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The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, August 26, 2025:

AcrossPlace to pour a pint

• The answer is Pub.

Host of the 2028 Olympics, for short

• The answer is USA.

Black suit

• The answer is Clubs.

Political commentator Jen

• The answer is Psaki.

Kick one's feet up

• The answer is Relax.

DownSign of life

• The answer is Pulse.

Regular patron's order, with "the"

• The answer is Usual.

Loaf with a chocolate swirl

• The answer is Babka.

Skill practiced on dummies, for short

• The answer is CPR.

Age at which Tiger Woods made his first hole-in-one

• The answer is Six.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

SAVE $302: As of Aug. 26, the Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum with Matrix Clean Navigation is down to just $297.99 at Amazon — that’s 50% off its usual $599.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum $297.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $301.01 Get Deal

Finding a good robot vacuum that’s worth the price tag feels like russian roulette, but this half-price bargain might just be the deal for you.

As of Aug. 26, the Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum is selling at Amazon for only $297.99 — a massive $302 discount. That’s half the price on one of Shark’s most advanced models, built to handle everything from deep carpet cleans to stubborn pet hair, and it even empties itself.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 25+ robot vacuums. Here are 6 I'd actually recommend buying in 2025.

Price drops on units like these don’t last long, according to price trackers like camelcamelcamel, so this is something you don’t want to miss.

The “AI” in the name isn’t just for show, either. With 360-degree LiDAR mapping and Matrix Clean Navigation, Shark says that this vacuum charts your home in detail, moving in a precise grid to ensure no corner gets skipped. It aims to make multiple passes over each area, which means a deeper, more consistent clean compared to budget models that tend to zig-zag aimlessly.

For households with pets, the self-cleaning brushroll is designed to pull up hair without tangling, while powerful suction targets dirt from both hard floors and carpets. And because the XL self-emptying base can store up to 60 days of dust and debris, you won’t be constantly fussing with emptying it — nor will you need to buy disposable bags as you would with models from rival brands.

Control is said to be refreshingly hands-off, too. You can set schedules, start an on-demand clean, or simply ask Alexa or Google Assistant to take care of it with voice commands. Add in extended runtime with Recharge and Resume, and the Shark Ultra is built to keep going until the job’s done.

At just under $300, this is a rare chance to bring home a premium robot vacuum at an entry-level price. With smart navigation, voice control, and a two-month self-empty system, the Shark AI Ultra makes cleaning less of a chore and more of an afterthought.

If you’re still browsing all the various cleaning options out there, we’ve also got a list of the 25+ best robot vacuums we’ve tested and that you can try as well. We put together an incredible selection of the best cordless, upright, and robot vacuum cleaners for every home, too. 

SAVE $20: As of Aug. 26, Amazon's Kindle (16GB) is on sale for $89.99. This is 18% off its list price of $109.99, saving you $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Amazon Kindle (Newest Model) $89.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $20 Get Deal

Labor Day sales are building some momentum, and Amazon's offering includes some genuinely great deals this year. If you've had a Kindle on your shopping list for some time, there's no better time than now to grab one.

The standard Kindle e-reader is on sale at Amazon for a limited time. The 16GB Kindle is discounted down to $89.99 right now at Amazon. This saves you $20 on its list price of $109.99. In fact, it's only a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $84.99.

SEE ALSO: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is live — find 100+ books for free or under $1

With 16GB of storage, this model of Kindle can hold a massive digital library of books for you to dig into. It also has a small, light design that makes it perfect for traveling with, and its six-inch glare-free display is great for reading under any kind of light. It even features an adjustable front light and a dark mode, so you can read in bed at night without a bright screen in your face.

The Kindle's battery life is excellent as well, offering up to six weeks on a single charge. We consider it the best Kindle for anyone on a budget in our roundup of the best Kindles, and our review notes that "you can't go wrong with the base Amazon Kindle model if you don't need a ton of flair and want a reliable e-reader with a lightweight frame." All that considered, you don't want to miss out on the 16GB Kindle, down to $89.99 at Amazon.

There's plenty more to check out where this deal came from. Have a look at our breakdown of Amazon's Labor Day sale to see even more great discounts right now at the retailer.

SAVE $50: As of Aug. 26, the Apple Magic Keyboard is on sale for $199 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Magic Keyboard $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50 Get Deal

If you’ve been waiting to level up your iPad setup, now’s the time. The Apple Magic Keyboard is back on sale at Amazon, bringing the price down to $199. It’s the easiest way to type, navigate, and do more on your iPad.

This deal is for the white colored keyboard, and is compatible with the iPad (10th generation) and the iPad (A16).

SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2025 deals are already live: Save on Apple devices, mattresses, headphones, and plenty more

Using it is a breeze, no charging or pairing required. Just snap it on and start typing. The backlit keys make typing quiet and comfortable, while the built-in trackpad adds precision and gesture control. There’s even a USB-C port for charging on the go. The keyboard’s two-piece design includes a detachable keyboard and a magnetic protective back panel, giving your iPad front and back protection, plus an adjustable stand for easy viewing angles.

It can also be purchased in different languages, including Arabic, British English, Chinese (Pinyin), Chinese (Zhuyin), Danish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), Swiss, Ukrainian, and U.S. English.

Upgrade now and treat your iPad.

SAVE $110: As of Aug. 26, the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is on sale for $289.99 at Amazon. That's a 28% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch 4-Series $289.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $110 Get Deal

Movie nights, gaming marathons, or just catching up on your favorite shows, a good TV really makes all the difference. And if you're thinking about an upgrade, Amazon has dropped the price of its 50-inch Fire TV 4-Series to just $289.99 as of Aug. 26.

This is an excellent price for a TV that offers such great quality. With 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, you’ll get stunning clarity, vibrant colors, and rich detail that bring your favorite shows and movies to life.

SEE ALSO: Fall TV preview: 25 TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them

And because it’s an Amazon device, it comes with Alexa voice control. That means you can search for movies, open apps, and control playback without ever touching the remote. And with the Fire operating system, your go-to streaming apps — Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, you name it — are ready to go the second you log in.

The Fire TV can also connect with your smart home Alexa devices, including doorbells, lightbulbs, and speakers. For example, pair up your TV with your Echo speakers to create an immersive home theater atmosphere for your next movie night. Plus, there are four HDMI inputs to connect gaming devices, sound accessories, cables, and other equipment seamlessly.

This deal has a "limited-time" stamp, so get it before it goes back up in price.

Apple’s big September event is just around the corner, and while most of the attention is on the iPhone 17, Cupertino’s other headline product, the Apple Watch, has been getting less buzz.

Last year’s Apple Watch Series 10 was a modest upgrade that left many underwhelmed, though its lightning-fast charging helped make up for it. Based on leaks and reports from the supply chain, the upcoming Series 11 looks like it will follow the same pattern: another small, iterative update rather than a dramatic redesign.

SEE ALSO: The iPhone 17 is weeks away: What to expect from the specs, cameras, colors, and release date

That doesn’t mean the Series 11 won’t be worth picking up. The Apple Watch remains one of the standard-bearers for wearable tech. But if you are holding out for something transformative, you may need to wait until the Series 12 in 2026, which is already rumored to bring bigger changes. For now, here’s everything we know about the Apple Watch Series 11 ahead of Apple’s September iPhone showcase.

Apple Watch Series 11: Price

So what’s the damage for a relatively small upgrade? Based on pricing from previous years, most outlets expect the Apple Watch Series 11 to start at $399 for the 42mm aluminum model and $429 for the larger 46mm version. As always, upgrades like stainless steel, sapphire glass, or LTE connectivity will push the price higher.

For now, tariffs aren’t expected to influence the price of either the Watch or the iPhone lineup, though it’s hard to rule that out entirely. Still, if Apple sticks to its usual playbook, the Series 11 will slide into the same price tiers as its predecessor, keeping it squarely in premium smartwatch territory.

Apple Watch Series 11: Release

Just like its pricing, Apple tends to follow a very predictable formula when it comes to product launches. The company almost never strays from it, and insiders expect this year’s Apple Watch Series 11 unveiling to land on Tuesday, Sept. 9. If that timeline holds, pre-orders would likely go live that Friday, Sept. 12, with devices hitting shelves the following Friday, Sept. 19.

Of course, nothing is official until Apple confirms it, but based on years of precedent, this release cadence is the safest bet. Consider it the most likely outcome for Apple’s big September event.

Apple Watch Series 11: Design and Display

Apple has a new partnership with Corning, meaning the glass on the Series 11 is officially American-made — a detail that’ll no doubt get some extra play in marketing. Beyond that, the design itself is expected to stick with the slim, flat-edged look introduced on the Series 10. The real intrigue comes from rumors that Apple may switch the Series 11 to a more energy-efficient LTPO or micro-LED display, which would mark a shift away from OLED. That could mean a brighter screen with better battery life.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also floated the idea of an AI-powered onboard camera, though even he suggests it’s unlikely to appear until a future model — possibly the Series 12. Right now, no Apple Watch supports FaceTime video calls, so if and when that feature arrives, it’ll be a marquee selling point. If Apple did surprise us with it this year, the camera would almost certainly be tucked discreetly into the watch’s body. For now, though, all signs point to the Series 11 being a modest step forward, with the big swing still waiting in the wings.

SEE ALSO: Apple eyes Google Gemini for Siri upgrade Apple Watch Series 11: Hardware

Under the hood, the Series 11 is expected to debut the aptly named S11 chip, though fans hoping for a major leap in performance may want to temper expectations. According to reporting from MacRumors, Apple accidentally leaked details that revealed the S11 will use the same T8310 architecture found in the S9 and S10 chips that powered the Series 9 and Series 10.

That means the Series 11 is unlikely to deliver dramatic processor gains, instead leaning on efficiency tweaks and software optimization to keep things running smoothly. Still, while the tech may not be cutting-edge by Apple’s standards, it remains more than powerful enough for a smartwatch.

Apple Watch Series 11: watchOS 26 features and AI

The Apple Watch Series 11 will ship with watchOS 26, which introduces a new “liquid glass” UI and a suite of fresh health and productivity tools. Chief among them is Workout Buddy, an AI-powered evolution of Apple’s Workout app that can give smarter feedback and adaptive coaching during exercise sessions. Apple is also still testing a context-aware Siri, which would allow the assistant to better understand what you’re doing in the moment, though it’s unclear when that will come to fruition.

On-device language translation is also slated to arrive with watchOS 26, letting travelers get instant translations without needing to tether to an iPhone.

Health features remain a big focus, with rumors that the blood oxygen sensor could return after being disabled in some regions due to regulatory issues. New additions include Sleep Score, which breaks down rest quality into a single metric, and hypertension detection, which could alert users to early signs of high blood pressure. 5G connectivity is also rumored, further untethering the Watch from the iPhone. And while Apple is still working on the holy grail of non-invasive blood glucose tracking, that tech reportedly won’t be ready in time for the Series 11 — it’s something to look out for in future models.

There's an avalanche of Apple news coming our way in a matter of weeks.

The tech giant is fast approaching its annual iPhone announcement event, which should take place in early September, if previous years are any precedent. Apple hasn't officially announced the date and time for the event, or even acknowledged its existence, but we all know it's going to happen.

We all expect to hear about the iPhone 17 at the event, but what else is Apple going to show? Let's dig in and explore the upcoming Apple launches on the horizon.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces Blood Oxygen feature is returning to Apple Watch

Naturally, let's start with the iPhone itself.

iPhone 17 lineup Credit: Zain bin Awais / Mashable

This is almost always a predominantly hardware-focused event. We know the new iPhones will run iOS 26, which will almost certainly launch at or near the same time as the phones. Apple has already outlined what makes iOS 26 different at WWDC earlier this year, but what about the devices it's designed for?

According to a cornucopia of leaks and rumors, we will get four iPhone 17 models this year:

• iPhone 17

• iPhone 17 Pro

• iPhone 17 Pro Max

• iPhone 17 Air (official name unknown)

Three of those will be familiar to anyone who has followed along with iPhone developments over the past few years, but the Air is worth noting for a moment because it's a brand-new model that's replacing the Plus model that Apple used to make.

Per the latest iPhone 17 Air rumors, this will be the thinnest iPhone yet, measuring between 5 and 6mm in thickness. It could also have a big display in the neighborhood of 6.5 inches, giving it a large surface area to go along with its thinness. Unfortunately, the new form factor is said to come with a couple of big compromises. Namely, there will only be one 48MP rear camera lens instead of the two or three you get on the other models. Another one is that the battery may be smaller to compensate for how thin the phone is.

According to various leaks, the new iPhones will get a 24MP selfie cam, an upgrade over the 12MP module on previous iPhones. Both the base model and the Air are also said to have 120Hz displays, which finally brings Apple in line with other smartphone manufacturers who got there years ago on non-flagship models. You can also expect at least a couple nifty software features exclusive to the new phones, though we'll have to wait and see what they actually are.

Speaking of which, expect the new iPhones to run iOS 26 out of the box. Apple's latest iOS release is one of the biggest in years, as it introduces a new "Liquid Glass" visual language where all of your app icons and other UI elements look like, well, liquid glass. The Messages app has gotten a big overhaul, especially where group chats are concerned; users can now set custom backgrounds and even run polls for the whole chat.

For some, the updated Photos app will be the biggest change of all. Apple streamlined it down to two tabs, "Library" and "Collections." One presumably contains all of your photos and videos, while the other shows you all the folders you've made. That sounds way better than the current, disastrous Photos app.

New Apple Watches This is the Series 10, of course. Credit: Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images

It's become tradition in recent years for Apple to provide some kind of Apple Watch update at this event, and this year seems to be no different.

According to Bloomberg, there will be a new Apple Watch Ultra 3 model with 5G support, a new processor, and the ability to send text messages via satellite. That could be handy for outdoorsy types. There will more than likely also be a standard Apple Watch Series 11 and perhaps a new Apple Watch SE model for budget-minded folks, though it's not clear yet if those will offer any substantial, life-changing upgrades over previous models.

One thing to note is that recent leaks suggest the new Apple Watch models won't have serious performance boosts over their predecessors. That might be disappointing to those looking to upgrade, but hey, maybe they'll save some money by waiting another year for bigger upgrades.

New AirPods? Will the new Pros look different from these? Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

This one is less certain, but there are reasons to believe there will be a new AirPods Pro 3 at the September Apple event.

For starters, the last AirPods Pro refresh was two years ago, meaning it might be time for a glow-up. The second-gen AirPods Pro didn't provide much in the way of design changes, but Bloomberg reported a while back that the Pro model is getting a design refresh this year. They could also bring new health features like in-ear heart rate monitoring and temperature detection.

Interestingly, a recent slip of the tongue in Apple's iOS 26 public beta suggested AirPods are getting real-time language translation features soon. It seems like this feature may work with previous-gen AirPods rather than being exclusive to the new AirPods Pro 3, but it's possible that the feature only works with iPhone 17 models. We'll have to wait and see.

New Apple products we don't expect to see yet

Everything listed above is at the very least likely to show up. It's hard to produce a new flagship product without some news leaking out. Unfortunately, not every upcoming Apple product is expected to be shown here.

Namely, it doesn't seem like the heavily rumored foldable iPhone is ready to make its debut just yet. Reports earlier this summer indicated it is close to being production-worthy, but for a launch in 2026 at the earliest. There also haven't been any concrete rumors about new MacBooks, though in recent years those have typically gotten their own, separate announcement events, usually in October and the spring.

It would also be a surprise to hear anything about the rumored new HomePod, though that particular rumor mill has amped up recently. Per the latest news, we could get a new HomePod and a new Apple TV later in 2025.

SAVE $60: As of Aug. 26, Apple AirPods Pro 2 (refurbished) are on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. That's a 29% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $149.99 at Amazon
$209.99 Save $60 Get Deal

If you're in the market for some new earbuds, this latest deal on refurbished Apple AirPods Pro 2 isn't one to skip. As of Aug. 26, they are priced at $149.99, a saving of $60 on list price.

And don't be put off by the "renewed" stamp, these are classed as in "premium" condition. And according to Amazon, all products have been professionally inspected, tested, cleaned, and refurbished as necessary by Amazon-qualified suppliers.

SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2025 deals are already live: Save on Apple devices, mattresses, headphones, and plenty more

The AirPods Pro 2 are the perfect choice if you're looking for earbuds that give you great noise cancellation and personalized audio. They have fantastic sound quality with amazing features such as a scientifically validated hearing test and clinical-grade hearing protection, both to protect and give insight into improving your ear health.

Looking to block out annoying background noises? Active Noise Cancellation has you covered. Choose this to block out background noise completely, while Adaptive Audio and Transparency modes deliver a blend of background sounds, keeping you safe and aware while you're listening out of the house. The Conversation Awareness function also adjusts playback for nearby interactions, and the H2 chip provides a strong, immersive sound for both music and calls.

These also come with four pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) to fit a wide range of ear shapes. These tips create an acoustic seal to help keep out noise and secure the AirPods in place.

This deal is only around for a limited time, so grab them from Amazon while you can.

TL;DR: iScanner turns your phone or tablet into a modern scanner with PDF editing, AI tools, and more — lifetime access is $24.99 with code SCAN through Sept. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription $24.99
$199.90 Save $174.91 Get Deal

If you’ve ever needed to scan a contract, receipt, or handwritten note at the worst possible time, you know the pain of relying on a clunky office scanner. However, the iScanner can help make that awful scenario a thing of the past.

Lifetime access to this powerful scanner app is available for just $24.99 (instead of $199.90). This means no ongoing subscription fees, no strings attached. Just use code SCAN at checkout through Sept. 7.

SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2025 deals are already live: Save on Apple devices, mattresses, headphones, and plenty more

With iScanner, your iOS or Android device becomes a full-featured scanner. Need to digitize documents? Export them instantly to PDF, JPG, DOC, XLS, PPT, or TXT. Want to sign a contract on the fly? Add your signature with a tap. Have a math problem? The app can even solve complex equations.

AI-powered tools handle the details — straightening pages, detecting borders, and recognizing text in 20+ languages. There’s also a built-in PDF editor, file manager, and advanced security features like PIN-locked folders. Whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or a pro who just doesn’t want to deal with clunky printers, iScanner is a simple, elegant solution.

So yes, your phone really can replace your scanner. This offer ensures it lasts a lifetime. Get lifetime access to the iScanner App for just $24.99 (reg. $199.90).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a Microsoft Surface SE on sale for only $184.97 while you can (reg. $329).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface SE 11.6-Inch Laptop (2022) $184.97
$329 Save $144.03 Get Deal

Rising laptop prices have made it harder to find something affordable that still performs well enough for daily tasks. The Microsoft Surface SE 11.6-inch is one of the few budget-friendly models that strikes a balance between portability, performance, and practicality, and right now, it’s on sale for $184.97 (reg. $329)

This compact laptop runs on an Intel Celeron N4120 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage, which is more than enough for browsing, streaming, schoolwork, and document editing. It might not be your go-to gaming PC, but it’s still got enough power for some solid multitasking. The 11.6-inch screen is clear, and the lightweight plastic body makes it easy to carry anywhere without feeling fragile or bulky. At just 2.4 pounds, it’s a good fit for students, commuters, or anyone who wants a second computer that travels well.

SEE ALSO: The 6 best laptops under $500: Back-to-school edition

This computer can run for up to 16 hours on a single charge, so you don’t have to stay glued to an outlet at work or school. The simplified Windows 11 SE operating system helps extend that battery life by cutting down on unnecessary background apps and system bloat.

Open-box items are repackaged excess stock that may have come into contact with customers. This one has been inspected, repackaged, and comes with a full one-year warranty.

If you’re looking for a reliable laptop for under $200, the Surface SE is a strong pick that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Right now, you can get a Microsoft Surface SE on sale for $184.97. Sale ends Sept. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Protect your privacy and earn passive income with the Deeper Connect Mini Decentralized VPN on sale for $180 (reg. $229).

Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Connect Deeper Connect Mini Decentralized VPN and Firewall Hardware $179.99
$229 Save $49.01 Get Deal

Protecting your privacy online shouldn’t take this much work, and it definitely shouldn’t come with a monthly bill. Whether you’re trying to avoid trackers, block ads, or protect your devices, the Deeper Connect Mini is a user-friendly, one-time solution that gives you lasting privacy control without the recurring subscription fees that come with most VPNs.

Right now, it’s on sale for $179.99 (reg. $229).

A lifetime of privacy

Unlike a traditional VPN, the Deeper Connect Mini is a hardware-based DPN, or decentralized private network. That means there’s no central server collecting your information or managing your traffic. Instead, this compact device sits between your network and the internet, encrypting your data and helping you browse securely with no added software or subscriptions.

Deeper Connect Mini blocks ads across all devices automatically, including YouTube ads, and comes with a powerful firewall to defend against online threats. It automates a lot of what other VPNs do manually.

SEE ALSO: Best VPN 2025: Tested for performance, trustworthiness, value, and more

Set it up once, and the device runs quietly in the background. It routes your connection through secure, anonymous channels, adjusts to different servers for faster speeds, and even includes one-click parental controls to make the internet safer for kids.

There’s also a unique bonus: if you opt in, you can share unused internet bandwidth through the Deeper Network’s blockchain and earn passive income while you browse.

For anyone looking to avoid monthly privacy tools or VPN fees, this is a straightforward and low-maintenance alternative. You get secure, ad-free browsing, extra protection for connected devices, and the flexibility to control it all yourself, with no need to rely on a third-party service. Once it’s plugged in, the Deeper Connect Mini works around the clock to keep your digital life more private and less expensive.

Get a lifetime of privacy for a one-time cost. Until Sept. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT, it’s only $179.99 to get a Deeper Connect Mini.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 Vuelta a España for free on SBS on Demand. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It has been a busy few months for cycling fans. Following on from a number of high-profile Classics and the Tour de France, the Vuelta a España is here to deliver more action on two wheels. The likes of Jonas Vingegaard, Matteo Jorgenson, João Almeida, Richard Carapaz, Tom Pidcock, Mikel Landa, and Sepp Kuss are set to compete. Who needs Tadej Pogačar, anyway?

If you want to watch the 2025 Vuelta a España for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Vuelta a España?

The Vuelta a España is an annual multi-stage bicycle race primarily held in Spain. Along with the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, the Vuelta is one of cycling's prestigious Grand Tours.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2025 US Open online for free

The defending general classification champion is Primož Roglič.

When is the Vuelta a España in 2025?

The 2025 Vuelta a España is the 80th edition of the three-week cycling race. This year's event takes place in Italy, France, Andorra, and Spain between Aug. 23 and Sept. 14.

How to watch the 2025 Vuelta a España for free

The 2025 Vuelta a España is available to live stream for free on SBS on Demand.

SBS on Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock SBS on Demand from around the world. That might sound complicated, but the process is actually really simple.

Live stream the 2025 Vuelta a España for free from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

4. Connect to SBS on Demand

5. Watch the 2025 Vuelta a España from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free. However, leading VPNs tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By using these offers, you can watch the 2025 Vuelta a España without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the Vuelta a España before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for SBS on Demand?

ExpressVPN leads the way when it comes to unblocking streaming sites from around the world. ExpressVPN is the top choice for SBS on Demand, 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 so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch the 2025 Vuelta a España for free with ExpressVPN.

Yesterday we outlined three types of everyday courage, and how to develop them. Here are three more types of courage you can practice daily—especially when the stakes are high.   Intellectual courage: Question your own thinking. Model rethinking by saying, “Here’s my logic—what might I be missing?” Invite critique to normalize learning and adaptation. Don’t tie […]

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If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

The purest chocolate.

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

CACAO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Tossed.

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

THREW

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A helpless person.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

GONER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Trust.

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

FAITH

Final Hurdle hint

A prominent Catholic figure.

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FRIAR

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This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

There's much more to buying a new laptop than picking up a device that looks nice and shiny. A laptop is a lifestyle choice — an extension of your very self — which means you need one that suits your life and your style. Indeed, your work and leisure (like streaming Netflix and laptop gaming) will be vastly improved by the purchase of a slick, reliable, efficient laptop that's built for your needs.

It’s not a decision you should make based on simply price or looks. Like everything in life, it's what's on the inside that counts. Laptop beginners may want something user-friendly and straightforward, while frequent travellers will need something that's light and long-lasting. Designers and gamers may seek top-notch 4K graphics and quick central processors. And everybody needs something that's won't break after a year.

If you're stuck on a decision, we can help. We're done the research and compiled a list of some of the best laptops available, along with some useful info.

What are the best laptop brands?

Apple reigns supreme as the most popular laptop manufacturer and its flagship models — such as the MacBook Pro and Air — regularly top lists of the very best laptops that money can buy. But it’s far from the only option. The Microsoft Surface has impressed us since its launch, peaking — in our opinion — with the Microsoft Surface 7.

Elsewhere, HP offers a range of laptops that span price options and capabilities. Dell is another trusty and versatile manufacturer, with a laptop range including 2-in-1 models and dedicated gaming options. Lenovo and Acer are also worth your attention.

What are the best gaming laptops?

If you’re a hardcore gamer, you need a laptop that’s built for gaming. Manufacturers such as Asus, Razer, and Acer produce laptops that are dedicated to gaming and handling the latest software, combining powerful CPU, GPU, and RAM specs for smooth, uninterrupted gameplay. You'll find an Asus option below.

What are the most important laptop features?

Not every laptop will suit everyone’s needs. But there are important inner components that every laptop has and it’s important to know what they are:

• CPU — Also known as the the processor, this is the brain of the laptop. It controls and communicates with everything else. For general web-surfing, emails, and essay-writing, you won’t need an all-singing, all-dancing CPU. But if you’re a serious gamer, video editor, or graphic designer — or do anything that requires you running big-time software — look for a machine with a solid, up-to-the-minute CPU processor.

• Display — If you’re a gamer or designer, a stunning, high-resolution display is absolutely essential. We recommend a HD 1080p resolution as a base level. Some laptops also have touchscreen capabilities, doubling up as laptop-tablet combos. This is one area where size does matter. Laptops built for gaming and creative work tend to have 15-inch displays but more portable laptops may be 13 or even 11 inches.

• GPU — The graphics processing unit, otherwise known as the graphics card. This is responsible for your laptop’s visuals. Once again, the GPU will depend on your laptop activity. You might not need eye-popping graphics for answering emails or writing coursework, but for design work or — perhaps most importantly — rendering visuals in the latest games, choose a machine with the latest, supremely powerful GPU.

• RAM — This stands for random-access memory. It's for running various applications at the same time and using them as and when you need to access. (How many apps are open in your dock right now? That’s all thanks to RAM.) This basically controls the speed and dexterity of your laptop. 8GB of RAM is a good starting point if you’re a multitasker or do heavy-duty gaming and creative work.

• Storage — You’ll notice that laptops usually come with one of two types of storage space — hard-disc drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD) storage. HDD is essentially a hunk of metal inside the machine that holds onto all your info. SSD stores the info on little flash-memory chips. A HDD typically holds more but it's slower than SSD. Premium and higher-ticket laptops usually come with SSD as standard. There are also cloud and external storage options, depending on your storage needs.

How much does a laptop cost?

Just as there's a laptop specification to suit everyone, there's a price point too. You get what you pay for. The laptops included here range from £315 to £2,400. But remember: A laptop is an investment in not just your work but your life too. It's worth spending a little extra to get a laptop that will perform harder, faster, and better.

What is the best laptop?

This can be overwhelming but this is exactly the kind of stuff that we enjoy researching. We've put together a definitive guide of the best laptops on the market right now. We have compared top brands that you probably have in mind already — the likes of Apple and Dell — as well as other manufacturers you may not have considered otherwise. Trust us: You're in good hands here.

These are the best laptops in 2025.

Anyone who calls IKEA "adult Legos" hasn't checked out the Lego catalog lately.

While many of us had our Lego introductions as kids, the coolest Lego sets these days range from architectural marvels to genuine works of art that anyone, kid or adult, can enjoy. In other words, "Legos for adults" are just Legos.

As someone who enjoys a good Lego build and is surrounded by friends, family, and Mashable coworkers who do too, I decided to poll the people around me about the best sets they've built, as well as those they're still coveting. Altogether, I rounded up 15 sets, with picks from under $20 all the way up to $850. (Shoutout to my brother for suggesting the two most expensive sets on this list. His Lego expertise is well earned — he owns so many sets my mom texted me ahead of his last birthday, "[He] does not need any more Legos until he has his own garage to store them in.")

Check out our favorite Lego sets for adults, kids, and everyone in between:

Lego Mario Kart It doesn't get better than IRL shell shooting. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

Mario Kart is one of the most iconic IPs out there, and no game of it is complete without absolutely crushing your opponents' hopes and dreams by hitting them with a well-timed shell. So, of course, Lego made sure that these karts could actually shoot from Yoshi's bike (or Donkey Kong, if you buy the additional building kit). In our Pocketworthy series, Mashable's tech editor Timothy Beck Werth said he was just as excited as his niece and nephew when he saw this set's shell shooting abilities.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart Yoshi Bike $12.99 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $2 Get Deal SEE ALSO: Review: 'Donkey Kong Bananza' is the Switch 2's first stone cold banger Lego Star Wars BrickHeadz Wouldn't want to meet these guys in a dark alley. Credit: Nick Villescas / Mashable

For any Star Wars fans who don't have $850 to drop on the Millennium Falcon (more on that below), the BrickHeadz line lets you show your love for the space opera at a much more accessible price point. My best friend's husband, Nick, exclusively owns Star Wars Lego, and has curated this collection of BrickHeadz over time. A set of two will run you $19.99, which is an excellent price for decorating your office space (as Nick so expertly demonstrates). In general, Nick appreciates that Lego's catalog is extensive enough that even if you stick to one type or IP from the brand, you still get plenty of options to choose from (and yes, this does guarantee I'll be bugging him for more Star Wars faves in the future).

Lego BrickHeadz 'Star Wars' The Mandalorian and the Child $15.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $4.00 Shop Now Lego Botanicals Happy Plants I want to befriend these planters — that's normal, right? Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

These happy plants are part of the popular Lego Botanicals series, a clear favorite of Mashable editors and readers alike, and in this case, another favorite pick from Werth. This Happy Plants set isn't one he owns just yet, but it is one that he's definitely keeping an eye on after spotting them in a Mashable cubicle and at a Lego booth during a toy expo. The mini dracaena and pilea plants are great for Lego beginners (or kids), or anyone else who might not have the bandwidth to put together 500+ pieces (if you fall into that category, beware of the last few picks on this list).

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Happy Plants $22.96 at Amazon
Shop Now Lego Botanicals Petite Sunny Bouquet Flower Set Who doesn't love a Lego Botanicals centerpiece? Credit: Lego

Mashable contributor Lauren Allain bought this small but adorable Botanicals set for her partner's mom — someone who'd never built a set in her life. The verdict? "She loved it," Allain told me. At 373 pieces, it's intricate enough to result in a design that could genuinely work as house decor, while still being beginner-friendly. Plus, it's a nice next step from the Happy Plants if you still want to keep things simple and affordable.

Lego Botanicals Petite Sunny Bouquet Flower Set $29.97 at Amazon
Shop Now Lego Botanicals Orchid The Lego Botanicals Orchid is a classic for a reason. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The Lego Orchid was one of the first from the Botanicals line to go properly viral, and it's no surprise as to why — it's gorgeous. Mashable's Haley Henschel uses it as a design piece in her home. It's as at home on a mantle as it is on a bookshelf or even a dining table. And it gets extra points for being an unkillable orchid.

Lego Botanicals Orchid $39.95 at Walmart
$49.99 Save $10.04 Shop Now Lego Icons Retro Radio A Lego radio that can actually play sound? I'm listening (literally). Credit: Lego

I knew I had to ask my friend Danica for her all-time favorites, as she is the proud owner of the first Lego set that made me audibly gasp: the Typewriter (you can actually use the keys — I know). While that set is sadly discontinued, she pointed to this Retro Radio as being another favorite, partially because she likes the vibe, partially because it can actually play audio. The sound brick in the build plays a selection of short audio settings, which is a nifty enough feature on its own for a $100 set. After completing the set, you can also open up the back and put your phone in the radio and play music off your own device — the Lego isn't technically playing it, but it's a cool feature if you want to pretend it is.

Lego Icons Retro Radio $99.95 at Amazon
Shop Now Lego Ideas The Insect Collection Who wouldn't love these bugs? Credit: Lego

When I asked my Mashable colleagues for their favorite sets, Social Good Reporter Chase DiBenedetto responded with a link to this one and a simple message: "I love my bugs." Looking at the color, detail, and poses here, I can see why. With this set, you'll build a blue morpho butterfly, a Hercules beetle, and a Chinese mantis.

Lego Ideas The Insect Collection $63.99 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $16.00 Shop Now Lego Ideas A-Frame Cabin This cabin belongs in a cozy bookshelf display. Credit: Danica Villescas / Mashable

Not all Lego builds are created equally — intricate ones with more pieces on the wrong day can feel more frustrating than relaxing. Yet my friend Danica had to recommend this cabin set in addition to the Retro Radio because not only is it extremely charming (look how precious it is on her shelf), she found the build itself fun, despite being an over 2,000-piece set.

Lego Ideas A-Frame Cabin $179.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Lego Icons The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook Kit I'm sorry but all other book nooks have to pack it up, this one wins. Credit: Lego

"If I had 100 bucks to drop on this heavy metal Balrog book nook, I would," is what Mashable UK Editor Shannon Connellan told me in my call for favorite sets (the set goes for £100 in the UK, $129.99 in the US). Opening the link to this set was an experience — taking in the massive Balrog, the tiny Gandalf, the "you shall not pass!", and the staging of this book nook between books now has me thinking if I had $129.99 to drop on this book nook, I would, too.

Lego Icons 'The Lord of the Rings': Balrog Book Nook Kit $129.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Lego Ideas Twilight The Cullen House If you ask me, this set should be part of the Lego Icons line. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable

Sometimes, recreating scenes from a beloved IP is just what the soul needs. Animal Crossing fans may appreciate being able to painstakingly work their way to K.K. Slider's concert in the plaza all over again, LotR fans may need an incredibly epic bookend (as seen above), and Twilight fans may need to see in Lego form where Edward Cullen told Bella, "You better hold on tight, spider monkey."

For former Mashable reporter Dylan Haas, spending time with his wife building this 2,000-plus-piece set reminded him of the importance of taking time to connect with your loved ones. He wrote, "I’m not saying that you should bury your head and ignore what’s going on in the world — actually, I advise heavily against that. But if the state of it all is getting to be overwhelming, maybe I am saying that you should pick up a Lego set and just see what happens."

Lego Ideas 'Twilight' The Cullen House $219.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Lego Icons The Lord of The Rings: The Shire Building Set All your Middle Earth friends are here. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

Werth also spotted this set at a recent toy expo, and he says he's been obsessed ever since. At $269.99, this is a Lord of the Rings set priced for more diehard fans (though come to think of it, I'm not sure I've ever met a casual LotR fan). Whether you need another set to tide you over your post Balrog-book-nook-completion blues or simply love the Hobbitses and their home, this 2,017-piece set is sure to do the trick.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons 'The Lord of The Rings': The Shire Building Set $269.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Lego Super Mario The Mighty Bowser Who knew Bowser would be the perfect accent piece for a windowsill? Credit: Lego

Lego wasn't playing when it named this set the Mighty Bowser. For one, look at him. For two, it's 2,807 pieces, meaning it's built (or rather ready-to-be-built) for the fans who spent a good chunk of their childhood grinding Mario on the N64. Unsurprisingly, I sourced this selection from my friend Mitch, who is 100 percent one of those fans. When I asked him why this set stood out, he cited nostalgia, and to me, there is something beautiful about nostalgia taking the form of a giant, Lego Koopa king.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Super Mario' The Mighty Bowser $269.99 at Walmart
Shop Now Lego Grand Piano Yes, actually the little Lego grand piano on top of a real one in a concert hall does make me feel weirdly emotional and ready to spend $399.99. Credit: Lego

Another Lego not yet owned is this grand piano. While I'm more of the Lego builder between my boyfriend and me, he's the musician — his instrument of choice being the piano. Knowing that one of his dreams is to one day own a grand piano, I figure this is more within my range of affordability, relatively speaking. While it's still expensive, it also has an impressive number of features and an incredible attention to detail. You can adjust the bench height, put the tiny sheet music on the stand, cover and uncover the keys, open up the side to see the inside, and of course, actually play the 25 keys, each of which is connected to its own hammer.

With the connected app, you can listen to the piano play a small selection of songs (and watch the keys move), or you can choose to play songs yourself — the song plays regardless of what keys you press, but it does play at the rate you press the keys. So yeah, this tiny Lego piano is $400, but for a piano lover, maybe it's worth the splurge.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Grand Piano $399.99 at Lego
Shop Now Lego Technic McLaren P1 The Lego Technic line is the perfect intersection for car enthusiasts and people who want to try out non-traditional Lego bricks. Credit: Lego

Speaking of splurges, it's time to get into my brother's two picks. He first suggested the larger-scale items from Technic's line, saying they are "pretty cool because [they] step away from the traditional brick." He built the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which is unfortunately now a retired product (though you can hunt around on resale sites if you're so inclined). If you're not too picky about make and model, this McLaren P1 is a worthy alternative still in stock.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic McLaren P1 $449.99 at Lego
Shop Now Lego 'Star Wars' Millennium Falcon My family did in fact eat meals around this. Credit: Thomas Allard / Mashable

An $850 Lego set is not for the casual Lego fan, which is exactly why it's my brother's pride and joy (to be fair, he bought it at its original price of $799 — a real bargain). I'm 99 percent sure I've never seen my brother happier than when he was building this behemoth. For a long time, it lived near the entrance to my family's home (shortly after its initial residence on the kitchen table), and it was the conversation piece of every single person who visited. I've watched many a grown man drop his jaw at its presence. And they better — it is not only by far the most expensive set on this list, but one of the most expensive sets Lego has ever produced.

The interior of the ship is actually insane. Credit: Thomas Allard / Mashable

When I asked my brother if he thinks this set is worth $850, he texted back, "F-ck no! But it does look cool." Would he buy it all over again? "Yeah probably." And honestly, I get it. This set is beyond intricate, with its whopping 7,541 pieces allowing you not just to build the exterior structure of the iconic ship, but also some interior rooms, populated with characters from the original trilogy and recent sequels.

Lego 'Star Wars' Millennium Falcon $820.94 at Walmart
Shop Now

Renewing driver's licenses, obtaining marriage certificates, and conducting any government business were impossible on Monday in Nevada, following a "significant state network degradation affecting the ability to conduct normal business," according to the state attorney general's office.

Nevada closed all in-person services at state offices on Monday following the "network security incident," which was first detected early Sunday, according to a press statement from Gov. Joe Lombardo. While the in-person services were unavailable because of the outage, emergency services and 911 remained online.

SEE ALSO: Massive Allianz Life data breach details reportedly revealed

The websites of the governor, the state attorney general, and the state Department of Motor Vehicles remained unavailable as of 3 p.m. PT on Monday.

It's not clear if the network issues were malicious, but the FBI is investigating the matter, according to CNN.

Lombardo's office warned Nevadans to be wary of those who may take advantage of the shutdown and to specifically "be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts asking for personal information or payments." Lombardo's office also stated that there is no evidence yet that any Nevadans' personal data was breached.

I realized that some of the apps that I hadn’t used in a long time still had access to my Google account. I quickly revoked these apps’ access to my account, and I’ll show you how you can do that, too.

The PC hardware world always has something new and exciting cooking in the oven. If you're perpetually waiting for new CPUs, GPUs, cases, monitors, and faster RAM and storage to arrive, you'll never upgrade your current machine, or build that new PC.

Elon Musk threatened to sue Apple for favoring ChatGPT over Grok in the App Store — and now he has.

On Monday, Musk's AI company xAI officially filed a lawsuit against Apple as well as ChatGPT creator OpenAI over the two companies' business partnership.

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"This is a tale of two monopolists joining forces to ensure their continued dominance in a world rapidly driven by the most powerful technology humanity has ever created: artificial intelligence," reads the opening of xAI's lawsuit.

"Working in tandem, Defendants Apple and OpenAI have locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI from competing," the suit continues.

xAI's issue with Apple and OpenAI

xAI's suit claims that Apple boosts ChatGPT in the Apple App Store to the detriment of competing AI apps, like xAI's Grok.

"Apple has taken further steps to protect its monopoly in smartphones and to preference OpenAI by deprioritizing the apps of competing generative AI chatbots and super apps in its App Store rankings, and it has dragged out its App Store app review processes for those competitors," the lawsuit reads.

Alleged abuses of the App Store charts are only part of the suit, however. xAI's lawsuit also claims that Apple and OpenAI are partaking in monopolistic activities more broadly.

According to xAI, Apple's partnership with OpenAI, which includes integrating ChatGPT into Mac and iOS devices to power some Apple Intelligence features, has boxed Musk's company out of the AI race.

"As a result of Apple and OpenAI’s exclusive arrangement, ChatGPT is the only generative AI chatbot that benefits from billions of user prompts originating from hundreds of millions of iPhones," reads xAI's lawsuit. "This makes it hard for competitors of ChatGPT’s generative AI chatbot and super apps powered by generative AI chatbots to scale and innovate."

Will Musk and company beat Apple and OpenAI?

Prior to the lawsuit, Musk claimed on his social media platform X that it was "impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store." 

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However, users on Musk's platform disputed this using X's Community Notes feature. The Community Note embedded on Musk's posts provides proof that OpenAI competitors like DeepSeek and Perplexity have all reached #1 in App Store, even after the Apple and OpenAI partnership was formed.

Even so, a recent antitrust decision may work in Musk's favor. Last year Google lost an antitrust case concerning its paid partnership with Apple, which provided Google with the default search engine position on Apple's mobile devices. While there are differences between Apple's relationship with both companies, that case could become relevant here.

So, does Musk and xAI have a case here, or is he simply unhappy that his beloved Grok app hasn't taken off like its AI competitors? We'll soon find out as this plays out in court.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.