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After Edward Berger's visually rich and thematically intense film Ballad of a Small Player has ended, is there more?

The Conclave director returns with a Colin Farrell-led spiral into gambling addiction in Macau, a dazzlingly filmed story that goes all in — fistfuls of lobster included. After premiering at Telluride Film Festival, then hitting Toronto International Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival, Ballad of a Small Player is out now in limited cinemas in the U.S. and UK. And we're here to tell you whether to stick around for the end credits or not — without spoiling anything.

SEE ALSO: 'Ballad of a Small Player' review: Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton front a trippy thriller

Adapted from Lawrence Osborne's 2014 novel, the film sees Berger and screenwriter Rowan Joffé plunge Farrell into the unravelling character of sharply tailored Lord Doyle, whose thirst for the big win may never be quenched. Over a few tempestuous days, as his debts overwhelm him, he befriends the mysterious Dao Ming (Fala Chen) while trying to avoid British tourist Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton), who finds herself scoffing at the invitation of "dinner and a dance" with Lord Doyle for various reasons.

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Mashable entertainment editor Kristy Puchko wrote of these performances in her review: "Farrell is solid as a scam artist whose charm is a blessing and a curse. Swinton's a joy in a bit part that at least gives her opportunity for eccentric choices and even more eccentric outfits. Chen is enigmatic and lovely as a loan shark haunted by her past."

And it's these characters you should stick around in the end credits for.

Featured Video For You Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini on the subtle comedy in their new thriller 'Conclave'

So, does Ballad of a Small Player have an end-credits scene? Yes, yes it does. And you should absolutely watch it.

Ballad of a Small Player is out now in cinemas before streaming on Netflix starting Oct. 29.

Yes, Legos are for adults, and yes, buying Legos is a valid way to spend adult money.

The plastic brick brand is constantly releasing new sets, and for collectors and casual hobbyists alike, this fall has been a great time to be a Lego fan. Notably, we've gotten fun new Lego sets from beloved franchises like Back to the Future, Batman, and Wicked (right in time for Wicked: For Good's impending release, of course), plenty of holiday sets, Lego Advent calendars, and of course, the Lego Game Boy, which finally became available after a months-long preorder period. Also in October, we saw the release of a unique new Star Wars set, a 9,000-piece Death Star building kit that's the largest Star Wars Lego model of all time.

SEE ALSO: Save up to 42% on Lego Advent calendars at Amazon

I spent my time combing through all of the best new Legos to pick out the best of the best, from the affordable options to larger investments. Best of all, the new releases from September and October include seven sets under $100, making this a relatively affordable time to build (considering the prices of Lego).

Best new Lego sets as of Oct. 2025Lego Time Machine from Back to the Future Credit: Lego

It's relatively common to see Lego sets from popular IPs, but less so to see them at an under-$50 price point. This quaint 357-piece set is the perfect coffee table addition for Back to the Future fans. It's on preorder until its ship date of Jan. 1, 2026 (not 1955). This isn't the first time Marty McFly's DeLorean has been brickified, but this more-affordable set is part of the Lego Speed Champions line.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Time Machine from 'Back to the Future' $27.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure Why not get into the holiday spirit before the end of October? Credit: Lego

Not to pit sets against each other, but I wasn't wowed by the $330 Christmas Tree (and neither were reviewers on Lego's site so far). This oversized Santa minifig is a much more palatable $54.99, has the positive reviews to back it up, and stands at a nice 10.5-inches tall, making it a great addition for any holiday setup.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure $54.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker Not pictured: the seasonally-appropriate snowy landscape of Hoth. Credit: Lego

Star Wars fans have another huge (literally) release lower down on this list, but for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit while honoring their love of Star Wars lucked out with this Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker. It's just a bit smaller than the now-retired 1,267-piece AT-AT Lego originally released, but at 697 pieces and 7.5-inches tall, it's still plenty to ring in the holidays with.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Super Mario Game Boy The ultimate dose of nostalgia. Credit: Lego

I don't know if there's a combination of words more nostalgic than Lego Super Mario Game Boy. This set was announced for preorder in July, and as of Oct. 1, is finally available. As a small catch, it is on backorder for up to 60 days, so if you're looking to gift it to the gamer in your life this holiday season, I'd grab it sooner rather than later. The set comes with a customizable display and game paks, but if you want to play actual games on this Lego replica, you'll have to go the same path as this modder.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Game Boy $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Mineral Collection For any Botanicals fans looking for something a little different, one of Lego Ideas newest releases has got you covered. Credit: Lego

They're (Lego) minerals, Marie. One of the latest releases from the Ideas line is an 880-piece set that allows you to create a nice display of Lego golden pyrite, purple amethyst, reddish-pink rhodochrosite, blue fluorite, watermelon tourmaline and tangerine quartz.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Mineral Collection $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Batman Logo This easy to display Batman set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman. Credit: Lego

It may be hard to come by your own personal bat signal if you don't live in Gotham, but Lego made it easy with this Batman Logo set. The 678-piece set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman, hence the golden Batman and anniversary coin. Also included is the display stand, supports for wall-mounting the piece, and a code to unlock a character in Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight. As of now, it's only available for preorder, and will ship on March 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Batman' Logo $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Wicked Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle One short day, in the Lego Emerald City. Credit: Lego

We're closing in on the release to the Wicked sequel. If you're looking to kill some time before the film's release, this relatively small (but adorable) 860-piece set will do the trick.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Wicked' Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory The snozzberries do in fact taste like snozzberries. Credit: Lego

Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of 2,205 plastic bricks that make up the iconic scenes from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. This set comes with nine minifigures (you'll never guess who five of them are), along with depictions of the chocolate waterfall and Wonkatania boat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory $219.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship And yes, it does come equipped with a row of cannons. Credit: Lego

The enduring power of Pirates of the Caribbean's popularity can be found in two facts about this Lego set. One, it's part of the Icons series, meaning it joins the ranks of other iconic IPs. Two, it's on backorder for the next 60 days, so if you're wanting to get an impressive display piece sooner rather than later, I recommend adding it to your cart ASAP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship $379.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Death Star This 9,023-piece set might rival the build time of the actual Death Star. Credit: Lego

Step aside, $850 Lego Millennium Falcon. The Lego Death Star hits a $999.99 price point, making it the most expensive Lego from the brand. While its price point has raised some eyebrows, this is one of the top ten biggest sets Lego's ever made, and the biggest Lego Star Wars set to date, clocking in at a whopping 9,023 pieces, including 36 minifigures and two droid figures.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Death Star $999.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of Aug. 2025Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck The farmer figurine nails the balance of fear and excitement known by every Halloween fan. Credit: Lego

The correct day to start celebrating Halloween season is Sept. 1, but as someone who absolutely loves Halloween, I will allow Aug. 1. This quaint Jack-O'-Lantern set (with a pumpkin you can open!) nails the vibe for adorable Halloween bookshelf decor for under $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck $14.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Arcade Machine The perfect desk accessory. Credit: Lego

What is the point of being a gamer if not collecting adorable accessories through which to channel your passion? I guess actually playing games, but when your eyes need a break from your screen, building this mini arcade machine could do. The 468-piece set opens up to a mini gaming room for the included minifigure.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Arcade Machine $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Halloween Wreath Credit: Lego

Between the bats, spiders, pumpkins, and ghosts, the only Halloween heavy hitter missing on this wreath is a skeleton (though it does feature bones). While this wouldn't be the best outdoor option, Lego's Halloween Wreath comes with a string for easy hanging in your home, making it a great option for getting in the spooky spirit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Halloween Wreath $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego 'Mario Kart' Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit Switch 2 owners aren't the only ones who get to enjoy new Mario Kart content. Credit: Lego

Don't quite have the funds to get your hands on the new Mario Kart game just yet? This set requires no Switch 2 to enjoy, featuring Koopa Troopa, Toadette, the Tanooki Kart and Cat Cruiser, and of course, a piranha plant you can attach to either kart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Mario Kart Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit $49.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Look at the serenity of these tiny Lego trees! Credit: Lego

Lego Botanicals fans: we did it. We finally got a set of bonsai trees that don't have any flowers or leaves actually made up of tiny pink frogs. (No shade to the frog fans, it's just a little unnerving for some of us!).

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees $64.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Hibiscus A perfect addition for a Lego Botanical garden. Credit: Lego

If there's a Lego Botanicals flower set that isn't gorgeous, I've yet to come across it, and the Hibiscus set is certainly no exception. The 660-piece life-size flower set comes with posable petals in a pretty lilac shade, making it an excellent accent piece.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Hibiscus $69.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego One Piece Battle at Arlong Park Credit: Lego

The Arlong Park arc of One Piece is what some fans consider the real hook — no small feat considering the original anime is over 1,000 episodes long (and still ongoing). Luffy's rubber powers get a fun feature in the arm-lengthening pieces, and a tap to the top of the pagoda causes it to explode in a nod to the show's unforgettable fight scenes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' Battle at Arlong Park $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Nike Dunk x Lego Who knew a Lego sneaker would look this good? Credit: Lego

There's a Lego collab for everyone, including Nike and basketball fans. This 1,180 set comes with a couple of tricks up its sleeve (or down its shoe?), in the form of a storage compartment in the sneaker (where you can drop the minifig or extra shoe lace colors to swap later) and the ability to spin the basketball. That's a slam dunk of a fun set.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Nike Dunk x Lego $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Wicket the Ewok What's more stunning decor, the Botanicals Hibiscus or Wicket the Ewok? Credit: Lego

Ewoks are the most adorable creature in the Star Wars universe, argue with the wall. While I think Lego could've made real magic with a life size Ewok set, this 1,010 piece that stands around nine inches tall is pretty adorable, too. And true to canon, he comes equipped with a spear and a little treat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Wicket the Ewok $129.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp Display some of Spider-Man's most iconic heroes and villains in your living room. Credit: Lego

This Spider-Man set packs in the heavy hitters from the beloved series: Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin, and Venom — just to name a few of the minifigures found among the 808 pieces that make up this set. The city model features Miles Morales' apartment, the Oscorp building, and Venom's apartment, giving you plenty of opportunities for staging the perfect Spider-Man scene.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C From afar, this set almost doesn't look like Legos. Credit: Lego

Early buyers of the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C set are impressed: the attention to detail paid to the design makes the car look great from afar and up close. The working steering wheel is a nice touch, alongside Caroll Shelly's signature on the glovebox.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C $159.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker A room isn't complete without a good statement piece. Credit: Lego

If you missed out on the Lego AT-AT set before it was discontinued (and fair — it was $849.99), this AT-ST set is much more reasonably priced at $199.99, and it doesn't require quite as much shelf space, making it overall a much more practical option. And it's still just as iconic to the Star Wars universe.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker $199.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle From the Alps to your living room. Credit: Lego

Lego's architecture line depicts some of the most famous structures from around the globe, from Notre Dame in Paris to the Himeji Castle in Japan. For this latest release, Lego brings us to the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. It requires you build through 3,455 pieces, but it looks like the view is well worth it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle $279.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego One Piece The Baratie Floating Restaurant Display this set on a repurposed trunk and you've got yourself a vibe. Credit: Lego

That's right — we have two iconic One Piece scenes on our list. With 3,402 pieces for building this set, you'll create the floating restaurant with detailed rooms where you can place 10 included characters and wanted posters.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' The Baratie Floating Restaurant $329.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is simple if you understand basketball.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Refreshment

• Green: Basketball venues

• Blue: Offense stoppers

• Purple: Almost football teams

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: Things a stadium vendor sells

• Green: NBA arenas

• Blue: Famous nicknames for NFL defenses

• Purple: NFL teams, with the second-to-last letter changed

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 #401 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Things a stadium vendor sells - BEER, COTTON CANDY, HOT DOGS, PEANUTS

• NBA arenas - BARCLAYS, LITTLE CAESARS, SMOOTHIE KING, UNITED

• Famous nicknames for NFL defenses - LEGION OF BOOM, ORANGE CRUSH, PURPLE PEOPLE EATERS, STEEL CURTAIN

• NFL teams, with the second-to-last letter changed - BEADS, BILES, COLAS, PACKETS

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

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

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

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

Happy Tuesday and welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 29, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 29, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 29 Pips

Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically..

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 29 Pips

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

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

Number (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed vertically.

Greater Than (34): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 29 Pips

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add to 7. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 1-0, placed horizontally..

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

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

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

Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically.

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

Robotics company 1X launched the NEO Home Robot on Tuesday, declaring preorders open for the "world’s first consumer-ready humanoid robot." It seems it may have beaten Tesla to the punch.

SEE ALSO: Tesla's Optimus robot with Grok shown on video. We're not impressed.

Designed to assist in household chores, the NEO Home Robot stands 5'6" (168cm) tall, weighs 66lb (30kg), and is covered by a soft 3D lattice polymer which comes in three colourways: Tan, Gray, and Dark Brown. It also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G capabilities which, paired with the NEO's inbuilt speakers, enables users to utilise it as a very weird sound system.

"Humanoids were long a thing of sci-fi... then they were a thing of research, but today — with the launch of NEO — humanoid robots become a product," 1X CEO and founder Bernt Børnich said in a blog post announcing NEO's launch.

1X states that the NEO can be operated using verbal commands as well as via a mobile app, and is capable of lifting over 150lb (68kg) and carrying 55lb (25kg). Even so, you may not want it to carry your groceries in from the car. The company notes that while NEO's hands are waterproof, the rest of it is not, and that the robot is designed to be used "in and around your own home and on firm ground."

"Should your NEO get wet, an automatic order will be placed for a child sized plastic swimming pool and 100kgs of Basmati rice," 1X jokes on the NEO's frequently asked questions page. "Not really, but please don't get NEO wet."

Unsurprisingly, the NEO also doesn't seem to have the independence, dexterity, and efficiency that sci-fi enthusiasts dream of quite yet. Cooking is currently beyond its capabilities, and while the NEO can apparently perform tasks such as folding laundry and tidying up, it can take a while. In a demonstration by 1X, the Wall Street Journal observed the NEO taking two minutes to fold a shirt, as well as struggling to maintain its balance while closing a dishwasher. The robot has four hours of battery life.

The NEO isn't completely autonomous either, the Journal reporting that it didn't see the robot do anything without human guidance. Instead, users can schedule time for an 1X employee to don a VR headset and connect to their NEO in order to guide it through unfamiliar tasks, which will help it learn. In this regard it seems like just one expensive, inefficient step removed from hiring a housekeeper.

Having a human pilot a robot in other people's home does raise some security issues as well. 1X states that employees won't be able to jump into a NEO without the owner's authorisation, and that the light rings around its ears will change colour to indicate when they are operating the robot. Even so, allowing a stranger in to see, hear, and explore what's happening in the privacy of your home may be unnerving for some people.

How to preorder the NEO humanoid robot

Even so, the mere concept of a humanoid household robot will no doubt be enough to excite some tech enthusiasts. Unfortunately, if you do decide to bring a NEO robot into your home it will cost you a pretty penny. 1X is charging $20,000 to buy the NEO outright, including a $200 deposit upon preorder. Those without 20 grand to spare can instead pay $499 per month to lease a robot for a minimum of six months, returning it once their subscription expires.

Preorders are available via 1X's website. Deliveries will begin primarily in the U.S. next year, with other markets to receive the NEO in 2027.

Featured Video For You How Humanoid Robot Neo is Learning to do Laundry (and More)

NEO isn't 1X's first humanoid robot, having launched wheeled robot EVE in while still operating under its previous name Halodi Robotics. However, EVE was designed to assist humans in warehouses rather than in domestic settings, and could only be called humanoid from the waist up.

Several other tech companies have also been working to develop humanoid robots capable of performing household chores. Tesla has conducted a few sluggish demonstrations of its Optimus robot, but it isn't scheduled to move beyond the prototype stage to production until next year. Chinese EV manufacturer XPENG also aims to mass-produce its humanoid Iron robot in 2026, and is currently testing it by having it assist in the company's Guangzhou factory. Even so, neither have announced when customers might purchase them, leaving 1X the first out of the gate with preorders.

So, you’ve just unboxed a shiny new tablet, a next gen PC or console, or a gorgeous new smart TV. The money is spent, you’re excited; You’re ready to dive into 4K streaming, smooth gaming, and instant web browsing. But then… reality hits. Brutal buffering times, lag spikes, that spinning wheel of bitter disappointment. But how? You’ve got the latest devices, and a high-speed nbn® plan on a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connection, so what gives?

It’s a common, soul-crushing scenario; your exciting, brand new tech being held back by a slow or unreliable internet connection. You can spend a fortune on the latest gadgets, but if your Wi-Fi router is hiding in a dusty cupboard (or worse, is older than your dog), those brand-new gadgets could feel just as slow as your old ones. 

If your Wi-Fi setup is outdated or poorly configured, even the most powerful processor and the clearest display may not save you from a sluggish online experience. In particular, if your Wi-Fi router is more than five years old, it may be time to consider whether it’s still suitable for the rest of your tech. Don't let your new gear get held back by a tired old Wi-Fi signal. Let's fix that!

Location, location, location: Where your wi-fi router sits matters

Think of your Wi-Fi router as a mini broadcasting station. Just like a radio station, its signal needs a clear path to reach you effectively. And just like a radio, it struggles with interference and distance. This is why placement is often the easiest win when it comes to optimising your home connection. Here are some quick fixes that can help improve your browsing and streaming:

Bring it out of hiding

While your Wi-Fi router might not match your aesthetic, it doesn't belong tucked away in a cabinet, behind the TV, or under a pile of magazines. These obstacles can act like signal blockers, weakening your Wi-Fi. Give your router some breathing room!

Keep it elevated

Wi-Fi signals spread out and tend to go downwards. So, placing your Wi-Fi router on a shelf at about waist height, mounting it on a wall, or even just putting it on top of a desk rather than underneath it can help its signal reach further and with less interference, bypassing floor-level clutter.

Go central

If your Wi-Fi router is tucked away in a back room, it can struggle to reach devices at the opposite end of your home. Aim for a central spot, ideally where you use your internet the most, to help ensure a more even and stronger signal distribution throughout your entire living space.

Beware of Signal Bullies 

Some household items are notorious Wi-Fi disruptors. Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and even large metal appliances (like your fridge) can interfere with your signal. Try to keep your router clear of other electronic signals to prevent interference.

How big is the area you're covering?

In bigger or multi-storey homes, a single Wi-Fi router might not be enough to give you the coverage you're looking for. If you've got dead zones, consider whether you’d benefit from a Wi-Fi mesh system. These clever setups use multiple units or 'access points' to create a single, streamlined network that can help with signal strength around your home.

The answer could lie in your device's updates and settings

Beyond the physical placement of your router, there are also some digital tweaks that can possibly make a huge difference. If moving your Wi-Fi router hasn’t solved your connectivity woes, these device optimisations are all about ensuring your gadgets and your Wi-Fi router are properly working together to help get you the best download and browsing speeds.

First up, your Wi-Fi router's firmware. This is basically the operating system for your Wi-Fi router. Manufacturers regularly release updates to improve performance, boost security, and enable compatibility with newer, faster internet standards. An outdated Wi-Fi router firmware can actually prevent your newer devices from reaching their full potential. Most modern Wi-Fi routers have an auto-update feature, but it's worth logging into your router's settings occasionally (usually via a web browser) to make sure everything is current.

Next, there’s your devices themselves. Just like the Wi-Fi router, your laptop, phone, tablet, and smart TV all benefit from regular software updates. These can provide network driver improvements and performance enhancements that can directly impact your Wi-Fi speed and stability. Don't hit "remind me later" forever, download those updates!

Finally, a quick pro tip: sometimes, simply switching Wi-Fi channels on your router can make a difference. These Wi-Fi channels can get congested much like lanes on a highway. If too many cars (devices) are using the same lane, traffic (your data) slows down. You can try changing your Wi-Fi channel in your router's settings to a less congested one, and there are online resources you can use to scan for the least crowded channels in your area.

By taking these simple steps – optimising your router's location, keeping its firmware updated, and ensuring all your devices are compatible with your needs – you'll help ensure smoother browsing, faster downloads, and a better online experience across all your devices. So go forth, update, move things around, and give your gadgets the best chance to perform at their peak! 

To find out more tips on improving your internet setup, visit the nbn website.

The VPN — virtual private network — used to have a bit of a dodgy reputation. It was once considered a means for conducting nefarious activities online. These days it just makes sense for everyone to have an extra layer of security when browsing online. Especially when doing things like checking your internet banking.

Without a VPN, your data is effectively open to anyone because it's not encrypted. While most people don't have to worry too much about being spied on, it's still an unnecessary risk. Circumvent that risk by installing a VPN. It's simple enough to find a good quality VPN.

But before you just buy yourself a VPN, we'd recommend getting a router to install it first. It's easier than installing a VPN client into every single device. Confused? It does sound a bit complicated if you're not tech-minded. To help, we've put together a guide and a list of the best routers for VPNs.

What is a VPN?

The world of VPNs can quickly become quite complicated, but we’ll give you a quick rundown. A virtual private network encrypts your activity to shield your data and let you use the internet anonymously. It gives you an extra layer of privacy and security against hackers and data collectors. A VPN on your device will make your IP address untraceable and keep your data secure, which is especially handy if you’re using an unsecured public WiFi network. Even in your own home, a VPN is useful for secure browsing, bypassing some regional restrictions, and more.

How do you install a VPN?

The set-up is where things can get fiddly. One method is to install a VPN client onto every single device in your home. The odds are though, you have multiple devices that connect to your WiFi network, from your laptop and phone to your TV — maybe even kitchen appliances if you've gone all-in with a smart home. Installing a VPN on every device takes time and effort. Instead, you can download a single VPN client directly to your router. That way, every device connected to your router will use the VPN automatically. It's the safest option, especially if you have kids or tech novices in your home, and if you want to keep things secure with minimal hassle.

What is a VPN router?

Routers don’t (usually) have a pre-installed VPN, but you can download a VPN onto them. Some support the OpenVPN standard which means you can configure a VPN with any provider that supports this, while others can have their firmware changed to a third-party alternative that supports VPNs. Setting up a VPN on your router can be tricky. But if you know what you’re doing and you have lots of devices you want to be covered by a centralised VPN, you’ll probably find that the benefit outweighs the trouble — it's certainly less hassle than setting up a VPN on each device separately.

Should you use a VPN with your router?

Configuring your router with a VPN means that any device connected to your router is protected under that VPN. So, you don’t have to get multiple VPNs, and smart devices that can’t otherwise be configured to use a VPN are protected. Most VPN subscriptions limit the number of devices you can connect to, and you have to pay extra if you want to add on any additional devices. Configuring your router to a VPN acts as a sort of loophole that gets around those limitations. Because the router pairs with any device connected to your wireless network, they’re all protected by that one VPN.

One instance where a VPN router is actually very useful is if you happen to own a small business like a cafe where random people will be connecting to your WiFi throughout the day. The VPN router will help protect customers’ data and it falls to the individual if they want protection on their devices once they leave.

What are the downsides to using a VPN on your router?

As already mentioned, VPNs can be a pain to set up. It’s not like downloading an app on your phone. Just looking at the ExpressVPN setup instructions might be enough to discourage the average person from trying. But if you're tech-minded or good at following instructions, you'll be able to master it. We believe in you. And remember that protecting your devices via a VPN on your router means that devices won’t be protected when you leave your home and are no longer connected to your network.

Additionally, not every service you use functions properly under a VPN. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu work to block VPN usage to prevent users from accessing geo-blocked content (i.e. only available in other countries). Banks might also block VPNs to prevent cybercriminals from accessing accounts.

What are the best VPNs to use with routers?

Our top picks are probably NordVPN and ExpressVPN. It's worth taking your time when it comes to selecting a VPN, because there are a lot of different services out there offering similar sets of features. Fortunately, we can help you find the best VPN.

What is the best VPN router?

The decision is ultimately yours and depends on your own smart home set-up and internet usage, but we've done the hard work of researching and put together this list of top VPN routers. There's something for everyone here.

These are the best VPN routers in 2025.

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

A coating.

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

LAYER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

An accused criminal needs a good one.

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

ALIBI

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Pairs well with olives.

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

CAPER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A lump.

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

BULGE

Final Hurdle hint

Serious.

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

STERN

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

SAVE $70: As of Oct. 28, get the DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) bundle for $99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $169. That's a discount of 41%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $99 at Amazon
$169 Save $70   Get Deal

Looking for a great, affordable mic that doesn't add bulk to your video or audio setup? Believe it or not, DJI has the perfect solution: the DJI Mic Mini. This TikTok-approved favorite is popular among several creators and has a bit of a cult following. And now you can get one right now at Amazon while it's still in stock.

As of Oct. 28, get the DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) bundle for $99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $169. That's $70 off and a discount of 41%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: This DJI Mic Mini is small but mighty and massively discounted right now

This bundle nets you two transceivers and one receiver that offer up to 10 hours of battery life. That's a lnog time to be able to sit and record, so you're getting a great bang for your buck. Plus, the mics themselves are super lightweight at just 10g, making them a great pick for attaching to people or items without weighing anything down.

Even though they're small, these mics produce big sound thanks to their 400m transmission range and DJI OsmoAudio that keeps them connected and ready to go with the DJI ecosystem. They offer excellent noise cancellation too, with Basic and Strong options for you to tweak how things sound best to you.

With both a sale price and DJI products quickly becoming scarce, now's a good time to lock yours in before they disappear.

TL;DR: Upgrade any computer with this Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC license, now on sale for $179.99 (reg. $249.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC (Lifetime License) $179.99
$249.99 Save $70   Get Deal

Don’t let the PC crowd have all the fun. Mac users can tap into the productivity and power that the Microsoft Office apps have to offer, too. While you typically have to buy a license for your specific device, right now anyone can snag a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC for just $179.99 (reg. $249.99).

Whether you’re a busy student, a stay-at-home mom, or an entrepreneur getting a new business off the ground, there’s something for everyone in Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business. This license works for both PCs and Macs, and outfits your device with five helpful apps.

SEE ALSO: Walmart has dropped some bumper gaming PC and laptop deals, including mice, keyboards, and headsets

Craft documents with Word, map out a budget with Excel, and create a memorable presentation with PowerPoint. You’ll also be able to organize your email correspondence with Outlook and take notes digitally with OneNote. All the apps can be downloaded directly to your PC, so it’s easy to work offline. And you can bypass the monthly subscription fees and own them outright with this license.

This 2024 version includes new features like presentation recording with voice narration and video in PowerPoint, an updated accessibility checker in Outlook, AI-powered writing suggestions in Word, and enhanced data analysis and visualization tools in Excel.

Save $70 on this Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC license, now just $179.99 (reg. $249.99), for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Score the NanoPhone, a miniature smartphone that’s fully functional, for just $109.99 (reg. $199.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: NanoPhone NanoPhone - A Mini 4G Smartphone Packed with Mega Features! $109.99
$199.99 Save $90.00   Get Deal

Bigger doesn’t always mean better — especially when you’re trying to cram your giant smartphone into a tiny purse or your pocket. With smartphones getting larger and larger, NanoPhone sets out to bring them back to a manageable, petite size, without sacrificing functionality.

Right now, you can snag one of these mini, fully functional 4G smartphones for just $109.99 (reg. $199.99).

SEE ALSO: Save an extra $10 when you bundle Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro

Unfortunately, in today’s world, we all need to be readily available and usually need to have a phone within reach. Whether you’re looking to downsize your screen time or your actual device, the NanoPhone not only cuts back the temptation to doomscroll for hours, but it’s also ready to slip in your pocket at a moment’s notice thanks to its credit-card-sized stature.

The NanoPhone offers all the functionality you know and love from your current smartphone. It works with your existing SIM card, so you don’t need an extra data plan, and it has 4G, Bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity so you can make calls, download apps, and video chat with loved ones.

If you use your smartphone as your go-to camera, you’ll be pleased to know the NanoPhone has a 5MP front camera and a 2MP rear camera. It also features a lengthy battery life and durable frame built to withstand everyday wear and tear.

Let the NanoPhone be your go-to device when you want to travel light, whether you’re going for a run, on a date night, or just want to keep an emergency backup handy.

Bring home a NanoPhone for only $109.99 (reg. $199.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Improve your cybersecurity skills with the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle, now just $34.97 (reg. $1,098) through Nov. 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSocial The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle $34.97
$1,098 Save $1,063.03   Get Deal

Hackers are always one step ahead, so you need to think like one to protect your data. If you’ve ever been curious to know how they do it, the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle can show you. You’ll learn ethical hacking across 18 informative courses, and right now you can pick up these skills for just $34.97 (reg. $1,098) until Nov. 2.

Whether you’re hoping to break into the world of cybersecurity or you simply want to be one step ahead of these hackers, the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle is ready to teach you the ins and outs of hacking. This bundle is packed with 18 courses filled with more than 130 hours of instruction and hands-on labs.

SEE ALSO: Should you pay for a VPN?

Work through the courses at your own pace, from the comfort of your couch. There’s no background in cybersecurity needed, and any skill level can learn from this bundle.

If you’re new to this world, start with courses like Complete Python 3 Ethical Hacking Course: Zero to Mastery. It’s taught by Aleksa Tamburkovski, a penetration tester with over five years’ experience, and includes eight hours of instruction covering topics from exploiting Windows machines to building an email scraper.

After you establish a solid foundation, you can move on to more advanced courses like Hacking Wireless Networks. IT Security Academy teaches this one, which walks you through how to prepare your own training environment so you can safely and legally practice your ethical hacking.

Ready to start hacking? Get the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle today for only $34.97 (reg. $1,098) through Nov. 2.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Give your mind a daily workout with lifetime access to EDU Unlimited by StackSkills for just $19.97 (reg. $600) until Nov. 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSkills EDU Unlimited by StackSkills: Lifetime Access $19.97
$600 Save $580.03   Get Deal

Looking for a hobby that will keep you from doomscrolling? What about learning something new every day? That’s what EDU Unlimited by StackSkills brings to the table. It’s an online learning platform filled with more than 1,000 courses for you to peruse.

Right now, you can score lifetime access to continuous learning with EDU Unlimited by StackSkills for just $19.97 (reg. $600). But you’ll want to act fast — this deal only runs through Nov. 2.

SEE ALSO: Go beyond vocabulary — build real language fluency with Babbel

Keep your brain sharp every day with some help from EDU Unlimited by StackSkills. This online learning database makes it easy to dive into new topics, including currently in-demand skills, that not only give your brain a challenge but could also potentially put you on the path to a whole new career.

Learn about blockchain, graphic design, business, marketing, IT, finance, and much more with the courses in EDU Unlimited by StackSkills. It’s filled with subjects, so you’ll find something interesting to explore. And new courses are added monthly, so you’ll never run out of content.

StackSkills stays on top of current trends and makes sure courses are up-to-date with the most recent information. They’re also taught by over 350 of the web’s top-rated instructors who are experts in their field.

Access quarterly instructor Q&A webinars and course certifications. If you run into any issues, there’s also premium customer support available.

Learn new things with just a few clicks with lifetime access to EDU Unlimited by StackSkills for just $19.97 (reg. $600) until Nov. 2.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $703: As of Oct. 28, the LG 39-inch UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor is on sale for just $896.99 at Amazon instead of the usual $1,599.99. That's over $700 or 44% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 39-inch UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor $896.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $703   Get Deal

Making the switch to an OLED monitor will totally transform your gaming experience. Make it an ultra-wide curved screen and you'll go from simply playing a game to being completely submerged in it. Of course, as with most advanced tech in 2025, it's not a cheap upgrade. That's why it pays to take advantage of big discounts when they appear — like this 44% off LG UltraGear deal.

As of Oct. 28, you can get the LG 39-inch UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor for $896.99 instead of $1,599.99. That's a huge $703 discount and drops the monitor to within $50 of its best price ever.

With an ultra-wide, 39-inch WQHD (3440 x 1440) OLED panel, 21:9 aspect ratio, and steep 800R curvature, the LG 39GX90SA-W UltraGear OLED delivers a truly immersive experience. Instead of merely showing you the game, it places you smack dab in the middle by wrapping the action around you. Of course, curved displays and ultra-wide monitors aren't for everyone. They take up more space than a regular monitor and are probably a bit of overkill for more casual gamers and users. They also take some getting used to. That being said, everyone from gamers to artists to multitaskers can benefit from a wrap-around display — and it may even increase eye comfort overall.

The 39-inch UltraGear OLED also packs a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, is compatible with both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, and offers plenty of ports for your peripherals. Even better, it doubles as a standalone smart TV, thanks to the built-in webOS smart platform. You can stream Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and more without the need for a PC or separate TV. As a double-duty device, it makes the initial sticker shock of the monitor sting a bit less.

SAVE $250: The 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G6 OLED gaming monitor is on sale for $649.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $899.99. That's a 28% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G6 OLED gaming monitor (360Hz) $649.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $250   Get Deal

This coming Sunday, most of us in the U.S. will set the clocks back by one hour. While that means the morning commute might be lighter, the sun will set earlier. If you're not a huge fan of getting home from work or school when darkness is descending at 4 p.m., ease your pain with some gaming. There's a solid gaming monitor on sale at Amazon that can help accommodate this.

As of Oct. 28, the 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G6 OLED gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $649.99, marked down from the standard price of $899.99. That's a 28% discount that shaves $250 off the normal price.

A solid gaming monitor can make a huge difference in the overall experience. You'll know that to be true if you've ever dealt with gaming on a laggy monitor. That's certainly not the case with the 360Hz Samsung Odyssey G6 monitor. Not only does it come with this impressive refresh rate, it has a 0.03 ms response time, so you won't miss an even a millisecond of action.

SEE ALSO: The stunning LG 65-inch Class OLED evo AI is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon — act fast to save $900

The 27-inch monitor size strikes a nice balance between a high-quality experience and not needing a larger desk. The glare-free display is also a plus for if that pesky sun peeks its head in during winter afternoons at the perfect blinding angle.

The included stand for the Samsung Odyssey G6 can tilt to your liking as well as swivel, get a height adjustment, or go vertical.

While it's sitting at $650 at Amazon, upgrade your winter gaming set-up with the 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G6 OLED gaming monitor. You'll be happy with the outcome, and snagging it soon means you'll have plenty of winter left to enjoy the experience.

TikTok creators stand to make even more money, thanks to a change in the platform's subscription model.

The company announced at TikTok's 2025 U.S. Creator Summit that creators can now earn up to 90 percent of revenue from subscriptions. However, some conditions must be met first.

TikTok said that creators now earn 70 percent of the revenue share, with the chance to get another 20 percentage point bonus on top of that. To be eligible for that bonus, the creators need to have at least 10,000 followers, earn 100,000 views in the last month, and post 3 or more subscription-only videos in the last month.

SEE ALSO: TikTok announces two new AI tools for creators: Smart Split and AI Outline

"The more consistent you are, the more you earn," Marisa Hammonds, the global head of creator marketing and community, said at the Creator Summit.

The change from TikTok emphasizes increasing engagement in communities while, of course, bringing in more money.

"Subscription allows TikTok creators to build stronger, more engaged communities while monetizing through a monthly subscription fee for access to exclusive perks like special badges, subscriber-only posts, chat features, and more," TikTok said in a press statement.

SEE ALSO: The $14 billion TikTok deal will be 'consummated' on Thursday, Treasury secretary says

The change in subscription payout currently applies only to U.S. and Canadian creators, but a TikTok spokesperson said it would be rolled out more broadly in the coming months. A post on TikTok's site notes that the rest of the world currently earns 50 percent of subscription revenue, with the ability to hit bonus figures that bring the total to 70 percent.

TikTok has already proven quite lucrative for creators, but now it might just be even more so.

Elon Musk's answer to Wikipedia is now here. On Monday, Musk announced that his own online encyclopedia, Grokipedia, was now live.

According to Musk, the current version of Grokipedia is only "version 0.1" but he claimed that it's already "better than Wikipedia."

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

Up until a few years ago, Elon Musk frequently shared links to Wikipedia entries on X, then known as Twitter. However, since he has taken a turn into far-right politics, Musk has become a major critic of Wikipedia, claiming it has a left-wing bias. He has recently started referring to the site as "Wokipedia" and has made calls to "defund" or stop donating to Wikimedia, the nonprofit that runs the platform.

However, for supposedly being better than Wikipedia, Musk's Grokipedia appears to rip off a significant amount of content from it.

For example, as The Verge noticed, the Grokipedia entry for the Sony video game console PlayStation 5 is a complete word-for-word copy of the Wikipedia entry for PlayStation 5. Musk's Grokipedia even copied and pasted the exact same table of contents for the different sections of the PlayStation 5 entry. Even the cited external sources are the same, although it appears Grokipedia has changed the order of how they're listed.

Left: Credit: Wikipedia Right: Credit: Grokipedia / Wikipedia

Grokipedia did add one thing to its PlayStation 5 entry that's not found on the Wikipedia version. A disclaimer at the very bottom of the page, which admits that it "adapted" the content from Wikipedia.

"The content is adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License," it reads. Because Wikipedia content is published under the Creative Commons public license, Grokipedia can republish its content under certain circumstances.

The copying problem appears to be extensive. We used the plagiarism detection service Copyscape to check the Grokipedia entry for the Titanic, and Copyscape found that 18 percent of the page, or about 3,600 words, were copied word-for-word from Wikipedia. At the top of Grokipedia's entry, it contains this notice: "Fact-checked by Grok yesterday."

Left: Credit: Wikipedia Right: Credit: Grokipedia / Wikipedia

That suggests that Grokipedia is intended more as a fact-checking tool than a genuine alternative to Wikipedia.

Unlike Wikipedia, which has human editors who volunteer to contribute to the site, Musk's Grok AI is responsible for the content that gets posted on Grokipedia. And it seems that in many cases, Grok is just scraping Wikipedia entries in their entirety and pasting its contents on Grokipedia's own site.

Social media users are continuing to discover numerous Grokipedia entries that are lifted directly from the corresponding Wikipedia entries, often with no changes.

The Grokipedia entry for composer Franz Liszt? Plagiarized from Wikipedia. The Grokipedia entry for the Miller Effect? Copied sentence-by-sentence from the Wikipedia article. Grokipedia's page for the PC-98? Taken from Wikipedia.

One Wikipedia contributor found their own contribution to an entry was copied line-for-line and published on Grokipedia.

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

So, how does Grokipedia differ from the supposedly woke Wikipedia?

Some of the more politically charged articles on Grokipedia appear to have been rewritten in order to add a right-leaning bent, but an enormous portion of Musk's Wikipedia alternative appears to just be Wikipedia itself.

In a Monday blog post, OpenAI touted the improvements its default model, GPT-5, has made in identifying and responding to users' troubling responses, including suicidal ideation. While new safeguards and the introduction of psychiatrists in helping train GPT-5 are leading to improved AI responses to mental health prompts, the blog post also pointed out some numbers that are bound to raise eyebrows.

While explaining GPT-5's abilities to detect serious mental health concerns, like psychosis and mania, the post noted that troubling user conversations with the chatbot are “rare.”

"While, as noted above, these conversations are difficult to detect and measure given how rare they are, our initial analysis estimates that around 0.07% of users active in a given week and 0.01% of messages indicate possible signs of mental health emergencies related to psychosis or mania."

The percentage seems small, but ChatGPT has 800 million weekly users, according to Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, which owns ChatGPT. Altman made that stunning announcement earlier this month at OpenAI’s DevDay. 

SEE ALSO: Sam Altman: ChatGPT will get more 'friendly' again, even erotically so

If Altman's numbers are correct, that equates to 560,000 ChatGPT users showing signs of psychosis or mania, and 80,000 of their messages indicating mental health emergencies, according to the site’s estimates. 

OpenAI is continuing to work with its models to better identify signs of self-harm and steer those people to resources, like suicide hotlines or their own friends or family members. The blog post continues to suggest that ChatGPT conversations regarding self-harm are rare, but estimates that "0.15% of users active in a given week have conversations that include explicit indicators of potential suicidal planning or intent and 0.05% of messages contain explicit or implicit indicators of suicidal ideation or intent."

With 800 million weekly users, that equates to 1.2 million ChatGPT users engaging in conversations with AI about suicide in a given week, and 400,000 messages from users that demonstrate direct or indirect indications of suicidal intent.

"Even a very small percentage of our large user base represents a meaningful number of people, and that’s why we take this work so seriously," an OpenAI spokesperson told Mashable, adding that the company believes ChatGPT's growing user base reflects society at large, where mental health symptoms and emotional distress are "universally present."

The spokesperson also reiterated that the company's numbers are estimates and "the numbers we provided may significantly change as we learn more."

OpenAI is currently facing a lawsuit from the parents of Adam Raine, a 16-year-old who died by suicide earlier this year during a time of heavy ChatGPT use. In a recently amended legal complaint, the Raines allege OpenAI twice downgraded suicide prevention safeguards in order to increase engagement in the months prior to their son's death.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.

Instagram's Threads this week introduced a new feature: "ghost posts," which are posts that disappear after 24 hours. The internet isn't quite sure what to make of this.

Ghost posts aren't an awfully novel concept. Disappearing messages sparked Snapchat's rise a decade ago. People post, then delete posts — on X, Threads, or Bluesky — all the time. But having text-based posts archive automatically is a somewhat unique idea. And the internet had mixed reactions.

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

Everyone is Ghost Posting! Ghosting?

[image or embed]

— jack 🎃🍂 (@j4ck.xyz) October 27, 2025 at 1:50 PM

So threads has introduced something called ghost posts which I really like. They are posts that essentially disappear after 24 hours and only you can see who likes the post and if anybody sends a comment it gets sent directly to your DM. I need BlueSky and others to this this immediately

[image or embed]

— Durrell (@durrell.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy) October 27, 2025 at 1:51 PM

Personally, I don't see the harm in Meta's new ghost posts. At worst, it's a feature that won't really catch on. But I can also see some use cases. Say you're following along with a sports game and want to comment in real-time, but don't want your timeline to forever house random reactions to big plays divorced of context. Ghost posts are perfect in that instance.

It could also be useful when saying a hot take you don't want out there forever. Hot takes are the backbone of text-based social media sites, after all.

The internet is still figuring out if it likes ghost posts, but don't be surprised if you see other sites eventually copy the feature.

TikTok just dropped a whole host of new tools and features — including new monthly rewards and so, so much AI.

Long videos are great for YouTube, but they might not be ideal for short-form video. Enter: Smart Split, an AI-powered editing tool that takes your longer videos — think podcast videos and hour-long video essays — and clips them into shorter videos.

"If you've ever spent hours trimming down podcasts into clips… this one is for you," Kim Farrell, the global head of creators at TikTok, said at TikTok's 2025 U.S. Creator Summit.

SEE ALSO: The $14 billion TikTok deal will be 'consummated' on Thursday, Treasury secretary says

The tool, which is available globally on TikTok Studio Web, automatically clips, reframes, captions, and transcribes users' longer videos into multiple short videos. To use the tool, creators still need to do a bit of work. You'll have to upload videos that are longer than one minute and select which parts you want clipped. Then, either decide how long you want the videos to be or let Smart Split automatically choose the length. You can also choose the caption formatting and reframe the content if necessary.

The platform also launched AI Outline, an AI-powered tool that gives creators video titles, hashtags, hooks, and outlines. Simply enter a prompt or select a topic on Creator Search Insights to get an outline that breaks a video down into six parts. After you get the AI response, you can ask it to edit the response — i.e., ask for it to give you another hook option or make the script better fit your audience. AI Outline is available for creators 18 years or older in the U.S., Canada, and select markets.

It's not surprising that TikTok would continue to lean into AI — it seems every social media platform is. Earlier this month, Twitch announced a new AI-powered tool that automatically creates clips from livestreams, kind of like the Twitch version of Smart Split. Meta has its own array of AI-powered tools for creators, like AI tools on Edit, AI Studio, and the "infinite slop machine" that is Meta AI's Vibes.