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SAVE $50: As of Aug. 8, you can pick up the 2024 Apple Mac mini (M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for just $549 at Amazon — down from its usual $599 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2024 Mac mini $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50 Get Deal

If you’ve been holding off upgrading your desktop because you thought you’d need to carve out half your desk, think again. As of Aug. 8, the 2024 Apple Mac mini with the blisteringly quick M4 chip is on offer at Amazon, down $50 from its standard price. That’s an 8% saving on one of Apple’s smallest and mightiest machines.

At just five inches square, the Mac mini is small enough to disappear into your setup, yet it’s hiding some serious performance under that sleek, understated exterior. The 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU inside the M4 chip promise to make everyday tasks feel instantaneous and give creative apps like Adobe Photoshop or Final Cut Pro the smooth, snappy performance you’d expect from a top-tier Mac. With 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD, you get ample speed for multitasking and plenty of storage for your essential files.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals this week: MacBooks, AirPods, and more

Apple promises this is the most connected Mac mini yet. Alongside Thunderbolt, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back, you’ll find front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack for quick plug-and-play convenience. 

Whether you’re attaching external drives, high-resolution displays, or just popping in headphones for a video call, it’s all within easy reach. Naturally, this makes it play beautifully within the Apple ecosystem. You can mirror your iPhone screen, pick up FaceTime calls, send messages, or copy text from your phone and paste it straight into a Mac document. 

And because it’s built for Apple Intelligence, it’s ready for the next generation of personal AI tools, with privacy protections baked in from the ground up.

The Mac mini’s blend of size, power, and price makes it a seriously appealing option for both work and play.

If you’re in the mood to upgrade more than just your desktop, it’s also worth checking out our latest roundup of best Apple deals for the week — covering everything from MacBooks to AirPods and more. For those who aren’t sure which Mac suits their needs, we’ve compared the best MacBook models of 2025 and broken down the key differences between the Air and the Pro so you can make the right call.

I’m a sucker for tech that forgoes frills in favor of refinement. The Cherry XTRFY M68 Wireless exemplifies this, except unlike the high-end gaming mice it’s comparable to, it makes smart cuts to maintain a midrange price point. The result is close to perfect, so long as you don’t need Bluetooth.

Save $30: Apple AirPods 4 are on sale for $99 at Amazon, down from $129.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Airpods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30 Get Deal

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to treat yourself to Apple’s newest wireless earbuds, now’s your moment to shine. As of Aug. 8, Apple AirPods 4 are back on sale at Amazon for just $99. That’s down from $129 and according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, the lowest price we’ve seen in a good while.

AirPods 4 are completely redesigned versions for improved comfort, sound, and usability. A refined contour and shorter stem make them more stable for all-day wear, while quick-press controls let you manage music or calls without reaching for your phone. Audio performance gets a major lift thanks to Apple’s H2 chip, which delivers richer, clearer sound. Voice Isolation keeps your voice crisp on calls, even in noisy surroundings. We loved them in our review.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals this week: MacBooks, AirPods, and more

Personalised Spatial Audio pushes immersion further, tuning the sound to your unique ear shape using your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera. Whether you’re watching films, gaming, or listening to music, it delivers a surround-sound-like effect that pulls you deeper into the experience.

Apple’s signature ease of use is still here, too; pairing is as simple as bringing the AirPods near your device and tapping connect. The updated “Siri” and “Hey Siri” wake phrases, along with Siri Interactions that respond to a nod or head shake, make going hands-free easier than ever. You can share audio between two sets of AirPods and locate them through the Find My app if they go missing.

What’s more, the redesigned USB-C charging case is over 10% smaller than before and rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance — making it ideal for workouts or rainy days. Battery life remains impressive, with up to five hours of listening on a single charge and up to 30 hours when using the case.

With comfort, advanced features, and Amazon’s current discount, this is a prime opportunity to snag Apple’s latest earbuds at a great price. 

If you’re looking to round out your Apple collection, browse our roundup of this week’s best Apple deals. Or, for something a little different, explore our handpicked favourites of the best noise-cancelling headphones we’ve tested.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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 today: Hints and answers for August 4 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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To permeate.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter I.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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...

IMBUE.

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.

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

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

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

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

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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 preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Kings of swing and bebop

The words are music-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe popular musicians.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Jazz Cats.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for August 8

• Cannon ball

• Dizzy

• Count

• Jazz cats

• Yardbird

• Hawk

• Staf

• Duke

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 today's Strands.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: To neither win nor lose

• Green: To allow

• Blue: Ways to pass the time

• Purple: Miss

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

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

• Yellow: Make equal, as a score

• Green: Bestow

• Blue: Things you might do during a boring class/meeting

• Purple: Words after the letters "MS"

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 #790 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Make equal, as a score: DRAW, EVEN, SQUARE, TIE

• Bestow: CONFER, GRANT, PRESENT, VEST

• Things you might do during a boring class/meeting: DOODLE, DOZE, PASS NOTES, SPACE

• Words after the letters "MS": DEGREE, MARVEL, PAC-MAN, PAINT

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

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

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

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

TL;DR: As of Aug. 8, Crunchyroll is offering two months of its Mega Fan plan for $1.99 per month, saving you $10 per month compared to its usual price of $11.99 per month.

Opens in a new window Credit: Crunchyroll Crunchyroll (2-Month Plan) $1.99 per month Get Deal

Streaming deals are always worth shouting about, and this discount on a Crunchyroll subscription is perfect for anime fans. For a limited time — only three days and counting, according to the timer on the store page as of writing — Crunchyroll is offering two months of its service for just $1.99 per month.

This deal applies to the Mega Fan plan, which usually costs $11.99 per month. This allows you to save $10 per month for your first two months, which is a great discount on top-quality streaming. We consider Crunchyroll to be the best streaming service for anime lovers, so if that's your thing, you should carefully consider this limited-time offer.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Aug. 8, 2025)

With the Mega Fan plan, you'll be able to stream on up to four devices at a time, watch offline, gain access to the Crunchyroll Game Vault which offers a catalog of free games, and get access to Crunchyroll store deals. Again, this is a great way to test out the service if you've had it on your radar for some time. Keep in mind that it will go back up to the $11.99 per month price point after the promotional period comes to an end, but you can cancel this renewal at any time.

Act fast to get two months of Crunchyroll for only $1.99 per month. And if you're looking for more streaming deals, why not invest in a new streaming device with this deal on the Roku Streaming Stick at Amazon?

Stephen Colbert's frequent monologues about Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein have clearly been getting to the president. During a recent White House event Trump took aim at the Late Show host once again while discussing his show's cancelation.

"Colbert has no talent, Fallon has no talent, Kimmel has no talent," Trump said. "They're next, they're gonna be going, I hear they're going to be going. I don't know, but I would imagine, because you know, Colbert has better ratings than Kimmel or Fallon, you know that?"

"I knew that, yeah, I knew that," responds Colbert. "But, to be fair, I think we're all equally untalented. Anyway I just wanted to say thank you for watching sir, and thank you for agreeing to be in our new promo."

Cue a parody Late Show promo clipping the bit where Trump says "Colbert has better ratings," credited to "our elderly viewers."

TL;DR: The Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro is back in stock at Amazon after selling out shortly after release. Get the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro for $99 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $99 at Amazon
Get Deal

The CMF Watch 3 Pro has only been out in the world for a few weeks, but it has already become hugely popular, selling out almost immediately after launch. And honestly, we're not surprised. For under $100, this is a powerhouse of a smartwatch, packing in features you’d normally expect from far more expensive models.

As of Aug. 8, the CMF Watch 3 Pro is once again available at Amazon for $99. It 's available in three colorways: ash gray, dark gray, and orange.

SEE ALSO: Should you upgrade to the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro? A runner's take.

For fitness tracking, this watch does not scrimp. Users get more than 130 workout modes with real-time insights powered by GOMORE, which tracks aerobic vs. anaerobic performance, training load, and recovery. It also automatically recognizes seven types of movement, so if you forget to press "start," you don't miss out on tracking your workout. It even benefits from L1+L5 Dual Band GPS, giving you extra accuracy for outdoor workouts.

Other tracking features include a four-channel heart rate sensor, 24/7 monitoring, and SpO₂ tracking. The sleep tracking is also at a premium level, giving you insights into your sleep stages and also monitoring your stress levels.

Lifestyle-wise, it has built-in Bluetooth calling with AI noise reduction, and new gesture controls that let you operate the watch with one hand. This watch also boasts ChatGPT integration, voice notes with automatic transcription, and a surprisingly long list of smart features like morning briefings, music control, and personalized fitness coaching.

We can see why it has been so popular. Get it from Amazon before it sells out again.

SAVE $60: As of Aug. 8, the Anker 521 Portable Power Station is on sale for $159.99 at Amazon. That's a 27% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 521 Portable Power Station $159.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $60 Get Deal

It's always wise to have a portable power station on hand. Regardless if you're a seasoned camper, a road tripper, or you just want to be prepared for a power cut, having one of these tucked away ensures you'll never be without phone battery.

If you've been considering the purchase for a while, or an upgrade is overdue, this latest deal on the Anker 521 portable power station might sway you. As of Aug. 8, this model is down to just $159.99, saving you $60. This is also the lowest it has ever been priced according to camelcamelcamel.

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

And this is a powerhouse of a unit, really built to last. Its LiFePO4 battery tech means you get a 10-year lifespan guaranteed. It’s durable too, so it can handle bumps and tough environments without a problem, perfect if you want to take it hiking to a perfect camping spot.

Charging is simple and fast too; you only need 2.5 hours to get it to 80%. And when it is charged, you'll have six ports to choose from: two AC, two USB-A, one USB-C, and a car outlet, enough to power everything from a heater and TV to a portable fridge. The built-in USB-C port is great for phones or laptops, giving you a fast charge so your devices are back up and running in no time.

You can't go wrong with a deal like this. Get it from Amazon now.

SAVE $26: As of Aug. 8, the Soundcore V20i earbuds are on sale for $23.49 at Amazon. That's a 53% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore V20i $23.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $26.50 Get Deal

Quality earbuds for under $25 is a deal we can get behind, and that's exactly what you'll find with this latest deal on Soundcore's V20i earbuds, now down to their lowest-ever price on Amazon. Even the list price of $49.99 is a good deal, but as of Aug. 8, you can get them for only $23.49, saving you more than 50%. But what are you getting for this low price?

The answer: a whole lot.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best earbuds to buy in 2025, selected by Mashable audio experts

The V20i earbuds are open-ear designed, made for comfort, even if you're wearing them all day. This design means nothing goes directly into your ears, so you can still hear what’s going on around you, handy for walking through the city or heading out on a run. Spatial awareness is always a great safety feature.

You might think that this affects the sound, but it really doesn't. Thanks to the powerful 16mm drivers and BassUp tech, you get strong bass and clear audio, no matter what you're listening to. Calls come through clearly as well, with four built-in mics and the AI enhancement tool helps to cut out background noise. They even have lights that sync to your music — a great feature for the price.

They’re also easy to adjust, with four different positions to help you find the perfect fit that stays secure while you move.

This is not a deal you want to miss, so head to Amazon now to avoid missing out.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for August 8, 2025 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: Tale of the tape

• Green: Backwards and forwards

• Blue: Same team

• Purple: Almost baseball

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

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

• Yellow: Player bio information

• Green: Palindromes

• Blue: San Antonio Spurs stars, informally

• Purple: MLB teams, with the first letter changed

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

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #319 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Player bio information - HEIGHT, NUMBER, POSITION, WEIGHT

• Palindromes - KAYAK, POP, RACE CAR, STATS

• San Antonio Spurs stars, informally - MANU, TIM, TONY, VICTOR

• MLB teams, with the first letter changed - BEDS, DAYS, DUBS, PETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The good news for anyone hoping to get ahead of a potential ban is that you can still find the DJI Mini 4K drone on Amazon, listed for $299 right now. It's being sold by AeroTech Hubs at the time of writing. We generally don't recommend third-party sellers, but they have decent reviews and times are tough right now.

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

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

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 Friday, August 8, 2025:

AcrossPiece of bread atop 4-Across

• The answer is Bun.

Yellow square atop 7-Across

• The answer is Cheese.

Offering at a summer cookout

• The answer is Burger.

Envelop and obscure

• The answer is Shroud.

Covers a tree in bathroom rolls, in a classic prank

• The answer is TPS.

DownBrought about

• The answer is Begot.

Fully deplete

• The answer is Use up.

Jocks' counterparts, stereotypically

• The answer is Nerds.

"Survivor" network

• The answer is CBS.

"What'd you say?"

• The answer is Huh.

Make a mistake

• The answer is Err.

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.

Welcome to the weird world of Boys Go to Jupiter, where aliens hang out with delivery boys, juice factories house mutant fruits grown from moon rocks, and funky electronic songs lurk around every corner.

This world isn't some new planet or alternate dimension: It's just suburban Florida. Yet in the hands of director and 3D animator Julian Glander, Boys Go to Jupiter's Florida becomes a strange, magical place where the absurd and the mundane co-exist as nonchalant bedfellows. Bizarre, hilarious, and boasting refreshingly distinct animation, Boys Go to Jupiter is a wonderfully absurd experience.

SEE ALSO: 'Fixed' red band trailer: Animated dog comedy is so NSFW, you have to see it to believe it What's Boys Go to Jupiter about? Credit: Tribeca Film Festival

Boys Go to Jupiter centers on high school dropout Billy 5000 (voiced by Jack Corbett), who's hustling his way to $5,000 by delivering food through the app Grubster. Along the way, he befriends Donut, a gelatinous, blue, donut-shaped alien who's being hunted by juice mogul Dr. Dolphin (voiced by Janeane Garofalo).

The pieces are in place for a boy-saves-alien film in the vein of E.T., but Boys Go to Jupiter take a more chill, meandering approach. Billy often stumbles into strange vignettes, including an unexpectedly philosophical encounter with a hot dog stand manager on the side of a highway, or a mini music video about the power of eggs. Glander holds on these vignettes for a while, painting Billy's world as a collage of oddities he'd rather avoid entirely in favor of getting back on his grind.

SEE ALSO: Animation overload: The 10 best anime series on Hulu

Of course, that grind comes with its fair share of setbacks, as Boys Go to Jupiter takes a staunchly anti-capitalist tack. Small details like how Grubster workers are not allowed to engage with customers and must repeat "grubby" catchphrases paint Billy's job as a dull dystopia. Elsewhere, Glander gets less subtle, such as when Dr. Dolphin's daughter, aspiring radical Rozebud (voiced by singer Miya Folick), hands Billy a book all about capitalism which he promptly absorbs.

Boys Go to Jupiter is strange, and proud of it.

While Billy exists as a cog in the hustle culture machine, the movie he's in works to break out of any mold and establish its own individuality. Take the voice cast, which includes singular comedians like Sarah Sherman, Julio Torres, and Cole Escola. Then there's Glander's signature animation style, a series of neon CG renderings ranging from blobby to plasticky. Characters and locations come to resemble toys or video game settings. The intentional artifice is welcome, creating a sense of play that sets Boys Go to Jupiter apart from other more photo-realistic CG animated movies.

SEE ALSO: Tilda Swinton and Julio Torres reveal 'Problemista's unexpected common ground

Glander builds on the distinct look of his film with some lo-fi musical numbers, like an ode to side hustles or a catalog of an alien's favorite Florida delicacies. These add to the winding quality of the film, building out space for diversions that are often unexpected but never unwelcome. While you could fault Boys Go to Jupiter for a loss of focus as it nears its finish line, the journey to get there remains worth taking.

Boys Go to Jupiter opens in theaters Aug. 8.

UPDATE: Aug. 5, 2025, 9:31 a.m. Boys Go to Jupiter was reviewed out of its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 11, 2024. This article has been updated to include the latest release information.

The last thing I ever want to do is overhype a movie, but just trust me when I say: You are not ready for Weapons.

SEE ALSO: New 'Weapons' trailer deepens the mystery in a violent and creepy way

I don't mean that in a "This is the scariest horror movie you'll ever see!" way, although writer-director Zach Cregger (Barbarian) stirs up plenty of frights that had my whole theater hollering. Instead, I mean it more in the sense that Weapons is a wonderfully surprising film. Whatever you think it's going to throw at you, chances are you aren't prepared for what it actually lobs your way.

What is Weapons about? One of the 17 missing children in "Weapons." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Opening narration by a young girl (Scarlett Sher) clues us into the chilling premise of Weapons. One night, at 2:17 a.m., 17 children from the same third grade class at Maybrook Elementary ran from their houses, arms outstretched in the exact same way, never to be seen again. Only one child, Alex (Cary Christopher), remains.

The image of the kids charging into nothingness is an eerie one, contrasted with Sher's matter-of-fact voiceover relaying the story two years after the fact. Cregger peppers her monologue with fillers like "I guess" or "like that," small beats that make you feel like you're in the room with her as she relays a story that's clearly been passed around the community it impacted.

SEE ALSO: 'Together' review: Dave Franco and Alison Brie get grossly close in a body-horror nightmare

That community is the main focus of Weapons, which splits its time between various non-linear viewpoints, including Justine (Julia Garner), the missing kids' teacher, and Archer (Josh Brolin), father to one of the missing children.

Weapons tells a relevant story of a community in crisis. Julia Garner in "Weapons." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Both Justine and Archer are focused on the disappearance to the point of obsession. Justine tries time and again to contact Alex, even though Maybrook Elementary Principal Marcus (Benedict Wong) forbids her from doing so. He says she's putting herself first and not caring about the pain Alex must be going through. Meanwhile, Archer pesters other worried parents for information about the night their kids disappeared, even if they're not comfortable revisiting that loss. He and Justine pick incessantly at open wounds in their search for answers, their actions spiraling out into broader Maybrook.

Maybrook's sense of communal grief over the loss of the 17 children calls to mind the aftermath of school shootings, tragedies that are all too common in the U.S. As if the foreboding title Weapons weren't enough of a tie-in, Cregger also accentuates this connection through some surreal gun imagery, along with the potent image of a makeshift memorial for the kids outside Maybrook Elementary. The memorial's message of "Maybrook strong" echoes responses to other U.S. school shootings, such as "Uvalde strong" and "MSD strong."

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

With Weapons, Cregger also speaks to broader anxieties about the role of parents within the American education system. The Maybrook parents, including Archer, immediately turn on Justine. They wonder what malevolent work she was doing in her classroom to make their kids disappear. Their fearmongering about Justine gestures out to real-world discussions about parents' rights over their kids' education, often used to push conservative agendas hoping to erase the teaching of anything related to race, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

These are heady topics, ones Cregger most overtly examines in the first half of the film. However, Weapons' examination of grief is far from dour. After all, this is Cregger we're talking about, the man who brought us the sometimes funny, sometimes gory, always twisty Barbarian. He brings those same qualities to Weapons, creating a veritable horror roller coaster.

Weapons' scares and twists are shocking — and a whole lot of fun. Julia Garner and Josh Brolin in "Weapons." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

With the help of Weapons' many different points of view, Cregger creates a layered tale where each new perspective adds further depth and context to what came before. (Cregger has cited Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia as an inspiration for the film, and there are touches of Rashomon in the structure as well.) Each new perspective does the vital work of further building out the town of Maybrook, but they also take Weapons in increasingly unexpected directions. Remember when Barbarian cut from a horrifying monster encounter in a darkened basement to Justin Long driving blissfully along the California coast? Weapons pulls that kind of switch several times over, each more discombobulating than the last. And don't just take it from me. Take it from the woman in my theater who kept screaming every time Cregger looped in a new perspective.

Each new point of view brings with it a different kind of horror. Since Justine lives alone in a large house and keeps receiving threatening messages, her opening section feels somewhat like a slasher film, where a murderous stalker could leap out at any moment. A section of the film focused on policeman Paul (Alden Ehrenreich) reads as more grounded, a portrait of a psychological spiral seemingly removed from Weapons' biggest scares. (Don't worry, Cregger always finds a way to connect everything.)

Elsewhere, elements of body horror and the psycho-biddy subgenre surface, with Cregger happy to alternate between heart attack-inducing jump scares and slower burn frights at a moment's notice. Occasionally, Weapons undercuts its own terrors with well-placed comedic beats, offering us catharsis amidst the ever-escalating mayhem. When Josh Brolin yells, "What the fuck?" after an especially distressing encounter, we're right there with him.

By Weapons' end, though, we've moved into something far different from what the film's opening few minutes would have you expect. Each step of the way there makes sense, but you'd never have thought to take that step in the first place had Weapons not set you on that path.

That's the fun of Weapons, though. The best way to prepare for its thrills is to simply not prepare at all. Instead, sit back, and let yourself be pulled along for the riotous, unforgettable ride.

Weapons is now in theaters.

TL;DR: The Hestia makes astronomy more accessible by transforming your smartphone’s camera into a telescope to explore the cosmos. Grab it with a tripod, case, solar filter, and more for less than $260.

Capturing clear, detailed images of the night sky usually requires investing in a bulky telescope and learning how to use it. The Hestia changes that by turning the camera on your smartphone into a surprisingly capable tool for astronomy. Right now, you can get this unique smartphone-based telescope for $259.99— that’s $40 off the regular price of $299.99.

Designed for casual astronomers, beginners, or anyone interested in skywatching, the Hestia removes most of the friction that usually comes with telescopes. Instead of lenses and eyepieces, it uses your phone’s optics and sensors, paired with a patented six-lens optical system and a dedicated app to help you capture celestial objects, from the moon and sun to planets and even some deep-sky targets (a UFO, perhaps?).

There’s no need to learn manual alignment or spend time calibrating. Just place your phone in the dock, open the Gravity by Vaonis app, and follow on-screen guidance to start exploring the cosmos from Earth. With the app, you can select items like day mode to monitor the sun, night mode to follow the moon’s phases, or flip through the catalog of deep sky objects.

This Hestia deal is for the Ultimate Pack, which includes a carbon fiber tripod for stable viewing, a durable hard shell case for travel and storage, and a high-quality solar filter and solar pointer for safely observing sunspots and eclipses. All accessories are designed to keep the setup portable and easy to use on the go, whether you’re enjoying constellations from your backyard or celebrating the eclipse from the park.

While the Hestia isn’t a replacement for high-end telescopes, it’s not trying to be. This kit is built for convenience and accessibility, and it’s a simpler way to engage with astronomy using a tool you already own: your smartphone. It’s especially well-suited for educational use, family nights, or anyone who wants to experiment with astrophotography without struggling with a steep learning curve.

See the beauty of the cosmos more clearly with this device that turns your smartphone into a telescope — grab the Hestia Ultimate Pack for $259.99 while inventory lasts.

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Opens in a new window Credit: VAONIS Hestia: First Ever Smartphone-Based Telescope (Ultimate Pack) $259.99
$299 Save $39.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: The Retropian Color handheld retro gaming console brings 10,000+ classic games to your pocket with a bright 3.5″ screen, 6-hour battery, and multiplayer support—all for $64.97 with free shipping through September 7.

Remember blowing into cartridges and button-mashing your way through side-scrolling glory? Now you can relive those pixel-perfect memories — minus the bulky TV and tangled cords.

Introducing the Retropian Color, quite possibly your new favorite throwback toy, disguised as a compact, modern handheld gaming console. For just $64.97 (along with free shipping), you’ll get access to 10,000+ classic games spanning 20+ legendary systems, including NES, SNES, Game Boy, PlayStation 1, Sega Genesis, Dreamcast, and more. It’s like carrying an entire vintage game store in your pocket.

The vibrant 3.5″ IPS display delivers surprisingly sharp graphics, while the six-hour battery keeps the fun going long after your phone dies. Whether you’re reliving arcade-style beat-’em-up games or sneaking in a level of Castlevania on your lunch break, this Linux-based console makes everything run smoothly.

And if you’re feeling social? Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support make two-player games a possibility — no cables or adapters needed.

In a world of subscription gaming and cloud saves, this handheld retro gaming device is refreshingly simple: pay once, plug in, and play forever. It’s nostalgia done right, for less than the cost of a new release.

Get the Retropian Color while it’s on sale for just $64.97 (MSRP: $129) through September 7 with free shipping.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Retropian Retropian Color Retro Handheld Gaming Console $64.97
$129 Save $64.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Change up your ear cleaning routine with the Smart Camera Ear Cleaning Tool, now just $19.97 (reg. $39.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSocial Smart Camera Ear Cleaning Tool $19.97
$39.99 Save $20.02 Get Deal

It’s 2025, and it’s time to stop scooping ear wax with a cotton swab.

Elevate your ear cleaning routine with the Smart Camera Ear Cleaning Tool, a handy gadget that lets you wirelessly stream the whole process. Right now, this tool can be yours for just $19.97 (reg. $39.99).

This ear cleaner shows you what you’re doing in real time

Make sure you have the cleanest ears in town with some help from the Smart Camera Ear Cleaning Tool, an earwax cleaner that offers a 360-degree wide-angle view inside your ear that you can wirelessly stream to your smartphone in 1080p HD resolution. It’s not only cooler than cotton swabs, it’s also safer, as cotton swabs can actually increase the risk of an ear infection.

See your ear canal up close and personal from any angle thanks to this smart cleaning device. Once you see where wax is hiding, the silicone ear spoons offer a more comfortable and pain-free way to remove it with no scratching involved.

The Smart Camera Ear Cleaning Tool is great for kids and adults alike. It also lets you get a closer view of teeth, your nasal cavity, throat, scalp roots, and other hard-to-see body parts.

A 350mAh battery keeps this cleaner working for 1.5 hours continuously, which equates to about 45 days of use without having to charge it back up. Clean it easily with water or alcohol, with no worries thanks to its IP7 waterproof-grade lens. And it comes with a storage box that lets you store both the cleaning tool and the six included spoons conveniently.

Banish ear wax easily with the Smart Camera Ear Cleaning Tool, now only $19.97 (reg. $39.99).

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TL;DR: Make unforgettable memories this summer and beyond with the Mini Night Vision Binoculars, now just $89.99 (reg. $159.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSocial Mini Night Vision Binoculars with 2.4-inch Screen, 4x Zoom & 32GB Card $89.99
$159.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Want to squeeze a little more fun out of the summer? Maybe it’s time to make memories after dark, with a little help from the mini digital night vision binoculars. This handy gadget lets you see the world at night, with visibility up to 1,000 feet in total darkness, and they’re on sale just in time for late summer adventures for only $89.99 (reg. $159.99).

Don’t miss a moment after dark with these binoculars

Whether you’re heading out for a moonlit hike, camping under the stars, or just want to see what the nocturnal animals are up to, make sure you’ve packed these mini digital night vision binoculars. They give you superhuman vision at night, with the ability to see 1,000 feet away in pitch black.

Though they seem magical, these special binoculars are equipped with an 850nm infrared illuminator that allows you to check things out in the dark. And the 10x optical magnification ensures you’re seeing it all in sharp detail.

If you discover something you have to see to believe, don’t worry. The binoculars also have a built-in HD camera that takes 1080p full HD photos and videos for proof. See what you’re capturing on the 2.4-inch HD screen, adjust the brightness, or choose from one of the color effects, black and white, luminous green, infrared, or color.

A 2,260mAh capacity built-in lithium battery keeps you powered for hours. The binoculars also come with a 32GB memory card to store your unforgettable moments. And they’re ready to tag along anywhere, thanks to their pocket-sized stature.

Don’t leave home without the Mini Night Vision Binoculars, now only $89.99 (reg. $159.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.