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For millennials, a trip to Claire's was practically a rite of passage.
It was where ears were pierced, friendship necklaces were split in half, and every trip to the mall somehow ended with an armful of glittery accessories you probably didn't need but absolutely had to have. Long before "girlhood" became an internet buzzword, Claire's had already built an empire around it.
But nostalgia alone isn't enough to sustain a retailer in 2026.
After years of financial struggles, shifting shopping habits, and the slow decline of the American mall, Claire's has spent the past several years redefining itself for a generation that's more likely to hang out with friends on Roblox than at the mall. Its newest customer isn't a millennial looking for a nostalgia fix — she's Gen Alpha, discovering the brand through YouTube, social media, and online gaming platforms.
SEE ALSO: A parent's guide to keeping kids safe on RobloxThat strategy was on full display at this year's VidCon, where Claire's unveiled its latest collaboration with Roblox YouTuber Lana's Life, which just hit stores nationwide. The collection, inspired by the wildly popular game Dress To Impress, is more than another creator merchandise drop. It's part of a broader effort to position Claire's as what Chief Brand Officer Michelle Goad calls "an inspiring playground for modern girlhood."
"Girls feel very rushed to grow up," Goad told Mashable at the convention. "Because they have access to everything on social. They're seeing grown women in their algorithm, and they feel this urgency to grow up faster. We took a counterculture position and said, 'We're actually going to take a beat and cherish girlhood.'"
View this post on InstagramFor Claire's, that starts with understanding how Gen Alpha differs from the generation before it. While Gen Z embraced louder colors, edgier aesthetics, and more maximalism, Goad says today's tween shoppers are gravitating toward something noticeably softer.
"They're really feminine," she said. "They like a very pastel aesthetic."
She believes part of that shift comes from growing up with millennial parents. "If mom is in her beige era," she joked, "your daughter is probably into something really girly."
That insight has shaped everything from Claire's merchandising to the creators it partners with.
Rather than signing a traditional celebrity ambassador, the company looked to Lana's Life, whose 9.5 million subscribers know her through Roblox roleplay videos, beauty content, and Dress To Impress. Claire's had already seen strong demand for Dress To Impress-inspired products in stores. Lana, Goad said, was the obvious person to help bring that audience into the physical world.
The decision reflects a broader shift in how brands think about influence. "This consumer demands a two-way conversation and a true relationship with their community," Goad said. "You're going to want to engage and be a fan of someone who's actually there, showing up in the comments and doing the work."
Claire's debuted its Lana's Life collaboration at VidCon 2026. Credit: Courtesy of Claire'sFor Gen Alpha, creators often feel more accessible than celebrities. They're present in comment sections, livestreams, and community posts in ways movie stars and musicians rarely are. And that trust and connection hold more weight than a traditional celebrity endorsement. With millions of followers, Lana offers both the scale of a celebrity and the intimacy of a creator, which is exactly the combination Claire's is betting on.
The collaboration itself was designed to blur the line between digital and physical play. Fans visiting Claire's booth at VidCon could test products before they reached stores, meet Lana in person, and purchase items that unlocked digital rewards inside Roblox.
That feedback loop is central to how Claire's says it now operates. Instead of relying solely on trend forecasting months in advance, Goad says the company watches what young girls are actually talking about online and moves quickly. Internally, she describes the strategy as being "on trend, on time."
Whether it's the rise of squishies, Dress To Impress, hackey sacks making a comeback for a new generation, or another internet obsession waiting around the corner, Claire's increasingly treats Gen Alpha communities as its research department.
"I think our job is to listen," Goad said. "What are they saying in the comments? What are they asking for? What are they excited about?"
It's a notable evolution for a retailer once synonymous with mall culture. Instead of asking young shoppers to fit into Claire's vision, the company says it's rebuilding the brand around theirs.
For a generation growing up almost entirely online, Goad hopes Claire's can still offer something increasingly rare: a place — whether that's inside a Roblox game, on social media, or in one of its stores — where girlhood isn't something to rush through, but something worth celebrating.
Elon Musk's space exploration and AI company SpaceX may be looking to compete with Apple and the iPhone, even though Musk has denied the reports.
SpaceX has been showing off a prototype of a "handset-like device" to investors recently, according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal.
The device is reportedly focused on bringing AI capabilities to users, running on the company's own operating system and integrating xAI's technology to power its AI features. It's been described as having a "sleek design" and being "slimmer than an iPhone." The device is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.However, Musk weighed in on the Wall Street Journal report, calling it "utterly false" on his social media platform, X, without elaborating any further.
Musk has previously denied reports from earlier this year that SpaceX was working on a phone that would connect directly to Starlink satellites.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed."We are not developing a phone," Musk said in a reply on X, directed at Reuters' report that the company was developing a Starlink phone.
However, this time around, the Wall Street Journal's sources claim that there is a prototype that has been physically shown to investors.
Musk has previously voiced his dissatisfaction with Apple's iPhone and its dominance in the mobile market.
"Man, I sure hope we don't have to make a phone," Musk said at a town hall event in October 2024. "That's a lot of work."
"The idea of making a phone makes me want to die," he continued. "But if we have to make a phone, we will. But we will aspire not to make a phone."
It's possible that Musk doesn't view SpaceX's handheld device as a smartphone, as it seems more like an AI device. It's also possible that the device does have traditional smartphone functionality and Musk is just trying to deny its existence.
According to this most recent report, SpaceX informed investors that the device is in an early stage, so things can change, including whether it ever even reaches the public.
If you've been shopping for any kind of storage device, then you're probably well aware of the ongoing global memory crisis (affectionately known as "RAMageddon"). And, like most crises, experts have confirmed that it's only going to get worse before it gets better, if ever. (Thanks, AI.)
SEE ALSO: The best budget tablets of 2026: Testing Apple, Lenovo, and Amazon Fire tabletsDuring Prime Day, we saw hundreds of microSD, portable SSDs, and hard drives go on sale. But now that those deals are gone, you'll have to dig deep to find a genuine discount (read: not some inflated list price BS).
To help you out, I tracked down the best memory and storage deals you can still grab this week to beat the price hikes.
Best microSD deal Gigastone MicroSD Card (128GB) $49.99 at AmazonI know a $10 discount doesn't sound like much, especially if you remember buying these things for 20 bucks a few years ago. But thanks to RAMageddon, 17% off the Gigastone 128GB Micro SD Card is basically the best deal we're going to get this week.
Bonus: It comes with a five-year warranty that includes free data recovery. If you've ever lost hours of drone footage or game saves to a corrupted card, that safety net is worth every penny.
Best portable SSD deal Samsung T9 Portable SSD (1TB) $199.99 at AmazonIf you're looking for laptop storage, the Samsung T9 (1TB) is down to $199.99 this week. That's not the lowest we've seen this portable SSD go for, but since it normally costs around $288, it's a pretty good deal considering (*gestures to everything*).
It delivers read and write speeds up to 2,000 MB/s, so you shouldn't have to wait too long on file transfers. It also features a built-in thermal guard to keep it from overheating, so that's nice. If you need even more space, you can grab the 2TB version on sale for $399.99 or the 4TB for $799.99.
Best internal hard drive deal Samsung 990 PRO (2TB) $159.99 at Best BuyAttention gamers: The Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD (2TB) is on sale for $389.99 right now. That's a $250 price cut for a top-notch hard drive. Not only is the 990 PRO an "Amazon's Choice" product, but it has more than 13K reviews and a 4.7-star rating.
It hits sequential read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s, is about 50 percent more power-efficient than the older 980 PRO model, and Amazon reviewers say the performance is "unbeatable;" though some have noted that you may need a motherboard heatsink if you're going to be doing heavy video editing or 3D rendering.
More microSD, portable SSD, and hard drive dealsLexar ES3 External SSD (1TB) — $152.99 $169.99 (save $17)
WD My Passport Portable External Hard Drive (5TB) — $180.49 $284.99 (save $104.50)
Samsung T7 Portable SSD (1TB) — $219.99 $274.99 (save $55)
Lexar ES3 External SSD (2TB) — $269.99 $299.99 (save $30)
SAVE $16.89: The Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box is on sale at Amazon for $18.10, down from the list price of $34.99. That's a 48% discount and the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box $18.10 at AmazonJust like Pokémon, getting into Magic: The Gathering can take a serious investment. Instead of fretting over the price of a starter pack, check out this deal at Amazon.
As of July 6, the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box is on sale for only $18.10 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $34.99. That's a major 48% discount that shaves $16.89 off the price. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.
Designed to help learn the basics of the game, the Magic: The Gathering Avatar set is the perfect option for a two-player adventure. The first game takes you on a guided battle between Aang and Zuko with two 20-card decks. There's a step-by-step guide booklet to take beginners through their first game with ease.
After that, players will combine any two of the eight 20-card half decks to form a full 40-card deck. That means players have tons of options to replay the game with new combinations and outcomes.
SEE ALSO: Score the Pokémon TCG: Mega Greninja ex Premium Collection for under $65 — save over $35Today's box includes two packets of 100 cards, including the two 20-card tutorial decks with Aang and Zuko. The eight 20-card half-decks include Firebending, Earthbending, Waterbending, Allies, Big Creatures, Counters, Spells, and Attacking. Accessories include playerboards for both players, two spindown life counters, two beginner guides, and five double-sided tokens.
Since it's on sale for the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon, snag the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box for only $18.10. It's a great intro to the game that comes with an affordable price.
Microsoft laid off 4,800 employees Monday, with more than 30 percent of the cuts in its Xbox division, according to an internal email reviewed by IGN.
The reductions, described internally as an Xbox "reset," will affect roughly 1,600 employees immediately, with the company planning to eliminate about 20 percent of Xbox jobs by the end of its 2027 fiscal year.
SEE ALSO: Xbox hopes to win back disaffected gamers with new disc-to-digital programAs part of the shakeup, four studios are being spun off from Microsoft. Double Fine and Compulsion Games are returning to independent ownership under founders Tim Schafer and Guillaume Provost, respectively, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are being sold to new owners, with commitments in place to continue development on their respective titles, Senua and State of Decay 3.
In an internal memo obtained by IGN, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said the division's business "is not healthy," citing profit margins that are far below those of comparable platform and publishing companies. Sharma noted that Xbox lost 64 cents for every dollar invested in a typical year and pointed to oversaturation in the games market as a factor in the strategic pullback.
The memo also confirmed additional layoffs across Activision, Bethesda/ZeniMax, Blizzard, King, and Mojang, though Sharma said no first-party announced games are being canceled. As part of a broader management shakeup, Mojang and King will now report directly to Sharma, and Helen Chiang has been named Xbox's first Chief Operating Officer.
IGN, which is owned also reported that Microsoft is weighing the sale or closure of Arkane Studios, which has been developing the delayed, over-budget title Blade. According to the outlet, French labor consultations over Arkane's future could take months.
(Disclosure: IGN and Mashable are both owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)
SAVE $560.99: The 45-inch LG Ultragear OLED curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $1,439, down from the list price of $1,999.99. That's a 28% discount.
Your home gaming setup should be an oasis. It's a way to step out of real life and dive into an alterative life that serves as an enjoyable break. If you gaming station has less-than-ideal elements it can harsh the good vibes. Instead of dealing with a subpar monitor, check out this Amazon deal.
As of July 6, the 45-inch LG Ultragear OLED curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $1,439, marked down from the list price of $1,999.99. That's a 28% discount that shaves $560.99 off the norm.
The LG monitor is equipped with excellent stats. First off, it has an OLED display. Yes, that comes with a higher price point, but the quality of an OLED display is well worth the investment for many folks. On top of the display quality, there's the 800R curve for a fully-immersive experience.
LG also made this model with a glare-free design, low blue light, and a flicker-free screen. You'll be in line for a great 165Hz refresh rate and a zippy 0.03ms response time. All of these features will be great for summer weekends spent gaming.
SEE ALSO: The TCL NXTVISION Frame TV is over $500 off at Amazon — buy now for record-low priceThe included base can swivel and tilt, and you can adjust the height to get the best fit for your gaming setup. In addition, it's a great model to have if you work from home. The 45-inch display is plenty of space for having two or three windows in full display at the same time. Zip through those e-mails thanks to the width.
While we're in the sticky summer months, upgrade to the 45-inch LG Ultragear OLED curved gaming monitor while it's on sale at Amazon for under $1,500. It'll be something you'll enjoy everyday for years to come.
There's no major sale on the calendar, but Apple deals are still popping up. With Apple recently raising prices across Macs, iPads, and other devices due to rising memory and storage costs, discounts feel less predictable than usual. That makes any price cut worth a closer look.
You won’t find markdowns on new Apple gear directly from Apple, so retailers like Amazon remain the best place to shop for savings. And despite the recent price hikes, we’re still spotting a handful of deals on MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods — including some models priced better than expected even after recent hikes.
We’ve rounded up the best Apple deals you can grab for the week of July 6, whether you’re upgrading your laptop, grabbing an iPad for everyday use, or picking up AirPods while they’re on sale.
Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 Pro chip $2,369 at AmazonThe MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip is built for heavy workloads. It handles demanding tasks such as video editing, design work, coding, and large-file processing without slowing down. Battery life is strong, and it’s designed to last through a full workday depending on usage.
The new chip also handles on-device AI tasks more efficiently, so image generation and other AI tools work quicker than on older models. Performance stays steady whether the laptop is plugged in or on battery, which makes it dependable for working on-the-go. The display is still one of Apple’s best — sharp, bright, and accurate enough for both creative work and everyday media use.
More MacBook Pro dealsApple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,049 $2,199 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black) — $2,374 $2,499 (save $125)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 15-core CPU/16-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,849 $2,999 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,649.99 $2,999 (save $349.01)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,749.99 $3,199 (save $449.01)
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Silver) — $3,049.99 $3,599 (save $549.01)
Apple 2026 MacBook Pro, with M5 Pro chip with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 48GB, 1TB SSD, Space Black) — $3,419 $3,599 (save $180)
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,849.99 $4,399 (save $549.01)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,449 $1,599 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,349 $1,499 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,649 $1,799 (save $150)
The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s most refined earbuds yet, with improved noise cancellation and a more comfortable fit thanks to redesigned foam-infused tips in multiple sizes. Battery life holds up for long listening sessions, and the earbuds bring newer features like heart rate tracking, Fitness app integration, and live translation support.
Early reviews on the AirPods Pro 3 have been strong too, with Mashable calling them “without a doubt, one of the best products of the year” in 2025. Given Apple’s recent price increases across its lineup, any discount here is worth paying attention to — especially for a newer model that rarely sees much movement in price.
More AirPods dealsApple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — $159 $179 (save $20)
Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen) — $498 $549 (save $51)
The iPad mini (A17 Pro) stands out as one of the best iPads for reading and everyday use. Its smaller 8.3-inch size makes it easier to hold for long periods than larger iPads, which start at around 11 inches.
In Mashable’s roundup of the best iPads of 2026, the iPad mini earned the “best for reading” spot because it hits a rare balance — feeling like an e-reader in the hand but still working like a full iPad when you need it. You can read, stream, and switch between apps without it feeling as limited as dedicated e-readers often do. The A17 Pro chip handles everyday tasks without slowdown and powers Apple Intelligence features like article summaries and basic productivity tools.
More iPad dealsApple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi + Cellular, 256GB) — $1,199 $1,399 (save $200)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,249 $1,499 (save $250)
The Apple Watch Series 11 brings more health data, stronger safety features, and better battery life without changing the core design. As a Mashable review by Stan Schroeder puts it, “The Apple Watch Series 11 isn't all that different from last year's model, but it has a significantly longer battery life, and that's a huge deal.”
In everyday use, that upgrade makes a difference. The watch now lasts through a full day and can stretch closer to a day-and-a-half depending on usage. Stan notes that this alone changes how usable it is for sleep tracking and daily wear, since older models often needed a charge before bed.
More Apple Watch dealsApple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 44mm) — $249 $279 (save $30)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) — $359 $429 (save $70)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) — $429 $499 (save $70)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + Cellular, 46mm) — $459 $529 (save $70)
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) — $699.99 $799 (save $99.01)
Apple Pencil (USB-C) — $69 $79 (save $10)
Apple Pencil Pro — $99 $129 (save $30)
SAVE 50%: As of July 6, you can get the Roborock Saros Z70 for $999.99, down from $1,999.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount or $1,000 in savings.
Roborock Saros Z70 $999.99 at AmazonAs the proud dog mom of two beagles, keeping my floors clean is a never-ending battle. But ever since I brought a robo vacuum-mop combo into my apartment, I've been able to handle the mess without stressing (too much). So if you've been trying to justify buying one for yourself, let this be your sign.
SEE ALSO: The Roborock Saros 20 handily beats 2025's Saros 10R. But hopefully, the Saros 20 Sonic is even better.Right now, you can get the Roborock Saros Z70 for $999.99, down from $1,999.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount or $1,000 in savings. It's also the lowest price we've tracked on this model to date. (It's listed for $2,599.99 on the Roborock website, so it's technically $1,600 off.)
One of the coolest (and most unique) features about this vacuum is its OmniGrip mechanical arm. It folds out to pick up rogue socks, tissues, or whatever else is in the way, and moves them. That said, our Senior Shopping Reporter, Leah Stodart, says that the arm is basically decorative. But with a $1,000 discount, the 22,000Pa of suction power and auto washing and drying base more than make up for it.
SAVE $599.01: The Anker Solix S2000 is on sale for $599.99, down from the normal price of $1,199. That's a 50% discount, and just 99¢ more than the lowest price we've seen.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix S2000 $599.99 at AmazonWhen the power goes out at home, it poses some problems. First, we consider how much battery is left on our phone. After that, the concern often turns to all of the food in the fridge and freezer going bad. If none of that sound like a nice time, you've probably considered upgrading to a portable power station. Check out this worthy model that's on a major discount at Amazon.
As of July 6, the Anker Solix S2000 is on sale for $599.99, marked down from the normal price of $1,199. That's a 50% discount that shaves $599.01 off the price. It's also just 99¢ more than the lowest price Anker offered on this model during its launch back in May.
Plenty of portable power stations are designed to keep you going when out camping, but not all are perfect for using at home during a power outage. Anker designed the Solix S2000 specifically for use at home, and it excels at keeping your refrigerator working as it should despite a power outage.
Anker Solix states the S2000 can keep a typical household refrigerator cooling for up to 35 hours. The team put that to the test in a live YouTube stream and wound up with a final time of 38 hours and 52 minutes. Keep in mind, the indoor temperature of your home as well as your specific refrigerator can alter the exact time. But Anker's test proves the model worthy of keeping your food safe for well over a day.
SEE ALSO: Regularly $799, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 power station is $429 right now at AmazonGetting into some specifics, the S2000 has 2,010Wh of battery capacity while only weighing about 36 pounds. I've tested dozens of power stations and can say that's lightweight for a battery that holds over 2,000Wh.
It's also compact, measuring 8.2 inches × 11.1 inches × 12.7 inches. Anker put eight outlets on this model on both the front and the back of the power station. It has three AC ports on the front and two on the rear. This configuration is great for using a rear AC port for the fridge while keeping the front open for other kitchen items like the kettle of a coffee maker. The front also houses two USB-C ports and a USB-A, so you can keep your phone and other small devices charged up.
Before the next power outage, upgrade your home with the Anker Solix S2000. It'll give you the reassurance your fridge can continue cooling despite grid power going down. It's on sale for $599.99 at Amazon for a limited time. It's quite possible the current contents of your fridge are worth more than that.
SAVE OVER $10: As of July 6, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is on sale for $21.99 at Amazon. That's $18 off its full price of $39.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $21.99 at AmazonThe Fire TV Stick 4K Select may have dropped to $10 during Prime Day, but if you missed out on that offer, you can actually still save right now at Amazon.
As of July 6, this streaming device is on sale for $21.99 at Amazon. It may be just over $10 more than Prime Day, but it's still a pretty solid discount to take advantage if you're wanting to upgrade to 4K streaming. In comparison to its full price of $39.99, you're saving $18. Overall, that's a 45% discount, which isn't bad at all. On top of that, it even comes with one month of Xbox Game Pass for free if you're a new user.
SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (July 3, 2026)If you're looking to make the jump from HD to 4K without splashing out on the pricier 4K Fire TV Sticks, this is an excellent model to start with. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select supports 4K Ultra HD picture quality alongside HDR10+. It also supports WiFi 5 for streaming quality and comes with 8GB of storage for holding all of your favorite apps.
If you're curious what the differences are between each 4K Fire TV stick before buying, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select store page features a nice breakdown of each. That way, you can feel a bit more informed before dropping your cash.
Don't miss out on this great deal on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select at Amazon.
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Samsung is going to make a lot of money selling memory chips.
According to Reuters, the company is about to post a huge profit increase estimate for its Q2 profit, an 18-fold increase compared to the same period last year. That would be 86 trillion won ($56.35 billion) in profit for the quarter starting in April and ending in June, up from just 4.7 trillion won ($3 billion) in Q2 2025.
SEE ALSO: 7 ways the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra turns your next festival into content worth postingThe reported number comes from an estimate based on forecasts from 30 analysts, and reflects an ongoing memory chip supply crunch. The insatiable need for memory chip recently drove stock prices of memory chip makers such as Micron and Hynix through the roof. As the largest chip memory chipmaker in the world, Samsung will profit from the market imbalance too.
Samsung sells memory chips to numerous companies including tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Nvidia.
The global memory crisis, dubbed the RAMageddon, has helped memory chip makers lock in lucrative contracts and increase profits, but it also caused consumer tech prices to surge. In June, Apple announced significant price increases across numerous product categories, and gadgets such as the PlayStation, the Switch, phones like Motorola Razr, and laptops from Acer, Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft have suffered a similar fate.
Featured Video For You Boys on the internet are telling me nicotine is a productivity hackSAVE $598: As of July 6, the TCL 85-inch NXTVISION Frame TV is on sale for $1,399.96 at Amazon. That's down from $1,997.99, saving you $598.
Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL NXTVISION 85-Inch Frame TV $1,399.96 at AmazonThe TCL 85-inch NXTVISION Frame TV is now $1,399.96 at Amazon. That's down from $1,997.99, saving you $598 — the lowest price we’ve seen for this model and about $98 below its Prime Day low.
The TCL Frame TV sits directly against the wall, measuring just 1.1 inches thin. Instead of a bulky setup, the main hardware is built in, so there’s no separate external box. It comes with a light wood-style magnetic frame in the box, so you can change how it looks depending on your room — or keep the clean off-white bezel for a more minimal setup.
A flush wall mount is included to keep the TV close to the wall for a framed-art effect. Just note, it’s designed specifically for this setup and doesn’t work with standard VESA mounts.
The screen itself is matte and anti-glare, which helps it blend in more like framed artwork than a traditional TV. There’s also an art mode with a built-in library, AI-generated artwork options, and the ability to display your own photos. Installation is simple with an included template and mounting system, so it goes up cleanly, with no visible gaps or clutter.
Grab the TCL 85-inch NXTVISION Frame TV at Amazon while it's at its best-ever price.
England beat Mexico 3-2 on Sunday, securing a spot in the quarter finals of the FIFA World Cup — and if there was any doubt whatsoever in your mind as to how England Captain Harry Kane might be feeling about the victory, his post-match interview made it crystal clear.
Here he is speaking with the BBC about the game while struggling a bit to find his voice.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed."Yeah it was a crazy game," says Kane in that clip, rubbing his throat. "But yep, we had to find...we had to find something. Yeah I've just been saying in there, I can't really talk."
SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup online for freeThe Bert from Sesame Street comparisons were inevitable.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.He now has five days to rest that voice before England take on Norway in the quarter finals on Saturday.
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you watch international soccer.
As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Leaving a team
Green: Regionally specific
Blue: Best sluggers
Purple: Almost USA members
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Move on from a player
Green: San Diego teams
Blue: Members of the 600-HR club
Purple: USMNT players, with the last letter removed
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #651 is...
What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?Move on from a player: CUT, RELEASE, TRADE, WAIVE
San Diego teams: AZTECS, PADRES, SAN DIEGO FC, WAVE
Members of the 600-HR club: AARON, RUTH, SOSA, THOME
USMNT players, with the last letter removed: ADAM, FREES, RICHARD TRUST
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT gameHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, July 6, 2026:
AcrossHalloween silhouetteThe answer is Bat.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
Ron's assistant on "Parks and Recreation"The answer is April.
The answer is Maine.
The answer is Broke.
The answer is Its.
The answer is Bambi.
The answer is Apart.
The answer is Trios.
The answer is Ink.
The answer is Lee.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get "dates" (and I use that term loosely) with the tap of a button. Thanks to classic hookup apps like Tinder and newcomers like Pure, finding a sexy new friend can be as straightforward as ordering a pizza. As for the quality? That’s about the same as your pizza — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you're located, and how hungry you are.
Fortunately, you’ve got me, your resident dating app expert (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw), to guide you to the promised land, aka the best hookup apps.
I’ve spent the past three years (yes, years) researching, downloading, and testing dozens of the top dating apps to find the best ones for all kinds of daters, including the one-night-stand crowd. From discrete sexting apps to dating sites for serious relationships, I've swiped through them all. I also consulted a helpful panel of sex and relationship experts to make sure my picks are solid.
How to get the most out of hookup appsMy number one rule is to be brutally honest about what it is you want. You’re here for a good time? Own it. That means staying in your lane; don't go looking for a one-night stand on an app like eharmony.
"Hookup apps help prevent situations where people are on mainstream dating sites with the intention of having a casual hookup but are unclear about these intentions," Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for Biird and author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject, tells Mashable. "They also give women a space to be openly sexual creatures without judgment."
And here's a little secret I picked up from Alexander Liebisch, the CEO and founder of TinderProfile.ai: Timing is everything. He found that people messaging on Tinder's "free tonight" feature after 10 p.m. on a weekend had a 45 percent higher chance of hooking up.
So, whether you're looking for a one-night stand, a regular FWB situation, or just a space to explore your sexuality, I've got you covered. Based on all my hands-on testing and expert consultations, I’ve broken down the best hookup app for every type of person and mood.
Recent updates to this guideHinge: Hinge just keeps getting better, so I’ve bumped it up higher on my list as of October 2025. In our most recent update in June 2026, it still earns the top spot. Its user base is growing, and my own recent tests on the app have been surprisingly positive.
Sniffies (added September 2025): I've added Sniffies, the map-based app for queer men, because it's been gaining a lot of traction. (It got a little too spicy for Apple and was pulled from the App Store, so it's now technically a dating site.) Don't say I didn't warn you about the NSFW content.
FetLife (added September 2025): FetLife is my new favorite "Honorable Mention." It's not your typical hookup app; it's more of a social network for the kink community (and, oddly enough, the best hookup app for gamers). Just remember: it's a community, so don't treat it like Tinder.
Plenty of Fish (removed January 2025): POF went through a rebrand recently, and honestly, I'm not impressed. My latest tests showed they got rid of key features like free messaging for non-matches, and I kept running into the same old profiles.
Match (removed August 2025): I know some people say they've found casual hookups on Match, but that's not what it's for. Match is where you go to find a serious, long-term relationship, and I still recommend it for that. But for a hookup? You're just fishing in the wrong pond.
You might notice a few apps that pop up in ads or other lists are missing here. That’s intentional. I swipe through the good, the bad, and the downright sketchy so you don’t have to. For an app to make my list, it has to be effective, safe, and worth your time.
Here's a shortlist of apps that didn't make the cut this year:
Wild: You’ve probably seen ads for this one. On paper, Wild sounds like the perfect casual dating app. In practice, the paywalls are aggressive, the distance filter doesn't work, and you have to pay for anything that's even remotely useful. Unless you're willing to spend serious cash upfront (and hope for the best), the experience feels limited compared to more open apps like Tinder.
DOWN: This app (formerly "Bang With Friends") is known for its simple "Get Down" vs. "Get Date" feature. It sounds clever, but in reality, the experience is messy at best. Many users report feeling scammed by subscriptions that don't deliver matches, or finding that the few real people on there are... let's say "odd." It’s hard to recommend an app when the main user complaint is "Is anyone real?" Hard pass.
Facebook Dating: Yes, Facebook has a dating section, and it’s surprisingly massive (and completely free, which is huge). While it's a decent option for casual dating, the vibe tends to be a bit more "friends of friends" and "relationship-focused" than the anonymous, no-strings energy you get from apps like Pure or Feeld. (For Mashable's Chance Townsend, signing up was "the most uneventful dating experience" of his life.) It's worth a shot if you're already on Facebook, but it didn't quite crack my top tier for hookups specifically.
The 2026 World Cup is now racing to the latter stages of the knockout rounds. The quarter finals are calling for the USA, now facing off against Belgium in the Round of 16. Portugal and Spain are also in action — a fixture that has the makings of an all-time classic.
It all kicks off at 3 p.m. ET. If yesterday's action is anything to go by — with Norway upsetting Brazil and England beating Mexico in an absolute thriller — July 6 could be another special day from this electric tournament.
FIFA World Cup schedule today: July 6Portugal vs. Spain (Dallas Stadium) — kickoff at 3 p.m. ET
USA vs. Belgium (Seattle Stadium) — kickoff at 8 p.m. ET
Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal in what is almost certainly the superstar's final World Cup campaign. But it won't be easy getting to the quarter finals. Spain are defending European Championship winners and have their own superstar in 18-year-old Lamine Yamal. It's truly a battle between two powerhouses. Expect fireworks — not to mention goals.
Live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.
Watch USA vs. BelgiumUSA were facing this crucial game without Folarin Balogun after he received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. But his one-match ban has been controversially lifted, so USA will be at full strength against Belgium. Can USA ride the wave of home support and reach the quarter finals for the first time since 2002?
Live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.
Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:
YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months
Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month
Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month
It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.
You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup on these free streaming services. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpresVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal
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