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TL;DR: Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $12.97 (reg. $199) through Oct. 5 — complete with AI Copilot, updated security, productivity boosts, and sleek UI.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $12.97
$199 Save $186.03 Get Deal

If you’ve been putting off upgrading your PC, this is the time to pull the trigger. For a limited time — through Oct. 5 — you can score Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $12.97 (reg. $199) and bring your computer into the future without draining your wallet.

Windows 11 Pro isn’t just a fresh coat of paint. It’s an entirely reimagined operating system that makes working, creating, and even gaming smoother. Its sleek interface feels intuitive from the moment you log in, with snap layouts and multiple desktops designed to help you stay organized. Developers, artists, entrepreneurs — anyone juggling more than one task at a time — will find the UI a breath of fresh air.

SEE ALSO: Refresh your PC with Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro for under $60

Then there’s the AI integration. Windows 11 Pro introduces Copilot, a personal assistant built right into the OS. Need to change a setting? Summarize a web page? Kickstart some writing? Even generate code? Copilot is there to help you get it done faster. Think of it as having an extra pair of digital hands to streamline your workflow.

Security also gets a major boost. With features like biometric logins, TPM 2.0, BitLocker encryption, and Smart App Control, your data stays safer against threats. And if you’re a gamer, DirectX 12 Ultimate ensures graphics that make the most of your hardware.

Unlike subscription models, this is a lifetime license. Pay once, and Windows 11 Pro is yours for the long haul. That’s peace of mind you won’t get from most modern software.

So, if your PC is still stuck in the past, now’s the time to give it the upgrade it deserves. Windows 11 Pro delivers AI, security, and productivity for just $12.97 (reg. $199) when you order through Oct. 5.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Babbel gives you lifetime access to 14 languages, 10,000+ hours of lessons, and practical, real-world fluency tools — and it’s just $159 with code LEARN, thanks to this exclusive StackSocial offer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $159
$299 Save $140 Get Deal

Your language education deserves more than what free apps can offer — and Babbel proves it. With lifetime access to all 14 languages and 10,000+ hours of lessons, Babbel is designed to fit neatly into your daily routine while delivering the kind of results you’ll actually use in the real world.

When we say “app,” don’t think phone-only. Babbel works across desktop, mobile, and even offline when you download lessons in advance. That means you can sneak in a quick 15-minute session on the train, at your desk, or while waiting for your coffee. And your progress syncs across devices, so you never lose track of where you left off.

SEE ALSO: Want to publish a nonfiction book? This $49 AI-powered generator can help.

Unlike other platforms, Babbel focuses on practical, real-life topics. Within weeks, you’ll be navigating conversations about directions, shopping, dining, and travel without hesitation. Developed by over 100 expert linguists and informed by research from researchers at Yale University, Babbel’s approach emphasizes building conversational skills first — not just memorizing vocab lists.

Speech recognition tech helps you fine-tune your pronunciation so you sound more like a local and less like a tourist, while AI-driven practice sessions adapt to your level. Plus, review sessions personalize the learning experience, making sure everything you’ve learned actually sticks.

Babbel also gives you freedom: learn one language deeply, or bounce between all 14 — including Spanish, French, Italian, German, and even Norwegian or Turkish. With lifetime access, there’s no pressure. Pick up a new language for your next trip abroad, sharpen your professional skills, or just scratch that “I’ve always wanted to learn Russian” itch.

Trusted by millions worldwide, Babbel isn’t just a learning app — it’s a lifelong investment in yourself. Ready to stop dreaming about fluency and start speaking it? With Babbel, that future starts today.

Thanks to this exclusive offer from StackSocial, you can get lifetime Babbel access for just $159 (reg. $299) with code LEARN through Oct. 2.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

I'll skip the guilt trip over how long it's been since you last cleaned your Dyson stick vacuum — not just emptying the dust bin, but actually cleaned it.

Admittedly, unless you're a loud and proud over-cleaner, it's an annoying, dirty job that often gets the old "that's a problem for future me" treatment. But you'd probably be more motivated if you remembered that keeping up with maintenance is the best way to make an appliance last longer. A cordless Dyson vacuum may not make an appearance in the r/buyitforlife subreddit, but Dyson itself says that a cordless stick vacuum can last up to five years, depending on how well you take care of it.

I'm currently on year three with my Dyson V12 Detect Slim with zero functional problems (just some chipped paint).

Now for the good news: Dyson vacuums are quite easy to clean.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Dyson: Which cordless vacuum should you get?

There are only a few pieces to keep track of that impact suction efficiency and motor longevity, and everything clicks apart without any tools or mental Tetris. The dust bin needs to be dumped more often than a self-emptying robot vacuum would, of course, but the other tasks can stick to a chill monthly basis.

Here's my step-by-step guide on how to clean your Dyson stick vacuum. Step 1: Put on some gloves and suck it up. It's gonna be gross, but it's gonna be worth it.

How to clean a Dyson filter

Loss of suction is a common gripe among Dyson vacuum owners. If your Dyson is spitting debris back out or leaving fur behind, the filter may be clogged.

Dyson stick vacuums are outfitted with HEPA filters that catch airborne particles like dust, pet dander, bacteria, and mold, diverting odor and allergens from seeping into your awareness as you clean. But Dyson filters aren't immortal, and all of the grossness that they've captured doesn't just evaporate. Dust and hair build up over time (especially if you have pets) and eventually, the filter begins to suffocate. A full filter directly inhibits a vacuum's airflow and undermines suction power.

Can you tell I have cats? Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Keep rinsing the filter for a solid minute or two. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

To clean a Dyson stick vacuum filter, locate the colorful end of the handheld part (it's probably purple or turquoise) and twist it off. I'm appalled by how dirty my Dyson's filter is every time I unscrew it, and I even wash it as regularly as you're supposed to. First, get as many of the bigger chunks off as you can — I physically pull clumps of cat hair off and tap it on the side of the trash can to shake out any loose dust. Then, rinse the filter under cool running water and lightly scrub the mesh with your fingers/

After washing, Dyson filters should be left out to dry for at least 24 hours, but ideally two days. A wet filter could impact the battery (as people on Reddit have found out the hard way), and we don't want moisture to get any ideas and start growing mold. I would spiral over not vacuuming for that long if I didn't have a robot vacuum to swoop in, but having a backup filter on hand is another solution.

SEE ALSO: The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro air purifier has a long-lasting filter and is whisper quiet How to clean Dyson cleaning heads

The cleaning head on your Dyson makes direct contact with the dirty floor, so naturally, the cleaning heads get pretty dirty themselves. Both of Dyson's main cleaning heads, the Motorbar and Fluffy Optic laser head, are designed to be taken apart to clean. The brush rolls inside both can be removed via the unlocking mechanism on one end of the head. Flip them over, and let's get to work.

Hair spooled at either end of the brush roll is inevitable, even if the brush roll does a good job of preventing tangling across the middle. (I find that it's mostly my own long hair, not cat hair.) The hair gets wound pretty tightly and can be too thick of a bundle to rip out by hand. The best way to clean wrapped hair out of a Dyson brush roll is to keep an old pair of small, sharp eyebrow scissors on hand and literally cut it out.

Use a key or coin to unlock the end of the Motorbar head. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Motorbar does a good job of preventing tangling, but hair still wraps around the screw at the end. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Disassembling the cleaning head is also how you'll remove any stuck items that accidentally get sucked up. Cordless Dyson vacuums with a screen might specify the issue with an "Airways blocked" error, but otherwise, you can often hear that something's a little off with the airflow. My cats tear up brown packing paper from the mail like it's their job, which I'm constantly pulling out from my Dyson's cleaning head.

SEE ALSO: As an anxious cat mom, I love my robot vacuum with a livestream camera

For Dyson V12 Detect Slim, V15 Detect, Gen5Outsize, or Gen5Detect owners, the soft microfiber-ish brush inside the laser head has similar washing requirements to the filter. When the clear plastic casing on the cleaning head starts to not be transparent and the once-golden yellow stripes on the brushroll now have a gray tint, it's time for a bath. Unlock the fluffy brush roll from the side of the cleaning head and slide it off the end. While that's out, wipe down the inside of the plastic casing.

The fluffy brush roll slides right out. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The water coming off of this was brown at first. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Scrub the brush roll with soap and water until its normal bright Dyson colors are restored. That'll need to be left out to dry for at least 24 hours, too.

Don't forget to deep clean the dust bin

Every once in a while, your Dyson stick vacuum's dust bin needs to be cleaned past simply emptying it when it's full. After dumping all of the debris out, grab a wet rag or paper towel and wipe out the inside of the dust bin.

There's so much residue that stays behind after emptying the bin. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Why does my Dyson stink?

Again, a dirty filter or brush roll is probably the culprit of a smelly Dyson vacuum. If your Dyson smells like dog, for example, remember that all of your dog's shedding and dander are literally living in your Dyson's dust bin and filter for weeks. When the filter is too full to capture any more odors, the smell can't help but puff back out every time you run your vacuum.

Be careful to not push your Dyson stick vacuum over any liquid. The bristles of the Motorhead or soft terrycloth-like material of the laser head will still wipe that up, ultimately festering into a mildewy smell reminiscent of soggy towels. Past soap and water, hypochlorous acid spray is a pet-safe disinfectant that's great at neutralizing pet and moisture-related odors.

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

Sullen.

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

SULKY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To ascend.

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

CLIMB

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To clean.

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

PREEN

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Craze.

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

MANIA

Final Hurdle hint

To open a package.

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

UNBOX

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

It's the New Moon tonight, and a partial solar eclipse in parts of the world. Skygazers in New Zealand, Antarctica, and the South Pacific will see part of the Sun covered, lit up in a crescent shape. 

Solar eclipses only occur at the New Moon phase of the lunar cycle (a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility), because that’s the only time the Moon is positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun, allowing it to cast a shadow on Earth.

So, what else is happening with tonight's New Moon?

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Sunday, Sept. 21, the moon phase is New Moon, meaning it is not visible at all to us on Earth. NASA's Daily Moon Observation confirms this, saying there is officially 0% visibility tonight. With this in mind, you won't be shocked to hear that there won't be anything for you to see on its surface tonight. But from tomorrow, the moon will start to reappear again.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Oct. 6. The last full moon was on Sept. 7.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 20, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 19, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 21 Pips

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

Number (2): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 0-1, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 3-6, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 20 Pips

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

Less than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically.

Less than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically.

Less than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

Less than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically.

Number (42): Everything in this space must add to 42. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 6-3, placed vertically; 6-4, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Less than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 20 Pips

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

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

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

Less than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically; 1-2, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (18): Everything in this space must add to 18. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add to 10. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition requires knowledge on nicknames and snacks.

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

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

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

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

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

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 September 20, 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: Eaten at a ballpark

• Green: Football nicknames

• Blue: Electrolytes

• Purple: Found on a zebra

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: Concession Snacks

• Green: NFL Teams, Informally

• Blue: Gatorade Flavors

• Purple: A Soccer Referee's Accessories

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 #363 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Concession Snacks - CRACKER JACK, PEANUTS, POPCORN, PRETZEL

• NFL Teams, Informally - BIRDS, G-MEN, NINERS, PATS

• Gatorade Flavors - COOL BLUE, FRUIT PUNCH, GLACIER FREEZE, LEMON LIME

• A Soccer Referee's Accessories - CARDS, VANISHING SPRAY, WATCH, WHISTLE

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.

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 Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 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: Done to an iPhone

• Green: To loosen up

• Blue: Where a diner would sit

• Purple: Edible plants

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: Touchscreen gestures

• Green: Relax

• Blue: Restaurant seating options

• Purple: Vegetables with first letter removed

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 #833 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Touchscreen gestures: PINCH, SCROLL, SWIPE, TAP

• Relax: CHILL, LOAF, LOUNGE, VEG

• Restaurant seating options: BAR, BOOTH, COUNTER, TABLE

• Vegetables with first letter removed: ALE, EEK, HIVE, QUASH

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 September 2, 2025

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.

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 September 2, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Stand by me

The words are community-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe togetherness.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Solidarity.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 21

• Fortify

• Support

• Solidarity

• Bolster

• Comfort

• Strengthen

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.

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 hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A clique.

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 C.

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...

COVEN

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 September 2, 2025

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.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is just $49.97 (reg. $219.99) for a limited time.

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

If you’re tired of paying recurring subscription fees just to use Word or Excel, this offer is for you. You can currently grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $49.97 (reg. $219.99).

That means you’ll have all the essential tools installed directly on your computer — no cloud dependency, no renewals, just reliable productivity when you need it.

Why it makes sense

• Lifetime Access — Pay once, own Office 2021 forever.

• All the Apps You Need — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (free version), OneNote, Publisher, and Access.

• Work Offline Anytime — Your apps run directly on your PC, internet or not.

• One-Time Payment — No recurring subscription fees.

• Professional Features — Ideal for business, school, or everyday personal use.

• Quick Setup — Instant download and license delivery.

Whether you’re building reports in Excel, designing presentations in PowerPoint, or just trying to keep your inbox in order with Outlook, this one-time purchase gives you everything you need to get work done efficiently.

For this low price, it’s a simple, long-term solution for productivity. Get a lifetime license to MS Office Pro 2021 for just $49.97 (reg. $219.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Windows Vista is famous for one thing: it wasn't that good of an operating system. Despite being newer and featuring numerous design refinements, it remained in XP's shadow, and when Windows 7 came out, it was all but forgotten.

If you’re a gamer or work from home, your mousepad is probably the dirtiest part of your setup—and you might not even realize it. I know I didn’t, and when I cleaned mine, I was shocked by how much grime came out of a pad I'd only been using for six months.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for $109.97 (reg. $299.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $109.97
$299.99 Save $190.02 Get Deal

If learning piano has been on your bucket list but weekly lessons feel intimidating, expensive, or impossible to fit into your schedule, there’s finally a smarter option. With a Skoove Premium, you can work on your piano skills anytime, anywhere — and it’s currently just $109.97 (reg. $299.99) for lifetime access.

What makes Skoove different from traditional lessons or even other online platforms is its clever use of technology. The app listens to your playing through AI-powered note recognition, giving you instant feedback as you go. It’s almost like having a teacher sitting beside you, pointing out where you’re improving and where you might need to adjust your technique.

Why Skoove is for every learner:

• Smart AI tech — Real-time feedback helps you correct mistakes instantly.

• 400+ lessons — From basics to advanced techniques, updated monthly.

• Learn What You Love — Play everything from John Legend to Beethoven.

• Personalized Support — Access one-on-one help from instructors when needed.

• Play Anywhere — Compatible with acoustic and digital keyboards on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC.

Trusted by over a million learners, Skoove makes piano practice approachable, flexible, and fun. Whether you’re playing your first chord or perfecting your repertoire, this lifetime plan ensures you’ll always have music at your fingertips.

Get lifetime access to Skoove Premium while it’s just $109.97 (reg. $299.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

If you've spent any time on audiophile forums (I'm so sorry) you've probably run into the idea of headphone "burn-in" or "breaking in" a new set of headphones like a new pair of shoes or something. Many audio enthusiasts swear by this and will leave their headphones playing music for hundreds of hours in the belief that it will make them sound better.

Vinyl's having a big comeback, though of course it's always had its hardcore fans. It's now been joined by a renewed interest in CDs and even cassette tapes, often by people who were born after these formats were common, but Vinyl still holds its own unique niche.

By no means should "downgrading" your car be seen as a bad thing. Especially in this day and age, consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of many critical factors when purchasing a car, whether leasing or buying outright.

If you work primarily off a laptop, you’re likely already aware of the productivity and comfort benefits that a few small gadgets can provide. The best part is that many of them can make a meaningful difference without draining your wallet.

The widgets panel on Windows 11 gives you quick access to information like news, weather, stocks, and more. However, I really don't like it, as it takes up a good amount of taskbar space and often interferes with my workflow by popping up unexpectedly. If you also don't find the widgets panel helpful, here's how you can disable it completely.

Samsung’s long-rumored Project Moohan looks like it’s finally about to drop. The company’s answer to Apple’s Vision Pro VR headset is reportedly set for an October reveal — complete with a hefty price tag.

According to Upload VR, preorders will open on Sept. 29, with a staggered global launch: Oct. 13 in Korea, followed by Oct. 21 worldwide. Moohan was first announced more than two years ago, with its design revealed late last year — but detailed specs are still scarce. What we do know, thanks to leaks, is that the headset will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, a beefed-up version of the chip powering the Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

The price is looking quite painful, however. Leaks point to a range between $1,799 and $2,999, which is far higher than the Quest 3 ($499) but still under Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro and Sony’s enterprise-focused $4K+ headsets.

At least you’re getting serious display tech for the money: a 1.3-inch Micro-OLED panel boasting 3552×3840 resolution, high brightness, and a wide color gamut. That works out to 13.64 million pixels per eye — nearly two million more than the Vision Pro and leagues ahead of the Quest 3’s 4.56 million.