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How to set up a joint AdultFriendFinder account

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 10:00

One of the more fun aspects of AdultFriendFinder is that it natively supports joint accounts for couples, and signing up as a couple rather than as an individual (and particularly rather than as a solo male) is a fantastic boost to your visibility on the site, since the search algorithms will know to treat your account as representing two people rather than one. 

While the process of creating a joint account is reasonably straightforward, there are many extra steps you'll need to take to ensure it is properly registered as a couple's account. 

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More

Here's what you need to do:

How to create a joint AFF account

The first hurdle you'll have to pass is the "Who would you like to connect with?" screen, where you'll be given four potential choices: Man, Woman, Couple, or Trans. This screen is totally inconsequential to creating a joint account, so if, for example, you're open to meeting people of all genders, don't worry that you've limited your options by your choice here. 

On the next screen, "Let's get your details," the site will filter you into either a solo or a joint account. Under the "I am/we are a" tab, be sure to select Couple. You'll also have to provide an answer to the "Your Orientation" screen before you can proceed, but never fear: your partner with whom you'll be using the account will also have the opportunity to give their own answer down the line. 

SEE ALSO: AdultFriendFinder vs. Tinder: How they compare as hookup apps

Next, you'll have to specify what kind of connection you're looking for as a couple (Love, Casual, Friends, or Hanging Out), and then provide your birthday and location, followed by your email address and chosen password. 

At this point, congratulations! Your account has been created, but your work isn't finished because your profile is still incomplete. 

Completing a couple's profile on AFF

The first sign of success will be that your blank profile photo will feature not one anonymous avatar, but two. If you instead see a single person in your profile photo, you've made a mistake and need to create a new account.

Your work isn't done, though: just as you filled out information about your date of birth and sexual orientation on the registration screen, you now have to do the same for the person with whom you're sharing an account (AFF does not support accounts of three or more people). It's extremely important that you fill this information out as well, because the AFF search filters will be able to parse your group account as having, for example, a bisexual man and a heterosexual woman, making the account appear in many more search findings. 

Can you combine individual accounts on AFF?

Let's say, hypothetically, that you meet your significant other on AdultFriendFinder and decide you want to search for a third person as a couple. Can you combine your two accounts that were created before you met? Unfortunately, the answer is no. 

If you already have an AFF account and want to join with another person, your only option is to follow the steps above and create a separate joint account.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2026 AFL Grand Final online for free

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 09:00

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 AFL Grand Final for free on 7Plus. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Aussie Rules is a quick, physical game that boasts millions of fans in Australia. It's fair to say that the game hasn't always traveled well beyond Oz.

Interest is picking up elsewhere, which we expect to continue in the age of worldwide streaming. The rest of the world would absolutely love footy if it just gave it a chance.

The AFL Grand Final is Australia’s most-watched sporting event of the year — the Aussie equivalent of the Super Bowl, you could say. Last year's meeting was won by the Brisbane Lions, their second consecutive win. If you're interesting in giving this sport a chance, the AFL Grand Final is the perfect opportunity to jump aboard. And you don't have to spend anything to watch all the action.

If you want to watch the 2026 AFL Grand Final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the AFL Grand Final?

The AFL Grand Final is an Australian rules football match that determines the season's winner. The game traditionally takes place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the last Saturday in September. It attracts one of the largest audiences in Australian sport, with a capacity crowd of up to 100,000.

When is the 2026 AFL Grand Final?

The 2026 AFL Grand Final is the 131st edition of the annual grand final of the Australian Football League. This year's game takes place on Sept. 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

How to watch the 2026 AFL Grand Final for free

The 2026 AFL Grand Final is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access it with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in Australia. This simple process makes it look like you're connecting from Australia, so you can access 7Plus from anywhere in the world.

Watch the 2026 AFL Grand Final from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for 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 Australia

  4. Sign up for 7Plus

  5. Watch the 2026 AFL Grand Final from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only 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 the 2026 AFL Grand Final without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the Grand Final before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 7Plus?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on 7Plus, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Australia

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

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • 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.

Watch the 2026 AFL Grand Final for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Marseille vs. PSG online for free

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 09:00

TL;DR: Watch Marseille vs. PSG in Ligue 1 for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's early days in the new Ligue 1 season, but things are looking uncertain for the mighty PSG. Following a fifth straight Ligue 1 title last season, they've kicked off 2026/27 with uncharacteristically average form, winning just one of four games.

They'll fancy their chances against Marseille. Their greatest rivals have lost every game since their season opener, so they enter this fixture with no momentum. Whatever happens, this is one to watch closely.

If you're interested in watching Marseille vs. PSG in the Ligue 1 from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Marseille vs. PSG?

Marseille vs. PSG in Ligue 1 kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Sept. 20. This fixture takes place at the Stade Vélodrome.

How to watch Marseille vs. PSG for free

Marseille vs. PSG in Ligue 1 is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Marseille vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Marseille vs. PSG for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for 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 Brazil

  4. Visit CazéTV

  5. Watch Marseille vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only 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 Marseille vs. PSG without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more Ligue 1 action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Ligue 1?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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 Marseille vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Keep 2TB of files in an encrypted cloud for $150

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 09:00

TL;DR: Drime’s 2TB lifetime cloud storage plan is 50% off at $149.97 (reg. $299) through Sept. 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with EU hosting, end-to-end encryption and collaboration tools.

Opens in a new window Credit: Drime Drime Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $149.97
$299 Save $149.03   Get Deal

Cloud storage makes backing up and sharing files a piece of cake, but not every provider gives you control over where your data is stored or how it’s shared. Drime’s Essentials plan offers 2TB of storage on an EU-based cloud, combining robust privacy with streamlined collaboration tools. For a limited time, the Drime Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription is 50% off at $149.97 (reg. $299) until Sept. 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

One impressive feature is Drime’s encrypted Vault, which uses locally applied encryption alongside 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS protection. Drime says files stored there are encrypted in a way that prevents even the company itself from accessing their contents. Files are hosted in Europe, and the service is GDPR-compliant, with data not routed through U.S. servers.

There’s no cap on file size for uploads, handy if you’re working with multi-gigabyte videos rather than just Word docs. You can also revert files to previous versions for up to 120 days, so accidental overwrites don’t mean it’s the end of the world.

Drime treats cloud storage as a team workspace. You can create shared folders for up to 15 people, edit documents together, add timestamped comments to videos and PDFs, and collect e-signatures with Drime Sign. Sharing links can be protected with passwords, custom URLs, and expiration dates, and you can monitor who accesses your files.

This plan is valuable for small teams, photographers, videographers, or anyone who routinely exchanges large project files. Files sync seamlessly across desktop and mobile, and collaborators can access only what you share.

The Essentials plan even includes advanced admin features, like role-based permissions and centralized controls, typically reserved for Drime’s Professional tier. For individuals and small teams looking for secure storage plus sharing, Essentials brings a broad suite of tools in one place.

If you want cloud storage that goes beyond basic file syncing, Drime’s 2TB lifetime plan is available for $149.97 (reg. $299) until Sept. 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Juventus vs. Atalanta online for free

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 08:00

TL;DR: Watch Juventus vs. Atalanta in Serie A for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Serie A rounds off another weekend of action with a couple of big games, including Juventus vs. Atalanta. Neither team has set the league alight so far this season, with up-and-down form across their first four games.

Fans of both teams are looking to end their respective two-game winning droughts in Serie A and pick up some valuable league points. Things look more in Juventus's favor following their 5-0 win in the Europa League this week.

If you're interested in watching Juventus vs. Atalanta in Serie A from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Juventus vs. Atalanta?

Juventus vs. Atalanta in Serie A kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on Sept. 20. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Stadium.

How to watch Juventus vs. Atalanta for free

Juventus vs. Atalanta in Serie A is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Juventus vs. Atalanta for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Juventus vs. Atalanta for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for 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 Brazil

  4. Visit CazéTV

  5. Watch Juventus vs. Atalanta for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only 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 Juventus vs. Atalanta without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus other Serie A action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Serie A?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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 Juventus vs. Atalanta for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid in La Liga online for free

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 08:00

TL;DR: Watch Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid in La Liga for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

La Liga showcases one of the hottest fixtures in Spanish football today: Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid.

The Madrid Derby is always a tight game. The teams are separated by just two points in the current standings, and Real Madrid are desperately looking to catch Barcelona. Their rivals have pulled ahead in the first six weeks of the 2026/27 season.

If you're interested in watching Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid in La Liga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid?

Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid in La Liga kicks off at 10.15 a.m. ET on Sept. 20. This fixture takes place at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.

How to watch Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid for free

Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid in La Liga is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for 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 Brazil

  4. Visit CazéTV

  5. Watch Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only 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 Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more La Liga action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for La Liga?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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 Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Give your coding workflow an AI-powered upgrade for $30

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 08:00

TL;DR: Create apps, websites, and more with some help from Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026, on sale now for just $29.97 (reg. $499.99) through Sept. 20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 $29.97
$499.99 Save $470.02   Get Deal

There’s quite a difference between spending all day building something versus spending all day trying to figure out why your code isn’t working. Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 helps you avoid the latter by providing AI-powered tools that make the process more seamless.

If you’re looking for help building, debugging, and testing your code, you can score Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 for just $29.97 now through Sept. 20.

It’s never been easier to build your business a website or create the app of your dreams. All you need is some help from Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026, a professional-grade development tool that can help you knock out coding projects big and small.

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 is a 64-bit IDEcapable of handling large solutions and complex workloads. Build across languages and platforms, designing cross-platform mobile and desktop apps.

Build, debug, and test .Net and C++ apps targeting Windows, Linux, and containers. Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 integrates with Azure, GitHub, and other DevOps workflows and comes packed with AI-powered features to save you time.

IntelliCode helps you type less and code more by providing a ranked list of next-best suggestions to make your coding faster and more accurate. CodeLens shows you recent changes, authors, tests, and history right in the editor, so you can see test status and references without ever leaving your code. You’ll also have easy access to a comprehensive overview of your codebase and activity.

Snag Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 for just $29.97 now through Sept. 20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

AdultFriendFinder vs. FetLife: Which is better for exploring specific kinks?

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 08:00

If you're new to the world of kinks and fetishes, it can be a weird and daunting place. Not to mention exciting, which is why it's worth exploring further.

What you need is a little guidance on where to get started — an appropriate app or platform to find your way through some sexy fun time with like-minded kinksters, whether you have a thing for feet, spanking, or BDSM. Because, hey, we should all proudly let that freak flag fly.

Experienced fet-lovers will already know that regular dating apps just don't cut it. So, the question is, how do you find your people?

As always, the internet is the place to begin. There are two platforms we strongly recommend for exploring your favorite kinks and more. Those platforms are AdultFriendFinder and FetLife, both of which are stacked with NSFW content (seriously, don't log on in public). And who knows, you might even discover a few kinks you never even knew you had.

Indeed, it could be that you have absolutely no idea what you're into just yet. But if you want to find a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your options and go on a journey of sexual self-discovery, these are the places to do it.

Before we get deep into the pros and cons of each, we think it's best to share some general information. AdultFriendFinder and FetLife both skew male, which is pretty standard throughout the whole online dating world. The average user on FetLife is aged 25, while AdultFriendFinder users tend to be in their 30s. Even so, both sites offer a diverse range of genders and ages — not to mention a colorful range of sexual orientations and kink communities. In other words, there's something for everyone.

But while both sites are designed to accommodate sex-positive communities and make connections between kinksters, they approach things a little differently. You may find that one site suits you better than the other, though we'd certainly recommend exploring both.

Keep reading for a rundown of the major differences between AFF and FetLife and decide which one to try first.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: FetLife FetLife   Learn More Where AdultFriendFinder excelsFaster connections

FetLife is great and very popular, but be aware that it can take time to build a following and earn trust on the site. You can message strangers, but the site culture discourages it, and you might find that unsolicited messages are ignored. On AdultFriendFinder, on the other hand, the opposite is true. It's a DM-sliding free-for-all, and the concept of connecting with strangers is central to the site. In that respect, AFF operates like a regular dating site (it's one of the OGs in that field), whereas FetLife is more of a social media website for building local kink communities. 

AdultFriendFinder also hosts live webcam shows and community discussion forums, offering users multiple ways to connect quickly. There's more to it than just one-on-one.

Better site interface

This one might be controversial, since the AFF site is notoriously dated, but FetLife's interface is downright confusing, a mix between Facebook and Instagram, with much more limited search functionality. While both sites will allow you to search by specific kinks (and both sites offer exhaustive lists of kink options), the search functionality and filter options on AdultFriendFinder are more comprehensive and more user-friendly.

This isn't an accident, by the way. FetLife deliberately disables search by age, gender, and sexual orientation because, in their words, they are "a social network and not a dating site."

Remember that AFF looks and feels dated because it's been around for three decades and has really stuck to its guns design-wise (AFF doesn't even have an app — it's purely a website). Be warned that the interface is chock-full of nudity and NSFW content.

Live shows

FetLife allows users to host videos, but it doesn't have a dedicated, live webcam service. Some FetLife users will offer that but they do this on third-party sites, and usually behind a paywall. AFF, on the other hand, makes live streaming a significant part of its community experience and allows you to search through webcam shows by the streamer's location or the show's interest/topic, which often revolves around a specific kink. 

SEE ALSO: 4 tips for using hookup apps discretely — advice for Feeld, Tinder, AdultFriendFinder, and Grindr

In other words, if you're content to watch, AFF delivers some excellent, kink-centric live action, and much of it is accessible without upgrading to a paid subscription.

Where FetLife excelsFree accounts have more freedom

The most noticeable difference between FetLife and AFF is how much more freedom is afforded to non-paying accounts. On AdultFriendFinder, profiles are locked behind a paywall, so only paying members can scroll through photos, view bios, and see a comprehensive list of kinks. FetLife, on the other hand, operates more like Instagram for kinksters. It delivers large photos, comprehensive bios, and even a web of connections comparable to what you might see on Facebook, from friends and romantic partners to subs, doms, and mentors, if applicable. 

Even more important, free FetLife users can contact each other in one-on-one messages without having to give up their credit card information, which definitely makes it easier to establish a personal connection.

One major limitation of free accounts is that users can't watch videos. Because raunchy videos are a mainstay on many profiles, this is definitely a hindrance, though it's not a deal-breaker. 

The site promotes in-person events

Perhaps the biggest benefit of FetLife over AdultFriendFinder is that the former is much more focused on real-life connections, whereas AdultFriendFinder seems content to let people play in the virtual world. 

The Events tab at the top of the FetLife banner allows you to see, at a glance, all of the nearby, kink-friendly events, from informal meet-and-greets to full-on costume and masquerade balls. Best of all, you can filter by sub-type (Party, Educational, Social, Conference/Festival, Sex Party) or just look for events that your FetLife friends are attending.

SEE ALSO: Hinge's latest feature makes date planning a little easier

These in-person events are such an important part of the FetLife experience, even when they're not officially affiliated with the website, that they're considered an integral part of the site. In fact, it's pretty common to see people indicate, in their profiles, that they won't message or "friend" anyone they haven't already met at an IRL event. 

Kink discovery

Because of its community emphasis and dedication to exploring sexuality in a safe, consensual, and informed way, FetLife offers users not only the means to connect with others but also to better connect with themselves. There's the community-sourced Kinktionary, for example, a Wiki-like resource covering topical aspects of human sexuality from the ins and outs of gay culture to a comprehensive list of sex toys and their uses, as well as dedicated groups to not only explore kinks but also introduce people to the BDSM lifestyle (we recommend you check out the Novices & Newbies section if you're a first-time visitor). 

AdultFriendFinder isn't totally without these resources, but they're not as user-friendly or as accessible to total newcomers to the world of kink.

The bottom line

Both AFF and FetLife are among the very best destinations for kink-based internet fun. They have their pluses, minuses, and differences, but you're unlikely to go wrong with either. They each boast a large user base and comprehensive kink-focused spaces, creating a non-judgmental atmosphere in which you can throw off the shackles of inhibition. The point is to just let loose and enjoy yourself doing it.

If you're looking for the fastest possible connection and you're happy to keep things strictly online for now, AdultFriendFinder is the one for you. If, on the other hand, you want to integrate into your local kink community and get on the guest lists of underground fetish clubs or VIP sex parties, FetLife can make that happen.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for September 20, 2026

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 06:00

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

Madness.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

CHAOS

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A large vehicle.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 20, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

TRUCK

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To splash.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 20, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 20, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SPILL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

The start.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

ONSET

Final Hurdle hint

Smallest finger.

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

PINKY

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on September 20, 2026

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 06:00

We're getting closer to the Full Moon now, with the Moon looking bigger and brighter in the night sky. There's still plenty to see on its surface in the meantime.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, Sept. 20, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waxing Gibbous phase, with 64% of its surface visible.

Without the assistance of visual aids, you should be able to spot the Mare Vaporum, Mare Serenitatis, and the Tycho Crater. If you have binoculars, they'll also help you see the Alphonsus Crater, Posidonius Crater, and the Apennine Mountains. Plus, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 11, 16 and 17 landing spots.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon doesn't look the same from night to night. As it travels around Earth, which takes about 29.5 days, we see different portions of its illuminated side. This is what creates the lunar phases, with the Moon gradually progressing from a thin crescent to a half Moon and then a Full Moon before the cycle starts over. According to NASA, the phase we see is determined by the Moon's position relative to both 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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 20, 2026

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 04:00

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for people who've lived in Maryland.

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: Maryland sports

  • Green: Defunct NHL teams

  • Blue: Rookies

  • Purple: Phonetic sports

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Maryland Teams

  • Green: Former NHL Cities

  • Blue: NFL Rookie WRs

  • Purple: Sports Terms in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet

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 #727 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • Maryland Teams: MIDSHIPMEN, ORIOLES, RAVENS, TERRAPINS

  • Former NHL Cities: ATLANTA, HARTFORD, PHOENIX, QUEBEC CITY

  • NFL Rookie WRs: BOSTON, LEMON, TATE, TYSON

  • Sports Terms in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet: GOLF, UNIFORM, VICTOR, YANKEE

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for September 20, 2026

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 04:00

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 20, 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 20, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 20 Pips

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

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically; 1-4, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 3-1, placed vertically.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 20 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this orange space must add up to 9. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 9. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 4-4, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this purple space must add up to 9. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 20 Pips

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 0-4, placed vertically; 0-0, placed vertically; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 0-6, placed horizontally.

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

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

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

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Number (9): Everything in this red space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed vertically; 2-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed vertically.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 20, 2026

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 04:00

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 20, 2026 Blu-Ray meaning

An optical disc used to store high-definition videos.

Coaster meaning

A flat, round disk for placing a drink upon.

Sand dollar meaning

A flat, round marine animal related to sea urchins and starfish.

Tortilla meaning

A thin, round flatbread made from corn or flour.

Bluegrass meaning

A genre of American music inspired by jazz and blues, usually associated with Kentucky.

Bourbon meaning

A barrel-aged whisky, commonly made in Kentucky.

Derby meaning

A sports match between two rival teams in the same area.

Fried chicken meaning

A popular protein entree cooked to a crisp in grease.

Hover meaning

To float in the air.

Skate meaning

A shoe with a blade or wheels to move on ice or hard surfaces.

Snow meaning

Frozen water vapor that falls from the sky during cold weather.

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.

Surf meaning

A water sport that involves riding a board in the ocean.

Blade meaning

A Marvel comic superhero played by Wesley Snipes in the 1998 film.

Near Dark meaning

A 1987 vampire action film.

Sinners meaning

A 2025 Oscar-winning film directed by Ryan Coogler.

Twilight meaning

A cult-classic early 2000s vampire book-to-movie series.

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 20, 2026

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 04:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're from the south.

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 20, 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: Disc shapes

  • Green: Southern charm

  • Blue: Bloodsuckers

  • Purple: Sports

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: Round flat things

  • Green: Associated with Kentucky

  • Blue: Vampire movies

  • Purple: ___ Boards you ride on

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 #1196 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Round flat things: BLU-RAY, COASTER, SAND DOLLAR, TORTILLA

  • Associated with Kentucky: BLUEGRASS, BOURBON, DERBY, FRIED CHICKEN

  • Vampire movies: BLADE, NEAR DARK, SINNERS, TWILIGHT

  • ___ Boards you ride on: HOVER, SKATE, SNOW, SURF

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for September 20, 2026

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 04:00

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you're full of yourself.

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 20, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Putting on airs

The words are related to self-importance.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe being pretentious.

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 Grandiosity.

NYT Strands word list for September 20
  • Gloat

  • Brag

  • Strut

  • Grandiosity

  • Bluster

  • Flex

  • Boast

  • Posture

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 20, 2026

Mashable - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 04:00

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a flashy person.

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 20, 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 20, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Gleamed.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No, there are no recurring letters.

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

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter 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...

SHONE

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 smart purchases to reduce your home energy usage

How-To Geek - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 02:00

Energy costs are up, and the best way to lower your bill is to lower how much you use. There are multiple ways to go about that, and the right tech can help.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 subscriptions you can replace with a $10 ESP32

How-To Geek - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 01:00

Even when you buy a product outright, you may still need to pay a subscription to access all of its features. These subscriptions can soon add up, but thankfully, there are alternatives. You can often avoid subscription fees with an inexpensive ESP32.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 creepy Paramount+ thrillers to watch this weekend (September 18-20)

How-To Geek - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 00:30

"Thriller" is the most overworked word in the movie business. It gets slapped on everything from courtroom dramas and shark movies to high-octane spy pictures to shark movies with tornadoes in them. All these thrills make it tricky when browsing streaming services, and Paramount+, with its cavernous pit of thrillers, is definitely not immune ... which I guess isn't a bad thing?

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Ethernet cable test tells you more than a speed test ever will

How-To Geek - Sun, 09/20/2026 - 00:00

If you feel like your internet is playing up, what's the first thing you do? A lot of us reach for the same tool: a speed test. Those things catch more than just slow internet; they also note your latency, and if there's packet loss, you'll see it because the speed test will take ages to complete (or it won't complete at all). And as long as it shows a number within our expectations, we shrug and assume the Wi-Fi is just having a bad day.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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