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TL;DR: Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City in the FA Cup final for free on BBC iPlayer/ITVX. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The FA Cup final is here, with Crystal Palace taking on Manchester City for a chance at glory.
Manchester City have endured a tough season by their exceptionally high standards, but lifting the FA Cup would provide some level of comfort. Crystal Palace have shown real promise this season, culminating in an impressive 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at the semi-final stage. Can they go all the way and lift the FA Cup for the first time? They'll need big performances from the likes of Mateta and Eze to overcome City.
If you want to watch Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City in the FA Cup final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is the FA Cup final?Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City in the FA Cup final starts at 4:30 p.m. BST on May 17. This fixture takes place at Wembley Stadium.
How to watch the FA Cup final for freeCrystal Palace vs. Manchester City in the FA Cup final is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer/ITVX.
BBC iPlayer and ITVX are geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer/ITVX from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer/ITVX
Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City for free from anywhere in the world
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 Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the FA Cup final before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for live sport?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer/ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City in the FA Cup final for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Unblock porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking free porn sites is ExpressVPN.
You access to porn sites is restricted in many locations around the world, and we're not talking about far away places with no connection to you. We're talking close to home.
A number of U.S. states have introduced laws that require visitors to upload ID before accessing pornography sites. As a result, Pornhub banned visitors from those states from accessing their website, and there's no guarantee that things will stop there.
There are valid reasons for restricting access to porn, but there is also something to be said for protecting online freedom. When the time is right, you should be able to access all your favorite porn sites without hassle. Fortunately, there is a simple workaround for these online restrictions.
Want to unblock porn sites for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.
How to unblock porn for freeVPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This quick and easy process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access your favorite porn sites from anywhere in the world.
Follow these simple steps to unblock porn sites:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to porn
Watch porn from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites in an unsupported location.
If you want to retain permanent access to all your favorite sites, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for porn?ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking porn sites, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy
Fast streaming speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Unblock porn for free with ExpressVPN.
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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise 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's The Mini crossword answers for May 17 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Natural classifications
Green: Measuring tools
Blue: Black and white birds
Purple: Electronic
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Member of a kingdom in taxonomy
Green: Graduated instruments
Blue: Kinds of penguins
Purple: "E" Things
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 #706 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayMember of a kingdom in taxonomy: ANIMAL, BACTERIA, FUNGUS, PLANT
Graduated instruments: BEAKER, PROTRACTOR, RULER, SYRINGE
Kinds of penguins: CHINSTRAP, EMPEROR, KING, MACARONI
"E" Things: COMMERCE, MAIL, SCOOTER, SIGNATURE
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 17Are 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.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands 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 MashableBy 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 preferrined pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 17 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 17 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: She's got gameThe words are sports-related.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words are popular women's sports teams.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Basketball
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for May 17Storm
Fever
Wings
Dream
Basketball
Mercury
Liberty
Lynx
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.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
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 today: Hints and answers for May 17 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's The Mini crossword answers for May 17, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Heightened.
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 G.
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...
GROWN.
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.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 17Reporting 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.
The video game with the cult-following among Gen Z and Alpha took over the box office last month. Now the blockbuster film adapted from the game, dubbed A Minecraft Movie, is headed to households everywhere.
From creepers and piglins to villages and the Nether, the film is full of staples from Mojang's crafting game. But that doesn't mean you need to have played the game before to see it (although a primer wouldn't hurt). It stars Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Sebastian Hansen and is directed by Jared Hess — the man known for Napoleon Dynamite, the kookiest film of the 2000s. In other words, you know you're in for a dang good time whether you know anything about Minecraft or not.
Here's everything you need to know about how to watch A Minecraft Movie at home.
What is A Minecraft Movie about?A Minecraft Movie follows four misfits (Momoa, Brooks, Myers, and Hansen) as they get sucked into the Overworld of Minecraft, a realm where everything is made of cubes (yes, everything — even the living creatures). While it seems like an imaginative playground, it's also under siege from a dire threat. To get back home, they'll have to team up with expert crafter and resident Steve (Black) to keep the Overworld safe.
"'This place makes no sense,' Natalie (Myers) says at one point with a tinge of exasperation, and she is speaking for all of us uninitiated. While it is largely coherent, A Minecraft Movie is all over the place. But no one in the audience is here for the plot. They’re either watching A Minecraft Movie for their love of the Minecraft world or because they love someone who loves it and isn’t old enough to drive themselves to the movie theater. As far as video game adaptations and children’s films go, A Minecraft Movie is so much better than it needs to be," Mashable reviewer Kimber Myers writes.
Check out the official trailer for a better glimpse into the world of Minecraft:
Is A Minecraft Movie worth watching?We weren't expecting A Minecraft Movie to win awards or anything — it's a kids' movie about a video game mostly unbeknownst to adults. So, the 48 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes is hardly a shock. But audiences, kids and kid-at-heart adults, are largely loving it. It currently holds an 86 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
A Minecraft Movie is also the box office champion of 2025 thus far — and by a considerable amount. The video game adaptation tops the list of highest-grossing movies of the year at $410 million domestically and $911 million worldwide.
"It’s fun and funny, fully engaged with the spirit of the game, in which creativity and imagination rule. It doesn’t feel like it’s pandering to kids, but, as evidenced by the giggles at my screening, they were enjoying it," Mashable's reviewer writes.
Read our full review of A Minecraft Movie.
How to watch A Minecraft Movie at home Credit: Warner Bros. PicturesThere are a couple of different ways to watch A Minecraft Movie at home currently: purchasing via digital video-on-demand or renting via digital video-on-demand. It will eventually be streaming as well, offering a third option.
Buy or rent A Minecraft Movie on digitalA Minecraft Movie made its theatrical debut on April 4, 2025, then became available to watch at home a little over a month later via digital video-on-demand platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. You can purchase the film for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days for $24.99 or $19.99, respectively. If you choose to rent, just take note that you'll have 30 days to watch, but just 48 hours to finish once you begin.
You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:
Prime Video — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Apple TV — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Google Play — buy for $24.99, rent for as low as $19.99
As a Warner Bros. Pictures film, we expect A Minecraft Movie to make its streaming debut on Max (soon to be called HBO Max once again) — the Warner Bros.-owned streaming service. However, there is no official streaming date yet. Based on the digital-to-streaming trajectory of other recent theatrical hits from Warner Bros. like Companion, Mickey 17, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, we expect that A Minecraft Movie will make its streaming debut sometime between late June and early July.
Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few different ways to save some money on your plan. Peep the best Max streaming deals below.
The best HBO Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on Max Basic with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Basic with ads yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save $19.89) Get DealWhile the cheapest monthly Max subscription (Basic with ads) goes for $9.99, an annual subscription brings that cost down to just $8.33 per month. You'll have to pay $99.99 up front for the year, but that will ultimately save you about 16% compared to a monthly plan.
Best Max deal with no ads: Save up to 16% on a Max Standard annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Standard annual subscription $169.99 per year (save $33.89) Get DealYou can also save 16% by committing to a yearly Max ad-free plan — now dubbed Max Standard and Max Premium. The standard tier costs either $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year (about $14.16 per month), while the Premium tier costs either $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month).
Note: Both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, but the Premium tier comes with 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and the ability to download more offline content.
Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Get DealCricket customers with the $60 per month unlimited plan get HBO Max with ads for free. When logging into Max, select Cricket as your provider, then enter your credentials to log in. That's it, y'all.
Best Max deal for DoorDash users: Free Max with ads with DashPass annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash / Max Max (with ads) Free with DashPass annual plan ($8/month) Get DealGet Max for free in 2025 by signing up for DoorDash's annual DashPass plan for $96 per year ($8 per month). A DashPass membership gets you $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders all year long. You'll just have to activate your Max subscription through your DoorDash account to get started. If you'd rather watch ad-free, you can choose to upgrade for a discounted rate as well.
Best Max deal for students: Save 50% on Max with ads Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get DealCollege students can enjoy the massive Max library for an entire year with ads for half price. Just verify your student status with UNiDAYS, retrieve the unique discount code, and watch the price drop from $9.99 to $4.99 per month.
Best bundle deal: Get Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / Max Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get DealIf you're looking to consolidate your spending, the Disney+ bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max, will only cost you $16.99 per month with ads. That lineup of streaming services with ads would usually run you $25.97 per month, so you'll save about $9 monthly. If you'd rather go ad-free, it'll cost you $29.99 per month as opposed to $48.97. That's up to 38% in savings for access to all three streaming libraries.
In recent days, it has become nearly impossible to move through the world without being confronted by the latest high-profile case of interpersonal violence — the ongoing trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, following the harrowing testimony of singer Cassie Ventura, Diddy's ex-wife. Ventura's detailed allegations of prolonged abuse, coercion, and exploitation have dominated headlines and social media feeds, making the coverage inescapable. For many, this constant exposure brings up waves of complex feelings, including pain, anger, confusion, or even numbness. And for those of us with a personal history of trauma, these waves may at times feel like a tsunami.
This collective reaction is not only understandable, it’s deeply human.
As a trauma therapist and mental health professional who has worked alongside hundreds of survivors of interpersonal violence with a focus on human trafficking and sexual violence, I want to offer a framework for understanding what many of us are experiencing, and gentle tools for protecting our mental health as we navigate this moment.
Our reactions are personal and validThere is no single way to respond to trauma exposure. Our reactions are shaped by our own lived experiences, including any past histories of violence. They are intersectional based on our identities, the communities we belong to, and the broader histories of injustice we carry. They are also adaptive as our minds are constantly working to make meaning, to find understanding, and ultimately, to protect us.
Sometimes, this means we feel an intense pull to learn more. We read every article, scroll through every comment thread, or watch every video in the hope that information might help us feel a little safer, more in control, or closer to justice. This search for meaning is not a flaw; it is a natural function of a brain seeking safety and clarity in a world that can often feel unsafe and chaotic.
When meaning-making becomes overexposureThere can be a point where our quest for meaning tips into overexposure, sending us into a state of disregulation. Even when we’re not seeking it out, constant exposure to the Diddy trial coverage can have an impact on our mental health. As we find ourselves reading one more post, watching one more reel, and clicking one more headline, the exposure adds up and our nervous system, especially those who have experienced past trauma, becomes activated.
We begin to move outside our "window of tolerance,” a concept in trauma healing that describes the range of emotional states where we feel grounded and able to respond effectively to stress. When we're pushed beyond that range, we may shift into hyper-arousal, where we feel speedy, agitated, angry, panicked, or unable to stop scrolling. Or we might move into hypo-arousal, where we feel numb, detached, exhausted, or checked out.
In hyper-arousal, we might feel compelled to argue with strangers in the comments section or rapidly consume articles. In hypo-arousal, we might shut down, avoid contact with others, or feel disconnected from our bodies and emotions. Both are nervous system responses to overwhelming situations, and both are signs that we need care, not judgment.
Recognizing disregulationHere are a few signs that our media consumption may be impacting our mental health:
Losing track of time while reading about the case
Feeling emotionally exhausted or detached after reading updates
Trouble sleeping or concentrating after trial exposure
Thoughts of our own past experiences of violence arising
Spiraling into despair, hopelessness, rage, or any intense emotional state
Feeling disconnected from your body
If you recognize yourself in any of these, you are not alone. This response is an adaptive human reaction to graphic trauma exposure.
Tools for regulation and groundingCaring for ourselves in the face of the Diddy trial coverage means tending to our nervous systems. Here are a few ways to support our well-being:
Create social media boundaries. Consider limiting screen time, setting app timers, or pausing before engaging with sensitive content.
Check in with your body. Are you breathing shallowly? Clenching your jaw? Holding tension? Gentle movement, deep breathing, or stretching can help regulate our nervous system and bring us back into the present moment.
Name your feelings. Say them out loud or write them down. Naming emotions helps us metabolize them. If you’re having trouble identifying them, try looking at the emotions wheel.
Protect your peace in comment sections. Online space, especially comment threads, can reflect common misconceptions about violence that place undue scrutiny on survivors rather than those who caused harm. It’s okay to disengage from these conversations. Preserving your mental health does not mean you care any less; it means you are choosing where to place your energy.
Reach out. Talk to someone you trust. Community care is essential to healing.
Practice grounding. Sensory-based techniques like holding a cold object, naming five things you see, and engaging your full five senses can bring you back into your body.
Seek support. Whether through therapy, community support, or a trusted friend, reaching out to others to process what is happening can be an important lifeline. At the Sanar Institute, we specialize in providing this type of trauma-specific care to ensure that individuals and communities that have experienced interpersonal violence have access to life-changing support.
As we navigate through this trial, this is an invitation to us all: we do not need to consume every update to care deeply about what happened. We are allowed to set boundaries. We are allowed to care for our bodies, our spirits, and to prioritize our psychological safety.
Each of us processes trauma exposure differently. Let’s offer compassion for our own responses and grace for the ways others may be showing up. The goal isn’t to disconnect from the world but to stay rooted in it, with care.
Kate Keisel, LCSW is the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of the Sanar Institute, which creates holistic access to trauma-conscious and person-centered care to support individuals and communities healing from the traumatic events of interpersonal violence. This column represents the opinion of the author.
Updated on Friday, May 16 at 3:15 p.m. ET: On Friday afternoon, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (who has a history of getting inside scoops from Apple) reported that Apple denies blocking the Fortnite app from iOS devices in Europe. Further, Gurman reported that Apple asked Epic Games to resubmit the app for approval in the EU. We still haven't heard anything from Apple directly, and we'll continue to monitor the situation.
You can read our original story below.
Introducing Fortnite v. Apple, Part Infinity: App Approval Thunderdome.
In case you couldn't tell from the catchy title, the Epic Games v. Apple legal drama has been an ongoing drama in the tech world. And in the latest news, Epic Games reports that Apple has rejected Fortnite's attempted return to the App Store.
"Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union," posted the official Fortnite account on X today. "Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it."
Mashable reached out to Apple to ask about the situation, and we'll update this article if we learn any new information.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: You can finally buy books in the Kindle app, thanks to a California judgeExactly a week ago, Epic Games delighted gamers by announcing it had officially resubmitted Fortnite to the App Store. But after the latest rejection, Fortnite has become unavailable for all iOS users worldwide.
Previously, iOS gamers in the EU were at least able to download Fortnite, but now, even that is unavailable. On top of that, Fortnite can't even be downloaded through a third-party app store in the European Union, for reasons that are unclear.
One possible explanation? We know that Epic Games resubmitted Fortnite for approval in the United States using its European developer account. If the submission was rejected as Epic Games claims, that could have triggered a wider problem for the company. Epic Games may have also pulled the app from third-party stores itself.
Here in the United States, iOS gamers have been unable to download Fortnite on Apple devices for years, which is what kicked off the legal case in the first place. Here's the tl;dr version from Mashable's Alex Perry:
Fortnite has been unavailable to play natively on iPhones since 2020 because of a still-ongoing legal dispute between Apple and developer Epic Games. The short version is that Apple likes to take a 30 percent commission on in-app purchases in iOS apps, and Epic didn't like that. One thing led to another, and now there's a bona fide antitrust case against Apple. That case recently resulted in the company being named in contempt of court, forcing the company to stop collecting fees from off-app purchases.
The return of Fortnite to the App Store has been a long time coming, but gamers will have to wait even longer to try and talk to Darth Vader in the game, at least on Apple devices.
On X, Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney suggested that Apple had "weaponized" the app review process, framing this as a free speech issue.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Get ready for your emoji to change if you use Gboard on an Android phone.
Google's emoji keyboard is undergoing a design change that'll hopefully make things cleaner and easier to use. Gboard removed the "All" interface. In its place, Gboard redesigned the emoji, sticker, and GIF icons, enlarging them and making your choices more clear. 9to5Google spotted the change and published images showing the differences. Right now the changes are only in Gboard's latest beta.
You can see on the new Gboard, on the right, that the bottom buttons are bigger and easier to select. Credit: 9to5Google9to5Google also spotted some other minor changes, such as a flat toolbar instead of an elevated one. Overall the changes are pretty small, but they're the kinds of thing that'll make you go, "Hmm, this is weird!" when you go to find an emoji.
So your emoji world won't be turned upside down, but it might be shifted a bit.
It’s Masturbation May, and I’ve scoured the net to find the absolute best deals on vibrators, dildos, masturbation sleeves, and more. And, honestly, I’m pretty impressed with what I’ve found — there are some serious savings out there on some great stuff!
SEE ALSO: The best sex toys for masturbationWhether you want to add a new toy to your collection, surprise your partner with a sweet little something, or try a sex toy for the first time, finding the right deal can make it even better. You’re in good hands here because I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I’ve tried a lot of different sex toys. So, trust me when I say the deals I've pulled together mean there really is something here for everyone, no matter what you're looking for.
Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Satisfyer Satisfyer Marvelous Four Air Pulse Vibrator Set $95.99 at Adam & EveIt was difficult to find one singular “best” deal because there are just so many sales going on right now. Plus, everyone’s different, and choosing a sex toy for yourself is already subjective, and adding a “deal” on top of that makes it even harder to recommend things for other people.
But, if I had to pick just one, it’d have to be the Satisfyer Marvelous Four Air Pulse Vibrator Set at Adam & Eve. I don’t know where else you’ll be able to get four high-end, name-brand vibes for less than $100.
This set includes four attachments that fit onto a controller base with an easy 90-degree click and rotation movement. You can experience air pulsation, vibration, or a combination of both with this set, and the attachments will stimulate your clit, g-spot, or nipples.
There’s also a 15-year manufacturer’s guarantee with this set (which is wild).
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SAVE $300: As of May 16, get the Sonos Arc soundbar for $599 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899. That's a 33% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sonos Arc $599 at AmazonIf you spend a lot of time enjoying movies and TV from the comfort of your living room, you should make sure you've got great sound that complements your area nicely. You can do that with your built-in TV speakers, sure, but a soundbar can make a huge world of difference.
As of May 16, get the Sonos Arc soundbar for $599 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899. That's $300 off and a 33% discount.
This user-friendly soundbar is a minimalist's dream that offers excellent sound to punch up your TV setup. It's meant to provide a more theater-centric experience that can add booming bass and crisp treble to your living room, with 11 drivers and Dolby Atmos support so you can really feel as though you're immersed in what's happening on-screen.
Setup is simple by way of a Bluetooth connection if you prefer, and the soundbar itself is small and unobtrusive, so you can place it just about anywhere, whether that's near your TV or mounted somewhere for better reach and still have great sound wherever you decide to sit.
With plenty of blockbusters hitting streaming after leaving theaters this year, you might decide to spend some money and watch them at home, so make sure you have decent audio to go with the superhero flicks and other box office hits while you kick back, relax, and think about how great it is that you don't have to get up and go to the bathroom and miss something since you're watching at home.
SAVE $130: The Samsung Jet 60 Pet cordless stick vacuum is on sale for just $199.99 at Best Buy as a Deal of the Day on May 16. That's about 39% in savings, but you have to act fast.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Jet 60 Pet $199.99 at Best BuyIf you're not completely sold on robot vacuums, but still want to make your cleaning experience less of a chore, a cordless stick vacuum is your best bet. But before you splurge on an outrageously expensive Dyson, check out this deal on a Samsung (yes, Samsung makes vacuums).
As of May 16, the Samsung Jet 60 Pet is on sale for only $199.99 as one of Best Buy's Deals of the Day. That's nearly 40% or $130 off its list price of $329.99. It's also $60 cheaper than Amazon has it at the moment. You'll have to act fast, though, as it's only around until the end of the day today (roughly 13 hours or so).
The Jet 60 Pet offers a sleek and slim aesthetic in an eye-catching rose gold finish and its Jet Cyclone technology operates similarly to Dyson's, keeping dust and debris from clogging up the filter. It's also extremely light and easy to maneuver at just five pounds. While it's dubbed the "Pet" model, it's worth noting that at only 150 air watts, it's not as powerful as some folks with heavy pet hair problems may need. However, the included mini motorized tool will help you get those fine particles and pet hair on furniture, rugs, and other surfaces. It runs for about 40 minutes on a single charge and comes with a spare battery, so you can swap it out and get up to 80 minutes of cleaning time total.
Ultimately, the Samsung Jet 60 Pet puts an enjoyable cleaning experience in your hands (instead of a robot's). And at less than $200, it's hard to get hung up on any flaws.
The best home and kitchen deals to shop this weekNinja BN701 Professional Plus Blender — $89.99 (List Price $119.99)
Skylight Frame 10-inch Digital Picture Frame — $99.90 (List Price $159.00)
Skylight Calendar 15-inch Digital Calendar & Chore Chart — $319.99
Ninja Crispi Air Fryer — $159.99 (List Price $179.99)
Birdfy AI Smart Solar Powered Bird Feeder with Camera — $179.99 (List Price $249.99)
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer — $349.95 (List Price $449.99)
Eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop With Self-Emptying Base — $399.99 (List Price $699.99)
Fortnite is now in the business of resurrecting the dead, apparently.
On Friday, developer Epic Games announced in a blog post that Darth Vader is back in Fortnite as a recruitable boss character in the game's primary Battle Royale mode. He can be recruited to fight alongside you and your friends, but here's where things get strange: You can voice chat with Darth Vader and he'll respond using an AI approximation of the late James Earl Jones' voice. According to Epic, the Jones estate signed off on this, providing a statement in the blog post:
James Earl felt that the voice of Darth Vader was inseparable from the story of Star Wars, and he always wanted fans of all ages to continue to experience it. We hope that this collaboration with Fortnite will allow both longtime fans of Darth Vader and newer generations to share in the enjoyment of this iconic character.
The ethical concerns here are numerous and obvious, but it should be noted that Jones himself signed off on his voice being used in this exact manner back in 2022, before his death. Mashable recently reported on a similar case involving the voice and likeness of Agatha Christie.
Credit: Epic Games SEE ALSO: The Sabrina Carpenter 'Fortnite' skin is everywhere, and it's pretty funnyAnyway, Epic said you can ask him questions about the Galactic Empire or the Force and he'll answer them. Of course, it took about 30 seconds for someone to make the AI bot say something it shouldn't say:
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Epic Games did program the Vader character with safeguards in place (read more about parental controls in this FAQ), and he'll reportedly refuse to engage in romantic talk or discuss killing younglings. If a user discusses self-harm or mental health, Vader will direct the user to seek help.
Right now, the AI Darth Vader only speaks English, and Epic Games says they used a combination of Google Gemini 2.0 Flash and ElevenLabs' Flash v2.5 AI models.
You can check out the AI Darth Vader in Fortnite now, unless you're on iPhone.
SAVE $50: As of May 16, get the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE for $149.99, down from its usual price of $199.99, at Amazon. That's a discount of 25%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Watch FE $149.99 at AmazonIf you need a new smartwatch, you've got tons to choose from. You don't have to stick to the Apple Watch or even any of its high-priced competitors. Samsung has a great lineup to look into if you want to save money on the fancier options and still get everything you're looking for in a smartwatch. Right now, you can get one for an especially low price that's worth your while.
As of May 16, get the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE for $149.99, down from its usual price of $199.99, at Amazon. That's $50 off and a discount of 25%.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE can be a fantastic companion for your fitness journey and regular workouts thanks to its wide range of options. It can help you track your steps, calories burned, how well you're sleeping, and your heart rate. That's just the tip of the iceberg, though. It's more than just a fitness tracker.
Sync to your Android phone and make calls, send and read texts, and make payments while you're out and about. It's a good way to stop leaning on your phone so much and do everything straight from your wrist. You can do all this for under $200 for this model, so if you've been looking for a new watch, now's the time to make your move.
SAVE $7: Between May 16 and May 18, Fandango is offering $7 off tickets to see Final Destination: Bloodlines in IMAX with code BLOODLINES.
Opens in a new window Credit: Fandango $7 off 'Final Destination: Bloodlines' in IMAX Use code BLOODLINES at Fandango Get DealA new Final Destination movie probably isn't something that 2000s horror lovers thought they'd be facing in the year of 2025. And yet, fate has brought us here: It's Bloodlines opening weekend, baby.
Don't push this one off until it comes out on streaming. Such a destined seismic event in horror history should not only be seen in theaters, but in IMAX. Between May 16 and May 18, you can save $7 on any ticket to see Final Destination: Bloodlines in IMAX when you purchase through Fandango. Just ender code BLOODLINES at checkout.
IMAX tickets typically range between $15 and $18, depending on the theater. So Fandango's $7 credit could technically equate to nearly 50% off your movie ticket, and that could technically equate to a free snack or soda.
SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (May 16, 2025)The chances of a franchise horror sequel flopping aren't low, especially one coming a decade or two after the OGs. But early reviews of Bloodlines ensure that there were no accidents (no coincidences, no mishaps, and no escapes) when moving forward on a sixth installment of Final Destination — this movie rocks. Mashable contributor Jason Adams sums the Bloodlines experience up: "You'll cringe, hoot, and holler. You'll wipe the phantom viscera off your face. And you'll spend the entire ride home convinced everything's out to kill you. It's horror movie nirvana." How could you not want to see that on a 72 foot long, 50 foot tall screen?
SAVE $17: The Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box (484-piece kit) is on sale for $17.99 at Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price on Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Leg Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box (484-piece kit) $17.99 at AmazonStop what you're doing, cancel your weekend plans, and check out this latest deal on Lego.
The Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box (484-piece kit) is on sale for $17.99 at Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price on Amazon according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, so if you've been patiently waiting for the right moment to stock up on those little bricks, this is your moment to shine.
SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away a free Ninjago Thunderfang on May 18. Here’s how to get yours.This 484-piece kit comes in 35 colors and encourages kids to engage in creative play. It's great supplement set to any existing Lego collection.
And if that wasnt enough, you can also build and take home an exclusive Lego Ninjago Thunderfang model for free on May 18.
The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of expertsRoku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)
Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)
Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)
Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
SAVE $44: As of May 16, new subscribers can get four months of MUBI for just $3.99 per month instead of the usual $14.99 per month. That's 120 days of streaming for only $15.96 instead of $59.96.
Opens in a new window Credit: MUBI MUBI subscription $3.99/month for four months Get DealLike everything else, streaming services just keep getting more and more expensive. So when a deal happens to pop up, we recommend jumping on it immediately. Peacock randomly dropped a major spring discount earlier this week and now MUBI is following in its footsteps.
As of May 16, new (and returning) subscribers can score four months of MUBI for only $3.99 per month instead of $14.99. That's a grand total of $15.96 for four months and a discount of $44. Once the four month promotional period ends, the price will jump back to $14.99, but you can cancel if you want to avoid that charge. Regardless, imagine how many movies you can watch in four months.
Never heard of MUBI? Unlike your usual streaming services, MUBI is specifically built for cinephiles. Its library is brimming with quality cinema, showcasing an array of films from America and abroad, mainstream and independent, classics, new releases, award winners, and Mubi originals — like recent Oscar nominee The Substance. It's where you'll find The People's Joker and Bird, two more of our favorite movies of 2024, Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott's Bring Them Down, and the hilarious documentary Grand Theft Hamlet.
MUBI hasn't specified just how long this deal will stick around, only noting that it's a "limited time only" offer that "ends soon." In other words, run, don't walk.
If you're not a movie person, a MUBI subscription is probably not for you. But if you are, you're going to have a field day. And at only $3.99 per month, you'll get a whole lot more bang for your buck.
The best TV deals to shop this weekRoku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)
Amazon Fire TV 4-Series (43 inches, 2024) — $269.99 (List Price $329.99)
55-inch Sony Bravia 3 4K LED Smart Google TV (2024 Model) — $578.00 (List Price $699.99)
LG 65-inch Class UR9000 Series 4K Smart TV — $496.99 (List Price $629.99)
Hisense 85-Inch Class U8 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV — $1,697.96 (List Price $1999.96)
SAVE $100: As of May 16, the Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum cleaner with auto-empty system is on sale for $399 at Amazon. That's 20% off its MSRP of $499.99, and just $50 shy of its Black Friday price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum with auto-empty system $399 at AmazonDyson purchases ain't for the faint of budget. That's because the real worthwhile Dysons start near the $600 mark, and the cheap Dysons aren't the best bang for your buck out there. If your budget for a cordless vacuum was firmly under $500, I'd quickly point you toward the Shark PowerDetect stick vacuum cleaner that I have and love.
This self-emptying Shark powerhouse was already modestly priced at its MSRP of $499.99, but an $100 discount at Amazon drops it to $399 — just $50 shy of its Black Friday price.
The PowerDetect wand bends so you don't have to when cleaning under furniture. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableNot to be confused with the robot vacuum version of the PowerDetect, Shark calls the cordless PowerDetect its smartest, most powerful cordless vacuum. And let me tell you, you can feel that power in your arm as the PowerDetect almost tries to guide you across the floor. The PowerDetect has multiple suction settings that auto-adjust based on whether hard floors or carpet is detected, but I sometimes have to bump the power down a peg on my rugs — the PowerDetect creates such a cyclone that they start to bunch up. I could see this setting being a godsend for pet hair pickup in fully-carpeted rooms.
SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineupsBut I'd say the real hook here is the affordable auto-empty system. Automatic emptying is a way more common feature in robot vacuums at the moment, with most self-emptying cordless vacuums not exactly landing on the budget end of the spectrum. No Dysons have self-emptying at all. Though I love my Dyson V12 Detect Slim for specific purposes, I shudder each time I have to dump that monstrous dust bunny into the trash. I am obsessed with the fact that my Shark PowerDetect deals with that itself each time it's hung back up on the dock to charge.
The hidden bonus to a stick vacuum that empties itself every time? Each new cleaning session is starting with an empty clear dust bin, so you get visual proof of just how much gunk was sucked up during the current cleaning session alone. As a professional robot vacuum tester, I love using the PowerDetect to see how a robot vacuum fared on rugs.
Two attachments for handheld use are included. Unfortunately, Shark sells the handheld motorized pet tool separately — Dyson definitely gets points for including that with its vacuums.
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