Technology

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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4 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: Meat options

• Green: To cover a payment

• Blue: Excellent

• Purple: A common allergen

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: Poultry cuts

• Green: Handle, as a bill

• Blue: Splendid

• Purple: Starts of culinary nuts

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 #797 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Poultry cuts: BREAST, TENDER, THIGH, WING

• Handle, as a bill: FOOT, PAY, SETTLE, TAKE CARE OF

• Splendid: BRILLIANT, CAPITAL, FINE, GRAND

• Starts of culinary nuts: CASH, HAZE, MAC, PEC

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 August 4

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Labor intensive

The words are work-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are household tasks

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is What a Chore.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for August 15

• Vacuuming

• Garbage

• What a Chore

• Laundry

• Dishes

• Groceries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

A criminal.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

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...

FELON.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animation legend Genndy Tartakovsky is beloved by audiences of all ages, thanks to his work on Cartoon Network shows like Dexter's Laboratory and Samurai Jack, along with the Hotel Transylvania film series. However his latest project, Netflix's Fixed, is decidedly aimed at adults only.

The R-rated comedy follows the story of a mutt named Bull (voiced by Adam DeVine), who makes the horrifying discovery that he's going to be neutered in a day. That gives him one last night of debauchery with his friends — and his balls. And yes, Bull's balls are visible throughout the film. In one trippy sequence, he even hallucinates that they're talking to him!

SEE ALSO: 'Fixed' fulfills the promise of the 'Cats' butthole cut: Review

Tartakovsky stopped by Mashable's Say More to chat all things Fixed, and to draw some of his most iconic characters, including Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory. In the above clip from the full interview, he delves into the 2D animation of the film.

"[Fixed] is everything that I loved in animation, but bringing it to be modern and contemporary, and still using the same techniques that they were using in the '40s and '50s," Tartakovsky told Mashable.

Inspirations from this era included Warner Bros. cartoons, like Looney Tunes and Tex Avery cartoons, all staples of the golden age of American animation.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Aug. 15, 2025)

"A nerdy animation thing that I loved about those old Warner Bros. and Tex Avery cartoons is all the very specific character animation," Tartakovsky said. "Because the movement wasn't realistic, that's the thing, that's what I fell in love with. It was very specific to what the characters and what the animator could draw."

He continued: "So when I started doing animation, and when people laugh at a movement that you created from nothing, that was like, 'I'm hooked.' It's like me doing stand-up on stage, without having any of that pressure and all that stuff. I could do the stand-up through the movement that I create."

For more from Tartakovsky, including the logistics of animating dog balls, check out our Say More full interview on YouTube, where he also whips up gorgeous drawings of Samurai Jack and Bull.

Fixed is now streaming on Netflix.

Robot athletes are going for the gold in Beijing, China, as the first ever World Humanoid Robot Games kicked off on Thursday.

As reported by Reuters, the event, held within Beijing's National Speed Skating Oval, involves over 500 humanoid robots across 280 teams from 16 countries including China, the U.S., Brazil, and Germany. The teams come from both global universities and private robotics companies including China's Unitree Robotics, Noetix Robotics, and Fourier Intelligence.

SEE ALSO: Humanoid robots are learning to move like real athletes

Remotely operated by their human teams, the robots will be tested for agility and skill competing in 26 events like football, martial arts, gymnastics, and track and field events like running and a 100-metre obstacle race. The robots must fit a long list of criteria including that they "must be self-developed, purchased or leased by the participating teams," they "must have a trunk, upper limbs, and two feet," and "should have their own energy sources." There are also event-specific restrictions, like robots competing in long jump or high jump events can't use elastic or take-off devices.

The games expands on multiple robot sporting events held in China this year, including the world’s first humanoid half-marathon in April and a robot kickboxing match in May.

Running... Credit: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images ...boxing... Credit: Han Haidan / China News Service/VCG via Getty Images ...football. Credit: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

Unitree won the first gold of the event on Friday, with one of its speedy Unitree H1 humanoid robots finishing the 1,500-metre race at 6:34.

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Various media sites are running livestreamed coverage of the World Humanoid Robot Games including Reuters and the South China Morning Post, if you want to catch up on the action. The games run until Sunday and there are tickets being sold to the public.

It's quite something, seeing human teams running alongside their robotic representatives on the track, and watching robot football players shuffle across the small field, raising their arms in victory as their stressed out human controllers buzz around laptops on the sideline. There are various falls and not a drop of sweat in sight (on the athletes, at least).

Ooft. Credit: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Thursday's opening ceremony is also worth a watch, robots wearing Labubu lucky charms, a full robot band, tiny robots dancing alongside human children, a robot fashion parade, and panda robots demonstrating martial arts.

Featured Video For You Humanoid Robot Boxing: Unitree G1 Battle Royale

The organisers of the World Humanoid Robot Games — the Beijing Municipal People's Government, China Central Radio and Television, the World Robotics Cooperation Organization, and the Robocup Asia-Pacific International Council — said in an online statement that the point of the event was to "build an international platform integrating technological competition, economic promotion, and international exchange."

"By establishing a competitive and showcase platform, the tournament aims to accelerate and enhance the integration of robots into human life, contribute to economic and social progress, and foster the deep integration of science, technology, sports, and culture," the statement reads.

Competitive robotics events aren't new, but it's the scale of the World Humanoid Robot Games that marks a global PR opportunity for China amid its rapid expansion of robot production to compete with the U.S.. China’s National Development and Reform Commission announced plans in March to invest ¥1 trillion ($138 billion) into robotics over the next two decades. Plus, the country increased industrial robot installation by five percent in 2024, and now owns the world's largest robot market.

Seth Meyers has already laid in to Donald Trump's announcement that he'll be hosting this year's Kennedy Center Honors, but on Thursday he took aim at one specific part: Trump claiming that he filtered some artists out on the basis that they were "too woke".

"I would say I was about 98 percent involved," Trump said at a press conference, discussing the selection process. "I turned down plenty: They were too woke. I had a couple of wokesters."

"I'm sorry, did he say 'wokesters'? A wokester sounds like a car your great-grandfather drove after the war. 'I had a 1939 wokester that I drove all the way to the state fair, where I sold it for a funnel cake. Ohhh, I miss my wokester,'" says Meyers in the clip above, before turning his attention to right-wing commentators who like to complain about free speech censorship.

"Shout out to the free speech warriors going radio silent while the president just fully admits he's punishing artists for their politics,' Meyers says. "You keep doing you, but only when it fits your worldview, you f***ing hypocrites."

The Hisense 75U75QG is one of the best televisions in its price range due to its brilliant colors, incredible maximum brightness, and numerous dimming zones. As an added perk, the sound system is pretty great, too.

Do you have a would-be baller in your home? Maybe your child is on the basketball team — or maybe you still have hoop dreams of your own?

If so, you're likely to be interested in this high-tech basketball hoop, from the aptly named company Huupe.

Huupe is a startup, but that doesn't mean it's not serious about smart basketball hoops. The company raised $11 million in 2023 from NBA owner- and player-backed venture capital firms. 

Huupe's first product, Huupe Pro, is billed as the "world's first smart basketball hoop." It's a regulation-sized basketball hoop, complete with in-ground pole, and the smart part — a large HD display with cameras embedded into the backboard. The cameras are used to track shots and other statistics, shown on the backboard display.

There were several catches with the Pro version. Firstly, a regulation hoop is way too big if you don't have a backyard, driveway, or gymnasium to match. Secondly, the Huupe Pro caused a bit of controversy this past summer after one was installed in an NYC park. Some users had privacy concerns about the hoop's cameras.

And thirdly, the Huupe Pro was priced at $9,995. That's a lot of scratch compared to the average basketball hoop, which can be purchased for a few hundred dollars.

Then, in summer 2025, Huupe unveiled the Huupe Mini. It's basically the Huupe Pro, shrunken down. It's an over-the-door basketball hoop with all the smart features, and with those price and privacy issues mostly addressed. Here's what we thought of it.

Credit: Mashable Huppe Mini: Cheaper but still pricey

The Huupe Mini is a lot cheaper than its predecessor. But that doesn't make it cheap: the Huupe Mini retails for $799, though it's typically discounted to $599 at the Huupe website and Amazon.

That makes it the highest-priced over-the-door basketball hoop I could find. Most non-smart mini indoor basketball hoops retail for less than $100.

But the Huupe Mini isn't for any passive shot taker. To care about the kind of data the Huupe Mini tracks, you'd have to be a fan ready to throw down $800. As a soccer coach for my elementary school-aged son's soccer team, I know many parents of kids who are serious about sports. Parents are willing to spend a pretty penny to help their kids excel at their game of choice.

Compared to the gear some other sports require, the Huupe Mini may not appear that expensive to a basketball player serious about their game.

Setting up the Huupe Mini

This device seems big for something that's called a "mini." The backboard measures 22 in. by 17 in. At just over 20 lbs, the device is much heavier than I expected, too. The backboard is basically a giant LED display, so the weight shouldn't be too surprising, yet I was taken aback by the heft of it. 

The Huupe Mini also comes with a mini ball, a remote to control the display, and a charger. The charging port is located on the bottom underside of the backboard, and the device can be charged while you play.

After quickly screwing the hoop and door hooks on the backboard, I found it easily slipped over the top of my kids' room door. I was concerned that weight would be an issue here, but the door and the Huupe Mini have been just fine so far.

Once it was set up, I had to create an account using the display. Then we were good to go.

Credit: Mashable Huupe Mini: Shockingly accurate shot tracking

The moment of truth: Can the Huupe Mini perform its main function? Can it accurately track your shots?

Well, I can confirm that the Huupe Mini is really good at what it does. Its cameras allow it to track every kind of shot. It can log swish shots, rimshots, shots that hit the backboard, airballs ... and shots so bad that calling them an "airball" would be generous.

I was actually surprised that the Huupe Mini was able to track the ball even when it didn't make contact with the net, rim, or backboard. The Huupe Mini is just that good at tracking.

The display shows your stats in real-time, tracking your shots and your percentages. It can even track the distance at which you're taking the shot, so it knows when you're dunking or shooting a layup. The Huupe Mini knows when you're scoring a two-pointer or three-pointer.

It's quite impressive to see the device accurately track these things as you're playing.

Credit: Mashable

The Huupe Mini doesn't simply track these stats for your own education. The device comes with mini-games that can be played online, letting you compete with other Huupe Mini owners. One game, Huupe City Royale, teams you up with three other players against other four-player teams in a leaderboard competition, to see which team can score the most combined points.

The Huupe Mini can even act as a mini Smart TV. Apps including YouTube and Netflix are built in, so you can watch movies or listen to music on the display while playing ball. There's also an in-game currency that can in theory be used to purchase additional mini-games, but that doesn't appear to have launched yet.

Everything that comes with the Huupe Mini now will remain included without any additional charge, the company says.

The privacy issue

So Huupe addressed the size and price issues of the Huupe Pro with the Huupe Mini. But what about the cameras?

When that Huupe Pro was installed in a New York City public park, Huupe addressed privacy concerns by assuring users that the cameras were just used to track the ball; the company insisted it was not recording or streaming video via the device.

Those assurances were not likely to quell concern when it came to an in-home device, and it appears the Huupe team realized this. The Huupe Mini does not use cameras at all for tracking: it uses sensors instead.

"With the Huupe Mini, we quickly recognized that privacy needed to be a top priority—especially for a product designed for personal spaces like bedrooms or someone’s office space," Huupe CEO Paul Anton tells Mashable. "That’s why we chose to move away from traditional cameras, and instead invested in advanced radar and lidar technology." 

The move away from a camera-based tracking system, towards a sensor-based one, added a full year in additional research and development and cost millions, according to Anton.

"This cutting-edge system allows the Huupe Mini to precisely track player movement and ball trajectory, accurately measuring distances, makes, and attempts—all while ensuring complete user privacy," Anton said. 

Credit: Mashable Final verdict

We do have a few concerns about the future of the Huupe Mini. For one thing, the introduction of a store with in-game currency means that microtransactions are on the way. Huupe may soon be nudging you to spend more than your initial $799. (We should note this product is now consistently priced at $599, which makes it a more attractive purchase.)

The battery drains pretty quickly, which may not be the biggest problem for a device that doesn't leave your home and can be charged while you play. However, the charging cable snaking up the door while plugged into the display can get in the way.

Also, the speakers on the display are not so great. They are fine for the in-game sound effects, but I wouldn't listen to the pre-installed Spotify app on there. But none of those critiques take away from the Huupe Mini's purpose, which it excels at.

Whether you should buy one Huupe Mini will basically come down to how big of a basketball fan you are. If you're just looking to throw a ball around the house or office every now and then, the Huupe Mini is likely way more than you need.

However, if you're shooting hoops on a daily basis, or your child is taking their basketball career seriously, then there's nothing else on the market like the Huupe Mini. You may even consider $599 to $799 a small price to pay for a burgeoning career as a baller.

Opens in a new window Credit: Huupe Huupe Mini $599 at Amazon
$799 Save $200 Shop Now

It’s that time of year again, to hunt sales, stores, and scroll for the best tech and gear for going back to school. One might say the end of summer and the start of “back to school” season is the OG source of Sunday scaries. While there’s no quick fix for the pain of saying goodbye to hot summer days, summer fun, hanging with friends, and, well, not being in school, there are tons of gadgets to pick up to make that transition a lot easier. The following best tech for back to school can help you study better, relax faster, wake up smoother, or just generally improve the overall vibes of your dorm room, classroom, or the hectic energy of school pickup and drop off. 

There are also numerous free resources available, such as Libby, an e-book and audiobook app accessible with a library card, and Notion, a fully customizable calendar and task management platform. Notion also offers paid templates, such as this excellent layout designed for people and students with ADHD. You can also utilize Text2Speech.org to hear an essay out loud for better proofreading or multitasking your study session.

SEE ALSO: We tested the best laptops for college students going back to school Bedside tech organizer Opens in a new window Credit: Zafit Bedside Storage Organizer $7.99 at Amazon
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Scrolling until the wee hours of the night just got even simpler with this bedside caddy for your phone, tablet, chapstick, and anything else you might want to easily reach for without getting up. 

Extra-long and durable charging cable Opens in a new window Credit: Native Union Native Union USB-C XL Charging Cable $24.99 at Amazon
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This 10-foot cable is perfect for hard-to-configure outlets and charging stations. Not only is this Native Union cable super long, but it also has a 4.8-star rating on Amazon with around 100 reviews, and it won’t die after three uses like so many other long cables seem to love to do. 

Electric heating pad Opens in a new window Credit: Deepsoom Deepsoon Electric Heating Pad $16.99 at Amazon
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This heating pad could honestly cook an egg on it at its highest setting. OK, that’s an exaggeration, but this heating pad is so compact and practical— it’s the perfect thing to have stashed in your medicine kit for an injured back or cramps. 

Apple AirTag Apple AirTag $24 at Amazon
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Nothing is worse than getting into a back-to-school routine and running around looking for things in the morning. Picking up an AirTag for your keys, wallet, or Labubu will save you some future stress. 

Portable air pump Opens in a new window Credit: AstroAI AstroAI Tire Inflator Portable Air Pump for Car and Bike Tires $31.98
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If you’re fretting about sending away a college student to fend for themselves, this air pump can help you sleep just a tad more easily at night. With over 100,000 reviews on Amazon, this tire pump turns a no-air situation into no problem. This pump comes in handy when you need air in your tires and beats waiting around for a tow truck. 

Label maker machine Opens in a new window Credit: Phomemo Label Maker Machine with Tape $13.28 at Amazon
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This portable little label maker is the perfect gadget for the type A student or parent who likes to have everything labeled. This is also great for a junk journaling student wanting to get creative with their spreads, collages, and entries. 

Paperfeel screen protector Opens in a new window Credit: KCT Paperfeel Screen Protector $6.78 at Amazon
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Who would have thought the key to test-acing notes was under $7? This paper-feel screen protector transforms iPad and tablet screens from their typical smooth glass into the texture of crisp blank notebook paper. Writing with an Apple Pencil Pro, which is also totally on this list, gets even more tactile with this satisfying scratchy texture. It makes taking digital notes so much easier and smoother, helping you retain more knowledge, which is what school is all about. 

Ban.do sticker book Opens in a new window Credit: Ban.do Ban.do Sticker Book $13.95 at Amazon
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Amidst the monotony of charging cords, cubes, converting cables, and wallet-stretching investments, a little pop of color is always fun. Sure, there are tons of sticker packs out there, but this book of stickers is annually released by Ban.do and has so many quality, pretty, creatively designed stickers on every page. Stick them on your folders, tech cases, planners, or anything else! 

Neoprene laptop sleeve Opens in a new window Credit: MOSISO MOSISO Laptop Sleeve 13.3 inch $13.99 at Amazon
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This neoprene laptop sleeve is under $25 and can totally save your laptop from scuffs, bangs, and dings that it will naturally incur from being toted around from class to class. Protecting your computer for school can save you a whole lot more than the $13.99 that this cover costs.

Single cast iron burner Opens in a new window Credit: Elite Gourmet Elite GourmetCountertop Single Cast Iron Burner $16.99 at Amazon
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Dorm life is all about optimizing how you manage your meals and snacks. When you don’t want to brave campus for a meal, this single burner can be super helpful for heating things up or cooking a full-course meal in your dorm. Though no promises on how thrilled your roommate will be about the smell of dorm-to-table carbonara. 

Anker USB-C 3-port fast compact foldable wall charger Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker USB-C Fast Charger Port $39.99
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You're trying to charge your phone, but it's taking an hour to get to 20 percent battery life, and all the while the charging brick feels like it could fry an egg. This fast-charging compact brick from Anker has multiple ports, built to handle simultaneous charging up to three devices. 

Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant $47.99 at Amazon
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So maybe you can’t have real plants in your dorm, but this Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant requires no water and still looks super cool on your bookshelf. It’s on sale right now for $47.99, down from $59.99, which is an excellent steal if you’re looking for back-to-school decor or something to give the student or teacher in your life. If Super Mario isn’t your jam, Lego has a vast array of botanical sets to spark your green (Lego) thumb. 

SEE ALSO: Our 13 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans Three-speed oscillating fan with remote Opens in a new window Credit: IRIS WOOZOO 3-Speed Oscillating Fan with Remote $39.97 at Amazon
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This three-speed oscillating fan comes with a remote, a petite, portable build, and a timer. It offers a soft background noise if that’s something you like at night (without being so loud that it can disturb your roommate). It’s also the perfect size for a bedside table, bookcase, or desk. 

Insulated stainless steel water bottle Opens in a new window Credit: Owala FreeSip Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle $32.99 at Amazon
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You might have heard about the Owala Freesip hype by now, but if you haven’t, it’s not too late to pick up one of the best water bottles on the market. Owala’s water bottles can keep their contents cool for more than 24 hours, while offering you the option of sucking through a straw or sipping through the mouthpiece. They come in a seemingly never-ending array of unique and visually appealing colors. The best part? The secure lock has never let ME down with drips, drops, or leaking in my bag.  

Charger stand Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker MagSafe Compatible MagGo Charger Stand $35 at Amazon
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Sleep easier at night knowing all of your devices (or almost all of them) are also recharging and getting their beauty sleep in one easy-to-reach place. This Anker MagSafe charger stand can charge your phone and AirPods. It’s also super on sale right now, which is just a cherry on top.

Sunrise alarm clock Opens in a new window Credit: Dekala Dekala Sunrise Alarm Clock $30.99 at Amazon
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There are many higher-priced sunrise alarm clocks on the market, but the Dekala sunrise alarm clock is an excellent budget choice for those looking for a sunrise-simulating alarm clock. It includes a dimmable display and multiple alarm sounds to choose from. Regulate your sleep, ease your wake-ups, and even use it as a reading lamp at night. 

SEE ALSO: The cult-favorite Loftie alarm helped me kick my nighttime phone habit USB-C port hub Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 553 USB-C Hub (8-in-1) $53.99 at Anker
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This Anker 553 takes the No. 1 spot on Amazon in the computers and accessories category — and for good reason. This 8-in-1 USB-C hub is ideal for students, content creators, photographers, or anyone who frequently uses multiple devices and various memory cards. This hub allows you to plug your camera’s SD card directly into your phone, enabling you to upload photos and videos to your heart's content. 

Smart power strip Opens in a new window Credit: Kasa Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip $25.99 at Amazon
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Want to be able to turn things on and off when you’re not home or without getting out of bed? This smart power strip allows you to turn your lights off from your phone or with a Google Home or Alexa device. A power strip is always helpful to have when setting up a new room; one with WiFi connectivity can be even more handy. 

Insulated stainless steel mug Opens in a new window Credit: Zojirushi Zojirushi Stainless Steel 16-ounce Mug $28.49 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $1.50 Shop Now

This vacuum-sealed insulated mug can keep drinks hot or cold for hours upon hours. Keep your coffee hot or your cold brew cold through hours of classes. And, when you get home, the wide mouth makes cleaning much simpler and accessible. 

Portable laptop power bank Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh Portable Charger $109.99
$134.99 Save $25.00 Shop Now

This Anker laptop power bank can be such a lifesaver when you need a quick charge and there’s no outlet in sight. The bank isn’t like your average backup portable phone charger — it can charge multiple devices all at the same time. It’s also a fast-charger with various ports for all your different devices.

SEE ALSO: Our tech reporters' favorite Anker charging accessories Digital camera Opens in a new window Credit: KODAK PIXPRO Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom FZ45-RD 16MP Digital Camera $99.99 at Amazon
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Digital cameras are so back. This Kodak PIXPRO is a great digital camera for capturing pictures with a distinctive digital camera aesthetic. Slip it in your bag, pocket, or attach the wrist strap on your way to football games, parties, and moments you want to remember. 

Lightweight cordless hand vacuum Shark Wandvac Cordless Hand Vac $92.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $7 Shop Now

Perhaps a classroom, dorm, or car isn't the best place to pack a full-size vacuum. Crumbs, dirt, and dust accumulate fast and get so annoying. Pick up this cordless hand vac from Shark for under $100. It has a compact charging dock, while the vacuum itself weighs in at just 1.4 pounds. 

Electric gooseneck kettle Opens in a new window Credit: COSORI COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle $69.99 at Amazon
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Tea lovers rejoice, you can take your beloved tea ritual with you to your dorm or classroom. This gooseneck kettle from COSORI has a precision spout for coffee or tea, an LCD display for temperature control, and even a keep warm function. Plus, it will look pretty cool on your counter.

Portable espresso maker Wacaco Picopresso Portable Espresso Maker Bundled with Protective Case $129.90 at Amazon
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This Wacaco portable espresso maker is almost too good to be true. To top it off, it isn’t even electric. Using a hand-driven piston, the device creates rich shots of espresso. Just add hot water and your favorite brand of espresso grounds. 

Inkless portable printer Opens in a new window Credit: Gloryang Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel $79.99 at Amazon
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Even though many classes are fully digital now, some folks really like to see a physical copy of their drafts, reading assignments, or notes. Edit a physical copy of your upcoming essay with this portable travel printer. It’s inkless and compact, which is great for throwing in your bag and deciding to print something on a whim. Impress the person sitting next to you who forgot to bring their copy of the reading by printing them a quick backup.

Twin XL memory foam mattress topper Opens in a new window Credit: ViscoSoft ViscoSoft 3-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper Twin XL $159.94 at Amazon
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Viscosoft memory foam mattress topper is the perfect addition to your dorm room and sleep routine. Get deeper and more comfortable sleep on this soft memory foam. It has a removable and washable cover. Viscosoft also has a decent return policy if you decide the memory foam vibe isn’t for you. 

Universal wireless controller Opens in a new window Credit: 8BitDo 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller $59.99 at Amazon
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This 8bitDo Ultimate Two Wireless Controller is the perfect thing to snag for a dorm room gaming setup. This controller has a sleek charging dock that makes for compact storage. The controller works with PC, Switch, and other mobile devices. 

Google Home Opens in a new window Credit: Google Home Google Home with Sleep Sensing $99.99 at Google
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Ever feel like back-to-school season is so busy that you need an assistant? Google Home can fill that void seamlessly. This compact smart home device features a built-in camera for video calls and syncs with your music and video streaming apps. Tell it to shut off the lights, when to wake you up, and to even set pomodoro timers for studying.

Amazon Kindle Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle 16 GB $109 at Amazon
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The newest version of Kindle is just about $100 and works like a charm for reading school assignments or checking out ebooks from the library. Give your eyes a break from staring at computer screens with the Kindle’s glare-free display. This model will stay charged for weeks and take up so much less space in your bag than physical books.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Kindles to help you find the perfect e-reader Skylight Calendar Opens in a new window Credit: Skylight Skylight Digital Calender and Chore Chart $269 at Amazon
$316 Save $47 Shop Now

Back-to-school time for families is rough; it’s so hard to keep track of pickup times and drop-off times. When you add in music lessons, sports practice, and parent-teacher meetings, things can get hectic. Sure, you can have a paper planner on the wall, but a Skylight digital wall calendar and chore chart can be life-changing. This display has an always-on feature so that everyone in the house can be on the same page, which is priceless. 

Chromebook Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Chromebook Plus 514 $279 at Best Buy
$429 Save $150 Shop Now

If you find yourself asking, “Do I really need a laptop for school?” you can always pick up this Acer Chromebook Plus. Chromebooks can be an excellent choice for students as they can accomplish most school-related tasks with ease.

Instant smartphone photo printer Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer $79.99 at Amazon
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This Kodak step instant smartphone printer can revolutionize your planner, notes, and, maybe most importantly, your junk journal. Take pictures from your smartphone and instantly print them on this compact device. The opportunities are endless: print mini stickers of all the books that you’ve read, print mini tarot cards for your journal entries, or print photo stickers of selfies with friends.

Apple Watch Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation $169 at Walmart
$343.43 Save $174.43 Shop Now

This model of the Apple Watch is the best in tech for back to school because of its price point, battery life, and size. Receive calls, texts, and notifications on your wrist while tracking your steps, fitness, heart rate, and more. 

Apple Pencil Pro Apple Pencil Pro $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30 Shop Now

The Apple Pencil Pro is one of those products that is so well made it almost feels analog. Take seamless digital notes on your iPad with this stylus that conveniently magnetically charges on the side of newer iPads. It’s also on sale for under $100 at the time of writing.

Open-ear Bluetooth bone conduction sport headphones SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones $124.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $35.00 Shop Now

These headphones are excellent for the jogger moving to a new campus. Stay safe from bikes, cars, and pedestrians while going for a jog in a new place with the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Open-Ear Bluetooth bone conduction headphones. 

Espresso machine and drip coffee maker Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine and Drip Coffee Maker $599 at Amazon
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OK, so this Espresso Machine from Ninja is not ideal for a dorm. If you’re moving into a new apartment and want to splurge on a nice coffee setup, this machine offers so many different options. Make a latte, cortado, americano, drip coffee, cold brew, or cold foam with this machine. 

Asus ROG Ally 7 Opens in a new window Credit: Asus ROG Asus ROG Ally 7 $499 at Best Buy
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This portable Windows gaming console runs PC games super well. It has a ton of horsepower in its sleek, compact device design. This is a perfect investment for gamers who can’t have a full PC setup at school. 

Amazon Kindle Scribe Amazon Kindle Scribe (16GB) $449.99 at Amazon
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If you’re an avid Kindle fan and want to take your relationship to the next level, you could consider getting an Amazon Kindle Scribe. This device is awesome for those Kindle users who have wished they could take some quick notes on that classic anti-glare surface. The stylus writes quite seamlessly, and the interface for saving your notes is intuitive and user-friendly. 

Oura Ring Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring 4 $349 at Amazon
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Going back to school is such a shift in your daily routine. There are new wake-up routines to manage, bedtime routines to get used to, and just a whole different level of demand during the day. The Oura Ring Gen 4 can track your activity, temperature, heart rate, HRV, and menstrual cycle. Get unique insights into your sleep quality, energy levels, and even alerts from their “symptom radar” that warns you to take it easy and rest.  

Switch 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 $499 at Walmart
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If there’s anything to gift a student heading off to school, it might just be the Switch 2. Sure, it has very little to do with actual school, but recreation is important, too. Back-to-school season is sometimes all work and no play, but the newest portable gaming console on the market can help with that. The new Switch 2 has numerous exciting releases, including a new Mario Kart, which is always an enticing game for new friends to explore together. 

Noise-cancelling headphones Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $398 at Amazon
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These headphones are hands-down some of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market. They’re often on sale, down from their usual $399, and more affordable than the newer Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones. They’re smooth, sleek, durable, and simple to connect to your devices. The audio quality is simply excellent. 

Smart TV projector Opens in a new window Credit: XGIMI XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro $399 at Amazon
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Dorms really can’t handle a whole TV, but this projector offers built-in streaming services and a compact, sleek design that can simply slip into a drawer. Project a movie for a night in, or any number of aesthetic videos onto the ceiling for the vibes alone. 

Apple iPad mini Apple Pad mini A17 Pro chip 128GB $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 Shop Now

An iPad mini is honestly such an excellent sidekick for students. It’s compact and capable of so much. Read and annotate class assignments with ease, take notes, add to your online calendar, all while texting, FaceTiming, or scrolling your usual apps. 

3-in-1 microwave air fryer Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Convection Microwave $499 at Best Buy
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This microwave is basically the holy grail of microwaves because it’s also a convection oven and an air fryer. Get the convenient benefits from all three in one device. An added touch that makes this such a well-made appliance is its quiet-close door and minimal sound. 

Laser projector with Google TV Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Projector, Upgraded with Google TV $579.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $170 Get Deal

This projector is a little bit of a higher price point, but with it, you get outdoor versatility, longer battery life, and a precise laser-quality image. It has Google TV and Netflix built in, weighing in at two pounds. This makes it a valuable addition for campus movie nights, karaoke parties, or marathon watching your favorite shows. 

Apple MacBook Air Apple M4 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop $999 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $200 Get Deal

You can’t go wrong with this Apple 2025 MacBook Air. Coming in right under $1,000, this MacBook offers excellent horsepower for anything that school assignments ask of you. It has the latest M4 chip, which offers wicked-fast performance. It has that quintessential MacBook Air sleek design and lightweight portability for accompanying you anywhere you go. 

Lightweight folding e-bike Opens in a new window Credit: Brompton Brompton C Line Explore Folding Bike Mid $1,900 at Brompton
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The Brompton C Line Explore Folding E-Bike is an investment, but also potentially a perfect transportation method for getting around campus. Save on transit or car costs without breaking a sweat when you zip around to class on this 26-pound, six-speed e-bike. Plus, this steel frame e-bike folds up nice and compact for storage at your side during class or in the corner of your room. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for August 15, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Team grouping

• Green: Tony Hawk lingo

• Blue: Same team

• Purple: Same first word

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

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

• Yellow: AFC East teams

• Green: Skateboarding terms

• Blue: Members of the L.A. Sparks

• Purple: Boston ____

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 #326 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• AFC East teams - BILLS, DOLPHINS, JETS, PATRIOTS

• Skateboarding terms - GOOFY, GRIND, KICKFLIP, OLLIE

• Members of the L.A. Sparks - BRINK, HAMBY, JACKSON, PLUM

• Boston ____ - BRUINS, COLLEGE, MARATHON, RED SOX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, August 15, 2025:

AcrossAnswer to a party invitation

• The answer is RSVP.

Bring to a bubble

• The answer is Boil.

With 8-Across, tree that produces nearly two-foot-long cones

• The answer is Sugar.

See 6-Across

• The answer is Pine.

Enjoy a hill in chilly weather, say

• The answer is Sled.

DownN.F.L. ball carriers, for short

• The answer is RBS.

Campbell's products

• The answer is Soups.

Candlelight ___

• The answer is Vigil.

It travels the high way

• The answer is Plane.

Like the maple leaf on Canada's flag

• The answer is Red.

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Get a PDF converter and editor lifetime license for just $23.99 with code SAVE20 until September 7 and manage your PDFs without limits.

PDFs can be stubborn. You just want to make a quick change — but between weird formatting, locked files, and conversion nightmares, it’s enough to make anyone want to throw their laptop against a wall. That’s where this PDF converter and editor comes in. It gives you every tool you could need to work with PDFs without the usual headaches — and you only pay once for lifetime access.

Need to turn a PDF into Word, Excel, or PowerPoint? Done. Want to convert your files into PDFs? Also done. The built-in OCR handles scanned docs like a pro, pulling editable text from image-based files while keeping layouts intact.

You can merge and split documents in seconds, compress oversized files, add watermarks or annotations, and even lock or unlock PDFs for security. Have a form to fill? Just type, check boxes, or draw directly on it — no printing required.

It’s fast, accurate, and built to handle big batches so you can knock out your to-do list in minutes instead of hours. Plus, it’s designed for both Windows and Mac users, with ongoing updates to keep it sharp.

Tame your PDFs once and for all and grab a lifetime license to this PDF converter and editor for $23.99 with code SAVE20 before September 7.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $23.99
$99.99 Save $76 Get Deal

TL;DR: Grab 1TB of portable storage with a dual USB-C and USB-A drive for $69.97 with free shipping until September 7.

Running out of storage is the digital version of hitting a brick wall. One second you’re working, creating, or capturing memories, and the next you’re frantically deleting files to make room. This $69.97 (MSRP $109.99) dual USB-C and USB-A 3.2 high-speed flash drive makes that problem disappear.

This compact, aluminum-bodied drive gives you 1TB of space — enough for massive video projects, years of photos, or your entire music library — all in something that slips into your pocket. It’s built with both USB-C and USB-A connectors, so you can plug it directly into modern devices like iPhone 15s, iPad Pros, Macs, Android phones, and smart TVs, or older laptops and desktops without needing adapters.

Transfer speeds of 20–30MB/s mean you won’t be stuck waiting forever when moving large files. Plus, the advanced chip technology inside this drive keeps your files moving fast and safe — delivering reliable transfers while protecting your data from corruption. And just in case you’re clumsy, it’s waterproof, dust-proof, and drop-resistant, so it can survive coffee spills, bag tosses, and unexpected tumbles.

No extra software, no setup headaches — just plug and play. Compatible across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more, this flash drive is as versatile as it is durable.

Get your 1TB dual USB-C and USB-A flash drive for $69.97 until September 7 with free shipping and keep everything you need right at your fingertips.

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Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive (1TB) $69.97
$109.99 Save $40.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get a 1TB Koofr Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for $160 with code KOOFR.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) $159.99
$810 Save $650.01 with code KOOFR Get Deal

Considering how much space a short video takes up, it’s kind of hard to go without cloud storage now. The problem is that most services, like Dropbox or Google Drive, require ongoing monthly or annual payments that add up quickly. Koofr has a different approach with its 1TB lifetime cloud storage plan. You only pay once for a lifetime of cloud storage, and right now it’s on sale for $159.99 (reg. $810).

Cloud storage without the monthly fees

Koofr’s works across iOS, Android, desktop, and WebDAV, so you can access files from nearly any device. It also integrates with existing accounts like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, and OneDrive, so you can manage all your cloud files in one place instead of constantly switching between apps.

Beyond storage, Koofr includes useful tools to keep your files organized and easy to find. Duplicate file detection helps you reclaim wasted space, batch renaming saves time when organizing large collections, and customizable sharing links give you control over how your files are shared. All data is encrypted during transfer and while stored, and Koofr maintains a strict no-tracking policy for added privacy.

Since this plan is a lifetime subscription, there are no renewal reminders or recurring charges to worry about. You can install it on unlimited devices, too. The only requirement is redeeming your purchase code within 15 days, and each person can redeem one code.

Use code KOOFR at checkout to get a 1TB lifetime subscription for $160.

Sale ends tonight, August 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Replace your OpenAI monthly subscription with lifetime access to 1min.AI and get GPT, Gemini, and more for $80.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $79.97
$540 Save $460.03 Get Deal

Paying for separate AI subscriptions to write, design, transcribe, and edit video gets expensive fast, and switching between tools wastes time. 1min.AI brings those capabilities into a single, browser-based platform that still gives you access to the same AI models you rely on every day.

Right now, a lifetime license is even on sale for just $79.97 (reg. $540).

All your AI tools all in one place

This all-in-one AI workspace covers text, images, audio, video, and PDFs. Instead of paying for each service separately, you get access to a mix of leading AI models in one place:

• GPT-4o, GPT-4 Turbo, GPT-4, GPT-3.5 (OpenAI)

• Claude 3 Opus, Claude 3 Sonnet, Claude 3 Haiku, Claude 2.1, Claude Instant 1.2 (Anthropic)

• Gemini Pro 1.5, Gemini Pro 1.0 (GoogleAI)

• Llama 3, Llama 2 (MetaAI)

• MistralAI

• Command (Cohere)

With these models, you can draft blog posts, generate images, summarize PDFs, remove photo backgrounds, edit short videos, and more, all without juggling different accounts or logins.

The Advanced Business Plan includes 4,000,000 credits per month, plus the option to earn up to 450,000 more each month for free by logging in daily. Credits can be spent however you like, whether that’s on long-form writing, batches of image generation, or transcription. Up to 20 team members can collaborate, and you get unlimited storage along with custom brand voices for consistent tone. Unused credits roll over, so you aren’t losing money if you generate less one month and more the next.

The range of tools you get access to with 1min.AI expansive.

Writing tools handle keyword research, rewriting, shortening, and grammar checks, plus social media comments for LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. Image tools include background removal, upscaling, text removal, and quick edits. PDF tools summarize, translate, and let you ask questions directly from a document. Audio tools offer text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and translation. Video tools focus on editing and creating short clips for posts and promos.

Everything runs in your browser, with weekly updates and a public roadmap.

Through September 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT, it’s only $79.97 to get a 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan.

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The fact that the company formerly known as America Online will discontinue its Dial-up service next month has prompted two kinds of reactions on the internet that it pioneered.

First: Wait, AOL Dial-up service still exists? Second: A wave of nostalgia for everything 1990s, from the dial-up sound to the unrealistically spam-free romcom You've Got Mail to the ubiquitous CDs to the formerly AOL-owned CompuServe homepage (which, amazingly, still carries today's news in soothing low-image form).

But there's a reaction we're missing, and it's not about the cautionary tale of AOL's rise and fall (trust me, I know; I was there for the pivot between rise and fall, and a purchase that arguably caused the dotcom collapse).

AOL wasn't defined by dial-up, a technology always destined for the dogs, but by all the tech it pioneered. AOL isn't our nostalgic tech past; it is in many ways our present. The features it pioneered dominate our tech lives in 2025.

Indeed, the company was unlucky to have arrived in the era of the CD, and to not last into the era of the smartphone. Had it not gone on a fatal get-big-fast acquisition romp, it's easy to imagine AOL could have become an extra A in the FAANG group, aka today's tech titans. Consider:

1. AOL Instant Messenger was basically Messenger, WhatsApp and Slack, in one.

Ah, good old AIM. How many hours did I waste on it in the 1990s and 2000s? More than on iChat and GChat, my subsequent obsessions. Many, many more than I did on Internet Relay Chat and ICQ — two earlier, less user-friendly forms of the same Instant Messaging idea. ICQ was bought by AOL in 1998, an early example of the buying spree approach to competition. This was, it turned out, unnecessary; AIM was simply the better product.

AIM was where Instant Messaging found the fun and friendly form we're still using today in a dozen apps, from WhatsApp to WeChat. The Buddy list and buddy icons made it feel like Facebook Messenger, decades before that was a thing (Meta, ironically, now holds the original AIM patent for a friends list). AIM had group messaging (not the same as the wild west of Chat Rooms, we'll get to those).

Messages on AIM looked like every message you send today. The service pioneered emoticons (nobody called them emoji yet). Years before you could so much as text a photo, AIM had multimedia messaging. It also had file-sharing, enabling dubious trading of MP3s before anyone heard about Napster.

And AIM pioneered the Away status, one that my workmates would pay attention to, long before Slack. AIM's skill at routing messages around blocked ports made it the bane of corporate IT departments, and a delight for plugged-in workers who needed to talk quickly.

"AIM became how Wall Street communicated," one of AIM's founders told Mashable in 2014.

But AIM was for pleasure as much as for work. It had all the spontaneous evening-spent-chatting joy that today I find in iMessage form. It also had the agony and anxiety of being left on read by a crush — only this version came with a brutal door-closing noise.

AOL smartly decided to give AIM away for free. It was open-source enough that you could message AIM users on its main rival, MSN Messenger. You didn't need to be inside AOL's walled garden internet to use AIM, so millions more did. Dial-up AOL maxed out at 30 million users. At its height in 2001, 61 million people used AIM; it didn't really start to decline until GMail exploded in popularity, bringing GChat with it.

Arguably, if AOL had focused on AIM as the internet's killer app instead of seeing it as a way to convert people into dial-up subscribers, it could have become the one messaging standard that all other apps must use. And we as users would have a much more open-source messaging landscape, instead of using multiple siloed services.

2. SmarterChild was an early AI chatbot.

AIM was large enough as a platform that third-party companies developed groundbreaking services for it. Case in point: A startup called ActiveBuddy and SmarterChild, a chatbot that was on 30 million Buddy lists six months after its birth.

Without knowing what it was doing, in other words, AOL gave as many people access to early AI as it did to dial-up. This has a direct impact on Apple's AI assistant: one early investor in Siri said he was inspired by the potential of SmarterChild.

It wasn't exactly GPT-5, but SmarterChild had access to vast databases: IMdB, the Weather Channel, Elias Sports Bureau. It could chat endlessly about baseball stats, movies, and the rain in Cleveland; for some users, that was enough to replicate an interesting human being.

For others, especially its younger buddies, SmarterChild came alive with its library of sassy responses (the work of one sardonic copywriter). It would, for example, browbeat you into an apology if you dared swear — something today's humor-free AIs could learn a thing or two from.

3. AOL Chat Rooms was proto-Twitter.

The infamous AOL Chat Rooms, where you could chat to dozens of strangers at once, predate even AIM, though they quickly became part of it. Usage exploded in 1996, when AOL switched from hourly billing to monthly, meaning you could spend as much time in them as you like. (That's right, you can also thank AOL for the modern innovation of monthly internet billing.)

The result was ... well, every bit as toxic as the worst of social media today. Anonymous handles yelled all-caps insults at each other, and not just in the political rooms. Creeps looking to "cyber" invaded every room, asking for the a(ge)/s(ex)/l(ocation) of the unsuspecting. We may have had to wait until the 21st century for the phrase "slide into your DMs," but that's what was happening everywhere in AOL Chat Rooms.

As for moderators? Well, Chat Rooms made Elon Musk's hellscape version of Twitter look like a well-moderated town square debate. AOL relied entirely on volunteers to police up to 60 million users. Contemporary reports described the effort as a "cyber sweat shop."

4. Usenet was basically Reddit.

Even before AIM and Chat Rooms, in 1993, AOL was the first consumer internet company to offer access to Usenet. This was a once sleepy set of forums, known as newsgroups, from earlier decades of computing. Newsgroup veterans would complain about the influx of newbies, usually university computer department freshmen, every September. The arrival of AOL's horde of users was such an ongoing catastrophe that the old-timers called it Eternal September.

We might call it something else: the beginnings of Reddit and other infamous message boards, such as 4Chan. The result was arguably worse; some Redditors miss the old Usenet. Then came AOL Chat, hosted on AIM but not a regular Chat Room. It was a moderated Q&A with experts, journalists and celebrities, where the questions were all user-generated —a Reddit AMA, basically.

And there were more AOL innovations. There was AOL Hometown, a GeoCities-style place for building websites without HTML knowledge; with its inventory of user interests it had started to look a little like MySpace, or LinkedIn, by the time it shuttered in 2009. On the operations side, AOL had to build up its data center infrastructure so fast that the area of Virgina it grew up in is now known as Data Center Alley; much of the world's internet traffic flows through it.

Next time you click on a fast-loading site, then, spare a thought for the dial-up people.

The best type of late night interviews are the ones that go a little bit off the rails.

In The Tonight Show clip above, Honey Don't! star Margaret Qualley randomly challenges Jimmy Fallon to a game of Truth or Dare, which ultimately leads to him conducting part of the interview while lying horizontal on his desk.

It's not quite up there with the famously chaotic Bradley Cooper interview, but it gives Fallon's pillow fight with Dwayne Johnson and "behind the curtain" fight with Martin Short a run for their money.

It's been a long week of meetings, deadlines, and a few too many emails, so I think it's safe to say that you've earned some couch time this weekend. I've handpicked these three TV series on Apple TV+ that are short enough for you to binge over a single weekend, but are loaded with action, drama, laughs, and even some weird robot sci-fi stuff to make it feel like a real escape for a while.

TL;DR: Put all your AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini Pro, and Leonardo.AI in one place with a lifetime subscription to 1minAI, an all-in-one AI app, on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $234). 

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The free version of some AI models like ChatGPT can get the job done, but if you want the good stuff, you should consider opting for a paid subscription.  

1minAI consolidates many of the most popular AI models — like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI — into one platform where you can use them all seamlessly, whether you need to generate text, images, or even full videos. A lifetime subscription to 1minAI usually costs $234, but you can get one on sale now for $39.99. 

What can you do with 1minAI

1minAI gives you one platform where you can access AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta AI, Mistral AI, and more. You don't just get the baseline version, either — 1minAI users can chat with GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, Gemini Pro 1.5, and Llama 2 or Llama 3. 

Like a ton of other AI platforms, 1minAI has a limit to how much you can generate every month. Unlike other platforms, the limit is incredibly high. Here's what your lifetime subscription gets you every month. 

First, you get a baseline of 1,000,000 credits per month. Then, every day you log in, you get an additional 15,000 free credits. These will roll over if you don't use them all, too. 

In practice, those huge numbers mean you could generate up to 362,500 words, research nearly 2,000 SEO keywords, generate 386 images, upscale 241 images, remove 24 backgrounds, convert text to speech for over 120,000 characters, and generate up to 12 videos. 

Your AI Swiss Army Knife

Put all your go-to AI tools in one place. Get a lifetime subscription to 1minAI for $39.99. 

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I'm always on the hunt for my next TV obsession—the type of show that you start watching over the weekend and, before you know it, you've binged the entire thing.