IT General

Machine Gun Kelly, aka MGK, is best known for his singing — but it turns out he also has a hidden talent.

Appearing on The Tonight Show, MGK explained some of his more confusing social media posts to Jimmy Fallon, ending with one in which he wrote "growing up, jim carrey was dad."

Judging by what follows, this clearly means that he watched the actor's movie catalogue a whole lot growing up, to the point that he can now do an uncanny impression of Carrey in character as both The Grinch and Ace Ventura.

Trust us, it's more impressive than you think it'll be.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 AFL for free on 7plus. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Aussie Rules is a uniquely fast-paced and physical game that provides entertainment to millions of fans every week, but for whatever reason, this entertaining sport hasn't traveled well outside of Australia. We think this should change, because we firmly believe that the rest of the world would absolutely love footy.

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

What is the AFL?

The Australian Football League (AFL) is the leading professional competition of Aussie Rules Football.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the Champions League online for free

The AFL currently consists of 18 teams spread over Australia's five mainland states. The league features 23 rounds in the regular season, with the team with the best record awarded the minor premiership. The top eight teams from the regular season standings compete in a four-round finals series, culminating in the AFL Grand Final.

The defending champions are the Brisbane Lions.

When is the 2025 AFL?

The 2025 AFL season is the 129th edition of the Australian Football League. This season runs from March 6 to Sept. 27.

How to watch the 2025 AFL for free

Every round of the 2025 AFL is available to live stream for free on 7plus. This free coverage includes matches on 23 Thursday nights, 24 Friday nights, State Footy Saturdays, 25 Sunday afternoons, five Sunday nights, plus every game in the Finals Series including the AFL Grand Final.

7plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the AFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 AFL 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 Australia

4. Visit 7plus

5. Live stream the 2025 AFL for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal 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 the 2025 AFL without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select AFL fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 7plus?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 7plus, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the 2025 AFL for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: The DJI Mini 4K drone is available to purchase for $299 on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mini 4K Drone $299 at Amazon
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DJI is one of the biggest names in drones, with a strong reputation for creating incredible aerial shots. The DJI product range is the top choice of TikTokers, YouTubers, and filmmakers. That being said, we were surprised to see the DJI Mini 4K drone so near the top of the charts of best-sellers over Prime Day. We knew these drones were popular, but surely not as popular as AirPods?

Then the real reason hit us like a drone to the head.

President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at helping the U.S. drone industry and shoring up protections against malicious drone activity. The measures don't actually order a full ban on Chinese-made drones (yet), but talk of a ban on DJI drones has been doing the rounds for a while now. That uncertainty is clearly causing an uptick in sales.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 portable power station means business, and it’s great for DJI drone owners

The good news is that you can still find the DJI Mini 4K drone on Amazon, listed for $299 right now. It's being shipped and sold by Fly Image Tech. We don't generally recommend third-party sellers, but Fly Image Tech has a decent track record and times are tough right now. With stock running low, we'll take what we can get.

The DJI Mini 4K is full of helpful features for beginners and advanced users alike. It has one-tap takeoff options and a return to home function. But perhaps most importantly for content creators is the three-axis gimbal and 4K quality, as well as advanced wind resistance and extended battery life. It's a step up from the DJI Neo Mini 4K that we think creators will appreciate.

Get the DJI Mini 4K drone for under $300 at Amazon.

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 July 31, 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: Card combos

• Green: Regionally specific football

• Blue: Matching

• Purple: Same first word

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

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

• Yellow: Hands in poker

• Green: NFC West teams

• Blue: Teams that wear orange

• Purple: Starting ___

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 #316 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Hands in poker - FLUSH, FULL HOUSE, STRAIGHT, TWO PAIR

• NFC West teams - 49ERS, CARDINALS, RAMS, SEAHAWKS

• Teams that wear orange - BENGALS, SYRACUSE, TENNESSEE, TEXAS

• Starting ___ - 5, BLOCKS, LINEUP, PITCHER

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

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

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

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

Tesla CEO Elon Musk will gain approximately $29 billion in shares under a new compensation package, in an effort to at least partially adhere to a $55.8 billion deal from 2018 which was thrown out by a U.S. court last year.

In a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Sunday, Tesla announced that it shall grant Musk 96 million shares under a new 2025 CEO Interim Award. Already approved by shareholders, the award enables Musk to purchase the stock for around $2 billion at $23.34 per share — the same price that was agreed to in his blocked 2018 compensation package. This new deal requires Musk to take a senior leadership role at Tesla for the next two years, and prohibits him from selling or transferring the shares for five years.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk’s xAI is hiring someone to make anime girls

Posting a lengthy statement on Tesla's official X account, directors Robyn Denholm and Kathleen Wilson-Thompson stated that this compensation package is another effort to "honor the bargain that was struck [with Musk] in 2018."

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Musk's 2018 Tesla compensation package was thrown out last year after a Delaware court found the board of directors had breached their duty to shareholders when establishing the $55.8 billion deal. Specifically, Tesla's directors had failed to negotiate or evaluate the value Musk actually provided, instead simply agreeing to whatever the billionaire proposed. Tesla and Musk's later bid to reinstate the 10-year compensation package was also rejected, the judge unimpressed by their attempt to overturn a U.S. court judgement with a subsequent shareholder vote.

Tesla has since taken the matter to the Delaware Supreme Court in hopes of having the deal restored. In the meantime, the company is also trying another tactic to grant its billionaire CEO further billions. In their statement, Denholm and Wilson-Thompson said that the stock given to Musk under this week's new award amounts to approximately one third of his total 2018 compensation package, and is considered an interim measure while they work on reinstating the whole deal.

"[W]e have recommended this award as a first step, 'good faith' payment to Elon," they wrote. "It is imperative to retain and motivate our extraordinary talent, beginning with Elon…. While we recognize that Elon’s business ventures, interests and other potential demands on his time and attention are extensive and wide-ranging, including his leadership roles at xAI, SpaceX, Neuralink, X Corp., and The Boring Company as well as his other interests, we are confident that this award will incentivize Elon to remain at Tesla…"

If the Supreme Court ultimately rules in Tesla and Musk's favour, the CEO will be required to either return this week's award or forfeit a portion of the 2018 package so that "there cannot be any 'double dip.'"

"[W]e have recommended this award as a first step, 'good faith' payment to Elon." - Robyn Denholm and Kathleen Wilson-Thompson

Denholm and Wilson-Thompson also repeatedly praised Musk as demonstrating "unmatched leadership," an apparent effort to demonstrate what value he offers that could merit such outsized compensation. The court had considered $55.8 billion disproportionate to the value Musk offered Tesla when deciding to block his 2018 compensation package.

"[N]o one matches Elon’s remarkable combination of leadership experience, technical expertise, and, arguably most importantly, decades-long proven track record of building the most revolutionary and profitable businesses across different industries," they wrote.

The board's breathless admiration for Musk was also considered in the court's decision to throw out his 2018 compensation last year. Noting at the time that veneration of the billionaire had even moved one director to tears, the court found that it was unclear whether they were acting for Musk or Tesla in making the $55.8 billion deal.

Denholm and Wilson-Thompson's X post states that Tesla is currently working on a "longer-term CEO compensation strategy," which will be put to a shareholder vote on Nov. 6.

Featured Video For You I took a ride in a robotaxi: How close are we to a driverless future?

The richest man in the world, Musk has a current net worth of over $400 billion, which exceeds the GDP of Egypt. Responding in January to people questioning why he'd need a large Tesla compensation package to motivate him, Musk framed it as a matter of wanting dominant control over the company.

"I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI & robotics without having ~25% voting control," Musk wrote. "Enough to be influential, but not so much that I can’t be overturned. Unless that is the case, I would prefer to build products outside of Tesla."

Musk currently has a 13 percent stake in Tesla, making him the company's largest shareholder. This new deal will increase his stake to around 16 percent.

Tesla has struggled significantly this year, experiencing a 71 percent drop in profit during Q1. The company suffered considerable reputational damage due to Musk's work with the Trump administration, with sales down globally, stock falling, and at least one early investor calling for the CEO to resign. Such problems haven't been helped by issues plaguing Tesla's vehicles themselves, including a growing list of incidents with the company's Robotaxis.

Musk appeared to take a step back from politics at the end of May, leaving his position as de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and expressing his intention to spend more time focusing on his various companies. However, he has since stated that he intends to start his own political party, a venture that seems likely to draw him away from his businesses once more.

In the months prior to the release of his widely-anticipated AI model update, GPT-5, Sam Altman's hype train built up quite a head of steam.

Long before he was OpenAI CEO, Altman wrote that "successful founders" of tech companies are actually building something "closer to a religion," and many of his 2025 statements attest to that. Take his "Gentle Singularity" post in June, in which Altman insists "humanity is close to building digital superintelligence" — suggesting he was seeing incredible new capabilities in GPT-5 and just couldn't wait to unveil them this August.

What capabilities, pray tell? Well, as soon as Altman started dropping details, it became clear that this hype train was making local stops in some pretty mundane places. Altman told alt-right podcaster Theo Von he felt "useless" when GPT-5 ... wrote a good email for him. And on X a.k.a. Twitter, Altman enthused about GPT-5 ... recommending a list of TV shows.

Granted, Altman said it was a particularly complicated email, and the list was "thought provoking TV shows about AI." These results, arguably, offered a deeper appearance of understanding than one might expect from GPT-4 and other OpenAI models. But if Altman were trying to signal that GPT-5 is an incremental improvement on its predecessor, rather than "true digital superintelligence," this is the sort of thing he'd say.

GPT-5 problems behind the scenes

Altman's careful language tracks with a new and devastating report from Silicon Valley scoop machine The Information. According to multiple sources inside OpenAI and its partner Microsoft, the upgrades in GPT-5 are mostly in the areas of solving math problems and writing software code — and even they "won’t be comparable to the leaps in performance of earlier GPT-branded models, such as the improvements between GPT-3 in 2020 and GPT-4 in 2023."

That's not for want of trying. The Information also reports that the first attempt to create GPT-5, codenamed Orion, was actually launched as GPT-4.5 because it wasn't enough of a step up, and that insiders believed none of OpenAI's experimental models were worthy of the name GPT-5 as recently as June.

The major problem — "a dwindling supply of high-quality web data" to train the model on — was supplemented by a problem of scale. OpenAI researchers were reportedly unable to get their full GPT-5 model to produce the same results found when it was in its infancy.

"Pure scaling is not getting us to [digital superintelligence]," veteran AI expert and noted skeptic Gary Marcus wrote in the wake of the report. "Returns are diminishing."

That appears to be true for AI models once they're incorporated into AI Agents, too. Yunyu Lin, a researcher for AI metrics startup Penrose, recently discovered that multiple Large Language Models (LLMs), including OpenAI's o3 and o4 mini, degrade over time — even when it comes to their supposed specialty, basic math.

When asked to do accounting using the company's QuickBooks, the models had error rates of roughly 15 percent within 12 months — basically committing unintentional accounting fraud as they tried to find ways to balance the books. But OpenAI's models were the worst, unable to complete a single month of accounting: They "consistently got stuck in loops," Lin wrote.

Why OpenAI's future could still be bright

So if GPT-5 degrades over time on basic math tasks like its predecessors and competitors, CPAs can breathe easy. Same goes for software engineers, given an increasing number of reports that AI-written code turns out to have more bugs than first expected (and in extreme cases, AI coding assistants have gone rogue, deleting entire company databases).

But what about Altman himself? He's probably fine, even though OpenAI has seen a number of high-profile defections in the last year (with many executives poached by Meta). OpenAI income, and its user base, have skyrocketed in the last year. The company is on track to beat its $12.7 billion annual income projection for 2025, even as it is projected to burn through about $8 billion in cash this year — the cost of researching new models like GPT-5.

The promise of incremental improvements that could bring more paying customers on board, plus the possibility that OpenAI could go public in 2026, is helping it secure as much as $40 billion in funding by the end of the year. That's laying a lot of track for the hype train that is GPT-5, not to mention its successors.

Back in 2024, Altman suggested OpenAI models could continue improving for "another 3 or 4" model generations. In which case, we'll see you back here in a few years for an explanation of why GPT-8 isn't true digital superintelligence either.

TL;DR: This 4-Piece set of Satin Bedding is soft, cooling, and on sale for $37 (reg. $79.99).

Good bedding can make a big difference in how well you sleep, but have you seen how expensive it is? Instead of dropping a whole paycheck on new bedding, check out this Silky-Soft Satin 4-Piece Sheet Set. These sheets have a smooth, glossy finish that looks as good as it feels, and they’re only $36.99 (reg. $79.99) during this limited-time sale.

Comfortable, budget-friendly sheets

This queen-sized set comes in a rich chocolate color and includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two standard pillowcases. The satin fabric feels soft and cool to the touch, which can help reduce friction on skin and hair. That makes it a popular option for anyone looking to minimize skin irritation or prevent hair breakage while they sleep. It’s also hypoallergenic, which is a bonus for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

The fitted sheet has 14-inch deep pockets and is designed to fit mattresses up to 17 inches thick, so it stays in place throughout the night without slipping off. The 90 GSM fabric has a slightly heavier weight than standard sheets, which gives it a more substantial feel while still remaining breathable.

These sheets are wrinkle-resistant, fade-resistant, and easy to maintain. Just toss them in the washing machine and dry on a low-heat setting to keep them looking and feeling their best. The material holds up well over time and continues to deliver that silky-smooth texture night after night.

Time to make every sleep feel like the first night of a new vacation.

Get a Silky-Soft Satin 4-Piece Sheet Set on sale for $36.99.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Luxury Home Bedding Silky-Soft Satin 4-Piece Sheet Set (Chocolate/Queen) $36.99
$79.99 Save $43.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Learn up to 12 different languages with a lifetime subscription to Promova, on sale for $64 with code DROP20.

Learning a new language can be a challenge, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule or struggling to stay motivated. Promova was built with that in mind. This language learning platform is designed for modern learners who want a flexible, supportive way to build fluency over time, and a lifetime subscription just went on sale for $63.99 (reg. $299.99).

How Promova helps you learn a new language

Promova gives you access to 12 different languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Korean, Ukrainian, and more. Lessons are structured into bite-sized pieces and follow CEFR standards, so progress is both manageable and measurable. Whether you’re studying for travel, work, or just personal growth, Promova adapts to your goals with personalized learning paths that evolve as you do.

It can be intimidating practicing a new language with a native speaker. That’s why Promova gives you an AI-powered conversation partner. It’s actually pretty fun, too. You get to participate in interactive role-play scenarios to build confidence in speaking and pronunciation.

Promova also includes tutor sessions, grammar lessons, cultural insights, and accessibility features like Dyslexia Mode, white noise for focus, and even a course in American Sign Language. Lessons are available on desktop or mobile, so you can pick up where you left off from almost anywhere.

With a lifetime plan, there’s no pressure to rush. You can explore at your own pace, revisit difficult material, and build a sustainable routine.

If you want to learn a new language, use code DROP20 to get a Promova Lifetime Subscription on sale for $63.99.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Promova Promova Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription $63.99
$299.99 Save $236 Get Deal

TL;DR: Keep cool all summer long and beyond with the Airo Comfort Portable Air Conditioner, now only $319.99 (reg. $399.95).

The dog days of summer are just around the corner, but are your dusty old fans up for the job this year? If your cool down plan could use some upgrades, look no further than the Airo Comfort Portable Air Conditioner. This efficient cooling system is ready to help you chill out in any room, and right now you can save $80 and get it for just $319.99 (reg. $399.95).

Keep your space chill with this compact cooling solution

If you need to beat the heat this summer, you’ll want an Airo Comfort Portable Air Conditioner on your side. This sleek, compact AC is ready to cool down any room in your home, covering 450 square feet. It’s perfect for small apartments and large rooms alike, serving as a 3-in-1 that cools, dehumidifies, and circulates air.

Sit back and relax while the Airo keeps your space cool with adjustable temperatures ranging from 61°F to 88°F. Choose between three fan speeds and multiple modes, as the automatic wind swing motion distributes the cool air evenly throughout the room.

Hoping to run the Airo while you drift off to sleep? The sleep mode makes that simple, with a built-in light sensor that automatically reduces the noise and power when you turn the lights off for the night. You can also set a timer with the included remote control.

The Airo installs without any tools; just set it up quickly with the included window sliders and exhaust hose. Rest easy knowing it’s safe and certified with an LCDI safety plug that shuts off power if it detects a leak or electrical fault.

Relax inside comfortably with the Airo Comfort Portable Air Conditioner, now just $319.99 (reg. $399.95).

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Opens in a new window Credit: AiroComfort Airo Comfort Portable Air Conditioner (10,000 BTU) $319.99
$399.95 Save $79.96 Get Deal

TL;DR: Grab a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok for $47.99 with code DROP20 — a Montessori-style app for calm, creative play.

You don’t have to feel guilty for letting your kid use a screen when they’re using Pok Pok. This app ditches the flashing lights and mindless tapping for something actually meaningful: a calm, beautifully designed digital playroom packed with open-ended learning activities made for ages 2 to 8, inspired by Montessori learning approaches. For a limited time, use promo code DROP20 to get lifetime access for $47.99 (MSRP $250).

Pok Pok was built by parents who were tired of overstimulating kids’ games and wanted something that wouldn’t leave toddlers melting down or begging to buy add-ons. Everything is ad-free, offline-ready, and designed to be intuitive enough for even a two-year-old to explore without help (though they might still want to show you what they built).

Inside the app, kids can explore playful digital toys — like a dinosaur world, radio station, puzzle board, number games, and dress-up closet — with no goals, levels, or loud nonsense. It’s all about gentle discovery, tapping into curiosity instead of competition. And with new content added regularly, the fun keeps evolving as your child grows.

The handcrafted visuals and sound design are intentionally mellow, and it’s COPPA-certified so there’s no sneaky data collection or shady ads. It works on up to 10 devices, so you can pass the time peacefully on a road trip, plane ride, or that long grocery line where snacks have already failed.

For $47.99 with promo code DROP20, you’ll get a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, plus an actual surprise bonus gift shipped to your door.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $47.99
$250 Save $202.01 Get Deal

SAVE $100: The 50-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K Smart Fire TV is just $229.99 — a budget win with premium perks.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 50-inch QD6 QLED 4K HDR Smart Fire TV $229.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $100 Get Deal

You don’t need to drop thousands to get a TV that punches way above its weight. Sometimes, all it takes is $229.99.

That’s the new price on the 50-inch Hisense QD6 QLED 4K Smart Fire TV (2025 model) at Best Buy, where it’s currently $100 off its usual $329.99 list price as of Aug. 5. Along with looking like a wallet-friendly TV, this is a full-featured entertainment hub with some surprisingly high-end specs for its size and price.

Firstly, in terms of visuals, this QLED display uses quantum dot technology to serve up over a promised billion shades of colour, making everything from summer blockbusters to preseason football pop with vibrant, lifelike detail. The addition of Dolby Vision HDR means contrast and colour depth are dialed up for a more cinematic look, while AI 4K upscaling brings older or lower-res content closer to Ultra HD clarity.

SEE ALSO: The Amazon Fire TV is on sale for under $300 — save over $100 right now

Whether you’re after a cost-effective model that can still make the new season of Gen V on Amazon Prime or Wednesday on Netflix shine, this TV targets being a treat for the eyes that won’t put a sour note on your savings. Next, when it comes to sounds, Dolby Atmos support makes the built-in speakers sound more immersive than you'd expect from a budget-friendly 50-incher, meaning you can hold off on that soundbar upgrade (at least for now).

Gamers will appreciate the built-in Game Mode Plus, which includes Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode to reduce lag and aims to keep your gameplay smooth when playing shooters like Fortnite — or dedicated single-player adventures like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. 

Add in Motion Rate 120 and AI Smooth Motion for fast-paced sports and action scenes, and you're getting a seriously capable screen for this price.

It’s also running on Fire TV, giving you a snappy, familiar interface to jump straight into other apps like HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and more — with Alexa baked in for hands-free control. As a bonus: it plays nice with AirPlay 2 and Apple Home, with no extra set-up required.

In short, this isn’t just a cheap TV. It’s a feature-packed steal for anyone upgrading a bedroom screen, outfitting a guest room, or just looking for premium picture quality on a budget.

If you’re more a gamer than a movie buff, check out our roundup of the other best budget TVs for gaming — rounded up by the experts. If price is not as much of an issue, though, you should also take a look at our list of the best 4K TVs in 2025, to give you the best visuals out there.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, August 5, 2025:

AcrossWith 4-Across, non-alcoholic drink with a flavor reminiscent of beer

• The answer is Hop.

See 1-Across

• The answer is Water.

Houston M.L.B. player

• The answer is Astro.

Sister's daughter

• The answer is Niece.

"Just ___ a bite" (parent's dinner encouragement)

• The answer is Try.

DownPossesses a certain unnameable quality

• The answer is Has It.

Animal that's the mascot of California State University, Monterey Bay

• The answer is Otter.

Best friend of Thomas the Tank Engine

• The answer is Percy.

Sickly in appearance

• The answer is Wan.

Spheres on a sushi roll

• The answer is Roe.

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 yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $20: As of Aug. 5, the Bose Soundlink Flex is on sale for $129 at Amazon. That's a 13% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Soundlink Flex $129 at Amazon
$149 Save $20 Get Deal

The Bose Soundlink Flex is back on sale at Amazon, and we need to talk about it. A powerhouse of a Bluetooth speaker, this device is perfect for listening on the go or at home. And as of Aug. 5, it's on sale at Amazon for $129 ($20 off). You can even choose from up to six colors, all at the same low price.

And it really is a stellar speaker with incredible sound quality. It's small enough to take with you on the go, and robust enough to survive accidents from water and excessive dust.

SEE ALSO: Long-term review: I used my Beats Pill speaker for 1 year and still think it's an underrated gem

It has advanced Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint pairing, so you can connect from up to 30 feet away and switch between different devices nice and easily. Plus, its PositionIQ technology gives you the best sound possible, no matter how you place it.

And for an even bigger sound, you can pair it with another compatible Bose speaker in Stereo or Party Mode. And with up to 12 hours of battery life, the listening just keeps on going.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

SAVE $170: As of Aug. 5, Beats Studio Pro headphones are on sale for $179.95 at Amazon. That's a savings of 49% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $179.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $170.04 Get Deal

We love a great deal on Beats headphones here at Mashable, especially when that deal has you saving more than $100. So we really love this latest Beats Studio Pro deal at Amazon.

As of Aug. 5, these headphones are reduced by 49%, now priced at $179.95. Choose between all six colors for this deal, which is exclusive to the headphones only (no power adapter).

SEE ALSO: The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are on sale for their lowest price since Prime Day

A truly well-known name when it comes to high-quality audio, these Beats headphones offer premium sound quality with noise cancellation and spatial audio support. Depending on the level of sound immersion you want, choose from Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode. Transparency mode still gives you that great Beats sound, but also keeps you alert to any outside noises happening around you.

The voice-targeting mics clearly filter out any background noise too, so enjoy crisp, clear call sound, perfect for on-the-go conversations or long voice notes.

And let's not forget the battery life, promising to last up to 40 hours. And if you're in a rush, a quick 10-minute 'Fast Fuel' charge will give you up to four hours of additional playback. This is definitely a top feature, especially for those of us who regularly forget to charge our devices.

This deal won't be around forever, so head to Amazon now.

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 5, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is on sale for $799 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 Pro $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal

If you're in the market for a new smartphone, you have to check out this latest Amazon deal on the Google Pixel 9 Pro, currently reduced by $200. As of Aug. 5, this impressive model is now just $799. This deal is for the 128GB option and comes in the colors obsidian and hazel.

It's a great cell, for many reasons. Display-wise, you'll enjoy a 6.3-inch OLED display with vibrant colors. It also benefits from the latest Google Tensor chip for fast, non-laggy performance.

SEE ALSO: I tested Grok Imagine, and it's no match for Google Veo 3 or Sora

And if camera quality is important to you, this model ticks all the boxes. It has triple rear cameras, making it the most powerful pixel camera yet, so you can enjoy high-quality video and even enhance your videos up to 8K with the video boost tool.

This smartphone also features Gemini, Google's AI technology. You can use this for things like advanced photo editing, such as Magic Eraser and Face Unblur, and enhanced voice recognition for dictation. It also uses real-time translation to allow for language support in messaging or live conversations, and it even powers predictive text.

Sounds like a good deal, right? But it won't be around for long. Amazon has marked this one as "limited-time" only, so head to Amazon without delay.

FREE LEGO: On Aug. 10, build a Lego Boombox model at participating stores and take it home with you for free. Find participating stores here.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Free Lego Boombox Learn More

Lego has been hosting make and take events all year, but we've had to remain patient over the last month or so. The gap in the schedule has been tough for the dedicated fans out there, but the good news is that the wait is almost over.

Following on from the Steering Wheel, Valentine's Day Heart, Mother's Day Bouquet, and Grogu events, you can now build a Lego Boombox model at participating stores and take it home with you for free. Visitors to select Lego Stores on Aug. 10 (from 12-2 p.m.) will have the chance to participate in this special event. This event is intended for participants aged 6+ years, and the model will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis while supplies last. You can check participating stores in the U.S. and Canada here.

SEE ALSO: Building the 'Twilight' Lego set was the therapy session I didn’t know I needed

This fun Boombox model is not available for purchase, so participants are getting their hands on an exclusive item for absolutely nothing. The only catch is that you can't stock up on these exclusive items. You are limited to one build per participant, but that seems fair. Leave some for the rest of us.

Build and take home an exclusive Lego Boombox model for free on Aug. 10.

SAVE $110: As of Aug. 5, the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is on sale for $289.99 at Amazon. That's a 28% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch 4-Series $289.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $110 Get Deal

Looking for a new TV? Consider your search over, because the 50-inch Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is back on sale at Amazon. As of Aug. 5, you can save $110 on this great TV, now just $289.99.

With 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, you're getting stunning clarity, vibrant colors, and rich detail that brings your favorite shows and movies to life. Like most Amazon devices, it comes with Alexa built in, so you can easily search for content, launch apps, and control playback using just your voice. You’ll have instant access to all the major streaming platforms too, including Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.

SEE ALSO: Get $20 off the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

The Fire TV can also connect with your smart home Alexa devices, including doorbells, lightbulbs, and speakers. For example, pair up your TV with your Echo speakers to create an immersive home theater atmosphere for your next movie night. Plus, there are four HDMI inputs to connect gaming devices, sound accessories, cables, and other equipment seamlessly.

This deal has a "limited-time" stamp, so get it before it runs out.

Stephen King likes to split his time on social media between slamming Donald Trump and recommending horror movies, including those that are based on his own stories.

His latest? Writer/director Michael Shanks' Together, a body horror about a struggling couple (real life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie) who start quite literally getting stuck to one another.

SEE ALSO: Stephen King posts a book update that could be huge for all fans

"Dave Franco and Alison Brie are great--and brave--in TOGETHER," King wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday. "Horror movies work when you care about the people. This one works."

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It's worth noting that Mashable's Kristy Puchko wasn't quite as unambiguous in her praise of the film.

"To the credit of Shanks, what he has scripted is a compelling tale of co-dependency with a mix of the occult and body horror," she wrote in her review. "Together is a wickedly entertaining movie. But watching it in the wake of The Substance, Sinners, Bring Her Back, and 28 Years Later, it's not a winner, but an also-ran."

Together is now playing in theaters.

Here's the thing: I actually don't want or need budget earbuds to attempt to perform the same as $450 flagship headphones.

Still, as someone who tests the gamut of headphones and earbuds for a living, I know that the cheaper options out there are certainly going to try. While some punch above their weight class in some areas, they almost certainly fall flat in others, trying to pack in premium features like 20 equalizer settings that all sound the same or overly sensitive touch controls that are more trouble than they're worth. So when I saw the Raycon Everyday Earbuds start popping up in many a YouTube sponsorship, I figured they might fall into that class of budget earbuds. I was wrong.

Raycon Everyday Earbuds Classic $79.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

The Raycon Everyday Earbuds succeed because they know exactly what they are: relatively affordable earbuds, meant not to wow, but to be reliable and convenient to use. With them clocking in at $79.99 (or $63.99 if you can grab them on sale), I don't need these earbuds to offer a super-involved app experience or the best active noise cancellation on the market. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised when I found out these earbuds didn't even have a companion app.

The case does two things: charges the earbuds and tells me roughly how much battery life it has left via the front lights. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

This is where I'm going to say something radical: I don't think every device in our lives needs a companion app. I imagine part of the appeal of wired headphones is that you can plug and play. For me, the Raycon Everyday buds get as close as you can to that experience. You open the case, they connect to your device, and you use them. Revolutionary!

SEE ALSO: How we test headphones and earbuds

That doesn't mean they're short on features: They have decent ANC, preset equalizer options, and the ability to activate a phone's voice assistant. You just access all those features via the tactile on-earbud controls, which is a genius decision for budget earbuds — I've seen too many under-$100 buds fall victim to wonky touch controls (including my favorite budget earbuds) to believe it can be done well.

The Raycon case was even smaller than my gen one AirPods Pro case. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Their battery life is also excellent, lasting eight hours per charge (and 32 hours with the case). The IPX4 rating and lower price point mean you can wear them while working or working out without worries, and the five gel tips allowed me to find a comfortable fit. The sound quality and ANC, while nothing incredible, are just solidly good. Honestly, they showed their lower price most in their lack of Bluetooth button, which means that without an app, you need to unpair them from any devices if you want to connect them to other devices. My slight annoyance from that was alleviated by the fact that they switched between two paired devices better than headphones twice their price. And as a bonus, they're incredibly compact — like small enough to fit into nearly any pocket.

With the Raycon Everyday Earbuds, you get what you pay for — but in the best way possible.

TL;DR: A lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac is on sale for $39.99 — enjoy permanent access to essential productivity tools.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac: Lifetime License $39.99
$229 Save $189.01 Get Deal

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac on sale for $39.99 (reg. $229).

What you get:

• Lifetime access to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 you only pay for once

• Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote — all optimized for Mac

• Perfect for creating polished documents, crunching numbers, and managing emails

• Designed for business and personal use with seamless integration into macOS 13, 14, and 15

• Instant download so you can start using it right away

• Continuous updates to keep your software fresh, plus lifetime customer support

Streamline your work and personal projects with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for just $39.99 (reg. $229).

StackSocial prices subject to change.