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British Retailer M&S Says Cyberattack Will Cost It $400 Million

NYT Technology - 48 min 1 sec ago
The company also said it would take several more weeks to resolve issues relating to the attack, which came to light last month.

All the best places to click on when you want to get off

Mashable - 3 hours 43 min ago

Let's be real — so much of the internet is porn. Past estimates suggest some 30 percent of the internet's bandwidth is devoted to explicit content. With so much to chose from, where do you go for the very best porn? We have gathered a mix of different places that offer many different kinds of porn — because variety is the spice of life.

This isn't an exhaustive list by any means, but it's one that includes visual, audio, and written explicit content. Some of these sites can be viewed for free, while others are paid only. If you're financially able, we highly recommend you pay for your porn. The people who make porn need to make a living — and clearly you're benefiting from their labor! Sex work is work, but unfortunately, sex workers are more likely than others to face financial discrimination. As Mashable previously reported, banks and financial apps have shut down accounts held by adult content creators. But they provide a service, and should be able to make ends meet.

SEE ALSO: Get laid, not played: These are the best hookup apps of 2025

We're also living in a moment where adult content is in danger. Project 2025, the conservative policy wishlist for Trump's second term, calls for banning porn and imprisoning people who create it. Already, there's a bill introduced by Republicans that would basically ban online porn, experts told Mashable. Age-verification laws, which are requirements to prove your age with something like a government ID or facial recognition scan, are enacted by around a third of states. They don't really work (according to an early study and free speech experts), but they still restrict access to this content.

Okay, we'll get off our soap box and onto what you're really here for: the list. These links are all (obviously) NSFW and this is only content you should enjoy if you're over 18. Alright, well then, here we go. Here are 10 porn resources for all the horny folks out there.

SEE ALSO: This OnlyFans model found her photos on Reddit — with someone else's face 1. Pornhub

Considering Pornhub is literally one of the most visited websites in the world, this is pretty obvious. The biggest tube site there is, Pornhub is pretty much YouTube for porn videos. Whether it's your favorite pornstar or amateur videos, hardcore or soft, chances are Pornhub has what you're looking for — just endless amounts of sex videos.

Note that Pornhub may be blocked depending on which state you're in. This is due to the above-mentioned age-verification laws. Mashable has guides on unblocking porn sites.

2. Dipsea

Tired of watching videos and looking for something new? It might be a time to give audio erotica a try. Dipsea is a good place to hit up if you're just dipping a toe into audio porn. It's an app that features a diverse and carefully curated selection of erotic stories. While you can do a free trial, it is a subscription service, which means you're actually supporting the people behind the stories.

3. xHamster

OK, xHamster is pretty similar to Pornhub if we're being honest here. xHamster is, as the name suggests, another XXX site that's chock full of free porn.

4. FrolicMe

As Mashable's Anna Iovine has covered in great detail, the website FrolicMe is aimed at providing porn actually aimed at women. That means the women featured in the porn are enthusiastically enjoying the sex in various idyllic settings.

"I want real chemistry, I want real connection, I want real intimacy," Anna Richards, founder of the erotic site, told Mashable. "I want to show real sex as opposed to a performance."

5. Bellesa

Bellesa is a self-described feminist porn site. It offers free, long clips from the creators themselves. While it may offer porn made by women, that doesn't mean its offerings are only for women. These are scenes meant to get all kinds of people off.

6. OnlyFans

You might have noticed that OnlyFans was suddenly everywhere during and after lockdown. Lots of famous, infamous, and everything-in-between people joined the cam site. Basically, it's a website where you can directly support performers creating adult material.

7. ManyVids

ManyVids is a community-focused online platform that gives creators control of their content and actually pays them when their work gets viewed. Users can purchase videos, custom videos, livestreams and more. There is also a free selection of videos from creators as well.

SEE ALSO: This OnlyFans model found her photos on Reddit — with someone else's face 8. Quinn

Another repository of erotic stories, Mashable's Iovine wrote that Quinn is effectively "the YouTube of audio porn." On Quinn, you'll find user-uploaded amateur audio erotica of all different varieties. In recent years, Quinn has also released original erotic stories featuring celebrity voices, like that of Andrew Scott.

9. Fansly

Like OnlyFans, Fansly is a subscription-based platform for adult content creators to host their material. On this platform, creators can interact directly with fans. Fansly offers creators both free and paid subscription services.

10. Literotica

If you love books and romance novels and also you're kind of horny, then Literotica is the place for you. It's written erotic materials that'll help you get off.

This post was originally published in August 2020 and updated in May 2025.

These are the 30 songs of the summer, according to Spotify

Mashable - 5 hours 48 min ago

What will be the song of the summer for 2025? Who else got 'em obsessed "like JENNIE?" Spotify has some ideas.

The audio streamer has made some big calls annually about which songs will rule the hot season, and on Tuesday, Spotify announced its predictions for the 30 songs of the summer.

SEE ALSO: Spotify’s AI DJ now takes requests

Listed not by ranking but alphabetically by artist first name, the 2025 "global songs of summer predictions" include WizTheMc, bees & honey, and Tyla's summery smash "Show Me Love," Charli xcx's TikTok favourite "party 4 u," Bad Bunny's superb "NUEVAYoL," Lady Gaga's Swift-like "How Bad Do U Want Me," and Ravyn Lenae's situationship ode “Love Me Not," among many more.

Here's the list:

Spotify's 2025 songs of the summer predictions

  • “Ordinary” – Alex Warren

  • “NUEVAYoL” – Bad Bunny

  • “Super” by Bb trickz 

  • “Mystical Magical” – Benson Boone

  • “All The Way” – BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman

  • “party 4 u” – Charli xcx 

  • “My Darling” – Chella

  • “With You” – Davido and Omah Lay

  • “NOKIA” – Drake

  • “YA BABA” – DYSTINCT and French Montana

  • “Running Around” – Ely Oaks

  • “Summer Sweat” – Hannah Cohen

  • “like JENNIE” – JENNIE

  • “Blue Strips” – Jessie Murph

  • “Gnarly” – KATSEYE

  • “How Bad Do U Want Me” – Lady Gaga

  • “MUTT” – Leon Thomas

  • “Dark Thoughts” – Lil Tecca

  • “What Was That” – Lorde

  • “Shake It To The Max (FLY) – Remix” – MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea 

  • “Say My Name – Remix” – Morgan Seatree and Florence + The Machine

  • “What I Want” – Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae 

  • “You’ll Be in My Heart – Spotify Singles” – NIKI 

  • “Love Me Not” – Ravyn Lenae

  • “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” – ROLE MODEL

  • “back to friends” – sombr

  • “No One Noticed” – The Marías

  • “Brunette” – Tucker Wetmore

  • “La Plena – W Sound 05” – W Sound, Beéle, and Ovy On The Drums

  • “Show Me Love (with Tyla)” – WizTheMc, bees & honey and Tyla 

Of course, Spotify has a playlist of all 30 summer predictions ready to go:

What do you think? Is your own personal song of the summer on Spotify's predictions list?

FWIW, my personal songs of the summer to be are Obongjayar's "Not in Surrender" and TOKiMONSTA, Anderson .Paak, Rae Khali's "On Sum," but it's not my list is it?

Last of Us star Isabela Merced trolls Jimmy Fallon over his failed Nicole Kidman date

Mashable - 6 hours 3 min ago

It's been many years since Jimmy Fallon failed to realise he was on a date with Nicole Kidman, opting instead to play video games when she visited his apartment. But the internet — and Isabela Merced — won't let him forget.

Appearing on The Tonight Show in the clip above, The Last of Us star used the host's comment about Naughty Dog's game to brutally segue back into the topic.

"That's gotta be one of the scariest computer games I've ever played in my life, The Last of Us," says Fallon.

"Was that the game you were playing when you bombed your date with Nicole Kidman?" responds Merced.

Fallon's reaction? "It's a pleasure meeting you, we're out of time."

How to watch New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Game 1) online for free

Mashable - 6 hours 6 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Game 1) in the 2025 NBA playoffs for free on YouTube. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 NBA Conference Finals are not necessarily what we expected to see, but New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers feels like what we need. This rivalry goes way back, and we can't wait to see how these two talented teams match up. We also can't wait to see how Knicks fans react if they win this series. They might need to shut down the city.

If you want to watch New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Game 1) in the 2025 NBA playoffs for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Game 1)?

New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Game 1) starts at 8 p.m. ET on May 21. This game takes place at Madison Square Garden.

How to watch New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Game 1) for free

New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Game 1) in the 2025 NBA playoffs is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access this free live stream from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the NBA Conference Finals for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in India

  4. Visit YouTube

  5. Watch New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Game 1) for free

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the NBA Conference Finals before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for YouTube?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like YouTube, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including India

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Game 1) for free with ExpressVPN.

Soundcores Space A40 earbuds are down to their lowest-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - 6 hours 32 min ago

SAVE $35: As of May 21, Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are on sale for $44.99 at Amazon. That's a 44% saving and the lowest they've ever been priced.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Space A40 $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

If you're on the hunt for great earbuds, we've tracked down another amazing offer at Amazon. We're big fans of Soundcore earbuds at Mashable, and this latest deal makes them ever more appealing. As of May 21, the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are down to their lowest-ever price, now just $44.99. Who can resist quality earbuds for under $50? Not us.

If you like quality noise cancellation, these are your new best friend. The Space A40 earbuds are basically designed for tuning out the world, no matter how intense the background noise is. And the best part is they adjust the noise cancelling automatically depending on where you are. They are able to detect external noises and automatically select a suitable level of noise cancellation for your surroundings.

SEE ALSO: Don't break the bank: The best budget earbuds, tested by our audio experts

You’ll get loads of battery life as well, vitally important for good earbuds. Enjoy up to 50 hours with the case, and a quick 10-minute charge gives you four more hours of listening time. And let's not forget about the sound quality: it is clear and punchy, despite the small size of these earbuds.

Music in, world out? Head to Amazon for this great offer.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

The DOSS SoundBox Pro+ speaker delivers bass that makes your legs shake — save $40 on Amazon

Mashable - 6 hours 38 min ago

SAVE $40: As of May 21, the DOSS SoundBox Pro+ is on sale for $49.99 at Amazon. That's a 44% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DOSS DOSS SoundBox Pro+ $49.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

For an affordable Bluetooth speaker that doesn't sacrifice on sound, you can't go wrong with the DOSS SoundBox Pro+. A clever portable device, this model is ideal for music on the go, whether at a party or by the pool, the IPX6 waterproof rating will keep you on the go. And as of May 21, it is currently on sale at Amazon for almost half off. Reduced by 44%, it is now priced at just $49.99. A speaker this good for under $50? Yes please.

If volume is what you're after, look no further. The DOSS SoundBox Pro+ may be small, but it is seriously loud and bassy. It boasts two full-range drivers and dual passive radiators, so it produces 24W of clear, booming sound. Not quite enough for you? Press the bass boost button for some extra punch.

SEE ALSO: The best speakers in 2025

This model also has wireless stereo pairing. If you have more than one, you can pair two speakers for a full stereo setup. Think double the volume, perfect for your next outdoor party. It also has up to 15 hours of battery life, so it can keep going all day. But when it does run out, don't worry, the fast charging 80W SuperVOOC will get you back up and running in no time.

And of course, let's not forget the beat-synced lights that flash and pulse to your music, pretty cool.

Get this speaker in time for your next party. Head to Amazon to secure this low price.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

Dont break the bank: The best budget earbuds, tested by our audio experts

Mashable - 6 hours 54 min ago

We spend a lot of time fawning over the latest tech here at Mashable, and as much as we love nerding out over the latest Sony headphones drop, we know that's not always relatable. New tech is often expensive tech, and a nearly $500 pair of headphones is certainly not always in the budget. That's why we're here to talk about the best budget earbuds.

A pair of cheap earbuds is a compact alternative to over-the-ear headphones, but let's be clear, just because these earbuds are affordable, doesn't mean they skimp on features. Two of the best earbuds we've tested are nearly $300 — Apple AirPods Pro costs $249.95, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds come in at $299 — but we've found models for even less. You don't need to spend $300 on a pair of great earbuds; in fact, you don't even need to spend $100.

Among all the earbuds we've tested, which is an extensive list, these are the best budget earbuds.

What's considered budget?

Budget is a relative term, so for this list, we're looking at earbuds under $200 but mostly under $100. Our top pick here is the Bose QuietComfort which technically have an MSRP of $179, but they're frequently on sale for $149, and we've even seen them go as low as $129. While those top our list, most of the cheap earbuds in this guide cost under $100. Going the budget route might mean making compromises but not sacrifices. For under $100, you can still get active noise cancellation and self-charging cases.

Other models we've tested

The models on this list are pulled from our extensive testing here at Mashable. Our previous top pick on this list was the Apple AirPods 3; however, the AirPods 4 have replaced them, making them more expensive, plus they don't have great Android compatibility.

Another pair of headphones we considered for this list were the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds with sound by Bose. My colleague Bethany Allard tested these buds, and while they're pretty good for $100, they have a bad case design and just aren't that comfortable compared to other models on this list — plus, the $100 introductory price is expected to go up to $129.99.

Sony is giving away a free TVs with select purchases. Heres how to get yours.

Mashable - 6 hours 54 min ago

SAVE OVER $500: Until June 8, Sony is giving away TVs for free with select purchases. Learn more about how to qualify here.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Free Sony Class X77L 4K HDR LED Google TVs Learn More

Memorial Day is just around the corner, which means deals are incoming. You'll find sales on everything from laptops to clothing, but we think we've just found the deal of all deals. Until June 8, if you buy a select TV from Sony, you'll get another one completely free. Yes, you read that right.

If you buy a Sony Bravia 8 II 65-inch Class QD-OLED 4K HDR Google TV, you will get a 55-inch Class X77L 4K HDR LED Google TV completely free. Currently, this TV retails for $589.99. And that's not all. If you buy a BRAVIA 8 II 55-inch Class QD-OLED 4K HDR Google TV, you'll get a free 50-inch Class X77L 4K HDR LED Google TV, normally priced at $529.99.

SEE ALSO: Sony XM6 headphones too pricey? Save over $100 on XM5 headphones at Amazon.

And if the free TV wasn't enough to sway you towards the Bravia 8 II, this model is impressive enough on its own. This TV is packed with clever tech. It’s got over 8 million self-lit pixels and a Quantum Dot panel and XR Triluminos Max to enhance all the colors and brightness.

It also benefits from an AI-powered XR Processor to boost scenes in real time. Plus, with Google TV built-in, you can enjoy all your streaming apps in one spot, with a super easy-to-use interface. And lets not forget high-quality perks like Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced.

Head to Sony to score this BOGOF deal. Remember, you only have until June 8.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: A fight of the best fitness trackers

Mashable - 6 hours 59 min ago
Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Design and comfort

Comparing the designs of the Oura Ring vs. Whoop is like comparing apples to oranges. Yes, they're both fitness trackers, but they wear in entirely different ways.

The Oura Ring looks like a classic gold band, far more inconspicuous than a smart watch. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Oura Ring takes the more innovative approach to fitness tracking as a smart ring. It looks like a simple gold band, but it is slightly thicker than most rings. Meanwhile, the Whoop is a screenless device that sits on your wrist with interchangeable bands. Both are distraction-free in design, with no screen on either, meaning you must use a smartphone to access your data, unlike Apple Watches or Fitbits.

The Whoop band design is not subtle. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I measure comfort based on whether I even notice the device is there. While both are comfortable, the Whoop is more so. It's thin and out of the way, and I had no discomfort around it, especially overnight. The Oura Ring was mostly comfortable, but I noticed it more than the Whoop. Sometimes it would feel too tight and uncomfortable in the middle of the night. If you're worried about the comfort of the Oura Ring, buy a sizing kit and wear a sample size for 24 hours and see how it blends into your everyday wear.

But in terms of style, the Oura Ring is the cooler, more inconspicuous device. It can blend with the rest of your jewelry while the Whoop looks like a watch band minus the watch face.

Winner: Tie. While the Oura Ring is better for those concerned about style, the Whoop is more comfortable.

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Mobile app The Whoop home page feels cluttered compared to the Oura app. Credit: Screenshot: Whoop Oura's app delivers your health scores and daily summary as soon as you open the app. Credit: Screenshot: Oura

To sum up the differences between Oura and Whoop, just look at their app designs. Oura's app is thoughtfully laid out, with all of the important data front and center, paired with calming imagery. Whoop's app is less driven by aesthetics and shifts focus to health metrics and looking ahead to your next activity.

Oura's app has a row of calculated scores on the front page, followed by more detailed sleep data, heart rate, and cycle information. The Vitals and My Health tabs are succinct, delivering quick snapshots of information that can go more in-depth. What I don't love about the Oura app is that every time you open it, there's a slight delay while the data loads. Much of the calculations occur within the smart ring, so they require a moment to load, and it's preferable to Whoop's alternative.

Whoop requires that its app stays open in the background all the time, and in my weeks of testing, my phone battery took a hit from having the Whoop app always running. While you can close it completely, it will just take a moment for the data to load (like Oura's does), and you'll be berated with notifications to reopen the app.

My No. 1 enemy is this Whoop notification. Credit: Screenshot: Samantha Mangino

Otherwise, the app is solid, just occasionally glitchy. Whoop's graphics are less focused on aesthetics and put data front and center, focusing immediately on the improvements you need to make throughout the day. That being said, I do find Whoop's data challenging to parse through.

Winner: Oura Ring

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Sleep tracking The Whoop sleep graph is a little too technical to decipher. Credit: Screenshot: Whoop Oura's sleep graph clearly breaks down your sleep cycles. Credit: Screenshot: Oura

Whoop and Oura both provide excellent sleep tracking. Their accuracy is nearly identical. I compared one night's sleep, and they were about ten minutes off with similar calculations around my sleep cycles. Unsurprisingly, Oura has a better layout with its sleep data. Oura's graph is easier to read and extract data from, while Whoop's is just too technical. However, I generally prefer Whoop's sleep tracking.

Whoop gave me a much better score for my sleep than Oura did. Credit: Screenshot: Whoop Despite a pretty good night's sleep, Oura dinged my sleep score for my timing. Credit: Screenshot: Oura

Maybe it's because Whoop gave me a better sleep score, but I found Whoop's data to respond better to my habits. I'm a night owl, and as much as I've tried to adapt to an earlier bedtime, my body gets tired when it gets tired. Oura frequently reminded me to watch my timing and get to bed earlier, which didn't happen. On the other hand, Whoop learned my habits and suggested bedtimes that were feasible for my circadian rhythm. Meanwhile, Oura dinged my sleep score for not having an earlier bedtime.

Winner: Whoop

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Activity tracking Whoop's activity tracker has quite literally every activity you can imagine when it comes to both performance and recovery. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Oura's activity list is slim compared to Whoop's but still extensive for a fitness tracker. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

As an Apple Watch user, I feel spoiled by my fitness tracker. I can start and stop workouts from my wrist without needing to pull out my smartphone. Unfortunately, both the Oura Ring and Whoop require you to pull out your phone to start workouts. Once you get past that, the activity tracking is pretty extensive, especially with Whoop.

Oura has a vast list of workouts, similar to Apple Fitness's. Plus, if you forget to start a workout, you can always add it later. Not to mention, Oura is pretty good at suggesting activities that you may have forgotten to track.

Whoop activity tracking is next-level. Not only do you have a list of workouts that include specific programs like "Barry's Bootcamp," but they also have subtle activities like baby wearing. In addition to strain-based activities, Whoop lists recovery activities you can log since the tracker is about your performance and recovery working together. However, some of Whoop's activities can feel a little invasive — who really needs to log "Cuddling with Child?"

Winner: Whoop

Oura Ring vs Whoop: Cycle Tracking

Both Oura Ring and Whoop feature cycle tracking, designed to provide hormonal insights to those who are menstruating, pregnant, or going through menopause. Whoop's hormonal insights are new to the device, coming to the brand's 5.0 and MG devices, which we've yet to test.

Oura has more experience with cycle tracking. It was fascinating to watch my skin temperature flux throughout my cycle, just as it reportedly would. I use a separate cycle tracking app, Clue, but I could have also logged symptoms through the Oura app. However, if you pay for Clue Premium, your data can be linked to the Oura app. Oura also works with the app Natural Cycles, which, for better or worse, has become the face of the non-hormonal birth control movement.

With the political climate, some users might have concerns about cycle tracking and data privacy, but Oura's website states: "Oura will oppose requests from legal authorities to access your data for surveillance or prosecution purposes, and we will fight to keep your health data out of the wrong hands."

Winner: Oura Ring

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Battery life and charging

Both Whoop and Oura have days-long battery life. The Oura Ring lasts about six to seven days, while the Whoop lasts about four days. Oura is quick to charge; I usually give it a quick charge while I shower, and don't need to charge it beyond that.

Whoop has a shorter battery life but a genius design. Its wireless battery pack slides onto the device and charges it while you wear it, allowing you to truly wear it 24/7. The new Whoop devices supposedly have 14-day battery lives. Since we've yet to test the Whoop 5.0 or MG trackers, we're sticking with Oura's battery life for now.

Winner: Oura Ring — for right now

Oura Ring vs. Whoop: Cost

Let's get into some math. Whoop and Oura are expensive and both require a membership to access health data. At face value, Oura Ring is more costly, but it's a better value in the long run.

An Oura Ring starts at $349 and ranges up to $499. It requires a membership to access its full features, which costs $5.99 a month or $69.99 annually.

Whoop, on the other hand, operates its devices solely based on membership. You pick your membership tier, and a device is included in it. The base membership — Whoop One — costs $199 for a one-year membership or $299 for a two-year membership.

If you choose the affordable models of each device, the Whoop is cheaper at first, costing just $299 for a two-year membership, while the Oura Ring costs $349 for the device and $69.99 for a year-long membership. The Whoop continues to be the more cost-effective device for six years. After six years with the device and yearly membership, the Oura Ring eventually becomes the better value.

Winner: Short term, Whoop. Long term, Oura Ring.

Our winner: One is for the super athlete, the other is for the everyman Are you looking to increase your athletic performance or just trying to develop some healthier habits? Your answer will help you decide if the Oura Ring or Whoop is right for you. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

When you compare the Oura Ring and Whoop, there's no clear overall winner. After wearing them for several weeks, it's obvious that each is designed for a specific type of person.

Whoop is for athletes looking to maximize their performance through activity and recovery tracking. The device is comfortable to wear and, in the short term, more cost-effective.

Oura Ring is designed with the everyday person in mind, best for those trying to better understand their body and habits. It's also a less conspicuous tracker, blending into your everyday style. It has a superior app design that feels more holistic and less clinical compared to Whoop's. Plus, it's more expensive up front, but it's a better value in the long term.

So, which fitness tracker is right for you depends on which camp you fall into.

Shop Oura Ring and Whoop Oura Ring 4 Starting at $349 at Amazon Shop Now Oura Ring 4 Starting at $349 at Oura Shop Now Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG Starting at $199/year at Amazon Shop Now Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG Starting at $199/year at Whoop Shop Now

Save over $100 on the OnePlus 13 at Best Buy

Mashable - 7 hours 3 min ago

SAVE $150: As of May 21, the OnePlus 13 is on sale for $849.99 at Best Buy. That's a 17% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: OnePlus OnePlus 13 $849.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Looking for a new smartphone? This latest Best Buy deal on the OnePlus 13 has catch our eye, and we think it'll catch yours too. We even gave it over four stars in our review earlier this year.

As of May 21, this popular smartphone is reduced by 17% at Best Buy, now down to just $849.99. This deal is for the 512GB model and is available in two colors, midnight ocean and black eclipse.

SEE ALSO: Google debuts AI-powered Android XR smart glasses at Google I/O

So why this phone? Well, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, you won't have to deal with lag or slow processing. Whether you’re gaming, using multiple apps at once, or just scrolling, it will handle it all. The battery life will also keep you going all day, boasting a 6000mAh battery. And when it does run out, the 80W fast charging will get you on the go again in no time.

The display is seriously impressive, a super sharp QHD+ ProXDR screen with a 120Hz refresh rate that makes everything look clear and bright. And if camera quality is important to you, that's something that isn't lacking on the OnePlus 13. The 5th-generation Hasselblad camera has a triple-camera setup with 50MP lens, meaning photos come out great no matter the lighting.

Grab this OnePlus 13 deal from Best Buy before it runs out.

The best headphones, watches, and apps for half-marathon runners

Mashable - 7 hours 9 min ago

The RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon, which takes place in May every year, is a fun 13.1-mile course. You spend the first half battling hills in the shade and beauty of Prospect Park, only to swap that for a new challenge during the second half of the race — the ease of a relatively low-grade downhill trek on the shadeless, hot Ocean Parkway. The race's relaxed hill promises a PR for many runners, while the daunting heat dusts other runners into a PW. Last year, I hit the former; this year, the latter.

For many runners, myself included, tech is particularly important for a race like this. You depend on your headphones to keep music alive and you motivated during the last few miles; you depend on your watch to tell you exactly how many miles you have left; you depend on your massage gun to save your muscles once you finally get home.

Mashable caught up with a few folks running the race — or in charge of the race's success — to see what tech they use to train and run the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. Personally, I used my Apple Watch (which died on me as soon as the race ended), Strava, Spotify, and a pair of Plantronics wireless running headphones I purchased in 2019 that are still, somehow, my go-to running headphones.

Alan Bersten Alan Bersten at the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. Credit: Courtesy / New York Road Runners

Bersten, the professional dancer you might recognize from Dancing with the Stars, used this race to raise money for the New York Road Runners (NYRR)Team for Kids, a charity that supports NYRR's free youth and community programs. It was his first-ever race, but he came prepared with a Garmin "mainly because I saw a bunch of videos on TikTok saying that Apple Watch wasn't accurate."

For what it's worth, when Mashable compared the Garmin Fenix 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Fenix came out on top with battery life, an important quality for long races.

SEE ALSO: Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Fenix wins big on battery life

He also uses the Runna app, which was just acquired by Strava, to track his runs. He listens to tunes while running using Apple Music and SHOKZ, although he admits you can "barely hear the music," a common complaint from SHOKZ users because it uses bone conduction instead of typical in-ear speakers.

To recover, he uses a Theragun and Normatec boots, compression boots intended to enhance blood circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and speed up recovery time, "which are amazing."

Matt James Matt James at the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. Credit: Courtesy / New York Road Runners

James, the titular bachelor from Season 25 of The Bachelor, has finished the TCS New York City Marathon four times, but this was his first-ever RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon.

He uses the Coros global watch "at all times," but especially while running. On his phone, you'll find the Strava app, Endorphins app, the Coros Global app for his watch, and Spotify "for the vibes." He rolls out with a lacrosse ball (pretty low-tech) and loves a "good session in the sauna and cold plunge," but he also uses the Hyperice Normatec recovery boots. His latest obsession? JLab headphones.

Meris Pena

Meris Pena works with NYRR Striders, a free walking and fitness program for older adults. For this race, though, she wasn't walking — although she doesn't need much tech, even when she's running.

Pena doesn't use headphones when she runs because she's "having fun on [her] own." She wants to "feel the love of the [running] community." She has a Garmin but doesn't use it much. What she absolutely does love — and needs — is a low-tech app called Stepz, which she likes as a pedometer.

NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer Matt James, center, with NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer, left, at the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. Credit: Courtesy / New York Road Runners

Simmelkjaer, the CEO of NYRR, didn't run the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon this year, but he did ensure everyone else could, and he spends a lot of time running. His daughter gifted him a Garmin for his birthday last year, and he "absolutely loves it." Before that, he was using an Apple Watch, and while he says they "both have benefits for sure," he appreciates Garmin's superior battery life.

He uses Bose headphones to listen to Pandora while he runs because he "likes to be surprised sometimes" by the music Pandora puts on. He syncs his Garmin to his Strava account and always uses it to track his runs. He also uses the Runna app, which he says helped get him through training for a successful Berlin Marathon last fall.

Rob Dalto View this post on Instagram

Dalto, a running content creator @pursuitofperformance__, successfully (!) attempted a personal record when he ran the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. To get there, he used his Garmin watch and tracked his runs on Strava.

If he listens to music or podcasts on runs, he uses SHOKZ, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, but you can often find him running without anything plugged into his ears. He also uses Lingo for continuous glucose monitoring. The two pieces of tech he absolutely had to have to run the half marathon? His Garmin watch and iPhone.

Patina Miller Patina Miller at the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. Credit: Courtesy / New York Road Runners

Miller, a Tony-award winning actor and singer who runs with Define New York Run Club, is "obsessed" with her Coros products: the Global Watch, Coros Pod 2, Coros heart rate monitor, and the Coros App, V.O2, which her coach uses to track her data for better performance. Of course, she also uses Strava. To recover, she uses a low-tech roller, along with the Normatec compression gear and a Theragun massage gun.

She says she predominantly uses Beats for running but occasionally switches to SHOKZ OpenRun headphones.

XPENGs X9 EV is packed with features U.S. drivers wont get

Mashable - 7 hours 9 min ago

Chinese EV manufacturer XPENG will introduce its X9 electric car to numerous countries all over the world this year, however the U.S. remains a notable exception. Mashable recently got to check out XPENG's souped-up 2025 flagship car at their global launch event in Hong Kong, and it's a real shame that American drivers won't get to experience it.

Slipping into the supple leather driver's seat of the X9, I can't deny that it felt luxurious. Measuring over 17 feet long, the seven-seater seems almost excessive in the amount of room it affords its passengers, yet still has a spacious trunk.

The XPENG X9 has a large screen for navigation. Credit: XPENG Left: The X9's third row of seats can fold completely down to create significant storage space, Credit: XPENG Right: Credit: XPENG Left: It'd probably be pretty easy to go knee deep in this passenger seat. Credit: XPENG Right: Credit: XPENG So much room for activities. Credit: XPENG

The X9 seems opulent in features as well, including a 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen to entertain rear passengers, a storage box that can either refrigerate your food or keep it warm, an air conditioning system that wraps around the entire vehicle, a 23-speaker audio system, and ambient lighting. 

The X9's 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen should keep kids entertained. Credit: XPENG An easily accessible compartment can keep food cool or warm. Credit: XPENG The car has air conditioning vents throughout. Credit: XPENG The ambient lighting is a vibe. Credit: XPENG

My phone automatically began to wirelessly charge when I dropped it into the cradle designated to my seat, though I quickly picked it back up again to operate the Chinese-language touch screen by looking at it through my Google Translate app. The seats' massage function was an unexpected novelty as well, though even the hardest setting felt too soft for my preference.

I loved these phone charging cradles — no messing with wires or MagSafe holders. Credit: XPENG The X9 has a large navigation screen right up front. Credit: XPENG The XPENG X9's two middle seats reclined for a relaxing ride. Credit: XPENG The X9's seat controls are extensive. Credit: XPENG

Unfortunately I didn't get to drive the X9 myself, so can't speak as to how it handles. However, I can say that it appears to offer a comfortable throne for a passenger princess. Even stationary, XPENG's flagship certainly has enough bells and whistles to pique potential customers' interest and compete with other EVs.

That is, if it's given the chance. U.S. tariffs have kept Chinese EVs out of the country for years, a situation that appears unlikely to change any time soon.

"We [see the U.S. tariff situation] as an opportunity for us to differentiate from the rest of [the] EV players, because we feel like we're bringing something different," said XPENG vice-chairman and president Dr. Brian Gu. "We're not just another affordable China brand in a foreign market. 

"We want to be viewed as bringing the best in technology, the highest quality, and the coolest brand to these local customers. And that's something I think will position us well when there's actually these difficulties and tensions around the world." 

Disclosure: Mashable traveled to Hong Kong as a guest of XPENG.

Create stunning photos with this award-winning AI photo editor, now $90 for life

Mashable - 7 hours 9 min ago

TL;DR: Give your photos the professional touch with The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle, now $89.99 (reg. $682).

Want your photos to look professional? You don’t have to spend a fortune on a fancy photographer or an expensive camera. Luminar Neo, an award-winning AI photo editor, is an easy-to-use way to create stunning images. And right now, a lifetime license to Luminar Neo, a video training course, and six packs of preset photo filters can all be yours for just $89.99 (reg. $682), the best price online, with this Stack-exclusive bundle.

Create stunning photos with this easy-to-use photo editor

Give your photos an upgrade with Luminar Neo. It’s a photo editor that’s actually easy to use, unlike most competitors, with a straightforward interface and basic editing tools including masking, layers, and local adjustments.

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Luminar Neo works with Windows and Mac, and as a plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom. If you need extra help navigating the tools, this bundle includes video training, the Creative Photo Editing Techniques in Luminar Neo Video Course. Taught by photographer and editor Albert Dros, this class shows you how to use Luminar Neo instruments to edit landscapes beautifully.

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Take advantage of this unique-to-Stack bundle and score the best price on the web right here, just $89.99 (reg. $682) for The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle for a limited time.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Luminar Neo The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle $89.99
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Power through summer with this $450 MacBook Pro

Mashable - 7 hours 9 min ago

TL;DR: Bring home an Apple MacBook Pro 13″ at a deep discount, just $449.99 (reg. $1,799), just in time for summer.

Need a new computer for the summer? You’ll need an escape on those scorching hot days, and this MacBook Pro offers all-day battery life to keep you entertained in the AC. And right now, it’s even on sale for just $449.99 (reg. $1,799).

Plenty of power in a sleek, lightweight design

If you’re looking for a dependable, 3.1-pound laptop that can get you through the dog days of summer and beyond, the MacBook Pro fits the bill. This particular model is powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2GHz base speed and 16GB of RAM, letting you multitask the day away. A 512 GB SSD allows you to save your files right on your device for easy access.

The 13.3-inch Retina display includes Apple’s signature True Tone Technology, which automatically adjusts your screen for improved visibility and reduced eye strain. Enjoy responsive typing with the Magic Keyboard, and get access to shortcuts with the Touch Bar. Four Thunderbolt 3 ports are available to handle charging and connectivity needs.

This MacBook Pro has an impressive 10 hours of battery life, so you won’t have to stop and plug in. And it’s optimized for macOS to take advantage of the latest macOS features.

If you’re curious why you’re scoring this model for 74% off, it’s because of its grade A refurbished rating. That means it will arrive in near-mint condition, with virtually no signs of prior use, and you get it for a major discount.

Entertain yourself all summer long and beyond with this Apple MacBook Pro 13″, now only $449.99 (reg. $1,799)

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13" i5 2GHz (2020) 4 Thunderbolt 3 Ports 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) $449.99
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Get 2TB of cloud storage for life for just $70

Mashable - 7 hours 9 min ago

TL;DR: Secure 2TB of your data for one low price with this lifetime subscription to FileJump for just $69.97 (reg. $467) through June 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $69.97
$467 Save $397.03 Get Deal

Cloud storage doesn’t have to be complicated. And it doesn’t have to be expensive, either. If you’re looking for a straightforward spot to store away your data without expensive monthly subscription fees, it’s time to check out FileJump. Right now, you can secure a lifetime subscription for 2TB of storage for just $69.97 (reg. $467) through June 1.

It’s time to hop over to FileJump

Whether you’re trying to free up room on a device or hoping to cancel your expensive recurring monthly cloud storage costs, it’s time to make the jump to FileJump. This premium cloud storage option lets you safeguard your data for a one-time low price while ensuring it’s protected by 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption.

This lifetime subscription to FileJump gives you an ample 2TB of storage. And it’s easy to use, with a straightforward drag-and-drop interface that lets you upload files by dropping them right into a Firefox or Chrome web browser.

FileJump supports all file formats — from images and videos to PDFs and more. Unlike its competitors, FileJump lets you take advantage of unlimited downloads and no transfer speed limits, so you can save and access your content freely.

When you need to access a file later, it couldn’t be easier. There’s a built-in preview for photos, videos, spreadsheets, and more, and sharing those files is as simple as sending a link.

Make the swap and store your data with this 2TB lifetime subscription to FileJump, now just $69.97 (reg. $467) through June 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Learn everything you need to be an ethical hacker for just $35

Mashable - 7 hours 9 min ago

TL;DR: The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle allows you to practice your hacking in a controlled way, and right now it’s just $34.97 (reg. $1,098) through June 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle $34.97
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To defend against hackers, first you’ve got to think like one. The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle teaches you to do just that, which can help you fast-track your way to a career in cybersecurity. And right now, you can access these 18 courses for $34.97 ($1,098) — less than $2 each.

What’s ethical hacking all about?

It may sound crazy, but if you want to be a successful cybersecurity professional, you need to know how to hack. Once you learn that, you’ll know how to defend against nefarious hackers. You’ll need to explore security policies, encryption techniques, and ways to design secure networks that prevent unauthorized access and reduce vulnerabilities — and all of these things are taught in The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle.

This bundle is packed with 18 courses filled with over 130 hours of instruction and hands-on labs. And the best part is that you never have to set foot in a classroom. You can work through this info at your own pace from the comfort of your couch.

You don’t need any prior knowledge to get started with this bundle. It’s made for all skill levels. If you’re new to the field, start with the basics taught in courses like Complete Python 3 Ethical Hacking Course: Zero to Mastery. This class is eight hours of instruction geared toward taking you from hacking Windows machines to setting up an email scraper.

Once you get a good foundation, you can move on to more advanced courses like Hacking Wireless Networks. The course teaches you how to prepare your own training environment so you can safely and legally practice ethical hacking.

Get closer to a career in cybersecurity with help from The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle, now $34.97 (reg. $1,098) through June 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Chinese EVs are spreading across the globe, but not in the U.S.

Mashable - 7 hours 9 min ago

Chinese EV manufacturer XPENG hosted the global launch of its X9 2025 flagship electric car in early April, gathering media from around the world at Kai Tako Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong. 

With XPENG's lineup of EVs parked by the water, the walls at the venue's entrance displayed a timeline of the company's history, stretching from its founding in 2014 up until the present day. There was also a graphic displaying the markets XPENG is targeting, covering countries in Latin America, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and pan-European regions.

Conspicuously absent from XPENG's international vision board? America.

SEE ALSO: Tesla Cybertruck loses top-selling EV truck crown XPENG sees U.S. tariffs as 'opportunity' for global expansion Credit: Image Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; hudiemm / E+ / Getty / XPENG

Tesla is the reigning king of electric vehicles within the U.S., accounting for over 50 percent of the country's new EV registrations in 2024 according to an analysis by EV Volumes. Elon Musk's company faces little real competition, with distant runner up Ford responsible for just six percent of registrations.

However, the EV landscape looks markedly different beyond U.S. borders. While Tesla still has a significant foothold, its sales last year were more than doubled by Chinese giant BYD, which dominated the global market with over 22 percent of all EV sales. Coming in third was Wuling, another Chinese company which most Americans will likely have never heard of.

XPENG hasn't yet achieved such heights, ranked 10th last December at almost two percent of global EV market share. Though considering the competition, that's still no mean feat. The company also has clear ambitions to continue climbing, with vice-chairman and president Dr. Brian Gu stating that he considers the U.S. tariffs on China both "a challenge and opportunity."

"As a company, we cannot escape from economic volatilities that come with such tension," said Gu. "We need to be prepared to make sure that our products continue to sell well. We also need to prepare that it may have an impact on the potentially global supply chain… However, I think it does raise an opportunity for a company that has aspirations globally."

Credit: Image Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Wong Yu Liang / Moment / Getty / XPENG

Gu noted that XPENG is closely monitoring the U.S.-China tariff feud to ensure its supply chain isn't impacted. "With the tariff situation, it also means that we have to be even better at making sure we are self-sufficient," he said. 

However, as the company hasn't expanded to the American market, its sales haven't been affected by the turmoil. XPENG's global expansion plans don't appear to have been adversely affected either.

SEE ALSO: XPENG's X9 EV is packed with features U.S. drivers won't get

"We will continue to expand our footprint, because we see that our product is now welcomed by a lot of the international markets that we enter," said Gu. "The customer feedback has been great. We think we have a strong confidence and appeal to tackle into more markets, to offer our product to more customers…

"I would say a crisis always leads to opportunity, and we feel like we can actually take advantage of that to really [put] more focus on our mission, more focus onto making ourselves better, but at the same time to be more diversified and more strong, [and] introducing our product [and] technology to global customers."

Tariffs, tariffs, everywhere, but not an EV to drive Credit: Image Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; anucha sirivisansuwan / Moment / Getty / XPENG

While global Tesla sales have plummeted in recent months, demand for electric vehicles in general isn't waning. As of March, global sales of electric vehicles have reportedly increased by 30 percent compared to the same time last year, with the U.S. market in particular growing by 28 percent. However, U.S. tariffs mean that anyone hoping to buy an EV in the land of the free has significantly fewer options than their counterparts across the globe.

Tariffs play a significant part in this. President Donald Trump initially increased U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles during his first term in 2018. Such vehicles had already been subject to a standard 2.5 percent tariff, however Trump added an extra 25 percent tariff on Chinese goods to bump the rate up to 27.5 percent. His successor Joe Biden subsequently increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to 100 percent in 2024.

U.S. tariffs on Chinese EVs then skyrocketed to a whopping 247.5 percent earlier this year, courtesy of Trump's second term tariff blitz. Specifically, Trump added a further 145 percent tariff on all Chinese goods, plus a 2.75 percent tariff on electric vehicles in general. A recent 90-day pause has temporarily dropped the U.S.' tariffs on China from 145 percent down to 30 percent. However, this still leaves Chinese EVs subject to a tariff rate of 132.5 percent.

This means that if launching the X9 in the U.S. were to make financial sense, XPENG would have to charge local drivers a significantly larger sum than its pre-order price tag of ¥399,800 ($54,800 U.S.) in other parts of the world.

Credit: Image Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; XPENG

Yet despite this relative affordability, XPENG's X9 is packed with extravagant features you won't see in Tesla EVs twice the price. These include massage chair functions, a storage box for keeping food either cool or warm, and a 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen to keep rear passengers entertained.

"We also see [the U.S. tariff situation] as an opportunity for us to differentiate from the rest of [the] EV players, because we feel like we're bringing something different," said Gu. "We're not just another affordable China brand in a foreign market. 

"We want to be viewed as bringing the best in technology, the highest quality, and the coolest brand to these local customers. And that's something I think will position us well when there's actually these difficulties and tensions around the world." 

Fuelling an EV industry with subsidies Credit: Image Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Zbigniew Pietrakowski / 500px / ekinyalgin / iStock / Getty / XPENG

An aggressive shift toward electric cars in the U.S. would have a notable beneficial impact on the environment. China has already seen carbon emissions from vehicles drop significantly due to its adoption of EVs. However, when it comes to U.S. policies, business and economic concerns prevail.

When raising tariffs last year, part of Biden's reasoning was that Chinese EV manufacturers have been assisted by their government's subsidy programs. The now former U.S. president claimed that such support helped Chinese companies to "cheat" by selling cars at "unfairly low prices" which drove competitors out of business.

"Our competitor is not a domestic one [local to the markets XPENG is expanding to]," said Gu via a translator, indicating disinterest in nationalistic EV rivalries. "It is more about who is able to provide the most forward looking, most competitive technology, as well as with quality."

The Chinese government has heavily invested in local EV manufacturing since 2009, reportedly offering over ¥200 billion ($27.5 billion U.S.) in subsidies and tax breaks in the following 13 years. It also actively encouraged EV adoption by entering contracts for its public transport fleet, and enacting policies which cut obstacles to car ownership for those who chose to go electric. Local companies aren't the only ones that benefited though. U.S.-based Tesla was reportedly the second largest beneficiary of Chinese subsidies, receiving over $450 million U.S.

Credit: Image Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Epoxydude / YayaErnst / fStop / Angel Di Bilio / iStock / Getty / XPENG

The U.S. government has its own subsidiary programs for local EV manufacturing as well. However, its efforts to invest in the industry don't appear to have fostered a similarly strong or diverse local EV scene. Electric and hybrid vehicles only accounted for around 21 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales in the U.S. during Q2 of 2024, while last July almost half of all new vehicle sales in China were EVs.

Instead, the U.S. government's investment appears to have had one primary beneficiary: Tesla. The EV company has reportedly received at least $38 billion from the U.S. government in the form of subsidies, tax credits, loans, and contracts, spread over more than 20 years. 

In fact, Tesla only became profitable after it began selling regulatory credits to other auto manufacturers — a revenue stream made possible by U.S. government incentives. Under this policy, auto manufacturers are required to build a certain percentage of zero-emission vehicles. Companies who don't meet their target can make it up by buying credits from other manufacturers who have a surplus. 

As Tesla only sells electric vehicles, it has a significant number of credits to sell. Tesla's regulatory credit sales account for around a third of its $35 billion in profits since 2014, and were responsible for the company turning its first year of profitability in 2020.

XPENG aims to win over the world Credit: Image Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Richard Drury / DigitalVision / Getty / XPENG

China's investment in the EVs has fuelled hundreds of local companies, as well as fierce competition between them. As such, not all of them are realistically expected to survive. Speaking via a translator, XPENG's CEO He Xiaopeng stated that those which have performed well centered software and AI. He believes companies will therefore focus on research and development moving forward.

"We used to have hundreds, thousands, of [mobile phone manufacturers], and right now only six Chinese mobile phone companies [remain]," He said via a translator. "For automakers, we used to have 100 to 200, and with EVs we have 400 to 500. I think that in the end, only 10 will survive."

XPENG first ventured into the international market in 2020, launching its G3 SUV in Norway. It has expanded to around 30 countries in the years since, with He telling reporters that they plan to double this number to 60 by the end of 2025. The EV company has already debuted in Indonesian and Polish markets this year, and has announced it will arrive in Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia in Q2. This is already significant, though many more launches can be expected if XPENG intends to keep up with its ambitious growth plans.

"In the countries where Tesla sells well we also sell well, because these are the countries that have been educated [in EVs], they would recognize these technology driven vehicles," said Gu, also speaking via a translator.

"[In the] next 10 years we hope that more than half of XPENG's sales come from outside China, so revenue is not a single stream," said He through a translator. 

Credit: Image Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Flavio Coelho / mikroman6 / Moment / Getty / XPENG

Such confident expansion plans seem to have been informed by XPENG's apparent success overseas. The company recently reported it had delivered 94,008 of its smart EVs in Q1 2025 — a 331 percent increase since the same time last year. It further saw a 23.4 percent increase in revenue in Q4 2024 when compared to the same time in 2023.

"We are continuing to expand despite the current geopolitical situation, because we see that having a more diversified portfolio will ultimately benefit our company," said Gu.

Such expansion may eventually include bringing local manufacturing jobs to its new markets. Gu believes that if XPENG is to become a leading EV manufacturer internationally, it's inevitable that it will transition to having operations that are more locally based.

"Local brand, local operations, local services, maybe local charging capabilities and also local production capabilities," said Gu. "You cannot rely on the export-only strategy to tackle such an important market [as Europe]. But the timing and how to do it is something that we're working on intently."

The U.S. may soon be left behind Credit: Image Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Wong Yu Liang / mikroman6 / Moment / Getty / XPENG

With U.S. trade relationships having become increasingly volatile, public sentiment in other countries has become more open to exploring alternate options for partnerships. And as Gu noted, it seems the perfect opportunity for Chinese companies such as XPENG to show what they have to offer. 

In the Emerald Pavilion at Hong Kong's Hopewell Hotel, reporters from around the world questioned He and Gu about XPENG's plans in various countries. When might it expand to South Korea? What are their views on the Italian market? Will XPENG be addressing its voice recognition software's issues with the Australian accent?  

Amidst this global conversation, the U.S. barely merits a mention. 

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Disclosure: Mashable traveled to Hong Kong as a guest of XPENG.

AI has entered the therapy session — and its recording you

Mashable - 7 hours 9 min ago

As generative artificial intelligence becomes embedded in people's everyday lives, one emerging aspect of its use in mental health care is raising complicated questions about professional ethics and patient privacy.

A number of companies, like Upheal, Blueprint, and Heidi Health, have begun offering AI-powered tools designed to make therapists more efficient at documenting sessions and completing administrative paperwork. The catch? Providers are typically required to record the entirety of their session with a client.

While it's ethical for therapists to record these conversations under certain circumstances, it's rarely done outside of professional training and forensic work. Note-taking tools, or "scribes," use AI to analyze the content of a client's conversation with their therapist in order to generate documentation that therapists must submit for a variety of reasons, including for insurance payments and potential quality audits.

SEE ALSO: AI companions unsafe for teens under 18, researchers say

Clinicians who use such AI products say it streamlines tedious tasks, freeing up time to focus not just on aiding their clients, but also on their own lives.

Yet some experts say such AI products introduce unnecessary or unethical risks, like the possibility that recordings will be hacked or used to train a company's large language model without the client's consent. They may also negatively affect the relationship between the therapist and client if the person seeking treatment holds back in the presence of a recorder, or feels like they can't decline their provider's request.

"The industry kind of jumped the gun a little bit without asking the question, 'Is this a good idea?'" said Dr. Vaile Wright, senior director of the office of health care innovation at the American Psychological Association. "We just don't know the answer to that question...it feels like we skipped over it."

The "dread" of writing clinical notes

Psychologist Dr. Hannah Weisman, who runs a half-time therapy practice in Seattle, began using an AI scribe last December. In addition to her practice, Weisman advises tech companies working in the mental health space, though she doesn't consult on any scribe tools.

Weisman said she dreads writing clinical notes because of how many audiences she must keep in mind. In addition to an insurance company, her notes might be requested by another health care provider, a judge in a legal matter involving a client, or the client themselves.

For a period of time this year, Weisman primarily used Heidi Health's medical scribe. The tool's offering for psychologists promises to "increase engagement, restore eye contact, and offer warmer mental health care."

Heidi Health and the other AI scribes that Wiseman has tested have reduced the draining "cognitive load" of picking out the right details for her notes and composing them in one of several potential formats. While there is no research on efficiency gains for mental health providers, Weisman estimates that the tool saves her about five minutes of time for each client, too.

Yet Weisman is also aware that AI scribes, particularly those that record sessions, pose complex risks, even as they ease her workload.

Weisman provides all clients, whether new or existing, with an informed consent form that she personally created, after consulting boilerplate versions offered by various AI scribe companies.

She requires written consent from clients and emphasizes that it can be revoked at any time, including in the midst of a session. Weisman also makes clear that she records the session on a personal digital recorder and uploads it to the AI scribe on her password-protected computer. In her consent form, Weisman commits to deleting all copies of the audio, including the recording on her device, within 48 hours.

She's also decided, as a rule, not to use AI scribes that anonymize transcripts and retain them to better train their product.

"That's a dealbreaker for me," she says. "I, myself as a therapist, am really trying to [be biased] toward protecting consumers. I would think that as a field and as therapists, that's the lens we should be taking."

Heidi Health says it encrypts the audio as it is being transcribed. The company doesn't store the recording, nor does it use the transcript to train its AI technology. The transcript is produced by Heidi Health's privately hosted AI models, instead of by a third party. Clinicians are responsible for deleting the transcript from Heidi Health.

Weisman estimates that three-quarters of her clients consented to being recorded. Some of the Seattle-area tech workers she sees have adamantly turned her down while others have agreed, noting that they use generative AI products in their own work.

The possibility of "reputational harm"

Last fall, the American Psychological Association created a checklist for therapists considering any AI tool for clinical or administrative purposes. The goal is to help therapists, who may have little or no understanding of how generative AI works, evaluate different products with safety and privacy in mind.

The checklist prompts users to ask if a product is HIPAA compliant, encrypts user data, employs advanced security measures, and allows users to delete or modify their data, among other considerations.

Even so, the APA's Wright said independent mental health professionals may not be able to parse dense technical language on their own. They may also encounter companies that intentionally make their privacy practices opaque.

In general, she said therapists should understand that every product is fallible; data breaches and leaks can happen at any time.

Indeed, recent research published in JAMA Network Open found that the number of healthcare data breaches and ransomware attacks has increased annually since 2010, totaling 6,468 unique incidents through October 2024. While hacking or IT incidents are the dominant types of breaches, ransomware attacks now account for the majority of compromised patient records.

"Ransomware attackers don’t need to leak this kind of data to do damage — they just need to make the threat credible." - John X. Jiang, professor of accounting, Michigan State University

When asked by Mashable about recorded therapy sessions, lead author John X. Jiang said that they could become a "vulnerable target" of bad actors. Since the audio typically contains sensitive information, the recordings have unique blackmail value if stolen.

"Ransomware attackers don’t need to leak this kind of data to do damage — they just need to make the threat credible," said Jiang, a professor of accounting at Michigan State University who research includes healthcare cybersecurity. "The combination of operational disruption and reputational harm creates a potent form of leverage."

SEE ALSO: Healthcare giant admits over 5 million patients affected by ransomware attack

Dr. Darlene King, chair of the committee on mental health IT at the American Psychiatric Association, said that therapy notes should be held to a higher security standard than the information that's commonly entered into medical charts. While that data is also highly sensitive, the content of patients' therapy sessions can include detailed and deeply personal information, like experiences with trauma, abuse, and addiction.

King, a psychiatrist at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, uses an AI scribe for medical documentation but not for therapy.

She added that the mental health profession needs to find a balance between easing burdens — and burnout — for providers and protecting patient privacy, all while taking advantage of the positive uses for AI, like improving mental health treatments.

Why record at all?

Jon Sustar, a software engineer and co-founder of Quill Therapy Solutions, believes he's found an answer to one part of this challenge: Don't record sessions at all.

Quill uses generative AI to produce documentation for clinicians but does so based on their verbal or written summaries.

While this approach may not reduce the cognitive load of recalling and prioritizing elements of what a client discussed, it does mean there is no record of the session to breach. Audio summaries are immediately transcribed and subsequently deleted. Quill doesn't store the notes that it creates, either. Sustar describes the data as "ephemeral."

Sustar, whose wife is a licensed mental health counselor and Quill's co-founder, steadfastly believes that therapy is a sacred space. He worries that it can negatively affect the power dynamic between a therapist and their client when the former asks the latter for permission to record their conversation.

Sustar also understands that people, whether they're in formal therapy or not, have turned to generative AI platforms like ChatGPT to talk about their personal struggles, much like they would with a mental health provider.

While some of those users may have made peace with breaches of their data, he worries that venture capital-backed startups have suddenly shifted the norm in mental health toward de facto AI recording and analysis of sessions, even if therapists and their clients don't fully realize what that involves or means.

"My biggest concern is that companies are quietly normalizing the mass recording of therapy sessions, and they're doing this often without a fully informed consent of all who are involved," Sustar says.

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for May 21, 2025

Mashable - 7 hours 13 min ago

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 Wednesday, May 21, 2025:

AcrossEither role played by Michael B. Jordan in 2025's "Sinners"

  • The answer is Twin.

"Wow, wow, wow!"

  • The answer is Oh my (no space).

"Gr-" word that follows "green"

  • The answer is Grape.

Bit of land in the ocean

  • The answer is Isle.

Père ___, name for Santa Claus in France

  • The answer is Noel.

DownTrunk of the body

  • The answer is Torso.

"Wh-" word that follows "white"

  • The answer is Whale.

Urge forward

  • The answer is Impel.

Bill ___ the Science Guy

  • The answer is Nye.

Alcohol paired with tonic

  • The answer is Gin.

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.

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