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TL;DR: Plantum helps you identify 33,000+ plant species, diagnose issues, and care for your greenery — all for just $14.97 (reg. $59.99) with lifetime access.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought a plant, loved it for three weeks, and then slowly watched it wilt into botanical sadness. No judgment — many of us have been there. But now, your iOS device can save the day (and the Monstera). You can currently get lifetime access to all its features for just $14.97 (MSRP: $59.99).

Plantum is basically a green-thumb sidekick. This powerful AI plant app can identify over 33,000 plant species in just three seconds, and it boasts over 98 percent accuracy. Just snap a photo and get the scoop — name, care tips, water schedule, sunlight needs, the works.

Whether you’re trying to ID the mystery sprout in your backyard or panicking over brown spots on your fiddle leaf fig, Plantum is a solid resource. It’s not just a plant identifier — it’s also a plant doctor, encyclopedia, and care coach, all in one. Plus, it even comes with a built-in light meter so you can finally stop guessing where to put your sun-loving succulents.

This lifetime subscription is on sale for a limited time, offering years of expert-level plant knowledge for a one-time low payment. Whether you’re a plant newbie, a seasoned gardener, or somewhere in between, Plantum turns every leaf into a learning experience without ads, recurring fees, or mystery mulch.

Get a lifetime of plant support with Plantum on your iPhone or iPad for just $14.97 (MSRP: $59.99) through September 7 with code SAVE5.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Plantum Plantum - AI Plant Identifier Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (For iOS Only) $14.97
$59.99 Save $45.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 World Games for free on The World Games Live. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The summer of 2025 has been extremely busy for sport. We've already been treated to Wimbledon, the Tour de France, the Club World Cup, and so much more. The list is long and beautiful, but we're still squeezing in more exciting events before things start to win down towards the latter half of the year. And the next event on the schedule really is special.

The World Games shines a light on some of the sports that are not showcased by the Olympic Games. If you want to watch the 2025 World Games for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the World Games?

The World Games is an international multi-sport event made up of sports and sporting disciplines that are not contested in the Olympic Games. They are usually held every four years, one year after a Summer Olympic Games.

SEE ALSO: The internet's obsession with run clubs is ruining running

A total of 34 sports will be included in the 2025 edition of the World Games, including Archery, Cheerleading, Flag Football, Kickboxing, Lacrosse, and Squash.

When is the 2025 World Games?

The 2025 World Games is the 12th edition of the event. This year's competition takes place on Aug. 7-17 in Chengdu, China.

How to watch the 2025 World Games for free

The 2025 World Games is available to live stream for free on The World Games Live. This free streaming platform will provide extensive live coverage of competitions, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and medal ceremonies for all 34 sports of the programme.

Unable to access these free live streams in your location? You should use a streaming-friendly VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2025 World Games from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 World Games by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

4. Visit The World Games Live

5. Watch the 2025 World Games for free from anywhere in the world

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

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 World Games before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan 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 just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch the 2025 World Games for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Get studio-style, professional headshots from casual selfies in minutes with ResumePhoto AI — just $16.97 (reg. $29) for the Premium Package.

When you’re working within a tight budget, finding time (or money) for a professional headshot shoot can be a challenge. But your LinkedIn profile, job application, or portfolio deserves more than that five-year-old selfie in semi-decent lighting. The ResumePhoto AI platform is your new go-to for polished, professional headshots — no studio or reservation required.

For just $16.97, you can transform your everyday selfies into studio-style portraits using advanced AI. Just upload eight or more casual photos of yourself (think: clean lighting, clear face, no hats or heavy filters), and ResumePhoto’s smart algorithm gets to work. In just minutes, you’ll have dozens of high-res headshots with customizable outfits, backgrounds, and styles tailored to your industry.

Whether you’re in finance, tech, education, creative arts, or applying for your first gig, there’s a look that matches your vibe. Go formal or casual, switch out backgrounds, and even tweak retouching for the perfect balance of real and refined. Best part? No need to schedule a shoot, dress up, or spend hours choosing photos — ResumePhoto handles all of that behind the scenes.

If you’re updating your online presence, building your personal brand, or just need a better photo for the team page, this is an easy, affordable win. Professional results, fast — without the awkward poses or studio price tag.

Get the ResumePhoto AI Premium Package while it’s on sale for just $16.97 (reg. $29).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Resoume ResumePhoto AI Professional Headshots: Premium Package $16.97
$29 Save $12.03 Get Deal

Of late, the inner turmoil of little girls has birthed a string of movies about big emotions and monsters. Inside Out 2 introduced Anxiety to the feelings crew, pitching its heroine into adolescent social panic. Imaginary spun a horror story of a forgotten imaginary friend gone vengeful, while Netflix's animated adventure The Imaginary focused on the personal growth of an imaginary friend dreamed up by a grieving little girl. Then the woefully overstuffed and underwhelming If, from John Krasinski, had another grieving young heroine coping with her emotions through rescuing abandoned imaginary friends (or IFs). 

All this means Sketch comes into a crowded field. And yet this inventive indie with a similar setup spins a wondrous and wacky story all its own. 

The feature directorial debut of Seth Worley, Sketch centers on the Wyatts, who are struggling to process their pain in the wake of their mother's death. Widowed dad Taylor (The Decameron's Tony Hale) strives to be upbeat, tucking away mementos of the kids' mum as if that'll hide away the agony. Eldest child Jack (Kue Lawrence) follows his father's lead, determined that a good attitude can fix any problem. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Amber (Bianca Belle) is filled with rage, which spills out in a sketchbook where she scribbles vicious monsters in violent scenarios. But when a bit of magic brings these creations to life, the family must face their hurt head-on and team up to save the day from these creative manifestations of mourning.

SEE ALSO: Tony Hale is hot, and 4 other reasons to watch 'The Decameron'

Bringing together a strong, kid-friendly premise and a deeply crafty sensibility, Worley builds a visual world of imagination and emotion that's a twisted pleasure to visit. 

Sketch dazzles with its distinctive design.  Credit: Angel Studios

Forget glorious hand-drawn animation or a cavalcade of balloon-like CGI cartoons. Worley, who has a background as a visual effects artist, uses computer graphics to create a sublimely hand-drawn feel by building Amber's beasts as they are drawn. Think creatures fully fleshed-out but made of scribbles, their limbs wiry and a little bit wrong, their mouths spewing glitter, their tracks leaving splotches of color behind. With textures of waxy crayon, slippery marker streaks, and stippled chalk, these are monsters unlike any we've seen in movies before. They are monsters you'd see in a kid's doodles, complete with googly eyes, glitter flourishes, crooked fangs, and a thirst for blood. 

Unbridled joy bursts forth from even Sketch's most suspenseful action scenes, because of the delightful absurdity of these designs. They're creepy but not outright scary, making this a sensational movie for kids who are beginning to get into horror but aren't ready to go to sleep with goosebumps. Actually Sketch has a very Goosebumps vibe, from its playful score to its colorfully creepy world and child heroes, who are sharply drawn. 

Behind his can-do attitude, Jack carries a heavy self-imposed burden that makes him fiercely protective of his sister. He's not afraid to call a kid a "b-hole" if he has it coming! Amber wears a furrowed brow, but her eyes glow bright when she's talking about her drawings — even the grisliest ones. The siblings' reluctant sidekick in this spirited adventure is classmate Bowman (Kalon Cox), a big mouth who is 95 percent bad impulses and 5 percent goofball. Clamoring for creative solutions to the very creative problem of rampaging drawings, they'll grab water guns and other improvisational weapons. But their greatest tool is their chaotic chemistry. When they collide, sparks fly — as well as juvenile insults — and it's Goonies-style drama, alive with silliness. 

Tony Hale and D'Arcy Carden lend stellar support.  Credit: Angel Studios

Hale has been a supreme supporting player on everything from Arrested Development to VEEP, The Decameron, Inside Out 2, Toy Story 4, and Hocus Pocus 2. But here, he's far less of a buffoon. Worley, who also scripted Sketch, which Hale produced, gives the celebrated "that guy" a role that's a bit more grounded. With a warm but not comically broad smile, Hale swiftly establishes Taylor as a devoted dad. There'll be moments of frustration and even moments when he's not mad — say it with me — he's just disappointed. And these hit home because Hale's performance walks the line between family-friendly broad comedy and tender family drama. When an eager Amber shows off her drawings of vicious birds atop a pile of bodies, Hale's expression is a look of mingled pride and revulsion that deftly establishes this strong but straining father-daughter bond. He marvels at her, even as he's a bit freaked out by her potential. 

Playing Taylor's sister Liz, D'Arcy Carden, the Emmy-winning Janet of The Good Place, gives off major "cool aunt vibes" from the moment she swaggers onto scene, ready to throw her skills as a real estate agent toward helping this family move on (or at least move out of the family home). Alternatively dishing out tough love to her brother (wanted or not) and marveling over her niece's dangerous creativity ("I love her brain!"), Liz provides a path forward for a family so lost in grief they've forgotten how to talk to each other. But as emotional as this movie can be — with maybe one too many stops in the action to discuss feelings —  it is above all things funny and joyful. 

Yes, there's talk of death, and grief, and deadly monsters, and multiple scenes where children are fleeing for their lives. But laced throughout is a vibrant thread of humor that celebrates the messiness of family, being young, and being hurt, and it exists without mocking its characters. These wonderfully entertaining bits make up for a third act that gets a bit clunky. Comedy comes from the understandably exasperated look of a dad whose last nerve is fraying, from the little girl whose defiant backtalk is vexingly silly, from the squabbling of kids that is as frenzied as it can be outrageous. 

Worley doesn't just keep things light to keep Sketch as appropriate for kids as it is for parents (something Krasinski did not manage). This tone, mixing horrific elements with delightful ones, underscores the very message of the movie: that life is both, and ignoring one won't make it go away — quite the opposite, actually! 

In the end, Sketch is a fantastically fun and heartwarming movie with a slathering of weird that makes it a real treat.  

Sketch opens in theaters Aug. 6.

UPDATE: Aug. 5, 2025, 9:16 a.m. Sketch was reviewed out of its World Premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2024. The review has been updated with the latest release information.

TL;DR: The DJI Mini 4K drone is available to purchase for $299 on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mini 4K Drone $299 at Amazon
Get Deal

DJI is one of the biggest names in drones, with a strong reputation for creating incredible aerial shots. The DJI product range is the top choice of TikTokers, YouTubers, and filmmakers. That being said, we were surprised to see the DJI Mini 4K drone so near the top of the charts of best-sellers over Prime Day. We knew these drones were popular, but surely not as popular as AirPods?

Then the real reason hit us like a drone to the head.

President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at helping the U.S. drone industry and shoring up protections against malicious drone activity. The measures don't actually order a full ban on Chinese-made drones (yet), but talk of a ban on DJI drones has been doing the rounds for a while now. That uncertainty is clearly causing an uptick in sales.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 portable power station means business, and it’s great for DJI drone owners

The good news is that you can still find the DJI Mini 4K drone on Amazon, listed for $299 right now. It's being sold by AeroTech Hubs. We don't generally recommend third-party sellers, but AeroTech Hubs has excellent reviews and times are tough right now. Amazon is warning that stock is running low, so you might need to act fast to secure your drone.

The DJI Mini 4K is full of helpful features for beginners and advanced users alike. It has one-tap takeoff options and a return to home function. But perhaps most importantly for content creators is the three-axis gimbal and 4K quality, as well as advanced wind resistance and extended battery life. It's a step up from the DJI Neo Mini 4K that we think creators will appreciate.

Get the DJI Mini 4K drone for under $300 at Amazon.

SAVE $20: As of Aug. 6, the JBL Clip 5 is on sale for $59.95 at Amazon. That's a 25% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Clip 5 $59.95 at Amazon
$79.95 Save $20 Get Deal

If you're looking for a quality speaker that's portable and affordable, meet the JBL Clip 5. This handy little device is perfect for listening on the go, and it doesn't sacrifice sound for portability.

And as of Aug. 6, this impressive speaker is on sale at Amazon for $59.95, saving you $20 on the list price. This deal is available in all nine color options.

SEE ALSO: Sonos Roam speakers are overheating and melting their charging ports

Despite its small size, this is a powerful speaker. The driver and passive radiator give you a bigger, better (and louder) JBL Pro Sound. Known for its handy clip design, this speaker is perfect for listening on the go. Just clip it onto your backpack, belt loop, or whatever you want, and make the most of the 12-hour battery life. Heading on a long hike, spending hours at the beach, or taking a scenic cycle, this is the speaker for you.

And this speaker is IP67-rated, meaning it’s both waterproof and dustproof, so it’s built to handle outdoor adventures and beach days. Plus, with JBL’s Auracast feature, you can connect multiple JBL speakers to expand your sound for an even bigger, more immersive listening experience. And when running low on battery, press the Playtime Boost button to add up to three more hours to your battery life.

Get this deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $70: As of Aug. 6, the Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series is on sale for $179.99 at Amazon. That's a 28% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series $179.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $70 Get Deal

The Amazon Fire TV 2-Series is on sale at Amazon, and it's back down to its lowest price this year. As of Aug. 6, you can pick up the 40 inch model for $179.99, a saving of $70 on list price.

And this is a great TV, especially for the price. One of the standout features is the built-in Alexa voice control. Not only can you use this to control some of your other smart home devices, such as robot vacuums and bluetooth speakers, but you can also use it to search through all your streaming platforms at once.

SEE ALSO: Score a stunning 50-inch QLED Fire TV for just $229.99 — save $100 at Best Buy

It also has strong visuals, so you can enjoy an HD 1080p resolution with support for HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio. Meaning all your shows, movies, and gaming experiences are the highest quality.

For entertainment, the TV runs on Amazon's Fire OS, so you'll have access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. Not to mention, the interface is simple and really easy to use. It also features two standard HDMI inputs and one ARC input, making it easy to connect gaming devices. And if you have more than one Fire TV, all of your movies and shows will stay in sync across devices.

This deal has a "limited time" stamp on it, so don't miss out.

SAVE $320: As of Aug. 6, the Roborock Q5 Max+ robot vacuum is on sale for $279.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% saving on its list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock Roborock Q5 Max+ $279.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $320 Get Deal

Innovation is a great thing, especially when it reduces your household chores. Enter the faithful robot vacuum. We're big fans here at Mashable, just check out our top picks for 2025. And being the fans that we are, we're always on the hunt for new deals and discounts that will save you money and effort. Much like this latest Amazon deal on the Roborock Q5 Max+.

As of Aug. 6, this vacuum is reduced by 50% to just $279.99, the lowest it has ever been priced.

SEE ALSO: Best robot vacuums for apartments, tested in my apartment

This model is equipped with a DuoRoller system, meaning it can pick up dirt, dust, and pet hair easily, whether it's on carpet or hard floors. It boasts a 5,500 Pa HyperForce suction power, so it's powerful enough to pick up even the most stubborn dirt.

Not only does it self-empty, but the dustbin has a 2.5-liter storage, so you'll only need to empty it around every seven weeks. The voice controls are also a big plus. Whether you use Alexa, Google Home, or Siri, it'll work for them all. Commanding your robot vacuum to start work sounds pretty fun, right?

For moving around your house, it uses the PreciSense LiDAR. This means it cleverly maps out your rooms so it can move around without bumping into any obstacles like coffee tables or shoes.

If you're interested, get it while it's on sale. Head to Amazon before it jumps back up in price.

SAVE $20: As of Aug. 6, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $179 at Amazon. That's a 10% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $179.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $20 Get Deal

The smartwatch industry is saturated with incredible options, whether you're looking for a running watch with a battery that lasts weeks, a lifestyle watch that monitors your health, or just an affordable model that does a bit of everything and does it well (I rate the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro for this). If Fitbit has caught your eye, there's a huge selection of impressive watches on offer. But I can't help but share my love for the Fitbit Versa 4.

And as of Aug. 6, you can find the Fitbit Versa 4 reduced to just $179. This price is specific to the black model.

SEE ALSO: Four fitness gadgets to help improve your health

This is my favorite watch in the Fitbit range, and one I've spent a lot of time testing. In my opinion, it's an excellent all-rounder fitness tracker. Whether you're hoping to run a 5K or want to get some insights into your sleeping habits, this watch has a bit of everything.

There are over 40 sports tracking modes that include running, swimming, cycling, and general workout features. However, it's worth noting that the battery life isn't as long-lasting for long-distance activities as the likes of Garmin or Coros.

Other features of the Versa include heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS so you can head outside for activities without your phone. And style-wise, the Versa 4 ticks all the boxes. It has a bright AMOLED display with vibrant colors and images, and is touchscreen-controlled so it's easy to use as well as stylish on your wrist.

Get it from Amazon at its reduced price now.

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.

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

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

• Yellow: Secured to jackets

• Green: To poke fun

• Blue: Done in the ring

• Purple: Body parts

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

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

• Yellow: Accessory with a pointy fastener

• Green: Tease

• Blue: Boxing punches

• Purple: Muscle nicknames plus "S"

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 #787 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Accessory with a pointy fastener: BADGE, BROOCH, BUTTON, PIN

• Tease: BAIT, NEEDLE, RAG, RIB

• Boxing punches: CROSS, HOOK, JAB, UPPERCUT

• Muscle nicknames plus "S": SHAMMY, SPEC, SQUAD, STRAP

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

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

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

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

Sonos has acknowledged an issue causing its portable Roam speakers to overheat and melt when plugged in to charge. If you have one, maybe consider unplugging it when it isn't in use.

As spotted by Bloomberg, several Reddit users have reported that their Sonos Roam speakers have been overheating, creating an apparent fire hazard by melting the charging cable and area around the USB-C charging port. The issue appears to primarily impact the first generation Sonos Roam, which was initially released in 2021. (Sonos subsequently launched the updated Roam 2 in 2024, and no longer offers the original model for purchase.)

SEE ALSO: Sonos' big comeback is a streaming box

While not a new issue, the Roam's overheating problem was recently brought to attention by a post on the r/sonos subreddit by user u/jssumm. Sharing three photographs of their speaker's melted and blackened USB-C port and charging cable, u/jssumm noted that the Roam had only been two years old and hadn't been used for at least a month.

"It was plugged in using the included Sonos usb cable and plugged into an Apple usb block in the wall, so there’s no cheap knockoff products to blame here," wrote u/jssumm.

Several other Roam users subsequently chimed in to share that they had also encountered this issue. Previous complaints on r/sonos and the Sonos community forum indicate the problem has persisted for a while, with some posts dating back two or three years.

Responses these users received from Sonos' customer support have reportedly varied, with some given a replacement device while others were offered a discount on their next purchase. At least one customer claimed they were told that there aren't any issues with the Roam, and that the damage was caused by their own user error.

Sonos has now acknowledged the Roam's overheating issue, and has noted that it is taking steps to address it.

"We care deeply about product quality and safety and are extremely proud of our record," Sonos said in a statement to Mashable. "We’ve closely tracked a limited number of reports in which certain USB-C charging cables included with the first-generation Sonos Roam speakers have overheated and caused damage to the charging port.

"While the overall incidence rate is very low, and environmental conditions appear to play a role, we’ve taken several proactive steps to even further reduce the likelihood of this issue, including software updates and accessory improvements."

Sonos has been fighting to regain users' trust after the disastrous launch of its buggy new app last year, which dramatically damaged its reputation for delivering quality audio products. The company has since laid off approximately 300 employees, with former CEO Patrick Spence stepping down in January. 

Though the Roam's overheating issue existed long before the current turmoil, the new spotlight on it will no doubt be an unwelcome obstacle amidst Sonos' efforts to course-correct. Even so, Sonos users appear optimistic about new CEO Tom Conrad taking the helm, particularly as he seems aware that the company has significant work ahead of it to win back consumers.