Mashable

TL;DR: Scan anything, anywhere, with this lifetime subscription to iScanner, now A$39 (reg. A$312) with code SCAN through 1 June.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription AU$39
AU$312 Save AU$273 Get Deal

Raise your hand if you've ever had to rush to the library to print something. If most of us don't have the space for clunky printers, chances are we also don't keep a scanner at home. That's what iScanner is for.

This iOS app transforms your iPhone or iPad into a handy little scanner that works for basically any document type. It's also only A$39 (reg. A$312) for a lifetime subscription.

No more wasted desk space

Even if you're one of the few with a physical scanner still in your presence, you can now clear some counter space thanks to iScanner. And while you're at it, you can throw away that dusty old filing cabinet, too. 

iScanner is the number one US-based scanning and document management tool, letting you knock items off your to-do list from anywhere. Need to save a receipt for taxes? Do you have a contract you need to digitize? You can scan any document using just the phone on your iOS device. 

Students, entrepreneurs, educators, and stay-at-home moms alike will all find endless uses for a scanner in your pocket. The AI-powered tools ensure your documents' borders are detected and automatically adjusted, while also straightening scan pages and ditching curves and skews. 

Thanks to AI, you can also use iScanner to help you solve complicated math problems.  Or put its OCR technology to the test and let it help you decipher text in up to 20 languages.

Once things are scanned, the app becomes a full PDF editor and file manager. Edit your scans, including signing them, adding text, or autofilling them with custom templates. Then, use the file manager's folder via drag and drop to keep them safe and organized. 

Scanning something confidential? You can also protect files and folders by locking them with a PIN. 

Use code SCAN by 1 June at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an iScanner lifetime subscription on sale for A$39. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Amazon is aiming to make shopping just a bit easier. This week, Amazon launched a new generative AI feature that produces short audio summaries, detailing everything you need to know about a product.

The audio descriptions, which Amazon is calling "hear the highlights", are created from on-page product summaries, reviews, and information from other websites, crafting short snippets that deliver everything you need to know about a product. The product summaries are now available on a limited number of items on Amazon and for US customers only. To access "Hear the highlights", you can do so in the Amazon app.

This is just the latest feature in Amazon's AI line-up. Launched in 2024 but still in beta testing, Amazon's Rufus is a chatbot to help you find the right product. You can chat with Rufus to ask questions about which coffee maker is right for you. Within product pages you can ask Rufus details about a product and get quick answers without needing to do the research yourself.

If you're looking to use Amazon's "hear the highlights", here's how.

How to use "hear the highlights" Credit: Amazon

"Hear the highlights" is only available within the Amazon shopping app for US-based customers. When you click into a product page, you'll see a "hear the highlights" button. By clicking on the button, you can then hear the short summary, delivering the essential production description, helping you make your choice.

This feature is only available on certain products. You can view it now on the following listings:

• Ninja Mega Kitchen System

• Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil

• Step2 Rain Showers Toddler Table

• SafeRest Waterproof Mattress Protector

• Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones

SAVE $100.99: As of May 22, get the Dyson Airstrait Straightener for $399 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $499.99. That's a discount of 20% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Dyson Airstrait Straightener $399 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $100.99 Get Deal

As someone with bright, multicolored hair, I end up going to see a hairstylist more often than I want to. The visits add up, and so do the costs. But I like to keep the pink and purple in my hair, and I'm not about to do it myself. The one thing I love best about these salon visits, however, is having pin-straight, gorgeous hair. But I can't blow my budget on a weekly blowout. That's why I invested in an important tool that ended up saving me some serious cash: the Dyson Airstrait Straightener.

As of May 22, you can get the Dyson Airstrait Straightener for $399 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $499.99. That's $100.99 off and a discount of 20%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer is finally on sale at Amazon — get it for its lowest-ever price

I decided it was finally time to grab one the last time this straightener went on sale for a similarly low price, and it worked some serious miracles on my unruly, thin, and fine hair. Not only does it give me a polished, super-straight style even on days when I'm dealing with what feels like a grease pit on my head, but it's easy for someone like me, who can barely braid my hair.

It can take your hair from wet to dry (and pin straight) in a few minutes without the use of hot plates and supposedly without heat damage, though I'm never without a heat protectant spray, just in case. I run it through my hair right after I've towel-dried my locks and it is true to its word: I have shiny, straight strands that I'm always shocked to see produced without a blow dryer. It adjusts the power and speed of airflow when it senses hair is in between its arms, giving you style and heat protection.

Overall, it is a huge time saver, because I'd normally have to first dry my hair (a task I abhor) and then switch to blowout mode. When I'm on the go after work just about every day, this is time saved that I truly appreciate. And, most importantly, it's money saved.

It's still quite pricey even with its sale price. But if the alternative is heading to the salon and paying upward of $60 each visit for a few days' worth of looking good, I'd go back to the Dyson every single time.

Best Home and Kitchen Deals

• Skylight Frame 10-inch Digital Picture Frame — $99.90 (List Price $159.00)

• Ninja Crispi Air Fryer — $159.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Birdfy AI Smart Solar Powered Bird Feeder with Camera — $179.99 (List Price $249.99)

• KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer — $449.95

• Eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop With Self-Emptying Base — $399.99 (List Price $699.99)

Dating apps are getting a lot of flak lately. Daters are opting for in-person events — even dungeon sound baths — and moving away from increasing AI features and apps that seem to be copying each other.

Vice President JD Vance also has no love for dating apps, apparently. In an interview on the New York Times's "Interesting Times" podcast, Vance spoke about his "noneconomic" concerns with AI and tech. He told host and Times opinion columnist Ross Douthat, "If you look at basic dating behavior among young people — and I think a lot of this is that the dating apps are probably more destructive than we fully appreciate." (Vance met his wife, Usha, in law school.)

SEE ALSO: The hidden consequences of being banned from dating apps

"I think part of it is technology has just for some reason made it harder for young men and young women to communicate with each other in the same way," he continued. "Our young men and women just aren’t dating, and if they’re not dating, they’re not getting married, they’re not starting families."

With regards to communication, Vance hits on longtime criticism of dating apps and social media in general. A recent survey found that eight in 10 Gen Z adults would marry an AI, and a theory behind why is that AI is nonjudgmental. Social media users, however, are hypercritical on a large scale. If one has social anxiety, chatting online (to a person or bot) may feel easier than chatting face-to-face. Studies show, however, that face-to-face interaction is unbeatable when it comes to connecting with others.

Vance also believes that AI can be "profoundly dark and negative"— not in the cases of people losing jobs, but in teenagers talking to chatbots. A recent report from nonprofit Common Sense Media found that AI bots aren't safe for under-18 use, because they foster emotional attachment and dependency.

When it comes to marriage and families, though, Vance didn't touch on the higher cost of living and rising inequality facing Americans. He also didn't discuss childcare costs, let alone how much it costs to give birth in the U.S. So, no, dating apps aren't the only problems here.

Youths of the world — and I can't believe I have to tell you this — please don't stick metal objects into your laptop until it catches on fire. Yes, this is a real trend on TikTok dubbed the Chromebook challenge.

The challenge has led to actual fires and countless warnings from school officials. Here's what you need to know.

What is the Chromebook challenge?

In short: Kids are jamming objects — things like paperclips or pens — into the ports of their (often school-issued) laptops in an effort to get the machines to short-circuit, which can result in sparks or even fire. Laptops have lithium-ion batteries, which can generate toxic gas, fires, or even explosions when damaged and heated too much. And yes, unlike other overhyped challenges, this is does seem like something that is actually happening, at least to some degree.

A report from NBC News documented multiple cases in Maryland, Arizona, and New Jersey, for instance. A 15-year-old student was charged with third degree arson and criminal mischief after doing the Chromebook challenge in school, NJ.com reported. That same piece documented other apparent recent incidents in New York and Connecticut. An article from KBPS noted that at least 16 students in the San Diego Unified School District had damaged school-issued laptops. There have been more than a dozen reports of issues in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In short: It's everywhere.

What to do about the Chromebook challenge?

If you're a parent — this seems obvious — but tell your kid not to jam objects into their school-issued laptop. And if you're a student — this seems even more obvious — don't jam junk into your school-issued laptop, or any electronic device, really.

Of course, kids don't always listen to adults. And doing risky things can be attractive to young people.

“If you’re on social media and you decide you want to be a part of a trend, there’s a feeling of belonging to that, and the risk-taking involved,” Christine Elgersma, a senior editor of content focused on learning and educators at nonprofit Common Sense Media, told Education Week.

TikTok has taken steps to discourage kids from participating in the challenge. TikTok told the New York Times that "it removes content that violates its policy on dangerous activities and challenges and is redirecting search terms and hashtags." That proved true for me. I searched "Chromebook challenge" on the platform. It showed no results and instead directed me to resources about the dangers of such social media challenges.

The results I got from TikTok. Credit: Screenshot: TikTok

So, yes, the Chromebook challenge is real. And, no, please do not try it.

OpenAI and Jony Ive's vision for its AI device is a screenless companion that knows everything about you.

Details leaked to the Wall Street Journal give us a clearer picture of OpenAI's acquisition of io, cofounded by Ive, the iconic iPhone designer. The ChatGPT maker reportedly plans to ship 100 million AI devices designed to fit in with users' everyday life.

SEE ALSO: ‘Empire of AI’ author on OpenAI’s cult of AGI and why Sam Altman tried to discredit her book

"The product will be capable of being fully aware of a user’s surroundings and life, will be unobtrusive, able to rest in one’s pocket or on one’s desk," according to a recording of an OpenAI staff meeting reviewed by the Journal. The device "will be a third core device a person would put on a desk after a MacBook Pro and an iPhone," per the meeting which occurred the same day (Wednesday) that OpenAI announced its acquisition of Ive's company.

The device will attempt to "wean users from screens" and be a more seamless interaction with users that doesn't involve pulling up a phone or opening up a laptop. "The products that we're using to deliver and connect us to unimaginable technology, they're decades old," said Ive in a video introducing yesterday's announcement. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Ive are hoping to introduce an entirely new device that removes those barriers. If that sounds familiar, recall Altman's controversial obsession with Scarlett Johansson's AI companion in Spike Jonze's sci-fi film Her.

In the film, the AI device sits in Joaquin Phoenix's character's shirt pocket and sees and hears what he does. Similarly, OpenAI is reportedly going this route instead of developing XR glasses like Google and Meta.

OpenAI and Ive will not be the first to attempt to create such a device. The Humane Ai pin, which Altman invested in, recently tried to disrupt the entire smartphone paradigm and flopped spectacularly. It was led by former Apple executives, but they weren't Jony Ive and Humane didn't have OpenAI's level of investment and influence. That said, it was also just riddled with bugs and inaccurate responses. Even though OpenAI's models still have major hallucination problems, they're still some of the most capable on the market. In this regard, maybe OpenAI will have a better shot.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Is Google's new AI Mode feature theft? The News/Media Alliance, trade association representing news media organizations in the U.S. and Canada, certainly thinks so.

At Google's I/O showcase earlier this week, the tech company announced the public release of AI Mode in Google Search. AI Mode expands AI Overviews in search and signifies a pivot away from Google's traditional search. Users will see a tab at the top of their Google Search page that takes them to a chatbot interface much like, say, ChatGPT, instead of your typical Google Search results.

These results offer users information without having to actually click on an article which, the News/Media Alliance argued in a press release, "further [deprives] publishers of original content both traffic and revenue."

"Links were the last redeeming quality of search that gave publishers traffic and revenue. Now Google just takes content by force and uses it with no return, the definition of theft. The DOJ remedies must address this to prevent continued domination of the internet by one company," Danielle Coffey, the President and CEO of the News/Media Alliance, said in a statement.

This isn't the first time the News/Media Alliance called AI out for "theft." Hundreds of publishers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian, ran an ad campaign in April called Support Responsible AI run by the News/Media Alliance trade association. The ads literally stated: "Stop AI Theft."

"Stealing is un-American. Tell Washington to make Big Tech pay for the content it takes," the ad campaign read.

All the while, OpenAI and Google have asked the government to allow its AI models to train on copyrighted content.

What's old is new again, in more ways than one.

Microsoft announced this week that Xbox Game Pass subscribers will get access to "Retro Classics," an app they can download that contains more than 50 classic Activision titles from the 1980s and 90s. A brief glance at the list of games suggests it's pretty Atari 2600-heavy up front, from an era when games had amazing titles like Demon Attack and Megamania. However, there are some later releases, like the 1993 PC adventure game Freddy Pharkas: Frontier Pharmacist, a game I included here strictly because of the title.

SEE ALSO: Handheld Xbox console images leak just weeks before Switch 2 launch

There is a massive catch to all of this, though: The games can only be played via cloud streaming, as far as I can tell from the FAQ page on the Xbox website. While that means they're accessible across different devices, it also means that you'll notice latency as you play them. These games were designed to play locally on a single machine years before people had home internet, so streaming them from a cloud is hardly ideal.

With that in mind, it's a little tough to take Microsoft's stated "commitment to game preservation" in the announcement blog post seriously. If these games only exist on a server farm somewhere and can't be purchased or stored locally, one could argue they aren't really being "preserved." And considering that Atari 2600 game cartridges had a mere 4KB of storage space on them, making people stream them instead of allowing for local downloads is a questionable use of internet bandwidth, to say the least.

Interestingly, this is also the second time Microsoft has tried this on Xbox. Some folks may remember Game Room, an Xbox 360 app where old games were sold individually and stored locally, as game streaming wasn't really a thing yet. Microsoft pulled the plug on Game Room very quickly. Hopefully Retro Classics gets better treatment than that.

Following a simmering first season, The Buccaneers are back to stake their claim on TV Regency romance before Bridgerton returns.

In a new trailer for Season 2 of the Apple TV+ show, the core American expats — Nan St. George (Kristine Frøseth), Jinny St. George (Imogen Waterhouse), Lizzy Elmsworth (Aubri Ibrag), Mabel Elmsworth (Josie Totah) and Conchita, Lady Brightlingsea (Alisha Boe) — are all back. No longer newcomers to England, they're all now powerful people (or some are in hiding from their extremely shit husbands).

Anachronistically soundtracked to a dramatic rendition of Chappell Roan's "Good Luck, Babe!" the trailer focuses primarily on Nan, now a duchess after she decided to marry the clifftop-brooding Theo, Duke of Tintagel (Guy Remmers), after all. But she can't get handsome Guy Thwarte (Matthew Broome) out of her head, nor her out of his.

And they're not the only flames around here, with our beloved lesbians Mabel and Honoria (Mia Threapleton) navigating their passionate love in 19th-century English society. Good luck indeed, babes!

The Buccaneers Season 2 premieres June 18 on Apple TV+.

People are already using AI to date (and to flirt), but what about marrying one?

In an April 2025 survey of 2,000 Gen Z respondents by AI company Joi AI, eight in 10 said they'd consider marrying an AI partner. 83 percent said they could have a deep emotional bond with one. 

AI companions appear to be Joi AI's bread and butter. On its website, you can chat with pre-made characters or make your own. The company calls these connections "AI-lationships."

SEE ALSO: Can AI save dating apps?

"AI-lationships are not intended to replace real human connections," Jaime Bronstein, LCSW, relationship therapist and expert at Joi AI, said in an emailed statement to Mashable. "Instead, they provide a distinct type of emotional support that can enhance your overall emotional well-being."

Clinical neuropsychologist Shifali Singh, director of digital cognitive research at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, told Mashable that it's not totally surprising that young adults believe they can have a deep emotional bond with an AI. 

"Some of my research has demonstrated that people with social anxiety tend to like using digital tools more because they're not so afraid of the repercussions, the judgment, especially with social media," said Singh. 

They might think, "If I can just interact with AI who will give me this generally nonjudgmental interchange, discussion — that's meaningful." She continued that young adults are "so used to being judged and commented on and scrutinized in ways that humans were never meant to be." 

Another reason people may form a bond with AI is that they tend to search for empathy. "When you engage with AI, AI mirrors your own language and your own thought processes, and it feels like real emotional responses," she said. People feel connected with AI because of the higher amounts of empathy that they may not get from real-life human interactions.

There's a risk in that, too. Singh compared the cyclical mirror of AI to troll farms, groups of online trolls who typically spread misinformation. Troll farms reinforce and validate someone's beliefs, even if they're wrong.

"What we have to be very careful of is [that] AI isn't going to give us novel information…It's recursive, and it's iterative and it's algorithmic," she said. "So if you give it an idea that starts out as a seed, it's going to grow into a bush."

Singh also believes there needs to be more education about what AI can and can't do. AI can be fed a lot of wrong information, such as from hackers, so it can go into a dangerous place. (For reasons unknown, last week Elon Musk's AI bot Grok kept posting about "white genocide.")

Singh is an AI researcher and uses AI tools herself. She believes using AI as a stopgap for the loneliness epidemic works in some cases. One is for older adults, who seem to love it as a companion tool, she said. Another is if someone has a condition like agoraphobia and they're too scared to go outside and speak with people, talking with an AI bot might help them feel connected, and it can stave off some of the more severe aspects of depression.

A problem arises when someone doesn't want to see friends in real life, or wants to cancel dinner plans, because it feeds into anxiety. 

As for the marriage statistic, Singh said Gen Z might think of marriage as an old guard institution and want to be more independent.

A recent report from the nonprofit Common Sense Media declared that AI companions aren't safe for anyone under 18, as they create emotional attachment and dependency. At this writing, everyone in Gen Z is an adult, but the full mental impact of bot interactions has yet to be seen. Anecdotally, people have noticed their loved ones believing spiritual delusions due to conversations with ChatGPT.

Despite the dangers, people young and old will likely still create and talk to AI companions. "Sometimes, it's just nice to have someone, even if it’s AI," Bronstein said.

FREE GAMING MONITOR: The Samsung Odyssey G9 49-inch monitor is on sale for $799.99 at Samsung. Save $500 and get a free 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G55C.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Odyssey G9 49-inch Monitor + 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G55C Monitor (Free) Get Deal

We thought it was neat that LG were offering up free gaming monitors for Memorial Day, but it turns out that everyone is getting in on the act.

The Samsung Odyssey G9 49-inch curved gaming monitor is on sale for $799.99 at Samsung, saving you $500 on list price. That's a strong standalone deal, but this purchase comes with a 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G55C for free. Ever wanted a top-quality second screen for your gaming setup? This is your chance to stock up for a low price.

SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Which health and sleep tracker is right for you?

The Samsung Odyssey G9 49-inch curved gaming monitor features 1440p resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms response time for an incredibly smooth gaming experience. With support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, you'll also get less of that screen tearing and stuttering that everyone hates.

The Odyssey G55C monitor features a 165Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync VRR support, HDR10 support for better contrast, 1440p resolution, and a 1ms response time. It's the perfect second screen for any setup, and it could be yours for absolutely nothing.

Save $500 and get a free 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G55C with this Memorial Day deal.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99)

• Blink Mini 2 Indoor Wireless 1080p Camera (2-Pack) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

• Kodak Mini 2 Retro Instant Photo Printer With 68 Sheets Bundle — $89.99 (List Price $139.99)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Sports Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00)

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Phone With $50 Amazon Gift Card (Pre-Order) — $1,099.99

• Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (2021 Release) — $119.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 8-in-1 Wi-Fi Smart Lock With Fingerprint ID — $139.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Aiper Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner (2024 Model) — $499.99 (List Price $699.95)

• Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $349.99 (List Price $599.00)

Reader, you're in for a treat.

Materialists stars Pedro Pascal, Dakota Johnson, and Chris Evans put their romantic comedy knowledge to the test in a truly joyful quiz. And, I'm pleased to report that all three of them do us proud with their romantic movie expertise.

Perhaps most impressive of all was Evans' ability to identify a quote from The Notebook by the following words "I wrote you..." Just how many times have you watched this movie, Chris?

The pièce de résistance? That would be Pedro giving a perfect delivery of Mr Darcy's declaration of love in Joe Wright's 2005 Pride and Prejudice.

10/10 no notes.

Materialists hits cinemas June 13.

The Tonight Show momentarily had a new host on Wednesday, with Jimmy Fallon swapping seats with his guest, Jin.

The BTS member and K-pop icon appeared on Fallon's show to promote his new solo album Echo and the upcoming BTS reunion in June. But the pair also spoke about Jin's interview with Mission Impossible — The Final Reckoning star Tom Cruise on his YouTube show Run Jin.

"Would you ever host a variety show like this?" Fallon asked. "I think you'd be good at it."

"Not at all," Jin replied. "But should I do it?"

Trying it out, Fallon and Jin swapped seats for a few interview questions and honestly, Fallon might be out of a job.

FREE GAMING MONITOR: Save $200 on the 27-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor and get a second 27-inch curved UltraGear monitor for free in the LG Memorial Day sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor + 27-inch Curved UltraGear Monitor (Free) Get Deal

LG has launched its Memorial Day sale with a free giveaway. How nice is that?

The 27-inch OLED UltraGear gaming monitor is on sale for $800 at LG, saving you $200 on list price. That's a decent deal, but it gets a lot better. Anyone purchasing this gaming monitor will get a free 27-inch curved UltraGear screen and exclusive in-game loot for Monster Hunter Wilds. Now that's a Memorial Day deal.

SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Which health and sleep tracker is right for you?

The OLED UltraGear gaming monitor offers 1440p resolution and a 480Hz refresh rate for impressive detailing, signature OLED picture quality, and ultra-smooth motion to handle even the most epic of gaming sessions. It also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync VRR technology.

The free 27-inch curved VA UltraGear monitor has 1440p resolution, a 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and support for AMD FreeSync VRR. It's the perfect second screen for your gaming setup, and it's yours for free.

So how do you qualify for this free giveaway? Simply add both monitors to your cart and the discount is automatically applied. You'll get an email after your purchase is confirmed with a digital redemption code for the Monster Hunter Wilds ammo pack, if that's also of interest.

Get two gaming monitors for the price of one discounted model in the LG Memorial Day sale.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99)

• Blink Mini 2 Indoor Wireless 1080p Camera (2-Pack) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

• Kodak Mini 2 Retro Instant Photo Printer With 68 Sheets Bundle — $89.99 (List Price $139.99)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Sports Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00)

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Phone With $50 Amazon Gift Card (Pre-Order) — $1,099.99

• Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (2021 Release) — $119.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 8-in-1 Wi-Fi Smart Lock With Fingerprint ID — $139.99 (List Price $179.99)

• Aiper Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner (2024 Model) — $499.99 (List Price $699.95)

• Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $349.99 (List Price $599.00)

Movie stars steal from their own sets all the time — especially Star Wars cast members.

That includes Natalie Portman, who told Stephen Colbert on The Late Show what she's thieved from set, while promoting her new heist adventure Fountain of Youth.

“I took the lighter from Jackie, that was cool, it was monogrammed," Portman said. "I took one of Anakin’s braids from Star Wars," she added. "They had that clip-on, and there were like, 30 of them because he had to have a new one every day, a freshie."

"Did anyone know you were doing this?” asked Colbert. “Did George [Lucas] know? So this is how he’s finding out.”

"I lost it, so I can’t give it back," Portman replied.

Glad to know there's one of Hayden Christensen's Attack of the Clones Anakin Skywalker clip-on braids floating around in the world somewhere. One of 30 at least.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 22 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: A stipulation

• Green: They're the same color

• Blue: Found in the nation's capital

• Purple: Known for giving puzzles

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: Fine print

• Green: Characters with green skin

• Blue: Features of The National Mall in D.C.

• Purple: Famous riddle-givers

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 #711 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Fine print: ASTERISK, CATCH, CONDITION, STRINGS

• Characters with green skin: ELPHABA, GRINCH, HULK, SHREK

• Features of The National Mall in D.C.: CAPITOL, MALL, OBELISK, POOL

• Famous riddle-givers: BRIDGE TROLL, MAD HATTER, RIDDLER, SPHINX

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 22

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 yesterday's Connections.

Donald Trump press conferences with other world leaders can often be a bit of a minefield, and his meeting on Wednesday with South African president Cyril Ramaphosa — during which he ambushed the president with claims of a "white genocide" happening in his country — was no exception.

"The reason Trump turned this White House event into a murder podcast is that Trump is convinced that there is a 'white genocide' going on in South Africa, which of course means there is no 'white genocide' happening in South Africa," says Daily Show host Ronny Chieng in the video above. "You know he cares about it because he said 'white genocide'. It's like someone told him, 'Hey, it's not just a genocide, it's a white genocide! You know, the bad kind!' And Trump's like, 'Oh shit, get him in!'"

Ramaphosa did come with the gift of a golf book for Trump, but Chieng isn't convinced that will be enough to smooth things over. "You lost Trump at 'book'."

SAVE OVER $100: As of May 22, the Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer is on sale for $399 at Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price at the retailer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer $399 at Amazon
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Dyson has a dedicated bunch of fans out there, so when they release a limited edition jasper plum colorway, it causes a big stir. So what do these fans do when presented with the opportunity to get their hands on this stylish new color? They wait for that first deal to drop.

As of May 22, the Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer is on sale for $399 at Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel, so if you've been waiting for the right moment to invest, this is it. Stop what you're doing and head to Amazon to secure this record-low price.

SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Which health and sleep tracker is right for you?

Dyson has reimagined the hair dryer with the Supersonic. It's sleek and compact yet more powerful than other dryers on the market. The ring-shaped head houses the tiny V9 motor in the handle. The combination of this motor and the Air Multiplier technology makes for a dryer that clocks in at only 1.8 pounds yet still delivers a powerful airflow that’s notably quieter than traditional dryers.

Save over $100 on the Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer ahead of Memorial Day.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)

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If you were worried about the possibility of World War III, fear not: Donald Trump has announced plans to develop a "golden dome" missile defence system to keep the U.S. safe — and Stephen Colbert has thoughts.

"Yes, gold. Because when I think of impenetrable, I think of stuff pirates can bend with their teeth," says the Late Show host in the monologue above. "To promote the protective golden dome, yesterday Trump showed off some flashy posters in the Oval, including one with a quote emphasising that 'This is a Very Dangerous World,' from renowned military analyst 'President Donald J. Trump.'

"That is so stupid, and that's not just me saying it, that's a direct quote from 'Late Show host Stephen T. Colbert.'"

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, May 22, 2025:

AcrossPart of a fleet

• The answer is Ship.

Answer to Gollum's riddle in "The Hobbit," which starts "This thing all things devours — birds, beasts, trees, flowers"

• The answer is Time.

"See ya!"

• The answer is Later.

Second-most popular girl's name of the 2020s, after Olivia

• The answer is Emma.

Not keeping secrets

• The answer is Open.

DownSticker on an envelope

• The answer is Stamp.

"I'd like another card," in blackjack

• The answer is Hit me (no space).

"Uhh, that is to say ..."

• The answer is I mean (no space).

The "p" of m.p.h.

• The answer is Per.

Name taken by the new pope

• The answer is Leo.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.