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SAVE $100: As of Sept. 1, the Dyson Supersonic Nural is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon. That's a 22% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Nural $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100   Get Deal

A deal on a Dyson hair product is basically a sign to treat yourself, right? And right now, the Dyson Supersonic Nural is on sale, so if you've been wanting to upgrade to the famed styling tool but not at full price, now is the time. As of Sept. 1, it's down from $449.99 to $349.99, saving you $100. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this deal is just 99 cents above its lowest-ever price.

So, what exactly does this hair dryer do that makes it so popular? As the name suggests, the Supersonic Nural uses a network of Nural sensors to automatically activate intelligent features that tailor your styling routine to your hair type. There are features like Scalp Protect, which adjusts the air temperature to maintain a target of 130°F at the scalp, as well as Attachment Learning, which recognizes each attachment and remembers your preferred airflow and heat settings.

SEE ALSO: I found 4 Dyson Supersonic dupes that are almost as good as the real thing

There's even a Pause Detect feature, which switches off the heater and reduces airflow when you stop styling, then reactivates when you pick the product back up. You can also choose from three airflow settings and four heat settings, including a constant cool setting and an 82°F cold shot to help set your style.

This deal is available on Amazon right now, but we don't know how long it'll last.

SAVE OVER $200: As of Sept. 1, Sony XM5 headphones are on sale for $198 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony XM5 $198 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $201.99   Get Deal

The Sony XM5 headphones have dropped in price at Amazon, and it's not just any discount; they're currently at their lowest-ever price.

As of Sept. 1, these popular headphones are over $200 off, bringing the price down to $198. And all colorways have been reduced, so you can choose from black, midnight blue, silver, or smoky pink.

SEE ALSO: I expected the new Bose QuietComfort headphones to be great. They're my new favorites from the brand.

These are impressive headphones for a number of reasons, but especially for noise cancellation. They use two processors and eight microphones to deliver impressive noise cancellation, with the Auto NC Optimizer adjusting it based on your surroundings and how you're wearing them.

The sound quality in general is impressive with the XM5, thanks to Sony's Integrated Processor V1, which delivers high-quality audio, as well as the four beamforming microphones and advanced audio signal processing that help provide clear output for voice notes and calls.

You'll also get a significant battery life, with up to 30 hours of use. And when you do run out of battery, quick charging gives you three hours of playback from just a three-minute charge.

This Sony deal is available at Amazon now, but only for a limited time.

More expensive doesn't always mean better, and the second generation Bose QuietComfort headphones are proof of exactly that.

No shade to the second gen Bose QC Ultra headphones — they are still the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. Good as the brand's premium flagship model is, however, it was a boring upgrade upon launch and remains so now (such is the case with many a tech release these days).

SEE ALSO: The 10 best noise-cancelling headphones we use, love, and recommend

That's because the name of the game these days is that making small tweaks — like 10 percent better noise cancellation or a new colorway — constitutes an entirely new generation release. The latest Bose QuietComfort headphones, on the other hand, actually make real changes while retaining the same $359 price tag as the original QuietComforts.

Sure, Bose didn't go totally into left field, but they made tweaks where it mattered most, closing the performance gap between the QCs and the $449 Ultras, and resulting in the most well-rounded pair of headphones I've seen from the brand to date. Let's get into why.

The Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) headphones at a glance I requested the eucalyptus green pair because look at them. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

What I liked: The list is long, but I'll aim to keep it brief. These QuietComforts are wearable for hours and hours on end with earrings and glasses, feature some of the best (though not quite industry leading) active noise cancellation that's manually adjustable, solid sound quality without any adjustments, several ways to listen, fun colorways that make them feel like a real accessory, intuitive touch controls, replaceable ear cups for future proofing, and most importantly, are a good deal cheaper than most other premium options available.

What I didn't like: The app only has a three-band equalizer, the noise cancellation can get staticky with sudden spikes of noise (just like the first gen QuietComforts), and despite offering USB-C listening for lossless audio, these headphones feature no options for passive playback.

Specs

• Active noise cancellation: Yes, with manual adjustment available

• Microphones: Six

• Lossless playback: Wired USB-C audio up to 24bit/48kHz

• Equalizer: Three-band custom equalizer

• Spatial audio: Bose TrueSpatial technology with Immersive Audio modes for Still, Motion, and Cinema

• Battery life: 24 hours per charge (18 hours with Immersive Audio)

• Quick charge: 15-minute charge for 2.5 hours of playback

• Connection: Bluetooth 5.4

• Multipoint: Yes

• Weight: 0.5 pounds

• Colors: Black, white smoke, eucalyptus green*, dewdrop mint*, rosewood mauve* (*limited edition colors)

Pricing and availability

As I mentioned up top, these headphones retail for $359 — the exact same list price as the first generation QuietComfort headphones. At the time I'm writing this review, the first gen headphones are on sale for $199 in one colorway, with the remaining options available for $229. While these prices are likely reflective of the release of the new generation, I wouldn't be surprised if we see the second gen QuietComforts drop down to $299 (or lower) during the upcoming Black Friday season.

Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen) $359 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Bose Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) performance Sound quality

The standard listening experience of these headphones didn't feel all that different from other QuietComfort headphones I'd tried, but that's not a knock against them. Bose's sound on this line tends to lean warm and rich, but I wouldn't describe the clarity as one of the standout features.

The mids also run a little low for my taste, so I tend to bump them up on the equalizer. That said, if you often like fine-tuning your sound just so, these might not be the headphones for you — the equalizer is limited to one treble, one mid, and one bass adjustment band.

SEE ALSO: I found 1 major reason to shell out $650 for the Sony 1000X the Collexion headphones

However, Bose does offer more options in listening with the inclusion of Immersive Audio, which is designed to open up the soundstage of your audio and more closely mimic a live performance. From the first generation QC headphones to the QC Ultra headphones, this was one of the biggest discrepancies — the cheaper headphones simply didn't have it. With its inclusion, a significant gap has been closed. Granted, I've never been the biggest fan of Bose's Immersive mode — to me, it can make music sound too flat, which especially stands out against the richness of Bose's standard mode. However, this can really come down to personal preference (and it's worth mentioning I've rarely preferred any headphones' spatial audio modes in the past).

Noise cancellation

Bose claimed that these new QuietComforts came with improvements in noise cancellation, so I was thrilled to put them to the test in all my usual scenarios — noisy cafes, on walks around town, in my home, and during some travel from California to the Pacific Northwest.

These headphones are a godsend on a long travel day. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

I'll start with the cons, because they are minimal: all three times I was on a plane, I wore these during takeoff, and all three times, the noise cancellation got real staticky. It wasn't a huge bummer, and it was over in a matter of seconds, but it did echo a complaint my colleague Samantha Mangino faced when she wore the first generation QuietComforts around an approaching train.

To their credit, Bose does say their Aware Mode is better at dealing with sudden bursts in sound (in that they're not over-amplified), so it's possible a fix for this is in the pipeline for future generations.

Now, onto the pros: these headphones are just really solid at blocking out sound from the world around you. Without any music, I can barely hear myself type on my laptop — with the volume at 50 percent on my music, my typing disappears completely. On a plane, some low engine hum still comes through, but other passengers and the majority of the plane sounds get dampened to an impressive degree.

It's not quite the cocoon of silence offered by the QC Ultra 2 headphones (and it shouldn't be, these headphones have six microphones to the Ultra's 10), but it gets close enough that the price difference starts to look less justifiable.

Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) design and build quality

Whenever someone asks me for a rec on the most comfortable headphones, I point them in the direction of Bose, and these headphones will only have me pointing with more vigor.

The full carrying case arsenal. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable The tactile controls all live on the bottom of the ear cups, making for a sleeker appearance over the previous gen. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Before I full-on gush over how much I loved wearing these headphones, let's go over the design changes. Bose changed the shape of the second gen headphones slightly, opting for more of an oval leaning rounded rectangle than true oval shape of the ear cups on the OG QuietComforts. They also now feature an indent around the perimeter, more closely following the design of the Ultra headphones, and offering a convenient spot to hide all the on-ear controls and power switch.

OK, let's get to the good stuff — these headphones added a more plush headphone and ear cushions over the previous gen and it shows. Not once did I experience even the slightest bit of wear fatigue, even when I wore them pretty consistently through full work days and travel days. The QC Ultra headphones are ever so slightly more comfortable, but these still fall into the category of some of the most long-wearing headphones I've ever tried.

My only real gripe, which I noticed most during my time in the airport, was that these headphones won't fold flat down when you wear them around your neck. It's a small grievance, but if you travel a lot or simply prefer around-the-neck wear, it's worth being aware of.

That said, the overall portability of these headphones is a 10/10 for me. The case is compact, but I also tried simply folding them up and throwing them into my bag, and they took up as minimal space as I could expect from over-ear headphones.

Yes, it popped back on with ease, and yes, replaceable parts cannot be undervalued. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Finally, it's not a new feature, but I continue to appreciate the inclusion of replaceable ear cushions on these headphones. When I used QC 35 II's, the ear cups were the first part to show their age, and being able to simply swap them out breathed new life into the headphones.

Are the Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) headphones worth it?

If I had to buy new headphones today, these would be the ones I'd buy for myself.

It's hard to find top-of-the-line features for under $400, so I was impressed in all the ways that these headphones went head-to-head with their more expensive counterpart in the QC Ultras. If I had to put a number on it, I'd say the Ultras are roughly 10 percent better, but there's a 20 percent price difference between the two headphones. In other words, the math doesn't add up.

Unless you need sound-first headphones (in which case, might I introduce you to the Sony XM6 headphones), the second gen QuietComfort headphones offer the best blend of high-end noise cancellation, wear, durability, and value.

SAVE OVER $1,000: As of Sept. 1, the Hisense 85-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV is down to its lowest-ever price of $1,398 at Amazo . Compared to its full price of $2,499.99, you're saving $1,101.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-Inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Smart Google TV $1,398 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,101.99   Get Deal

Amazon's Labor Day sale has kicked off, and if you're looking for some good tech deals ahead of the holiday season, it's the perfect time to shop. TVs are among the retailer's many offerings right now, and this deal on the Hisense 85-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV has really caught our eye.

As of Sept. 1, the price of this Hisense TV has plummeted from $2,499.99 to $1,398. Not only does this save you a whopping $1,101.99, but it also marks the lowest price it's ever been at the retailer.

SEE ALSO: Purple's Labor Day sale gets you a king mattress for the price of a queen — shop now for up to $400 off

Hisense is one of our favorite TV brands, so we certainly think its products are worth investing in. This model is an exciting upgrade for your home, with its massive 85-inch display boasting 4K resolution and Hi-QLED technology for vibrant, detailed picture quality. It even features an anti-glare layer that helps keep reflections from getting in the way of what you're watching or playing.

The action on screen will come across smooth thanks to this TV's native 165Hz refresh rate. There's even enhanced refresh rates up to 330Hz VRR for gamers who want even more responsive gameplay. Plus, since it's a Google TV, streaming from your favorite apps is quick and easy from the home screen.

Labor Day deals like this one may not last long, so act fast to save on the Hisense 85-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

The Hatch Restore 3 smart alarm clock helped Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart regulate her bedtime routine. And now the brand has dropped a new device to improve sleep. The Hatch Sleep Clock isn't just another smart alarm clock; it's a contactless sleep tracker.

At launch, the Hatch Sleep Clock is exclusively available at hatch.co for $249.99, and will be available from other retailers, including Amazon, later this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hatch Hatch Sleep Clock $249.99 at Hatch
  Shop Now Getting to know the Hatch Sleep Clock

Unlike a Whoop or Oura tracker, the Hatch Sleep Clock is obviously not a wearable. It sits on your nightstand and uses ultra-low-power radio signals to detect breathing and movement (no microphone required). It can track when you go to bed, fall asleep, and wake up throughout the night. According to a study, the tech behind the Sleep Clock is 97 percent accurate in detecting sleep.

The Hatch Sleep Clock tracks sleep from your bedside table. Credit: Hatch

The Hatch Sleep Clock combines sleep insights with the other tech Hatch is known for: immersive light, sleep audio, and personalized routines. "We didn't set out to build another sleep tracker. We set out to help people sleep better," said Ann Crady Weiss, Co-Founder and CEO of Hatch, in a press release. "Rather than simply reporting what happened last night, Hatch Sleep Clock gets you to bed tonight."

Hatch Sleep Clock in action

I personally have a bedtime routine of realizing it's 10:30 p.m., thinking I should start getting ready, not actually getting ready for bed until 11ish, and then scrolling on my phone until midnight. I could definitely use some improvement.

With the Hatch Sleep Clock, you pick your ideal unwinding time, and the device gradually fills your room with calming light and ambient sound to ease you into a natural progression toward sleep. You can choose from Hatch's library of experiences, whether you want meditation, sleep stories, ASMR, or other sleep sounds. And you can pair those with lighting designed to help you fall and stay asleep.

SEE ALSO: I tested sleep earbuds for months: Here are the 3 I'd buy, and the one I'd skip

When it's time to get up for the day, the Hatch Sleep Clock gradually brightens your room with light and sound for a more natural wakeup. You can ditch the blaring iPhone alarm sounds.

Rather than giving you a sleep score, Hatch provides actionable data, with suggestions such as reducing screen time before bed or getting more natural sunlight in the morning. Sure, you'll get to see how long you spent in each sleep stage, but you'll also get insights to improve your sleep each night going forward.

In the Hatch app, you'll see how you slept, receive insights for improving your sleep, and access sleep routines. Credit: Hatch

The Sleep Clock comes loaded with sleep routines and experiences, but you can also add a Hatch+ subscription to access the full library for $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year.

The best deals from Bissell's Labor Day sale: Best carpet cleaner deal Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner $89.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best stick vacuum deal PowerClean DualBrush Cordless Stick Vacuum $259.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best Hydrosteam cleaner deal Bissell Revolution HydroSteam $349.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Labor Day sales are back, offering a whole stack of fresh deals on outdoor gear, power tools, mattresses, and much more. Leading vacuum cleaner brand Bissell has joined in the fun with a bunch of discounts on cleaning products, including advanced stick vacuums and carpet cleaners.

Some of the discounted items are already top sellers, so you can rely on their quality and performance. These cleaning products are popular for a reason. They get the job done. And with the Labor Day sale already live at Bissell, you can save up to $100. Here are some of our favorites:

Best carpet cleaner deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner $89.99 at Bissell
$99.99 Save $10   Get Deal Why we like it

Perfect for smaller homes and pet owners, the Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner is a scaled-down version of Bissell’s flagship carpet cleaning model. It’s also the brand’s lightest, most compact portable deep cleaner. It’s designed to spray, scrub, and shift stains entirely with surprisingly powerful suction. The size-and-power combo makes it especially good for spot-cleaning messes — particularly if you have messy kids or pets. It comes equipped with a HydroRinse hose tool and a 4-inch Tough Stain tool, both of which work on carpets, furniture, car interiors, and pet beds.

Best stick vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell PowerClean DualBrush Cordless Stick Vacuum $349.99 at Bissell
$399.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

The PowerClean DualBrush Cordless Stick Vacuum is one of Bissell’s premium stick models, made all the better by an impressive $100 discount for Labor Day.

It’s essentially a 3-in-1 vacuum that converts between full-size and handheld modes, with two brush heads and a nozzle attachment to choose from. It uses both DualBrush Technology and AutoAdapt Power Boost, which detect dirt and automatically increase suction, giving you up to 75% more power. And pet owners will appreciate the FurFinder headlights, which help you locate hidden pet hair and other debris.

Best Hydrosteam cleaner deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Revolution HydroSteam $349.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is one of the brand’s most powerful and innovative carpet cleaners. This upright machine delivers a deep clean using Hydrosteam Technology, which combines water, steam vapor, and a highly effective cleaning solution to tackle embedded dirt and tough stains. You can also crank up the power with its even more powerful SteamWash Max Clean Mode. And as with other Bissell models, it’s tested and proven for pet homes, with DirtLifter brush heads packed with 12 rows of bristles and a 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool.

TL;DR: Crumbl is teaming up with Minecraft on a limited-time menu featuring six square, Minecraft-inspired treats topped with fan-favorite mobs. You'll also have the chance to score a special limited-edition mystery spoon.

If you have a Gen Alpha kid in your life, you probably know more than you'd like to admit about Minecraft (and honestly, Crumbl cookies). Now, the two brands are banding together to give your teens and tweens the collab they've always wanted.

SEE ALSO: Herschel just launched a Minecraft collab in time for back-to-school shopping. Here's how to buy.

On Aug. 30, Crumbl dropped a limited-edition menu featuring six different Minecraft-inspired treats. Every single cookie and cake on the menu is square (obvs) and comes with a mob topper.

The menu, which runs through Sept. 5, includes a Lemon Poppyseed Cookie (Bee topper), Cookies & Cream Sandwich (Enderman topper), Creeper Key Lime Sandwich (Creeper topper — and undoubtedly the one my nephew asks for), a Grass Block Cake, Cherry Blossom Cookie (Pig topper), and a Cookie Butter Cookie (Chicken topper).

If you're one of the first 200 people to buy a Minecraft 6-Pack on launch day, you'll get a Launch Day Exclusive spoon (limited to one per person). Credit: Crumbl

If you want to go all out, Crumbl is also releasing special-edition Crumbl x Minecraft Mystery Spoons. If you're one of the first 200 people to buy a Minecraft 6-Pack on launch day, you'll get a Launch Day Exclusive spoon (limited to one per person).

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 1, 2026 Planetarium meaning

A place to look at projections of the stars.

Arrow meaning

An object fired from a bow.

Hope Diamond meaning

A famous gem.

For Real meaning

A slang term for seriously.

Sam Spade meaning

A famous fictional detective.

Wishy-washy meaning

Slang term for indecisivie.

Mike Hammer meaning

A famous fictional detective.

Golf club meaning

A tool used for striking a golf ball.

Cross my heart meaning

An expression that means to assure someone they are telling the truth.

Pick-up stick meaning

Sticks used as part of a particular tabletop game.

Sherlock Holmes meaning

A fictional detective

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

Aimee Mann meaning

A popular singer-songwriter.

Pinky swear meaning

To promise.

Hercule Poirot meaning

A fictional detective.

Spaghetto meaning

A string of spaghetti.

On God meaning

To assure someone of the truth

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

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

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you've had a job.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 1, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Called by your calling

The words are things you'd be on call for.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe professions that have honorifics.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Working Title.

NYT Strands word list for August 31

• Officer

• Rabbi

• Detective

• Doctor

• Professor

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

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

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

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you've watched the Falcons during the 2010s.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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: Training athletes

• Green: Symbolic NFL entities

• Blue: Matt Ryan

• Purple: Lined up together

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Coach

• Green: NFL Mascots

• Blue: Associated with Matt Ryan

• Purple: ___-To-___

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 #708 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Coach: DRILL, INSTRUCT, SCHOOL, TEACH

• NFL Mascots: BLUE, JAXSON DE VILLE, SOURDOUGH SAM, SWOOP

• Associated with Matt Ryan: 2, BC, FALCONS, MATTY ICE

• ___-To-___: BACK, DAY, MAN, TOE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 1, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 1 Pips

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

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 5-2, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 2-3, placed vertically.

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

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 6-3, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 1 Pips

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically.

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 2-0, placed vertically.

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 2-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 1 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 3-2, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 0-2, 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.

JBL just launched its next generation of home audio. The Cove series of speakers redefine JBL's home audio collection with sleek, inconspicuous designs that don't detract from your home decor but complement it.

The collection includes three WiFi speakers: the Cove M1, Cove P1, and Cove X1. While each speaker stands on its own, they can come together through the JBL One app to create a full home audio system at a relatively affordable price. Ahead of the speakers' launch, we got to see, hear, and experience them IRL.

About the JBL Cove collection JBL's new speakers include the Cove M1, P1, and X1. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

All three of the speakers in the JBL Cove collection focus on quick speed to sound. Setup takes just three steps, and JBL estimates that within three to five minutes, you'll have sound ready to go. They're designed for folks pursuing a home audio and stereo system for the first time. So whether you're setting up your first home or upgrading your existing system, the Cove speakers are ready to fill the room with sound, whether that be for music or your home theater.

Each speaker comes with JBL's signature AI audio boost that assesses the room it's in and adapts to fill the space. Not only does this result in a richer sound, but it also preserves the speaker, so it avoids getting blown out.

JBL uses Auracast to create a seamless connection between speakers so you can listen across rooms. Plus, through the JBL One app, you can adjust audio levels and create systems that let the speakers work together for the ultimate custom stereo experience.

If you're ready to add a JBL Cove speaker to every room in the house, the brand's new Music Follows Me feature comes in handy. Just press the Moment button on any of the speakers and your music follows you to the next room without needing to pull out your phone or app.

All speakers come in either black or white. The speakers will be available Sept. 13, with preorders live now.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL Shop the JBL Cove collection Starting at $229.95 Pre-order Here About the JBL Cove M1 Speaker Pair two JBL Cove M1 Speakers together to build your own stereo system. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The JBL Cove M1 Speaker is the smallest and most affordable of the Cove speakers at $229.95. It houses three soft dome tweeters, one in the center and two at an angle. Despite its small stature, it delivers sound to fill a room at any angle and bring thumping bass.

Two Cove M1 speakers can pair together to complete a stereo system, but they can also be paired with a JBL MK2 series soundbar to complete your home theater.

About the JBL Cove P1 Speaker The JBL P1 is the portable home WiFi speaker in the Cove collection. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Slightly larger than the M1 is the Cove P1 speaker. It's the portable WiFi home speaker in JBL's collection, with a handle on the back so you can tote it around from room to room. It has a slightly upgraded performance thanks to its four tweeters (including one up-firing) and single woofer.

The Cove P1 has an IP56 rating, so it's splash-proof and dust-resistant, meaning it can even come outside. It has a charging dock in addition to a port with a USB-C connection. On a single charge, it lasts up to 14 hours.

Like the M1 speakers, two P1 speakers can be paired with a JBL MK2 soundbar to create a home theater system.

The JBL Cove P1 retails for $399.95.

About the JBL Cove X1 Speaker For the most luxe sound, look to the JBL Cove X1 speaker. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The most high-end speaker in the Cove collection is the X1, a WiFi speaker delivering 3D sound. It's equipped with four tweeters and two drivers that absolutely fill a room. While it's the biggest speaker, it doesn't just deliver the loudest sound; it also manages to spread sound as if it's radiating from an entire wall rather than just a little speaker, thanks to Dolby Atmos.

It manages to pick up the nuances in music, so even as you're enjoying the heart-pounding bass, you'll catch the subtler elements that usually fade into the background.

At launch, the X1 speaker cannot be paired with another X1 to act as rear channels for a home theater experience with a soundbar. While it can be paired with the JBL MK2 soundbar, it only services multi-room music. However, through the JBL One app, it can be added to a system and paired with other speakers.

The JBL Cove X1 costs $449.95 at its release. All speakers are available for preorder as of Sept. 1 and will arrive on Sept. 13.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you like detective fiction.

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 Pips hints, answers for August 31, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Swear on it

• Green: Thin objects

• Blue: Detectives

• Purple: Sounds like an intent

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

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: "I Promise!"

• Green: Long, Skinny Things Often Seen Together

• Blue: Private Investigators of Fiction

• Purple: Starting with Words of Intention

Play our Big Guessing Game: Make your predictions now for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Time's running out!

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 #1177 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• "I Promise!": CROSS MY HEART, FOR REAL, ON GOD, PINKY SWEAR

• Long, Skinny Things Often Seen Together: ARROW, GOLF CLUB, PICK-UP STICK, SPAGHETTO

• Private Investigators of Fiction: HERCULE POIROT, MIKE HAMMER, SAM SPADE, SHERLOCK HOLMES

• Starting with Words of Intention: AIMEE MANN, HOPE DIAMOND, PLANNETARIUM, WISHY-WASHY

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

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

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you like mixing up old classics.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 1, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 1, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Reworking a song.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

Play our Big Guessing Game: Make your predictions now for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Time's running out!

The Wordle answer today is...

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

REMIX

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't assume the multi-point inspection of your car helps you in a real way that isn't for the dealer. Sometimes they're just looking for easy ways to sell you more services you can do at home for much less. You pay a bit more upfront for the equipment, but you don't need to be a professional to take care of your vehicle. You can do plenty at home for cheap.

Microsoft told users on Monday evening that it was working on a fix for Outlook, Exchange Online, and other Microsoft 365 business services that were down for much of Aug. 31.

"We're continuing to deploy our mitigation across the affected environment and users should begin to see gradual recovery to mail flow," the official Microsoft 365 status account wrote on X at 7:47 P.M. ET / 4:47 p.m. PT. "In parallel, we're restarting targeted sections of the affected infrastructure to aid the recovery of the downstream scenarios."

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• This is your last chance to guess what Apple will release in September in our Big Guessing Game: Apple edition. Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch!

"The gradual recovery to mail flow" didn't satisfy some Microsoft customers, who responded to the X update by asking for more specifics on timing.

"What is the estimated time for full recovery? Admin Center shows vague information too," wrote one user. Another X user noted that some of their email was starting to roll in "slowly."

At 11:52 p.m. ET / 8:52 p.m. PT, approximately four hours after Microsoft's update, the company posted that mailbox connectivity should have returned to normal. However, it noted that it was still working on restoring search functionality, and that it may take a while for backlogged mail queues to clear "due to the volume of previously queued messages."

The problems initially began at the start of the workday on Monday, when many Microsoft users complained on sites like Downdetector that they could not access their Outlook email. Other app-related problems and login issues were also noted, along with issues with Microsoft Exchange Online, "a cloud based messaging platform that delivers email, calendar, contacts, and tasks."

Developing...

UPDATE: Sep. 1, 2026, 2:39 p.m. AEST This article has been edited to add updates from Microsoft.

Updated at 11:00 p.m. CT: Microsoft states that its mailbox connectivity should now have returned to normal, though it continues to work on restoring search functionality. The company stated that it may also take a while for backlogged mail queues to clear "due to the volume of previously queued messages."

Updated at 9:15 p.m. CT: Microsoft has offered an update on its ongoing efforts to restore Microsoft 365's services, stating that its "recovery efforts are ongoing." Users should see email delivery gradually come back online, however Microsoft warns that its search feature is still experiencing issues.

"We're closely monitoring the health of the service environment amidst our ongoing recovery work, and we're observing some sections of affected infrastructure which aren't accepting the re-applied authentication components as readily as expected. Users can expect to see continued recovery to email delivery, while users may see residual impact to downstream and dependent scenarios, including search, across affected services. We're working to identify whether any additional actions are required to expedite full recovery."

Updated at 7:09 p.m. CT: Microsoft had an update on Monday evening, saying a "gradual recovery to mail flow" was in the works.

"We're continuing to deploy our mitigation across the affected environment and users should begin to see gradual recovery to mail flow. In parallel, we're restarting targeted sections of the affected infrastructure to aid the recovery of the downstream scenarios. For more information, please see EX1464935 and MO1465074 in the admin center."

Updated at 4:53 p.m. CT: In a statement provided to Mashable through email, a Microsoft spokesperson issued the following statement:

"We're aware of an issue affecting access to Exchange Online and some other services. We know this is disruptive for customers and we appreciate their patience while we work to restore services as quickly as possible."

Updated at 4:19 p.m. CT: Microsoft has offered a more specific explanation for what's driving the ongoing disruption. In its latest update, the company said its investigation suggests a "misconfiguration issue" is stopping authentication components from deploying correctly to part of its infrastructure.

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In plain terms, it means an internal change to Microsoft's authentication system caused parts of it to fail to perform properly. Now, engineers at Microsoft are retracing those changes to pinpoint the cause.

Updated at 3:47 p.m. CT — Starting on Monday morning and continuing into the afternoon, thousands of Microsoft business users reported problems with Microsoft Exchange Online (the issues were first reported as an Outlook outage). Now, Microsoft's official service health status page has been updated to reflect what users have been saying for hours: this outage extends well beyond Microsoft Exchange Online.

At the time of writing, Microsoft's status page now lists a broader "service degradation" affecting Microsoft 365 for both Business and Enterprise customers. The updated list of impacted services includes OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, and both Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Defender XDR.

The company says it's continuing to test its mitigation strategy to ensure the planned fix doesn't introduce new problems, while also exploring other ways to reduce the impact in the meantime. Admins and enterprise customers can find more information by looking up EX1464935 and MO1465074 in the admin center.

Previously, the status page showed these services as operating normally, even as Microsoft acknowledged a problem on X. Meanwhile, users took to social media and Reddit to complain of widespread login failures, missing emails, and inaccessible files. Microsoft Azure and consumer-facing Microsoft products appear to be unaffected at this time.

Microsoft Outlook appears to be down for a significant number of users as of Monday late morning. According to Downdetector, reports of Outlook problems spiked sharply just before 11:16 a.m. ET, jumping from around 37 reports to over 6,000 in a short window.

Credit: DownDetector

• Last call: Guess what Apple will release in September in our Big Guessing Game: Apple edition. Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch!

Of the issues users are reporting, the largest share involves receiving messages, followed by app-related problems and login issues, per Downdetector's tracking. While most users are complaining about Outlook problems, Microsoft acknowledged a problem with Microsoft Exchange Online on its Microsoft 365 Status account on X. Exchange Online is "a cloud based messaging platform that delivers email, calendar, contacts, and tasks."

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The company stated it was investigating reports of Exchange Online issues, pointing users to incident EX1464935 in the admin center for updates.

About an hour later, Microsoft followed up to confirm the scope of the problem, saying it had verified that users may be experiencing degraded functionality across various Exchange Online features. The company said it was reviewing service telemetry and diagnostic data to pin down the root cause.

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At the time of this writing, Microsoft's status account posted a more specific update, stating it had identified an issue with an authentication component that contributed to the disruption. According to the post, Microsoft has “developed a remediation strategy” and is testing it to confirm it resolves the impact before rolling it out more broadly. However, as of this writing, Microsoft's Service Health Status page says that all its products are "currently operational."

The outage has stirred up plenty of frustration online. On X, users have pushed back on Microsoft's "degraded functionality" language, with one commenter calling it "one way to say 'none of our shit works.'"

Others reported the disruption stretching on for hours, with entire offices and thousands of employees affected worldwide, according to posts under Microsoft's status updates.

A parallel Reddit thread in r/Outlook saw a similar flood of confirmations from users locked out of the service, with dozens simply chiming in with variations of "down for me" and "yep, whole company having issues."

This is a developing story...

Windows sometimes feels like it's lacking advanced features when compared to other operating systems, but the truth is that Windows has a lot of fancy power tools at its disposal.

Stress is something that's easy to feel, but not necessarily as easy to see. That's part of the utility of wearing a smartwatch like the Pixel Watch—you can see many of your vitals right on your wrist. Numbers are cool, but what if your watch face were a mood ring?

This is a story of user error. I am the user who made the error, and I'm putting this out there so that you don't make the same mistake. Here's how I killed not one, but two small portable power stations before I charged a single device.