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Amazon's October Prime Day is upon us and that means it's time to do some MacBook shopping.

Two of Apple's latest laptops, the 15-inch MacBook Air and the 14-inch MacBook Pro, both contain Apple's powerful M3 chip. They're also both pretty steeply discounted for Prime Day, so now is probably the time to jump on the bandwagon if you don't have a Mac, or simply upgrade if you do.

Don't worry, dear reader. We're going to dispel your confusion and help you make an informed decision about which M3 MacBook — Air or Pro — is right for you.

SEE ALSO: 15-inch M3 MacBook Air review: Read this before you even think about buying M3 MacBook Air vs. M3 MacBook Pro: Price

The M3 MacBook Air is the cheapest and it comes in two flavors: 13-inch and 15-inch models.

The new M3 MacBook Air line Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The 13-inch variant has a starting price of $1,099 and comes with the following specs:

• 8-Core CPU

• 8-Core GPU

• 8GB of RAM

• 256GB of SSD storage

I'd warn you, though, that 8GB of RAM is scant, particularly if you love juggling a lot of apps and Google Chrome tabs simultaneously. To be on the safe side, I'd recommend upgrading your memory to 16GB of RAM, which is an additional $200 for a total of $1,299.

The M3 MacBook Pro only comes in a 14-inch model. It has a starting price of $1,599 and features the following specs:

• 8-Core CPU

• 10-Core GPU

• 8GB of RAM

• 512GB of SSD storage

Again, the entry-level 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro only comes with 8GB of RAM, which isn't ideal if you don't want to stomach slowdowns while hopping between numerous apps and tabs. I suggest tacking on an extra $200 for 16GB of memory.

Winner: M3 MacBook Air

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable 15-inch M3 MacBook Air $1,099.00
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro $1,599.00
Shop Now M3 MacBook Air vs. M3 MacBook Pro: Display

As mentioned, the M3 MacBook Air comes in two display sizes: 13.6 inches and 15.3 inches.

13-inch M3 MacBook Air Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The 15-inch display is the sweet spot: not too small (like the 13-inch model), but not to large. There's a chance that the 13.6-inch model may be too cramped for you.

The M3-based MacBook Pro only comes in a 14-inch variant, but if you don't mind spending the extra money, you can nab the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which comes with processor upgrades, too (e.g., the more powerful M3 Pro or M3 Max instead of the entry-level M3 chip).

Check out the resolution and brightness of each laptop across both the M3 MacBook Air and M3 MacBook Pro models:

• 13-inch M3 MacBook Air: 2,560 x 1,664-pixel resolution, 500 nits of brightness

• 15-inch M3 MacBook Air: 2,800 x 1,864-pixel resolution, 500 nits of brightness

• 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro: 3,024 x 1,964-pixel resolution, up to 1,600 nits of brightness

To put it succinctly, if you want a bright display (a must if you use your laptop outdoors often) and a crisp, high-res screen (ideal for graphics and video editing), the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro is your best bet.

Winner: M3 MacBook Pro

M3 MacBook Air vs. M3 MacBook Pro: Design

Design-wise, let's start with what's the same. If you're not a fan of the notch (e.g., the webcam-housing, rectangular thingamajig that dips into the display), too bad! It's a feature across both the Air and Pro models.

15-inch M3 Macbook Air Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Diving into the differences, the M3 MacBook Air offers the following colors, including midnight black, which is designed to fend off fingerprints better than the others:

• Starlight

• Space gray

• Silver

• Midnight black (with a fingerprint-resistant anodized seal)

The MacBook Pro line also features a colorway with a fingerprint-resistant seal; it's called space black. However, there's a catch. You can only get space black for MacBook Pro models with the M3 Pro or M3 Max chip. In other words, you'll have to spend at least $2,000 (e.g., the 14-inch M3 Pro-based MacBook Pro variant) to get it.

That being said, the only colors you can get for the M3-based 14-inch MacBook Pro are the following:

• Space gray

• Silver

A bit boring, I know. I'd opt for silver if I were you; fingerprints and scratches are less noticeable on it.

14-inch M3 MacBook Pro Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I'd also add that, unsurprisingly, the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro is the heaviest:

• 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro: 3.4 pounds, 0.6 inches thick

• 15-inch M3 MacBook Air: 3.3 pounds, 0.45 inches thick

• 13-inch M3 MacBook Air: 2.7 pounds, 0.44 inches thick

If you need a travel companion that won't put too much stress on your back and shoulders, the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air is ideal.

Finally, another striking difference between Air and Pro is the presence of speaker grilles that flank the keyboard on the latter. As you'll see in the next section, the Pro is unmatched when it comes to delivering ear-soothing sounds.

Winner: M3 MacBook Air

M3 MacBook Air vs. M3 MacBook Pro: Audio

There's no contest. Not only does the MacBook Pro have better audio than the MacBook Air, but it arguably has the best speaker system on the market.

• 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro: 6-speaker sound system

• 13-inch, 15-inch M3 MacBook Air: 4-speaker sound system

Don't get me wrong; the M3 MacBook Air's audio is still divine.

15-inch M3 MacBook Air Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Whether you choose the 13-inch or 15-inch variant, it comes with a four-speaker sound system that is crisp, loud, and smooth. However, when you play music on the MacBook Pro's six-speaker sound system, equipped with force-cancelling woofers, it sounds absolutely angelic.

It's worth noting that both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro have a three-mic array, but Apple boasts that the latter has a "studio-quality" setup.

M3 MacBook Air vs. M3 MacBook Pro: Ports

If you're a content creator, I'd recommend grabbing the Pro model. The problem with the Air is that it only features the following I/O options:

• Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 (USB-C) ports

• A headset jack

• MagSafe 3

The M3 MacBook Pro, on the other hand, adds two more ports: HDMI and SDXC card slot.

Winner: M3 MacBook Pro

M3 MacBook Air vs. M3 MacBook Pro: External display support

The M3 MacBook Air, unlike its predecessor, supports two external displays. However, the catch is that you can only use those displays while the lid is closed. In other words, no, you can't use the panel on the laptop – just the two external monitors.

14-inch M3 MacBook Air Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

This means you’ll have to rely on peripherals like the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse to enjoy the multi-screen experience.

Apple recently announced that the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro, like the new M3 MacBook Air, will support the same external display function (including the exclusion of the laptop panel while using multiple screens) in the near future.

Winner: Draw

M3 MacBook Air vs. M3 MacBook Pro: Performance

Yes, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in this versus have the same chip – the M3 – but there are some differences that affect the performance of both models.

14-inch M3 MacBook Pro Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Before we get into that, allow us to share our scores from Geekbench 6, which tested the 8-core CPUs inside our M3 MacBook Air and M3 MacBook Pro review units.

• 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro: 11,998

• 15-inch M3 MacBook Air: 12,057

Again, both models we tested on Geekbench 6 have the same 8-core CPU, so the processing prowess is quite similar. As such, the delta between the two scores is too negligible to be significant.

However, the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro offers more graphics oomph with its base model, thanks to its 10-core GPU (as opposed to the 8-core GPU configuration the Air line starts with). If you want to upgrade your Air to a 10-Core GPU, you'll have to shell out an extra $100.

In other words, configurations with the 10-Core GPU should offer a slight edge for anyone who is interested in video and photo editing — or macOS gaming.

14-inch M3 MacBook Pro Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It's also worth noting that the M3 MacBook Pro, thanks to being packed with fans (the M3 MacBook Air has a fanless design), can sustain workloads that stress the CPU and GPU better than the Air model.

If you do any serious, intensive work with graphics, opt for the Pro.

Winner: M3 MacBook Pro

M3 MacBook Air vs. M3 MacBook Pro: Battery life

According to Apple, both the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air models are rated for up to 18 hours of battery life. The 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro, on the other hand, lasts for up to 22 hours on a charge.

Winner: M3 MacBook Air

If you absolutely, positively need an ultra-bright, high-res display, an SDXC card slot, and an industry-leading laptop sound system, grab the M3 MacBook Pro.

However, consider that the M3 MacBook Air isn't too much of a downgrade from the M3 MacBook Pro. Plus, with the M3 MacBook Air, you can snag the midnight black colorway, which is designed to reduce fingerprint smudges — a perk the M3 MacBook Pro doesn't offer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable 15-inch M3 MacBook Air $1,099.00
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She's a fashion model! She's a computer genius! She's got dark obsessions that have her fixated upon a serial killer! In the 1960s or '70s, these fantastical beats would've made for a swank giallo film – meaning that Italian subset of slashers that are all loose morals and leather gloves (think Dario Argento or Mario Bava). But nowadays, what we get instead is Red Rooms (Les Chambres rouges), Quebecois director Pascal Plante's deliciously lurid courtroom drama cum techno thriller which opened Montreal's 2023 Fantasia Film Festival.

SEE ALSO: What to watch: Best scary movies

Red Rooms gives one hell of a star-making role to relative newcomer Juliette Gariépy as our gorgeous and disturbed model slash tech detective. As Kelly-Anne, she's an enigma wrapped in avant-garde high fashion in front of the camera (her agent says, "Weird is her thing") who opts for inconspicuous blacks and grays at home. Kelly-Anne can turn it up to one hundred and fifty when the flashbulbs pop, but everything about her home life seems nondescript — her apartment is a sterile box perched high in the Montreal sky, and she seems to have no friends or family to speak of. Not even a plant!

What she does have is her obsession with "The Demon of Rosemont," a serial killer who's been butchering teen girls and broadcasting it on the dark web to the highest bidders. The red rooms of the film's title indicate both the internet forums where these videos are broadcast, as well as the physical locations themselves where these snuff films are made – the latter literally turning red with blood as their terrible proceedings play out. 

But Kelly-Anne is hardly alone in this fixation – it's a case that’s captured the attention of the world, the sort of snuff films that long seemed the stuff of Hostel-like fiction finally being proven all too terrifyingly real. And like Kelly-Anne, no one can look away, especially now that there's a suspect on trial. 

Everything seems to indicate that Ludovic Chevalier (Maxwell McCabe-Lokos from Stanleyville) is the murderer behind the black ski mask seen on the videos – videos that only took a small matter of time to leak beyond the confines of their original rarified chat rooms into the wider world's web. Much to the horror of the murdered girls' families, and to everyone with a conscience...Not that half of those people don't want a peek anyway. As Chevalier's trial begins, the judge warns the jurors they should leave immediately if they're not prepared to witness awful things, and not a single one of them stirs.

Red Rooms is a courtroom drama of darkest inclinations. Credit: Courtesy of Utopia

But the full scope of the case is anything but cut-and-dry. For one, there's the question of the number of victims, as two of the snuff videos have leaked online but the mutilated remains of three girls were found on Chevalier's property.  And it should be noted that we see no violence on-screen, but we do hear it, and we hear truly horrible actions described in lingering, clinical detail. Which is almost always worse? When a filmmaker trusts their audience to fill in the details, our imaginations become the grimmest kind of devils.

The mother of the youngest victim, Francine (Elisabeth Locas), has become the face of the families in the courtroom and in the media. Her emotional pleas to the press for information have captured everyone's heart, even as Plante — through Kelly-Anne's gaze — wanders dangerously, thrillingly, toward finding Francine's showmanship itself somewhat distasteful. She seems almost too distraught that there is no snuff film showcasing her daughter's final moments? Clearly, this is not a film unwilling to probe at unsettling impulses.

Francine also vociferously makes her disgust with the serial killer groupies who attend every court session well known to any microphone that will listen. And yes, Kelly-Anne is indeed one of those groupies. When she's not posing in haute couture or winning piles of bitcoin in online poker games, she's sleeping in an alleyway behind the courthouse so she can be the first in line to watch the proceedings live and in person. And she sits riveted to every micro-expression on Chevalier's bored, expressionless face.

But what is she watching for? Plante's direction and script and Gariépy's performance all steadfastly refuse to let us know what is motivating Kelly-Anne’s bizarre fixation. Does she know Chevalier? Is she in love with him or trying to solve the case? As sure as the press and the prosecution are that they got their man, the murderer is masked in the videos; the defense very well might have its reasonable doubt. The eyes seem like his, but is that enough?

All facets of true crime come under the microscope. Credit: Courtesy of Utopia

Clementine (Laurie Babin) is one of the other young women who attends the proceedings as religiously as Kelly-Anne does, and she is convinced Chevalier is innocent. She, too, is willing to weaponize the press, ranting outside of court every day to every camera about due process and doctored videos. As a contrast to Kelly-Anne's austere reserve, Clementine couldn't be more different. And so when the two women strike up a tentative friendship, we’re forced to wonder if Kelly-Anne agrees with Clementine; she assumes the role of devil's advocate in their conversations, but only mildly so. 

Inscrutable as she might be, Kelly-Anne seems drawn to any kind of extreme behavior. But she's like an alien observer looking into it – "it" being humanity, emotion, a firm stance in any direction. The adaptability that makes her an excellent model seems to have hung her out to dry in real life, but her dispassion benefits her in poker and online sleuthing as well. It seems as if she can hack anything, seeing ways through the ones and zeroes that the rest of us would never. Indeed, the slow build of Kelly-Anne's long game is masterfully unfurled by Plante, and as we watch the pieces slap into place, it's truly some of the best use of the internet and its disturbing possibilities that I've ever witnessed on-screen. 

It all comes back to our killer leading lady. Credit: Courtesy of Utopia

The role of Kelly-Anne is a whopper of one; it's the sort of complicated (one might even say "unlikeable") role that actresses live for, and which hardly ever seem to come along. The only recent U.S. correlation I can think of is what David Fincher and Rooney Mara did with the significantly underrated The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and even Lisbeth Salander would tell Kelly-Anne to take it down a notch.

And Juliette Gariépy gives a coolly masterful turn, threading through every derangement little shockwaves of life and humor where you'd usually expect to see a more clinical, atypical touch. She keeps surprising, scene to scene, millisecond to millisecond, just as you get the feeling that Kelly-Anne is surprising herself just as much. Gariépy is somehow totally in control of a person totally out of control, but in an extremely controlled fashion. 

And where Plante finally lands us, and Kelly-Anne, has to be seen, jaw agape, to be believed. Red Rooms is very good at digging its finger around under the skin of everybody's salacious relationship with true crime – the media, the public, the law itself – and spilling out our most untoward compulsions across the floor like so much crimson splatter. Like those giallo films of yore, it can be pulpy and silly; Kelly-Anne remains a gorgeous model slash brilliant computer hacker, after all. But in its bigness, it approaches an almost operatic truth, finding equal measures of perversity on both sides of justice's scales.

Red Rooms is now available to watch on demand via Apple TV+.

UPDATE: Oct. 2, 2024, 2:24 p.m. EDT Red Rooms was reviewed out of its North American premiere at Fantasia Film Festival 2023. This review was originally published on July 29, 2023. It has been updated to reflect its digital release.

News of a sequel to Netflix's cult sci-fi/horror The Platform brought me mixed feelings.

The original's nightmarishly simple concept was so compelling I wanted to see more from that world, but I also worried about what a sequel could say or show that the first movie hadn't.

I'm happy to report my fears weren't necessary. The Platform 2 is a powerful continuation of the bad dream that began with Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia's 2019 movie, building upon its brutalist universe while changing the rules just enough to send a new message.

SEE ALSO: The best sci-fi movies on Netflix to escape reality What is The Platform 2 about?

The setting is the same as it was in the original: a vertical prison with cells stacked on top of one another. Each cell has a rectangular hole in the middle, and each day a platform filled with food descends from the very top of the prison to the very bottom. The platform contains a meal or food item that each prisoner requests when they first go into the prison, and there's enough for everyone — providing no prisoner eats more than their fair share. Which of course they do.

The Platform 2 takes this concept and builds on it, introducing new cellmates Perempuán (Milena Smit) and Zamiatin (Hovik Keuchkerian) at a time when the prisoners have implemented a strict system of rules to try and ensure as many people eat as possible.

Credit: NICOLAS DASSAS / NETFLIX The Platform 2 is familiar, but different.

This note of quiet revolution — almost hopeful — is how the film begins. The oppressive setting is instantly recognisable, as are the ominous clangs and rumbles that form the movie's backdrop, but the rules have changed.

"The higher up you are, the more responsibility," is how one character puts it, revealing a prisoner-enforced system where people eat only what they requested and are badly punished for doing otherwise. This tweak of the original idea — thanks to the script co-written by The Platform scribes David Desola and Pedro Rivero, along with Egoitz Moreno and Gaztelu-Urrutia – breathes fresh life into the franchise. The tension now comes not from trying to understand the prison itself, but from trying to navigate the system enforced by the people within it.

Credit: NICOLAS DASSAS / NETFLIX The Platform 2 is as cruel and beautiful as the original.

One of the reasons I love The Platform is the way it shows humanity at its best and worst. The script is moving at times, terrifying at others. Gaztelu-Urrutia's direction draws out this hope and horror in the performers, all of whom are raw and believable. Azegiñe Urigoitia's production design is a nightmarish work of art. In the background, composer Aitor Etxebarria's haunting score spools through the movie and ties it together like a thread. All of these things are true of the sequel, too.

Once again, it's not one to watch while you're eating, as there's plenty of disturbing and gory imagery. But the dialogue and the performances are powerful, and the underlying exploration of societal power structures is just as fascinating as it was in the original.

"We kill to build a future where no one will kill anyone," says a character at one point, showing how a system that strives for fairness can quickly devolve into brutality. "Only fear subdues beasts."

It's not easy to make a genre sequel, and it's even harder when the original is such a special and unique movie. But The Platform 2 is a clear example of doing it right.

The Platform 2 is streaming on Netflix from Oct. 4.

Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The Oregon Ducks and Michigan State football teams are scheduled to meet at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, for a Big Ten Conference contest on Friday, Oct. 4. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. 

Oregon, ranked No. 6 in The Associated Press poll, enters the matchup 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten. Most recently, Oregon defeated UCLA 34-13. Michigan State comes into the contest 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the Big Ten. On Sept. 28, Ohio State beat MSU 38-7. Entering Friday, Oregon leads the all-time series 4-3 vs. Michigan State.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable

Dan Lanning is the Oregon Ducks football head coach. Jonathan Smith is the Michigan State football head coach. 

Oregon Ducks vs. MSU football kickoff time and network

The Oregon Ducks vs. Michigan State football game is scheduled for a 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT start on FOX on Friday, Oct. 4. The FOX broadcasters are scheduled to be Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Brock Huard (analyst), and Alison Williams (sideline reporter). 

Without cable or satellite TV, some options to watch the Oregon vs. MSU football game via online live stream include FuboTV and Sling.

Best streaming services for Michigan State vs. Oregon football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. Here are the best streaming services to consider for Friday's MSU vs. Oregon Ducks football game on FOX. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Blue Plan Get Deal

FOX is available on Sling TV in select markets. Those include Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Gainesville, Houston, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tacoma, Tampa, and Washington, D.C. 

If you’re not in one of those markets, getting Sling TV won’t help you watch the Oregon vs. MSU football game. 

If you’re in one of those markets, getting Sling TV for the Ducks vs. Michigan State football game would work for you. You’ll need the Blue Plan, which comes at $20 for the first month and $40 for subsequent months.

Sling TV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Visit the FuboTV website to see if your zip code includes the FOX broadcast. If you’re in luck, then you can get FOX with the FuboTV Pro plan, which has a one-month introductory rate of $59.99/month and a regular subscription rate of $79.99 per month. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

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 October 4'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 October 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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

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 October 4 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 4 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

It's the name given to a book, movie, or position, often revealing its essence.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 4 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...

TITLE.

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.

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

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

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

Connections is the latest New York Times word game 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 October 4'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 SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 4 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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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 October 4 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: A curve that dips inward

• Green: Just a little bit

• Blue: Famous animated characters

• Purple: Types of dates

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: Concavity

• Green: Small Amount

• Blue: Disney Characters

• Purple: ___Date

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 #480 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Concavity: DENT, DIMPLE, DING, DIVOT

• Small Amount: DAB, DASH, DOLLOP, DROP

• Disney Characters: DAISY, DALE, DOC, DORY

• ___Date: DELIVERY, DINNER, DREAM, DUE

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.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 4

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

This word describes an undomesticated animal.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 4 Hurdle Word 1 answer

FERAL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Evil Knievel did these better than anyone.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for October 4 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

STUNT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Soaked in an unpleasant manner.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 4 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SOGGY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A tool that holds things together.

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

CLAMP

Final Hurdle hint

A state of agitation.

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

TIZZY

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

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 3 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Friday, October 4, 2024:

AcrossExclamation of frustration

• The answer is Argh.

Party pooper

• The answer is Bore.

Something sweet

• The answer is Sugar.

Applications

• The answer is Uses.

Digs for pigs

• The answer is Pens.

DownTake unfair advantage of

• The answer is Abuse.

Pineapple Express actor Seth

• The answer is Rogen.

It covers a lot of ground

• The answer is Grass.

___ Royal Highness

• The answer is Her.

Slangy greeting

• The answer is Sup.

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 the 2024 NRL Grand Final for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The big secret from the world of streaming is that you can access free services from around the world with a simple hack. That means you can watch the biggest sporting events the world has to offer without spending anything, including the NRL Grand Final.

If you want to watch the 2024 NRL Grand Final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the NRL Grand Final?

The NRL Grand Final determines the champions of the National Rugby League. Since 1999, this fixture has been held at Stadium Australia (Accor Stadium) in Sydney.

When is the 2024 NRL Grand Final?

he NRL Grand Final 2024 will be held on Oct. 6.

How to watch the 2024 NRL Grand Final for free

The 2024 NRL Grand Final is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in Australia. This process makes it look like you're connecting from Australia, so you can access 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Watch the 2024 NRL Grand Final from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for 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 2024 NRL Grand Final from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can secure access to the 2024 NRL Grand Final without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can unblock 9Now and then recover your investment after the NRL Grand Final.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming 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

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This heavily discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 NRL Grand Final for free with ExpressVPN.

OpenAI is changing up ChatGPT's interface to look more like a digital notepad for projects.

On Thursday, OpenAI announced a beta "canvas" feature for writing and coding. Canvas is different from the traditional chatbox interface, which makes it tedious to refine or develop ideas without the back and forth prompts.

"Although the [ChatGPT] interface is easy to use and works well for many tasks, it’s limited when you want to work on projects that require editing and revisions. Canvas offers a new interface for this kind of work," the announcement said.

The new feature is ChatGPT's first major design change since its launch in 2022. OpenAI has been busy doing other stuff, like launching multimodal model GPT-4o, reasoning model o1, and raising $6.6 billion in its latest investment round. According to reports from the New York Times, OpenAI told investors it plans to increase revenue from $3.7 billion this year to $11.6 billion by 2025. The updates to ChatGPT, such as making it more dynamic and user-friendly, could potentially help OpenAI meet its ambitious financial goals.

Canvas makes it easier for users to iterate ideas with ChatGPT. Credit: OpenAI

For now, Canvas is only available to paying subscribers, but OpenAI says it plans to expand access to non-paying users when it's out of beta. If you're a ChatGPT Plus or Teams user, you can select "ChatGPT 4o with Canvas" from the model dropdown and get to work. Access for Enterprise and Edu subscribers rolls out next week.

From here, all you need to do is enter a prompt related to writing or coding and it will activate Canvas by opening a new window. Per OpenAI's announcement, ChatGPT has been trained to recognize certain prompts that trigger canvas. For writing help, users can highlight specific parts of the text and click "ask ChatGPT" to edit or ask certain questions about the highlighted text.

There are also shortcuts found in the lower lefthand corner for suggesting edits, shortening the length, changing the reading level, polishing for grammar, and adding emoji. The ChatGPT format remains in a left sidebar in case you want to keep the conversation going.

Canvas has a shortcuts bar for making edits. Credit: OpenAI

For coding, Canvas works in a similar way, by recognizing coding-related prompts that trigger a new window. Shortcuts include: Review code, Add logs, Add comments, Fix bugs, and Port to a language by translating your code into a different programming language (i.e., JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Java, C++, or PHP).

If you made a mistake, you can hit the back button and revert to the previous version. When you're finished working, simply close the window, and you'll find yourself back in the normal ChatGPT interface. To find the project again, just click on the module saved in your chat history.

Sarah Paulson is no stranger to horror. Here, she goes into detail with Mashable Entertainment Editor, Kristy Puchko, about why 'Hold Your Breath' hits different.

The best early October Prime Day fitness tracker deals at a glance: BEST APPLE DEAL Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal BEST SAMSUNG DEAL Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) $195.30 at Amazon (Save $104.69) Get Deal BEST GARMIN DEAL Garmin Venu 3S $399.99 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal BEST GOOGLE DEAL Google Pixel Watch 3 $299.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal BEST SMART RING DEAL Oura Ring 3 (Horizon) starting at $299.99 (save up to $100) Get Deal

If you're looking to bring home a new fitness tracker, Prime Day is a great time to shop. Though the official Prime Big Deal Days event doesn't kick off until Oct. 8, Amazon has already put up tons of deals on items across every department, fitness trackers and smartwatches included.

Now that the weather is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to change, you might be more inclined to start that jogging program you were looking forward to. Or you might decide to get ahead of New Year's resolutions and start heading to the gym. Whatever you're planning, there are plenty of smartwatch and fitness tracker deals already available to help you get going — with brands like Apple, Garmin and Samsung running the show. Fitbit deals are currently MIA, but we're not surprised. The brand typically waits until closer to the official event to join the party, though a couple of Google Pixel deals have popped up already.

We'll be keeping a running tab below on all the best fitness tracker deals throughout Amazon's October Prime Day. If you don't see the wearable you're looking for on sale yet, check back regularly for the latest updates.

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 9.

Despite the recent release of the Series 10, the Apple Watch Series 9 is not exactly outdated. You won't get the slightly larger display and sleep apnea sensor, but you'll still get the same 2,000-nit max brightness, Double Tap feature, and 18 hours of battery life. Not to mention, you'll save $100 on the Series 9 because it's no longer the shiniest new Apple toy. If you're upgrading from an old Apple Watch or are brand new to the fruit company's wearables, you won't be disappointed.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 10

• Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) — $411.99 $429 (save $17.01)

Series 9

• Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) — $299 $399 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) — $329 $429 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS + cellular) — $599 $749 (save $150)

SE

• Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $189 $249 (save $60)

• Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $229 $279 (save $50)

Ultra

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + cellular) — $734.89 $799 (save $64.11)

Best Samsung Galaxy Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 $195.30 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $104.69 (Bluetooth, 40mm) Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Galaxy Watch 6.

When a new generation makes its debut, we often see ultra-low prices on the previous one. Such is the case with the Galaxy Watch 6. With the arrival of the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra over the summer, the Watch 6 is now steadily sitting below $200. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, you can grab the 40mm version with Bluetooth for only $195.30, which is 35% in savings and a new record-low (by about $1). Only a year old, the sixth generation is still a very good smartwatch. It includes a nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, irregular heart rate notifications, and a better battery life over its predecessor, which led Mashable's Alex Perry to dub it "the king of the Android smartwatch mountain."

More Samsung Galaxy Watch deals

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 44mm) — $194.72 $329.99 (save $135.72)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Bespoke Edition (Bluetooth, 44mm) — $279.99 $379.99 (save $100)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Bluetooth, 44mm) — $287.34 $329.99 (save $42.65)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (Bluetooth, 43mm) — $329.99 $399.99 (save $70)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (LTE, 44mm) — $329.99 $379.99 (save $50)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (LTE, 47mm) — $581.62 $649.99 (save $68.37)

Best Garmin deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu 3S $399.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Ideal for smaller wrists, the Garmin Venu 3S is about .2 inches smaller in diameter and .3 oz lighter than the standard Venu 3. It still offers the same advanced features, like a built-in speaker and microphone to take calls, the ability to store music, and an abundance of health and fitness tools and insights. The only real difference besides the size is that the 3S has a slightly shorter battery life (about 10 days in smartwatch mode versus the 3's 14 days), but it still blows the Apple Watch battery out of the water. It's usually $449.99, but you can save $50 ahead of the October Prime event and get it for only $399.99. That's just a few bucks away from its all-time low.

More Garmin deals

• Garmin Forerunner 55 — $168.99 $199.99 (save $31)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

Best Google deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 3 (LTE, 45mm) $399.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Google Pixel Watch 3 just dropped in Aug., which makes this discount at Amazon ahead of Prime Big Deal Days its biggest one yet. This is the first Pixel Watch to offer a larger size case, which Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon says is "a visual stunner." Its battery life largely remains the same as its predecessor, but the Pixel Watch 3's dynamic refresh rate might allow you to squeeze out a little more. It also features a whole lot of software upgrades, including enhanced running features, AI-driven form tracking, a new Morning Brief feature via Fitbit, and updated media controls.

More Google deals (including Fitbit)

• Google Pixel Watch 2 (WiFi) — $231.70 $249.99 (save $18.29)

Best smart ring deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring 3 (Horizon) starting at $299.99 (save up to $100) Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Oura Ring 3.

The Oura Ring 4 launches later this month, so it's no surprise that we're seeing the Oura Ring 3 on sale ahead of Prime Day 2. Regardless of the colorway you choose, you'll get a discount between 10% and 22% off. For instance, the stealth and brushed titanium models are 22% off, coming in at $349 (down from $449). The gold and rose gold models, on the other end of the price spectrum, are $449 after a 10% discount. The third-generation ring is a low-profile fitness tracker that offers in-depth info about sleep, workouts, recovery, mindfulness, and more through a variety of sensors, though sleep tracking is truly where it shines.

More smart ring deals

There are currently no other live deals on smart rings, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled.

We showed the 'Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' cast a Charli SCS fan edit calling Sauron 'brat'. This lead to some intense debate!

Amazon’s fall Deals event is right around the corner and if you haven’t made a shopping plan yet, we’re here to help.

Two Harvard students have created a privacy nightmare, according to 404 Media. Real-time facial recognition smart glasses, which pull up names, contacts, addresses, and more about a complete stranger just by looking at them.

On top of the facial recognition software capabilities, the students' project is even more eye-opening considering the hardware they're using to run it: Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

The students – AnhPhu Nguyen and Caine Ardayfio – say they won't be releasing the product nor the software behind it. The project, titled I-XRAY, is meant to raise awareness about what is possible with today's technology. In fact, it's something that Big Tech companies like Google and Facebook have long had the power to do, but they haven't released such capabilities due to the high potential for misuse. 

How it works

Nguyen and Ardayfio were able to create I-XRAY, thanks, in part, to Meta's smart glasses and PimEyes' facial recognition software.

While there are a few facial recognition search engines out there, PimEyes is perhaps the largest one that makes its technology accessible by the public. Users can simply upload a photo to PimEyes, and using facial recognition, the service scans the web for images of the individual in the photo. 

Using the information from PimEyes, I-XRAY can then identify the individual and find out personal information on them by scanning the internet for articles and through data brokers like FastPeopleSearch. This information can include full names, phone numbers, home addresses, social media profiles, and more.

The entire system is automated to start pulling this data as soon as the smart glasses detect an individual's face in the frame. The students uploaded a video to social media to show the process.

Tweet may have been deleted

Meta pointed out in their response to the I-XRAY project that any similar camera product can be adapted to utilize PimEyes in this way. There's nothing particularly unique about Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses' technology itself that allowed this project to happen.

However, Nyugen said there was a specific reason that the two students chose Meta's smart glasses: The creepiness factor of being able to dox complete strangers with hardware that looks just like a normal, everyday glasses. Unlike many wearables, the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses don't look like a tech device. Furthermore, their $300 price point puts them in a fairly affordable range compared to other similar products.

How to protect yourself

As previously mentioned, there isn't a public product or service out there that can do this – yet. But, if you are concerned about the potential to dox individuals on the fly like this, the two Harvard students explained how to protect yourself.

According to Nguyen and Ardayfio, it's as simple as reaching out to these data brokers to get your information removed.

For example, PimEyes provides an opt-out page where people can get their images removed from their facial recognition search engine. Data brokers like FastPeopleSearch also usually provide forms where users can request data removal from the service.

SAVE $170.99: As of Oct. 3, get the Shark Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum for just $329 at Walmart. That's a discount of 38%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Shark Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum $329.00 at Walmart
$499.99 Save $170.99 Get Deal

No one likes doing housework. Maybe you enjoy zoning out while doing dishes. Or perhaps you enjoy the fruits of your labor after cleaning house. But most people absolutely abhor having to drag the vacuum out and handling the housework. That's what robots exist for, people – specifically, robot vacuums. It's 2024, and it's time to leave the dirty work to them thanks to Walmart's Shark Days.

As of Oct. 3, you can get the Shark Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum for just $329 at Walmart. That's a discount of 38% and $170.99 off its normal price of $499.99. The sale is open to all Walmart shoppers, so no Walmart+ needed to take advantage of the deal.

This self-emptying robot vacuum uses Matrix Clean, which gives it up to 50% more suction power, to pull up debris, dirt, and dust from your carpets and hardwood floors. That's thanks to its precision grid that can help it take multiple passes over different areas of the carpet so there aren't any missed areas. When it's done, it can go right back to its base on its own to empty, holding up to 30 days' worth of dirt until you need to dump the reservoir on your own.

This LiDAR-equipped robot vacuum is a great option if you have pets thanks to its tough brushroll. You can set it to target specific rooms and areas of your home that need more care than others with heavy traffic or additional pet hair. When it's finished, it'll go back home to its base and recharge for the next cleaning session. If you're looking for a heavy-duty yet affordable option to clean your home without your input, this is it, so grab it while it's still around.

Time to stock up on literary scares: Today (Thursday, Oct. 3) is Terrify Your Tablet Day.

Hosted by Horrorsmith Publishing for the second year in a row, the 24-hour event is effectively a horror-only version of Stuff Your Kindle Day, where participating authors make their e-books available for free or just 99 cents. Unlike the titles featured in Stuff Your Kindle Day, however, Terrify Your Tablet Day-eligible ebooks are available across several platforms, including Kindle, Kobo, Google Play, Apple Books, Scribd, and via direct download.

SEE ALSO: Another Stuff Your Kindle event is here — this time for the horror fans

There are hundreds of ebooks featured in this year's Terrify Your Tablet Day, and you can see the full list on Horrorsmith's website; it'll be uploading titles in waves throughout the day. Below, we've pulled a selection of Kindle horror picks from the first upload to get you started:

Free horror e-books

• 21 Dares (Stephen Barnard) — $0 $2.99

• And Then There Was Silence (Candace Robinson) — $0 $2.99

• Along About Midnight (Dorian J. Sinnott) — $0 $2.99

• Black Death (David Hardy) — $0 $2.99

• Dark Songs (Keith Evans) — $0 $2.99

• From Dark Waters and Woods (Amanda Leanne) — $0 $2.99

• Home (Ben Young) — $0 $2.99

• Mind the Mirrors (Amanda Leanne) — $0 $2.99

• The Salem Legacy (Paul Carro) — $0 $6.99

• Smilin' Sam's Corn Maze (Stephanie P. Scissom) — $0 $0.99

• To Eat You With You (Kayla Burt) — $0 $2.99

• The Triangle Forest (Edward Flora) — $0 $2.99

• Who is Mara Wildes? (Amanda East) — $0 $2.99

$0.99 horror e-books

Note: Most of the following titles are free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Amazon Prime members can snag a free three-month trial for a limited time.

• Abject Fear (Paul Carro) — $0.99 $6.99 (save $6)

• Awake In The Night (Shauna Mc Eleny) — $0.99 $5.99 (save $5)

• Ditch of the Damned and Other Tales (Ryan Hoyt) — $0.99 $3.99 (save $3)

• Hole: A Small Town Horror Novel (Matthew Doggett) — $0.99 $14.99 (save $14)

• The Naughty Corner (Mark Towse) — $0.99 $15.99 (save $15)

• The Original's Retribution (David Watkins) — $0.99 $2.99 (save $2)

• The Original's Return (David Watkins) — $0.99 $2.99 (save $2)

• Saltblood (T.C. Parker) — $0.99 $4.99 (save $4)

• Sudden Death (Theresa Jacobs) — $0.99 $7.50 (save $6.51)

• Territory (Dan Howarth) — $0.99 $5.99 (save $5)

• The Zombie Effect (Theresa Jacobs) — $0.99 $9.99 (save $9)

• We've Already Gone Too Far (MJ Mars) — $0.99 $5.99 (save $5)

Best Terrify Your Tablet thriller deals Best free book deal 'The Contract' by D.E. McCluskey and C. William Giles $0 at Amazon (save $13) Get Deal Best discounted book deal 'The Namaste Slasher' by Alan Shivers $0.99 at Amazon (save $14) Get Deal

Terrify Your Tablet Day is here, and it's bringing a slew of Halloween-themed book discounts to your favorite e-reader with it.

If you don't already know what Terrify Your Tablet Day is, it's basically Stuff Your Kindle Day, but spooky. Started by Horrorsmith Publishing in 2023, the themed sale is back again this Oct. 3, and full of free and discounted e-books from the horror, thriller, sci-fi, and dark fantasy genres. If you're more interested in thrillers — slashers, crime dramas; stuff like that — we've rounded up the best deals from the genre that are included in the Terrify Your Tablet event. Take a look below, and kick off spooky season the right way.

Note that all of these offers are exclusive to Kindle Unlimited members.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets: iPads are great, but have you tried literally anything else? Free Kindle thriller books

• 21 Dares (Stephen Barnard) — $0 $2.99

• The Contract (D.E. McCluskey and C. William Giles) — $0 $13.99

• Diary of Murders (Sarah Cook) — $0 $0.99

• Wrath (Karmellah Howlett) — $0 $1.99

• Along About Midnight (Dorian J. Sinnott) — $0 $2.99

• Home is Where the Bodies Are (Amanda East) — $0 $2.99

Discounted Kindle thriller books

• The Namaste Slasher (Alan Shivers) — $0.99 $14.99

• Awake In The Night (Shauna McEleny) — $0.99 $5.99

• The Ghost In Me (Theresa Jacobs) — $0.99 $9.99

• Sudden Death (Theresa Jacobs) — $0.99 $7.50 (save $6.51)

Some Apple Watch users claimed that they had their devices ruined by the latest beta release.

At least, that's the word on sites like Reddit, as spotted by Neowin. After installing the third beta for watchOS 11.1, some users found that their devices would freeze up not long after being turned on with the update installed. Common fixes like restarting the devices don't seem to work, either. Apple has since pulled the update so it's no longer available for download.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is just around the corner: Here are the Apple Watches you can already grab on sale

If this happened to you, unfortunately, the only thing you can really do is send the device to Apple for repairs. As Neowin pointed out, Apple Watches don't allow users to revert back to old software after an update.

This is obviously a bummer for anyone who suffered a bricked Apple Watch, but it's a good reminder to be very careful about installing pre-release software onto your personal devices. Apple recently had to do something similar after an iPadOS update bricked some tablets.

Stuff Your Kindle Day, but make it Halloween.

That's basically what Horrorsmith Publishing said in 2023 when they debuted Terrify Your Tablet Day, which gave readers access to tons of free horror titles from the publisher (which, as you likely guessed from the name, specializes in the genre). Terrify Your Tablet Day is back for round two this year on Oct. 3, offering free and discounted books for fans of the genre.

SEE ALSO: Another Stuff Your Kindle event is here — this time for the horror fans

Obviously, horror is an expansive genre, which is why we're grateful the publisher broke down their free offerings by sub-genres, including psychological horror, thrillers, dark fantasy, and horroromance, just to name a few. On this list, you'll find all the free books offered from the cosmic horror and apocalyptic and dystopian genres — in other words, here's where you find the free sci-fi horror.

And if you don't have a Kindle, don't worry — these e-books are available for all e-reader devices, including Kobo, Google Play, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and direct website from authors where available.

Free sci-fi horror books from Terrify Your Tablet Day:

• Dead in Dallas: Dead Cities #1 by Alathla Morgan

• Black Death: An Extreme Horror Apocalyptic Novella by David Hardy

• All the Rage: An Extreme Horror Apocalyptic Novella by David Hardy

• Consumed By Rage: An Extreme Horror Apocalyptic Novella by David Hardy

• The Triangle Forest by Edward Flora

• Things From the Dark by K.K. Monroe

• The Salem Legacy by Paul Carro