IT General

Trying a new Linux distribution can be exciting, but I’ve learned that one missing feature can turn the whole experience sour. For me, that dealbreaker is simple: if a distro doesn’t support Flatpak, I won’t bother installing it.

I’ve lived in Florida for over 25 years. In that time, I’ve experienced at least 8 major hurricanes, many heavy storms, and countless power outages. Dealing with the fallout of these storms can be tough. Power outages and brownouts are simply part of life here. Most times the power is back on relatively quickly, but at least a couple of times a year, I experience extended outages.

The hit anime Jujutsu Kaisen is finally returning, and a brand-new trailer teases the next major arc and reveals its release window.

Adapted from the wildly popular manga, Jujutsu Kaisen follows high schooler Yuji Itadori, who becomes host to the fearsome curse Ryomen Sukuna and joins a secret society of sorcerers tasked with destroying him. Season 3 picks up immediately after the events of season 2, diving into the wreckage left by the devastating Shibuya Incident arc.

SEE ALSO: Sony announces 'Ghost of Tsushima' anime series

With season 2 wrapping back in December 2023, it’s been over three years since fans last saw Yuji and crew in action. The upcoming storyline centers on The Culling Games, a deadly battle royale billed as "the most unprecedented act of jujutsu terrorism ever enacted."

The new season is set to premiere in January 2026 and stream on Crunchyroll, but fans won’t have to wait that long for a taste. In December, Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution will hit theaters, a special presentation that compiles the Shibuya Incident arc into a single film while previewing the first two episodes of season 3. The format mirrors other anime compilation films, like Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village.

The theatrical release arrives on Dec. 5.

A robot vacuum can be the missing piece for any busy family looking to keep their home clean. If you're like me and don't have the extra time in the week to vacuum three or four times, a robot vacuum can be a valuable addition to your cleaning routine.

In an exclusive investigation, Reuters uncovered that Meta has been using the names and likenesses of celebrities without their consent to power AI chatbots that frequently made flirtatious advances toward users.

The report found these bots scattered across Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. While many were created by users, at least three originated from a Meta employee, including two Taylor Swift “parody” bots. Other celebrity likenesses that surfaced included Scarlett Johansson, Anne Hathaway, Selena Gomez, and 16-year-old Percy Jackson star Walker Scobell.

SEE ALSO: Meta will license Midjourney's AI tech to bring better slop to your feed

Over several weeks of testing, Reuters documented how the bots often insisted they were the real celebrity in question. When prompted, some generated photorealistic and intimate images of their famous counterparts. These included lingerie shots and bathtub scenes, compounding the bots’ routine sexual advances.

A Meta spokesperson admitted to Reuters that its AI systems should never have produced such images. The spokesperson acknowledged the lapse as a failure to enforce the company’s own policies, which explicitly prohibit the creation of sexually suggestive content involving public figures. Reuters also contacted the Meta employee behind the flirty Taylor Swift chatbots, but she declined to comment.

This latest revelation adds to a growing list of criticism surrounding Meta’s lax regulation of its AI bots. Earlier this week, the company restricted its use by teenagers after a separate Reuters investigation exposed how Meta avatars engaged in “sensual and romantic” conversations with minors.

That report triggered a Senate probe and led a coalition of state attorneys general to issue an open letter demanding the company put stronger safeguards in place to shield minors from sexualized AI content.

Do you want to try Arch Linux but hear it’s not stable enough for daily use? Or have you tried Arch but left because it felt technically overwhelming? Well, I personally use Arch as my main PC, and here’s everything you need to know to use it as your daily driver.

September on Paramount+ is all about keeping you entertained, which they’re ensuring with this month’s addition of new content, which features the streaming premieres of two new movies, The Wedding Banquet, starring Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone, andthe Jenna Ortega-led Winter Spring Summer or Fall. You can also expect two tantalizing true-life documentaries, the series premiere of NCIS: Tony & Ziva, and the season three premiere of Taylor Sheridan's hit series Tulsa King.

Are you confused about why everyone around you swears by running everything past ChatGPT? Are you tired of being told how much better the next iteration of Big Tech’s large language model (LLM) is going to make your life?

Whether you're looking to capture a picture of a porch pirate, someone playing ding-dong ditch, or just keep an eye on your place while you're away, the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor camera is a great all-around option, especially if you need something that can last forever without a charge or plugging in.

My top three robot vacuum recommendations for 2025 Best robot vacuum overall Roborock Saros 10R $1,599.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best budget robot vacuum 3i G10+ $349.99 at Amazon Shop Now Robot vacuum that turns into a stick vacuum Eufy E20 3-in-1 $349.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Making the call to buy a robot vacuum instead of a stick vacuum now isn't the risk that it was half a decade ago. Not when you have a grasp on the robot vacuum features to look for.

Back then, lazy suction power and even lazier attempts to return to the dock had many robot vacuum lemons collecting dust while their embittered owners reverted to vacuuming by hand. But in 2025, the best robot vacuum brands like iRobot, Roborock, Shark, and Eufy have robust lineups of robot vacuums that actually make life easier — not harder. And as more and more robot vacuums adapt to the changing expectations from consumers, features that were once considered premium are much easier to afford nowadays.

SEE ALSO: Robot vacuum brands are losing the plot with the latest 'innovations'

Despite the less intimidating cost spectrum, it's still possible to underpay or overpay for a robot vacuum. The question isn't whether or not a robot vacuum is worth it in your home at all — it's about which features are worth it in your home. So many brands offering affordable premium features can make it hard to know how to choose a robot vacuum that'll best suit you. I can yap about all of my learned tips on how to make your robot vacuum work better once you already have it. But for those still in the shopping phase, here's a straightforward buyer's guide on the most important factors to consider before buying a robot vacuum.

Do I need a self-emptying robot vacuum? The Roborock Saros 10R's self-empty dock is actually quite chic. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable When this robot vacuum fills its dust bag, I can just toss it and replace it. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Self-emptying robot vacuums are definitely worth the convenience, regardless of how big your space is. If you're already trying to absolve yourself of vacuuming responsibilities, chances are that you also won't feel like dealing with the dust bin multiple times per week.

When cleaning is automated, your floors are probably going to be swept more often, anyway, filling up a robot vacuum's onboard dustbin faster. Larger homes and homes with pets will expedite dustbin fullness as well. A self-emptying robot vacuum will come in clutch here, which automatically empties its debris into the same dock it charges on. This leaves you off the hook from any dustbin maintenance for at least a month or two.

SEE ALSO: Roborock Saros 10 vs. 10R: I narrowly crowned a winner after head-to-head testing at home

Automatic emptying docks do require more floor space than the toaster-sized docks of standalone models. But there are many compact self-emptying robot vacuums that would fit in a small space.

What is a smart mapping robot vacuum? Credit: Screenshot: Roborock Credit: Screenshot: iRobot

If there's one robot feature that you don't skip, make it this. Smart mapping is a type of navigational tech that enables a robot vacuum to scope out and remember a copy of your home's floor plan. The map drawn during the vacuum's initial mapping run will pop up in the corresponding smartphone app, where you tweak it by dragging and dropping borders, merging or splitting rooms, and adding labels. Then, the robot vacuum can clean specific rooms that need attention that day, or complete a whole-home clean.

Robot vacuums with smart mapping are usually far more agile when it comes to maneuvering around furniture. The bump-and-go approach that most early robot vacuums rely on just can't perceive a jungle of chair legs until it's too late. I'll die on the hill that smart mapping is the baseline brain power that any robot vacuum worth your money should have. If you think about it, actual cleaning skills don't even come into play if a robot vacuum can't successfully get itself to the spots that need to be cleaned.

Luckily, smart mapping isn't an expensive ask nowadays. A budget cap of $200 is more than enough to secure room-to-room mapping from reliable brands like Shark or Roborock.

Spot cleaning and virtual no-go zone It's clutch to be able to send a robot vacuum directly to the mess. Credit: Eufy

Most robot vacuums that can remember the different rooms in your home can also adhere to app-drawn barriers around smaller zones within those rooms, like around a pile of Lego bricks or your pet's water bowl. This capability is crucial if you purchase a robot vacuum that does mop but doesn't recognize the difference between tile and a bath mat (more on this in the mopping section below).

Small obstacle avoidance

This navigational prowess would mean you shouldn't have to set keep-out zones in the app at all. Robot vacuums with small obstacle avoidance can detect and avoid problem-causers like cords, laundry, and even pet waste — things that are bound to show up on the floor on one day or another. The freedom that comes with skipping the pre-tidying routine is far too convenient.

An older robot vacuum would definitely just eat this sock. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

While the cameras used to perceive obstacles in front of them aren't exactly the kind that take pictures, some fancier robot vacuums legitimately have livestream cameras. These give you a floor-level view of whatever the vacuum sees as it's roving your home, making it a pretty comforting tool for pet parents when they're away. Some cameras are even accompanied by two-way microphones to talk to your pets or call another person who's at home.

What robot vacuum works best on hardwood floors?

Robot vacuums have a much easier time sweeping free-floating debris off hardwood or tile than carpet. However, crumbs and hair don't have anything to grab onto on hard floors like they do on carpet, so debris often gets blown into corners. If you're picky about the cleanliness of the outskirts of the room like I am, look for a robot vacuum with a dedicated extendable edge sweeping brush. These go further than the lousy side brush affixed to cheap robot vacuums — they actually reach out a few inches past the robot vacuum's circular shape to push debris out of 90-degree angles and edges, like along the kitchen counter. Roborock's FlexiArm, seen on the Saros 10 and Saros 10R vacuums, is my favorite example.

Can robot vacuums go from hardwood to carpet?

Yes, just about any modern robot vacuum can switch between floor types without a hiccup. However, if your home has a heavy rug situation (including those pesky fluffy bath rugs), look for a robot vacuum with large wheels that can hoist it over various thresholds and carpet piles.

The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 robot vacuum is great at scaling rugs of all heights. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

If your home has a pretty even mix of hard floors and carpet or rugs, floor type sensors will make your life easier. With these, a botvac can tell the difference between hard floors and soft ones, adjusting its suction method (and sometimes even how high it's hovering over the floor) accordingly. This looks like suction that's automatically boosted when the robot vacuum encounters carpet or, lifting mopping pads when the vac approaches a rug.

Do I need a robot vacuum that mops?

It's definitely worth getting a robot vacuum and mop combo if your home has a lot of hard flooring. If you don't feel like doing your own vacuuming, you're probably even more severely depleted of the motivation to do your own mopping.

Mopping intensity varies greatly from vacuum to vacuum. While nearly any 2-in-1 model can probably reliably wipe up a fresh juice spill with its wet cloth, a mopping mechanism like sonic mopping (which vibrates) or dual pressurized mopping pads (which spin) exert the elbow grease needed to penetrate dried stains or shoe prints. Many flagship hybrid models released in 2023 or later can also mop with a cleaning solution rather than just plain water — if you're big on true barefoot-ready sanitation. You could even shop for a soap based on your floor type, like hardwood cleaning solution or pet-safe ingredients.

Extendable spinning mopping pads can scrub in corners and along edges. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Self-cleaning mopping pads

When deciding on a robot vacuums that mop, you have two options: models that can go from vacuuming to mopping by themselves, or models that need you to be home to physically make the switch to mopping mode. Cheaper 2-in-1 robot vacuums require a person to attach a water tank or mopping pad to switch to mopping mode, while more advanced models permanently have their mopping gear onboard and are ready to start mopping whenever called upon.

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

The first approach is typically more affordable, but your robot vacuum won't be able to complete a full vacuum and mop session if you're not home to ditch the water tank. These docks also tend to get smelly if not tended to regularly enough, along with mildewy mopping pads if you don't toss them in the laundry often enough. This level of manual involvement is more annoying than it's worth to some people — a lot of folks on Reddit ask for vacuum-only robot vacuum recommendations to avoid dealing with it altogether.

You can get out of this by opting for a robot vacuum and mop that can wash and dry its own mopping pads. Their self-empty dock also houses two water tanks — one for rinsing and refilling clean water, and one to hold the dirty water — plus fans beneath the vacuum for drying. If you're worried about bacteria or mildew, look for a self-cleaning dock that dries with hot hair.

After spot cleaning a wine spill, I don't want the vacuum to drag wine around the room. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Self-cleaning docks have separate tanks for clean and dirty water. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The ideal robot vacuum and mop combo for pet hair will have this feature to mitigate the amount of fur that builds up on a mopping pad.

Automated mop washing isn't what it was during its initial breakout in 2024. Now, you have plenty of opportunities to score a self-washing and -drying hybrid model for as low as $500, especially during a sale event.

What robot vacuums work well on carpet?

Vacuuming gets trickier on carpet, where debris clings to carpet like velcro after being stepped on all the time.

I'll get into suction power in a second, but the brushroll system can make or break a robot vacuum's carpet performance just as much as the power under the hood. The best robot vacuums for carpet wield dual spinning brushrolls. On some robot vacs, these brushrolls sit parallel and spin toward each other to pinch debris and yank it from the carpet fibers. If your one non-negotiable is a robot vacuum that works on pet hair, you might consider a setup where the brushrolls are arranged beside each other — it'll kind of look like one big brushroll, but with a break in the middle. That opening shoot prevents hair wrapping by pulling hair up into the dust bin instead of pooling it at the sides of the roll.

The Roborock Saros 10R's split brushroll system is great at preventing tangling. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable What is good suction power for a robot vacuum?

Most robot vacuum brands measure suction power in pascals (Pa). As of August 2025, the strongest robot vacuum you can buy hits 22,000 Pa, though a new Dreame robot vacuum is set to clock 30,000 Pa when it comes out in the fall. Such intense cyclonic oomph isn't necessary in all homes, though I would generally advise against settling for anything less than 5,500 Pa.

What is a good robot vacuum battery life?

A 90- to 100-minute battery life is sufficient for a robot vacuum to cover an apartment on one charge. This is also fine if most of your cleaning will be done on a room-by-room basis. Battery life of more than 150 minutes isn't hard to find and is ideal for square footage surpassing 2,000.

When battery is low, the robot vacuum will head back to its dock to juice up. Even the cheapest robot vacuums nowadays are self-charging and should automatically resume cleaning afterwards — meaning you won't have to pick them up and escort them back to the base.

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

The Women's Rugby World Cup has already offered up some fascinating matchups between the best sides in the world, and we're getting more of the same in the second round of fixtures. New Zealand take on Japan Sandy Park in one of the biggest games of the round. The Black Ferns have won the World Cup more than any other side, but they go into this tournament as the underdogs. All the pressure is on England.

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

When is New Zealand vs. Japan?

New Zealand vs. Japan in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup starts at 2 p.m. BST on Aug. 31. This fixture takes place at Sandy Park.

How to watch New Zealand vs. Japan for free

New Zealand vs. Japan in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

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

Live stream New Zealand vs. Japan for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream New Zealand vs. Japan for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream New Zealand vs. Japan in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

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

Week 1 of the new college football season continues with Miami vs. Notre Dame. This matchup is one of the highlights of an action-packed schedule this week. What's not to love about two top-10 teams renewing a rivalry that goes way back. This one is set to be epic.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

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

When is Miami vs. Notre Dame?

Miami vs. Notre Dame takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 31. This game takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium.

How to watch Miami vs. Notre Dame for free

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

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

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

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

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

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to watch Miami vs. Notre Dame from anywhere in the world

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

Live stream Miami vs. Notre Dame from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Miami vs. Notre Dame from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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

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

There are so many interesting matchups in Week 1 of the new college football season, including South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech. There'a a lot of intrigue around South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, but that's just one potential storyline in this epic faceoff.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

If you want to watch South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech?

South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech takes place at 3 p.m. ET on Aug. 31. This game takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

How to watch South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech for free

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

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

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

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

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

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to watch South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech from anywhere in the world

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

Live stream South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change

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

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

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

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

What makes this MacBook Air worth it?

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

You’ll also get:

• 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

When is Italy vs. South Africa?

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

How to watch Italy vs. South Africa for free

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

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

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

Live stream Italy vs. South Africa for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Japanese noodles.

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

RAMEN

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A period of time.

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

PHASE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

What a cow has.

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

UDDER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A type of sword.

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

SABRE

Final Hurdle hint

A type of drum.

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

SNARE

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

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

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

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

What is today’s moon phase?

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

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

When is the next full moon?

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

What are moon phases?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is an electric blanket?

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

Are electric blankets safe to use?

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

Are electric blankets expensive to run?

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

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

What is the best electric blanket?

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

These are the best electric blankets in 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for August 28, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Baseball field

• Green: Found in the City of the Brotherly Love

• Blue: Events where players get picked

• Purple: SEC shorthand

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

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

• Yellow: Materials Found on a Baseball Field

• Green: Philadelphia Teams

• Blue: Words That Precede "Draft"

• Purple: Starts of SEC Team Names

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #342 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

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

• Philadelphia Teams - EAGLES, FLYERS, TEMPLE, UNION

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

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

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

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

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

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