IT General

Ugreen Has New MagSafe Chargers for All Your Devices

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 09:01

Ugreen has released its new MagFlow Series of magnetic wireless chargers. These chargers will come with Qi2 25W charging, are built to work easily with both Apple and Android devices, including the latest iPhone 16 series and the upcoming Google Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The iPhone 17 is days away: What to expect from the specs, cameras, colors, and release date

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 07:56

It's September, which means it's new iPhone season.

Apple's annual flagship launch extravaganza is just a few days away, so we should probably stop, catch our breath, and review what we know so far. As always, there have been plenty of leaks and rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 launch over the past year. Some of them will undoubtedly be true, while others seem pretty sketchy. That's just how these launches go.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Let's not waste any more time. Here is everything we know, everything we think we know, and everything we know we don't know about the iPhone 17 so far.

What iPhone 17 models will we get?

First up, let's establish exactly which iPhones we're expecting in September:

  • iPhone 17

  • iPhone 17 Pro

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max

  • iPhone 17 Air

Naturally, there will be a base iPhone 17 model. That's a given, as predictable as the sun setting at night. All indications point to the iPhone 17 getting Pro and Pro Max models, as well, which would be in line with previous Apple mobile releases from the past few years. It would be a real shock if Apple pivoted away from that.

SEE ALSO: iPhones, Macs, and iPads will get GPT-5 via Apple Intelligence. Here’s when it happens.

That said, that doesn't mean this year is bereft of surprises or big changes. Numerous leaks and rumors point to an ultra-thin model, potentially called the iPhone 17 Air. The Air could replace the Plus model that used to grace the iPhone lineup for the past few years, so instead of getting a bigger version of the base model, we'll get something that has an identity of its own.

We don't know exactly how big the Air will be, but leaks suggest it will measure in somewhere between 5 and 6mm of thickness. That would make it Apple's slimmest iPhone yet, putting it in competition with the recently released Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, a 5.8mm thick device.

iPhone 17 release date

The rumors were correct: Apple's big reveal will happen on Tuesday, Sept. 9., starting at 10:00 Pacific time.

9to5Mac also pointed out that Apple always places the official release date of each new iPhone on the Friday of the week after the launch event, so keep an eye on Friday, Sept. 19 for the phone's official release date.

Over at Forbes, reporter David Phelan predicts the new iOS 26 update will officially arrive on Monday, Sept. 15 or Tuesday, Sept. 16.

iPhone 17 lineup: The specs

Obviously, we won't see the full spec sheet for these phones until the second week of September, so none of this is certain. But we have a rough idea of what to expect from these phones.

Let's start with the displays. Prolific leaker Ice Universe (via 9to5Mac) reported all the way back in July 2024 that these would be the approximate display sizes for each new iPhone:

  • iPhone 17: 6.3-inch

  • iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.7-inch

  • iPhone 17 Air: 6.65-inch

Perhaps the most exciting rumor that's emerged about these new phones is that both the iPhone 17 and 17 Air will reportedly feature 120Hz displays, per MacRumors. Apple has frustratingly limited high refresh rates to its Pro phones for a few years now, even as budget Android phones like the Pixel 9a have had that feature for years. This would be a massive upgrade for Apple and would make the base and Air models even more appealing.

It's also expected that the new iPhones will have new A19 chips inside them. As in previous years, the base model will likely have a regular A19 chip, while the Pro and Pro Max models will have a more powerful A19 Pro chip powering them. Leaker Fixed focus digital on Weibo suggested the Air model will have a slightly downgraded version of the A19 Pro chip instead of a base A19, potentially giving it some additional juice over the base iPhone 17.

What about the cameras? Credit: Zain bin Awais / Mashable

Again, we won't know the full, precise camera specs for the new iPhones until September, but there are some leaks to go off of for now.

Perhaps the biggest potential development this year is a selfie cam upgrade for the new iPhones. It sounds like they'll have 24MP selfie lenses, up from 12MP on previous models. We'll have to wait and see how that actually manifests in practice, but hey, a larger number is nice.

It also sounds like the Pro models will have a trio of 48MP lenses this time. Last year, the telephoto lens was only 12MP, so that could potentially be a big step up. One last thing to note is that the Air model will supposedly only have one rear camera, similar to the old iPhone SE and iPhone 16e models. No ultra-wide or telephoto shots for Air users, unfortunately.

The iPhone 17 colors

Leaker Sonny Dixon recently posted some photos of iPhone 17 dummy models that purported to show the color options for this year's new models.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Perhaps the most striking one is a new orange color for the Pro models, which is definitely eye-catching, if nothing else. The Pro models also appear to have regular black, white, and dark blue options for people who want something a little less exciting.

Weirdly, the base model and Air seem to have less exciting color options this year than the Pro phones. In the photos, the base model appears in black, white, light blue, and pink. The Air, meanwhile, comes in black, white, beige, and light blue.

What about the iPhone Fold?

The as-yet-unnamed foldable iPhone, which tech reporters simply call the iPhone Fold, is rumored to be ready to enter production soon, but not for a 2025 release date. The most recent rumors point to a 2026 launch for Apple's long-awaited foldable phone, which will reportedly be made with Samsung display technology.

So, unless Apple has a huge surprise up its sleeve, we won't see a foldable iPhone until the launch of the iPhone 18 in 2026.

As for the specs, the iPhone Fold is shaping up to be exactly what you thought it'd be: An iPhone that transforms into a sort of an iPad mini. As of Aug. 25, the latest rumors say the iPhone Fold will have four cameras. In addition, leakers say it will have Touch ID instead of Face ID, and no SIM card.

Apple iOS 26: How will it change the way we use the iPhone? Apple shared this prevew of Liquid Glass earlier this year. Credit: Apple

Here's something we do know a lot about: Apple's iOS 26. It's not officially out yet for the wider public, as it's scheduled to launch alongside new iPhones in September, but we've tried and tested a number of different beta versions, both developer and public ones.

One thing is certain: Apple didn't change the naming scheme by accident. It's the nineteenth major release of Apple's mobile platform, and as it follows iOS 18, it should logically be called iOS 19. But Apple decided to switch to naming its iOS releases by year, and since this one covers a big chunk of 2026, it was thus named iOS 26.

There's more to it, though. Apple's iOS 26 brings a number of major changes to the platform, including the new, Liquid Glass design, a big overhaul of the Photos app, and various Apple Intelligence updates, including Live Translation and a smarter Siri. It's not a radical departure from the previous iOS (Apple doesn't really do radical departures), but it is a very notable upgrade.

Currently, iOS 26 is in its beta 7 iteration, meaning it's quite mature and likely very similar to what we'll see when the final version launches in September. Still, we'll be on the lookout for any new features and upgrades once that happens.

What else could we get at the Apple event in September?

In addition to the iPhone 17, we fully expect Apple to drop new versions of the AirPods Pro and Apple Watch. But there could also be some surprises in store, as Apple is reportedly working on a new HomePod and Apple TV devices for 2025 as well. Finally, expect a ton of announcements related to Apple Intelligence, the name for Apple's artificial intelligence features.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s iPhone 17 event looms: Every new product we expect to see
Categories: IT General, Technology

Lenovo's New Thunderbolt Docks Have All The Ports You Need

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 07:01

Finding the right Thunderbolt/USB dock can be tricky. Some have a lot of ports, while others don't go too hard on the port selection to bring the price down. If you're still undecided, Lenovo just launched three different options for three different kinds of users.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lenovo's Newest Tablets Are a Boon For Creators

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 07:01

If you like drawing or designing, you know that just not any tablet does the job. If you're looking for something that fits the bill and you don't mind splurging, Lenovo's newest range of tablets might just be what you've been looking for.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 HBO Max Shows to Devour This Weekend (September 5 - 7)

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 06:01

Many of the greatest TV series of all time—from Oz to The Sopranos to Game of Thrones and beyond— were born on HBO Max (well, HBO). The renowned premium cable network-turned streaming service is still pumping them out, making it harder than ever to decide what to watch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 Prime Video Shows You Should Watch This Weekend (September 5 - 7)

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 05:30

I must admit that Amazon Prime Video isn't always my first destination when I fire up my TV looking for something new to watch. But I also must say that every time I do, I land on something unique and entertaining that I end up just devouring.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 Netflix Shows You Need to Binge This Weekend (September 5 - 7)

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 05:00

Netflix is very keen for you to watch its latest and greatest shows. That makes sense, since the streamer wants to know whether something is worth renewing. But there are plenty of slightly older shows in Netflix's catalog that are well worth your time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Ukraine vs. France online for free

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream Ukraine vs. France in World Cup qualifiers for free on TF1+. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

France begin their World Cup qualification campaign with a tricky fixture against Ukraine. Sure, fans will expect the likes of Mbappe and Saliba to take charge of this contest, but Ukraine possess the players to give Les Blues problems.

If you want to watch Ukraine vs. France in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ukraine vs. France?

Ukraine vs. France in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 5. This fixture takes place at the Wrocław Stadium.

How to watch Ukraine vs. France for free

Ukraine vs. France in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on TF1+.

TF1+ is geo-restricted to France, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in France, meaning you can access free live streams on TF1+ from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream Ukraine vs. France for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

  4. Visit TF1+

  5. Stream Ukraine vs. France for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Ukraine vs. France in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for TF1+?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TF1+, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including France

  • 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 eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Ukraine vs. France in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Italy vs. Estonia online for free

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream Italy vs. Estonia in World Cup qualifiers for free on RaiPlay. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

World Cup qualification is taking place all over the world this week, with a number of interesting matchups taking place. Italy face off against Estonia, with both sides desperate for three points. Italy have started their campaign with three points from two games, needing a win to keep pace with Norway at the top of the standings.

If you want to watch Italy vs. Estonia in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Italy vs. Estonia?

Italy vs. Estonia in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 5. This fixture takes place at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.

How to watch Italy vs. Estonia for free

Italy vs. Estonia in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on RaiPlay.

RaiPlay is geo-restricted to Italy, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Italy, meaning you can access free live streams on RaiPlay from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream Italy vs. Estonia for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

  4. Visit RaiPlay

  5. Stream Italy vs. Estonia for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Italy vs. Estonia in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for RaiPlay?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Italy

  • 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 eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Italy vs. Estonia in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Australia vs. New Zealand online for free

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream Australia vs. New Zealand in the 2025 Soccer Ashes for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are a number of massive World Cup qualifiers taking place over the coming weeks, but there's another competition that has gone under the radar. Ever heard of the Soccer Ashes? We hadn't either, but we're excited to watch the Socceroos take on the All Whites in a double-header.

If you want to watch Australia vs. New Zealand in the 2025 Soccer Ashes for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. New Zealand?

Australia vs. New Zealand in the 2025 Soccer Ashes kicks off at 10:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 5. This fixture takes place at the Canberra Stadium.

How to watch Australia vs. New Zealand for free

Australia vs. New Zealand in the 2025 Soccer Ashes is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can access free live streams on TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream Australia vs. New Zealand for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

  4. Visit TVNZ+

  5. Stream Australia vs. New Zealand for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Australia vs. New Zealand without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for TVNZ+?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

  • 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 eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Australia vs. New Zealand in the 2025 Soccer Ashes for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalonia online for free

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalonia for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Marc Marquez is enjoying an abolutely massive lead at the top of the 2025 MotoGP standings, but that doesn't change the fact that fans have got many more race weekends to get excited about. Sure, Marquez is probably going to win. But so what?

If you're interested in watching the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalonia for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalonia?

The MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalonia takes place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalonia race starts at 8 a.m. ET on Sept. 7.

How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalonia for free

The MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalonia is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

  4. Connect to ServusTV

  5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalonia before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for MotoGP?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Catalonia for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on September 5, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 05:00

The moon is looking nice and full tonight, but it's not quite the Full Moon yet, there's still a few more days in the lunar cycle before then.

The lunar cycle is a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. 

So, let's see what's happening with the moon tonight, Sept. 5.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Friday, Sept. 5, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous, and 94% will be lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

The moon's surface is bright and visible for us at this stage, so there's a whole lot to see tonight. With just your naked eye, you'll be able to spot the Oceanus Procellarum, the Mare Serenitatis, and the Copernicus Crater. Add binoculars to see the Alphonsus and Posidonius Craters, and a telescope to see the Reiner Gamma, the Linne Crater, and the Rima Hyginus.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Sept. 7. The last full moon was on Aug. 9.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

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.

Last Quarter (or Third 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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 5, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 03:00

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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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 Mini crossword answers, hints for September 4, 2025 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: Sports lingo

  • Green: Away games

  • Blue: Player-specific

  • Purple: Partial names

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

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

  • Yellow: Bowling terms

  • Green: Cities hosting NFL international games this season

  • Blue: Associated with Vince Carter

  • Purple: Words in the names of MLS clubs

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 #347 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Bowling terms - GUTTER, SPARE, SPLIT, STRIKE

  • Cities hosting NFL international games this season - BERLIN, LONDON, MADRID, SÃO PAULO

  • Associated with Vince Carter - DUNK CONTEST, TORONTO, UNC, VINSANITY

  • Words in the names of MLS clubs - CITY, INTER, REAL, UNITED

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.

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 today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for September 5, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 03:00

Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 5, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 5, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 5 Pips

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

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 5 Pips

Less than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically.

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

Equal (3): Everything in this space must equal 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 5 Pips

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

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

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

Equal (3): Everything in this space must equal 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (2): Everything in this purple space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this light blue space must equal 5. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed vertically; 5-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must equal 4. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed horizontally.

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

Number (18): Everything in this space must add up to 18. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 5, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 03:00

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 2, 2025 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: Spice

  • Green: Open

  • Blue: Genetically similar

  • Purple: Historical Asian successions

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: Piquancy

  • Green: Available

  • Blue: Male animals

  • Purple: Chinese Dynasties

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 #817 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Piquancy: KICK, PUNCH, ZEST, ZING

  • Available: FREE, SINGLE, SOLO, STAG

  • Male animals: BILLY, BUCK, JACK, RAM

  • Chinese Dynasties: HAN, MING, SONG, TANG

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 September 2, 2025

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 today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for September 5, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 03:00

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 September 2, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Getting into gear

The words are things needed for gameday.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are sports equipment.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is SportingGoods.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 5
  • Cleats

  • Racket

  • Glove

  • Sporting Goods

  • Paddle

  • Skates

  • Helmet

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 today's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 5, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 03:00

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 hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 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 2, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To float away.

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 D.

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...

DRIFT

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 September 2, 2025

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 today's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for September 5, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 03:00

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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

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

A super religious person.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

PIOUS

Hurdle Word 2 hint

An ice cream measurement.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SCOOP

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A setting.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

WHERE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Done to garlic.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answer

MINCE

Final Hurdle hint

A side path.

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

BYWAY

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

How much does the Roborock Saros Z70 cost? And does it ever go on sale?

Mashable - Thu, 09/04/2025 - 23:30

UPDATE: Sep. 4, 2025, 6:30 p.m. EDT This post was originally written in January 2025 and has been updated to reflect current pricing information for the Roborock Saros Z70, Saros 10, and Saros 10R. Each model has also since been tested at home, with my experiences documented below.

Shop all three of the Roborock Saros robot vacuums Roborock Saros Z70 $2,599.00 at Amazon Shop Now Roborock Saros 10 $1,299.99 at Amazon Shop Now Roborock Saros 10R $1,299.99 at Amazon Shop Now

It's unlikely that many people had a robot vacuum with a whole-ass arm on their CES 2025 bingo card. But alas, Roborock gave us one: the Roborock Saros Z70, which costs $2,599 regularly. That's steep but expected, considering the current high-end Roborocks with no robotic limbs go for over $1,500-ish (a few hundred less if they're on sale).

Where can you buy the Roborock Saros Z70?

If you're in the market for a new robot vacuum — and are open to buying one on the more expensive end of the spectrum — you still have plenty of time to decide whether the arm thing is overkill even for you. The Roborock Saros Z70 began shipping in April 2025, and is currently available for purchase at Amazon, Best Buy, and Roborock's website. Roborock's site is the only place that has sported the Saros Z70's first big discount: It was $1,000 off for a few days in August and September.

What's so special about the Roborock Saros Z70?

The Roborock Z70 goes past the small obstacle avoidance technology that has become a navigational staple in the best robot vacuums, instead, bulldozing into obstacle removal technology. It performs such with a robotic OmniGrip arm that unfolds out of the top of the robot vacuum to grab the obstacle claw machine-style, and drops it in a nearby designated area. The live demo at CES 2025 showcased the Z70 putting socks into a basket.

SEE ALSO: I tried the $2,600 robot vacuum with a mechanical crane arm, and it's absurd

I have since had the Saros Z70 in my home for several months, and was disappointed (but not surprised) that the robotic arm doesn't make your life much easier. The arm's pickup capabilities were advertised to cover four different types of obstacles and must weigh under 300 grams: socks, paper, small towels, and lightweight shoes (no pet toys yet). The arm does technically work sometimes — I've witnessed it successfully pick up sandals and socks — but other times, it completely misses or ignores obstacles altogether. The half-baked innovation had good intentions, but for now, is just another robot vacuum that is trying to do too much.

The Saros Z70 picking up a sandal. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

People more swayed by practicality than a hit-or-miss high-tech feature might find the bigger grab here to be the Z70's incredible 22,000 Pa of suction power. That's 12,000 Pa more powerful than the Roborock Qrevo Master, my favorite overall robot vacuum of 2024 that cleans with 10,000 Pa, and also beats the suction power of any Roomba I've tested by a long shot.

The Saros Z70 isn't the only new 2025 Roborock vacuum

Roborock also announced two more flagship robot vacuum and mop combos in the Saros line that are armless, making each a much more digestible price to the average household. Since this story's first writing in January, I was able to test both the Saros 10 and Saros 10R at home for several months. Both retail for $1,599.99 (in line with my original price prediction) but have been on sale for $1,299.99 toward the end of summer 2025. As it stands, I think the Roborock Saros 10R is the best robot vacuum you can buy currently.

SEE ALSO: As an anxious cat mom, I love my robot vacuum with a livestream camera

Rather than relying on the rotating laser tower atop many robot vacuums alone to assess walls and furniture in the room, the Roborock Saros 10R maneuvers using dual-light 3D Time-of-Flight technology and AI-powered RGB cameras. That's fancy talk for more meticulous 3D mapping of your home and more precise detection of small obstacles that may be lying in the cleaning path — so even without the arm, this is still a big step up in the autonomous navigation department. The AI itself is also upgraded for more accurate, ever-improving recognition of the trickiest obstacles, including small toys and loose, unfolded cables. It just can't clean under them like the Z70, though that might be a no-brainer sacrifice depending on the price difference between the two.

The Saros 10R dock is shiny and chic. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Cleaning-wise, the Saros 10R cleans with 20,000 Pa of suction power, while the similar Saros 10 cleans with the same 22,000 Pa suction power as the Saros Z70. But to me, the biggest difference between the Saros 10 and Saros 10R is actually related to mopping — I compared both models head-to-head in my apartment to help you pick one.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Colombia vs. Bolivia online for free

Mashable - Thu, 09/04/2025 - 23:30

TL;DR: Live stream Colombia vs. Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Qualification for the 2026 World Cup has not been straightforward for Colombia. They would have expected to secure an automatic spot with ease, but they currently sit in sixth position with two games left to play. A win over Bolivia will get the job done, but there is clearly work to do ahead of the showpiece event next summer.

If you want to watch Colombia vs. Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Colombia vs. Bolivia?

Colombia vs. Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 4. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Metropolitano.

How to watch Colombia vs. Bolivia for free

Colombia vs. Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand.

SBS On Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream Colombia vs. Bolivia for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

  4. Visit SBS On Demand

  5. Stream Colombia vs. Bolivia for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Colombia vs. Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • 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 eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Colombia vs. Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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