'80s horror vibes abound in the trailer for Night of the Reaper, a Shudder slasher from Z director Brandon Christensen.The trailer above is packed full of pretty much every trope that will appeal to a slasher connoisseur: A masked killer, a terrifying babysitting job, and some mysterious video cassettes being left behind for the police.Given that Christensen is already responsible for some of the scariest films on Shudder, this should be one to mark in your calendars.Night of the Reaper comes to Shudder Sept. 19.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for August 26, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:Yellow: Pugilistic glossaryGreen: Same regionBlue: Player connectionPurple: Same second word Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:Yellow: Boxing termsGreen: Mountain West schoolsBlue: Associated with Eli ManningPurple: ___ GamesLooking 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 #337 is...What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayBoxing terms - CROSS, HOOK, JAB, UPPERCUTMountain West schools - AIR FORCE, HAWAII, UNLV, WYOMINGAssociated with Eli Manning - 10, GIANTS, MISSISSIPPI, SUPER BOWL, XLII____ Games - HIGHLAND, OLYMPIC, WINTER, XDon'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.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.

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, August 26, 2025:AcrossPlace to pour a pintThe answer is Pub.Host of the 2028 Olympics, for shortThe answer is USA.Black suitThe answer is Clubs.Political commentator JenThe answer is Psaki. Kick one's feet upThe answer is Relax. DownSign of lifeThe answer is Pulse.Regular patron's order, with "the"The answer is Usual.Loaf with a chocolate swirlThe answer is Babka.Skill practiced on dummies, for shortThe answer is CPR.Age at which Tiger Woods made his first hole-in-oneThe answer is Six.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.

SAVE $302: As of Aug. 26, the Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum with Matrix Clean Navigation is down to just $297.99 at Amazon — that’s 50% off its usual $599.99 list price. Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum $297.99 at Amazon $599 Save $301.01 Get Deal Finding a good robot vacuum that’s worth the price tag feels like russian roulette, but this half-price bargain might just be the deal for you.As of Aug. 26, the Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum is selling at Amazon for only $297.99 — a massive $302 discount. That’s half the price on one of Shark’s most advanced models, built to handle everything from deep carpet cleans to stubborn pet hair, and it even empties itself. SEE ALSO: I've tested 25+ robot vacuums. Here are 6 I'd actually recommend buying in 2025. Price drops on units like these don’t last long, according to price trackers like camelcamelcamel, so this is something you don’t want to miss.The “AI” in the name isn’t just for show, either. With 360-degree LiDAR mapping and Matrix Clean Navigation, Shark says that this vacuum charts your home in detail, moving in a precise grid to ensure no corner gets skipped. It aims to make multiple passes over each area, which means a deeper, more consistent clean compared to budget models that tend to zig-zag aimlessly.For households with pets, the self-cleaning brushroll is designed to pull up hair without tangling, while powerful suction targets dirt from both hard floors and carpets. And because the XL self-emptying base can store up to 60 days of dust and debris, you won’t be constantly fussing with emptying it — nor will you need to buy disposable bags as you would with models from rival brands.Control is said to be refreshingly hands-off, too. You can set schedules, start an on-demand clean, or simply ask Alexa or Google Assistant to take care of it with voice commands. Add in extended runtime with Recharge and Resume, and the Shark Ultra is built to keep going until the job’s done.At just under $300, this is a rare chance to bring home a premium robot vacuum at an entry-level price. With smart navigation, voice control, and a two-month self-empty system, the Shark AI Ultra makes cleaning less of a chore and more of an afterthought.If you’re still browsing all the various cleaning options out there, we’ve also got a list of the 25+ best robot vacuums we’ve tested and that you can try as well. We put together an incredible selection of the best cordless, upright, and robot vacuum cleaners for every home, too. 

SAVE $20: As of Aug. 26, Amazon's Kindle (16GB) is on sale for $89.99. This is 18% off its list price of $109.99, saving you $20. Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Amazon Kindle (Newest Model) $89.99 at Amazon $109.99 Save $20 Get Deal Labor Day sales are building some momentum, and Amazon's offering includes some genuinely great deals this year. If you've had a Kindle on your shopping list for some time, there's no better time than now to grab one.The standard Kindle e-reader is on sale at Amazon for a limited time. The 16GB Kindle is discounted down to $89.99 right now at Amazon. This saves you $20 on its list price of $109.99. In fact, it's only a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $84.99. SEE ALSO: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is live — find 100+ books for free or under $1 With 16GB of storage, this model of Kindle can hold a massive digital library of books for you to dig into. It also has a small, light design that makes it perfect for traveling with, and its six-inch glare-free display is great for reading under any kind of light. It even features an adjustable front light and a dark mode, so you can read in bed at night without a bright screen in your face. The Kindle's battery life is excellent as well, offering up to six weeks on a single charge. We consider it the best Kindle for anyone on a budget in our roundup of the best Kindles, and our review notes that "you can't go wrong with the base Amazon Kindle model if you don't need a ton of flair and want a reliable e-reader with a lightweight frame." All that considered, you don't want to miss out on the 16GB Kindle, down to $89.99 at Amazon.There's plenty more to check out where this deal came from. Have a look at our breakdown of Amazon's Labor Day sale to see even more great discounts right now at the retailer.

SAVE $50: As of Aug. 26, the Apple Magic Keyboard is on sale for $199 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on the list price. Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Magic Keyboard $199 at Amazon $249 Save $50 Get Deal If you’ve been waiting to level up your iPad setup, now’s the time. The Apple Magic Keyboard is back on sale at Amazon, bringing the price down to $199. It’s the easiest way to type, navigate, and do more on your iPad.This deal is for the white colored keyboard, and is compatible with the iPad (10th generation) and the iPad (A16). SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2025 deals are already live: Save on Apple devices, mattresses, headphones, and plenty more Using it is a breeze, no charging or pairing required. Just snap it on and start typing. The backlit keys make typing quiet and comfortable, while the built-in trackpad adds precision and gesture control. There’s even a USB-C port for charging on the go. The keyboard’s two-piece design includes a detachable keyboard and a magnetic protective back panel, giving your iPad front and back protection, plus an adjustable stand for easy viewing angles.It can also be purchased in different languages, including Arabic, British English, Chinese (Pinyin), Chinese (Zhuyin), Danish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), Swiss, Ukrainian, and U.S. English.Upgrade now and treat your iPad.

SAVE $110: As of Aug. 26, the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is on sale for $289.99 at Amazon. That's a 28% saving on the list price. Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch 4-Series $289.99 at Amazon $399.99 Save $110 Get Deal Movie nights, gaming marathons, or just catching up on your favorite shows, a good TV really makes all the difference. And if you're thinking about an upgrade, Amazon has dropped the price of its 50-inch Fire TV 4-Series to just $289.99 as of Aug. 26.This is an excellent price for a TV that offers such great quality. With 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, you’ll get stunning clarity, vibrant colors, and rich detail that bring your favorite shows and movies to life. SEE ALSO: Fall TV preview: 25 TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them And because it’s an Amazon device, it comes with Alexa voice control. That means you can search for movies, open apps, and control playback without ever touching the remote. And with the Fire operating system, your go-to streaming apps — Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, you name it — are ready to go the second you log in.The Fire TV can also connect with your smart home Alexa devices, including doorbells, lightbulbs, and speakers. For example, pair up your TV with your Echo speakers to create an immersive home theater atmosphere for your next movie night. Plus, there are four HDMI inputs to connect gaming devices, sound accessories, cables, and other equipment seamlessly.This deal has a "limited-time" stamp, so get it before it goes back up in price.

Apple’s big September event is just around the corner, and while most of the attention is on the iPhone 17, Cupertino’s other headline product, the Apple Watch, has been getting less buzz.Last year’s Apple Watch Series 10 was a modest upgrade that left many underwhelmed, though its lightning-fast charging helped make up for it. Based on leaks and reports from the supply chain, the upcoming Series 11 looks like it will follow the same pattern: another small, iterative update rather than a dramatic redesign. SEE ALSO: The iPhone 17 is weeks away: What to expect from the specs, cameras, colors, and release date That doesn’t mean the Series 11 won’t be worth picking up. The Apple Watch remains one of the standard-bearers for wearable tech. But if you are holding out for something transformative, you may need to wait until the Series 12 in 2026, which is already rumored to bring bigger changes. For now, here’s everything we know about the Apple Watch Series 11 ahead of Apple’s September iPhone showcase.Apple Watch Series 11: PriceSo what’s the damage for a relatively small upgrade? Based on pricing from previous years, most outlets expect the Apple Watch Series 11 to start at $399 for the 42mm aluminum model and $429 for the larger 46mm version. As always, upgrades like stainless steel, sapphire glass, or LTE connectivity will push the price higher.For now, tariffs aren’t expected to influence the price of either the Watch or the iPhone lineup, though it’s hard to rule that out entirely. Still, if Apple sticks to its usual playbook, the Series 11 will slide into the same price tiers as its predecessor, keeping it squarely in premium smartwatch territory.Apple Watch Series 11: ReleaseJust like its pricing, Apple tends to follow a very predictable formula when it comes to product launches. The company almost never strays from it, and insiders expect this year’s Apple Watch Series 11 unveiling to land on Tuesday, Sept. 9. If that timeline holds, pre-orders would likely go live that Friday, Sept. 12, with devices hitting shelves the following Friday, Sept. 19.Of course, nothing is official until Apple confirms it, but based on years of precedent, this release cadence is the safest bet. Consider it the most likely outcome for Apple’s big September event.Apple Watch Series 11: Design and DisplayApple has a new partnership with Corning, meaning the glass on the Series 11 is officially American-made — a detail that’ll no doubt get some extra play in marketing. Beyond that, the design itself is expected to stick with the slim, flat-edged look introduced on the Series 10. The real intrigue comes from rumors that Apple may switch the Series 11 to a more energy-efficient LTPO or micro-LED display, which would mark a shift away from OLED. That could mean a brighter screen with better battery life.Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also floated the idea of an AI-powered onboard camera, though even he suggests it’s unlikely to appear until a future model — possibly the Series 12. Right now, no Apple Watch supports FaceTime video calls, so if and when that feature arrives, it’ll be a marquee selling point. If Apple did surprise us with it this year, the camera would almost certainly be tucked discreetly into the watch’s body. For now, though, all signs point to the Series 11 being a modest step forward, with the big swing still waiting in the wings. SEE ALSO: Apple eyes Google Gemini for Siri upgrade Apple Watch Series 11: HardwareUnder the hood, the Series 11 is expected to debut the aptly named S11 chip, though fans hoping for a major leap in performance may want to temper expectations. According to reporting from MacRumors, Apple accidentally leaked details that revealed the S11 will use the same T8310 architecture found in the S9 and S10 chips that powered the Series 9 and Series 10.That means the Series 11 is unlikely to deliver dramatic processor gains, instead leaning on efficiency tweaks and software optimization to keep things running smoothly. Still, while the tech may not be cutting-edge by Apple’s standards, it remains more than powerful enough for a smartwatch.Apple Watch Series 11: watchOS 26 features and AIThe Apple Watch Series 11 will ship with watchOS 26, which introduces a new “liquid glass” UI and a suite of fresh health and productivity tools. Chief among them is Workout Buddy, an AI-powered evolution of Apple’s Workout app that can give smarter feedback and adaptive coaching during exercise sessions. Apple is also still testing a context-aware Siri, which would allow the assistant to better understand what you’re doing in the moment, though it’s unclear when that will come to fruition. On-device language translation is also slated to arrive with watchOS 26, letting travelers get instant translations without needing to tether to an iPhone.Health features remain a big focus, with rumors that the blood oxygen sensor could return after being disabled in some regions due to regulatory issues. New additions include Sleep Score, which breaks down rest quality into a single metric, and hypertension detection, which could alert users to early signs of high blood pressure. 5G connectivity is also rumored, further untethering the Watch from the iPhone. And while Apple is still working on the holy grail of non-invasive blood glucose tracking, that tech reportedly won’t be ready in time for the Series 11 — it’s something to look out for in future models.

SAVE $60: As of Aug. 26, Apple AirPods Pro 2 (refurbished) are on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. That's a 29% discount on the list price. Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $149.99 at Amazon $209.99 Save $60 Get Deal If you're in the market for some new earbuds, this latest deal on refurbished Apple AirPods Pro 2 isn't one to skip. As of Aug. 26, they are priced at $149.99, a saving of $60 on list price.And don't be put off by the "renewed" stamp, these are classed as in "premium" condition. And according to Amazon, all products have been professionally inspected, tested, cleaned, and refurbished as necessary by Amazon-qualified suppliers. SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2025 deals are already live: Save on Apple devices, mattresses, headphones, and plenty more The AirPods Pro 2 are the perfect choice if you're looking for earbuds that give you great noise cancellation and personalized audio. They have fantastic sound quality with amazing features such as a scientifically validated hearing test and clinical-grade hearing protection, both to protect and give insight into improving your ear health. Looking to block out annoying background noises? Active Noise Cancellation has you covered. Choose this to block out background noise completely, while Adaptive Audio and Transparency modes deliver a blend of background sounds, keeping you safe and aware while you're listening out of the house. The Conversation Awareness function also adjusts playback for nearby interactions, and the H2 chip provides a strong, immersive sound for both music and calls.These also come with four pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) to fit a wide range of ear shapes. These tips create an acoustic seal to help keep out noise and secure the AirPods in place.This deal is only around for a limited time, so grab them from Amazon while you can.

TL;DR: iScanner turns your phone or tablet into a modern scanner with PDF editing, AI tools, and more — lifetime access is $24.99 with code SCAN through Sept. 7. Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription $24.99 $199.90 Save $174.91 Get Deal If you’ve ever needed to scan a contract, receipt, or handwritten note at the worst possible time, you know the pain of relying on a clunky office scanner. However, the iScanner can help make that awful scenario a thing of the past.Lifetime access to this powerful scanner app is available for just $24.99 (instead of $199.90). This means no ongoing subscription fees, no strings attached. Just use code SCAN at checkout through Sept. 7. SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2025 deals are already live: Save on Apple devices, mattresses, headphones, and plenty more With iScanner, your iOS or Android device becomes a full-featured scanner. Need to digitize documents? Export them instantly to PDF, JPG, DOC, XLS, PPT, or TXT. Want to sign a contract on the fly? Add your signature with a tap. Have a math problem? The app can even solve complex equations.AI-powered tools handle the details — straightening pages, detecting borders, and recognizing text in 20+ languages. There’s also a built-in PDF editor, file manager, and advanced security features like PIN-locked folders. Whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or a pro who just doesn’t want to deal with clunky printers, iScanner is a simple, elegant solution.So yes, your phone really can replace your scanner. This offer ensures it lasts a lifetime. Get lifetime access to the iScanner App for just $24.99 (reg. $199.90).StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Protect your privacy and earn passive income with the Deeper Connect Mini Decentralized VPN on sale for $180 (reg. $229). Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Connect Deeper Connect Mini Decentralized VPN and Firewall Hardware $179.99 $229 Save $49.01 Get Deal Protecting your privacy online shouldn’t take this much work, and it definitely shouldn’t come with a monthly bill. Whether you’re trying to avoid trackers, block ads, or protect your devices, the Deeper Connect Mini is a user-friendly, one-time solution that gives you lasting privacy control without the recurring subscription fees that come with most VPNs. Right now, it’s on sale for $179.99 (reg. $229).A lifetime of privacyUnlike a traditional VPN, the Deeper Connect Mini is a hardware-based DPN, or decentralized private network. That means there’s no central server collecting your information or managing your traffic. Instead, this compact device sits between your network and the internet, encrypting your data and helping you browse securely with no added software or subscriptions.Deeper Connect Mini blocks ads across all devices automatically, including YouTube ads, and comes with a powerful firewall to defend against online threats. It automates a lot of what other VPNs do manually. SEE ALSO: Best VPN 2025: Tested for performance, trustworthiness, value, and more Set it up once, and the device runs quietly in the background. It routes your connection through secure, anonymous channels, adjusts to different servers for faster speeds, and even includes one-click parental controls to make the internet safer for kids.There’s also a unique bonus: if you opt in, you can share unused internet bandwidth through the Deeper Network’s blockchain and earn passive income while you browse.For anyone looking to avoid monthly privacy tools or VPN fees, this is a straightforward and low-maintenance alternative. You get secure, ad-free browsing, extra protection for connected devices, and the flexibility to control it all yourself, with no need to rely on a third-party service. Once it’s plugged in, the Deeper Connect Mini works around the clock to keep your digital life more private and less expensive.Get a lifetime of privacy for a one-time cost. Until Sept. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT, it’s only $179.99 to get a Deeper Connect Mini.StackSocial prices subject to change.

Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game 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 PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. Like dominoes, the tiles 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 August 26, 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 Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 25, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 26Equal (1): The domino halves in this space must be 1. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically.Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally.Medium difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 26Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically.Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 0-3, placed vertically.Equal (2): The domino halves in this space must be 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically.Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically.Hard difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 26Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally.Number (1): Everything in this red space must add up to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally.Equal (3): The domino halves in this space must be 3. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically.Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally, 6-4, placed horizontally.Not equal: The domino halves in this space must be different. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed vertically.Equal (3): The domino halves in this space must be 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 3-4, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally.Less than (2): Everything in this space must add up to less than 2. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-6, 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.

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 hintThe purest chocolate. SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerCACAOHurdle Word 2 hintTossed. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerTHREWHurdle Word 3 hintA helpless person. 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 answerGONERHurdle Word 4 hintTrust. SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answerFAITHFinal Hurdle hintA prominent Catholic figure. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerFRIARIf you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.There's much more to buying a new laptop than picking up a device that looks nice and shiny. A laptop is a lifestyle choice — an extension of your very self — which means you need one that suits your life and your style. Indeed, your work and leisure (like streaming Netflix and laptop gaming) will be vastly improved by the purchase of a slick, reliable, efficient laptop that's built for your needs. It’s not a decision you should make based on simply price or looks. Like everything in life, it's what's on the inside that counts. Laptop beginners may want something user-friendly and straightforward, while frequent travellers will need something that's light and long-lasting. Designers and gamers may seek top-notch 4K graphics and quick central processors. And everybody needs something that's won't break after a year. If you're stuck on a decision, we can help. We're done the research and compiled a list of some of the best laptops available, along with some useful info. What are the best laptop brands?Apple reigns supreme as the most popular laptop manufacturer and its flagship models — such as the MacBook Pro and Air — regularly top lists of the very best laptops that money can buy. But it’s far from the only option. The Microsoft Surface has impressed us since its launch, peaking — in our opinion — with the Microsoft Surface 7. Elsewhere, HP offers a range of laptops that span price options and capabilities. Dell is another trusty and versatile manufacturer, with a laptop range including 2-in-1 models and dedicated gaming options. Lenovo and Acer are also worth your attention.What are the best gaming laptops?If you’re a hardcore gamer, you need a laptop that’s built for gaming. Manufacturers such as Asus, Razer, and Acer produce laptops that are dedicated to gaming and handling the latest software, combining powerful CPU, GPU, and RAM specs for smooth, uninterrupted gameplay. You'll find an Asus option below.What are the most important laptop features?Not every laptop will suit everyone’s needs. But there are important inner components that every laptop has and it’s important to know what they are:CPU — Also known as the the processor, this is the brain of the laptop. It controls and communicates with everything else. For general web-surfing, emails, and essay-writing, you won’t need an all-singing, all-dancing CPU. But if you’re a serious gamer, video editor, or graphic designer — or do anything that requires you running big-time software — look for a machine with a solid, up-to-the-minute CPU processor.Display — If you’re a gamer or designer, a stunning, high-resolution display is absolutely essential. We recommend a HD 1080p resolution as a base level. Some laptops also have touchscreen capabilities, doubling up as laptop-tablet combos. This is one area where size does matter. Laptops built for gaming and creative work tend to have 15-inch displays but more portable laptops may be 13 or even 11 inches. GPU — The graphics processing unit, otherwise known as the graphics card. This is responsible for your laptop’s visuals. Once again, the GPU will depend on your laptop activity. You might not need eye-popping graphics for answering emails or writing coursework, but for design work or — perhaps most importantly — rendering visuals in the latest games, choose a machine with the latest, supremely powerful GPU. RAM — This stands for random-access memory. It's for running various applications at the same time and using them as and when you need to access. (How many apps are open in your dock right now? That’s all thanks to RAM.) This basically controls the speed and dexterity of your laptop. 8GB of RAM is a good starting point if you’re a multitasker or do heavy-duty gaming and creative work.Storage — You’ll notice that laptops usually come with one of two types of storage space — hard-disc drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD) storage. HDD is essentially a hunk of metal inside the machine that holds onto all your info. SSD stores the info on little flash-memory chips. A HDD typically holds more but it's slower than SSD. Premium and higher-ticket laptops usually come with SSD as standard. There are also cloud and external storage options, depending on your storage needs.How much does a laptop cost?Just as there's a laptop specification to suit everyone, there's a price point too. You get what you pay for. The laptops included here range from £315 to £2,400. But remember: A laptop is an investment in not just your work but your life too. It's worth spending a little extra to get a laptop that will perform harder, faster, and better.What is the best laptop?This can be overwhelming but this is exactly the kind of stuff that we enjoy researching. We've put together a definitive guide of the best laptops on the market right now. We have compared top brands that you probably have in mind already — the likes of Apple and Dell — as well as other manufacturers you may not have considered otherwise. Trust us: You're in good hands here.These are the best laptops in 2025.

Renewing driver's licenses, obtaining marriage certificates, and conducting any government business were impossible on Monday in Nevada, following a "significant state network degradation affecting the ability to conduct normal business," according to the state attorney general's office.Nevada closed all in-person services at state offices on Monday following the "network security incident," which was first detected early Sunday, according to a press statement from Gov. Joe Lombardo. While the in-person services were unavailable because of the outage, emergency services and 911 remained online. SEE ALSO: Massive Allianz Life data breach details reportedly revealed The websites of the governor, the state attorney general, and the state Department of Motor Vehicles remained unavailable as of 3 p.m. PT on Monday.It's not clear if the network issues were malicious, but the FBI is investigating the matter, according to CNN.Lombardo's office warned Nevadans to be wary of those who may take advantage of the shutdown and to specifically "be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts asking for personal information or payments." Lombardo's office also stated that there is no evidence yet that any Nevadans' personal data was breached.

Elon Musk threatened to sue Apple for favoring ChatGPT over Grok in the App Store — and now he has.On Monday, Musk's AI company xAI officially filed a lawsuit against Apple as well as ChatGPT creator OpenAI over the two companies' business partnership.Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google."This is a tale of two monopolists joining forces to ensure their continued dominance in a world rapidly driven by the most powerful technology humanity has ever created: artificial intelligence," reads the opening of xAI's lawsuit."Working in tandem, Defendants Apple and OpenAI have locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI from competing," the suit continues.xAI's issue with Apple and OpenAI xAI's suit claims that Apple boosts ChatGPT in the Apple App Store to the detriment of competing AI apps, like xAI's Grok."Apple has taken further steps to protect its monopoly in smartphones and to preference OpenAI by deprioritizing the apps of competing generative AI chatbots and super apps in its App Store rankings, and it has dragged out its App Store app review processes for those competitors," the lawsuit reads.Alleged abuses of the App Store charts are only part of the suit, however. xAI's lawsuit also claims that Apple and OpenAI are partaking in monopolistic activities more broadly. According to xAI, Apple's partnership with OpenAI, which includes integrating ChatGPT into Mac and iOS devices to power some Apple Intelligence features, has boxed Musk's company out of the AI race."As a result of Apple and OpenAI’s exclusive arrangement, ChatGPT is the only generative AI chatbot that benefits from billions of user prompts originating from hundreds of millions of iPhones," reads xAI's lawsuit. "This makes it hard for competitors of ChatGPT’s generative AI chatbot and super apps powered by generative AI chatbots to scale and innovate."Will Musk and company beat Apple and OpenAI?Prior to the lawsuit, Musk claimed on his social media platform X that it was "impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store."  This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. However, users on Musk's platform disputed this using X's Community Notes feature. The Community Note embedded on Musk's posts provides proof that OpenAI competitors like DeepSeek and Perplexity have all reached #1 in App Store, even after the Apple and OpenAI partnership was formed.Even so, a recent antitrust decision may work in Musk's favor. Last year Google lost an antitrust case concerning its paid partnership with Apple, which provided Google with the default search engine position on Apple's mobile devices. While there are differences between Apple's relationship with both companies, that case could become relevant here.So, does Musk and xAI have a case here, or is he simply unhappy that his beloved Grok app hasn't taken off like its AI competitors? We'll soon find out as this plays out in court.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.

Where to buy the Xreal One Pro AR glasses: Amazon Xreal One Pro AR Glasses $649 Shop Now Best Buy Xreal One Pro AR Glasses $649.99 Shop Now Amazon Xreal One Pro AR + Xreal Beam Pro Bundle $798 (save $50) Get Deal One of the most exciting products from CES 2025, the Xreal One Pro AR glasses, is finally hitting mainstream store shelves. The futuristic smart glasses from Xreal are widely available at Amazon and Best Buy beginning Aug. 25.The Xreal glasses combine cameras, audio, and a high-tech display for a true augmented reality experience that's normally only available in clunky virtual reality headsets or Apple's insanely expensive Vision Pro. While these glasses are definitely still expensive, they pack a lot of science fiction-like technology into the frames. Credit: Xreal Mashable got to try the One Pro glasses at CES 2025, but they've been really hard to get your hands on — until now. After fulfilling about 10,000 pre-orders in June, the glasses have since repeatedly sold out, according to a company press release. Now, you can just head to Amazon and click "Add To Cart." Plus, a limited-time bundle lets you save $50 on the price.Save $50 with the Xreal One Pro and Beam Pro bundleIf you weren’t able to get your hands on the Xreal One Pro AR glasses during their initial launch, you can now pick up a limited-time bundle deal that includes the Xreal One Pro AR glasses and the Xreal Beam Pro.Through Sept. 1, you can get the glasses bundled with the Xreal Beam Pro for $798 at Amazon, a $50 savings off the usual $848 price. The glasses themselves retail for $649 in two interpupillary distance sizes. (Amazon is advertising this as a discount, but it's their true MSRP, per the Xreal website.) Meanwhile, the Beam Pro usually costs $199 with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Credit: Xreal While the glasses are pretty cool on their own, it's worth knowing exactly what you're getting with this bundle. Mashable's former Tech Editor, Kimberly Gedeon, gave the Beam Pro a 3.3 out of 5 rating, writing that it "still needs to be refined before it's ready for primetime." Our colleagues over at Mashable's sister site, PCMag, also gave the Beam Pro a "Good" but not perfect 3.5-star review.The main reason to get the Beam Pro is that it enables a head-tracking AR interface called NebulaOS, which PCMag's review says feels "much more natural" than standard screen mirroring because it keeps apps fixed in place as you move your head. The Beam Pro also has dual cameras that can capture 3D "spatial" photos and videos. Gedeon also noted a few "slam dunks," including the "fun 3D video capture" (which she called its "most badass feature"), a "satisfying" haptic keyboard, and a "shockingly long" battery life. SEE ALSO: I Tried XREAL's new One Pro AR glasses at CES Although there are some limitations with the Beam multitasking, the glasses themselves are still super impressive. If you’ve been waiting to jump on the AR bandwagon, this deal offers the complete, albeit limited, package. At just $798, it’s not a bad entry point.The Xreal One Pro will be available in Best Buy stores later this year. UPDATE: Aug. 25, 2025, 4:30 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with a link to Best Buy's listing.

The best Peacock deals to watch 'Love Island USA' Reunion at a glance: BEST LONG-TERM DEAL Peacock Premium annual subscription $109.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS Peacock Premium free for select customers Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Peacock Premium $2.99 per month for 12 months (save $8 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS / Medical Professionals Peacock Premium $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR TEACHERS Peacock Premium $3.99 per month for 12 months (save $7 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR MILITARY Peacock Premium $3.99/month (save $7/month) Get Deal BEST WAY TO WATCH FOR FREE Instacart+ with Peacock Premium free 2-week trial, then $99.99 per year (save $109.99 per year) Get Deal Best for Mastercard holders Peacock Premium Get $3 or $5 cashback per month with World or World Elite Mastercard Get Deal The show of the summer isn't over yet, y'all. 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In the year 2025, it seems we're hearing frequent warnings about impending doom via artificial intelligence. And that's not without some merit: Heck, AI is causing job loss and filling our social feeds with fairly convincing slop. But sometimes, the world sends a reminder that our AI tools are a far cry from Schwarzeneggerian domination. For instance, Google's much-maligned AI Overviews is, at times, struggling to decipher if 1995 was, in fact, 30 years ago. For the mathematically challenged, yes it was, because, well, 2025 minus 1995 equals 30. But don't go telling that to Google.People online noticed Google's AI Overviews seemed to have trouble with this particular query. It became almost a trend of sorts to ask, "Was 1995 30 years ago?" Lots of people posted screenshots appearing to show Google answering with incorrect answers — typically speaking, AI Overviews decided 1995 was 29 years ago, for some reason. This is real try it yourself[image or embed]— Alex 🏴Ⓐ🔆 (The Anarchist Turtle) (@theanarchistturtle.bsky.social) August 25, 2025 at 2:00 AM what a relief, i was worried it was 2025 for a second[image or embed]— Microplastics Sommelier (@leastactionhero.bsky.social) August 22, 2025 at 4:25 PM We tested the query at Mashable, and did — at least sometimes — replicate the results of these screenshots and get an incorrect answer from Google's AI OverviewsHere is a screenshot from a Mashable editor. Credit: Mashable / Screenshot: Google When I tried to recreate the results, Google, at first, correctly answered the question. But later, it answered both incorrectly and correctly. The AI Overview spat out a garbled response that said 1995 was both 29 years ago and 30 years ago. Mashable has reached out to Google for comment and will update as necessary. Credit: Mashable / Screenshot: Google We've covered Google's often confidently wrong AI Overviews at Mashable. There was that trend where it would invent meaning for any made-up idiom. Or when it struggled to get the year right. Or the time it got the NFL rules wrong during a high-profile game, causing a lot of confusion. Despite these repeated issues and mistakes, Google continues to feed users more AI Overviews. Remember to double-check your sources...or maybe just break out your calculator.