IT General

TL;DR: Level up your PC with Windows 11 Pro for only $12.97 (reg. $199) — there are only a few more days left to snag this special discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $12.97
$199 Save $186.03 Get Deal

If you haven’t heard already, Microsoft has officially announced the countdown clock on Windows 10. Are you still running your PC on this dated operating system? Now might be the perfect time to finally upgrade your Windows device’s performance, because the latest operating system, Windows 11 Pro, is now less than $13 until the end of today. However, codes are limited.

With these Windows 11 Pro keys, you can completely revamp two compatible PCs, whether they’re your personal or work computers. For starters, you’ll enjoy a refreshed user interface that’s been designed to be intuitive and aesthetically pleasing with rounded corners.

SEE ALSO: Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for under $50

This updated operating system provides more than just an improved navigation experience. New productivity tools like snap layouts, easy redocking, and improved voice typing can help you complete personal and professional tasks, and you’ll even have a more powerful search experience to get you further.

Digital safety is paramount for anyone online, which is why Windows 11 Pro is outfitted with enhanced security measures like Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, BitLocker device encryption, and more for greater peace of mind as you browse, stream, or game. And speaking of gaming, this operating system is designed to improve PC gaming graphics with DirectX12 Ultimate.

Since this is the Pro version of Windows 11, you’ll additionally get remote work-friendly features, such as remote desktop access for viewing files and running programs from your mobile device. There’s also Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox for extra professional usage.

You have a little while longer to score this Windows 11 Pro discount for just $12.97. Don’t wait too long to act, as codes are selling quickly.

StackSocial prices subject to change

TL;DR: Grab a 2020 MacBook Air with Apple’s M1 chip, 256GB SSD, and 8GB of RAM for only $429.99 (reg. $999). It’s fast, reliable, and deeply discounted — inventory is limited.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch (Refurbished) $429.99
$999 Save $569.01 Get Deal

Looking for a MacBook that can keep up with your workflow without draining your bank account? This 2020 MacBook Air delivers flagship-level performance in a compact, ultra-lightweight design. And right now, you can grab a refurbished 13.3-inch model for only $429.99 (reg. $999) — that’s over half off the retail price.

This is one of the lowest prices you’ll find anywhere — beating both Amazon and Walmart — but stock is limited, and deals like this don’t last long.

What makes this MacBook Air worth it?

At just under 3 pounds, this MacBook Air is built for portability but doesn’t hold back on power. The Apple M1 chip provides up to 3.5x faster performance and 5x faster graphics compared to previous Intel-based models, making it ideal for everything from video editing to multitasking in pro apps.

You’ll also get:

• 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking

• 256GB SSD for fast storage and plenty of room for your files

• A 13.3-inch Retina display with vibrant color and crisp resolution

• 18-hour battery life to keep you going all day

• Fanless design for silent operation — no more whirring or weird ‘breathing’ from your laptop

Another bonus? This MacBook’s 16-core Neural Engine inside the M1 chip helps power advanced tasks like photo recognition, voice processing, and machine learning applications, all without breaking a sweat.

While this model is refurbished, it was awarded a Grade ‘A’ rating. What’s that mean? This MacBook Air will arrive to you in near-mint condition, with little to no signs of use. You’re getting the same MacBook Air experience, but at a fraction of the price. Because it’s in almost pristine condition, you may not even notice it’s a refurbished device.

SEE ALSO: The four-pack of Apple AirTags is just over $5 away from their lowest price ever

This M1-powered MacBook Air is an unbeatable value, especially for students, remote workers, or anyone needing a reliable everyday laptop that’ll let them work all day long without missing a beat.

Don’t miss your shot at scoring Apple performance without the Apple price tag. Inventory is selling quickly for these 13.3-inch M1 MacBook Airs, so grab yours now for just $429.99 (reg. $999).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Italy vs. South Africa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Women's Rugby World Cup continues to gather momentum as the best sides in the world come head-to-head. Italy vs. South Africa is one of the most interesting matchups of the second round. South Africa smashed Brazil in their opening game, but Italy should provide a tougher test.

If you want to watch Italy vs. South Africa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Italy vs. South Africa?

Italy vs. South Africa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup starts at 3:30 p.m. BST on Aug. 31. This fixture takes place at the LNER Community Stadium.

How to watch Italy vs. South Africa for free

Italy vs. South Africa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup online for free

Live stream Italy vs. South Africa 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Italy vs. South Africa for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Italy vs. South Africa without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the Women's Rugby World Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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 Italy vs. South Africa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

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

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

Japanese noodles.

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

RAMEN

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A period of time.

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

PHASE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

What a cow has.

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

UDDER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A type of sword.

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

SABRE

Final Hurdle hint

A type of drum.

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

SNARE

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

We're in a new moon phase tonight, meaning the moon is around half lit up.

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

So, let's see what's happening with the moon tonight, Aug. 31.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Sunday, Aug. 31, the moon phase is First Quarter, and 53% will be lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

There's a lot to see when you look up at the moon tonight. With no visual aids, you'll see the Mare Serenitatis, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Mare Tranquillitatis. With binoculars, you'll also get a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, the Archimedes Crater, and the Apennine Mountains. If you have a telescope too, you'll also spot the Apollo 15, Apollo 17, and the Rupes Altai.

When is the next full moon?

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

What are moon phases?

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

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Depending on what time of year you're reading this, it's either starting to get a little chillier during the nights or it's just downright cold. All of which means it's time to get warm and snuggly. But here’s the problem: Nothing is getting any cheaper. On the contrary, in fact. Everyone's been hit by energy prices, and we're all thinking twice about putting the central heating for a few hours, let alone the entire night.

There is a solution, however: Get yourself an old-school electric blanket. Actually, there’s nothing old-school about the tech being used to heat electric blankets in this day and age. Modern electric blankets have all kinds of features, such as dual controls, targeted areas for warming, and multiple heat settings. And for just a fraction of the price of running the central heating all night long.

But which electric blanket should you choose? There are so many out there it’s hard to know which products are the hottest. Luckily, we’ve hunkered down and done the research. But before you buy, let us warm you up with some handy information. 

What is an electric blanket?

An electric blanket plugs into the mains and warms up via heating elements within the fabric itself. Most electric blankets are actually “toppers” or under blankets, which mean you secure them on top of your mattress and lie on them. They fix onto the mattress with corner straps or elasticated skirting. The heat is managed by a remote control that’s attached to the blanket. This can usually be detached so you can machine wash the blanket. Also available are electric throws to wrap around yourself.

Are electric blankets safe to use?

While safety experts recommend that no heated appliance should be left on unattended, or while you sleep, electric blankets have safety measures such as timers which switch the heat off, or an automatic shut-off that prevents overheating. 

Are electric blankets expensive to run?

This, of course, is the most crucial question as the price of energy soars and the general cost of living increases. The cost of running an electric blanket varies, depending on which heat setting you use (some blankets have up to nine different heat settings).

Most of the blankets in this roundup claim to cost from 1p per night (on their lowest setting), based on a runtime of eight hours. Real-world tests have found the figure to be slightly higher, from 3p to 9p. Either way, it’s significantly cheaper than central heating, which can currently cost between 4.6p and £1.20 per hour.

What is the best electric blanket?

That all depends on what features you need to keep you warm, and which blanket suits you best. That’s why we’ve researched all the best brands and available options and pulled together a wide selection of options to consider. All you need to do is make your bed and lie in it. Well, and switch your new electric blanket on, of course.

These are the best electric blankets in 2025.

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.

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 Mini crossword answers, hints for August 28, 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: Baseball field

• Green: Found in the City of the Brotherly Love

• Blue: Events where players get picked

• Purple: SEC shorthand

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: Materials Found on a Baseball Field

• Green: Philadelphia Teams

• Blue: Words That Precede "Draft"

• Purple: Starts of SEC Team Names

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 #342 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Materials Found on a Baseball Field - CHALK, DIRT, GRASS, RUBBER

• Philadelphia Teams - EAGLES, FLYERS, TEMPLE, UNION

• Words That Precede "Draft" - FANTASY, MOCK, NFL, SNAKE

• Starts of SEC Team Names - BULL, GATO, SOON, WILD

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.

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 August 29, 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 August 30, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 31 Pips

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must equal 2. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-1, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must equal 1. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 31 Pips

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

Greater than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically.

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

Greater than (6): Everything in this space must be greater than 6. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 0-4 placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 31 Pips

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

Number (24): Everything in this space must add up to 24. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally.

Number (13): Everything in this space must add up to 13. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

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

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must equal 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Every dot in this space must be 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed vertically; 4-4, placed vertically; 2-4, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Every dot in this space must be 1. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 1-0, 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.

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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: To condemn

• Green: Parts of Monopoly

• Blue: They have various meanings

• Purple: Twigs

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: Criticize harshly

• Green: Common components of board games

• Blue: Heteronyms

• Purple: ___Sticks

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 #813 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Criticize harshly: BASH, BLAST, FLAME, ROAST

• Common components of board games: BOARD, CARDS, DICE, PIECES

• Heteronyms: AXES, BASS, COORDINATE, DOES

• ___Sticks: CHOP, DRUM, FIDDLE, FISH

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 27, 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 August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Up the hill

The words are song-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are found in a classic nursery rhyme.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Jack and Jill.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for August 30

• Tumbling

• Water

• Fetch

• Jack and Jill

• Broke

• Pail

• After

• Crown

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 today: Hints and answers for August 4 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 4, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Part of a flower.

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 P.

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...

PETAL.

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

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

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

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

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

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

7-Zip is one of the best archive managers for Windows, offering a long list of features. However, I recently came across PeaZip, an open-source archive manager, and I find it very similar to 7-Zip. Let's compare both tools so you can determine which one to use on your computer.

Good backups are an essential thing in the modern digital era, when so much of our lives revolves around computers, phones, and the internet. Here is how I back up my Linux laptop to make sure I don't lose anything important.

TL;DR: Give an old PC an upgrade with this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows, now just $39.97 (reg. $219.99) through Sept. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $39.97
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Jealous of all those kids going on back-to-school shopping sprees? Take advantage of a deal on something your PC could use: a fresh Microsoft Office Professional 2021 lifetime license. Right now, you can enjoy this suite of Microsoft Office apps for life for just $39.97 — $180 off the usual price — if you purchase before Sept. 7.

Bring Word, Excel, Outlook, and more to your PC for less

Whether you’re heading back to school or just trying to get through the work day, a Microsoft Office Professional 2021 license gives your PC a new lease on life. It equips your device with eight helpful apps that can help you tackle everything from creating a killer presentation to whipping up an informative spreadsheet.

This license gives you lifetime access to Microsoft Office staples like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, while also including newer additions like Teams, Access, OneNote, and Publisher — all for just $5 each. There are no monthly fees or renewals, unlike Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

SEE ALSO: Back to school, AI edition: College students get big discounts on AI tools like Gemini and Grammarly

Don’t let the year of this edition worry you. The 2021 version actually offers some unique advantages like redesigned features, the ability to work offline, and no cloud dependency. Just make sure your device is running Windows 10 or 11, as these apps are not supported by Windows 7 or 8.

Get things done with some help from this affordable lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows, now only $39.97 (reg. $219.99) through Sept. 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Dads rejoice – this one’s for you. It’s an excuse to have a mid-life crisis of a maturely immature kind, and a cool one at that. Just bring a fresh pair of New Balance 530s. You know you deserve it, so ditch the SUV and instead buy a car that celebrates your life stage without too much compromise. Go buy a performance wagon.

Picking out a computer to travel with is difficult. You want to have a computer that is powerful enough and big enough, without being too large and unwieldy. It’s also nice if you can entertain yourself, whether it’s through streaming, playing games, or maybe even some drawing.

This electric hatchback stands out as one of the smartest budget-friendly cars you can buy, offering low running costs and everyday practicality. With its compact size, easy maneuverability, and quiet electric drive, it’s perfectly suited for city life while still capable enough for longer commutes.

Are you looking for a replacement for Windows File Explorer? If so, I would recommend trying the Files app, which is one of the best file managers for Windows 11.

SAVE $150: As of Aug. 30, a Pink 10th Generation 256GB  10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display Apple iPad with A14 Bionic chip is $349, down from its list price of $499.

Have you always wanted to become an iPad girly, boy, or person? This Labor Day weekend deal on Amazon has a 10.9-inch 256 GB Pink 10th Generation Apple iPad at 33% off. If you were waiting on a sign to spring for a back-to-school Apple iPad, now is a perfect time to take the leap (especially if you love pink). There’s nothing like coming home after a long day to play around on your iPad, seriously. These devices have been around for 15 years, and it seems they just continue to get more useful. 

One of the best things about Apple iPads is their versatility. You can manage your whole life with an iPad while seamlessly integrating it into your existing Apple ecosystem. Not only does it do everything that your iPhone can (save for connecting to Data, with this particular model), it also has excellent new features that just put a cherry on top.

Customize your home page with widgets that represent your hobbies, classes, work, or all of the above. Download apps like Procreate and pick up an Apple Pencil to revolutionize the way you can make art, digitally collage, take notes, journal, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 10th Generation Apple iPad $499
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Disney's 2025 Destination D23 event may not come with as many major film and TV announcements as its biennial D23 Expo, but it still gave Disney fans lots to be excited about.

SEE ALSO: Disney sues Sling TV over new short-term TV passes

Destination D23's Aug. 30 Walt Disney Studios Showcase event offered attendees first looks at upcoming titles from Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, including Toy Story 5, Avengers: Doomsday, and The Mandalorian & Grogu. From new film announcements to key release dates, we've rounded up every major announcement below so you don't have to miss a thing.

Toy Story 5 gets new characters and new plot details.

At last year's D23 Expo, director Andrew Stanton revealed a teaser for Pixar's latest sequel, along with the plot synopsis that this time around, it's toys versus tech. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the whole gang will be facing off against the Pixar version of an iPad: Bonnie's antagonistic Lily Pad tablet.

This year's D23 offered up new looks at Toy Story 5, including concept art for Lily Pad and the film's opening scene, which sees a vast army of Buzz Lightyears washing up on a deserted island. This army will be among the film's villains after they get stuck in a malfunctioning play mode.

The Toy Story 5 segment of the Walt Disney Studios showcase also revealed that Conan O'Brien would be joining the cast as the voice of Smarty Pants, a potty training toy.

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How to watch: Toy Story 5 hits theaters June 19, 2026.

Pixar reiterated its sequel-heavy slate of upcoming films.

Pixar also showed off its upcoming slate of films, which is highly sequel-focused. The animal body-hopping comedy Hoppers hits theaters March 6, 2026, followed by Toy Story 5 on June 19.

Next up is the original film Gatto, directed by Enrico Casarosa (Luca). The movie, set for a June 2027 release, follows a black cat who lives in Venice and forges an unlikely bond with a street artist. From there, Pixar pivots hard into sequel territory, with Incredibles 3 and Coco 2. While neither film have hard release dates, Pixar has them slated for releases in "2028 and beyond."

Marvel screened the first footage of Avengers: Doomsday.

In a video message from the Avengers: Doomsday set in London, Paul Rudd and directors Joe and Anthony Russo introduced footage from the upcoming superhero team-up film. The footage has not yet been released to the public. However, according to the Russo Brothers, Avengers: Doomsday is the biggest movie they've ever made. How in the world are they going to top Avengers: Endgame?

How to watch: Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters May 1, 2026.

Star Wars showed footage from The Mandalorian & Grogu.

D23 attendees also got a taste of the upcoming Star Wars film The Mandalorian & Grogu with footage that has yet to be release to the public.

The movie continues the team-up between Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his adorable Baby Yoda son Grogu. In addition to Pascal, The Mandalorian & Grogu also stars Sigourney Weaver as Ward, a veteran Rebel Alliance pilot; Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt, son of Jabba the Hutt; and Jonny Coyne as an Imperial Warlord. Star Wars Rebels' Zeb is also set to make an appearance.

How to watch: The Mandalorian & Grogu hits theaters May 22, 2026.

Ice Age 6 gets a title and a release date.

The sequels just keep coming, as Disney released new details about the sixth film in the Ice Age franchise. Titled Ice Age: Boiling Point, the animated adventure is set for release on Feb. 5, 2027. It will also feature Baby Scrat, who I'm praying is way better at finding acorns than his accident-prone father.

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How to watch: Ice Age: Boiling Point hits theaters Feb. 5, 2027.

Walt Disney Animation announced a new film, Hexed.

Walt Disney Animation announced its next original film, Hexed, set for release on Nov. 25, 2026. The film centers on an oddball teenager and his mother. When the pair discovers the teenager's "weirdness" is actually hidden magic, they're transported to a brand-new magical world.

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How to watch: Hexed hits theaters Nov. 25, 2026.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw gets a release date.

The fourth animated Diary of a Wimpy Kid film will premiere on Disney+ on Dec. 5, allowing audiences to celebrate Christmas alongside the Heffley family.

How to watch: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw premieres Dec. 5 on Disney+.

Zootopia 2's opening scene teases trouble for Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

Disney revealed more details about the upcoming Zootopia 2 at D23, including screening the film's opening scene. In the scene, police partners Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) get into a car chase that goes horribly wrong, which doesn't bode well for their new partnership.

The film adds two new cast members: Patrick Warburton, who will voice Zootopia Mayor Winddancer, and Yvette Nicole Brown, who will voice Bearoness Bear and an EMT Otter.

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How to watch: Zootopia 2 hits theaters Nov. 26.