Mashable

The warp-speed deployment of artificial intelligence into nearly every corner of American life has created real problems for K-12 education.

Suddenly, school boards, districts, and teachers are grappling with the role AI should play in students' lives. The consternation is already showing up in classrooms as teachers use AI to plan their lessons and analyze student performance, provide tutoring and emotional support, and offer access to AI-enabled search.

Meanwhile, companies like OpenAI and Anthropic compete to provide chatbots to students. AI supporters worry that students blocked from using chatbots will be left behind, while many alarmed parents support AI bans for a variety of understandable reasons.

Dr. Shuchi Grover, a computer and learning scientist, believes that education is caught in an AI hype cycle.

SEE ALSO: AI drift: The catastrophic risk you're taking but don't realize

Her solution? Help students understand chatbots through safe, sandboxed models and interactive experiences, but don't make those interactions, especially with popular mainstream models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, the dominant way they learn about AI.

Instead, Grover suggests offering computer science instruction so students build a foundational understanding of computing and develop enduring problem-solving skills. The point is for students to view AI as a powerful new technology with many applications.

By contrast, some schools take the approach of, "'Oh let's make kids good prompters,' which really makes me cringe," Grover says.

Why not give students chatbots to learn about AI?

Grover, who researches K-12 computer science education, acknowledges that AI is indeed everywhere but calls the focus on chatbots "misguided."

After all, students encounter AI in their algorithms, self-driving cars, voice assistants, and facial recognition technology, among myriad other commercial products. That's why restricting students' learning about AI to chatbots only makes little sense.

There are also privacy, safety, and bias concerns, plus the risk of anthropomorphizing AI, Grover explains.

Companies may use student conversations with chatbots as training material. Students paired with a chatbot may unintentionally learn, courtesy of their own teacher, how to offload their cognition and creativity to AI. There is no clear evidence yet that providing chatbot access to students improves their learning or academic performance.

Grover also recognizes that AI companies are pushing student adoption of AI for their own reasons: The industry sees an opportunity to make lifelong users out of children and teens, she says.

While Grover generally opposes commercial chatbots in the classroom, she doesn't support an outright ban on them.

How students should learn about AI at school

There is, in fact, guidance for teaching students about AI. This summer, the Computer Science Teachers Association released new standards for AI use in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

While CSTA's standards encompass many concepts, like cybersecurity and physical computing, they integrate AI learning throughout.

Computer science standards and AI

In elementary school, CSTA believes students can start learning about AI through foundational concepts like explaining how a change in an algorithm leads to a different outcome, examining how data is used to train a machine learning model, and training a model to make a classification or prediction.

By middle school, students can analyze AI-written code for accuracy and usability on a specific project, and use an AI tool to generate outputs that help them solve a computational problem. Importantly, student use of an AI chatbot is useful, though not necessary, to complete the latter exercise. Plus, sandboxed chatbots that don't relentlessly engage with students can serve the same purpose.

A set of specialty standards illustrate how high schoolers can engage with AI in ways that truly prepare them for the future. For example, they can examine how data flows through a neural network, a machine learning model that will be critical for the next generations of AI. Or they can integrate a prebuilt AI agent into an app and optimize an AI algorithm's performance for a given problem.

There's more to AI beyond expert prompting

These skills imagine a world far more exciting for students than just being an expert AI prompter.

Instead, Jake Baskin, a former high school computer science teacher and CSTA's executive director, says we should be setting students up to succeed in a society where computation is deeply embedded in everyday life.

"I think we will do a grave disservice to students if we don't prepare them with the foundational understanding of how this technology works and how to create it, so that they'll have agency in deciding when to use or not use it in their lives," Baskin says.

The challenges of teaching students AI

Of course, there are numerous barriers to implementing computer science curriculum in schools.

Not every classroom can meet basic requirements for computer science instruction. While the CSTA standards offer "unplugged" versions of skill-building exercises, computer science classes ultimately need access to working laptops and reliable internet.

Even if students can access the necessary technology, Grover says it's imperative to give them curriculum relevant to their lives and life experiences. The AI4K12 Initiative, a resource hub jointly offered by CSTA and the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, has many free curriculum options, but someone needs to evaluate and decide what's right for the student body in question.

Baskin says states often adopt varying standards for computer science, which are then implemented by individual school leaders. AI instruction at one school may be substantially different from curriculum at another school in a different neighborhood, depending on resources and interest.

Teacher preparation and professional training are also critical. In many instances, a passionate teacher steps up to teach computer science, even if it means learning the skills for the first time themselves.

Education doesn't have to be "caught in the middle"

Grover warns schools against giving in to the temptation of chatbots for students. Instead, she urges decision-makers to pursue computer science education with a focus on AI.

"It's market forces that is pushing these tools into classrooms," she says of commercial chatbots, noting the intense competition between companies to grow their share of users. "Education, for some reason, got caught in the middle of this. It doesn't have to be."

Whether you're trying to cut back on subscription fees, avoid auto-renewal after a free 30-day trial, or align your spending more closely with your values, there are tons of reasons you may want to cancel Amazon Prime. We totally get it and make no judgments.

Of course, you might want to keep your Prime membership for October Prime Day (aka Prime Big Deal Days), since Prime members have exclusive access to most of the deals during the shopping event. The fall shopping event falls on Oct. 6 and 7 and promises millions of deals across categories, giving customers a head start on holiday shopping.

Nevertheless, here's a step-by-step guide to bidding Bezos goodbye if and when the time comes to cut ties with the mega retailer. It's never as straightforward as it should be.

How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership in the Amazon app

The process for canceling your Prime subscription via the Amazon app is the same on both iOS and Android.

Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Smartphone
• Amazon mobile app

Step 1: Open the app and tap the button at the bottom that looks like a person.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 2: Tap "Account" from the options along the top.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 3: Scroll down through the list of options to "Memberships and subscriptions."

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 4: Hit "Cancel" under the Amazon Prime subscription.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 5: A browser window will open, prompting you to login once again.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 6: Once logged in, scroll down to the "Review your options" section.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 7: Confirm your cancellation by clicking the yellow button that says "Cancel on [date]."

Make sure the first box is ticked to cancel your membership, rather than pause it. Your membership will officially end once your current billing cycle is over.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership on desktop Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Laptop or desktop

Step 1: Log in to your Amazon account on your browser. Hover over "Accounts & Lists" in the upper right hand corner. In the menu of options, click "Prime Membership."

You'll pull up your personal Prime membership page with a collection of plan benefits and options.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 2: Click "Manage Membership" in the top right-hand corner. Click "End Membership."

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 3: Review how many days are left in your current Prime billing cycle. Click the yellow button on the lower-right side of the page that says "Continue to cancel."

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 4: Confirm your cancellation by clicking the yellow button that says "End on [date]."

Your membership will officially end once your current billing cycle is over.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

The best early Prime Day deals on Anker: Best speaker deal Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go $22.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Soundcore P40i by Anker $47.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best Smart Home Deal Anker Eufy S220 $139.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best Power Bank Deal Anker Prime $199.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Robot Vacuum Deal Anker Eufy Omni C20 $339.98 (save $210.01) Get Deal Best Home Entertainment Deal Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser $599.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best Power Station Deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $739.99 (save $190) Get Deal

Keeping a dozen screens and gadgets charged every day is exhausting, and nobody has time for it. Luckily, Anker makes some of the best gear to keep your tech powered, organized, and running smoothly.

While most people know Anker as the go-to brand for phone chargers and power banks, they actually make gear for almost every part of your home. Their lineup includes Soundcore for headphones and speakers, Eufy for smart security cams and robot vacuums, and Nebula for portable projectors.

With Amazon’s Prime Day right around the corner, you don't have to wait to start saving. Anker has already slashed prices across its entire family of brands. We combed through the early sales to curate the absolute best Anker deals worth pulling the trigger on.

Best speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth speaker $22.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $12.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Finding a truly rugged outdoor speaker for around $25 is tough, but the Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go checks almost every box. Despite its compact palm-sized frame, it packs punchy sound and an impressive 20-hour battery life that easily outlasts a full weekend trip. Thanks to its IP67 rating, it’s completely waterproof, dustproof, and even floats — so dropping it in the pool or shower won't stop the music. You can also link two of them together for wireless stereo sound — and while it comes in multiple fun colorways, picking the classic black model saves you an extra $2.

More Soundcore speaker deals

• Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $29.99 $44.99 (save $15)

• Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus 140W Outdoor Speaker — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)

Best earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore by Anker P40i $47.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12   Get Deal Why we like it

Anker’s Soundcore P40i earbuds already punch well above their weight class, making any discount on them an absolute steal. You get solid adaptive active noise cancellation to block out background chatter, paired with a 6-microphone array that keeps your voice crisp and clear on phone calls. Beyond the 60-hour total battery life with the case, Anker built in a clever design detail: the charging case includes a pop-out kickstand that props up your phone for hands-free video watching on flights or at your desk.

More Soundcore earbuds and headphones deals

• Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds — $20.99 $39.99 (save $19)

• Anker Soundcore Q20i Noise Cancelling Headphones — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)

• Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Noise Cancelling Earbuds — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Soundcore AeroClip by Anker Open Ear Earbuds — $129.99 $169.99 (save $40)

• Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 Special Earbuds — $199.99 $229.99 (save $30)

Best smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Eufy S220 2-Cam Pack $139.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

The Eufy SoloCam S220 fixes the worst part of home security: charging dead batteries. Its built-in solar panel needs just 3 hours of daily sunlight for continuous power, while 2K resolution keeps night footage crisp. Smart AI filtering ignores blowing leaves, so you only get alerts for people, pets, or cars — and local storage means zero monthly fees.

More smart home deals

• Eufy Security 4K Indoor Camera E30 — $59.99 $74.99 (save $15)

• Eufy Security Smart Lock C220 — $99.99 $169.99 (save $70)

• Eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights E22 (100ft) — $199.99 $329.99 (save $130)

Best power bank deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Prime Power Bank (26,250 mAh) $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

If you need to work away from an outlet, the Anker Prime Power Bank keeps your setup running without missing a beat. Its massive 26,250mAh capacity holds enough juice to charge a laptop fully alongside your phone, while a huge 300W total output powers demanding notebooks at full speed. Smart digital displays show your exact remaining battery and real-time charging wattage, making it a must-have for travel, remote work, or long flights.

More power bank deals

• Anker 633 Magnetic Power Bank — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank (5,000mAh) — $54.99 $59.99 (save $5)

• Anker 140W Max 4-Port GaN Wall Charger — $79.99 $89.99 (save $10)

• Anker Prime Fast Charger with Smart Display — $115.99 $149.99 (save $34)

• Anker Prime 3-in-1 Charging Station — $149.99 $229.99 (save $80)

Best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop $339.98 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $210.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The Eufy Omni C20 takes the hassle out of floor care by handling both vacuuming and scrubbing without needing constant supervision. It's an all-in-one station that automatically empties dust into a bag that lasts up to 60 days, while washing and air-drying its own mop pads. Pushing 7,000 Pa of suction alongside a pro-detangle comb to keep long hair off the roller brush, it easily lifts embedded dirt from rugs and hard floors.

More robot vacuum deals

• Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX — $169.99 $279.99 (save $110)

• Eufy E25 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo — $599.98 $999.99 (save $400)

• Eufy E28 Robot Vacuum and Mop with Portable Carpet Cleaner — $629.98 $999.99 (save $370)

• Eufy Omni S2 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo — $1,399.99 $1,599.99 (save $200)

Best home entertainment deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser $599.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

Roughly the size of a 16-ounce soda can, the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser packs 1080p resolution and vibrant laser lighting into a frame that easily slips into a backpack. You can throw up to a 120-inch screen onto any wall or bedsheet, while auto-focus and auto-keystone correction handle image setup in seconds. With Google TV built in and a battery that lasts up to 2.5 hours on a single charge, it's an instant movie night setup for backyard hangouts or camping trips.

More home entertainment deals

• Nebula Mars 3 Outdoor Portable Projector — $899.99 $999.99 (save $100)

Best power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 + 200W Solar Panel $739.99 at Amazon
$929.99 Save $190   Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you're prepping for emergency outages or heading off the grid, the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 delivers reliable home-grade power in a portable frame. Its 2,000W output handles high-draw appliances across 10 outlets, while the included 200W foldable solar panel keeps you charged using free sunlight. Plus, it recharges from zero to 80% in under an hour from a wall outlet, so you're never left hanging when bad weather hits.

More power station deals

• Anker Solix C300 DC Portable Power Station — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Anker Solix C200 Power Station with 60W Solar Panel — $229.99 $259.99 (save $30)

• Anker Solix S2000 Portable Power Station — $679.99 $1,199 (save $519)

Amazon will host its annual Prime Big Deal Days sale on Oct. 6 and 7. If you're looking to save on fall essentials — or yearning for a break from this year's tech price hikes — the event will be a good opportunity to get some shopping done ahead of the busy holidays.

I've covered Prime Big Deal Days every year since its inception. Here's what you should know about the sale before it starts. (Plus, check out my team's dedicated guide to the best early deals you can score already.)

The best early October Prime Day deals at a glance: Best Prime-exclusive deal Audible (Standard) $0.99/month + free $20 credit with Prime (save $32) Get Deal Best free deal Kindle Unlimited (3 Months) $0/month (save $35.97) Get Deal Best deal under $25 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 (save $32) Get Deal Best deal under $50 Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) $1,299 (save $200) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) $319 (save $40) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon 55-inch Ember Artline 4K QLED TV $499.99 (save $400) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement $62.04 (save $47.95) Get Deal Best SSD deal Samsung SSD 990 Pro (2TB) $389.99 (save $250) Get Deal Best gaming deal The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo Switch 2) $59.88 (save $10.11) Get Deal What is Prime Big Deal Days?

Prime Big Deal Days is a 48-hour sale that Amazon has put on every year since 2022 in early October, about a month and a half before Black Friday. (Fun fact: It was originally called the Prime Early Access Sale.) It's often referred to as "October Prime Day" because its deals are exclusively for Amazon Prime members, just like the retailer's flagship Prime Day sale.

Prime Big Deal Days serves as Amazon's unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season.

When does Prime Big Deal Days start?

Prime Big Deal Days 2026 will officially begin at 3:01 a.m. ET (12:01 a.m. PT) on Tuesday, Oct. 6. It will end at 2:59 a.m ET on Wednesday, Oct. 8 (11:59 p.m. PT on Oct. 7).

How is Prime Big Deal Days different from Prime Day?

Prime Big Deal Days is a two-day event in the fall, while Prime Day is a four-day event in the summer. (It's usually in July, but Amazon moved it up to June this year because of the timing of the FIFA World Cup and the U.S. 250th anniversary, a company exec told Reuters.)

What are the best early October Prime Day deals? Credit: Amazon

You don't need to wait until Oct. 6 to start filling your cart. Prime members can score the following deals on Amazon devices and services in the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days:

• Save up to 65% on select Amazon gadgets, including Fire TV Sticks and Echo smart speakers

• Get a free $30 credit when you buy select Echo devices on sale

• Get a free $5 Prime Big Deal Days credit for every Amazon Now order of $25 or more through Oct. 3 (up to $25 total)

• Get four free months of Amazon Music Unlimited (three months for non-members)

• Get four months of Audible Standard for 99 cents/month plus a free $20 Audible credit

• Save $20 on Grubhub orders of $30 or more with code DEALS20 through Oct. 5

• Get a free $1,500 gift card when you buy or lease a new car with Amazon Autos through Oct. 7

All shoppers can get three months' worth of Kindle Unlimited for free ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, regardless of their Prime status.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day Apple deals guide: Buy now or wait?

My fellow Mashable reporters and I are also tracking early October Prime Day deals on popular tech gadgets, including Apple devices, headphones, speakers, TVs, laptops, robot vacuums, smartwatches, power stations, and SSDs. Many of those products are on sale already, but keep in mind that their prices will likely drop further once Prime Big Deal Days starts.

What deals will be available during Prime Big Deal Days 2026?

Prime Big Deal Days will feature "millions of deals across fashion, electronics, beauty, toys, and more," according to a company blog post. Some of them will be special, limited-time offers called "Today's Big Deals" that involve discounts of "up to 50% or more" on "trending products and new releases," the retailer said (think $2,000 off a big-screen Sony TV, it added). Today's Big Deals will drop daily at 3 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. ET during the sale, so keep a lookout. They're only available while supplies last.

Here are the other sorts of deals you can expect to see once Prime Big Deal Days starts, per Amazon's blog post:

• Over $500 off select cameras from Canon and Nikon

• Up to $500 off select Breville espresso machines

• Up to 50% off select headphones and earbuds from Beats, Bose, and Anker's Soundcore line

• Up to 40% off select TVs and streaming devices from Sony, TCL, and Toshiba

• Up to 40% off select PCs and laptops from Asus, Dell, and HP

• Up to 40% off select floorcare from Dyson, iRobot, and Ninja

• Up to 40% off select kitchen appliances from Crock-Pot, Keurig, and Ninja

• Up to 40% off select power tools from Bosch, Craftsman, and Dewalt

• Up to 40% off select collectibles and toys from Funko and Miniverse

• Up to 40% off select sensory toys from Kinetic Sand and Play-Doh

• Up to 40% off select party supplies and decorations

• Up to 35% off Halloween costumes

• Up to 30% off select thermostats from ecobee, Honeywell, and Google

• Up to 30% off select LED lighting and smart plugs from GE, Philips Hue, and TP-Link

• Up to 30% off toys from Barbie, Hasbro Games, Hot Wheels, and Mattel Games

• UP to 30% off select building sets from Lego and Magna-Tiles

• Up to 30% off select cleaning products from Lysol, Scott, and Tide

Which offers better deals, October Prime Day or Black Friday? Credit: Amazon

Black Friday generally features better deals than October Prime Day. There are several reasons for this:

1. Basically every retailer runs a Black Friday sale, so there's a wider selection of deals available; the festivities aren't limited to Amazon and its immediate competitors (more on them momentarily).

2. Black Friday deals are open to everyone, not just Prime members.

3. Retailers really want to clear their shelves of old inventory ahead of the new year, so they're inclined to offer record-low prices during Black Friday.

That said, there is a lot of overlap between October Prime Day and Black Friday deals, especially when it comes to Amazon devices. (Most of the Echo, Kindle, and Fire TV deals we'll see during Prime Big Deal Days will probably pop back up in November.) You should definitely still check out Prime Big Deal Days if:

1. You're a Prime member who wants to maximize the benefits of your subscription.

2. You want to avoid the chaos of Black Friday and get your holiday shopping over with.

3. You're worried about an item on your wishlist selling out before the holidays.

4. You need an item sooner than late November or early December for gifting purposes.

Will any retailers be competing with Prime Big Deal Days?

Target and Walmart are both planning to run their own sales alongside Prime Big Deal Days. (Target's Circle Deal Days is also set for Oct. 6 and 7, while Walmart's Fall Deals event runs for a whole week from Oct. 5 to 11.) Best Buy previously said that its "[holiday] Savings start in October," but it hasn't confirmed anything yet.

How many times a year is Prime Day? Credit: Amazon

Prime Day technically only happens once a year in mid-summer, but Amazon puts on two other Prime-exclusive events throughout the year that function similarly. One is Prime Big Deal Days in early October; the other is the Big Spring Sale in late March.

Do you need to be a Prime member to shop Prime Big Deal Days?

Amazon's October Prime Day deals are reserved for members of its Prime program, but you don't need to pay for a subscription to participate. Shoppers who haven't had an active Prime membership within the past 12 months can score a free 30-day trial. Just remember to cancel your membership before your trial period ends, or else you'll get charged. (Prime normally costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually.)

If you're between the ages of 18 and 24 or a college student, you're eligible for a free six-month trial via Amazon's Prime for Young Adults program. At the end of your trial period, you can upgrade to a paid membership for 50% off the usual rate.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime (30-Day Trial)   Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime for Young Adults (6-Month Trial)   Learn More

When Netflix released the first teaser for its adaptation of John Steinbeck's East of Eden, the reaction was not one of excitement, but rather one of trepidation.

According to Netflix's description of the series, East of Eden, written and executive produced by Zoe Kazan, would focus "new attention on its indelible antihero, Cathy Ames, played by Florence Pugh."

SEE ALSO: 'East of Eden' trailer: Florence Pugh leads Netflix's sprawling John Steinbeck adaptation

For anyone familiar with East of Eden, a multigenerational retelling of the Cain and Abel story set within California's Salinas Valley, calling Cathy Ames an "antihero" is a misread of the character. Steinbeck introduces her with a lengthy passage on how monsters with "malformed souls" can be born to human parents. Throughout the novel, she murders and manipulates. She shoots her husband, Adam (Christopher Abbott), and abandons her newborn twins. In Steinbeck's tale of good and evil, she's about as evil as you can get.

So between the "antihero" description and Pugh's hopes she could bring some "humanity" to Cathy, Steinbeck fans feared the worst: that East of Eden would neuter one of literature's great antagonists and transform her into some misunderstood girlboss. Look at the worried comments under the teaser or the irate Reddit threads writing off the adaptation entirely before having seen it.

But all that worry turns out to be unfounded. While East of Eden does complicate the idea of Cathy as purely evil, she is still a villain through and through, and Kazan's engrossing series does not shy away from that darkness.

Florence Pugh's Cathy Ames is still terrifying. Christopher Abbott and Florence Pugh in "East of Eden." Credit: Netflix

In the series, just like in the novel, Cathy is a malevolent force of nature who's both alluring and off-putting. When Salinas mainstay Samuel Hamilton (a tragically underused Ciarán Hinds) meets her for the first time, he feels a chill, like a goose has walked over his grave — a line that, like much of Steinbeck's dialogue, makes it into the TV show.

Also making it into the show are most of Cathy's most reprehensible acts: her fiery murder of her parents at a young age and, years later, her calculated, drawn-out poisoning of kindly brothel madam Faye (Martha Plimpton). Through it all, Pugh delivers a sensationally sinister performance. As the role of Cathy demands, Pugh dons a mask of nicety when it suits her, but as soon as she doesn't need to put on airs, the mask falls, revealing a dark emptiness. When forced to drink, Cathy's true nature comes out, and Pugh renders that change in all its snarling, beastly glory.

SEE ALSO: 2026 fall TV preview: Every show you should know about Netflix's East of Eden looks for humanity in Cathy — but then again, doesn't the book? Florence Pugh in "East of Eden." Credit: Geoffrey Short / Netflix

Kazan (herself the granddaughter of Elia Kazan, director of 1955's East of Eden film) makes a large change to Cathy's role in the story right at the very start of East of Eden. Steinbeck's novel begins with a lengthy, evocative description of the Salinas Valley before focusing on Samuel, then the Trask family. Cathy does not become a factor until much later. However, Kazan's East of Eden puts her front and center from the start. Kazan skips forward several chapters and drops us into one of the most harrowing moments of Cathy's life. Beaten nearly to death by brothel owner and former lover Mr. Edwards (Josh McConville), she crawls towards the farmhouse of the Trask brothers.

If you hadn't read East of Eden before watching the show, you'd see an image of a beaten, bloody woman and immediately sympathize with her. If you had read the book, the moment immediately complicates your sentiments towards Cathy. Even as you're yelling at the Trask brothers not to let her in, as if she's some monster from a horror film who must be kept out, Kazan invites you to have compassion for her.

So begins one of East of Eden's most fascinating points of tension. Because yes, Cathy is a horrible woman who has done awful things. But people have also done horrible things to her.

Look at some of the things that happen to Cathy on paper, without considering Steinbeck's early assertion that she is a monster. When she is a teenager, an older teacher develops a romantic interest in her. Her former lover, Mr. Edwards, nearly kills her. Adam moves her across the country against her wishes, where she's forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term. The show also implies that Cathy experienced sexual trauma when she was five years old, spurring a habit of dissociating and imagining herself shrinking, Alice in Wonderland-style, out of harm's way.

East of Eden doesn't treat any of these experiences as excuses for Cathy's nasty acts, but more as explanations for why she hunts power and control. If she is to shrink, to diminish herself, she only wants to do so on her own terms.

Later in the novel, Steinbeck writes, "when I said Cathy was a monster it seemed to me that it was so. Now I have bent close with a glass over the small print of her and reread the footnotes, and I wonder if it was true."

The series, then, is approaching Cathy's monstrosity through a similar lens. Like Steinbeck's narrator (himself a fictional version of Steinbeck), Pugh and Kazan scour Cathy's origins to find flecks of humanity, while still acknowledging her inclination to do harm.

Take, for example, a show-only scene at Faye's brothel. Cathy, now going by Kate, learns that a customer has been particularly rough with one of her fellow sex workers. Cathy asks to see him next, with the show setting their encounter up to be a potential revenge fantasy. The worries about the flattening of Cathy rear their head, but they soon go away when Cathy takes the man on as her client and puts in motion her grand plan to turn the brothel into a sadomasochistic den. From there, she can rustle up blackmail about the most powerful men around.

Here, and elsewhere throughout the show, Cathy gets the opportunity to make the right choice, but rarely does. It all ties back to East of Eden's core concept of timshel, meaning "thou mayest," an idea that offers up a choice between good and evil. But since Cathy only sees the ugliness of humanity (and also herself), she only ever opts for the ugly route. There's a tragic quality to that that Kazan's adaptation and Pugh's performance seek to illuminate. They, too, have bent over the character with a glass and have wound up creating a take on Cathy that isn't the aberration early critics expected, but rather a compliment to a formidable literary figure.

East of Eden is now streaming on Netflix.

TL;DR: Watch Denmark vs. Portugal in the Nations League for free on RTP. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League continues this week with Denmark vs. Portugal, a potentially tricky fixture for the visitors. Portugal are top of the group standings after two games, but Denmark in front of a packed Parken is arguably going to be their toughest test.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature, but Portugal are not short of talent.

If you're interested in watching Denmark vs. Portugal in the Nations League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Denmark vs. Portugal?

Denmark vs. Portugal in the Nations League kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Oct. 1. This fixture takes place at Parken.

How to watch Denmark vs. Portugal for free

Denmark vs. Portugal in the Nations League is available to live stream for free on RTP.

RTP is geo-restricted to Portugal, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Portugal, meaning you can live stream Denmark vs. Portugal for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Denmark vs. Portugal for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Denmark vs. Portugal for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Denmark vs. Portugal without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTP?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Portugal

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Denmark vs. Portugal for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $30: The all-new Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon with promo code 4KINTRO. That's a 50% discount on its $59.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $29.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $30.00 Use promo code 4KINTRO at checkout. Get Deal

Amazon just dropped a brand-new version of its Fire TV Stick 4K with a fresh design, and somehow it’s already half off. Normally priced at $59.99, you can snatch it up for $29.99 right now by plugging in the promo code 4KINTRO at checkout. That knocks $30 off a streaming stick that just released.

If your TV interface feels painfully slow, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD gives your screen an instant upgrade. Setting it up takes zero effort: you just plug it straight into an HDMI port on the back of your TV. Thanks to Direct Power, it draws electricity from the TV port, so you do not have to worry about running a cord down to an outlet.

Once plugged in, you get crystal-clear 4K picture quality with HDR10+, delivering four times the detail of standard HD with rich colors and deep contrast. It is built specifically for 4K TVs — typically screens 50 inches or larger — and packs WiFi 6 to stop annoying buffering when everyone else in the house is on the internet.

The redesigned remote makes finding things simpler with a new navigation ring, instant scene jump controls, and dedicated buttons for your favorite apps and Live TV. Plus, Alexa+ is built right into the voice button, so you can search across Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount+.

You can even pair Bluetooth headphones for private late-night listening. Just keep in mind that Amazon locked down the software on this new model for enhanced security. You can only download apps straight from the official Amazon Appstore, so third-party app sideloading is strictly blocked.

This introductory deal runs through Oct. 7, so make sure to enter code 4KINTRO at checkout on Amazon before the price jumps back up to $59.99.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for who watch NFL football.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports 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 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 before the game ends.

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Basketball skill games

• Green: Football team from Pennsylvania

• Blue: Arenas

• Purple: Separation

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Basketball Games

• Green: Associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers

• Blue: Texas Sports Venues

• Purple: ___Away

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #738 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Basketball Games: 21, AROUND THE WORLD, HORSE, KNOCKOUT

• Associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers: BLACK AND YELLOW, RENEGADE, TERRIBLE TOWEL, THE BUS

• Texas Sports Venues: ALAMODOME, COTTON BOWL, DAIKIN PARK, KYLE FIELD

• ___Away: BREAK, FADE, GIVE, STRAIGHT

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

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

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

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

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to 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 with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 1, 2026

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 October 1, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for October 1 Pips

Less than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for October 1 Pips

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

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

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.

Less than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Less than (7): Everything in this space must be less than 7. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically; 1-2, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for October 1 Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

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

A poker term.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

BLUFF

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Copy, ___.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 1, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PASTE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Stopwatch.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 1, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 1, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

TIMER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To climb.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

MOUNT

Final Hurdle hint

Comedian.

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

COMIC

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're stylish.

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 hints today: Clues, answers for October 1 2026 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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Ostentatiously fancy.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

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...

RITZY

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.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 yesterday's Wordle.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you've ever broken something.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 1, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Things fall apart

The words are related to breaking things.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe adjectives of something shaterring in pieces

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Beyond repair.

NYT Strands word list for October 1

• Crumble

• Break

• Collapse

• Fragment

• Dissolve

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 yesterday's Strands.

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 1, 2026 Place meaning

A position in relation to other things or people.

Position meaning

The place where someone or something is.

Situate meaning

To put something in a particular position.

Stick meaning

To cause something to be fixed in place.

Chest meaning

Upper front part of the body.

Neck meaning

Part of body that joins the head and shoulders.

Sleeve meaning

Part of clothes that covers the arm.

Waist meaning

Body part that's above and slightly narrower than the hips.

Decemberists meaning

Rock band from Portland, OR.

National meaning

Rock band from Cincinnati, OH.

Shins meaning

Rock band from Albuquerque, NM.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Walkmen meaning

Rock band from New York City, NY.

Acro meaning

Abbreviation for NYT game.

Cross meaning

Abbreviation for NYT game.

Ken meaning

Abbreviation for NYT game.

Sud meaning

Abbreviation for NYT game.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 yesterday's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you don't know James Bond.

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.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 29, 2026 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: Stop moving

• Green: Body sizes

• Blue: Rock

• Purple: Puzzles

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Put

• Green: Dress Shirt Measurements

• Blue: 2000s Indie Rock Bands, with "The"

• Purple: Starts of NYT Print Puzzles

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 #1208 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Put: PLACE, POSITION, SITUATE, STICK

• Dress Shirt Measurements: CHEST, NECK, SLEEVE, WAIST

• 2000s Indie Rock Bands, with "The": DECEMBERISTS, NATIONAL, SHINS, WALKMEN

• Starts of NYT Print Puzzles: ACRO, CROSS, KEN, SUD

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 yesterday's Connections.

The release of Grand Theft Auto VI is still weeks away, yet anticipation for the game is already fueling PlayStation 5 Pro shortages in Japan.

While the much-anticipated title from Rockstar Games will be available for multiple consoles, players seeking the ultimate GTA 6 experience may be eyeing Sony's most powerful console.

So, what's Sony's solution for the PS5 Pro shortage? A lottery that will determine who can buy the console. 

But, there's an extra catch. The PlayStation maker is requiring that consumers prove they've put in time playing on a PlayStation before they can even enter for a chance to buy a console.

To enter the Sony Store lottery in Japan, consumers must use a Sony account that shows at least 60 hours of confirmed playtime on PS4 or PS5 consoles between September 27, 2024 and September 27, 2026.

If users meet those requirements, they can apply to purchase one PS5 Pro through October 7. Lottery winners will be informed by October 26 and can then make their purchase. They'll receive the console in the first half of November.

GTA 6 comes out November 19.

Amazon's October Prime Day event, Prime Big Deal Days is coming at the best time. Thanks to RAMaggedon, it's been a year of brutal price increases on tech. iPads have been hit with prices going up by $200 in some cases. So with Prime Big Deal Days running Oct. 6 and 7, it's a great time to think about buying an iPad.

But here's the big question: Will iPads be on sale during Prime Big Deal Days? Yes, in fact, they already are. The savings are majorly lackluster, but we do hope prices drop once October Prime Day actually kicks off.

Will iPads be on sale during October Prime Day?

In 2026, Apple raised prices across the board, and iPads were hit hard. Prices were raised between $100 and $200 on Apple's tablets, drawing them much farther away from previous all-time low prices. Leading up to Prime Day, most iPads are technically on sale, but the savings are very minimal, most just 5% off.

Once the sale actually starts on Oct. 6, we hope to see much bigger savings of $100 to $200 off iPads. At the very least, I'd like to see iPads reach their 2025 prices. However, it would be much better to see iPads get closer to their all-time lows.

For the iPad with A16 chip, that would be all the way down to $271.29, which the tablet fell to last Black Friday. The iPad Air with M4 chip had a more recent all-time low of $519.99, reached on May 17, 2026. But both of those prices occurred before the 2026 price increase, so we're not expecting to see any sales that good.

So while we know that iPads will be on sale, we just don't know how big the discounts will be. Once Prime Big Deal Days kicks off, make sure to check back on our coverage for the latest insights into iPad deals.

SAVE OVER $150: As of Sept. 29, the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series is available for $599.95 at Amazon. That's a 39% saving on the regular list price of $749.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series $599.63 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150.36   Get Deal

Shopping events like October Prime Day, which launches on Oct. 6, are the perfect opportunity to pick up a new coffee machine. Because let's face it: A good quality coffee machine doesn't come cheap. And though we're still a week out from the latest Prime Day, there are deals already live at Amazon, including a great saving on a machine from Ninja.

As of Sept. 30, the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series is marked down to $599.95, saving you $150.04 off the regular list price of $749.99. That's actually this machine's best-ever price on Amazon.

Ninja is already well ahead of the game when it comes to air fryers, and this coffee machine is another winner from the on-trend kitchen brand. It's a multi-function espresso machine that makes drip coffee and cold brew and boasts five espresso styles. It also has a hot water system for making Americanos and tea.

You also get an integrated tamper, a dual-froth system, and a built-in grinder with Barista Assist Technology that adjusts grind size for maximum flavor. In other words, it does pretty much everything you want an espresso machine to do — and now you can get it for $150 less.

Grab the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro Series, priced at just $599.95 ahead of Prime Day.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box — $89.99 (save vs. market price)

• Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)

TL;DR: Through Oct. 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT, a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is $16.97 (reg. $229). That’s 92% off, with no subscription.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $16.97
$229 Save $212.03   Get Deal

Nobody gets excited about spreadsheets. But sooner or later, someone sends you an Excel file, a Word doc with tracked changes, or a PowerPoint you have to edit. Free alternatives can scramble the formatting at the worst possible moment.

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 handles those files for a one-time $16.97 until Oct. 4. You get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, installed on one Windows PC for home or work.

SEE ALSO: The best early October Prime Day deals on iPads, according to Mashable's tech experts

Compatibility is the big draw. Office 2019 uses the same .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx file formats as newer versions, including Microsoft 365. You can open coworkers’ files in newer versions, edit them, and send them back. A few features added after 2019, like some newer Excel functions, may not work, but everyday documents should open without trouble.

The price difference adds up fast. Microsoft 365 Personal costs $99.99 per year. This license costs $16.97 once, so you’d save more than $80 in the first year alone.

Here’s the trade-off. Microsoft ended support for Office 2019 on Oct. 14, 2025, so it no longer gets security updates or new features. Publisher support ends in October 2026. This version also doesn’t include Teams or the cloud features that come with Microsoft 365. It requires Windows 10 or 11.

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for $16.97 (reg. $229) through Oct. 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: A Dead Cells Steam key is $17.99 (reg. $24.99), which saves you 28%. It includes every free update released since 2018.

Opens in a new window Credit: Steam Dead Cells (Steam Key) $17.99
$24.99 Save $7   Get Deal

You probably remember your first Dead Cells run. You died fast, then kept going back. Maybe you played it on console, or maybe you haven’t picked it up in years.

If you’ve been meaning to return, a Dead Cells Steam key is $17.99 for a limited time.

The game has grown since launch. This key includes the Rise of the Giant expansion, with its new biomes, bosses, weapons, and enemies. It also includes the full run of free post-launch content from Motion Twin and Evil Empire. If you stopped playing early, there’s a lot waiting for you.

SEE ALSO: The best early October Prime Day gaming deals: PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox deals worth grabbing now

It’s the game you know and love. Cells from fallen enemies permanently unlock weapons, skills, and mutations, and there are 150+ to build around. Traversal runes open new routes through the island. If you already beat the game back in the day, Boss Stem Cells raise the difficulty for a tougher run. There are also 121 achievements to work through.

A few things to know before you jump back in. This is the base game only, and the four paid expansions are sold separately. That includes The Bad Seed, Fatal Falls, The Queen and the Sea, and Return to Castlevania.

Progress from another platform won’t carry over, so you’ll be starting fresh. You’ll need a Steam account and Windows 10 or later to run the Steam client. You’ll also need to redeem your code within 30 days of purchase.

Want more games like this? Browse the full video game collection. Get a Dead Cells Steam key for $17.99 (reg. $24.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

AI bots are making it harder to be a human who just wants to read Reddit.

The company is shutting down its RSS feeds on Nov. 13, 2026, and ending public API access in March 2027. Announced on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in a channel for moderators (and reported by TechCrunch), the changes are a response to automated scraping, but they will also affect people who use outside tools to follow conversations and manage Reddit communities.

What’s happening to Reddit’s RSS feeds?

RSS, short for Really Simple Syndication, lets you subscribe to website updates and read them in a feed reader. Think of it as bringing posts from different places into one inbox, without visiting each site individually.

For Reddit users, that means following favorite subreddits or setting up moderation alerts. But the company says RSS has become a "common surface for large-scale scraping and automated abuse," and is pulling the plug.

Reddit recommends that moderators move common alerts to Discord Relay, an app on its developer platform, Devvit. For everyone else, the options are less promising: "If you use RSS for feeds outside of a community you moderate, there is no replacement," the company wrote.

That leaves some readers figuring out how to keep up. "That sucks because I use a Chrome extension called RSS Feed Reeder to be notified of every new post in my subs," wrote one user. "I don't know how I'll do that now on my desktop computer." Another commenter said their team uses an RSS feed to send Reddit status updates to its moderation Discord. "It’s really important for us when we’re in the queue and Reddit goes down to get that alert," they wrote, asking whether a developer app could replace it. "Any site clamping down on RSS is bad news," wrote another user.

The public API is going, too

Feed readers aren’t the only tools affected. Reddit’s public API, which lets software interact with the platform, is also winding down. The company will stop accepting new requests for access on Oct. 31. Starting Jan. 12, 2027, it will begin removing access for apps and users that haven’t registered or engaged with its outreach. Remaining public access ends in March.

Community bots can still have a future on Reddit — provided they move to Devvit. The company says more than 14,000 apps and bots have registered, and it’s offering migration funding and technical support while working to address remaining capability gaps.

Even browsing the classic site will come with more conditions. In the coming months, Old Reddit access will be limited to logged-in moderators and logged-in users who have used it within the previous six months. Moderators are exempt from the recent-use requirement.

Reddit’s conversations have become big business

These changes follow Reddit’s August announcement that third-party apps would need to move onto its developer platform. Wednesday's update puts deadlines on that plan.

SEE ALSO: Old Reddit might be on the chopping block. Here’s why.

The company has been closing other routes to its content, too. In August 2025, Reddit restricted the Internet Archive’s ability to archive posts, comments, and profiles, saying AI companies were collecting its content through the Wayback Machine.

Reddit isn’t closing its doors to AI altogether. Its partnerships with Google and OpenAI give those companies access to its content for AI products. Taken together, these moves point to Reddit drawing tighter boundaries around its conversations. And while AI companies with licensing deals can still get access, users who followed their favorite subreddits through RSS will have to find another way to keep up.