Technology

Happy Tuesday and welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Today's games feature difficulty levels that dial up the challenge quickly, but we have all the tips you need to navigate them.

Released in August 2025, the 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 onto 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 for 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 September 20, 2025

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 September 29, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 30 Pips

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

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 30 Pips

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add to 8. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 0-1, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add to 10. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically; 5-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 30 Pips

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

Equal (1): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. he answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add to 8. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically.

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

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 3-3, placed vertically.

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

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (17): Everything in this space must add to 17. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

Number (2): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-2, 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 requires deep knowledge of 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. 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: 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: Acquired at the ballpark

• Green: Tracking pitcher performance

• Blue: GOAT World Series performers

• Purple: High-arching baseball plays

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: Purchases at a Baseball Game

• Green: Pitching Stats

• Blue: World Series MVPs

• Purple: ___Fly

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 #372 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Purchases at a Baseball Game - FOOD, PROGRAM, SOUVENIR, TICKET

• Pitching Stats - HOLD, SAVE, STRIKEOUT, WIN

• World Series MVPs - BENCH, DENT, DYE, SPRINGER

• ___Fly - BIG, INFIELD, POP, SACRIFICE

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.

Today's Connections can't be solved without paying close attention to syllables that sound like other, related words.

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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today shouldn't be hard to solve if you're good with numbers.

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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.

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Uncomfortable body language

• Green: It's a mouthful

• Blue: Animated animals

• Purple: Counting

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: Unnatural, as mannerisms

• Green: Words in a famous tongue twister

• Blue: Cartoon birds

• Purple: Ending with number homophones

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 #842 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Unnatural, as mannerisms: AWKWARD, STIFF, STILTED, WOODEN

• Words in a famous tongue twister: CHUCK, COULD, WOOD, WOODCHUCK

• Cartoon birds: FOGHORN, SCROOGE, WOODSTOCK, WOODY

• Ending with number homophones: CLASSICS, CREATE, GUTHRIE, THEREFORE

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 29, 2025

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

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 uses a letter more frequently than usual.

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.

Today's NYT Wordle puzzle shouldn't be difficult to solve if you're a birdwatcher.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 29, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 29, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Waterbirds.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears three times.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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...

GEESE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints have a virtuous ring to them.

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.

Today's NYT Strands puzzle should be easy to solve, provided that you're a good person.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 29, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 29, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For goodness' sake

The words are related to a person's character.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe positive traits.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Values.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 30

• Respect

• Honesty

• Empathy

• Values

• Cooperation

• Discipline

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.

October Prime Day (otherwise known as Prime Big Deal Days) is coming up fast — starting up next week on Oct. 7 and 8, to be exact — but shoppers don't have to wait for the sale event to begin to score some deals. There have already been quite a few early deals available at Amazon that are worth a look, including some great discounts on Lego sets.

These range from offers on some of this year's Lego advent calendars to one of our favorite Lego sets, the Lego Ideas The Insect Collection. If you're hoping to stock up on new sets this fall, now is a great time to see what's available before the start of the sale event.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Big Deal Days

At the moment, we've gathered up 10 Lego deals at Amazon that are worth checking out before October Prime Day. Hopefully, there will be even more to look through next week during the actual sale event, and we'll be updating this list as more deals go live leading up to it.

Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego LEGO Minecraft Advent Calendar 2025 $38 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $6.99 Get Deal Why we like it

For those looking to get a head start on holiday shopping, Lego's advent calendars are a very fun pick-up. It's even better when they can be found on sale. Right now, the 2025 Lego Minecraft Advent Calendar is down to its best price at Amazon, dropping from $44.99 to $38. If you're looking to grab one for the kids to enjoy over the holidays, now is a great time to jump on it.

This set comes with 24 days of surprises and features a variety of Minecraft characters including Alex, Steve, a Creeper, drowned, stray, snow golem, zombie, and a Santa villager. Each of them has fun festive elements and comes with accessories, too.

More Lego deals

• Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 - $38.00 $44.99 (16% off)

• Lego Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2025 - $38.00 $44.99 (16% off)

• Lego City Advent Calendar 2025 - $25.00 $34.99 (29% off)

• Lego Disney and Pixar ‘Up’ House - $38.49 $59.99 (36% off)

• Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds - $135.99 $169.99 (20% off)

• Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Helmet Building Set - $61.99 $79.99 (23% off)

• Lego Ideas The Insect Collection - $63.99 $79.99 (20% off)

• Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night - $150 $169.99 (12% off)

• Lego DC Batman: The Animated Series Gotham City Set - $276.16 $299.99 (8% off)

SAVE $15: As of Sept. 30, the Echo Pop is on sale at Amazon for $24.99 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. This is $15, or 38%, off its usual list price of $39.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Pop $24.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Amazon has been dropping some nice discounts on its own devices ahead of its next big sale event, Prime Big Deal Days. Echo devices are among those marked down, including the Echo Pop. Right now, you can scoop up this compact smart speaker for just $24.99.

This makes for 38% off the Echo Pop's usual list price of $39.99, saving you $15. If you've been hoping to grab this smart speaker for your home, there's no better time than now to do it as it's also listed as a limited-time deal, so it may not last long. All of the available colors are discounted to this price as well, so you can choose between lavender bloom, charcoal, glacier white, and midnight teal.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Big Deal Days

The Echo Pop features a compact design that can fit nicely into any room in your home, whether you want to set it up in your bedroom or the kitchen. By using your voice, you can ask Alexa to play music through it, podcasts, or audiobooks. But that's not all: You can also ask Alexa to do things like set a timer or a reminder, check the weather outside, or read the news. It's a tiny but mighty addition to a room.

This discount may not stick around for long, so get ahead of the game by saving on the Echo Pop at Amazon right now before Prime Big Deal Days even starts up.

It's not the only Echo device deal to pop up as an early deal, either. The Echo Show 5 is also at its lowest price this year right now at the retailer, which is well worth taking advantage of while the deal is still available.

This year, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 regains its identity as the biggest, baddest smartwatch that Apple offers. It’s still a fine choice for people who want the most battery life, but it’s back to being the only choice that motivated runners and athletes should be looking at.

Jimmy Kimmel may be back on TV, but the conversation about his suspension — which reportedly lost Disney 1.7 million subscribers before they put him back on air — continues.

In the monologue above filmed during a special week of shows in New York, Kimmel plays a clip of vice president JD Vance saying Jimmy Kimmel Live! wasn't aired by certain stations because the host is "not funny".

"I have some good news for you J-Dog, we're back on all the stations," responds Kimmel, referencing the news that TV station owners Nexstar and Sinclair are once again airing Kimmel's show. He goes on to play another clip of Vance arguing that advertisers don't like Kimmel "because his ratings aren't very good."

"My ratings aren't very good?" responds Kimmel. "Last time I checked, your ratings were somewhere between a hair in your salad and chlamydia."

SAVE $178.02: As of Sept. 30, this Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle is on sale for $371.97 at Amazon. That's a 32% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $371.97 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $178.02 Get Deal

We don't blame you if you've been looking for an excuse to upgrade to the Kindle Scribe. It's a reader's dream come true, with an e-reader and notetaker combined. Being one of the most expensive in the Kindle range (for good reason), it's not as easy to make the jump, no matter how much you want to start leaving notes on your favorite novels.

That's where Prime Day comes in. Or, early Prime Day. Amazon has kicked off the event a week early with some early Prime deal stamps. And the coveted Kindle Scribe is included; in fact, you can get the whole bundle for less. As of Sept. 30, the Essentials Bundle is $178.02 off, now priced at $371.97. In the bundle, you'll get the Scribe, the Premium Pen, a plant-based leather folio, and a power adapter. This price is specific to the 64GB device, and you can choose between the Scribe's signature colors: tungsten and metallic jade.

The Scribe was recently redesigned and now benefits from a flush display with even white borders. And a change from earlier models, you can now write directly on books. Leave notes, scribble down thoughts, or create your own illustrations; it's completely your own. The Premium Pen has been upgraded, too, and feels even more lifelike. Your brain will be convinced you're writing on paper.

And it’s more than just a notetaker. Like any Kindle, the Scribe is built for reading comfort with a 10.2-inch, 300 ppi display that’s both glare-free and front-lit, so it works when reading in the sun or other bad lighting. The battery life is worth noticing, too. For reading, a single charge lasts up to 12 weeks (assuming half an hour of reading a day). For writing, a single charge lasts up to 3 weeks (based on a half-hour period of writing per day). Amazon states that both these scenarios are with wireless off and the light setting at 13.

We've never seen the Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle priced so low. Get it from Amazon now.

SAVE $200: As of Sept. 30, the Toshiba 55-inch Class C350 Series is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Toshiba Toshiba 55-inch Class C350 Series $199.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $200 Get Deal

With the colder months setting in, it’s the perfect time for a TV upgrade. And the season of cozy movie nights and Gilmore Girls rewatches lining up with Prime Day feels almost too good to be true. We've still got a week until things kick off fully, but Amazon has already lined up some early Prime Day discounts, like this half-off deal on the Toshiba 55-inch Class C350 Series.

Normally priced at $399.99, as of Sept. 30, this impressive TV is now only $199.99, a $200 savings. This price is specific to the 55-inch option, but there are discounts across all sizes.

And with this deal, you're getting so much for so little. For display and sound, you'll enjoy the REGZA Engine ZR that makes everything you watch shine in 4K. It even has an AI 4K Upscaler to boost Full HD content so it looks near-4K without the blur. And with the added Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, you’ve nearly got movie theater-level picture and sound from the comfort of your couch.

It keeps up with fast games or action movies too, thanks to the Ultimate Motion. Sports Mode takes it up a notch for live matches, showing every detail clearly. Plus, with Super Contrast Booster, colors are incredibly vivid.

It also runs on the Fire TV OS, meaning you've got a great user interface with all your favorite apps and shows right there on one easy-to-use home screen.

Get this great TV deal from Amazon.

TL;DR: Live stream Galatasaray vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Liverpool have made a really strong start to the new season, including an opening round Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid. Next they face a tough trip to Galatasaray, a team that have looked extremely impressive in the Süper Lig but lost 5-1 against Eintracht Frankfurt in the first game in this competition.

If you want to watch Galatasaray vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Galatasaray vs. Liverpool?

Galatasaray vs. Liverpool in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 30. This fixture takes place at Rams Park.

How to watch Galatasaray vs. Liverpool for free

Galatasaray vs. Liverpool in the Champions League is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Galatasaray vs. Liverpool for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

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

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

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Live stream Galatasaray vs. Liverpool for free on Prime Video

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Galatasaray vs. Liverpool on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Stream Galatasaray vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $10: As of Sept. 30, the Roku Streaming Stick is on sale for $29 at Amazon. That's a 27% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick Plus $29 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.99 Get Deal

Amazon's October Prime Day is just a week away, and it's always a great time to score discounts on tech. From TVs to earbuds, chances are you'll find something you need at a fantastic low price. And even with a week to go, Amazon has dusted off some deals early, like this latest on the Roku Streaming Stick Plus.

As of Sept. 22, this option is down from $39.99 and is now just $29. It's never been priced lower than this either.

Streaming sticks are a great way to make watching easier, and the Roku stick is no different. It's user-friendly and makes sure your apps and streaming services are right at your fingertips. The remote even comes with a built-in voice search function, so you can ask it to browse several platforms at once to find your favorite movie. Not to mention, it couldn't be easier to set up. The device comes with a stick to plug into your TV's HDMI port, and that's all you need to do,

If you're wondering how the Plus differs from the regular Roku stick, it's the same but better. The Plus supports 4K streaming, so you can enjoy all your favorite shows and movies in amazing quality..

Head to Amazon to score this early Prime Day deal.

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025:

AcrossExclamation made with a shiver

• The answer is Brr.

Putt 'er there!

• The answer is Green.

"___ gotta be kidding me!"

• The answer is You've.

Negative attribute, so to speak

• The answer is Minus.

Got some shut-eye

• The answer is Slept.

DownOven button with a "high" or "low" setting

• The answer is Broil.

Get together again, like alumni

• The answer is Reune.

Make go "Vroom!"

• The answer is Revup.

Spots where you might spot some spotters

• The answer is Gyms.

Egg container

• The answer is Nest.

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 the latest Mini Crossword.

Calls to boycott Disney overtook social media this month after subsidiary ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel on Sept. 17. Now we may have some idea of how much damage Disney actually took.

SEE ALSO: 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' will be back on Sinclair and Nexstar ABC stations starting Friday

Over 1.7 million Disney streaming subscriptions were reportedly cancelled in seven days between the announcement of Kimmel's suspension and his return, according to sources speaking to independent journalist Marisa Kabas for her website The Handbasket. This includes accounts across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN.

If accurate, this means Disney lost over 242,800 subscribers per day during that time period. Kabas reports that this amounts to a whopping 436 percent increase in cancellations compared to Disney's baseline weekly subscriber churn.

Disney's stock dropped by about three percent during the seven days Kimmel was suspended, wiping approximately $6.4 billion from its valuation. While Disney seems likely to recover, this dip still represents a clear message to the company.

SCOOP / UPDATE — Disney saw more than 1.7 million total paid streaming cancelations during the period 9/17-9/23, a Disney source confirms to me. The total includes Disney+, Hulu and ESPN.

[image or embed]

— Marisa Kabas (@marisakabas.bsky.social) September 30, 2025 at 3:19 AM

Kimmel returned to air last Tuesday, joking that Disney had asked him to read out instructions on how viewers could reactivate their Disney+ and Hulu accounts. Even so, his reinstatement does not appear to have entirely placated Disney's critics, with free speech concerns continuing to linger. ABC pulled Kimmel off air after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr threatened the network's broadcasting license and called for it to "take action" on the late night host.

Public disapproval of Disney was further bolstered last week when the company revealed it is increasing Disney+ subscription prices. Announced shortly after confirming Kimmel's return, Disney's pricing changes are set to go into effect from Oct. 21. Kabas reports that Disney rushed to resolve Kimmel's suspension because it had already planned the price hike, knowing it would be further unwelcome news to subscribers.

When it comes to computer mice for productivity work, the MX Master series has been a popular choice for years. Logitech has now revealed the latest version, the MX Master 4, with even more features packed into the same ergonomic design.

Netflix has released a teaser trailer for Physical: Asia, the next instalment of its Physical 100 reality competition franchise. This time the series will bring together 48 athletes from eight different countries, all of whom will compete in a series of gruelling challenges to see who comes out on top.

With national pride at stake, Physical: Asia has an extra layer of competitiveness. The trailer opens with some Korean competitors stating that they absolutely must beat Japan, an understandable sentiment considering the history between the two countries. Fortunately for Team Korea it has experience on its side, as it includes Physical 100 Season 2 winner Amotti.

Other countries also taking part include Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Australia is also there even though it's technically not in Asia, though it is relatively close to the region. Participating in Physical: Asia at least makes more sense than Australia competing in Eurovision.

Physical: Asia will arrive Oct. 28 on Netflix.

The biggest problem with trackers is how easy they are to use by stalkers. So when stalkers can use your own trackers, that's a problem. And that appears to be what's happening to Tile trackers right now. Yikes.

It's the start of a new phase in the lunar cycle tonight, and for now, that means the moon will be getting brighter each night.

The lunar cycle is a series of eight phases of the moon. NASA explains that these phases occur as the Sun illuminates varying portions of the moon while it moves around our planet. The cycle in general lasts around 29.5 days.

Keep reading to see what you can see when you look up tonight, Sept. 30.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Tuesday, Sept. 30, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous, and according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 56% of its surface is illuminated tonight.

If you enjoy a bit of moon gazing, there's a lot for you to see tonight. You won't need any visual aids to see the Mare Crisium, the Mare Vaporum, and the Mare Fecunditatis. With binoculars, you can add the Archimedes Crater, Endymion Crater, and the Mare Nectaris to your lineup.

If you have a telescope, you can also see the Linne Crater, Rima Hyginus, and the Rupes Altai.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Oct. 7. The last full moon was on Sept. 7.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, the moon’s phases are part of its 29.5-day orbit around Earth. As the moon moves, the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth shift, creating the changing phases we see. From our perspective, the moon sometimes appears full, sometimes seems to vanish completely, but we always see the same side. What changes is how much sunlight is reflecting off its surface, depending on its position in orbit.

This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL;DR: Live stream Chelsea vs. Benfica in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is back with another batch of exciting matchups, including Chelsea vs. Benfica. Both sides lost their opening games in the group stage, so this fixture is pretty important. But there's another (much bigger) storyline to consider — the return of José Mourinho to Stamford Bridge. That's what most fans want to see.

If you want to watch Chelsea vs. Benfica in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chelsea vs. Benfica?

Chelsea vs. Benfica in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 30. This fixture takes place at Stamford Bridge.

How to watch Chelsea vs. Benfica for free

Chelsea vs. Benfica is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

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

Live stream Chelsea vs. Benfica for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Chelsea vs. Benfica for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Chelsea vs. Benfica in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.