Mashable

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."

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The world of tennis is firmly focused on clay courts right now. Top players have already sharpened up in the Barcelona Open and Madrid Open, and now it's the turn of the main event: Roland-Garros.

Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz will not defend his title, but this year's tournament is not short of star names. Expect the likes of Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Świątek to be battling it out in the latter stages. It's always a special tournament, and we're expecting top-level competition from the best of the best in this edition.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 French Open from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the French Open?

The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is a major tennis tournament held over two weeks at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. It's the only Grand Slam tournament held on a clay surface, and is the second of the four annual Grand Slam tournaments.

The current singles champions are Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff.

When is the 2026 French Open?

The 2026 French Open is the 131th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from May 18 to June 7.

How to watch the 2026 French Open for free

The 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 French Open 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 pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Roland-Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2026 French Open 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 French Open?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms, 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 so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream the UFC on Paramount+. Access these live streams for free with a 30-day trial for Walmart+.

Some of the biggest names in sport became famous with the UFC. We're talking about the likes of Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Brock Lesnar, and Georges St-Pierre. All of these household names earned their stripes in the Octagon, and now the next wave of UFC superstars are primed and ready to take things to the next level.

And millions of fans from around the world will be watching every moment. Fortunately for this dedicated group of followers, it has never been easier to watch the biggest fight nights without spending anything.

If you want to watch the UFC for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the UFC?

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The UFC has over 578 fighters contracted that fight across 11 weight divisions. The organization produces events worldwide — the UFC has held over 750 events going into 2026.

How to watch the UFC for free

The UFC is available to live stream on Paramount+. New subscribers can get Paramount+ for $8.99 per month with access to all UFC events.

Alternatively, you can sign up for a 30-day trial for Walmart+ to gain access to Paramount+ for free. Paramount+ is included as a perk of Walmart+, so with a free trial of Walmart+, you can live stream the UFC without spending anything. It's a sneaky trick, but it works.

If you're outside the U.S. for the next fight, you might need to use a VPN to unblock the UFC on Paramount+. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., allowing you to unblock live streams of the UFC from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the UFC from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Paramount+

5. Watch the UFC 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the next fight before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the UFC?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch the UFC from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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 earbuds

There are two types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.

Wireless

Wireless 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.

Wired

Wired 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 guide

After 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.

Based on my extensive hands-on testing and expert input, I’ve picked the best sexting apps to keep your flirtiest, dirtiest chats truly private — whether you're messaging a partner, a hookup, or a verified creator.

Because sometimes the anticipation of a hookup is even hotter than the main event. In my experience, sexting is the ultimate form of digital foreplay. It’s the glue that keeps long-distance relationships from falling apart, the spark that stops long-term couples from feeling like roommates, and — for all you singles out there — the safest way to test sexual chemistry before you ever meet up in person.

If it feels like everyone is sending spicy texts these days, you're not wrong. Some studies show that up to 88 percent of American adults have engaged in sexting at some point in their lives. For many, it's become an essential means of connection, and research shows that sharing intimate pictures can evoke, demonstrate, and reinforce trust.

You've heard of safe sex. But what about safe sexting?

Remember: You can't (and shouldn't!) trust your most intimate moments to just any app. As fun as the buildup is, the sad truth is that no one ever knows for sure if their private photos will stay private once they hit send on standard messaging platforms. Sliding into the DMs on a standard social media app might feel like spontaneous fun, but in 2026, your digital footprint is forever. Plus, with Meta cracking down hard this April (wiping out Instagram accounts and posts just for hinting at sexual expression), it's obvious that mainstream platforms are becoming hostile territory for your spicy chats. If you're going to share that side of yourself, you need to know it stays between you and the recipient.

As one of Mashable's dating app experts, I've spent the last three years testing dozens of platforms to find the best and most discreet apps for the job. My highest priority is always user safety. I also spoke with security expert Gary Orenstein with Bitwarden, who stressed that for sharing intimate content, "privacy features cannot be optional — they’re essential." He recommends looking for apps with three key features: end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and screenshot detection.

After all, if you believe in safe sex, you should practice safe sexting, too. So, for all your NSFW messaging needs, these are the sexting apps I trust to get the job done without compromising your privacy.

SEE ALSO: A beginner's guide to sexting Recent updates to this guide:

• Confide: I’ve moved this back to the #1 spot. Its privacy tools (like screenshot-proofing) just give it the edge over everything else right now.

• Lovense Remote: I added this as the winner for "Group Sexting." It's also the best way for couples (and polyamorous folks) to sync Bluetooth toys for long-distance play.

• FetLife: Added as "Best for Kink." It’s less of a standard app and more of a social network, but it remains the go-to place for finding niche communities.

What about other sexting sites?

You've probably seen other "best of" lists recommending apps I've left off. That's intentional. My goal is to recommend platforms where you can make connections, not just burn cash.

Here's why a few popular names didn't make the cut:

• A note on "paid operator" sites: Many sites marketed for sexting (like InstaBang, Arousr, and SextLocal) don't primarily connect you with other real users. Instead, they often use "chat operators" to keep you talking and paying. While there's nothing wrong with a paid fantasy, I don't consider that mutual sexting. My list focuses on apps for real, user-to-user interaction (with the exception of SextPanther, which connects you with verified adult performers).

• Couple's apps: You also won't find apps like Between on this list. While it's a private messenger for couples, it lacks the specific features that make sexting fun. If you want to level up your digital intimacy, my picks (like We-Vibe and Lovense) are much more interactive.

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 projector

When 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 pounds

• Rated brightness: 1,300 ANSI lumens

• Light source: R+G+B triple laser

• Laser life: 25,000 hours

• Warranty: 1 year limited warranty

A gaming-worthy projector

Have 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 daylight

A 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 session

The 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 projector

Like 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.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 9, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Parts of a show

• Green: Accessories

• Blue: Weaving

• Purple: An essay

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Units of TV programs

• Green: Things worn around the neck

• Blue: Strings tied in knots

• Purple: ___ Piece

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 #1063 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Units of TV programs: EPISODE, FRANCHISE, SEASON, SERIES

• Things worn around the neck: BOA, CHAIN, LANYARD, TIE

• Strings tied in knots: FRIENDSHIP BRACELET, MACRAMÉ, QUIPI. SHOELACES

• ___ Piece: CONVERSATION, PERIOD, PUFF, THINK

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 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 today'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 varieties

The words are related to plants.

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Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe garden crops.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Spring Veggie.

NYT Strands word list for May 9

• Asparagus

• Artichoke

• Onion

• Lettuce

• Radish

• Spring Veggie

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 today'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.

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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 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...

SATIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bubbly.

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

PERKY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To accumulate.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 9, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

AMASS

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

A 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 answer

CRICK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A beer.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

LAGER

Final Hurdle hint

Harmony.

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

AMITY

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

TL;DR: 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.

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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.

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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.

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In its most recent update, posted at 12:29 p.m. PT, 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.

This is a developing story...

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Tesla's Cybertruck was already careening down the proverbial road to sales hell. Now, it seems some actual IRL roads could make the wheels come off this thing — literally.

Two years after the Cybertruck recall that made Tesla's angular EV a popular joke (remember the unnecessary foot pad that could slip off, because soap, and jam the accelerator?), the automaker is recalling all the models with 18-inch steel wheels it sold during that time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that cracks can form in wheel rotors, eventually separating them from the hub, especially when driving over "higher severity road perturbations."

Add rough roads to the things that Musk's "apocalypse-ready" vehicle may not have been best equipped to handle at launch — a list that definitely includes soap and glue, and may, some owners report, include car washes. Our comprehensive list of Cybertruck recall reasons is here, but the TL;DR of faulty parts include windshield wipers, inverters, tire pressure monitoring systems, the backup camera, and steel panels that could also fall off.

Neither the NTSB nor Tesla knows of the wheels actually coming off in any consumer's Cybertruck. But what's got to sting Tesla is that this may have something to do with the small number on the roads, rough or otherwise. Only 173 Cybertrucks with 18-inch steel wheels have been sold between 2024 and 2026, the national recall has revealed. They include the cheaper $71,000 rear-wheel drive Cybertruck, announced in April 2025 and quietly discontinued in Sep. 2025.

That's not the total number of Cybertrucks sold, but it's also not as far off as you might think. We're a long way from Musk's claim that Tesla was going to sell a million Cybertrucks a year, or Tesla's official expectation of 250,000 sales in 2024. Just ask the Kelley Blue Book, which estimates 38,965 Cybertrucks sold in 2024. That slipped to 20,237 in 2025, marking a record-breaking decline in the EV world.

SEE ALSO: Tesla just tied the knot with Elon Musk, for better or worse. (Probably worse.)

And that decline came despite Musk goosing sales through a significant amount of self-dealing. As the Los Angeles Times points out, more than 1,300 of the 7,100 Cybertrucks registered in the U.S. in the last quarter of 2025 were owned by Musk's other companies, including SpaceX.

And now? In the first quarter of 2026, the Blue Book says, the Cybertruck sales nosedive has continued at roughly the same rate we saw between 2024 and 2025. That is, a 48 percent decline year on year. Curiously, that's the same overall decline seen across all Tesla vehicles in Germany in 2025, after Musk threw his support behind the extreme right AfD party. (There's still no sign that Tesla will ever sell the Cybertruck in Europe.)

In short, Musk's politics aren't helping him with left-wing or moderate consumers in Europe or the U.S., and his pricey, problematic truck isn't helping him find buyers in conservative U.S. red states either. What's left? Tesla, increasingly reliant for its valuation on the unproven future prospect of Optimus robots that may fall over and self-driving taxis that only just began production, will have to answer that question sooner or later.

Disney is apparently looking to create the only app Disney fans will ever need for the rest of their lives.

Bloomberg reported that new Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro wants to create a sort of "super app" that would blend the streaming functionality of Disney+ with other apps meant for real-life experiences, like Disney Cruise Line Navigator. The idea would be to put Disney's very important theme park, resort, and cruise line businesses in front of more eyeballs than usual, though at this stage, it's not entirely clear if this would mostly manifest as advertisements or a deeper layer of app functionality.

SEE ALSO: The best Disney+ deals and bundles in April 2026

“Disney+ becomes the primary relationship between Disney and its fans, the place where everything comes together,” D'Amaro said in an earnings call this week.

There are pros and cons to this, just like anything else.

On one hand, if you're a real Disney-head, it would probably be more convenient to use the same app to watch The Mandalorian and book a trip to Orlando than the way things currently work. On the other hand, there are probably a lot of people (myself included) who like to occasionally watch things on Disney+, but don't have any real interest in Disney's cruise line or theme parks. For that audience, this could get a little annoying or unwieldy.

At any rate, it sounds like this is still a very early plan, so it might take a while to happen, or it might not happen at all. Maybe by the time it comes around, the vibe around cruise ships will be better than it is right now.

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SAVE 20 CENTS PER GALLON: Amazon Prime members can save up to 20 cents a gallon at BP and Amoco on Fridays. Here’s how to claim your fuel discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Save up to 20 cents a gallon at BP and Amoco on Fridays   Learn More

It's easy to forget all the benefits you get with Amazon Prime. Like, I somehow always forget that prescription and gas discounts are included with a membership. And, as the proud owner of a V-8 GMC Sierra, that's the kind of information I need to keep in the "relevant" file. I've literally seen regular gas (not even premium) as high as $4.30 per gallon in North Carolina, which is ridiculous. So, whenever there's a way to make filling up this truck even slightly cheaper, I'm all over it.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime members can save $5 on their next Grubhub delivery of $15 — here's how

If you have Amazon Prime and you aren't using its fuel discount yet, you're basically throwing money away. By linking your Prime account to BP's "earnify" app (which is completely free to set up), you get a flat 10 cents off per gallon every single time you fill up at a participating BP, Amoco, ampm, or Thorntons location. There's no cap on how many gallons you can buy, and it works on all fuel grades. You don't even have to open the app at the pump — you just punch in your phone number, and it automatically applies the discount. (One less app to deal with, hallelujah.)

Even better, Amazon's running a "Fuel Up Friday" promo right now through May 29 that doubles the savings. If you time your fill-ups for Fridays, you get 20 cents off per gallon (valid once every Friday during the promo window).

ShinyHunters apparently isn't done with edutech giant Instructure.

The now-infamous hacking and extortion collective known as ShinyHunters has once again breached Instructure, the education technology company best known for its popular Learning Management System (LMS) application Canvas. ShinyHunters originally breached Instructure's systems just over a week ago, stealing data connected with nearly 9,000 schools worldwide.

According to a report from TechCrunch, this week, ShinyHunters hackers defaced Canvas login pages for several schools that use the coursework and messaging platform.

TechCrunch says that it saw at least three school login pages compromised with a message via an injected HTML file from ShinyHunters threatening to publicly release stolen data on May 12 unless Instructure agrees to “negotiate a settlement."

SEE ALSO: ShinyHunters breached 'GTA 6' developer Rockstar Games in ransomware attack

Instructure confirmed that it had been breached by the same bad actors responsible for the previously reported breach into the company. This marks a second breach into Instructure, though into a different part of its infrastructure this time.

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Instructure took Canvas offline temporarily while it investigated the second breach. The company says that it found that the hackers "exploited an issue related to our Free-For-Teacher accounts." The company has since temporarily shut down these accounts and restored Canvas access for its users.

Earlier this month, ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for a breach that Instructure later confirmed. According to ShinyHunters, the stolen data linked to the original breach is associated with 275 million Instructure users and affects 8,809 schools worldwide. The stolen data belongs to students, teachers, and school staff who use Instructure's products and contains users' names, email addresses, student IDs, and private messages exchanged on the Canvas platform.

The request from ShinyHunters to "negotiate a settlement" has become par the course for the group, which actively seeks to profit from its excursions.

Over the past year, ShinyHunters have claimed responsibility for data breaches at companies such as Panera Bread, Crunchyroll, Bumble, ADT, and Rockstar Games, among others.

The best TV deals to shop this weekend: Best Hisense deal Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV (2026 model) $998.99 (save $501) Get Deal Best TCL deal TCL 85-inch QM8K Mini-LED QLED 4K TV (2025 model) $1,709.99 (save $990 with on-page coupon) Get Deal Best Amazon deal Amazon Ember 55-inch Mini-LED QLED 4K TV (2024 model) $559.99 (save $260) Get Deal

Springtime is one of the best times to upgrade your TV. When new models hit shelves in March and April, older models get the deal treatment. It's like clockwork.

If you've recently realized your TV kind of sucks, now's as good of a time as any to make the investment in something better. With the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs underway and a boat load of new series and movies making their way to streaming, you'll be glad you upgraded.

We've rounded up the best TV deals to shop this weekend from top brands like Hisense, TCL, and Amazon so you can weigh your options.

Best Hisense TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV (2026 model) $998.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $501   Get Deal Why we like it

It's fairly common to see 2025 TV models drop in price once the latest make their debut. But to see a brand-new 2026 model on sale for over 30% off is rare. You can get the 2026 Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED TV for under $1,000 for the first time since its launch last month. Of course, if you want to save even more, you can certainly do worse than the 2025 model of the same TV (which is currently at a record-low $696.97).

The 2026 model is an iterative upgrade with an improved anti-glare coating and enhanced AI processor. Both models offer a 165Hz refresh rate, 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos sound system, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, and the Google operating system.

Best TCL TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 85-inch QM8K Mini-LED QLED 4K TV (2025 model) $1,709.99 at Amazon
$2,699.99 Save $990.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal Why we like it

"A premium Mini-LED TV with a price to match," as our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) put it, we'd only recommend grabbing the TCL QM8K when it's on sale. And lucky for you, the 85-inch model is down to a record-low $1,709.99 at Amazon with the help of an on-page coupon.

As far as specs go, the QM8K is pretty impressive, with up to HDR5000 brightness, 3,800 local dimming zones, a 2.2.2-channel Bang & Olufsen-designed speaker array with Dolby Atmos spatial audio, a 144Hz native refresh rate, and hands-free Google voice commands. Essentially, it checks all the most important boxes when buying a new TV: excellent Mini-LED picture quality, good sound, and plenty of smart features.

Best Amazon TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Ember 55-inch Mini-LED QLED 4K TV (2024 model) $559.99 at Amazon
$819.99 Save $260   Get Deal Why we like it

One of the most advanced TVs in Amazon's Ember lineup (recently rebranded from Fire TV), the Mini-LED is loaded with specs. It packs hands-free Alexa, Interactive Art Mode, a 144Hz refresh rate, and Intelligent Picture technology, which can fine-tune the details of whatever you're watching.

Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) tested it last year and were pleasantly surprised. "With the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED, Amazon finally offers a Fire TV-based television that gets adequately bright," their reviewer writes. Its 4K QLED Mini-LED display features Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, up to 1,400 nits of peak brightness, and 768 dimming zones. Typically an already affordable $820, the 55-inch model is now down to only $559.99 — its lowest price ever.

More TV deals worth grabbing this weekend

Amazon

• Amazon 55-inch Ember 4-Series 4K TV — $379.99 $459.99 (save $80)

• Amazon 65-inch Ember QLED 4K TV — $749.99 $849.99 (save $100)

Hisense

• Hisense 75-inch E6 Cinema QLED 4K TV — $499.99 $799.99 (save $300)

• Hisense 55-inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K TV — $647.99 $999.99 (save $352)

• Hisense 50-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $798.99 $1,299.99 (save $501)

• Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $999.99 $2,199.99 (save $1,200)

LG

• LG 48-inch C5 OLED 4K TV — $896.99 $1,396.99 (save $500)

Samsung

• Samsung 65-inch Q7F QLED 4K TV — $427.99 $629.99 (save $202)

• Samsung 65-inch Q8F QLED 4K TV — $599.99 $899.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 65-inch The Frame LS03F QLED 4K TV — $997.99 $1,497.99 (save $500)

TCL

• TCL 75-inch T7 QLED 4K TV — $629.99 $899.99 (save $270)

• TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED — $1,999.99 $2,999.99 (save 1,000)

SAVE 20%: As of May 8, you can get the Nex Playground for $239 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount or $60.99 in savings.

Nex Playground Camera Controller-Free Gaming Console (5 Games Included) $239 at Amazon
$299 Save $60   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy

I'm not a gamer per se; I play old-school games like Tomb Raider and Crash Bandicoot on the PS5, but when I first tried the Nex Playground at my sister's house last Christmas, I was hooked. But every store I went to was out of stock. Nowhere had one! Eventually, I had to just accept my fate and have it shipped from Best Buy (I think it took two weeks).

Fortunately for you, Nex Playground is back in stock and on sale (for the first time in a long time) at multiple retailers. As of May 8, the Nex Playground is on sale at Amazon for $239. (You can also find it for $239.99 at Target, Walmart, and Best Buy.)

SEE ALSO: Nintendo is raising the price of the Switch 2 — where to buy before the hike hits

If you haven't seen a Nex Playground in person, it's essentially a plug-and-play console that uses an AI-powered wide-angle camera to track your natural body movements. Like Nintendo Wii, but without the hand controls. It's great for families, but I love using it to get a quick workout in between shifts.

It comes with five interactive games built in (including Fruit Ninja and Whac-a-Mole), but a Play Pass subscription (which is only $89 for the year or $49 for three months) will give you full access to the Nex Playground library.