Mashable

Syndicate content
Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 27 min 53 sec ago

Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 5, 2026

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 07:42

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're easily hooked.

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 5, 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 5, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To hook onto.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

LATCH

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for May 5, 2026

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 07:41

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

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

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

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

A small measure of weight.

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

POUND

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Young girl.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 5, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

MISSY

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

An oddity.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 5 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 5, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

QUIRK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A principle.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

TENET

Final Hurdle hint

Emotional.

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

TEARY

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The White House may begin vetting AI models before release

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 00:13

White House officials are exploring official government oversight of new AI models, according to the New York Times.

U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the publication that the Trump administration is forming an AI working group composed of tech leaders and government representatives. The group will be tasked with outlining potential oversight procedures for new models launching to market, including formal review processes, the Times reported.

SEE ALSO: Student sues matchmaking app for allegedly stealing her likeness for an ad

The proposed plans were discussed at a White House meeting last week with representatives from Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI.

Potentially influenced by regulatory processes announced by UK regulators, which relegate AI oversight to relevant government bodies, the working group would also determine which U.S. agencies would be tasked with oversight. Some officials have suggested the National Security Agency (NSA), the White House Office of the National Cyber Director, and the director of national intelligence take the lead, while others have even suggested revitalizing the Biden-era Center for A.I. Standards and Innovation, according to the Times.

The administration has reversed its stance on AI regulation in recent months, despite announcing a federal AI action plan that pulled back on regulation of tech companies and threatened to reduce federal funding for states that impeded AI infrastructure efforts through regulation. Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill also included limits on state governments' AI regulation, originally proposing a 10-year moratorium on state action in favor of federal oversight.

Trump appointee and FCC chairman Brendan Carr has also advocated for a light-touch approach to AI regulation.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $40 bundle breaks down trading so it makes sense

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 00:00

TL;DR: This $39.99 bundle includes 7 trading courses and 89 hours of content covering stocks, forex, and futures—built for learning at your own pace.

Opens in a new window Credit: SkilletAcademy From Zero to Pro: The 2026 Complete Stocks, Forex & Futures Trading Bundle $39.99
$140 Save $100.01   Get Deal

Thinking about getting into trading, but don’t know where to start (and don’t trust random YouTube advice)? This kind of structured approach makes a lot more sense and you can learn at your own pace.

This 2026 Complete Stocks, Forex & Futures Trading Bundle pulls together seven full courses into one place, covering everything from basic concepts to more advanced strategies. The big draw here is the format — it’s designed to take you step by step instead of dropping you into the deep end.

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!

You’ll learn how markets actually move, including price action, trends, and key levels like support and resistance. There’s also a strong focus on technical analysis — think candlestick patterns, chart setups, and indicators — but explained in a way that’s meant to be usable, not just theoretical.

What stands out is the inclusion of real trade walkthroughs. Instead of just explaining strategies, the courses show how they play out in real market conditions, which helps connect the dots.

There’s also a solid emphasis on risk management and trading psychology, which is arguably the less flashy but more important side of trading. Things like position sizing, discipline, and avoiding emotional decisions are baked into the lessons.

Get a comprehensive trading foundation with this 2026 Complete Stocks, Forex & Futures Trading Bundle, on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $140).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Spirit Airlines shut down: What to do now if youre a customer

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 23:44

Spirit Airlines is officially out of business. The budget airline carrier ceased operations on May 2, 2026 due to financial troubles. The company has now begun winding down after filing for bankruptcy twice and failing to secure a government bailout.

If you're a Spirit Airlines customer, you may be asking yourself: "I booked a flight with Spirit…what do I do now?"

Here's how to get your refund or book your flight with a different airline.

Spirit Airlines refunds

According to Spirit Airlines, anyone who booked tickets for an upcoming flight will automatically receive a refund to the credit card or debit card they used to make their purchase. 

Spirit's official website, Spirit.com, now forwards to a new URL, spiritrestructuring.com. However, existing customers can still login to their account at https://www.spirit.com/my-trips/find-trip in order to view the status of their refund.

Customers who booked a Spirit flight through a travel agent must contact their agent for a refund.

It's currently unclear how Spirit will handle any vouchers, credits, or points used to book flights.

SEE ALSO: 'SNL' Weekend Update covers Spirit Airlines shutdown and more Book a 'rescue fare' flight

Finding out that your Spirit Airlines flight home in the middle of your trip has been canceled because the company is no longer operating is certainly not a fun experience.

However, many airlines are trying to make things simple for travelers so they aren't left stranded. Airline carriers like American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines are all offering "rescue fares" or discount flight tickets for Spirit customers.

For example, JetBlue is offering discounted $99 one-way flights for anyone with a valid itinerary through May 6. Some airlines, however, are offering these discounts only to traveling Spirit customers who show up in person at the ticket booth during their trip.

Companies like Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, and Frontier are also temporarily offering reduced fares on routes that Spirit once flew.





Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Star Wars Day deals, drops, and freebies for May the 4th

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 23:30
A quick look at the best May the 4th deals, freebies, and merch: Best Amazon deal Echo Dot Star Wars Bundle: Includes Echo Dot, Charcoal, and The Mandalorian Helmet Stand $79.98 (save $20) Get Deal Best Lego deal C-3PO Lego model $111.99 (save $28 with Insider membership) Get Deal Best Casetify deal Darth Vader 3D AirPods Case: Collector's Edition $98 (save $40) Get Deal Most coveted drop Star Wars Ultimate Grogu $599.99 Pre-Order Here

I’ll level with you: I'm not a Star Wars fan. (Cue collective gasps.) I couldn’t tell you the difference between a Sith and a Jedi, and my knowledge of the franchise basically begins and ends with Baby Yoda memes. But if there is one thing I do love, it’s finding a good deal.

Every year on Star Wars Day (aka “May the Fourth”), brands use the unofficial holiday as an excuse to drop new products, hand out gifts, and discount their inventory. So, while I won't be having a movie marathon today, I have spent the morning scouring the internet for the best sales.

Below is a running list of all the May the 4th deals, new releases, and freebies going on right now.

Celebrate Star Wars Day with Lego

Lego has always had some pretty cool Star Wars sets (and I say that as a non-fan), but this year, the brand's going all out with freebies (you'll get a free Razor Crest Mini if you spend $40+, or Darksaber if you spend $160+), new product drops (including the Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter which comes with a Mandalorian and Grogu Display set), quadruple the points, and exclusive rewards for Insiders.

Insiders also get access to the following deals:

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Store Star Wars Day Sale   Shop Now Shop limited-edition Star Wars Echo Dot stands at Amazon

Amazon usually celebrates May 4th by releasing a new Star Wars-themed Echo Dot stand. This year, the company released two: The Mandalorian Helmet and Grogu. Both bundles are available for $79.96 and $71.98, respectively.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot Star Wars Bundle: Includes Echo Dot, Charcoal, and The Mandalorian Helmet Stand $79.98 at Amazon
$99.98 Save $20   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot Star Wars Bundle: Includes Echo Dot, Charcoal, and Grogu Stand $71.98 at Amazon
$89.98 Save $18   Get Deal Get your pups a Star Wars-themed toy at Bark (by the creators of Bark Box)

Bark just dropped two $100 Star Wars-themed enrichment toys inspired by The Mandalorian: The Mythosaur Plush XXXL Multi-Part and Enrichment Dog Toy and the Krayt Dragon Plush XXXL Multi-Part and Enrichment Dog Toy.

They're huge, so if you have a big dog and you're a Star Wars fan, this might be a good collectible (if they don't destroy it, that is). If you have smaller pups, like I do, you may want to check out Bark's other Star Wars toys:

PetSmart also has a collection of Star Wars-themed toys, but they're not on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bark Bark Star Wars Day Sale   Shop Now Preorder John Williams' newest Tiny Vinyl releases: 'The Imperial March' and 'Finale'

Tiny Vinyl makes literal four-inch records, and the company just dropped a Target-exclusive Star Wars edition.

You can finally preorder John Williams' "The Imperial March" (from The Empire Strikes Back) and "Finale" (from Return Of The Jedi) for $14.99 at Target. The miniature record company first teased the release on its Instagram back on March 17, but it's finally available to add to your cart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tiny Vinyl John Williams Tiny Vinyl Edition - The Imperial March / Finale $14.99 at Target
  Shop Now

Target also has a ton of other Star Wars items on sale, including:

Protect your phone from the Dark Side (and general clumsiness) with Casetify

If you're looking for a new phone case and want to sport your love for Star Wars, Casetify has tons of options, including a Darth Vader Chest Plate Case, a C-3PO Case, and a classic R2D2 Case. The standard iPhone 17 Pro Max cases will run you $64.

Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify C-3PO Case $64 at Casetify
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Darth Vader™ 3D AirPods Case: Collector's Edition $98 at Casetify
$138 Save $40   Get Deal Grab new Baby Yoda (aka Grogu) merch directly from the Disney Store

Unsurprisingly, the Disney Store is packed with new Star Wars merchandise today, including a handful of exclusive new items. You can grab a Grogu Crossbody Bag for $34.99, a Mandalorian Voice-Changing Helmet for $119.99, and a Mandalorian and Grogu Squishmallows Plush Set for $34.99. (Note: When you enter the site, you'll be prompted to enter a code, and then you'll be put into a queue. It only takes a couple of seconds, though!)

Opens in a new window Credit: Disney The Mandalorian Voice-Changing Helmet for Adults $119 at Disney
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Mandalorian and Grogu Squishmallows Plush Set $34.99 at Disney
  Shop Now Get early access to Bath & Body Works' new Mandalorian collection

Bath & Body Works is offering a limited, online-only early drop for its upcoming The Mandalorian and Grogu collection. The catch? You have to be a signed-in member to buy anything today. The full collection doesn't officially launch until May 11, so this is your only chance to grab these items before the general public.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bath & Body Works Snack Time Collectible Tin $24.95 at Bath & Body Works
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Bath & Body Works Mythosaur Messenger Bag $59.95 at Bath & Body Works
  Shop Now Show your love for the franchise with a Star Wars-themed rug

Ruggable, our fave washable rug brand, has a variety (33 options) of Star Wars-themed rugs, including the oh-so-popular The Rebellion Rug and the Dark Side Damask Delft Blue Rug.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable The Rebellion Rug $549 at Ruggable
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable Dark Side Damask Delft Blue Rug $549 at Ruggable
  Shop Now Bring the fandom to the gym with 30% off BlenderBottle

Get some motivation at the gym with Star Wars-themed BlenderBottle shakers. The whimsy (and wisdom) of Yoda can come with you to the gym as BlenderBottle is offering 30% off Star Wars-themed bottle on May 4 and 5.

Opens in a new window Credit: BlenderBottle Star Wars BlenderBottle Shakers $14 at BlenderBottle
$19.99 Save $5.99 30% off Star Wars-themed BlenderBottle shakers. Discount applied automatically. Get Deal May the 4th deals for puzzle lovers from Ravensburger

To celebrate May the 4th, Ravensburger is offering 20% off Star Wars puzzles and games. Deals are marked down on the Ravensburger website, but unfortunately, it doesn't apply to the brand's 18,000-piece Star Wars puzzle.

Find Star Wars art in the Samsung Art Store

In honor of May the 4th, Samsung added eight new Star Wars artworks to the Samsung Art Store. Digital art can then be added to Frame TVs so you can enjoy your favorite universe on the TV, even when you're not watching one of the movies.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Star Wars Digital Art Shop Star Wars digital art in the Samsung Art Store to add to your Frame TV. Shop Now A new batch of Star Wars apparel just dropped, and it's already on sale

BoxLunch just dropped a whole new collection of apparel to celebrate the upcoming release of The Mandalorian & Grogu. Plus, for May the 4th, it's 30% off. Get it now, and you can roll up to the theater in style.

Opens in a new window Credit: BoxLunch BoxLunch The Mandalorian Women's Cropped Striped Baseball Jersey $38.43 at BoxLunch
$54.90 Save $16.47   Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: BoxLunch BoxLunch The Mandalorian Din Djarin Striped Mechanic Woven Button-Up $38.43 at BoxLunch
$54.90 Save $16.47   Get Deal Bring home the Ultimate Grogu

If you want a very own Grogu of your own — and not just a plain old plushy, but a real-life replica of Grogu — Hasbro dropped the Ultimate Grogu. This lifelike replica includes 250+ animations and a screen-accurate design. But this item is preorder only and won't ship until 2027, so you'll have to be patient.

Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Ultimate Grogu $599.99 at Hasbro Pulse
  Pre-order Here Buy $15 worth of Hasbro Star Wars toys at Walmart and get a $15 Fandango movie reward

Hasbro, Walmart, and Fandango teamed up for the ultimate Star Wars Day deal. When you purchase $15 worth of Hasbro Star Wars toys at Walmart, Fandango will give you a $15 Fandango movie reward. After you make your purchase, submit your receipt online, and once approved, you'll get a promo code from Fandango.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hasbro Star Wars Huggin' Grogu Electronic Action Figure $29.97 at Walmart
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Hasbro Star Wars The Black Series The Mandalorian & Grogu Deluxe Action Figure $34.95 at Walmart
  Shop Now Get a classic Vera Bradley tote with a Star Wars twist

The classic, soft Vera Bradley styles now come with a Star Wars twist. You can find Vera Bradley's classic duffel bags, cosmetics cases, wallets, and more, all in the adorable Grogu Medallion print.

Opens in a new window Credit: Vera Bradley Vera Bradley Star Wars Large Original Duffel $145 at Vera Bradley
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Vera Bradley Vera Bradley Star Wars Small Turnlock Wallet $80 at Vera Bradley
  Shop Now Get an actual piece of Star Wars history

OK so most of the deals and products to shop during Star Wars Day are just replicas or homages to the legendary series, but what if you could own an actual piece of Star Wars history? Starting May 4, Propstore is now selling props, memorabilia, storyboards, and more from the Star Wars film franchise. Many items have already been sold at auction, but you can still shop available items.

Opens in a new window Credit: Propstore Star Wars Propstore Auction   Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

Roomba inventor unveils a companion robot thats more pet than helper

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 22:52

At this point, most home robots are either glorified vacuums or far-off concepts that may never become commercially available. However, we just got a look at a new home companion robot potentially coming to market next year, and its inventor has a proven track record of putting robots into homes.

Colin Angle, co-founder of Roomba maker iRobot, fully unveiled his new company Familiar Machines & Magic at the Wall Street Journal's The Future of Everything event this week.

FM&M's goal is to make home robots that act more as emotional companions than chore machines. Its debut product is an unnamed four-legged robot companion. The robot looks like a cross between a dog and a bear, and it's designed to spark a connection with its human owner.

"The next era of robotics is not just about dexterity or humanoid form — it's about machines that can build and sustain human connection," Angle said, per an official press release.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The companion bot probably won't launch until next year at the earliest, and we don't have a price point yet, but it's still quite fascinating to look at. In addition to its Roomba pedigree, a Familiar Machines & Magic press release states that the company's employees have also worked with Disney Research, MIT, Amazon, Boston Dynamics, Bose, and Sonos.

The robot animal has 23 degrees of freedom and can move its head, ears, and eyes.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI adds AI pets to its Codex coding tool Credit: Familiar Machines & Magic

According to The Verge, it can't grasp objects or climb stairs, which would severely limit its usefulness, if it existed to be useful, anyway. It uses on-device generative AI to learn about its owner and respond to the owner's needs on an emotional level.

One very important detail is that it doesn't speak, instead purring and making other pet-like noises. A pet seems to be the best point of comparison here, as the robot seems almost totally incapable of performing practical tasks, and instead exists to make people feel less lonely.

Some other crucial points include a touch-sensitive coat that should, in theory, be pleasurable to pet, and onboard cameras and microphones that help the robot react to situations without streaming that audio or video anywhere. It doesn't have to connect to the internet to work.

The idea of using AI to cure the loneliness epidemic isn't necessarily new or without merit, even if it can sometimes feel a bit dystopian.

Last year, Mashable reported on a service that allowed the elderly to talk to an AI over the phone, just for the sake of providing company. Multiple companies are creating AI-powered robot companions for elder care applications, including startups like ElliQ and Abi.

Anthropomorphizing robots and artificial intelligence can be dangerous, especially given what we know about AI psychosis. However, some experts believe that companion robots could prove beneficial in specific settings.

UPDATE: May. 5, 2026, 9:21 a.m. EDT A previous version of this article referenced an internal company name for the upcoming robot, as reported by The Verge. The company clarified this is not the robot's name, and the story has been updated accordingly.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon just dropped the new M4 iPad Air to an all-time low, but youll have to act fast

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 22:18

SAVE 13%: As of May 4, you can get the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M4) for $519.99, down from $599 at Amazon. That's a 13% discount and $79.01 savings.

11-inch Apple iPad Air (M4, 128 GB) $519.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $79.01   Get Deal at Amazon

It's not often that we get a good Apple deal on a non-big-sale day (e.g., Prime Day), but yesterday Amazon dropped the Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) to an all-time low of $519.99. That's a 13% discount, or an extra $79.01 in your pocket.

If you're still on the fence, Mashable's Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth recently awarded this tablet a Mashable Choice award and rated it a 4.5/5 on our very strict (we're pretty tough) scale. And while it looks basically the same as the previous-gen, Werth says it "delivers faster performance thanks to an improved neural engine and Apple's N1 and C1X connectivity chips," adding that "artists and note-takers will definitely appreciate this one."

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to claim

If you order it right now, Amazon guarantees free delivery by this Wednesday, May 6 (exactly four days before Mother's Day, just in case you're trying to get some extra brownie points with Mom).

Thanks to Liquid Glass and iPadOS26, the newest iPad Air can do double-duty as a laptop, though you'll need Apple's Magic Keyboard. Fortunately, both the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil Pro are also on sale at Amazon; both iPad accessories are currently $30 off, at least, for Prime members.

Opens in a new window Credit: apple pencil pro Apple Pencil Pro $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air $239 at Amazon
$269 Save $30   Get Deal

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Student sues matchmaking app for allegedly stealing her likeness for an ad

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 22:02

A 19-year-old University of Tennessee freshman is suing the makers of a social matchmaking app after the company allegedly lifted a video from her TikTok page and used it — without her knowledge or consent — in an advertisement suggesting she was looking for casual sexual encounters. The company then supposedly targeted that ad at men living in her own dormitory.

Kaelyn Lunglhofer filed the lawsuit on April 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee against Quantum Communications Development Limited, a British Virgin Islands-based company, and its Chinese affiliates. The defendants own and operate a social media and messaging app called Meete. Per the lawsuit, Meete claims to have 17 million users worldwide.

SEE ALSO: A controversial dating app uses credit scores to create matches

According to the complaint, Lunglhofer posted a video to her public TikTok account on May 31, 2025 — the day of her high school graduation — showing off an orange outfit from her bedroom while music played in the background. Defendants allegedly pulled a 10-second clip from that video and used it as the backdrop for a Meete advertisement that ran on social media platforms like Snapchat.

The ad, per the complaint, featured female narration stating, "Are you looking for a friend with benefits? This app shows you women around you who are looking for some fun. You can video chat with them." Lunglhofer's face was on screen, and the Meete logo was prominently displayed.

According to the suit, Meete allegedly used geolocation technology to serve the ad specifically to male users within the Knoxville, Tennessee area. This includes men living on other floors of her on-campus dormitory building. Lunglhofer found out about the ad because one of the male residents in her dorm alerted her to it, she said in an interview with local ABC affiliate, WKRN.

The suit brings claims under the federal Lanham Act (which addresses businesses' use of misleading claims), Tennessee's right of publicity statute — known as the ELVIS Act — and Tennessee common law defamation. Lunglhofer is seeking compensatory damages of $750,000, disgorgement of Meete's profits tied to the ad campaign, and punitive damages. She is also seeking to have the ad removed entirely.

Mashable reached out to Meete but did not receive a response in time for publication. The firm representing Lunglhofer also did not yet respond to a request for comment.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Siri’s big Google upgrade: What iPhone fans are waiting for

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 20:45

Apple’s assistant is finally getting a Google-sized brain, but is it actually what iPhone users have been asking for? CNET's Apple expert (and daily iPhone user) Bridget Carey talks all about it with Iyaz Akhtar.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $25,000 robot looks like its right out of Star Wars

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 20:44

The $25,000 Tron 1 from LimX Dynamics looks like a mini AT-ST from Star Wars: here's what it actually can do.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Motorola’s Razr Fold is poised to outshine Galaxy Z Fold 7

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 20:44

Motorola’s Razr Fold positions itself as a strong competitor in the book-style foldable space. It brings a polished design and powerful performance to challenge rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Here’s what sets it apart.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Celebrate May the 4th with these Star Wars Alexa commands

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 20:34

It's an unofficial holiday for the Star Wars fandom. May the 4th is a time to celebrate the joy we've experienced from everything Star Wars. From Lego sets to phone cases, brands celebrate the day by offering great deals on Star Wars merch. Amazon isn't sitting out on the fun this May the 4th.

The Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker now comes with several Star Wars-themed cases, like The Mandalorian Helmet stand and the irresistible Echo Dot Grogu stand. But the Alexa-enabled fun doesn't stop at Star Wars stands.

It turns out, Alexa loves to chat with inquiring minds about Star Wars. Of course, you can ask Alexa questions about any film in the collection, but you can also use secret commands to get fun Star Wars-themed replies from Alexa.

SEE ALSO: The best Star Wars Day deals, drops, and freebies for May the 4th

Here are 12 Star Wars commands to try with Alexa to celebrate May the 4th.

"Alexa, begin my Jedi lessons."

Alexa must have a special connection to the fictional galaxy because she has nine mini Jedi lessons to share. Like a regular fitness routine, becoming a Jedi takes practice, and Alexa is happy to assist.

"Alexa, teach me a Jedi mind trick."

We all know Alexa has brains, but ask her to teach you a Jedi mind trick, and you'll be in line for using these highly intelligent tricks in everyday life here on Earth.

"Alexa, use the Force."

Can Alexa access the power of the force? Ask her to find out! Ask her again, and you might get a second fun reply.

"Alexa, do, or do not."

Ask this command to hear her finish off the Master Yoda quote we all love from The Empire Strikes Back. Alexa can also finish your other favorite quotes from the franchise when prompted.

"Alexa, talk like Yoda."

This one is self-explanatory and one of the most entertaining of them all. Somehow, hearing Alexa speak in Yoda's non-traditional syntax is enlightening. You can also ask Alexa to talk like other characters, including Darth Vader, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and more.

"Alexa, I am your father."

Is it possible that you could be Alexa's father? Ask her to find out.

"Alexa, tell me a Star Wars joke."

Alexa is full of jokes on plenty of topics, and her Star Wars joke knowledge is something impressive. Take mental note of your favorites to impress friends.

"Alexa, who shot first?"

This is one of Alexa's best Star Wars Easter eggs, taking us all the way back to the 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope. Alexa can set the record straight for us.

"Alexa, show me Star Wars movies."

If you have a Fire Stick or a Fire-enabled TV, asking Alexa to show you a movie from the franchise will direct you to the entire selection of streaming options.

"Alexa, tell me a Baby Yoda joke."

As if things could get cuter than Baby Yoda, Alexa has a small selection of Baby Yoda-themed jokes on hand for chuckles.

"Alexa, play me the Star Wars soundtrack."

Not feeling in the mood for a Star Wars movie marathon? Or maybe you're at work and can't watch right now. No worries because Alexa can take you directly to a Star Wars soundtrack to delight your ears.

"Alexa, may the Force be with you."

It's the perfect day to wish Alexa the power of the force. She'll reward you with the same.

Categories: IT General, Technology

GameStop (yes, that GameStop) wants to buy eBay for $56 billion

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 19:20

GameStop, a chain of physical video game and merchandise stores, is also well known for achieving legendary status among meme stocks. Now, the games retailer is looking to buy eBay in a surprise acquisition.

The company announced its intention to purchase the e-commerce giant at $125 per stock, a 46 percent premium to eBay's closing stock price on Feb. 4, 2026. The deal values eBay at approximately $55.5 billion, which will make everyone ask the same question: Where will GameStop, whose own market cap is roughly $11.8 billion, get that kind of money?

To understand this, we need to take a step back. Once a giant with more than 6,000 stores globally, GameStop started declining in the 2010s as folks started getting their games predominantly from the internet. This made it one of the most shorted stocks ever, with investors betting its value would plummet further as its business continues to decline.

In 2021, however, GameStop was revived by a Reddit community of traders who started buying the stock en masse, driving short sellers out and pumping GameStop's stock to new all-time highs. The stock price has since declined, and the business still faces serious headwinds, but the company pivoted to collectibles and digital assets, as well as a Bitcoin treasury strategy.

SEE ALSO: Legendary trader Roaring Kitty finally shows his hand, and it's full of GME

Now, GameStop has about $9.4 billion of cash and liquid investments on its balance sheet, as well as third-party financing that goes up to $20 billion. That should be good enough, GameStop claims, for half the offer; the other half will come from GameStop common stock. Finally, GameStop has quietly been buying eBay shares, and it already owns a 5 percent stake in the company.

GameStop plans to improve eBay's business, which has been doing better on its own lately, with a combination of cost-cutting measures. GameStop will also leverage its remaining retail locations to "give eBay a national network for authentication, intake, fulfillment, and live commerce."

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Mashable favorite Dreame FP10 air purifier is on sale at Amazon for $75 off

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 18:36

SAVE $75: The Dreame FP10 air purifier is on sale at Amazon for $424.99, down from the list price of $499.99. That's a 15% discount and the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame FP10 air purifier $424.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $75   Get Deal

If you have pets at home, you understand the struggle of dealing with pet dander and fur. Many of us rely on air purifiers to keep indoor air as clean as possible, cutting down on odors and potential allergens. There's a new air purifier on the market that comes with excellent features for pet owners. Maybe best of all, it's already on sale.

As of May 4, the Dreame FP10 air purifier is on sale at Amazon for $424.99, marked down from the normal price of $499.99. That's a 15% discount that shaves $75 off the price. It's also the lowest we've seen at Amazon on this new Dreame model.

The design of the Dreame FP10 air purifier is unique in a few ways. For one, the built-in LED strip makes for excellent room lighting. But it also excels in performance when dealing with pets. Unlike most air purifiers that require us to manually clean outer filters from time to time, the Dreame has an automatic roller that prevents hair from building up on the rotating HEPA filter.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's newest Fire Stick just got its first price cut ever — and it's nearly 50% off

Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodard reviewed the Dreame FP10 air purifier in her home with cats and found its performance and overall look to be impressive, with the Furcatch roller being a major advantage over other models. Dreame also designed this model to be cat-friendly. The flat canvas top can support up to 33 pounds, and the bottom-heavy design means it won't topple over easily.

While it's sitting at a record low, upgrade your home with the Dreame FP10 air purifier. It's a new Mashable Choice Award winner for air purifiers, and it's perfect for homes with pets.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Instructure data breach: ShinyHunters says it stole data and private messages from 275 million teachers and students

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 18:23

ShinyHunters have struck once again. This time, the hacker group says it has breached systems belonging to one of the biggest educational tech companies.

Edtech giant Instructure, the company behind the popular Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas, announced that it was experiencing a service disruption on April 30. 

The next day, on May 1, the company confirmed that it experienced a "cybersecurity incident perpetrated by a criminal threat actor." 

Instructure largely addressed the issues by May 2 and shared that it would continue to monitor its platforms and investigate how the cyberattack occurred. The company said it patched its security system, revoked certain credentials and access tokens, and rotated API keys "out of an abundance of caution."

ShinyHunters, the now-infamous hacking collective known for social engineering and ransomware, claimed responsibility and uploaded 3.65 terabytes of related stolen data to its website on May 3, as reported by SecurityWeek.

What data was stolen?

Instructure says that passwords and other private credentials were not stolen in the breach. 

However, the affected data reportedly includes users' names, email addresses, student IDs, and private messages exchanged on the platform.

According to ShinyHunters, the stolen data is associated with 275 million users at nearly 9,000 schools around the world. These users include students, teachers, and staff.

ShinyHunters also claimed that billions of private messages between users, including students and teachers, were stolen as well, according to Bleeping Computer. The group says Instructure's Salesforce instance was also breached, and related data was stolen.

ShinyHunters have been involved with several high-profile data breaches recently. Companies ranging from the bakery chain Panera Bread to the security firm ADT have all experienced data breaches tied to the group. Anime streaming service Crunchyroll and the dating app Bumble have been breached by ShinyHunters as well.

Last month, ShinyHunters were also behind the breach into Rockstar Games, the video game developer behind the GTA series, including the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI.

All of these ShinyHunters data breaches have occurred since the beginning of the year.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

PS5 gamers entitled to credits in new Sony lawsuit settlement

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 17:56

A federal judge has preliminarily approved a $7.85 million settlement resolving claims that Sony Interactive Entertainment illegally squeezed out competition in the digital PlayStation games market — and millions of affected players should soon be able to collect without doing anything.

The lawsuit, filed in 2021, alleged that Sony cut off third-party retailers from selling game-specific download vouchers starting April 1, 2019, effectively funneling consumers to the PlayStation Store and driving up prices in violation of federal antitrust law. Sony has denied any wrongdoing.

SEE ALSO: The PlayStation 6 could ditch the built-in disc drive

U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín granted preliminary approval to the deal on April 8, after previously rejecting two earlier versions of the settlement — first over concerns about service awards for plaintiffs who were no longer part of the class, and again over questions about whether PlayStation Store credits amounted to coupons under the law.

The settlement covers U.S. consumers who bought eligible PlayStation games through the PlayStation Store for which a retail voucher existed before April 1, 2019, and for which prices increased by at least 50 cents over a set period. More than 4.4 million people are covered under the deal.

How to collect

For most class members, getting paid requires no action at all. Those with active PlayStation Network accounts will automatically receive credits redeemable in the PlayStation Store. Players with deactivated accounts, however, must contact the settlement administrator to request a paper check — and that deadline is Aug. 27, 2026.

Anyone who wants to opt out of the settlement and preserve their right to sue separately must submit an exclusion request by July 2, 2026.

The court is scheduled to hold a final approval hearing on Oct. 15, 2026. Compensation won't be distributed until after that approval is granted and any appeals are resolved. Plaintiffs' attorneys are seeking up to one-third of the settlement fund in fees.

More information on eligible games and claim details can be found at PSNDigitalGamesSettlement.com.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The water-resistant Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra portable power station is $300 off at Amazon

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 17:46

SAVE $300: The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $999, down from the standard price of $1,299. That's a 33% discount and the lowest price we've spotted at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra portable power station $999 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $300   Get Deal

Summer fun is on the horizon. If you're ready to spend the weekend at the campground or power up the projector for a backyard movie night, you might want to consider the convenience of a portable power station. You'll be able to keep everything powered up while living the good life off-grid. If that's appealing, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of May 4, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra portable power station is $999 at Amazon, marked down from Jackery's list price of $1,299. That works out to a savings of $300 from a 33% discount. It's also the lowest price we've spotted at Amazon on this new Jackery model.

Batteries are not typically friends with water and dust. However, that's a contradiction to taking a portable power station on a camping adventure. Sure, we can check the weather, but summer storms tend to roll in quickly. Instead of worrying about a portable power station taking damage from an unexpected sprinkle or morning dew, head out with the new Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra.

SEE ALSO: The Anker Solix C2000 power station is half off at Amazon right now — save over $700

Unlike almost all portable power stations, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra carries an IP65 rating, which means it's both water-resistant and dustproof. Plus, it has protective flaps to cover the outlets. Both of these elements combined give you reassurance that the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra is truly up for adventure.

Not only will it be great for camping, but it's also ideal for using in the yard or the workshop, which could be both damp and dusty. Jackery designed this portable power station with a cooling chamber in the bottom, rather than using side vents for the fan. That eliminates one of the most common routes water and dust take to enter a portable power station.

Since this is a record-low price at Amazon, hop on today's $999 sale price of the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra. It's a rare model that's durable enough for every task.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons newest Fire Stick just got its first price cut ever — and its nearly 50% off

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 17:33

Save 48%: As of May 4, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $17.99 when you use the code SAVEHD. This marks a $17 price reduction off its $34.99 list price, but be aware — this code might not work for everyone.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $17.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $17.00 save with code 'SAVEHD' Get Deal

Sometimes, inexplicably, new tech releases go on sale just weeks after their release. It may only be a small discount, but a deal is a deal.

Amazon, however, did something even more rare. Call it the power of Star Wars Day, pure luck, or Amazon simply having the funds to spare, but as of May 4, the retailer is offering a coupon code on its new Fire TV Stick HD that brings it down to just $17.99 from its list price of $34.99. That's a 48% savings — just don't forget to put in the code SAVEHD.

We do want to note that this coupon code might not work for everyone. While it worked for the majority of Mashable's deals team this morning, there was at least one editor who couldn't get the promised savings.

If it does work for you, you'll save on the streaming stick that Amazon just put up for preorder mid-April. Compared to the previous generation of the Fire TV Stick HD, this one has a 30 percent slimmer profile and no need for a wall adapter, thanks to the USB-C to USB-A cable that can be plugged in straight to your TV. Amazon also claims the device is 30 percent faster than the previous model, meaning navigating apps and shows should be an even smoother process.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons most advanced Fire TV Stick, the 4K Max, is the cheapest its ever been

Mon, 05/04/2026 - 17:29

SAVE $30: As of May 4, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale at Amazon for only $29.99 with the on-page code MAX4KFTV. That's $30 off its list price and its best price ever — a savings of 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $29.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $30.00 with on-page code MAX4KFTV Get Deal

While pretty much all TVs are smart TVs these days, that doesn't always mean they're user-friendly or seamless for streaming. The built-in smart platforms on a lot of high-end brands can often be a bit clunky. That's where Amazon's Fire TV Sticks swoop in to save the day.

Not only are Fire Sticks easy to use, but they're also ultra-portable for travel and go on sale pretty regularly. In fact, as of May 4, the most advanced Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup is down to its best price ever if you use the on-page coupon code. Typically $59.99, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is just $29.99 with the code MAX4KFTV.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite audio brands for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

We've seen the 4K Max drop to $34.99 quite a few times (most recently during the Amazon Big Spring Sale) and even $32.99 once (for Black Friday in 2024), but $29.99 is the lowest to date. There's just one catch: not everyone will see the on-page coupon code. We're unsure what Amazon's rhyme or reason is for this, but only some members of Mashable's shopping team are able to redeem the code. If you're eligible, the code will appear underneath the Prime logo and pricing details on the product page. Be sure to hit "redeem" to cash in on the savings.

Here's what the listing page looks like with the coupon code. Credit: Amazon

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max packs the most storage of any Fire TV Stick at 16GB, which helps it to not get bogged down by lots of apps. It also features a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor to help with faster app starts, WiFi 6E, support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, Dolby Atmos audio, Ambient Experience, and an enhanced Alexa voice remote. You can even turn your TV into a work of art a la The Frame, or play video games by streaming through Amazon Luna or Xbox Game Pass.

Categories: IT General, Technology

eXTReMe Tracker