Mashable

Summer slumber isn't a thing at Mountain View: Google's new Pixel smartphones will be unveiled on August 12.

The company recently sent out invites for the event, which will be held in New York City, at 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 12. The invite shows a detail of (presumably) the upcoming phone (in a dazzling gold/copper color) and its camera.

"Come celebrate with us in NYC on August 12. It's the night the next generation of Pixel arrives," the invite says.

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The company is expected to launch a massive addition to its phone lineup, with rumors pointing to four new devices: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

At the event, Google is also expected to launch a new wearable, the Pixel Watch 5.

SEE ALSO: Google launches Nano Banana 2 Lite and Gemini Omni Flash. How to try them now

The event timing is notable as it's about a month ahead of Apple's September event, where the company is likely to unveil new iPhones, including its first-ever foldable phone, the iPhone Ultra.

To make this summer even more interesting, Samsung is also about to launch new foldable phones, including a super-wide version of the Galaxy Z Fold, at an Unpacked event on July 22.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you watch baseball.

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.

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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.

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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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Baserunner

• Green: Trench work

• Blue: Florida postseason games

• Purple: Rangers in baseball

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Baserunning Outcomes

• Green: Can Precede "Block" In Football

• Blue: CFB Bowl Games in Florida

• Purple: Members of the Texas Rangers

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 #653 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Baserunning Outcomes: PICKLE, PICKOFF, STEAL, TAG

• Can Precede "Block" In Football: CHOP, CRACKBACK, PANCAKE, PASS

• CFB Bowl Games in Florida: CITRUS, GASPARILLA, ORANGE, POP-TARTS

• Members of the Texas Rangers: BURGER, DEGROM, GORE, ROCKER

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.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 8, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 8, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 8 Pips

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 2-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 2-0, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 8 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 3-3, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 8 Pips

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 2-1, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 0-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 2-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally.

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

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from West Virginia with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

More than a third of U.S. states have introduced age verification laws for online adult content, including West Virginia. Pornhub has responded to these new laws by restricting access to potential users from those locations. It's a complicated situation with a quick and easy workaround.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from West Virginia, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in West Virginia

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

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The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

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Unblock Pornhub for free in West Virginia with ExpressVPN.

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

Greenery.

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

PLANT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Bright.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 8, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

LIGHT

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Small change.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 8 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 8, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

TWEAK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Grim.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

BLEAK

Final Hurdle hint

Just a bit.

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

OUNCE

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 NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a musician.

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.

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: NYT Pips hints, answers for July 8, 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: Shreds

• Green: Idea

• Blue: Rock on!

• Purple: Dwelling

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Cut into thin pieces

• Green: Motif

• Blue: Guitar-playing techniques

• Purple: House ___

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 #1123 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Cut into thin pieces: GRATE, PLANE, SHAVE, SLIVER

• Motif: DRIFT, PLOT, THEME, THREAD

• Guitar-playing techniques: PICK, PLUCK, STRUM, TAP

• House ___: CARDS, LORDS, WAX, WORSHIP

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 8, 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're a troublemaker.

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 July 8, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Here comes trouble

The words are related to being mischievous.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe troublemaking.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Little Devil.

NYT Strands word list for July 8

• Whippersnapper

• Hellion

• Little Devil

• Rapscallion

• Scamp

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 believe in evil.

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 July 8, 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 July 8, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Devil.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

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...

DEMON

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.

One of the worst-kept secrets in tech isn't a secret anymore.

After months of rumors and leaks, Samsung on Tuesday finally confirmed what we already knew: There will be a Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22 in London, starting at 9am ET. You'll be able to watch the event live on Samsung's website or its YouTube channel.

In the brief announcement sent to media outlets, Samsung said it will "introduce its latest Galaxy innovations that build on its leadership in foldables."

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked preview: Everything we expect from the July event

That's right in line with what we expect to see at this Galaxy Unpacked event. Reporting suggests Samsung will launch three foldables instead of just two this year: A Z Flip 8, a Z Fold 8, and a Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The Z Fold 8 will be a new model with a shorter, wider form factor, while the Z Fold 8 Ultra will be a successor to the excellent Z Fold 7.

We're also expecting to see at least two new Galaxy Watch models, as well as Samsung's first foray into smart glasses, which may be called Galaxy Glasses.

And if there are any surprises beyond those announcements? We'll know in a couple of weeks.

On tenterhooks waiting for Insta360's new 360-degree camera to come out? You won't have to wait much longer.

Insta360's latest filing with FCC reveals the company's X6 360-degree camera, model code CINSABXA, received FCC certification on July 3.

What does this mean? It means that nothing stands in the way of the X6's launch, likely early in the fall.

Insta360 has not yet confirmed a launch date, but the usual timeframe for product launches following FCC certification suggests the X6 will be announced in August or September.

SEE ALSO: DJI and Insta360 go to war in the U.S. over action gimbal cameras

Detailed specs are not confirmed in the filing, but other reports suggest the Insta360 X6 adds intriguing new features to the popular 360 degree camera. The X6 will reportedly be able to shoot video in 8K at 60fps, which is an upgrade from the maximum 30fps in 8K from its predecessor, the X5.

The X6 is also reportedly able to shoot in 10-bit color, with larger sensors meaning better recordings in low-light conditions.

Pricing has also not been confirmed, but reports suggest that the X6 will launch somewhere between $549 and $599.

Insta360 is quickly becoming a powerhouse in the camera market. The company most recently released the Insta360 Luna Ultra, a gimbal camera that rivals DJI's Osmo Pocket line.

Still, Insta360 is still best known for its flagship line of 360 degree cameras — most frequently launched in April. The Insta360 X5 was launched in April 2025, and the X4 came out in the April before that.

But April 2026 came and went without the release of its next generation 360 degree camera, leaving eager customers concerned.

So thanks to the the FCC filing, Insta360 fans can look forward to the release of the company's newest 360 degree camera in a matter of weeks.

TL;DR: Learn all 14 Babbel languages for life for just $159 with code LEARN and build real conversation skills through expert-created lessons.

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Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland are about to play a World Cup quarterfinal. Naturally, the internet has decided this is also an HBO sports drama.

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On Saturday, July 11, England will face Norway at Miami Stadium for a spot in the World Cup semifinals, setting up one of the tournament’s most internet-friendly player matchups: Bellingham, England’s midfield star, against Haaland, Norway’s goal-scoring machine and his former Borussia Dortmund teammate. FIFA's match center lists Norway vs. England as a quarterfinal in Miami, while England confirmed the matchup after its 3-2 Round of 16 win over Mexico.

SEE ALSO: Mexico vs. South Korea: The World Cup's friendliest rivalry

The football stakes are obvious. England got here after Bellingham scored twice in quick succession against Mexico, with Harry Kane adding a second-half penalty. Norway arrived after stunning Brazil 2-1, with Haaland scoring both goals to send his country into the final eight.

But online, the matchup has become about more than tactics, form, or who survives the Miami heat in July. Some fans have latched onto the long-running friendship between Bellingham and Haaland, resurfacing old clips, affectionate moments, and edits of the two from their Dortmund days.

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Some have even started comparing the setup to Heated Rivalry, the late-2025 breakout sports romance series about two rival hockey players whose on-ice competition hides a heated bond (for lack of a better word).

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Before Bellingham became one of Real Madrid's defining players and Haaland became Manchester City's long-term superstar, they were two of the most exciting young players at Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 as a teenager and quickly became the club's youngest goalscorer in a competitive match. Haaland had arrived earlier that same year and was already one of Europe's most-feared young forwards.

On the pitch, the pairing had tons of chemistry. Bellingham brought the energy, timing, and midfield drive. Haaland brought the terrifying inevitability of a striker who always seemed one run away from scoring. Off the pitch, they seemed to grow a genuine friendship.

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And the friendship did survive their inevitable transfers. Haaland left Dortmund for Manchester City in 2022, while Bellingham joined Real Madrid in 2023. Haaland has since signed a long-term contract keeping him at City until 2034, while Bellingham's move to Madrid made him one of the most high-profile English players ever to join the club.

Even after they separated, Bellingham made it clear that Haaland was still checking in. During the 2022 World Cup, Bellingham said Haaland messaged him before and after England's opening game, sending "good luck" and then "well done." He described Haaland as encouraging and said the two still sent each other "silly stuff" when something reminded them of an old joke. Oh, to be on the receiving end of one of Halaand's snaps...

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It also helps that both players have become perfect internet characters in different ways. "Hey Jude" Bellingham has the polished superstar aura and the ability to turn a high-pressure match into his own stage. Haaland has spent this World Cup becoming something like Norway's final boss and social media content creator, with Norway's run producing some of the tournament's most joyful moments, both online and offline.

Sports fans already love a former-teammates-turned-rivals storyline. The internet loves lore. Fortunately for fans, Saturday's matchup has both.

Where to buy the new 2026 Roombas iRobot Roomba Electro Plus 5-in-1 Hard Floor Cleaner $399.99 (available now) Shop Now iRobot Roomba Max 775 Combo + AutoWash Dock $999.99 (available now) Shop Now iRobot Roomba Plus 575 Combo + AutoWash Dock $799.99 (ships in 2-3 weeks) Pre-Order Here Roomba Max 715 Vacuum + AutoEmpty Dock $699.99 (ships in 1-2 weeks) Pre-Order Here iRobot Roomba Plus 515 Combo + AutoWash Dock $699.99 (available now) Shop Now Roomba Plus 415 Combo + AutoWash Dock $599.99 (available now) Shop Now

When iRobot filed for bankruptcy in December of last year, no one knew for sure if we'd ever see the launch of a new Roomba again. iRobot confirmed plans for a comeback with a big announcement on July 7: New Roombas have been released for the first time since iRobot handed ownership to its manufacturer, Picea.

Of the five new Roomba robot vacuums and the new cordless upright wet dry Roomba vacuum, most are available for purchase now. Others will be ready to ship over the next few weeks. Here's a quick rundown of the 2026 lineup:

• Roomba Electro Plus 5-in-1 Disinfecting Hard Floor Cleaner — $399.99 (available now)

• Roomba Max 775 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $999.99 (available now)

• Roomba Plus 575 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $799.99 (available to preorder now)

• Roomba Max 715 Vacuum + AutoEmpty Dock — $699.99 (available to preorder now)

• Roomba Plus 515 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $699.99 (available now)

• Roomba Plus 415 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $599.99 (available now)

It pains me to say that the pink Mini Roomba still hasn't made its way to the U.S. But let's go over the other big developments.

The Roomba Electro Plus is probably the most fun addition to the family. This actually isn't iRobot's first foray into non-robotic vacuums — the retired iRobot H1 handheld vacuum is buried deep in niche iRobot lore. The Roomba Electro Plus has too many cool features to be forgotten that easily. If it can resonate with consumers better than Dyson's latest attempt to branch into the robot vacuum space, it's already a W in my book.

The Electro Plus mops and vacuums at the same time. Credit: iRobot The Electro Plus uses electrolyzed water to sanitize without cleaning solutions. Credit: iRobot

The brand's first upright cordless wet dry vacuum electrolyzes regular tap water to kill 99.99 percent of surface germs and bacteria without the use of chemicals. The roller mop can clean up wet and dry messes in the same pass, then washes itself while it charges on the ThermaClean Dock. Priced at just $399.99, the Roomba Electro Plus feels pretty affordable compared to similar wet dry vacuums from Roborock, Mova, Tineco, and Dreame.

But as someone who tests new robot vacuums every single month, I had another question brewing: Will any of these Roombas be good enough to make my list of the best robot vacuums of 2026?

A few main points stuck out during my initial skim of the press release. Good news first: These Roomba prices aren't as delusional as they've been in the past.

Pre-bankruptcy, most Roombas were simply too expensive for the basic stuff that they could do — competing brands were offering the same baseline cleaning and maintenance features for much less money. iRobot and new owner Picea have gotten a little more practical.

The Roomba Max 775 Combo. Credit: iRobot The Roomba Plus 415 Combo. Credit: iRobot

The Roomba Max 775 and its heated spot mopping really stood out to me. At $999.99, the Roomba Max 775 might be the most affordable roller mop robot vacuum that actively uses hot water while scrubbing. That was one of my favorite things about the Narwal 2 Flow, which costs $1,499.99.

In terms of suction power, these new Roombas are a much better bang for your buck than past Roombas. iRobot typically doesn't outwardly list suction power measurements in Pascals (Pa) for easy comparison to other robovacs. I was able to confirm the numbers with iRobot via email: The Roomba Plus 415 has 20,000 Pa, the Roomba Plus 515 has 25,000 Pa, the Roomba Plus 515 has 22,000 Pa, and the Roomba Max 775 and Max 715 come in hot at 30,000 Pa. For reference, the most powerful robot vacuums on the market right now have 35,000 to 36,000 Pa suction power, so 30,000 Pa is still pretty ferocious.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums of 2026 so far: I've tested 10+ new models since January, but these 4 stood out

With stats like that, the two most premium Roombas could easily earn a spot as one of the best robot vacuum and mop combos this year.

The big red flag is that only two of the new Roombas have PrecisionVision AI (iRobot's version of small obstacle avoidance technology), and of course, they're the two most expensive models. Both Roborock and Dreame have more than one robot vacuum in the $500 to $800 price range that can avoid obstacles like cords, socks, and pet waste. If iRobot really wants to change consumer minds about its value as a brand, it can't be reserving such a core feature for only its premium models.

Kai Cenat is once again taking the internet back to school, and this year's class is stacked.

On Monday, July 6, Cenat returned to livestreaming to reveal the 2026 roster for Streamer University, his creator-focused bootcamp that brings aspiring streamers, rising online personalities, and some of the biggest names on the internet together in one space for workshops, collaborations, and live content.

The reveal streamed on Twitch and YouTube on Monday night, where Cenat announced this year's professors, club directors, and students. That list starts with some of the most recognizable names in streaming and creator culture. Agent00, Cinna, The Sushi Dragon, Ludwig, Kaiya Cenat, Poudii, Pokimane, Faze Adapt, Lizzo, YourRAGE, and Mashable 101 honorees Maya Higa and Duke Dennis are all set to serve as professors for the 2026 class.

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Cenat also revealed this year’s club directors. Nick Nayersina will lead the fraternity; Lethal Shooter will run basketball; Markell Washington will lead cheerleading; Oliver Cannon and Gibson Hazard will head the film club; Proto will oversee science and engineering; T-Pain will lead musical arts; Markus King will run debate; and Yonna Jay will lead drama.

Yes, Streamer University has a drama club.

The student roster includes Queen Naija, Skai Jackson, Stable Ronaldo, Sketch, DreamDoll, Sara Saffari, PlaqueBoyMax, Jasontheween, Kanel Joseph, Bonnie, Tatum Bittick, Marlon, Braeden, OnlyLarryKing, and dozens of other creators.

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Streamer University first launched in May 2025, when Cenat hosted the inaugural four-day event at the University of Akron. The program gives growing creators access to major names in the streaming world while helping them build audiences across platforms. Selected students take part in a multi-day experience focused on networking, content creation, mentorship, and collaboration. Everything from attendance to meals and accommodations is covered for accepted participants.

This year's return began in June, when Cenat announced Streamer University 2026 with a cinematic trailer posted to his social media accounts. The video leaned into the school theme, showing Cenat approaching an abandoned, Hogwarts-like version of Streamer University that had been overtaken by owls carrying dusty applications.

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Applications opened online for three tracks: students, professors, and club directors. Prospective students had to be at least 18 years old, able to travel within the United States, and submit at least one social media account for review. Applicants were also asked to send in a short video showing their personality, content style, and why they wanted to attend.

The 2026 rollout had already shown how big Streamer University had become before Cenat even revealed the final roster. In June, he also held in-person audition events in cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, drawing crowds of hopeful creators who wanted a shot at joining the class.

On Wednesday, June 17, thousands of people gathered outside State Farm Arena in Atlanta, and the auditions were eventually shut down due to safety concerns related to the turnout.

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That demand did not come out of nowhere. A 2023 Morning Consult survey found that 57 percent of Gen Zers said they would become an influencer if given the opportunity, with money, flexibility, and fun among the biggest reasons the career path appealed to them. The problem is that as creator careers become more appealing, it becomes harder to stand out. Streamer University gives selected creators what is difficult to build alone: access to major names, built-in collaboration, and the chance to be seen by an audience much larger than their own.

With more than 20 million followers on Twitch, Cenat is currently the platform's most-followed streamer, but his influence now reaches well beyond his own channel. Streamer University has become one of the clearest examples of that reach — a creator-led event big enough to draw massive crowds, major names, and a student class hoping the right collaboration can change everything.

We are just a few months away from Apple's big annual September iPhone event, where the company will undoubtedly make major announcements about the iPhone 18. There are also reports that the long-awaited foldable iPhone, known as iPhone Ultra, will be announced at the event.

A new report from an Apple analyst today says the iPhone Ultra will likely launch at a price between $2,300 and $2,500. That's roughly twice the price of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

If you're really set on buying the foldable iPhone but are a little turned off by the price, here's how to justify it. The iPhone Ultra isn't just a foldable iPhone. It's also going to be like having a pocket-sized, foldable iPad.

When closed, the iPhone Ultra will look like the average iPhone. However, when opened, the iPhone Ultra's inner display will be just like an iPad mini-sized OLED display with a 4:3 aspect ratio. The iPhone Ultra reportedly measures at 7.8 inches when opened, putting it right around the size of the 8.3-inch iPad mini.

Over on Reddit, one user created a size comparison image of the iPhone Ultra's reported dimensions alongside Apple's current iPad lineup, including the iPad mini and iPad Pro.

Reddit

The iPhone Ultra, when opened, seems more like a part of the iPad family than any iPhone model.

In fact, the iPhone Ultra looks like it'll be wider than other foldable smartphone models from Apple's competitors, such as Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, and the Motorola Fold.

When the iPhone Ultra is officially announced, it'll be interesting to see whether Apple positions the foldable device as more than just an iPhone but also a pocket-sized tablet. Based on its reported display, the iPhone Ultra can certainly serve that purpose.

There will likely be many more leaks and rumors in the weeks to come. We'll officially find out more at the Apple event in September.

New details are emerging about the iPhone Air 2's expected camera and battery upgrades, adding specificity to earlier reporting on Apple's next ultra-thin device.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman first reported in June that Apple plans to add a second rear camera lens to the iPhone Air 2 and improve its battery life. The original iPhone Air launched with just a single 48-megapixel lens, and Gurman's report indicated the additional lens would be ultrawide rather than telephoto.

SEE ALSO: Samsung to take on the iPhone Pro with the new Galaxy S27 Pro?

That claim has now been backed by leaker Digital Chat Station, according to 9to5Mac, which noted the source has a solid track record. The outlet said it had been unclear whether the second lens would be telephoto or ultrawide, with its own reader poll showing a preference for telephoto, but recent reporting has converged on an ultrawide lens.

On battery life, 9to5Mac reported that Digital Chat Station has provided specific figures suggesting a notably higher-capacity battery, citing supply-chain forecasts pointing to roughly 3,500 mAh, up from the current model's 3,149 mAh. That would put the Air 2 closer to the 3,692 mAh battery found in the standard iPhone 17.

Both upgrades would address the most common criticisms of the original iPhone Air. Mashable's review of the device praised its slim form factor but flagged the lack of a second lens and underwhelming battery life as its biggest shortcomings, adding that those issues may have contributed to soft sales.

The iPhone Air 2 isn't expected to launch until spring 2027, following earlier reporting by The Information that cited weak first-generation sales as the reason for delaying the device's release beyond Apple's typical fall cycle. Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold are still expected to debut this fall.

Erling Haaland bears a striking resemblance to Dragon Ball Z villain Majin Buu. This isn't new information; it's a comparison that first went viral way back in 2021. The meme has resurfaced as the Norway striker has become one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But only now, as his team prepares for a quarter-final showdown with England, has Haaland finally acknowledged the likeness himself.

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The latest chapter in this long-running meme began with an Instagram post from @hidden.ny, showing Haaland recreating Majin Buu's signature hand gesture.

Fans immediately flooded the comments with references to the iconic villain, continuing a joke that has done the rounds on social media for years.

Then Haaland joined in. Responding in the comments on July 6, the Manchester City striker wrote: "I mean I don't disagree."

That single sentence was all the internet needed.

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Screenshots of Haaland's response quickly spread on X, Instagram, and TikTok, with fans celebrating the striker's tacit approval of one of his most persistent online memes.

Majin Buu is one of the most memorable antagonists in the legendary anime series Dragon Ball Z. Created by the wizard Bibidi and later unleashed by Babidi, the pink magical being is known for his seemingly limitless power, ability to regenerate from almost any injury, as well as his habit of turning opponents into candy before eating them.

Fans aren't exactly saying Haaland has the character's villainous tendencies. The joke has always been about the resemblance — not just his closely shaved blond hair and broad facial features, but also the occasional expression that gives off unmistakable Majin Buu energy.

View this post on Instagram

The meme has gone far beyond side-by-side comparisons. Some fans have made art by kitting Majin Buu out in a Norway shirt and giving the pink villain Haaland’s signature blond hair.

One kitted-out mockup DBZ figure seems a perfect collectible for soccer and anime fans alike.

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As far as athlete-anime comparisons go, it's one of many. But they don't always get acknowledged by the subject. Now that Haaland has officially signed off, fans can consider this meme canon.

SAVE $500: As of July 7, get the iRobot Roomba 505X robot vacuum and mop for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $999.99. That's a discount of 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon iRobot Roomba 505X robot vacuum and mop $499.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $500   Get Deal

Robot vacuums are some of the most useful appliances around if your floors are perpetually dirty. If you find that you're going over your carpets over and over again, or you're sick of vacuuming or mopping, you should absolutely invest in one. And we've found one that's on sale right now at Amazon.

As of July 7, get the iRobot Roomba 505X robot vacuum and mop for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $999.99. That's a discount of 50%.

SEE ALSO: The iRobot Roomba 105X robot vacuum and mop is over half off at Amazon — save $250

This powerful robot vacuum and mop combo has strong suction to handle a variety of different types of messes in your home. Whether you want to clean around corners or along walls or scrub sticky and messy spots, it can tackle every job, minor to difficult. It can even empty debris into its reservoir on its own for up to 75 days and washes, refreshes, and dries its own mop pads so you don't have to touch it for at least four weeks.

It uses PrecisionVision AI to recognize obstacles on its own so you don't have to worry about it bumping into everything in its path. That includes everything from cords to pet accidents, so you don't have to rack your brain programming a cleaning path and zone only for the robot to get into a mess. It's truly autonomous in that way as you can set it up and let it run.

If you're looking to automate your cleaning tasks, this is a great option to pick up right now, especially since it's on sale. And if you hate cleaning, you'll be able to rely on a robot to handle it all correctly -- much more affordable than paying for a cleaning service.

The wedding of the summer year was packed with a star-studded attendance list. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married at Madison Square Garden on July 3 with A-list celebs like Emma Stone, Tom Hanks, Sabrina Carpenter, Zoë Kravitz, Graham Norton, and a massive list of more. But something in attendance caught the eye of the Mashable shopping team: the Camp Snap CS-8 Digital Video Camcorder.

View this post on Instagram

We've seen Taylor herself using the Camp Snap CS-8 in the past, but on her wedding day, Kelly Stafford, podcaster and wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, was seen with the modern-day take on a camcorder.

View this post on Instagram

While it's not possible for us to capture the footage Stafford did at the wedding, we can get our own creative hands on the celeb-loved creator camera. Since we still have well over a month left of summer fun and wedding season is in full-swing, snagging the camera could be one of the most nostalgic ways to capture memories.

SEE ALSO: The Camp Snap 2 is here: What to know about the new digital, screenless camera Why celebs love the Camp Snap 8 digital camcorder

Taylor, Selena Gomez, Idris Elba, and Nina Dobrev are all fans of the Camp Snap CS-8, which is a modern version of a classic camcorder, the Kodak Super 8. Camp Snap intentionally designed the camera without a playback screen. Instead, you'll record unforgettable moments, and upload the footage later via USB-C to your phone, laptop, or computer.

The take-it-everywhere digital camcorder lets you choose aspect ration and has included vintage filters. Credit: Camp Snap

The Camp Snap CS-8 has a rechargeable battery, a 2.7k video sensor, and five customizable image filters, including black and white and two vintage options . You'll be able to record in four different aspect ratios, and it even records audio thanks to the built-in microphone. The included 4GB card can hold about 30 minutes of footage, but you can upgrade to a 128GB SD card, which will hold up to 16 hours of video footage.

How to buy the Camp Snap 8

Tons of celebrity-loved products are hard to find in stock, but we're in luck with this one. The Camp Snap CS-8 is available for purchase online at Camp Snap for $199. But it's worth noting the brand produces in small batches and the camera's page indicates stock is limited.

If you're in the mood to capture unedited footage of life's best events, the Camp Snap CS-8 is about as perfect as it can get. Just ask Taylor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Camp Snap Camp Snap CS-8 Digital Video Camcorder $199 at Camp Snap
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Samsung is set to capture the world's attention by hijacking the tech world's attention for a couple of hours later this month.

The Korean tech giant is reportedly holding a new Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, according to many leaks and rumors. At this event, we'll more than likely see at least six new devices from Samsung. Without wasting any more time, here's what to expect from the next Galaxy Unpacked.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: What's actually new (and what's not) Three new foldables arriving, including Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8 This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The real headliner of each summer Unpacked, at least in recent years, has been Samsung's lineup of foldable phones. For several years, Samsung has launched a new Z Flip and Z Fold phone each summer. In 2026, all reports indicate a third phone is being added to the list. The three Samsung foldables we expect to see at Unpacked are:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

This is where things get a little confusing. You'd think the Z Fold 8 Ultra would be the new addition to the lineup, but recent reports indicate that the Z Fold 8 is actually a new device this year. Rumors for months have pointed to Samsung releasing a wider foldable this year, and it sounds like that phone will take the Z Fold 8 name, while a true successor to the Z Fold 7 will be called Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Anyway, the new Z Fold 8 will potentially have a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded. These dimensions are pretty similar to the rumored design of the still-unannounced foldable iPhone, suggesting Samsung wants to introduce this third foldable as a direct competitor to Apple's device.

Aside from that, we expect the Z Fold 8 Ultra to be fairly similar in design to the Z Fold 7, with a new Snapdragon chip and a stronger 200MP main camera on the back. Samsung is also said to have done some work to make the crease on the folding display less visible this year. The Z Flip 8, by all accounts, will follow a similar path: roughly the same design as the Z Flip 7, but with a better processor and a less visible crease.

Oh, and thanks to RAMageddon, do not be surprised to see year-over-year price increases for all of these devices.

New Galaxy Watches on the way

Samsung usually uses this summer event to showcase its latest smartwatch advancements, and 2026 looks no different. This year, we expect to see two new Samsung watches:

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

It's generally accepted that both of these phones will see fairly incremental changes from before. There will surely be new health-tracking features, and some small design changes, with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in particular said to incorporate classic numbers on the watch face, a thinner bezel, and better side buttons. Most importantly, for some, it sounds like Samsung is skipping out on a new Galaxy Watch Classic this year. You'll get a base model and a premium model, and that's it, as far as anyone can tell.

Galaxy Glasses tipped for their big debut

Lastly, Samsung's long-awaited smart glasses should make their debut at Unpacked in July. Most likely called Galaxy Glasses, we expect these specs to work similarly to the ones Meta has been releasing for a few years now. They will not include any augmented reality or heads-up display features, focusing instead on on-board cameras and a built-in AI assistant, courtesy of Google Gemini, to provide information about what you're seeing, should you ask.

It should be a pretty packed showcase, so stay tuned for all of our coverage as we get closer to Galaxy Unpacked in July.