On Gemini 7's second lap around Earth, as the spacecraft glided over the Caribbean Sea, astronaut Frank Borman glanced outside and radioed a deadpan report: "We have a bogey at 10 o'clock high."That moment in 1965 passed, folded into NASA's growing pile of strange-yet-seemingly-innocuous space oddities. But President Donald Trump's new UFO files suggest it never really left the government's imagination.The release, published May 8 through a new government archive for unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAPs, pulls together records from NASA, the FBI, and several intelligence agencies. UAP is Washington's new catch-all for UFOs and other odd events that officials can't immediately explain. The administration says more files will arrive in rolling batches on a new website over the coming weeks. Its white-on-black typeset and grainy military photos add a nostalgic X-Files flair.Astronauts have always carried unusual weight in UFO lore. They are trained observers, steeped in checklists and telemetry, but also symbols of humanity's push into the unknown. So when astronauts reported strange lights, drifting objects, or puzzling events in orbit, those accounts tended to stick — even when later investigations pointed to equipment glitches, space junk, or natural occurrences.The newly released records don't prove extraterrestrial life exists, and officials repeatedly caution that many cases remain unresolved simply because investigators never collected enough data to reach a firm conclusion. "I applaud President Trump's whole-of-government effort to bring greater transparency to the American people on unidentified anomalous phenomena," NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement. "We will remain candid about what we know to be true, what we have yet to understand, and all that remains to be discovered. Exploration and the pursuit of knowledge are core to NASA's mission as we endeavor to unlock the secrets of the universe."  SEE ALSO: Where NASA's Dragonfly mission is going, 'We don't need roads' NASA astronauts repeatedly reported strange sights during missions to the moon and aboard the United States' first space station, according to newly highlighted material in the files. The records include astronaut transcripts, crew debriefings, an audio recording, and annotated photographs, spanning missions from Gemini 7 in 1965 through Skylab in the 1970s.   Gemini 7 astronauts reported a 'bogey' in orbitDuring the Gemini 7 mission in 1965, astronaut Frank Borman radioed mission control to report what he called a "bogey," a military term for an unidentified aircraft. Borman and astronaut Jim Lovell also described a cloud of particles drifting near their spacecraft. Lovell later described a bright object that he saw against the darkness of space. Handwritten notes attached to the transcript labeled the event a "UFO sighting by Borman."  Apollo 11 crew spotted lights on the way to the moonApollo 11 astronauts described several unusual observations during the first human moon landing mission in 1969. Buzz Aldrin told debriefers the crew saw a large object while en route to the moon and examined it with a monocular. The astronauts speculated it may have been part of the Saturn V rocket. Aldrin also described repeated flashes of light inside the spacecraft cabin. He later reported seeing a bright light the crew tentatively identified as a laser during their return to Earth.   An area of interest above the lunar horizon is highlighted in this view from the 1969 landing site of the Apollo 12 mission. Credit: NASA / Department of Defense Apollo 12 astronauts watched drifting glowing particlesApollo 12 astronauts reported multiple unexplained sightings during their 1969 mission. Alan Bean described seeing particles and flashes of light "sailing off in space" while using the spacecraft's optical telescope. Commander Pete Conrad later described illuminated debris floating outside the lunar module before the light source suddenly disappeared. The archive also includes several Apollo 12 photographs marked with highlighted "areas of interest" above the lunar horizon.   A smattering of five areas of interest are highlighted in this image taken from the Apollo 12 landing site on the moon. Credit: NASA / Department of Defense Apollo 17 crew described mysterious objectsBack in 1972, Apollo 17 astronauts reported some of the most detailed observations in the archive. Ronald Evans described bright particles tumbling near the spacecraft, while Harrison Schmitt compared the scene to "the Fourth of July." Commander Eugene Cernan later reported intense flashing lights that appeared bright enough to resemble a train headlight. Schmitt also reported seeing a flash on the lunar surface near Grimaldi crater. Another Apollo 17 image in the archive shows three unexplained dots in a triangular formation. Government analysts have reopened the case and obtained the original film for further study, according to the file.  Skylab crews repeatedly saw flashesAstronauts aboard Skylab, America's first space station, documented unexplained sightings in 1973 and 1974. One crew saw frequent light flashes while trying to sleep. Another tracked a bright reddish object for several minutes, eventually concluding it moved in an orbit similar to Skylab's. A later crew reported flashing lights outside the station moving independently of the spacecraft, though astronauts suspected the objects may have been debris or satellites. 

SAVE OVER $500: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,059 at Amazon. That's over $500 off the list price of $1,599. Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,059 at Amazon $1,599 Save $540   Get Deal Due to legislative pressure on DJI imports in the U.S., there is an expectation that we're going to see stock issues at some point. We have been saying that for some time though. We're not seeing any indications of low stock just yet. In fact, we're seeing strong discounts on popular models at Amazon.The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,059 at Amazon. That's over $500 off this content creator favorite and the record-low price at Amazon.The DJI Mini 5 Pro is a content creator’s dream, pairing a high-end 1-inch sensor with the ability to shoot 4K at 120fps for cinematic, high-contrast results. It’s also an incredibly safe mini-drone, using LiDAR-powered sensing to see obstacles like thin wires or buildings even when you're flying blind. It's good to know that you're expensive investment isn't going to smash into the nearest obstacle as soon as you lose sight. There are so many useful features with this popular drone, but perhaps the biggest quality-of-life upgrade is the 42GB of internal memory. That's enough to house your entire 4K shoot locally so you should never be sidelined by lack of storage space.Save over $500 on the DJI Mini 5 Pro this weekend.

TL;DR: Get the iPhone 17 for free with T-Mobile. To qualify, simply switch and bring your number on an Experience Beyond or Better Value plan. Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 17 for free   Shop Now There's a battle going on between leading mobile carriers to offer you the most tempting offers. We've seen really impressive deals dropped by the likes of Verizon and AT&T recently, but T-Mobile is leading the charge with a free iPhone offer that doesn't require a trade-in.For a limited time, anyone can claim the Apple Phone 17 for free when switching to T-Mobile and bringing their number on an Experience Beyond or Better Value plan. The iPhone 17e is also available for free with just about any T-Mobile plan. What sets these offers apart from much of the competition is that neither requires a trade-in. You do need to pay taxes and a $35 device connection fee, but that's a small price to pay for a free iPhone. SEE ALSO: iOS 27 could finally bring AI photo-editing to your iPhone The iPhone 17 is built to handle Apple’s most advanced AI features. In Mashable's review, Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter." According to Stan Schroeder, the camera is "almost as good as the one on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max." How will T-Mobile's rivals respond? Only time will tell, but right now T-Mobile is offering one of the most tempting packages for anyone interesting in making the switch. Score the Apple iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile this weekend.

SAVE $20: As of May 9, the Echo Show 5 is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon. That's a 22% discount on the list price. Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 5 $69.99 at Amazon $89.99 Save $20   Get Deal Smart home hubs can make your life a whole lot easier. Nowadays, robot vacuums and mowers, voice activated speakers, and so much more are smart. And a great way to manage all these devices is with a dedicated hub, like the Echo Show 5. And this model is on sale this weekend. As of May 9, this Amazon smart home hub is down from $89.99 to $69.99.The Echo Show 5 is a smart display with a 5.5-inch screen that is perfect for displaying information like weather reports, news, and playlists. It supports music streaming from top providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, as well as video options from Prime Video. Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up! It even includes a built-in 2 MP camera, so you can use it for video calls or home monitoring. When not in use, you can change the display to show rotating photo slideshows, and Prime members also receive unlimited cloud photo storage.And if sustainability is on your mind when purchasing, the fabric on this device is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn, the aluminium uses 100% recycled aluminium, and the packaging is fully recyclable.Find this Echo Show deal at Amazon now. It's a limited-time deal, so don't miss out.

TL;DR: Upgrade your PC for just $29.97 (reg. $219.99) with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license, on sale through May 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $29.97 $219.99 Save $190.02   Get Deal Want to get a deal on something you’ll use every single day? This lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows gives your PC eight new tools to improve your workflow, and right now, you can snag them all for just $29.97 until May 18.Whether you’ve been paying for Microsoft Office apps or trying to go without them, this lifetime license lets you pay once and enjoy them forever. There’s no cloud connectivity required — just download the apps to your device and work offline as needed. Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up! Curious what this license includes? You’ll have all the old classics, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, which can help you create documents, build spreadsheets, design presentations, and manage emails.You’ll also get newer favorites, too. Stay connected with friends, family, and coworkers on Teams, and manage large databases with Access. OneNote upgrades how you take notes, and Publisher rounds out the suite by helping you create professional documents.This edition may hail from 2021, but these apps have all been redesigned. They also include a ribbon-based user interface that provides easy access to features, tools, and customizations.Before purchasing, make sure your device is running Windows 10 or 11 to be compatible.Score major savings this month with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license for just $29.97 (reg. $219.99) now through May 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT.StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC for just $89.97 (reg. $249.99) now through May 17. Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $89.97 $249.99 Save $160.02   Get Deal There aren’t many things you can pay for once and enjoy for life, but this lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC is one of them. This suite of five essential apps gives you tools to tackle both personal and professional tasks, and right now you can get them all for only $89.97 until May 17.If you’re tired of paying month after month for your go-to apps, you’ll appreciate this Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business deal. It’s a lifetime license, so you pay once and download the apps right to your device for permanent access. Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up! This edition works on both Macs and PCs, so no matter your device, you can take advantage of these five Microsoft staples. You’ll get access to Word for creating documents, Excel for building spreadsheets, and Outlook for managing email.PowerPoint is included so you can create presentations, and OneNote will upgrade the way you take notes.This edition hails from 2024, but don’t worry. These apps feature AI enhancements that provide text, formatting, and design suggestions as you go. You can also let AI summarize text, translate content, and extract key info from your documents for you.If you’re working in Excel, let AI-powered tools analyze your data, identify trends, and improve your charts and graphics. Need to get things done in Word? There’s also a new Focus Mode available so you can concentrate on your work and get more done.Upgrade your computer with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC for just $89.97 now.StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.The world will stop this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada will welcome the best international sides from around the world as they compete for arguably the biggest prize in sport. Huge names like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lamine Yamal are likely to steal the spotlight, but new stars always shine brightly in this prestigious competition.If you're interested in watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.What is the FIFA World Cup?The World Cup is an international football competition between senior men's national teams. The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams progress to the knockouts rounds.The defending champions are Argentina. They won their third title at the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in the final.When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of this famous competition. This year's tournament takes place from June 11 to July 19 in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for freeA number of free streaming platforms are offering coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:Australia — SBSAustria — ORF and ServusTVBelgium — RTBF and VRTFrance — M6Germany — ARD and ZDFIreland — RTÉItaly — RAINorway — NRKNetherlands — NOSSpain — RTVEUK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)These streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free by following these simple steps:Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)Download the app to your device of choiceOpen up the app and connect to a server in the UKVisit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this tournament before recovering your investment.If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.What is the best VPN for the FIFA World Cup?ExpressVPN is the best choice for accessing live sport on free streaming platforms, for a number of reasons:Servers in 105 countriesEasy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and moreStrict no-logging policy so your data is secureFast connection speedsUp to 10 simultaneous connections30-day money-back guaranteeA two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

In the 21st century, flirting is no longer just something you do at a bar or club after a few drinks to build up your confidence. In fact, more often than not, it's a text- or photo-based exchange conducted between smartphones, with fingers doing the flirting that tongues used to manage. Getting exact data on how many people are digitizing their flirtations isn't easy, but for one example, consider the DirtySnapchat subreddit: it boasts over one million members and nearly 130,000 weekly visitors.Of course, as sexting became more popular, we gained exponentially more ways to engage in it, from naughty websites to flirty dating apps to clever in-between options, where a suggestive text message or a racy photo are all part of the fun. It's also becoming increasingly common for services to offer a hybrid feature set, so that what begins as a fun text-based conversation and escalates to photo exchanges might finish off with a live video chat. Today we're comparing two of the most popular options for sexting: AdultFriendFinder and Snapchat. Both platforms offer a bevy of fun features to help you get your flirt on through texts, photos and videos, and both have some clever, built-in features to help you do it safely and discreetly. Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Snapchat Snapchat   Learn More The benefits of AdultFriendFinder for sextingFinding a partnerThe big benefit of AdultFriendFinder is that it has a built-in community of like-minded people all looking for text-based flirtation. Unlike with Snapchat, which is a much more general, multi-purpose platform, AFF users have signed up with the express intent of having some "adult" fun, and their profiles usually reflect this, with wild photos and very explicit lists of kinks, turn-ons and interests. In addition to the individual profiles, AFF also hosts communities and groups, often based around specific kinks or a love of erotic storytelling, and these public-facing communities are easy to find and engage with. If your sexting journey is a solo one to start off, AFF will help you find a partner in no time, whereas finding a like-minded chat partner through Snapchat alone is no easy task. Identity verificationA major strength of AdultFriendFinder is that it offers a robust identity verification service called ConfirmID, and while it isn't mandatory, you can opt not to talk to anyone who hasn't undergone the process. To get verified, users have to offer both a scan of a piece of government-issued identification and agree to have their face scanned via webcam to confirm that the person doing the scan is the same person featured in the ID document. Once you're verified, a blue checkmark will appear on your profile photo, ensuring others know you're verified. If you want to only talk to other verified users, stick to profiles that feature that bleu checkmark and you're golden. SEE ALSO: Is Adult Friend Finder safe to use? What a cybersecurity expert says. On Snapchat, by contrast, verification is as simple as confirming that the email associated with the account really belongs to you, which might be an effective deterrent against bots but doesn't do anything against catfishing scams. Sex AcademyWhat if you're new to sexting and want to pick up some tips or learn some of the lingo before you dive in? An often-overlooked aspect of the AdultFriendFinder universe is what is known as their "sex academy," the constellation of resources, including learning materials and erotic stories, that can help you acquaint yourself with the ins and outs of sexting before you ever speak to a real partner. This is an unbelievably useful tool because, over time, sexters evolved their own shorthand language — not to mention suggestive emoji use! — to get their points across faster and not break the sexual tension with long, delayed texting. The benefits of Snapchat for sextingFree to useSnapchat is free to download and free to use, and although there is a premium subscription option (Snapchat+), it's not really necessary or even particularly beneficial when it comes to sexting. Contrast this with AdultFriendFinder, which restricts one-on-one conversations to paying members, and you can easily see why Snapchat gets the edge here. Because it's free to use, it's also much more widely adopted than AFF, which means it's extremely common for people to exchange their Snapchat IDs, or even for singles to include their Snapchat IDs in their dating profiles.Disappearing messagesAnother huge benefit of Snapchat is that, by design, all messages sent through the service are time-restricted. Everything you write or send will eventually disappear, not only from the chat history but from Snapchat's servers.But some caveats do need to be mentioned here:“Disappearing” does not mean “never stored.”Anything sent digitally can potentially persist through screenshots, screen recording, device backups, or hacked accounts.Even if Snapchat deletes its copy, the recipient may still have one.So from a privacy perspective, the safest assumption is: if you send a nude on any platform, there is always some possibility it could continue to exist somewhere beyond your control. SEE ALSO: A history of nudes, from sculptures to Snapchat That means if you're shy, or concerned about your privacy, or just feel more comfortable being naughty when you have the peace of mind of knowing there won't be a (digital) paper trail, Snapchat is probably the most secure option out there. That having been said, Snapchat's official Community Guidelines take a strong stand against "sharing, promoting, or distributing sexually explicit content and conduct," so while such behaviors are actively encouraged on AdultFriendFinder, they are actively discouraged on Snapchat. The truth, though, is that, in practice, private consensual exchanges between adults are extremely common on the app and are generally not proactively policed unless:Someone reports it.AI moderation flags it.It appears exploitative/commercial.It involves minors/non-consensual content.Screenshot protectionOne of the perils of sexting, especially if you're doing it with strangers or people you've only recently met, is that exchanging nude photos or videos can be risky — bad actors can save or share your photos without your consent, or even use them to blackmail you, a practice known as "sextortion." But if you're concerned about someone secretly screenshotting or even using a screen recording tool to record your naughty sessions, Snapchat offers a robust notification software that will alert you right away if someone takes a screenshot or starts a screen recording, and it's comprehensive enough to even pick up on many third-party tools that can do these things. It isn't perfect, so you do still need to exercise caution when you're being frisky with people you don't fully know or trust. At a minimum, you should verify that the person you're chatting with is who they claim to be, preferably over a video call, and you should never share sexually explicit content with someone you don't know and trust, especially if those images or videos can be used to identify you. The bottom line? Both AFF and Snapchat offer fun platforms for engaging in some sexy texting, but the former is probably a more attractive option if you don't already have a sexting partner and the latter is a fantastic platform for getting more intimate with someone you already know.

The best wireless earbuds range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you're going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about active noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that's the price of peace and quiet. You can also get hyperspecialized models like sleep earbuds, bone-conduction earbuds for working out, and open earbuds for transparency. SEE ALSO: I replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with $19 wired EarPods In 2026, our top picks for earbuds are the Sony WF-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen), and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which provide outstanding sound quality and ANC. But keep in mind that these models will run you $299 to $329. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending over $300 on a pair of earbuds is a lot to stomach. That's why we've also included more budget-friendly wireless earbuds under $100 that still deliver excellent performance.Ready to start shopping now? Here are our favorite wireless and noise-cancelling earbuds as of May 2026.Types of earbudsThere are two types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.WirelessWireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don't require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.While earbuds traditionally don't provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.WiredWired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high tech, they're pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, and you won't find any on our list.The biggest positive to wired headphones is that they don't need to be charged. They're a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.New additions to this guideAfter extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the best sleep earbuds. You can read her full guide, but as of February 2026, we've added the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 Special to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people. Also in February 2026, we added the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds as our top pick for the best overall earbud, and removed the previous generation, the WF-1000XM5, as the best Sony earbud.As of August 2025, we also updated the best earbuds for working out to the Powerbeats Pro 2 and added the Shokz OpenDots One as the best open earbuds.What are the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds?If you're just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We formerly included the Marshall Mode earbuds for folks who preferred a wired option, but have since removed them from our guide as the version we tested is difficult to find in stock these days.) If you're looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Sony WF-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Apple AirPods Pro 3, and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, our most recent recommendation in 2026. Both of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise-cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear. Still, this guide includes several other earbuds we stand behind. Apple users may prefer the AirPods Pro, while shoppers on a budget may prefer buds from Marshall or Anker Soundcore. If you need help picking the perfect pair, read on.

Slippers, whiskies, and socks. Sure, these might sound like classic man gifts, but they're far from unique. The special guys in your life deserve something with a little more thought. We all know of course that it isn't that simple. Finding unique gifts for men can be a head-scratching exercise — particularly when you're catering for more eclectic, off-the-beaten-path tastes. To find the perfect present for these types of guys — whether you're buying for your dad, brother, best friend, boyfriend , or husband — you’ll need to do some creative thinking. The trick is to get something they would haven't even thought of buying themselves. These are our picks for the most unique and interesting gift ideas for your favorite man — for Father's Day, birthday gifts, Valentine's Day, Christmas anniversaries, or just to say, "Thanks, my guy."

Many of us are trying to cut down on screentime. We’re Bricking our phones and re-learning how to be present, instead of mindlessly scrolling. But for most of us, streaming a classic movie, diving into a documentary, or rewatching a comfort show is not part of the digital detox. For that reason, we’re still (heavily) relying on a TV. But these days, you’re not tethered to a rectangular screen mounted to the wall. We have excellent projectors that offer awe-inducing displays. Most projectors also come with the benefit of being portable or at least easier to move with or pack along to a friend’s house. Hisense makes some of the best TVs for those who are looking for an ideal combination of quality at an affordable price. The brand’s lineup of projectors has grown in both numbers and impressive stats in the last handful of years. I’ll admit, after testing the Hisense M2 Pro 4K projector, I don’t think I can go back to a non-laser projector, let alone a TV. The display quality, portability, gigantic 200-inch display, and brightness in daylight have me smitten. Of course, it’s not perfect, but I’ll be hosting movie nights from now on because no one I know has the tech to replicate this experience. SEE ALSO: Ending soon: Rate your favorite audio brands for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card Highlights on the Hisense M2 Pro 4K projectorWhen shopping for a projector, you’ll notice two options: laser and non-laser. The non-laser versions tend to be cheaper and modern models use LED technology. But if you’re seeking the sharpest display and the best color brightness, a laser projector is the way to go. The Hisense M2 Pro has a 4K display with a triple-laser RGB (red, green, blue) light source. It's pretty cute for its power. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable I tested the Hisense M2 Pro projector for months, in conjunction with a 100-inch Elite Screens manual pull-down projector screen. And yes, I did feel like a school teacher starting a lesson every time I unfurled it. However, if you don’t have a projector screen or a white sheet, Hisense says you’re still in good shape. The projector is designed to adapt to the projection surface, make color corrections, and still be able to produce accurate color reproductions. You might even be able to simply use your living room wall instead of messing around with a screen.For those who like deeper details, here are some noteworthy specs of the Hisense M2 Pro 4K projector:Specs:Size: 7.6 in.  x 8.6 in. x 9.1 in.Weight: 8.6 poundsRated brightness: 1,300 ANSI lumensLight source: R+G+B triple laserLaser life: 25,000 hoursWarranty: 1 year limited warrantyA gaming-worthy projectorHave you ever raced on Mario Kart’s Rainbow Road on a 200-inch display? I hadn’t either until testing the Hisense M2 Pro. Let me tell you about how much fun it is to have a Friday night four-person Mario party at 200 inches.Reaching a 240Hz refresh rate and a low input lag of 12 milliseconds, gaming is awesome on the Hisense M2 Pro projector. For reference, you want at least a 120Hz refresh rate for a gaming-worthy TV, so the Hisense M2 Pro’s 240Hz is well above that threshold. The Hisense M2 Pro is not afraid of daylightA common disadvantage of a projector over a TV is that projectors can struggle to produce a display that’s bright enough to view in daylight. Some projectors require you to draw the shades, pull blackout curtains over the windows, and turn off the lights. The Hisense M2 Pro is not one of those models. In testing, I was easily able to watch shows at 2 p.m. when I definitely should have been doing something more productive.  The back-lit remote with quick access to focus is clutch. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable The M2 Pro has a brightness rating of 1,300 ANSI lumens, and while there are brighter models on the market, I was never let down by the M2 Pro during daytime viewing. However, since my testing took place primarily in the winter months, it might not be the best picture for bright summer days, especially if watching something fast-paced like a soccer game.You (and your projector) can get an invite to every movie night and binge sessionThe Hisense M2 Pro has a major focus on versatility that makes it suitable for tons of situations. It weighs a bit under nine pounds, so it’s no problem to carry it from room to room. It also comes packed into a cute little carrying case with a handle. Even when I was moving the projector from the basement up the stairs to the living room, I packed it into the carrying case, which not only adds to convenience but also adds protection. I’ve fallen walking up those stairs enough times to not find it wise to carry an unprotected projector in my hands. The lightweight nature paired with a case makes the Hisense M2 Pro an ideal model for taking over to a friend's house, packing along for the summer cottage trip, or taking outside for a movie night. All packed up and ready to go. Credit: Lauren Allain The power brick, remote, and projector all nestle into their respective areas for safer transportation. Credit: Lauren Allain The projector comes with Hisense’s Smart TV system, Vidaa OS, already installed, so your apps are nicely organized. If you don’t like that option, you could connect a Google Streamer or Fire TV Stick to the HDMI port. There’s also a USB-A port, should you have movies or shows on a thumb drive.The only small non-travel-friendly element I found when testing the Hisense M2 Pro is its power supply. Instead of using a standard USB-C cable for charging, it uses a power brick with a 19V power supply. You’ll have to pack that along for powering up the projector since there’s no built-in battery on the Hisense M2 Pro.Oboard sound is impressive for a portable projectorLike many TVs, sound quality has been an issue with portable projectors. It often leads to a mismatched viewing experience where the display is massive in size and impressive in quality, while the onboard sound is pretty terrible. In my testing experience, I’ve almost always connected a projector to a secondary sound source, mostly my beloved Fender x Teufel Rockster Cross. But that wasn’t totally necessary with the Hisense M2 Pro. Its built-in dual 10-watt speakers have support for Dolby Digital and DTS Virtual:X, and the overall sound is not bad at all. Port options include an HDMI, USB-A, and DC in. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable You can also use the M2 Pro in Music Sharing mode, which essentially turns the projector into a Bluetooth speaker, pairing with a device to pump out the tunes. It’s not the best Bluetooth speaker I’ve ever heard, but it gets the job done without complaints.Is the Hisense M2 Pro projector worth it?I’d recommend the Hisense M2 Pro projector for anyone looking to break it off with a standard TV and go with a projector. The 4K triple laser display is excellent, the built-in stand is convenient, and the onboard speaker is decent enough that you’re not forced to connect to an external sound system.It takes a bit to get used to the auto-focus and keystoning process, but that’s a minor adjustment. The tradeoff of gaining the ability to have a 65-inch display in a bedroom or a 200-inch display in the backyard is well worth it. Plus, the $1,300 price tag is competitive for a laser 4K projector. However, this isn’t the right model if you don’t have space to project a display of at least 65 inches. Any smaller and you’ll end up with a blurred display. Hisense M2 Pro 4K Triple Laser Smart Portable Projector $1,099.99 at Amazon $1,299.99 Save $200   Shop Now at Amazon

It's a new lunar phase tonight, the Third Quarter. This means around 50% of the Moon is illuminated and we're even closer to the New Moon.What is today’s Moon phase?As of Saturday, May 9, the Moon phase is Third Quarter. Tonight, 56% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.If you look up with you no visual aids tonight you'll be able to spot the Mare Imbrium, Tycho Crater and the Oceanus Procellarum. If you have binoculars, you'll be able to see the Mare Humorum, Alphonsus Crater, and Alps Mountains are just a few. And that's not all, if you have a telescope you'll see all this and the Fra Mauro Highlands and Caucasus Mountains.When is the next Full Moon?There are two Full Moons in May, with the next due to take place on May 31.What are Moon phases?According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete a full orbit around Earth, passing through eight different phases along the way. Even though we always see the same side of the Moon, the way sunlight falls on it changes as it moves, which is what creates the familiar full, half, and crescent shapes. In total, there are eight main phases in the lunar cycle: New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you knit or crochet.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 Pips hints, answers for May 9, 2026 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: Parts of a showGreen: AccessoriesBlue: WeavingPurple: An essayMashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators todayHere are today's Connections categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:Yellow: Units of TV programsGreen: Things worn around the neckBlue: Strings tied in knotsPurple: ___ PieceLooking 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 #1063 is...What is the answer to Connections todayUnits of TV programs: EPISODE, FRANCHISE, SEASON, SERIESThings worn around the neck: BOA, CHAIN, LANYARD, TIEStrings tied in knots: FRIENDSHIP BRACELET, MACRAMÉ, QUIPI. SHOELACES___ Piece: CONVERSATION, PERIOD, PUFF, THINKDon'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 9, 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 have a green thumb.Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 9, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Garden varietiesThe words are related to plants. Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators todayToday’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe garden crops.NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Spring Veggie.NYT Strands word list for May 9AsparagusArtichokeOnionLettuceRadishSpring VeggieLooking 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 have great style.If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 9, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers. Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though. SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 9, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:A soft fabric.Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators todayDoes 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 S. 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...SATINDon'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.

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 todayIf 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 hintBubbly. SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerPERKYHurdle Word 2 hintTo accumulate. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 9, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerAMASSMashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators todayHurdle Word 3 hintA kink. SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 9 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 9, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answerCRICKHurdle Word 4 hintA beer.Hurdle Word 4 answerLAGERFinal Hurdle hintHarmony. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerAMITYIf 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: A lifetime subscription to ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited Plan is on sale for $74.97 (reg. $619) — 87% off. Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $74.97 $619 Save $544.03   Get Deal If you’ve ever typed the same prompt into ChatGPT, and then Gemini, and then Claude just to see which one gives you the best answer, ChatPlayground AI was basically built for you. This new AI platform lets you send prompts to multiple models at the same time, and a lifetime subscription is on sale now for $74.97 (reg. $619).ChatPlayground AI lets you run any prompt across 20+ AI models at once, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. Instead of toggling between tabs and losing your train of thought, you get side-by-side comparisons in the same tab you’re working from, so you can quickly grab the best response and keep it pushing. Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up! Beyond chat features, ChatPlayground lets you generate images and PDFs, as well as upload existing images for context-aware answers. You can also streamline any task with prompt engineering tools and saved conversation history. Whether you’re writing, coding, or brainstorming, having everything in one place cuts down on the back-and-forth. Priority customer support is included, too, so you’re not left guessing how to troubleshoot on your own if anything goes sideways.If you’re paying for multiple AI subscriptions month to month, those costs add up fast. This lifetime deal is worth doing the math on. Right now, the Unlimited Plan is on sale for $74.97 — down from $619. That’s a one-time payment for permanent access to all the models you’re already using, no renewals required.Stop paying monthly with a ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan lifetime subscription for $74.97.StackSocial prices subject to change.

Whoop, a screen-free fitness wearable with more than 2.5 million users, announced that it's bringing on-demand video consultations with health professionals to its subscriber base.According to Whoop's announcement on Friday, live consultations with licensed clinicians will be offered to users in the U.S. starting this summer. Whoop is touting the fact that clinicians will have access to an array of biometric data collected in the app, and how that will aid experts in interpreting a user's health information.Of course, it's probably not a coincidence that Whoop's announcement comes just one day after Google and Fitbit released their Whoop competitor, powered by Google Gemini.To support users' fitness goals, Whoop is also partnering with the health records company HealthEx to provide Electronic Health Record (EHR) syncing. Under this partnership, Whoop users can keep track of their health history, including diagnoses, medications, and procedures, from right within the app.Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creator today! SEE ALSO: I ran the NYC Marathon wearing 7 fitness trackers and they all watched me throw up "Unlike traditional healthcare experiences that rely on brief, episodic snapshots, these consultations begin with a comprehensive understanding of the member’s health, powered by months of continuous data and, when available, bloodwork and medical history," Whoop says in its announcement.While many of Whoop's newly announced features will be included in its paid membership, live video consultations will require an additional cost for users, which has yet to be announced.“WHOOP is a membership, and we take that seriously,” said Whoop Chief Product Officer Ed Baker in a press release. “We’re always asking how we can deliver more value to our members, and these upcoming features are some of the most meaningful we’ve ever built, from bringing clinician support directly into the app to advancing our AI coaching to be more personal and actionable than ever.”In a statement to CNBC, Whoop stated that the live consultation feature is not meant to replace a primary doctor or emergency visit.Along with these live on-demand video consultations with health professionals, Whoop is also adding an assortment of new AI features, such as AI-powered personalized coaching.Speaking of personalized coaching, this will be accessible under one of Whoop's new AI features called My Memory, which will serve as a centralized location to view, manage, and train Whoop's AI. In addition, Whoop is also a Proactive Check-Ins feature, which will provide personalized recommendations to users, such as when to sleep ahead of a big event or reconfiguring a training regimen based on a user's travel plans. SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs. Whoop: A fight of the best fitness trackers

Since May 7, an Amazon Web Services outage has caused ripple effects across the internet.As the AWS outage entered its second day on Friday, Amazon reported recovery efforts were underway. Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creator today!In its most recent update, posted at 12:29 p.m. ET, Amazon acknowledged that recovery "efforts are slower than we had previously anticipated," and that "Full recovery is still expected to take several hours."DownDetector, a platform where internet users can submit error reports, showed a spike in problems with AWS starting around 8 p.m. ET on Thursday. User error reports slowed into Friday, then spiked again around 4 p.m. ET. (Disclosure: DownDetector and Mashable are both owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.) DownDetector reports ongoing problems at AWS. Credit: DownDetector The outage centered on the US-EAST-1 Region, and CNBC reports it temporarily shut down trading on the popular apps FanDuel and Coinbase. The popular web analytics company Chartbeat also experienced issues, which it attributed to AWS outages.A May 7 update on the Coinbase status page stated: "Coinbase experienced service disruptions due to increased temperatures in the affected AWS service. Our team is working to implement a fix and will continue to provide updates. Your funds are safe."The last major AWS outage affecting the US-EAST-1 Region occurred in October 2025. As Mashable reported at the time, a wide range of apps were seemingly impacted then, including Amazon, Roblox, HBO Max, Venmo, Lyft, Signal, and AT&T.Internet outages have occurred regularly over the past 12 months. Because AWS provides cloud hosting and other internet services, problems with AWS can cause widespread issues across the web. Mashable reached out to AWS for more information, and we'll update this story if we receive a response.This is a developing story...Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.