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SAVE $110: As of Sept. 8, the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is on sale for $289.99 at Amazon. That's a 28% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch 4-Series $289.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $110 Get Deal

Cozy season is upon us, so it's time to bring out the snacks, dust off the Twilight DVDs, and hunker down for a season of movie marathons and seasonal rewatches. And while you're at it, why not upgrade your TV so you can enjoy all these things in high quality?

And there couldn't be a better time, because as of Sept. 8, the Amazon Fire TV 4 Series (50-inch) is on sale at Amazon for $289.99, a 28% saving on the list price.

SEE ALSO: Get $700 off a 65-inch Samsung The Frame TV from Best Buy

If you want to watch your favorite shows in great quality, this is the TV for you. It has 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, and you’ll get stunning clarity, vibrant colors, and rich detail that brings your favorite shows and movies to life.

And because it’s an Amazon device, it comes with Alexa voice control and Fire OS. That means you can search for movies, open apps, and control playback without ever touching the remote. And with the Fire operating system, your go-to streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, etc.) are ready to go the second you log in.

The Fire TV can also connect with your smart home Alexa devices, including doorbells, lightbulbs, and speakers. For example, pair up your TV with your Echo speakers to create an immersive home theater atmosphere for your next movie night. Plus, there are four HDMI inputs to connect gaming devices, sound accessories, cables, and other equipment seamlessly.

Get this limited-time deal before it runs out.

SAVE $700: As of Sept. 8, Best Buy's Deal of the Day is offering a 65-inch Samsung QLED 4K The Frame TV for $1,299.99. This is $700 off its list price of $1,999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch The Frame Series QLED 4K TV $1,299.99 at Best Buy
$1,999.99 Save $700 Get Deal

Fall is a great time to pick up a new TV. Not only to watch the latest drops on streamers or to enjoy the start of a new football season, but because you can usually find some great discounts on various models, whether in sale events or as standalone offers. Best Buy's Deal of the Day is spotlighting a TV deal right now on the 65-inch Samsung QLED 4K The Frame TV that's certainly worth a look.

The 65-inch Samsung QLED 4K The Frame TV is normally listed for $1,999.99, but it's marked down to $1,299.99 right now. That makes for $700 in savings. However, being part of Best Buy's Deal of the Day program means this offer only lasts through the rest of today, so you're on the clock to grab it at this price before it goes back up.

SEE ALSO: TCL's version of The Frame is 50% off for Labor Day — get the 65-inch NXTVISION TV for under $1,000

What makes The Frame stand out from other TVs is the fact that it doubles as a display for art pieces alongside being a high-quality TV. When not in use, you can show off some of your favorite pieces or even your own photos. And when you use it as a TV, you're in for a treat with its QLED display and 4K resolution that make what you're watching look crystal clear and colorful.

The Frame even features a matte display that limits glare so no matter if you're watching a show or enjoying art you've put on display, light won't get in the way.

Again, this deal only lasts through the rest of today, so if you've been hoping to get your hands on a Frame TV, now's your chance to save $700 on the 65-inch Samsung QLED 4K The Frame TV in Best Buy's Deal of the Day. Alternatively, if you're looking for a slightly smaller option, you can also score a great deal right now on the Samsung 55-inch QLED Q8F 4K Smart TV at Amazon.

TL;DR: Get a powerful laptop for under $100 with this Acer 11.6-inch Chromebook 311, now just $99.99 (reg. $199.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer 11.6-Inch Chromebook 311 2019 (Refurbished) $99.99
$199.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

In need of a laptop but working with more of a tablet budget? That’s no problem for this Acer Chromebook. This device lets you enjoy super smooth performance and a sharp 11.6-inch HD display, all for just $99.99 (reg. $199.99) while supplies last.

This Acer Chromebook can handle your daily tasks for just $100

This Acer Chromebook is an ideal laptop for those who just want to get things done. It was made with speed, portability, and simplicity in mind — so it can tag along anywhere and help you tackle your to-do list efficiently.

An 11.6-inch screen offers sharp visuals and a clear 1366 x 768 resolution, so you can answer work emails or take a break and stream a show. Need to multitask? That’s no problem, thanks to the MediaTek MT8183 processor with 4GB of RAM, which lets you browse and stream away.

SEE ALSO: Score the ASUS TUF Gaming F16 laptop at its best-ever price on Amazon

The 32GB eMMC storage provides convenient space for essential files.. And it’s equipped with the user-friendly Chrome operating system, so you can take advantage of your favorite Google apps easily and enjoy cloud access.

This Acer Chromebook offers 10 hours of battery life to get you through the day on just one charge, and a fast boot time of 8 seconds so you don’t waste any of it powering on and off. If you need to connect accessories, there are two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and a microSD slot.

You’re scoring a bargain on this device due to its grade A refurbished rating, which means it will arrive in near-mint condition with minimal to zero scuffing.

Tackle your daily to-do list with this Acer 11.6-inch Chromebook 311, now just $99.99 (reg. $199.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Watch what you want without borders with this lifetime subscription to Getflix Smart DNS and VPN, now for only $49.99 (reg. $149).

Opens in a new window Credit: Getflix Getflix Smart DNS & VPN: Lifetime Subscription $49.99
$149 Save $99.01 Get Deal

We’ve all been there — cozy and ready to binge-watch a show, only to be shut out by geographical restrictions. Whether it’s a buzzy new reality show overseas or an exotic version of your favorite show stateside, trying to access shows online can be frustrating. That’s where Getflix comes in, offering a convenient way to unlock entertainment for a lifetime.

Right now, a lifetime subscription to Getflix Smart DNS and VPN can be yours for just $49.99 (reg. $149).

Take control of your digital entertainment with Getflix

Imagine watching Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or another beloved streaming service from anywhere in the world. You can feel this true digital freedom with some help from Getflix Smart DNS and VPN. This handy tool gives you access to all the entertainment online with just a few clicks.

Getflix is way more than your typical VPN; it also has a Domain Name System (DNS) that can reroute only connections of interest to overseas service, so you can otherwise browse the internet totally normally. And you’ll still get the added perks of a VPN, so you’ll be browsing the web securely and privately thanks to a network SSL secured with 256-bit encryption.

This handy service is universally compatible, allowing you to use it on a smartphone, PC, Mac, or even a smart TV. There’s nothing to install, and you can be up and running in seconds. And this lifetime subscription means you can take advantage of unlimited digital entertainment forever, while only paying once.

Stay entertained without restrictions forever with this lifetime subscription to Getflix Smart DNS and VPN, now only $49.99 (reg. $149).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $60: As of Sept. 8, this Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle is on sale for $489.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 11% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $489.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $60 Get Deal

The Kindle Scribe has enjoyed almost cult status since its release in 2022. Reading and writing combined in a handy e-reader? What could be better? And as of Sept. 8, you can get a great deal on the Essentials Bundle at Amazon.

This Scribe bundle is currently priced at just $489.99 (for the 64GB model), down from $549.99. The deal comes with the Premium Pen so you can jot down notes and convert them to text as easily as writing in a notebook. Unlike the basic pen, this model comes with an eraser at the top so you can quickly remove mistakes just by flipping the pen. It is also battery-free and works through a special power source embedded in the Kindle Scribe, so there is no need to charge it.

SEE ALSO: Is color really worth $250? Reviewing the Kindle Colorsoft.

This bundle also comes with a 9W power adapter and a plant-based leather folio to store it away. You can choose between tungsten and metallic jade colors for the folio and pen.

Other than its famed note-taking abilities, the Kindle Scribe has a 10.2-inch 300 ppi Paperwhite display, glare-free and ink-free. So, like the original Kindle, it's perfect for sitting outside in the sun or harsh lighting. And if you're someone who reads on the go, the Scribe has the best battery life of any model, promising to last months on a single charge.

Get this deal now and start tackling your TBR list.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 8, Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are on sale for $199.95 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04 Get Deal

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are back on sale at Amazon, and you can save $50 right now. As of Sept. 8, they are $50 off at Amazon, now priced at $199.95.

These are a perfect option for sports and workouts of all intensities. The secure fit ear hook is perfect for running, Pilates, strength sessions, and more. They've even had 1,500 hours of athlete testing to make sure they're fully up to scratch.

SEE ALSO: This bright yellow 11-inch Apple iPad with A16 chip is $50 off on Amazon right now

But something that really stands out here is the heart rate monitoring. Yes, you read that right, and no, you're not reading about a smartwatch. The Powerbeats Pro 2 feature real-time heart rate monitoring, using sensors that pulse over 100 times per second to track your heart rate during workouts.

They also benefit from Active Noise Cancelling to block out distractions, but there’s also a Transparency mode when you need to stay aware of your surroundings. And they give you up to 45 hours of battery life with the charging case, and the charging case is now 33% smaller than the previous version and supports wireless Qi charging.

Powered by Apple's H2 chip, you'll find they are incredibly efficient. They also sync up with Apple products incredibly easily.

Convinced yet? Head to Amazon now.

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 Monday, Sept. 8, 2025:

AcrossMusic purchases of the ’90s and early 2000s

• The answer is CDs.

Eco-conscious diaper option

• The answer is Cloth.

Styles of singing?

• The answer is Harry.

Invite to one's loft, say

• The answer is Ask up.

What "yellow" and "mellow" do

• The answer is Rhyme.

DownWhat yellow and purple do, some say

• The answer is Clash.

Like many an endearing goofball

• The answer is Dorky.

Play, as a guitar

• The answer is Strum.

Burn slightly

• The answer is Char.

Overblown promotion

• The answer is Hype.

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.

The Full Moon has passed, which means each night until the New Moon, we'll see less and less moon each night. This happens as we progress through the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. 

Let's find out what's happening with the moon tonight, Sept. 8.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Monday, Sept. 8, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous, and it is 99% lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

There's still lots of moon to see, so if you have a cloudless sky, here's what you'll be able to see when you look up. With just the naked eye, enjoy a glimpse of the Aristarchus Plateau, the Tycho Crater, and the Mare Tranquillitatis.

If you have binoculars, you'll also see the Apennine Mountains, Archimedes Crater, and the Alps Mountains. If you're lucky enough to have a telescope, point it upwards to see the Apollo 12 landing spot, the Rima Hyginus, and the Caucasus Mountains.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Oct. 6.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for September 4, 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: College teams

• Green: National Mascots

• Blue: All-time shooters

• Purple: Mr. Martinez

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: A Big Ten Athlete

• Green: NFL Mascots

• Blue: NBA Career 3-Point Leaders

• Purple: ____Martinez

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 #350 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• A Big Ten Athlete - BUCKEYE, DUCK, SPARTAN, TERRAPIN

• NFL Mascots - POE, ROWDY, SIR PURR, SWOOP

• NBA Career 3-Point Leaders - ALLEN, CURRY, HARDEN, LILLARD

• ____Martinez - EDGAR, PEDRO, TINO, VICTOR

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.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Awful.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

LOUSY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Overweight.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

OBESE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To permit.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

ALLOW

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To confess something.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answer

ADMIT

Final Hurdle hint

Used to light a candle.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

MATCH

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

TL;DR: Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is just $39.97 (reg. $219.99) through Sept. 14. — a lifetime license, one-time payment, all the apps you’ll ever need.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $39.97
$219.99 Save $180.02 Get Deal

Free productivity tools sound appealing until you try to share a file and the formatting goes sideways. That’s why Microsoft Office has stayed the go-to standard. It just works the way it’s supposed to.

For a limited time, you can pick up Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows with a lifetime license for only $39.97. No subscription fees every month. No recurring charges. Just the full suite of professional apps, installed directly on your PC.

SEE ALSO: The 6 best laptops under $500: Back-to-school edition

This bundle includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, giving you the same set of tools relied on in offices and boardrooms across the globe. From building spreadsheets that handle large data sets to creating presentations that won’t glitch in front of clients, Office 2021 Pro is designed to keep pace with your work.

The redesigned ribbon interface makes navigation faster, while formatting and customization options let you polish documents without fuss. Excel offers enhanced analysis capabilities, PowerPoint has added smarter presentation tools, and Outlook helps make inbox management far less painful.

Think of it as a permanent solution. You pay once, and the license is yours forever. That means no budgeting for yet another subscription service. If you need reliability in your daily tools, this deal delivers it.

It’s the same Microsoft Office you already know — upgraded for modern workflows and packaged in a way that’s affordable and future-proof.

Get a lifetime of MS Office Professional 2021 for just $39.97 (reg. $219.99) when you order through Sept. 14.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Skip the endless searching — BitMar collects all the free streaming content already out there and puts it in one place for a one-time payment of just $14.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription $14.99
$150 Save $135.01 Get Deal

Everyone’s got their go-to paid streaming apps, but here’s a not-so-secret truth: there’s a ton of free content floating around online — if you’re willing to dig for it. Movies, music, shows, even live channels are out there for the taking. The problem? Tracking it all down is about as fun as untangling holiday lights. That’s why BitMar was created.

Think of BitMar as your personal streaming librarian. It pulls together millions of free, on-demand movies, shows, channels, videos, and songs from across the web and organizes them into one easy-to-navigate platform. No sketchy links, no bouncing between tabs, no wasted time. Just content, ready when you are.

SEE ALSO: Score a streaming upgrade with the Fire TV Cube — now $40 off at Amazon

The tech it runs on matters, too. BitMar uses AI filtering (built on Bing’s search engine tech, but optimized for streaming) to weed out the noise and surface the good stuff. That means you’re likely to find more free shows than Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ combined, plus more songs than Spotify and Apple Music put together — all without extra subscriptions.

And the best part? This isn’t a monthly charge. Right now, you can get lifetime access for just $14.99 with code BITMAR5. That’s it. Pay once, and you’ll always have a smarter way to discover free streaming content across your devices.

If you’re tired of endless searching but love the idea of free entertainment, this is the kind of hidden gem you’ll be glad you found.

Get lifetime BitMar access for the one-time payment of just $14.99 (reg. $150) with code BITMAR5 .

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Before Hamlet, there was Hamnet. He was the young son of William Shakespeare who died in his youth, inspiring the playwright to spin the timeless tragedy of a doomed Danish prince. Hamnet explores that true story through a mystical and matriarchal lens of Maggie O'Farrell's heralded novel of the same name, adapted by the Academy Award–winning director of Nomadland, Chloé Zhao, and her Academy-nominated actors, Paul Mescal (Aftersun) and Jessie Buckley (The Lost Daughter). 

This period drama seems primed to be a contender this award season. But Oscar buzz tends to mold the expectations of dramas — especially those even loosely biographical — into one box: star-stuffed theatrics festooned with tears, a soaring emotional score, and pretty scenes of pain, perfect for an award ceremony sizzle reel. To expect such a thing from Zhao, Mescal, and Buckley would be to ignore what's brought them acclaim to begin with. 

This trio has separately won praise for their nuanced expressions of joy and pain, from Buckley's star-making as an aspiring singer in Wild Rose to Zhao's bittersweet character drama Nomadland to Mescal's heart-wrenching turn as a lost love in All of Us Strangers. In Hamnet, their powers combined make for a drama that is more than a sentimental tearjerker poised for Oscar accolades; it is an earthy and poetic raw tale of love and loss. 

Hamnet focuses on the story of Shakespeare's witchy wife, Agnes.  Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes in "Hamnet." Credit: Agata Grzybowska/Focus Features

Rather than an earnest recreation of the real-life marriage of William Shakespeare and Anne "Agnes" Hathaway, Hamnet follows O'Farrell's interpretation, which imagines Agnes (Buckley) as a woman in touch with the woods and prone to premonitions of the future. 

In the film, Agnes scoffs at gossip that she is a witch. But her woodsy appeal — which includes wearing brash red robes and having a pet hawk — attracts the passionate and bookish son of a local glove-maker. Playing Will and Agnes from their youth into adulthood, Mescal and Buckley easily capture the lusty impulsiveness of young love. Their arms entangle with a violent intensity as they claw private moments from the mundane routines demanded of their families. 

Unlike in his yet-to-be-written comedies, marriage is not a happily-ever-after for the pair — as tragedy will follow. Still, marriage is a newfound freedom as they redefine what their married life looks like. For the Shakespeares, that means Will going off to London to write plays and express his soul in tales of star-crossed lovers and fortune-telling witches. For Agnes, that means raising their three children: Susanna and twins Judith and Hamnet. But a vision of her own deathbed makes Agnes certain that one of her children will die before her. 

Jacobi Jupe is a rare find as Hamnet.  Jacobi Jupe stars as Hamnet, Bodhi Rae Breathnach as Susanna and Olivia Lynes as Judith in director Chloé Zhao’s "Hamnet," a Focus Features release. Credit: Agata Grzybowska/Focus Features

Whether you know the history of Shakespeare's home life, are a fan of O'Farrell's novel, or can just read the room, it's clear early on that Agnes is off with her expectation that the child to die will be her youngest, Judith. This gives an enhanced tension to every moment that she experiences with her bright, adventurous, and caring boy, Hamnet, because we know their time together is short, and she has no clue. 

Such a setup would be ripe for agony regardless. But young Jacobi Jupe is stupendous as the 11-year-old Hamnet. Under Zhao's direction, he avoids the pitfalls all too common to child actors in family dramas. He is neither precocious nor ethereal. He galumphs about with his sisters, chuckling in play, swapping clothes for a child-like prank in which the twins trade identities. Before his mother, he dreams of being on the stage, where he gets to sword fight to the cheers of an audience. Jupe frolics with a mix of clumsiness and earnestness that reads simply as authenticity. So when the plague hits the Shakespeare home, and Judith specifically, it's natural that this sweet boy would curl into his twin sister's cot to comfort her.

When Hamnet speaks in a whisper of an ominous "him" that's watching the twins, things get eerie — suggesting he has the same gift for premonition as his mum. But even here, Jupe avoids cliché, in this case that of the haunted house child, wide-eyed in terror. Instead, he is a boy who is scared, but accustomed to playing the hero, and so soldiers on to help his sister with one more switcheroo. And because he feels so real, the pain of his end will take your breath away. 

Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are riveting in Hamnet.  Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare in director Chloé Zhao’s "Hamnet." Credit: Agata Grzybowska/Focus Features

In early scenes of courting, they sizzle, each utilizing their well-reputed onscreen intensity. As the Shakespeare marriage gets complicated by distance and grief, they become explosions, destined to collide. But beautiful work is done in scenes without each other. Buckley, who is unquestionably the lead in the film, harnesses the focus seen in Wild Rose and the ferality of Men for a distinct portrait of grief. 

Her rage and resentment are both irrational and understandable. While she is in the home where her boy was lost, her husband is off in London. She can't see that he doesn't escape the loss of Hamnet, but is, in fact, consumed by it. Hamlet begins to take shape as Will's means of making sense of his own guilt and mourning. 

The "to be or not to be" speech becomes Mescal's greatest challenge to date. Not only because it's the iconic speech by which the greats are judged, but also because he's not playing Hamlet within it, but the man who wrote that speech to make sense of his own helplessness in the face of mortality. It's a layered and profound moment of pain and pondering, unfurling a labyrinth of dark feelings and darker thoughts. And yet, it's not even Mescal's best scene. 

That comes before Will knows Hamnet is dead. Rushing home because he's heard his little Judith is at death's door, Will barrels into the family home to see the girl alive and well. They hug, and he bursts with smiles and relief. But then he sees the little form covered in a white sheet, posed before the fire. 

Paul Mescal stars as William Shakespeare in "Hamnet." Credit: Agata Grzybowska/Focus Features

"Where is he?" Will says, and in that simple question, Mescal channels a mix of dread, hope, and fear that could bring down the Globe theatre. It's not booming. That's not Zhao's way. It's delivered strong but raw, quavering. It is what pain sounds like when stripped of Hollywood shine. It's too human for an Oscar reel. It's too heartbreaking. 

And all of this leads to a climax that takes Agnes and Will's pain to the stage, that of the Globe, to be specific. There Hamnet becomes Hamlet, in a prolonged and nerve-shredding sequence that is fueled by the couple's loss and their divide. No matter how many times you've seen Hamlet, this section hits different because it becomes about the pain that inspired the Dane. 

Props to Noah Jupe, who plays the onstage Hamlet, simultaneously channeling an actor striving to impress an audience and the dreamy wish of a mourning mother all at once. In a shrewd move from Zhao, she cast the older brother to play Hamlet to the younger's Hamnet, and the vague familial appearance makes this climax all the more haunting. Noah offers a pitch-perfect echo of his brother Jacobi’s performance with flourishes of maturity and theater-worthy showmanship.

Still, I have one qualm with Hamnet. 

Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes in director Chloé Zhao’s "Hamnet," a Focus Features release. Credit: Agata Grzybowska/Focus Features

While I can see Zhao's vision and admire her restraint, I must confess I wished for a bit more cinema. I'm not asking for the emoting common in biopics aiming for Oscar glory — which this film is not strictly, on either point. Instead, I wish Zhao had embraced the visual storytelling of Agnes' premonitions as she did with the earthiness of Will's environment. 

As Agnes' visions are not just key to the plot but also to the core to her motivations, I wish Zhao had let us see them with her. Hamnet is rooted in Agnes' perspective, yet the screenplay by Zhao and novelist O'Farrell only has dialogue describing these visions of a deathbed with two guests, a landscape of trees, and a dark, infinite cave. By not using this visual medium to show us what Agnes sees, the filmmakers keep Agnes a bit at a distance. 

By contrast, Will's view of things gets a visual component through the climactic production of Hamlet. So, in a way, we are given more access to his inner world than Agnes'. And while the film is moving, I sometimes felt like I was watching Agnes' experience instead of feeling it with her — like I was on the outside looking in. Where with Mescal's Will, the play is the thing…that shows the heartache of the scribe. 

Still, Hamnet is a bold rebellion, and I respect that. Not only does Zhao reject the temptations of glossy Hollywood biopics, but also the regal romance or cerebral theatricality of a barrage of Oscar-adored Shakespeare adaptations, from a handful of intense Hamlets to The Tragedy of Macbeth to the winsome Shakespeare in Love. Her Shakespeare and company are more feral, bringing this historic tragedy fresh blood and true grit. 

For these big swings, Hamnet could be an unconventional but strong Oscar contender. But whether you're invested in awards season or just seeking a powerful drama from actors at the top of their form, be sure to bring tissues. Hamnet could leave you tear-soaked and in tatters. 

Hamnet was reviewed out of its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film will open in theaters Dec.12. 

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 US Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

This has been a pretty special season for tennis. Fans have been treated to some absolutely epic Grand Slams, with some of the best players in the world reaching new heights. Anyone worried about the loss of the Big Three should be comforted by the emergence of some genuine stars over the last year or so.

And it just keeps getting better for dedicated fans of the sport, because it's possible to follow the Grand Slams without spending anything. If you want to watch the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the US Open?

The US Open Tennis Championships (or US Open) is a hardcourt tennis tournament held annually in Queens, New York. The US Open is the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year, after the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.

The defending singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka.

When is the 2025 US Open?

The 2025 US Open is the 145th edition of the tournament. This year's event takes place from Aug. 24 to Sept. 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

How to watch the 2025 US Open for free

The 2025 US Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this site with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 US Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 US Open 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 US Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the US Open?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• 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).

Live stream the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Alcaraz vs. Sinner in the 2025 US Open final for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The last match of the 2025 US Open looks set to be an absolute classic. Alcaraz and Sinner are going to do battle for the Grand Slam crown in front of a raucous support at Flushing Meadows. It's a repeat of the French Open and Wimbledon finals, with fans excited to see how the latest edition of this incredible rivalry plays out.

If you want to watch Alcaraz vs. Sinner in the 2025 US Open final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Alcaraz vs. Sinner for free

Alcaraz vs. Sinner in the 2025 US Open final is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this site with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 US Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 US Open 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 US Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• 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).

Live stream Alcaraz vs. Sinner in the 2025 US Open final for free with ExpressVPN.

Warner Bros. Discovery is suing Midjourney for copyright infringement, joining Disney and Universal in the battle over AI's impact on film and TV.

"Midjourney thinks it is above the law. It sells a commercial subscription service, powered by artificial intelligence technology, that was developed using illegal copies of Warner Bros. Discovery’s copyrighted works," the complaint reads.

The suit claims that Midjourney is built on theft by "brazenly" dispensing Warner Bros. Discovery’s intellectual property. One example? Bugs Bunny, according to the complaint filed on Thursday in California federal court, and The Hollywood Reporter. Other examples include Superman, Batman, the Flash, Wonder Woman, Scooby-Doo, and the Powerpuff Girls, according to the Associated Press.

"The heart of what we do is develop stories and characters to entertain our audiences, bringing to life the vision and passion of our creative partners,” a Warner Bros. Discovery spokesperson said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "Midjourney is blatantly and purposefully infringing copyrighted works, and we filed this suit to protect our content, our partners, and our investments."

According to the Associated Press, the lawsuit argues that Midjourney creates "consumer confusion regarding what is lawful and what is not lawful by misleading its subscribers to believe that Midjourney’s massive copying and the countless infringing images and videos generated by its Service are somehow authorized by Warner Bros. Discovery."

Warner Bros. Discovery is seeking $150,000 per infringed work.

This is just one of many lawsuits against artificial intelligence — Anthropic settled a copyright lawsuit for $15 billion earlier this month, and Disney and Comcast’s Universal's June complaint alleges that Midjourney is a "bottomless pit of plagiarism."

If you're an active Threads user, you've probably seen a ton of new changes over the past few days: a newly increased 10,000-character limit, a text attachment feature, and now, as Threads said in a post on its site, the company is "making it easier to thread on Threads."

Basically, it wasn't always easy to post a multi-post Thread on the app — or to tell when someone else was doing that. Threads like these are a really helpful tool for people live-posting through an event, doing a live-watching of a show, or posting a multi-part story. Now, Threads is testing a change that "makes it easier to see a series of connected posts by adding a label that shows a post’s position in the thread." For instance, a post might say "1/4" if it is the first of four posts in a Thread.

SEE ALSO: Who is actually using Threads? View on Threads

Threads is also showing threads in your profile a bit differently by allowing users to see the "first and second posts in a thread, followed by an indicator of the number of additional posts you’ve added." And when someone clicks into your thread, they'll see all of your responses in one place, with the intention of making it easier to keep track of the conversation.

"To share a multi-part thread, start by writing your first post in the composer. Then, tap “Add to thread” to keep building. Repeat as many times as you need to tell your story in a series of connected posts," Threads explained.

The Kindle Colorsoft has had a weird rollout. The color e-reader debuted in October of 2024 but quickly paused shipping after customer reports of discoloration. Since then, the Colorsoft has quietly been on the market with two new iterations joining the lineup. Now the Colorsoft collection includes Kindle Colorsoft (16GB), Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB), and Kindle Colorsoft Kids.

Amazon's Kindles admittedly joined the color e-reader party pretty late. Before the Colorsoft's launch, Kobo already had two color e-readers, the Clara Colour and Libra Colour, Boox had the Go Color 7, and the Remarkable Paper Pro tablet has a color display too (although the Remarkable is more of a paper tablet than an e-reader).

The Kindle Colorsoft (left) is the newcomer to the color e-reader market, joining the Kobo Clara Colour (right). Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

With the debut of the Colorsoft, Amazon also had a huge price problem, as the first device launched — the Colorsoft Signature Edition — cost $279.99. As of July 2025, Amazon released the more affordable Kindle Colorsoft, which we're here to review today.

At $249.99, it's still an investment of an e-reader — so is it worth it? Here are our thoughts on the Kindle Colorsoft.

Kindle Colorsoft price and specs From the outside, Kindle Colorsoft and Paperwhite are indistinguishable. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

As mentioned above, the Kindle Colorsoft with 16 GB costs $249.99. To put that price into perspective, that's $90 more than the comparable Kindle Paperwhite but $30 cheaper than the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition.

Compared to other color e-readers, it still runs expensive. The Kobo Clara Colour costs the same as the Paperwhite at $159.99, while the Kobo Libra Colour costs $229.99. So, looking at price alone, it's one of the most expensive color e-readers.

Let's get into the specs of the Kindle Colorsoft:

• 7-inch display

• Up to 94 nits brightness with adjustable warmth

• 300 ppi resolution for black and white and 150 ppi for color

• USB-C charging port with up to 8 weeks of battery life

• 16GB of storage

• IPX8 waterproof rating can be fully submerged in water for up to one hour

• Comes in black, raspberry, and jade

The color doesn't disappoint Comparing the e-reader to the physical book. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The big show-stopping quality of the Kindle Colorsoft is the color display, so that's the priority here. The color looks really nice on the Kindle Colorsoft.

I borrowed a copy of Heartstopper Volume 3 with Libby and sent it to the Kindle Colorsoft, but I wanted to see how it actually compared to the real thing. After grabbing a physical copy of the novel from the library, I set them side-by-side to see how the visuals compared.

The Kindle Colorsoft does a nice job of accurately color-matching the physical copy. However, the colors on the Colorsoft are muted compared to the book, even when you turn up the brightness. I wish the display were higher contrast to capture punchy, vibrant hues.

I also pulled out the Apple iPad (11th gen) to assess the color displays on the Colorsoft. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

But I wanted to verify that its muted tone wasn't just how the e-books were illustrated, so I pulled out my iPad to view the e-book within the Libby app. On the iPad, the colors were more vibrant and accurate to the physical book than the Kindle Colorsoft. Plus, the iPad highlighted the Colorsoft's lower resolution.

You won't miss a ton of color while using the Kindle Colorsoft — just don't expect the same vibrancy you'd expect with a physical copy. If that's a priority for you in reading digitally, go for a tablet instead, as color e-ink displays still have a ways to go in terms of resolution and quality.

It runs just like a Kindle Paperwhite

With the addition of color to a Kindle, I was curious if it would affect the efficiency of its operating system. Luckily, it doesn't. The Colorsoft runs just like the Kindle Paperwhite, which is to say, quickly and efficiently. There's little to no lag time between pages, and it has a 300 ppi resolution when using black and white, adjustable warmth and brightness, and an IPX8 waterproof rating.

There is one small difference when operating the Colorsoft compared to the Paperwhite. When using the e-reader in color, the screen tends to flash between pages while loading. This is a common plight among color e-readers, and something you'll find true among Kobo's color e-readers, too.

Other than the obvious color aspect, the Colorsoft boasts one advantage over the standard Kindle Paperwhite: It is ad-free. This was a pleasant surprise to me, but one I'd expect for a device that costs $250.

I am disappointed that Colorsoft doesn't have auto-adjusting brightness. For that, you'll have to spend even more on the Colorsoft Signature Edition.

Is the Kindle Colorsoft worth it? Is the Kindle Colorsoft worth it? We're opting for other e-readers. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

For the average reader, no, the Kindle Colorsoft is not worth it. Unless you're mostly reading graphic novels, you don't need color on an e-reader. When it comes to purchasing a Kindle, it's a better value to go for the Paperwhite or even the Signature Edition.

If you are really passionate about getting a color e-reader, I'd explore Kobo's offerings instead. The Clara Colour is our favorite e-reader at Mashable, and while it does have a slightly smaller screen, it possesses the same brightness and resolution as the Kindle Colorsoft — not to mention it's $90 cheaper. If you want the bigger screen, the Kobo Libra Colour is also great.

I might recommend this Kindle Colorsoft to parents buying for kids. This model is $20 cheaper than the Colorsoft Kids, and during setup, you can choose to set it up so it's kid-friendly. The color display is a huge boon for kids who want to experience their favorite books in color, plus it's a much better distraction-free reader than a tablet.

Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) $249.99 at Amazon
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We visited London's Science Museum for "The Future of Food," a free exhibition that explores the sustainable practices of food production. From lab-grown meats vs factory farming to the future of bioengineering, the exhibition explores the role technology plays in food production and the impact that it has on our plates and our planet. We also looked at some innovations that could make the future of food more sustainable, including a UK company producing a palm oil alternative — but first, we'll need to overcome preconceived notions on where our food comes from.

"The Future of Food" exhibition is on at London's Science Museum until Jan. 4, 2026.

TL;DR: Live stream Commanders vs. Giants in the NFL for free on Channel 5. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with IPVanish.

The NFL is starting the new season with a number of really interesting matchups, including Commanders vs. Giants. All eyes will be on Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders as they look to build on a positive campaign last season. Can they go one better than the NFC Championship this time around and make the Super Bowl?

SEE ALSO: Get Paramount+ for half price just in time for NFL Sundays

If you want to watch Commanders vs. Giants in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Commanders vs. Giants?

Commanders vs. Giants in the NFL starts at 1 p.m. BST on Sept. 7. This game takes place at the Northwest Stadium.

How to watch Commanders vs. Giants for free

Commanders vs. Giants in the NFL is available to live stream for free on Channel 5.

Channel 5 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 5 from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Commanders vs. Giants for free by following these simple steps:

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

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 the UK

4. Visit Channel 5

5. Live stream Commanders vs. Giants for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: IPVanish IPVanish (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at IPVanish (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 watch Commanders vs. Giants in the NFL without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the NFL before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites to follow the whole season, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking streaming services is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Channel 5?

IPVanish is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 5, for a number of reasons:

• 3,100 servers in 145 locations including the UK

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

• AES 256 encryption and operates with a zero-logs privacy policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Unlimited simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to IPVanish is on sale for just $52.56 — 83% off for a limited time. This plan includes advanced privacy features, threat protection, unlimited connections, 24/7 support, and the 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Commanders vs. Giants in the NFL for free with IPVanish.

Editor's Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, Mashable's parent company. Any products featured on Mashable are covered independently by our editorial team.