Technology

As one of the true OGs of online dating, AdultFriendFinder has a sizeable community of singles and non-monogamous users looking for steamy fun. But that doesn’t mean using the site is necessarily straightforward. In fact, AFF, as its users call it, has been online for so long that its web interface can feel dated and counterintuitive, with key features requiring you to navigate a whole manner of menus and sub-menus. 

Making the most of AFF means a certain amount of trial and error, or at least some guidance from someone with an intimate knowledge of the spicy hookup platform.

That's why we've outlined four essential tips below to get you up and running on AFF and help connect with more people for more kink-filled fun. That said, it also helps to keep an open mind about it all. If you enter AFF with a narrow idea of exactly what you want, you'll likely be disappointed. But if you start your search with an open-minded curiosity and just go along for the ride (pun very much intended), you can discover new things about yourself — and maybe even your pleasure points — in the process.

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Here are four essential steps for getting the most out of your AdultFriendFinder experience:

Fill out your full AFF profile 

Sure, this is an obvious step with any and every online dating service, but it’s even more important on AFF because the site doesn’t entirely rely on a carousel-style presentation of dating profiles like other apps. Everything from your age to your gender to your sexuality to your list of personal kinks can help make you more discoverable to other AFF members, so the less you fill out, the harder it is for the site to make your profile discoverable. 

This is true even if your personal kink list is short or leans towards the conventional, or if it’s long and girthy and leans towards the exotic; trust us when we say there are people out there who are looking for the very same quirks and kinks and sexuality specifics, so it's worth taking your time to be specific and details. It will pay off in the long run.

SEE ALSO: Is Hinge really 'designed to be deleted'? I tested it to find out.

Also, don’t sleep on videos. Unlike many dating sites that allow only profile pictures, AFF permits its members to upload short videos to their profiles. This is a fantastic way of showing others that you’re a real person — as opposed to a bot, which you'll find plenty of on AFF — and also helps you show off some personality. Just be wary of putting nude content upfront in your profile. You can do this if you wish, of course — AFF is all about the NSFW content — but putting that kind of content out there does raise privacy issues.

Verify your AFF account as soon as possible

AdultFriendFinder throws up very few barriers when you're creating your account. That makes it very easy for anyone to join, but it also means there is a huge amount of spam and bots clogging up the platform. To combat this, they’ve also created a profile verification system using the Confirm ID service. 

It requires you to share government ID for cast-iron verification, but the benefits to your profile will give you major peace of mind. It means photo authentication, age confirmation, and location verification, all of which help others trust that your profile is authentic. When the process is complete, you'll see a blue checkmark beneath your profile photo, just to the right of your username, which helps people identify your profile at a glance and boosts your visibility in search results, as search results prioritize verified users.

Be selective with your search criteria

If you use the site’s search function, you’ll find that you can be extremely specific and selective. And if you know exactly who and what you want, by all means, narrow your search, but if you’re on AFF to be surprised, it’s also worth being less selective from time to time.

For example, if you know you want an in-person date for next week, it obviously makes sense to narrow your location search to people who live near you. But what if you don’t know exactly what you want, or if you’re open to a sultry chat with a stranger half a world away? In that case, distance is irrelevant, and you should consider turning that filter off.

SEE ALSO: All your Tinder questions, answered

On the other hand, there are quite a few filters that are turned off by default that we actually recommend you turn on. For example, the default profile filter shows you all people who have bothered to upload photos, but while that’s a good start, it’s not enough to help you wade through the huge number of users. We strongly recommend narrowing it down to Verified/Confirmed users, since those people all proved their identity the same way you did (see above). That way, you can trust that your search results and potential connections are 100 percent legit. It's another means of filtering out the spam.

Another useful filter is the Last Visit, which by default is set to "All." We recommend specifying accounts that have been active within the last month. That's because lots of people sign up to AFF then never bother checking back in. Other users go inactive for weeks or even months at a time. If you stick with the default "All" setting, you risk messaging accounts that you might never get a reply from.

Explore the live-chat communities

AdultFriendFinder isn’t a traditional dating website, so don't use it like one. The search-and-swipe dating app method is tried and true, but it’s also a bit played out, and one of AFF’s biggest strengths is its larger community offerings. There's more to it than swiping — or should we say swinging? — left or right.

There are lots of forums to explore, all based around common interests (though you should know that some of these interests — or kinks — are not so common), or you can venture into a user’s livestream and interact with them and others there. AFF even has a dedicated Stories section, where users can share their memories or try their hand at writing erotica. That's all well and good for anyone with a knack for the written word, but if you're more visual, you can set up a webcam stream and invite others to tune in. 

For all of the above, AFF tracks not only which stories/streams/group chats are new but also which are trending, making it very easy to jump into a popular discussion or keep up with the latest site news.

Upgrade your AFF membership tier

As with other dating sites and apps, you only get the most out of AFF when you sign up for a paid membership. It is entirely possible to use AFF and interact without handing over your credit card information, but the site’s best features and functions are paywalled. And it has to be said that the advantages — visibility, communication options, and site functionality are all just too good to ignore.

Gold and VIP members receive special icons on their profiles, and these profiles are given priority in every search, regardless of the criteria. Because there are thousands of potential profile options for almost every search criterion that isn’t location-based, it’s very difficult to stand out from the crowd on AFF as a free user.

Additionally, if you fork out for the upgraded VIP membership, you’ll unlock an entire section dedicated exclusively to VIPs. It's the dating site equivalent of entering the velvet-roped area of a night club; you'll find the most glamorous people hiding there. VIP members even get additional points to spend on digital gifts or lavish on live streamers who catch your eye. This is another great way of standing out from the crowd. 

The learning curve on AdultFriendFinder is steeper than most other dating sites, and much steeper than most dating apps, but if you follow the above tips and you're willing to experiment, you’ll encounter more than a few fun and sexy surprises along the way. 

TL;DR: Through Aug. 16, Instacart is tossing in a free lunchbox item like Frosted Flakes, Gatorade, or a Sargento snack kit with any order of $10 or more. The freebie changes daily, supplies are limited, and you're capped at one per account.

Packing lunches five days a week gets expensive and exhausting fast, but Instacart is chipping in this week to help soften the blow. From now through Aug. 16, the grocery delivery app is running its Back-to-School Deal Week, giving away a different lunchbox staple every day to anyone who places a qualifying order.

Here's the deal: place an order of $10 or more through the Instacart app or site, and you'll get that day's featured item tossed in for free. No promo code needed — just tap the Deal Week banner on the homepage or search the brand directly, add it to your cart, and check out like normal. The catch is that it's one freebie per account, supplies are limited, and the item swaps out daily, so you can't stockpile the same snack all week.

The lineup so far has recognizable names, with a different freebie dropping each day:

• Aug. 10: A Chomps meat stick to kick things off — protein-heavy and easy to toss in any bag.

• Aug. 11: Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham, a deli-counter regular that works for sandwiches all week.

• Aug. 12: A box of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes for mornings when cereal is the only breakfast that's happening.

• Aug. 13: A Hot Pockets Italian Style Pepperoni Pizza Sandwich, the microwave-and-go option for after-school hunger.

• Aug. 14: A Once Upon a Farm Berry Berry smoothie pouch, dairy-free and built for little kids on the move.

• Aug. 15: A bottle of Gatorade Lower Sugar Rain Berry for refueling after practice or just a long day at recess.

• Aug. 16: Sargento Mighty Bites Salami & Mild Cheddar, a snack kit that closes out the week on a savory note.

SEE ALSO: The best free food deals this week: Save on McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Krispy Kreme, and more

Beyond the daily freebies, Instacart also has a Back-to-School Shopping Hub running through Aug. 16, with in-app deals on supplies and everyday items from stores like Staples, The Home Depot, Lowe's, Ulta Beauty, and Bath & Body Works. Staples stands out here — notebooks, pencils, and crayons are priced as low as 25 cents each, as long as you spend $10 or more.

Either way, it's free money if you're already shopping — but Deal Week ends Aug. 16, so don't sleep on it.

August is shaping up to be a big month for fans of celestial events, with both the Perseid meteor shower and a solar eclipse set to light up the skies. While the annual Perseids will deliver one of the year's most popular meteor displays, the solar eclipse will offer a different kind of spectacle as the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun.

While parts of Europe will experience a full show in the form of a total solar eclipse, those based in North America will still have a chance to catch the celestial event as a partial eclipse. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about this latest celestial event.

When is the solar eclipse in North America?

On Aug. 12, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across parts of North America and most of Canada. While the continent won't experience the same totality as parts of Europe will, it will still be a rare opportunity to witness an exciting solar event.

According to NASA, viewing times will vary across North America, with Alaska and northern Canada seeing the eclipse in the morning, eastern Canada in the afternoon, and parts of the northern U.S. from midday into the afternoon.

It will peak in Anchorage, Alaska at 8:21 a.m. ET. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., it will peak at around 1:53 p.m. ET.

How to watch the solar eclipse

Because the Sun is never completely covered from anywhere in North America during this eclipse, it's never safe to look directly at it without proper eye protection.

Anyone planning to watch should wear certified eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun. If you're using binoculars, a telescope, or a camera, you'll also need an approved solar filter fitted to the front of the optics.

What causes a solar eclipse?

According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking some or all of the Sun's light. During a partial solar eclipse, the Moon covers only part of the Sun, creating the appearance of a crescent-shaped Sun rather than plunging the landscape into darkness. This is what will be visible in North America.

Where can you see the partial solar eclipse in North America?

NASA says the best places to spot the eclipse in North America include parts of the northern U.S. (from Alaska to North Carolina) and most of Canada. While parts of the world will see a total solar eclipse, viewers in North America will experience a partial eclipse.

How to watch 2026 Solar Eclipse livestreams

NASA is livestreaming the eclipse on YouTube, Twitch, X, Amazon Prime, Facebook, Instagram, and NASA+.

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If your feeds are blowing up with talk of the upcoming total solar eclipse, this might burst your bubble: The show might not be coming to a sky near you.

On Aug. 12, the moon will sweep its shadow across the top of the world, briefly turning day into twilight along a narrow path through Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, northern Spain, and a sliver of Portugal. That's the path of totality — where the sun is completely blocked — and it's the first time in 27 years that mainland Europe has gotten a full, real-deal solar eclipse.

But people in the United States won't be in that bullseye. Instead, a part of the country will see a partial solar eclipse, where the moon nips the sun but never covers it completely. The sky won't go dark, the stars won't pop out, and you won't get the full moody effect. But with the right eyewear, you could still see the sun turn into a yummy space crescent roll in the middle of a Wednesday.

For a U.S. audience, this eclipse is either a drop-everything-and-fly-to-Iceland kind of deal or a fun coffee break at work. Here's how to plan 15 minutes to step outside and look up safely — or, better yet, ditch the special eyewear and get a front-row seat to the main event with a livestream from where the real action is happening. 

SEE ALSO: Pluto has a heart. Scientists discovered that it's bleeding. How to watch the solar eclipse online tonight

For U.S. viewers, NASA plans a live broadcast on Aug. 12, with telescope views, commentary from scientists, and footage from research aircraft flying under the moon's shadow. 

In Europe, the European Space Agency and other organizations, such as the Royal Observatory, will host their own streams. The Exploratorium, which has a long track record of eclipse coverage, will again provide a live telescope feed from inside the path of totality in Spain. Here's a go-to list of live broadcasts that you can hop to and from without having to board a jet: 

• NASA: Streaming on NASA+ and YouTube, with views from Spain and high-altitude aircraft, starting at 1:15 p.m. ET.

• ESA: Hosting a live broadcast from the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre in Teruel, Spain, and a separate telescope feed, starting at 19:30 CEST, or 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. ET. 

• The Exploratorium: Broadcasting a live telescope view from Spain at 1:30 p.m. ET.

• Royal Observatory: Hosting a live broadcast from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, where the United Kingdom will see about 90 percent sun coverage during the eclipse, starting at 1:10 p.m. ET.

• TimeandDate.com: Streaming the event with real-time animations, maps, and expert commentary, starting at noon ET. 

Where in the US can you see it?

The farther north you are, the better the show.

As the moon's shadow creeps from Russia to Greenland and Iceland and onward to Europe, the outer part of that shadow — the penumbra — brushes North America. Within that outer shadow, the sun is only partially blocked, but the effect might still be noticeable if you're paying attention.

The United States will not experience a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, but many states will get a partial solar eclipse. Credit: NASA infographic

Nationwide, 26 states and Washington, D.C., will get a very slight partial eclipse. The states include Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. 

Many parts of Alaska and the far north will see the larger bites, with the eclipse unfolding earlier in the day. In parts of the south, it may register more as a subtle dimming — not much different from a little cloud cover. Just over the border, Canada gets a better view. Much of the country lies deeper in the partial zone. Northern and western areas catch the show in the morning; eastern provinces get it in the afternoon.

For the United States, the event begins at 7:34 a.m. Alaska Standard Time and ends on the East Coast at 2:52 p.m. ET. To zero in on your specific area's times, visit Timeanddate.com and enter your city or ZIP code. 

Everything to know about eclipse glasses

It's plain and simple: If any part of the sun's face is visible, you must protect your eyes to look up at it. That's true in Alaska, Texas, Iceland, Spain — everywhere.

For Americans in the partial zone, the go‑to tools are protective eyewear or a handheld solar viewer designed for viewing the sun. Eclipse glasses are not just dark sunglasses. Legit eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker and built to block most of the sun's visible and invisible light. 

Reputable ones follow the ISO 12312‑2 safety standard; when you put them on indoors, you shouldn't be able to see anything except maybe the brightest lights.

Keep the glasses or viewer on the whole time you're looking at the sun. Never look through eclipse glasses into a telescope or binoculars unless the optics also have a proper solar filter on the front. Concentrated sunlight can burn through a filter and through the delicate tissue at the back of your eyes, far faster than you'd expect.

A simple pinhole projector — or even a small hole in an index card projecting the sun's image onto the ground or another surface — will show you the sun's change from a circle to a crescent and back again without ever having to look up. During the partial phases, the gaps between tree leaves do the same thing naturally, scattering tiny crescent suns onto sidewalks.

Tree leaves reveal crescent suns like pinhole projectors on the ground as its partially obscured light filters through them. Credit: Michael S. Williamson / The Washington Post via Getty Images If you're not in totality, is it still worthwhile?

That all depends on your appetite and attitude. On the ground in the United States, you'll get a sun that looks wrong in an intriguing way, light that feels a little hushed, and shadows that sharpen. 

At the same time, cameras and telescopes along the path of totality will be streaming the full blackout — the sun's corona glowing behind a black disk like a scalloped crown. You might like to take an imaginary journey in your mind, see what it looks like from Reykjavik or a Spanish hillside.

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I learned that my iPhone 15 Pro Max and the upcoming 2026 total solar eclipse do not mix. I stumbled upon BGR's article, which warned skygazers against using their phones to take pictures of the imminent cosmic event.

If you're like me, you may be wondering "Why?" After all, who wouldn't want to snap a photo of such an awe-inspiring celestial occurrence?

Opens in a new window Credit: Lunt Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses (Pack of 5) £26.21 at Amazon
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: AAA Eclipse AAA Eclipse Solar Viewing Glasses (Pack of 50) $49.95 at Amazon
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As it turns out, taking a photo of the 2026 solar eclipse could damage your iPhone's camera hardware.

SEE ALSO: Solar eclipse 2026 from the US: how to watch from home and online Why you shouldn't take a photo of the 2026 solar eclipse with your phone

In the same way that you shouldn't use a telescope or binoculars to gaze at the sun (you could melt your eyeballs off), you shouldn't use your phone's shooter — or any other poorly equipped camera — to take a photo of the solar eclipse.

BGR says that no smartphone is designed to handle the intense solar rays the sun emanates. "Using your camera or phone could cause the heat from the rays to become so concentrated that it could melt the lens inside," the tech outlet warned.

Days before the April 8, 2024 eclipse that swept across parts of North America, NASA provided similar advice.

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There is a workaround in that you can purchase filters for your phone and camera.

NEEWER 67mm Clip On Filters Kit for Phone & Camera Credit: Amazon

But the best way to see the eclipse might very well be with your eyes rather than a camera lens. That is, if they are fully protected.

SEE ALSO: Here's where to buy legit solar eclipse glasses that'll arrive before Wednesday's eclipse

It must be emphasized that it's imperative that your eyes are protected. NASA recommends getting "ISO 12312-2" grade solar eclipse glasses that filter harmful light.

The historic 2026 total solar eclipse is set to happen Aug. 12 and, depending where you are, might only be visible as a partial solar eclipse if it's visible at all. Mashable's Elisha Sauers, our space reporter, shares exactly when and where to get the best view of the 2026 solar eclipse.

Want more science and tech news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Light Speed newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

UPDATE: Aug. 9, 2026, 11:00 a.m. EDT This 2024 story was updated to include information related to the 2026 solar eclipse happening on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

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

More than a third of U.S. states have introduced age verification laws for online adult content, including Texas. In response, Pornhub has blocked users in those locations from accessing their site. That means millions of users in Texas (and around the world) are now unable to access Pornhub.

There are complicated reasons for this situation, but the workaround is simple. If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Texas, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Texas

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

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

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% 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 $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free in Texas with ExpressVPN.

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

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 12, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for August 12 Pips

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 1-2, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (6): Everything in this space must be greater than 6. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed vertically.

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

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (8): Everything in this space must be greater than 8. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (8): Everything in this space must be greater than 8. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for August 12 Pips

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

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Number (16): Everything in this space must add up to 16. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 5-6, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (14): Everything in this space must add up to 14. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

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

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

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Pretending

• Green: Goes by one name

• Blue: Before the catch

• Purple: MLB trade deadline players

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Fake a Foul

• Green: Mononymic Athletes

• Blue: Comes Before "Catch"

• Purple: Pitchers Dealt Ahead of This Year's MLB Trade Deadline

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 #688 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Fake a Foul: ACT, DIVE, EMBELLISH, FLOP

• Mononymic Athletes: ICHIRO, LEBRON, SERENA, TIGER

• Comes Before "Catch": BASKET, CONTESTED, FAIR, SHOESTRING

• Pitchers Dealt Ahead of This Year's MLB Trade Deadline: EARLY, RAY, SKUBAL, WEAVER

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

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

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

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you watch a lot of cable TV.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Feel this

• Green: Frogs

• Blue: TV last names

• Purple: Doing alright

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Hold Onto, As a Feeling

• Green: Kinds of Frogs

• Blue: NBC Sitcom Surnames

• Purple: Starting with Affirmative Responses

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 #1158 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Hold Onto, As a Feeling: FOSTER, HARBOR, MAINTAIN, NURSE

• Kinds of Frogs: BULL, GREEN, POISON DART, TREE

• NBC Sitcom Surnames: BENES, BING, LEMON, SCOTT

• Starting with Affirmative Responses: FINE PRINT, GOODBYE, GREAT WHITE, OKAYAMA

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

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

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you've been around a cowardly person.

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

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

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

Weak and timid.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccuring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.

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...

WIMPY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you like buying fresh fruits and vegetables.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 7, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Making a difference

The words are related to donation.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe charitable actions.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Philanthropy.

NYT Strands word list for August 12

• Contribute

• Grant

• Give

• Endow

• Bestow

• Donate

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

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

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

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

What did you think of that massive House of the Dragon season 3 finale? Betrayals, big character deaths, dragon action—what more could you want?! Oh, you already want something else to watch on HBO Max? I get it. Well, while Lanterns is days away and season 5 of Abbott Elementary even longer, the pickings are a bit slim, but there's still some good TV to watch that might surprise you.

TL;DR: UmanWrite is an AI tool that turns generic AI writing into more natural prose, and it’s only $79 for life.

Opens in a new window Credit: UmanWrite UmanWrite All-in-One AI Writing Platform: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan/Unlimited Words) $79
$1,799 Save $1,720   Get Deal

Whether you’re using Claude or GPT, AI writing usually sounds like AI writing. It’s clinical and awkward, but that doesn’t mean you have to manually edit every piece of content AI produces. UmanWrite is a new tool that humanizes AI writing, using more natural language to keep your audience reading rather than wondering whether you had a human writer or a robot.

Right now, you can even pick up a UmanWrite lifetime subscription on sale for $79 (reg. $1,799).

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UmanWrite’s AI Humanizer rewrites machine-generated text into writing that sounds like an actual person. The built-in AI Detector scans each draft for the types of patterns detectors look for before you ever publish. These are subtle trends you might not notice while reading, but you never know if algorithms will ding you for having them in your content.

A grammar checker cleans up common errors and evises for clarity and readability in the same pass, so a rough draft becomes publication-ready without switching between three separate apps.

For students, freelancers, and marketers who lean on AI but still need their writing to sound like them, having humanizing, checking, and voice-matching in one place saves a ton of time.

Voice Profiles are a unique angle UmanWrite has that other tools don’t. You feed the platform samples of your own writing, and it trains on your tone and vocabulary, so later drafts read the way you write. You can train an unlimited number of them, one for each client or project, and every edit you make teaches the tool a little more about your style. Context-aware writing then adjusts each draft to the audience and purpose you set.

Most writing tools cap your word count and bill you every month. This lifetime plan runs unlimited monthly words with requests up to 2,500 words at a time, and no recurring fee once you buy in.

Stop paying every month for a tool that caps your work. Get a UmanWrite lifetime subscription on sale for $79.

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In 1997, on a Shinkansen bullet train running between Tokyo and Nagoya, then-Volkswagen AG CEO Ferdinand Piëch grabbed an envelope and sketched an engine that had been on his mind for a while. He had just finished talking with Karl-Heinz Neumann, the automaker's head of powertrain development, about the VR6, Volkswagen's narrow-angle six-cylinder engine, compact enough to fit transversely even in a Golf.

There are countless project management apps out there, but many of them are packed with features I never use. So I asked Gemini, ChatGPT, and Copilot to build a Kanban board that worked offline, saved my data locally, and didn't require yet another subscription. I gave all three the same prompt and tested the results, and they all created working apps. But the one I liked most surprised me.

By now, if you’re a Prime Video subscriber in the U.S., you should have already had your way with Masters of the Universe and Project Hail Mary, both of which are still all over the Top 10 charts. The real question is, what to watch next.

The latest beta release for the iPhone's operating system, iOS 27 beta 5, is here.

With this release from Apple come some design changes and feature updates. However, new features and design tweaks aren't the biggest news to come with this new beta release. iOS 27 beta 5 provides references to 6 unreleased iPhone models, essentially confirming the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup for the very first time.

What's new with iOS 27 beta 5?

The most visual updates with iOS 27 beta 5 are new icons for several major Apple apps. Safari, Siri, Preview, App Store and Remote app icons have all received updates. Some other apps have received more minor Liquid Glass-related tweaks.

Siri's AI update continues to receive upgrades as well. iOS 27 beta 5 brings more voice customization options. Pace and Expressivity can now be adjusted for all of the available American English voices and the British English voices as well.

Contacts also received a slight upgrade. If a company is associated with a specific contact, Contacts will now show that company name under the contact's name and in the search results.

Apple is providing users with more control over the Search function on their iPhone in iOS 27 beta 5. Users can choose whether app results appear in Search. If turned on, users can also control whether Search results show four or eight apps. There's a new "Search the Web" option at the bottom of Search results too.

There's a slew of additional smaller updates as well. For example, Software Update will now let users know when the last update was installed on their iPhone, the Clock app uses a thicker font for Alarms and Timers, and Control Center no longer displays cellular network information while the iPhone is connected to WiFi.

SEE ALSO: iPhone Fold September debut looks increasingly likely, report reveals iOS 27 beta 5 makes the iPhone 18 lineup 'official'

There have been plenty of leaks, rumors, and speculation regarding Apple's upcoming new iPhone lineup. However, the iOS 27 beta 5 provides some of the strongest evidence yet that those devices are on the way. For the very first time, iPhone system files make references to 6 new iPhone models, alongside the existing iPhones. The new iPhones are referred to as V62, V63, V64, V67, V68, and V69.

Previous leaks and reporting indicate that those identifiers line up with the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18, the rumored foldable iPhone that may be called the iPhone Ultra, and iPhone 18e respectively.

SEE ALSO: All the foldable iPhone Ultra hints in the iOS 27 beta

If you'd like to update your iPhone to the iOS 27 beta 5 release, open the Settings app, tap General, and select Software Update. After that, select the iOS 27 Developer Beta under Beta Updates and your iPhone will be able to update to the latest beta version.

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Google returns to New York on Wednesday, Aug. 12, for its annual Made by Google hardware event, and this year the show arrives with an unusually thin veil of secrecy. Between official teasers and a steady drip of leaks, most of the headline details about the Pixel 11 lineup are already circulating — leaving the live keynote to mostly confirm what's already known.

This year's event also comes with a notable format shift. Comedian and former Daily Show host Trevor Noah is set to emcee the show, joined by a sprawling guest list that includes Stephen Curry, Alex Cooper, Shubman Gill, Peggy Gou, Jesser, JuJu Watkins, Chari Hawkins, and PinkPantheress, according to Android Authority. That's a departure from last year, when Made by Google was presented as a non-canon Tonight Show segment with Jimmy Fallon rather than a standalone keynote.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect.

When and how to watch

The keynote streams live on the Made by Google YouTube channel, with a mirrored feed on the Google Store, starting at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on Aug. 12. That's a notably later start than in previous years. The Pixel 10 event, for example, began at 1 p.m. ET. International viewers will also need to plan around it: The event begins at 11 p.m. in the UK, midnight in continental Europe, and 3:30 a.m. IST on Aug. 13.

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Adding to the unusual scheduling, both The Verge and Android Authority note that Google and Best Buy had published a Pixel 11 preorder countdown set to expire at 10 a.m. ET — roughly eight hours before the keynote even begins. So expect most news about the Pixel 11 series to be on the web before the show starts.

Pixel 11 lineup

Expect to see these four phones showcased during the livestream:

• Pixel 11

• Pixel 11 Pro

• Pixel 11 Pro XL

• Pixel 11 Pro Fold

The Verge and Tech Advisor both frame these as largely iterative updates rather than a redesign. The Verge notes that the phones should look similar to the Pixel 10 series, though with a camera bar that is black all the way across.

Reporting from several outlets points to a new Tensor G6 chip as the headline internal upgrade. Digital Trends reports that it will be Google's first chip built on a 2-nanometer process by TSMC, which could make the Pixel 11 one of the very first smartphones on the market to use that manufacturing process. Android Authority adds that the chip is said to use newer Arm C1 cores, a PowerVR GPU, and — notably — switch from Samsung-derived modems to MediaTek's M90 modem, a move the outlet suggests could help address long-standing Pixel complaints about heat, battery life, and connectivity.

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Google is also reportedly planning to drop the 128GB base storage tier in favor of 256GB as the new minimum for the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro. Early listings also point to 12GB of RAM in the Pixel 11 Pro, a drop from the 16GB found in the Pixel 10 Pro and a potentially notable reduction given Google's AI ambitions for the phone.

On the camera front, Android Authority reports that the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL are expected to keep a triple-camera setup (50MP main, 48MP ultrawide with macro, and a 48MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom), with digital zoom reportedly reaching as high as 120x. New camera software said to be in the works includes an improved Cinematic Blur mode, video relighting, 4K/30fps capture, and an Ultra Low Light video mode. Digital Trends notes that the standard Pixel 11's camera specs remain contested among leakers, with some reports describing only two rear cameras and others insisting the telephoto lens will remain.

Android Authority also reports that the foldable is expected to have an 8-inch inner display and a slimmer folded profile of 10.1mm. Digital Trends adds that it may gain a telephoto lens for the first time and that the battery may actually shrink slightly to 4,750mAh, offset, in theory, by the more efficient chip. Notably, multiple outlets suggest that the Fold could ship around the same time as the rest of the lineup this year (Android Authority cites an Aug. 20 rumor) rather than arriving weeks later, as it has in the past.

Pricing

Price increases across the board appear all but certain. Digital Trends reports that Google's VP of devices and services, Shakil Barkat, has already confirmed that pricing adjustments are coming due to rising component costs, without giving exact figures. The Verge similarly notes that a Google executive told 9to5Google the pricing "adjustments" are tied to a broader industry memory crisis. Here are the likely starting prices:

• Pixel 11 — $899

• Pixel 11 Pro — $1,099

• Pixel 11 Pro XL — $1,299

• Pixel 11 Pro Fold — $1,899

Colors

Tech Advisor highlights color options as one of the more distinctive parts of this year's refresh, given how incremental the hardware changes otherwise appear: a bright pink option for the standard Pixel 11, a "Dune" hero color with a gold frame for the Pro models, and a new matte-black take on Obsidian, sometimes referred to as "Midnight Haze."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Pixel Watch 5

The Pixel Watch 5 is expected to keep the familiar round design of its predecessor, according to Digital Trends, with only modest internal changes. Android Authority and The Verge both cite leaked specs pointing to a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 "Accelerated" chip, 3GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage — double the previous model's capacity. Battery life is expected to remain roughly the same as that of the Pixel Watch 4, at 30 and 40 hours for the 41mm and 45mm sizes, respectively.

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Tech Advisor describes the new watch as having "done a Pixel 10a" by being nearly identical to its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 4. Owners are unlikely to feel compelled to upgrade if that's the case.

Pricing leaks cited across several outlets suggest that the 41mm model could start at around $399, up from $349.99, while the 45mm model could start at around $429, up from $399.99.

There are also mentions of a Pixel Watch 5 Steph Curry Special Edition. It's reportedly just a special-edition watch band, likely U.S.-only and limited to the larger case size — tying into Curry's expected appearance at the event.

The HiLight feature

Several outlets single out a new lighting feature, variously reported under the working names "Pixel Glow" and, more recently, "HiLight." It is one of the more talked-about additions, even if opinions differ on how useful it will actually be.

The Verge and Android Authority both report that the feature is housed in the camera-bar flash, which reportedly doubles as an RGB light capable of glowing in different colors — for instance, to signal a call from a specific contact or indicate an active conversation with Gemini. The Verge notes that code spotted in Google's Contacts app appears to confirm the "HiLight" name and per-contact color customization. Android Authority reports that the feature is exclusive to the Pro models and effectively replaces the temperature sensor found on the camera bar of previous-generation phones.

Not everyone is convinced that it will be a major selling point. Tech Advisor is openly skeptical, arguing that, as currently described, HiLight amounts to a light that changes color for calls or Gemini interactions — moments when users are typically already looking at the phone's front, not its camera bar — and calls it "a bit of a dud" pending further details from Google.

As of now, one leak suggests that the feature apparently won't be available on the base Pixel 11.

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

Several outlets suggest that software, not hardware, may be the actual centerpiece of this year's presentation. The Verge frames Gemini Intelligence as central to explaining why the new phones matter, given how visually similar they are to the outgoing generation. Android Authority echoes that point, noting that with the hardware changes being relatively modest, Google "needs to explain why its latest generation matters," and expects Gemini to dominate the presentation.

On the Pixel Watch 5 specifically, The Verge reports that marketing materials describe Gemini Intelligence as a "personal, proactive assistant" capable of surfacing helpful information unprompted. A feature called "Proactive Suggestions" is said to offer context-aware reply recommendations for messages, and the materials reportedly tout improved sleep tracking as well.

What's probably not coming

The Verge is explicit that rumored Googlebook laptops and Android XR smart glasses are unlikely to appear, noting that Google previously said both product lines are slated for a fall launch rather than an August debut. Tech Advisor similarly rules out a Pixel smart ring or new Pixelsnap accessories, citing a lack of supporting leaks.

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I used Unraid as my only home server platform for nearly five years before I decided to jump ship to a traditional Linux distro. Unraid was still working well for me, but there were just one or two things it didn't excel at, and those areas are right where Ubuntu shines.

Windows laptops just can't catch a break. As the memory chip shortage rages on, a new report from the Taiwanese newspaper United Daily News (UDN) says PCs are facing further price hikes as Microsoft raises its Windows 11 licensing fees for device manufacturers.

According to a PC brand executive who spoke anonymously to UDN, Microsoft normally bumps its Windows license fees for PC makers by small margins every year. However, the latest increases are much higher than usual.

SEE ALSO: RAMageddon is making it harder to find the best Windows laptops. These 10 are actually worth it.

"In the past, licensing fees mostly increased by single digits each year, but starting in July this year, the average increase has reached 7 percent to 10 percent," UDN wrote. Other brand executives interviewed by the newspaper noted that the licensing fee increases vary by processor type; more powerful devices with higher-end CPUs have seen bigger increases than lower-end models.

These licensing fee changes are already impacting current PC prices, per UDN's sources. That would make sense since most Windows laptops and desktops sold to consumers come with their operating systems pre-installed. (In a win for DIYers, pricing for individual Windows 11 licenses remains unchanged.)

When reached for comment by Mashable, a representative for Microsoft said the company "has nothing to share at this time."

If true, UDN's report means PC makers are facing unprecedented financial challenges on the software and hardware fronts. The AI boom has caused a shortage of physical computer components like RAM and SSD storage chips, forcing brands like Dell, Framework, and Microsoft itself to jack up their laptop prices in recent months. Some experts predict that this crisis, often referred to as "RAMageddon," will continue to worsen later this year and into next.