IT General

TL;DR: ChatPlayground is a new AI platform that gives you lifetime access to dozens of major models for $60.

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $59.97
$619 Save $559.03   Get Deal

Copying the same prompt into three different AI tools just to see which one answers best wastes time, and juggling separate tabs and subscriptions gets old very fast. Different models are good at different things, so comparing them side by side makes it a whole lot easier than just guessing if GPT will be able to write a good email today. ChatPlayground AI puts the top AI models in one interface, and a lifetime Unlimited subscription is on sale for $59.97 (reg. $619) through Aug. 25.

You can compare GPT-4o, Claude Sonnet, Gemini, DeepSeek, Llama, Perplexity, and more in a single clean window. That setup suits people who iterate fast, test variations, and want to tighten their results.

Beyond comparisons, ChatPlayground AI includes prompt engineering tools to refine outputs, image and PDF chat for context-aware responses, saved chat history for ongoing projects, and AI image generation powered by leading models. There’s even a Chrome extension to integrate it directly into your browsing workflow.

The Unlimited Plan means unlimited messages per month, making it ideal for startups, product teams, marketers, and prompt engineers who run experiments nonstop. You also get priority support and early access to new features and future models.

If you’re already paying for multiple AI tools or constantly switching between them, this brings everything into a single platform.

Get lifetime access to ChatPlayground on sale for $59.97. Sale ends Aug. 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: AcePDF Converter and Editor is on flash sale for $23.97 (reg. $99.99) through Aug. 25 — a lifetime license instead of another monthly fee.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker AcePDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $23.97
$99.99 Save $76.02   Get Deal

Most PDF tools want you locked into a monthly plan just to merge a couple of files or convert a document. AcePDF Converter and Editor skips that model entirely — pay once, use it for as long as you need it. And this week only, it’s on flash sale for $23.97 through Aug. 25.

The app delivers fast, accurate conversion. Drop in a PDF and pull out a Word, Excel, or JPG file with the original layout, images, and hyperlinks intact, or go the other direction and turn a Word doc, Excel sheet, or PPT file into a clean PDF.

Built-in OCR extracts text from scanned or image-based PDFs, making old paperwork searchable and editable rather than just a picture. From there, you can mark up existing PDFs, fill out forms, merge or split files, compress large documents, add watermarks, or lock sensitive files behind a password.

Compatible with both Mac and PC, the license covers two devices, so it works whether you’re switching between a work laptop and a home computer.

Get AcePDF Converter and Editor for $23.97 in a flash sale through Aug. 25.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Windows 11 Pro is $10.49 for one compatible PC, with no subscription or recurring fees, with code SAVE30.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $10.49
$199 Save $188.51   Get Deal

If your PC has been running a little sluggish or you’ve been meaning to bring your system up to speed, Windows 11 Pro is just $10.49 (MSRP $199) — a rare, time-sensitive offer that rewards quick, savvy decisions.

This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s more about giving your computer the modern foundation it deserves. Windows 11 Pro brings a sleeker UI, better multitasking, and enhanced security — all in a one-time lifetime license.

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Think of it as the difference between driving a reliable car and suddenly upgrading to one with a smarter dashboard, smoother handling, and built-in security features.

For professionals, creators, and frequent users, this upgrade also unlocks features like Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, and seamless Azure AD integration — tools that make a real difference when you’re working across projects or managing sensitive data.

And yes, Windows 11 comes with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can summarize pages, change settings, or even help you generate code on the fly. It’s like having a co-pilot (literally) inside your OS.

But you don’t need convincing — you already know a smart upgrade when you see one.

Get Windows 11 Pro for just $10.49 (MSRP $199), with code SAVE30.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a film buff.

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.

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 Pips hints, answers for August 25, 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: It's not that deep

• Green: Defies science

• Blue: Classic films

• Purple: A sweet treat

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Surface-level

• Green: Sci-Fi phenomena

• Blue: Stephen King film adaptations, with "The"

• Purple: Ending in ice cream orders

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 #1171 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Surface-level: COSMETIC, ONE-DIMENSIONAL, SKIN-DEEP, SUPERFICIAL

• Sci-Fi phenomena: HYPERSPACE, PARALLEL UNIVERSE, TELEPORTATION, TIME WARP

• Stephen King film adaptations, with "The": GREEN MILE, LONG WALK, RUNNING MAN, SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

• Ending in ice cream orders: HARLEM SHAKE, INSIDE SCOOP, LICKETY-SPLIT, TRAFFIC CONE

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.

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 August 25, 2026 Superficial meaning

Lacking deep meaning.

Hyperspace meaning

A movie or a sci-fi mode of transport.

Harlem Shake meaning

A viral internet dance.

Lickety-split meaning

To do or achieve something quickly.

Running Man meaning

A popular dance or one of two movies adaptations.

Traffic cone meaning

A conical device used to block or direct traffic.

Time warp meaning

A disruption in time. Possibly a dance from cult-classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Long Walk meaning

A lengthy, exhausting journey. Possibly the title of a movie adaptation.

One-Dimensional meaning

Lacking profound depth or meaning.

Parallel universe meaning

An alternate timeline.

Green Mile meaning

A popular Stephen King book.

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Inside scoop meaning

Possessing information before the general public does.

Cosmetic meaning

Relating to physical appearance

Shawshank Redemption meaning

An award-winning film starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.

Teleportation meaning

Instantaneous transportation between two points.

Skin-deep meaning

Something that is only at the surface level.

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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know watch European soccer.

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.

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 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.

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: 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: AFC North

• Green: Host cities

• Blue: European champions

• Purple: Football Giants

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: An AFC North Player

• Green: European Cities to Host Olympics, Since 2000

• Blue: Champions League Winners

• Purple: New York Giants

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 #701 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• An AFC North Player: BENGAL, BROWN, RAVEN, STEELER

• European Cities to Host Olympics, Since 2000: LONDON, MILAN, PARIS, TURIN

• Champions League Winners: AJAX, JUVENTUS, PORTO, REAL MADRID

• New York Giants: BURNS, DART, HOLLAND, LIKELY

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.

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

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 August 25, 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 August 25, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for August 25 Pips

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

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

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 0-1, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally

Medium difficulty hints, answers for August 25 Pips

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed vertically.

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

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

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 1-6, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for August 25 Pips

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 0-6, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed vertically; 2-5, 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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy for those who love being outside.

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 August 25, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Enjoying nature

The words are adjectives related to the Great Outdoors.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe an outdoorsy activity.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Take a Hike.

NYT Strands word list for August 25

• Path

• Canteen

• Take a Hike

• Trailhead

• Woods

• Wildlife

• Market

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 you can connect the dots.

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 August 25, 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 August 25, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To snap.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter C appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

CLICK

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.

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

Shy.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

TIMID

Hurdle Word 2 hint

By oneself.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 25, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ALONE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

The start.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 25, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Aug. 25, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BIRTH

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Ceasefire.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

TRUCE

Final Hurdle hint

Pelvic area.

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

GROIN

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

It doesn't take too much digging around on Paramount+ to find a few movies that you might consider favorites—comfort food flicks you could watch again and again, quirky classics anchored around one famous line, or, in the case of my top pick this week, something to pay homage to a star gone too soon.

When Apple announced price hikes across many of its product lines earlier this summer, there was one product that was noticeably absent: the iPhone.

But, just like it did with the MacBook and iPad, it appears that Apple will soon be raising prices on the iPhone, too. It looks like the tech giant was just waiting to adjust prices until the new iPhone 18 lineup is announced, which will almost certainly happen at the company's annual September event.

According to Bloomberg Apple expert Mark Gurman, the source of virtually all news about unreleased Apple products, the company is currently preparing for iPhone price hikes. Just how high will prices go? That's what Apple is still deciding, Gurman reports.

iPhone prices could increase by $100 or more

An iPhone price hike has seemed inevitable for months. The ongoing global memory shortage has significantly raised manufacturing costs, and the tech world has seen waves of price increases on smartphones and laptops.

As Gurman points out, Apple raised the price of its non-smartphone products by varying amounts. The iPad Air went up by $150. The MacBook Air price was raised by $200. The Mac Studio saw a whopping $500 price increase. Apple may feel that iPhone users are locked into the iOS ecosystem and that it can raise prices a significant amount without losing customers.

However, at the same time, Apple does have to compete with other companies' devices. Samsung and Google only raised the prices of their new Galaxy and Pixel line of smartphones by about $100 each (foldable phones have typically seen much larger price increases). Apple may feel like they need to either match that or stay within that general price range. That would see a base model iPhone 18 Pro priced at around $1,199 at launch.

In addition, Gurman says that Apple may feel like it could compete with higher price hikes than its competitors thanks to the company's new Upgrade program. Apple Upgrade is essentially a leasing model in which Apple users can pay a recurring monthly fee for a device and then easily swap the device in for an upgrade when a new model comes out. If the iPhone gets more expensive, those users who may have previously been priced out after a price hike can instead just opt to lease the device in the Apple Upgrade program.

All of our questions about the foldable iPhone Ultra and price increases will likely be answered in just a few weeks at Apple's big September event.

Unfortunately, iPhone price increases now seem inevitable.

TL;DR: Pay $67.97 for five years of flowkey Classic, including every course, interactive feedback, and more than 1,000 classical and public-domain songs.

Opens in a new window Credit: flowkey flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription) $67.97
$899 Save $831.03   Get Deal

Learning piano is not a weekend project, which is exactly why a five-year subscription makes sense. Flowkey Classic provides long-term access to guided courses, exercises, and more than 1,000 classical and public-domain songs for just $67.97 (reg. $899) through Aug. 25.

This app includes so many helpful features. The app listens while you play and gives immediate feedback on notes and chords. Wait Mode pauses the music until you press the correct notes, so practice moves at your speed rather than forcing you to keep up.

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Video demonstrations show professional pianists alongside synchronized sheet music. Slow Motion makes difficult sections easier to follow, while the Loop tool repeats a selected passage until it feels less impossible.

Hand Selection separates right- and left-hand parts for focused practice. Courses also cover music theory, chords, sheet music, basic rhythms, proper hand positioning, and playing with both hands.

The Classic library includes professionally arranged pieces by Bach, Debussy, Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, Liszt, Brahms, and other composers. Arrangements are available for beginner, intermediate, advanced, and pro skill levels, allowing you to choose versions that match your ability.

Flowkey works across laptops, phones, and tablets and supports 11 languages.

The practical advantage is time. Five years leaves room to start slowly, revisit difficult skills, and progress without rushing to “get your money’s worth” in one month.

Get the 5-year flowkey Piano Learning App Classic subscription for a one-time $67.97 payment through Aug. 25.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Sterling Stock Picker for $49.97 (reg. $486) through Aug. 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sterling Stock Picker Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription $49.97
$486 Save $436.03   Get Deal

Researching stocks can quickly turn into a rabbit hole of financial statements, charts, and market jargon. Sterling Stock Picker is designed to condense that information into a more approachable way, using its North Star technology to analyze a stock’s financial, technical, and risk factors before giving it a buy, sell, hold, or avoid signal. It’s currently $49.97 for a lifetime subscription, price-dropped from $486, with the sale ending August 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

If you’ve used ChatGPT to make complicated information easier to understand, the Sterling Stock Picker takes a similar focus to stock research. Its Finley AI financial coach can answer questions about markets and portfolios in plain English, using real-time market data to explain what’s happening without requiring you to decode financial jargon on your own.

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The stock picker does more than individual stock research, too. A five-minute risk-tolerance questionnaire helps personalize recommendations, while the Done-for-You Portfolio Builder can create a diversified portfolio based on your goals and risk profile. Stock Rockets surfaces companies with 50%+ quarterly revenue growth and high North Star ratings, while sector and industry insights provide a broader view of where market momentum is developing.

That combination could be useful for newer investors who want more guidance as they learn the ropes, as well as experienced investors who want to organize research more efficiently. Educational resources and strategy guides are included for those who want to understand the reasoning behind different investing concepts.

However, it’s worth noting that no AI tool can predict the market or eliminate investment risk. Sterling Stock Picker is better viewed as a research and educational tool that can help organize information and surface potential opportunities.

The lifetime subscription includes access through the web, iOS, and Android, along with future updates and no recurring monthly or annual costs.

Get the Sterling Stock Picker while it’s on sale for $49.97 (reg. $486) through Aug. 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid delivers something many hybrid SUVs don't: standard all-wheel drive while keeping most trims below $40,000. With 35 mpg combined fuel economy, a roomy cabin, and a starting price of $34,730, it gives family buyers a rare combination of efficiency, traction, and value.

We are now just weeks away from Apple's big September iPhone launch event, where we expect the new iPhone 18 lineup to be announced, along with the company's first foldable iPhone.

Now, the lucky people who acted as early testers for the foldable iPhone, which is rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, have shared their experiences with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. And according to Gurman, it seems like Apple will have a big hit on its hands. However, it does seem like early reviewers have a couple of specific complaints with the device.

The iPhone Ultra is a hit among testers

Over the weekend, Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman shared that he has spoken with individuals who have actually used the iPhone Ultra. After hearing what they had to say, Gurman says he "couldn't be more excited" for the foldable device.

According to Gurman, iPhone Ultra testers love that the device is pocket-sized, something our phone reviewers also love about foldable phones. When the iPhone Ultra is opened, the inner display is reportedly just slightly smaller than an iPad mini, making the small size of the foldable device quite impressive. Gurman says that testers also liked the iPad-esque UX, made possible by that flexible internal display.

It also seems like all that work Apple put into perfecting the foldable device's hinge paid off. Gurman reports that the "feel and durability of the advanced hinge mechanism" has received high praise.

Gurman specifically mentions the iPhone Ultra excelling as a camera viewfinder as well.

iPhone Ultra is missing two big things

However, according to the testers that Gurman spoke to, there are two major features that are missing with the iPhone Ultra.

Crucially, as we've seen in leaked renders, the iPhone Ultra only has two rear cameras. That means there is no telephoto lens, which has become standard on most premium phones. This has been rumored for a while, but Gurman is now reporting that testers were disappointed with the camera array.

As Gurman points out, the iPhone Ultra will likely cost $2,000 at least, and "the Venn diagram of people willing to spend top dollar on an early-adopter product and those who appreciate advanced camera capabilities — including deeper zoom — is probably pretty close to a circle." Current iPhone Pro users who are looking to upgrade might view the loss of one of their camera lenses as a downgrade and choose to buy the new (and almost certainly less expensive) iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max instead of the iPhone Ultra.

In our recent reviews of Samsung's new foldables, the camera arrays were one of our chief complaints. Both the smaller Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the larger Z Fold 8 (which matches the rumored shape and specs of the iPhone Ultra) had disappointing cameras compared to Pro and Ultra devices from Samsung, Google, and Apple.

The second big omission is that the iPhone Ultra lacks Face ID. Gurman confirms a long-time rumor that the phone uses Touch ID to authenticate users, reportedly disappointing users who have gotten used to Apple's Face ID feature.

These omitted features, along with anything else missing from the iPhone Ultra, will likely be added to future models. After all, this is Apple's first foldable phone, but most likely it won't be the last.

Take-Two Interactive Software, the parent company of Grand Theft Auto-maker Rockstar Games, is stepping up its efforts to unmask the anonymous leaker known as Cyberleek, who is still actively sharing GTA 6 leaks online.

On Aug. 21, Take-Two asked the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York to sign subpoenas against Google and X Corp to compel them "to produce the identity of entities or persons believed to be infringing on the copyright of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc."

One of the subpoenas includes a copy of a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown request sent to X, which seemingly confirms the leaked gameplay videos posted by Cyberleek are legitimate. While an earlier subpoena filed by Take-Two referenced "stolen content," the latest filing contains even more details.

SEE ALSO: GTA 6 Cyberleek update: Everything leaked so far, what might be next

Take-Two requested that X Corp remove "Images and videos extracted from an unreleased copyrighted work GTA VI," as the takedown request states. In addition, Take-Two also wrote, "The reported post contains unauthorized, leaked gameplay footage from the unreleased game Grand Theft Auto VI. This material reproduces our Client's copyrighted, unreleased game assets and was published and distributed without any authorization from the copyright holder. The content is presented as genuine leaked Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay from Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., and its distribution constitutes unauthorized reproduction and public disclosure of our Client's copyrighted work." (Emphasis added by Mashable.)

A DMCA takedown request sent to Google includes screenshots of Cyberleek videos posted to YouTube. Credit: U.S. District Court - Southern District of New York YouTube indicated that it complied with the takedown request in an email included with a recent subpeona. Credit: U.S. District Court - Southern District of New York

The action against Google and X Corp follows two similar subpoena requests filed against Microsoft and Discord, as Mashable reported on Friday. It's all part of Take-Two's ongoing efforts to scrub Cyberleek's videos from the web, while also identifying the leaker's digital footprints.

"The DMCA Subpoena is directed to X Corp., the service provider of an account with the username @cyberleek_ar_io. Infringing content was posted via the @cyberleek_ar_io account," the filing states. "This content infringes copyrights held by Take-Two for GRAND THEFT AUTO VI, proprietary software owned by Take-Two. The copyrighted material includes but is not limited to audiovisual content, artwork, images, dialogue, or other creative elements."

Likewise, the subpoena directed to Google states, "This infringing content is believed to be associated with the following online personas: CyberLeeks, Surfer24k, CyberLeek_ar_io."

Cyberleek seems undaunted by Take-Two's investigation, and they recently released more alleged gameplay footage showing a nudist colony, a gas station carjacking, and glimpses of a cutscene.

In fact, Cyberleek has been very busy over the past week, posting new Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay videos, polls, and map images on a daily basis. Scheduled for release on Nov. 19, the game has been in development for over a decade and has been subject to repeated delays, making it one of the most highly anticipated video games of all time. Before the GTA 6 leaks started, Rockstar announced it would finally debut an "extended look" at the game on Netflix on Aug. 27, but Cyberleek has disrupted those promotional plans.

Even as YouTube, X, and Discord remove infringing content, the GTA 6 leaks are still easy to find, and they're spreading widely on social media.

Meanwhile, the subpoenas provide a glimpse into Take-Two and Rockstar's efforts to unmask the leaker.

In the original Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown requests filed on Aug. 21, Take-Two demanded that Microsoft remove infringing material posted on a specific Github repository associated with Cyberleek. That repository was still online Friday, but the URL now produces a 404 error. In its filing against Discord, Take-Two requested information related to specific Discord users and servers.

Take-Two is seeking a wide range of data from Google, X Corp, Microsoft, and Discord. For the accounts associated with Cyberleek, the company is demanding the account ID, server metadata, telemetry records, original message logs, IP access logs, email addresses, phone numbers, connected accounts, registration timestamps, and any device identifiers.

If caught, Cyberleek will almost certainly face criminal charges, though that depends on how they obtained the leaked material and where the leaker is located.

So far, Rockstar Games and Take-Two haven't said anything about the alleged leaks outside of the subpoena requests. Mashable has contacted both companies repeatedly with questions, and we'll update this story if we receive a response.

TL;DR: Internxt is a private, encrypted cloud storage with a 5TB lifetime subscription on sale for $170 through August 25.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pexels Internxt Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (5TB Plan) $169.97
$1,900 Save $1,730.03   Get Deal

Renting cloud storage means paying every month just to keep your files safe. The longer you keep a subscription running, the worse of a deal it becomes. If you want a smarter option, Internxt is a new cloud storage platform offering 5TB of cloud storage for a one-time fee, and it’s even on sale. Get an Internxt 5TB lifetime subscription for $169.97 (reg. $1,900) while you can.

Before a file leaves your computer, Internxt scrambles it, so you’re the only one who can read it. Even Internxt doesn’t know what you’re uploading. Google Drive and Dropbox don’t even do that. On the way up, your files are split into encrypted pieces, so anyone who grabs one only gets a useless chunk. Internxt also uses post-quantum encryption, so even if quantum computers ever become something people just have, your files should still be safe. There’s also AES-256 encryption to protect against modern threats.

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You can access your files from anywhere with apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus a web version. You can also connect as many devices as you want, and each file can be as large as 10GB

Internxt’s code is public on GitHub. That means anyone can audit how it works and make sure it holds up to the hype. The service is GDPR compliant, and they’ve even been audited by Securitum. TechRadar gave it four out of five stars.

You don’t have to pay for cloud storage every month.

Until Aug. 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get a 5TB Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription for $169.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Even as we barrel down to the last days of what has been an exciting August for movies (The Last House, Don't Say Good Luck, Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy among the highlights), Netflix's Top 10 has still been filling up with some solid choices for U.S. subscribers to the service—not to mention The Whisper Man still to come.

TL;DR: Learn to master one of the buzziest AI models on the market with this Claude AI Professional E-Degree, now just $14.97 (reg. $159) through Aug. 25.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eduonix Learning Solutions Claude AI Professional E-Degree $14.97
$159 Save $144.03   Get Deal

If Claude is your go-to AI model, you’re probably underusing it. This powerful tool is becoming a favorite for a reason, and now it’s easier than ever to use its full power to your advantage. This Claude AI Professional E-Degree teaches you the tools, techniques, and skills to help you get more out of this AI model for only $14.97 now through Aug. 25.

Sure, you can ask Claude a question and get an answer in seconds, but there’s so much more that this AI model can do for you. The Claude AI Professional E-Degree shows you how to really put this powerful tool to the test, teaching you how to use it like a pro.

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Go from a beginner to an expert user with the four info-packed courses that cover four Claude tools in the E-Degree. Eduonix Learning Solutions, a team of industry professionals, walks you through more than eight hours of content, schooling you on the ins and outs of Claude — from building effective prompts to building a website.

Let these instructors show you how to set up an automated system, create practical projects for marketing workflows, or learn more complex tasks, like mastering chain-of-thought workflows that improve your Claude answers.

Discover how to connect Claude to Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, Chrome, MCP connectors, and productivity tools. If you’re coding, you can also master AI-assisted coding workflows and debugging techniques available to you.

Once you work through the courses, you can test your skills with quizzes. You can also receive a professional eDegree certification upon completion.

Score this Claude AI Professional E-Degree for just $14.97 now through Aug. 25.

StackSocial prices subject to change.