IT General

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

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

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

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

Fortunately, Kimmel has a solution for the president.

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

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

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

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

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

How to watch Anisimova vs. Osaka for free

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

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

Access free live streams of the 2025 US Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

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

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

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

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

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Pegula for free

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

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

Access free live streams of the 2025 US Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

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

Samsung can't stop releasing Galaxy S25 phones.

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

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

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

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

Here are the basic specs for the S25 FE:

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

• Exynos 2400 processor

• 8GB RAM

• 128/256GB storage

• 4,900mAH battery

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

• 12MP selfie camera

Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. Like dominoes, the tiles are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 3, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 3, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 4 Pips

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

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

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 4 Pips

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

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

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 4 Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Nativity decorations

• Green: To edit a digital picture

• Blue: What one might eat in Paris

• Purple: What living things are made up of

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

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

• Yellow: What you might see on a Christmas tree

• Green: Clean up, as a photograph

• Blue: French food words

• Purple: Things with cells

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #816 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 2, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

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

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

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 2, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Far from ordinary

The words are atypical.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are ways to describe differences.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is OffTheWall.

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

• Zany

• Eccentric

• Bizarre

• OffTheWall

• Absurd

• Quirky

• Madcamp

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To mix.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

BLEND.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 2, 2025

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

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

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

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for September 4, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Obtain

• Green: Recent champs

• Blue: Phrase

• Purple: Same second word

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

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

• Yellow: Haul in

• Green: Last 4 teams to win a Super Bowl

• Blue: "How bout them Cowboys!"

• Purple: ____ kick

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #346 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Haul in - CATCH, GRAB, SNAG, SNATCH

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

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

• ____ kick - DROP, ONSIDE, PLACE, SQUIB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AcrossNational park in the Canadian Rockies

• The answer is Banff.

Elevator choice

• The answer is Floor.

Means of transport in Seattle, San Francisco and New York

• The answer is Ferry.

Unlikely chef in a 2007 Pixar film

• The answer is Rat.

"Honor ___ father ..."

• The answer is Thy.

DownClosest pal, informally

• The answer is BFF.

Text notification, e.g.

• The answer is Alert.

Jones who sang "Come Away With Me"

• The answer is Norah.

Number of thieves faced by Ali Baba

• The answer is Forty.

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

• The answer is Fry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get this great gaming laptop deal at Amazon now.

Bluesky knows ball.

Knowing ball is to be honored, though Bluesky being a repository of ball knowers might be surprising. But it's important to acknowledge that as we prepare for the NFL regular season, which kicks off this week. The powerful people running the NFL, by and large, lean conservative. And Bluesky, by and large, grew popular as a left-leaning alternative for folks disenchanted with X's rightwing lurch under Elon Musk.

And yet, Bluesky knows ball. So...how?

Why NFL Bluesky became a thing

The short answer: Mina Kimes. OK not really, but also kinda really. There are few people, if any, in NFL media circles more powerful and respected than Kimes. She straddles a few different worlds — a highly paid analyst on ESPN, a film-driven tape nerd, an NFL podcast host, and a Very Online ball-knower who makes jokes about the game. That's the kind of resume that can get lots of NFL folks to migrate to Bluesky and Kimes seemingly took that job seriously. She had a whole thread of all the folks she recruited to the app.

I’m in ‘cruitin mode…working on getting Domonique Barnwell and Field to join the party. Who else should I peer pressure?

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes.bsky.social) November 13, 2024 at 3:51 PM

Of course she wasn't the only person doing so, but Kimes publicly cajoled NFL writers, talking heads, and others of that ilk over to Bluesky in 2024 — a popular time for people to leave X — and used her platform to announce their presence and boost followers. And importantly, she created and posted a starter pack for NFL fans looking to build a follow list.

Looks like some new folks are here....welcome! This is my starter pack of NFL follows (I add to it all the time, so even if you subscribe, re-sub): go.bsky.app/8RH6KbH And here's a list if you'd rather just make a feed: bsky.app/profile/did:...

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes.bsky.social) January 21, 2025 at 2:26 PM

That post got picked up by popular NFL subreddits — a giant source of web traffic — which then helped build a real community. It's difficult to migrate community, but with a little elbow grease...it was pretty much there.

It is a gross oversimplification to put this all on Kimes, obviously. But you need the presence and regular posting of big names to legitimize a platform. It certainly helped that folks like Kimes and a large portion of the NFL writers at popular sports sites like The Ringer made Bluesky home. And last season it felt like Bluesky hit terminal velocity, where enough people joined that you could fully exit to the site for football content. And with the migration of the professionals, the shitposters naturally came along, too. Because that's where the discussion was happening. There is genuine, easy-to-find, fun NFL talk on Bluesky with minimal interruptions from, say, weird ads or angry reply guys you might find on X.

[image or embed]

— treb (@treblaw.bsky.social) September 3, 2025 at 3:53 PM

saw a man in Manhattan wearing a Jaguars shirt that said BORTLES OR NOTHING I guess he has just been settling for nothing for, like, seven years

— Rodger Sherman (@rodger.bsky.social) September 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Joe Burrow is Conrad from the Summer I Turned Pretty

— Danny Heifetz (@dannyheifetz.bsky.social) August 3, 2025 at 2:06 PM

But that's not to say the NFL experience on Bluesky is perfect. Adam Schefter, the league's premier newsbreaker, isn't on the site. In reality, that just means the news gets to Bluesky some 30 seconds after X or a live break on ESPN's airwaves. And for a period, NFL teams were actually barred from posting on Bluesky, though that prohibition appears to be over, as recent posts from the world champion Philadelphia Eagles would seem to show. (Go Birds.)

Chat, are we back?

— Philadelphia Eagles (@philadelphiaeagles.bsky.social) September 1, 2025 at 11:11 PM

The most notable issue, however, is that there are fewer clips of games and film study posted to Bluesky. The league and its broadcast partners post to other platforms, but analysts and clip accounts have begun to migrate to Bluesky. Far more analysts have posted film breakdowns this offseason on Bluesky than previously, for instance, and we'll have to see what the clip ecosystem looks like upon kickoff this week. But that is a big drawback.

But if its main competition is X, Bluesky does have a leg-up in some areas — Elon Musk's site recently has proven unreliable for NFL fans. The site crashed the morning free agency launched, which is one of the most important days for NFL social media. And the sports tab — which used to be an easy, fun way to follow games in the Twitter days — degraded into near uselessness years ago. And, in general, X has morphed with Musk's image, which is focused more on AI and politics — not things like following football. Of course you can still follow the NFL on X, but it does involve wading through more junk than it used to. Bluesky offers an interesting alternative in that regard.

How to join NFL Bluesky

Joining NFL Bluesky isn't difficult. If you don't have a Bluesky account, you'll need one. Luckily, we have a handy guide for signing up and getting started on the site.

From there, you'll want to follow NFL-focused accounts. Bluesky has a handy feature called starter packs, which allows you to mass follow curated lists per your interests. Kimes' starter pack is sort-of the NFL gold standard. You can either go through and select your follows from her suggestions or just hit follow all. The pack is also a living document that Kimes said she'll update and edit before the 2025 season.

Hello twitter emigres! If you are here, poking around, a bit confused—a lot of the football folks you know are already on this app! Smash the subscribe button on this starter pack and you’ll instantly have a timeline 👇 go.bsky.app/8RH6KbH

[image or embed]

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes.bsky.social) May 24, 2025 at 10:38 AM

Mashable has also listed a number of the best NFL draft analysts on Bluesky, which you can find and follow in our article on the '25 draft. Once you curate your feed, I'd suggest sticking to the "following" tab rather than get inundated with random posts under the "discover" section.

Hopefully, with time, your feed will be filled with the dumbest, funniest, and most insightful stuff you'll find about the NFL. In other words...it's just posting, the same as it ever was.

Continuing our coverage of the upcoming Apple Event 2025, we now have a pretty clear picture of what to expect from the “Awe Dropping” Sept. 9 reveal. Front and center will be the iPhone 17 lineup — including the brand-new iPhone 17 Air — alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and a showcase of the experiences coming with Liquid Glass and iOS 26.

But what about the surprises? According to top Apple insider Mark Gurman, this won’t be a revolutionary year for Apple hardware.

Instead, it’s shaping up to be a stepping stone toward bigger changes, with major iPhone redesigns expected in 2026 and 2027. Still, a few Apple products are long overdue for updates, and if the rumors are right, some of them could finally make an appearance next week.

Let’s break down three potential surprises in store for the Sept. 9 iPhone launch event.

Apple AirTag 2

It’s been four years since Apple first introduced the AirTag, and we may finally see an update alongside the iPhone 17. According to credible sources cited by 9to5Mac, the rumored second-gen tracker will feature a next-generation ultra-wideband chip capable of tracking up to three times farther than the current model.

Other upgrades reportedly include a tamper-proof speaker, “very low” battery life alerts, and some form of integration with Apple Vision Pro — though details on that are sparse at the moment.

Apple TV 4K with A17 Pro

As mentioned earlier, Apple appears focused on quietly upgrading some of its more neglected products — not with sweeping overhauls, but with incremental boosts. One of those could be the Apple TV, which is rumored to finally get a long-overdue refresh this fall with the addition of an A17 chip.

The current Apple TV runs on the A15, which is perfectly serviceable, but the A17 — the same chip powering the iPhone 15 lineup — is strong enough to support Apple Intelligence and even console-quality gaming. Beyond the processor bump, there’s also chatter about Apple testing its own in-house Bluetooth and WiFi chip for the device.

That said, the rumors around the Apple TV aren’t as strong as those for the AirTag 2. It might make an appearance at the Sept. 9 event, but if not, expect it to be revealed later in the year alongside new MacBooks.

Apple Watch SE 3

We’ve already explored the rumors surrounding the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, but what about the Watch SE? Apple hasn’t refreshed its budget-friendly smartwatch since 2022, and with the Ultra 3 making a return (the last SE was unveiled alongside the Ultra 2), it only makes sense for the SE 3 to show up as well.

Like the rest of the lineup, the new Apple Watch SE is expected to get a new S11 chip. While rumor has it that the S11 shares the same basic architecture as the S9 and S10, it should still bring a meaningful bump in power for the SE, which currently runs on the older S8. A larger display and a shift to the same energy-efficient screen tech as the flagship models are also rumored — and maybe even a name change.

Apple has been on a rebranding streak lately, with iOS 17 jumping straight to iOS 26 and the iPhone SE becoming the iPhone 16e. That trend has fueled speculation that the SE line is on its way out. If so, this year’s Watch SE could arrive under a new name: the Apple Watch Series 11e, perhaps? We definitely don't expect Apple to call it the Apple Watch SE 3.

For now, though, it’s all rumors and whispers. Check back next week as we cover all the big reveals from the Apple Event 2025 as they happen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video / Peacock Sign up for Peacock Premium Plus (Prime Video add-on) free 7-day trial, then $16.99 per month Shop Now

With access to hit NBC series as well as original programming, Universal Pictures movies straight from the theaters, trendy summer reality TV shows, and live sports like Sunday Night Football and the Tour de France, Peacock is — in my humble opinion — the streaming service to beat. Though, despite all its pros, it does have a couple major cons: it's expensive and does not offer a free trial.

(At least) one of those things just changed, though, thanks to Prime Video's just-announced partnership with NBC Universal. Peacock Premium Plus (the ad-free streaming tier) is now available as a Prime Video add-on subscription. That means Prime Video subscribers can now access Peacock directly through the app. Plus — and here's the real kicker — it comes with a free seven-day trial. Since Peacock no longer offers its own trial of any kind, this is a huge deal. With a full week of free access, you'll be able to watch a specific movie, series, or live game without having to pay for a full month. Finally.

Just be sure to cancel your subscription before you get charged the full amount.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

"At Amazon, we are always working to make customers’ lives better every day," Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement. "These new agreements with Comcast NBCU are fantastic for millions of customers, who are looking for the fastest and easiest way to find all their entertainment and sports in one place."

Peacock joins the likes of Paramount+, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Starz, AMC+, and more as an official Prime Video add-on subscription. It gives you access to the full library of shows and movies alongside Prime Video's own movies and shows, making your streaming life a whole lot easier.

Peacock Premium Plus (as a standalone subscription and as a Prime Video add-on) costs $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year after a free seven-day trial. Considering Prime Video often offers some of the best streaming deals on its add-ons throughout the year, we are already waiting to see that price drop in the near future.

Best Walmart Bricktember deals at a glance: Best Box deal Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box (10698) $39.97 (save $20.02) Get Deal Best Kids deal Lego Duplo Town 3-in-1 Family House (10994) $80 (save $49.99) Get Deal Best Star Wars Deal Lego Star Wars Plo Koon’s Jedi Starfighter Microfighter (75400) $14.97 (save $22.03) Get Deal Best Advent calendar deal Lego City 2025 Advent Calendar (60475) $25 (save $9.99) Get Deal Best Botanicals deal Lego Botanicals Orchid (10311) $39.95 (save $10.04) Get Deal Best Minecraft deal Lego Minecraft World Explorer Gift Set (66805) $45 (save $15.95) Get Deal Best Ideas deal Lego Ideas The Insect Collection (21342) $63.99 (save $16) Get Deal

Now that the calendar is (somehow) on September, it's time to consider how you'll stay happy during dreary fall and winter months. Young or old, a Lego set offers some of the most wholesome fun available. It can even be a great bonding experience to build with a friend or family. From small builds to massive muti-week projects, Lego offers a wide range of sets, and some are completely display-worthy.

Walmart clearly understands that now is the opportune time to stock up on winter hobby materials as the retailer just launched Bricktember. Not only are we in awe over the name, we're stunned by the discounts. Walmart's banner information about the sale notes shoppers can save up to 30%, but we spotted some sets at over 50% off, which almost never happens with Lego.

Be warned that some deals Walmart is including in Bricktember are sold by third-party sellers. Mashable typically discourages shoppers from going with a third-party, so buy at your own risk. However, there are plenty of deals during Bricktember that are sold by Walmart and well worth considering to help you get through the brr months. Side note: December and gifting season are just months away if you feel like shopping early.

SEE ALSO: Best Christmas gifts for the 2025 holiday season

We've listed some of our favorite Lego deals during Walmart's Bricktember event or you can browse the entire sale here. Bricktember deals are slated to last though Oct. 2, but there's no telling when Lego deals will sell out, so shop soon for the best selection.

Best box deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box (10698) $39.97 at Walmart
$59.99 Save $20.02 Get Deal Why we like it

Nothing beats a Lego set that allows you to build whatever you desire. Snag the Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box to craft on your own or to add extras to an existing build. The set includes an impressive 790 pieces in a range of colors. It also includes some add-ons like windows, baseplates, wheels, and more. Plus, this can help replenish bricks that have gone missing in the couch or the robot vacuum. The adorable case the Lego bricks come in is also fantastic for storage, saving feet from the excruciating pain of stepping on a Lego.

Best advent calendar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego City 2025 Advent Calendar (60475) $25 at Walmart
$34.99 Save $9.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Dec. 1 will be here before we know it, and if you're one to celebrate the season with an Advent Calendar, Lego makes some fantastic options. The 2025 Lego City Advent Calendar comes with 24 buildable minis that all live nicely in the included wintery diorama. Daily surprises include Mrs. Claus, Santa himself, and minifigures dressed up in a reindeer and polar bear costume. There's also an adorable three-eyed alien because who's to say aliens don't love Christmas?

In total, the Lego Advent Calendar has 186 pieces and it's on sale for $25, which works out to about $1 per day.

Best Ideas deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas The Insect Collection $63.99 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable has just over a dozen favorite Lego sets and the Lego Ideas The Insect Collection makes the cut. The set includes three insects: a blue morpho butterfly, Hercules beetle, and a Chinese mantis. Together, the colorful trio make for a wonderful nature display and as a bonus, none of these bugs will fly around in the middle of the night and bounce off your face while you sleep. The set contains 1,111 pieces and it's designed for Lego builders aged 18 and older. The fine folks at Lego have gone one step further by offering three 45-minute zen-like nature playlists to listen to while you build each insect.

More Walmart Bricktember deals

• Lego Classic Creative Suitcase (10713) — $11.89 $19.99 (save $8.10)

• Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Camera — $15.99 $19.99 (save $4)

• Lego Creator 3-in-1 Hamster Wheel (31155) — $20 $29.99 (save $9.99)

• Lego Minecraft The Nether Portal Ambush (21255) — $25 $37.99 (save $12.99)

• Lego Friends Adventure Camp Archery Range + Lego Friends Stargazing Camping Vehicle (66806) — $25 $44.98 (save $19.98)

• Lego Disney Frozen Advent Calendar 2025 (43273) — $38 $44.99 (save $6.99)

• Lego Minecraft Advent Calendar 2025 (21280) — $38 $44.99 (save $6.99)

• Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 (75418) — $38.49 $44.99 (save $6.99)

• Lego Disney and Pixar Up House (43217) — $38 $59.99 (save $21.50)

• Lego Botanicals Flower Bouquet (10280) — $47.95 $59.99 (save $12.04)

• Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Millennium Falcon 25th Anniversary — $67.99 $84.99 (save $17)

• Lego Harry Potter Talking Sorting Hat — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Lego Marvel Spider-Man Final Battle (76261) — $85 $109.99 (save $24.99)

• Lego Disney The Enchanted Treehouse (43215) — $110 $159.99 (save $49.99)

SAVE UP TO $70: As of Sept. 4, Apple's MLS Season Pass is just $25 for Apple TV+ subscribers for the rest of the season or $29 for non-subscribers. That's a saving of 68% or more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV / MLS Season Pass MLS Season Pass $25 for Apple TV+ subscibers (save $54), $29 for non-subscribers (save $70) Get Deal

The Major League Soccer season is closing in on its last quarter, which means things are about to get really exciting. You can catch the climax of the 2025 season for up to 70% off, thanks to the most recent discount on Apple's MLS Season Pass.

As of Sept. 4, you can sign up for MLS Season Pass for the rest of the 2025 season (including Cup playoffs) for just $25 if you're an Apple TV+ subscriber or $29 if you're not. It typically costs $79 or $99 for the full season, so you're saving up to 70% by clocking in at the end of the season. Monthly prices remain the same at $12.99 and $14.99 per month, meaning you'll essentially get access to the entire Cup playoffs in November for free by choosing the season pass deal.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

This is just the latest MLS Season Pass price cut of the season, as Apple slashed prices to $69 in May and to $49 in July. If you held off until now, you're certainly getting the best price. However, we did see season pass prices drop even lower to just $10 last year for Apple's end-of-season sale.

Note that prices will jump back up to the full $79 or $99 at the beginning of the 2026 season and you'll automatically be charged unless you cancel.

Unlike most other sports leagues (looking at you, NFL), you can watch every MLS match live throughout the regular season and post-season — as well as extensive studio coverage, on-demand content, and in-depth features — with no blackouts thanks to Apple's MLS Season Pass. And you don't even need Apple TV+ to sign up. If you want to tune in, $29 is a pretty low cost for entry.