Technology

Craving a little dystopian sci-fi or some too-crazy-to-be-a-true-story financial comedy to help get you through your work week? OK, how about a Ben Stiller dodgeball classic, or an Oscar-sweeping dark dramedy? All this and many more movies are available on Hulu.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said during a Q2 earnings call last week that Tesla's long-rumored "lower cost" new car will, in fact, be a stripped-down Model Y. Now, the details about the upcoming car are leaking.

Tesla enthusiast Luca Presti (via Teslarati) shared a Chinese video on Saturday detailing some of the alleged changes to the more "affordable" Model Y.

SEE ALSO: Tesla to launch Model 3 Plus with massive range

Presti's list of differences compared to the currently available Model Y is quite long, but it boils down to using cheaper materials, as well as removing some of the more luxurious features to make the car less costly to manufacture.

By far the biggest changes on the exterior are lack of glass roof, which has been replaced by a solid panel in the same color as the rest of the vehicle, as well as no light bar on the front or back. The reflective part of the tailgate is also gone. And even though we've seen rumors of this version having a shorter wheelbase and less legroom, it appears to be roughly the same as the current Model Y in the video Presti shared.

Inside, the rear display has been removed, the seats are partially covered in textile (instead of vegan leather) and the number of speakers has been reduced. The center console is now divided into two parts. In what appears to be a particularly stingy change, even the coat hooks are gone.

NotaTeslaApp has put together a list of changes in the lower cost Model Y, which includes those that can't be seen in leaks, but includes stuff that's fairly easy to remove, such as heated and ventilated seats and power reclining rear seats.

Tesla already did something similar with the Mexican version of the Model 3, which also has textile seats and no rear infotainment screen. Whether the new, cheaper Model Y will be more widely available remains to be seen.

Whether such a stripped-down Model Y will be worth buying is another matter, and it largely depends on price. Tesla's standard models include a lot of premium features not typically seen on entry-level variants of competing vehicles, so Tesla can afford to remove some of these and still be competitive (at the right price). But if the leaks are accurate, this really is a heavily stripped-down Model Y, and the missing features might be a tough pill to swallow for some buyers.

I know how difficult it can be to decide what to watch on Netflix, so why not let me save you the endless scrolling? As someone who's seen more movies than I can count, I'm confident I can guide you well.

The Donald Trump/Jeffrey Epstein scandal has been the topic of choice for most late night hosts this week — but if you need a recap, John Oliver has you covered.

During his intro to Last Week Tonight on Sunday, the host went through all the latest developments around the relationship between the U.S. president and the convicted child sex offender — one Trump has urged his followers to move on from.

SEE ALSO: Seth Meyers recaps the Trump/Epstein scandal in 10 damning minutes

Oliver unpacked everything from the 50th birthday card Trump allegedly sent Epstein — "'May every day be another wonderful secret' is absolutely what would be inside a Hallmark card if they had a subcategory called Birthday For Prolific Sex Traffickers," said Oliver — to the resurfaced footage of a 2010 deposition in which Epstein invokes various Amendments rather than responding to attorney Jack Scarola's question on whether or not he had "ever socialized with Donald Trump in the presence of females under the age of 18."

"If the answer's no, just say that!" commented Oliver. "Instead Epstein started listing Amendments like he was ordering off the value menu."

Ultimately, Oliver concluded that despite his best efforts, Trump being unable to escape the Epstein scandal is offering a small measure of something that's been absent in the entire case so far.

"Look, maybe those files show nothing more than that Trump and Epstein are two creeps who enjoyed one another's company. Do I think that's possible? Though I'd like to answer that question, I'd like to plead the fourth, 12th and 22nd Amendment," Oliver said. "But even if that's the case, and Trump eventually ends up consumed by a conspiracy monster he cynically helped create and now can't control, then at least that'll be a slither of something that's frankly been in short supply in this whole Epstein story — and that is actual justice."

For more late night coverage of the growing Trump/Epstein story, check out Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers and The Daily Show.

SAVE $149.01: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is down to $649.99 on Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price on this popular model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 $649.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $149.01 Get Deal

For those who can’t get enough of good-looking fitness tech, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 might finally be worth the splurge — especially now that it’s $649.99 on Amazon as of July 28. That’s a full $149 off the usual $799 list price, and according to camelcamelcamel, the cheapest this watch has ever been.

This deal is specifically for the 49mm GPS + Cellular models paired with the indigo alpine or olive alpine loop (both in medium sizing). These aren’t just straps made for style; they’re designed for endurance athletes, backcountry explorers, and underwater adventurers alike.

A significant upgrade from the Ultra 1, the Ultra 2 is one of Apple’s toughest, most capable smartwatches to date. Its rugged titanium case, MIL-STD 810H testing, and 100m water resistance make it fit for nearly any extreme. You’re also getting a sapphire front crystal, customisable Action button, and incredibly bright Always-On Retina display — one of the brightest Apple’s ever made.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals this week: MacBooks, AirPods, and more

Serious athletes will appreciate the precision dual-frequency GPS, advanced cycling and running metrics, offline topo maps, and automated workout tracking. There’s even cellular connectivity baked in, so you can leave your phone behind and still call, text, stream music, or get directions on the go (just remember to activate a service plan).

Battery life also outperforms most other smartwatches: up to 36 hours on a full charge, or a whopping 72 hours in Low Power Mode.

Altogether, if you’ve been eyeing this beast of a watch, now’s a smart time to snag one. 

If you’re planning to upgrade more of your tech setup, check out the best Apple deals of the week — including Macbooks, Airpods, and more. For those still choosing which brand they prefer, check out our list of smartwatches for every wrist among Apple, Samsung, FitBit, Garmin, and more.

If you want to add a splash of style or fun to your yard, patio, or walkway, Govee's latest Outdoor Clear Bulb String Lights are an easy way to get it done. Compared to previous models, these Clear Bulb lights are more elegant, and while they're certainly charming, they're also expensive and have a few of the usual drawbacks.

A tiny red star not far from Earth is turning out to be a heavyweight in the search for rocky worlds.

Nestled just 35 light-years away in space, the star L 98-59 is home to a tight-knit pack of exoplanets, including one that now appears to orbit at just the right distance to harbor liquid water. 

Using data from NASA’s TESS space telescope and a pair of high-precision instruments in Chile, scientists led by the Université de Montréal have confirmed a fifth planet in the system — and this one is in the so-called habitable zone. The team thinks it could receive as much warmth from its star as Earth does from the sun.

And it’s not alone. The L 98-59 system already has a reputation for its wide variety of intriguing exoplanets. 

"With its diversity of rocky worlds and range of planetary compositions, L 98-59 offers a unique laboratory to address some of the field’s most pressing questions," said René Doyon, one of the study's researchers, in a statement. "What are super-Earths and sub-Neptunes made of? Do planets form differently around small stars? Can rocky planets around red dwarfs retain atmospheres over time?"

SEE ALSO: NASA spacecraft snaps a rare photo of Mars and its moons together

Red dwarf stars like L 98-59, sometimes referred to as M-type stars, are the most ubiquitous kind in the Milky Way, yet nobody knows whether planets closely orbiting them can hold onto atmospheres, Néstor Espinoza, a Space Telescope Science Institute researcher, previously told Mashable. Though these host stars aren't as hot as the sun, nearby worlds would be exposed to their extreme stellar radiation.

Most astronomers agree that detecting atmospheres in general is crucial in the search for habitable worlds. NASA has playfully called Earth's own atmosphere its "security blanket": Without it, the type of life flourishing here wouldn't exist. This cocoon holds oxygen in the air and filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, all while keeping the world warm. Furthermore, it creates pressure that allows liquid water to pool on the surface.

Espinoza is a leader in the new massive James Webb Space Telescope study of rocky worlds, specifically to find out if planets around red dwarfs could have air. The campaign, first reported by Mashable, will take a closer look at a dozen nearby-ish planets outside the solar system over the next two years.

One of the exoplanets in the L 98-59 system, located in the constellation Volans, has already gotten a first look from Webb. A separate research team revealed that L 98-59 d, a bit larger and heavier than Earth, could have a sulfur-rich atmosphere that reeks of burnt matches and rotten eggs. Agnibha Banerjee, one of the researchers, said the team will need more observations to confirm those findings.

"If these findings can be confirmed and turn out to be true, this planet won't be pleasant on human noses," Banerjee previously told Mashable. "Then again, if a human in the far future were to ever visit, the smell would be the least of their problems — in the midst of crushing pressure, boiling temperatures, and toxic gases."

The latest discovery by the Montreal team of a fifth planet, known as L 98-59 f — along with insights into its planetary neighbors — will be presented in a new paper accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journal.

"These new results paint the most complete picture we’ve ever had of the fascinating L 98-59 system," said Charles Cadieux, first author of the paper, in a statement. "It’s a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve by combining data from space telescopes and high-precision instruments on Earth, and it gives us key targets for future atmospheric studies with the James Webb Space Telescope."

This study uses data from two ground-based telescopes and two space telescopes. From top left to bottom right: European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope; ESO 3.6-metre telescope with the HARPS instrument; NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS); and the James Webb Space Telescope. Credit: G. Hüdepohl / ESO / NASA illustrations

To discover the planet, the scientists didn't need new telescope time. Instead, they used cutting-edge techniques to squeeze more juice out of existing data. For instance, L 98-59 f doesn’t cross in front of its star from Earth's point of view, making it invisible to planet-hunting cameras. But researchers were able to detect it through subtle wobbles in the star’s motion, caused by the tug of the unseen planet’s gravity. 

By combining and reanalyzing records, they also dramatically improved estimates of the other planets’ sizes, weights, and orbits. One planet is smaller and lighter than Earth — a rare confirmed "sub-Earth" — while others show signs of being rich in water or heated by internal volcanic activity like Jupiter's moon Io, thanks to gravitational stretching. 

Many planet hunters haven't been this optimistic about the search for habitable worlds since the tantalizing TRAPPIST-1 system.

"With these new results," said coauthor Alexandrine L'Heureux in a statement, "L 98-59 joins the select group of nearby, compact planetary systems that we hope to understand in greater detail over the coming years."

SAVE $330: As of July 28, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is on sale for $469 at Amazon. That's a 41% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $469 at Amazon
$799 Save $330 Get Deal

Looking for a new power station to power your next camping trip, road trip, or power outage? We've found just the deal for you. As of July 28, the impressive Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is back on sale, this time saving you $330 on list price.

This particular model provides a 1,500W AC output (with a 3,000W surge), so it can run things like fridges, electric pots, and even AC units. It weighs just 23.8lbs and features a foldable handle, so it’s perfect for camping trips.

SEE ALSO: There's still time to save $300 on the DJI Power 2000 portable power station

It charges up quickly, too. You'll only need one hour to go from 0 to 100% battery, with emergency charging enabled in the Jackery App (or 1.7 hours on the standard mode). It also benefits from a huge range of charging ports. This model benefits from USB-C, USB-A, AC outlets, a car port, and LED lights, and supports fast USB-C PD 100W charging.

It also has an incredible lifespan, equipped with a durable LFP battery, maintaining over 70% of its original capacity after 4,000 charge cycles, offering a lifespan of 10 years and more.

Get this deal from Amazon now before it runs out.

Grindr has begun blocking users from including the phrase "no Zionists" in their dating profiles. Attempting to do so now triggers an error message saying the terms "no Zionist" and "no Zionists" are "not allowed." The change was first reported by 404 Media on Thursday and later confirmed by Mashable on Saturday.

Credit: Grindr screenshot

But while Grindr has cracked down on that specific phrase, other offensive and exclusionary language — including "no FFA" (fats, femmes, Asians), "no Blacks," and even "no Jews" — remains allowed in user bios. These discriminatory "preferences" have long sparked criticism, and they appear to conflict with Grindr’s own terms of service, which prohibit content that a “reasonable person could deem to be objectionable,” including language that is "racially or ethnically… offensive."

"It's kind of crazy," said Gabriel, a Grindr user who showed me the error message firsthand. "Like I was typing a bunch of things in there, and I'm able to type stuff like no fats, no femmes, no Asians. The Zionists one is so crazy because I've seen people say no conservatives, no liberals. It's just interesting."

When reached for comment, a Grindr spokesperson told Mashable the restriction was introduced "following user escalations around its potentially inflammatory nature," and that the company is "currently conducting a review on this matter." Pressed on why "no Zionists" was flagged while other racially charged phrases remain untouched, a Grindr representative repeated that it is still reviewing the policy, offering no further explanation.

Grindr has long faced criticism for its inconsistent efforts to address racism on its platform. In 2020, amid the Black Lives Matter protests, the company pledged to remove its controversial ethnicity filters — but the feature remained active for weeks after the announcement, persisting through several app updates. The issue isn't exclusive to Grindr, either. On Hinge, for example, ethnicity is one of just three filters available to all users without a premium subscription, out of a total of 13.

As noted in 404 Media’s original report, Grindr’s founder, Joel Simkhai, is Israeli and left the company in 2018 after it was sold to a Chinese gaming firm. While that detail may offer some context, it doesn’t directly explain the platform’s sudden decision to crack down on anti-Zionist language. In a statement on X responding to the 404 Media story, the Anti-Defamation League praised Grindr for "prohibiting discrimination against Zionists," but added, "They should apply protection to all identities."

SAVE OVER $20: Pick up the Lego Disney and Pixar Up House for just $38.49 — a massive saving at Walmart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney and Pixar ‘Up’ House $38.49 at Walmart
$59.99 Save $21.50 Get Deal

A Lego set from one of the best Pixar movies, Up, has suddenly become a lot more affordable. As of July 28, Walmart has dropped the price of the colourful Lego set of the house from Up to just $38.49. That’s a solid 36% discount on a beloved tribute to one of Disney and Pixar’s most iconic films, and one of Lego standout builds celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary.

Designed for builders ages 9 and up, this 598-piece set features a charmingly detailed section of Carl Fredricksen’s flying house — complete with balloons, a chimney, and rooms filled with accessories that’ll spark creative play. It also comes with fan-favourite characters in Lego form: Carl, Russell, and everyone’s favourite golden retriever, Dug.

SEE ALSO: Our 13 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans

It’s not just for kids either. With its nostalgic value and eye-catching design, this one doubles as a charming display piece for adult Disney fans and Pixar collectors alike. Standing over 10.5 inches tall, it holds its own on any shelf — or desk, if you need some joy between Zoom calls.

As a bonus, the Lego Builder app makes building even more interactive, allowing users to track progress, zoom in on pieces, and rotate the model in 3D.

With Disney’s centennial celebration in full swing, sets like this are flying off shelves — sometimes literally. If you’ve had your eye on the Up House, now’s the time to grab it before it floats away at full price again.

If you’ve got some more Lego money in the budget, check out our list of favourite Lego sets — written by actual Lego fans. What’s more, the Lego Ideas Insect Collection is still $16 off at Amazon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 28 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: Earliest

• Green: Proof

• Blue: Collectibles

• Purple: Types of films

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: Foremost

• Green: Indication

• Blue: Item in a collection

• Purple: ___ Movie

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 #778 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Foremost: FIRST, INITIAL, ORIGINAL, PRIMARY

• Indication: EVIDENCE, HINT, SIGN, TRACE

• Item in a collection: COIN, COMIC, RECORD, STAMP

• ___ Movie: BUDDY, CULT, DATE, SILENT

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 July 28

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 July 28 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 28 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Inch by inch, row by row

The words are plant-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are things needed to grow plants.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Vegetable Garden.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for July 28

• Blossom

• Harvest

• Grow

• Ripen

• Seed

• Sprout

• Vegetable Garden

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 July 27 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 July 28, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Clever.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter V appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

SAVVY.

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 July 28

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for July 28, 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: Progress preventers

• Green: Running event lingo

• Blue: Legendary ballers

• Purple: Same second 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: Football defensive positions

• Green: Relay race terms

• Blue: Nicknames of NBA legends, with "the"

• Purple: ___ run

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 #308 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Football defensive positions - CORNERBACK, DEFENSIVE END, LINEBACKER, SAFETY

• Relay race terms - ANCHOR, BATON, CHANGEOVER, EXCHANGE ZONE

• Nicknames of NBA legends with "the" - ADMIRAL, ANSWER, GLOVE, TRUTH

• ____ run - EARNED, HOME, INSURANCE, PINCH

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.

SAVE $440: Snag the Lefant M3 Robot Vacuum and Mop for just $359.99 at Amazon — that’s 55% off and the best-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lefant Lefant M3 Robot Vacuum $359.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $440 Get Deal

For those seeking a genuinely smart robot vacuum that doesn’t just clean, but does everything, the Lefant M3 might be one of the best options for finally replacing your mop, broom, and duster — and it has never been more affordable.

As of July 28, Amazon has slashed the price of the Lefant M3 robot vacuum and mop to just $359.99, a steep 55% discount from its usual $799.99. According to camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest-ever price for this popular model.

As for what makes the M3 stand out in a market full of robo-cleaners — for starters, 12,000Pa of suction means it doesn’t mess around with dust, pet hair, or even deep-seated debris in carpet fibres. It also mops, and not just lightly. Its dual spinning mops clean edge-to-edge and even wash and dry themselves back at the base station with 113°F hot water.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 25+ robot vacuums. Here are 6 I'd actually recommend buying in 2025.

Throw in self-emptying, self-refilling, and a detergent dispensing system, and Lefant offers you a device that practically takes care of itself for up to eight weeks — before needing to step in to eventually empty the docking station’s bin and refill its water tank.

Pet owners will appreciate the tangle-free brush design, while tech enthusiasts should love the LiDAR mapping, voice control, app-based customisation, and multi-floor memory. It even supports 5G WiFi for a smoother connection.

At just under $360, it’s a rare moment when cutting-edge cleaning tech drops into “treat yourself” territory. But like all limited-time Amazon deals, this price won’t stick around — so if your floors (or your back) could use a break, now’s the time to pounce.

For more options, take a look at Mashable’s list of the 25 best tested robot vacuums.

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 Monday, July 28, 2025:

AcrossCourtroom prosecutors, for short

• The answer is DAs.

Fails to mention

• The answer is Omits.

Finished the season on a hot streak

• The answer is Won Out.

Subtle distinction

• The answer is Nuance.

See 1-Down

• The answer is Right.

DownWith 10-Across, completely and utterly

• The answer is Down.

Love, in French

• The answer is Amour.

Mount where Moses received the Ten Commandments

• The answer is Sinai.

Grab from the grill with a gripper

• The answer is Tong.

"There's no ___ thing!"

• The answer is Such.

Vietnamese New Year

• The answer is Tet.

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.

SAVE $100: As of July 28, the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) is on sale for $299 at Amazon. This is $100 off its list price of $399.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100 Get Deal

Rumors of an Apple Watch Series 11 may be floating around, but if you don't want to wait to get one of Apple's sleek smartwatches right now, we come with good news. The Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) has received a $100 price drop at Amazon, making now a great time to grab it for less.

This has brought the price of the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) down to under $300, saving you 25% on list price. Keep in mind this discount only applies to the jet black model right now. This price is also only $20 away from its Prime Day price of $279.

SEE ALSO: Should you upgrade to the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro? A runner's take.

We consider the Apple Watch Series 10 to be the best smartwatch fitness tracker in our roundup of the best fitness trackers. It boasts a bigger display than its predecessors with a lighter design for your wrist. It also comes packed with features, including sleep tracking, heart rate tracking, metrics for respiratory rate, advanced metrics for various workouts, and Activity Rings to keep an eye on your daily activity goals.

On top of that, you'll get safety features like Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS alongside a sturdy build that's water resistant up to 50 meters, crack resistant, and IP6X-certified dust resistant.

If you've had your eye on the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm), now is your chance to pick it up and save $100. Looking for more Apple deals? Right now, you can also save on the AirPods Max.

SAVE $140: As of July 28, the Dyson Airstrait (refurbished) on sale for $259.99 at Walmart. This deal saves you 35% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airstrait $259.99 at Walmart
$399.99 Save $140 Get Deal

Looking for a new Dyson hair styling product but don't want to pay full price? Don't worry, Walmart has you sorted with this latest deal on the Dyson Airstrait. The catch is that we're talking about a refurbished product here.

As of July 28, these straighteners are $140 off, now priced at just $259.99. The only color option in stock at the time of writing is black.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Dyson: Which cordless vacuum should you get?

And don't be put off by the "refurbished" stamp; this product has gone through thorough testing to ensure it's fit for purpose. According to Walmart, it has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by a performance-managed seller or supplier. It comes with a one-year guarantee, too.

The Airstrait is a fantastic tool for both straightening and drying hair. Long gone are the days of blow drying your hair and then straightening; this device does both at the same time. It uses high-pressure airflow instead of hot plates, so it minimizes the heat damage to your hair.

It's suitable for all hair types, and it gives you the choice of 'wet' and 'dry' modes with multiple heat and speed settings.

Head to Walmart to snap up this great deal on a top straightener.

Fresh off the release of the Nothing Phone (3) and Nothing Headphones (1), UK-based tech startup Nothing just launched a new smartwatch — and it's already a strong contender for best budget smartwatch and fitness tracker of the year. Say hello to the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro — a sleek and affordable smartwatch "designed for everyday users and casual fitness explorers."

The CMF Watch 3 Pro is already on sale at Nothing and Amazon. Nothing lists the retail price at $99 and offers a $20 discount, and now Amazon has matched that price. It's worth noting that not all colorways are still available at Amazon. So you might need to act fast to secure this low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20 Get Deal An AI-powered smartwatch for under $100

Nothing is known for its distinctive-looking products that deliver flagship-like experiences for less, but the Watch 3 Pro's design isn't too far off the wall. It's sleek and relatively subtle, with slim bezels, a round watch face, and a soft silicone band. It does offer over 120 custom watch faces, including video, photo, and AI-generated options through Watch Face Studio, so you can personalize it to match your style.

Feature-wise, the Watch 3 Pro has enough features to double as a fitness tracker. Andrew Freshwater, Head of Smart Products Marketing at Nothing, says it's designed to be the "perfect starting point for anyone beginning their health and fitness journey."

Credit: Nothing Left: Credit: Nothing Right: Credit: Nothing

The Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro also gets a boost from AI. In addition to the AI-generated watch faces, this smartwatch has direct ChatGPT integration. Using natural voice prompts, wearers can ask the AI chatbot questions or set reminders, for starters. It even acts as a voice recorder, which will auto-transcribe conversations or notes.

SEE ALSO: I've tested a lot of smartwatches, but the Versa 4 is the only Fitbit I'd recommend

For athletes, it packs a dual-band five-system GPS setup, which makes for precise location tracking on hikes, rides, and runs, as well as a four-channel heart rate sensor, which makes for accurate readings while you work out. Other features include:

• 130 activity modes to choose from

• A 13-day battery life

• Blood oxygen monitoring

• Stress tracking

• Women's health support

• Guided breathing exercises

While we haven't had a chance to test this new smartwatch yet, it looks like it offers a lot of value at $99. And on sale for $79, it sounds like a steal.

Where to order the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro Buy at Amazon Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $79 (save $20) Get Deal Buy at Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $79 (save $20) Get Deal

SAVE $50: As of July 28, the iRobot Roomba Q0120 is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Q0120 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50 Get Deal

If you're looking for a reliable robot vacuum for under $200, look no further than the iRobot Roomba Q0120, now on sale at Amazon. If you've been shopping around for something for a while, the name Roomba won't be new to you. As of July 28, this popular model is now $50 off.

This model has a three-stage cleaning system that delivers customizable suction for carpets and hard floors. It comes with smart navigation that cleans in neat rows, dodges furniture, and steers clear of stairs or any other obstacles in your house. And for those hard-to-reach corners and edges, the Edge-Sweeping Brush won't miss any dust buildup. A real steal for under $200.

SEE ALSO: Robot vacuums vs. stick vacuums: Shopping advice from someone who has both

And it's all controlled from the iRobot Home App. You can do things like schedule cleans while you're away from home, check to see where it has cleaned, and more. And with up to 120 minutes of cleaning on a single charge, if it doesn't manage your whole house in one go, it'll return itself to the charging station to reboot.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so if you don't want to miss out, move fast.