IT General

"Fair is foul, and foul is fair." Can a quote from Shakespeare’s Macbeth become a hacker's motto? This question haunted the Cannes Film Festival in May, and now, the Venice International Film Festival, two major launchpads for the first-ever video game produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Lili is a neo-noir rendition of Macbeth set in modern-day Iran, where the main character is Lady Macbeth (referred to as Lili). For this ground-breaking project, the RSC teamed up with Brooklyn-based indie game developer iNK Stories (1979 Revolution: Black Friday), known for its immersive storytelling. Lili debuted in May as part of Cannes’ second-ever Immersive Competition for VR installations and video games, demoed at the RSC's Festival of Ideas in July, and is currently in competition in Venice's Immersive program.

SEE ALSO: How 'Grand Theft Hamlet' evolved from lockdown escape to Shakespearean success

Festival-goers have been able to experience a short preview of Lili — and we were lucky enough to catch the 30-minute 'prologue' at Cannes. But what's involved in such a game?

Lili plays with ethics and surveillance by making you a voyeur Zar Amir as Lady Macbeth in "Lili." Credit: Ellie Smith

In Lili, one must enter a hacker’s den with a USB stick in hand, don headphones, and follow the poetic instructions of the Hecate collective — Macbeth’s three witches, reimagined here as hackers. Lili stars Holy Spider actor Zar Amir as Lady Macbeth, and in this interpretation, she's an Iranian woman battling authoritarian gendered oppression.

Lili begins as an initiation, where the player is asked to take a vow and accept the hacker persona, giving you agency within a moral grey zone. One assumes control of the game's surveillance technology to the fullest, as you have access to Lili’s personal documents like her marriage certificate, photos, and passport, and can tune into one of the three different CCTV cameras placed in her house as well as her phone and computer screens. The game’s live-action cinematics were developed with RSC production designers, cinematographers, and costume designers, creating a fully-fledged domestic space for Lili on a set. Within that setting, the player can choose which surveillance angle suits each task, while also effectively spying on the main character.

'Lili' begins as an initiation, where the player is asked to take a vow and accept the hacker persona, giving you agency within a moral grey zone.

Speaking to Mashable, iNK Stories co-founder Navid Khonsari shares that the desktop layout and cameras create a framing that is both intimate and cold, to invite engagement. "Some angles allow you to spot that she's hiding a makeup kit in the kitchen, under a tile. Others, like the hacked phone screen, allow you to follow her gaze," he says. "There's an element of using the cinematography to create levels of intimacy, but also to push curiosity, which in itself is conflicting to the audience."

That ambiguity in how the player relates to their own actions sits at the core of Lili’s game dramaturgy. While you can choose where to look, you are still complicit in surveillance. Vassiliki Khonsari, iNK Stories co-founder and co-director of Lili, refers back to Shakespeare's original play to relate it to surveillance authoritarianism and the contemporary zeitgeist. "In it, Macbeth says, "I have eyes in every castle," which prompts us to look at technological surveillance as a tool for oppression, and to ask: How are we, the voyeur, watching her? How are we also complicit in this surveillance?"

Lili has the player making hard choices "Lili" shown at the RSC's Festival of Ideas. Credit: RSC

Sarah Ellis, Royal Shakespeare Company’s director of digital development and executive producer of Lili, has been working with iNK Stories on this project for seven years. Ellis, who initiated the 2016 RSC motion capture production of The Tempest, told Mashable, “What great theatre does is get you to imagine the different choices that characters make, as well as their fallibility. Similarly, Macbeth is a play that makes you think about how you would behave, the challenges you face, and the choices you make."

Lili translates this double entendre through screens and prompts, providing a meeting ground between theatre and gaming — a union also explored in the groundbreaking film Grand Theft Hamlet. "The unintended consequences of what you do become very similar to the unintended consequences of a character in a play. However, in Lili you are faced with the ways the world [of the game] can respond to that. I think that’s what Lili does brilliantly: situating you in the complexity and the fallibility of choices that you might make in the moment, but with those unintended consequences that come later," Ellis adds.

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In relation to the game’s dramaturgy of suspicion, iNK Stories co-founder Navid Khonsari says that the most important thing is every player’s unique process of discovery. In the case of Lili, the player (i.e. the hacker) can both witness and impose limitations on internet access. At one point, you are prompted by the Hecate witches to shut off Lili's access to a YouTube makeup tutorial, just like the Iranian government can do it at any time. You can then control Lili’s VPN connection and, with that, the flow of information.

"In the original text, the witches control the flow of events in a supernatural way, testing one’s free will," says Vassiliki Khonsari. "In our version of Macbeth, the witches control the actual flow of information as internet hackers, which is the ultimate power in the end."

Lili provides a new look at Lady Macbeth Zar Amir as Lady Macbeth in "Lili." Credit: Ellie Smith

Working with Professor Emma Smith of the Royal Shakespeare Company helped ground Lili in the actual text and, according to Navid, to "cultivate centuries of research into something that is not only contemporary, but also viable for players." Players' agency in this case correlates with the agency of Lady Macbeth and Lili, the character played by Cannes Best Actress winner Amir. By giving Lili non-linear backstories, the creators can propose parallel narratives that you feel like they could actually have existed for Lady Macbeth, but in the game, you can actually explore them, alongside the effects of technological domination, misinformation, and deep-state surveillance.

Ellis remarks that, however maligned the character of Lady Macbeth was, she never gets a verse about her death in the play. "You just don't hear from her again," she says, "and then what the game does is it makes you participate in those choices with her."

Defined by her actions as villainous, Lady Macbeth is often framed as the catalyst for Macbeth’s downfall, but what emerged through iNK Stories' pre-production research were the limitations put on her gender. Navid Khonasari says the developers "came to see a real powerful character whose ambitions, if she was a man, would have made her one of the greatest kings that the country had ever had." What compelled them to explore this side of Macbeth was, according to Vassiliki, “this iconic, timeless archetype of a female and this opportunity to look at who she is after 400 years. How do we resuscitate this character that is so relevant today, who is still fiercely fighting against female oppression?" 

Placing this 400-year-old story as one of emancipation within the context of surveillance and oppression is a gateway into understanding the world today, adds Ellis. "In order to disrupt it effectively with the story of Lady Macbeth, it is really important we place culture in multiple meeting points now."

What's next for the future of Lili? "Lili" shown at the RSC's Festival of Ideas. Credit: RSC

The creators behind Lili are hoping to keep the momentum going to raise funds for the full version of the game, which is currently in competition as part of Venice Immersive and is still in development. The final release will be accessible across gaming platforms, though the RSC hasn't specified which.

"Our goal with the larger project is to follow Lili outside of her home," adds Navid, "and we'll be using cell phones and GPS tracking to follow her and her phone." Expanding the world of Lili means expanding the world of Shakespeare, which aligns with the RSC’s mission and the work of Ellis, according to whom it "feels right" to play Shakespeare, in the sense of playing a video game.

"I'm sure if he was still around he would be curious and probably even working in this space,” Ellis says. “He was an innovator and he was someone that looked outward in the world to share those stories on the stage he had at the time. Now, video games like Lili can be the stage of our times."

SAVE $1,000: As of Sept. 4, the TCL 85-Inch QM7K QD-Mini LED 4K TV is on sale for $1,499.99 at Amazon. This is 40% off its list price of $2,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 85-Inch Class QM7K Series QD-Mini LED 4K UHD TV $1,499.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal

The arrival of Fall means the start of the new football season, new shows to binge-watch, and new movies dropping on streaming services. If you're planning on staying inside and hoping to pick up a new TV to enjoy everything on, there are still some great deals available post-Labor Day. And if you're looking to go big, this deal on the TCL 85-Inch QM7K QD-Mini LED 4K TV at Amazon is worth a look.

The TCL 85-Inch QM7K QD-Mini LED 4K TV is usually listed for $2,499.99, but right now it's enjoying a $1,000 discount down to $1,499.99. This is only a couple of dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $1,497.99, so now is a great opportunity to score this huge TV at a great price.

SEE ALSO: TCL's version of The Frame is 50% off for Labor Day — get the 65-inch NXTVISION TV for under $1,000

Thanks to 4K resolution and its QD-Mini LED display, alongside its massive 85-inch size, you can feel completely absorbed in what you're watching with a high-quality picture that'll make every detail jump out. Its CrystGlow HVA Panel also blocks any reflections from getting in the way, so no matter how bright it is outside, what you're watching will always come through clear without any glare.

Your ears will get the red carpet treatment as well, thanks to audio by Bang & Olufsen and Dolby Atmos that can further immerse you in whatever is on the screen. And for those with plenty of streaming services, this smart TV can help you keep everything organized in one location.

Considering that it's listed as a limited-time deal, this heavy discount may not last long. Act fast to save $1,000 on the TCL 85-Inch QM7K QD-Mini LED 4K TV at Amazon. And if you're hoping to find a smaller TV, you can still save on Samsung's 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV at Amazon right now.

SAVE $500: As of Sept. 4, the Dreame L50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $1,099.99 at Amazon. This is 31% off its list price of $1,599.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame L50 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $500 Get Deal

Fall is right around the corner, and if you're feeling like it's time to give your home a little post-Summer refresh, a robot vacuum can help you get the job done. Even with Labor Day deals starting to disappear, there are still plenty of offers to explore on different models. One of the best that's crossed our radar is over at Amazon, where you can score the Dreame L50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop for $500 off its list price right now.

This discount has dropped the price of the Dreame L50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop from $1,599.99 to $1,099.99. Both the black and white models are marked down to this price.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 25+ robot vacuums. Here are 6 I'd actually recommend buying in 2025.

The Dreame L50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop gives an efficient clean thanks to 19,500Pa Vormax suction and Dual Flex Arm technology that can reach tricky corners in your home. It even features a HyperStream Detangling DuoBrush, so there's no need to worry about hair getting tangled up in the vacuum while it's cleaning.

Paired with the mop, your floors will get a deep clean. And the Dreame L50 Ultra works to avoid obstacles with the help of AI action and 3D structured light that detects objects in your home that might be in its way.

There's no better time than now to pick up the Dreame L50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop while it's $500 off at Amazon. And if you're looking for a slightly less expensive robot vacuum deal, the Roborock Qrevo Edge is still discounted at Amazon after Labor Day.

SAVE $40: As of Sept. 4, JBL Tune Buds are on sale for $59.95 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune Buds $59.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $40 Get Deal

Not everyone wants to fork out over a hundred dollars on earbuds, especially when the market is so saturated with options of all price levels. But how do you know when price equates to quality? Every now and then, you'll find a pair that delivers on both counts, and that's the JBL Tune Buds.

The JBL Tune Buds are some of the best earbuds I've ever used, and if budget is your main concern, they should top your list. And as of Sept. 4, they're on sale at Amazon. Right now, you'll get them for $55.95, down from their usual price of $99.95.

SEE ALSO: Long-term review: I've used my Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds for 2 years and still think they’re a category best

Although they're a great budget option, they still deliver incredible sound and advanced features. They boast 10mm drivers and JBL’s Pure Bass Sound, making sure every song, podcast, and phone call sounds super clear. And if the fit isn’t quite right, not to worry, they come with several size options to adjust to your needs. This also bodes well if you plan to use them for high-intensity sports, like running or gym workouts.

Active Noise Cancelling blocks distractions, while Smart Ambient and TalkThru modes let you stay aware or chat easily without taking them off. You’ll get up to 40 hours of battery life (or 32 hours with noise cancelling), plus a quick 10-minute charge gives you two additional hours of playtime. Not to mention, these earbuds are IPX4 water- and sweat-resistant, making them ideal for workouts or rainy days.

Get this limited-time earbuds deal from Amazon.

Netflix made some massive waves in 2022's streaming entertainment pool with the release of its true-crime series Monster, which saw Evan Peters star as Jeffrey Dahmer in a creepy but curious performance of the notorious serial killer’s life from shy adolescent to killer and cannibal. Season two then focused on the Erik and Lyle Menendez, and the highly anticipated season three, which drops on October 3, will focus on the Butcher of Plainfield, Ed Gein. While its focus is intriguing enough, the main draw of Monster: The Ed Gein Story is Charlie Hunnam, of Sons of Anarchy fame, who’s taking on a whole new process in tackling this role.

Jimmy Kimmel has now been back for two days after his long summer vacation, and he's making up for lost time when it comes to Donald Trump.

Yesterday he responded directly to the president talking about how Kimmel will be the next late night host canceled, and on Wednesday night, he turned his attention to Trump once again trying to deflect attention away from his refusal to release the so-called Epstein files.

"I think we're probably having, according to what I read even from two people in this room, we're having the most successful eight months of any president ever — and that's what I want to talk about," Trump said during a press conference. "That's what we should be talking about, not the Epstein hoax."

"We're almost at the 'I never met anyone named Jeffrey Epstein' part of this story," responds Kimmel, before playing another clip of Trump saying people should be talking about how he "ended seven wars" instead. "That's a lot of wars. Any we may have heard of, by the way? Last week it was 10 wars, now it's seven, tomorrow it'll be 15 wars. This guys is ending...he ended Star Wars, I don't know if you heard that? He did."

Fortunately, Kimmel has a solution for the president.

"Listen, I've got an idea of how you can get people to stop talking about releasing the Epstein files," he says. "Release the Epstein files."

Most mid-range earbuds that offer noise cancellation are likely to disappoint. However, the OnePlus Buds 4 prove that you don't need to spend more money to enjoy this highly sought-after feature. These earbuds also impressed me with a bevy of other features and their comfortable, lightweight build.

TL;DR: Live stream Anisimova vs. Osaka in the 2025 US Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 US Open has delivered a number of standout performances from the best players in the world, but Anisimova's victory over Swiatek might be the best so far. After losing the Wimbledon final to Swiatek without winning a game, this was redemption for Anisimova. Can she go all the way at the 2025 US Open? A resurgent Naomi Osaka stands in her way.

If you want to watch Anisimova vs. Osaka in the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Anisimova vs. Osaka for free

Anisimova vs. Osaka in the 2025 US Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this site with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 US Open 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 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 US Open 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 US Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Anisimova vs. Osaka for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Pegula in the 2025 US Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 US Open final is just one game away for the remaining four players in the women's draw. The first semi final is an absolutely beauty, with top seed Sabalenka taking on the home favorite Pegula. The atmosphere is going to be electric at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

If you want to watch Sabalenka vs. Pegula in the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Pegula for free

Sabalenka vs. Pegula in the 2025 US Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this site with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 US Open 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 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 US Open 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 US Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Sabalenka vs. Pegula for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Samsung can't stop releasing Galaxy S25 phones.

A few months after launching the flagship S25 and S25 Ultra, Samsung dropped the ultra-thin S25 Edge on us. Now, just a few months after that, we've got the Galaxy S25 FE, a more budget-friendly model with some mildly compromised specs.

Launching Thursday for $649.99, the Galaxy S25 FE comes in four colors: navy, jetblack, white, and iceblue.

Of course, whether you consider $649.99 budget or mid-range status depends on your income. It's certainly affordable compared to flagship iPhones or Samsung's $1,999.99 Galaxy Fold 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 FE (2025) + Gift Card $649.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $100 Get Deal

Here are the basic specs for the S25 FE:

• 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate

• Exynos 2400 processor

• 8GB RAM

• 128/256GB storage

• 4,900mAH battery

• Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom

• 12MP selfie camera

Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

There are, of course, some noteworthy differences here between the base S25 and the S25 FE. Samsung's budget phone comes with an Exynos 2400 processor, which is a step down from the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip found in the regular S25. You're also only getting 8GB of RAM instead of 12GB, while the 8MP telephoto lens is slightly inferior to the 10MP module found on the S25, at least numerically.

SEE ALSO: All the foldable phones you can buy in 2025: Are these flip phones finally worth buying?

Still, it's got a very large screen with a better refresh rate than the iPhone 16 and a battery that could theoretically be pretty good. A telephoto lens on a phone that costs less than $700 is nothing to sneeze at, either. Beyond the hardware, you also get Samsung's suite of AI features, including Generative Edit for photos, Gemini Live, and the Now Brief daily hub page that shows you the weather, the news, and other things that might interest you.

Maybe they can sneak in one more S25 model before the end of the year.

Offers on the Galaxy S25 FE: Best deal Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Cell Phone, 128GB + $100 Gift Card $649.99 Get Deal Buy at Amazon Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Cell Phone, 128GB $649.99 Shop Now Buy at Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Cell Phone, 256GB $649.99 Get Deal

The next generation of Samsung tablets is here. As of Sept. 4, you can now shop Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra models. The new tablets double down on Galaxy AI and are the thinnest tablets yet, measuring .22 inches (S11) and .20 inches (S11 Ultra) thick — the exact same thicknesses as the iPad Pro 11 and 13-inch models.

The new S11 line comes in two sizes. The S11 Ultra has a 14.6-inch screen while the S11 has an 11-inch screen. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

While the body of the tablets didn't see much change from the previous S10 generation, the internal processing and AI capabilities make this what is expected to be Samsung's most advanced tablet yet. Both tablets are equipped with Android 16 and a One UI 8 operating system.

With easy to access Quick Tools, you can adjust settings and work faster with the redesigned S Pen. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

The new operating system equips the tablets with Galaxy AI that offers Drawing and Writing Assist as well as Gemini Live.

The S Pen, which comes included with both the S11 and S11 Ultra, did get a redesign. It features a new cone-shaped pen tip, allowing for better precision and an ergonomic hold while you work in apps like Noteshelf 3, ArcSite, and Picsart.

With Samsung DeX, multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 just became possible. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

What might be most exciting about the new S11 and S11 Ultra tablets is the enhanced Samsung DeX that allows you to multitask across apps so you can simultaneous take a meeting and take notes on the same device. This signals a trend across different brands' tablets, as Apple and now Samsung both seem to be edging their tablets toward laptop capabilities.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 has an 11-inch screen, a 13 MP rear camera, and a 12 MP Ultra Wide front camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra has a 14.6-inch screen, a 13 MP and 8 MP Ultra Wide rear camera, and a 12 MP Ultra Wide front camera. Both tablets come in either gray or silver.

The Tab S11 starts at $799.99, and the Tab S11 Ultra starts at $1,199.99. Both are available for purchase as of Sept. 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 (256GB) $799.99 at Amazon
$859.99 Save $60 Get Deal

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 3, 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 3, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 4 Pips

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

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 5-3, horizontally

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 4 Pips

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

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

Equal (3): Everything in this light blue space must be equal 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically; 3-0, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this red space must equal 0. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically; 5-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 4 Pips

Number (24): Everything in this purple space must add up to 24. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically; 1-5, placed vertically.

Greater than (1): Everything in this red space must be greater than 1. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (3): Everything in this dark blue space must equal 3. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must equal 4. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically; 2-3, placed vertically.

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

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

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: Nativity decorations

• Green: To edit a digital picture

• Blue: What one might eat in Paris

• Purple: What living things are made up of

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: What you might see on a Christmas tree

• Green: Clean up, as a photograph

• Blue: French food words

• Purple: Things with cells

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 #816 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• What you might see on a Christmas tree: ANGEL, CANDY CANE, STRING LIGHTS, TINSEL

• Clean up, as a photograph: AIRBRUSH, FIX, PHOTOSHOP, TOUCH UP

• French food words: CORNICHON, PAIN, PAMPLEMOUSSE, VINAIGRETTE

• Things with cells: HONEYCOMB, ORGANISM, SOLAR PANEL, SPREADSHEET

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: Far from ordinary

The words are atypical.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are ways to describe differences.

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 OffTheWall.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 4

• Zany

• Eccentric

• Bizarre

• OffTheWall

• Absurd

• Quirky

• Madcamp

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 mix.

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 B.

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...

BLEND.

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.

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: Obtain

• Green: Recent champs

• Blue: Phrase

• Purple: Same second word

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: Haul in

• Green: Last 4 teams to win a Super Bowl

• Blue: "How bout them Cowboys!"

• Purple: ____ kick

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 #346 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Haul in - CATCH, GRAB, SNAG, SNATCH

• Last 4 teams to win a Super Bowl - BUCCANEERS, CHIEFS, EAGLES, RAMS

• "How bout them Cowboys!" - BOUT, COWBOYS, HOW, THEM

• ____ kick - DROP, ONSIDE, PLACE, SQUIB

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.

Tesla's Optimus robot now comes with xAI's AI assistant Grok, but judging from a recent video shared on X, it's not very close to fulfilling CEO Elon Musk's dream and becoming Tesla's biggest product ever.

The video, shared by Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, shows the next-gen Optimus in new, gold attire, with several new visual details including more human-like hands. More importantly, Optimus now features Grok's voice mode, meaning it can understand user queries and answer them with spoken replies.

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The video, however, will hardly impress anyone, as Optimus appears slow to respond, requiring several vocal nudges to start performing a fairly simple task — going to the kitchen and fetching a Coke. The robot takes a few sluggish steps, presumably towards said kitchen, but the video ends before we can see if Optimus can actually fetch the beverage.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's new Tesla Master Plan promises abundance for everyone

The video shows some progress from earlier instances of Optimus we've seen, such as the human-assisted versions shown during Tesla's "We, Robot" event last year or the popcorn-serving robots at LA's Tesla Diner. But it's not the kind of demonstration that will make you think Tesla will be selling millions of these anytime soon.

Benioff, for one, seems to be impressed, calling it a "productivity game-changer" that will be "tackling human work for $200K–$500K." Coincidentally (or perhaps not), Benioff recently cut 4,000 customer service jobs at Salesforce, with AI agents stepping in instead.

Optimus is still in prototype stage, and we might see more iterations as it nears production, which is scheduled to start in 2026.

The demonstration comes shortly after Tesla shared the fourth instance of its Master Plan, a fairly vague document that seems to put a lot of weight on Optimus as Tesla's most important product going forward. Musk previously said that Tesla plans to sell millions of units per year within four to five years.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025:

AcrossNational park in the Canadian Rockies

• The answer is Banff.

Elevator choice

• The answer is Floor.

Means of transport in Seattle, San Francisco and New York

• The answer is Ferry.

Unlikely chef in a 2007 Pixar film

• The answer is Rat.

"Honor ___ father ..."

• The answer is Thy.

DownClosest pal, informally

• The answer is BFF.

Text notification, e.g.

• The answer is Alert.

Jones who sang "Come Away With Me"

• The answer is Norah.

Number of thieves faced by Ali Baba

• The answer is Forty.

Loose item at the bottom of a fast-food bag, perhaps

• The answer is Fry.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

SAVE OVER $200: As of Sept. 4, the ASUS TUF Gaming F16 laptop is down to its best-ever price of $779.99 at Amazon. This is $220 off its list price of $999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS TUF Gaming F16 (2024) $779.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $220 Get Deal

This year has already seen some excellent video game releases and there are some real treats still to come, including Silent Hill f and The Outer Worlds 2. If you've been looking to upgrade to a new gaming laptop to play new titles at their best, the good news is that there are some great deals to consider.

Amazon is offering a special discount on the ASUS TUF Gaming F16 laptop right now. Currently down to its lowest-ever price, this ASUS TUF Gaming F16 laptop is on sale for $779.99 at Amazon. This knocks over $200 off its list price of $999.99. It's marked as a limited-time deal, so now is your best chance to score this powerful model for less.

SEE ALSO: Play the year's hottest games with the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop at its lowest price yet

Fitted with an Intel Core 5 210H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, the ASUS TUF Gaming F16 laptop is ready to tackle your favorite games without hassle. It also features a FHD+ 144Hz display so your games will always look smooth, and comes with 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. Top it off with a sleek, portable style and it's ready to play your favorite games on the go.

Considering it's down to its best-ever price right now, there's no better time to pick it up. Don't miss out on the ASUS TUF Gaming F16 laptop down to $779.99 at Amazon. If you're curious to see more gaming laptops, check out our roundup of the best gaming laptops to see some more recommendations for PC gamers.

SAVE $400: As of Sept. 4, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop is on sale for $2,499.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 14% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Strix G16 $2,499.99 at Amazon
$2,899.99 Save $400 Get Deal

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your gaming setup, now might be a good time to make a move. One of the best gaming laptops in the business is on sale for a limited time.

As of Sept. 3, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop is on sale for $400 off, now priced at $2,499.99. This price is for the Ultra 9, RTX5080 model. Not only is this a great price for serious gamers, but it's the lowest it has ever been according to camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: The Alienware 18 Area-51 gaming laptop is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

This gaming laptop is a perfect all-rounder. It has a sleek design and strong performance across the board, and it's built with impressively powerful hardware, including high-end graphics cards and processors. The Strix series also has great cooling features and customizable RGB lighting that honestly just makes it look really cool (that matters too). With a 16-inch screen and a 16:10 aspect ratio, you can enjoy high-quality and immersive gaming on whatever titles you're playing.

Connectivity-wise, you're good to go, with WiFi 6E support, multiple USB ports including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Get this great gaming laptop deal at Amazon now.