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When you buy an iPhone or an Android phone, you'll not only get the underlying operating system, but also the apps that form part of a specific ecosystem. So, for example, you'll find Google Drive, Google Play, and various other Google apps that are not actually part of the core Android build.

You thought Ziwe Fumudoh's interview with Law Roach was as iconic as it gets? Enter Wanda Sykes.

In the latest episode of Iconic Guest, the characteristically deadpan host chats with the legendary comedian, actor, and writer about everything from "violating the Geneva Convention" to what the hell looksmaxxing is to remembering balls, with an array of hard-hitting interview questions that have Sykes asking whether it's happy hour yet:

"How would you describe today's political news cycle to Harriet Tubman?"

"Marry, F***, Kill: Roe V. Wade, Loving V. Virginia, or marriage equality."

"Do you feel pressure to speak out on behalf of short women or is it every pipsqueak for themself?"

Let's absolutely go.

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage, sign up for our Trending Now and Top Stories newsletters or get Mashable push alerts to discover the internet's most exciting voices.

SAVE $170: As of Sept. 14, the Skyrover X1 drone is on sale for $449 at Amazon. That's a 27% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skyrover Skyrover X1 $449 at Amazon
$619 Save $170   Get Deal

Looking for a new drone? The Skyrover X1 drone has dropped in price at Amazon, and you can save $170. Normally $619, it's now priced at just $449. And according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is the best-ever price for this drone.

This drone is a compact option, weighing under 249 grams. It has a 1/1.32-inch CMOS sensor and f/1.7 aperture for capturing 48MP photos and 4K/60fps HDR video.

SEE ALSO: Avian flu, drone swarms, and mass surveillance included in Anthropic's safety report

For helping keep footage smooth and steady, there's a 3-axis gimbal plus an AI Night Mode feature that helps to keep detail sharp during dusk and nighttime filming. For flying, 360° obstacle sensing and Smart Return to Home give you an extra layer of support, and the SkyBridge transmission delivers a 1080p/60fps live view from up to 9.32 miles away.

In the bundle, you'll get the remote controller, gimbal protector, shoulder bag, three pairs of propellers, 18 propeller screws, a screwdriver, three Smart Flight Batteries, a battery hub, a USB-C data cable, Lightning and Type-C adapter cables, and a quick guide. Each battery provides up to 32 minutes of flight time, or up to 96 minutes with three batteries.

Get this drone deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $90: As of Sept. 14, the Anker 3-in-1 charger is on sale for $139.99 at Amazon. That's a 39% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 3-in-1 Charging Station $139.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $90   Get Deal

If you dream of one cable that can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, meet the Anker 3-in-1 charger.

It gives you a way to charge multiple Apple devices at once without cluttering your desk with cables. And even better, it's currently $90 off at Amazon, bringing the price down to $139.98 from $229.99.

It uses 25W Qi2.2 charging to power an iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in just 22 minutes, plus the active TEC cooling helps keep temperatures down during charging, so you don't need to worry about your devices overheating. There are also three charging modes to choose from, depending on what you need. There are options for quick top-ups, cooler charging, or silent overnight use.

Plus, the adjustable 80-degree stand also makes it easy to view your phone while charging. It also has a 1.65-inch HD touchscreen display that shows the charging status, wattage, and temperature for each device, with on-screen safety alerts and further controls available through the Anker app.

Get this Anker charger deal at Amazon now. It's listed as a limited-time deal, so don't miss out.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 14, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are on sale for $199.95 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04   Get Deal

If you're looking for a pair of workout earbuds that can do a little more than just play music, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 won't disappoint. They have built-in heart rate monitoring for tracking your workouts, plus the secure ear-hook design to keep them right in place. And right now, Amazon has them down to $199.95, saving you $50 on the usual price.

As you'd expect, the sound quality is second to none, plus they come with varying levels of noise cancellation. When you need to focus during a workout, the Active Noise Cancellation helps block out distractions, while Transparency mode lets outside sounds through when you need to hear what's happening around you, like traffic or other runners.

But the major selling point for these earbuds is, of course, the heart rate monitoring. They use sensors inside the earbuds to monitor your pulse during exercise, taking readings more than 100 times per second. They're also rated IPX4, so they can handle sweat and splashes of water or rain during a workout.

Battery life lasts up to 45 hours of listening time with the charging case, and if you need a quick top-up before heading out, a five-minute Fast Fuel charge gives you up to 1.5 hours of playback.

You can find these earbuds on sale online at Amazon now.

SNL UK returned for its second season this weekend, and the show certainly didn't pull any punches with its opening sketch.

In the clip above Harry (Jack Shep) and Meghan (Ayoade Bamgboye) visit King Charles (Larry Dean) and Queen Camilla (Emma Sidi) at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Charles wastes no time in chastising Harry for returning home ("Don't tell me you've spent all your Netflix money already").

The most brutal joke? "What a waste you've become," Charles says to Harry. "You're lucky your father isn't around to see this."

Yikes.

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TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle is on sale for $52.70 at Amazon, down from its $59.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle $52.70 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $7.29 Shop Now

The Pokémon TCG’s 30th Celebration expansion is set to make huge waves in the trading card space on Sept. 16. In the meantime, you can catch up on one of 2025’s most popular collections at up to 12% off on Amazon.

As of Sept. 14, the Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle is $52.70 at Amazon through third-party seller San Diego Cards. Compared to the standard $59.99 list price, that’s 12% off. Delivery is included with this one, and at the time of writing, it is set to arrive at your doorstep between Sept. 18-22. 

At this new price, you’ll only pay $8.78 per pack and save $1.19 compared to buying single Journey Together boosters for $9.97 each on Amazon.

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Granted, TCGplayer and Walmart are continuing their streak of undercutting Amazon, saving you even more. The former has listings going as low as $46.58, while Walmart’s best price is even lower at $45.77 — actually going below its market price of $46.46 (which is estimated by TCGplayer, ironically). 

Journey Together may not be home to the most valuable pulls on the market, but its most stunning chase cards with Special Illustration Artwork are still worth adding to your collection — with market prices up to $100, including Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Salamence ex, and N’s Zoroark ex. 

If you’re simply hoping to get one of these, you can also buy any single Journey Together card right now at TCGplayer directly. 

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE OVER $50: As of Sept. 14, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 open earbuds have been marked down to under $80 on Amazon. Save over $50 on their full price of $129.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore AeroFit 2 by Anker $79.97 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $50.02   Get Deal

Not everyone wants the noise-canceling experience with their earbuds. If you've been leaning towards open earbuds to be more aware of the world around you while listening to your music or podcasts, there are plenty we think are worth your time and money, including the Soundcore AeroFit 2 by Anker. As of Sept. 14, they're even on sale at Amazon, though the clock is ticking to save.

Normally priced at $129.99, every available color of Soundcore AeroFit 2 has dropped below $80 at Amazon. To get into pricing specifics, the brown pair is on sale for $79.97 while the rest are just a cent higher at $79.98, making for just over $50 in savings, no matter which color you go for. However, there's a countdown timer on the store page indicating that this offer only lasts through today, so act fast to save.

SEE ALSO: The new AirPods 5 are available for pre-order at Amazon and Apple

The Soundcore AeroFit 2 really won us over with its fit, earning the title of "best ear hook design" in our roundup of the best open earbuds. Mashable's Bethany Allard writes that they "offer four locked-in angles, making them the most comfortable (and snug) open-ear hook buds we've tried so far." They boast "solid sound quality for the price" as well, with a battery that can last you up to 10 hours on a charge. Or, with the charging case, you can even boost it to 42 hours.

Allard also notes that they're great for workouts, as they "have the best IP rating of any of our picks, being both dust-protected and able to survive jets of water." So if you're planning on getting some outdoor workouts in this fall, they're a great companion to keep you busy with your favorite tunes or podcasts.

Again, this discount is only available through today. So now is the time to make a move on the Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 open earbuds on Amazon before the price goes back up.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: Get the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when you bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in needed). The iPhone 18 Pro is free when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 for free   Get Deal

The dust is still settling from the Apple Event 2026. Apple announced a wave of new hardware and software, headlined by its first foldable iPhone. We're still digging deep into all the new features and stylistic touches that make the iPhone iconic, but we know what you really want — deals.

We know that's the priority at this time. The preorder window is short, so we've lined up the best free deals this week so you can get your hands on the iPhone 18 Pro (or the iPhone 17) without actually spending anything.

These are the best free iPhone deals from T-Mobile this week:

• iPhone 17e — free when you switch to almost any T-Mobile plan with no trade-in required.

• iPhone 17 — free when you bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in needed)

• iPhone 17 Pro — free when trading in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan.

• iPhone 18 Pro — free when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

T-Mobile will charge taxes on these free deals, as well as a $35 device connection fee. That's a small catch, but that's how it often goes with this kind of deal.

If you’re still rocking an iPhone 12 or 13, you’re missing out on some genuinely game-changing features. The iPhone 17 is the first base model built specifically to handle Apple’s most advanced AI features. Mashable's Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter."

Of course, the iPhone 18 Pro takes things to another level. The iPhone 18 Pro features a new A20 Pro chip to better support AI features and Siri AI. This latest model also has major camera upgrades, including physical variable aperture, smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography.

Get the Apple iPhone 17 or iPhone 18 Pro for free this week with T-Mobile.

TL;DR: Watch Villarreal vs. Real Betis in La Liga for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

La Liga really delivered over the weekend. We've seen high-scoring wins from three of the league's top teams — Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid — with a combined 11 goals scored. But the action from this round of fixtures isn't over just yet: Villarreal now hosts Real Betis.

Real Betis have been in solid form in the early stages of the season, winning three from four. The impetus is on Villarreal to get something from this game — they're still searching for their first win of the season. Can we expect even more goals?

If you're interested in watching Villarreal vs. Real Betis in La Liga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Villarreal vs. Real Betis?

Villarreal vs. Real Betis in La Liga kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Sept. 14. This fixture takes place at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

How to watch Villarreal vs. Real Betis for free

Villarreal vs. Real Betis in La Liga is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can live stream Villarreal vs. Real Betis for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Villarreal vs. Real Betis for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Villarreal vs. Real Betis for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Villarreal vs. Real Betis without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for La Liga?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Villarreal vs. Real Betis for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Choosing a Kindle is just the start. Once you have your Kindle, there's so much you can do to make the most of it. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.

So, after extensive testing, reading so many books, and attending BookCon, I created this guide to the best Kindles to buy in 2026.

2026 Kindle price increases

For years, Kindle prices have stayed stable, but in August 2026, they finally got an increase. Every model except the Kindle Scribe received a price increase. We can thank RAMageddon, as an Amazon spokesperson said that the increased prices are a result of "significant increases in memory and storage component costs." Here's a breakdown of all the new Kindle prices.

Eight Kindle models got price increases in Aug. of 2026. Credit: Mashable More 2026 Kindle updates

As of May 20, 2026, Amazon no longer lend software updates or provide web services to devices released in 2012 or earlier, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.

The affected Kindles include:

• Kindle (1st generation)

• Kindle (2nd generation)

• Kindle DX

• Kindle DX Graphite

• Kindle Keyboard

• Kindle 4

• Kindle Touch

• Kindle 5

• Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)

Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

• How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

• I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.

• What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

• What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month

• Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

• Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle
  

Storied Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar has built his career on melodramas rich in sex and agony. However, in 2019, he got more personal with Pain and Glory, a semi-autobiographical drama in which Antonio Banderas plays a thinly veiled version of the director as he looks back on his work and life, anxious to move forward with a new project. His latest, Bitter Christmas, serves as a sister film, echoing not only the semi-autobiographical element but also by casting a dashing actor in the role of an aging Almodóvar.

SEE ALSO: TIFF 2026 preview: 18 films (and shows) you'll want to see (and how)

Leonardo Sbaraglia stars as Raúl, a filmmaker who's hungry for inspiration for a new screenplay. In his corner are his much younger partner, Santi (Quim Gutiérrez), and his longtime manager, Mónica (Aitana Sánchez-Gijón). However, Bitter Christmas gets self-reflexive as Raúl's story is interwoven with that in his screenplay. There, a once-revered art-house filmmaker named Elsa (Bárbara Lennie) seeks to move away from directing commercials and return to screenwriting. Aside from their similar creative quest, both also have May-December romances with younger men, and both find inspiration for their new project in the tragedy that befalls a friend.

In two layers, Almodóvar explores what it means to be an artist who may well cannibalize the stories of his loved ones for his art. But he doesn't lose sight of what it means to see your heartache treated as fertilizer to grow that art. In both Raúl's story and Elsa's, the writers are confronted by a female friend is radiantly furious at having her life treated as source material without consent.

So, how do these parallel stories play out?

Bitter Christmas is compelling and frustrating.

Almodóvar, who wrote and directs Bitter Christmas, leaps back and forth between Raúl and Elsa, whose arcs play out in 2025 and 2004, respectively. Despite the decades between them, these worlds are visually similar, alive with the vivid color palettes that are part of Almodóvar's signature style.

His characters are beautiful, always, and favor bold hues of red, magenta, gold, and amber. The production design around them is rich with the texture of lives lived: a book shelf thoughtfully organized but clearly oft-visited, a lamp shedding light on simple but elegant illustrations, a strip club for women that's a mix of chic and sleazy. Across both stories, we're invited to understand these people and their alter egos through such tender details.

The ensemble cast strides into this world as if it is truly theirs. Determined close-up shots allow for every micro-expression to register, while wide shots remind us of how close these friends and lovers are, and yet how fragile the space between them can be.

Sbaraglia is intriguing in the role of Almodóvar's first mirror, Raúl. He speaks with passion, intelligence, and a low-burning frustration, which bursts whenever he's challenged. Elsa, however, is a more typical Almodóvar figure — a strong-willed woman who won't be bent by the judgment of others. She is robust, defiant, and ruthlessly loyal to her art.

By contrast, the boyfriends Santi and Bonifacio (Patrick Criado) are defined by their congeniality and sex appeal. Gutiérrez, playing the older of the two, gets to weave in more nuance than the Golden Retriever boyfriend Criado is given to play. But this feels intentional, as if Raúl simplifies his lover Santi into the himbo archetype of Bonifacio. But why? It's in these difference where Bitter Christmas becomes the most exciting for longtime Almodóvar fans.

Is the simplification of Santi meant to convince Raúl that their relationship is not so serious, so if and when it ends, his heartbreak will be lessened by anticipation? Or is the almost puppy-like sweetness and loyalty of Bonifacio meant as a quiet condemnation of Elsa's opportunism, as she treats him with little regard even as he bends over backwards to please her? Basically, are these boy toys not meant to be mocked, but to reflect Almodóvar's own insecurities through their guilelessness?

However, it's Monica who becomes Bitter Christmas's most compelling character, and I'm not sure if that's intentional or not.

Aitana Sánchez-Gijon owns Bitter Christmas.

At first, she seems a supporting character who flutters around the sensitive artist, caring for all the chores, emails, and requests so he won't have to. But no sooner is her dedication defined that she's requesting a "sabbatical." It's so unusual for this clear workaholic to request time off, much less a lot of time, and with little warning and no explanation, that Raúl is darkly enchanted.

Forged over decades, their professional and personal relationship is impossibly intertwined, so Monica soon shares that her dear friend has suffered a horrendous personal loss. She is going to care for her (not terribly unlike Almodóvar's last film, The Room Next Door.) However, no sooner has she divulged this painful truth than Raúl remolds it for his fiction. Both within his script and in his life, the filmmaker will have to face the friend betrayed in this specific way.

When Monica sits down with Raúl in a garden cafe to lay into him about his selfishness in this creative endeavor, Bitter Christmas ignites. While much happens in the parallel stories, the energy of Elsa and Raúl feel subdued, as if they are always in their heads looking down on the situation instead of living fully within it. It's possible Almodóvar intended such restraint, but it makes Bitter Christmas feel almost as if the movie is holding its breath, waiting for something profound to hit. That comes when Monica argues for herself, her privacy, and her friend's dignity.

However, no sooner does Bitter Christmas open up into something exciting than the film itself ends. There will be no satisfying resolution — perhaps until Almodóvar's next movie.

At one point in the movie, Raúl recognizes that even a minor work from him will be big to his fans. And it seems almost a buffer for those who might critique Bitter Christmas. Regarded on its own, this film feels thin. But Almodóvar devotees might well see it as a Rosetta stone to better understand the revered filmmaker and the whole of his body of work.

Bitter Christmas was reviewed out of its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film will open in NYC and L.A. Nov. 13, before going nationwide Nov. 25.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for people who watch hockey.

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

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

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports 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 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 before 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Impasse

• Green: Ways to score a hockey goal

• Blue: Award-winning Brewers

• Purple: Meet the Youngs

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Even Match

• Green: Types of Hockey Shots

• Blue: Brewers to Win MVP

• Purple: ___Young

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #721 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Even Match: DEADLOCK, DRAW, STALEMATE, TIE

• Types of Hockey Shots: BACKHAND, SLAP, SNAP, WRIST

• Brewers to Win MVP: BRAUN, FINGERS, YELICH, YOUNT

• ___Young: BRYCE, CY, STEVE, TRAE

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

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

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

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

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.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A lost cat.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

STRAY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

They sound the same.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 14, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

RHYME

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Cutting.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 14, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 14, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

AXING

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A great lake.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

EERIE

Final Hurdle hint

Fatty.

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

PIGGY

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

The Moon is slowly making its way back into our skies. As we work through the lunar cycle, the Moon's crescent is growing a little more each night.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, Sept. 14 NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, with 11% of its surface visible.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

As the Moon orbits Earth, its appearance changes over the course of roughly 29.5 days, creating what we know as the lunar cycle, according to NASA. The phase we see depends on where the Moon is in relation to Earth and the Sun, and how much of its sunlit side is facing us. Throughout the cycle, it moves from a slender crescent to a half Moon and eventually a Full Moon, before the pattern begins again.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 14, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 14, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 14 Pips

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 14 Pips

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically; 3-6, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 4-4, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 14 Pips

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

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed vertically; 4-3, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 0-3, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 0-3, placed vertically; 1-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically

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

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

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 14, 2026 Coot meaning

Medium-sized birds that look like ducks.

Goose meaning

A large bird that is smaller than a duck but larger than a swan.

Loon meaning

Large diving birds with sharp red eyes.

Teal meaning

Small, European dabbling ducks.

Canary meaning

A small finch or person who gives info to the police.

Rat meaning

Rodent or someone who betrays a friend's trust.

Snitch meaning

A tattletale.

Stoolie meaning

Slang for stoole pigeon. A bird that's used to lure other birds into a trap.

Bag meaning

A flexible container to carry things.

Cutlery meaning

Edged cutting tools.

Stirrer meaning

Utensil with a long stem to mix drinks.

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Straw meaning

A tube used to suck up a beverage.

Blue meaning

Color with the hue of the sky or shorthand for a type of pasture grass.

Crab meaning

A decapod crustacean or a type of invasive grass species.

Lemon meaning

An acidic fruit or a kind of grass found in southern India.

Wheat meaning

A cereal grain or a kind of low-maintenance grass type used for feeding animals.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you know about birds.

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 Pips hints, answers for September 11, 2026 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: Birds that like water

• Green: Undercover

• Blue: Disposables

• Purple: Kinds of grass

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Waterbirds

• Green: Informant

• Blue: Common Single-Use Plastic Items

• Purple: ___Grass

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 #1191 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Waterbirds: COOT, GOOSE, LOON, TEAL

• Informant: CANARY, RAT, SNITCH, STOOLIE

• Common Single-Use Plastic Items: BAG, CUTLERY, STIRRER, STRAW

• ___Grass: BLUE, CRAB, LEMON, WHEAT

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you excite easily.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 14, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Oh My Gosh!!

The words are related to being surprised.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are adjectives used to describe fright or excitement.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is That's shocking.

NYT Strands word list for September 12

• Exclaim

• Shudder

• Freeze

• Gasp

• Start

• Recoil

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if wash off your plates before putting them in the dishwasher.

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 September 14, 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 September 14, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Cleanse.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

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...

RINSE

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.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.