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The future of student loan repayment could look very different soon. Here's what to expect.

Here are hints -- and answers -- for the NYT Strands puzzle No. 481 for June 27.

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for June 27, #747.

Here are hints -- and the answer -- for today's Wordle No. 1,469 for June 27.

• The Blue Signature purifier looks like a footstool and doubles as a side table
• Various customization options including colored covers and feet
• It comes with Auto, 'AirSense' and Night modes

Blueair has just launched the best-looking air purifier I've seen, and it has left me wondering exactly why so many other models look so ugly. Even within our own best air purifier ranking you'll find more than one clinical, white plastic appliance – surely not an aesthetic you'd find in many people's living rooms or bedrooms.

In contrast, the new Blue Signature looks like a piece of furniture, which is especially apt as it can double up as one too – the top can be used as a table. (Those aware of the IKEA Starkvind table-cum-air-purifier should be reassured that this is an altogether more successful fusion, visually speaking).

As standard, the Blue Signature comes with a pale grey or dark blue-grey cover, but you can pay extra to unlock a range of other color options (including beige, taupe and dark green). You can also choose to add a metal ring base or stubby feet, the latter of which really amp up the footstool vibes.

(Image credit: Blueair)

I wrote 'cover' just then, but what I really meant was 'pre-filter', because this wrapper is the first line of defense against particles in the air. It's machine-washable, to keep it hygienic and operating efficiently.

The brand is fond of this approach – the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max and Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max also have removable, washable covers that are available in different colors. It's a simple solution but I'm a big fan; it makes the Blueair purifiers blend far more seamlessly into a home environment filled with other soft furnishings.

Time to freshen up

What about functionality? The Blueair Blue Signature looks strong there, too. There's a rather overwhelming seven-stage filter setup, starting with that washable pre-filter, and including an electrostatically-charged particle filter and carbon to absorb gases and odors. Blueair has added 'OdorFence' a "patent-pending, bio-based technology" designed to break down gases and remove odors more efficiently.

My only slight concern is that the Blue Signature, like all of Blueair's purifiers, uses a 'HEPASilent' filter, rather than true HEPA (the brand insists it's more effective than a HEPA filter, as well as operating more quietly).

(Image credit: Blueair)

The interface on the purifier itself has been redesigned so it counts down the time to when your air will be clean. It looks like a touchscreen, which I assumed might cause problems with the whole 'doubles as a table' thing, but you can lock the display via the companion app so you don't end up changing your settings every time you go to put your coffee down.

(Image credit: Blueair)

You can set fan speeds manually, but Blueair has also included three special modes. In Auto mode, the purifier monitors air quality and responds to keep the air clean. More unusual is the AirSense mode, where the purifier automatically switches on at intervals throughout the day, even without a drop in air quality, to keep the air feeling fresh. Finally, there's a Night mode that dims the LEDs and drops to the lowest fan speed.

This newly launched air purifier has already got a little discount at Amazon – there's 13% off, which doesn't seem like a lot, but it does equate to $60 off. It's designed to blend seamlessly into your home environment, even doubling up as a side table. It's suitable for use in large rooms, and includes multi-stage filters to remove all kinds of pollutants and odors.View Deal

The Blueair Blue Signature is available to buy in the US now. If you head to Blueair.com , prices start at $449.99, but on Amazon there's a limited-time discount to make it a little more affordable. It's not yet out in the UK, but is due to go on sale in August. We don't have pricing details yet, but if it's in line with US pricing it might be around £330. We've just started testing it out, and will have a full review live alongside the UK launch.

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Omaha’s internet options may be limited, but CNET experts can help you find the best plan for your needs.

As part of a broader crime wave in Peru that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, gangs have begun targeting private schools in poorer neighborhoods for extortion. We hear how administrators and parents are dealing with the threats. And in London's West End, you don't need a ticket to witness the soaring signature song for the musical Evita. It is performed nightly in the street. We attend a recent performance.

(Image credit: Belinda Jiao)

Our picks of the best gaming TVs of 2025 boast great image quality and minimal delay, and can significantly enhance your gaming sessions.

Signs installed earlier in National Parks earlier in June asked for feedback on signs "that are negative about past or living Americans." Comments viewed by NPR didn't provide the requested feedback.

(Image credit: Chloe Veltman)

Premium members will have access to one new tool while another is more familiar.

• Online videos of Tesla's new robotaxis prompt investigation
• Footage shows the cars speeding and ghost braking
• Tesla’s Full Self-Driving and Autopilot mode also under scrutiny

Tesla’s rollout of its Robotaxi service at the weekend was hailed as a success by the company, which saw around 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles autonomously cover a geo-fenced route around Austin, Texas, complete with a selection of “pro-Tesla” content creators onboard.

Early social media posts revealed that the experience largely ran like clockwork, despite the required app release being delayed. The lack of software verification also meant the onboard safety driver (who was instructed to remain mute) had to manually check IDs.

But as the day progressed, a number of videos emerged online of Tesla’s Robotaxis behaving erratically, including veering into there wrong lane, traveling at several miles per hour above the speed limit and, in one instance, slamming on the brakes for a group of police cars that were parked well off the road.

“National Highway Transit Safety Administration (NHSTA) is aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information,” the agency said in a statement, as reported by The Guardian.

However, the safety agency was quick to point out in its statement that the NHTSA does not pre-approve new technology, but instead requires manufacturers to ensure vehicles meet agency standards.

It will subsequently investigate and report on anything that falls foul of its guidelines.

The most recent preliminary enquiry joins an open investigation that the NHTSA is already working on concerning the manufacturer’s Full Self-Driving mode in its passenger vehicles.

This separate case is looking into the system’s ability to operate safely in low visibility situations, following a number of high-profile crashes.

Analysis: it's too soon for camera-only autonomous systems

(Image credit: Hyundai)

Elon Musk has famously preached about the benefits of his camera-only autonomous driving system, which eschews the plethora of sensors, radars and Lidar that are currently in used by every other key rival, including the likes of Waymo, Hyundai (in its Ioniq 5 robotaxi) and Nissan.

The overarching benefit is a cost saving to the manufacturer, as well as a reduction of weight and unsightly bulk that can be seen perched atop of the Waymo cabs currently in operation.

But those systems are used for a reason, predominantly to be able to paint a more detailed picture of the surroundings when current camera technology and AI simply can’t.

The argument currently leveled at Tesla Vision is that a camera-only approach might be suitable in the future, but the technology isn't ready yet.

Unfortunately, the Californian company is also famously closed about sharing its Full Self-Driving data, with Electrek reporting that Tesla has asked the NHSTA to ensure any answers it has provided related to current investigations remain confidential.

The marque also only releases very limited data related to both its Full Self-Driving and Autopilot systems, offering cumulative mileage and the number of disengagements (where the system requires a human to take over).

Waymo and fellow ADAS rivals, on the other hand, offer much more detailed information, as per the NHSTA’s guidelines, which helps build public trust in the technology – something even Elon Musk agrees with.

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• Alderon Games founder Matthew Cassells reports supposed liquid metal issues on PS5
• This was previously debunked, but multiple players of Alderon Games' Path of Titans have reported the same issues
• This comes amid build-up for GTA 6's launch on May 26, 2026

Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto 6 is edging closer with a launch date set for May 26, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S. However, recent rumors of the former console and its supposed hardware issues have left me slightly worried about whether PS5 systems will survive until then.

As reported by Wccftech, the founder of Alderon Games (an Indie game developer), Matthew Cassells, highlighted a recurring issue of PS5 shutdowns from both players and staff of the Path of Titans game. Notably, Cassells claims on Moore's Law Is Dead (via YouTube) that the game crashes stem from liquid metal overheating issues.

Many gamers held this suspicion about the PS5 over the last few years, with suggestions that positioning your console vertically would cause the liquid metal to escape and leave dry spots on the console's APU. This was debunked, but worries have now resurfaced, with more users now voicing frustrations about abrupt console shutdowns.

This is arguably the worst time for these reports to resurface, as GTA 6 is set for launch next year. That may seem like a long road ahead, but it'll arrive on consoles sooner than we expect, and if you own a PS5 like me, hearing about these issues again might leave you concerned.

GTA 6 isn't coming to PC (at least on launch), and isn't expected to come to the platform for a year or more. The only players in the clear (if these liquid metal problems are legitimate) are Xbox owners, and I'm not one of them. As much as I'm pumped for Rockstar's long-awaited title, it'd be hard to buy another PS5 console, especially with the recent price fluctuations.

Analysis: Just place your PS5 horizontally to be on a safe side...

Fortunately, I've not run into any issues with my PS5 since I bought it on launch day in 2020. I'll also note that I've never placed it vertically on any TV unit or desk, so if there is any legitimacy to the liquid metal problems, that's likely why my system has been safe.

There's also an added bonus of less dust buildup when placed horizontally, and I can attest to this as I've hardly spotted any dust in my PS5. So, my advice is to avoid leaving your console standing upright, just to be on the safe side.

I must note there's no guarantee that these reports of liquid metal issues are indeed accurate, but I'd rather proceed with caution, just in case. We've waited over a decade for GTA 6. It will have been 13 years by the time it launches, and I'd hate to see my console die out on me at arguably its most important phase.

GTA 6 (as of today) is the most anticipated game of all time in my books, so let's just hope our systems don't screw us over.

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In 2024, 64% of the eligible-voting population turned out, the second highest in 120 years. New data show that even if all those voters who stayed home had voted, Trump would still be president today.

(Image credit: Jim Vondruska)

NPR's Juana Summers speaks with Mikhail Chester, professor of engineering at Arizona State University, about how extreme heat affects transportation infrastructure.

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted on the flu vaccine, raising concerns about a rarely used preservative. Medical groups worry this will "sow distrust" in vaccines.

(Image credit: Ben Hendren/Bloomberg)

• Anker EufyMake E1 prints up to 5mm thick textures using UV-curable ink, not filament
• Over $45 million raised on Kickstarter makes the E1 the most funded project to date
• EufyMake E1 supports over 300 materials, including metal, leather, and curved surfaces

Anker’s latest foray into creative tools has unexpectedly taken Kickstarter by storm with its new device, the EufyMake E1, generating nearly $45 million in pledges with days still left in its campaign, making it the most funded Kickstarter project to date.

Developed under Anker’s Eufy sub-brand, the E1 is being marketed as the world’s first personal 3D-texture UV printer.

While excitement among backers is undeniable, the real question is whether this all-in-one 3D printer machine can live up to its extraordinary promise.

A different take on home 3D printing

Unlike a typical home 3D printer, the EufyMake E1 doesn’t work with filament to build objects - instead, it uses UV-curable ink and a process Anker calls Amass3D technology to layer ink into textured designs on flat or curved surfaces.

The textures can reach up to 5 mm thick and can be printed on over 300 materials, including glass, leather, metal, and wood.

It also supports cylindrical objects through rotary printing and direct-to-film output for making custom stickers.

From a technical standpoint, the E1 is packed with features, including laser levelers, an 8 MP camera with AI positioning, and the ColorMaestro system that delivers vivid and lasting full-color prints.

The company also promises a hands-off user experience, thanks to the JetClean self-cleaning system.

These extras could appeal to hobbyists and small businesses alike, especially those producing custom merchandise like ornaments, tumblers, or vinyl stickers.

Still, this isn’t just a clever crafting tool; it’s clearly being positioned as a major pitch to the DIY market.

With the EufyMake E1 aiming for the consumer space, questions arise about long-term durability, ink costs, and real-world precision, factors that often separate a gadget from a reliable tool.

Claims of low operating cost, such as, “a dollar’s worth of ink on a custom metal sign,” may sound compelling, but they’ll need to be tested outside of promotional videos.

Ink consumption is a significant consideration for 3D printers. While the EufyMake E1 campaign claims 600 ml yields around 1,000 small prints, there is no detailed ml-per-print data for 3D output.

Considering that an ink set reportedly costs about $299, this means an average user could spend around $0.50 per print, and possibly more depending on the application - and in the long run, it could prove too expensive for small business owners.

Users looking for the best printer for everyday use or even the best laser engraver for material customization may need to compare carefully before committing.

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They say fortune favors the bold, so why not rebel from cookie-cutter colorways and mix things up with some eye-catching tech instead? As a self-confessed color addict, I often find myself drawn to products rocking vibrant hues. But, experience has taught me that looks aren't everything, and no matter how pretty something may be, I'll soon tire of it if it proves inefficient.

To save others the trial and error, I've collated a list of six of our favorite products across a range of categories that not only performed well, but boast aesthetically pleasing colorways that'll satisfy those color cravings too.

Gamakay TK75 V2

(Image credit: Future)

The Gamakay TK75 V2 keyboard is a well-built and well-performing mechanical keyboard that offers multiple wireless connectivity modes and a good level of customization for the $89.99 / £75 / $AU148 price tag.

Our reviewer was impressed by the performance of the Pegasus switches, describing them as ultra-quiet and smooth, while still providing a good level of feedback. He also appreciated the silky-smooth feel of the PBT keycaps, which range in color from white, like the rest of the body, to pale blue, teal, and black.

If I could have things my way, all of the best keyboards would have RGB lighting, so I appreciate the vivid RGB backlighting on the TK75 V2, and I’m loving that the extra vibrancy from the independently adjustable RGB light bar that lives toward the right-hand end of the keyboard.

The Gamakay TK75 V2 also has a novel little feature similar to others I’ve seen appearing on the market, namely a teeny little screen that’s nestled between the up and right arrow buttons, which is capable of showing colorful little images or GIFs.

For the down-low on this bright and beautiful keyboard, check out our Gamakay TK75 review.

Bose QuietComfort headphones

(Image credit: Future / Bose)

The Bose QuietComfort headphones are a personal favorite of mine, and I wear my black pair almost every day. I was almost tempted away by a pale pink pair of Edifiers, but I quickly learned that the difference in fit and performance just wasn’t going to be enough for me to make the switch.

Bose's QuietComfort Headphones have a list price of $349 / £349.95 / AU$549.95 and come in a wide range of colors, including black, white, sandstone, lilac, and three different blues, although the paler Moonstone Blue looks to only be available from Amazon US. There’s also a pretty Petal Pink model, but sadly for those of us in the UK, this color seems to only be available in the US and Australia.

The button controls on the QuietComforts are simple but satisfying, so I’ve not encountered any issues when skipping tracks or switching between noise-cancelling modes when on the move. Speaking of the ANC, it was rated excellent by our reviewer, and I agree completely, as it serves me well whenever I need to focus in a busy office, and it effectively filters out ambient sounds from noisy public transport.

Bose states that the QuietComforts have a battery life of 24 hours, though our reviewer managed to get closer to 26 hours during testing, and I’ve personally not needed to charge my pair up that often, considering the amount I use them.

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that are as well-performing as they are pretty, I strongly suggest you give these a try. I recommend checking out our full Bose QuietComfort headphones review for a more in-depth analysis.

Govee Neon Rope Light 2

(Image credit: Future)

I review a lot of smart lights, and I have lots of them in my home. Some are set to white for practical use, but most are programmed to brighten my space as a colorful dopamine boost.

The Govee Neon Rope Light 2 brings something a little different to the table, however. It isn’t a smart light one would buy just to add a bit of ambient color; it’s designed to make a statement, and it succeeds. It comes in white or black, and has a list price of $69.99 / £79.99 for the 9.8ft / 3m model, and $99.99 /£99.99 for the 16.4ft / 5m model.

This isn’t the only smart light of this kind, but the incredible level of customization that’s on offer within the intuitive Govee Home app makes it a very good example. You can customize the Neon Rope Light 2 by picking your own color palette and applying it over the entire rope light or curating it in segments. Alternatively, you can make the most of the many pre-existing color palettes or explore the many colors and lighting effects on offer from the wide range of scenes.

Though it’s perfect for creating a vibrant and eye-catching neon sign, the variable temperature and brightness levels mean it can also be used more subtly to highlight a particular feature or artwork.

If you’d like to learn more about all the fun features on offer, why not have a read of my full Govee Neon Rope Light 2 review?

Dyson Supersonic Nural

(Image credit: Future)

If someone had pitched the idea of a turquoise and orange hairdryer in the past, I’m fairly certain I would have raised an eyebrow, but I really can’t get enough of the Ceramic patina and topaz colorway, and the darker Vinca blue patina and topaz is pretty blimmin’ lovely too.

The price tag may be hefty at $499.99 / £399.99 / AU$750, but we were blown away by the performance of the Dyson Supersonic Nural.

It boasts several features, including an auto-pause mode, setting preference memory for each of its five attachments, and the innovative Scalp Protect mode. Our reviewer found this mode worked well, as it automatically adjusted the Dyson Supersonic Nural’s temperature based on how far it was away from her head, without noticeably lengthening the drying time compared to her usual just-blast-it-with-hot-air approach.

Obviously, this is a big investment to make just for a colorful hairdryer, but if you have the cash to spare, then you won’t be disappointed by the performance the Dyson Supersonic Nural delivers.

If you’d like to read more about how this eye-catching hairdryer performed, take a look at our full Dyson Supersonic Nural review.

SanDisk Creator Phone SSD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Most external hard drives are bland, black rectangles, but not this boisterously blue SanDisk Creator Phone SSD, which has a list price of $99 / £99 for 1TB of storage, or $156 / £156 for 2TB.

With USB-C connectivity and a handy lanyard loop, this MagSafe-compatible SSD makes a great portable hard drive for iPhone and Android users alike. Its slimline design makes it easy to pack away, and our reviewer found that this made it one of the few portable SSDs he’d tried that actually felt comfortable when on the back of his phone.

Despite weighing just 2oz / 54g, the build quality felt solid and robust. This, combined with the rubberized edges and IP65 dust and water-proof rating, provides some added reassurance when taking it out and about, though it’s important to remember that this rating means it doesn’t qualify as fully waterproof.

According to our reviewer, the performance of the USB 3.4 Gen 2 interface was spot-on, either exceeding or coming very close to the scores we wanted to see in the benchmarking tests. The Creator Phone SSD also had no problem keeping up with the demands of capturing over 12 minutes of ProRes video footage.

While the color wasn’t to his taste, our reviewer was a fan of the Creator Phone SSD overall, and considers it to be one of the best portable SSDs, whether you’re capturing ProRes video footage or simply using it for extended storage. If you’d like to learn about this portable SSD’s performance in more detail, I recommend checking out our full SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review.

Motorola Edge 50 Neo

(Image credit: Future)

If you’re looking for a smartphone that makes a statement, then I think you’ll like the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. It has a list price of £399 / AU$699 (about $500), and is currently only available in the UK; however, Motorola has other colorful models in their Razr, Edge 60, and Moto G Stylus ranges.

All models of the Edge 50 feature a Pantone-curated colored case comprising pleasingly soft-to-the-touch vegan leather and a mixture of brushed and shiny-finished metallic edging. The model we reviewed was called Poinciana, which is a very eye-catching red-orange color.

When it was reviewed, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo came with the Android 14 OS installed, with the option to upgrade to Android 15. Motorola promised five Android OS upgrades and five years of security upgrades, which is good going for a phone of this price.

The 6.4-inch AMOLED display was satisfyingly bright for the price, and the colors on-screen were just as vibrant and eye-catching as its Pantone-colored casing. The Hello UI offered some useful security features and allowed for plenty of customization, too.

The cameras on offer include a 32MP front camera, a 50MP main and a 13MP ultra-wide camera, as well as a 10MP telephoto sensor, which delivered a solid performance for a mid-range phone.

If you’re looking for a lightweight mid-range phone with solid battery life that stands out from the crowd, I’d recommend taking a look at our full Motorola Edge 50 Neo review.

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We take a hike in the Maine woods with high school students who've been given the option to hike instead of sit in detention.

• Xiaomi announced AI smart glasses
• They share a lot of similarities with Meta's Ray-Bans, even priced similarly
• Xiaomi's specs have some unique features, like electrochromic dimming

Chinese tech brand Xiaomi isn’t about to let Android XR, Meta, and others race ahead of it in the smart glasses world as it just announced its AI glasses – and while they’re awfully similiar to Meta’s specs, they offer a few upgrades including one I’ve been begging Meta to add since launch.

Word of warning, however, while they’re set to cost about as much as Meta’s specs, many of us reading this won’t be snagging a pair, as right now it looks like they’ll be exclusive to Xiaomi’s home turf: China.

At a glance, they look very similar to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses I use regularly. They offer a stylish frame in a handful of color options that’s thicker than normal but still fairly sleek.

They boast similar hardware, such as a 12MP camera which can apparently capture 2K video at 30FPS, built-in microphones for capturing what you’re saying, and open ear speakers for audio playback.

(Image credit: Xiaomi)

You can also use the glasses hands-free, getting its AI assistant to snap photos for you or answer your queries – and again, just like Meta’s specs, these Xiaomi glasses capture an image to use as context for your questions like “identify this flower.”

But right away, there are some key differences.

At the end of one arm, you can find a USB-C port allowing you to charge the AI glasses while wearing them – Meta’s specs only charge in their case.

They offer a bigger battery too, with Xiaomi promising “8.6 hours” or around eight hours, 36 minutes of use between charges.

You can also use the glasses for paying vendors if they offer the ability to pay via scanning a QR code. It might not be something you see often, but it’s a very common payment method in China.

Crucially, however, these glasses offer electrochromic dimming. This is the feature I think is coolest.

Enjoying the shades

(Image credit: Xiaomi)

For smart glasses to be a success, they need to be something you can wear all the time.

Imagine if your phone only worked in certain weather.

Tech-wise, you can use smart glasses in all the same conditions, but the lenses you have will decide how practical that is.

Clear lenses are perfect for cloudier days, while shaded lenses are a lot more suitable for bright sunny conditions, but a non-starter for darker weather or indoor use.

Since swapping my Meta Ray-Bans, which were always shaded, for a pair with transition lenses, I use them much more frequently because I can rely on them in a broader range of weather conditions.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have a lot of lens options (Image credit: Meta)

Electrochromic dimming offers this same practicality, but instead of being determined by the weather, Xiaomi’s smart glasses can be darkened or brightened manually by sliding your finger along their arm.

In many ways, it’s about as useful as transition lenses, but for me, electrochromic dimming wins because you have more personal control over the shading, allowing you to alter your vision at will.

Though it is a close race, especially because the features look to cost about the same.

While the base Xiaomi glasses cost 1999¥ – similar to the $299 / £299 / AU$449 you’d pay for the base Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses – they don’t have electrochromic dimming. The cheapest pair with the feature are 2699¥, which is around the same price as the $379 / £379 / AU$539 transition lens equipped Meta Ray-Bans.

So for now I’ll be sticking with my transition lens smart glasses, but I’ll be watching this space as color changing lens tech becomes such an essential feature, it needs to be included with even the base model – though for now both key options are inescapably pricey.

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Start by taking a close look at what you're paying for so you can decide whether or not it's worth it.