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SAVE UP TO $800: Purple's Labor Day sale is live until Sept. 9. Purple is offering up to $500 off mattresses and $300 off bases for Labor Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Purple Purple Labor Day Sale Shop Now

It's time to start prioritizing good sleep, and that means a comfortable bed and mattress.

Let's be honest, how many of us are settling for old, lumpy mattresses and rickety beds we've had for years? A good bed and mattress are essential for proper spinal alignment, helping to support your posture while you sleep. They also reduce pressure on joints and muscles, as well as improving your overall comfort. We all want comfort, right?

SEE ALSO: Soundcore's sleep earbuds with active noise cancellation are finally available to purchase

With this in mind, why not check out Purple's Labor Day sale? A major shopping event is always a great time to upgrade, and Purple is offering up to $500 off mattresses and $300 off bases for a limited time. For example, the RestorePremier Hybrid Mattress is reduced from $3,999 to $3,499, and there's an opportunity to add on the Purple Premium Plus Smart Base, reduced from $1,895 to $1,595.

We've checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of deals to get you started.

The best Purple Labor Day deals

• The Purple Mattress — $1,299 $1,499

• Purple Premium Plus Smart Base — $1,595 $1,895

• PurplePlus Mattress — $1,599 $1,899

• Restore Hybrid Mattress — $2,099 $2,399

• Rejuvenate Mattress — $4,499 $4,999

Shop the best deals from the Purple Labor Day sale right now.

TL;DR: Get an ASUS Chromebook with a detachable touchscreen on sale for $169.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024) $169.99
$329.99 Save $160 Get Deal

Sometimes, the newest computer isn’t the best option.

If you’re looking for a computer you can take with you to school or work with on the go, a brand-new expensive laptop might be going overboard. Instead, check out this ASUS Chromebook. It’s lightweight, has a detachable keyboard, and it’s on sale for $169.99 (reg. $329.99).

A Chromebook for under $200

This ASUS Chromebook is a practical option for everyday tasks like writing, web browsing, and video calls. It runs ChromeOS, which means it boots up fast, stays updated automatically, and is easy to manage. If you already use Google Docs or Gmail, you’ll feel right at home.

It comes with a 10.5-inch touchscreen that detaches from the keyboard, so you can switch between laptop and tablet modes depending on what you’re doing. The included stylus charges while it’s stored in the chassis, and it’s useful for jotting notes, marking up documents, or navigating apps more precisely.

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

Inside, it has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is plenty for basic tasks. The MediaTek Kompanio processor handles multitasking smoothly, and the battery lasts up to 12 hours, so you can get through a full day without recharging. It also includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, dual 5MP cameras, a USB-C port, and a headphone jack. The build is solid too, with a military-grade aluminum chassis that feels durable without being bulky.

This is an open box model, meaning it was likely returned or overstocked, but the device itself has been tested, cleaned, and verified in brand-new condition. It comes with a one-year warranty.

If you need a reliable computer you can take anywhere, get an ASUS Chromebook on sale for $169.99. Limited stock is available.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. Like dominoes, the tiles are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 24, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 23, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 24

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

Equal (1): The domino halves in this space must be 1. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 24

Greater than (2): Everything in this space must add up to more than 2. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.

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

Number (16): The domino halves in this space must add up to 16. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally.

Number (0): The domino halves in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally.

Number (0): The domino halves in this blue space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 24

Less than (3): Everything in this space must add up to less than 3. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): The domino halves in this red space must be 6. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed horizontally.

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

Number (10): The domino halves in this purple space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.

Less than (2): Everything in this space must add up to less than 2. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

An oversight.

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

LAPSE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A pinching tool.

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

PLIER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To recycle.

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

REUSE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To die.

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

CROAK

Final Hurdle hint

To get an answer.

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

SOLVE

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 moon is starting to make a reappearance as we enter a new phase of the lunar cycle.

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

So let's see what's happening with the moon tonight, Aug. 24.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Sunday, Aug. 24, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent, and only 2% will be lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

There is still not enough of the moon lit up tonight to see anything on its surface, so keen moon gazers will need to wait a few more days.

When is the next full moon?

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

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, August 24, 2025:

AcrossPerch for a family photo

• The answer is Shelf.

Burnett with a variety show from 1967 to 1978

• The answer is Carol.

Plant that yields mezcal

• The answer is Agave.

Deceptive ploys

• The answer is Ruses.

"You've gotta be kidding me!"

• The answer is Yeesh.

DownHow a leap of faith might feel

• The answer is Scary.

Dutch seat of government, with "The"

• The answer is Hauge.

What many pencils can do that magic markers can't

• The answer is Erase.

Holds dear

• The answer is Loves.

___ and blood (kin)

• The answer is Flesh.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Mini crossword answers, hints for August 22, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Big stick

• Green: Florida mascots

• Blue: Darts

• Purple: MVP baseball players

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Used to Hit a Ball

• Green: A South Florida Athlete

• Blue: Darts Terms

• Purple: Angels to Win MVP

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 #335 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Used to Hit a Ball - BAT, CLUB, PADDLE, RACKET

• A South Florida Athlete - BUCCANEER, DOLPHIN, MARLIN, PANTHER

• Darts Terms - BIG FISH, BULL'S-EYE, NINE-DARTER, OCHE

• Angels to Win MVP - BAYLOR, GUERRERO, OHTANI, TROUT

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

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

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

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

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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Drinking containers

• Green: Slashed

• Blue: Types of reptiles

• Purple: To ring

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: Wine vessels

• Green: Ripped

• Blue: Kinds of snakes

• Purple: ___ Call

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 #806 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Wine vessels: BOTTLE, CARAFE, DECANTER, GLASS

• Ripped: CLEFT, RENT, SPLIT, TORN

• Kinds of snakes: CORAL, GARTER, KING, RATTLE

• ___ Call: BOOTY, CLOSE, COLD, CURTAIN

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Plug your ears

The words are volume-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are types of loud noises.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Hubbub.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for August 24

• Blasting

• Loud

• Boisterous

• Hubbub

• Noisy

• Strident

• Booming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

A seed.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

SPORE.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Mini crossword answers, hints for August 22, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Lost really badly

• Green: Euro locations

• Blue: NFL wideouts

• Purple: College Campuses

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Decisive Victory

• Green: Countries in Six Nations Rugby

• Blue: Names of NFL WRs

• Purple: Big 12 School Locations

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 #334 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Decisive Victory - BLOWOUT, LANDSLIDE, ROMP, RUNAWAY

• Countries in Six Nations Rugby - ENGLAND, FRANCE, IRELAND, WALES

• Names of NFL WRs - CEEDEE, LADD, PUKA, ROME

• Big 12 School Locations - AMES, LAWRENCE, MANHATTAN, MORGANTOWN

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

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

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

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

Chipotle is rolling out drone delivery. That means your next burrito could come zipping down out of the sky...for...whatever reason.

The fast casual chain announced this week it was rolling out what it's calling "Zipotle" to a small number of customers. Zipotle is a reference to Zipline, an autonomous drone delivery company, which will do the dropping off for Chipotle.

Right now, Zipotle will be available online in Rowlette, Texas, a Dallas suburb. How it works is pretty simple: Customers order on the Zipline app, a local Chipotle prepares the order, and then the drone flies to the address, hovers at about 300 feet, and drops the order down via a carrier.

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

While delivering burritos via drone feels a little silly, Chipotle has sold the program as an environmentally friendly delivery option.

"Zipotle is a quick and convenient source of delivery that lets guests enjoy our real food from places that are traditionally challenging to serve, including backyards and public parks," said Curt Garner, president, chief strategy and technology officer at Chipotle, in a statement. "Zipline's commitment to building an efficient, environmentally friendly delivery experience is synonymous with our mission to Cultivate a Better World."

People in Mississippi no longer have access to Bluesky — one of the primary alternatives to Elon Musk's X — because of burdensome age verification laws.

A new law in Mississippi requires age verification to access social media sites. This landmark piece of legislation goes even further than other laws that require age verification for sites featuring explicit content. Bluesky announced on Friday that it would stop operating in the state because of the law, noting concerns over the cost burden and privacy of its users.

It wrote in a blog post:

"Mississippi's approach would fundamentally change how users access Bluesky. The Supreme Court’s recent decision leaves us facing a hard reality: comply with Mississippi’s age assurance law—and make every Mississippi Bluesky user hand over sensitive personal information and undergo age checks to access the site—or risk massive fines. The law would also require us to identify and track which users are children, unlike our approach in other regions. We think this law creates challenges that go beyond its child safety goals, and creates significant barriers that limit free speech and disproportionately harm smaller platforms and emerging technologies.

Unlike tech giants with vast resources, we’re a small team focused on building decentralized social technology that puts users in control. Age verification systems require substantial infrastructure and developer time investments, complex privacy protections, and ongoing compliance monitoring — costs that can easily overwhelm smaller providers. This dynamic entrenches existing big tech platforms while stifling the innovation and competition that benefits users."

Bluesky pointed out that Mississippi's law was particularly burdensome and was worrying in terms of its privacy implications. The company noted, for instance, that it follows the U.K.'s Online Safety Act, which does not require tracking which users are children and only requires age checks for certain material.

Mashable's Anna Iovine covered the effects of age verification on the internet in depth. But what certain lawmakers have claimed is aimed at protecting children has already had widespread consequences. These laws, in general, make the internet a less open place and a space that requires sacrificing privacy for access.

With all the choices for headphones out there, it's not the easiest device to shop. Factor in a student's budget, needs, and the fact that most "best of" lists (present company included) have $400+ options as their top pick, and somehow, finding the right pair of headphones can get even more stressful. With school being stressful enough as it is, allow us to add some ease to this one area.

First things first: The best headphones for students aren't necessarily the best headphones on the market. Sure, the active noise cancellation on the Sony WH-1000XM6s or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones would probably be incredible for studying — but so would cheaper options that don't sacrifice quality in areas where it really matters most. In the same way that most students don't need the power of an iPad Pro for taking notes and reading research papers, most won't need the most feature-rich flagship headphones to ensure they have headphones that are great for studying or relaxing.

SEE ALSO: We tested the best laptops for college students going back to school

Take, for instance, the regular Bose QuietComfort headphones, our pick of the best over-ear headphones for students. They're still an investment at $359, but regularly go on sale for under $300, dropping as low as $229 at their best price ever (as I was writing this guide, they dropped down to this price). They offer the major perks of a more premium option in their all-day comfort, good sound quality, and some of the best noise cancellation out there — you'll just miss out on fancy spatial audio features, which, for most students, likely isn't a dealbreaker.

What are the best headphones for students?

On our list below, we provided four options for your back-to-school headphone shopping: two over-ear headphones and two earbuds, each with a budget and premium option, with an overall skew for lower price points. These selections are the result of the extensive headphones testing from multiple Mashable staffers and contributors. As one of Mashable's main reporters on the headphones beat, I've gone back through our pool of favorites to handpick the four best headphones for college students (or even high school students).

British audio icon, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), has always had its rabid fans, especially in the world of loudspeakers, where its combo of sound quality and design has earned it a lot of admiration. However, I’ve never felt that the company’s wireless noise-canceling headphones quite live up to this sterling reputation — until now.

Bowers & Wilkins headphones have traditionally been more expensive than their rivals, even as the sound and features lagged behind. I was expecting the same from the brand's latest effort, the Px7 S3 over-ear headphones.

But moments after popping them on my head, I was ready to change my tune. And not only do they sound great, but they're a serious upgrade over the all-plastic design of the Sony XM6 headphones.

So, let's dive into my full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 headphones review.

The new B&W Px7 S3 Headphones: Just the specs

Let's start with the basics:

• Microphones: 8

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (aptX Adaptive/Lossless support)

• Battery: 30 hours with ANC

• Charge time: ~3.5 hours

• Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation

• Spatial audio: Planned (future software update required)

• Colors: Anthracite Black, Canvas White, and Indigo Blue

• Inputs: USB-C

• Quick charge: 7 hours in 15 minutes

• Materials: Fabric, aluminum, and synthetic leather

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review: What’s new? Credit: Simon Cohen / Mashable

The Px7 S3 has a variety of updates from the S2 and S2e, including a sleeker, lower-profile shape, a redesigned headband, repositioned controls, support for aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs, more microphones, improved ANC and transparency, and revised driver design.

B&W has also made a few changes in its Bowers & Wilkins Music companion app, like the availability of a five-band equalizer.

The company plans to issue a future software update to enable spatial audio. This has become a standard feature in other flagship headphones, so it's disappointing not to find it here, especially since they have the same price as the new Sony XM6 noise-cancelling headphones.

What’s not new?

Battery life remains unchanged at 30 hours (plus a 7-hour quick charge after 15 minutes), it still comes with a zippered (though slightly slimmer) hard case and a USB-C and 3.5mm analog cable. Lossless, hi-res audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz is supported via the USB-C cable.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review: I love the design Credit: Simon Cohen / Mashable

Looks are (obviously) subjective, but I think the Px7 S3 are in a class by themselves.

The combination of materials (fabric, aluminum, and synthetic leather) and B&W’s sleek, understated styling makes these cans a joy to behold and a pleasure to wear. Compared to the all-plastic construction of Sony’s 1000X series or the giant aluminum shells of Apple’s AirPods Max or Dyson OnTrac, the Px7 S3 are the rare headphones that look as good on your head as sitting on your desk.

Don’t like the Anthracite Black color pictured here? They’re also available in Indigo Blue and Canvas White.

For the Px7 S3, B&W has increased the width of the headband from the Px7 S2, and the earcushions are more generously padded. This takes an already comfortable design and makes it even better for long-term use.

The single-sided yokes are now more rounded, yet they still let you position the earcups up or down when worn around the neck.

My only nitpick: the included USB-C cable is just too thick and inflexible to be used comfortably when listening to USB Audio (more on that feature in a moment).

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review: Controls Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 (left) and Px7 S3 (right). Credit: Simon Cohen / Mashable

Keen-eyed observers will note that the control buttons now sit on the beveled outer edge of the earcups, instead of on the flat rear edge. At first, I was concerned that this would make them harder to use, but in some ways, they’re now easier to reach — I don’t mind it at all.

Strangely, B&W has made the volume buttons larger and the multifunction button smaller than on the Px7 S2. Maybe it’s just me — I tend to play/pause and skip tracks more than I change volume — but I’d prefer they have the opposite proportions.

The ANC button, located on the left earcup, provides nearly instant mode changes, but for the life of me, I still don’t know why B&W insists on forcing us to cycle through all three (ANC > Transparency > Off), instead of letting us skip the Off mode entirely.

Another head-scratcher: You can control ANC with this button, or summon your voice assistant, but you can’t have both.

One of my favorite features of the S2 is the wear sensors, and thankfully, they’re just as good on the S3. Removing either earcup — even just a little ways — instantly pauses your tunes, while replacing them resumes playback just as quickly.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3: Noise canceling and transparency

The Px7 S3 have a larger array of mics than their predecessors — eight vs. six — which should, in theory, help to improve active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode. ANC is indeed better, though only moderately so. 

It can reduce the most annoying background sounds, but you’ll still get better ANC results from the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM6, particularly when flying or while trying to shut out droning machinery sounds. Transparency mode on the Px7 S3, however, is a significant step up from the S2 model. You notice it immediately, thanks to the clarity of your voice.

It’s still not as mesmerizingly perfect as Apple’s AirPods Max, but honestly, it’s more than good enough for phone calls and casual conversations.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review: Impressive sound quality Credit: Simon Cohen / Mashable

On B&W’s spec sheet for the Px7 S3, it lists “40mm bio-cellulose drivers” — the same description used for the Px7 S2. But this is an oversimplification. In reality, the S3’s drivers use a redesigned and improved chassis, voice coil, suspension, and magnet, and they make a huge difference to the sound.

Clarity, definition, soundstage, and precision are all enhanced. These are the first Bowers & Wilkins Px7 series headphones that finally sound as good as they look.

I could spend a lot of time encouraging you to take advantage of the S3’s aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs on a compatible phone. And, you should absolutely use their hi-res, USB audio connection when a wire won’t get in your way (a feature you won’t find on Bose or Sony’s flagships).

But frankly, you can hear and appreciate the S3’s improved audio quality even over a standard SBC or AAC Bluetooth connection (good news for iPhone owners). Setting aside all of the S3’s other improvements, I would happily pay the extra $50 over the price of the S2 just for the sound.

Credit: Simon Cohen / Mashable

B&W’s excellent factory tuning, with its careful balance of frequencies, is now known as True Sound; this is the EQ setting you get by default in the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. What’s new is the ability to fine-tune this balance using a five-band equalizer, instead of the simplified bass and treble sliders the app shows to S2 owners.

After trying a few adjustments, however, I returned to the True Sound setting and never looked back. To my ear, it’s just about perfect.

Bass has plenty of authority without ever getting boomy or overbearing, and the mids are clear and distinct. Curiously, in the upper-mids and highs, the S3 are something of a return to form. I noted in my Px7 S2 review that the PX7’s high-energy sound signature had been taken down a notch or two. For the S3, B&W seems to have split the difference, and it’s a balance that I think a lot of folks will like. It’s very close to Sony’s tuning on the WH-1000XM6.

Call quality

Those extra mics help the S3 achieve better call quality than its predecessor. The biggest difference is the number of times your callers will hear background sounds -- they’re almost entirely eradicated. When they’re particularly loud, the algorithm still struggles to keep your voice from being distorted, but most of the time, they’ll have no idea you’re not at your desk.

Transparency mode is perfect for reducing the fatigue associated with having your voice muffled by the earcups.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review: Battery life Credit: Simon Cohen / Mashable

It’s B&W’s belief that most folks will always keep ANC on while using the Px7 S3. As such, it only quotes one number for battery life: 30 hours. That should be more than enough to get you through even the longest flight, but keep in mind that if you listen louder than 50% volume, or if you’re in an especially noisy environment, that number will be lower -- perhaps as much as 15-20% lower.

It’s also worth noting that when the company releases its spatial audio upgrade, it’s a good bet that this will also impact battery life. On Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, for instance, the Immersive Audio feature can reduce playtime by up to 25%.

If you’re worried about stamina, you can always disable ANC, and if that’s still not enough, the Px7 S3 have a very impressive quick-charge time of an extra 7 hours for just 15 minutes of charging.

One more (missing) feature

It’s clear that B&W has tried to future-proof the Px7 S3 by including both hi-res audio (via aptX Adaptive and USB Audio) and the potential for spatial audio down the road. Which is why I’m a bit baffled by the lack of support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast. 

Auracast, which lets compatible wireless headphones tune in to publicly available Bluetooth broadcasts, has just started making its way into our lives. But it will soon be ubiquitous in places like airports, museums, movie theaters, gyms, sports arenas, and even at home via our TVs.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 (left) and Px7 S3 (right). Credit: Simon Cohen / Mashable

Sennheiser, Sony, JBL, and others have already jumped on the Auracast bandwagon with their latest flagship headphones, making this a missed opportunity for B&W to keep the Px7 S3 as a leading option in the coming years. 

Are the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 worth it?

B&W headphones are usually more expensive than the competition, but that's no longer the case. As Mashable's tech editor noted in his Sony XM6 review, $449 is the new standard price of admission for premium headphones.

So, are they worth $449? I say yes, especially if you care about design. The Sony XM6 headphones may have advantages like superior ANC and spatial audio, but they also have an all-plastic construction, whereas the slick-looking Px7 S3 are made from fabric, aluminum, and synthetic leather. With killer sound and a cool aesthetic, they're a solid contender in a very competitive market.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bowers & Wilkins Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Over-Ear Headphones $449 at Amazon
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I'll be the first person to tell someone to just grow up and buy a nice Dyson rather than settle for a cheaper cordless vacuum. Yes, the Dyson purchase probably requires extra saving up, and yes, I acknowledge that a vacuum costing the same (or more) than a month's rent puts it in the "overpriced" category. But if you can swing it, I think a Dyson stick vacuum is worth it.

And this is simply because my Dyson with a laser does such a good job that it makes me prefer doing the chore manually. If a robot vacuum does a crappy job of cleaning a hard floor, my Dyson V12 Detect Slim will snitch immediately, using its green laser to highlight any leftover hairs or specks that a robot vacuum missed. It's still clutch to be able to rely on a robot vacuum for surface-level jobs in a pinch, but for better or for worse, my ultimate test for my army of robot vacuums is how they stand up against my Dyson stick vacuum.

So what better robot vacuum to compete with my beloved Dyson stick vacuum than a Dyson robot vacuum? I went into my experience with Dyson's 360 Vis Nav with high expectations, despite already knowing about Dyson's odd choice to omit crucial robot vacuum features like mopping and self-emptying. Here's my Dyson robot vacuum review.

Dyson rarely releases robot vacuums, so this was huge

The 360 Vis Nav initially sold out at Dyson's website within hours of release on March 19, 2024. Stock subsequently dwindled completely at other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy within the following days. That's not surprising — demand for a Dyson robot vacuum has been bubbling since 2016, which is the last time Dyson released a robot vacuum in the U.S. And it was a flop.

Nearly a decade later, the premise of a Dyson robot vacuum felt much more auspicious. Dyson has perfected its cyclonic suction power in the realm of cordless stick vacuums, so it should have no problem converting that expertise to robot form, right?

SEE ALSO: Roborock Saros Z70 review: If you think you need the robot vacuum with an arm, no you don't

The 360 Vis Nav came out with the promise of being the world's most powerful robot vacuum, aided by a flat edge and a genius extending side duct for better corner cleaning than what a round robot vacuum can manage. A D-shaped robot vacuum is unique, but isn't something we've never seen before. And it's definitely not the most... interesting choice Dyson made with this physical design. Let's start there.

This physical design is very unique (derogatory)

You can tell a Dyson vacuum is a Dyson vacuum just by looking at it. The metallic gray bodies, bold pops of color, and chunky industrial details are pretty recognizable to anyone who has shopped for a vacuum before.

And I've never minded that boldness. My V12 Detect Slim, which is gray with a weird orange tentacle-looking piece on the dust bin and a purple filter cap, is a flex mounted on the wall in my kitchen. When guests come over, they immediately recognize and respect that this is a Dyson household.

SEE ALSO: Dyson’s first stand-alone headphones look like a vacuum, but sound incredible

That being said, Dyson should have reined in its signature design with the 360 Vis Nav, because it's kind of an eyesore. Rather than sticking to graphite, the entire body is bright indigo. That is topped off with an exterior circular dustbin that was probably meant to give cool exposed gear vibes, but more so resembles a curled-up centipede.

Something about the 360 Vis Nav and the Fleetwood Mac record just don't vibe. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable You can choose a cleaning mode on the touchscreen, but that's about it. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

I guess the polarizing design choice might be appealing to ultra-modern maximalists, but given my guests' puzzled reactions when they see the 360 Vis Nav in my living room, the lack of curb appeal feels pretty palpable.

Despite the fact that robot vacuums are becoming increasingly common, they can still feel a bit out of place in many homes — way too tech-y to mesh in an otherwise cozy room. Other brands have caught onto the consumer's preference for chicness and subtlety, like the dapper, all-white or all-black bodies of the Roborock Saros 10 and Saros 10R (two of my favorite robot vacuums of 2025).

SEE ALSO: Roomba models, explained: A guide to deciding which Roomba to buy

So the dust bin isn't concealed on the underside or back like it traditionally is on standalone robot vacuums. Yes, this means that the wad of gray dust will be facing outward until it's time to empty. You'd be off the hook from that for weeks and weeks had Dyson made its robot vacuum able to empty itself like so many others do. But at least the 360 Vis Nav's 0.15-gallon dust bin is larger than most non-self-emptiers, I guess.

You hold the dustbin like a purse and click it open via the handle. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

And granted, if a robot vacuum is going to require manual emptying, Dyson's system is definitely the mildest pain in the ass. Just pull up the handle and un-click the bin while the vac is charging, hold it over a trash can, and push the red button. The door swings open downward, and everything falls directly into the trash.

But then, the fact that it can't empty itself still has me circling back to the fact that it's just not an attractive appliance — the manual emptying requires easy access to the dust bin, and that means you can't just store the robot vacuum under a piece of furniture and call it a day. For example, the 3i G10+ robot vacuum that I tested isn't a cute robot vacuum, either. But it has a cool dust compacting system that essentially acts like a self-emptying dock, minus the actual dock that takes up space. It can subtly be stored just about anywhere — the G10+ simply lived under my TV stand during testing, its bulky design kept out of sight in my carefully-decorated living room.

Speaking of questionable design choices, not even the religious RuPaul's Drag Race stan in me can justify the black and white checkered flags stuck to the 360 Vis Nav's dock. This thin panel needs to be attached in order for the vac to map correctly and find its way back. Without it, the 360 Vis Nav looks like me trying to parallel park. No other robot vacuums I've tested require obnoxious stickers to drive themselves back to the dock.

Smart mapping is accurate, but customizing zones is frustrating

A small LCD touchscreen and a small transparent sphere known as the Eye sit atop the 360 Vis Nav. You use the touchscreen during setup when connecting to the WiFi, and I appreciate that all of the steps are laid out in very simple terms. You can also use the touchscreen to select from four cleaning modes (which you can also do on the app): auto, boost, quiet, and quick. They're pretty self-explanatory.

The other piece of tech on top, the Dyson Eye, replaces the circular LiDAR tower that is seen on a lot of competing robot vacuums. The Eye has a 360-degree view of its surroundings and, with the help of 26 different sensors, is said to analyze up to 10,000 data points a second, allowing it to remember your home's layout and navigate around large obstacles like furniture and walls.

Tight-knit table legs or kitchen chair legs did not trip the 360 Vis Nav up once. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The 360 Vis Nav knew to not use its side suction around these defenseless blanket tassels. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The 360 Vis Nav's mapping run proved to be quite accurate the first time around, at least when assessing the general perimeter of the floor plan. (Dividing rooms in the app wasn't as seamless.) After each cleaning session, the MyDyson app offers what looks like a heat map version of its smart map, showing where it found the most dust. It'll work harder in those areas the next time you start a full home cleaning.

Navigation-wise, the 360 Vis Nav is nimble when dealing with tricky furniture. It never got stuck once in my apartment, and was able to carve tightly around our acorn-shaped coffee table. I'm not over the lack of small obstacle avoidance technology, though. And I elaborate on these gripes in the downsides section of this review.

Suction power: Great on carpet, but rough around the edges

When it first came out, Dyson insisted that the 360 Vis Nav had double the suction power of any robot vacuum. At first, it was nearly impossible to prove or disprove that — Dyson historically measured vacuum suction power in Air Watts (AW) instead of the more common measurement of Pascals (Pa). At some point since its spring 2024 release, Dyson quietly updated the 360 Vis Nav's online description with "22,000 Pa of suction power." That's a great number and all, but it confirms that the 360 Vis Nav doubling the suction power of any other robot vacuum is just not true. Several flagship Roborock robot vacuums clean with 20,000 to 22,000 Pa, and new Dreame robot vacuums coming in fall 2025 are said to dish out 30,000 Pa.

SEE ALSO: How to make your robot vacuum work better: 3 setup tips to do right now

But how well does the Dyson robot vacuum clean in practice? Success stories first: The Dyson 360 Vis Nav is a solid robot vacuum for carpet and rugs. It aced any debris test I threw at it, audibly boosting suction (in auto mode) when it came across a mess. These three piles of crushed tortilla chips, soil, and cat fur were totally cleared before the 360 Vis Nav went back to its dock, even when I was skeptical after it missed some pieces on the first pass.

Crumbs, dirt, pet hair — the usual. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The 360 Vis Nav sensed that debris was left and went back to get these pieces. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The effectiveness is probably a combination of sheer suction power and the triple-action brush roll. It's basically a spitting image of the one on Dyson's Digital Motorbar cleaning head for its cordless vacuums, combining soft nylon, stiff bristles, and anti-static carbon fiber strands that dig into carpet pile, attract debris like velcro, and suck it out.

In terms of battery life, Dyson alleges that the 360 Vis Nav can run for 65 minutes. I was able to send the Dyson out to cover two rooms that took just under half an hour each, and it had enough juice for both on one charge. However, I can see this run time dwindling significantly if more of the floor is carpet or needs to be cleaned in boost mode. Plus, while an hour of juice is fine for a full clean of a small space like my apartment, a larger home would probably require double that battery life.

SEE ALSO: The best vacuums we've tested, from robots to Dyson stick vacs

Hard floors were more of a struggle than carpet, which is surprising because it's usually the other way around for robot vacuums.

My bathroom is one place where I need a robot vacuum to reliably clean on a daily basis. It's where one of my cats' litter boxes is, and it's where my hair sheds the most — and is the only place in the apartment where I always walk barefoot. So tell me why, on multiple occasions, I walked in there after a 360 Vis Nav run to see the back third of the floor still scattered with kitty litter and long hairs. Either the 360 Vis Nav's suction did virtually nothing, or it didn't attempt to go back there at all. Considering a $299 Shark robot vacuum successfully came to the rescue afterwards, neither of those excuses will fly.

Similarly, the laser on my Dyson V12 Detect Slim showed a decent amount of dust still remaining in front of the litter box in the kitchen after the 360 Vis Nav cleaned there.

Yes, this is *after* the 360 Vis Nav came through. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Dyson's hyped edge cleaning was a huge letdown

Aside from rocking a flat edge to scoot into 90-degree angles better than a round vacuum, the 360 Vis Nav is equipped with side ducts that extend when cleaning along a wall. These target suction power to the side of the vacuum that the wall is on, replacing the traditional flimsy spinning side brushes that operate on mere hope. This was going to be huge if true: Robot vacuums universally struggle to grab the dust bunnies that blew into the corner behind the couch or the crumbs pushed up against cabinets or appliances.

I thought this was a first pass blunder, but no, it was left like this. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Once again, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim saved the day. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Unfortunately, the 360 Vis Nav fell short of edge-pectations. During my spill-rice-on-purpose challenge, the vac did an OK (just OK) job at clearing the middle of the floor, but hardly grabbed any of the rice hanging out under the lip of the cabinets. Debris being left behind around the outskirts of a room was a recurring theme. A quick skim of my Roborock Saros 10R review and you'd know that it actually is possible for a robot vacuum to be good at cleaning corners.

Downsides: Dyson skipped crucial features, then charged too much

My list of cons of the 360 Vis Nav will be pretty straightforward — not because Dyson got very few things wrong, but because there's actually not a ton of features to evaluate. No self-emptying, no mopping, no small obstacle avoidance. I'll cover those in the section exploring the competition, but first, I want to touch on the features that are present, but disappointing.

There's a lot of misplaced innovation going on here. Rather than ensuring some basic features that every high-end robot vacuum should have, Dyson put its energy into things like a touchscreen. That would have been cool if you could do anything more proactive than select the cleaning mode through it.

SEE ALSO: Robot vacuum brands are losing the plot with the latest 'innovations'

Similarly, I've already gone off about how the 360 Vis Nav doesn't even reliably clean edges — the one thing it was supposed to excel at.

Spot cleaning is another huge miss. Sometimes, scheduling a cleaning for one room in particular isn't specific enough. Sometimes, you just need to directly tackle the few feet surrounding the kitchen counter, or the front door, or the litter box. If the ability to physically pick the vacuum up, plop it in the spot that needs attention, and press a button on the top to make it go isn't an option, I'll settle for drawing a zone in the app.

JUST LET ME PINCH THE DIVIDER EASILY, I BEG YOU. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The MyDyson app doesn't differentiate between rooms and zones, despite referring to the entire room-labeling process as "zoning." The most intuitive robot vacuum apps allow you to drag a rectangle onto whatever area of the map you desire for a one-time cleaning, no questions asked.

But if you want to spot clean with the 360 Vis Nav, you have to put dividers up just like you would when separating a bedroom from the hallway. That'd be fine if the dividers were easy to set up with your finger. But they barely respond to pinching or dragging, and then get mad at you for not being arranged correctly. This once again had me sending a $299 robot vacuum to cover those spontaneous spots.

The competition

Dyson's choice to simply omit features like self-emptying and mopping is unforgivable at this price point. These "advanced" autonomy features may have been considered premium in 2020, but have become accessible at any price point in the past two years. You can easily score a reliable robot vacuum and mop combo that also empties itself for less than $500 even without a sale.

Other robot vacuums out there hovering at the same $1,000 price point are way more autonomous than the 360 Vis Nav. A ton of premium robot vacs are equipped with small obstacle avoidance technology to avoid run-ins with common household items like charging cords, laundry, or pet waste. One of the more fun features becoming more common is a roving livestream pet camera that shows a POV of what the vacuum sees while it's cleaning.

Not only do these premium hybrid robot vacuums mop, but they are also fully self-sufficient through automatic mopping pad washing and drying, and self-refilling clean water tanks.

It's also impossible not to compare the 360 Vis Nav to Dyson's own stick vacuum lineup, especially when the 360 Vis Nav costs more than the most expensive cordless Dyson, the $1,049 Gen5 Outsize. That vac more than doubles the suction power and dustbin capacity of the 360 Vis Nav, plus it can be trusted to get into corners. Yes, you'll be the one doing the work, but it's actually fun when you're guided by a game-changing laser that highlights exactly where dust and debris are. You already know I back the V12 Detect Slim, which can often be snagged for less than $500.

Is the Dyson 360 Vis Nav worth it?

Nope. And that's not an "unless you have the budget to spend $1,000 on a robot vacuum" nope. It's just a hard nope. I don't think I was alone in my skepticism about this Dyson's value — Dyson permanently dropped the 360 Vis Nav Price from its original $1,199.99 to $999.99 in 2025, if that's any indication of its public perception. Even now, it's still ridiculously overpriced.

Similarly-priced competitors empty themselves, mop, wash and dry their own mopping pads, and can detect small obstacles like cords, pet waste, and socks. The 360 Vis Nav doesn't do any of that, and doesn't even ace edges, the main thing it claimed to be good at.

And even if the 360 Vis Nav wasn't drowning in competition from other robot vacuums, it would still lose to its number one enemy: its own cordless stick vacuums.

Dyson 360 Vis Nav $999.95 at Amazon
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We don't know about you, but we're so glad that College football is back. Things kick off with Week 0 action before the first proper round of games in Week 1. The pick of the bunch is almost definitely the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, but don't sleep on Hawai'i vs. Stanford.

We're honestly not sure what to expect from this matchup, and that makes it all the more exciting. The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are close favorites, but Stanford Cardinal will do everything they can to make a positive start to this new campaign.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

If you want to watch Hawai'i vs. Stanford for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Hawai'i vs. Stanford?

Hawai'i vs. Stanford takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 23. This game takes place at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.

How to watch Hawai'i vs. Stanford for free

Hawai'i vs. Stanford is broadcast on CBS. Fans can live stream this game on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

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Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Best for affordability: Sling Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling $20 for the first month, then $40/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

Best bang for your buck: Hulu + Live TV Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV Free 3-day trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Best introductory offer: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV Free 7-day trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Hawai'i vs. Stanford from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Hawai'i vs. Stanford from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Hawai'i vs. Stanford from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Get Deal Best for affordability Sling $20 for the first month, then $40/month Get Deal Best Bang For your Buck Hulu + Live TV Free 3-day trial, then $76.99/month Get Deal BEST INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV Free 5-day trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Get Deal

The wait is over. College football is back. And the first weekend of games provides some real intrigue.

The Kansas Jayhawks take on the Fresno State Bulldogs in the Week 0 college football schedule in non-conference action. It's probably not quite as big as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, but it's not too far behind. It's easily one of the most interesting matchups with weekend, as both sides look to bounce back after disappointing campaigns in 2024.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

If you want to watch Kansas vs. Fresno State for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Kansas vs. Fresno State?

Kansas vs. Fresno State takes place at 6:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 23. This game takes place at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

How to watch Kansas vs. Fresno State for free

Kansas vs. Fresno State is broadcast on FOX. Fans can live stream this game on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Best for affordability: Sling Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling $20 for the first month, then $40/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

Best bang for your buck: Hulu + Live TV Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV Free 3-day trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Best introductory offer: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV Free 7-day trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Kansas vs. Fresno State from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Kansas vs. Fresno State from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Kansas vs. Fresno State from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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

GET UP TO 30% OFF: Casper's Labor Day sale is running until Sept. 9. Get up to 30% off mattresses for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Casper Casper Labor Day Sale Shop Now

A few Labor Day sales have kicked off early, and if you've been hoping to grab a new mattress during this busy shopping period, you're in luck. Several popular retailers have already launched their Labor Day sales, including Casper — score up to 30% off mattresses for a limited time.

Take your pick from a wide range of discounted mattresses right now at in the Casper Labor Day sale. Casper's The One mattress is currently 20% off, from $749 to $599. The Dream mattress is 30% off, from $1,495 to $1,045. Whatever level of luxury you're looking for, Casper has something for you this Labor Day.

SEE ALSO: The Home Depot Labor Day Sale is live: Shop the best deals on tools, grills, and outdoor equipment

Casper also has a variety of bundles on sale alongside 30% off adjustable bed frames, up to 30% off their Cooling Collection, and 10% off bedroom essentials like a mattress topper, nightlight, or a sheet set. If you've been looking to refresh your bedroom ahead of Fall, there's no better time than now to do it.

This sale comes to an end on Sept. 9, so act fast to grab the items that catch your eye. Check out Casper's full Labor Day sale here, but to get you started, we've lined up a selection of standout offers.

The best Casper Labor Day deals

• The One Casper Premium Foam Mattress — $599 $749 (20% off)

• The Dream Casper Hybrid Mattress — $1,045 $1,495 (30% off)

• The Snow Casper Cooling Hybrid Mattress — $1,395 $1,995 (30% off)

• The Dream Max Casper Hybrid Mattress — $1,815 $2,595 (30% off)

• The Snow Max Casper Cooling Hybrid Mattress — $2,270 $3,245 (30% off)

SAVE 25%: Helix is offering 25% off sitewide for Labor Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Helix Helix Labor Day Sale Shop Now

If you're looking for a new bed frame or mattress, or both, you're in luck. Some sleep retailers are treating us to some early Labor Day sales, and that includes Helix.

Helix is offering 25% off sitewide with the code LDW25. So whether you need a new bed frame, mattress, or even some fancy new bedding, you can get it all for significantly less than list price. The discount is applied across the full range, so if you're looking for something luxurious or keeping it basic, there should be something for you.

SEE ALSO: Don’t overpay for quality bedding

Labor Day has slowly become one of the biggest shopping events of the year, especially when it comes to home and furniture. And with this early access sale, you don't need to stress over snagging last-minute deals. Instead, you can peruse your options and secure a saving ahead of the big day.

The best Helix Labor Day deals

• Helix Midnight Luxe — $1,799 $2,398.66

• Sunset Luxe — $1,799 $2,399

• Dawn Luxe — $1,799 $2,399

• Helix Birch Luxe Natural — $1,968 $2,624

Head to Helix to shop the best deals from the Labor Day sale, and don't forget to add the code LDW25 at the checkout to save.