IT General

Google's fancy new Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro are finally available, and users are taking advantage of its many new features, from a powerful Pro Res Zoom and Magic Cue to Google's new Daily Hub. Unfortunately, the latter feature isn't all that great, and Google's removed it from phones until further notice.

In a sign of things to come, the Apple Store was down Tuesday morning.

Don't worry, however, it didn't crash. The Apple Store typically goes down the morning of a big Apple Event as it updates for the new products set to be announced.

And Tuesday is going to be a big day for Apple fans. It's a near certainty the tech giant will announce the new iPhone 17, in various iterations, at its big "Awe Dropping" event scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. (Follow Mashable's live blog for all the latest developments throughout the day.)

If you fire up the Apple Store site, it reads: "Be right back. We’re making updates to the Apple Store. Check back soon." You can also click on an interactive Apple logo, if you're feeling antsy.

Credit: Apple

Rumors have swirled about the exact specs, colors, and details of the iPhone 17 lineup. Mashable has the latest updates ahead of the rapidly approaching event. But whatever the iPhone 17 actually looks like, you'll at least be able to check them out on the Apple Store site when it relaunches later Tuesday.

For more Apple event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch.

If you’ve been thinking about getting an electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), this is a gentle reminder that the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 is set to expire on September 30, 2025.

OUT NOW: Shark announced the Shark StainForce cordless handheld stain cleaner on Sept. 9. It costs $199.99 and is available online now.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark StainForce cordless handheld stain cleaner $199.99 at Shark
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Are you or a loved one that friend who can't relax when someone's holding a drink near a light-colored couch? If so, you might be experiencing stainxiety (noun): The stress and panic that sets in when faced with tough stains, especially before hosting guests or during spill emergencies. Shark coined that term to introduce the newest member of the Shark cleaning squad: The Shark StainForce cordless stain cleaner. It was just released on Sept. 9 and costs $199.99 — though it seems to have already sold out on launch morning, you can sign up for restock alerts.

Credit: Shark

Most of us have at least one stain in our home or car that we've just accepted as permanent. Maybe that's because the 15-pound carpet cleaner in the closet isn't as portable as advertised, or because we don't have room to store a carpet cleaner at all. The StainForce is a solution either way — it's cordless and no bigger than a handheld vacuum. (For reference, it weighs less than three pounds. That's less than half of the Bissell Little Green's or Shark StainStriker's weight, both of which are already touted as compact upholstery cleaners.)

SEE ALSO: Will the laser-equipped Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai solve Dyson's robot vacuum problem?

The Shark StainForce gadget itself is accompanied by a proprietary spray bottle that keeps the included dual-activated cleaning solution separate until it's time to clean. The cleaning nozzle administers suction and liquid like any other carpet cleaner, just without the annoying tube. Dirty water is held in the same handle and can be emptied right into the sink.

Credit: Shark

I said it before, and I'll say it again: People just want practical ways to clean their house. In a story from June, where I got my skepticism about some current robot vacuum innovations off my chest, I mentioned that Eufy is winning because its latest robot vacuums aren't newfangled for the sake of it. For example, the Eufy E28 is a robot vacuum and mop combo whose dock has a detachable carpet cleaner (though it still needs to be plugged in). Shark is clearly on the "streamlining stain removal" wavelength too — and if you aren't looking for a new vacuum right now, the StainForce is an easy addition to your cleaning closet that you won't dread getting out.

TL;DR: Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Asia Cup promises electric T20 cricket from some of the best teams and players in the world. All eyes will be on the likes of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, but don't count out Afghanistan. Rashid Khan will lead a side known for its spin bowling and aggressive batting performances, starting with a matchup against Hong Kong.

If you want to watch Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong in the 2025 Asia Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong?

Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong in the 2025 Asia Cup starts at 10:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 9. This game takes place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

How to watch Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong for free

Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha.

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

Live stream Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong in the 2025 Asia Cup 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 Pakistan

4. Visit Tamasha

5. Live stream Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong 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 taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the 2025 Asia Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the tournament for free.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services 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 Tamasha?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming on free sites like Tamasha, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025 Asia Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Watching TV. A simple pastime that once involved nothing more than turning on the television and flipping through a handful of broadcast TV stations before settling on something to stare at for a few hours. Then came cable, and now subscription-based media streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and others, that are funneled into your home over the internet.

Dwayne Johnson embodies MMA icon and UFC champion Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, with A24's new trailer giving the best look we've seen yet of the Fast and Furious Hollywood star and WWE legend in his much-anticipated role.

Written and directed by Uncut Gems' Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine tracks Kerr's career of tournaments and championships underpinned by personal turbulence. The trailer focuses on Kerr's relationship with his then-wife Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt, and his experience with substance abuse, all set to a dramatic version of Phil Collins' "Against All Odds."

Just from the two minutes of this trailer, it seems audiences are in for a few rounds of emotional upheaval with The Smashing Machine.

The Smashing Machine premiered at the Venice International Film Festival ahead of its theatrical debut on Oct. 3.

It's September, which means it's new iPhone season, and the iPhone 17 rumor mill has been churning.

The Apple Event 2025 is scheduled for Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET), so we should probably stop, catch our breath, and review what we know so far. The tech world is eagerly awaiting the iPhone 17's arrival (and a whole slew of new Apple devices), but Apple could also drop some surprises at its "Awe-dropping" iPhone launch event.

As always, there have been plenty of iPhone 17 rumors 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. This is speculative, but most Apple watchers believe we're getting four phones at the Apple Event 2025:

• 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. What is the iPhone Air?

It's the year of ultra-thin smartphones, and 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 a.m. PT.

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 new iPhone'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

The day before Apple's iPhone event, a leaker claimed to have the official specs of the new iPhone 17 lineup, although that post was quickly deleted. Another leaker claimed to have the full battery breakdown. And these reports follow months of rumors and speculation.

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.

The iPhone 17 line is also expected to cross the 5,000mAh battery capacity line for the first time, catching up with rivals like Samsung Galaxy.

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

A new magnetic fashion accessory

Crossbody straps have become a popular accessory with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and Apple seems poised to release a magnetic crossbody accessory for the new iPhone 17 (and possibly new AirPods as well). A leaker released this picture showing a bright orange strap, which would attach to the iPhone magnetically.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 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 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 9 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

For more Apple event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 9, Apple AirPods Pro 2 are on sale for $199 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50 Get Deal

The wait has been tough to handle, but Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are back on sale at Amazon. As of Sept. 9, you can pick up these popular earbuds for under $200.

And AirPods Pro 2 are the perfect choice if you're looking for Apple earbuds that give you great noise cancellation and a personalized audio experience. The sound quality is next to none, and comes with amazing features such as a scientifically validated hearing test and clinical-grade hearing protection, both to protect and give insight into improving your ear health.

SEE ALSO: AirPods Pro 3 rumors: Are heart rate monitoring and price increases coming?

And for annoying background noise when you're trying to focus or study, the Active Noise Cancellation has you covered. Choose this to block out background noise completely, while Adaptive Audio and Transparency modes deliver a blend of background sounds, keeping you safe and aware while you're listening out of the house. The Conversation Awareness function also adjusts playback for nearby interactions, and Apple's H2 chip provides a strong, immersive sound for both music and calls.

These also come with four pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) to fit a wide range of ear shapes. These tips create an acoustic seal to help keep out noise and secure the AirPods in place.

Get this AirPod deal from Amazon ahead of the Apple Event 2025.

TL;DR: Turkey vs. Poland in EuroBasket 2025 is available to live stream for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA pre-season is still weeks away, so fans are looking further afield for their fix. Fortunately, EuroBasket 2025 is taking place right now.

We've reached the latter stages of the competition, with only eight sides still competing for the top prize. The first quarter final sees Turkey take on Poland, with all eyes on the talented Alperen Şengün. Can the young star from the Houston Rockets lead his team to glory? You can track their progress without spending anything.

If you want to watch Turkey vs. Poland in EuroBasket 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Turkey vs. Poland?

Turkey vs. Poland in EuroBasket 2025 takes place at 10 a.m. ET on Sept. 9.

How to watch Turkey vs. Poland for free

Turkey vs. Poland in EuroBasket 2025 is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

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

Live stream EuroBasket 2025 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 Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Live stream EuroBasket 2025 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 taking advantage of these offers, you can watch Turkey vs. Poland in EuroBasket 2025 without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the tournament for free.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services 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 RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking free streaming sites, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Turkey vs. Poland in EuroBasket 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for 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: Finalized

• Green: They have outer coverings

• Blue: A drink

• Purple: Canines

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: Finished

• Green: Things with shells

• Blue: Swig

• Purple: ___Dog

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 #821 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Finished: COMPLETE, DONE, OVER, THROUGH

• Things with shells: EGG, HARD TACO, M&M, SNAIL

• Swig: BELT, GULP, SHOT, SLUG

• ___Dog: BULL, LAP, UNDER, WATCH

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.

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: No gray area

The words describe two-toned things.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are colorless things.

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 Black and White.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 9

• Piano

• Penguin

• Newspaper

• Orca

• Black and White

• Dice

• Domino

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.

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 con.

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 T.

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...

TRiCK

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.

It’s 1993, and the Holiday season is in full swing. Mrs. Doubtfire is on the big screen, and Doom is about to become an overnight smash hit. However, a 5-year-old boy has his heart set on something else. A movie prop that became a real toy—the Talkboy Deluxe.

Stephen King has taken a break from slamming Donald Trump on social media and reviewing horror films to reveal an interesting top 10 list.

On Monday, the horror master took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his "10 favorite films", excluding a few that are based on his own books.

SEE ALSO: Stephen King shares his 8-word review of 'Weapons'

"My 10 favorite movies (excluding MISERY, SHAWSHANK, GREEN MILE, STAND BY ME)," wrote King. "In no particular order."

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

Here's the full list of King's favorite films (and where you can stream them):

• Sorcerer (1977) — streaming on Prime Video.

• Godfather 2 (1974) — streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video.

• The Getaway (1972) — streaming on Prime Video.

• Groundhog Day (1993) — streaming on Netflix.

• Casablanca (1942) — streaming on HBO Max.

• Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) — streaming on Prime Video.

• Jaws (1975) — streaming on Netflix.

• Mean Streets (1973) — streaming on Prime Video.

• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) — streaming on Prime Video.

• Double Indemnity (1944) — streaming on Prime Video.

Interestingly the list has quite a mixture of genres, mostly films from the '40s and '70s, multiple Humphrey Bogart films, and there are only a couple of movies — Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind – that are even close to horror.

If you're interested in a ranking of Stephen King movie adaptations, we've got you covered.

There's an avalanche of Apple news coming our way in a hours.

The Apple Event set for 1 p.m. ET today is expected to include a series of "awe-dropping" announcements, including the iPhone 17.

We all expect to hear about the iPhone 17 at the event, but what else is Apple going to show? Let's dig in and explore the upcoming Apple launches on the horizon.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2025 live blog: Every 'awe-dropping' announcement, including iPhone 17

Naturally, let's start with the iPhone itself.

iPhone 17 lineup Credit: Zain bin Awais / Mashable

This is almost always a predominantly hardware-focused event. We know the new iPhones will run iOS 26, which will almost certainly launch at or near the same time as the phones. Apple has already outlined what makes iOS 26 different at WWDC earlier this year, but what about the devices it's designed for?

According to a cornucopia of leaks and rumors, we will get four iPhone 17 models this year:

• iPhone 17

• iPhone 17 Pro

• iPhone 17 Pro Max

• iPhone 17 Air (official name unknown)

Three of those will be familiar to anyone who has followed along with iPhone developments over the past few years, but the Air is worth noting for a moment because it's a brand-new model that's replacing the Plus model that Apple used to make.

Per iPhone 17 Air rumors, this will be the thinnest iPhone yet, measuring between 5 and 6mm in thickness. It could also have a big display in the neighborhood of 6.5 inches, giving it a large surface area to go along with its thinness. Unfortunately, the new form factor is said to come with a couple of big compromises. Namely, there will only be one 48MP rear camera lens instead of the two or three you get on the other models. Another one is that the battery may be smaller to compensate for how thin the phone is.

According to various leaks, the new iPhones will get a 24MP selfie cam, an upgrade over the 12MP module on previous iPhones. Both the base model and the Air are also said to have 120Hz displays, which finally brings Apple in line with other smartphone manufacturers who got there years ago on non-flagship models. You can also expect at least a couple nifty software features exclusive to the new phones, though we'll have to wait and see what they actually are.

Speaking of which, expect the new iPhones to run iOS 26 out of the box. Apple's latest iOS release is one of the biggest in years, as it introduces a new "Liquid Glass" visual language where all of your app icons and other UI elements look like, well, liquid glass. The Messages app has gotten a big overhaul, especially where group chats are concerned; users can now set custom backgrounds and even run polls for the whole chat.

For some, the updated Photos app will be the biggest change of all. Apple streamlined it down to two tabs, "Library" and "Collections." One presumably contains all of your photos and videos, while the other shows you all the folders you've made. That sounds way better than the current, disastrous Photos app.

New Apple Watches This is the Series 10, of course. Credit: Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images

It's become tradition in recent years for Apple to provide some kind of Apple Watch update at this event, and this year seems to be no different.

According to Bloomberg, there will be a new Apple Watch Ultra 3 model with 5G support, a new processor, and the ability to send text messages via satellite. That could be handy for outdoorsy types. There will more than likely also be a standard Apple Watch Series 11 and perhaps a new Apple Watch SE model for budget-minded folks, though it's not clear yet if those will offer any substantial, life-changing upgrades over previous models.

One thing to note is that recent leaks suggest the new Apple Watch models won't have serious performance boosts over their predecessors. That might be disappointing to those looking to upgrade, but hey, maybe they'll save some money by waiting another year for bigger upgrades.

New AirPods? Will the new Pros look different from these? Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

This one is less certain, but there are reasons to believe there will be a new AirPods Pro 3 at the September Apple event.

For starters, the last AirPods Pro refresh was two years ago, meaning it might be time for a glow-up. The second-gen AirPods Pro didn't provide much in the way of design changes, but Bloomberg reported a while back that the Pro model is getting a design refresh this year. They could also bring new health features like in-ear heart rate monitoring and temperature detection.

Interestingly, a recent slip of the tongue in Apple's iOS 26 public beta suggested AirPods are getting real-time language translation features soon. It seems like this feature may work with previous-gen AirPods rather than being exclusive to the new AirPods Pro 3, but it's possible that the feature only works with iPhone 17 models. We'll have to wait and see.

New Apple products we don't expect to see yet

Everything listed above is at the very least likely to show up. It's hard to produce a new flagship product without some news leaking out. Unfortunately, not every upcoming Apple product is expected to be shown here.

Namely, it doesn't seem like the heavily rumored foldable iPhone is ready to make its debut just yet. Reports earlier this summer indicated it is close to being production-worthy, but for a launch in 2026 at the earliest. There also haven't been any concrete rumors about new MacBooks, though in recent years those have typically gotten their own, separate announcement events, usually in October and the spring.

It would also be a surprise to hear anything about the rumored new HomePod, though that particular rumor mill has amped up recently. Per the latest news, we could get a new HomePod and a new Apple TV later in 2025.

Want to play Windows games on your Linux computer but don't know where to start? Did you hear some Linux distros are better suited for gaming but don't know which ones to try? Well, here's a list going over the five best Linux distros that can help you play AAA Windows games.

SAVE OVER $20: As of Sept. 9, the Apple AirTag four-pack is on sale for $74.99 at Amazon . That's 24% off its list price of $99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $74.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $24.01 Get Deal

This year's Apple Event takes place on Sept. 9, but even if you're not looking to scoop up the new tech that's launched during the presentation, there are some very nice Apple deals available ahead of the event. One of the offers that has really caught our eye is the discounted Apple AirTag four-pack, which is enjoying a discount at Amazon right now.

The Apple AirTag four-pack usually comes with a list price of $99, they are on sale for $74.99 right now at Amazon. This marks 24% in savings, allowing you to keep $24.01 in your pocket for something more exciting.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2025: Last-minute iPhone 17 rumors tech nerds ought to know

Whether you're hoping to keep a closer eye on your keys, wallet, backpack, or other items around the house, AirTags feature a very easy one-tap setup that connects with your iPhone or iPad to help you track them. By playing a sound on the built-in speaker, you'll be able to locate where any lost items are that have the AirTag in it.

You can even share an AirTag with up to five people, so friends and family can help you find things, too. And there's no need to worry about them being damaged easily, as AirTags boast IP67 water and dust resistance.

If AirTags have been on your shopping list, now's your chance to get the Apple AirTag four-pack for $74.99 at Amazon. And if you're looking for more Apple deals ahead of the big Apple Event, Amazon's also offering AirPods Pro 2 for under $200.

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 9, 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 9, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 9 Pips

Number (3): Everything in this purple space must add to 3. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 9 Pips

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

Number (3): Everything in this red space must add to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically.

Number (17): Everything in this light blue space must add to 17. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this yellow space must be different. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this dark blue space must be different. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Number (3): Everything in this light blue space must add to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 9 Pips

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

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

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

Number (20): Everything in this space must add up to 20. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (24): Everything in this space must add up to 24. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 6-3, 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.

TL;DR: Live stream MLB for free on MLB.TV and The Roku Channel. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's difficult to compete for airtime in the increasingly congested world of sports. How are dedicated followers of sport supposed to keep up with the NBA, NFL, MLB, and everything in-between? You make time, of course.

Following MLB takes a lot of dedication, but that's of no concern to fans. This greedy bunch just want more, and that's where we can help. If you are interested in watching MLB for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is MLB?

Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league in North America composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and one in Canada). Each team plays 162 games per regular season. Six teams in each league advance to a four-round postseason tournament in October, culminating in the World Series between the two league champions (National League and American League).

The defending champions are the Los Angeles Dodgers.

When is MLB?

The MLB regular season runs from March 27 to Sept. 28.

How to watch MLB for free

MLB is available to live stream for free on MLB.TV and The Roku Channel.

MLB.TV live streams one game every day for free for anyone with a free or paid account. The Roku Channel broadcasts one Sunday afternoon game every week. These free live streams are geo-restricted and subject to local blackout restrictions, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of MLB from anywhere in the world.

Live stream MLB for free by following these simple steps:

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 a location with access

4. Visit MLB.TV or The Roku Channel

5. Watch MLB 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 money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch MLB live streams without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch 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 MLB?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams to watch MLB, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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).

Watch MLB for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.