IT General

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for August 4 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

To stand tall.

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 T.

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...

TOWER.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 26, 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 Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 25, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 27

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

Equal (0): The domino halves in this space must be 0. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Number (18): Everything in this space must add up to 18. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 27

Greater than (2): Everything in this space must add up to more than 2. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically.

Less than (5): Everything in this space must add up to less than 5. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Equal (1): The domino halves in this space must be 1. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically, 6-1, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally, 6-1, placed vertically.

Greater than (4): Everything in this space must add up to more than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 27

Number (6): Everything in this purple space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this red space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically.

Equal (4): The domino halves in this yellow space must be 4. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): The domino halves in this dark blue space must be 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically.

Equal (1): The domino halves in this light blue space must be 1. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically; 1-4, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.

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

Greater than (3): Everything in this purple space must add up to more than 3. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically.

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

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

If you want to cheat the system a bit and get your hands on incredible, crisp sound from a pair of headphones under $100, we've got you. You no longer need to choose between a cheap pair of headphones and incredible features like active noise cancellation, Hi-Res Audio certification, and multi-device pairing.

Sure, you might be doing an IRL side eye emoji regarding the class-leading Sony WH-1000xM6 headphones — unveiled at the start of summer — but these things will cost you $450. Don't bother dishing out that much money when you can get headphones for a fraction of the price (with much of the same functionality) or, better yet, noise-cancelling headphones that carry longer battery life and a stronger sonic punch than the AirPods Max. Speaking of which, did you know that users were previously reporting that their Apple headphones suffered "condensation death" after being exposed to moisture buildup? Fortunately, our wireless headphones suggestions are all models you can wear for lengthy stretches — without stressing about their impending expiration date.

Therefore, if you're still #TeamApple when it comes to headphones, stick with us for a sec. You'll soon discover that these top picks from popular budget audio brands like 1More, Anker, and JBL are giving the market’s best a run for their money. We even have a bargain entry from Sony that’s well worth a look. Frugal audiophiles rejoice.

What differentiates budget vs. higher-end headphones?

In case we weren't clear enough before, cheaper does not mean worse by any means (and vice versa) when it comes to headphones. Not always, at least.

Yet, the general trend still stands that the "higher-end" a pair of headphones is, the more likely you are to get better sound quality (aka undistorted bass), more playtime, and state-of-the-art features like adaptive ANC.

Budget headphones are known to leak sound more often than their pricier alternatives, and they'll likely have fewer extras, like spatial audio for immersive 3D sound and TalkThru technology (which amplifies your convo buddy's voice while reducing music volume instantly) featured in some of JBL’s flagship headphones.

Nonetheless, we made it our mission to find headphones — both on-ear and over-ear models — that aren't "higher-end" in price and borrow a lot of standout functionality from their more expensive counterparts.

Don't believe it? See for yourself by reading our reviews of the best headphones under $100 below.

SHOP NOW: Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds are officially available to the general public. You can pick the noise-cancelling sleep earbuds for $229.99 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds $229.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

After a summer-long Kickstarter campaign, launch day finally arrived for the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 on Aug. 18. The sleep earbuds distinguish themselves as one of the only options for sleep-specific earbuds with active noise cancellation (more on that below), all for the price of $229.99.

It's an investment — but it's also a good deal cheaper than the $349 Ozlo Sleepbuds (that have no ANC). Relatively speaking, the price point falls in line with Soundcore's generally budget-friendly ethos.

So how do they perform? I've spent time using them over the past two months, and for their performance and price range, they're the new standard for premium sleep earbuds. For more, you can read my full review, or check out the overview below on the Sleep A30's upgrades, how they're similar to the Sleep A20 earbuds, and where you can purchase both.

What's new with the Soundcore Sleep A30

The headline news here is the active noise cancellation, but Soundcore provided overall quality of life upgrades that boost the performance of these earbuds over the Sleep A20 (and other sleep earbuds on the market), including:

• Active noise cancellation

• Slimmer profile earbuds over the Sleep A20

• Microphones in case to monitor snoring for real-time adaptive snore masking

• Memory-foam ear tips, in addition to silicone ear tips

• New sleep, meditation, and focus audio within the app

• More detailed sleep tracking

• Built-in light in case for easy visualizing in the dark

• No-slip silicone bottom on charging case

• New mint colorway

Admittedly, I don't have to deal with too much noise at night — the biggest culprits are the AC unit and the occasional car at night — but even I noticed the difference with the ANC. The hum of the AC nearly all but disappeared (and I learned I much prefer it that way!), and I was never woken up by the sound of a car. My partner and I are both somewhat restless sleepers, and it could just be chance, but I did notice that the nights I wore the earbuds, I was much less likely to wake up due to rustling next to me.

The ear wings and tips provide plenty of options for getting the best fit possible. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

As for the wear and app experience, both were noticeably improved over the A20. I primarily sleep on my slide, so the lower profile was much appreciated. I liked having the choice between the silicone and memory foam ear tips, and though I stuck to the silicone, I found it to be more comfortable (and slightly less tacky) than the A20 silicone tips. The app also felt more streamlined, looking much more reminiscent of the Ozlo Sleepbud app (which I loved).

SEE ALSO: Ozlo Sleepbuds review: Can earbuds really improve your sleep?

My biggest gripe with these earbuds (and an unfortunate difference between them and the Sleep A20) is that when streaming Bluetooth audio, there was no option to toggle the sleep detection mode off. That means if you're listening to a podcast or video, and the earbuds decide you're asleep, it'll automatically cut your audio or switch to the local snore-masking audio. Most times, the audio cut off before I was actually asleep, and the only fix I could find to restart my audio was by completely reconnecting the earbuds by placing them back in the case, then back in my ears. However, the Soundcore app did flash an update that the option to toggle off sleep mode would be coming on Aug. 20.

What stayed the same with the Sleep A30

Soundcore's Sleep A30 definitely feel like an upgrade over the A20, but didn't completely reinvent the wheel. At the end of the day, both earbuds are low-profile, comfortable-to-wear earbuds that stayed in my ears all night while dampening some degree of noise from my surroundings.

Both are far better suited to sleep than standard earbuds. They have companion apps with noise-blocking soundscapes and excellent battery life (the Sleep A20s get 14 hours per charge, to the Sleep A30s' nine hours with ANC and 6.5 hours with Bluetooth streaming), and both offer sleep data.

Considering they start at $179.99 (and can often be found on sale for cheaper), the Soundcore Sleep A20 still offer plenty of the same features, and might be more appealing if you're on a budget.

Where to buy the Soundcore Sleep A30

Overall, if you already own the Sleep A20, I wouldn't necessarily say these are a must-upgrade, but if you are looking for even better noise-blocking, they're at least worth considering. If you've never owned sleep earbuds and want ANC, these are an excellent pair, and essentially your only option. (Though these are Soundcore's first ANC sleep earbuds, the brand QuietOn also used to offer some, but it appears as though they are not selling them anymore.)

At the time of writing, the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds are available to purchase at Amazon and Soundcore's website.

Where to buy the Soundcore Sleep A30 Amazon Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 $229.99 Shop Now Soundcore Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 $229.99 Shop Now Previous generation Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 $179.99 Shop Now

SAVE $80: As of Aug. 27, the Potensic Atom 2 drone — which comes with a bag, three batteries, and a charging hub — is on sale at Amazon for $399.99. This is $80 off its list price of $479.99 and marks its lowest-ever price at the retailer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Potensic Potensic Atom 2 Drone $399.99 at Amazon
$479.99 Save $80 Get Deal

If you've been hoping to hop on the drone bandwagon, the good news is that some brands are still in stock even if DJI models are flying off shelves. One deal that has crossed our radar recently is on the Potensic Atom 2, with the Fly More Combo dropping to its best-ever price at Amazon.

This Potensic Atom 2 bundle is usually listed for $479.99, but it's down to $399.99 at Amazon for a limited time. This $80 discount marks its lowest-ever price on Amazon and sets you up with everything you need to take to the skies right away.

SEE ALSO: Chipotle drone delivery: 'Zipotle' rolling out flying burritos

This Potensic Atom 2 bundle comes with a shoulder bag and three batteries (with a parallel charging hub) alongside the drone and remote controller. The drone can capture high quality images as well, from 48MP photos to 4K/30fps HDR videos. It also has cool features like cruise control, auto takeoff and landing, a customizable HOME point, and Smart Return-to-Home which allows it to fly back to its origin point automatically.

Don't miss out on the Potensic Atom 2 down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon. And if you've been keeping an eye out for DJI models instead, the good news is you can also save on the DJI Mini 4K drone right now at Amazon.

SAVE $80: As of Aug. 27, the Alienware 34-inch Curved Gaming Monitor (AW3425DWM) is just $319.99 at Amazon. That's down from its regular $399.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware Alienware 34 Curved Gaming Monitor $319.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $80 Get Deal

If you’ve been eyeing up a gaming monitor upgrade but thought you’d need to spend a small fortune, you might want to take a second look. 

As of Aug. 27, the Alienware 34-inch Curved Gaming Monitor (AW3425DWM) has dropped to just $319.99 at Amazon — that’s 20% off its usual $399.99 price. What’s more, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, that’s the lowest price it has been since it launched.

SEE ALSO: The 4 best premium gaming monitors instantly level up your desktop — for a price

This isn’t just a bigger screen; it looks like a better one. With a 34-inch ultrawide WQHD display and a 1500R curve, it’s built to pull you into your favourite virtual worlds. Whether you’re exploring expansive landscapes or chasing down fast-paced objectives, the combination of crisp resolution and a wide field of view promises to make every detail feel that much closer.

Performance-wise, it is primed for serious play, too. A blistering 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms grey-to-grey response time keep action smooth and responsive, while AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA AdaptiveSync help eliminate tearing and stuttering. In other words, you’ll stay firmly in the game without distraction.

Visuals aren’t just sharp, they’re striking. With DCI-P3 95% colour coverage and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, you’ll see apparently vibrant hues and nuanced contrast that add depth to both in-game environments and cinematic cutscenes. That’s whether you’re checking out Gears of War Reloaded for its epic story and shooter campaign, or diving into classic online multiplayer titles like Fortnite.

And because long sessions are part of the territory, Alienware has also considered comfort. A dedicated console mode and low blue light technology mean you can play for longer while reducing eye strain, all without compromising on colour accuracy.

The result is a monitor that blends immersion, speed, and style into one sleek package. At just under $320, it’s a strong contender for anyone looking to make the jump into ultrawide gaming without breaking the bank.

If you’re considering more upgrades, it’s also worth checking our roundup of the best gaming monitors 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 27, 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: Improving

• Green: Kit adornment

• Blue: Legendary players

• Purple: Almost legendary players

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: Get better

• Green: Found on a soccer jersey

• Blue: 2025 Naismith Basketball HOF class

• Purple: Hall of Fame QBs, with the last letter changed

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 #338 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Get better - HEAL, MEND, RECOVER, RECUPERATE

• Found on a soccer jersey - CREST, NAME, NUMBER, SPONSOR

• 2025 Naismith Basketball HOF class - ANTHONY, BIRD, FOWLES, MOORE

• Hall of Fame QBs, with the last letter changed - MARINE, MOOR, STABLES, WARNED

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.

TL;DR: Live stream Raducanu vs. Tjen 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 kickstarted with some really fascinating matchups, and we're expecting more of the same in the second round. Raducanu vs. Tjen is one of the most intriguing games of this round, with all eyes on the 2021 US Open champion. Can Raducanu roll back the clock and go all the way again? You can follow the action in her second round game without spending anything.

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

How to watch Raducanu vs. Tjen for free

Raducanu vs. Tjen 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 Raducanu vs. Tjen for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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 Wednesday, August 27, 2025:

AcrossHow many roads lead to Rome, it's said

• The answer is All.

Total laughfest

• The answer is Riot.

Flip phone?

• The answer is Enohp.

Reverse dunk?

• The answer is Knud.

Ass-backwards?

• The answer is Ssa.

Down"Where the Wild Things ___"

• The answer is Are.

Need for accessing an online meeting

• The answer is Link.

Birds that swim underwater to catch fish

• The answer is Loons.

"And so, as a result ..."

• The answer is Thus.

Park bench kissing and such, for short

• The answer is PDA.

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Act fast to upgrade your smartphone to an Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max for just $769.99 (reg. $1,099) while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB (Premium Refurbished) $769.99
$1,099 Save $329.01 Get Deal

Are you in the market for a new iPhone but don’t want to spend over $1,000? This iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers all the bells and whistles you’ve come to love from Apple, without blowing your budget. Right now, this device costs just a fraction of the usual price — just $769.99 (reg. $1,099) — while supplies last.

Upgrade your iPhone without breaking the bank

If you’re spending hundreds of dollars on a smartphone, you want it to last. This Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is the first iPhone to use aerospace-grade titanium, the same kind used in Mars-bound space missions, making it durable enough for everyday use. It’s also IP68 rated, making it splash, water, and dust resistant.

This model has an exclusive 5x Telephoto camera that lets you capture stunning photos from afar. A new Action button also lets you access your favorite feature instantly by just pressing and holding it.

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

Unlocked for all carriers, this iPhone 15 Pro Max can be charged with the same cable you use for your Mac or iPad, a USB-C, helping you cut down on cord clutter. You’ll also save time thanks to USB 3 support, which allows for fast data transfer, and Wi-Fi 6E, providing wireless speeds up to twice as fast.

Do you enjoy gaming on your phone? Equipped with an A17 Pro chip, this iPhone 15 Pro Max takes gaming to the next level with hyper-realistic detail and lightning-fast performance.

If you’re wondering how you’re securing such a major discount, it’s due to this model’s grade A refurbished rating. That means this smartphone will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition, with minimal to zero amounts of scuffing on the case.

Save big on an Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max for only $769.99 (reg. $1,099).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SpaceX launched its first Starship since an accident this summer that caused one of the rockets to explode on a test stand at the company's headquarters in southern Texas. 

But the rocket made an immense comeback on Tuesday, successfully reaching space and coasting halfway around the world before dropping softly into the Indian Ocean as planned.

The test was SpaceX's 10th Starship launch, following a recent succession of failures and mishaps for the gargantuan prototype. 

Starship, a 400-foot-tall, super-heavy-lift rocket and spaceship, blasted off from SpaceX's private space port in Starbase, Texas, which is now an official city, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The event was broadcast on both SpaceX's website and X, the social platform acquired by the business' billionaire founder Elon Musk. It came two days after SpaceX's initial launch attempt, when controllers discovered a liquid oxygen fuel leak in the ground systems, Musk said on X. The company scrubbed another try on Monday due to weather risks.

By all appearances, Starship aced its one-hour test, suffering only minor damage to a flap and the aft skirt during the inferno of reentering Earth's atmosphere.

"We're kind of being mean to this Starship a little bit," said Dan Huot, a SpaceX spokesperson and launch commentator. "We're really trying to put it through the paces and kind of poke on what some of its weak points are."

SEE ALSO: NASA spacecraft snaps photo of Earth from across the solar system SpaceX's Starship reaches space during its 10th flight test on Aug. 26, 2025. Credit: SpaceX / X screenshot

The primary goals this time around for SpaceX were to test new landing maneuvers for the booster in the Gulf of Mexico, including experiments with different engine configurations to study how backups perform during landing burns. The ship also released eight dummy Starlink satellites that were stacked and deployed like a Pez dispenser within the ship. It was the first time a Starship ever simulated a payload delivery in space.

"Open the pod bay doors, HAL," Huot said as the payload demonstration began, referencing a famous line from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

In addition to that exercise, the ship successfully relit an engine while coasting through space.

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SpaceX has faced public scrutiny for its previous Starship test failures. Its leadership insists that the company's rapid break-it-fix-it strategy is all part of the company's unique iterative philosophy — in stark contrast with NASA's much slower and careful approach.

The accident on June 18 happened during a ground test as a Starship was being fueled. A high-pressure nitrogen tank with undetected damage had burst, according to a company statement, causing the rocket to break apart and catch fire. No one was hurt in the incident, and SpaceX has since changed inspection and safety procedures.

That explosion followed a string of inflight failures that were setbacks from earlier progress. During the last launch on May 27, the booster got the upper stage into space, but it didn't survive its fall back toward Earth. Engineers say they flew the booster at a steeper angle than usual to test its limits, which put too much stress on part of the fuel system and caused it to break apart. 

Meanwhile, the ship kept flying but developed a fuel leak inside the nose cone. This caused pressure problems that prevented it from releasing mock satellites and completing an engine restart in space. The ship eventually lost control and burned up over the ocean. Engineers traced the problem to a faulty part in the fuel system. The previous two tests — flights 7 and 8 — failed even earlier during the ascent stage. 

SpaceX's Starship survives through the end of its 10th flight test, softly splashing down into the Indian Ocean, on Aug. 26, 2025. Credit: SpaceX / X screenshot

But Tuesday's success signals the Starship program is back on track.

"We probably gave it a little bit of extra time in the oven but made it all the way through re-entry," Huot said. "Promised maximum excitement. Starship delivered."

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NASA will rely on SpaceX to ferry astronauts to the moon under a $4.2 billion contract. The plan is for a modified Starship to get the Artemis III and IV crews from the orbiting Orion spacecraft to the lunar surface. But before that can happen, SpaceX has to master refueling its spaceship in space. 

Starship is also a passion project for Musk, who wants to eventually send humans to Mars and build a self-sustaining city on the Red Planet.

"Life cannot just be about solving one tragic problem after another. There must be also reasons to get up in the morning and be excited about the future," Musk said on Monday. "A future where we are a spacefaring civilization is infinitely more exciting than one where we are not."

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Your access to Pornhub is at risk. Early in 2025, more than a third of U.S. states introduced age verification laws. In response, Pornhub banned visitors from those states from accessing their website.

The same thing happened in France, and although Pornhub is complying with the UK's age verification law, users are now required to provide personal information. The situation is constantly shifting, but you can stay one step ahead with a quick and easy hack.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure server in another location. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access adult sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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 unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to your favorite site, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 streaming 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).

Unblock Pornhub for free with ExpressVPN.

Anyone who's seen Jenna Ortega's Hot Ones episode will know that she's basically immune to spice, which means she's one of the last people you'd want to take on in a spicy wing eating contest.

That's exactly what the cast of Wednesday Season 2 do in the clip above though, taking turns asking each other questions where the penalty for a wrong answer – or no answer – is a "death wing."

As Georgie Farmer demonstrates it's a painful punishment, but it's not enough for Emma Myers to reveal any spoilers about what will happen in Season 2, Part 2.

Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Part 2 premieres Sept. 3.

SAVE $40: As of Aug. 27, the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are on sale for $139.95 at Amazon. That's a 22% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: SHOKZ SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 $139.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $40 Get Deal

Runners know the struggle: you want your playlist to keep you motivated, but traditional earbuds either block out the world around you or refuse to stay put once you start moving. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

This is where SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 come in. Utilising bone-conducting technology, these headphones are designed for running. They help to keep your ears free for spatial awareness, and still allow you to enjoy your favorite running playlist or podcast.

SEE ALSO: I run 30 miles a week. Here are my running essentials you can find on Amazon.

Bone conduction technology is a clever technology that transmits sound through vibrations directly to the inner ear via the cheekbones, bypassing the eardrum, and increasing your spatial awareness. And as of Aug. 27, you can buy the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro for less, reduced to just $139.95 at Amazon.

They still deliver the same high-quality audio you'd expect from earbuds, all while keeping your ears open to your surroundings for safety and connection during workouts. This is something we recommend for runners, and a model I've had on my wishlist for a while.

These headphones sport an IP55 waterproof rating, so they’re sweatproof and work for runs or walks in the rain. However, these are not suitable for swimming. The battery life will keep you listening for up to 12 hours, and a quick five-minute charge will top you up with two and a half hours of extra playtime.

Grab this deal from Amazon.

SAVE $350: As of Aug. 27, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum $349.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $350 Get Deal

Keeping up with cleaning can feel like an endless (and tiresome) chore, but a robot vacuum can take at least one task off your list. And right now, Amazon has dropped the price on a popular model, making it easier to let smart tech handle the job for you.

As of Aug. 27, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum is reduced by a hefty 50%, saving you $350 on list price. It has never been priced lower than this, and even at full price, this vacuum is worth the spend.

SEE ALSO: I found the epic Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum for half price at Amazon

Why is it worth it, you ask? Because it doesn't just pick up dirt, it mops your floors, too. It uses Sonic Mopping to scrub hard floors 100 times per minute, and if you know it's about to encounter an extra deep stain, head to the app and initiate the Matrix Mop function to get 50% better stain cleaning in certain spots.

This vacuum also boasts an impressive precision matrix grid, meaning it takes multiple passes over dirt and debris to ensure it is all removed. And if it's heading towards a hard-to-reach edge or corner, the CleanEdge Detect system uses blasts of air and corner recognition to remove debris and pull it into the cleaning path. Plus, there's no need to manually map out the path for this vacuum because it uses 360-degree LiDAR vision to learn your space, detect obstacles, and pick up dirt.

Like all high-end vacuums worth shouting about, this machine self-empties, self-charges, and holds up to 60 days' worth of dirt, limiting your work even further. The base is bagless, so it is both useful and environmentally friendly as it eliminates the need for waste bags.

Get this 50% off deal at Amazon before the price goes back up.

SAVE $240: As of Aug. 27, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is on sale for $2,159.99 at Amazon. That's a savings of 10% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Strix G16 $2,159.99 at Amazon
$2,399.99 Save $240 Get Deal

Amazon’s Daily Deals include discounts on everything from TVs to earbuds, but one of the best finds right now is the ASUS ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop. If you’ve been considering an upgrade, this is a great chance to save.

As of Aug. 27, this impressive gaming laptop is reduced by 10%, now priced at $2,159.99. This price is for the RTX5070, Ti model. Not only is this a great price, but it's the lowest it has ever been listed at according to camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: Secure the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 gaming monitor at Amazon for $700 off — its lowest price yet

So why this model? Well, the ASUS ROG Strix is more than a solid laptop, with a sleek design and strong performance across the board. It's built with impressively powerful hardware, including high-end graphics cards and processors.

The Strix series also has great cooling features, customizable RGB lighting, and let's be real, it looks cool. With a 16-inch screen and a 16:10 aspect ratio, you can enjoy high-quality and immersive gaming. Connectivity-wise, you're sorted, with WiFi 6E support, multiple USB ports including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Get this record-low deal from Amazon.

Tesla has expanded its Robotaxi coverage area in Austin for the third time in just two months.

The company first launched the Robotaxi service in June, initially covering just a tiny, 22 square mile area in southern Austin. Now, with this latest increase, Tesla covers 173 square miles in Austin, and the company says it's also increased the number of available cars by 50 percent.

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A fun fact noted by Teslarati: The Robotaxi service area now also covers Tesla's own Gigafactory Texas.

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With this increase, Tesla has far surpassed Alphabet's Waymo, which currently covers 90 square miles in Austin with its self-driving cars.

While Musk's proclaimed goal of expanding Robotaxis to cover half the population of the U.S. by year's end remains near-impossible, the company is expanding fast.

It's worth noting, however, that despite the increased service area and the number of cars available, Tesla's Robotaxi service is still only available via invite to a limited number of users.

SEE ALSO: Tesla is about to lose one of its most vital sources of revenue

The news follows Waymo's potential expansion to New York City, where the company recently acquired a pilot permit for running an autonomous vehicle taxi operation.

Parallels Desktop is one of the best ways to virtualize Windows and Linux on modern Macs, and it just received its first major update of 2026. Parallels Desktop 26 is now available to download, with some much-needed fixes for macOS 26 Tahoe and a few minor enhancements.

TL;DR: Find a wide range of free AI courses on Udemy. Take free lessons on ChatGPT, Copilot, DeepSeek, and more.

AI is probably going to take over the world. We don't know exactly when, but we feel pretty confident that it's coming.

So what are we supposed to do until that time comes? We could sit around and wait, or we could take the opportunity to learn something about our new boss. Fortunately, a wide range of free online courses on AI can be found on Udemy. We've checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout courses to get you started.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's xAI sues Apple and OpenAI over App Store drama

These are the best online AI courses you can take for free this month:

• A Gentle Introduction to Generative AI

• AI Art Generation Guide: Create AI Images For Free

• AI for Beginners: Learn The Basics of ChatGPT

• AI for Business and Personal Productivity: A Practical Guide

• AI for Students: Boost Learning & Research with Gen AI

• AI Fundamentals: From Basics to Generative AI

• AI in Agriculture: Practical Introductory Course

• Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: Cursor, the AI-First IDE

• Become an OpenAI ChatGPT Master: Start Earning with AI

• ChatGPT Made Easy: AI Essentials for Beginners

• ChatGPT Prompt Engineering

• ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

• How Smart People Use AI to Think, Lead, and Grow

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

• Master Generative AI for Developer Productivity With Pieces

• Master Generative AI: GPT, LLMs, Agents and Use Cases

• Prompt Engineering Mastery

• Training AI with Human Data, Explained for Annotators

• Worldbuilding AI Futures

These free online courses don't include certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but you still get unrestricted access to all the video content. So there's nothing stopping you from enrolling today.

Find the best free AI courses on Udemy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy Free AI Courses Learn More

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites like xHamster with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Your access to porn sites like xHamster is not guaranteed in many locations around the world. There are obvious and legitimate reasons for online restrictions, but there is also something to be said for retaining your right to online freedom. When the time is right, you should be able to access your favorite sites without hassle.

Fortunately, it's possible to bypass content restrictions in a few simple steps. f you're looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like xHamster for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock xHamster for free

VPNs are tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure servers in other locations. This process bypasses geo-restrictions to secure access to porn sites like xHamster from anywhere in the world. It sounds complicated, but the process is actually really simple.

Unblock xHamster by following these steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to xHamster

4. Unblock xHamster

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 unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're traveling to a location without access to your favorite sites.

If you want to retain permanent access to free porn sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking porn sites like xHamster, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast streaming 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 $12.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock xHamster for free with ExpressVPN.