IT General

SAVE $300: As of Aug. 30, the iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot Vacuum is down 33% on Amazon. This Labor Day deal is on sale for $599, down from $899.

One of the most intelligent robot vacuums on the market, the iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot Vacuum, is over a third off for a sweet Labor Day Deal. This auto-docking, self-emptying, and obstacle-avoiding robot vacuum will make the start of the school year and the end of summer simpler and cleaner. This particular model is excellent for carpet and hard floors.

The iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot Vacuum can be controlled via buttons on the device itself, voice control, app control, or seamless integration into the smart home ecosystem of your choice. Tell your smart home device to start the Roomba (or the unique name you've given it) to get to work in your stead. Delegation has never felt better.

You also don’t have to go hunting for a dead robot vacuum deep under your couch later in the day, or trip over your fallen vacuum soldier that died in the middle of a dark room. It also features state-of-the-art obstacle avoidance, preventing traffic jams and eliminating the need for behind-the-couch search-and-rescue missions. Additionally, this model can also pay attention to which of your rooms gets the dirtiest most frequently and adjust its cleaning schedule accordingly.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot Vacuum $599 at Amazon
$899 Save $300 Get Deal

Curl up with your coziest fall book, and let the iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot Vacuum handle the vacuuming, sweeping, and overall cleanliness management of your space. 

SAVE $16: As of Aug. 30, the Google TV Streamer 4k is on sale for $84.00 right now at Amazon. That's 16 percent off the rarely-on-sale list price of $99.99. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google TV Streamer 4k $84 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $15.99 Get Deal

The Google TV Streamer 4K is among some of the best Amazon Labor Day Deals happening this weekend. The streamer is on sale right now, which is rare for this specific device. The Google TV Streamer 4K’s sleek, porcelain shade and design blend seamlessly into your living room decor. It also seamlessly integrates with Google’s other smart home devices.

It’s the perfect streamer for those who already have Google smart hubs or speakers because you can simply tell any one of them to turn on whatever show or movie you’d like to watch. You can also speak into the remote to dim your lights or view your camera feed without pausing the game, movie, or season finale.

It’s also an excellent standalone streamer if you don’t have any Google smart home products or ecosystems. It can turn any TV into a smart TV, offering twice the storage of its previous model at 32 GB and 22 percent faster streaming. The Google TV Streamer 4K enables you to stream your favorite services, including Live TV, and access up to 800 free channels. This device is compatible with any speakers, especially Dolby Atmos, for a more immersive 3D audio experience.

Unfortunately, HDMI cords are sold separately, so be sure to plan ahead if you don’t already have one. The remote features a customizable option that allows you to use the home button to launch your favorite app. It will also ring if it gets buried under the couch or kicked under a chair. 

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 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: Lost the ball

• Green: Found in the Buckeye State

• Blue: Pitching MVPs

• Purple: Related to Falcon's Robinson

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: Ways a Football Changes Possessions

• Green: Ohio Teams

• Blue: Last 4 NL Cy Young Winners

• Purple: Associated with Bijan Robinson

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 #341 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Ways a Football Changes Possessions - DOWNS, FUMBLE, INTERCEPTION, PUNT

• Ohio Teams - BENGALS, BLUE JACKETS, CREW, OHIO STATE

• Last 4 NL Cy Young Winners - ALCANTARA, BURNES, SALE, SNELL

• Associated with Bijan Robinson - FALCONS, MUSTARD, RB, TEXAS

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.

The best self-emptying robot vacuums speak to the life hack seeker in you. If vacuuming every day is something you don't feel like doing manually, you probably also don't feel like manually dumping a vac's dustbin into the trash every day. Such is the natural pipeline of being spoiled with technology.

Let's set the scene: When you outsource vacuuming to a robotic vacuum cleaner, your floors get cleaned way more often, right? There's just one little downside to that extra attention: The more gunk picked up off the floor, the faster the dust bin fills up — especially if you have pets. You could either empty the dustbin yourself multiple times a week, or just get a robot vacuum that empties itself. These vacuum cleaners take care of vacuuming and bin maintenance on their own, storing the debris collected on each trip in a larger compartment that's located in the charging dock.

SEE ALSO: Roborock Saros Z70 review: If you think you need the robot vacuum with an arm, no you don't

Most brands claim capacities between six to eight weeks, but almost every auto-empty vacuum I've tried is self-sufficient for much longer than that. The feature is so core to the hands-off cleaning experience nowadays that it's rare for any new robot vacuum release to arrive to market without a self-emptying dock. Automatic emptying is the precursor to any of my tips for making your robot vacuum work better in general, and people on Reddit seem to agree that self-emptying vacuums are worth the convenience.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineups

The best robot vacuum and mop combo models that auto-empty even take it a step further with auto-washing and -drying mopping pads and self-refilling water tanks, and it all goes down in the same dock where the robot vac empties itself. If your home's a tight squeeze, you certainly don't need such a full-fledged auto-empty dock (you don't even need to skip self-emptying altogether). I've tested a ton of solid self-emptying robot vacuums for small spaces in my own apartment.

I've been testing the latest and greatest self-emptying robot vacuums from 2025 against the top vacs from years prior. Three-quarters of the way through 2025, these top five picks offered the most efficient automated cleaning experience in my home.

Other robot vacuums I've tested recently

I've tested several other robot vacuums that auto-empty that didn't make the cut. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, Narwal Freo X Ultra, and Roomba j7+ were top picks in this list at one point, but were merely upstaged in power and price tag value by newer models.

I've also tested some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were OK, but didn't wow enough to be contenders for this list. The Dreame X50 Ultra grabbed attention during its CES 2025 debut for its ability to "climb," though the fine print is that it can't scale thresholds taller than 6 millimeters (about 2.36 inches). A slew of new Dreame robot vacuums are slated to come out in fall 2025, among them a model with improved climbing abilities and a model whose self-empty dock can hold three sets of mopping pads. I'll be getting my hands on these as soon as possible and updating my top picks for this list accordingly.

Are self-emptying robot vacuums worth it?

A robot vacuum that can empty its own dust bin is for sure worth it in just about every home — no one should have to settle for an add-on task related to the gadget they just bought to automate another chore. However, automatic emptying is particularly valuable in homes with pets. Daily pet hair pickup could easily fill up a vacuum's tiny onboard dustbin after just a few rooms, but that capacity is significantly expanded when there's a large alternate dustbin on the dock. If they get full mid-cleaning session, self-emptying vacuums know to head back to the dock to unload, then finish the rest of the session with a clean slate.

Not for nothing, even the most ergonomic upright vacuums are a pain to wrestle out of the closet sometimes. In a pinch, it's inarguably worthwhile to have the option to start sweeping with a click on an app.

For people with allergies, auto-emptying also spares you from inhaling the inevitable puff of dust that emerges when dumping a dustbin into the trash. Speaking of avoiding the grosser parts of the job, if you're specifically seeking a robot vacuum that mops, many self-emptying docks also take it upon themselves to wash and dry the dirty mopping pads after the job is done.

The next batch of iPhones is nearly upon us, so let's make some wishes while we still can.

Apple is all set to announce the iPhone 17 lineup in a couple of weeks, but we still don't know anything about these phones for certain just yet. Sure, there are lots of rumors and leaks to go off of, but for now, they only exist in our heads. With that in mind, here are 3 of the biggest features we hope Apple brings to the iPhone 17 lineup.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could get liquid silicone cases, leak reveals 120Hz displays across the lineup

Apple has been way, way behind the curve when it comes to refresh rates for years.

Sure, more expensive models like the iPhone 16 Pro have had 120Hz displays for a few years now, but it's impossible to get an iPhone with a smooth display like that for less than $1,000, barring any huge discounts. That's aggravating because even the budget version of Google's Pixel phones has a 120Hz display for only $500. What gives?

The good news is that this isn't just an idle wish on our part. Rumor has it that the entire iPhone 17 line will have 120Hz displays for the first time. Apple might be several years late to the party, but we're glad it arrived anyway.

Fun colors for the Pro models

For years, Apple has offered fun, vibrant color options for base model iPhones, but kept things boring with the iPhone Pro phones. For instance, the iPhone 16 comes in a gorgeous pink hue, while the 16 Pro comes in white, black, and a couple different varieties of beige. Yuck.

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Fortunately, this is another wish that's backed up by leaks. Leaker Sonny Dixon recently posted some photos on X of iPhone 17 Pro dummy models, and while two of the four colors are still white and black, there also appear to be dark blue and orange hues this time. That's definitely an improvement over previous years, but Apple can still do better. Give us a pink iPhone Pro next time.

Reverse wireless charging

Getting caught away from home with a depleted AirPods charging case isn't the worst thing in the world, but it's certainly not fun, either.

That's where reverse wireless charging would come into play. If this were added to any of the iPhone 17 phones, it would allow users to charge other Apple devices (at least) by placing them on the back of an overturned iPhone, effectively turning it into a portable wireless charger. That way, you could set your AirPods case down for 10 to 15 minutes and at least get enough juice to fuel your commute home from work.

Luckily, once again, this wish has some meat on the bone. A leaker named Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo posted just this week that the iPhone 17 Pro models might offer reverse wireless charging. While it's far from certain, this would just make too much sense for Apple not to do at some point.

The Chromebook Plus line is a step above traditional Chromebooks, and the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is superior even to its fellow Plus competitors. This laptop looks more lavish than its relatively affordable price tag would suggest, and it’s decked out with fairly powerful internals to boot. 

That’s not to say this Chromebook is perfect — it’s not. However, the Flex 5i’s smooth overall performance, crisp and full-bodied speakers, impressive battery life, and healthy port selection greatly overshadow the few tiny things I didn’t love about this laptop, like its display and webcam.

All in all, this laptop has earned a solid place as one of the best Chromebooks you can buy right now, but it does cost a little bit more than budget options you might see more often.

This laptop looks high-end. Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable composite; Sarah Chaney Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus price and specs 

Chromebooks have come a long way since their conception in 2011, and they’re not the wimpy, can-only-surf-the-web Chromebooks you might be more familiar with. In particular, Chromebook Plus models are guaranteed to have certain relatively powerful specs, including: 

• At least a 12th-generation Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series processor (i.e., a CPU from 2022 or newer)

• At least 8GB of RAM

• At least 128GB of storage

• A 1080p webcam with temporal noise reduction

• An IPS display with a resolution of at least 1080p (Full HD)

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus goes beyond these minimum spec requirements, delivering a reliable Chrome OS-powered device wrapped up in a gorgeous package. Our review unit is available for $599 at Costco, with the following specs: 

• Intel Core i5-1334U

• Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics

• 8GB RAM

• 256GB of SSD storage

• 14-inch, 1920 x 1200, IPS touch display

For a Chromebook Plus model, $599 is a fairly steep price, but in exchange, you get a powerful, easily portable device with great battery life and better-than-average port variety, speakers, and overall build quality.

The lid is luckily not a fingerprint magnet. Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable composite; Sarah Chaney I love when a laptop looks way more expensive than it is

I would’ve guessed the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus was a $1,000 laptop if I didn’t already know its price. The build quality is superb. The laptop feels solidly constructed, with practically no give when pushing on the chassis, sturdy hinges that don’t creak or stick, and a cool-to-the-touch aluminum lid that resists fingerprints well. 

The aluminum lid features a two-tone gray design, with a straight line dividing a light gray third from the darker Storm Grey shade that covers the rest of the chassis. The bottom part of the chassis that houses all the laptop’s internals and the keyboard is made with plastic, so it’s not able to keep greasy fingerprints at bay like the lid, but it still looks and feels great.

At 3.5 pounds, the Flex 5i isn’t the lightest Chromebook available, but its compact dimensions of 12.4 x 9 x 0.8 inches and its flexible 2-in-1 capabilities make it an easily portable option that’s great for remote workers and students.

A plain old, decent display

Lenovo’s Flex 5i Chromebook Plus features a 14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel IPS glossy display, and it’s decent. After inspecting a few movie trailers on YouTube and the colors in my personal Trello I use every day, I can confidently say the display is sharp, but its color vibrancy and contrast could both use some work.

What’s meant to be deep black comes across slightly gray, and colors that should be popping off the screen are quite muted. On top of muted colors, the display is capped at 60Hz. That said, for casually watching TV episodes and YouTube videos, this display was perfectly OK.

Then, the laptop’s touchscreen is highly responsive, but it’s not super smooth while scrolling.

A great array of ports

Most Chromebooks offer just one or two ports, but not the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus. 

The left side ports. Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable composite; Sarah Chaney

On the left, you’ll find: 

• 3.5mm audio jack

• microSD card reader

• USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port

• USB-C 3.2 Gen 2

The right side ports Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable composite; Sarah Chaney

And on the right: 

• USB-C 3.2 Gen 2

• Power button

• Volume rocker

• Kensington lock slot

The only port this laptop lacks is an HDMI port, but at this price, I’m certainly not docking points for that. The Flex 5i even manages double-sided USB-C ports for convenient charging, a feature that some expensive laptops refuse to include.

Refreshingly crisp, full-bodied audio

Laptop speakers aren’t great, and because Chromebooks are typically even cheaper than low-end Windows laptops, their speakers are generally worse than those on most laptops. Luckily, that’s not the case with the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus.

This laptop’s top-firing stereo speakers are optimized with Waves MaxxAudio, and honestly, they don’t sound much worse than my daily driver, the Yoga 9i’s high-quality rotating soundbar. 

I listened to MGK’s new album “Lost Americana” on repeat and forgot I wasn’t using my dedicated Bluetooth speaker multiple times. His vocals were velvety and crisp, bass notes came through to fill out each song, and I felt like I could hear every instrument and subtle musical element.

SEE ALSO: The best Bluetooth speakers, tested for sound, portability, and cool factor

My only complaint with the Flex 5i’s speakers is that at 30 percent volume or below, they’re laughably quiet. The speakers do get quite loud at full volume, but 40 percent volume sounds like it should be 20 percent. 

A well-spaced, comfortable keyboard

I’m in like with the Flex 5i’s keyboard. There’s a decent amount of travel, the keys are comfortably spaced, and typing overall is a pleasantly bouncy experience. As a freelance writer, I type quite a bit every day, and I enjoyed the way my fingers lightly bounced from key to key and generated minimal errors on this keyboard. My only minor complaint is that I wish the keys were slightly clackier for a better sound. 

The Chromebook features a comfortable, usable keyboard. Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable composite; Sarah Chaney

I can’t express the same fondness for this laptop’s trackpad. It’s a mylar trackpad, which is second-rate compared to glass trackpads, but makes complete sense in this Chromebook from a price perspective. Unless I was using the trackpad with a super light touch, my finger would stutter and skip when trying to navigate. I’d recommend pairing a good wireless mouse with the Flex 5i instead of using the built-in trackpad.

The Flex 5i’s webcam is just like most laptop webcams 

After this laptop surprised me with fantastic speaker quality and a pleasantly bouncy keyboard, I hoped it’d have an above-average webcam, too. But, alas, the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus has a plain old 1080p webcam that delivers the same disappointingly grainy picture so many other laptop webcams do.

Nothing special about the webcam. Credit: Sarah Chaney/Mashable

In its favor, this webcam is fairly sharp and color-accurate in the right lighting, at least compared to other laptop webcams. Plus, it has a slidable privacy shutter, which I consider a nice bonus feature at its affordable $599 price.

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus benchmarks and performance

There’s no denying the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus isn’t a top-performer among all laptops — MacBooks and gaming laptops would blow this little machine out of the water. However, for a Chromebook, it delivered an impressive Geekbench 6 score and real-world testing results. 

The Flex 5i Chromebook Plus earned a multi-core Geekbench 6 score of 7,024. At the time of testing, there was only one Chromebook that earned a higher Geekbench 6 score: the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, which earned a score of 7,660. 

I used the Flex 5i as my daily driver for a few days, and it had no issues handling my typical workload, which usually includes a photo-editing program in Chrome, multiple other Chrome tabs open for research, the Clock app to run a timer, and the Spotify app to play music. With multiple tabs open, there was no lag when working in Google Docs or loading new pages.

The Flex 5i’s fans do a great job keeping the laptop cool while working, but they are constantly running. The noise is mild (and not noticeable at all with music playing), so it didn’t bother me while testing, but the fan noise is constant, whether the laptop is plugged in or not.

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus battery life

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus lasted 12 hours and 13 minutes in our battery test, which involves looping a 1080p version of Tears of Steel at 50 percent brightness until the laptop’s out of juice. This result may pale in comparison to MacBooks and modern Windows laptops, but compared to our median Chromebook battery life at the time of writing, the Flex 5i performed admirably, lasting roughly 30 percent longer than the median.

Is the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus worth it?

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is definitely worth it for anyone looking for a budget-friendly laptop with excellent battery life, a sleek, easily portable 2-in-1 design, and the ability to carry out simple productivity tasks seamlessly. On top of those must-have features many people look to tick off a list when shopping, the Flex 5i also has a few extra perks, like a wonderful array of ports, a bouncy keyboard, and great speakers.

Chromebooks used to be fairly limited in what they could do with ChromeOS, but now, multiple apps have native options, cloud gaming is more accessible, and Plus variants like the Flex 5i offer increased RAM and storage that boost its longevity. 

That said, the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus won’t be the perfect choice for everyone. I’d steer clear of the Flex 5i if you plan to use your laptop’s trackpad a lot or if you’re looking for a Chromebook to play games on frequently, as this laptop’s display is capped at 60Hz. Instead, I’d recommend the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE, a gaming-forward laptop featuring a large 16-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i5-1334U, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $549 at Best Buy
$599 Save $50 Shop Now

Lenovo is reportedly planning to unveil a laptop with a screen that rotates from horizontal to vertical, according to known leaker Evan Blass.

The laptop, internally called Project Pivo, will reportedly be on display at the consumer tech trade show IFA in Berlin next week, Blass says.

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Lenovo's no stranger to concept designs that stretch the limits of existing technology. Last year, Lenovo unveiled a laptop with a transparent screen at MWC in Barcelona. Another Lenovo concept, the rollable-screen laptop known as the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, made an appearance at CES 2025 before going on sale for $3,499 a pop.

Blass also said Lenovo would be announcing the second generation of its handheld gaming device, the Legion Go. Based on the Legion Go 2's specs and first impressions shared by Blass, the mobile console looks like a solid contender against competitors like Steam Deck. Blass also said there would be new Lenovo/Motorola phones, a handful of new tablets and laptops, and a laptop stand that uses laptop sensors to adjust its height and position debuting at IFA.

Rotating laptops and auto-adjusting laptops stands? Sounds about right for a Lenovo trade show appearance.

Meta is instituting interim safety changes to ensure the company's chatbots don't cause additional harm to teen users, as AI companies face a wave of criticism for their allegedly lax safety protocols.

In an exclusive with TechCrunch, Meta spokesperson Stephanie Otway told the publication that the company's AI chatbots were now being trained to no longer "engage with teenage users on self-harm, suicide, disordered eating, or potentially inappropriate romantic conversations." Previously, chatbots had been allowed to broach such topics when "appropriate."

SEE ALSO: 4 reasons not to turn ChatGPT into your therapist

Meta will also only allow teen accounts to utilize a select group of AI characters — ones that "promote education and creativity" — ahead of a more robust safety overhaul in the future.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that some of Meta's chatbot policies, per internal documents, allowed avatars to "engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual." Reuters published another report today, detailing both user- and employee-created AI avatars that donned the names and likenesses of celebrities like Taylor Swift and engaged in "flirty" behavior, including sexual advances. Some of the chatbots used personas of child celebrities, as well. Others were able to generate sexually suggestive images.

Meta spokesman Andy Stone told the publication the chatbots should not have been able to engage in such behavior, but that celebrity-inspired avatars were not outrightly banned if they were labeled as parody. Around a dozen of the avatars have since been removed.

OpenAI recently announced additional safety measures and behavioral prompts for the latest GPT-5, following the filing of a wrongful death lawsuit by parents of a teen who died by suicide after confiding in ChatGPT. Prior to the lawsuit, OpenAI announced new mental health features intended to curb "unhealthy" behaviors among users. Anthropic, makers of Claude, recently introduced new updates to the chatbot allowing it to end chats deemed harmful or abusive. Character.AI, a company hosting increasingly popular AI companions despite reported unhealthy interactions with teen visitors, introduced parental supervision features in March.

This week, a group of 44 attorneys general sent a letter to leading AI companies, including Meta, demanding stronger protections for minors who may come across sexualized AI content. Broadly, experts have expressed growing concern about the impact of AI companions on young users, as their use grows among teens.

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

Astronomers have zoomed in on small loops of plasma within a powerful solar flare for the first time, potentially revealing the fundamental building blocks of the sun's violent storms. 

The images, captured with the new Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawaii, reveal arcs of hot gas just 10 to 30 miles wide that follow the sun’s magnetic fields. Earlier instruments could only resolve loops 60 to 100 miles wide. Inouye's images are over 2.5 times sharper.

Scientists believe these so-called "coronal loops" may in fact be the most basic pieces of solar flares — sudden explosions of energy that hurl a torrent of radiation into space and toward Earth.

The discovery is giving a new window into how our host star makes flares in the first place. Gathering such insight may lead to better space weather forecasts, perhaps preventing future solar storms from wreaking havoc on satellites, power grids, and radio signals.

"Knowing a telescope can theoretically do something is one thing," said Maria Kazachenko, a co-author in the study, in a statement. "Actually watching it perform at that limit is exhilarating."

SEE ALSO: Mysterious space radio signals have finally been tracked to their source

The solar observatory sits atop a dormant volcano, Haleakalā, towering over Maui at 10,000 feet above sea level. Fittingly, the name Haleakalā means "house of the sun" in Hawaiian. But that's not why the site was selected for the telescope. The summit has special environmental conditions that allow astronomers to better view the sun's corona, the outer layer of its atmosphere. 

For the study, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, the team measured 686 loops. They found the loops' widths tended to be similar in thickness, rather than a random mix. This suggests the telescope may finally be seeing the tiniest parts of a solar flare. 

Left: This view of the solar flare is about four Earths wide, with bright streaks marking areas where energy is being released and arching loops tracing the sun's magnetic field above them. Credit: NSF / NSO / AURA Right: The same image with annotations. Credit: NSF / NSO / AURA

Taken in August 2024 during an X-class flare, the images show dark, threadlike arches rising over glowing flare ribbons. 

Scientists have long believed that solar flares are made up of many little magnetic loops. But up until now, those loops were impossible to see. Researchers could only theorize that they existed.  

If the team has indeed found the fundamental components of a solar flare — and not just larger bundles of loops — it's a breakthrough for solar storm forecasters, said Cole Tamburri, the paper's lead author. The data that could come from studying them in greater detail could improve computer models for predicting space weather. 

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"It’s like going from seeing a forest to suddenly seeing every single tree," Tamburri said. 

Just as Earth has seasons, the sun goes through an 11-year cycle of activity. It is quietest at the beginning and end of the cycle, but in the middle, it grows turbulent, unleashing powerful eruptions.

That peak just came, with solar activity hitting its maximum around October 2024. As a result, solar flares, along with massive blasts of plasma from the corona, have made headlines more frequently.

Even at 93 million miles away, the sun’s outbursts can affect Earth and the rest of the solar system. The planet's atmosphere and magnetic field shield people from the worst radiation, but these events can still have catastrophic consequences for life on Earth, interfering with telecommunications, navigation systems, and other critical technology. 

Such events are rare but memorable. In March 1989, for example, a major flare knocked out power across Quebec, Canada, for 12 hours and even disrupted Radio Free Europe broadcasts.

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now

Week 1 of college football action is very much underway, with a stellar lineup of games. Is this the best Week 1 ever? Quite possibly.

Ohio State vs. Texas is probably the game of the round, but Clemson vs. LSU is not far behind. All eyes will be on the battle between star quarterbacks Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik. It's going be a fascinating tussle between two top prospects.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

If you want to watch Clemson vs. LSU for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Clemson vs. LSU?

Clemson vs. LSU takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. This game takes place at the Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium.

How to watch Clemson vs. LSU for free

Clemson vs. LSU is broadcast on ABC. Fans can live stream this game on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Clemson vs. LSU from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Clemson vs. LSU from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Clemson vs. LSU from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan 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).

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

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now

College football returns after an electric Week 0. And it's back with possibly the best Week 1 of all time.

Ohio State vs. Texas is almost definitely the game of the round, but there are so many interesting matchups elsewhere. And that very much Florida State vs. Alabama. The likes of Ty Simpson and Thomas Castellanos will be looking to take over this opening game at the Doak.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

If you want to watch Florida State vs. Alabama for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Florida State vs. Alabama?

Florida State vs. Alabama takes place at 3:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. This game takes place at the Doak S. Campbell Stadium.

How to watch Florida State vs. Alabama for free

Florida State vs. Alabama is broadcast on ABC/ESPN. Fans can live stream this game on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Florida State vs. Alabama from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Florida State vs. Alabama from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Florida State vs. Alabama from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan 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).

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

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now

College football is so back. Week 0 delivered some huge moments, and we're expecting more of the same from Week 1.

Notably, Ohio State vs. Texas looks set to be a classic. It really doesn’t get much better than a battle between two top-five teams with genuine stars in the making. We can't wait to watch the action unfold. All eyes will be on the likes of Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, and Jeremiah Smith, as these two juggernauts battle for early season supremacy.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

If you want to watch Ohio State vs. Texas for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ohio State vs. Texas?

Ohio State vs. Texas takes place at 12 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. This game takes place at the Ohio Stadium.

How to watch Ohio State vs. Texas for free

Ohio State vs. Texas is broadcast on Fox. Fans can live stream this game on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Ohio State vs. Texas from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Ohio State vs. Texas from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Ohio State vs. Texas from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan 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).

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

TL;DR: Stop ads, trackers, malware, and more across nine devices with AdGuard Family Plan — lifetime access for only $15.97 (MSRP: $169.99) through Sept. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02 Get Deal

Keeping your online experience safe and smooth shouldn’t feel like an IT project. Lucky for us all, the AdGuard Family Plan is a simple, powerful way to stop ads, trackers, and malware from invading your screen. You can currently get lifetime access for just $15.97 (MSRP: $169.99) with code FAMPLAN, but only through Sept. 7.

So, what exactly does AdGuard do? Think of it as your browsing bodyguard. Annoying banners, pop-ups, and autoplay video ads? Gone. Hidden trackers and data sniffers? Blocked. Sketchy phishing sites trying to trick you? Stopped cold. And if you’re a parent, you’ll love the built-in parental controls that make it easy to filter out adult content.

SEE ALSO: Using this VPN might actually earn you money

This Family Plan covers up to nine devices. That means everyone in your household (and maybe even your aunt who always clicks the wrong link) can enjoy cleaner, safer, faster browsing without extra subscriptions. Whether you’re streaming, shopping, or just reading the news, AdGuard makes the internet feel less like Times Square on New Year’s Eve and more like a quiet library.

The best part is that it’s a one-time payment. No monthly fees, no sneaky auto-renewals. Once you grab this deal, you’ll get lifetime updates and support. That means AdGuard keeps evolving to block whatever new tricks advertisers and scammers dream up.

Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, AdGuard is built to be fast and invisible once it’s running — you won’t even notice it’s there (except when you realize how much smoother everything loads).

Get a lifetime of AdGuard’s Family Plan for $15.97 (MSRP: $169.99) with code FAMPLAN, but only through Sept. 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get yourself a powerful and dependable Apple MacBook Pro for just $439.97 (reg. $1,580) now through Sept. 7 while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch (Refurbished) $439.97
$1,580 Save $1,140.03 Get Deal

Looking for a laptop that won’t need constant upgrades? There’s a reason MacBook Pros have such a loyal following — and such a steep price tag. Normally priced at $1,580, this powerful and portable MacBook Pro is on sale right now for just $439.97 until Sept. 7.

This feature-packed MacBook Pro is on sale for a fraction of the usual cost

A MacBook Pro usually has a sky-high price tag because it’s packed with the bells and whistles we all know and love from Apple. This model comes with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2GHz base speed and 16GB of RAM, so it’s ready to keep up with all your multitasking.

Despite being able to handle your workload, the MacBook Pro is super lightweight and ready to tag along everywhere. It weighs in at just 3.1 pounds, with a 13.3-inch display equipped with Apple’s True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts to your lighting to reduce eye strain.

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks in 2025: Air or Pro?

This model has an impressive 512GB SSD, so you can store files locally and download your favorite apps to the device. It also has four Thunderbolt 3 ports for convenient charging and connectivity — though an impressive 10-hour battery life means you won’t have to search for a power outlet all day.

A Touch Bar offers serious customization and shortcuts to make life a little easier, and a Magic Keyboard offers comfortable typing all day long. And you’re getting it all for $1,140 off the usual price tag thanks to this model’s Grade A refurbished condition. That means it will arrive in near-mint condition with minimal signs of prior use.

Snag an Apple MacBook Pro for just $439.97 (reg. $1,580) now through Sept. 7 while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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 Friday, August 29, 2025:

Across"Thanks, I ___ you one!"

• The answer is Owe.

Egg-laying mother

• The answer is Hen.

Plant with tart red stalks used in pie filling

• The answer is Rhubarb.

Proud father of daughters

• The answer is Girl dad.

Tart-tasting beers

• The answer is Sours.

Largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands

• The answer is St Croix.

Wedding companion

• The answer is Plus one.

Mm-hmm

• The answer is Yep.

Booker T. and the ___

• The answer is MGs.

DownWikipedia's URL ender

• The answer is Org.

It might be blown in the fourth quarter

• The answer is Whistle.

Continent-wide soccer tournament

• The answer is Eurocup.

Wasn't too full for dessert

• The answer is Had room.

Wiping, as a hard drive

• The answer is Erasing.

Texter's "Don't worry about it"

• The answer is NBD.

Fuzzy photo features

• The answer is Blurs

Many a character on Apple TV+'s "Slow Horses" or Netflix's "Black Doves"

• The answer is Spy.

Crosses (out)

• The answer is Xes.

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 the latest Mini Crossword.

TL;DR: Live stream USA vs. Australia 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 has entered the second round of fixtures, with some fascinating matchups on the agenda this weekend. USA suffered a heavy defeat to favorites England in the opening round, but they'll be hoping to bounce back against Australia. Can Ilona Maher inspire her team to victory?

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

When is USA vs. Australia?

USA vs. Australia in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup starts at 7:30 p.m. BST on Aug. 30. This fixture takes place at the LNER Community Stadium.

How to watch USA vs. Australia for free

USA vs. Australia 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 USA vs. Australia 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 USA vs. Australia 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 USA vs. Australia 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 USA vs. Australia in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. Samoa 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 is up and running, and the pre-tournament favorites England started their campaign with a confident win over the USA. Now they'll be looking to build on that victory with another strong performance against Samoa.

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

When is England vs. Samoa?

England vs. Samoa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup starts at 5 p.m. BST on Aug. 30. This fixture takes place at Franklin's Gardens.

How to watch England vs. Samoa for free

England vs. Samoa 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 England vs. Samoa 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 England vs. Samoa 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 England vs. Samoa 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.

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

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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

What a pirate might say.

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

MATEY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Foolishness.

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

FOLLY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A small pipe instrument.

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

KAZOO

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Thick chocolate.

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

FUDGE

Final Hurdle hint

A messenger.

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

BARER

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

Ever wondered why the moon looks slightly different every night? This is due to where we are in the lunar cycle.

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. 30.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Saturday, Aug. 30, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent, and 43% 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 Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. If you have a telescope in your lineup, you'll also spot the Rima Ariadaeus, 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.

Most homes are stocked up with essential appliances, which can range from washing machines to smart speakers. But one you make not have considered is a dehumidifier?

It's not the kind of thing you'd usually find on a wedding present list, but a dehumidifier can be a seriously valuable addition to any home, particularly if your home has issues with damp or mould, or you're someone who suffers from allergies. A dehumidifier can also save you money on bills, so it's an investment.

But which dehumidifier is best for you? Unless you’re a moisture expert, dehumidifiers all look the same. It’s hard to know which dehumidifier is right for you and your home without having all the relevant information. That’s why we’re here to help with some dehumidifier facts and a round-up of the best models you can buy.

What is a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a unit that sits in the corner of the room and sucks moisture out of the air. This means cleaner, healthier air. Just set the humidity level you want and let the machine do its thing. The recommended humidity in your home is between 40% and 60% during the summer months and somewhere between 30% and 50% when it gets colder. Anything over 60% and then humid conditions can lead to damp, condensation, mould, and bacteria. This is especially problematic for asthma and allergy sufferers, as mould can cause respiratory problems. Carpets in damp environments can also retain moisture and attract dust mites.

How do dehumidifiers work?

There are two main types of dehumidifiers:

Refrigerant dehumidifiers — Also known as compressors, these use a cold coil that draws condensation out of the air when it makes contact with the coil surface. That condensation then drips into a tank (which can vary in capacity).

Desiccant dehumidifiers — These pass the air over a wheel that’s coated with a water absorbing material known as a desiccant (a bit like how a sponge works). The desiccant is regenerated by an internal heater, so the moisture drips into the tank. Desiccant dehumidifiers can let off some heat — making them ideal for unheated rooms — while refrigerant dehumidifiers struggle in colder temperatures.

How much water does a dehumidifier collect?

Dehumidifiers are generally listed by their moisture-collecting quota per day, from 10 litres to 20-plus litres every 24 hours. It’s worth noting that some models are advertised based on performance in countries with more humidity than the UK, and you’re unlikely to actually collect 25 litres every day. Remember that dehumidifiers have a maximum water tank capacity, usually between 1 and 4 litres. So even if you’re collecting litres upon litres of water from the air, the tank will need to be regularly emptied. Unless, that is, your dehumidifier has a continuous drain function, in which case you can attach a hose to the ring from the unit to a drain.

Where should you put a dehumidifier?

The obvious answer is to put the dehumidifier in rooms with a damp problem. Close the windows and doors, too. If it’s a bathroom, put the dehumidifier outside the door and let the unit suck moisture out of the room. 

Can dehumidifiers dry clothes?

In the winter months, using a dehumidifier for drying clothes is a real game changer. It saves trips to the laundrette or the cost of running your own dryer — and stops you cramming your radiator with wet clothes. Besides, draping wet clothes around your home will only add moisture to the air. For best results, hang your washing on a rack alongside your dehumidifier in a small room. The dehumidifier will draw the wetness out from your clothes so that they dry more quickly. 

Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?

In addition to saving on laundrette costs, a dehumidifier will save money on heating bills because less moisture means less of a biting chill in the air. You can also save money on products for shifting mould or odours. And that tumble dryer you were thinking of buying? Forget it. A dehumidifier will cost you significantly less. Generally speaking, a portable dehumidifier will consume between 30 and 50 watts per hour.

What is the most economical dehumidifier?

There are a lot of dehumidifiers out there, and it's a difficult to say which model is most economical. That's because something that uses the least energy per hour might need to be switched on for longer to get the job done. Always check the energy rating but if in doubt, Meaco produce some of the most economical dehumidifiers around.

What is the best dehumidifier?

It’s not a case of which is the best overall but which works best for you and your home. Or more specifically, the damp in your home. We’ve done the hard work of researching the best models and brands to help you make an informed decision.

There are the best dehumidifiers for 2025.