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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, August 9, 2025:

AcrossFriendly and pleasant

• The answer is Amiable.

Irritatingly self-important

• The answer is Pompous.

Cheerleaders' accessories

• The answer is Pompoms.

Barely ___ out a living

• The answer is Eke.

"We haven't decided yet," on schedules

• The answer is TBA.

Radio exposure for a song

• The answer is Airplay.

___ of two evils

• The answer is Lesser.

Pancake mix ingredient

• The answer is Egg.

DownChallenge to a court ruling

• The answer is Appeal.

Dodgers slugger Betts

• The answer is Mookie.

Deeply involve oneself (in)

• The answer is Immerse.

Smartphone download

• The answer is App.

Illegal copy

• The answer is Bootleg.

Kind of support for the lower back

• The answer is Lumbar.

English class assignment

• The answer is Essay.

French soccer club that won its first Champions League title in 2025, for short

• The answer is PSG.

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

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

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

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

Electric SUVs are no longer just about efficiency, they can now deliver thrilling performance and true luxury. In 2025, one compact EV stands out as the perfect blend of speed, refinement, and cutting-edge technology, earning its spot as the best in its class.

Another week in the Android world is behind us, and this one was just as eventful as any other. A couple of Android phones did not score well in iFixIt's repairability test, Google Messages had a nasty bug, and One UI 8 started rolling out to last year's Galaxy phones.

And just like that, I found myself thinking: I want the lives of those YouTubers.

See, I'm a millennial raised in the infancy of the internet — the iPhone was still a novelty during high school — and there are times I feel the generational chasm spanning myself, Gen Z, and, more extremely, the children of Gen Alpha. Our digital worlds are just different, and naturally so.

Younger folks want to be influencers more than any other career, polling has shown, which is a job that simply did not exist for a good portion of my life. It's an impulse I didn't fully comprehend, really, until I stumbled upon the channel Bob Does Sports. I get it now. Because, as a man in his 30s, I can safely say without a little bit of shame, I want the life those YouTubers have.

SEE ALSO: KallMeKris and Celina Spooky Boo talk making a horror film after a career as creators

If I could succinctly summarize what the channel does, I'd go with something like: It's three dudes (and a few producers) who play golf together, mess around, play golf and mess around, gorge on copious amounts of food, travel across the globe, and did I mention mess around and play golf? To quote the parlance of our times: my dream date, cute.

Along the way, it’s turned into a lucrative career — over 1 million YouTube subscribers, major sponsorships, hangouts with famous athletes, and life as parasocial celebrities to, well, mostly dudes in my demographic.

"We never want to lose that feeling of how crazy it is," Robby Berger, the Bob behind the eponymous Bob Does Sports channel, told Mashable in an interview over Zoom. "Because, 'til this day, it's very, very hard for us to wrap our heads around — seeing [the channel] grow and seeing it get bigger, and going to golf courses and seeing how many fans are coming up [to us]."

Robby — aka Bob, aka Bobby Fairways, aka the D Man or Da — is the bandleader of the main trio, which is rounded out by Joseph Demare — aka Joey Coldcuts, aka Cutsy, aka the D man or Da (don't ask) — and Nick Stubbe, aka Fat Perez, aka FP. But real BDS heads know and love the producers Jet, Big Ticket, and J Bone, too. It's a carnival of characters, and the videos do a good job of highlighting their quirks. Watching the videos feels like being a silent participant in a buddies' trip — there's golf, inside jokes, and general fooling around from guys in their 30s. Typically speaking, each video features the group playing golf with some kind of challenge. That could be a score, a win-or-lose match-up, an amount of food to eat, a number of drinks to drink, or some combination of those goals. The golf matters — you root for these guys — but it's more about the comedy of the group.

And it might feel like a buddies trip because everyone involved is — or was, really — a normal guy. Berger and Demare met years ago working at the Four Season in Beverly Hills. Stubbe was a desk jockey working an accountant gig. Now, even if you're not a golf fan, you might recognize Berger from his funny TikTok account. He's been working toward being a creator for a while, but it was golfing with Coldcuts — and later FP — that really skyrocketed things.

So, where are they now?

• A channel with 1.1 million subscribers.

• A sponsorship deal with Callaway, one of the biggest names in golf.

• Their own alcoholic drink line (Have A Day) and clothing line (Breezy).

• Videos with some of the biggest names in sports, including Josh Allen, Jon Rahm, a few Yankees, and more.

• Alongside Barstool, leading the upcoming Internet Invitational, a newly created YouTube golf tournament with a $1 million prize pool.

A few years ago, Berger was a part-time comedian who'd show up to sporting events to heckle the pros (playfully). Now, golf magazines write about his every move.

"It feels like these little moments," Perez told Mashable. "It's like a step ladder of things that's just like: That's wild, that's wild, this is crazy, how are we here?"

They all talked about experiencing moments like that, but perhaps none more than their match against popular pro Max Homa. That video has racked up more than 3 million views and was an amazing, funny, and suspenseful golf match. It was also a sign that the golf world saw BDS as legitimate.

A rising tide lifts all boats, and it's not like the BDS crew are the only YouTube golf creators spiking in popularity. Counterparts and frequent collaborators like Grant Horvat and the Bryan Bros, for instance, are super popular. YouTube golf, in general, has become a genre in and of itself — this amid golf's post-2020 rise in popularity online and otherwise — and has led to creators getting invited to participate in both PGA Tour and LIV Golf events.

SEE ALSO: Online, golf is for everyone

What separates BDS, however, is that they're genuinely funny while playing the stuffiest sport known to man. Horvat might be YouTube golf's "golden boy" — he seems to draw his biggest crowd from younger golfers — but he simply could not crush an entire large pizza while playing like the BDS guys. Nobody else in golf is quoting deep internet lore. Nobody else in golf is fervently debating the merits of chili in hot weather. And nothing in the world is making me laugh as hard as Cutsy — who famously runs a bit hot — melting down as everyone else watches.

"If Bob had his way, I'd be the sequel of The Truman Show... He would just have eyes on me at all times. I think I would just be living in a simulation or something." - Joseph Demare

In some ways, that's the magic of the group. Between their videos, social presence, podcast, and more, you start to feel like you know these guys. You're hanging out with them. And all of them are one-of-a-kind, Coldcuts maybe most of all.

"If Bob had his way, I'd be the sequel of The Truman Show," Cutsy told Mashable. "He would just have eyes on me at all times. I think I would just be living in a simulation or something."

So when they're out in public, people playfully give them shit because they feel like old pals. It's a funny phenomenon. People love to rib FP for struggling in their food challenges, despite, you know, the word Fat being in his name.

"At the golf course or airports, [I'll get], 'You've got to step up your game with the donuts,'" FP said while laughing.

Bob, poor Bob, gets a lot of shit or even unsolicited advice about his golf game. FP is a genuinely good golfer, Cutsy can smack the hell out of the ball and is improving, while Bob...Bob sometimes fights demons out there. So, yes, like every golfer knows, other golfers can't help themselves but step in and share their tips.

"My mistake is, I'll listen to everything. I'll take whatever they give me," Berger said.

Still, talking to these guys, you get the feeling that they understand how fortunate they are to do what they do. For dudes our age, one golf buddies' trip a year is an amazing luxury. They do it for a living. It's a career path that didn't exist five years ago, let alone something they could've dreamt up as kids.

"I'm pretty sure my grandparents have no idea what I do," FP said. "We'll have 2-million-viewed videos. And then I make, like, Virginia Golfer Magazine, some free magazine, and they're like, 'Oh, look! You've made it!.' I'm like, 'Grandma, you gotta look over here, like, turn the computer on.'"

SEE ALSO: Why 'College Football '25' means so much to its long-suffering fans

To see such a quick rise in popularity — and to see their lives shift entirely — it makes sense that the trio said they expect to keep doing more of the same. They emphasized that as they grow, they know fun golf videos are the bread and butter. But that doesn't mean they don't think about stepping it up. Late nights at Airbnbs often end with producers pitching more and more outlandish ideas.

"Jet wanted to do a food and drinking challenge, combined, for 18 holes," Coldcuts said, noting the idea got vetoed. "It's just like, 'Yo, we're gonna get stretchered out and airlifted to the ER."

There was also a Jet-pitched idea of eating an entire Thanksgiving meal...in a golf cart...in nine holes.

"One Turkey in Nine Holes, like, what's the title?" FP joked. "It feels like the guy just wants to see us suffer sometimes, which, you know, I don't blame him."

So yes, things might get weirder on the channel, but don't expect the formula to change. Berger said doing what they do has opened unimaginable doors. They'll keep at it and see what slides open next.

"Right now, we don't really want to change anything," Berger said. "Because we're having so much fun, and we're able to make a business out of it."

Battery life on the devices we use every day is never enough. We’re always scrambling for solutions to increase it when running low on power, be it a portable charger or tethering ourselves to the nearest wall outlet with an adapter plug in hand. But every now and then, we’ll lose track of the energy levels on these products. 

Our devices often die at the most inopportune times, like on the way to the gym or when driving to pick up a toddler from daycare. It sucks not having battery life when you need it most. Well, lo and behold, there is a workaround for this predicament. 

Ever heard of reverse charging? You’ve probably stumbled upon the term when reading Mashable’s latest headphones reviews (it’s been our priority to highlight releases that support the technology). This is one of the more underrated features of modern devices like smartphones and earbuds that everyone should know about, especially those who are terrible with battery life management. 

I’m here to give you a crash course on the topic and explain how it can be a lifesaver. All that is needed for the most part is a USB-C charging cable, and we have three solid options to look at once the lesson is over.

What is reverse charging, and how does it work?

Reverse charging is the ability of a smartphone (or another device) to transfer power to another device without using a charger, wall outlet, or power bank. In other words, you can charge up your AirPods using your iPhone. This can be done wirelessly, or more often, with a compatible charging cable.

I do this all the time when my fitness headphones are almost dead and require extra juice to get through lengthy workouts (they’ll be connected to my Google Pixel 9 when performing pre-workout stretches).

The one misconception about reverse charging

Reverse charging isn’t exclusive to smartphones. In fact, most portable devices employ this feature. You can use a laptop to recharge a smartphone or wireless earbuds. An iPhone can even be used to recharge a portable speaker (*cough* the Beats Pill cough). 

Some of the best portable Bluetooth speakers come with a built-in power bank to recharge smaller devices. For the ones that don’t, they can rely on a smartphone for an electric surge.

What’s this about wireless reverse charging?

Samsung deserves credit for popularizing wireless reverse charging. The company’s PowerShare technology debuted on Galaxy smartphones several years back, allowing users to wirelessly charge a secondary device by placing it on the back of the phone. This includes Samsung smartwatches and wireless earbuds, as well as other Android- and Apple-based devices (iPhone, AirPods). Mobile manufacturers like Google, Huawei, and Xiaomi also offer this feature on their latest smartphones. It’s something to keep in mind when your buds are near depletion and that brand-new Galaxy Z Fold 7 is sitting in your pocket with plenty of power to spare.

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable Our three favorite charging cables for reverse charging

Beats USB-C to USB-C Cable

Beats just launched a variety of charging cables that pair perfectly with its popular wireless audio releases, such as the Pill portable speaker and Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds. The cable length is adequate, and its charging strength is superior to what the standard iPhone cable delivers. Furthermore, the USB-C version grants lossless audio playback for the AirPods Max and current Beats headphones (e.g., Solo 4, Studio Pro). | Read our full Beats charging cable review.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats USB-C to USB-C Cable $18.99 at Amazon
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats USB-C to Lightning Cable $18.99 at Amazon
Get Deal

Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable

Designed to “boost a 16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro) to 50% in just 26 minutes,” Anker’s flagship charging cable comes in three lengths (1 ft, 3 ft, and 6 ft.) and has extreme temperature resilience to maintain ultra-fast 240W charging without overheating devices. It’s a super-thick cable covered in flexible hard-woven material that can bend up to 300,000 times before breaking. Not to mention it comes with ridiculously fast transfer speeds; you can send four 3-minute songs to another device in one second. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable $18.19 at Amazon
$25.99 Save $7.80 Get Deal

UGreen 240W PD3.1 USB-C to USB-C Cable

This budget alternative charges slightly faster than Anker’s cable and can be used with a vast number of devices. This includes laptops, phones, tablets, and even handheld gaming consoles (e.g., Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck). It works best when paired with brand accessories like the Uno Charger, which is a cool-looking power adapter with an LCD screen that informs you of charging statuses via facial expressions. 

Opens in a new window Credit: UGREEN UGREEN USB-C to USB-C Cable $9.67 at Amazon
$11.99 Save $2.32 Get Deal

Microsoft started name-dropping laptops called Copilot+ PCs in the middle of 2024, hyping them like the second coming of the IBM PC Model 5150. They're "the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever built" and "the most significant change to the Windows platform in decades," it declared. But if you shear away the marketing fluff, what does the term "Copilot+ PC" mean on a practical level? What is a Copilot+ PC, anyway?

Here's a little secret: A Copilot+ PC is essentially just a newer Windows laptop with several unique AI features. There's a little more to it, but it's not as complicated as it sounds.

Below, I've compiled a simple guide for shoppers who want to know exactly what they're getting when they buy one of these so-called AI PCs, including their spec minimums.

First off: What is Copilot?

Copilot (formerly Bing Chat) is an AI assistant developed by Microsoft and powered by a custom version of ChatGPT by OpenAI. The Copilot app comes pre-installed on every new Windows 11 laptop, and you'll see it pinned to the taskbar or on the Start menu when you boot up your machine. All models released since 2024 also come with physical keyboard shortcuts for Copilot. You can remap that hotkey if you don't use it, but there will always be a little Copilot logo on it.

If you don't have a Windows laptop, you can access Copilot on the web at copilot.com or install the Copilot app yourself for free. It's available for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Android.

So what does 'Copilot+ PC' mean, exactly? Nine different laptop manufacturers make Copilot+ PCs. Credit: Microsoft

A Copilot+ PC is a Windows laptop with a certain kind of newer processor that enables some exclusive AI-powered software features. They're often called "AI PCs."

Microsoft announced the Copilot+ PC category in May 2024 and the first wave of devices launched a month later, so the genre is still pretty fresh. Beyond Microsoft's own models, Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, MSI, and Samsung all make Copilot+ PCs, too. They currently start at $699.99 and are sold at Best Buy, Amazon, and Costco, as well as on their manufacturers' websites.

Copilot+ PC features The "Click to Do" tool on Copilot+ PCs is like a smarter right-click menu. Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft's suite of Copilot+ PC features (or "experiences," as it likes to call them) isn't available on other Windows laptops:

• Click to Do suggests various actions when you highlight text and images (beyond your standard "Copy"). If you select a paragraph on a website, for example, Click to Do will offer to summarize it, turn it into a list, and rewrite it in different tones.

• Improved Windows search can find files and settings on your computer without needing their exact names or correct spelling.

• Live Captions translates video and audio into English from over 44 languages in real time. It's virtually identical to Google's Live Caption tool for Chrome and Android devices.

• Cocreator is an image generator in Microsoft Paint.

• Image Creator and Restyle Image are an image generator and a photo-filtering tool in Microsoft Photos, respectively. Some Copilot+ PCs have an additional image enhancement feature in Photos called Super Resolution, and the full lineup will get it later this year.

• Recall takes constant screenshots of your on-screen activities and makes them searchable. It's controversial for security reasons; in order to use it, you have to opt in to saving screenshots and enable a biometric sign-in option.

• Windows Studio Effects are webcam tools. They can keep you in frame, make your face appear better-lit, blur your background, add filters, minimize background noises, and adjust your gaze to make it look like you're making direct eye contact. (I've tried that one, and it's kind of freaky.)

Copilot+ PC requirements A Copilot+ PC has to have an NPU — but not just any NPU. Credit: Microsoft

In order to run these features, Copilot+ PCs have to meet some spec standards. Microsoft notes that these could change over time, but at present, they include:

• At least 16GB of RAM

• At least 256GB of SSD or UFS storage

• A processor with a decent NPU (or neural processing unit, an extra bit of hardware for handling AI tasks)

More specifically, a Copilot+ PC's NPU has to be capable of performing at least 40 TOPS (or Trillion Operations Per Second, a metric that quantifies AI performance). Forty TOPS is on the high end among modern laptops' NPUs, which typically max out at 50 TOPS. To boil this down, it that means Copilot+ PCs are some of the fastest laptops when it comes to AI processing.

There are currently three types of laptop processors that tick this box of having an NPU with at least 40 TOPS:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processors (Snapdragon X, X Plus, and X Elite)

• Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors, aka Intel Lunar Lake (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 5 228V, 5 236V, 5 238V, 7 256V, 7 258V, 7 266V, 7 268V, and 9 288V)

• AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors (AMD Ryzen AI 5 340, 7 350, 9 365, 9 HX 370, and 9 HX 375)

An important aside: Snapdragon X series processors are ARM-based chips, which means they work differently than x86-based Intel and AMD processors. Because of this, they're not compatible with certain apps that are only designed to run on x86 systems — mainly specialty apps like AutoCAD and some school software. Many top public universities actively discourage their students from getting Snapdragon-powered laptops for this exact reason. Keep that in mind if you're shopping for a new Windows laptop; your main use case could disqualify a third of your options.

Copilot+ PC reviews: Models we love

Mashable has been testing Copilot+ PCs since the category launched, and we've found that they tend to score especially well on battery life — outlasting even newer Apple MacBooks. Some of our favorite models include the 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, a polished-looking powerhouse that's our top Windows laptop overall; the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition, our No. 1 convertible (and our reigning battery life champ); and the Asus ZenBook A14, an ultraportable that comes in under $1,000.

For more info, check out our guide to the best Windows laptops.

Shop our favorite Copilot+ PCs: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13.8-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399.99 Shop Now Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,749.99 Shop Now Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999.99 Shop Now

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Starting college comes with a lot of tough choices: which dorm to live in, which major to pursue, when to pull an all-nighter, and how many parties to attend on the weekend. But picking the right laptop for school shouldn't be one of them.

Here at Mashable, we're constantly testing laptops based on an exhaustive in-house methodology that combines real-world use with performance benchmarking. With this intel in my back pocket, I sought to determine which of our top-reviewed laptops fit the bill for college students this coming semester, prioritizing value and portability.

I also researched leading universities' hardware recommendations to identify the processors, RAM, storage, and software compatibility you'll need. (More on that in the "What to look for in a college laptop" section.)

I settled on five winners across a range of price points, and they should last until graduation or longer. I'm confident they'll all perform well, fit easily into a backpack, and endure long days on campus.

What's the best laptop for college students? Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

To answer this question, you have to answer another one first: Windows or Mac?

The new M4 MacBook Air gets the nod as the best MacBook for college. It offers quiet power; a premium, portable design; an above-average webcam; and all-day battery life for a stellar price. Power users pursuing majors that involve intensive specialty software (such as graphic design, engineering, and computer science) should upgrade to a MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro chip. We tested and loved the 16-inch model, a gorgeous beast of a machine, but a cheaper 14-inch version is also available with nearly identical specs.

Windows users will do well with the Acer Swift X 14 (2024), a 14-inch clamshell laptop with plenty of power, including a dedicated GPU for more demanding coursework, plus a good mix of ports and a vivid OLED display. And if you want a Chromebook for note-taking and other basic tasks, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is the best model we've tried. And in one of the best back-to-school laptop deals I've spotted so far, a lesser version of it is on sale for under $400 at Best Buy.

What to look for in a college laptop Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Credit: Sarah Chaney

Among the 20 top-ranking public universities whose recommendations I read, half tell their students to purchase lightweight Windows 11 laptops or MacBooks that are less than two years old. (Some say you can go even older, but I wouldn't for the sake of future-proofing.) Most schools advise students to purchase laptops with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage at a minimum, but note that more is always better if your budget allows. I'd approach your processor options in the same way. For Windows laptops, start with a mid-range option, like an Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 chip, and work your way up if possible. For MacBooks, I suggest the M4 chip for value reasons, but more on that in each product breakdown.

Students pursuing humanities majors might be able to get away with just 256GB of storage, but I would supplement that with an external hard drive. In contrast, those enrolled in engineering, graphic design, animation, or computer science programs should default to high-end configurations with at least 24GB or 32GB of memory and 1TB of storage to accommodate their heavier workloads. Some schools also recommend tacking on a dedicated GPU (i.e, Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics) for such coursework.

A few schools noted that ARM-based Windows laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors may not work with certain software and peripherals that students will need to use. That includes AutoCAD, a popular 2D and 3D design app. We like a lot of Snapdragon-powered laptops, as they tend to be fast and long-lasting, but I've kept them off my list of picks to help students avoid potential compatibility issues. Anything with an Intel or AMD CPU is a go.

Along similar lines, a couple of the schools tell their students not to buy Chromebooks, which are web-based laptops with lesser specs and lower price tags. I've included one great Chromebook on my list for any shoppers looking for a cheaper laptop for note-taking and sending emails, but know that it shouldn't be used as your primary computer, and that it may also be incompatible with certain specialty software.

No matter what kind of laptop you choose, be sure to budget for an extended warranty with accidental damage protection, as suggested by half of my research pool. For reference, AppleCare+ for Mac costs $69.99 to $149.99 a year (or slightly less with education pricing), depending on the MacBook model.

Finally, I don't recommend purchasing a laptop for college without first checking to see if your major or program has any specific hardware requirements, as they might differ from your school's broader guidance. For example, Purdue University approves MacBooks for its general student population but tells certain engineering majors to steer clear of them.

Smartwatches have a singular advantage over other devices: around-the-clock connectivity. Connectivity to you, that is. Your phone is in your pocket; your earbuds are only worn when you're listening to something. But a smartwatch rides on your wrist, with brief breaks for charging. Which makes it an ideal health tracking device. 

Now, with the debut of the Galaxy Watch 8, Samsung has gone all in on health metrics from your watch. From activity to sleep to stress levels to body composition, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 can track just about everything you do. (Who needs a fitness tracker?) It takes a holistic approach to determine how you're feeling and how it can help you feel better.

Data isn't great unless you present it in a way that makes sense and feels actionable. Samsung's approach is getting to be very good. I've been using a 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (the smallest one) for 10 days; here are my thoughts so far.

Galaxy Watch 8 design: Thinner hardware and the return of the 'squircle' Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The first notable upgrade on the Watch 8: it's thinner and lies flatter on the wrist than previous generations of the Galaxy Watch. More precisely, this watch is 11 percent thinner, and the sensor pack on the back is also flatter, meaning the watch is theoretically more comfortable to wear. Personally, as a bigger guy with plenty of padding already, it's hard for me to notice.

What is easy to notice: the redesign of the strap mechanism. It's similar to the strap on the 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra, although the straps for one won't fit on the other. The main change is how the lugs attach to the case. While the Watch Ultra lugs angled down to more naturally conform to the shape of your wrist, these come straight out of the sides of the watch. 

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The result, regardless of wrist size, is that the watch will lay more flat. I find it more comfortable, and I think the smaller your wrists are, the more you'll agree. I'm definitely not a fan of proprietary lug systems for third-party bands, however.

The other major redesign involves the Samsung "cushion," as the company calls it. Last year's Watch Ultra had a sort of "squircle" design to it with a round watch face on a rounded square base, and this year the Korean tech brand is doubling down on the squircle. 

To my eyes, the black face on the silver background is a classy look. I originally wore the watch with the included white silicone band but switched to a metal link bracelet after about five days. I was surprised by how good the Watch 8 looks with this dressier metal band.

Normally, I'm not a metal band kind of guy. I generally skew toward fabric and velcro, but when I saw just how good the watch looked with the metal strap, I had to try it. I'm not a complete convert, but definitely don't mind it on this watch.

Credit: Joe Maldonado /.Mashable

The primary difference between the Watch 8 and the Watch 8 Classic is the absence of the rotating bezel. The Watch 8 still has a touch-sensitive rim around the face that you can run a finger around as a "pretend" rotating bezel, but it's just not the same. It can also be problematic if you try to swipe up with your finger. If you're too close to the edge, you accidentally trigger the bezel instead.

There are two buttons on the side of the watch that I barely used, preferring the swipe-based navigation system. The main thing I used the buttons for was to activate Google Gemini AI, which is fun to use on a watch. And since the Apple Watch has very limited AI functionality (at least for now), this will be a much better smartwatch for AI nerds looking for a wearable.

Galaxy Watch 8 software changes Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

This is the first smartwatch to run Gemini on the watch face. That's a big win for Samsung, especially with new Google hardware likely coming soon. In my experience, Gemini and Google Assistant are basically six of one, half dozen of the other. Still, if the death of Google Assistant is all that will sate Google's appetite for product murder, then this is another step in that direction.

Other than Gemini, OneUI 8 brings a few new enhancements, including the "pill". This is basically Samsung's version of Apple's Dynamic Island. It shows you information at a glance in a pill-shaped graphic at the bottom of the watch face. This feels like it belongs on the watch face, even more so than on a phone screen. I dig it.

There's also a comprehensive set of widgets that you can set up in the widget panels to the right of the watch face. You can choose which widgets you want to see and reorganize them as needed. This is very similar to the Galaxy Z Flip 7's cover — but again, what was annoying on a phone screen works better on a smartwatch.

With the Galaxy Watch 8, Samsung wants to keep you healthy

The main focus of the software comes from Samsung Health, which runs on the watch and on your Android phone. This is home for all the biometric data the watch collects, including a new metric: antioxidant levels in your skin. To measure your antioxidants, you need to take off the watch and press your thumb against the sensor on the back of the watch while you initiate the scan from your phone.

How useful is this? It's debatable for two reasons. Firstly, when you measure your antioxidants, the high end of the scale is labelled "adequate" — as if to say, even if you eat all the veggies in the world, you'll only ever be adequate. Second, after checking with other gadget reviewers, no one I knew rated it above "poor." 

Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

I'm not sure if that's an indictment of the meat-eating culture here in the U-S-of-A or Samsung's measurements. Suffice it to say, I don't eat enough veggies — and chances are, neither do you. 

A lot of the rest of Samsung's health software has been present for at least a year, including energy scores, sleep tracking, AGEs index, BMI, and more. Overall, I like how Samsung organizes the information into an easy-to-understand set of data that you can use to improve your health. For example, for sleep coaching, you're first assigned a sleep animal, which represents how you sleep. Apparently, my animal is a penguin because I wake up several times at night. Sleep coaching will give you suggestions for how to sleep better, like hitting your sleep target time consistently.

What I'm not fond of is how easy it is to dismiss that information. A coach is only as effective as the attention it demands, and most of Samsung's coaching instructions are easy to just swipe away. I'm not sure what more Samsung could demand of someone aside from a tapped "Okay" button, but honestly, this feels like low-hanging fruit for AI, which is what Samsung is supposedly all about these days.

Samsung has a sleep coach that makes suggestions, but I would like to see it go further. For example, if a sleep coach pops up on your watch and says "Hey, you're kind of stressed out and it's almost time for bed. How about some meditation?" and you dismiss it, AI could tell you the next night, "Hey, so you ignored our meditation suggestion and you slept pretty badly last night. How about tonight?" Or it could say, "Hey, you relaxed for a good 20 minutes before bedtime, but then you continued to use your phone for two more hours. Maybe let's not do that tonight?"

Battery life is... fine

I tested this watch over a two-week period, which included two road trips. Often, I found myself away from Wi-Fi and using my phone and watch frequently. I also wasn't always able to let my watch die completely from day to day, which skewed my battery longevity data. I had another fun-filled day of activities planned for the following morning, so I would end up having to plug the watch in when it had 30-40 percent left, as opposed to 15 percent, which is what I normally use to determine battery life. Having said all that, I did get some good results from battery testing.

Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

There's no question this watch can last you a full day on a charge. It definitely won't last you two days. I averaged about 33 to 35 hours per charge when I let the watch get down to around 5 percent. It took over an hour to charge back to full, which usually took between 65 and 75 minutes. Bearing in mind that this is the smallest watch with the smallest battery, that's not too bad. I'm not fond of how long it takes to charge, but I can't argue with the battery life.

More than once, I wore the watch for a day and a night, then charged it the next morning when I went to eat breakfast or grab a shower. That was usually enough to top it up for the rest of that day. Which is fine since I never wear the watch in the shower anyway. (I tested it in a pool and on a few water rides, however.)

Not long ago, I would have put this battery life on a par with other smartwatches. But in the past 18 months or so, OnePlus and Google have shown us what's possible with a dual-chip architecture that offloads most of the basic health tracking to a lower-powered processor.  Those watches have battery life measured in days rather than hours. 

I'm not sure why Samsung has not followed this trend. Still, 35 hours is adequate battery life, and definitely delivers more energy than my vegetable intake.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 worth it? Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I say yes. I really like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, despite the battery life. I love the classy look, the software is really tight, and the Google Gemini integration is a big perk. However, unless you really want that Gemini app or the new antioxidant feature, there's also not much incentive to upgrade if you already have last year's Galaxy Watch 7.

Samsung is a popular enough brand that it's not hard to find third-party bands, but if you're like me and you have a shelf full of other straps that you have bought and like, you'll be out of luck, unless you buy a third-party converter to use your third-party straps.

If you have a smartwatch older than the Galaxy Watch 7, then the new Watch 8 is worth the upgrade. The look is polarizing, but I'm a fan, and I would love to see Samsung carry this design forward, personally. The rest of the watch is a treasure trove of data and health metrics. In theory, if you follow the advice of the watch without outright dismissing it, it can help you live a better life. And you'll look good doing it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 $349.99
Get a $50 credit at Amazon Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 $349.99 at Samsung
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SAVE $80: As of Aug. 9, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are on sale for $169 at Amazon. That's 32% off their list price of $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169 at Amazon
$249 Save $80 Get Deal

The battle of the best earbuds is a pretty tough race, but the AirPods Pro are still a huge standout — especially now that they feature USB-C charging. And we love them even more when they're on sale.

As of Aug. 9, the AirPods Pro 2 are down to just $169 at Amazon instead of the usual $249. That's a savings of 32% and just $20 shy of their best-ever price from Prime Day. The Apple earbuds do fall to $169 pretty regularly, but that doesn't mean this isn't a solid deal. That's only $40 more than the AirPods 4 at full price, which don't even offer noise cancellation.

SEE ALSO: Shop Apple's most affordable iPad for its lowest price yet

We particularly love the rich and well-balanced sound of the AirPods Pro, although we wish they offered customizable EQ. They also offer best-in-class noise cancellation, decent battery life (up to six hours per charge, 30 hours with case), and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. The Pros regularly top our lists of the best headphones, and our readers seem to love them just as much. "For portability, active noise cancellation, and balanced sound, your search ends with the AirPods Pro," our reviewer writes.

Despite seemingly being in every movie out right now, Pedro Pascal isn't in Zach Cregger's horror film Weapons. However, he almost was! Pascal would have played grieving father Archer (Josh Brolin), but scheduling conflicts forced him to bow out. However, Weapons still features a surprising similarity to a major Pascal project: The Last of Us.

The film centers on the disappearance of 17 children, all from the same third grade class at Maybrook Elementary. One night, at 2:17 a.m., they all left their homes and ran off into the darkness, leaving the Maybrook community shaken.

SEE ALSO: 'Weapons' review: You're not ready for Zach Cregger's wild new horror film

In one scene, Maybrook Elementary principal Marcus (Benedict Wong) takes a much-needed break from his job and sits down for a TV meal with his husband Terry (Clayton Farris). They're watching a nature documentary about the Cordyceps fungus. More specifically, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis or zombie-ant fungus, a parasitic fungus which takes over the brains of ants and forces them to move to locations where the fungus can grow. (It then sprouts from the dead ant — spooky!)

Real-life Cordyceps inspired The Last of Us' terrifying fungal infection. However, in Weapons, it also clues us into how the film's main antagonist operates, serving as a chilling reminder of what's to come. Spoilers ahead, so if you haven't seen the movie, you should make like Weapons' children and run far, far away.

Why is Weapons so obsessed with Cordyceps and parasites? Cary Christopher in "Weapons." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Cordyceps documentary scene isn't the only time Weapons mentions a frightening parasite. In one of the film's many nightmare sequences, teacher Justine (Julia Garner) walks into her classroom and sees all of the lost children back at their desks. On the whiteboard behind her, there's a list of parasites.

Later, when Weapons turns its focus on Alex (Cary Christopher), the one child from the class who didn't disappear, we hear Justine teaching the class about parasites, asking for examples like tapeworms. Between those classroom scenes and the Cordyceps documentary, it's clear Weapons has a parasite fixation. Why?

These parasite mentions subtly clue us into the methods of Weapons' main villain: witch Gladys (Amy Madigan). She performs rituals to bring people under her spell, using a magical tree, her own blood, and her victims' personal belongings to get the job done.

Her first victims in the movie are Alex's parents (Whitmer Thomas and Callie Schuttera), whom she ensnares in the hopes that siphoning their life force will cure her of her terminal illness. But when Alex's parents aren't enough, she pivots to the 17 children.

Gladys' treatment of Alex's parents and the children is textbook parasitism. She drains from them in order to cure herself, but in doing so, she keeps them trapped and unresponsive.

Like the real-life Cordyceps fungus, Gladys also hijacks her victims' bodies and minds and makes them do her bidding. She forces Alex's mother to cut a lock of Justine's hair for a ritual, and she turns Marcus, Paul (Alden Ehrenreich), and James (Austin Abrams) into murder machines to take out her opponents. Their herky-jerky movements are reminiscent of those of ants overtaken by Cordyceps: They're not in control, Gladys is.

All these background mentions of parasites throughout Weapons peel back the truth of Gladys. She's not just a witch, she's a leech — and she'd drain the entire town of Maybrook, even children, in order to survive.

Weapons is now in theaters.

No matter if you're an adult or kid, there have been so many great Lego sets to pick up this year. August, in particular, has seen some excellent new drops, including new botanicals sets, cute Halloween decorations (if you want to enjoy spooky season a little early this year), and some incredible new Star Wars sets. Marvel fans have plenty of exciting new options to look through, too.

Most of August's new releases center around Spider-Man. From an amazing looking Iron Spider-Man Bust to a brick-built recreation of the Spider-Man and Doc Ock Subway train scene from Spider-Man 2, fans of Marvel's web-slinger have plenty of new sets to consider. Outside of Spider-Man, there's also a cool Avengers: Age of Ultron Quinjet set that would make a cool display once finished, but there's more where that came from.

Check out the latest Marvel Lego releases this month:

Iron Spider-Man Bust Set Credit: Lego

For those looking to build a model to display, this Iron Spider-Man Bust Lego set deserves a place on your collectible shelf. Recommended for ages 18 and up, it comes with 379 pieces that come together to create the top half of Spidey in his Iron Spider Suit. Parts of the bust are also posable, including the arms of the Iron Spider suit and his head, which is a nice way to personalize the display. You even get a cute little Iron Spider-Man minifigure to place alongside a name plaque.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Iron Spider-Man Bust $59.99 at Lego
Shop Now Spider-Man vs. Oscorp Set Credit: Lego

The Spider-Man vs. Oscorp Lego set is an action-packed build that's perfect for younger fans, as it's recommended for ages 10 and up. It comes with 808 pieces that make up three buildings: Miles Morales' apartment, the Oscorp building, and Venom's apartment. It even comes with a variety of minifigures to bring the scene to life, including Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Miles Morales, Eddie Brock, Ghost-Spider, Norman Osborn, Kraven the Hunter, and Green Goblin.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Spider-Man vs. Oscorp $139.99 at Lego
Shop Now Avengers: Endgame Thor vs. Chitauri Set Credit: Lego

The Avengers: Endgame Thor vs. Chitauri Lego set is perfect for even younger Marvel fans, particularly for those aged eight and up. Comprised of 373 pieces, you can build the Iron Patriot mech, complete with four stud shooters, alongside a Chitauri gorilla. It also comes with seven minifigures to bring the battle to life: Iron Patriot MK2, Rocket and a large stud shooter, Thor with Stormbreaker (and a little environment base for him to be placed on), and four Chitauri, with two sporting golden stud shooters.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Avengers: Endgame Thor vs. Chitauri $54.99 at Lego
Shop Now Captain America vs. Thanos Set Credit: Lego

The Captain America vs. Thanos Lego set is much smaller than the previously mentioned builds, coming in at just 107 pieces. It's perfect for Marvel fans starting from age four and up. With this tiny but mighty set, you'll piece together Captain America's Quinjet, which features two shooters and a cockpit that opens, alongside Thanos in an Infinity Gauntlet-styled spaceship, which also features movable 'fingers' and a missile launcher. It also comes with two minifigures of Captain America and Thanos with their respective shield and helmet, of course.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Captain America vs. Thanos $39.99 at Lego
Shop Now Iron Man and War Machine vs. Hammer Drones Set Credit: Lego

The Iron Man and War Machine vs. Hammer Drones Lego set is a great fit for ages seven and up and comes with 204 pieces in total. These fit together to create Hammer Drones, the green model with a spring shooter on its shoulder and the blue model boasting push shooters on each shoulder. This set also comes with minifigures of Iron Man and War Machine so you can complete the battle from Iron Man 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Iron Man and War Machine vs. Hammer Drones $22.99 at Lego
Shop Now Peter Parker’s Apartment Set Credit: Lego

This is another Lego set that's great for Spider-Man fans, and is recommended for ages eight and up. With 394 pieces, you'll put together Peter Parker's apartment, which features two levels. The first floor is a kitchen while the second has a study and bedroom, the latter of which comes with a variety of accessories including a flip-up bed, desk, computer, camera, and microscope. This set also comes with a fun variety of minifigures: Hobgoblin, Spider-Man, Anti-Venom, and Mary Jane.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Peter Parker’s Apartment $54.99 at Lego
Shop Now Avengers: Age of Ultron Quinjet Set Credit: Lego

The Avengers: Age of Ultron Quinjet Lego set makes such a cool display. Recommended for slightly older fans at 12 and up, it comes with 1,131 pieces that create the aircraft, which features a cockpit that opens, two stud shooters in front, and storage for weapons. It also comes with five minifigures, including Black Widow (complete with her motorcycle), Iron Man, Quicksilver, Ultimate Ultron, and Hawkeye, who also has his bow and arrow.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Avengers: Age of Ultron Quinjet $129.99 at Lego
Shop Now Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock Subway Train Scene Set Credit: Lego

For fans of Spider-Man 2, this Lego set recreates the iconic subway train scene between Spidey and Doc Ock. It's recommended for ages nine and up and comes with 393 pieces to build the train. It also comes with four minifigures that help complete the scene: J. Jonah Jameson, Aunt May, Spider-Man, and Doc Ock. The Spider-Man figure has interchangeable heads that allow him to be masked or unmasked, while the Doc Ock figure has four jointed tentacles. Two of them have ‘laser beam’ elements and the other two can be clipped onto the train.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock Subway Train Scene $54.99 at Lego
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TL;DR: Add wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-car streaming with this smart adapter—just $74.97 through September 7, no car upgrade required.

Your car’s infotainment system probably peaked sometime around your last phone upgrade. But before you start eyeing a shiny new vehicle just to get wireless CarPlay or Android Auto, here’s a smarter move: the PlayAIBox Wireless Adapter.

For just $74.97 (marked down from $129.99), you can supercharge your in-car entertainment setup with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in YouTube and Netflix, and full Google Play Store access. Yep, you can stream Hulu or Disney+ right from your dashboard, no jailbreak, hacks, or wizardry required.

It’s plug-and-play magic for over 800 vehicle models—whether you’re team Apple or Android. Plus, it mirrors your smartphone screen, lets you download extra apps, and even stores your favorite content on an external SD card (up to 128GB).

And because it’s powered by the Allwinner A133 chip, it can juggle multiple apps without lag, stutter, or any of that spinning-wheel frustration. It works in extreme temps (hello, car parked in the sun) and sips power efficiently with a 5V=1A input.

If your commute could use a serious upgrade — or your backseat passengers could use some peace-keeping entertainment — this is a no-brainer add-on. No dealership, no subscription, no regrets.

And yes, shipping’s free. So go ahead, turn your car into a smarter, more fun place to be.

Pick up the PlayAIBox Wireless Adapter while it’s on sale for just $74.97 (reg. $129.99) with free shipping through September 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayAIBox PlayAIBox Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support $74.97
$129.99 Save $55.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: BitMar is a powerful, AI-enhanced streaming content-finder that helps you discover millions of free movies, shows, videos, songs, and live channels across the web — for just $14.99 (MSRP: $150).

If your “watch next” list is looking more like a time loop of rewatching The Office, and you’re tired of clicking through a dozen apps only to end up right back where you started, BitMar might be your new favorite thing.

For a one-time payment of $14.99 (yes, for life), BitMar Streaming Content-Finder helps you cut through the noise and discover the internet’s best free movies, TV shows, music, and live channels — all in one place. Think of it as your universal remote for the web’s entertainment, only powered by AI and smart filters instead of frustration and guesswork.

So what makes BitMar different? Instead of being just another streaming service, it uses AI (like the brains behind Bing Search) plus custom algorithms to intelligently scan and surface high-quality, already-free content from across the web. We’re talking 200,000+ channels and more movies and shows than Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO combined. Seriously.

Even better? You can use it on devices you already own — no special box, no sketchy side-loading. And thanks to fewer ads (especially when pulling content from YouTube), the experience is surprisingly smooth. You’re not paying for content — you’re paying for smart access to all the content.

And yes, it’s 100 percent legal. BitMar works with content creators to ensure everything’s DMCA-compliant and sustainable for the long haul.

Whether you’re a cord-cutter, a budget streamer, or just someone who hates endlessly scrolling through bad recommendations, BitMar lets you stream better for less.

And at $14.99 (MSRP: $150) for life with code BITMAR5 through September 7, the BitMar platform might just be the last streaming-related purchase you make for a while.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription $14.99
$150 Save $135.01 Get Deal

DISNEY+ BUNDLES: Disney+ is offering bundle deals so you can stream the best of its library at a lower price.

The best Disney+ deals and bundles in August 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Basic Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal

Whether you're looking to jump into the latest superhero saga or journey to a galaxy far, far away, Disney+ is the streaming service for you.

Home to Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and so much more, Disney+ offers a library that's stuffed-full of shows and films to keep both adults and kids entertained when it matters. This includes the new live-action Snow White and the latest Marvel miniseries Eyes of Wakanda.

If you've had this streaming service on your radar but are unsure which plan is the best fit for you, we've got you covered with a selection of Disney+ streaming deals.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the Star Wars movies in order: Where should you begin?

There are quite a few bundle deals to check out with Disney+ right now, including the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle. This is a great investment for those who already own the other two streaming services and are looking to cut down on costs. And with streaming prices on the rise (Disney+ even increased its prices just last year), now's a great time to jump on a bundle like that. Not to mention, with news of Hulu fully integrating into the Disney+ app soon, it's worth it to look at these bundles.

We've detailed all of the available bundle deals below, alongside basic information on Disney+ plans if you just want the House of Mouse's service on its own.

Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

The Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle is one of the best available at the moment. Starting at $16.99 per month, you can have three excellent streaming services right in the palm of your hand, which is a great offer to take advantage of given streaming service prices keep going up. The $16.99 per month option is for the With Ads plan, but if you'd prefer to watch your favorite content without ads, the No Ads plan comes to $29.99 per month. Compared to what you'd pay for each of these on their own, you're saving 43% with the ad-supported plan and 42% with the ad-free plan.

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)

Best Basic Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max mega bundle feels like a bit too much, there are smaller bundle deals to check out instead. One of the most affordable bundle options the service has is the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic plan. This brings together Disney+ and Hulu (With Ads) for $10.99 per month. This is a great way to gain access to both of their libraries for only $1 more than what you'd pay for their ad-supported plans on their own.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic — $10.99 per month

If you'd rather spring for the ad-free version of that bundle, Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium is what you need. This offers both Disney+ and Hulu without ads for $19.99 per month instead. Disney+ also has bundles that throw in ESPN+. The Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic plan, which has ads, runs for $16.99 per month, and the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium plan without ads costs $26.99 per month.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $19.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic — $16.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium — $26.99 per month

Disney+ monthly plans

Disney+ offers two standard plans if you just want the service on its own. The Disney+ Basic ad-supported plan comes to $9.99 per month while the ad-free Disney+ Premium plan will set you back $15.99 per month or $159.99 per year if you'd rather pay annually.

• Disney+ Basic (With Ads) — $9.99 per month

• Disney+ Premium (No Ads) — $15.99 per month, $159.99 per year

Disney+ has also created an "extra member" plan for people using your account that live outside of your household as they crack down on password sharing. If you're looking to add another person onto your account, you're only allowed one extra profile and can choose from the following add-on plans:

• Disney+ Basic — $6.99 per month

• Disney+ Premium — $9.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic — $7.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $10.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic — $11.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium — $14.99 per month

There's a wealth of shows and films to check out on Disney+ after you sign up. If you want some help finding something to watch, check out our roundups of the 12 best TV shows for adults on Disney+ and the 20 best movies on Disney+ to start building out your watchlist.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $49.97 — no subscription, no Wi-Fi required, just all the productivity apps you need, forever.

Let’s talk about a rarity in life: software you can pay for once and actually own for life. That’s what you’re getting with Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows — a full productivity suite with no monthly fees, no auto-renewal traps, and no relying on the cloud to get things done.

For just $49.97, you’ll unlock lifetime access to the entire lineup of essential Office apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, Publisher, and Access. Whether you’re a student, small business owner, side hustler, or spreadsheet enthusiast, it’s all here — without the bloat and recurring costs of other productivity services.

And yes, you can use these offline. So whether your Wi-Fi is on strike or you’re working from that charming Airbnb in the woods, your tools are still at your fingertips. The interface is familiar, but optimized — think faster load times, smarter layouts, and an updated ribbon design that actually helps you find what you’re looking for.

There’s no subscription, no “basic” tier, and no nagging alerts reminding you to “upgrade.” Just a one-time license installed on your device that gives you what you need — permanently.

Also worth noting: this version is not linked to your Microsoft account, so everything lives locally on your machine. Translation? Less fuss, more function.

So if you’re tired of renting your software or counting down the days until your trial expires, grab this deal and get back to doing what matters — at home or at work — with tools you actually trust.

Pick up a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows while it’s just $49.97 (MSRP: $219.99) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97
$219.99 Save $170.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Learn 14 languages at your own pace with lifetime access to Babbel for $159 using StackSocial’s exclusive code LEARN — now through August 25.

Whether you’re brushing up on your Spanish before that Barcelona trip or finally diving into the Italian you’ve been promising your Nonna you’d learn, Babbel is the language learning sidekick that can help you reach your goals. And right now, you can get lifetime access to all 14 languages for just $159 when you use the exclusive code LEARN at checkout via StackSocial.

That’s 10,000+ hours of expertly designed lessons, created by actual linguists (not random AI prompts), with real-world situations in mind. So yes, you’ll actually know how to ask where the bathroom is — and not just how to say instead of “the man drinks tea.”

Babbel’s bite-sized 10- to 15-minute lessons are perfect for people with real lives. No need to block out your weekend. You can chip away at your language goals while commuting, waiting for coffee, or hiding from your responsibilities (we won’t judge). Plus, the lessons evolve with your learning style thanks to personalized reviews, speech recognition tech, and an AI conversation partner that helps you sound less like a textbook and more like a local.

Whether you’re a traveler, expat, business pro, or just someone who wants to order sushi like a boss — this is your shot to actually stick with it.

Thanks to this limited-time exclusive offer from StackSocial, you can get lifetime access to all of Babbel’s languages for just $159 (MRSP: $599) with code LEARN through August 25.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $159
$599 Save $440 Get Deal

TL;DR: Shrink your smartphone with this miniaturized, fully functional device, the NanoPhone, on sale for $89.97 (reg. $199.99) through September 7.

Sometimes it’s good to get back to basics. Today’s smartphones offer massive screens and endless notifications, but it may be time to return to something simpler. The NanoPhone offers all the functionality of your current smartphone at a fraction of the size and price. Right now, it’s on sale for just $89.97 (reg. $199.99) through September 7.

Whether you’re hoping to downsize your doomscrolling or just want to minimize daily distractions, the NanoPhone is here to serve all the usual purposes of your smartphone. This handy gadget is the size of a credit card, which means it can actually fit in your pocket. It lets you travel lighter while staying connected, making it an excellent option for a night out, on a run, or as an emergency backup phone.

Curious how this petite little phone works? The NanoPhone has 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it fully functional so you can make calls, use your go-to apps, and even video chat. It’s Bluetooth compatible, allowing you to connect your smartwatch or headphones easily. And it works with your existing SIM card, so you don’t have to purchase an extra data plan.

The NanoPhone comes equipped with a 5MP front camera and a 2MP rear camera, so you can still capture memories while you travel light. A lengthy battery life can last all day, and you can rest easy knowing this tiny smartphone is made durably and can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Travel lighter with the NanoPhone, now on sale for just $89.97 (reg. $199.99) until September 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: NanoPhone NanoPhone - A Miniaturized Smartphone Packed with Mega Features! $89.97
$199.99 Save $110.02 Get Deal

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip 7, the latest generation of flip-style foldable, at its Summer 2025 Samsung Unpacked event. The smartphone maker caught up to its competitors in some areas — and overtook them by adding the largest cover screen on a flip foldable to date (4.1 inches).

Unfortunately, Samsung also hobbled the Z Flip 7 by limiting the apps you can run on that cover screen. The external display is one of the coolest features of foldable phones, and it's a shame to waste that real estate.

SEE ALSO: Review: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 foldable is almost too much fun

Samsung's closest rival in the foldable space, Motorola, allows you to run pretty much any app you want on its cover screen. You can, for example, quickly check messages, perform quick actions within apps, or even watch videos on the outside screen, all without having to unfold.

If Samsung would let you curate your own front screen experience, you'd be lighting up a 4.1-inch screen every time, instead of the 6.9-inch screen on the inside — and extend battery life in the process.

Samsung believes the apps that it has vetted are appropriate for the external display. Luckily, it left the door open to allowing the user to jump through a few hoops to expand that selection of apps.

Samsung also cut down on the number of steps to do it compared to previous models, but it's still a lot. Here's how to unlock the cover screen on your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7:

Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

1. Go to Settings -> Advanced Features -> Labs

2. Toggle the switches next to "Multi window" for all apps, Use main screen navigation on cover screen, and Apps allowed on cover screen (Labs).

3. Select the last option, Apps allowed on cover screen.

4. Select "Get MultiStar"

5. If prompted, agree to the Galaxy Store privacy notice

6. Select Install

7. Once installed, tap the back button (or use the swipe gesture to go back)

8. Select "Get MultiStar" (yep, again).

9. Select each of the apps you want to run on the cover screen. The list of apps is scrollable, so be sure to scroll down so you don't miss any.

10. Select Enable Launcher Widget

11. Scroll down and Select the MultiStar option to expand it.

12. Tap Launcher to add the widget.

After all that effort, your reward is a new widget on your cover screen, complete with launch icons of all the apps you selected. (This also unlocks a few games that were designed for your cover screen by a company called Gamesnacks; Stack Bounce is my personal favorite.)

Fair warning on the app launcher, however: Some of the apps you picked likely won't work well. Some may be oddly sized on the smaller screen, or have some of their elements blocked by the camera lenses.

SEE ALSO: Are foldable phones worth buying in 2025? As a tech editor, I say heck yes.

One more thing to bear in mind. When you open an app on the cover screen, you'll see a small icon in the bottom middle of the cover screen that looks like a tiny cover screen. When you tap on that, you can change the aspect ratio of the app to 16:9, 2:1, 20:9, or 21:9.

Tapping on the icon cycles through the options, but the phone doesn't remember your choice per app — it only remembers your choice, so if you select 16:9 for an app, and open a different app, it will also be in 16:9.

That's not a perfect fix for this issue, which speaks to Samsung's insistence on curating the experience. Still, they're your apps; use them how and where you want.

UPDATE: Aug. 11, 2025, 10:43 a.m. EDT This story was originally published with the wrong author name. We've updated the story to reflect that Adam Doud is the author.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to BitMar’s content finder for $14.99 this month only with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. $150).

Here’s a challenge: cut the cord with your streaming services. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, all of them. You’re likely paying hundreds each year in subscription fees and, chances are, you still can’t find the one movie you want to watch on any of them.

All of these reasons are probably why so many people are turning to BitMar, a streaming service alternative. You know how you can find some free movies or TV shows available online if you dig hard enough? This powerful search engine does that for you. And, for a limited time, you can get it for $14.99 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. $150).

Wait…how does it work?

BitMar is powered by the Bing search engine, but it only has eyes for free streaming content. You’ll use a far more user-friendly interface to plug in a channel, genre, actor, or a specific movie or TV show you have in mind, then this content aggregator scours the web to find it.

Is it legal? Yes. BitMar is fully compliant with copyright laws — and it’s simply locating content already available on the web.

If you’re wondering why you wouldn’t just spend the time searching for it yourself, that’s the reason right there — it saves you time. BitMar also filters out the garbage to leave you with high-quality, ad-free content.

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

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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

Seemingly.

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

QUASI

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A moor.

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

HEATH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Someone from the Netherlands.

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

DUTCH

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To cleanse someone.

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

BATHE

Final Hurdle hint

To provide.

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

ENDOW

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