Technology

I probably couldn't use Excel today without XLOOKUP. For quickly pulling information from one table into another, it's one of my most-used Excel functions. But as my workbooks grew, I found myself adding countless lookup columns and formulas just to make reports work. Power Pivot gave me a better way to connect my data.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2026?

Even the best value headphones will feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool gets bigger by the month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC. So, which brand comes out on top?

For most people, we think the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer the best overall value, with the ideal blend of comfort, sound quality, and ANC. However, if you're looking for the best active noise cancellation overall, we have to give it up to the Sony XM6 headphones. Fortunately, there are no bad choices here.

To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best options at every price range.

SEE ALSO: How we test headphones and earbuds How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise via passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.

Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking.

Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn't make the final cut for this guide. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Getting up close and personal with Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

If you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you'll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.

Other headphones may be great at blocking low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results all around, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.

In the past, not many wireless earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal (or fit as many mics) that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.

Every top brand has its own take on ANC earbuds, each with a unique style and a plethora of features. Since you can't possibly try all the latest earbuds, the Mashable team has taken on the task of reviewing the best ANC earbuds for you.

What are the best noise-cancelling earbuds? Not all earbuds are created equal — some are far more comfortable than others. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

While there are plenty of audio brands that provide good sound quality and noise cancellation, audio leaders Bose and Sony are in a league of their own. Not only do they offer phenomenal ANC, but they also make music and podcasts sound better. On a good pair of headphones, Olivia Rodrigo's latest album is even better, somehow.

Earbuds usually aren't as comfortable as over-the-ear headphones. I know this well, as I've found many pairs of earbuds that just plain don't fit in my ear. Others are downright uncomfortable. Once again, Bose offers the most comfortable headphones and earbuds. However, Bose and Sony aren't the only brands out there. That's why we set out to test the best the market offers and see what makes a great pair of wireless earbuds.

How do noise-cancelling earbuds work? Noise-cancelling earbuds are small enough to slip in your pocket. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

All noise-cancelling headphones, including earbuds, have some passive noise cancellation. While over-the-ear headphones naturally block out noise by wrapping around the ears, earbuds don't block sound as effectively. Instead of covering your ears, wireless earbuds deliver sound directly into the ear canal to drown out other noises. They rely more on active noise cancellation (ANC) to reduce environmental noise.

ANC is an electronic process within the headphones. Internal microphones listen to your surroundings and then invert the sound, effectively canceling it. Sometimes, with noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds, you'll hear a slight buzzing or humming in the background, and that's the ANC at work. The best ANC earbuds shouldn't have this buzzing, however.

TL;DR: Casetify's Henri Matisse x Casetify "Jazz & Cut-Outs" collection launches worldwide on Aug. 13, with prices ranging from £33 to £755.

Henri Matisse's work is instantly recognizable — bold colors and shapes that feel alive.

Late in life, illness left Matisse bed- or wheelchair-bound, unable to paint like before. So he picked up the scissors, cutting shapes from painted paper and arranging them into compositions by hand — what he called "painting with scissors."

Casetify's new collection draws straight from that story. The "Jazz & Cut-Outs" collection draws on Matisse's Jazz series, a body of work centered on rhythm, movement, and improvisation that mirrors the syncopated feel of jazz music itself.

Credit: Casetify

Here's a closer look at the artwork featured across the collection:

• Icarus, plate VIII (1947): A falling silhouette against a star-filled sky, blending myth with visual tension.

• Nu Bleu II (1952): A single, bold blue shape defining the human figure through negative space.

• La Gerbe (1953): A radiating burst of colorful leaves, pure and vibrant.

• Les Codomas (1947): Sharp, syncopated shapes inspired by soaring trapeze performers.

• Le Cirque (The Circus) (1947): A vivid, movement-heavy nod to the big top.

• The Horse, the Rider and the Clown (1947): Overlapping shapes simulating fast-paced spectacle and travel.

• The Clown - Plate I (1947): The Jazz series' opening piece, mixing sharp framing with floating abstract elements.

• The Heart Smitten by Love (1949): A bold red heart wrapped in blue script, made for the journal Verve.

Credit: Casetify

The lineup covers a wide range of accessories, including Casetify's signature Bounce phone cases, MagSafe cardholders, laptop sleeves, watch bands, and iPad cases, as well as pieces from the Casetify Travel line, such as expandable suitcases.

The Henri Matisse x Casetify collection launches worldwide on Aug. 13, with prices ranging from £33 to £755. It'll be available online, through the Casetify Co-Lab app (already live in the App Store), and at Casetify Studio locations globally.

TL;DR: This slim metal wallet combines RFID blocking with an Apple AirTag holder for just $29.99 (reg. $79.95).

Opens in a new window Credit: Vista Shops Slim RFID Wallet with Apple FindMy (Carbon Fiber Look) $29.99
$79.95 Save $49.96   Get Deal

A wallet doesn’t have to be stuffed with old receipts and loyalty cards to be useful. Sometimes, the smartest upgrade is making it thinner and more streamlined — and a little easier to find when it inevitably slips between the couch cushions.

The Slim RFID Wallet with AirTag Holder is available for $29.99 (reg. $79.95) and combines a minimalist metal design with two practical features: RFID protection and a dedicated holder for your own Apple AirTag.

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It’s worth pointing out that the wallet itself isn’t a smart device. It doesn’t include GPS, Bluetooth, or an AirTag. Instead, it provides a secure place for an Apple AirTag (not included), letting you use Apple’s Find My network to locate your wallet or receive separation alerts if you leave it behind.

Even without an AirTag installed, the wallet still earns its keep. Built-in RFID blocking helps protect compatible contactless payment cards from unauthorized scans, while the sturdy metal frame resists bending and keeps your cards organized. It holds up to 12 cards, includes a money clip for cash, and slips comfortably into a front pocket without creating the usual pocket bulge.

The weather-resistant design also makes it a practical everyday carry option, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or heading through airport security.

If you already own an AirTag — or have been looking for a better way to use one — this wallet gives it a job beyond tracking your keys.

Get this Slim RFID Wallet with AirTag Holder for just $29.99 (reg. $79.95).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

15. Tires, Season 3

Roll back into Valley Forge Automotive Center this week, as Netflix's hit workplace comedy Tires returns for round three. Co-created by Shane Gillis, Steve Gerben, and John McKeever, the series focuses on Will Jacobs (Gerben), the manager of his family's auto-repair chain, and his obnoxious cousin Shane (Gillis). Critics didn't love Season 1, but reception to Season 2 was more positive. Season 3 could continue Tires' uphill trend. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Shane Gillis, Steve Gerben, Chris O'Connor, Kilah Fox, Stavros Halkias, and Thomas Haden Church

How to watch: Tires Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear

You might know Travis Barker as the drummer from Blink-182, or as the star of the 2005 reality TV series Meet the Barkers, or as the husband of Keeping Up With the Kardashian's star Kourtney Kardashian. Yet for all the ways Barker has been in the public eye for decades, his new documentary promises a deeper look into his personal struggles following a near-fatal plane crash.

If you had a second chance to live, how would you change? Barker answers that with Louder Than Fear. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear is now streaming on Hulu.

13. Conversations With a Killer: The Charles Manson Tapes

The final chapter of Netflix's Conversations With a Killer series focuses on Charles Manson, the infamous 1960s cult leader responsible for ordering the murders of nine people, including actress Sharon Tate. The Charles Manson Tapes is a documentary that charts Manson's backstory, trial, and imprisonment, combining archival footage with interviews and prison recordings that haven't before been released. It's a grim story that many people will have heard before. If you'd prefer to try some lesser-known true crime offerings, Netflix has some truly bizarre ones. — Sam Haysom, General Assignment Editor, UK

How to watch: Conversations With a Killer: The Charles Manson Tapes is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Whitmer Thomas: Terminal Crew of Dudes

Following 2020's The Golden One and several albums, Whitmer Thomas' new HBO comedy special promises the Alabama-raised, Los Angeles–based comedian's characteristic blend of stand-up and indie rock. The special is buoyed by his like-minded friends, produced by fellow comedian Tim Robinson and co-directed by fellow musician Clay Tatum. Terminal Crew of Dudes sees nostalgia, friendship, and growing up remaining the core of Thomas' comedy, as he told the L.A. Times: "It’s my entire identity, my friends and the stories that we tell together...I almost feel, like, in debt to my friends." — Shannon Connellan, Senior Editor

How to watch: Whitmer Thomas: Terminal Crew of Dudes comes to HBO Max on Aug. 14.

11. A Child of My Own

Netflix has been relentless when it comes to unleashing jaw-dropping true crime content this summer, from The Crash to Maternal Instinct to A Toxic Love Story. Now comes A Child of My Own.

Documentarian Maite Alberdi (The Mole Agent) offers a look back at the case of Eleonor Alejandra Marín Mendoza, who in 2009 was arrested for kidnapping a newborn from a hospital. This isn't a Maternal Instinct scenario, at least not according to Mendoza. In this curious Spanish-language doc (with overdub English option available), Alberdi has the first half play out like a narrative feature, re-enacting the events that led to the abduction. Then, at the halfway point, Mendoza and her husband sit down for interviews, given a platform to share what it felt like from their perspective. Moreover, Alberdi uses commentators to dig into the social pressures specific to people who can get pregnant, and how that contributed to Mendoza's choices.

It's a wild story. But for those shaken by the aforementioned Netflix releases, be assured this one is less harrowing and less deadly. — K.P.

How to watch: A Child of My Own is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Camp Rock 3

Before its quotes ("she's really good!") and awkward stomp-clap intimidation attempts became memes, the Demi Lovato-led Camp Rock franchise was a Disney phenomenon. Now it's back for its third outing, introducing a new generation of aspiring musicians. This summer at Camp Rock has extra stakes, though, as the winner of the Final Jam will get to go on tour with Connect 3 (the Jonas Brothers) as their opening act. Tune up your instruments and tune in to see who takes the crown. — B.E.

Starring: Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Maria Canals-Barrera, Sherry Cola, Liamani Segura, Malachi Barton, Lumi Pollack, Casey Trotter, and Hudson Stone

How to watch: Camp Rock 3 comes to Disney+ on Aug. 14.

9. Bergerac

If you haven't been on the case with famed detective Jim Bergerac, it's high time you joined the investigation. The legendary screen detective was made famous by British icon John Nettles when Bergerac ruled the BBC in the '80s, running until 1991. In 2025, the series was rebooted with Two Weeks in August star Damien Molony taking on the coveted role of the Jersey-based investigator. The resurrected series saw mixed reviews, but you can come to your own conclusion when Season 1 hits PBS Masterpiece this week. — S.C.

Starring: Damien Molony, Zoë Wanamaker, and Philip Glenister

How to watch: Bergerac launches on on PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video on Aug. 16.

8. Don't Say Good Luck

From writer/director Julia Hart (Fast Color, I'm Your Woman) comes the latest Sandler family production. Adam Sandler and his wife Jackie Sandler produce Don't Say Good Luck, which stars their daughter Sunny Sandler (You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah).

This musical teen drama centers on Sophie Birenbaum (Sunny Sandler), a theater kid who's so focused on getting the lead in her school's upcoming production of Waitress the musical that she's blindsided when her mom (Yellowjackets' Melanie Lynskey) is diagnosed with cancer.

Considering the high emotional intelligence of Hart's previous films, we predict this one will be a satisfying and visually stirring tearjerker. — K.P.

Starring: Sunny Sandler, Melanie Lynskey, Max Greenfield, Stephanie Beatriz, Bebe Neuwirth, and Steve Buscemi

How to watch: Don't Say Good Luck debuts on Netflix on Aug. 14.

7. Normal

English filmmaker Ben Wheatley has previously thrilled action fans with the shoot-'em-up Free Fire. Now he's bringing that energy into a satire about a "normal" American town where everyone has guns — and has them aimed at the interim sheriff, played by Bob Odenkirk.

Sure, the folks of Normal, Minnesota, seem friendly. But beneath their smiles lies a dark conspiracy. And while they welcome newcomer Ulysses as the face of law in their town, they won't stand for him sticking his nose where it's not wanted.*

In my review out of SXSW, I cheered, "Wheatley delivers an action comedy that is wildly entertaining, hilariously twisted, and ultimately shockingly feel-good." — K.P.

Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler, Lena Headey, Ryan Allen, Billy MacLellan, Brendan Fletcher, Peter Shinkoda, and Jess McLeod

How to watch: Normal debuts on HBO Max on Aug. 14.

6. Minions & Monsters

The Minions have caused all kind of comical mayhem since they debuted in Despicable Me back in 2010. But their latest adventure is uniquely thrilling for cinephiles as it lets these lovable critters loose in 1920s Hollywood, where they're searching for monsters to make a movie of their own.

This means a lot of allusions to cinema on top of the Minions' signature silliness. So whether you love slapstick, goofy gibberish, or classic Hollywood icons, this comedy should satisfy. — K.P.

Starring: Pierre Coffin, Trey Parker, Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeff Bridges, Zoey Deutch, Bobby Moynihan, and Phil LaMarr

How to watch: Minions & Monsters is now available for purchase or rental on digital.

6. Our Hero, Balthazar

Oscar Boyson's directorial debut, Our Hero, Balthazar, is a black comedy tailor-made for today, examining everything from performative social media activism to school shootings.

Balthazar (Jaeden Martell) is an affluent New York teen who regularly posts social media videos of him crying about gun violence. While the crying is authentic, the emotion behind it isn't. As Balthazar performs empathy for the internet, he makes contact with troll Solomon (Asa Butterfield), who appears to be planning a school shooting. To stop him, Balthazar heads to Texas, and the pair form an unlikely bond. The film received critical acclaim following its premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. — B.E.

Starring: Jaeden Martell, Asa Butterfield, Chris Bauer, Jennifer Ehle, Anna Baryshnikov, Noah Centineo, Becky Ann Baker, Avan Jogia, and Pippa Knowles

How to watch: Our Hero, Balthazar is now available for purchase or rental on digital.

5. Jackass: Best and Last

Looking back on Jackass and its legacy, Johnny Knoxville and the gang give fans one more round of bonkers stunts and pranks. There's also fresh thrills, like messing with a robot named Larry.

The guys claim this is the last film. We hope that's not true. But they do say goodbyes hit hard, and this movie definitely does — in the feels, and the nuts. Repeatedly. — K.P.

Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Wee Man, Dave England, Danger Ehren, Preston Lacy, Poopies, Zach Holmes, Jasper, Rachel Wolfson, and Dark Shark

How to watch: Jackass: Best and Last is now available for purchase or rental on digital.

4. Hellcat

Hell hath no fury like a woman who wakes up in a stranger's moving trailer. And that's all you're getting from me about writer-director Brock Bodell's feature film debut. Starring Dakota Gorman (How I Met Your Father), Hellcat has critics abuzz, with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko writing in her review, "Like a lot of Shudder titles, Hellcat is a low-budget movie. But this financial constraint pushed Bodell and his collaborators to imagine what could be done cheaply and cinematically. The result is a movie that is claustrophobic, thought-provoking, surprising, and wicked fun."

Without spoiling anything (beyond giving you an exclusive clip to watch), buckle up and join the nail-biting ride that is Hellcat. — S.C.

Starring: Dakota Gorman, Todd Terry, James Austin Johnson, Jordan Mullins, and Liz Atwater

How to watch: Hellcat comes to Shudder on Aug. 14.

3. The Invite

As the follow-up to Don't Worry Darling, actor/director Olivia Wilde offers an English-language remake of the Spanish comedy The People Upstairs.

Written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, The Invite stars Wilde and Seth Rogen as a married couple with a kid, a great apartment, and no patience left for each other. So, when the hot couple from upstairs (Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton) come down for an adults-only dinner, sparks fly, as does a spicy invite.

In my review, I cheered, "I was enchanted by The Invite. McCormack and Jones' screenplay is smartly written, bringing emotional depth to all four lovers, while solidly establishing the relatable frustrations of long-term relationships. Wilde's direction is deceptively simple in its aesthetic, favoring cinematography that allows us to spy without the discomfort of voyeurism. This keeps the tone light even as the talk turns dirty. And with an ensemble that's totally game to embrace the silly, sexy, and subversive, The Invite is ruthlessly entertaining." — K.P.

Starring: Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton

How to watch: The Invite is now available for purchase and rental on digital.

2. Girls Like Girls

Singer/songwriter Hayley Kiyoko turns filmmaker with this teen romance based on her best-selling 2023 novel, which was based on her 2015 single of the same name.

Co-writing the screenplay with Stefanie Scott, Kiyoko helms Girls Like Girls, bringing to life a story of sapphic first love. Maya da Costa stars as Coley, a new girl in town who's instantly drawn to the femme and friendly Sonya (Myra Molloy). Their chemistry is undeniable. But are either of them ready to embrace what that means? *

In my review for Mashable, I cheered, "The romance and tenderness found in Kiyoko's music videos throbs in Girls Like Girls. She breaks from creaky conventions of queer coming-of-age tales by rejecting scenes of violence or social ostracizing that once seemed required. Her heroine is soft, too, not pursuing but being pursued. And her ending is not a promise of eternal devotion, but a small win that feels huge for a girl in love." — K.P.

Starring: Maya da Costa, Myra Molloy, Levon Hawke, and Zach Braff

How to watch: Girls Like Girls begins streaming on Peacock on Aug. 14.

Best of streaming this week: Lanterns

House of the Dragon Sundays may be over, but HBO is keeping its summer tentpole programming rolling with Lanterns, the latest TV show in the DC Universe. Co-created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, the series introduces two members of the Green Lantern Corps: Earth's Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler), and his trainee John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). They're on the case in Nebraska, investigating a small-town shooting that may have intergalactic ramifications. 

Lanterns is full of details that'll psych up Green Lantern fans, like the presence of Sinestro (Ulrich Thomsen) and menacing Manhunters. But it's also accessible to DC novices in the mood for an exciting new show, thanks to gritty mystery elements, a killer dynamic between Chandler and Pierre, and exciting twists. Trust me, this is one you'll want to watch live and unspoiled. — B.E.

Starring: Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Kelly Macdonald, Poorna Jagannathan, and Garret Dillahunt

How to watch: Lanterns debuts on HBO Max on Aug. 16.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips 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 on to 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 with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, 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 13, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 13, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for August 12 Pips

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 6-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for August 12 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally.

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 4-4, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 4-4, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for August 12 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally.

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

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

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically.

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.

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

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 6-3, placed vertically.

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

Number (5): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally.

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

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you've ever watched football.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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. The sports 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 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 before 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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: Super Bowl champions

• Green: Tampa sports

• Blue: Famous Matts

• Purple: Reads like an NBA team

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Last Four Teams to Win a Super Bowl

• Green: Tampa Bay-Area Teams

• Blue: Matt___

• Purple: NBA Teams, With The First 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 #689 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Last Four Teams to Win a Super Bowl: CHIEFS, EAGLES, RAMS, SEAHAWKS

• Tampa Bay-Area Teams: BUCCANEERS, LIGHTNING, RAYS, SOUTH FLORIDA

• Matt___: FORTE, HOLLIDAY, PAINTER, RYAN

• NBA Teams, With The First Letter Changed: BAKERS, RACERS, SLIPPERS, WINGS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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 yesterday's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you fly a lot.

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

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

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

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

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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 Pips hints, answers for August 7, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Determined

• Green: Slowly move

• Blue: Airline rewards

• Purple: Cold

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Persevere

• Green: Move Slowly (Up To)

• Blue: Airline Status Perks

• Purple: "Cold" Things, In Idioms

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 #1159 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Persevere: CARRY ON, CONTINUE, MAKE IT, PERSIST

• Move Slowly (Up To): CREEP, EASE, EDGE, INCH

• Airline Status Perks: CHECKED BAGS, LOUNGE, MILES, UPGRADE

• "Cold" Things, In Idioms: COMFORT, FEET, SHOULDER

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 7, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 yesterday's Connections.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you've been around car accident.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 7, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for August 7, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A collision.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no re-occuring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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...

CRASH

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.

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 yesterday's Wordle.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're really passionate about something.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 7, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Coming in hot

The words are related to fiery passion.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe very strong emotions.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Firebrand.

NYT Strands word list for August 13

• Heated

• Fierce

• Zealous

• Intense

• Fervent

• Torrid

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

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

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

Made By Google is here, which means smarter phones, fancier watches, and even more AI.

Ahead of the event, Google announced that its AI assistant hit more than one billion monthly users. It's not just brand loyalty either, with more than 100 million of those querists turning to the app from iOS devices. Gemini now generates more than 150 million images every day, according to the company, and more than half of Gemini's users speak directly to their AI helper rather than relying on text.

It's the fastest-growing Google product of all time, according to the tech giant.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Made by Google today, including Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Tag

So it makes sense that Google would start the event — and spend a majority of host Trevor Noah's time — talking about Gemini Intelligence.

Gemini Intelligence on the Pixel 11

Google is banking on making Gemini a genuinely "useful" AI assistant, what Noah ironically likened to the mass adoption of GLP-1s. "They take things off of your plate," he joked during the event's talk-show format. Later, Noah said that previous iterations of Google's AI were more like a "cool promise" than anything people would use in their everyday life.

Credit: John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

And Google agreed.

The solution, in the company's eyes, is to upgrade Pixel phones with even more native Gemini Intelligence features. That includes enhanced live translation for podcasts, YouTube videos, and third party apps (the feature was introduced for phone calls last year) and a major AI accessibility upgrade with ASL-to-text.

Google also announced the new Rambler feature, a Pixel phone feature that automatically filters out filler words, cleans up sentences, and "reads" a user's intent to produce a more streamlined speech-to-text experience.

And the company revamped its existing Magic Cue feature into the new Proactive Assistance interface. Proactive Assistance generates automatic context, suggestions, informational windows, and even responses to information found in messages. If your friend recommends a new restaurant, for example, Proactive Assistance will pull up its reviews, menu, and even directions.

Gemini on smartwatches

Many of these features are also integrated into Google's Pixel watch line, including one-tap Proactive Assistance queues and new Google Health Guardian features, including the AI-powered Google Health Coach. Pixel Watch users can also use Gemini directly from their wrist with At a Glance.

The goal, the company said, is to let Gemini do the rote tasks (including texting your friends) so you can step away from the screen. You just have to buy the latest model and keep your phone on you at all times, of course.

Want more Made By Google? Check out Mashable's live coverage and product reviews from our reporters on-the-ground.

YouTube Premium has never piqued my interest. While I use YouTube daily, I'm content with ad-supported videos. Plus, my music streaming service of choice is Spotify. Therefore, YouTube Music is a luxury that I don't need right now.

Even though Google still has its Made by Google event scheduled for later in the evening, the company still went ahead and announced what it has in store for its Pixel 11 launch.

The livestream itself will serve as a more hands-on, celebrity-sponsored event, mostly as a showcase of what Gemini AI can bring to the hardware itself. In the meantime, if you're curious about exactly what you'll see tonight, we've compiled all the announcements Google revealed at its Pixel 11 launch event.

SEE ALSO: Pixel 11’s Gemini translated my videos and took photos for me

Headlined by a new chip, a reworked camera bar with an ambient light feature, and a heavier-than-usual push into AI-driven "do it for me" tools. Here's a full rundown of what Google announced:

The Pixel 11 Lineup, Overall

Google introduced four new phones — the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold — all built around a redesigned camera bar that now uses edge-to-edge glass flowing into a metal frame, according to Google's own product materials. Google says the new phones are meant to visually and materially match the rest of its hardware ecosystem, from Pixel Snap chargers to cases to the Pixel Watch.

Google also credits Tensor G6 with a 50 percent increase in TPU compute, which the company ties directly to faster computational photography, quicker Night Sight captures, and more responsive on-device AI. A new Titan M3 security coprocessor ships alongside it, which Google says uses post-quantum cryptography and meets the same certification standard used for SIM and bank cards.

The displays for the lineup get brightness bumps. The standard Pixel 11 uses a 3,000-nit Actua panel, the Pro and Pro XL step up to a 3,600-nit Super Actua display that Google describes as 9 percent brighter and over twice as scratch-resistant as the previous generation, and the Pro Fold's internal screen is rated 20 percent brighter than its predecessor.

Every phone in the series launches with 256GB as the base storage tier — Google confirms this directly, ending the 128GB option that shipped on last year's entry-level models. All four phones also come with 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates, matching the support window Google has offered on recent generations.

Features are split along fairly predictable lines. HiLight, the new ambient light built into the camera flash, is exclusive to the Pro models — the Pixel 11 and Pro Fold don't get it. Zoom capability is similarly tiered: the Pro and Pro XL offer Pro Zoom up to 120x, while the Pixel 11 and Pro Fold top out at 30x Super Zoom.

Credit: René Ramos/CNET Group

That said, several new software features are shared across the whole lineup, including Magic Capture (a one-swipe mode that captures both a share-ready photo and video at once), Camera Looks for custom film-style presets, and full support for Gemini Intelligence, which Google is positioning as one of the defining features of this generation. The company says that Gemini can now proactively surface information from a person's apps, draft and clean up messages, and, in the US, handle routine tasks like ordering groceries or booking a ride.

The big caveat is that there is a price increase across the board:

• Pixel 11 — $899

• Pixel 11 Pro — $1,099

• Pixel 11 Pro XL — $1,299

• Pixel 11 Pro Fold — $1,899

Pixel 11 Credit: René Ramos/CNET Group

The Pixel 11 is the entry point to the series, featuring a 6.3-inch Actua display and Google's standard triple rear-camera system.

Pixel 11 Colors

• Frost

• Pistachio

• Hibiscus

• Obsidian

Pixel 11 Specs

• 6.3-inch Actua display

• 1080 x 2424, 60–120Hz, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness

• Gorilla Glass Victus 2; 12GB RAM; 256GB/512GB storage

• Tensor G6 with Titan M3 security chip

• 30+ hour battery (4,985mAh typical); up to 55% wired charge in 30 minutes

Pixel 11 Camera

• 48MP wide (ƒ/1.70)

• 13MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2)

• 10.8MP 5x telephoto (ƒ/3.1)

• Super Zoom up to 30x

• 10.5MP front camera

Pixel 11 Pro Credit: René Ramos/CNET Group

The Pro trades up to a brighter Super Actua display and a meaningfully stronger camera setup, headlined by 120x Pro Zoom and the new HiLight ambient light on the camera bar — features the standard Pixel 11 doesn't get.

Pixel 11 Pro Colors

• Canyon

• Olive

• Fog

• Matte Obsidian

Pixel 11 Pro Specs

• 6.3-inch Super Actua display

• 1280 x 2856 LTPO OLED, 1–120Hz, up to 3,600 nits peak brightness

• 12GB/16GB RAM; 256GB/512GB/1TB storage

• Tensor G6 with Titan M3

• 30+ hour battery (4,850mAh typical); up to 55% wired charge in 30 minutes

Pixel 11 Pro Camera

• 50MP wide (ƒ/1.68)

• 48MP ultrawide (ƒ/1.7)

• 48MP 5x telephoto (ƒ/2.8)

• Pro Zoom up to 120x

• 8K video via Video Boost

• 42MP front camera

Pixel 11 Pro XL Credit: René Ramos/CNET Group

The Pixel 11 Pro XL is essentially just a larger Pixel 11 Pro. It has the same camera system and color options, but a larger display, a larger battery, and faster wired charging.

Pro XL Colors

• Canyon

• Olive

• Fog

• Matte Obsidian

Pro XL Specs

• 6.8-inch Super Actua display

• 1344 x 2992 LTPO OLED, 1–120Hz, up to 3,600 nits peak brightness

• 12GB/16GB RAM; 256GB/512GB/1TB storage

• Tensor G6 with Titan M3

• 30+ hour battery (5,115mAh typical); up to 75% wired charge in 30 minutes (45W)

Pro XL Camera

• 50MP wide (ƒ/1.68)

• 48MP ultrawide (ƒ/1.7)

• 48MP 5x telephoto (ƒ/2.8)

• Pro Zoom up to 120x

• 8K video via Video Boost

• 42MP front camera

Pixel 11 Pro Fold Credit: René Ramos/CNET Group

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is the outlier of the group, trading some camera firepower for the folding form factor and shipping in a narrower color selection than the rest of the line.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold Pro Fold Colors

• Olive

• Obsidian (Malaysia and Singapore only)

Pro Fold Specs

• 6.5-inch Super Actua external display (up to 3,600 nits peak)

• 8-inch Super Actua Flex internal display (up to 3,600 nits peak)

• 16GB RAM; 256GB/512GB/1TB storage (availability varies by region)

• Tensor G6 with Titan M3

• 24+ hour battery (4,806mAh typical); up to 50% wired charge in 30 minutes

Pro Fold Camera

• 48MP wide (ƒ/1.70)

• 10.5MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2)

• 10.8MP 5x telephoto (ƒ/3.1)

• Super Zoom up to 30x

• 10MP front camera and 10MP inner camera

• Fold-specific modes: Dual Screen Preview, Rear Camera Selfie

The Pixel Watch 5 Credit: René Ramos/CNET Group

Google's smartwatch update leans heavily into health tracking. According to Google's announcement, the Pixel Watch 5 can track blood pressure patterns and insulin resistance trends over time alongside continued AFib detection, stress tracking, and SpO2/breathing-rate monitoring, all viewable in the Google Health app.

Fitness gets what Google calls its biggest upgrade yet, built around a pre-workout Readiness Score, support for building custom strength and HIIT circuits in the Google Health app, real-time audio and visual coaching cues during workouts, and dual-frequency GPS to maintain a better lock in dense urban environments. A new Key Metrics view is included for post-workout review.

Sleep tracking also expands with a new Sleep Breathing Quality metric that analyzes overnight blood oxygen saturation variability, alongside the existing sleep-stage tracking, Smart Wake Alarms, and a redesigned Morning Brief that summarizes readiness, sleep, and weather in a single view.

Google is also introducing the Google Health Coach, a Gemini-powered coaching feature available through Google Health Premium that builds adaptive fitness plans and provides ongoing feedback based on a person's sleep, fitness, and cycle health data. Buyers get three months of Google Health Premium at no cost. It's also automatically bundled with Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscriptions.

On the hardware side, the Pixel Watch 5 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 "Accelerated" chip that Google says is 20% faster than the previous generation, an Actua 360 display with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass, and a rated battery life of up to 30 hours (41mm) or 40 hours (45mm). A new Quick Charge Dock is said to deliver 15 hours of use from a 15-minute charge. Google also confirmed a Special Edition made with Stephen Curry, featuring an exclusive band and custom watch face.

Pixel Watch 5 Colors

• Obsidian

• Fog

• Olive (new Satin Pyrite casing)

• Canyon (41mm band option)

Pixel Watch 5 Specs

• Actua 360 display with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass

• Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 "Accelerated" chip (20% faster than Pixel Watch 4, per Google)

• Up to 30-hour (41mm) or 40-hour (45mm) battery life

• 15 hours of use from a 15-minute Quick Charge Dock session

• IP68 and 5 ATM water resistance

Gemini Intelligence

Google is positioning Gemini Intelligence as one of the defining features of this generation of Pixels. According to Google, the phones are more "agentic" than ever and can proactively surface information from a person's apps, such as calendar availability when a friend texts asking if they're free. In addition, as a U.S.-only feature, you can hand off routine errands like ordering groceries or booking a ride to Gemini directly.

Google also describes a feature that lets Gemini place phone calls to businesses on a user's behalf, with a live transcript the person can watch and take over at any time. On the input side, Google says new voice-to-text tools can clean up spoken messages in real time and that writing assistance tools can read what's on screen to help draft or rewrite replies in a person's own style.

Google also highlighted an accessibility-focused use of the same underlying technology: a new sign-language translation tool built into the Pixel Camera and Gboard, which converts sign language into text in real time so deaf and hard-of-hearing users can communicate with people who don't know sign language, alongside a redesigned Live Transcribe interface.

Buyers of any Pro or Fold model get six months of Google AI Pro at no cost (a $119 value, according to Google), which includes expanded Gemini usage, 5TB of cloud storage, and Google Health Premium.

Pixel Tag Credit: René Ramos/CNET Group

Google also confirmed its long-rumored item tracker, the Pixel Tag. It works through the Find Hub network on Android 9 and up — pair it, give it a name, and share access with up to 10 people.

Lost items show up on a map in the Find Hub app, and if the tag is nearby, you can trigger its built-in speaker to help track it down. Google says it also uses Ultra-Wideband with Bluetooth Channel Sounding for more precise location data, so a tag tucked into a bag or under furniture is still findable.

If it wanders out of Bluetooth range entirely, Find Hub can lean on Google's broader network of Android devices — over a billion of them, per Google — to help locate it, and the tag will also alert you if you leave an item behind or if an unfamiliar tag turns up traveling with you. The hardware itself is stainless steel, under two inches long, and rated for about a year of battery life.

It's priced at $29 individually or $99 for a four-pack, with a Nov. 11 release date.

The type of person who likes to self-host services on their home network is often also the sort of person who likes to optimize and tweak everything. For some, it's hard to accept that the default settings in the software they're using are already as good as they're going to get.

Facebook wants to help creators spend less time deciphering analytics and more time making content. Its solution is, naturally, another app.

On Aug. 12, the company officially rolled out its revamped Creator Studio, a stand-alone app that uses AI to help creators understand their performance, plan their next posts, and respond to followers. The launch follows a limited test that began in June.

Meta describes the new iPhone app as an "AI-powered daily companion for Facebook creators." Its pitch boils down to three tasks: mapping out a creator’s daily priorities, offering personalized tips to grow, and helping them reply to fans with AI.

The app is now available on iOS to Facebook creators in the United States and Canada. An Android version is expected later.

What can creators expect from Creator Studio?

Creator Studio is designed as an integrated workspace for people who manage their accounts through Facebook but inevitably get pulled into Reels, messages, and the feed. When creators open the app, they see a list of daily priorities, which might include reviewing a recent post, checking progress toward a goal, or responding to comments.

At the center of the app is Facebook’s AI creator assistant, which the company first introduced in June. The assistant draws from a creator’s content, performance, audience engagement, and stated goals to offer personalized recommendations.

Instead of digging through analytics dashboards, creators can ask questions like, “When should I post?” or “Why did this Reel perform better than my others?” They can then ask follow-up questions about changes in their audience or ways to improve their next post. The assistant can also suggest formats, trends, and other creators in a similar niche to learn from.

Creator Studio can also help manage the comments section. The app identifies comments that may be worth answering, and drafts replies in what Facebook says is the creator's usual tone. Creators can edit or approve each response before it is published.

Facebook says some early testers have already changed their content strategies based on the app’s recommendations. Food and wellness creator Mymanabites told Facebook that she tried a format suggested through Creator Studio and gained 4,000 followers from one video, with 82 percent of its audience coming from non-followers. Content creator and filmmaker Michael Tushouse said the assistant helped increase his earnings by 144 percent during his first seven days using the strategy.

The pitch is convenient for creators, but it’s also strategic for Meta. TikTok’s AI Outline transforms a prompt or trending search topic into a video title, hook, hashtags, and outline. YouTube’s Ask Studio summarizes comments, explains channel performance, and brainstorms video ideas, while its Inspiration tab suggests topics based on what audiences are watching. Creator Studio brings Facebook versions of these same tools as platforms compete to become the hub where creators plan content, publish it, and grow their businesses.

Creator Studio also joins Meta’s recent parade of stand-alone apps. This year, the company released Forum, a Reddit-like home for Facebook Groups, and tested Instants, an app for sending disappearing photos to Instagram friends. Meta also released Seller, an iPhone app for managing Facebook Marketplace listings and buyer messages, and began testing StoryKit, an AI app that creates personalized children’s stories, in select markets.

The app’s success will depend on whether creators find its advice useful enough to incorporate into their routines. If Meta gets its way, Creator Studio will become the app creators open before they open Facebook.

Wi-Fi extenders are marketed as a way to expand your Wi-Fi coverage, so it's no wonder people think of them as a dead-zone fix. They're inexpensive to buy, and once you plug one in, you'll usually see an instant improvement in your signal strength. I totally get the appeal.

In the first half of 2026, customers spent $50.3 billion globally on TikTok Shop, according to a report by Tabcut and Momentum Works — a whopping 92 percent increase over the same period last year.

The U.S. and Southeast Asia were the largest markets, with the former spending $11.8 billion, around double the total from last year. The U.S. has 1.35 million stores and 20 million influencers on TikTok Shop.

SEE ALSO: TikTok quickly pauses dating live chat test

Tabcut and Momentum Works estimate that the global gross merchandise value (GMV) will surpass $100 billion for the first time this year and reach $123.5 billion by the end of 2026.

But, as What's Trending reported, the data might be more complicated than it looks. In a May 2026 Harris Poll, 63 percent of Gen Zers said they stopped buying from TikTok Shop. EMARKETER, which published the data, stated that it might be because of increasing dissatisfaction with the marketplace itself. Still, 62 percent said they use TikTok to discover new products, and users ages 25 to 44 are the platform's most active shoppers.

As Mashable reported in Nov. 2025, TikTok Shop was reportedly inundated with 70 million sketchy products, partly due to AI. This year, a gray market of GLP-1 drugs is reportedly growing on the platform.

The pullback amongst young adults could also be due to other factors like no-buy movements. It could also be due to the economy — though, maybe scrolling TikTok Shop and buying a little treat because you can't buy a house is a recession indicator.

The Pixel Watch isn’t exactly known for being super open. You’re mostly stuck with Google’s own apps and services, and certain things only work with Pixel phones. However, there are plenty of great open-source apps available to download. Here are five to get you started.

A couple of years ago, Microsoft introduced a new specification that allowed laptops and desktops to brand themselves as "AI PCs" or "Copilot+ PCs." One of the requirements to meet the specification was having a dedicated physical Copilot key.