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TL;DR: T-Mobile has dropped new deals on the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+. Score the latest Samsung lineup for free right now at T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 Free when you trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26+ Free when you activate a line on Experience More or Experience Beyond. Shop Now

We have been known to make some noise about the fact you can walk away with a free iPhone from T-Mobile, but what about our Android readers? Are they supposed to just sit around and watch the Apple users get all the good stuff? No, everyone eats for free at T-Mobile.

T-Mobile has dropped a new batch of live deals on the latest Samsung handsets:

• Samsung Galaxy S26 — free when you trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More plan.

• Samsung Galaxy S26+ — free when you activate a line on Experience More or Experience Beyond.

The value of these smartphones is applied as 24 monthly credits to your bill, so you're still paying for the phone but you're getting paid back in full over time. You do need to pay taxes and a $35 device connection fee, but you can never escape that with this type of deal. Anyway, it's a small price to pay for a new handset that wont be replaced until next year.

Mashable's Alex Perry took a close look at this lineup and said: "The new Galaxy S26 line delivers some key upgrades over Samsung's previous-gen phones." We're not talking about earth-shattering updates here, but the "incremental upgrade cycle" is still an upgrade.

Score the latest Samsung Galaxy lineup for free with T-Mobile.

In April, the influencer Brigette Pheloung, known as @acquiredstyle, shared many videos of her bachelorette trip sponsored by a previously unknown company: Swan Beauty, a $795 "AI mirror" (that also needs a $94 per year app). TikTok then did what TikTok does best: Exploded with discourse. Some people praised Pheloung and Swan Beauty for their partnership, while others, predictably, hated it. (Pheloung didn't respond to Mashable's request for comment.)

"I don't think anyone would say no to her bachelorette, whether hosting it or attending it," said Sarah Singleton, founder and lead content creator at Hype Gal Media, which specializes in wedding iPhone content creation. "You just got to do it in a really, really cool way that was sponsored."

SEE ALSO: What are those heartbeats on Hinge?

It's just the latest in a series of high-profile influencer sponsorships in the wedding space. While getting free swag or paid services for weddings isn't new, it seems to be exploding in recent years, especially since COVID lockdowns. In fact, six in ten Americans would have a brand sponsor their wedding, so the naysayers may be in the minority. Mashable spoke to wedding professionals about these sponsorships and how the current state of the world means nothing is "sacred."

History of wedding sponsors

Despite the TikTok ire, brands have been gifting or paying for goods and services in exchange for attention for decades.

"Free or sponsored product or services is nothing new in the high-profile world," said Harmony Walton, founder of The Bridal Bar, a PR and marketing agency for luxury wedding professionals. Walton started The Bridal Bar in Los Angeles in 2004, and she's seen sponsored weddings before social media, even working with A-list clients who did it (though she declined to name who). 

A well-known, pre-social media example of this is TV personality Star Jones, who made headlines in 2004 for taking various freebies, such as bridesmaids' gowns and her (now ex-)husband's tuxedo, USA Today reported at the time. The same article also mentions early-2000s wedding sponsors, like fellow TV personality Tori Spelling, who received chocolates for her wedding party.

The concept has evolved, though, Walton said, as the influencer is the new celebrity. "So there are plenty of brands and companies that are motivated to gift products and services in exchange for attention, and the attention looks different now." Maybe it's a viral TikTok, whereas years ago it would be a mention in People magazine (print, of course). 

Throughout her career, Walton has seen wedding photographers, planners, dress designers, venues, and hotels climb in the industry because they booked a big influencer or high-profile client — whether they paid for it or not. The coverage is invaluable regardless.

Recently, brides who drummed up chatter on social media about sponsored nuptial elements were influencers Becca Bloom, who partnered with Lancôme, and Mikayla Nogueira, who said her 2023 wedding wasn't sponsored but did release a product with e.l.f. cosmetics (e.l.f. x Mikayla Marriage Material Lip Duo) before the big day.

A brand deal fit for a bride

Singleton, who has shot sponsored content for weddings, emphasizes that the best thing influencers can do is stay true to their personal brand. If a beverage brand you've never consumed before is all of a sudden everywhere at your reception, people will question whether you actually like it or if it's been gifted. Which is fine, Singleton said — but don't act like it's the best drink ever when you've been sipping on something else.

The best deals come when it's genuine and authentic to both the couple and the love story, she said.

The proper way to have sponsored wedding elements is to do this professionally, Walton said. The Bridal Bar gets solicited for free products and services from micro influencers who want discounts, but they aren't approaching it from a business perspective, more so as how to leverage their platform to reduce wedding costs.

An influencer who's used to these types of deals knows what contracts are appropriate, and to ask for what deliverables are needed — be it a certain number of posts, collaborative posts, or the like. 

And the more significant the cost for the brand, the more the return has to be. A beauty brand gifting products for bridal party welcome bags is entirely different from a brand offering all-expenses-paid travel. 

Like Singleton, Walton emphasizes that being authentic is the best course of action. "Just because someone's getting married, it doesn't mean that their audience is the right fit for [your brand]," she said. If it's an authentic and organic story being told, "you're more likely to see results and fruits from that labor, versus maybe a completely irrelevant brand or product that is distinctively different than the types of products and services that that audience is looking for."

Is nothing sacred? Not in this economy. 

A common refrain in TikTok videos criticizing influencers for cashing in on wedding sponsorships is: "Is nothing sacred?" One's wedding, in their view, is supposed to be a special day not infringed by Brands™.

But is anything sacred in 2026, when AI companies want to reanimate the dead, we're seeing the worst actions of humanity on our screens every second, and economic inequality is getting worse?

"In this economy, get your bag."

"In this economy, get your bag," Singleton said. "Do what you want to do." She added that in the digital era we're in, it's almost inevitable that we'll see influencers taking on sponsors for weddings.

Given the current climate, it's no wonder. The cost of living has increased in recent years. Weddings aren't any different — and they were already expensive compared to other events, so much so that the term "wedding industrial complex" is commonplace. 

And no matter what — through pandemics and recessions — people are going to get married one way or another, Singleton said. 

"Weddings since COVID have gotten exponentially more expensive than they were before," said Walton. What The Bridal Bar is seeing is that the middle class of weddings is disappearing. They're going to small, micro weddings or elopements, or the destination, multi-day affairs of the one percent.

"Weddings are expensive, so being able to work with brands that I would already be posting for was truly so helpful when it came down to staying within our budget," Jenna Liston, a content creator, told Mashable over email. 

Liston received pajamas for her bridal party, a cowboy hat for her wedding day, products like smiley-face socks for her bachelorette attendees, and dresses for her engagement photos.

Not only do weddings come with an exorbitant price tag, but social media has changed the game when it comes to weddings; people's expectations are higher now. When Walton first got into the business, people got married locally, had an intimate rehearsal dinner beforehand, and that was it.

"Now the bar is set so much higher. That's because of social media and Pinterest and Instagram and TikTok," she said. "The visual aspect of Keeping Up with the Joneses is because of Instagram."

Plus, the internet brought increased availability of information. We plan life events differently than we used to, thanks to the internet, but we also have different experiences. Now, it feels like everyone you know is going to Japan, but even a decade or two ago, that kind of travel required a travel agent and guides.

"This generation is more well-traveled and more life-experienced than a lot of previous generations. So they come to their wedding planning process with a different worldview and perspective," Walton explained. "If they've seen and done all of these incredible things, well, their wedding can't just be a cookie-cutter backyard wedding."

Someone's wedding might be the biggest day of their lives — but they've had some pretty big days, already. So this has to top it.

If you take a step back, an influencer working with a brand is a business transaction, and even on a personal day, influencers have built their careers on sharing their personal days as business transactions, Walton said. Now it's just on a grander scale. That being said, we need to remind couples that this is their wedding, after all. You don't want to look at the photos 10, 20 years from now and hate them because a brand's name is plastered all over them. 

Liston said sponsored wedding content is the smart way to go. "The only thing I'd say is be true to yourself," she said. "I wasn't accepting every offer from every company, but if it aligned with my page and what I was looking for, I was excited to partner with them."

If you have a following or platform and can work with companies on your big day, she said, why not?

TL;DR: This Apple MacBook Air is lightweight without compromising on power, and right now it can be yours for just $344.99 (reg. $1,299).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 2020 (Refurbished) $344.99
$1,299 Save $954.01   Get Deal

Whether you like to work from coffee shops, by the pool, or on your couch, the MacBook Air is a great way to tackle your to-do list from anywhere. And while it usually comes with a steep price tag, right now, you can bring one home for just $344.99 (reg. $1,299) while supplies last.

If you’re looking for a laptop that feels portable without sacrificing power, it’s time to get a MacBook Air. This Apple device comes equipped with speedy processing that can keep up with your daily workflow and multitasking.

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8GB of memory and 512GB SSD storage offer speed and responsiveness, plus plenty of space to store important files right on the device. Touch ID keeps your content safe and secure while allowing you easy access.

The 13.3-inch Retina display with Intel Iris Plus lets you tackle work or take a break and stream a show in sharp detail. You’ll also enjoy Apple’s True Tone Technology, which adjusts the color to provide comfortable viewing and lessen eye strain. A backlit keyboard also offers a comfortable typing experience in any lighting.

If you’re curious how you’re saving so much on this powerful laptop, it’s thanks to this model’s grade B refurbished rating. That means it will arrive with normal wear and tear and light to medium amounts of scuffing on the case, but will be fully functional right out of the box.

Bring home an Apple MacBook Air for only $344.99 (reg. $1,299) while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The flowkey Piano Learning App five-year subscription is on sale at its lowest price ever for $79.97 (reg. $899).

Opens in a new window Credit: Flowkey flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription) $79.97
$899 Save $819.03   Get Deal

Learning piano doesn’t have to mean expensive lessons or strict schedules. A simple way to build skills at your own pace for a fraction of the usual cost is right at your fingertips.

The flowkey Piano Learning App Classic Plan’s five-year subscription is $79.97 (reg. $899) with access to guided lessons, interactive practice tools, and real-time feedback.

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Flowkey is designed to take someone from first notes to full songs using step-by-step lessons and real-time feedback. The app listens as you play, so you get instant corrections instead of guessing what went wrong.

It includes features like Wait Mode, which pauses progress until you hit the correct notes, as well as slow-motion playback, looping sections, and split-hand practice. You can also follow synced video performances alongside sheet music, which helps connect theory to actual playing.

The Classic Plan includes access to over 1,000 classical and public-domain pieces by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart, along with arrangements tailored to different skill levels.

There are also foundational courses covering music theory, chords, reading sheet music, and proper hand positioning. It’s structured to support both absolute beginners and returning players who want a refresher.

This fits beginners who want structured guidance without committing to in-person lessons, as well as intermediate players looking to rebuild or strengthen fundamentals. It also works across devices — including laptops, tablets, and phones — as long as you’re using a compatible keyboard or digital piano setup.

This learning app provides a low-risk way to build piano skills over time without recurring monthly costs or high lesson fees.

To learn a new skill and keep things simple, you’ll want structured lessons, interactive feedback, and long-term access with flowkey. Get it today at its lowest price yet at $79.97 through May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PM for $79.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is chock-full of high-profile talent. Pedro Pascal returns as the titular Mando, Sigourney Weaver makes her Star Wars debut as a Rebel colonel, The Bear's Jeremy Allen White voices a ripped Hutt, and Oscar winner Martin Scorsese even appears as an Ardennian fry cook.

SEE ALSO: 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' review: If this is the future of Star Wars, I don't want it.

However, Star Wars fans will also catch another familiar face, one that's usually behind the camera: Lucasfilm President and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni. Filoni co-wrote The Mandalorian and Grogu with director Jon Favreau and Noah Kloor. Over the past two decades, he's also been instrumental in shaping the world of Star Wars on TV, working on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and more. Now he appears in the franchise's first theatrical film since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker.

Who does Dave Filoni play in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu?

The Mandalorian and Grogu isn't Dave Filoni's first time popping up in a Star Wars project. He's voiced characters in the past, like The Clone Wars' Embo (who appears in The Mandalorian and Grogu, albeit nonverbally) and Rebels' Chopper. His first live-action appearance in Star Wars came in The Mandalorian Season 1, where he played X-Wing pilot Trapper Wolf. He donned the X-Wing pilot helmet for two more episodes: one in Season 2 and the other in Season 3.

Filoni reprises the role of Trapper Wolf The Mandalorian and Grogu. However, the first of two times he appears in the film, he's not in Trapper Wolf's usual X-Wing cockpit. Instead, he's at a bar on a Rebel base, rocking his trademark cowboy hat. (Between this and the helmet, I guess Trapper Wolf is a big hat guy.)

The next time Filoni shows up is in the final battle on the Hutts' home planet, Nal Hutta. Led by Colonel Ward, Trapper Wolf and several other X-Wing pilots dive-bomb the Hutts after learning they were still allied with the last vestiges of the Empire.

Filoni actually isn't the only cameo in this battle. Keep your eyes peeled for Captain Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett, as well as The Mandalorian episode directors Lee Isaac Chung and Rick Famuyiwa. Both have made prior cameos as X-Wing pilots in the flagship show.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is now in theaters.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is the first major tentpole to hit theaters this summer. So fans of a galaxy far, far away should brace for action, adorableness, and scads of allusions to other Star Wars movies and shows. But one cinematic thrill that's a real surprise is how legendary American filmmaker Martin Scorsese comes into play in this much-anticipated spin-off.

In the opening credits, Scorsese's name will appear after Pedro Pascal, who headlines as Mando himself. But fans of Goodfellas, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Killers of the Flower Moon will have to wait until Act Two for the Academy Award–winning director's role.

What does Martin Scorsese look like in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu? Pedro Pascal and Martin Scorsese in "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu." Credit: Lucasfilm

In the movie, the Mandalorian is tasked with rescuing Rotta the Hutt (The Bear's Jeremy Allen White), the son of the late Jabba the Hutt. But first, he and his child/protégé Grogu have to find Rotta. So, Mando asks an Ardennian street cart vendor with four arms for information. Voiced by Scorsese, this simian-like alien delivers rapid-fire exposition with a New York sensibility and a grounded awareness of what happens to snitches.

Two months ago, some keen-eared fans noticed Scorsese in a trailer for Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.

But what fans couldn't have guessed is his character's name: Hugo Durant.

The first name seems to be a reference to Hugo, Scorsese's family-friendly 2011 adventure, based on Brian Selznick's 2007 book The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The last name; however, appears to be a reference to Rio Durant, the Ardennian pilot from Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Presumably, Hugo and Rio are related. But another thing they have in common is that both are voiced by directors, as The Mandalorian and Grogu helmer Jon Favreau provided the voice of Rio.

Of course, Scorsese's not the only filmmaker with a cameo in Favreau's film. Did you spot The Mandalorian and Grogu co-writer and producer Dave Filoni?

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is now in theaters.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) assistance package is no longer available as a one-time purchase in Europe.

Instead, users can sign up for FSD at a monthly fee of 99 euros/British pounds, depending on the market. Previously, European customers were only able to get FSD (or the promise of FSD) for a one-time fee of €7,500 or £6,800, respectively.

Who's the creator you tell everyone to follow? Vote for them in Mashable's Fan Fav.

In addition, customers in Europe were previously able to get Tesla's Enhanced Autopilot suite of driver assistance features for a one-time fee of €3,800 or £3,400, depending on the market. That feature is no longer available; however, the customers who previously purchased Enhanced Autopilot can now get FSD for a reduced fee of €49 per month.

Tesla FSD brings numerous self-driving features, including navigating through city streets, respecting traffic lights, automatic parking, and more. Enhanced Autopilot has a greatly reduced set of options, with highlights being automatic lane changing on motorways, helpful navigation while on autosteer, and automatic parking.

SEE ALSO: Tesla says its Full Self-Driving package is now available in China

The news comes after FSD became available in two European markets: the Netherlands and Lithuania. However, we've checked, and the option is available even in the European markets where FSD hasn't formally launched yet.

It's also available for vehicles with older HW3 hardware (as opposed to HW4), even though Tesla CEO Elon Musk made it clear that HW3 cars will not be able to run FSD in its full capability, at least not without a hardware upgrade.

Featured Video For You Is ChatGPT Changing the Way We Write?

"If you're just tuning into The Late Show...you missed a lot."

That's how Stephen Colbert begins his last ever Late Show monologue, which he assures us is going to be a just like a regular monologue — until the celebrity guests start showing up.

The first is Bryan Cranston, who asks if Colbert is planning to have any surprise cameos. "No Bryan," says Colbert. "Those always feel kind of forced."

Next comes Paul Rudd, who wants to know when his interview will start. "I have an extremely long poem I want to recite and I don't want to run out of time," says Rudd, before revealing that he bought Colbert "the traditional retirement gift" of six bananas.

Colbert tells him the traditional retirement gift is a gold watch, to which Rudd asks what he's supposed to do with these five bananas?

"I thought just a moment ago you said it was six?" says Colbert.

"I got hungry!" yells Rudd. "Now interview me!"

Who's the creator you tell everyone to follow? Vote for them in Mashable's Fan Fav.

Meta's got a brand new app, but the company isn't advertising it anywhere yet.

The app is called Forum, and it's been spotted by Geekout Newsletter's Matt Navara (via Engadget). It's freely available to iPhone users, though it's not available in all markets yet.

Per the app's official description, it's a "dedicated space built for deeper discussions, real answers and the communities you care about."

In practice, it lies somewhere between Reddit and Quora, enabling users to ask questions and get related answers from folks on Facebook Groups. By default, it'll show you content from Facebook Groups based on your (previously selected) interests.

On the admin side, Facebook says the app is build for people who run groups, giving them a new admin AI assistant to help manage their groups and moderate content.

Facebook emphasises that this is about getting answers from "real people." Forum requires a Facebook account; the driving idea behind the app might be to leverage Facebook's vast community of users to provide answers, instead of getting AI-generated slop. Still, an AI assistant will fetch the answers when you ask a question on Forum.

SEE ALSO: Parents on Instagram, Facebook: Expect a big message from Meta

A Meta spokesperson told Engadget the app is still undergoing testing. "We test lots of new products publicly to see what people find interesting and useful to their experiences across our apps," the spokesperson said.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

In the know.

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

PRIVY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Strangely.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ODDLY

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To sag.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DROOP

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To brush.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SWEEP

Final Hurdle hint

To take off.

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

STRIP

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

The Moon is nearing its First Quarter phase tonight, meaning almost half of its visible surface is now illuminated as it continues its monthly journey around Earth.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, May 22, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 37% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

Tonight, with just your naked eye you'll be able to spot the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. If you have binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, and a telescope will reveal the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots.

When is the next Full Moon?

There are two Full Moons in May, with the next due to take place on May 31.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth completely, passing through eight phases during that time. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the way sunlight hits its surface changes throughout its orbit, creating the familiar full, half, and crescent appearances we see in the night sky. Altogether, the lunar cycle consists of eight main phases:

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

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

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

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

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

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

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

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you always follow back up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 22, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Circle back

• Green: That's how it is

• Blue: They go round and round

• Purple: Women's names

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Reach back out

• Green: The way things are done

• Blue: Places with conveyor belts

• Purple: Starting with name homophones

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 #1076 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Reach back out: CHECK IN, FOLLOW UP, RECONNECT, TOUCH BASE

• The way things are done: CONVENTION, CUSTOM, SOCIAL NORM, UNWRITTEN RULE

• Places with conveyor belts: ASSEMBLY LINE, BAGGAGE CLAIM, CHECKOUT LANE, REVOLVING SUSHI BAR

• Starting with name homophones: CARRY-ON, EL NIÑO, LOOSEY-GOOSEY, TAILOR-MADE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 22, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you go big or go home.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 22, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Put down your ruler

The words are related to size.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe large things.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Its Big.

NYT Strands word list for May 22

• Boundless

• Epic

• Vast

• Immense

• Its Big

• Whopping

• Astronomic

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you don't like to venture out.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 22, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 22, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Regional.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

VOCAL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

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

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

Soundcore announced two new pairs of earbuds during its Anker Day event on May 21: the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max.

The earbuds are the first Soundcore products to feature the new THUS AI chip, designed to boost the performance of the earbuds' microphone for call quality, voice activation, and smart features like live translation and AI note-taking. Spoiler alert: the mic performance is no joke on these earbuds.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best wireless earbuds we've ever tested

Both the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max are available as of May 21. I've spent a few days trying out both pairs of earbuds — below you'll find my first impressions, the specs, price, and everything else you need to know about Soundcore's latest audio release.

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro: Specs and price

The Liberty 5 Pro is available for $169.99 and comes with the following feature set:

The Liberty 5 Pro come with a small on-case display. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

• Battery: 6.5 hours with ANC (28 hours with charging case), 12 hours without ANC (50 hours with charging case)

• Active noise cancellation: Yes, adaptive and five levels of manually adjustable ANC

• Microphones: 8 microphones, plus two bone conduction sensors

• Connection: Bluetooth 6.1

• Multipoint: Yes, up to three devices simultaneously

• IP rating: IP55

• Ear tips: Five sizes, from XXS to L

• Ear fins: Three sizes

• Colors: Blue, white, black, and pink

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro: First impressions

I haven't had the chance to test the full range of the Liberty 5 Pro features just yet, but as Soundcore emphasizes the "whisper clear" calls these buds are capable of, I made sure to get in some testing of the microphone, along with the usual suspects of the sound quality (rich and well-varied, from my initial listens) and active noise cancellation.

Mic quality is superb

Call quality may seem like a weird feature to brag about, but if you've used earbuds with a crappy microphone, you know how annoying it can be to have to disconnect your earbuds every time you need to take a call.

My first test for these earbuds was an informal one. While FaceTiming a friend and wearing these earbuds, another friend in the room with me leaned into the frame of my phone's camera to say hello. My friend on the other end of the call happened to be looking away — she had no clue the other person in the room with me had spoken at all. Meanwhile, she could hear me without any issue. Whisper clear indeed. I've also been able to hold full conversations with ease while other people are watching TV and chatting in the same room, while the person on the other side of the call has been none the wiser. All this to say, the early results are very promising.

So is it really just a matter of matching up a full set of microphones with an AI chip? Not exactly. Soundcore goes the extra mile, adding two bone conduction sensors to detect vibrations in your skull and ensure that only your voice is picked up, even in noisier environments.

The noise cancellation is no joke either

I nearly jumped out of my skin when someone approached me to say good morning while I was listening to music on these earbuds at about 40 percent volume. Apparently, they'd been trying to get my attention for a good 30 seconds. So that's another informal test, passed.

On a more technical note, these earbuds have eight microphones that work together with the THUS chip to provide the best possible noise cancellation. The result is impressive, especially considering their $169.99 price point. While I look forward to testing them out and about in the world more, as far as my home office (and simply existing in a house where seven other people live), these earbuds are more than getting the job done so far.

Comfortable and stable

The ear fin/ear tip combo on these earbuds reminds me a lot of the Bose QuietComfort earbuds series. Whenever I'm positively comparing the wear of earbuds to the QC series, that's a very, very good thing, considering the Bose buds are the most comfortable I've tested.

SEE ALSO: Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds 2 are one of the best noise-cancelling earbuds available, but not a must-upgrade

While I haven't yet put these through the extended hours of wear needed to see if they deserve the same accolades, I can say that so far, I've experienced no fatigue wearing them in one to two-hour bursts. At the same time, they feel plenty secure and provide a great seal for boosting passive ANC.

A unique charging case design No need for a companion app to adjust the earbuds' settings. Credit: Soundcore

The charging case for the Liberty 5 Pro features a 0.96-inch mini touchscreen, where you can access settings such as ANC adjustments, equalizer presets, spatial audio, and Bluetooth pairing. Essentially, it reduces the need for a companion app to adjust every feature that isn't playback or volume. Despite the small screen, this was a surprisingly convenient way to use the earbuds — especially when pairing them to new devices.

Though it doesn't feel fragile, I am curious to see how this case holds up once I throw it in a bag and take the earbuds on the go.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro $169.99 at Amazon, Soundcore, Best Buy
  Shop Now Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max: Specs and price

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max is available for $229.99, with the following feature set:

The Liberty 5 Pro Max comes with a larger display on the case and the ability to record meetings for AI note-taking. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

• Battery: 6.5 hours with ANC (28 hours with charging case), 12 hours without ANC (50 hours with charging case)

• Active noise cancellation: Yes, adaptive and five levels of manually adjustable ANC

• Microphones: 8 microphones, plus two bone conduction sensors

• Connection: Bluetooth 6.1

• Multipoint: Yes, up to three devices simultaneously

• IP rating: IP55

• Ear tips: Five sizes, from XXS to L

• Ear fins: Three sizes

• Colors: Titanium-gold and black

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max: First impressions

The Liberty 5 Pro Max earbuds have many of the same features as the 5 Pro, including the same tech for powering noise cancellation, sound quality, and the microphones. They also feature the same earbud shape. There is one notable difference, though, which we'll get into below:

The mic impresses on the Pro Max buds, too

The Pro Max earbuds use the same 10-sensor matrix (the microphones and bone conduction sensors) as the 5 Pro earbuds, so it's no surprise that, in combination with the AI chipset, these earbuds also sounded incredible on calls and did a reliable job at blocking out background noise.

Living in a house with seven other people means that if I'm not at my desk (and even then), there's at least a 50 percent chance that I'll take a call while someone else is having a conversation around me. For the times that's happened so far, not once did the people on the other side of the call hear the background noise from my end. My next tests will involve taking these earbuds out into the world (for even louder and more distracting environments).

A larger display on the earbuds case The entire top of the case acts as a display for customizing features on the earbuds. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The 5 Pro Max has an even bigger touchscreen on the charging case than the 5 Pro, which takes up the entire top of the case. The 1.78-inch AMOLED display allows you to access many of the same features as the smaller 5 Pro case, plus the AI note-taking feature, which uses the case to record the conversation.

AI note-taking feature isn't anything to scoff at either

As a journalist, I'm especially into any easy way to record interviews or conversations, and Soundcore seeks to do just that with its AI note-taker. Basically, it works as the case records the conversation, meeting, talk — whatever you're trying to get down. Then, it transfers the file to the companion app, and, at your request, can generate a transcript and summary with identified speakers.

During the recording, a tap of the flag button creates markers in the recording that become highlighted in the transcription. Before creating the transcription, you can also select the recording type (discussion, presentation, etc.), so the AI can choose the best format for the information.

So far, I could see this being an incredibly useful tool, but I'm also interested to see the limitations (it looks like a Pro version for more transcription minutes is available) and how it compares to Apple's built-in voice memo feature.

Noise cancellation and sound quality

In my testing so far, the noise cancellation and sound quality are basically indistinguishable from the 5 Pro earbuds, which is to say they both sound really good and do a great job of blocking out sound.

One hiccup I noticed while testing the adaptive ANC on the 5 Pro Max buds was a soft clicking sound in the left earbud — it was almost not detectable while audio was playing, but without music, it was definitely present. It could've just been a glitch that a software update will fix, so I'll be keeping my eye on it as I head further into my testing period.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max $229.99 at Amazon, Soundcore, Best Buy
  Shop Now Where to buy the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max

As of May 21, you can pick up the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro for $169.99 and the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max for $229.99 at the following retailers:

Where to buy the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max Amazon Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro $169.99 Shop Now Soundcore Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro $169.99 Shop Now Best Buy Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro $169.99 Shop Now Amazon Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max $229.99 Shop Now Soundcore Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max $229.99 Shop Now Best Buy Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max $229.99 Shop Now

SAVE $20: As of May 21, the Anker Soundcore P20i earbuds are on sale for just $19.99 at Amazon. That's a savings of $20 or 50% and just two cents away from their best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore P20i earbuds $19.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal

Despite what big tech might have you believe, spending hundreds of dollars on a pair of earbuds isn't required — especially if you just want a pair for everyday listening. Case in point: some of our favorite budget earbuds just got the deal treatment for Memorial Day, knocking them down to a mere $20.

The Anker Soundcore P20i are the best cheap earbuds we've tried and as of May 21, they're on sale for only $19.99 at Amazon. That's half off their list price of $39.99 and just two cents away from their record-low price.

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After tweaking a few settings on the companion app, our reviewer was shocked by how well the P20i earbuds performed for the cost. With the Treble Boost equalizer preset turned on, the P20is are able to produce the kind of sound you'd expect from options three times the price. They also boast an impressive battery life of about 10 hours, plus an extra 30 with the charging case. For comparison purposes, the standard AirPods without noise-cancellation offer less than six hours.

Anker Soundcore also threw in some extra ingredients on these earbuds, like a "find device" feature and the ability to set up to three personalized touch controls on each bud.

Obviously, at a price this low, the brand had to cut some more advanced features. So don't expect noise cancellation or multipoint pairing. If those are dealbreakers, you'll have to spend a bit more. But if you just want some basic earbuds that sound great and offer some extra perks at a low price, you'd be hard pressed to find a better option.

TL;DR: Make an old PC feel brand new again with the Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle, on sale for just $34.97 (reg. $418.99) through May 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $34.97
$418.99 Save $384.02   Get Deal

Want to squeeze more life out of your current PC? It may not be as expensive as you think, thanks to the Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle. This combo gives your Windows device a total refresh, and right now you can snag it all for just $34.97 until May 31.

Who has an extra few hundred dollars to spend on a laptop these days? Fortunately, there’s no need if you get this Microsoft bundle. It equips your PC with a fresh set of tools and an updated operating system, making it feel brand new to you for under $40.

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This bundle kicks off with Microsoft Office Professional 2021, which gives your computer permanent access to eight helpful apps. This suite includes classics you know and love, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It also features new favorites like OneNote, Teams, Access, and Publisher.

Once you have your new apps downloaded, it’s time to upgrade your OS. This bundle includes Windows 11 Pro, an operating system that was purposefully designed with the modern professional in mind.

This OS offers a more powerful search experience, improved voice typing, snap layouts, and a whole lot more features designed to improve your workflow. It also includes cybersecurity features like biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and advanced antivirus defenses.

Act fast to score major savings and get the Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle for just $34.97 until May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Mexico vs. Ghana in a 2026 International Friendly for free on Canal 5 Televisa. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching.

This is the last chance for competing sides to sharpen up ahead of the main event, so fans can look forward to a string of high-profile friendlies over the next couple of weeks. That includes Mexico vs. Ghana, a tough game to call involving the World Cup co-hosts and a team with aspirations of making it through to the knockout rounds.

If you want to watch Mexico vs. Ghana in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Mexico vs. Ghana?

Mexico vs. Ghana kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on May 22. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc.

How to watch Mexico vs. Ghana for free

Mexico vs. Ghana is available to live stream for free on Canal 5 Televisa.

Canal 5 Televisa is geo-restricted to Mexico, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Mexico, meaning you can access free live streams on Canal 5 Televisa from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream Mexico vs. Ghana for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit Canal 5 Televisa

5. Stream Mexico vs. Ghana for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Mexico vs. Ghana without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for Canal 5 Televisa?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Canal 5 Televisa, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Mexico

• 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 $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Mexico vs. Ghana for free with ExpressVPN.

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Thursday addressing the imminent "disruptions" of artificial intelligence on jobs.

The Democratic governor and widely-rumored 2028 presidential contender directed the state to explore a number of measures to prevent nightmare scenarios for workers affected by AI job loss.

The executive order focuses on policies for severance, employment insurance, universal basic income, and workforce training, among other potential responses to AI worker displacement.

SEE ALSO: Meta will track employee mouse movements and keystrokes for AI training, report says

"This moment demands that we reimagine the entire system — how we work, how we govern, how we prepare people for the future — and that work is starting right here in the Golden State," Newsom said in a statement.

Meta layoffs: AI job losses mount

The timing of Newsom's executive order is noteworthy. On Wednesday, California-based tech giant Meta laid off 8,000 employees, 10 percent of its workforce, and moved another several thousand to roles focused on AI.

Despite Meta's recent strong quarterly financial performance, the company's CEO Mark Zuckerberg discussed the layoffs as part of the company's aggressive transition to AI.

"Success isn’t a given. A.I. is the most consequential technology of our lifetimes," Zuckerberg wrote in a memo to staff, according to the New York Times. "The companies that lead the way will define the next generation."

Other major tech companies, including Cisco and Microsoft, are shedding jobs as they focus on AI.

The timeline for Newsom's AI executive order

Newsom's executive order established a short timeline for evaluating and identifying new solutions. Within 90 days, the state's Employment Development Department is supposed to launch a dashboard showing AI's impacts on California jobs, based on unemployment insurance data.

By mid-October, various state agencies should finish reviewing specific policies and practices, including how unionized workplaces are addressing the adoption of AI technology.

"Today is just the first step as we rewrite policy and direction, creating a future of work that works for all," Newsom said.

If you've ever received an email from "msonlineservicesteam@microsoftonline.com," you'll know that this is an official email address used by Microsoft.

However, users should be aware that emails from this official Microsoft address may be scam messages.

Scammers have figured out how to weaponize this legitimate Microsoft email address in order to send fraudulent emails to targets. And it appears that bad actors are ramping up their use of this method, too.

Post by @zackwhittaker@mastodon.social View on Mastodon

Recently, multiple people on social media have shared that they received a scam email from a real Microsoft email address called msonlineservicesteam@microsoftonline.com. The emails look like most emails from Microsoft, utilizing the template that the company frequently uses. However, the subject line of these emails are often about Bitcoin or a promoting a third-party website. The subject line also usually includes a phone number or website link that are not associated with Microsoft.

The reason these emails look like actual emails from Microsoft is because, technically, they are.

Post by @spamhaus@infosec.exchange View on Mastodon

Normally, this Microsoft email is used by the company in order to send email notifications such as two-factor authentication codes or account notices. However, scammers have found that they can inject their fraudulent schemes into this legitimate email, bypassing any sort of scam or spam detection filters in users' email inbox.

As TechCrunch writes in its report, Microsoft doesn't appear to have addressed the issue or released any statement yet on the matter.

However, it appears that this issue has been around for quite some time now.

A January report from cybersecurity company Abnormal detailed how bad actors were abusing Microsoft's notification email system and tricking it into sending phishing emails.

"The attack begins with the bad actor spinning up a disposable Microsoft 365 tenant," reads Abnormal's report. "The core exploit lies in the Tenant Branding configuration within Microsoft Entra ID. The attacker navigates to Tenant Properties and modifies the 'Name' field to contain a fraudulent financial alert message."

With the name modified with the scammer's message, the bad actor then tricks Microsoft into sending a verification code email to the target's email address. The scammer does this by asking Microsoft to add the target's email address to the attacker's Microsoft account. When the email is sent to the target, Microsoft includes their name in the subject line. But, again, in this case, the scammer has input their message to the victim as the name.

Because this attack utilizes Microsoft's trusted email address and does not include any malicious hyperlinks or attachments, these scam emails are easily bypassing any sort of security measures.

As cybercriminals get craftier and more resourceful, internet users should remain vigilant and take a close look at emails they receive, even if the sender appears to check out.