Technology

I love a good workplace comedy, especially now that I work from home. Still, work is work, and at the end of a long weekday, the last thing we want to think about is, well, work. However, when it comes to escaping your reality for heartily laughable doses of relatability and absurdity, there’s nothing better than bingeing a good workplace sitcom.

Remember the times when you had to make sure no one in your household was using the phone before logging online? The age of dial-up internet is distant now, with broadband and fiber internet being present in most households, but the service has been kept around. Now, though, it's going offline in less than a couple of months.

Are you consider a jump to openSUSE as your operating system? A couple of weeks ago, I made the jump. I overwrote my Garuda Linux installation on my desktop computer with openSUSE Tumbleweed.

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 August 8, 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: Fighting spirit

• Green: Barbecuing

• Blue: Iconic football grounds

• Purple: Defunct NFL homes

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: Fortitude

• Green: Tailgating Needs

• Blue: Famous Soccer Venues

• Purple: Former NFL Cities

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 #321 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Fortitude - GRIT, GUTS, METTLE, MOXIE

• Tailgating Needs - CHAIRS, COOLER, GRILL, TENT

• Famous Soccer Venues - CAMP NOU, OLD TRAFFORD, SAN SIRO, STAMFORD BRIDGE

• Former NFL Cities - CANTON, OAKLAND, SAN DIEGO, ST. LOUIS

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.

TL;DR: Sterling Stock Picker has an AI that helps you invest in the stock market, and it's only A$84 for life. Use code SAVE20 through 7 September.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sterling Stock Picker Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription AU$84
AU$747 Save AU$663 with code SAVE20 Get Deal

The stock market has been especially volatile lately, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to invest. A new specialized AI from the creators of ChatGPT has been trained on the stock market to help you invest your money safely, even in a chaotic market. Sterling Stock Picker can help you determine which investments are worth the money, and a lifetime subscription is even on sale for A$84 (reg. A$747) using code SAVE20 through 7 September.

How does the AI stock picker work?

Sterling Stock Picker uses AI-driven tools to help simplify the investing process for beginners and experienced investors alike.

At the heart of the platform is Finley, your AI financial coach. You can ask Finley questions about the market, your portfolio, or individual stocks and get real-time insights based on actual data. It’s like having a finance expert on call, without booking an appointment or paying hourly rates.

The software uses a combination of technical, earnings, growth, and risk analysis to generate personalized stock recommendations. It even offers a risk tolerance questionnaire and portfolio builder to help you create a strategy that fits your specific goals. If you're not sure whether to buy, hold, or sell, the platform's North Star system helps clarify what action to take.

For anyone who wants to learn as they go, Sterling Stock Picker also has a suite of educational tools. You’ll get detailed explanations of investing strategies and stock performance, plus access to a community forum where users can share insights and ask questions.

And if you prefer a more hands-off approach, the app still does the heavy lifting by highlighting top-performing stocks and suggesting updates to your portfolio.

It's only A$84 with code SAVE20 to get a Sterling Stock Picker Lifetime Subscription, but it won't stay that way. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

When we buy TVs, we try to get the biggest that we can afford. It stands to reason that bigger screens are better for watching videos. Yet time and again, I end up watching more on one of the smallest screens I own.

We already know that Apple is planning to launch a major AI-infused Siri upgrade next year, but it might be better than we thought.

Mark Gurman's latest Power On newsletter at Bloomberg contains interesting information about App Intents, an existing feature that Gurman says will get a big upgrade next spring when the new, smarter Siri launches. When this feature is live, users will be able to use their voices to give Siri complex, cross-app commands.

Examples include using your voice to ask Siri to edit and send off a specific photo to a specific person, or to log into an app hands-free.

SEE ALSO: iPhones, Macs, and iPads will get GPT-5 via Apple Intelligence. Here’s when it happens.

Of course, this is all still in internal testing at Apple, and Gurman's report said there are still concerns about getting it to work with enough apps to be useful at launch. Its accuracy will also be something to watch, as it is with any AI application. Apple first outlined the big upgrades coming to Siri (which has fallen way behind other competing voice assistants like Gemini) back at WWDC in 2024, but delays have led to a situation where the upgrades still aren't out, and probably won't be out in time for the iPhone 17 launch in September.

Hopefully, this feature finally coming out will prevent more headaches for Apple's legal team.

Being able to type quickly on your iPhone can make you more proficient at various tasks, be it web searches, drafting emails, or texting with friends or family. That said, it's not a skill you can develop overnight.

The luxury market is packed with tough competition. Put SUVs to the wayside and focus on cars, and BMW has decimated rivals like Lexus and Cadillac, with the 4-Series standing out as the best-selling luxury car in 2025.

Disney has returned to the mother-daughter story with Freakier Friday, a long-awaited sequel to the 2003 film. Returning to this sub-genre, audiences will again be reminded of the body swap concept. It’s a story that has existed since the 19th century, entertaining the prospects of walking a mile in another person’s shoes (or, in this case, body).

Video calls have become a fact of life for many of us, and when the time comes to hop on a call, I’m glad I have a foldable. It sure beats lugging my old laptop around. If you have not seen a video call placed from a foldable, allow me to break down what it’s like.

I grew up sliding cartridges and discs into video games consoles. I've since bought a bunch of mobile games, and that has changed the way I game even after returning to a dedicated game console—a Nintendo Switch 2. It's digital only for me.

One of the most famous video games of all time has had a movie adaptation stuck in development hell for several years, but it might have just escaped.

Deadline reports that Ben Zazove and Evan Turner have been commissioned to write the screenplay for an upcoming adaptation of Space Invaders, a classic Taito arcade game from 1978. Zazove and Turner most recently penned The Out-Laws, an action comedy for Netflix. There's no word on what exactly the Space Invaders movie will look like, who will direct it, who will be in it, or when it will come out yet, of course.

SEE ALSO: 'Mortal Kombat II' trailer tags in Johnny Cage, Kitana, and Jade

This movie was actually announced more than six years ago with screenwriter Greg Russo (who did the recent Mortal Kombat reboot) attached. That apparently didn't work out, so now we're here with two different screenwriters on the same project, six years later.

Space Invaders, if you aren't aware, doesn't have a lot going on, plot-wise. You play as a little ship shooting alien spacecraft as they encroach upon Earth. The original arcade game doesn't really have much in the way of lore or emotional resonance in its narrative, so Zazove and Turner have some work to do to make it work as a movie.

That is, of course, assuming the movie ever actually gets made. Plenty of video game movies are announced, but comparatively few actually come out. I'm old enough to remember when Asteroids was getting a movie adaptation 15 years ago.

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 Sunday, August 10, 2025:

AcrossTry to tag

• The answer is Chase.

Fictional sports icon with a statue by the Philadelphia Museum of Art

• The answer is Rocky.

Loosen, as laces

• The answer is Untie.

Trigger for a werewolf's transformation

• The answer is Moon.

"It's freezing!"

• The answer is Brr.

DownTable tidbit

• The answer is Crumb.

Pay homage to

• The answer is Honor.

Driver, Cooper or Butler

• The answer is Actor.

Poisonous part of a poison dart frog

• The answer is Skin.

Needle opening

• The answer is Eye.

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Internxt Cloud Storage just dropped the price for a 20TB lifetime subscription to $499.99 (reg. $4,900).

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB) $499.99
$4,900 Save $4,400.01 Get Deal

Cloud storage is one of those things you sign up for without thinking much about it. Subscription fees seem cheap, but you’re never done paying for them, so the longer you pay them, the worse of a value it is. Functionally, you’re paying for space you can’t live without but never really own.

If you’re ready to stop renting storage and just pay once, Internxt Cloud Storage has a 20TB lifetime subscription on sale for $499.99 right now (reg. $4,900).

A lifetime of cloud storage

Whether you’re backing up years of photos, storing large creative projects, or archiving documents for work, 20TB gives you the space to do it all without juggling multiple plans or worrying about monthly charges creeping up.

Internxt also puts a strong emphasis on privacy. Your files are encrypted on your device before they’re uploaded, then broken into fragments and distributed across a secure network of servers. It’s a zero-knowledge setup, which means even Internxt doesn’t have access to your data. The platform is also open source and GDPR-compliant, so you have more transparency and control than you’ll find with many big-name providers.

You can access your files through apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, or just log in through a browser. File syncing is automatic, and the interface is clean and straightforward. You can also set permissions and share links securely if you need to collaborate or deliver files to others.

For anyone running a small business, freelancing, or just managing a large personal archive, this is a practical way to stop worrying about cloud storage for good.

Right now, it’s only $499.99 to get an Internxt 20TB Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription. Sale ends soon.

StackSocial prices subject to change

TL;DR: Elevate your binge-watching with a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream Standard Plan, now half off the regular price and just $199.99 (reg. $399.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Curiosity Stream Curiosity Stream Standard Plan: Lifetime Subscription $199.99
$399.99 Save $200 Get Deal

Who says relaxing can’t be productive? If you want to chill out without feeling like you’re wasting time, it’s time to elevate your binge-watching habits. Curiosity Stream does just that, serving up educational and entertaining content you can devour from the comfort of your couch.

Right now, you can secure a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream for just $199.99 (reg. $399.99).

Enjoy award-winning documentaries for life with this smart streaming service

Lie back and learn something new with Curiosity Stream. This documentary streaming service is packed with thousands of entertaining films, shows, and series on topics ranging from art and nature to history, science, and technology. And unlike other streamers that charge you month to month, you can pay just once and enjoy the service forever.

Founded by John Hendricks, the mastermind behind Discovery Communications, you can rest easy knowing the content you discover on Curiosity Stream is top quality. From impressive production values to top-tier Emmy Award-winning content like Stephen Hawking’s Favorite Places, there are excellent options for everyone, and new content is added weekly.

There are multiple search tools to help you find the right show for your mood, and an option to bookmark shows or resume watching on other devices. If you have a big trip planned, you can take advantage of the downloadable feature for offline viewing and watch documentaries anywhere.

Learn something new every day with this lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream Standard Plan, now only $199.99 (reg. $399.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Enjoy a calmer internet with a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan, now just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN through September 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02 Get Deal

From unskippable pop-ups to videos that autoplay to creepy trackers following your every move, browsing the web has become anything but relaxing. AdGuard is here to change that — bringing back the calm, clean, and private internet experience you deserve.

Right now, you can even share the peace with the whole family with a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan, which covers nine devices. It’s on sale now for only $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN through September 7, making it less than $2 a device.

Enjoy clean, calm, ad-free browsing for the whole family

You may not realize it, but those annoying ads you encounter daily not only serve as an eyesore, but they could also be tracking your activity and slowing down your browsing experience. If you’d like to get time back and banish them for good, AdGuard is ready to help.

AdGuard is an ad-blocker that stops pop-ups, banners, and video ads in their tracks. And if eliminating ads wasn’t amazing enough, it also helps keep you safer online. It protects you from cyberattacks, malware, and phishing sites, and keeps your important info hidden from trackers and activity analyzers.

The AdGuard Family Plan lets you enjoy this elevated internet experience on up to nine different devices. If you have little ones at home, it also includes a parental control feature to prevent your kids from accessing inappropriate content online.

AdGuard works on both Android and iOS devices, so you can protect all the smartphones, laptops, and tablets in your home.

Change up your internet experience with this lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan, now just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN through September 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get Windows 11 Pro for only $14.97 (reg. $199).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $14.97
$199 Save $184.03 Get Deal

Support for Windows 10 is ending soon, and that means no more security updates or patches from Microsoft. If you’re still using it, now’s the time to upgrade.

For a limited time, you can get a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 instead of the usual $199.

Why upgrade to Windows 11 Pro?

Windows 11 Pro is designed for speed, security, and multitasking. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, while tools like Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, and smarter memory management help you stay productive with less effort. Whether you’re working across multiple apps or organizing your workflow, these features make everyday use smoother.

On the security side, Windows 11 Pro includes advanced protections like TPM 2.0, BitLocker encryption, biometric login options, and Smart App Control. These tools work together to protect your data and your system from outside threats.

For creatives, gamers, and developers, the upgrade offers more than just a better interface. Features like DirectX 12 Ultimate improve graphics performance, while tools like Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox give advanced users more control and flexibility. Microsoft’s built-in Copilot assistant is also included, offering AI-powered help for tasks like summarizing content or finding settings.

This deal includes a one-time purchase for a single device, with no subscription or ongoing fees. Once you install it, updates are included for the life of the device.

If you’re planning to keep using your PC beyond Windows 10’s retirement, this is one of the most affordable ways to upgrade while keeping your system safe and up to date.

Right now, Windows 11 Pro is only $14.97, but it won’t stay that way.

StackSocial prices subject to change

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 10, get the Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $799 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $999. That's a discount of 20% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal

It's time to head back to school, so whether that means you or your kids are piling goodies into a backpack for class, a good computer is important to have. It's also one of the best times to score a good deal on a laptop, so you're in luck if you need to go shopping. And you won't want to miss this particularly good deal on an M4 MacBook Air, which is back down to one of the lowest prices we've seen.

As of Aug. 10, get the Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $799 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $999. That's a discount of 20% and $200 off. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks in 2025: Air or Pro?

The M4 MacBook Air is our top pick for the best MacBooks, as well as our guide to the best laptops you can buy. It's the recipient of our Mashable Choice Award, and it happens to be a portable powerhouse that can handle a variety of use cases, even if you're going to skip school and start working with it instead.

The laptop itself is slim, lightweight, and a quiet powerhouse backed by an M4 processor that can handle multitasking, graphic design, presentation creation, and just about anything else. It boasts a lengthy battery life for all-day use and a fantastic webcam so you can attend virtual class or work Zoom meetings. All of this for just $700.

There are few other similarly priced products with stats like that beyond the Windows realm, so if you're ready to join the Apple ecosystem or just want something new that's worth investing in, this is the time to snag a MacBook Air.

TL;DR: These earbuds specifically designed for sleep can be yours for only $19.97 now.

Opens in a new window Credit: HyperGear SleepEEZ Mini Noise-Blocking True Wireless Earbuds for Sleeping $19.97
$34.99 Save $15.02 Get Deal

Summer is almost over and back-to-school season looms on the horizon. It’s time to say goodbye to sleeping in, and hello to early morning wake-ups, packing lunches, and long carpool drop-off lines.

If you need a little extra sleep to prep for the chaos, grab the SleepEEZ noise-cancelling earbuds for $19.97.

If you’re a sensitive sleeper, chances are that you’ve already tried various sound machines, earplugs, or even AirPods. Between having to pay extra for “better” white noise to waking up with sore ears from hard AirPods, these methods all have their pitfalls. SleepEEZ is different. These earbuds were specifically designed for sleep and use soft silicone and ErgoLoops for a pressure-free fit. These earbuds are suitable for all sleeping positions, so you can take advantage of the -20dB of noise reduction regardless of if you sleep on your back, side, or stomach.

Besides discomfort from my AirPods sticking out while I sleep on my side, sometimes they just fall out while I’m moving around. These earbuds were specifically designed to stay in your ears, and there are four options for auto-off timer durations. Don’t deal with timers that weren’t long enough to accommodate your tossing and turning and simply stop playing before you’re asleep.

The SleepEEZ noise-cancelling earbuds are 42% off just in time for back-to-school season. Score a pair for $19.97 now (reg. $34.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.