IT General

Gmail has long been one of Google’s tentpole services, but for a brief period of time, the company experimented with a different email app. It was called “Inbox by Gmail,” and despite a loving fanbase, it eventually got the axe.

Whether you're a student, teacher, or parent gearing up for the new school year, taking care of your mental and physical health is more important than ever due to our reliance on technology for learning. Fortunately, technology can also be part of the solution, offering many tools to help you take better care of yourself.

If you were looking to cast a lead in an action movie involving a lot of fight scenes, Bob Odenkirk might not be your first choice. You'd be wrong, of course; the 2021 action thriller Nobody, starring Odenkirk as a retired hitman, was a success both critically and at the box office.

If you're going to nearly lose a pet snake anywhere, you might as well at least nearly lose it somewhere memorable.

Appearing on Late Night in the clip above, Zoë Kravitz tells a story of staying at Taylor Swift's house with her mother, actor Lisa Bonet, and how the latter's pet snake nearly made its escape through a snake-sized hole in one of Swift's bathrooms.

Fortunately the snake was reclaimed unharmed, but sadly Swift's bathroom didn't fare quite so well.

Meyers' reaction? "I feel like that snake's gonna get like three songs on the next album."

Dorms are loud, chaotic, and full of distractions, like hallway parties and questionable guitar solos. Since your study schedule won’t always sync with your roommates and hallmates, a good pair of headphones with ANC isn’t a luxury; it’s survival. Here's why.

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to reach to hurricane strength as it hurtles across the Atlantic this week.

The National Hurricane Center's prediction cone shows a westward trajectory, but doesn't paint a clear picture whether or not it's likely to impact the east coast of the United States. Spaghetti models, which represent a collection of predicted paths generated by multiple computer models, paint a more definitive picture as of Wednesday morning.

All the major models show the storm turning north and eventually northeast before reaching the United States mainland, according to data and analysis shared by meteorologist James Spann.

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As of Wednesday morning, Tropical Storm Erin is packing 45 mph sustained maximum wind speeds as it moves westward at 20 mph. It is expected to turn gradually northwestward sometime Thursday and reach hurricane status late Thursday night or early Friday morning, according to the 5 a.m. ET Wednesday NHC forecast.

There are no coastal watches or warnings currently in effect.

The latest forecasts, updated multiple times daily, can be tracked online on the National Hurricane Center website.

SAVE OVER $30: As of Aug. 13, the Lego Star Wars The Dark Falcon set is on sale for $145 at Walmart. This is $34.99 off its list price of $179.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars The Dark Falcon Building Set $145 at Walmart
$179.99 Save $34.99 Get Deal

If you're a Star Wars fan, there are plenty of exciting Lego sets to consider from a galaxy far, far away. August alone has seen some fun new drops, but if you're on the hunt for a good deal on a Star Wars-themed Lego set, you're in luck. Walmart's offering a discount right now on the Lego Star Wars The Dark Falcon set that's worth a look.

The Lego Star Wars The Dark Falcon set is usually listed for $179.99, but it's currently marked down to $145. If you've had it on your radar, now is a great time to grab it. It's a set that's worth the pickup.

SEE ALSO: Our 13 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans

Coming to 1,579 pieces and recommended for ages 10 and up, the Lego Star Wars The Dark Falcon set allows you to piece together a dark version of the Millennium Falcon that was seen in the Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy Disney+ special. Alongside the ship — which features a detailed interior, removable cockpit, spring-loaded shooters, rotating cannons, and a removable gunner post — it also comes with six minifigures of Darth Jar Jar, Bounty Hunter C-3PO, Darth Dev, Darth Rey, Beach Luke, and Jedi Vader.

Don't miss out on the Lego Star Wars The Dark Falcon set on sale at Walmart for $145. And if you'd prefer to build the regular Millennium Falcon, the good news is the Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon is also on sale right now at Amazon.

SAVE $16.75: As of Aug. 13, the Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Black Bolt Binder Collection is $51.74 at TCGPlayer, compared to $68.49 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Black Bolt Binder Collection $51.74 at TCGPlayer
$68.49 Save $16.75 Get Deal

If you play or collect the Pokémon TCG, you have probably heard the buzz around Scarlet and Violet’s Black Bolt and White Flare expansions. They have been filling card shops and trade binders with stunning special illustration rares, strong competitive trainer cards, and some eye-catching secret art rare ex Pokémon that are making an impact in tournaments.

The Black Bolt Binder Collection is an easy way to dive into the set without having to track down booster packs one at a time, and right now TCGPlayer has it for much less than Amazon.

SEE ALSO: A new Nintendo Switch 2 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' bundle is available for preorder

Amazon is asking $68.49 for the collection, which is well above the current market value. TCGPlayer has it for $51.74, saving you $16.75 that you could put toward extra boosters or a few singles to finish your deck. Inside the Black Bolt Binder Collection you get a durable nine-pocket binder with set artwork, five Scarlet and Violet Black Bolt booster packs, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live so you can bring your pulls into the online game.

This product works for both sides of the Pokémon TCG hobby. Players can crack the boosters in hopes of pulling a card that improves their tournament list, while collectors can use the binder to store and display their favorite pulls from Black Bolt and White Flare. The binder is sturdy enough for regular use and the pockets fit cards snugly, so your rares and holofoils stay in top condition.

Opening sealed product is a big part of the fun in this hobby, and the Black Bolt Binder Collection offers that thrill along with a practical storage upgrade. It is also a neat way to keep your cards from the paired White Flare expansion together, since many collectors like to display both sets side by side.

TCGPlayer market data shows the Black Bolt Binder Collection averages around $52.94, which makes Amazon’s price more than 29% higher than what most people are paying. If you want to enjoy the excitement of Black Bolt and White Flare without overspending, TCGPlayer is the clear winner.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: The Pokémon Company / Mashable Photo Composite

Here are the most valuable cards you can pull in Black Bolt and White Flare right now. Don't want to leave it to chance? You can just buy them for the best price on TCGPlayer right now:

1. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $450
   Market price: $474.25
   Most recent sale: $450

2. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $420
   Market price: $445.20
   Most recent sale: $418

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $400
   Market price: $406.80
   Most recent sale: $445

4. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $430
   Market price: $430
   Most recent sale: $438.60

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $203
   Market price: $208.05
   Most recent sale: $199.95

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $190
   Market price: $203.13
   Most recent sale: $188.99

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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4 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: To get one's attention

• Green: A section

• Blue: Popular singers

• Purple: Five-pointed shape

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Captivate

• Green: Excerpt

• Blue: Member of a girl group

• Purple: Star ___

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 #795 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Captivate: CHARM, ENTRANCE, RIVET, THRILL

• Excerpt: CLIP, EXTRACT, PASSAGE, QUOTE

• Member of a girl group: BANGLE, CHICK, GO-GO, SUPREME

• Star ___: BOARD, FISH, GATE, STRUCK

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4

Are you also playing NYT 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 the latest Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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 preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Hitchcock festival

The words are media-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are popular movies by an iconic director.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Film Title.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for August 13

• Topaz

• Notorious

• Vertigo

• Lifeboat

• Psycho

• Rope

• Film Title

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 the latest Strands.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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 today: Hints and answers for August 4 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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A fermented milky drink.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter K.

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...

KEFIR.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4

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

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

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

SAVE $12.66: As of Aug. 13, the Pokémon TCG Unova Victini Illustration Collection is $38 at TCGPlayer, compared to $50.66 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Unova Victini Illustration Collection $38 at TCGPlayer
$50.66 Save $12.66 Get Deal

If you’re a Victini fan or just love promo cards, the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Unova Victini Illustration Collection is looking like a great pickup right now. TCGPlayer has it for $38, which is $12.66 cheaper than Amazon’s $50.66 price tag. That’s a solid chunk of change saved, especially if you’ve been holding out for a better deal.

Amazon currently lists the set at $50.66, but TCGPlayer’s price undercuts it by about 25%. If you’re after the promos, this is one of the lowest prices you’ll find on a sealed box that still gives you booster pack variety.

SEE ALSO: Surprise! Pokémon drops adorable new puzzle game on mobile and Switch

The collection includes one full-art foil promo card featuring Victini, one premium parallel foil Victini, and one oversize illustration rare-style foil card. You’ll also get two Black Bolt booster packs, two White Flare booster packs, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

For collectors, this is a Victini showcase piece with both standard and oversized cards to display. For players, it’s a chance to pull from two different sets in the Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet era while picking up useful promos for Fire decks.

If you’re looking to add Victini’s latest promos to your binder or you just want more packs at a better price, now’s a good time to strike. The savings here are significant enough that you can throw in a few extra singles or accessories without going over Amazon’s price.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Here are the most valuable cards you can pull in Black Bolt and White Flare right now. Don't want to leave it to chance? You can just buy them for the best price on TCGPlayer right now:

1. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $450
   Market price: $474.25
   Most recent sale: $450

2. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $420
   Market price: $445.20
   Most recent sale: $418

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $400
   Market price: $406.80
   Most recent sale: $445

4. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $430
   Market price: $430
   Most recent sale: $438.60

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $203
   Market price: $208.05
   Most recent sale: $199.95

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $190
   Market price: $203.13
   Most recent sale: $188.99

The 2026 Genesis Electrified G80 isn’t just a good-looking luxury EV—it’s a full-blown attention magnet. And now that it’s bigger, sleeker, and more upscale, it’s turning heads even harder.

Recteq set out to do something unique with its new X-Fire Pro 825 pellet grill—replace your gas grill. Like most pellet grills, it can easily do low and slow cooks, but its Dual Mode feature gives you the speed and sear of a gas grill and can reach 1250°F. After cooking some burnt ends, brisket, and a 24-oz porterhouse, I'm sold.

SAVE OVER $50: As of Aug. 13, Amazon is offering a like-new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) for $126.99. This is $53 off its list price of $179.99, and also marks a return to its best-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Like-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) $126.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $53.00 Get Deal

If you're a big reader, or know someone who is, it's worth picking up a Kindle to boost your digital library. And every once in a while, these e-readers get some nice discounts at Amazon, and today is one of those lucky days. If you don't mind getting a refurbished model, you can actually score a like-new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) back at its best-ever price right now.

This like-new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) is usually listed for $179.99, but it's currently marked down 29% to $126.99. Again, this marks a return to its lowest-ever price, so there's no better time than now to buy.

SEE ALSO: Stuff Your Kindle Day is live until Aug. 16 — download 100s of free historical fiction and contemporary books

We consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition to be the best upgrade on our list of the best Kindles, offering "twice the storage with 32GB". Alongside its hefty storage, it also boasts 25% faster page turns, a higher contrast ratio, an auto-adjusting front light, and it offers wireless charging.

On top of that, its slim design is perfect for travel and its battery can last up to 12 weeks, so you can stay busy working through your book list. Who knows how much longer this deal will last, so act fast to score this refurbished like-new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) back at its best-ever price on Amazon. There's also a refurbished like-new Kindle Paperwhite on sale there as well, if you'd prefer the standard version.

People are still using Threads! And according to the man in charge, the numbers are actually getting bigger.

On Tuesday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took to Threads to share an update on the platform's monthly users.

SEE ALSO: Threads unveils improved Insights metrics to help creators understand their audience

"Threads on the up and up," he wrote. "Just passed 400M monthly actives on here."

View on Threads

Threads' monthly user figures have been steadily climbing since the app launched in summer 2023. Starting with around 100 million sign ups in its first week, Threads had reached 275 million monthly active users by November 2024.

X, by contrast, has been struggling since Elon Musk took over. The site has been losing users in the EU in recent months, and recent data suggests that Threads is nearing X in terms of daily active users.

Anker feels like a cheat code in the tech world. The brand has a massive product lineup that consistently impresses in both quality and affordability. Anker makes some of Mashable’s favorite charging accessories, travel-worthy power banks, and budget-friendly earbuds. You could grab a pair of headphones, earbuds, a charger, extra high-capacity USB-C cables, and a power bank, all for way less than a single pair of Sony XM6 headphones, as an example. If you need portable power for the campsite, your RV, or you want to keep your phone charged up during a power outage, the Anker Solix C1000 is a dependable workhorse and a great addition to Anker’s product offerings.

Anker actually has several brand divisions, and there are highlights in all. Anker Soundcore is the brand’s go-to all things audio like earbuds, headphones, Bluetooth speakers, and even sleep earbuds. The brand also encompasses Nebula, which makes a lineup of projectors like the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser — the perfect host for outdoor movie nights. Eufy makes stick vacuums, robot vacuums, home security devices, and robot lawn mowers if you’re really hoping to step into the future. Anker’s Solix is all about power, covering both portable power you can take to the campground and whole-home backup solutions.

Plenty of port options here. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The Anker Solix C1000 portable power station is a versatile model that offers 1,056Wh of battery capacity, which is pretty middle-of-the-road in terms of portable power stations. Anker lists the MSRP at $999, but we often see it on sale at Amazon for about $500, making it an affordable option for the size. Does that mean it’s a must-buy or a flop? We put it to the test to find out.

What’s to love about the Anker Solix C1000

Opening the box and doing some initial testing, I’m not surprised the Anker Solix C1000 is simply perfect. I’m sorry to disappoint any naysayers, but the Solix C1000 comes with so few flaws that I had to thoughtfully dig for potential issues. I did find some, yes, but the Anker Solix C1000 is a great option for most people, well deserving of its price for camping, RV life, keeping charged up during power outages, and plenty more. It comes with enough charging ports to keep almost every device happy, and it’s powerful enough to recharge your laptop and your phone, all while making dinner in a power-station-fueled air fryer.

The Solix C1000 provided the juice for an outdoor movie night at the cabin. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Anker doesn’t explain why it went with the word “Solix” for its power stations, but it would make sense that it's playing off the Latin root for the sun, sol — the Anker Solix C1000 plays very well with solar charging. On its own, 1,056Wh of battery isn’t a huge amount, but if you hook the Solix C1000 up to a solar panel while you’re camping, you’re in line for unlimited power. Take this puppy with you on your summer adventures, and you can power up your entire living set-up with just the Anker Solix C1000.

Technically, Anker classifies this as part of the “camping series,” and that feels like an honest representation of where it shines. This isn’t gonna power up your whole house if the power goes out for days. Instead, this is a portable option for weekends away or for content creators who are spending the day in the field to capture video and drone footage. Here are some specs to check out when deciding if the Solix C1000 is right for your power needs:

Specs

• Capacity: 1,056Wh

• Continuous output: 1,800W pure sine wave

• Weight: 28.44 pounds

• Dimensions: 14.8 in. L × 8.1 in. W × 10.5 in. H

• Power options: AC, USB-C (100W), USB-A

• Recharging options: Grid power, solar, car

• Battery type: LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate)

• Life cycles: 80 percent capacity after 3,000 cycles

• Warranty: 5 years

What does 1,056Wh look like IRL?

One of the hardest parts of choosing a portable power station is coming to grips with what the battery capacity means in real-life terms. All of our gadgets require different levels of juice to get charged up, but it’s safe to say the Anker Solix C1000 is great for a weekend of camping for most people. The 1,056Wh will be able to keep phones charged, the campsite string lights lit up, and the projector showing nightly movies.

Anker says the C1000 can recharge an iPhone 92 times, a drone 21 times, or keep a coffee maker on for over 2.5 hours. When testing, I used the portable power station to recharge my phone while watching a movie on the CineBeam Q projector. In the morning, I used it to heat water in the electric kettle for my portable espresso machine. 

More essential than s’mores when camping

It’s obvious Anker designed the Solix C1000 to be camping-friendly. It weighs less than 30 pounds, so it’s pretty easy to carry around, especially since it has ergonomic handles on both sides. When testing, I had no problems carrying it around aside from going down an especially steep staircase, which led me to angle sideways so I could keep the stairs in view. Otherwise, this thing is a dream to carry around the campground. 

The 1,056Wh combined with the physical size of the Solix C1000 makes it the perfect option for a weekend of camping. It’ll keep your phones charged, the lights on, and keep entertainment options charged, like a Bluetooth speaker, without being overkill. Plus, you can recharge via solar at the campsite. 

A portable size, manageable weight, and lightbar all make the power station extra user-friendly. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Another aspect of the Anker Solix C1000 that’s awesome for camping is the built-in lightbar. This automatically means you’ve packed ambient light for the campsite, and the lightstrip has several settings from blazing high-noon light to calming warm light that’s awesome for evening.

Ports-a-plenty

For its compact size, Anker packed the Solix C1000 with port options. You’re in for two USB-C ports, one of which can pull 100W, two USB-A, and six AC ports. I can’t imagine what kind of camping trip would require connecting six devices to AC power, but you have it should you need it. The 100W USB-C port is a thoughtful touch, although it’s lower powered than some portable power stations that incorporate a 140W USB-C port. But again, given its compact size and even more impressive compact price, the Anker Solix C1000 is really an incredible bang-for-your-buck in terms of charging ports.

When the storm hits, the Solix C1000 keeps you charged

While Anker lists the Solix C1000 as a camping model, it’s gonna be your best friend when the power goes out at home. You’ll be able to keep the living room light on, use the hairdryer, and sleep with a CPAP should you need it. The power never goes out when your phone is fully charged, so the Anker Solix C1000 can help out with that dilemma, too. 

Personally, I require a portable power station to have a built-in light if I intend to use it during home power outages. Image schlepping a portable power station up the stairs in the darkness of a power outage. It’s not gonna be a great time. But turn that strip light on and you can light your path up the stairs from the garage or as you bring it from room to room.

In a power outage situation, Anker says the Solix C1000 can keep a CPAP going for over 18 hours or your refrigerator cooling for up to 14.

Portable power can keep your workstation going during a power outage. Credit: Anker How does the Anker Solix C1000 recharge?

If you’ve hit zero battery on the Anker Solix C1000 and use standard wall power to recharge, you can get back to 80 percent in under 45 minutes. That tiny amount of recharging time is just wild. My electric toothbrush takes something like eight hours to recharge. Granted, my toothbrush has a super tiny battery, but you get the idea. Getting the Solix C1000 back to 100 percent power happens in under an hour. 

You can also charge the Solix with solar panels. With 600W of solar input (the max this station can handle), you can get back to full power in under two hours. If you’re going on a weekend camping trip, it’s not super likely you’re toting around 600W of solar input, so I wouldn’t count on the two-hour recharging time frame, but it’s reassuring that even with a portable 100W panel, you’ll be heading back into recharged territory, eventually.

Hats off to the affordability

One of the major benefits of buying any Anker product is the affordable price. This is compounded by the fact that Anker usually offers great sale prices at Amazon, especially during major sales like Prime Day and Black Friday. At the time of writing, Anker lists the Solix C1000 with an MSRP of $999, but we often see it hover around the $500 mark at Amazon when on sale. For starters, who doesn’t love getting a 50% discount? But the sale price of $500 for this portable power station is borderline ridiculous given its capacity, quick recharging, and port options. 

Expandable power, but with a limit

Most (good) portable power stations can handle expanding the battery. This involves buying an extra battery from the manufacturer and stacking it with the portable power station. The Anker Solix C1000 nails this expansion by offering the BP1000 Expansion Battery. Together, you’re in line for 2,112Wh of capacity, doubling what the portable power station can offer on its own. Thanks to this expandability, the Anker could be perfect for longer camping trips.

Double the power with the expandable battery. Credit: Anker

The only downside to this expandable feature on the Solix C1000 is that the power station can only handle just the one expansion battery, so it tops out at 2,112Wh. By comparison, the DJI Power 2000 portable power station can connect with up to 10 expansion batteries for a total capacity of over 22,000Wh. Is it still portable with 10 expansion batteries? Definitely not, but some people might want that option to get massive power, if desired.

Since the Anker Solix C1000 can only accommodate one expansion battery, this probably isn’t the right model if you’re looking for something to take on a weekend camping trip that would double as backup for your home’s power should it get knocked out for days.

Is the Anker Solix C1000 worth buying?

The combination of functionality and affordability makes the Anker Solix C1000 a fantastic portable power station. It’s the perfect accessory for a weekend of camping, it’s great for RV life, and it shows up to keep you on-grid during a power outage. If you’re a content creator on assignment, the Solix C1000 offers plenty of ports for recharging without adding major bulk to your packing list. It’s also terrific to use in the backyard when doing yardwork if you don’t want to run an extension cord across the yard to the shed.

When testing, I found it incredibly intuitive to use and recharge, and since it weighs under 30 pounds, it’s not a major inconvenience to carry around. At the end of the day, I think every home could find a use for the Solix C1000, even if it’s simply offering reassurance that you can keep the milk chilled during a power outage and have hot coffee come morning.

Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $469 at Amazon
$799 Save $330 Shop Now

SAVE OVER $150: As of Aug. 13, the De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro espresso machine is on sale for $1,149.03 at Amazon. This is $150.92 off and marks its best-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: De'Longhi De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro Espresso Machine $1,149.03 at Amazon
$1,299.95 Save $150.92 Get Deal

An espresso machine is a great way to kickstart your mornings. If you've been on the hunt for a new machine for your kitchen to create a little at-home cafe, look no further than Amazon. Right now you can grab a De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro espresso machine for its best-ever price.

The De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro espresso machine is usually listed for $1,299.95, but you can score it for $1,149.03 right now. This deal saves you $150.92 and marks its best-ever price on Amazon. This machine is well worth the splurge for espresso fans.

SEE ALSO: The best coffee machines for modern kitchens

Featuring a built-in grinder with 15 settings, the De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro espresso machine can help you brew up your perfect cup in the morning. It even comes with eight presets — including espresso, americano, coffee, flat white, latte macchiato, cappuccino, iced espresso, and cold brew — so you can quickly make up your favorite drink right away.

Now's your chance to score the De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro espresso machine at its best-ever price at Amazon. And if you want more espresso machine recommendations, check out our roundup of the best espresso machines to see more of our favorites.

Seth Meyers knows how to keep his writers on their toes.

"They write hundreds of jokes every day just to get the 10 or 12 we use in the monologue, and honestly a lot of those jokes just aren't good," says Meyers in the Late Night clip. "Sometimes I think they throw in a few stinkers on purpose just to fill the page."

SEE ALSO: Seth Meyers roasts Trump's completely nonsensical press conference about crime in Washington D.C.

Cue a "surprise inspection" in which Meyers reads out jokes from various writers that were too bad, offensive or nonsensical to make the cut, complete with an actual naming and shaming of the writer in question. Most of them elicit groans or silence from the audience, but there is one gem in there about an alpaca that definitely should have made the main monologue.

The best Netflix deals at a glance: BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Netflix Standard (with ads) Free for those on Go5G, Experience Beyond and Experience More plans (save $7.99/month) Learn More BEST BUNDLE DEAL Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $7.99 per month) Learn More BEST FOR COMCAST CUSTOMERS Netflix Standard with ads, Apple TV+, and Peacock Premium $15/month with Xfinity StreamSaver Get Deal MOST AFFORDABLE PLAN Netflix Standard with ads $7.99 per month Learn More

It's been a dozen years since Now You See Me hit theaters and nearly a decade since the sequel. In other words, with the upcoming third film, Now You See Me: Now You Don't, coming this fall, it's a good time to revisit the originals. Or, maybe even watch them for the first time.

The films feature a star-studded cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco as the Four Horsemen, Morgan Freeman as master magician Thaddeus Bradley, Mark Ruffalo as FBI agent Dylan Rhodes, and more. All are expected to return in Now You See Me 3, so it's essential to get caught up with the characters and lore of the films before heading to the theaters this fall. Movie marathon, anyone?

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Now You See Me, Now You See Me 2, and Now You See Me: Now You Don't.

How many Now You See Me movies are there?

The fall release of Now You See Me: Now You Don't will be the third film in the Four Horsemen trilogy. The first film, Now You See Me, arrived in 2013 as a surprise hit. It grossed over $350 million at the worldwide box office. The sequel, Now You See Me 2, hit theaters in 2016 and brought in over $334 million.

When does Now You See Me: Now You Don't come out?

The upcoming third film in the Now You See Me franchise will arrive in theaters on Nov. 14, 2025. That's nearly 12.5 years to the day since the original film made its mark at the box office. In a time when cinema is struggling, it will certainly be interesting to see if Now You See Me: Now You Don't can live up to its predecessors.

Check out the official trailer below:

How to watch Now You See Me 1 and 2 online Credit: Lionsgate Films

There are a few different ways you can watch Now You See Me and Now You See Me 2 at home: buy, rent, or stream. We've broken down all the details below.

Buy or rent on digital

To watch Now You See Me 1 and 2 individually without signing up for a streaming service, you can rent or purchase them at digital-on-demand retailers. Make note that if you choose to rent, you'll only get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it, then it's yours to keep. Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the films at the four main digital retailers.

Now You See Me:

Prime Video — $3.79 to rent, $4,99 to buy

Fandango at Home — $3.99 to rent, $5 to buy

Apple TV — $3.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

Google Play — $3.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

Now You See Me 2:

Prime Video — $3.79 to rent, $4.99 to buy

Fandango at Home — $3.99 to rent, $5 to buy

Apple TV — $3.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

Google Play — $3.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

Stream on Netflix

Both Now You See Me and Now You See Me 2 are streaming on Netflix through Sept. 30. You can revisit the first two (or watch them for the first time) with plenty of time to reflect before the third installment is released in theaters this November.

Sadly, Netflix doesn't offer free trials, and it has really cracked down on password sharing. So you'll need your own Netflix subscription in order to stream the NYSM franchise. Fortunately, there are a few membership tiers to choose from.

Watching Netflix with ads is the most affordable option — it'll cost you $7.99 per month. Don't want ads? Your next-best choice is to sign up for Netflix Standard for $17.99 per month, which is a steep price jump. Finally, there's a third tier for new subscribers dubbed Netflix Premium. It'll cost you an outrageous $24.99 per month and will let you watch on four household devices at once (as opposed to the other plans' two devices) in 4K Ultra HD + HDR with no ads.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix subscription Starting at $7.99 per month Learn More Are there any Netflix deals?

If you're lucky enough to be eligible for one of the deals below, you can score Netflix for free — or at least at a discount. Be sure to check the terms for more details and sign up before the deals disappear.

Best Netflix deal for T-Mobile customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Standard (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get Deal

T-Mobile customers on most Go5G plans, as well as Experience Beyond and Experience More plans, get Netflix Standard with ads for free (reg. $7.99 per month). You just need to have two or more lines of any type of Go5G or Magenta plan, or at least one line of Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, Magenta MAX, Experience More, or Experience Beyond — and keep your account in good standing — in order to be eligible.

While the Netflix subscription is free for eligible customers, you'll have to manually activate it by logging into My.T-Mobile and selecting manage add-ons. Once there, add Netflix in the services section and you'll be prompted to either create a Netflix account or sign in to an existing one. Then, T-Mobile will take your Netflix bill out of your hands each month. Check out the terms and FAQs on the promo page.

Best Netflix deal for Verizon customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix / HBO Max Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan Get Deal

As of December 2023, Verizon customers with myPlan can add a Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) for just $10 per month ($6.99 per month in savings). Since HBO Max costs $9.99 on its own, that essentially gets you Netflix with ads for free (or one cent if you want to nitpick). Eligible Verizon customers include those on the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plans. After enrolling in the promo, you'll have to complete the account setup separately for each service. Eligibility details, terms, and FAQs can be found on the Verizon support page.

Best Netflix deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV+ / Peacock / Netflix Netflix Standard with ads, Peacock Premium, and Apple TV+ $15 per month with Xfinity StreamSaver Get Deal

Last year, Comcast announced its Xfinity StreamSaver package, which includes Netflix Standard with ads ($7.99 per month), Peacock Premium ($10.99 per month), and Apple TV+ ($9.99 per month). If you're an existing or new Xfinity Internet or TV customer, you can add the StreamSaver bundle to your services for only $15 per month. Typically $28.97 per month for all three, you'll save about $13.97 monthly.