Mashable
KPop Demon Hunters 2? Netflix and Sony are in talks for a sequel to the animated musical hit
KPop Demon Hunters fans, rejoice. The surprise musical hit with the addictive soundtrack might be getting a sequel.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures and Netflix are discussing a follow-up to the animated film that features a K-pop trio called HUNTR/X battling demons, including the alluring boy band, the Saja Boys.
The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, which features K-pop bops like "Golden," "Your Idol," and "Soda Pop," has also become massively popular, beating out Wicked to become the highest-charting soundtrack of 2025. "Golden" currently has over 430 million plays on Spotify. As of this week, KPop Demon Hunters became the most-watched Netflix original movie ever, with a total of 236 million views since its June 20 release.
Fueled by the fandom, the streaming service offered the theatrical release of KPop Demon Hunters: A Sing-Along Event in 1,000 theaters across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. The two-day event quickly sold out, making it the unofficial box office winner that weekend.
SEE ALSO: 5 takeaways from 'KPop Demon Hunters' sing-along experienceStudios increasingly rely on movies based on preexisting intellectual property (IP), churning out sequels, prequels, and spinoffs of familiar franchises as safe bets for return on their investments through ticket sales and merchandise. The success of KPop Demon Hunters came as a surprise to many, since it's an original story, without any major stars or previous IP with a built-in fanbase to rely on.
But true K-pop fans like Mashable culture editor Crystal Bell anticipated this fandom has the power to create a phenomenon when done right. Bell interviewed the Demon Hunters team to deconstruct how they crafted hit K-pop songs while telling a cohesive narrative. It's worth a read to see how they pulled it off.
Meanwhile, it's up to Netflix and Sony to negotiate some kind of agreement for a sequel. Sony struck a deal with Netflix in 2021, early on in the pandemic when box office sales were down, to distribute Demon Hunters and other films on the streaming platform. Sony gets a cut of the soundtrack sales, but Netflix owns the merchandise, THR explained. Here's hoping they can work something out.
Best Christmas gifts for the 2025 holiday season
Choosing the best Christmas gifts for the ones you love is either an epic quest that you look forward to every year — or one you dread. Luckily, we spend our days testing all the latest gadgets and gear, and we know exactly what to recommend. For 2025, our Christmas wishlist is simple: It's all of the things we've loved the most this year, from the tech we're putting to the test every week, to the swoonworthy items we just had to take home and keep for ourselves. With input from Mashable's own reporters and editors across the Tech and Shopping teams, every item on our list is something we use, love, or have gifted to others ourselves. So whether you're searching for Christmas gifts for your mom and dad, or just in need of a good stocking stuffer, this may truly be the only Christmas gift guide you'll need.
Nintendo Switch 2 Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableBeloved by reviewer Alex Perry, who wrote that the new release is "a fabulous follow-up to an all-time legend" and that he "can't stop playing" with the handheld gaming device. The Nintendo Switch 2 is a Mashable Choice product, thanks in large part to "massively improved system software" and "wonderful online social features with GameChat." Read the full review of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at Best BuyShop Now Kindle Paperwhite Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
"I love mine so much, and I think it's the best thing I've ever bought," says Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern. The Kindle Paperwhite is well-loved across much of Mashable, in fact, and was given a coveted Mashable Choice award for "its responsive interface, quick-turning pages, and lightweight design." Read the full review of the Kindle Paperwhite.
Kindle Paperwhite $159.99 at AmazonShop Now Mario Kart Legos Credit: Lego
These kits can be built quickly, are relatively cheap (compared to other Lego sets), and are super fun to play with, as Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth recently discovered during a playdate with his nieces and nephews. The magic comes from the "turtle shell-firing mechanism," just like in the video game. Read the full story from Werth.
Mario Kart Legos $29.49 at Amazon$34.99 Save $5.50 Shop Now Sony XM6 Headphones Credit: Alex Humphreys / Mashable
We put these new headphones to the test and determined, "If you want best-in-class noise-cancelling headphones and pristine audio quality, the headphones deliver." An iteration of earlier models from Sony, the XM6 headphones feature improved audio quality, phenomenal active noise cancellation, and a comfortable headband and earcups. Read the full review of the Sony XM6 headphones.
Sony XM6 Headphones $449.99 at AmazonShop Now DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer Credit: DJI / Amazon
Creators, TikTokkers, and aspiring influencers will adore unwrapping this gimbal stabilizer on Christmas morning. Our tech editor calls it "the best gimbal I've tested so far." This high praise is due to the gimbal's ease of use, stability, and 10-hour battery life.
DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer $149 at AmazonShop Now Technics AZ100 Earbuds Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable
Another recommendation from our tech editor, these wireless earbuds are a Mashable Choice award winner and "easily beat the likes of Sony and Bose." They pair easily, are comfortable to wear, and sound fantastic. "If you're looking for earbuds with the best possible sound quality, these are now the buds to beat," says Werth. Read the full review of the Technics AZ100 earbuds.
Technics AZ100 Earbuds $286.99 at AmazonShop Now Igloo KoolTunes Bluetooth Cooler Credit: Igloo
It's a cooler. It's a Bluetooth speaker. It's both! We love this highly giftable item for its retro design and exceptionally good sound quality. Mashable's Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel owns this herself, saying, "I'm obsessed with it. I think it should go on every gift guide." Read the full review of the Igloo KoolTunes Bluetooth Cooler.
Igloo KoolTunes Bluetooth Cooler $139.99 at AmazonShop Now Octobuddy Suction Phone Mount Credit: Octobuddy
This is more of a stocking stuffer, but it's a great one for wannabe influencers or anyone who's dreamed of going viral. Recommended by Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel, Octobuddy is simply a silicone phone case with a series of suction cups on the back. TikTok-obsessed teens will especially appreciate the simple design that makes filming GRWM videos way easier — we frequently see the Octobuddy mentioned in our In My Bag series.
Octobuddy Suction Phone Mount $14.99 at AmazonShop Now Loop Earplugs Credit: Loop
Multiple editors and writers on Mashable swear by these noise reduction earplugs, saying they've worn them to concerts, while traveling, and more as a way to cut back on excess sound without missing out on what's going on. They're a great stocking stuffer, well-priced, and come in four different colors. Read our guide to the best sleep earbuds.
Loop Earplugs $38.95 at AmazonShop Now Mesa Gas Grill Credit: Mesa
One of the more frustrating parts of cooking on a grill is that it's hard to know what's going on in there without living the cover. Of course, doing so lets out heat and can slow cook times. Enter the Monument Mesa Grill, which has a clear viewing window built into the top. Werth says that both his father-in-law and uncle are obsessed with it.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mesa Mesa Gas Grill with Clear View Lid $499 at Home DepotShop Now Brooklinen Towels Credit: Brooklinen
There is something so luxurious about a brand-new set of bath towels that all match and feel wonderful. It's like a warm hug each time you get out of the shower. The ones from Brooklinen are particularly loved by our staff — our tech editor says, "Brooklinen makes the best towels in the world." Period.
Opens in a new window Credit: Brooklinen Brooklinen Towels Shop Now Loftie Alarm Clock Credit: Bethany Allard / MashableWhat's old is new again with the Loftie alarm clock, which our staff loves for allowing them to ditch the screens while in bed. Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard owns this and says it's "a very pleasant alarm clock to wake up to." It's customizable, with nice-sounding alarm options and a built-in night light. Read more about the Loftie alarm clock.
Loftie Alarm Clock $169.99 at AmazonShop Now Ninja Luxe Café Credit: Ninja
After testing Ninja appliances for weeks, this is the one that Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino has made her own. The 3-in-1 machine can tackle espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew, and even has a built-in bean grinder. Mangino says she really loved this one because it "streamlines the process and cuts down on the learning curve." See how the Ninja Luxe Café fared on our list of the best Ninja appliances.
Ninja Luxe Café Espresso Machine $599 at AmazonShop Now Owala FreeSip Water Bottle Credit: Owala
Hydro Flask had her moment. We have now entered the Owala era. Almost everyone on Mashable's Shopping team has the Owala FreeSip, which reporter Sam Mangino dubbed the "best water bottle ever." The 24-ounce insulated stainless steel bottle is designed to accommodate both sipping (via straw) and good, ol' fashioned gulp when tipped back.
Owala FreeSip $29.99 at AmazonShop Now John Boos & Co. Cutting Board Credit: John Boos & Co.
"I love it so much," says Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino, who owns this maple cutting board. Made in the USA, each cutting board is a thing of beauty. It's no wonder Mangino keeps hers out on the counter at all times, as if it was a piece of artwork — because it is.
John Boos RA-Board Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board 18”x12” – 2.25” Thick, 13-lb Reversible Butcher Block with Edge-Grain & Finger Grips – Made in the USA $133.95 at AmazonShop Now Kobo Libra Colour Credit: Kobo
Our staff loved the Kobo Libra Colour during testing, saying that it makes a really great alternative to the Amazon suite of products. The e-reader allows you to interact with the text and highlight passages in color (thus the name), making things like comic books and graphic novels a bit more enjoyable. Our reviewer said the ergonomics of the e-reader are particularly good too, especially if you like to read in bed. Read the full review of the Kobo Libra Colour.
Kobo Libra Colour $229.99 at AmazonShop Now Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Credit: Bose
We spend a lot of time testing headphones and earbuds, and we have no shortage of recommendations when it comes to this great stocking stuffer. Our staff swears by these Bose Ultra Open earbuds, saying they're really great for working out or going on walks while remaining aware of the world around you. Read more about the best open earbuds.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds $229 at Amazon$299 Save $70 Shop Now Solawave Wand Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable
We're obsessed with this skincare wand, and after vigorous testing, have deemed it to be a Mashable Choice award winner. Our staff says that as far as beauty tools go, it's a great introduction to tech-powered skincare. It's not as effective as a red light mask and you have to be more diligent with the wand, but it will deliver that same experience at a fraction of the price. Read the full review of the Solawave Wand.
Opens in a new window Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable Solawave Skincare Wand $169 at SolawaveSolawave Wand Shop Now Piecework Puzzles Credit: Piecework
If you only gift one puzzle this year, let it be one of these. "I'm a huge puzzle nerd, and I adore Piecework puzzles," says Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern. "All of the designs are super cute, and I have considered framing the ones I have." Others on the team agree. We love these puzzle for their bright photography and extra-thick pieces, which top out at 1,000.
Piecework Puzzles $40 at AmazonShop Now KitchenAid Mixer Credit: KitchenAid
This countertop icon is a workhorse for at-home bakers and cooks. We're obsessed. I have one, and love that it takes the muscle out of things like mixing, whisking, and kneading. One of the best parts about owning a KitchenAid Mixer are all the attachments, allowing you to utilize that powerful little motor in new ways, like grinding meat and making pasta. There's a reason why it landed on our list of the best products you'll buy once and own for life.
KitchenAid Mixer $429.95 at Walmart$459.99 Save $30.04 Shop Now Canon Ivy 2 Mini Printer Credit: Canon
Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern owns this and loves it, and after hearing her rave about it, it's now on the top of my very own Christmas wishlist. The portable printer works with any compatible iOS and Android device, allowing you to print photos on demand directly from your smartphone. The best part is the sticky photo paper, making this a great Christmas gift for anyone who likes to journal or scrapbook.
Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer $129.98 at AmazonShop Now DJI Mic Mini Credit: DJI
This super small and ultralight lavalier microphone would make a great Christmas gift for the creator, aspiring filmmaker, and podcast host in the family. Compatible with both iPhones and Androids (plus a host of cameras), these are the exact microphones that the Mashable social team used at VidCon. Highly recommend.
DJI Mic Mini $136 at Amazon$169 Save $33 Shop Now Rolling Garden Stool Credit: Pure Garden
Don't tell my mom, but this will be her gift this year: a rolling garden cart with storage inside and a seat, so she can bop along weeding her garden without bending over so much. I feel pretty confident that she's gonna love it.
Rolling Garden Cart With Seat $39.95 at AmazonShop Now Personalized Family Member Sign Post Credit: Uncommon Goods
A member of our staff asserts that this is "probably the best gift I've ever given my mom." We can see why. For those with family members scattered all over the globe, this simple visual reminder of their whereabouts can make everyone feel just a little bit closer. Plus, personalized Christmas presents are always so thoughtful.
Opens in a new window Credit: Uncommon Goods Personalized Family Member Sign Post $200 at Uncommon GoodsShop Now Bird Buddy Credit: Bird Buddy
We have a feeling this might actually be the best ever Christmas gift for dads. Here's why: This bird feeder with a built-in camera takes birdwatching to a whole new level. The compatible app even includes AI-powered bird identification, a livestream, and alerts for when there's a visitor on the feeder. We're obsessed, and we have a feeling your dad will be too.
Bird Buddy Smart Feeder Pro $229 at Amazon$249 Save $20 Shop Now Moonbuddy Meditation Device for Kids Credit: Moonbird
Anyone with kids knows that sleep can be hard to come by. We fell in love with this little gadget during testing, and now we're putting it at the top of our best Christmas gift ideas for kids. While Moonbird is designed for adults, Moonbuddy helps kids learn self-regulation, and it can be part of a calming bedtime routine and help ease stress. The secret is to have them match their breath to the handheld device.
Moonbuddy $99 at AmazonShop Now The Charger Credit: Counterpart
Another great stocking stuffer, especially for anyone who juggles a lot of tech, likes to travel, or works remotely. The Charger "features a retractable cable that snakes up inside the device when it's not in use. That means no annoying cable cluttering up your desk, countertops, or bedroom. It's one of those ingenious product innovations that makes you wonder, 'Why aren't all chargers like this?'" Read our full review of The Charger.
Opens in a new window Credit: Counterpart The Charger $44 at CounterpartShop Now Ninja Swirl Credit: Ninja
Our reporters maintain that the Ninja Swirl is "way more fun" than the more basic Creami, thanks in large part to the inclusion of a soft serve function. When Sam Mangino reviewed the Swirl, she loved it so much that she awarded it a coveted Mashable Choice, declaring, you'll "never have to leave the house for soft serve again." Read the full review of the Ninja Swirl.
Ninja Swirl $344.99 at AmazonShop Now Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case Credit: Belkin
Our team loves this as an add-on to the popular Nintendo Switch 2, with one reporter calling it their favorite gaming accessory. The case makes it easier to take the Switch 2 on the road, since the hard shell exterior keeps it protected in the event of a drop. The best part, though, is being able to quickly charge the device anywhere you are. Read our full take on the Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case.
Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Case $139.98 at AmazonShop Now Big Rock City from The Magic Puzzle Company Credit: The Magic Puzzle Company
This puzzle brand was huge on TikTok this year, thanks in large part to the hidden Easter eggs and fun puzzle piece shapes. Each 1,000-piece puzzle comes with a secret envelope full of more pieces that you open once you've finished the puzzle. "It's a super fun concept and I have two, and bought one as a gift for my dad, who is also super into puzzles," says Kern.
Big Rock City from The Magic Puzzle Company $24.99 at AmazonShop Now Brightland Olive Oil Flight Credit: Brightland
Named one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2022, we love these infused olive oils from Brightland for their yummy flavors and the aesthetically pleasing bottle designs. Specialty food items are such a great gift for people who love to cook, because it's the kind of thing they'll never splurge on for themselves (but secretly covet.) This set includes cold-pressed olive oils infused with chili, garlic, lemon, and basil.
Opens in a new window Credit: Brightland Brightland Olive Oil $150 at BrightlandShop Now Petlibro Polar automatic wet cat food feeder Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable
Such a great smart home device for cat owners — and an incredible gift for the person who has a cat and also likes to take the occasional weekend getaway. The Petlibro Polar automatic wet cat food feeder keeps three days worth of wet food chilled and fresh, rotating its serving day on a set schedule. Shopping reporter and resident cat girlie Leah Stodart sang the praises of her Petlibro, writing that the "automatic wet cat food feeder is so comforting when I'm gone overnight." It's truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Petlibro Polar $127.99 at Amazon$149.99 Save $22.00 Shop Now Rain Drum Credit: MENGBEI
We test (and love) all the latest gadgets and tech products, but sometimes it's nice to take a step back from all of that and tune into nature. This steel drum sits in the garden and plays a series of 11 notes each time it's hit with rain. (Pro tip: You could also bring it into the shower.) It's soothing, it's unique, and it makes for a great Christmas gift.
Steel Tongue Rain Drum $19.99 at Amazon$24.99 Save $5 Shop Now
Touchdown deal: Score a giant 100-inch Hisense TV at Amazon for $3,500 off
SAVE $3,500: As of Aug. 28, get the 100-inch Hisense Class U8 Mini-LED TV at Amazon for $3,499.99, down from its usual price of $6,999.99. That's a discount of 50% and the lowest price we've seen.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 100-inch Hisense Class U8 Mini-LED TV $3,499.99 at Amazon$6,999.99 Save $3,500 Get Deal
Getting ready for the big games this football season? Or maybe you just want to install a bigger TV so you and your family can enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies at home. You can score some big savings on a massive Hisense TV right now, thanks to a deal at Amazon that brings it down to the lowest price we've seen.
As of Aug. 28, get the 100-inch Hisense Class U8 Mini-LED TV at Amazon for $3,499.99, down from its usual price of $6,999.99. That's a 50% discount.
SEE ALSO: Samsung's 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV is down to its best-ever price at AmazonThis is a mammoth TV that you'll definitely have to make some room for. It's one of the most affordable that you'll find in this size range, too. It has a QLED display with up to 5,000 nits of brightness as well as an anti-reflection coating to cut down on glare. It also has a 165Hz refresh rate, which makes it a great candidate for gaming, and built-in Google TV to make sure you can access all your favorite apps and content.
It's a giant TV, so you'll want to make sure you have somewhere sturdy to mount it or somewhere that can withstand its 140-pound weight; it's not exactly light. But its relatively slim profile makes it easier to deal with than other TVs in higher price brackets.
If you're ready to upgrade to what may be your biggest (and best) TV yet, don't miss this massive price cut.
Grab the immersive ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor at Amazon for its lowest price yet
SAVE $331.96: As of Aug. 28, get the ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor for $967.04 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,299. That's the lowest price we've seen.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor $967.04 at Amazon$1,299 Save $331.96 Get Deal
If you're looking to get your game on with all the new releases this fall, you'll want a setup that can handle it. That includes a great gaming monitor that can make your games look absolutely eye-popping with bright colors, satisfying visuals, and swift response time. Now's the time to grab a high-quality ASUS ROG gaming monitor from Amazon at its lowest price ever.
As of Aug. 28, get the ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor at Amazon for $967.04, down from its usual price of $1,299. That's $331.96 off for a discount of 26%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.
SEE ALSO: The best monitors in 2025This 32-inch gaming monitor is a 4K OLED beast with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, 240Hz, 0.03ms response time, and G-SYNC compatibility. It's extremely bright with an optional uniform brightness setting with consistent brightness levels, as well as options that you can adjust with the click of a button. It'll make your games, TV shows, and movies look fantastic and add some realism that you'll appreciate.
It has a custom heatsink and advanced airflow design, as well as graphene film to better manage your heat to help keep you from dealing with issues like burn-in. So if you have long gaming sessions, you don't have to worry about long-term problems with your display.
If you're ready to give your setup a significant upgrade, this is the monitor that you should keep an eye on, especially at its lowest price. With the holiday coming up, it's an especially great pick.
Disney sues Sling TV over new short-term TV passes
Sling TV's new short-term bundles allow people to watch TV for cheap. And now Disney, a company that owns a bunch of TV channels, is suing them, arguing that the plans violate their licensing agreement.
According to Deadline, Disney filed a lawsuit against Sling TV over its new "Day Pass" system which lets users pay as little as $4.99 for 24 hours of access to a selection of live TV channels, or a little more money for a weekend or even a full week of access. One of those channels is ESPN, a valuable Disney property.
According to Disney, these new tiny bundles violate the existing carriage agreement the company had with Sling.
“Sling TV’s new offerings, which they made available without our knowledge or consent, violate the terms of our existing license agreement,” Disney told Deadline. “We have asked the court to require [Sling parent company] Dish to comply with our deal when it distributes our programming.”
SEE ALSO: ‘A bottomless pit of plagiarism’: Disney takes on Midjourney in scathing new suitDisney claimed in the suit that Sling never consulted Disney before offering these passes. The concept is, admittedly, very different from how cable or cable-alternative options usually work; simply paying $5 so you can watch one football game, for example, is kind of a game-changer. It's also worth noting that college football, which largely airs on Disney networks, starts in earnest this weekend.
Sling also told Deadline that it stands behind the decision to launch the passes and plans on defending itself. My advice for anyone interested in these day passes would be to use 'em while you still can.
Warning: AI-powered ransomware is real and in the wild
As if there weren't enough privacy concerns in the world, AI ransomware is now reportedly a thing.
Cybersecurity firm ESET said that it discovered the first-ever AI-powered ransomware, which it has dubbed PromptLock. "The PromptLock malware uses the gpt-oss:20b model from OpenAI locally via the Ollama API to generate malicious Lua scripts on the fly, which it then executes," the company wrote.
The ransomware, according to ESET, runs locally on devices via an API, meaning OpenAI cannot detect and alert that ransomware is operating. The AI-powered ransomware can generate scripts that perform functions on the devices while evading defensive tools because the AI-generated results are different each time.
SEE ALSO: Hackers have figured out a new way to steal Microsoft logins"Based on the detected user files, the malware may exfiltrate data, encrypt it, or potentially destroy it," ESET wrote.
So in the vast world of privacy concerns and cybersecurity issues, now you need to be worried about AI-powered ransomware stealing your information. As if the hacks of major insurance providers and court data, or the potential exposure of your social security info wasn't enough, now we have that. As always, be careful out there.
Emma Stone rocks out to Chappell Roan in Bugonia trailer
Chappell Roan's music is everywhere, from presidential campaigns, to Marshalls ads, to trailers for movies like M3GAN 2.0 and now Bugonia.
Sure, some of these marketing folks are chasing a hot beat and a catchy chorus. But when it comes to the latest from Yorgos Lanthimos, the visionary behind such twisted films as The Lobster, The Favourite, Poor Things, and Kinds of Kindness, the subversion of Roan's lyrics take on a deeper meaning.
Scripted by Will Tracy (The Menu), Bugonia reteams Lanthimos and Stone, with the latter playing a no-nonsense, high-powered CEO who is enjoying some sing-along time to "Good Luck, Babe" in her luxury vehicle — before being confronted by some clumsy but determined kidnappers.
Jesse Plemons co-stars as the lead kidnapper, a conspiracy theorist who believes Stone's businesswoman is secretly an alien from another planet, hellbent on invasion. She might be a captive, but she's not scared, declaring calmly, "There is no possible scenario where you benefit from this incident."
Let the battle of wills begin.
Save $100 on the Apple iPad Mini — our favorite tablet for reading
SAVE $100: As of Aug. 28, shop the Apple iPad Mini for just $399. That's $100 off of its standard $499 price tag for 20% savings.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Min (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) $399 at Amazon$499 Save $100 Get Deal
Most tablets these days come with 11-inch screens. And that's not to say we're complaining — it's the happy medium that's not as big as a laptop but still provides a plentiful viewing area for streaming. But if you want to use your tablet to read, that 11-inch size is going to cause a lot of wrist strain; it can just feel too big. Enter the iPad Mini.
As of Aug. 28, get the Apple iPad Mini with A17 chip and 128GB of storage for just $399. That saves $100 off of its $499 price tag for 20% in savings. Get it now at Amazon.
SEE ALSO: The 11-inch iPad Air is back down to its lowest price everIf you're interested in an e-reader but want a device that can do a bit more, Apple's iPad Mini strikes the right balance of size and ability. With a Liquid Retina display it streams in gorgeous vivid colors, but at 8.3 inches, it's not too big if you're holding it up for hours at a time.
It's our favorite tablet alternative to an e-reader, as you're able to access the Kindle Store and Libby apps. We have heard some complaints that the iPad Mini's screen has a bit of glare; if that's the case, we recommend grabbing a screen cover that provides a matte look.
The New York Times Mini Crossword is no longer free (sob), but you can get a year of NYT Games for $18
SAVE $32: An annual subscription to New York Times Games is on sale for $18, down from the standard price of $50 per year. That's a 64% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: New York Times Games Annual subscription to New York Times Games $18 at The New York Times$50 Save $32 Get Deal
As if we need more bad news in 2025, The New York Times has taken away one of life's simple joys — the daily Mini crossword puzzle is no longer free to play. Wonderful. Terrific. This is totally fine and we're all thriving (deep breath). The internet rightfully thinks this is a terrible change to our morning routine. The Mini crossword now joins everything else that requires a subscription. While the loss of a free daily game is sad, there's a semi-bright light if you want to pay to play.
As of Aug. 28, an annual subscription to New York Times Games is on sale for $18, marked down from the usual price of $50. That's a 64% discount that takes $32 off the annual price.
Not to belittle the annoyance of the Mini now coming with a price, but once we consider the enjoyment to cost ratio, this annual subscription isn't the worst deal on the Internet. At $18 for one year of games, that works out to $1.50 per month, or just five cents per day on a month with 30 days. If you truly get joy from the daily Mini, maybe it's worth gifting yourself this deal?
SEE ALSO: Apple TV+ just got more expensive. Again.The New York Times Games subscription gives you access to every daily game, including the Mini, the full-size New York Times Daily crossword, Wordle, Connections, Tiles, Strands, Sudoku, and more. Some of these are currently free to play, but there's no telling when they'll meet the fate of the beloved Mini and turn into a paid-access game.
The New York Times Games subscription also lets you head into the games archives and play over 10,000 old games. The archive includes Daily puzzles that date as far back as 1993 and Minis that go back to 2014. You can also keep tabs on your performance, comparing your Mini times to how you did yesterday or last month. With the subscription, you can play New York Times Games via the Games app on your phone or via an Internet browser.
No one asked for this in 2025, but hey, five cents per day isn't too much to pay for joy considering the price of...everything these days.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.
Microsoft Copilot is coming to Samsung TVs and monitors
Samsung users can now talk to Copilot on their TVs.
Microsoft teamed up with Samsung to bring Copilot to select TVs and monitors for discovering what to watch and more. Copilot is now available as a voice assistant app on Samsung's 2025 lineup of TVs and monitors. For TVs that includes Micro RGB, Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame Pro and for monitors, the M7, M8, and M9 models.
SEE ALSO: What is a Copilot+ PC? Everything to know about these AI laptops.When you click on the Copilot app, you'll see an animated blob that you can talk to when you activate the microphone on your Samsung remote. Microsoft lists a few different examples of how you can use Copilot for finding shows and movies to watch, with visuals of title cards and details.
You can get hyper-specific, like asking Copilot to find cooking shows under two hours, spoiler-free recaps of what you've watched up to the latest episode, or challenge Copilot to find something that all the viewers can agree on. For instance, maybe your group wants to watch something like a rom-com with sci-fi and thriller elements. You could ask Copilot to recommend some options that check all those boxes. (perhaps Her or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind?) Microsoft says you can also ask Copilot for IMDB-esque deep-dives on actors or directors or just ask Copilot general questions like the weather forecast or... to cheer you up after a breakup. Although, if you're asking your TV for emotional support, it might be time to touch grass or check in with a human friend.
Emotional attachment aside, injecting AI in TVs is a natural fit in many ways. Generative AI has proven to be a useful tool for sourcing information. Google has also been working on integrating AI into various hardware beyond phones and computers. Earlier this year, they announced Gemini for Google TV and Android Auto for cars.
Google is shutting down Android sideloading in the name of security
It's the end of days for one of the main features that differentiated Android from iOS for so many years.
Namely, the ability to sideload apps from unverified developers working outside the official Play Store is going away. Google explained the decision in a blog post, which mostly boiled down to wanting to ensure that every Android app developer is verified as not being a malicious actor, regardless of where their apps come from. Many Android users have held the ability to install unverified apps in great regard for a long time because it's something that's a whole lot harder to do on iOS, and gives users a lot more freedom in what they do with their devices.
SEE ALSO: 7 rumored iPhone 17 features Android already hasBut, it seems like Android is done being the mobile operating system for those kinds of people. According to Google, developer verification is no different than getting your ID checked at the airport. That may very well be the case, and it's possible that plenty of these apps will find ways to get verified under the new rules. But it's also true that this was a massive difference between Android and iOS, arguably one of the most noteworthy ones for several years.
It feels a bit like when the National League adopted the designated hitter rule in baseball a few years ago. Logically, it makes at least a little bit of sense, but sentimentally, it's a bummer for two competing operating systems to become more and more homogeneous in how they work.
Level up your home theater experience with a Bose TV Speaker Soundbar for its lowest price yet
SAVE $115.55: As of Aug. 28, get the Bose TV Speaker Soundbar for $163.45 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $279. That's a discount of 41% and the lowest price we've seen.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose TV Speaker Soundbar $163.45 at Amazon$279 Save $115.55 Get Deal
Football season is upon us. Do you have a home theater system that's ready to bring the house down? A slew of new movies and TV shows are also right around the corner in the coming months. If your setup isn't exactly ready in the audio department, a great soundbar is an excellent solution. Thanks to this Amazon deal, you can secure a good one at the best price we've seen so far.
As of Aug. 28, get the Bose TV Speaker Soundbar for $163.45 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $279. That's $155.55 off and a discount of 41%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.
SEE ALSO: The best soundbars for upgrading your home entertainmentThis entry-level soundbar is already extremely affordable when not on sale, and it's a great option for anyone new to the soundbar game. It offers deep, satisfying bass with its two angled full-range drivers, as well as balanced highs and mids and spatial audio that helps keep you in the middle of the action. It can also help to enhance dialogue so you're not constantly adjusting the volume to try to hear what everyone is saying.
You can connect up to three devices to the unit or even pair your phone with it to use it as a Bluetooth speaker. It's compact enough to fit with your TV setup at just over two inches tall, so it can go wherever you need it to. Plus, it has a simple remote control that's intuitive and easy to figure out so you aren't stuck fiddling with setup for too long and can just jump right into the audio action.
It's a good time to upgrade your audio/visual setup this season, so take advantage of this excellent Bose soundbar deal while it lasts.
Amazon just dropped the Google Pixel Tablet to the lowest price ever
SAVE $150: The Google Pixel Tablet (128GB, porcelain) is on sale at Amazon for $249, down from the normal price of $399. That's a 38% discount and the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Tablet (128GB, porcelain) $249 at Amazon$399 Save $150 Get Deal
We have tons of new TV shows dropping in the next few weeks and months. There's The Great British Bake Off starting next week, a new season of Only Murders in the Building on the way, and Season 2 of Fallout coming in mid-December. Will you be streaming these from your tiny phone screen while squinting? They deserve a better and bigger stage, and for that, you might want a tablet. If you're in need, check out this rare deal at Amazon.
As of Aug. 28, the Google Pixel Tablet (128GB, porcelain) is on sale for $249 at Amazon, marked down from the standard list price of $399. That works out to a savings of $150 from a 38% discount. And that turns out to be the lowest price we've ever spotted at Amazon, so long as you're cool with the porcelain colorway.
With an 11-inch screen and 128GB of storage, the Google Pixel Tablet is an awesome companion for streaming shows from the couch. It can also be an ideal option for students since the 27Wh battery can get about 12 hours of video streaming before it needs a recharge. That means it should last all day for taking lecture notes and joining group meetings with video chat.
SEE ALSO: Google says the Pixel 10 Pro has world's best phone camera. I tested it against the S25 Ultra and found a clear winner.Another useful feature of the Google Pixel Tablet is the split-screen function. With this, you can view two screens in a side-by-side configuration. The four speakers are also great for video chats, rewatching lectures, or streaming Sunday afternoon football.
If you have other Google Home devices, you can use the Pixel Tablet to control settings like turning off lights, checking on the video doorbell live view, or adjusting your home's temperature.
While it's down to a record-low price, upgrade to the Google Pixel Tablet. It's just under $250 at Amazon, and it'll make upcoming fall shows and games that much better.
WhatsApps AI can now turn your messages into awkward dad jokes
WhatsApp has released a new feature that lets you use AI to rephrase your messages or give them a different tone.
The feature, called Writing Help, can rephrase your message, or give it a different tone; for example, it can make it sound more professional, funny, or supportive.
To try it out, start typing in a message on WhatsApp, tap the icon to the right of the text, and then tap the pencil icon in the menu that opens up below your message. From there, you'll be able to choose what you want the AI to do with your message, and select from a couple of options on offer.
Meta says it's using its Private Processing tech, meaning the AI can do all this without Meta or WhatsApp ever reading your message (or the AI's suggestions).
The feature is only available in English, and in the United States as well as "several other countries," WhatsApp said in a blog post. The company says it hopes to bring it to other languages and countries "later this year."
SEE ALSO: Here's why you're about to see more ads on WhatsAppAs for why you'd want this, that's a little tougher to answer. My guess is that the people who will get the most out of it are those who don't have perfect command of the English language. As for the AI actually improving your sense of humor...well, based on the examples WhatsApp has provided, good luck with that.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Mirror Edition comes to PS5 and Xbox Series X: Release date and price info
The surprise hit of 2025 is already getting a collector’s re-issue, but this time at a friendlier price point. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 captured critics and players earlier this year with its dark fantasy Belle Époque setting, and now the Mirror Edition offers fans a second chance at a special physical release.
The Mirror Edition is an Amazon exclusive priced at $59.99 and available for preorder now for both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Inside the box, you’ll find the full base game on disc, an exclusive Renoir-themed tuckbox, a SteelBook case featuring Verso and Alicia, and three randomly selected character art cards out of a possible ten designs.
SEE ALSO: 'Gears of War: Reloaded' comes to PS5: Release date and price infoRight now, the placeholder release date is Dec. 31, 2025, but that’s more of a safety net than a real marker. Most expect it to launch before the end of the year.
This package is being pitched as a more approachable alternative to the game’s premium Collector’s Edition, which sold out quickly despite its hefty $150 price tag. That version came with DLC outfits, an artbook, a different SteelBook, and even a Monolith Music Box statuette. The Mirror Edition pares things back, but keeps the essentials for fans who just want a tangible keepsake.
Reactions from the community are a little mixed, though. Many welcome the affordable price point, but others aren’t thrilled about the randomized character cards. The main points of view on the mirror edition is it's either a glorified lootbox or a bargain, make of that what you will.
Still, for anyone who missed out the first time, the Mirror Edition is a compelling option. After all, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t just another RPG — it’s a critical darling from indie studio Sandfall Interactive, which sold 3.3 million copies in just 33 days and even drew praise from French President Emmanuel Macron for its creativity. With turn-based combat spiced up by real-time dodges, parries, and QTEs, it’s been hailed as one of the most immersive RPGs of the year.
The Mirror Edition of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available to preorder now for $59.99 on PS5 and Xbox Series X, exclusively through Amazon. Just don’t get too attached to any one character card — you might have to hunt it down later.
Gameplay mechanics: Where turn-based meets real-time flairClair Obscur blends traditional turn-based RPG structure with real-time, reactive elements in a beautifully hybrid system. Combat unfolds from a third-person perspective: on your turn, you choose actions like basic melee attacks (to build Ability Points), ranged attacks (with free-aim mechanics), unique Skills (often tied to flashy Quick-Time Events), or item usage.
SEE ALSO: 'Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater' comes to PC, Xbox and PS5: Release date and price infoDefensive play is equally nuanced. On the enemy’s turn, you can dodge, parry, or jump in real time to evade damage — parrying is more demanding but rewards you with Ability Points and counterattack opportunities. You also manage a stamina system that lets you "Break" enemies, temporarily stunning them to create strategic openings.
The game introduces more advanced options like Gradient Attacks, Counters, and Skills, powered by a shared gauge that fills up through combat actions. Meanwhile, status effects, enemy weak points, and elemental weaknesses lend strategic depth and variety.
Each of the six playable characters brings distinct mechanics and playstyles:
Lune crafts elemental “Stains” to empower spells.
Maelle shifts through combat Stances to change offense‑defense balance.
Sciel stacks and consumes "Foretell" using magical cards for massive blowouts.
Gustave and Verso scale in power the more they attack, with Verso especially gaining "Perfection" ranks.
Monoco can shapeshift into enemies and use their abilities — enhanced via his "Bestial Wheel"
Outside of combat, players can rest at camps, upgrade gear, bond with characters to unlock side content, and explore levels with hidden collectibles and optional bosses. Travel between zones is made possible by a mythical creature, Esquie, who gains new traversal abilities over time .
What does it feel like?At its core, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a fascinating blend of old-school RPG structure and modern responsiveness. Battles play out turn by turn, but every choice carries a real-time element: dodging, parrying, and timing attacks can shift the tide of a fight. It’s as if Final Fantasy collided with Sekiro and Paper Mario — a mix of cinematic spectacle and hands-on skill. Each of the six playable characters has a distinct rhythm, from Lune’s elemental spellwork to Sciel’s tarot-like “Foretell” abilities, keeping combat fresh as you experiment with party compositions and strategies.
Install size: A lean packageUnlike many modern games that balloon past 100 GB, Clair Obscur is pleasantly compact:
PlayStation 5: ~41.3 GB
Xbox Series X/S: ~42.7 GB
PC (Microsoft Store/Steam): ~41.0 GB
The good news is that all this ambition doesn’t come with a bloated install size. On PS5 and PC, the game weighs in at just over 41GB, with Xbox Series X/S pushing it closer to 43GB — compact compared to most modern RPGs. And while its painterly Belle Époque world might remind some of Greedfall or even Bloodborne in mood, its narrative and party dynamics have earned comparisons to Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s stylish, it’s layered, and above all, it’s one of those rare RPGs that manages to feel familiar and groundbreaking at the same time.
These epic PS5 games are down to their lowest price in months
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to bulk up your PS5 library without emptying your wallet, today’s price cuts might be exactly what you were looking for.
PS5 consoles may be going up in price, but several major PlayStation 5 titles — ranging from brand-new releases to critically acclaimed remakes — have dropped to either their lowest prices ever or their lowest in months. From Atlus RPGs to Soulslike action, these discounts make it a good week to treat yourself to something new.
'Persona 3 Reload' Opens in a new window Credit: SEGA 'Persona 3 Reload: Standard Edition' $20 at Amazon$69.99 Save $49.99 Get Deal Why we like it
One of Mashable’s picks for the best games of 2024, Persona 3 Reload is a ground-up remake that finally gives the cult classic its due. This updated version takes everything groundbreaking about the 2006 original — from its demon-fusing combat to its social simulation elements — and rebuilds it with modern visuals, new voice acting, and fresh gameplay systems that bring it in line with Persona 5.
The result is the perfect mix of nostalgia and accessibility, and at just $20 with a whopping 71% taken off its price, it’s possibly the best RPG bargain you’ll find this year. If you’ve been curious about the roots of Atlus’ most beloved series, this is the time to jump in.
'Metaphor: ReFantazio' Opens in a new window Credit: SEGA 'Metaphor: ReFantazio' $40 at Amazon$69.99 Save $29.99 Get Deal Why we like it
In our review, Mashable called Metaphor: ReFantazio “the Final Fantasy XV I’ve always wanted” — and it’s easy to see why. Built by the core creative team behind Persona 5, Atlus’ newest RPG keeps the stylish turn-based combat and social mechanics fans love but transplants them into a richly imagined fantasy kingdom.
With its deep “Archetype” class system, clever blend of real-time and turn-based combat, and a sprawling road-trip narrative that feels more alive than Square Enix’s attempt at the same idea, Metaphor nails what it sets out to do. At 43% off, this early price drop makes one of 2024’s standout RPGs an even easier recommendation.
'Lies of P' Opens in a new window Credit: Fireshine Games 'Lies of P' $29.99 at Amazon$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it
In Mashable’s roundup of the best games of 2023, Lies of P stood tall among giants, praised for being more than just another Soulslike. This gothic reimagining of Pinocchio blends the punishing combat formula popularised by FromSoftware with a twisted, Belle Époque aesthetic that feels fresh and memorable.
Its weapon-crafting system and branching narrative give players plenty of reasons to replay, while its difficulty strikes the right balance between challenging and fair. Down all the way to $29.99, it’s an excellent entry point for anyone looking for a dark, atmospheric action RPG without paying full price.
'Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4' Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox 'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 – Standard Edition' $34.97 at Amazon$49.99 Save $15.02 Get Deal Why we like it
When we covered its release date announcement earlier this year, this remake of Pro Skater 3 and 4 promised to replicate “everything that made the originals a hit — tight controls, iconic levels, and a stacked soundtrack — while adding new tricks and expanded online multiplayer”.
And that’s exactly what Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 delivers. Developed with direct input from Tony Hawk himself, the game captures the kinetic flow that made the franchise legendary while updating it with modern polish and cross-platform play. At $34.97, you’re essentially paying just over $17 per game for two of the greatest skateboarding titles ever made — a deal any skater or nostalgia-driven gamer shouldn’t pass up.
'Black Myth: Wukong' Opens in a new window Credit: PM Studios 'Black Myth: Wukong' $57.99 at Amazon$64.99 Save $7.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Mashable’s in-progress review of Black Myth: Wukong described this hit game as “nothing short of a mind-blowing experience” and “a genuine game-of-the-year contender” despite some technical hiccups.
Inspired by Journey to the West, this visually stunning action RPG combines cinematic wuxia-inspired combat with Soulslike elements, throwing players into unforgettable boss encounters. While some performance issues linger, especially on PC, the PS5 version runs smoothly enough to let its dazzling art direction and fluid combat shine.
At $57.99, it’s only a modest discount, but given the hype surrounding Black Myth: Wukong, even a small break on price is worth taking.
Amazons Halloween Shop is live — score terrifyingly good deals on decorations, costumes, and candy
There's a slight chill in the air right now, and you know what that means... Halloween is right around the corner. If you don't want to wait for October to kickstart spooky season celebrations (and we don't blame you), Amazon's here to help you get in the spirit of the season early.
The retailer has just launched its Halloween Shop, which is filled with some exciting goodies for shoppers to score this year. These range from indoor and outdoor decorations, a wide variety of costumes, and the most important pickup of the Halloween season: candy.
With so many options to consider, we wanted to gather up just a few of our favorite picks from each category that are worth grabbing for Halloween this year. Whether you're looking for a funny posable skeleton to set up in your front yard or simply want a big bag of candy to keep to yourself, there's plenty to explore. Check out our favorites from Amazon's Halloween shop below.
Best indoor Halloween decoration Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Hocus Pocus The Sanderson Sister's Cottage $229.99 at AmazonShop Now Why we like it
Lego sets are always a worthy investment (personally, I'm a very big fan), and this build of the Sanderson Sister's cottage from Hocus Pocus is sure to put a spell on you this spooky season. Coming in at 2,316 pieces, this detailed set of the cottage also includes six minifigures of Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson, alongside Max, Dani, Allison, and a little Thackery Binx cat figure to complete the set. Piece it together while watching the film for a truly bewitching night on Halloween.
Below you can see more of our favorite indoor Halloween decorations from Amazon's Halloween Shop, from Halloween lantern string lights to pillow covers and so much more.
More indoor Halloween decorationsCAMIRUS Two-Pack 36-inch Posable Skeleton Halloween Decorations — $25.99
Franco Collectibles Beetlejuice Halloween Sandworm Decorative Pillow — $28.99
LaZimnInc BOO Wall Sign — $7.99
JXZYGMD 12x20 Ghost Pillow Cover — $6.99
STAUB Ceramic 2-pc Petite Pumpkin Cocotte Set — $64.95 $69.99 (save $5.04)
$40.99 Save $4.10 Shop Now Why we like it
Sure, Home Depot may have the 12-foot-tall skeleton to display in your front yard, but if you're looking for something that won't tower over your house this year, Amazon has an excellent alternative. Its Halloween Shop is offering a 5.4-foot posable skeleton that's even walking its own little skeleton dog. Take that, "Skelly"! These are a funny outdoor decoration to set up ahead of Halloween, and this skeleton display is even enjoying a nice little discount right now, so there's no better time to get it.
There's plenty more where this skeleton came from, though. Check out more of our favorite outdoor Halloween decorations from Amazon's Halloween Shop below, including a spider web decoration and some orange Halloween lights.
More outdoor Halloween decorationsOCATO 200-inch Halloween Spider Web + 59-inch Giant Spider Decoration — $13.11 $29.99 (save $16.88)
ZPISF 1400 sqft Halloween Spider Webs Decorations with 150 Extra Fake Spiders — $7.99
AYGXU Large Standing Ghost Lights Two-Pack — $35.99 $41.99 (save $6)
KOOPER Four-Pack Solar Lantern Outdoor Lights — $37.99 $42.99 (save $5)
FUNPENY 3FT Halloween Collapsible Pumpkin Decorations — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)
kemooie 500 LED Orange Halloween Lights — $19.89 $21.99 (save $2.10)
JOYIN Halloween Decoration Outdoor Zombie Groundbreaker — $25.99 $41.99 (save $16)
GOOSH 5FT Halloween Inflatables Ghost Outdoor Decorations — $21.99 $38.99 (save $17)
Shop Now Why we like it
Amazon's Halloween Shop boasts a wide variety of costumes for checking out, but this adult costume of Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz immediately caught our eye. With Wicked: For Good on the horizon, it feels like a perfect pairing for Halloween season. And while this costume is specifically for adults, there are plenty of options for kids to enjoy as well.
Below we've brought together a few more of our favorite costumes from Amazon's Halloween Shop for trick-or-treaters of all ages.
More Halloween costumesRubie's Child's Wizard of Oz Wicked Witch of The West Costume — $24.99 $34.99 (save $10)
Disguise Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Costume for Kids — $30 $34.99 (save $4.99)
Rubie's Super DC Heroes Wonder Woman Costume for Kids — $24.17 $44.99 (save $20.82)
Rubie's Girl's M3gan Costume Dress — $39.51 $44.99 (save $5.48)
Disguise Disney Toy Story 4 Rex Inflatable Adult Costume — $79
Disguise Men's Mr. Incredible Classic Muscle Adult Costume — $50.57 $89.99 (save $39.42)
Rubie's Boy's DC Batman: The Batman Movie Deluxe Costume — $48.35
$17.48 Save $1.31 Get Deal Why we like it
One of the best parts of Halloween is the candy, and Amazon's Halloween Shop has a big selection of bulk bags to choose from. It's hard to beat a classic chocolate assortment bag, and this selection from Hershey's is a worthy pickup. It comes with 115 mini pieces, including a classic Hershey's chocolate bar, Kit Kat, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Milk Duds, Rolo, and Whoppers.
If you're not as big into the chocolatey bags, there are several other options to choose from. From Airheads to Sour Patch Kids to the classic Brach's Candy Corn, you can see more of our favorite Halloween candy from Amazon's Halloween Shop below.
More Halloween candyBrach's Classic Candy Corn Trick or Treat Packs, 60 Mini Pouches — $14.99
Butterfinger, Tic Tac Chewy and Co Assorted Halloween Chocolate Candy, 70 pieces — $16.18
SOUR PATCH KIDS Original & Watermelon Halloween Candy Variety Pack, 40 Trick or Treat Bags — $5.87 $6.49 (save $0.62)
HARIBO, JOLLY RANCHER and TWIZZLERS Assorted Fruit Flavored, Halloween Candy Bag (70 Pieces) — $15
JOLLY RANCHER Assorted Fruit Flavored Hard Candy Bulk Bag, Halloween Candy — $13.28
Butterfinger, CRUNCH, Baby Ruth, 100 Grand Fun Size Assorted Candy Bars, Bulk 40 Count Pack — $10.99
REESE'S Assorted Flavored Snack Size Peanut Butter, Halloween Candy Bag (55 Pieces) — $20.18
How to watch Popyrin vs. Sinner online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Popyrin vs. Sinner in the 2025 US Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2025 US Open action continues with some stellar second-round matchups, including Popyrin vs. Sinner. And better yet, fans can live stream this game without spending anything.
If you want to watch Popyrin vs. Sinner in the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Popyrin vs. Sinner for freePopyrin vs. Sinner in the 2025 US Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.
9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this site with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2025 US Open by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 9Now
Watch the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 US Open before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for 9Now?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Australia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
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A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Popyrin vs. Sinner for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
NYT Pips hints, answers for August 28
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 PipsIf 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 28, 2025The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 28, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 28Equal (4): The domino halves in this space must be 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 4-2, placed vertically.
Number (17): Everything in this space must add up to 17. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 28Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed vertically.
Equal (1): The domino halves in this space must be 1. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically; 4-1, placed horizontally.
Number (17): Everything in this space must add up to 17. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 28Equal (1): The domino halves in this purple space must be 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically.
Number (17): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 17. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically.
Number (1): Everything in this red space must add up to 1. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically.
Number (9): Everything in this green space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically.
Greater than (1): Everything in this red space must add up to more than 1. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically.
Number (7): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 7. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed vertically.
Less than (2): Everything in this space must add up to less than 2. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.
Number (0): Everything in this purple space must add up to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically.
Number (0): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-0, 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.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 28, 2025
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 categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Where one could get caught
Green: Needed for a hot drink
Blue: Solid
Purple: Found on a computer
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Places to get trapped
Green: Used for tea
Blue: Associated with hardness
Purple: Ending with keyboard keys
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 #810 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayPlaces to get trapped: NET, SNARE, TANGLE, WEB
Used for tea: CUP, KETTLE, TEABAG, WATER
Associated with hardness: DIAMOND, NAILS, ROCK, STEEL
Ending with keyboard keys: CANTAB, CYBERSPACE, ICECAPS, MAKESHIFT
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SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 27, 2025Are you also playing NYT Strands?
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