use free VPNs?

The question that everyone wants an answer to is whether you actually need to pay for a VPN. There are plenty of free VPNs out there, but do these offer the features you need to browse, shop, and stream securely? Unfortunately, there is often a catch with free versions (usually in the form of a limitation on your data usage or connection speed).

Occasional users will probably be satisfied with a free VPN, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading on a regular basis, you should look elsewhere. The only exception to this rule is a free trial. These come without limitations, but obviously don't tend to last for a long time.

The conclusion is that the best option for securing your data and streaming more content from around the world is with a paid subscription. The sad fact is that you'll have to pay to gain access to advanced security features without limitations on your usage. It's not all bad news though, because there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?

The process of actually selecting a VPN can be seriously tricky, especially if you don't know what to consider. Most of the best VPNs offer many of the same features with similar packages, so it's important to know what matters.

To make your life a little bit easier, we have shortlisted a few things to consider before making any sort of decision:

• Customer support — VPNs can be difficult to understand if you're not an experienced user, and even if you are, problems can occur. Whether you're a total beginner or not, customer support is key for dealing with any potential issues that might arise. You should also consider whether customer support is offered by phone, email, or web chat.

• Jurisdiction — It's a good idea to look for VPNs based in the British Virgin Islands, Panama, Switzerland, and other privacy-friendly countries. VPNs based in countries that fall under the jurisdiction of the intelligence-sharing alliances should be avoided: the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Spain. VPNs in these countries can be forced by authorities to collect and hand over user data.

• Network size and location — The best VPNs offer a large network of geographically diverse servers. The more servers (and server locations) offered by a VPN, the more likely you are to find a reliable and fast connection. This is also particularly important for streaming, as you should always be able to connect to a server in the country with the content you want to watch.

• Trustworthiness — We recommend finding an experienced provider with a strong track record and a clear privacy policy. It's important that your VPN of choice guarantees your data won't be logged or collected. If it isn't obvious what happens to your data, you should steer clear.

Make sure you carefully consider these features before deciding on the VPN that suits you and your lifestyle. Once you have narrowed down your options, you can begin the process of finding the best deals.

What is the best VPN?

We're sorry to burst your bubble, but there isn't one VPN that stands above all the rest. The best VPN for you really comes down to your own set of personal preferences. Once you find a few options that tick your boxes, you need to consider the best deals.

We have reached out to partners in order to provide you with market-leading prices on VPN subscriptions, with performance and security in mind. All of these VPN services have been handpicked not only because of the prices and deals on offer, but because they all offer the most important features to protect your online data and identity.

There are also plenty of services to consider on this list if your priority is unlocking streaming sites like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. Online security should always be the priority, but we know that many subscribers use these services to unlock more content from around the world. We get it, and we're here to help.

These are the best deals on cheap VPNs in 2025.

Looking at your phone while in a moving vehicle is often a recipe for nausea. Yet as unpleasant as motion sickness is, passenger princesses the world over remain determined to test the limits of their upchuck reflexes daily. Fortunately, Apple's iPhone has a feature to help combat motion sickness and save car interiors: Vehicle Motion Cues. Here's how to activate it.

SEE ALSO: How to turn on dark mode on iOS

Motion sickness occurs when your senses receive conflicting information regarding your positioning. For example, while your eyes are telling your body that you're remaining still, the balance system in your inner ears is detecting movement. This can cause a plethora of unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness.

Added in iOS 18, iPhone's Vehicle Motion Cues attempt to combat such sensory confusion. Once activated, this feature displays animated dots on the sides of your screen to indicate how the vehicle is moving, offering your eyes a reference point to cling to. The Vehicle Motion Cues don't turn up in screenshots or screen recordings either, so you don't have to worry about switching them off before capturing your screen.

Here's how to turn on iPhone's Vehicle Motion Cues.

Total Time

• 1 min

What You Need

• iPhone

Step 1: Open "Settings."

Credit: Mashable edit: Apple

Step 2: Tap on "Accessibility."

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 3: Under "Vision," tap on "Motion."

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 4: Tap on "Show Vehicle Motion Cues."

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 5: Choose "On" or "Automatic."

Choosing "On" will make the Vehicle Motion Cues appear immediately. Alternatively, choosing "Automatic" will cause the animated dots to appear whenever your iPhone detects that you are in a moving vehicle.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

TL;DR: Upgrade your PC with Windows 11 Pro for only $14.97 (reg. $199) before codes sell out.

If you haven't heard already, Microsoft has officially announced the countdown clock on Windows 10. Are you still running your PC on this dated operating system? Now might be the perfect time to finally upgrade your device's performance, because the latest operating system, Windows 11 Pro, is now less than $15 until the end of today. However, codes are limited.

With these Windows 11 Pro keys, you can completely revamp two compatible PCs, whether they're your personal or work computers. For starters, you'll enjoy a refreshed user interface that's been designed to be intuitive and aesthetically pleasing with rounded corners.

This updated operating system provides more than just an improved navigation experience. New productivity tools like snap layouts, easy redocking, and improved voice typing can help you complete personal and professional tasks, and you'll even have a more powerful search experience to get you further.

Digital safety is paramount for anyone online, which is why Windows 11 Pro is outfitted with enhanced security measures like Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, BitLocker device encryption, and more for greater peace of mind as you browse, stream, or game. And speaking of gaming, this operating system is designed to improve PC gaming graphics with DirectX12 Ultimate.

Since this is the Pro version of Windows 11, you'll additionally get remote work-friendly features, such as remote desktop access for viewing files and running programs from your mobile device. There's also Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox for extra professional usage.

Score this Windows 11 Pro discount for just $14.97. Act while the price is still at an all-time low, or before codes sell out for good.

StackSocial prices subject to change

Opens in a new window Credit: InterPlein Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $14.97
$199 Save $184.03 Get Deal

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

Often used to describe ponds.

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

MURKY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A slow, shelled animal.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 12, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SNAIL

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A classifier.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 12 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 12, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

LABEL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To have an obligation to do something.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 12 Hurdle Word 4 answer

OUGHT

Final Hurdle hint

Something's happening.

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

AFOOT

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

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann's HBO adaptation of The Last of Us has stuck pretty close to the Naughty Dog games, making changes where it makes sense for TV.

However, one major element has been missing from the series, one deliberately omitted from both seasons so far: spores. But as of Season 2, episode 5, the airborne threat has landed.

Not good. Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBO

In The Last of Us games, characters must constantly don masks to avoid inhaling infectious spores produced by the Cordyceps infestation. Spores play a major role in The Last of Us Part II, mainly for how Dina finds out Ellie is immune to infection; in the show Ellie (Bella Ramsey) gets bitten defending Dina (Isabela Merced) in the subway beneath Seattle, while in the game Ellie's gas mask gets broken in the spore-filled tunnel and she miraculously breathes it all in without harm.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2: What are the differences between the game and the HBO show?

Druckmann and Mazin decided to leave spores out of the show for more realism. "If we wanted to treat it realistically, and there are spores near, characters would wear gas masks all the time," Druckmann told Polygon of Season 1. "Then we lose so much, which is maybe the most important part of the journey, is what’s going on inside behind their eyes, in their soul, in their beings. For that logistical reason, we were like, Let’s find a different vector."

I'd argue that I can envision conversations around the questionable action of encasing Pedro Pascal in yet another helmet as a main character on TV, but that's just me making shit up.

However, in Season 2, episode 5, Mazin and Druckmann change the game for the series, unlocking a basement full of Cordyceps spores in Seattle's Lakeville Hospital, right beneath the feet of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF).

We first learn of the spores through a conversation between Hanrahan (Alanna Ubach) and WLF commanding officer Elise Park (Hettienne Park). The latter recounts a mission gone wrong in the hospital basement, in which her unit — led by her son, Leon — discovered Cordyceps all over the walls as usual, but also floating in the air. Alas, a coughing Leon ordered his mother to seal himself and other obviously Infected officers in, which she did.

Elise confirms the spores are not in the vents or the unit would have been Infected weeks ago — but then Ellie chases Nora (Tati Gabrielle) into the second basement floor at the end of the episode, meaning certain doors are prised open that Elise's unit had painfully sealed.

Cordyceps has found its way into Jackson's pipes and now into Seattle's air. This is not looking good, folks. Cordy's evolving.

The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

Watching The Last of Us and want to play the games? Here's how.