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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.

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 magician.

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

MAGUS

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To divide.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

DIVVY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A feather.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

PLUME

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To scowl.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answer

GLARE

Final Hurdle hint

To gawk.

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

STARE

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: Live stream Jaguars vs. Rams in the NFL for free on TVNZ+. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with IPVanish.

There's a string on interesting NFL matchups to enjoy this weekend, including Jaguars vs. Rams. Both teams are sporting 4-2 records coming into this hotly-anticipated meeting in London.

If you want to watch Jaguars vs. Rams in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Jaguars vs. Rams?

Jaguars vs. Rams in the NFL starts at 9:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 19. This game takes place at Wembley Stadium.

How to watch Jaguars vs. Rams for free

Jaguars vs. Rams in the NFL is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can unblock TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

Live stream Jaguars vs. Rams for free by following these simple steps:

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

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 New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Live stream Jaguars vs. Rams for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: IPVanish IPVanish (2-Year Plan) $52.56 at IPVanish (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Jaguars vs. Rams in the NFL without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the NFL before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites to follow the whole season, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking streaming services is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for TVNZ+?

IPVanish is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TVNZ+, for a number of reasons:

• 3,100 servers in 145+ locations including New Zealand

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• AES 256 encryption and operates with a zero-logs privacy policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Unlimited simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to IPVanish is on sale for just $52.56 — 83% off for a limited time. This plan includes advanced privacy features, threat protection, unlimited connections, 24/7 support, and the 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Jaguars vs. Rams in the NFL for free with IPVanish.

Editor's Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, Mashable's parent company. Any products featured on Mashable are covered independently by our editorial team.

The moon is barely visible tonight, there's just a sliver of light left before it disappears completely. We’re only a day or so away from the New Moon, when it moves directly between Earth and the Sun.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Sunday, Oct. 19, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. Tonight, only 4% will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

Unfortunately, there's nothing to see without any visual aids tonight. However, if you have a pair of binoculars or a telescope you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the Grimaldi Basin, an impact basin 124 miles in diameter.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Nov. 5.

What are moon phases?

The Moon follows a continuous cycle that lasts about 29.5 days as it travels around Earth. These shifts occur because the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon are always changing relative to one another. From Earth, we might see the Moon as full, partly lit, or completely dark, but the same side always faces us. What varies each night is how much sunlight reaches and reflects off its surface.

The eight main moon phases are:

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.

Happy Thursday and welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 18, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 18, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 18 Pips

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically; 3-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 18 Pips

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add to 8. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 5-1, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 18 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add to 8. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically.

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

Number (18): Everything in this orange space must add to 18. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 4-6, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed horizontally.

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically.

Number (18): Everything in this purple space must add to 18. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition requires expertise in women's tennis.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Teams in hot places

• Green: Boat sport

• Blue: FKA Lou Alcindor

• Purple: She's #1

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Warm Team Names

• Green: Rowing Terms

• Blue: Associated with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

• Purple: WNBA Draft No. 1 Picks

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #391 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Warm Team Names - FIRE, FLAMES, HEAT, SUNS

• Rowing Terms - BOW, COXSWAIN, REGATTA, STERN

• Associated with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - 33, LAKERS, SKYHOOK, UCLA

• WNBA Draft No. 1 Picks - BIRD, BOSTON, CHARLES, PLUM

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a klutz.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 17, 2025 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: To tip over

• Green: Found in a novel

• Blue: To go crazy

• Purple: Sweet treats

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Topple

• Green: Parts of a book

• Blue: Lose it, with "Out"

• Purple: Chocolate bars plus a letter

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 #861 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Topple: FALL, SPILL, TUMBLE, WIPEOUT

• Parts of a book: COVER, JACKET, LEAVES, SPINE

• Lose it, with "Out": BUG, FLIP, FREAK, WIG

• Chocolate bars plus a letter: CRUNCHY, DOVER, MARSH, SKORT

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 October 17, 2025

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 love a Granny Smith.

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 October 17, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 17, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For the picking

The words are related to fruit.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things that can be made with fruit.

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 Apples.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 19

• Sauce

• Jelly

• Butter

• Cider

• Apples

• Compote

• Strudle

• Fritter

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're a perfectionist.

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 October 17, 2025 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 October 17, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Perfect.

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 I.

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...

IDEAL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 17, 2025

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.

When you arrive at TwitchCon 2025 at the San Diego Convention Center, you're immediately met with tight security. Bags are checked, backpacks are prohibited, and everyone passes through metal detectors. To access different areas inside, attendees must scan their wristbands — but these often malfunction, and security rarely makes exceptions.

With such a visible security presence, you'd think creators would feel safe. They don't — and for good reason.

SEE ALSO: Streamer Emiru reportedly assaulted during meet-and-greet at TwitchCon 2025

Emiru, a YouTuber and Twitch streamer with nearly two million followers, was assaulted at a meet-and-greet on the first day of TwitchCon. And, despite Twitch saying time and time again that "safety and security" is its "highest priority," she was left feeling "hurt and upset by how Twitch handled it during and after the fact."

"I don't understand how he was allowed to make it to me in the first place," Emiru wrote in a lengthy post on X.

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

In a video posted to X, an individual approached Emiru, grabbed her, and tried to kiss her. She pushed them away before security intervened and pulled them away by the arm. Emiru says that security was her personal security, not a member of the TwitchCon security team. She said there were three or four TwitchCon security staff nearby "who did not react and let the guy walk away."

"The woman who is walking me away is my own personal manager, and behind the booth, the only two people who were checking on me and comforting me were her and my friend. None of the TwitchCon staff came to ask what happened or if I was okay," she wrote in her post.

After the video circulated widely on social media, Twitch wrote in a statement on X that it "immediately blocked this individual from returning to the TwitchCon premises, and they are banned indefinitely from Twitch, both online and in-person events." Emiru wrote that this is a "blatant lie."

"He was allowed to walk away from my meet and greet, and I didn't hear he was caught until hours after he attacked me, and it felt like this only happened because of my manager pressing for it, not because TwitchCon staff present thought it was a big deal," she wrote.

Twitch did not immediately respond to Mashable's request for comment on the conflicting accounts.

Emiru also noted that this incident follows TwitchCon's previous banning of her "favorite and usual security guard" for "holding a stalker’s arm to bring him to police" at a past event.

Now, she says this will be her final TwitchCon, and she encouraged others not to attend in the future.

"I did not feel cared for or protected, even bringing my own security and staff," she wrote. "I can't imagine how creators without those options would feel."

This isn’t the first time TwitchCon has been criticized for security concerns. In 2024, several Kick-affiliated streamers disrupted the event, harassing Twitch-affiliated creators on-site. This year, major streamers, including Valkyrae, QTCinderella, Hasan Piker, Disguised Toast, and Yvonnie, publicly announced they would not attend due to safety concerns.

Additional reporting by Crystal Bell.

TL;DR: Bring home a feature-packed MacBook Pro for just $279.97 (reg. $1,499) through Nov. 2, while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch Touchbar 2017 (Refurbished) $279.97
$1,499 Save $1,219.03   Get Deal

Whether you just spilled coffee on the keyboard or your old one is just ready to retire, now is a great time to get a new laptop. The MacBook Pro, which is a notoriously powerful but expensive device, rarely ever goes on sale this low — but right now you can bring one home for just $279.97 (reg. $1,499) through Nov. 2.

The MacBook Pro is packed with all the bells and whistles we know and love from Apple. This particular model is equipped with a 3.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, so it’s ready to keep up with all your multitasking. If you’re doing something that requires heavier processing, it also has Turbo Boost technology that enables processing speeds up to 3.5GHz.

SEE ALSO: Everything Apple announced today: Meet the new M5 MacBook, iPad

Don’t worry, all that power doesn’t weigh this device down. At just 3.02 pounds, it’s light enough to bring along anywhere. It even has 512GB of storage, so you can save your important files locally.

An impressive 10-hour battery life makes it easy to get things done without constantly seeking an electrical outlet. And the four Thunderbolt 3 ports make connecting and charging convenient when you need to.

This model comes with the limited-edition Apple Touch Bar feature, which lets you customize and access shortcuts right at the top of your keyboard to streamline your workflow. The keyboard is backlit so you can type in any light, and the Force Touch trackpad offers precise cursor control.

Curious why you’re saving over $1,000? This MacBook Pro has a grade A refurbished status. That means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition with virtually no signs of prior use, while you enjoy the deep discount.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

What do Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon have in common with an advocacy group called Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) that represents students? They are all taking on the Texas App Store Accountability Act, a law that requires age verification from users in the state of Texas in order to download apps in app stores.

As Engadget reports, SEAT and the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) have filed two separate lawsuits against the state to prevent the law from taking effect in Texas on January 1, 2026. 

CCIA has several Big Tech companies as members, including Apple, Google, Meta, Intel, Shopify, Amazon, and Uber.

The Texas App Store Accountability Act was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in May. Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly contacted Governor Abbott directly to try to convince him to veto the bill or alter parts of it. The law requires that companies that operate app stores, like Apple and Google, verify users' age before downloading apps or making in-app purchases. If a user is a minor, parental approval is required before any download or purchase is made.

App stores like Apple's App Store already provide users with parental controls that require kids to get approval before downloading apps or making purchases. However, those parental controls are optional, and parents must set them up themselves.

The law wouldn't make those parental controls optional in Texas. In fact, it goes a step further and requires companies like Apple and Google to verify every user's age before they are allowed to download or purchase anything from the App Store. 

Online age verification processes require users to provide a form of government ID to a platform in order to use the service. As with all online age verification processes, there are concerns over user data privacy and systems mistaking legal adults for underage users. 

"The First Amendment does not permit the government to require teenagers to get their parents' permission before accessing information, except in discrete categories like obscenity," said Ambika Kumar, a lawyer for the students' organization SEAT. "The Constitution also forbids restricting adults' access to speech in the name of protecting children. This law imposes a system of prior restraint on protected expression that is presumptively unconstitutional."

The CCIA has also put out a press release concerning its own lawsuit against the state over the law.

“We support online protections for younger internet users, and those protections should not come at the expense of free expression and personal privacy," senior vice president and chief of staff for the CCIA Stephanie Joyce said in a press release put out by the group. 

"This Texas law violates the First Amendment by restricting app stores from offering lawful content, preventing users from seeing that content, and compelling app developers to speak of their offerings in a way pleasing to the state," she continued. "That is why we are asking the court to strike down this law and to block it from being enforced while we demonstrate how severely it violates the U.S. Constitution."

There's definitely something to be said for the crisp handheld control of a powerful cordless stick vacuum. But if you don't consider cleaning cathartic, the best robot vacuums can cross that chore off your to-do list for good.

And after testing more than 25 robot vacuums on my own personal floors (my apartment is very clean), I can confidently curate a handful of robot vacuum recommendations that'll make your life easier — and fit your budget.

SEE ALSO: How to make your robot vacuum work better: 3 setup tips to do right now

I test new robot vacuums on a regular basis and compare them to the top performers from previous months, with all my evaluations taking place in my own home on various rugs, tile, and hardwood floors. As I test each robot vacuum, I keep notes on their overall suction power, scrubbing efficacy (if it's a robot vacuum and mop combo), pet hair pickup, the convenience of their automatic emptying and self-washing mopping pads, accuracy of smart mapping and small obstacle avoidance, and the overall user experience. But the final boss here is cost efficiency — I'll be the first one to point out when a cheap robot vacuum actually works well for the price, or when a high-end robot vacuum is actually worth the splurge or not.

Throughout my continuous at-home testing, I found the best robot vacuum to buy for every home and budget in the last few months of 2025.

Other robot vacuums I've tested recently

I tested several other top robot vacuums in the past that didn't make the most recent cut for this list. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, Narwal Freo X Ultra, and various versions of the Roomba j7 were my top recommendations at one point, but have since been overshadowed by newer, more powerful models that are a better bang for your buck.

I've also tested some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were OK, but ultimately aren't a top pick for me. The Dreame X50 Ultra grabbed attention during its CES 2025 debut for its ability to "climb," though the fine print is that it can't scale thresholds taller than 6 millimeters (about 2.36 inches). A slew of new Dreame robot vacuums are slated to come out in fall 2025, among them a model with improved climbing abilities and a model whose self-empty dock can hold three sets of mopping pads. I'll be getting my hands on these as soon as possible and updating my top picks for this list accordingly.

Amazon’s Ring cameras are getting cozier with law enforcement. This week, the company announced a new partnership that will make it even easier for police to access user footage. The deal gives more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies the ability to request Ring video through Flock Safety, a surveillance platform already used by police departments across the country.

According to the announcement, law enforcement agencies using Flock’s Nova system or FlockOS can "send a direct post in the Ring Neighbors app with details about the investigation and request voluntary assistance." Agencies must specify what they’re looking for — locations, timeframes, and the nature of the incident. Flock claims participating Ring users will remain anonymous and that cooperation is entirely voluntary.

The partnership marks yet another step in Ring’s renewed embrace of law enforcement, a sharp turn from its brief attempt to distance itself in recent years. In 2024, the company killed its Request for Assistance feature in the Neighbors app, which had allowed police to issue video requests without a warrant. At the time, Ring said it wanted to move toward a more "community-focused" model. That shift reversed course in April 2025, when founder Jamie Siminoff returned to Amazon.

Since his return, Ring has rolled out a series of new police integrations, including a deal with taser-maker Axon that lets officers request footage directly through Axon’s evidence management system. Amazon and Ring are also reportedly adding facial recognition capabilities and even an opt-in feature that would allow users to livestream their doorbell feeds straight to law enforcement.

Best high-tech Halloween decorations of 2025 at a glance The Man, the Bones, the Legend 12-foot Giant-Sized Skelly with LifeEyes $299 Shop Now Best Home Depot skeleton alternative Home Depot 15-foot Grave & Bones Animated LED Gally-Crow $199 at Home Depot Shop Now Best Halloween lights upgrade Govee Curtain Lights Pro with 200 pre-set patterns $199.98 at Amazon Shop Now Best inflatable Halloween decoration Joyfy Inflatable UFO Alien Decoration (6, 9, and 12 feet) starting at $39.99 at Walmart Shop Now Best Halloween projector and holograms AtmosFX animated Halloween collection starting at $25 Shop Now Best solar-powered Halloween decoration Solar Scary Eyeball Lights (pack of 4) $39.98 at Amazon Shop Now Honorable Mention Oversized inflatable green octopus tentacles $53.99 Shop Now

The thriving Home Depot Skeleton fandom is just the most recent, concrete proof of a theory I've had for years: Halloween decorations (just overall Halloween nostalgia, actually) is a fleeting yet powerful antidote to the actual real-life horrors that persist around us.

While the high of Halloween during childhood is one we'll be chasing 'til death do us part, the one good thing about being an adult during Halloween is having adult money to spend on the cool decorations. You know, the ones that make people drive a little slower so that they can stare for a second.

SEE ALSO: Mashable What to Watch: Best scary movie recommendations, customized

If you're bored with your current humdrum string light setup, I scoured the internet to find the best high-tech Halloween decorations to up your game in 2025. For those of you with a yard, there are some super unique inflatables and towering animatroincs out there — but even apartment dwellers can get creative with some vibey RGB curtain lights and legitimately haunting projector scenes.

And, of course, we have to talk about Skelly. The infamous 12-foot skeleton from The Home Depot is a long-time favorite at Mashable, and this year it's actually possible to find him in stock, though you may need to go to your local store.

Skelly alternatives: other spooky animatronics at least 12 feet tall Credit: Home Depot Credit: Lowe's

For a second there, Home Depot's delayed Halfway to Halloween sale had my coworker (and Home Depot Skeleton historian) Haley Henschel worried that tariffs were affecting Skelly stock, among other staples in the Halloween industry. But rest assured: As of mid-October 2025, the beloved Skelly with LifeEyes is in stock for its usual $299, as well as Skelly's Cat and Skelly's Dog that Home Depot launched this year.

But for those who are already part of the Skelly Hive, there are other massive animatronics to expand your yard scene. Lowe's and Home Depot both have other 12-foot options, but the real queen here is Home Depot's new 15-foot Gally-Crow. The Gally-Crow was originally released with a Worricrow that's currently out of stock, but the Gally-Crow is arguably more harrowing (think scarecrow with a plague doctor mask) and 50% off. Yes, of course there are already people putting it inside their house.

• Lowe's 12-foot Immortal Nightwalker Motion-Activated Animatronic — $359.20 $449 (save $89.90)

• Lowe's 12-foot Lighted Talking Bone Collector Motion-Activated Animatronic — $449

• Home Depot 15-foot Grave & Bones Animated LED Gally-Crow — $199 $399 (save $200)

Full-scene outdoor lights Credit: Govee

Tired: orange string lights on the porch. Wired: themed full-scene LED arrangements on your windows, garage, or shrubbery.

Rather than the obnoxious black wires that make traditional Halloween lights tricky to camouflage, Govee's RGB curtain lights and net lights consist of hundreds of color-changing LEDs, connected by near-invisible wires in a grid pattern. Both types of lights are are waterproof and app-connected — that's where you'll be able to access a ton of pre-made patterns for Halloween, plus other holidays and everyday magic.

Get a set of Govee outdoor curtain lights for $199.98 (ideal for walls and other large, flat surfaces measuring 5.41 x 5.77 feet) or a set of Govee outdoor net lights for $99.99 on sale (ideal for bushes and fences, measuring 2.8 x 9.4 feet).

Not your mother's giant light-up inflatables Credit: Joyfy Credit: Joyfy

Halloween inflatables for the yard aren't an idea you've never seen before. But amidst the oversized Snoopys and Minions dressed as mummies on your street, I raise you a giant alien abduction scene or tentacles coming out of the grass — or even coming out of the windows. Both of these options are available in various sizes at Walmart, including a 12-foot version of the UFO inflatable. If you already have a Home Depot Skelly, that unlocks an easy idea for this year's theme.

• 6-foot UFO (just blue light) — $39.99

• 9-foot UFO (just blue light) — $49.91

• 12-foot UFO (just blue light) — $69.99

• 9-foot UFO (color changing) — $62.99

• Single pink octopus tentacle — $18.99

• Three green octopus tentacles — $53.99

• Three pink octopus tentacles — $53.99

High-quality animated spooky projector scenes Credit: AtmosFX

Halloween projections on the wall or side of a house can definitely be lame if they're crappy — but can be legitimately haunting if they're high quality. For anyone who already has an HD projector, AtmosFX is the ultimate destination for realistic Halloween projector scenes. From classic ghostly apparitions and zombies in the window to vintage (un)living portraits and Halloween stained glass, these bright, crisp phantasms move with lifelike animation and often come with sound. There are even options with movie characters: Be a real Trick 'r Treat stan with multiple Sam holograms or scare all human activity off your lawn with freaky animated glimpses of Art the Clown.

Skeptical about how legit these actually look? A majority of the 40+ listings in the Halloween collection include real photos from customers who are hyped on their own personal display — the AtmosFX fan club doesn't mess around. All AtmosFX projections come as downloadable .mp4 video files for projectors, TVs, or monitors that support HD downloads, but several are available on pre-loaded USB drives as well. Prices start at $25.

If you don't have a projector yet, Amazon has quite a few budget-friendly projectors with pre-set Halloween scenes. Go the actually-spooky route with a 3D grim reaper for under $20 or the cutesy spooky route with rotating cartoon ghosts, jack-o'-lanterns, and more for under $40.

Solar-powered eyeballs for the yard Credit: ASMAD

If you're paranoid about your spooky season electric bill, solar-powered Halloween decorations can be just as effective. These well-reviewed glowing green eyeballs come in bendy entanglements of eight and can be stuck in the yard to light a sidewalk or terrorize your garden. They charge on their own in the daytime through small panels attached to their stakes. For $39.88, you'll get a pack of four clusters for a total of 32 LED bulbs.

Despite the enthusiasm of actors in Swiffer commercials, few people are smiling when it's time to mop their hardwood and tile floors. So if you're already considering buying a robot vacuum because it'll take one major chore off your to-do list, then you can probably see why the best robot vacuum and mop would be doubly worth it.

I'm not saying that you can expect every robot vacuum that mops to scrub your kitchen grout with the same tenacity as you could by hand with a toothbrush. But the best robot vacuum and mop combos have gotten much better over the past few years. Many have smart mopping settings that unleash deeper scrubbing on specified spills or stains, and some even use AI sensors to assess whether a mess has been sufficiently cleaned. You can also set your robot vacuum to take multiple passes over dirty floors in the app's settings — one of my go-to tips for making your vacuum work better.

SEE ALSO: Roborock Saros Z70 review: If you think you need the robot vacuum with an arm, no you don't

Hybrid robot vacuums' self-emptying docks are also getting far more advanced. The best robot mop combos will also automatically wash and dry their mopping pads, self-dispense cleaning liquid, and then refill themselves with clean water from the dock. In theory, mopping pad maintenance should be nearly as automated as the cleaning itself.

I've personally tested more than 25 robot vacuum and mop combos in my own apartment, and I've narrowed your options down to just five robot vacuums that actually scrubbed well.

So if you want to walk around barefoot, make pet hair disappear, and keep hardwood floors shiny and clean, then these are the best robot vacuum and mop combos to buy in 2025.

SEE ALSO: Dreame's summer vacuum launch is the biggest vacuum drop of 2025 so far Recent changes to this guide

• Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller: We've added this new vacuum as of Oct. 18, 2025. For now, we've named it the "Best Roller Mop Robot Vacuum," but it's a frontrunner to become our "Best Overall" pick.

• Roborock Saros 10r: Previously our top pick as the best robot vacuum and mop, we've named this the "Best Corner Mopping" vacuum while we continue testing the new Dreame vacuum, also as of October 2025.

Other robot vacuums I've tested recently

I've tested several other robot vacuum hybrids that didn't make the cut. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, Narwal Freo X Ultra were top picks in this list at one point, but were merely upstaged in power and price tag value by newer models.

I've also tested some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were OK, but weren't contenders for this list. The Dreame X50 Ultra grabbed attention during its CES 2025 debut for its ability to "climb," though the fine print is that it can't scale thresholds taller than 6 millimeters (about 2.36 inches). The Roborock Saros 10 and 10R were able to hoist over the few thick doorway thresholds in my apartment just as well as the X50 Ultra. Its mopping and vacuuming capabilities are better than most mid-range robot vacuums, of course, but they weren't impressive enough for me to suggest the X50 Ultra in this list over either Saros model.

I'm also in the process of testing the new fleet of 2025 Roombas. The Roomba Combo 205 DustCompactor wouldn't be a bad pick if you absolutely can't spare floor space for a self-empty dock. But for being one of iRobot's newest vacuums, I expected it to be a much smoother, smarter navigator.

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems on the Internet. In fact, more than 43 percent of all websites run on WordPress. This makes the latest attack on WordPress sites by a new threat actor all the more concerning.

According to a new report from the Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG), a new threat actor codenamed UNC5142 has been successfully hacking into WordPress sites and using a brand new technique to spread malware across the web. UNC5142, according to the report, would find vulnerable WordPress websites often using flawed WordPress themes, plugins, or databases.

SEE ALSO: Notorious hacker group doxxes ICE and FBI officials in new leak, report says

The targeted WordPress sites would be infected with a CLEARSHORT, multi-stage JavaScript downloader that distributes the malware. The threat group would then deploy a new technique dubbed "EtherHiding," which is enabled by CLEARSHORT.

Google describes EtherHiding as "a technique used to obscure malicious code or data by placing it on a public blockchain, such as the BNB Smart Chain." This use of blockchain to spread malicious code is unique and makes stopping the spread of malware all the more difficult.

The smart contract containing the code on the blockchain would then call up a CLEARSHORT landing page, often hosted on a Cloudflare dev page, that utilizes a ClickFix social engineering tactic. This tactic tricks the website visitor into running malicious commands on their computer via the Windows Run dialog or Mac's Terminal app.

UNC5142's attacks are often financially motivated, according to Google. GTIG says it has been tracking UNC5142 since 2023. However, Google reports that UNC5142 suddenly stopped all activity in July 2025.

This could mean that this new threat actor group, which has been successfully carrying out its malware campaigns, just decided to call it quits. Or it could mean that the threat actor has altered its techniques, successfully obscuring its latest actions, and is still hacking into vulnerable websites today.

I was once a harsh critic of people who worked out with their AirPods. Not only did it look awkward, but the buds themselves provided no on-ear stability, making them more of a liability than an asset. Then the AirPods Pro came out…and I still thought the same thing. That was, until I actually exercised with them. 

Apple’s noise-cancelling buds quickly became a workout favorite. Then the AirPods Pro 2 dropped and turned into my go-to buds for a long stretch (up to eight months), thanks to their dynamic sound, noteworthy ANC, and secure fit via in-ear design with silicone tips. The combination of flawless voice activation and lightweight wearability with sweat/water resistance (IPX4) also made them favorable for exercising.

Now that the AirPods Pro 3 have launched with advanced health features and a new ergonomic design, it would seem a safe bet that I would make them my next gym partner. But don’t jump to that conclusion just yet. 

Are the AirPods Pro 3 my newest go-to workout earbuds? Keep reading to find out. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

I’ve been digging the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 for the past six months, and I consider them the best earbuds for working out overall. Not everything hits its mark (ANC is disappointing). Still, the Powerbeats Pro 2 meet the criteria that matter most in the sub-category: audio quality, battery life, and serviceability. 

Since the AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Pro 2 share identical features and specs, I expected nothing but greatness from Apple’s buds during workouts. This turned out to be mostly true. Some issues were present, and they could be deal-breakers, depending on your needs.

Here are my thoughts on using the AirPods Pro 3 for working out.

Apple’s most optimized fitness buds ever

Let’s get to the AirPods Pro 3’s killer feature: heart rate monitoring. It is more effective than any other pair of earbuds with HRM, including the Powerbeats Pro 2. The optical sensors near the tip shine an infrared light that pulses 256 times a second to examine blood flow in your ears. Apple also enhanced its algorithms to capture data as accurately as possible. 

I compared the readings between my AirPods Pro 3 (via Fitness app) and Fitbit Charge 6, which has optical sensors to measure blood flow on the wrist, and was surprised by how close the results were. Even the HRM sensors on a treadmill tracked BPM (beats per minute) close to the AirPods Pro 3. 

My AirPods Pro and Fitbit Charge 6 showed similar heart rate readings. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

HRM isn’t the only thing that makes the AirPods Pro 3 ideal for workouts. IP57 dust and water resistance protect the buds and charging case from excessive moisture damage. The touch sensors on the stems allow you to easily adjust volume with swipe gestures. “Hey Siri” voice activation places functionality at the tip of your tongue; it was so convenient to answer calls and swap out playlists without using my hands.

Apple’s listening modes give the AirPods Pro 3 a huge advantage over other sports buds. Transparency mode raises ambient awareness at an incredibly high level. I could hear pedestrians and vehicles loudly and clearly when running outside. Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts to your surroundings by blending ANC and Transparency modes for optimal listening. Personalized Volume does the same and learns from your listening habits to adjust volume settings over time. Lastly, Conversation Awareness lowers media volume and enhances the voices in front of you.

A custom fit with compromised comfort

These are the most fit-friendly AirPods ever. The wider sound port occupies the concha and molds perfectly to your ear. Apple’s silicone tips form a tight seal when properly adjusted, and they have decent sweat absorption to minimize slippage.

These are designed to be the best-fitting AirPods yet. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

At first, I was petrified of breaking these buds on the treadmill, especially after seeing their iFixit repairability score of an abysmal 0/10. Nonetheless, I calmed down the more I exercised with them. The AirPods Pro 3 never fell out during runs or heavy lateral exercises (e.g., side-to-side lunges).

Unfortunately, the updated design affects comfort. Since the sound port sticks out more, it presses up against the canal and concha. My ears felt fatigued after three hours of wear. Anyone with a high pain threshold should get about five hours of use before experiencing discomfort. 

Energy-fueled sound

Audio on the AirPods Pro 3 is livelier than their predecessor. Apple updated its acoustic architecture to bring deeper bass response and extra clarity to your ears. The low end is better controlled and more impactful. It’s exactly what you want from a fitness standpoint. In addition, the adaptive EQ does an outstanding job of fine-tuning sound in real time.

Personalized Spatial Audio might be the most underrated fitness feature. I used it several times when watching exercise videos and enjoyed the extra layer of realism it delivered. Instructors sounded prominent over ambient noise and instrumentals; this gave personal trainer vibes. Spatial audio is more suited for Apple Music and creates an immersive soundscape for Dolby Atmos tracks. Drums and synths were robust, while treble remained warm and crisp. 

Android users look elsewhere

I previously tested the AirPods Pro 3 as an Android user, and things didn’t go so smoothly. They are not optimized for use with Google’s mobile operating system. Beats headphones and earbuds are, but the AirPods Pro 3 run on the H2 processor instead of Beats’ proprietary chipset, which is designed to work seamlessly with iOS/macOS and Android. 

That being the case, Android users lose out on all the AirPods Pro 3’s biggest features, including HRM, spatial audio, and voice assistance. 

Bottom Line

The AirPods Pro 3 are excellent workout buds that produce series-leading performance across all verticals. More testing is required to determine whether they’re a better fitness companion than the Powerbeats Pro 2. What I will tell you is that the AirPods Pro 3’s superior heart rate monitoring, along with the addition of Apple’s latest listening modes, has them in a front-runner spot right now.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Apple.com

Vacuums haven't exactly been the picture of "buy it for life" since they stopped making 'em like the Electrolux canister clunker that my grandma used in the '70s — and that my mom still uses to this day for certain situations.

So, why don't vacuums last as long anymore? Their designs and capabilities are ever-evolving, but the materials used to make them aren't keeping up with the innovation, it seems. To be fair, product quality diminishing over time isn't strictly a vacuum thing — blame the larger manufacturing shift to less durable materials, which are quicker and cheaper to churn out (i.e., crappy plastic). Likewise, the theory of planned obsolescence that we associate with our smartphones can be applied to vacuums, too, especially cordless stick vacuums and robot vacuums.

All this made me wonder: How long should a vacuum last in 2025?

SEE ALSO: The best way to make your Dyson stick vacuum last? Clean it regularly. How long do corded vacuums last?

The average lifespan of a corded vacuum is generally between eight and 10 years. (For context, Dyson's limited warranty covers corded vacuums for five years.) However, maintenance and normal wear and tear are all factors in longevity. If you slam your vacuum into walls while cleaning or let gunk cake up its internal parts for a year, then yeah, it probably won't be at peak performance for long.

Corded vacuums generally last longer than cordless vacuums because they're not dependent on as many electrical components. With no waning battery to worry about, corded vacuums get full power streamlined from an outlet for every single use. Their inherently larger physical build also allows for a larger filter that can withstand more dust buildup before clogging, and often, a larger cleaning head that allows larger debris to pass through and avoid blockages.

SEE ALSO: Will the laser-equipped Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai solve Dyson's robot vacuum problem?

Do corded vacuums look as cute as a sleek cordless stick vacuum? No, but "buy it for life" shoppers on Reddit can't be asked to care about chicness if they're replacing their vacuum every few years. Rather, users are sold on heavy duty upright and canister vacuum cleaners — brands like Miele, Sebo, and Numatic are recommended a lot. My colleague Samantha Mangino went on this exact quest and settled on the Miele Classic C1 Turbo after seeing countless Reddit users clock it as the best vacuum cleaner that'll last.

Unfortunately, some vacuum brands aren't as invested in corded vacuums anymore. Dyson hasn't made a new corded vacuum since 2018, when it officially announced that the focus would be on cordless technology going forward.

How long do cordless vacuums last?

The average lifespan for a cordless vacuum is generally between two and five years. For context, Dyson's limited warranty on cordless vacuums is good for two years, while Shark's limited warranty covers between one and two years (depending on the model you have). I'm well into year three with my Dyson V12 Detect Slim and haven't experienced a single functional blip yet.

Dyson aims for at least five years, a far cry from the Electrolux canister vacuums of old. And that's Dyson — a brand famed for its engineering.

Dyson vacuums are actually tested for durability and longevity before they even hit the market. "Every Dyson vacuum goes through the equivalent of five years (and sometimes even longer) abusive and real-life representative testing before being brought to market," Brian Hu, Head of Electronics at Dyson, told Mashable. "This includes being pushed and pulled over 1000km of flooring, running the motors inside the machines for over 20,000 hours as well as hitting, slapping, and throwing vacuum cleaners down the stairs. If a machine breaks in this process, we take it back to the labs and re-engineer the vacuum until it doesn’t break."

SEE ALSO: Robot vacuums vs. stick vacuums: Shopping advice from someone who has both

But in general, rechargeable cordless vacuums typically don't last as long as corded vacuums because, well, they have to be charged all the time. Battery degradation is a real thing that stems from relentless plugging in and unplugging, as well as the fact that they're the sole power source for the motor. Motor or battery burnout isn't a matter of if, but when.

Many newer cordless stick vacuums also have extra technological features like screens, smart sensors, or lasers, if you're Dyson. Those create far more opportunities for crapping out, and you just can't expect the same level of durability that you would from a husky corded vacuum that relies on none of that stuff.

There are ways to preserve the life of your cordless stick vacuum, though. To keep the motor and brushroll in tip-top shape for as long as possible, ensure that you're inspecting cleaning heads and attachments for stuck debris or gunk buildup on a regular basis. While you're in there, take a second to rinse out the filter — a clogged filter is the most common cause of loss of suction. A word to the wise: Let that filter dry completely and then some before clicking it back into the vacuum. Wet filters can cause electrical damage to vacuum, as one Reddit user learned from their Dyson.

How long do robot vacuums last?

The average lifespan of a robot vacuum is estimated to be between three and six years. For context, iRobot's limited warranty and Roborock's limited warranty last for only one year.

Robot vacuums suffer the same fate as cordless vacuums in that they're battery-powered. They charge on their docks 24/7 when they're not in use, and some people believe keeping the vacuum constantly charged to 100 percent battery is detrimental to the battery's health. Others are confident that any relatively new device with a lithium-ion battery has built-in protection against overcharging. Either way, robot vacuum batteries will probably get worse over time, just like any other battery.

As the most automated type of vacuum, robotic vacuum cleaners are also internally decked out with far more technological programs than an upright vacuum: smart mapping done via lasers or cameras, AI-powered small obstacle avoidance, self-docking, and self-cleaning mechanisms — if any of these stop working, the robot vacuum would become borderline unusable. App-connected robot vacuums (most of them nowadays) often perform software updates over WiFi, but there's a chance that simply making the system more laggy after a few years.

SEE ALSO: How to choose a robot vacuum in 2025: Don't buy one before considering these features

But it's important to remember that far fewer people have even owned their robot vacuum for as long as others have owned any type of upright vacuum — so anecdotally, we just have less evidence showing how long most robot vacuums last. This is especially true for the super high-end robot vacs that just came to the scene within the past two years. They're either going to last longer than old robot vacuums because they have more advanced parts, or they're going to die sooner than a basic, cheap robot vacuum would because they're exerting so much more power. Only time will tell.

As always, routine maintenance of your robot vacuum can help it to work for longer. Keep the wheels and brush rolls spinning properly by flipping the vac over to cut out any wrapped hair and replace the filter as often as the brand recommends. Though self-emptying robot vacuums deal with their own dustbins on a daily scale, you should still take a second to manually wipe out the dust bin ports. On the subject of docks, robot vacuum and mop combos that self-wash and dry their own mopping pads require de-gunking of the tray where the mopping pads live — it gets really gross after a few weeks. Letting that area get soggy and mildew-y could wreak some real havoc on the whole mopping mechanism in the long run.

To sum up my research, modern cleaning machines, particularly cordless stick vacuums and robot vacuums, do seem to die more quickly than their corded ancestors. In general, paying more for a premium product will usually result in a longer lifespan, as will regular cleaning and maintenance. (Yes, you can and should clean your vacuum.)

Apple's iPhone 17 has finally caught up with the Pro models in almost every way that users will notice. It has a camera that's almost as good as the one on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Battery life is excellent. The display is so much smoother and nicer than before, thanks to Apple's 120Hz ProMotion tech.

It's the iPhone that makes the most sense for most people.

So, why am I not excited?

Despite all these important upgrades, Apple is still giving us a tough choice between the iPhone 17 and the new iPhone Air, which is downright sexy, an adjective rarely used to describe handsets. Yes, the Air has shorter battery life and lacks an ultra-wide camera, but it's nicer, cooler, and thinner, while the iPhone 17 looks pretty much the same as last year's iPhone 16.

Apple iPhone 17: Price and specs Two cameras! Take that, iPhone Air! Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple's base iPhone sometimes feels like a lot of compromises, which were necessary to avoid cannibalizing the sales of the more expensive Pro phones.

This year, it's the opposite: It feels like Apple decided to give the iPhone 17 most of the goodies that are important to most people. Besides the telephoto camera, the rest of the iPhone 17 Pro's exclusives are fairly exotic, such as a vapor chamber cooling system and RAW video support. In that sense, it's easily the most compelling standard iPhone in years.

Here are the key specs for the iPhone 17:

• Display: 6.3-inch, Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz refresh rate

• Design: Aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield on front

• Rear cameras: 48-megapixel dual rear camera array with wide and ultra-wide lenses

• Front camera: 18-megapixel selfie camera with Center Stage

• Processor: Apple A19 chip with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine

• Storage: 256GB or 512GB

• Battery life: Up to 30 hours of video playback

• Software: iOS 26

Apple iPhone 17: Design and display The display is almost as good as the one on the Pro models. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

This review will mention the iPhone Air too many times, as it's impossible to give a verdict on the $799 iPhone 17 without at least considering the iPhone Air. Yes, the iPhone Air costs two hundred bucks more than the iPhone 17, but it's still way closer to it than the iPhone 17 Pro, which costs $400 more.

Starting with the design, there's almost nothing to say about the iPhone 17, as it looks the same as the iPhone 16. That means it has an aluminum frame, a 6.3-inch OLED display with a Dynamic Island up top, two cameras on the back, a standard array of buttons (including the fairly new Camera Control button) on the sides, and a USB-C port on the bottom. The choice of colors is between black, lavender, mist blue, sage, and white; Apple sent me a review unit in plain old white.

Technically, the iPhone 17 is ever so slightly inferior when compared to the Pro and Air models. For example, it's the only one that doesn't have a Ceramic Shield on the back. But the most important part, the display, is very similar across all three. The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display that's very bright and also satisfyingly smooth thanks to Apple's ProMotion tech. The inclusion of ProMotion also gave the iPhone 17 some tricks previously reserved for Pro models, such as Always On display and StandBy mode, which is something I (curiously) missed the most on the iPhone 16e.

Apple iPhone 17: Performance and AI Two cameras and a dedicated Camera Control button on the side. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I can't really tell the difference between any of the new iPhones when it comes to performance. They're all blazing fast, period.

Again, the chips that power them aren't quite the same; the iPhone 17 gets the A19 chip, while the Pro and Air get the A19 Pro, the main difference being 5 vs. 6 GPU cores. Apple doesn't say how much RAM these phones have, but we know from teardowns that the iPhone 17 only has 8GB of RAM vs. 12GB on the other new models. None of the differences are noticeable in daily use.

Perhaps more importantly, all three phones now start at 256GB of storage; the iPhone 17 can also be had with double that amount, but the extra storage will cost you $200 more.

As for AI, which Apple endearingly calls "Apple Intelligence," you get a few nifty features such as AI image recognition, smart note rewriting, and simple image generation. Frankly, Apple's take on AI is severely lacking where it matters most, which is when you use Siri. Sure, Siri can now relay your questions to ChatGPT, but on her own, she's just not capable of holding a decent conversation, which is hard to believe.

Apple iPhone 17: Cameras How does it stack against the other phones in the lineup? Pretty well. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I've taken a deeper look at how all of Apple's new iPhone cameras compare, and you can see for yourself the results of my iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro Max camera tests.

Suffice to say that the iPhone 17 has a camera that's almost as good as the one on the Pro models in most scenarios. It also wins versus iPhone Air as it has an ultra-wide camera, which also enables macro photography. It does lack a dedicated telephoto camera, which is a pretty big deal.

SEE ALSO: Camera shootout: I compared iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro Max photos side-by-side Apple iPhone 17: Battery life

Apple's battery life figures for its iPhone lineup can be deceiving. The company rates iPhone 17 as being capable of up to 30 hours video playback, compared to up to 33 hours on the iPhone 17 Pro, and up to 27 hours on the iPhone Air. But the iPhone 16 was only rated for up to 22 hours, meaning that all three new devices are significantly better than Apple's base phone from 2024.

It's easy to get used to more battery life, and I'm sure people will compare the iPhone 17 against the new benchmarks, not old. But still: Apple has vastly improved battery life on all of its phones. The iPhone 17 may not be a two-day phone like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it should definitely last you a full day or even day and a half.

Is the Apple iPhone 17 worth it? Aluminum frame, but no Ceramic Shield on the back. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Absolutely. The iPhone 17 is the most sensible choice for most users. I actually think it compares better with the iPhone 17 Pro, as it offers all of the key features - great camera, beautiful display, 256GB of storage, fast performance, and long battery life — for less money.

The question, however, is whether you'll go for the regular-looking iPhone when you can get the sexier and thinner iPhone Air? My advice: Check them both out in person, then decide. You won't make a mistake either way.

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Astronomers say the water that fills Earth's oceans — and the stuff you use to brew your morning cup of coffee or tea — may be older than the sun itself. 

A team of researchers used a giant Chilean telescope, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array, to make an unprecedented detection of a rare form of so-called "heavy water" in a young star system about 1,300 light-years away in space. It is the first direct evidence of water remaining intact through an interstellar journey, from molecular clouds to the materials that form planets.

The system, V883 Orionis, revealed that the water in its surrounding planet-forming disk dates back long before the star, surviving the violence of the star's own birth. 

This discovery suggests that much of the water in our own solar system could have come from billions-of-years-old ices, the researchers said. 

"Our detection indisputably demonstrates that the water seen in this planet-forming disk must be older than the central star and formed at the earliest stages of star and planet formation," said Margot Leemker, lead author of the research at the University of Milan, in a statement. "This presents a major breakthrough in understanding … how this water made its way to our solar system, and possibly Earth, through similar processes."

SEE ALSO: An Earth scientist solved a Mars mystery about what dug these weird ditches

If water is hardy enough to survive every stage of star and planet development, then the ingredients for life aren't just created by stars but can be inherited from the cold stretches of space between them. The implications could connect water — and, by extension, the potential for life — across the cosmos. The new study appears in the journal Nature Astronomy. 

The key to the team's findings rests on the detection of a rare form of "heavy water," known as doubly deuterated water, which contains two atoms of deuterium, a heavier version of hydrogen. Scientists measured how much of the molecule exists in V883 Orionis' disk compared to normal water and singly deuterated water. If the water were destroyed and later reformed in the disk, its doubly deuterated water levels would be low, according to the study. 

But the disk contains a high amount of it, similar to the levels seen in extremely young developing stars and even in comets from our own solar system. That's a compelling sign that the ice in this disk is inherited rather than new.

In other words, the same molecules of water that froze onto dust in an ancient interstellar cloud are still present in the disk that will one day form planets. The researchers believe this could link the chemistry of distant deep space to the familiar water on Earth, perhaps through icy bodies delivering water to planets.

While some scientists believe primitive Earth vented gases 4.5 billion years ago that eventually created an atmosphere allowing rain to fall and pool into oceans, many think the large bodies of water formed because comets and icy rocks brought water to it through collisions — or some combination of the two.

"Until now, we weren’t sure if most of the water in comets and planets formed fresh in young disks like V883 Ori, or [originated] from ancient interstellar clouds," said John Tobin, a co-author from the National Science Foundation, in a statement. 

The study may also help explain how origins-of-life ingredients behave in these environments. In the V883 Orionis disk, those chemicals seem like they've been tainted by heat or radiation. The water, on the other hand, appears pristine. This contrast might shed light on why water is such a good carrier of life's raw materials, remaining stable, even in hostile conditions that would destroy other molecules.