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A Kobo Libra Colour on a blue background with the Storygraph logo

If you want an e-reader but don't want anything to do with Amazon, the alternative is a Rakuten Kobo e-reader. Kobos are speedy, easy-to-use, and a great value, but now, they're teaming up with another bookish company for the ultimate reading integration. The Storygraph, a platform for tracking everything you read, is now coming to all Kobo devices in June.

The integration syncs Kobo e-readers and apps to a Storygraph account. That means your reading progress will automatically be captured in your Storygraph account, so when you finish a book, it's marked as read without any additional effort from you.

"Our mission is to make reading lives better, and removing the friction from tracking is one of the most direct ways we can do that," says Nadia Odunayo, Founder & CEO, StoryGraph. The new partnership between Rakuten Kobo and Storygraph further cements both brands as anti-Amazon alternatives.

So much of the book industry is dominated by Amazon. The mega-brand makes Kindles, the most popular e-readers, and is a major online bookseller of physical and e-books. Since 2013, Amazon has owned Goodreads, the original book tracking platform. Kindles and Goodreads are already integrated, offering features similar to those in the Kobo and Storygraph integration, including progress tracking.

But with plenty of readers feeling resistant to Amazon and the impact it has had on independent bookstores, there's a desire for alternatives, whether that be with e-readers or a place to track reading.

Kobo Clara Colour
Kobo Clara Colour
$179.99 at Amazon
 
Kobo Libra Colour
Kobo Libra Colour
$259.99 at Amazon
 


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A person stands on a stage. A large screen behind them reads

Word of the day: Tokenmaxxing. That's how Google CEO Sundar Pichai introduced this year's Google I/O conference, a reference to the sheer mass of AI processing (we're talking quadrillions, folks) happening around the world.

It's a fact: Google has made a full pivot to AI. And depending on which of its dozens of products you use the most, it may or may not be taking over your life, too. But among a plethora of AI model updates and new, multimodal ways to generate synthetic videos announced today, Google unveiled only a few new upgrades for the YouTube lovers, the world's most-watched video platform.

Looking for more Google I/O announcements? Follow the Mashable Google I/O live blog to see all of the latest news on Gemini, Chrome, and Android.

YouTube Shorts get Gemini Omni

Google unveiled its new AI world model, Gemini Omni, early on in the event, explaining that its new two-directional multimodal capabilities make it capable of "creating anything from any output."

Omni will now be available in YouTube Shorts Remix, a platform creation tool that generates videos from existing content online. With Omni, users can remix their shorts with more advanced AI prompts. The company noted that Shorts made with Omni will automatically sport an AI-generated content label and related metadata, with links back to the original content.

In addition, YouTube is expanding its likeness detection tool, which "helps creators find content on YouTube where their face appears to be altered or generated by AI," to all creators 18 years or older.

Ask YouTube: New way to search

Google's second YouTube-related update isn't on the platform at all, but a new integrated, conversational way to search Google and YouTube at once. With Ask YouTube, Googlers will see relevant YouTube videos directly inside Google Search results.

Basically, when searching for specific or complex questions — like how to teach your child how to ride a bike, for example — users can watch tutorials or related videos right from the search page, and navigate through a tailored, interactive response generated by Google's AI Mode. Google said it "entirely reimagines" the search experience.

The feature is still being tested, but will roll out broadly across the U.S. this summer.



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An example of Google Live in use

At Google I/O, three new features are coming to Google Workspace. According to Google, over 900 million people use Gemini, and now that AI is being further integrated into Workspace apps.

At a glance, new features coming to Workplace include Gmail Live, Docs Live, Google Pics, and AI Inbox. Gmail Live and Docs Live bring AI voice transcription to Workplace apps. Google Pics is the latest AI image editing and generation tool built on Google's Nano Banana platform. AI Inbox, which was previously announced, is now expanding its user base and features.

Here's everything you need to know about the new features for Google Workspace announced at Google I/O 2026.

Docs Live in Google
No typing necessary: Start dictating in Docs Live and Google's AI will do the rest. Credit: Google

When you're on the go and don't have a moment to type out or search for what you need, Google's new voice capabilities provide answers faster. These conversational features are coming to Gmail, Docs, and Keep.

Now with Gmail Live, you can ask your most important questions like "What's my flight info?" and get the answer in a moment, rather than sifting through your bursting inbox.

In Docs Live, rather than tediously organizing your thoughts, you can get to a first draft sooner. Just speak to Docs Live, and it will brainstorm, write, outline, and refine what you're trying to say.

With Google Keep, where you can keep all your quick notes, just record your thoughts rather than typing them out. Keep will do the rest of the work, organizing and transcribing them.

All of these features will be available to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

Google Pics

Built on Google's Nano Banana model, Google Pics is a new image and creation tool. Not only will it help edit existing photos, but it will also create photos from scratch. Google Pics may even be making a run for Canva's crown, as it designs event flyers, social media content, and digital illustrations.

According to Google, Pics includes:

  • Object segmentation: Select and edit specific elements with precision. You can easily move an object, resize it, or transform it entirely — like changing a sweater's color or turning a dog into a cat — all without affecting the rest of the image.

  • Text editing and translation: Modify text directly inside a photo or translate it into different languages while maintaining the original design and font style.

  • Integrations with Workspace: Pics will also be integrated into Workspace apps so you can easily edit images right where they are, starting with Slides and Drive.

Pics is currently launching with select testers. Later this summer, it will launch to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers and be previewed for Google Workspace business customers.

AI Inbox for Gmail

AI Inbox in Gmail
Credit: Google

Earlier this year, Google announced AI inbox, which is now live for AI Ultra subscribers. Now announced at Google I/O, AI Inbox is rolling out to AI Pro and Plus users. Alongside this change come three new features:

  • Personalized draft replies: Rather than reminding you to reply to an email, the AI inbox gets a draft ready for you to review and send.

  • Instant file access: When reviewing a task, AI Inbox sorts through your Google Drive to find the link you need.

  • Streamlined task management: No more making your own to-do list, now your view stays clutter-free, marking individual tasks and dismissing unhelpful suggestions.

Looking for more Google I/O announcements? Follow the Mashable Google I/O live blog to see all of the latest news on Gemini, Chrome, and Android.



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smartphone composite with the google i/o 2026 logo

Google I/O 2026 kicks off tomorrow, May 19, and you won't need a ticket to catch any of it. The entire two-day event is livestreamed, and you can register to watch for free at io.google/2026.

How to watch Google I/O 2026

The main Google keynote starts at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m ET on May 19. The focus will be big-picture announcements, product reveals, and whatever CEO Sundar Pichai wants the world to walk away talking about (mostly Gemini, Google's AI product). You can find an embed to the YouTube stream of the keynote below:

In addition, our sister site CNET will be hosting a Google I/O live viewing party, also on YouTube, with live updates from reporters on the ground in Mountain View, California and a pre- and post-show. You can also ask questions and participate in the live chat.

A developer-focused keynote follows the same day at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m ET, which tends to get into the weeds on APIs, tools, and what's actually coming for builders. From there, breakout sessions run through May 20, covering Google AI, Android, Chrome, and cloud infrastructure, including one billed around agent-first workflows.

Based on everything that's leaked and quietly rolled out in the days leading up to the show — new Gemini Live models, a mysterious video generation tool called Gemini Omni, expanded thinking controls, and fresh third-party app integrations — Gemini is going to be at the center of almost everything. The smart glasses situation should get some stage time, too.



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Wordle game on a smartphone

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're always hesitant.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 18, 2026

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 18, 2026

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Reluctant.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

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 L.

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

The Wordle answer today is...

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

LOATH

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

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

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

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



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Two people speaking

TL;DR: This Babbel lifetime promotion gives you access to 14 languages, offline lessons, AI conversation tools, and 10,000+ hours of language education for a one-time $159 payment with the StackSocial code LEARN.

Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages)
Credit: Babbel

Most language-learning apps are really good at helping people feel productive for about six days before the notifications start getting ignored. Babbel feels different because the lessons were actually designed by professional linguists and educators with real-world conversations in mind.

On the flip side, Babbel takes a different approach. New U.S. users can get a Babbel Language Learning Lifetime Subscription for $159 (reg. $646.20) with StackSocial’s code LEARN, giving you permanent access to all 14 languages on the platform.

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And honestly, the biggest reason people stick with Babbel is that it feels built for real humans with jobs, schedules, and functioning attention spans. Lessons are short — usually around 10 to 15 minutes — and focus heavily on practical conversations. Topics include travel, dining, work, shopping, introductions, and everyday communication that actually matters.

Babbel was also developed with input from more than 100 linguists and language educators, and the teaching approach leans heavily into conversation and retention rather than gamified gratification.

You can learn on your phone, tablet, desktop, or laptop, and your progress syncs automatically across devices. There’s also offline access, which makes it easy to keep practicing during flights, commutes, or anywhere Wi-Fi becomes questionable.

The lifetime access angle is really what makes this deal stand out, though. Instead of paying another monthly subscription indefinitely, this is a one-time purchase that gives you ongoing access to all 14 languages for as long as you want to keep learning.

For people who travel often, work internationally, love learning new skills, or simply want to stop saying “I should really learn Spanish someday,” Babbel feels like one of those purchases that you will be happy you made well into the future.

Get lifetime access to Babbel Language Learning for a one-time $159 (MSRP $546.20) with the StackSocial code LEARN for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.



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SpaceX logo

Elon Musk's space exploration company, SpaceX, could be going public sooner than many expected.

According to a new report from Reuters, SpaceX is "accelerating" its IPO launch in hopes of going public next month. SpaceX is aiming to make the official announcement this week to promote the IPO launch to potential investors in June. 

SEE ALSO: The Musk vs Altman trial: What happens next

Musk's space company is eyeing a June 12 listing date, with an early share sale the day before. SpaceX would be listed under the SPCX ticker on Nasdaq.

According to previous reports, SpaceX is seeking a valuation of more than $1.75 trillionMusk and the company have recently made moves that clearly show intent to launch SpaceX as a publicly traded company. Earlier this year, Musk's SpaceX acquired Musk's AI company xAI in order to bolster the combined company's value.

In addition, recently announced deals between SpaceX and big tech and AI companies would certainly be eye-catching for potential investors.

Just last week, a report found that Google was in talks with SpaceX to launch rockets into space for orbital AI data centers. Musk previously touted these data centers in space as essential for future AI technology and a prime reason as to why SpaceX needed to acquire xAI.  Prior to that news report, AI company Anthropic and SpaceX announced a partnership that included potential orbital AI data centers.

All signs point to SpaceX going public – and very soon. The only thing that's unclear at this time is exactly what date the IPO launch will take place. And, it seems we may also know that in the near future, too.



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