Technology

How to watch Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt online for free

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 16:00

TL;DR: Live stream Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are a number of really interesting matchups in the Champions League this week, and even though Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt won't get all the attention, it's still a really important fixture. There are going to be a lot of tough games for these sides, so this evenly-matched contest presents a great opportunity to pick up some points.

If you want to watch Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt?

Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 17. This fixture takes place at the Fortuna Arena.

How to watch Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt for free

Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit Virgin Media Player

  5. Watch Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Slavia Praha vs. Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The new Wacom One 14 is here: A tablet for aspiring artists and visual thinkers

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 15:52
Shop the new Wacom One 14 Amazon Wacom One 14 $299.95 at Amazon Shop Now Wacom Store Wacom One 14 $299.95 at Wacom Shop Now

Wacom has announced its latest tablet, a beginner-friendly model designed for aspiring artists. The Wacom One 14 is the latest device in the brand's One collection. Unlike Wacom's pen tablets that go screen-less, the One features a 14-inch HD IPS display.

Even with the screen, it has a paper-like feel when using the Wacom One Standard Pen. The screen itself is anti-glare, but maybe more importantly, it has an anti-fingerprint coating, which is especially helpful since you'll be getting tactile with the display.

The Wacom One 14 connects to PC, Mac, or Chromebook via USB-C. Credit: Wacom

Unlike standalone tablets like the iPad or Galaxy Tab, the Wacom One 14 must be connected to a computer to use. It connects via USB-C with computers that support DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt 3/4. It's compatible with PC, Mac, and Chromebook, the latter of which makes it suitable for educational settings.

The tablet comes with built-in apps to get you started, including Clip Studio Paint Pro, Magma, and Concepts for illustration, Passpartout 2 for interactive art, Foxit PDF Editor for everyday tasks, and Skillshare for online lessons from creative professionals.

Koji Yano, Senior Vice President of the Creative Experience Unit at Wacom, said of the new tablet: “The Wacom One 14 is designed for people taking their first steps into digital drawing and illustration. By combining a larger screen and trusted pen technology in a way that makes it easy for creative beginners to get started, it gives users the confidence to enjoy creating from day one.”

The Wacom One 14 will be available to purchase for $299.95 starting Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Wacom and Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wacom Wacom One 14 $299.95 at Amazon
Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

These Samsung Galaxy Phones Will Not Get One UI 8 (Android 16)

How-To Geek - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 15:30

Android 16 is the latest version of the Android operating system. Unfortunately, not every Samsung smartphone will receive the Android 16 update in the form of One UI 8. Here's a list of Samsung Galaxy phones that will not get the update.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to flirt online

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 15:17

Despite daters wanting to meet in person, online dating isn't going anywhere. That means that you might meet your future partner in cyberspace — and you won't keep their attention if you don't know how to talk to them. Or, more specifically, how to flirt with them.

Much has been written on the art of seduction because flirting is intimidating. This was the case before dating apps and the onset of the pandemic, but now in 2025, the concept of chatting up a stranger can be more intimidating than ever before. We fear being cringe, being judged, and getting rejected

SEE ALSO: The best dating apps of 2025 to cure your 'app fatigue'

There's no way around that: those are possibilities. But to ease the anxiety of showing your peacock feathers online, we asked the experts for advice on how to do it.

How to flirt over text

First, we need an understanding of what flirting actually is, said Laurie Mintz, Ph.D., author of Becoming Cliterate and sexpert for sex toy brand LELO. Citing Psychology Today, Mintz said that flirting is a time-honored way of signaling interest and attraction to another person. Someone can do so in small increments, so both people can gauge how interested the other is.

Historically, flirting was all about body language (like whether someone smiles or leans into you) or verbal cues (like playful banter). The internet can strip those factors away, but that doesn't mean that it's completely changed the way we signal interest in someone. 

Flirting has and continues to occur both live and in person, and asynchronously, former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble, Dr. Jess Carbino, told Mashable.

"Letter writing was historically a dominant mode of asynchronous communication that served as a mechanism to flirt until the early part of the 21st century," she pointed out. "Asynchronous" means not happening at the same time. In the days of old, someone would write a letter and might only get a response weeks or months later. 

Now, when flirting is staggered like that, it's usually over text or an app — which means it's instantaneous. 

"While individuals could and certainly do take time to respond, historic forms of interpersonal communication that was asynchronous [lent] themselves more to strategy and consideration," Carbino said.

So, how can we flirt both out of sync and in real time?

The key is using words to give compliments, playful banter, and references to being available, Mintz said. 

She recommends starting out with an open-ended question about something on their profile, or pointing out something you noticed on it. For example: "I notice a lot of your pics are with your dog!" Establish that you want to get to know them, and take note of any common interests. You can also share your own interests, too.

Mintz suggested keeping the tone light and fun and saving the deep talk for in-person. Use emoji and photos to show that you're interested.

Relationship coach for politicized people and Ph.D. in human sexuality studies, Melissa Fabello, also told Mashable that well-placed punctuation and emoji can go a long way. 

"Flirting can be hard to do digitally because by its very definition, flirtation is about implication and suggestion. Without body language, that can be hard to pull off," she said. Use punctuation, emoji, and gifs to get your tone across. 

Also: the eggplant and water drop emoji aren't suggestive, Fabello said, they're direct. 

Watch out for mismatched live and online flirting styles, Carbino said. For example, someone who's a more polite flirt in person might be emboldened by an online medium to engage differently. When they're flirting IRL, their politeness could potentially lead to mixed signals. 

Should I use ChatGPT to flirt?

For years now, some people have relied on large language models like ChatGPT to flirt for them by generating messages to matches. But both Mintz and Fabello told Mashable that being authentic and truly yourself when flirting is important.

"You want the other person to be interested in you, not a false persona," Mintz said.

Fabello advised having a strong sense of who you are and what you want to explore — or at least as strong as possible. "Being performative or faking it sets up an unhelpful dynamic for if and when you two are actually naked," she said.

Ask yourself: "What are your sexual desires and boundaries? What is your comfort [level] with IRL dirty talk?"

ChatGPT won't have those answers for you. As Fabello put it, sexting starts with your relationship with yourself.

Fabello also advises against forcing digital flirting if it's not your thing. If you can't be your true self over text, that's OK. Some people feel more comfortable expressing themselves in person. 

What about flirting with nudes?

Nudes are an art form, said Fabello. Think of them as such and get creative.

"I promise that every woman in the world has received a photo of a penis from that exact angle in that same lighting with that same setting," she said. 

You don't have to send standard dick pics (and, it should go without saying, but you should never send them unsolicited). Ask yourself how audio and visuals can entice someone, rather than leave nothing to the imagination. 

If you need more tips, Mashable has a guide on taking nudes and how to store your nudes safely.

More digital flirting tips

Don't be afraid to take a risk, Fabello said. As long as you're not pushing or crossing boundaries — and you're open to your flirting partner saying you have — step outside your comfort zone.

"Say the sweet or sexy thing that you want to express. You might be surprised at how they respond," Fabello said.

And know this will get easier over time. Especially if you meet in person (more on that below), you'll get to know this person and know what they respond to over text. And if you move on to someone else, you'll have more flirting practice under your belt.

And if someone you're talking to seems dull, it could just be that they're not comfortable flirting online. It might still be worth giving a date a shot, Fabello said.

How to flirt in person

Unless you want an online-only relationship (power to you!), the time will come when you meet IRL. 

"Don't keep talking online forever — eventually make it clear that you'd like to meet in person," said Mintz.

When the COVID vaccine became widely available, Mashable wrote about how to flirt in person again, and the top tips weren't much different than online flirting:

  • Don't worry about being interesting (aka, be yourself)

  • Acknowledge that dating comes with risk — and that's OK

Flirting is ultimately about sending that signal of interest, whether from a feather-tip pen or your fingertips. It can be nerve-racking, but don't let that stop you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Compress and Extract Files Using the tar Command on Linux

How-To Geek - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 15:15

The tar command on Linux is often used to create TAR.GZ or TGZ archive files, also called "tarballs." This command has a large number of options, but you just need to remember a few letters to quickly create archives with tar. The tar command can extract the resulting archives, too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The iPhone 17 has officially landed. Heres how and when you can preorder all 4 phones.

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 15:10
Where to preorder the new iPhone 17 lineup Apple Store Apple iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max starting at $799 Pre-Order Here Best Buy Apple iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max starting at $799 Pre-Order Here Verizon Apple iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max starting at $799 Pre-Order Here T-Mobile Apple iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max starting at $799 Pre-Order Here AT&T Apple iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max starting at $799 Pre-Order Here

We've known that Apple was coming out with an iPhone 17 for forever now. But after countless leaks and rumored changes over the past few months, the Sept. 9 Apple Event confirmed it all. You can officially preorder all versions of the iPhone 17 at the three major phone carries, as well as from Best Buy or from Apple directly. Shipping begins Sept. 19.

For Apple people, September isn't just a month spent torn between hanging onto summer or falling for fall propaganda. It's also that time of year to debate hanging on to your old iPhone or falling for new iPhone propaganda. If you're heavily considering taking the plunge this year, you have more options to choose from than in 2024: Apple dropped four new iPhones (compared to three iPhone 16s) to choose from: the base iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Max, and the iPhone Air. Here's the pricing breakdown:

  • iPhone 17 (lavender, mist blue, sage, black, white) — starting at $799

  • iPhone Air (space black, sky blue, cloud white, light gold) — starting at $999

  • iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max (silver, deep blue, cosmic orange) — starting at $1,099

As more retailers open up their respective preorder pages, we'll link those here, too. Additionally, you can save a big chunk on your iPhone 17 upgrade when you trade in an iPhone 13 or newer in any condition.

All new Apple devices revealed

The AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 were also announced during the event and will be available to pre-order on Sept. 12.

So, what's the difference between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 16 that thoroughly impressed us last year? This time around, Apple's being more generous with specs at every budget level: Every iPhone 17 model has a 120Hz ProMotion display (not just the Pro models), hitting up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness.

SEE ALSO: Every iPhone getting iOS 26: See if yours is on the list

And then there's the elusive iPhone Air — it's real, and it's like no iPhone you've held before. At just 5.6 millimeters thick, the iPad Air is incredibly lightweight yet incredibly durable. The lone rear camera situation required a redesign that's reminiscent of the Google Pixel 10, but chic as hell nonetheless. Despite the physically compact build, the iPhone Air maintains much of the same brainpower and all-day battery life as the other iPhone 17 models.

Credit: Screenshot: Apple

But to hold the most powerful iPhone of them all (by far, apparently), you'll have to opt for the iPhone 17 Pro. It's powered by the A19 Pro chip and what Apple referred to as the fastest CPU in any smartphone. But more juice doesn't necessarily mean shorter battery life here, as the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the first iPhone in history with a battery over 5,000mAh capacity.

"Shot on iPhone" is about to have a whole new meaning. The camera situation has gotten a pretty serious revamp with the 17, including selfie cameras up to 18MP (compared to the 12MP on older iPhones) that automatically flip the orientation based on what's in the picture — no more turning your camera sideways just to get a long group selfie. The iPhone 17 Pro models are also outfitted with triple 48MP fusion cameras on the back and an ultrawide lens with four times the resolution of that on the iPhone 16. During the event, the iPhone 17 Pro's camera system was described as "the equivalent of eight Pro lenses in your pocket."

Pre-orders for the new iPhone opened on Sept. 12 and will run through Sept. 19, when all iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models will begin shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 $799 at Apple Store
Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max $1,099 at Apple Store
Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Air $999 at Apple Store
Learn More

For more Live Apple Event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sick of Gemini Reading Notifications Through Your Headphones? Here’s the Fix

How-To Geek - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 15:00

I just got the new phone on the block—the Google Pixel 10. Setting it up was the usual smooth Pixel experience, until I noticed something different: a feature that lets Gemini read your notifications whenever you’ve got headphones on. It sounded helpful, so I thought, why not? I switched it on, figuring if it bugged me, I’d just turn it off later. Simple enough.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tablets Are Keeping the Stylus Dream Alive

How-To Geek - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 14:30

If you value using a stylus with a touchscreen, 2025 has been a mixed year. Fortunately, tablets still provide us with options and give reason for hope.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Pakistan vs. UAE online for free

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 14:00

TL;DR: Pakistan vs. UAE in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Asia Cup continues with huge matchups between some of the best T20 sides in the world. Pakistan next face up against the UAE. They lost their last fixture against India, but can still progress to the Super Four with a win here.

If you want to watch Pakistan vs. UAE in the 2025 Asia Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Pakistan vs. UAE?

Pakistan vs. UAE in the 2025 Asia Cup starts at 10:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 17. This game takes place at the Dubai International Stadium.

How to watch Pakistan vs. UAE for free

Pakistan vs. UAE in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha.

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

Live stream Pakistan vs. UAE in the 2025 Asia Cup for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit Tamasha

  5. Live stream Pakistan vs. UAE for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the 2025 Asia Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the tournament for free.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Tamasha?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming on free sites like Tamasha, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the 2025 Asia Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 17, 2025

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 13:56

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Yellow: Found in front of a home

  • Green: To backtrack

  • Blue: To overfill

  • Purple: What a kid would watch

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

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

  • Yellow: They're blowin' in the wind

  • Green: Change one's tune

  • Blue: Cram

  • Purple: Last words in long-running children's show titles

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 #829 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • They're blowin' in the wind: FLAG, PINWHEEL, VANE, WIND CHIME

  • Change one's tune: ABOUT-FACE, BACKPEDAL, FLIP-FLOP, RENEGE

  • Cram: JAM, SHOEHORN, STUFF, WEDGE

  • Last words in long-running children's show titles: KANGAROO, NEIGHBORHOOD, RAINBOW, STREET

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

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for September 17, 2025

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 13:56

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 2, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: We beg to differ

The words are antonyms.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe contradictions.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is veritcal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Opposites Attract.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 17
  • Rigid

  • Bold

  • Quiet

  • Opposites Attract

  • Flexible

  • Timid

  • Noisy

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 the latest Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 17, 2025

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 13:56

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

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

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

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

What one chews with.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter T appears twice.

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...

TEETH

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

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

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The top 10 most expensive Pokémon cards in my collection right now

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 13:52

Collecting Pokémon cards has always been more than chasing the most expensive grails. For me, it’s about the stories, the memories, and the way each card reflects a piece of the Pokémon journey — that goes for a promo given out at a movie theater or a chase card that had collectors battling bots to secure. Prices rise and fall, but the attachment we form to these cards is what really cements their value.

Over the years I’ve built a collection that balances nostalgia, playability, and some serious collector heat. Here are my top 10 cards, ranked from the most affordable to the crown jewel of my binder. Alongside their pricing history, I’ll explain why each one has a permanent spot in my collection.

10. Latios - 203/191 (Surging Sparks) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $29 | Market price: $29.46 | Last sold: $29

Latios Illustration Rare is a stunning example of how modern sets are leaning hard into collector-driven artwork. Part of a twinned art set with Latias ex SIR, this card initially launched at over $40 back in late 2024 but has since settled comfortably at $29. That’s still impressive for an Illustration Rare, which often don’t hold value unless tied to fan-favorite Pokémon. The twin artwork connection makes this card special, and I love how it displays when paired with Latias — together they feel like two halves of a single story.

9. Mew Black Star Promo 9 Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $56.50 | Market price: $56.49 | Last sold: $36.89

This WotC-era promo was originally handed out at Pokémon League events in April 2000, making it one of the earliest promotional releases. Its Devolution Beam attack is quirky, and Ken Sugimori’s artwork cements its nostalgic feel. Price-wise, it climbed from $40.72 to $61.21 between February and March and is now holding steady around $55. For me, this card isn’t just about the value; it’s about holding a slice of Pokémon TCG history, back when promos were events in themselves.

8. Mew Black Star Promo 47 (Lillypad Mew) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $68.70 | Market price: $68.62 | Last sold: $65.90

The Lillypad Mew is one of those cards that feels almost mythical among collectors. With its Neutral Shield Pokémon Power and adorable artwork, it became a fan favorite and was even reprinted in X and Y Evolutions. For years it hovered around $45–$50, but it’s seen a steady climb since mid-2024, now nearing $70. The market is finally giving these old promos the recognition they deserve, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one crack $100 soon. It’s a true piece of Pokémon promo history.

7. Charizard VSTAR SWSH262 Promo Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $72.93 | Market price: $69.61 | Last sold: $67.95

Charizard always carries weight in the hobby, and this promo from the Ultra Premium Collection is no exception. What makes it even more iconic is that its twin artwork features Mewtwo from Crown Zenith, capturing an epic battle on cardboard. Last year this card could be had for around $15, but since then it’s skyrocketed past $70. For a Charizard chase card, that’s still relatively affordable, and it feels like one of those promos that only gets more desirable as time goes on.

6. Ancient Mew Promo Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $84.98 | Market price: $90.78 | Last sold: $99.95

For anyone who grew up with Pokémon, Ancient Mew is pure nostalgia. Distributed to moviegoers at Pokémon the Movie 2000, it features runic text and a unique card back never used again in the TCG. Values have bounced around recently, with a big spike from $60 to over $90 last year, now plateauing at about $85. It’s not tournament legal, but that doesn’t matter — this is a card that embodies the magic of the early days of Pokémon, and one that will always draw eyes when you flip through a binder.

5. Rayquaza VMAX TG20/TG30 (Silver Tempest Trainer Gallery) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $135 | Market price: $118.55 | Last sold: $65.68

Rayquaza is one of the most beloved legendaries in Pokémon history, and its Silver Tempest Trainer Gallery VMAX card is a stunning showcase. Starting at just under $40 in late 2024, it doubled by Jan and has only gone up since, hitting $135 today. With its powerful Azure Pulse ability and flashy artwork, this card captures everything people love about Rayquaza. Silver Tempest has become a set to watch, and cards like this are leading the charge.

4. Mewtwo VSTAR GG44/GG70 (Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $199 | Market price: $208.80 | Last sold: $199.99

Having Mewtwo and Charizard locked in battle on a single card was always going to be a hit. This Crown Zenith chase card started around $50 in Sept 2024 and more than doubled in early 2025, now pushing $200. It’s part of a twin artwork pairing with Charizard VSTAR, and the combination makes both cards more desirable. For me, this one represents the perfect crossover of nostalgia and modern collector demand.

3. Latias ex - 239/191 (Surging Sparks) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $189 | Market price: $175.76 | Last sold: $175.99

Latias ex Special Illustration Rare has been a rollercoaster ride in terms of value. It peaked at $264 in late 2024 before dropping as low as $150 when Surging Sparks product flooded the market, and now it’s back up around $189. What makes this card special is its twinned art with Latios IR, forming a display-worthy duo. Beyond that, Latias is a fan favorite, and its Skyliner ability adds a touch of playability. This is one of those cards that feels undervalued in the long run.

2. Greninja ex - 214/167 (Twilight Masquerade) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $342.44 | Market price: $346.17 | Last sold: $320.72

Greninja is easily one of the most popular starters of the modern era, and its Special Illustration Rare from Twilight Masquerade has been nothing short of wild in terms of market movement. After climbing as high as $410 earlier this year, it dipped to $260 before rebounding to over $340. Graded 10 copies are approaching $1,000, which is insane for a modern card. The artwork, the competitive relevance, and the fanbase make this a must-have.

1. Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat 085 Promo Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $700.78 | Market price: $492.50 | Last sold: $699.99

This is the crown jewel of my collection. The so-called “Van Gogh Pikachu” caused chaos when it was released at the Van Gogh x Pokémon exhibit, and later through Pokémon Center orders. What started at under $100 a year ago has exploded to nearly $700 today, with no signs of slowing down. It’s not just about scarcity — it’s about the cultural crossover between Pokémon and art. This is one of those cards that transcends the TCG and destined to hit $1,000 sooner rather than later.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen Colbert mocks Donald Trumps lack of Emmys

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 13:34

Stephen Colbert returned to The Late Show on Tuesday, fresh from a standing ovation and the first Emmy the show has ever won (seriously, how?).

After dedicating the award for Outstanding Talk Series to his staff, from the production team to the writers, The Late Show band to wardrobe, thanking the viewers, and shouting out his fellow nominees Jon Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel, Colbert reminded the audience of one person who hasn't got one of these shiny awards.

"Speaking of Emmys, Donald Trump doesn't have one," said Colbert, and he's accurate — the former reality TV star's show The Apprentice has won zero Emmy Awards, constantly losing to The Amazing Race and prompting Trump to play the "rigged" card. When Colbert hosted the 2017 Emmy Awards, he roasted the newly elected president.

SEE ALSO: John Oliver gleefully fantasises about Jimmy Kimmel beating Stephen Colbert at the Emmys

In July, The Late Show host announced that CBS had cancelled his show the same week he'd accused parent company Paramount of paying a "big fat bribe" to Trump. The president responded, "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired."

Categories: IT General, Technology

LGs worlds first 5K2K OLED gaming monitor is $300 off for a limited time

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 13:22

SAVE 15%: As of Sept. 15, the LG 45GX950A-B 45-inch Ultragear 5K2K OLED Gaming Monitor is on sale for $1,699.99 at Amazon, down from its list price of $1,999.99. That's a 15% discount and $300 in savings.

LG 45GX950A-B 45-inch Ultragear 5K2K OLED Gaming Monitor $1,699.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $300 Get Deal

Every so often, a piece of gaming hardware comes along that feels truly next-generation. LG's 45-inch Ultragear OLED monitor is one of those pieces. It's the self-proclaimed "world's first 5K2K OLED gaming monitor," and it's packed with an absurd amount of high-end tech. If you've been waiting for a deal to justify a serious battlestation upgrade, this is one to watch.

As of Sept. 15, you can get the LG 45GX950A-B 45-inch Ultragear 5K2K OLED Gaming Monitor on sale for $1,699.99 at Amazon, down from its list price of $1,999.99. That's a 15% discount and $300 in savings.

SEE ALSO: Say hello to the Legion Go 2, Lenovo’s new flagship gaming handheld with an OLED display

The massive 45-inch curved OLED screen features an ultra-wide panel with an 800R curve that's designed to fill your field of view. Thanks to the OLED technology, you'll be able to see deep blacks and vibrant colors, with a peak brightness of up to 1300 nits and DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification.

What really sets this monitor apart, though, is its unique "Dual Mode." Just press a hotkey, and you can switch between two different settings. For graphically rich, story-driven games, you can run it in its full 5K2K resolution at 165Hz. For competitive, fast-paced games like FPS or racing titles where every frame counts, you can switch to Wide Full HD resolution at an "electrifying" 330Hz. It's like having two specialized monitors in one.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV for its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 13:21

SAVE OVER $100: As of Sept. 17, the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV is on sale for $416.99 at Amazon. This is $133 off its list price of $549.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-Inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K UHD TV $416.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $133 Get Deal

The next big wave of sale events are on the horizon — kicking off with Prime Big Deal Days in October — but that doesn't mean there aren't any good deals worth checking out right now. Even ahead of its next sale, Amazon's offering some excellent discounts, including on TVs. If you've been looking for an upgrade, the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV has dropped back to its best-ever price.

The Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV is currently marked down to $416.99. This is 24% off its usual list price of $549.99, saving you $133 in total. Again, it also marks its lowest price yet, so now is as good a time as any to get your hands on it.

SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this easy TV specs guide

No matter if you're using it for a movie night, gaming, or to binge-watch a TV show, this Hisense TV boasts excellent picture quality for you to enjoy thanks to 4K resolution and QLED Color to make every scene look vibrant and rich. It also comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to further elevate the picture and sound, and it even features Filmmaker Mode for movie fans looking to watch their favorites with the settings the filmmaker intended.

It's also smart. So if you're someone who frequently uses streaming services, this Hisense TV can keep everything in one convenient location for you.

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal on the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV at Amazon. And if you're looking to invest in an even bigger model, you can also save on the 85-inch Samsung Neo QLED right now at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Aferiy portable power station is down to its best-ever price — save over $100 on Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 13:17

SAVE OVER $100: As of Sept. 17, the Aferiy Portable Power Station is on sale for $1,169.09 at Amazon. This is $129.91 off its list price of $1,299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Aferiy Aferiy 3840Wh Portable Power Station $1,169.09 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $129.91 Get Deal

With Prime Big Deal Days officially announced for the start of October (Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, to be exact), Amazon is gearing up to drop a new wave of deals for shoppers. Thankfully, there are already some great deals available ahead of the sale event. If you've been on the hunt for a portable power station to take on camping trips this year, this limited-time discount on the Aferiy Portable Power Station is worth a look.

Usually listed for $1,299, the Aferiy Portable Power Station is currently marked down to $1,169.09. This saves you $129.91 and marks a return to its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. It won't last much longer, as this limited-time deal has a timer counting down through the rest of Sept. 17, so you'll want to act fast to grab it at this price.

SEE ALSO: Get $1,000 off the new Bluetti Solar Generator Apex 300 with this Amazon coupon

The Aferiy Portable Power Station is packed with a 3840Wh LiFePO4 battery and 3600W AC output. It also comes with 15 output ports: five AC outlets, two USB-A, four USB-C, two DC5521, one car socket, and one XT60 port. No matter if you're taking it out camping or using it as backup power, this portable power station can keep your favorite devices charged up.

This deal only lasts through the rest of Sept. 17, so don't miss out on the Aferiy Portable Power Station back to its best price. And if you're looking to spend a little less on a portable power station, this deal on the DJI Power 1000 portable power station is well worth a look.

Categories: IT General, Technology

When and where is M3GAN 2.0 streaming? How to watch the original and the sequel at home.

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 12:00
The best ways to watch 'M3GAN' and 'M3GAN 2.0': Non-streaming option Rent or purchase 'M3GAN' on Prime Video $3.99 or $14.99 Shop Now Non-streaming option Rent or purchase 'M3GAN 2.0' on Prime Video $5.99 or $9.99 Get Deal Best Peacock deal Peacock Premium annual subscription $109.99 per year (save $21.89) Get Deal Best no-ads deal Peacock Premium Plus annual subscription $169.99 per year (save $33.89) Get Deal Get Peacock for free Peacock Premium free with Instacart+ subscription (save $109.99) Get Deal Get Peacock for free Peacock Premium free with Walmart+ subscription (save $109.99 per year) Get Deal Best for students Peacock Premium $2.99 per month (save $8 per month) Get Deal Best for military Peacock Premium $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal Best for teachers Peacock Premium $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal Best for first responders and medical professionals Peacock Premium $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal

Everyone's new favorite murderous doll (sorry, Chucky) is back for another round. M3GAN dominated the box office in its first go, but M3GAN 2.0, which hit theaters last month, hasn't been able to live up to the original hype. This time around, M3GAN's creator Gemma (Allison Williams) is forced to resurrect her after a new AI bot, Amelia (created using the same technology that made M3GAN), becomes a threat to all of humanity. M3GAN 2.0 is faster, stronger, and of course, taller, but otherwise the same dancing diva AI doll you've come to love.

Universal is hoping to find its audience outside of theater now that the film is officially available to watch at home. Here's what you need to know to watch M3GAN and M3GAN 2.0.

When does M3GAN 2.0 come out?

M3GAN 2.0 hit theaters June 27, 2025, about a year and a half after the AI doll's first murder spree. It officially made its at-home debut on digital-on-demand services like Prime Video and Apple TV on July 15. It's set to make its streaming debut on Peacock on Sept. 26.

Check out the official trailer for a glimpse at what's to come. Yes, there's more dancing.

How to watch M3GAN 2.0Rent or buy on digital

As of July 15, you can purchase or rent the film at digital-on-demand retailers (like Prime Video or Fandango at Home). The film is available to buy for $24.99 or rent for $19.99. While it's certainly tempting to save a few bucks and opt for the rental option, just be aware that you'll only get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it instead, then it's yours to keep.

Stream it on Peacock

When and where will it be streaming? As a Universal Pictures film, it's no surprise that M3GAN 2.0 will make its streaming debut on Peacock, the NBCUniversal-owned service. Following the same schedule as previous Blumhouse titles (like Drop and The Woman in the Yard), M3GAN 2.0 will arrive on Peacock on Sept. 26, 2025 for your viewing pleasure.

How to watch M3GAN

The original M3GAN movie debuted on Peacock when it first came out (which makes sense, as it's a Universal Pictures film), then spent some time streaming exclusively on Starz. Thankfully, the film (as well as the unrated version) has made its way back to Peacock as of Aug. 24, so you can stream both films on the same app.

You can also rent or purchase M3GAN on digital on-demand retailers like Prime Video or Fandango at Home. Here are some quick links if you choose that route.

Note: Rentals give you 30 days to watch and just 48 hours to finish once you begin.

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest Peacock deal: Save 17% on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $109.99 per year or $169.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

If Peacock isn't running any sort of special (which it does a few times per year — keep an eye out around Black Friday), the best Peacock deal for most people on any given day is the annual subscription deal. When you pay upfront for the year, you'll end up getting 12 months for the price of 10. A monthly subscription with ads usually costs $10.99 per month (which adds up to $131.88), but paying upfront drops that price to only $109.99 (which breaks down to $9.17 per month). That's a total savings of 17%.

For those who prefer watching without ads, you'll pay $169.99 per year (which breaks down to about $14.16 per month instead of $16.99) for Premium Plus.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Get Deal

If you're an Xfinity customer, check out the eligibility details below before signing up for Peacock, as you might be able to score a subscription for free. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible to get Peacock through Xfinity. You can also head to Xfinity.com for more details.

  • Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

  • NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

  • New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students: Save $8/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $2.99 per month for one year (save $8 per month) Get Deal

Students can save $8 per month on a Peacock Premium subscription all year long — that's a total of $96 in savings. Just verify your student status through SheerID and use the unique promo code to knock the cost down to just $2.99 instead of $10.99. Once the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price again unless you cancel.

Best for first responders, medical professionals, military, and teachers: Save $7/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months (save $7 per month) Get Deal

First responders, medical professionals, military personnel, and teachers can all get a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) at a discounted rate of $3.99 per month by verifying their professional status via SheerID. Unlike the student deal, however, it's not limited to a year. If you continue to meet verification qualifications each year, you can renew your subscription at the discounted rate — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code.

Best for Instacart users: free Peacock Premium for Instacart+ subscribers Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year) Get Deal

An Instacart+ membership ($99.99 per year) also unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value). That's on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. Plus, if you're new to Instacart+, you'll get a free two-week trial to test the waters. That means you can watch M3GAN and M3GAN 2.0 for free if you wait until the streaming debut to sign up. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged.

Best for Mastercard holders: Get up to $5 back per month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Mastercard Peacock Premium Get $3 or $5 cashback per month with World or World Elite Mastercard Get Deal

Through Dec. 31, if you sign up for Peacock using an eligible World or World Elite Mastercard, you'll automatically receive a monthly statement credit of $3 for Peacock Premium or $5 for Peacock Premium Plus. That ultimately drops the price of the Premium tier back to $7.99 (its former price before the most recent price hike) and Premium Plus down to $11.99 per month. Learn more about eligibility requirements on the promotional page.

Best for Walmart shoppers: free Peacock Premium for Walmart+ members Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart+ Walmart+ $98 per year Get Deal

To compete with Amazon Prime, Walmart is now offering Walmart+ members the ability to choose Peacock Premium as a free perk. Peacock is a $109.99 value, so your $98 Walmart+ membership is already a better deal than paying for Peacock on its own. Add in free shipping (with no order minimums), fuel discounts, a Scan & Go checkout tool, and early access to deals during Walmart's Black Friday sale and other major shopping events, and it's giving Prime a run for its money.

UPDATE: Sep. 17, 2025, 6:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated to include the latest streaming information and pricing details available for M3GAN and M3GAN 2.0.

Categories: IT General, Technology

We put the top 10 headphones of 2025 to the test

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 12:00

In 2025, a pair of headphones or earbuds is pretty much non-optional. That's why there are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and, of course, prices. And these days, you can grab a random pair off the digital shelf without too much research and find that they do the job just fine.

SEE ALSO: Want open earbuds that stay put and sound great? Check these 3 picks out during Prime Day.

However, if you're tired of settling for "just fine", then it's worth investing in the best headphones available. Through hours and hours of listening, we sorted and tested dozens of headphones to find the very best models, from the newly-released Sony XM6 headphones to old favorites from Bose, Beats, and Apple.

How to choose the best headphones

We won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.

All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.

To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2025 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections.

What about wired headphones?

We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us. If we had to pick, we'd recommend the Marshall Mode earbuds as our top wired pick. Some of us are also fans of Apple's EarPods.

Other headphones we've tested

Most recently, we tested the JBL Tour One M3 headphones and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and we may add them to this guide in a future update. We also tested the Marshall Major V headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones, both of which had excellent sound profiles and easy-to-navigate custom equalizers on their companion apps. Ultimately, they didn't make the cut on our final list for a couple of reasons. With the Major V headphones, we love that their claim of 100+ hours of battery life held up under our testing, but we found them to get uncomfortable after a couple of hours. We also would have appreciated ANC at their $149 price point.

For the B&W headphones, we loved their design and premium feel in addition to their truly impressive sound, but we found that their ANC was only so-so. If you're willing to spend $399, you can find a better balance of sound and ANC in the Sony XM5 headphones.

We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.

In the testing pipeline

For our future updates, we're testing out more budget noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones.

Categories: IT General, Technology

New macOS Tahoe lets you automatically join an iPhone hotspot

Mashable - Wed, 09/17/2025 - 11:58

In the olden days, cellular data was slow and prohibitively expensive, forcing people to frantically search for Wi-Fi spots when away from home (it's one of the early reasons why Starbucks got popular; every venue had a working Wi-Fi hotspot back in the early aughts).

This is no longer the case. Personally, I almost never bother with Wi-Fi because the data plan on my phone allows me to do serious work on the go without ever worrying about the data expenditure.

Apple must've realized that, which is why the company introduced a small but important option in macOS Tahoe 26: You can now set your Mac to automatically join an iPhone hotspot (via MacRumors).

To do so, go to Settings - Wi-Fi - and under "Ask to join hotspots" you can now choose between "Never," "Ask To Join," and "Automatic" (Previously, you could only set "Ask to join hotspots" to on or off).

The same feature is also preset on iPadOS 26, and is equally useful there.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Watch Ultra 2: What are the differences?

As someone who works on the go very often, it's annoying to have to manually approve joining a hotspot every time I wanted to go online (which is always). And as I have to slog through dozens of (largely unnecessary) manual approvals (I'm looking at you, EU cookie directive) every day, I'm grateful that I have one less to worry about.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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