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Whenever my friends ask me about the apps, they’re focused on the Big Three: Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge.

While these are all good places to start, they’re not the only apps out there. Take Pure, for example; it’s super niche and super fun. But almost no one in my inner circle knew about it until I told them.

SEE ALSO: Gen Z has a new dating app profile rule, apparently

That’s why I’m writing today’s review: It’s on Hily (short for “hey, I like you"), and I wanted to see if this lesser-known platform deserves a spot on your home screen.

What is Hily?

Hily, despite literally no one I talk to knowing about it, isn’t a new dating app. It officially launched in August 2017, and get this: it used AI to improve its safety features back then! According to a TechCrunch article, the app had 35,000 users during beta testing. By 2019, that number grew to over five million active users.

Now, the app has more than 42 million users (according to the Hily website).

What’s it like to sign up?

I’ll be the first person to tell you that signing up for a dating app is a lot of work (well, if you’re serious about finding someone). There are all the questions, and the thought that goes into crafting a profile worth swiping right on or “liking.”

Fortunately, Hily lets you decide how much you want to spend on your profile. If you’re raring to go, you can fill out the basics and start swiping. Or, if you’re interested in finding your forever person, you can include all the quirky things that make you you through its various questions and profile add-ons.

Here’s a play-by-play of signing up for the Hily dating app.

First, it asks for a few simple details: how you identify (e.g., man, woman, non-binary), who you’re looking for (e.g., man, woman, non-binary), your name (you don’t have to use your full name), your birthdate (you have to be at least 18 to use the app), and how you heard about the app.

It’ll also ask you to enable your location and notifications. I liked that I could skip the notification part, though (I have enough notifications on my phone as it is).

The next set of questions is obviously a little more detailed, but it looks as though you can skip anything you’re uncomfortable answering up to this point. It’s kind of nice that they let you decide how much effort you’re willing to put in — this helps weed out potential partners, too. If their profile is low-effort, what’s their dating etiquette going to look like? (Something to think about!)

SEE ALSO: Putting no effort into your dating app profile is unattractive

It asks for your ethnicity, highest level of education, things you’re passionate about, and favorite movies or TV shows.

When you get to the “Things you’re passionate about” section, you can add up to 12 items to your profile. Examples include what kind of music you like, what you enjoy doing for fun, whether you like sports, and, of course, personal values like self-care and body positivity.

Then, it gets a little Hinge-y. There’s a section that asks for “profile answers.” The app reads: “Share your character with your future matches.” Unlike other apps, you can skip this section if you choose. Though I filled it out because I want all you hopefuls out there to see the process start to finish.

When you click the little plus button, you can choose from multiple profile answers from three categories: About Me, My Dating Guide, and Life Vibes. Some of these answers look very similar to prompts from other apps.

Credit: Hily

You’ll also be asked to add some photos. You can add up to six.

What are you looking for?

After you’ve answered the questions about yourself, the app asks you what you’re looking for in a partner.

The first screen offers:

• Committed relationship

• New friends

• Something casual

• Physical connection

• Going with the flow

You can select two.

The next screen asks, "What vibe are you looking for?" Options include things like “sense of humor” and “emotional availability.”

You can choose three.

Credit: Hily

You’ll also be asked how old your date should be. There’s a sliding scale from 18 to 80. If you want to change this later, you can in the “filters” section.

There’s also a distance filter, which I appreciated. You can slide the scale anywhere from one mile to 200. However, it’s important to know how this filter works: it only controls who you see in the “Finder” swipe deck. Every other user has their own radius, so someone 40 miles away with a wide filter can still find and “like” you, regardless of your distance settings.

Once you fill out that section, you may get hit with the “Roulette.” This is a little wheel that lets you tap the center to earn a perk, like “rollbacks” or a “profile boost.” (I’ll go over these features in a little bit.) These perks are apparently free as long as you use the app every day. So, that’s cool.

It looks like you’ll also get a “feature pack,” which is just a random set of features the app decides to give you after you spin the wheel.

I liked that there was a toggle that said: “Stop showing Roulette at startup.” Other apps (looking at you, eharmony) won’t let you skip these pop-ups.

Now, you’re ready to start browsing!

If you want to add more to your profile, you can.

One of the nicest things about Hily, as I mentioned above, is that it lets you decide how much you reveal about yourself. If you’re good with the pre-set questions and setup, you can move on to browsing, but if you want to add more, you can.

If you go back in to edit or add new photos, you’ll get a little notification that your new photos are “in review” and won’t be available to the public until they’re approved.

You can also add a photo to showcase your top interest (the passions you chose earlier). I chose a photo of the day I took home my late beagle, Biscuit.

How does matching work?

Hily is a swiping app, but there are a few different ways to find a potential match. Also, instead of swiping left/right, you swipe up/down.

Finder

The “Finder” section lets you discover new people, “like” them, or skip them. People here should match your filters (e.g., age, gender, location, etc.).

To learn more about a potential match in “Finder,” all you have to do is scroll up to see their profile details. If you’re into them, you can tap the heart button. If you’re not, click the “X” to skip. You can also send a “Major Crush” to message them immediately.

Discover

The “Discover” tab shows you profiles that Hily thinks you’ll “vibe with” based on what you’re looking for, your filters, and your interests. It’s basically a menu of potential suitors the app thinks you’ll hit it off with, based on the data you’ve shared.

This page updates every day, so there’s always someone new in here. There’s a “Top picks” carousel at the top, followed by a “Shared interests” carousel, and then the last carousel is filled with people who have similar dating goals. There are about 15 profiles total within this tab.

“Likes”

The “Likes” tab shows you everyone who’s already “liked” you.

In my experience, the people in this section aren’t within the location range I chose when I signed up — some were in totally different states! (Again, this is because their search radius reached you, not the other way around.)

The other issue with this section is that sometimes the faces are blurred. This means you’ll need to use an “Unblur” to see them, or you’ll have to purchase a Premium+ plan.

If you don’t want to spend any money (I get it), just go back to the “Finder” to keep searching. You might be able to match with someone from your “likes” list there.

The “Finder” is the best way to match with people for free. Hily usually puts the people who’ve already “liked” you back into your swipe deck. If you “like” them there, it’s an instant match.

What do you get with the paid version vs. the basic free tier?

OK, so here’s where it gets hairy. There are a ton of features, and it’s kind of confusing figuring out what’s what.

In short, free Hily members can browse profiles in “Finder,” use basic filters, and chat with their matches. (So, you don’t have to pay to browse, “like,” or chat!) You’ll also get up to 100 “likes” per day. That said, you’ll have to deal with ads and pay a la carte if you want to use “Unblurs,” “Boosts,” or “Rollbacks.”

Basic filters include search radius, age, gender, showing profiles without photos, and showing only verified profiles.

Paid members get a suite of features, including:

• Compatibility Check: The “Compatibility Check” is a quick test you can take to see how compatible your profile is with potential matches. If they’ve also taken the test, you’ll see a compatibility score on their profile and where you have things in common. The app calls this “Icks & Clicks.” Note: If you decide to end the quiz early, your compatibility score may be off. So be sure to answer all the questions first! I think there were 40 total.

• Personalized Finder and Advanced Filters: While free users get basic age, gender, and distance filters, paid members have access to more advanced filtering options, including height, education, occupation, whether someone has kids, smoking/drinking habits, and even a "nearby search" that's restricted to a 30-mile radius.

• Extra Shows: Think of “extra shows” as extra visibility.

• Incognito Mode: Incognito mode removes your profile from “Finder.” Just note: it’s not a full invisibility cloak. Anyone you “like” or send a Major Crush to will be able to see you, and your existing matches (or anyone who's already interacted with you pre-incognito-mode) are unaffected.

• Remove Ads: Paid members won’t see ads.

Bonus features include:

• Major Crush: The “Major Crush” feature lets you message someone before you even match. It’s kind of like Hinge’s “Match Note.”

• Boost: The “Boost” feature puts your profile front and center, so more people will see you and “like” you.

• Rollback: If you accidentally skip someone you didn’t mean to skip, the “Rollback” feature lets you use the “undo” button to bring them back into your feed.

Hily Premium gives you an ad-free experience, unlocks the advanced filters and incognito mode, and gives you two "Major Crushes" a day, five "Crushes" per day, and five "Rollbacks." Your “likes” are capped at 100 per day, and you won’t get any free “Unblurs” or “Boosts.”

Hily Premium+ gives you unlimited “likes,” two “Unblurs” a day, two “Boosts” a day, five “Major Crushes" a day, 10 “Crushes,” and 10 “Rollbacks.”

How much does Hily cost?

Hily has a weird pricing structure compared to other apps I've tested, but here's the breakdown:

• Premium: One week for $9.99 (I do not see a monthly pricing option for this tier)

• Premium+: One week $14.99 / One month $29.99 / One year $119.99 / Lifetime $199.99

You can also buy "Unblurs" and other features separately or as a bundle. One "Unblur," for example, is $7.99.

Note: These prices are based on the 40 percent discount that's showing in my app. Your app may show different pricing options.

What's it like to use Hily?

In my personal experience, Hily seems to be for the blue-collar crowd. This could be because I'm in a southern beach town, but when I tested Hinge in this same area, the guys weren't as bearded or burly as they are on Hily. Almost every profile I saw was of a bearded, traditionally "masculine" man posing with a fish, deer antlers, a gun, or something like that. And even though I am bi and set my filters as such, I only saw two women (the rest were couples looking for a third) the entire month or so that I tested the app.

Something else that stood out to me is that most of these men had "conservative" listed on their profile, so this could be an OkCupid alternative, maybe for those who are looking for a right-wing crowd. (Again, I live in NC at the moment, so that could definitely be a factor.)

That said, the profiles I saw were definitely honest in every way. The men on here put exactly what they're looking for in their bio, so that's refreshing. Those who were looking for something serious specifically said so.

I think Hily is probably a good option for anyone who's looking for a sexting partner, too. Tons of guys on here are just looking to "swap nudes," and I had more than a few spicy messages come through my chat inbox.

I liked that the Premium+ version let me change my location to France (or wherever else), so there's definitely potential to have your Princess Diaries moment. (A journalist for Business Insider did it, and now she's moving to Europe to be with her forever person — nothing's impossible.)

How does Hily handle safety and security?

Hily has quite a few tools to keep you safe and in control of your inbox:

• Consent Guard: This is easily Hily's best safety tool. Launched in late 2025 to replace their older photo-blurring filter, Consent Guard uses AI to scan incoming messages for explicit text or visuals. If someone tries to send you something spicy (or just straight-up unsolicited nudes), the app pauses the message and asks if you consent to seeing it. It's very similar to Pure's new My Media Rules feature.

• Photo Verification: Users who do a quick photo check to prove they look like their profile pictures get a blue "Verified" badge, so you know you aren't being catfished.

• In-App Video Calling: If you want to vibe-check a match before meeting IRL, Hily lets you start a video call right inside the app so you don't have to give out your phone number. (Though if you do want to take things off the app, I recommend using Signal.)

• Standard Block and Report: If anyone makes you uncomfortable, asks for money, or acts suspiciously, you can tap the three dots in the corner of their profile to instantly block them and report them to Hily's moderation team.

Is Hily worth it?

Overall, I think Hily is worth the download. The free version is generous once you've figured out what all the features mean/can do, and there are plenty of options to show off your personality and interests.

The app has a smaller dating pool than the mainstream apps, but my screen always told me there were 1,400+ men online at any given time. That's a substantial group of suitors to choose from. I also received 1,560 "views" and 868 "Likes" in the month that I tested it. (You can view these stats right in the app.)

However, if you live in a southern town and you're not into the typical southern man, or if you're a bisexual woman, lesbian, trans, or non-binary dater looking for similar partners, you might want to try a different app like HER first.

Let’s face it — iPhone announcements have become a bit boring. We don’t need leaks and rumors to know what to expect anymore. In 2010, however, things were wildly different. It started with a police raid and ended with historic memes. This is the story of the iPhone 4.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $115.98 at Amazon, down from its $121.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box $115.98 at Amazon
$121.99 Save $6.01   Get Deal

Destined Rivals has become a Pokémon TCG expansion that’s shot up massively in price, the more obscure it's become in favor of newer collections. Still, a new Amazon price drop means you can save slightly more than the market value. 

The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box is currently $115.98 at Amazon, shaving $6.01 off the retailer’s $121.99 typical price. 

That’s not only cheaper than the $129.99 price we covered for this ETB in August; this one’s also being shipped and sold by Amazon, rather than a third party.

More importantly, $115.98 is now $2.23 below TCGplayer’s $118.21 market price. The trading card selling platform does have these ETB boxes listed for under-market prices as well, but adding $2 shipping brings the total to $118.73. 

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

There are nine Destined Rivals booster packs inside the ETB, putting Amazon’s price at roughly $12.89 per pack before factoring in everything else bundled with it. You also get the full-art foil Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet promo, 65 sleeves, 45 Energy cards, seven dice, two condition markers, four dividers, a player’s guide, a storage box, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. 

Walmart narrowly beats Amazon on sticker price at $115.49, although that listing comes from third-party seller Cataclysm Games and is fulfilled by Walmart. That said, it’s a great go-to if you either want to save as much as possible or if Amazon runs out of stock. 

With those nine packs, you’ve got nine opportunities to pull some of the expansion’s most in-demand chase cards — including SIR Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, SIR Cynthia’s Garchamp ex, and SIR Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex — currently worth up to $450. However, you can also buy any individual Destined Rivals card now on TCGplayer, if you wish. 

"In a science fiction novel, he would not be the hero."

That's one of the lines of voice-over we hear in the first teaser for Musk, Going Clear filmmaker Alex Gibney's upcoming documentary about the founder of SpaceX and Tesla and the world's richest man.

In the 48 second teaser we hear Elon Musk being described by different people over stock footage of his various endeavours — in just a few short seconds he's referred to as both "one of the greatest builders of all time" and "manifestly cruel and selfish," which gives some indication about where the documentary is headed.

Musk is in theaters this fall.

SAVE $130.99: As of Sept. 8, the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum (IX141) is on sale for $169 at Amazon, down from its $299.99 list price. That’s a 44% discount on a reliable cordless cleaner for pet hair and daily messes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum $169 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $130.99   Get Deal

If you're still wrestling with a clunky, 15-pound corded vacuum every time your pet leaves a trail of fur across the rug, it's time to cut the cord. As of Sept. 8, the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is down to $169 at Amazon. That’s a massive $130.99 discount off its standard $299.99 list price—saving you 44% on a reliable, lightweight cleaner that handles daily messes.

Mashable's Associate Editor, Tim Marcin, called this exact Shark model "a game-changer" for his own household. After years of dragging a heavy corded unit across his apartment to fight dog hair, Tim noted that this cordless stick actually "did a better job without a cord, and at a much lighter weight." Its bristle brushroll digs deep into carpet fibers to yank up stubborn, embedded fur that standard suction heads miss, making it a straightforward, budget-friendly workhorse for high-traffic pet zones.

SEE ALSO: Your giant cat finally has a litter box that fits — HomerunPet has dropped a smart litter box for chonks

The IX141 is built around practical, zero-gimmick features. At 7.5 pounds, it’s light enough to steer under coffee tables, and the front LED headlights point out hidden dust bunnies and stray fur tucked under dark furniture edges. You get up to 40 minutes of runtime per charge in standard mode, and when you need to tackle stairs, couch cushions, or car seats, the main wand pops off to convert it into a lightweight handheld vac.

Emptying it is totally hands-free thanks to a push-button XL dust cup, and when you're done, the handheld unit clips right to the base so the whole thing stands upright in a closet without needing to drill a wall mount.

Grab the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon to make daily pet hair cleanup way easier.

Raspberry Pis have been popular devices for DIY projects for years. They're ideal for many tech projects, but they're not always the perfect choice. There are many projects where a cheap ESP32 board is a better option, and the benefits go beyond the much lower price.

The Moon looks like it is almost gone from the sky tonight. This is because we're only a few nights away from the New Moon, the part of the lunar cycle where the Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Tuesday, Sept. 8, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in Waning Crescent phase, with 10% of its surface visible.

With a telescope or binoculars, tonight you should be able to catch a glimpse of the Grimaldi Basin, but that's all for tonight.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon's appearance gradually changes as it travels around Earth, completing a full lunar cycle in approximately 29.5 days, NASA tells us. What we see from Earth depends on the Moon's position in relation to the Sun, which affects how much of its illuminated side is visible. As the cycle progresses, the Moon passes through a series of phases, from a thin crescent to a half Moon and then a Full Moon, before starting over.

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.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 8, the iRestore Red Light Eye Mask is on sale at Amazon for $249, down from its typical $299 list price. That’s a 17% savings on our top pick for targeted red light eye therapy.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRestore iRestore Red Light Eye Mask $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50   Get Deal

If your under-eye area is bearing the brunt of late nights, screen glare, or stubborn crow's feet, grabbing a dedicated LED mask is usually the best at-home fix. As of Sept. 8, our favorite targeted model — the iRestore red light eye mask — is down to $249 at Amazon. That’s a clean $50 drop from its typical $299 price tag, giving you a chance to score clinical-grade LED tech without paying full price.

The mask uses two types of invisible light that work together: red light (which smooths fine surface lines) and near-infrared light (which penetrates slightly deeper to boost blood flow and help firm the skin).

SEE ALSO: Is this $45 red light gua sha a promising Solawave dupe?

After spending 12 full months testing over 10 top-tier LED devices, Mashable's Leah Stodart named this model the best red light eye mask on the market. What sets it apart is pure light density — it packs 180 LEDs into a targeted half-face design. It’s cordless, super thin, "barely weighs a pound," and packs enough juice for "at least 10 days on one charge" (and up to two weeks depending on daily use), making it way easier to travel with than a bulky full-face shield.

In her testing, Leah introduced it to help with dark under-eyes and crow's feet, noticing a "sustainable glow up" where her lines weren't as deep, and CC cream didn't look "raisin-y" anymore. Is it cheap? No — Leah noted it is "pricier than most dedicated eye masks," and it obviously won't "completely eliminate crow's feet or match the effectiveness of Botox." But for targeting the eye zone, she found the extra power and coverage well worth it.

Grab our favorite targeted iRestore red-light eye mask for under $250 on Amazon now.

SAVE OVER $400: As of Sept. 8, the Hisense 75-inch U8 ULED Mini-LED 4K TV is back to its lowest-ever price at Amazon of $1,249.99. That's $448 off its list price of $1,697.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75" U8 Series ULED Mini-LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV $1,249.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $448   Get Deal

Labor Day sales may be winding down, but for those looking to save on a new TV for fall, there are still some excellent discounts floating around. If you're looking for a big upgrade in screen size, Amazon is offering a great deal on the Hisense 75-inch U8 ULED Mini-LED 4K TV, returning it to its lowest-ever price.

Usually, this Hisense TV is priced at $1,697.99, but as of Sept. 8, shoppers can grab it for $1,249.99 at the retailer. That saves you $448 in total and, again, marks a return to its lowest price there so far. If it's caught your eye, now is the time to add it to your shopping cart. Considering it's marked as a limited-time deal, it may not be on sale for long, either, so the clock is ticking to pick it up.

SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this uncomplicated TV specs guide

Fall's TV streaming lineup is looking exciting so far, and this 75-inch Hisense TV looks like a fantastic way to watch it all. In addition to its large screen size, it delivers stunning picture quality thanks to 4K resolution, QLED Color, and Mini-LED Pro technology. According to the store page, the latter reaches up to 5,000-nit peak brightness, allowing you to enjoy deeper contrast, richer shadows, and brighter on-screen lighting.

If you're someone who loves gaming, this Hisense TV also features a Native 165Hz Panel with a Variable Refresh Rate of 48Hz to 165Hz for smooth, lag-free gameplay. It also features AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Low Latency MEMC, which help eliminate screen tearing.

As we get further away from Labor Day, this deal is less likely to stick around, so act fast to save on the Hisense 75-inch U8 ULED Mini-LED 4K TV at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows is on sale for $49.97 (reg. $249.99), giving you six desktop apps with a lifetime license for one PC.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97
$249.99 Save $200.02   Get Deal

Some software gets opened once and forgotten. Word, Excel, and Outlook tend to earn their spot on the taskbar. Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus bundles those apps, and three more, into a lifetime license for one Windows PC, and for our Labor Day sale, it’s available for only $49.97 (reg. $249.99).

The Professional Plus edition includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access, covering considerably more than typing up the occasional document. Word handles reports, resumes, and other written projects, while Excel gives you the tools to organize and analyze data, build formulas, and turn numbers into charts that make them slightly less intimidating. PowerPoint takes care of presentations, and Outlook keeps email, calendars, and contacts together.

OneNote gives you a place to consolidate meeting notes, research, and the ideas currently scattered across six different apps. Access is the more specialized member of the bunch, offering database management tools for organizing and working with larger collections of information.

Office 2024 also comes with a refreshed interface and dark mode support, which won’t finish that spreadsheet for you but may make staring at it late at night a little easier.

This edition is designed around a fixed feature set rather than the continually evolving experience of Microsoft 365. That means the included tools remain relatively consistent rather than regularly gaining new features, while security updates are provided throughout the supported lifecycle. For businesses with controlled IT environments, or anyone who would rather not have their workflow rearranged underneath them, that predictability can be useful.

The desktop software also isn’t dependent on cloud-based functionality for its core tools. You can keep documents and other files locally and continue working when you don’t have a reliable internet connection, whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or simply dealing with Wi-Fi that has chosen violence for the day.

Of course, there are some caveats. This license is linked to the Windows PC where you activate it rather than your Microsoft account, and it can’t be transferred to another machine. That makes it a better fit for a computer you plan to keep for a while than one that’s already due for an upgrade.

Usually retailing for $249.99, you can grab Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus on sale for $49.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Traveling through Europe or the UK? Get a Vuoly eSIM with 20GB of mobile data for 30 days for $24.99 (reg. $39).

Opens in a new window Credit: Vuoly Vuoly eSim Mobile Data Plan: EU + UK - 20GB/30 Days $24.99
$39 Save $14.01   Get Deal

International travel already comes with enough logistics. Figuring out mobile data after landing doesn’t need to be one of them. The Vuoly eSIM Mobile Data Plan gives travelers 20GB of high-speed mobile data across supported EU destinations and the UK for 30 consecutive days — for 36% off.

Because this is an eSIM, there’s nothing physical to pick up, ship, or swap into your phone. Like plenty of useful mobile tech, the setup happens digitally: After purchase, you’ll get an activation code by email, scan the provided QR code, and activate your plan when you’re ready for the 30-day period to begin.

Your existing SIM can remain active, too, so you can keep your primary phone number while using Vuoly for mobile data. That makes it especially practical for maps, messaging, email, rideshare apps, video calls, and all the other things that suddenly become essential when you’re navigating an unfamiliar city.

The 20GB allowance works across 27 supported EU countries (Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden, to name a few) and the UK, so travelers moving between destinations don’t have to buy a new local SIM at every stop.

Compatibility is worth checking before purchasing. The plan requires an eSIM-capable device running iOS 17.4 or later or Android 12 or later, and each eSIM works with one compatible device.

For travelers who would rather set up mobile data before takeoff than investigate roaming rates after landing, it’s a straightforward option.

Get the Vuoly Europe and UK 20GB eSIM for $24.99 (reg. $39).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

TL;DR: Through Sept. 10, get a ChatPlayground AI Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) for $55.30 (reg. $619).

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $55.30
$619 Save $563.70   Get Deal

If you’ve ever copied the same prompt into three different AI tools just to see which one gives the best answer, you’re not alone. Different models excel at different things — but juggling tabs and subscriptions gets old fast. ChatPlayground AI puts the top AI models in one place, so you can compare responses side by side without the back-and-forth.

From now through Sept. 10, a lifetime subscription is on sale for $55.30. GPT-4o, Claude Sonnet, Gemini, DeepSeek, Llama, Perplexity, and more — all in one clean interface. It’s built for people who iterate fast, test variations, and actually care about optimizing results.

Beyond comparisons, ChatPlayground AI includes prompt engineering tools to refine outputs, image and PDF chat for context-aware responses, saved chat history for ongoing projects, and AI image generation powered by leading models. There’s even a Chrome extension to integrate it directly into your browsing workflow.

The Unlimited Plan means unlimited messages per month, making it ideal for startups, product teams, marketers, and prompt engineers who run experiments nonstop. You also get priority support and early access to new features and future models.

If you’re already paying for multiple AI tools — or constantly switching between them — this consolidates everything into one streamlined platform.

Grab lifetime access to ChatPlayground AI Unlimited for $55.30 (reg. $619) through Sept. 10 and stop juggling models for good.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Best Labor Day 2026 deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 (save $100) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 (save $1,102) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Echo Show 11 $189.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra $329 (save $120) Get Deal Best home deal Ruggable save up to 30% sitewide Get Deal Best outdoor deal Ninja FrostVault Cooler (30 quart) $169.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best robot lawn mower deal Segway Navimow X430 Robot Lawn Mower $2,249 (save $250) Get Deal

Summer is officially coming to an end, and Labor Day has come and gone.

If you're looking for a seasonal refresh, big-box retailers are offering huge discounts across almost every category. It's the ideal time to upgrade your mattress, stock up on outdoor gear during the REI Labor Day Sale, or grab a 4K TV just in time for kickoff ahead of the NHL and NFL seasons.

We won't see discounts this big again until Black Friday, so now's the time to act — especially with tech and appliance prices continuing to climb. We've been tracking the best post-Labor Day deals still live across Apple, TVs, mattresses, laptops, and home essentials.

Best Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649
$749 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple iPad Air with an M4 chip is something to behold. It's a step up in performance from the previous M3, and it's super lightweight and thin. It's also powerful and smart enough to handle intense programs like Final Cut Pro, making it a great option for creators and artists.

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth reviewed the M4 iPad Air and wrote, "Artists and note-takers will definitely appreciate this one."

More Apple deals

• Apple AirTag (2nd Gen, 4 pack) — $79.99 $99 (save $19.01)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $399 $449 (save $50)

Best mattress and bedding deals Opens in a new window Credit: DreamCloud DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress (Queen) $699 at DreamCloud
$1,892 Save $1,193   Get Deal Why we like it

For Labor Day, the Queen-size DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress is marked down to $699, which is up to 60% off.

It's a 12-inch hybrid that balances comfort and support, using a cooling fiber cover, an inch of pressure-relieving memory foam, and individually wrapped coils so you don't feel it every single time your partner tosses and turns. You also get a 365-night home trial and a "Forever Warranty" so you aren't stuck with it if you hate it.

If you're upgrading your whole setup, I highly recommend grabbing a base while you're at it. I actually have the Bamboo Platform Bed Frame they have on the site, and it genuinely only took me 20 minutes to put together.

Even more mattress deals

• Avocado: Save up to 20% on organic mattresses

• Bear: Take 35% off sitewide + get free sleep accessories with a new mattress

• Brooklyn Bedding: Take 30% off sitewide

• Casper: Save up to 35% on mattresses and 35% off on bundles

• Coyuchi: Take 20% off bed essentials

• DreamCloud: Save up to 60% on mattresses and 66% on bundles

• Eight Sleep: Take up to $300 off Pods and accessories

• Essentia: Up to 25% off sitewide + 2 FREE pillows

• Nectar: Save up to 50% on mattresses and 66% on bundles

• Tuft & Needle: Save 25% sitewide

• Purple: Take up to $1,119 off a mattress and base

Best TV deals TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,102.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you're hunting for the best Labor Day TV deal to carry you through football season and winter movie nights, the 65-inch TCL QM8L is down to $1,397.99 at Amazon, which is the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Instead of cutting corners to hit a price point, this panel delivers high-end specs: 4,000+ local dimming zones and up to 6,000 nits of peak brightness eliminate haloing, so dark scenes look black rather than washed-out gray.

You're also getting a native 144Hz refresh rate for live sports and gaming, a 7000:1 contrast ratio, built-in Audio by Bang & Olufsen, and Google TV built right in, so you aren't fighting three different remotes just to open an app.

More TV deals

• Insignia 43-inch F50 LED 4K TV — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Amazon 50-inch Omni QLED 4K Fire TV — $259.99 $469.99 (save $210)

• LG 55-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $699.99 $1,299.99 (save $600)

• Hisense 55-inch UR8 RGB Mini LED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,499.99 (save $600)

• LG 65-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,149 (save $249.01)

• Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $997.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,002)

• LG 65-Inch B6 OLED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,999.99 (save $800)

• Sony 65-inch Bravia 7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $1,298 $1,598 (save $300)

• Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 $1,999.99 (save $602)

• Samsung 65-inch S90H OLED 4K TV — $1,597.99 $2,697.99 (save $1,100)

• Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD QLED 4K TV — $2,498 $3,299.99 (save $801.99)

• Samsung 65-inch S95H OLED 4K TV — $2,799.99 $3,399.99 (save $600)

Best home & kitchen appliance deals

• Frigidaire 24" Front Control Built-In Dishwasher — $299.99 $377.99 (save $78)

• Whirlpool 7-cu ft Vented Electric Dryer — $479 $719 (save $240)

• GE 30 in. 4.8 cu. ft. Freestanding Gas Range — $699 $799 (save $100)

• LG FlushFit 24" Top Control Smart Built-In Dishwasher — $599.99 $1,049.99 (save $450)

• LG 4.5-cu ft Stackable SMART Front Load Washer — $929 $1,199 (save $270)

• LG 36 in. 28 cu. ft. 3-Door French Door Refrigerator — $1,799 $3,099 (save $1,300)

• Samsung Bespoke 36 in. 29 cu. ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator — $1,799 $3,199 (save $1,400)

• LG WashTower Stacked SMART Laundry Center — $1,899 $2,699 (save $800)

• GE Profile UltraFast Ventless All-In-One Washer Dryer Combo — $2,199 $2,999 (save $800)

Best home deals

• Millwood Pines Lift Top Coffee Table — $82.99 $160.99 (save $78)

• Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Shark Steam & Scrub — $159 $189.99 (save $30.99)

• Dakota Fields Chingford Indoor/Outdoor Hanging Egg Chair — $196.99 $219.99 (save $23)

• Anthropologie Dog Icon Side Table — $298.80 $498 (save $199.20)

• Anthropologie Irie Carmine Jacquard Oak Dining Chair — $398.40 $498 (save $99.60)

• Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 Robot Vacuum — $499.99 $699.99 (save $200)

• Roborock New Qrevo S Pro Robot Vacuum — $549.99 $699.99 (save $150)

• Anthropologie Fern Marble Top Bookcase — $1,518.40 $1,898 (save $379.60)

• Anthropologie Sinclair Irena 80-inch Sofa — $3,428.60 $4,898 (save $1,469.40)

SAVE $550: As of Sept. 8, the 65-inch Samsung The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV (2025 Model) is on sale for $947.99 at Amazon. That's a 37% discount off its $1,497.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 65-inch Samsung The Frame LS03F Smart TV (2025 Model) $947.99 at Amazon
$1,497.99 Save $550   Get Deal

If you've been eyeing a high-end display that doesn't completely dominate your wall, the Samsung 65-inch The Frame TV deal is hard to ignore right now. As of Sept. 8, the 2025 model of this viral QLED hybrid is down to $947.99 on Amazon — a massive 37% drop from its usual $1,497.99 price tag, saving you $550.

At its core, The Frame is built to blend into your living room rather than take over. Samsung ditches the messy cluster of HDMI cables behind your wall by using a single, nearly invisible cord that connects the screen to a separate external box where all your devices plug in. When you aren't streaming, it kicks into Art Mode to display famous paintings or your own photos.

SEE ALSO: Best Labor Day TV deals: Our favorite deals on TCL, LG, Samsung, and more

We’ve tested plenty of Frame dupes, but Samsung’s classic display is still our top pick for bright living rooms thanks to its unbeatable matte finish and sleek, flush-mount design. The anti-glare screen diffuses room light so well that the artwork looks like a textured canvas rather than a glowing iPad screen. When Art Mode is off, and you're using it as a TV, it delivers crisp 4K picture quality backed by a fast 120Hz refresh rate (which scales up to 144Hz if you hook up a gaming PC).

That means fast-moving sports won't blur into a mushy mess, and console gaming stays buttery smooth with zero screen tearing. Add in magnetic, snap-on frame bezels that you can swap out to match your wooden furniture or room trim, and you get a high-performance display that doubles as custom wall decor.

Grab the 65-inch Samsung The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV (2025 Model) at Amazon while it's under $950.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you live near or around Dallas.

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.

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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.

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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: Dallas sports

• Green: Super Bowl-winning coaches

• Blue: Pele

• Purple: Sounds like an NBA team

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: DFW Teams

• Green: Coaches to Win Multiple Super Bowls

• Blue: Associated with Pele

• Purple: Ends in an NBA Team

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 #715 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• DFW Teams: COWBOYS, MAVERICKS, STARS, WINGS

• Coaches to Win Multiple Super Bowls: LANDRY, LOMBARDI, NOLL, PARCELLS

• Associated with Pele: 10, BRAZIL, COSMOS, SANTOS

• Ends in an NBA Team: BOOKINGS, JAYHAWKS, PLANETS, WHEAT

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 8, 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 8, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 8 Pips

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

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

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

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 8 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 6-2, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally.

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 8 Pips

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

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

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed vertically.

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

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 1-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed vertically.

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

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

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically.

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

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

SAVE $10: As of Sept. 8, the Roku Streaming Stick HD is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick HD $29.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.00   Get Deal

Still have a perfectly good TV that just happens to be missing smart TV functionalities? The Roku Streaming Stick HD is currently on sale on Amazon, and it's a great way to access a wide range of streaming apps and channels without replacing the TV itself.

As of Sept. 8, it's dropped in price to $29.99, saving you $10. This is the most affordable of Roku's streaming sticks, so if you want a cheap and effective way to bring streaming to your device, you can't go wrong.

The compact design keeps the setup simple. Just plug the stick into your TV, where it is powered directly, so there's no need for a separate power cable or a wall outlet. The included remote is also nice and easy to use, letting you control the TV's power and volume as well as search for content using your voice.

The small size also makes it easy to take with you when traveling. Plug it into a compatible TV wherever you're staying and access your own streaming setup without having to sign into your accounts on someone else's device.

You can find this Roku deal at Amazon right now.

SAVE $10: As of Sept. 8, the Apple AirTag 4-pack (2nd Gen) is on sale for $89 at Amazon. That's a 10% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag 4-pack (2nd Gen) $89 at Amazon
$99 Save $10   Get Deal

Labor Day sales are mostly settling down now, following the long weekend, but some retailers still have lingering deals you can snatch up, like this Amazon deal on the Apple AirTag 4-pack (2nd Gen), which is still at its lower price of $89. And if you're someone who habitually loses your keys or passport, this $ 10-off offer is a great excuse to add some trackers to your belongings.

If you haven't used AirTags before, they're small tracking devices that can help you locate things like keys, wallets, and luggage. Simply attach an AirTag to the item you want to track, then use your iPhone or iPad to find it.

It works through the Find My app, where expanded Precision Finding gives you step-by-step directions to your lost item. It also comes with a built-in speaker, so if your item is nearby but out of sight, you can play a sound to locate it. This speaker is 50% louder than previous models, plus the Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth chips have been upgraded to extend the range for finding items.

You can also temporarily share an AirTag's location with trusted contacts, third parties, or more than 50 airline partners, making it a handy way to locate lost luggage.

Head to Amazon now to grab this AirTag deal.

SAVE $150: As of Sept. 8, the Breville Barista Express Impress is on sale for $649.95 at Amazon. That's a 19% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville Barista Express Impress $649.95 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $150.04   Get Deal

If your morning coffee could use an upgrade, Amazon has a deal worth checking out. The Breville Barista Express Impress is currently on sale, giving you a chance to transform your morning brew into a proper espresso setup.

As of Sept. 8, it's currently $150 off, bringing the list price down from $799.95 to $649.99. You can also choose from several colors, including brushed stainless steel, damson blue, or black stainless steel.

It's an impressive machine, designed to give you the best possible espresso. It has a built-in conical burr grinder that grinds beans directly into the portafilter. During extraction, low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure, while digital temperature control maintains the water temperature. A grind size dial lets you adjust the coarseness, and you can also change the amount of coffee used for either a single or double shot.

A steam wand is included for texturing milk, which is ideal if you prefer milky drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The machine also comes with a range of accessories, including a 54mm stainless steel portafilter, single- and dual-wall filter baskets, a Razor dose-trimming tool, a coffee scoop, a stainless steel milk jug, cleaning discs and tablets, and a water filter with holder.

This Breville deal is available at Amazon now, but only for a limited time.

SAVE $700: As of Sept. 8, the Roborock Qrevo CurvX is on sale for $799.99 at Amazon. That's a 47% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock Roborock Qrevo CurvX $799.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $700   Get Deal

Tired of dragging the vacuum around yourself? Then it's time for a robot vacuum. And as of Sept. 8, there's a great deal on the Roborock Qrevo CurvX to make the switch easier. Down $700 to $799.99, it packs 22,000Pa HyperForce suction and a Zero-Tangling Design to tackle dirt, carpet debris, and pet and long hair up to 40cm. It also mops, taking another chore off your hands.

It has a compact design, meaning it can easily get into those awkward spaces beneath sofas, cabinets, and other low furniture where dust and dirt tend to build up. And for navigation, it combines the RetractSense Navigation System and LiDAR sensors with Reactive AI Obstacle Recognition, using structured light and an RGB camera to identify and avoid up to 108 object types as it moves around your home.

It's also well-equipped to handle dirt and excess hair from your pets. In addition to extra cleaning capabilities, it has features such as pet recognition to help it avoid getting too close, video calling, and two-way voice interaction that let you check in on your pets and see what they're up to while you're away.

You can find this robot vacuum deal at Amazon now.