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TL;DR: Stop ads, trackers, malware, and more across nine devices with AdGuard Family Plan — lifetime access for only $15.97 (MSRP: $169.99) through Sept. 7.

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

Keeping your online experience safe and smooth shouldn’t feel like an IT project. Lucky for us all, the AdGuard Family Plan is a simple, powerful way to stop ads, trackers, and malware from invading your screen. You can currently get lifetime access for just $15.97 (MSRP: $169.99) with code FAMPLAN, but only through Sept. 7.

So, what exactly does AdGuard do? Think of it as your browsing bodyguard. Annoying banners, pop-ups, and autoplay video ads? Gone. Hidden trackers and data sniffers? Blocked. Sketchy phishing sites trying to trick you? Stopped cold. And if you’re a parent, you’ll love the built-in parental controls that make it easy to filter out adult content.

SEE ALSO: Using this VPN might actually earn you money

This Family Plan covers up to nine devices. That means everyone in your household (and maybe even your aunt who always clicks the wrong link) can enjoy cleaner, safer, faster browsing without extra subscriptions. Whether you’re streaming, shopping, or just reading the news, AdGuard makes the internet feel less like Times Square on New Year’s Eve and more like a quiet library.

The best part is that it’s a one-time payment. No monthly fees, no sneaky auto-renewals. Once you grab this deal, you’ll get lifetime updates and support. That means AdGuard keeps evolving to block whatever new tricks advertisers and scammers dream up.

Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, AdGuard is built to be fast and invisible once it’s running — you won’t even notice it’s there (except when you realize how much smoother everything loads).

Get a lifetime of AdGuard’s Family Plan for $15.97 (MSRP: $169.99) with code FAMPLAN, but only through Sept. 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get yourself a powerful and dependable Apple MacBook Pro for just $439.97 (reg. $1,580) now through Sept. 7 while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch (Refurbished) $439.97
$1,580 Save $1,140.03 Get Deal

Looking for a laptop that won’t need constant upgrades? There’s a reason MacBook Pros have such a loyal following — and such a steep price tag. Normally priced at $1,580, this powerful and portable MacBook Pro is on sale right now for just $439.97 until Sept. 7.

This feature-packed MacBook Pro is on sale for a fraction of the usual cost

A MacBook Pro usually has a sky-high price tag because it’s packed with the bells and whistles we all know and love from Apple. This model comes with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2GHz base speed and 16GB of RAM, so it’s ready to keep up with all your multitasking.

Despite being able to handle your workload, the MacBook Pro is super lightweight and ready to tag along everywhere. It weighs in at just 3.1 pounds, with a 13.3-inch display equipped with Apple’s True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts to your lighting to reduce eye strain.

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

This model has an impressive 512GB SSD, so you can store files locally and download your favorite apps to the device. It also has four Thunderbolt 3 ports for convenient charging and connectivity — though an impressive 10-hour battery life means you won’t have to search for a power outlet all day.

A Touch Bar offers serious customization and shortcuts to make life a little easier, and a Magic Keyboard offers comfortable typing all day long. And you’re getting it all for $1,140 off the usual price tag thanks to this model’s Grade A refurbished condition. That means it will arrive in near-mint condition with minimal signs of prior use.

Snag an Apple MacBook Pro for just $439.97 (reg. $1,580) now through Sept. 7 while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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 Friday, August 29, 2025:

Across"Thanks, I ___ you one!"

• The answer is Owe.

Egg-laying mother

• The answer is Hen.

Plant with tart red stalks used in pie filling

• The answer is Rhubarb.

Proud father of daughters

• The answer is Girl dad.

Tart-tasting beers

• The answer is Sours.

Largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands

• The answer is St Croix.

Wedding companion

• The answer is Plus one.

Mm-hmm

• The answer is Yep.

Booker T. and the ___

• The answer is MGs.

DownWikipedia's URL ender

• The answer is Org.

It might be blown in the fourth quarter

• The answer is Whistle.

Continent-wide soccer tournament

• The answer is Eurocup.

Wasn't too full for dessert

• The answer is Had room.

Wiping, as a hard drive

• The answer is Erasing.

Texter's "Don't worry about it"

• The answer is NBD.

Fuzzy photo features

• The answer is Blurs

Many a character on Apple TV+'s "Slow Horses" or Netflix's "Black Doves"

• The answer is Spy.

Crosses (out)

• The answer is Xes.

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.

TL;DR: Live stream USA vs. Australia in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Women's Rugby World Cup has entered the second round of fixtures, with some fascinating matchups on the agenda this weekend. USA suffered a heavy defeat to favorites England in the opening round, but they'll be hoping to bounce back against Australia. Can Ilona Maher inspire her team to victory?

If you want to watch USA vs. Australia in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is USA vs. Australia?

USA vs. Australia in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup starts at 7:30 p.m. BST on Aug. 30. This fixture takes place at the LNER Community Stadium.

How to watch USA vs. Australia for free

USA vs. Australia in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer 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 BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup online for free

Live stream USA vs. Australia 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream USA vs. Australia 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 watch USA vs. Australia 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 Women's Rugby World Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream USA vs. Australia in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. Samoa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Women's Rugby World Cup is up and running, and the pre-tournament favorites England started their campaign with a confident win over the USA. Now they'll be looking to build on that victory with another strong performance against Samoa.

If you want to watch England vs. Samoa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Samoa?

England vs. Samoa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup starts at 5 p.m. BST on Aug. 30. This fixture takes place at Franklin's Gardens.

How to watch England vs. Samoa for free

England vs. Samoa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer 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 BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup online for free

Live stream England vs. Samoa 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream England vs. Samoa 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 watch England vs. Samoa 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 Women's Rugby World Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream England vs. Samoa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

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

What a pirate might say.

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

MATEY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Foolishness.

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

FOLLY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A small pipe instrument.

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

KAZOO

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Thick chocolate.

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

FUDGE

Final Hurdle hint

A messenger.

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

BARER

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

Ever wondered why the moon looks slightly different every night? This is due to where we are in 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. 

So, let's see what's happening with the moon tonight, Aug. 30.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Saturday, Aug. 30, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent, and 43% will be lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

There's a lot to see when you look up at the moon tonight. With no visual aids, you'll see the Mare Serenitatis, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Mare Tranquillitatis.

With binoculars, you'll also get a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, the Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. If you have a telescope in your lineup, you'll also spot the Rima Ariadaeus, Apollo 17, and the Rupes Altai.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Sept. 7. The last full moon was on Aug. 9.

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.

Most homes are stocked up with essential appliances, which can range from washing machines to smart speakers. But one you make not have considered is a dehumidifier?

It's not the kind of thing you'd usually find on a wedding present list, but a dehumidifier can be a seriously valuable addition to any home, particularly if your home has issues with damp or mould, or you're someone who suffers from allergies. A dehumidifier can also save you money on bills, so it's an investment.

But which dehumidifier is best for you? Unless you’re a moisture expert, dehumidifiers all look the same. It’s hard to know which dehumidifier is right for you and your home without having all the relevant information. That’s why we’re here to help with some dehumidifier facts and a round-up of the best models you can buy.

What is a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a unit that sits in the corner of the room and sucks moisture out of the air. This means cleaner, healthier air. Just set the humidity level you want and let the machine do its thing. The recommended humidity in your home is between 40% and 60% during the summer months and somewhere between 30% and 50% when it gets colder. Anything over 60% and then humid conditions can lead to damp, condensation, mould, and bacteria. This is especially problematic for asthma and allergy sufferers, as mould can cause respiratory problems. Carpets in damp environments can also retain moisture and attract dust mites.

How do dehumidifiers work?

There are two main types of dehumidifiers:

Refrigerant dehumidifiers — Also known as compressors, these use a cold coil that draws condensation out of the air when it makes contact with the coil surface. That condensation then drips into a tank (which can vary in capacity).

Desiccant dehumidifiers — These pass the air over a wheel that’s coated with a water absorbing material known as a desiccant (a bit like how a sponge works). The desiccant is regenerated by an internal heater, so the moisture drips into the tank. Desiccant dehumidifiers can let off some heat — making them ideal for unheated rooms — while refrigerant dehumidifiers struggle in colder temperatures.

How much water does a dehumidifier collect?

Dehumidifiers are generally listed by their moisture-collecting quota per day, from 10 litres to 20-plus litres every 24 hours. It’s worth noting that some models are advertised based on performance in countries with more humidity than the UK, and you’re unlikely to actually collect 25 litres every day. Remember that dehumidifiers have a maximum water tank capacity, usually between 1 and 4 litres. So even if you’re collecting litres upon litres of water from the air, the tank will need to be regularly emptied. Unless, that is, your dehumidifier has a continuous drain function, in which case you can attach a hose to the ring from the unit to a drain.

Where should you put a dehumidifier?

The obvious answer is to put the dehumidifier in rooms with a damp problem. Close the windows and doors, too. If it’s a bathroom, put the dehumidifier outside the door and let the unit suck moisture out of the room. 

Can dehumidifiers dry clothes?

In the winter months, using a dehumidifier for drying clothes is a real game changer. It saves trips to the laundrette or the cost of running your own dryer — and stops you cramming your radiator with wet clothes. Besides, draping wet clothes around your home will only add moisture to the air. For best results, hang your washing on a rack alongside your dehumidifier in a small room. The dehumidifier will draw the wetness out from your clothes so that they dry more quickly. 

Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?

In addition to saving on laundrette costs, a dehumidifier will save money on heating bills because less moisture means less of a biting chill in the air. You can also save money on products for shifting mould or odours. And that tumble dryer you were thinking of buying? Forget it. A dehumidifier will cost you significantly less. Generally speaking, a portable dehumidifier will consume between 30 and 50 watts per hour.

What is the most economical dehumidifier?

There are a lot of dehumidifiers out there, and it's a difficult to say which model is most economical. That's because something that uses the least energy per hour might need to be switched on for longer to get the job done. Always check the energy rating but if in doubt, Meaco produce some of the most economical dehumidifiers around.

What is the best dehumidifier?

It’s not a case of which is the best overall but which works best for you and your home. Or more specifically, the damp in your home. We’ve done the hard work of researching the best models and brands to help you make an informed decision.

There are the best dehumidifiers for 2025.

Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game 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. Like dominoes, the tiles are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 29, 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 August 30, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 30 Pips

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 30 Pips

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

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

Not Equal: The domino halves in this space must be different. 3-4, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically; 1-6, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

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

Less than (3): Everything in this blue space must add up to less than 3. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 30 Pips

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 5-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed vertically.

Equal (2): The domino halves in this space must be 2. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically; 2-3, placed vertically; 6-2, placed vertically; 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this red space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

Equal (3): The domino halves in this space must be 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4 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: Types of tunes

• Green: To disappoint

• Blue: To do amazing

• Purple: Classical musicians

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: Music genres

• Green: Not be good

• Blue: Do exceptionally well

• Purple: Contemporary composers

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 #812 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Music genres: EMO, PUNK, METAL, POP

• Not be good: BITE, BLOW, STINK, SUCK

• Do exceptionally well: EAT, ROCK, RULE, SLAY

• Contemporary composers: CAGE, ENO, GLASS, REICH

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 August 27, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

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

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

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: No small matter

The words are size-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe large things.

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 Big Deal.

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

• Enormous

• Huge

• Mighty

• Big Deal

• Massive

• Colossal

• Gigantic

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

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

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

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for August 4 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 4, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To thrill someone.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter E.

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...

ELATE.

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 August 4

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.

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 29, Apple's 13-inch 2025 MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale for $999 at Amazon. This is $200 off its list price of $1,199.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) $999 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $200 Get Deal

Are you in need of a new laptop for school, work, or something else? There are some awesome discounts popping up on a wide range of models at the moment, including Apple MacBooks. In particular, Apple's 13-inch 2025 MacBook Air is discounted to under $1,000 right now at Amazon.

The 13-inch 2025 MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale for $999 at Amazon. This is 17% off its usual price of $1,199, saving you $200 on list price. This is its lowest-ever price, so if it has been on your radar for some time, now is your chance to grab it for less.

SEE ALSO: Save $100 on the Apple iPad Mini — our favorite tablet for reading

This model of MacBook Air boasts a sleek 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display and is packed with the speedy M4 chip to keep you cruising smoothly, whatever the task. On top of that, it has up to 18 hours of battery life and a portable design so you can easily take it on the go.

We consider the MacBook Air to be our top pick in our ranking of the best MacBooks, and for very good reason. Mashable's Dylan Haas writes that "Apple's latest MacBook isn't the biggest upgrade over the M3, but it still packs in a better processor, some new features, and a much more competitive price (starting at $999), placing it firmly as the MacBook with the most overall value."

Don't miss out on the 13-inch 2025 MacBook Air for $999 at Amazon. And if you're looking for more Apple deals right now, the good news is there are plenty more worth checking out in early Labor Day sales.

SAVE $20: As of Aug. 29, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you 40% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is back on sale, and this time shoppers can save $20 on list price. This is one of Amazon's most popular devices, and it's easy to see why.

As of Aug. 29, the Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for just $29.99. With NFL kickoff fast approaching, this could be the best time to buy.

SEE ALSO: Get ready for NFL kickoff with these deals on massive 100-inch TVs

Once the Fire TV Stick 4K is plugged in, you get access to platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more without hassle. All you need is an HDMI port, and you're good to go. It's like turning your TV into a smart TV without the pricey upgrade. Or if you already have a smart TV, you can make the switch to the Fire operating system (aka, get all your apps and streaming channels in one place).

The Fire TV Stick comes with a remote that has Alexa built in, so you can use voice control to search through multiple streaming platforms at once. You can also use it to communicate with other smart home devices you own, such as a robot vacuum.

There's no over-the-top setup to worry about either; these handy remotes are so simple to use. Just pop the device into your TV or laptop HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels and apps.

Convinced? Get this heavily discounted Fire Stick from Amazon and stream the NFL without the stress.

TL;DR: Upgrade your laptop with this Apple MacBook Pro, on sale for just $324.97 (reg. $1,499) now through Sept. 7 while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (Refurbished) $324.97
$1,499 Save $1,174.03 Get Deal

Don’t let the kids have all the fun this back-to-school season. If you could use a new laptop, now is a great time to save big on a powerful device. Take Apple’s most impressive laptop, for example. A MacBook Pro is currently on sale for $324.97 — over $1,000 off the usual price tag — now through Sept. 7.

Apple’s MacBook Pro is now more affordable than ever

Upgrade your laptop with this feature-packed MacBook Pro. If you’ve held off on snagging one of Apple’s most powerful and portable devices due to price, now is the time to take advantage of this deal. This model is equipped with a powerful 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor that can handle all of your multitasking, with Turbo Boost technology that enables processing speeds of up to 3.5GHz.

A Touch Bar, a unique Apple feature, offers serious customization and shortcuts right at the top of your keyboard, which is backlit so you can type in any light. And the Force Touch trackpad makes sure you have precise cursor control.

SEE ALSO: Get the 2025 MacBook Air for under $800 for a limited time

This MacBook Pro weighs in at just 3.02 pounds, so it’s light enough to bring along anywhere. A 10-hour battery life lets you fit in a full work day without ever having to recharge. There are also four Thunderbolt 3 ports, so you can easily connect and charge when you need to. You can save files locally and run your favorite apps thanks to 512GB of storage, too.

You’ll save over $1,000 thanks to this model’s grade A refurbished status. That means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition, with virtually no signs of prior use, and you get to enjoy the discount.

Take advantage of this deal on the Apple MacBook Pro, now only $324.97 (reg. $1,499) through Sept. 7 while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TikTok is stepping up its game in DMs.

Users can now send voice notes, photos, and videos in direct messages on TikTok, TechCrunch first reported and TikTok confirmed to Mashable. Previously, users could only send TikTok videos or text over DMs.

Voice notes can be up to 60 seconds long while photos and videos can either come directly from a user's camera or can be selected from their camera roll. Users can edit the photos or videos in-message before they send it, too, according to TechCrunch.

To send a photo, head to your messages tab and click the camera icon at the bottom left or the landscape icon at the bottom right. To send a voice memo, click the microphone icon at the bottom right. When you send a voice note, the app encourages users to "send voice messages only to trusted friends. Be kind and respectful to keep our community safe."

How to send a voice note or photo on TikTok DMs Credit: Screenshot / TikTok

Sending images in DMs has been requested time and time again by TikTok users, and, as NPR reported, voice notes are the new texts for young people.

"Texting can muddle meaning, and calls can trigger anxiety. But for many, short voice recordings offer an easier, low-pressure alternative," NPR wrote in 2023. Now, two whole years later, TikTok can finally join iMessage, Instagram DMs, WhatsApp, and more messaging platforms in offering this to its users.

There are, of course, some additional privacy measures. You can't send an image as a message request, which TikTok says is for user safety, according to TechCrunch. Message requests are only for sharing TikTok content, voice notes, and text. DMs are only available to users over 16 years old, and there are additional systems in place to protect users under 18 years old, including detecting and blocking images containing nudity, TechCrunch reported.

To users that haven't already locked down your personal accounts in light of massive data breaches: It's never too late.

That's why Google is once again urging its Gmail subscribers to protect their accounts, following a series of data attacks on corporate systems that could eventually threaten users' personal security. Google sent notifications to its 2.5 billion Gmail users in late July and then again on Aug. 8, warning them that hackers were ramping up phishing activity intended to fool users into giving up their log-in credentials.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI and Anthropic teamed up to safety test each other's models

Google specifically referred to a group known as "ShinyHunters," which the company says has launched a data leak site (DLS) in an effort to escalate extortion pressure levied at users. Google notes the extortion emails include "shinycorp@tuta. com" and "shinygroup@tuta. com" domains.

In May, cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler reported that some 184 million passwords were potentially exposed in an open database, with many of the passwords tied to email providers like Google and social media platforms. One month later, Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) reported that one of its corporate Salesforce server clusters (known as instances) was breached and exposed publicly available business information, such as business names and contact details, Google explained. The breach was continued activity from an online threat group known as UNC6040, which uses voice phishing to impersonate IT agents, steal data, and extort money. This week, GTIG issued another advisory to Salesforce clients about a large data breach by hacker group "UNC6395."

To prevent users getting bested by future phishing attempts, Google has encouraged its users to set up two-factor authentication and update their passwords. The company has also warned users never to click on emails with alerts such as "suspicious sign in prevented," which are commonly used by hackers during periods of increased cybersecurity warnings. Instead, users should check security alerts on their own — more on how to do that below.

How to check your Google security activity Total Time

• 3 min.

What You Need

• Google account access
• desktop or mobile app.

Step 1: Log into your Google account.

Go to myaccount.google.com

Step 2: Navigate to "Security".

For desktop users, find this on the left side of the screen next to the padlock icon.

Step 3: Go to "Recent security activity".

Any security alerts in the last 28 days, including new sign-ins, should be visible here. Users can click for more information.

How to change your Gmail password Total Time

• 3 min

What You Need

• Google account access
• desktop or mobile app

Step 1: Log into your Google account.

Step 2: Navigate to "Security."

Step 3: Scroll to the “How you sign in to Google” section.

Step 4: Click "Password".

Users can also see the last time they changed their password.

Step 5: Log in using your current password one more time.

How to set up 2-Step verification for Google Total Time

• 5 min

What You Need

• Google account access
• desktop or mobile app

Step 1: Log in to your Google account.

Step 2: Navigate to "Security."

Step 3: Scroll to “How you sign in to Google”.

Step 4: Click "Turn on 2-Step Verification".

Step 5: Follow the steps on-screen.

In order to enable multi factor authentication, users will need to use an on-device passkey, the Google authenticator app (or other third-party authenticator), link a personal phone number, or set up a backup code.

One of the web's biggest social media management apps has just removed Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, from its platform.

Later, which boasts millions of users, including hundreds of big brands ranging from GoPro to the Dallas Mavericks, officially dropped support for X on its Later Social platform on Thursday.

The social media company stopped its customers from connecting new X accounts late last month as it prepared for the change. Yesterday, August 28, Later sunset its X support entirely. Later Social customers were previously able to schedule X posts, monitor conversations on X, and view their X analytics.

"Yes, we’ve deprecated support for X on Later Social," the company said in a statement provided to Mashable. "We are focused on driving results for our customers through influencer marketing, and doubling down on the social platforms that best support that mission.”

X is the only platform that Later has removed. Later Social customers can continue to manage their accounts on supported social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Snapchat.

X's API changes continue to drive companies away

The timing of Later's removal of X comes shortly after Musk's company began reaching out to third-party developers and other companies using its API (application programming interface) to announce yet another change to its pricing scheme.

Before Musk's acquisition, then-Twitter offered a robust API offering free of charge to its healthy third-party developer ecosystem. Shortly after Musk's takeover, the company changed gears and knee-capped its free offering. Many developers utilizing X's API were forced to drop their integration with the platform or sign up for an Enterprise API subscription, with prices ranging from a whopping $42,000 to $210,000 per month. X later introduced additional fees, such as charging developers $1 for every account connected to the API through their third-party app. 

Now, X is switching up its subscription model and informed existing API customers that Musk and company intend to take a cut of their revenue instead.

Mashable originally reported on the changes back in June, shortly after the popular no-code automation platform Make announced that it was dropping X integration due to "X's revised API policies and pricing." 

SEE ALSO: The X API costs developers $42K per month. Now X wants a cut of their revenue instead.

Later now joins a growing list of companies that have removed X after Musk's API pricing changes, which include Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo.

When Pocket shut down earlier this year, it hurt more than just folks who wanted to save articles easier. Kobo users could no longer read articles directly from the internet on their eReader — a devastating move for so many readers like myself.

Kobo recently announced it would replace Pocket with Instapaper, a minimalist and sleek service much like Pocket that offers both a free plan as well as a paid premium subscription option, saving us from having to read articles the second we see them. And, on Thursday, that update came to users.

"At Kobo, our passion is better reading for everyone, everywhere.  And now, with the addition of Instapaper's excellent 'read it later' functionality, we have a perfect solution to the long-form reading you find on the web," Michael Tamblyn, the CEO of Rakuten Kobo said in a press release on Thursday. "When Pocket unexpectedly sunset, we knew we had to find a new way for our readers to dive into their favourite web articles right on their Kobo. Partnering with Instapaper has been a dream, the team has been great to work with, and we're thrilled to offer this integration so readers can keep enjoying their preferred long-form content, distraction-free, on their Kobo eReader."

Here's how to download articles directly from the internet onto your Kobo with Instapaper.

SEE ALSO: Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime Total Time

• 1 min

What You Need

• Kobo
• Instapaper account

Step 1: Navigate to "My Articles"

Click the hamburger menu titled "More" in the bottom right of your Kobo and click "My Articles."

Step 2: Link with Instapaper

Once you click "My Articles," you'll be met with a page that reads: "read articles on your eReader with Instapaper." "Find something you want to view later? Save it in Instapaper and enjoy it on your Kobo eReader, phone, tablet, and computer whenever you're ready — even offline." Click "Link with Instapaper" and follow the directions on your eReader, including using your phone to scan a QR code or entering a code at kobo.com/instapaper.

Step 3: Sync it up

After you link your Kobo with Instapaper, stay on a WiFi network to sync all your saved articles on Instapaper to your Kobo, and voila! Your articles are there and saved for you to read any time.

If there isn't an option for you to view your articles when you click "more," you'll need to update your Kobo. It shouldn't take too long, and when it starts back up it'll show you exactly what the update is there for: "Farewell to Pocket," and "Hello to Instapaper."

If you want to keep all your data from Pocket on your Instapaper, you can do that, too. Simply export your Pocket data and import it to Instapaper.

Now there's really no excuse to have that many tabs open.

AI companies are throwing multi-billion dollar offers at Google with one goal in mind: Acquiring the search giant's web browser Google Chrome.

Perplexity AI recently offered more than $34 billion to Google for Chrome. OpenAI, which has much larger coffers, has also expressed strong interest in buying the web browser.

But, why are all these massive AI companies offering to throw money at Google for a web browser? Is Google Chrome even for sale?

Here's why AI companies are offering big bucks for Chrome

Google's Chrome web browser has a massive user base, with close to 3.5 billion users. Chrome dominates the search space, making up around 68 percent of the web browser market share. 

Chrome is a huge part of Google's operation, so it is very unlikely that Google would be looking to sell its Chrome web browser – by choice.

Last year, Google lost a huge antitrust case brought by the U.S. Department of Justice that found that the Big Tech company violated federal law in order to maintain a monopoly in online search.

As a result of losing the antitrust case, the judge will look to break up Google, forcing the company to break their hold over the industry. One recommendation that the DOJ has made to the judge: Force Google to sell its Chrome web browser.

The courts have yet to make their decision, but the very thought of Google being forced to put Chrome up for sale has AI companies salivating at the thought of acquiring it.

Why is Google Chrome so important to Google and the AI companies?

Google Chrome's dominance in the web browser space is significant, but why is it so integral to Google? 

Google controls the internet's most popular web browser. Google makes its search product the default search engine on Chrome. Google maintains its search engine dominance. Google's search product, its primary source of revenue, brings in hundreds of billions of dollars per year.

As for the AI companies? AI giants like OpenAI and Perplexity would love to have direct access to that user base, as they look to integrate AI agents into web browsers. The vision for many AI companies is for users to be able to access AI chatbots and all of their functions directly from a web browser, without any need to login to a website or platform. Furthermore, AI companies would love to own that user data in order to better train their AI chatbots. In fact, some AI companies have already launched their own web browsers in order to see these things come to fruition. However, it'll be a long while before any of these browsers see anything close to Chrome's market dominance, if at all.

So, the real question though, is whether Google will actually have to sell Chrome. The judge will likely make their decision soon. However, Tom's Guide spoke with one expert, Info-Tech Research Group analyst Thomas Randall, who pointed out that it's unlikely that federal regulators would approve the sale of Google Chrome to another tech giant, regardless of whether they are in the search or AI space.

Whatever the court decides, Google will likely fight to the end to keep Chrome and appeal the decision.