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If you use an Android phone, you’re probably using Gemini as your default AI assistant. Google made it the natural successor to Google Assistant, and while it’s not completely superior to the original, it does integrate deeply with Android, letting you control much of your phone with natural-language commands. However, because it’s Android and not Apple, you aren’t necessarily locked into using just Gemini. Android allows you to change your default assistant and use something else entirely.

Do you prefer working from a sheet of instructions and a box full of parts, rather than assembling everything yourself from scratch? Just because a project is straightforward doesn’t mean it can’t be complex or challenging in all the right ways.

TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is free right now with T-Mobile. To qualify for this offer, switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free   Shop Now

After months and months of speculation, rumors, and leaks, Apple finally announced new iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and more. It's all very exciting, but it's the iPhones that really get the people going.

Like everyone else, we dug deep into all the specs and features to give you an insight into exactly what these new iPhones offer. Now that the dust has settled, the focus switches to deals.

The good news is that deals are aplenty. We've searched high and low for the best launch offers, but it's tough to ignore T-Mobile right now.

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is available for free right now with T-Mobile. To qualify for this promotion, you can switch to an Experience Beyond plan and bring your existing phone number. Alternatively, you can trade in a qualifying phone (in any condition) on an Experience Beyond plan. The choice is yours.

The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan. As long as you intend to stay locked into T-Mobile for three years, it's easily one of the best ways to score Apple's premier hardware without a major hit to your budget.

T-Mobile does require you to pay local sales tax on the phone's full retail value upfront, plus a standard $35 device connection fee per line at checkout. That's a minor inconvenience to score the latest iPhone without a huge upfront cost.

Score the iPhone 18 Pro for free this weekend from T-Mobile.

After more than 40 months of test flights, SpaceX will attempt to put its mammoth Starship into orbit around Earth for the first time and bring it back for a safe landing — 10 hours later. 

The company, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, plans to launch the rocket from its private pad in Starbase, Texas, as early as 8:15 a.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 28. 

Prior flights that have reached space have only flown straight up and down, meaning gravity has naturally pulled Starship back toward the ground like a tossed ball. But to stay in space, it must instead fly sideways at 17,500 mph. At that staggering speed, the spacecraft is still "falling" toward the ground, but Earth's surface is curving away at the exact same rate. That's what allows the spacecraft to continuously stay in space without ever crashing back to the planet. 

"Flight tests until this point have intentionally flown passively safe suborbital trajectories to maximize public safety while allowing for maximum learning," according to SpaceX. "By going to orbit, the next phase of developing Starship to be fully and rapidly reusable can begin."

The upcoming test, marking Starship's 14th flight, is the latest step in the company's long campaign to turn the most powerful rocket ever built into a reusable vehicle — one that can haul heavy cargo, survive a scorching plunge back to Earth, and support NASA's Artemis moon missions. Beyond that, Musk's personal priority is to use the rocket and ship to send people to Mars. 

SEE ALSO: Artemis III delays could threaten landing on the moon in 2028

SpaceX says it will stream the South Texas launch on its website and X, the social media platform also owned by Musk. The broadcast is expected to start around 7:45 a.m. ET, or about 30 minutes before liftoff. The actual time those 33 Raptor engines will fire depends on weather conditions, fueling operations, and other factors. The team has until 9:30 a.m. ET to get it off the ground. 

That's incredibly early in the day for a Starship test — for good reason. Flight controllers are gearing up for a long day at the console. The plan is to send Starship around the planet six times before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean to the west of Chile. Though most flights have concluded in a little over one hour, this 10-hour flight undoubtedly will be a stress test.

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Starship is the name of SpaceX's super-heavy-lift booster and spacecraft combined. The 400-foot stack towers over NASA's mega moon rocket, the Space Launch System. SpaceX estimates its stainless steel rocket also has about twice as much thrust, propelled with 10 million pounds of liquid methane and oxygen. 

During Monday's test, the spacecraft will fire an engine again to increase its speed and enter orbit, if it looks healthy. Flight controllers have the option to skip that burn and allow it to arc back to Earth, splashing down in the Indian Ocean, should anything not look good. 

While Starship is in orbit, the team will monitor thousands of pieces of data on the engines, computers, navigation, fuel tanks, communications, and other systems. The spacecraft should circle the world at an altitude of 170 miles — well below the International Space Station, which orbits about 250 miles above Earth.  

Starship will attempt six orbits around Earth on its 14th test flight. Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX will attempt another first during the test. Though Starship carried 20 real satellites (as opposed to dummies) on its last flight in July, those were not meant to become operational. They fell back and burned up in the atmosphere. 

This time, Starship will try to deploy 26 Starlink V3 internet satellites and actually put them to work. If all goes well, they should go into service within a few weeks. Three of the dishes will be festooned with cameras to provide images from the test and observe the ship's heatshield. 

Then, to end the mission as planned, Starship will have to fire one more time to leave orbit and head back through Earth's atmosphere. But, however long the test runs, SpaceX intends to cover it. So, buckle up.

TL;DR: The AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite is on sale for $39.97 (reg. $439.39) through Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with a no-logs policy, advanced security protocols, Threat Protection, and DNS leak protection.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard VPN AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite $39.97
$439.39 Save $399.42   Get Deal

Running a business means safeguarding more than just your own information. AdGuard VPN focuses on private, encrypted connections, offering features designed to help keep your online activity secure. During the September Flash Sale, the AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite is available for $39.97 (reg. $439.39) through Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

AdGuard VPN uses advanced security protocols and employs a strict no-logs policy, which means the company states it does not keep records of users’ online activity. The service also includes DNS leak protection and Threat Protection, delivering security enhancements that go beyond simply routing your connection through a VPN.

A global server network is another critical factor for professionals who routinely work across locations. A VPN can route your connection through a different server — helpful when traveling or accessing services with regional restrictions. AdGuard also prioritizes connection speed and optimized protocols, ensuring security doesn’t come at the cost of performance.

For those working remotely, the VPN suite’s features can be useful when handling business tasks outside the office. Connecting from a coffee shop, hotel, coworking space, or another unfamiliar network can create a different security environment than working from home or an office. A VPN can help encrypt the connection between your device and the VPN server, while the suite’s additional protections provide another layer for everyday browsing.

Of course, a VPN is not a substitute for strong passwords, multifactor authentication, regular software updates, or other essential security practices. Yet for professionals seeking an additional privacy tool, AdGuard combines several useful features in a single service.

The AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite is $39.97 (reg. $439.39) during our September Flash Sale through Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon code is required.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The iScanner lifetime subscription is on sale for $24.97 (reg. $199.90) through Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT for new users on iPhone, iPad, and Android.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription (iPhone, iPad & Android) $24.97
$199.90 Save $174.93   Get Deal

Did you know that you don’t need a dedicated scanner to digitize paperwork anymore? A phone can handle plenty of everyday document tasks, which is convenient when you’re working remotely, traveling, or trying to keep your desk from having piles of paper everywhere. The iScanner app is designed to turn an iPhone, iPad, or Android device into a portable document scanner and management tool. New users can get it while it’s currently on sale for $24.97 (reg. $199.90) through September 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

iScanner uses automatic border detection to identify and adjust documents as you scan them, while tools for straightening pages and correcting curves and skew can help clean up imperfect shots. It can also recognize text in more than 20 languages.

Once a document is scanned, you can do more than save it. The app includes a PDF editor and file manager for adding text, signatures, annotations, watermarks, page numbers, and footers. You can merge multiple documents or split a file into individual pages, while folders and drag-and-drop organization can help keep everything in order.

Professionals such as accountants, realtors, managers, lawyers, students, and teachers can use the app to digitize contracts, tax forms, receipts, assignments, handwritten notes, IDs, and other documents while away from a traditional scanner. You can export scans in formats including PDF, JPG, DOC, XLS, PPT, and TXT.

There are some less conventional tools, too. iScanner includes modes for reading QR codes, solving math problems, measuring objects and counting similar items. For confidential documents, you can lock folders and files with a PIN, and the app is ad-free.

Get the lifetime subscription to iScanner while it’s price dropped to $24.97 (reg. $199.90) until September 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints for free on TVNZ. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's Week 3 of the new NFL season and both the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints are coming off wins. Both teams are looking to build a streak as they face off today.

The Saints have the home advantage following two weeks on the road, which included a 24-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Raiders have shown more consistent form overall, going 2-0 in back-to-back wins over the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers. All of which makes this a must-watch game.

If you want to watch Raiders vs. Saints in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Raiders vs. Saints?

Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints starts at 4.25 p.m. ET on Sept. 27. This fixture takes place at Caesars Superdome.

How to watch Raiders vs. Saints for free

Raiders vs. Saints in the NFL is available to live stream for free on TVNZ.

TVNZ is geo-restricted to New Zealand only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can live stream Raiders vs. Saints for free from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ

5. Watch Raiders vs. Saints for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Raiders vs. Saints without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more NFL action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including New Zealand

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

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

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys for free on Channel 5. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

As the new NFL season charges into Week 3, the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys take a trip to Rio de Janeiro. It will be a history-making moment — the first-ever NFL game in Rio de Janeiro — played at the home stadium of the Flamengo soccer team.

Both the Ravens and Cowboys are 1-1 so far this season, but the Cowboys have the momentum following a Week 2 win against the Washington Commanders. The Ravens took a disappointing loss to the New Orleans Saints. Can the Cowboys keep up the momentum, or will the Ravens bounce back?

If you want to watch Ravens vs. Cowboys in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Ravens vs. Cowboys?

Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys starts at 4.25 p.m. ET on Sept. 27. This fixture takes place at the Maracanã Stadium.

How to watch Ravens vs. Cowboys for free

Ravens vs. Cowboys in the NFL is available to live stream for free on Channel 5.

Channel 5 is geo-restricted to the UK only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can live stream Ravens vs. Cowboys for free from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit Channel 5

5. Watch Ravens vs. Cowboys for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Ravens vs. Cowboys without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more NFL action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including the UK

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

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

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

As a comedy, Wild Horse Nine works fine. British-Irish playwright-turned-filmmaker Martin McDonagh imbues it with the blisteringly macabre sense of humor that he's forged in work like his 2003 play The Pillowman and his feature film debut In Bruges, as well as later movies like Seven Psychopaths; Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; and The Banshees of Inisherin. As a Martin McDonagh comedy, it feels a bit redundant. But perhaps that's precisely the point?

From its premise, Wild Horse Nine echoes the plot of McDonagh's first feature film, In Bruges. Both films center on a pair of contract killers who have an uneasy friendship, and who travel to a lovely vacation spot with a potentially deadly outcome looming over them. This time, McDonagh has cast John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell in the roles of CIA agents who are chaotically compelling and lethally reckless.

Within these roles, Malkovich and Rockwell are invited to repeat themselves, creating echoes that actually bolsters the film's message about the mind-bending nature of looking back.

Wild Horse Nine is an oddball's elegy. Credit: TIFF

Set shortly before 1973 Chilean coup d'etat, Wild Horse Nine begins in Santiago, where veteran operative Chris (Malkovich) and his protege Lee (Rockwell) have put things in motion to destabilize the newly democratically elected leader. Now it's time to kill some time with a getaway to Easter Island, because Chris wants to see "the big heads."

Loud and obnoxious, Chris is unapologetically an Ugly American. When tourists urge him to call Easter Island's giant stone statues "moai," the name the Indigenous people gave them, he scoffs. When two female college students express excitement over their women's rights march, he breezily reveals that all their efforts will be for naught because of a U.S. operation that will topple their beloved president. ("Your country is gonna get fucked.")

Chris' brazen insensitivity mirrors the racist cop Rockwell played in Three Billboards, with one exception. While both are caricatures making a mockery of Americans' lesser attributes, Chris is no fool. He is deeply cynical because he knows too much — so much, in fact, that his chief (Steve Buscemi) is ready to shut him up by any means necessary.

This trip will likely be his last, and both Chris and Lee know it. So within their half-hearted attempts at tourism, Chris reflects on his life and regrets, while seeking some fresh adventure. He becomes beguiled by the wild horses that roam freely across this lush, green landscape. And he attempts to flirt with one of the coeds he outraged in Act One. Within his meanderings and mumblings about many, many murders, there's not sadness, but a shrugging resignation that Malkovich sculpts into a darkly funny portrayal.

Wild Horse Nine is deepened by its repetition. Credit: TIFF

Rockwell and Malkovich have been in so many movies, there are bound to be bits of repetition eventually, right? But some of the echoes in Wild Horse Nine are very specific. Like, yes, this is the third film Rockwell has made with McDonagh, following Seven Psychopaths and Three Billboards. (He also starred in McDonagh's Broadway play A Behanding in Spokane in 2010). But more specifically, Rockwell has previously played a CIA operative with a lot of swagger and a penchant for gallows humor and insubordination in the George Clooney-directed Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.

Beyond that, Malkovich has not just played a CIA employee before, but in both Wild Horse Nine and the Coen Bros' Burn After Reading, he plays one who is looking to turn his top-secret exploits into a memoir. Then, most joltingly perhaps, as Wild Horse Nine goes on, cinephiles watching Lee try to protect Chris from a world growing increasingly hostile towards him might be reminded of Of Mice and Men. Notably, Malkovich played Lennie in the 1992 film adaptation, directed by and co-starring Gary Sinise. And yes, that feels relevant too.

These are the connections I noticed watching Wild Horse Nine just once. I wonder what other ties might be noticed on a rewatch? Will Buscemi's furious CIA chief spark a memory of a far-off film where he was in a position of power but not to be trusted? Will Parker Posey, who plays Lee's glibly unfaithful wife, invoke an allusion to one of her fiery past roles? Perhaps Tom Waits, snarling from the depths of Monument Valley, will unlock a recollection about a long-forgotten Western that serves to bolster the meaning of the American singer/songwriter's brief but meaningful scene.

Or maybe I'm reaching. Maybe the rhythms of Wild Horse Nine felt so familiar, both in McDonagh's work and in American dark comedy, that I was looking for other ways to excite myself.

I hope not. After all, Wild Horse Nine has a lot going for it. The cinematography from Ben Davis is gorgeous, putting these gruff conquerers in an untamed surrounding that seems to mock their mundane ambitions for control.

Rockwell is greasy and suave in McDonagh's signature caustic and comical dialogue. Buscemi, Parker, and Waits all pop with crackling outrage. Mariana di Girolamo and Ailín Salas bring a fresh-faced exuberance that proves a terrific foil to Malkovich's world-weariness. And as for Malkovich, he's wickedly compelling as this infuriatingly blasé killer. The bounce he brings the comedy is expertly executed. Chris' resignation is not expressed through a dull sullenness, but an intoxicating levity. It's as if he can feel the fall coming and is all too happy to lift his wings.

And in that, Chris looks back on his life, and Wild Horse Nine urges us to look back on the filmographies of its makers (intentionally or not). In that, we, like this film's anti-hero, are urged to understand how history can keep repeating, for better or mostly worse. But hey, there might still be something worthwhile in the present moment anyway.

Wild Horse Nine was reviewed out of the Toronto International Film Festival. The movie will open in theaters on Nov. 6.

The best streaming deals to watch NHL games at a glance: Best for ESPN, ABC games ESPN Unlimited annual plan $299.99 (save $59.89) Get Deal BEST FOR TNT GAMES HBO Max Standard annual plan $184.99 (save $36.89) Get Deal BEST OVERALL Sling TV Orange Season Pass $199.99 for 5 months (save $29.96) Get Deal Best for out-of-market games ESPN Select (formerly ESPN+) annual plan $139.99 (save $27.89) Get Deal

Another hockey season is upon us, which means it's time once again to figure out how to watch your favorite NHL team. We recently estimated that it would cost at least $73 per month to watch in-market NFL games this season. Fortunately, the NHL streaming situation isn't quite as bad, but it's still not great.

If I'm being honest, watching live sports gets a little more complicated (and more annoying) each year for those without cable (and even for those with cable). But it's my job to figure out the streaming details for you and make life a little easier. Hockey season is stressful enough without having to figure out how to watch the next game.

The good news is not much has changed streaming-wise since last season. You'll still need at least a couple different streaming subscriptions if you don't have cable access.

Behold, the ultimate guide to watching every hockey game in the 2026-2027 NHL season.

When is the 2026-2027 hockey season?

For the first time, hockey season is starting in September. The 2026-2027 NHL season opens on Sept. 29 with five different matchups, including one between the Florida Panthers and last season's Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes.

The regular season runs through April 10, 2027, with each team playing 84 games this year instead of 82. You can check out the full schedule on the official NHL website.

What channels are NHL games on?

If you have cable or access to a cable login, live games will air on the ESPN/ESPN2/ABC family of networks, TNT/truTV/TBS family of networks, NHL Network, and regional sports networks throughout the season. If you don't have cable, you'll need a streaming service or two to catch live games (more on that below).

Check out the official schedule on NHL.com to find out which channel to tune into for specific games.

How can I watch NHL games without cable?

Here's where things get complicated. If you don't have cable access or a cable login, you'll need at least one streaming service to catch NHL games live. Let's start with the easy part: national broadcasts. Nationally broadcast games will either be on ESPN's family of networks, TNT's family of networks, or ESPN+ (now ESPN Select). TNT will be the home of 72 regular-season games, as well as the 2027 Stanley Cup Final. ESPN will broadcast 100 exclusive games, with 53 on ESPN and ABC and 47 on ESPN+. ESPN will also broadcast the first three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Here's a breakdown of their streaming counterparts.

National broadcasts:

• ESPN+ Broadcasts: Stream with ESPN Select, Hulu, or Disney+

• TNT Broadcasts: Stream on HBO Max

• ESPN Broadcasts: Stream with ESPN Unlimited

• ABC Broadcasts: Stream with ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited

Regional broadcasts:

In-market games

As NHL fans know, national broadcasts only make up a small fraction of the full slate of games. Most games are broadcast locally on regional sports networks (RSNs). Many of these RSNs (but not all) offer their own streaming subscriptions or go through Prime Video (now that FanDuel Sports Network shut down). If you're unsure which RSN you need to watch your local team, the NHL actually does a great job of laying it all out on their website — you can also check out the FAQs below.

The most direct way to access these RSNs is through their individual subscription offers. Of course, because streaming sports is notoriously complicated, not every RSN has its own streaming counterpart. For those, you'll need a cable alternative like Fubo or DirecTV Stream, which cost a pretty penny. NHL Network will also broadcast certain regional games throughout the season outside of local markets.

Out-of-market games

If you're a fan of an out-of-market team, it's actually a bit easier (and cheaper) to watch your team's games than it is if you're in-market (crazy, right?). ESPN Select (formerly ESPN+) streams practically all regional broadcasts for teams that aren't in your local market. For example, I live in Nashville, but I'm a Washington Capitals fan. I can watch all regional Capitals broadcasts on ESPN Select, but Nashville Predators broadcasts are blacked out. For national broadcasts, you'll still need access to ABC, ESPN, and TNT (see above streaming counterparts).

Which streaming services do I need to watch NHL games?

If you're a fan of your local team, your first order of business should be figuring out which regional sports network you need. If the RSN offers its own streaming subscription, this is your best bet for watching the most games. If it doesn't, you're going to need a cable alternative that offers RSN access — most likely Fubo or DirecTV Stream.

For the nationally broadcast games, you'll need just two main streaming services: HBO Max and ESPN. HBO Max's Standard plan will give you access to all TNT broadcasts, while ESPN Unlimited will unlock access to ABC and ESPN broadcasts, as well as ESPN+ exclusive games.

Unfortunately, there's no streaming counterpart for NHL Network. In order to access those games without cable, you'll need a cable alternative with a sports plan like Sling TV or Fubo.

The best streaming deals to watch NHL games

Just because sports require a ton of subscriptions doesn't mean you have to break the bank. We've found several streaming deals that can keep some extra money in your pocket this hockey season.

Best for ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+ games: Save 16% on the ESPN Unlimited yearly plan Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited annual plan $299.99/year (save $59.89) Get Deal

ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service, launched last summer, offers access to the entire suite of ESPN networks and services to sports fans in one subscription. For the sake of hockey, you'll get to stream games from ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+ (ESPN Select). It typically costs $29.99 per month, but if you commit to a full year, you'll save about 16% or nearly $60. Of course, you can watch a whole lot more than just NHL games, making the yearly plan worth it particularly for fans of multiple sports. You can also bundle ESPN with other services to save money (see below).

ESPN Unlimited bundle deals:

• ESPN Unlimited and NFL+ Premium — $39.99/month $44.98/month (save $4.99/month)

• Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle — $35.99/month $53.97/month (save $17.98/month)

• ESPN Unlimited and Fox One — $39.99/month $49.98/month (save $9.99 per month)

Best for TNT, TBS, and truTV games: Save 17% on the HBO Max Standard yearly plan Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Standard annual plan $184.99/year (save $36.89) Get Deal

An HBO Max Standard subscription includes the B/R Sports add-on, which includes access to the NHL on TNT games (and simulcast TBS and truTV games). It costs $18.49 per month, but if you opt for a yearly plan, that cost drops down to just $15.42 per month. You'll save 17% or $36.89 by paying for the full year up front.

The most games for the lowest price: Sling TV Orange Season Pass Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Orange Season Pass $199.99 for 5 months (save $29.96) Get Deal

Sling TV's Orange plan is your best bet to watch the most NHL national broadcasts in one place for the lowest price. The Orange plan includes access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT, and TBS, plus 30 other channels. While that doesn't include ABC, most ABC NHL games are also available through ESPN3, so you'll be all set.

Sling subscriptions are a la carte, so you can add to and take away from your plan with no worries and cancel or pause your subscription at any time. The Orange plan costs $46 per month, but if you sign up for a Season Pass (five months), you'll pay about $39.99 per month in one lump sum. It's not the biggest savings — about $30 — but it's the most bang for your buck. You can also add the Sports Extra add-on for an additional $4.99 per month to get access to the NHL Network.

Other cable alternative deals:

• YouTube TV Sports plan (limited RSNs) — $44.99/month for your first 6 months $64.99/month (save $20/month on 6 months)

• Fubo Pro plan (most RSNs) — $63.99/month for your first month $88.99/month (save $25 on 1 month)

• DirecTV MySports plan (limited RSNs) — $44.99/month for your first 6 months $64.99/month (save $20/month on 6 months)

Best for out-of-market games: Save 16% on the ESPN Select annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Select (formerly ESPN+) annual plan $139.99/year (save $27.89) Get Deal

As mentioned above, ESPN Select (aka the cheaper subscription option) allows you to watch all out-of-market regional games all season long. It will also exclusively host 47 games this season. A monthly subscription will run you $13.99, but if you sign up for a year up front with the Select annual plan, it'll cost just $11.66 per month ($139.99/year). That's 16% or $27.89 in savings.

ESPN Select bundle deals:

• Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select bundle — $21.99/month $37.97/month (save $15.98/month)

TL;DR: Live stream New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars for free on TVNZ. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The new NFL season continues with another stack of Sunday Football games, including New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars.

Both teams are 1-1 for the season, but the Patriots are coming off the back of a dominant 20-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jaguars took a 20-13 loss to the Denver Broncos on a 4th-quarter touchdown. It will be interesting to see which offense manages to break through.

If you want to watch Patriots vs. Jaguars in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Patriots vs. Jaguars?

New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars starts at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 27. This fixture takes place at EverBank Stadium.

How to watch Patriots vs. Jaguars for free

Patriots vs. Jaguars in the NFL is available to live stream for free on TVNZ.

TVNZ is geo-restricted to New Zealand only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can live stream Patriots vs. Jaguars for free from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ

5. Watch Patriots vs. Jaguars for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Patriots vs. Jaguars without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more NFL action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including New Zealand

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

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

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers for free on TVNZ. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Sundays are once again blessed with a packed line-up of NFL action. Today's schedule includes the Cincinnati Bengals taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Bengals are on a roll following last week's decisive win over the Houston Texans. They were defensively solid and gave wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase the passes he needed to put in a high-scoring performance. The Bengals are now 2-0. It didn't look as good for the Steelers last week. Following a Week 1 win over the struggling Atlanta Falcons, they capitulated to the New England Patriots in Week 2, losing 20-3. The Steelers need to bring their best to turn things around.

If you want to watch Bengals vs. Steelers in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Bengals vs. Steelers?

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers starts at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 27. This fixture takes place at Acrisure Stadium.

How to watch Bengals vs. Steelers for free

Bengals vs. Steelers in the NFL is available to live stream for free on TVNZ.

TVNZ is geo-restricted to New Zealand only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can live stream Bengals vs. Steelers for free from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ

5. Watch Bengals vs. Steelers for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Bengals vs. Steelers without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more NFL action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including New Zealand

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

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

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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.

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

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

Worth.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

VALUE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Throat ball.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 27, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

UVULA

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Crybaby.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 27, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 27, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

WHINY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

"Get up!"

Hurdle Word 4 answer

STAND

Final Hurdle hint

Professional groups.

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

GUILD

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

The Full Moon has now passed, but it won't disappear from view quite yet. The Moon will still look almost completely illuminated tonight as it begins to wane, with only a small difference from yesterday.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, Sept. 27, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase, with 99% of its surface visible.

There's still so much to see tonight, including the Mare Imbrium, Mare Vaporum, and Kepler Crater which can be spotted without visual aids. If you have binoculars, they'll also help you see the Clavius Crater, the Alphonsus Crater, and the Archimedes Crater. Finally, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 14 and 15 landing spots, and the Rima Ariadaeus.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on October 25 or 26, depending on your timezone.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon goes through a repeating cycle as it orbits Earth, taking roughly 29.5 days to complete. During that time, the amount of its sunlit side visible from Earth changes, giving us the different lunar phases. It starts with a slim crescent, grows to a half Moon and eventually reaches the Full Moon, before beginning the cycle again. NASA explains that which phase we see depends on where the Moon is in relation to Earth and the Sun.

The eight phases are:

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. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last 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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for people who know Raiders history.

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

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

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

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

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

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 anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

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

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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Playoffs

• Green: Ballpark locations

• Blue: Broncos country

• Purple: Duck country

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: MLB Playoff Rounds, with "Series"

• Green: Actual MLB Home Cities

• Blue: Denver Broncos

• Purple: Associated with Oregon Football

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 #731 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• MLB Playoff Rounds, with "Series": CHAMPIONSHIP, DIVISION, WILD CARD, WORLD

• Actual MLB Home Cities: ANAHEIM, ARLINGTON, SACRAMENTO, ST. PETERSBURH

• Denver Broncos: BONITTO, HARVEY, NIX, WADDLE

• Associated with Oregon Football: AUTZEN, DUCKS, NIKE, SHOUT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 27, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 27, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 27 Pips

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this purple space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 6-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 27 Pips

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this light blue space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 27 Pips

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

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 2-3, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 27, 2026 Carrier meaning

A person, company or thing that transports or transmits something from one place to another.

Network meaning

A system of interconnected parts, people or devices that communicate and work together.

Operator meaning

A person who runs a machine.

Provider meaning

A person, company or organization that supplies a product or service.

Bronze meaning

A man-made metal alloy comprised of tin, copper and other elements.

Clay meaning

A heavy, sticky type of natural earth that is soft and moldable when wet.

Marble meaning

A hard, smooth metamorphic rock formed from limestone.

Plaster meaning

A wet building paste that dries into a hard, smooth surface.

Banquette meaning

A long, upholstered bench that's built into a wall or custom-fitted to a specific space.

Booth meaning

A small enclosed space, temporary stand or private seating area.

Chair meaning

A piece of furniture made for one person to sit on, featuring a backrest and four legs.

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

Stool meaning

A simple, backless seat or footrest.

BBQing meaning

A slow-cooking method that uses low, indirect heat and wood smoke to tenderize meat.

Homing meaning

The ability of to navigate, return, or guide oneself accurately toward a home location.

Lohan meaning

A traditional Irish last name, meaning "light."

Wu-Tang meaning

An iconic New York rap group.

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

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

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

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

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a foodie.

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 27, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: A work of art

• Green: Dining out

• Blue: Tech system

• Purple: World rulers

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

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Sculpture media

• Green: Restaurant seating options

• Blue: Telecom

• Purple: Ending in Chinese dynasties

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 #1203 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Sculpture media: BRONZE, CLAY, MARBLE, PLASTER

• Restaurant seating options: BANQUETTE, BOOTH, CHAIR, STOOL

• Telecom: CARRIER, NETWORK, OPERATOR, PROVIDER

• Ending in Chinese dynasties: BBQING, HOMING, LOHAN, WU-TANG

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

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

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you're forever young.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 27, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: It's skin deep

The words are related to skin.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe skin products.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Beauty Care

NYT Strands word list for September 27

• Sunscreen

• Beauty Care

• Serum

• Toner

• Cleanser

• Moisturizer

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

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love to set sail.

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 27, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 27, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A boat with only one mast.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

Yes, the letter O appears twice.

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

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

SLOOP

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

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

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

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

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

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