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Grief can be weird and funny sometimes. For example, when I turned up to my grandmother's funeral years ago, I didn't wear a black dress, because I didn't own one.

I was going through a phase where I was avoiding black in anything, save for one pencil skirt that had a white print of octopus tentacles climbing up the side. So, I wore that skirt with a white top. When my cousin saw me, she took in my outfit head to toe, then smiled tightly at me, as if she were biting her tongue. She was dressed all in black formalwear. I self-consciously explained why I was wearing such non-traditional attire, and she replied, "Gram would have said, 'Well, that sure is something."

SEE ALSO: TIFF 2026 preview: 18 films (and shows) you'll want to see (and how)

I laughed. Then she laughed, and then we cried and hugged. My Gram's back-handed compliments were deeply woven into our family tapestry. Imagining what she might say if she'd been there was a spark of joy we both needed, even if it came with a bit of a sting. But there was something healing imagining it all the same.

I thought of this moment while watching Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! Co-written by Nicholas Huynh and Josef Kubota Wladyka, and helmed by the latter, this movie walks the line of comedy and drama, aptly reflecting how grief can bring tears and sparks of odd laughter, sometimes at the same time. And what a wonderful something to bring to cinemas!

What is Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! about?

Pacific Rim's Rinko Kikuchi stars as Haru, a Japanese woman who loves to dance. She and her adoring Mexican husband, Luis (Alejandro Edda) share this love, competing in the Amateur Latin Senior in Tokyo, where they live. Together, they cha-cha happily, though not masterfully. And Wladyka captures Haru's bliss in this experience by showing us how she imagines them floating together, gracefully ascending from the dance floor as if they could cha-cha-cha all the way to heaven.

But then, Luis falls back slowly but relentlessly. His hand leaves her grip. His body hits the floor. His heart seizes in its final beats. The inciting incident is Luis' death, leaving Haru alone and unable to reconnect to her life or love of dance without him. That is, until her sensible sister Yuki (Yoh Yoshida) and chaotic cousin Hiromi (YOU) show up, lovingly bullying "Ha-Chan" (as she's endearingly nicknamed) to get back in the groove.

Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! is a love story.

It's Hiromi who delivers the title line, urging Haru to join her family at a dance class taught by a beguiling instructor named Fedir (Alberto Guerra). No sooner does Haru see this fleet-footed dancer than we're once more whisked into her romantic imagination, where she envisions him taking her into his arms for a sexy spin around the floor.

More fantasies will follow, as will some well-intentioned lies. When Haru learns through the rumor mill that Fedir is in an open marriage, she decides to pursue him. But rather than confessing her loss and heartache over Luis, she says she, too, is in an open marriage.

Much like my cousin and I once did, Haru imagines how her lost loved one might respond to her actions posthumously. And Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! follows her imagination by allowing Luis to come back, in a sense. She sees him return to their home, wearing a kawaii costume of a crow. He bops about, an adorable yet bittersweet reminder of her husband. But later, as she gets closer to Fedir, she dreams of them meeting each other, discussing Luis' record collection over a glass of whiskey. In this fantasy, there's no jealously, only mutual appreciation, as both look lovingly to Haru. Then, in a move that will thrill the Heated Rivalry crowd, a MLM kiss will come, much to Haru's pleasure. And while a kinky delight, this scene also gently illustrates that Haru is not looking to replace her husband, but is seeking to understand how to move on.

SEE ALSO: Why is the sex in 'Heated Rivalry' so hot?

Of course, grief is a wild thing. So, not all of Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! is spicy fantasy or spirited musical numbers. (Though there is a detour through a Japanese stage production of Dirty Dancing that's pretty dang delightful.) As Haru begins to catch feelings for Fedir, things get messy. Her decisions go from bad to bonkers. Yet while she becomes a fool for love, the filmmakers' delicate care for her characterization and Kikuchi's compelling performance prevent us from judging her. Instead, perhaps in her outrageous journey in coping with grief, we may see ourselves. For who among us hasn't gotten bizarre in their mourning?

Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! is a feel-good movie and a tearjerker.

Props to Wladyka. Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! refuses to be simply a comedy or a drama. Its story feels firmly situated in the latter camp, as the film at its core is about a widower struggling to find a reason to live. However, Haru is a heroine full of passion and quirks. Her movie, therefore, reflects that, never losing touch with her joy or silliness, even when things turn tragic. For instance, when jealousy spurs her to lash out at Fedir's wife, the resulting domino effect involves a bit of home invasion with perhaps the most comical conclusions imaginable.

Elsewhere, this chaotic collision of pain and joy takes the shape of Haru hanging out with her supportive sisterhood. You is a particularly lively addition to the cast, bringing plenty of moxie and physical comedy that play as a terrific foil to Kikuchi's performance, which carries an ingenue's sweetness with a hint of mature heartache. But Guerra also deserves props, ably shifting from the romantic ideal Haru imagines to the messier man Fedir really is. All of these performances tangle into a charming choreography, both literal and metaphorical, making for a movie that is a true crowd-pleaser, while reflecting some tricky truths about life and death.

You'll laugh. You'll cringe. You'll cry. And I suspect you'll love Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty!

Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! was reviewed out of the Toronto International Film Festival. The movie will open in theaters on Sept. 25

What do you do when the big plans you made fall to pieces? This is both the question faced by the antihero at the heart of Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, and the men who made it.

Written and directed by Bassam Tariq, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother stars two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali as Latif, a Muslim family man and hit man on a mission. Dedicated to protecting his community, Latif wields a sword in their defense. But when his wife dies unexpectedly, he drops everything (including properly disposing of a recently slain body) to care for their three children.

On a less dramatic level, one might imagine Tariq and Ali relate. The two met while in development on the MCU's Blade movie. But once they realized it wasn't coming together, Tariq approached Ali with his original script for Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother.

Here, in the story of a hit man having to question his choices while using violence to defend his loved ones, Ali finds a place to put the muscle he built prepping for Blade to use. But beyond that, he brings to life a complex character who adds to the rich tapestry of the American antihero.

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother is a family drama, and a gangster drama, and an action movie. Credit: Orion / Amazon MGM Studios

Tariq begins his film with a compelling collision of sight and sound. Onscreen, Ali bursts into frame, bringing down a skinhead in an empty public bathroom. The violence is efficient, communicating this is not the first time Latif has taken on such a task.

Over this scene, audio plays, explaining the title, which comes from the Quran. An unseen girl reads a passage about how the Prophet was asked who to honor after Allah, and three times, the prophet said, "Your mother," before he said, "Your father."

SEE ALSO: 'Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother' trailer: Mahershala Ali leaps into action

Even before the phone call comes to announce how his world has changed — even if you aren't familiar with the Quran quotation — you understand Latif is ill-equipped to replace the void his wife's death leaves. Soon, we see how, as he struggles to speak to his teen daughter (a marvelous Adia) about her burgeoning sexuality, and to find a source for what his infant needs most: mother's milk.

While struggling to cope with his grief and the overwhelm of single parenting, Latif desperately tries to exit his violent vocation. But as every gangster movie makes clear, it's not an easy thing to walk away from being a hit man. The one last job demanded of his handler won't be ignored. So, as he seeks breast milk to feed his child, he must also face off against hired guns, and a Christian cult leader (John Cho) on a violent crusade.

Tariq's plot line seamlessly blends elements of a gangster drama with exhilaratingly intense action sequences and a tender father-daughter drama that is absolutely breathtaking. Like Sinners, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother moves smoothly, weaving together genre elements with character development in a richly realized world to create a film that is familiar yet scorchingly unique.

Under Tariq's direction, there is not only poignant dialogue or a surprising story. It's a film alive with tiny but crucial visual details. It's in the blade by Latif's side, or the saucy video his daughter sneaks on her laptop through stolen WiFi, and in the platinum grill that Cho sports on his teeth, glistening not only in precious metals but also diamonds forming a cross on each tooth. Each is evocative, urging the audience to think deeper about who each figure is — even as they rush to escape, fight, or rescue each other. Each element is an invitation to make the movie our own by how we choose to translate them.

Mahershala Ali is absolutely riveting in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother. Credit: Orion / Amazon MGM Studios

When Ali revealed his Blade movie with the MCU seems dead, fans online grieved publicly. But from the ashes of Marvel's fumble comes an action hero that is all Ali's own, with one of the best performances of his career.

Brandishing blades and his muscle-bound arms, Ali tears into fight scenes with a focus that is exhilarating on its own. But Tariq enhances the stakes by putting Latif's children in immediate peril. It's not enough for Latif to rip through a flood of Christian militants, armed to the teeth with guns. He must do it while keeping an eye on his defenseless baby. And if that means putting lubricant and broken glass on leather gloves as an impromptu weapon, that's what it means. (And it's awesome.)

The resounding presence that Ali has brought to Moonlight, Green Book, and Luke Cage is radiant here. In moments of battle, he is quiet, his body primed to spring into action like a snake leaping from a coiled posture. There's moments where it seems Latif is most comfortable in warrior mode, where he can rely on his body and might. In scenes where he must cajole or convince, he's stiffer, clearly uncomfortable in being in a position of needing help.

In these scene's, Ali's stiffness reverberates with a tension born from Latif's fear that he is not enough. How can he compare to his wife when it comes to caring for their children? His fear of failing them drives every moment, major and seemingly mundane. But Ali makes sure no moment feels mundane.

Credit: Orion / Amazon MGM Studios

A scene of prayer at the mosque where he holds his hungry infant daughter as he silently cries becomes a moment of silent and stillness that reflects Tariq's keen understanding of great filmmaking. He pulls from Eastern masters like Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki, creating a moment of ma — a quiet space to allow the audience to see what the world is like before violence shatters its peace. Except, in this moment it's not a soft rain falling, it's a man whose faith is shattered by loss, crying by himself as he's surrounded by his community. In this moment, Latif cannot keep up the façade that he is okay. And his eldest daughter is the one who sees this. (I can sense the elder daughters out there nodding in recognition.)

Make no mistake. The action in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother is electrifying, sparked with stakes, grit, and style. This is thanks in no small part to Ali's athleticism in the role, and Tariq's embrace of saturated colors, painting everything from mosques to strip clubs to a tacky mansion in vivid hues of red, gold, blue, and greens. But the heart of Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother is the relationship between Latif and his eldest daughter, who, on the brink of womanhood, sees him, flaws and all.

With her mom gone, she steps up as a second parent in the house, which brings tension and guilt to Latif's dealings with her. They also share a disillusionment with Islam, largely because of the cruelty of their lost mother. Latif certainly sees himself in her, and this weighs on him too. But it's not all heavy emotions.

Tariq and Ali smartly weave in not just levity, but the goofy intimacy that breathes in the bonds of father and daughter. A sendoff scene might have been too maudlin or earnest were it not for the pair sharing a laugh over a perfectly executed dad joke. Again, the moment of ma, as Latif sets off for the climactic battle, and Tariq takes the time to remind us exactly what is being fought for.

Adia is a superb scene partner, not only to Ali, whose intense glare she matches, but also in scenes shared with young Jahleel Kamara, her onscreen little brother. She gives her sister depth by showing her as both patient and caring and annoyed. In scenes with her Mormon crush, she shrinks in shyness. And these shades make her boldness in communication with her dad reflect not only their shared fire, but also the closeness of their bond.

Credit: Orion / Amazon MGM Studios

Then there's John Cho, who brings a fresh menace as the cult leader. Rather than delivering a big, brash performance, Cho's performance is more nuanced. He lets the sparkling grill and flashy cowboy attire — bedecked with Christian iconography — speak loud, so he can speak in a deceitfully folksy whisper. It's enchanting and alarming, because it's easy to imagine being sucked into the easy warmth in his tone. But the things he's saying with a smile are downright scary. His showdown with Latif is inevitable, and as it gets closer, the tension will catch the breath in your throat. And it won't be the last time.

Because of how Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother came about, some might write it off as the "not-Blade Blade movie." But that's their mistake.

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother is a blisteringly original and absolutely gorgeous film. Tariq shows a comprehensive understanding of what draws Americans to not only action movies but also antihero/crime dramas. He delivers spectacles of violence, but grounds them in gripping, human stakes. Then, through that, he weaves a magnificent character-driven thread that is accentuated by color, details, and an extraordinary cast. Simply put, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother is a stunner, and easily one of my favorite films of 2026.

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother was reviewed out its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The movie opens in select theaters on Sept. 25. and everywhere in October.

There's always a level of anxiety when you register with a new dating site. Especially if you're paying for subscription features on a spicier dating platform such as AdultFriendFinder. In that case, the anxiety is usually around the digital paper trail — one that could be pretty embarrassing if it involves sex, kinks, and hookups. After all, we all tend to keep that kind of thing behind closed doors and away from prying eyes. It's a personal business, and everyone deserves privacy when it comes to online fun.

There are lots of reasons to feel cagey about the digital paper trail. For starters, you could be married or in a relationship. Or perhaps you and your ex haven’t got round to dividing your financial lives yet — it's always an awkward situation. Maybe you just don’t like the idea of your bank teller or financial adviser knowing what you get up to online, which is totally fair enough. Ultimately, it’s your prerogative — and it's your right to keep online activities on the down-low.

It's perfectly natural to worry about what your dating app subscription will look like on your bank statement when that subscription service contains loaded words such as “adult” — folks can get more than a bit judgmental and conservative about it.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More

Thankfully, AdultFriendFinder has anticipated this exact issue. So, if you do decide to upgrade from a free membership to a paid one — whether you opt for their Gold or VIP subscription tiers, both of which have their own features and benefits — your monthly billing statement will only show up as FFNHelp.com*FRIENDF.

It's a relatively cryptic and innocuous name that won’t arouse undue suspicion or unfair judgment (not that you should have to worry about that anyway — what you get up on consenting dating sites is your business). Hopefully, that should put your mind at rest.

However, be aware that AdultFriendFinder subscriptions default to “auto-renew,” so if you purchase a membership and want to cancel, you’ll need to go to your settings and disable auto-renew. Otherwise, that vague FFNHelp.com*FRIENDF will keep popping up on your statement month after month — and you'll also be paying month after month, of course.

But what if even that isn’t good enough for you?

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet and NSFW chats

If you’re super cautious — or super paranoid — you can actually bypass bank statements entirely by paying with a gift card or cash, check, or money order (available only to users in the U.S.). You can even use an e-wallet option like AirTM. Residents of the UK can opt to pay by SMS. AFF really has thought of everything with this particular issue.

If avoiding a digital paper trail is your top priority and privacy is paramount, you’re much better off using these payment options and not handing over your credit card details in the first place. Whatever you choose, AFF is safeguarding your anonymity.

The best early October Prime Day deals on power stations: Best Jackery deal Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $499 (save $60) Get Deal Best Ecoflow deal Ecoflow Delta 3 Classic with 220W Solar Panel $699 (save $400) Get Deal Best Bluetti deal Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 (save $400) Get Deal Best Anker deal Anker Solix C1000 $449.98 (save $150.01) Get Deal Best camping deal Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $1,079 (save $120) Get Deal Best refrigerator backup deal Anker Solix S2000 $699.99 (save $499.01) Get Deal

Portable power stations are useful for everything from camping trips to keeping your gadgets running when you're away from a plug socket. They come in a wide range of prices and styles, with some reaching the thousands of dollars. They're not exactly the kind of thing you look to buy every week. But when they're on sale, a discount can make a purchase much easier to justify.

SEE ALSO: 20+ of the best early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Apple, Nintendo, and Garmin

Now that we're rolling into fall and winter storm season, it's an ideal time to snag a model that's on sale. Plenty of models will be excellent for serving as backup power for your refrigerator. Other models that are on sale are perfect for fall camping.

With Prime Big Deal Days coming up on October 6-7, Amazon has already started cutting prices on some popular power stations, so now is a great time to pick one up at a lower-than-usual price. Below, we've rounded up the best early deals worth checking out.

Best Jackery deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $499 at Amazon
$559 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is a compact portable power station with a 1,070Wh capacity and 1,500W output, making it suitable for powering devices such as fridges, electric pots, and other appliances. It can also go from empty to fully charged in an hour with emergency charging switched on, and the LFP battery is designed to retain more than 70% of its capacity after 4,000 charge cycles. Plus, it weighs under 24 pounds, so it's easy to carry around the house or the campground.

If you don't love the traditional black and orange look of Jackery portable power stations, the Explorer 1000 v2 comes in a modern cream color called dune white. That version is also on sale for $499 ahead of Prime Day, marked down from its list price of $589.

More Jackery deals

• Jackery Explorer 300 — $258 $289 (save $30)

• Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 — $549 $649 (save $100)

• Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 and 200W Solar Panel — $699 $879 (save $180)

• Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 — $898.99 $999 (save $100.01)

• Jackery HomePower 3000 — $1,349 $1,499 (save $150)

• Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus — $1,709 $1,899 (save $190)

Best Ecoflow deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ecoflow Ecoflow Delta 3 Classic with 220W Solar Panel $699 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

The EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic has a 1,800W output and can handle even big appliances like fridges. It has X-Boost providing up to 2,600W for higher-power devices, and can charge to 80% in 45 minutes via AC. This deal includes a 220W solar panel, which can help it recharge in around 5.8 hours with full sun.

More Ecoflow deals

• Ecoflow Delta 3 Plus — $654 $899 (save $245)

• Ecoflow Delta 2 Max — $1,029 $1,399 (save $370)

Best Bluetti deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 at Amazon
$899 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

Ahead of Prime Day, this Bluetti power unit has $400 off the list price. It comes with a 1,024Wh capacity and 1,800W output, with 11 ports so you can charge multiple devices at once. It can also fully recharge in about 70 minutes with TurboBoost AC charging, making it a great option for last-minute use.

The 10 millisecond UPS (uninterrupted power supply) means this is a great model for plugging into your workstation or the WiFi router at home when a storm is threatening to take out grid power. A 10 UPS means the Ecoflow will take over providing power within 10 milliseconds of losing wall power.

More Bluetti deals

• Bluetti Elite 30 V2 — $279.99 $449 (save $169.01)

• Bluetti Elite 100 V2 with 200W Solar Panel — $698.98 $999 (save $300.02)

• Bluetti Elite 200 V2 — $899 $1,199 (save $300)

• Bluetti Elite 300 — $1,098.99 $1,499 (save $400.01)

• Bluetti FridgePower — $898.97 $1,499 (save $600.03)

Best Anker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $449.98 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $150.01   Get Deal Why we like it

This unit has a 1,056Wh capacity and 2,400W output, with 11 ports for powering multiple devices and appliances. It can reach 80% charge in 43 minutes with UltraFast charging enabled through the Anker app. It's built a LiFePO4 battery, so it's designed to last a long time, up to 10 years, which is around 3,000 battery cycles.

More Anker deals

• Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 — $499.99 $599 (save $99.01)

• Anker Solix S2000 — $699.99 $1,199 (save $499.01)

• Anker Solix F3800 — $2,499.98 $2,799.99 (save $300.01)

Best camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $1,079 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $120   Get Deal Why we like it

If you plan on heading out for fall camping, you might run into some rain or dewy mornings. The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra isn't afraid of getting wet, so it's perfect for all-season camping. It carries an IP65 rating, which means it's both water- and dust-proof. Jackery also tested this model for drops, and it'll be just fine when it takes a tumble of about three feet or less.

Important stats include a 1,536Wh battery capacity, a metal cooling base, and protective covers for all ports.

Best refrigerator backup deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix S2000 $699.99 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $499.01   Get Deal Why we like it

When the power goes out at home, a major worry is keeping food from going bad. Now that grocery prices have gone wild, the thought of having to toss it all out is worrying. Instead, plug the fridge into the Anker Solix S2000, which packs a massive 2,010Wh of battery capacity. Anker says this can keep a standard refrigerator on for up to 35 hours. Keep in mind that the exact number will depend on factors such as your fridge's capacity, the kitchen's ambient temperature, and how full the refrigerator is.

The Anker Solix S2000 has AC ports on both the front and the back of the station, so you can plug the fridge into the back and keep the front ports open for other kitchen appliances like the coffee maker.

The new iPhone Duo has me thinking about what I would want to see in a new Kindle e-reader. It took years, but we finally got a foldable iPhone. So what's the ultimate feature I'd want to see in a Kindle? There are quite a few. While Apple drops new iPhones every year, Amazon takes its time — we don't know when Amazon will drop a new batch of Kindles.

The last time we got a fully revamped lineup of Kindles was 2024, so we're two years into this batch of devices. Since then, Amazon has launched a color e-reader and a redesigned Scribe. I'd say it's about time the basic Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite got a revamp.

Whether it's adding new features to a Kindle e-reader or bringing back an older model, these are the features I'd like to see in a new Kindle.

Page-turning buttons Will Amazon bring back page-turning buttons to its e-readers? We hope so. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I feel confident that BookTok and I would want to see one feature brought back to Kindles: page-turning buttons. The last Kindle e-reader to have buttons was the Kindle Oasis, which was unfortunately discontinued in 2024. When the Oasis was discontinued, Amazon told The Verge that it has no plans to make devices with buttons moving forward. But that doesn't mean the public isn't still hungry for page-turning buttons.

I've spent plenty of time in Reddit threads of users lamenting the loss of old Kindle models with buttons. Plus, the Kobo Libra Colour, one of the few e-readers with buttons, is extremely popular. BookTok also has the Boox Go 7 on the come-up with its open Android system and page-turning buttons.

Although it's unlikely, Amazon would make a lot of people happy by bringing back the Oasis or adding page-turning buttons to the Paperwhite.

Kindle remote Kobo already has a remote for its e-readers; will Amazon join them? Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Last year, Kobo got a leg up on Kindle by launching a remote. The Kobo Remote connects to Kobo e-readers via Bluetooth and turns pages forward and back. While Amazon has yet to launch its own remote for Kindle e-readers (the Kobo remote is not compatible with Kindles), there are plenty of page-turning remotes being sold on Amazon. But the downside is that they require a clip-on piece that taps the screen for you. If Amazon finally launches a Bluetooth remote for its Kindle e-readers, I personally will be first in line to buy one.

Moving the power button

I think Kindles are nearly perfect e-readers, but I have one major pet peeve: the placement of the power button. The power button is on the bottom of the device, which makes it too easy to accidentally press, especially if you read it propped up. When I bring my Kindle to the gym to read on a treadmill or elliptical, the power button can easily get bumped and turned off.

If I could make one small request to Amazon, please move the power button to the top or the side of the Kindle.

A smaller model with handwriting capabilities

Amazon has the Kindle Scribe, its largest e-reader, which also has handwriting capabilities. It's great, but more notebook-sized than book-sized. Lots of competitors like Kobo and Boox have 7-inch e-readers with handwriting capabilities, and I'm curious to see if Amazon would launch one of its own, whether that's a smaller Kindle Scribe or handwriting support to the Kindle Paperwhite.

Tiny Kindle Xteink X4 e-readers are all the rage so could Amazon make its own tiny e-reader? Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

People are going wild for tiny e-readers, and I wouldn't be surprised if Amazon jumped on the trend and made a small e-reader of its own. It's not a crowded market as Xteink is really the only brand making tiny e-readers, although the Boox Picco is reportedly coming soon. However, Xteink e-readers can't access your Kindle library, so Amazon could meet demand by delivering a mini e-reader with access to Kindle books.

Open Android Kindle Boox e-readers have access to the Google Play Store, but we're not sure if Amazon would offer the same on its Kindle e-readers. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

While I don't think it will happen, Kindle could go out on a major limb and create an e-reader with an open Android system. This would be like Boox's e-readers, which run on Android and have access to the Google Play Store. That would mean a Kindle that allows you to download any reading (or non-reading) app you want. However, this is the least likely possibility as Amazon's Fire tablets don't even have access to the Google Play Store.

TL;DR: Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels to watch select F1 races for free. Watch the Azerbaijan GP for free with the Prime Video app.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel Watch the Azerbaijan GP for free with a 7-day trial Shop Now

Kimi Antonelli tops the F1 standings coming into an electric weekend of action in Azerbaijan. The talented Italian secured a dramatic victory in the Spanish GP, extending his lead over teammate George Russell.

McLaren continues to show pace after the last round of updates, but Norris now has a mountain to climb. The defending champion is over 100 points behind Antonelli, a margin that's probably too great. Still, Norris will be aiming to cut the deficit at the Baku City Circuit.

SEE ALSO: ExpressVPN review: A stylish VPN service with proven privacy and a large U.S. presence

If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Azerbaijan GP?

The Azerbaijan GP is the 15th race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Baku City Circuit:

• Practice 1 — 4:30-5:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 24

• Practice 2 — 8-9 a.m. ET on Sept. 24

• Practice 3 — 4:30-5:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 25

• Qualifying — 8-9 a.m. ET on Sept. 25

• Race — 7 a.m. ET on Sept. 26

Fans can follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.

How to watch the Azerbaijan GP for free

Amazon Prime delivers fast shipping, Prime Day discounts, and access to the Prime Video library.

For F1 fans in the U.S., Prime Video is absolutely key this season. Apple TV holds exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for F1, and you can sign up for a seven-day free trial of Apple TV directly through Prime Video Channels.

That trial gives you access to select races for free, including this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The subscription rolls over to $12.99 per month after the seven-day trial, but you can disable the automatic renewal and still stream the entire race weekend for free.

Of course, if you're already paying for Amazon Prime, calling it "completely free" is questionable. But if you don't have an active membership, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new users. Stacking that Prime trial with the seven-day Apple TV channel trial means you're truly spending nothing to stream this weekend's race.

If you've already made use of this method, you still have a few workarounds:

• Apple TV: New standalone subscribers qualify for a direct seven-day free trial through Apple's app.

• Apple One: If you want more than just streaming, the Apple One tier packages Apple TV alongside Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, and 50GB of iCloud storage — and it comes with a full one-month free trial ($19.95 per month after the promotional period).

• Apple: The most generous Apple TV offer is tied to new hardware purchases. Buying an eligible iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV grants new subscribers three months of free service. You obviously have to spend money on hardware, but if you were already planning an upgrade, it effectively unlocks a massive chunk of the F1 season for free.

TL;DR: Watch Australia vs. Brazil in an International Friendly for free on Network 10. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The footballing world is largely focused on the Nations League this week, but there are some really interesting friendly fixtures on the schedule. That includes Australia vs. Brazil, a potentially tricky matchup for the visitors.

Carlo Ancelotti's team will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing World Cup exit at the hands of Norway.

If you're interested in watching Australia vs. Brazil in an International Friendly from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. Brazil?

Australia vs. Brazil in an International Friendly kicks off at 6 a.m. ET on Sept. 25. This fixture takes place at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

How to watch Australia vs. Brazil for free

Australia vs. Brazil in an International Friendly is available to live stream for free on Network 10.

Network 10 is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can live stream Australia vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Australia vs. Brazil for free by following these simple steps:

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit Network 10

5. Watch Australia vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

What is the best VPN for Network 10?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Network 10, 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 secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Australia vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Do you feel that chill in the air? Fall is here, which means so is the holiday shopping season. To kick things off, Amazon is bringing back Prime Big Deal Days.

Running Oct. 6 and 7, the event is essentially Amazon's way of kicking off holiday shopping before Black Friday. We're gearing up for the event and hunting deals on all the top brands, including Apple.

We're on the hunt for Apple Watch deals and have been admittedly a little disappointed. We've found one great deal on an Apple Watch, but otherwise, there's not much to shop. So if you're eager to buy an Apple Watch, here's the best early Prime Day deal. But otherwise, we recommend holding out until more Prime Big Deal Days savings go live.

Best Apple Watch Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 44mm) $249 at Amazon
$279 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for an Apple Watch, the only early Prime Day deal we found is on the Apple Watch SE 3. Usually $279, the smartwatch is now $249, saving you $30 off. That's just $20 off its lowest-ever price.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is the most affordable smartwatch from the tech giant, but it still has all the essential features. It's an advanced health tracker on your wrist that provides real-time metrics. Plus, it has safety in mind as it can detect hard falls and even car crashes, and then alert emergency services.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is the best Apple Watch deal to shop right now, but if you're curious about other smartwatch savings, we rounded up deals from other brands.

More smartwatch deals

• CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro — $69 $79 (save $10)

• Google Fitbit Versa 4 — $159.95 $199.95 (save $40)

• Garmin Vivoactive 5, 42mm — $181.97 $299.99 (save $118.02)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, 40mm — $185 $249.99 (save $64.99)

• Garmin Forerunner 165, 43mm — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar, 45mm — $259.95 $449.99 (save $190.04)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, 40mm — $259.99 $299.99 (save $40)

• Garmin Venu 3, 45mm — $367.81 $449.99 (save $82.18)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, 46mm — $419 $499.99 (save $80.99)

• Garmin Quatix 7X Solar Edition Marine — $549.95 $629.95 (save $60)

I would've never guessed that a movie based on a viral YouTube found-footage series based on an unsettling old 4chan post would become the highest-grossing film in A24's history, but here we are. Backrooms took the box office by storm this summer, earning over $350 million worldwide on a $10 million budget.

The best ways to watch 'Backrooms' at home, at a glance: Watch now Buy or rent 'Backrooms' on Prime Video $19.99 or $7.99 Shop Now Watch now Buy or rent 'Backrooms' on Apple TV $19.99 or $7.99 Get Deal Watch now Buy or rent 'Backrooms' on Fandango at Home $19.99 or $7.99 Get Deal Watch as of Sept. 25 HBO Max (With Ads) $109.99/year (save $21.89) Get Deal Watch as of Sept. 25 HBO Max Standard $184.99/year (save $36.89) Get Deal Watch as of Sept. 25 HBO Max Student $5.49 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal Watch as of Sept. 25 HBO Max Basic With Ads Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $10.99/month) Get Deal Watch as of Sept. 25 Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle $19.99 per month (with ads), $32.99 per month (no ads) (save up to 42%) Get Deal Watch as of Sept. 25 Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) $10/month with Verizon myPlan (save $9.98/month) Get Deal Watch as of Sept. 25 Netflix, Peacock, and HBO Max (with ads) $22/month with Xfinity StreamSaver (save $8.97/month) Get Deal

Directed by 21-year-old rising filmmaker Kane Parsons, Backrooms stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell.

"Parsons has managed to prove himself as an incredibly talented emerging filmmaker while also establishing the first chapter in what will surely end up becoming a brand new horror franchise," Mashable's reviewer writes.

If you're intrigued by the liminal space internet lore and have yet to check out Backrooms, or if you can't wait to watch it again, it's now heading to streaming. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know to watch it comfortably from your couch.

What is Backrooms about?

Set in the '90s in Santa Clara Valley, California, Backrooms follows aspiring architect turned furniture shop owner Clark (Ejiofor), who has been staying in the shop temporarily after his recent separation. One night, he discovers a hidden doorway in the basement of the store, leading to the titular Backrooms — an endless stretch of eerie liminal space. Naturally, he enters the portal and starts exploring.

Check out the official trailer for a taste of the Backrooms:

How to watch Backrooms at home Credit: A24

As of Sept. 25, you have several different options for watching Backrooms at home. You can either buy it or rent it via digital-on-demand retailers or stream it. We've broken down the details below.

Buy or rent on digital

Backrooms made its at-home debut via digital-on-demand retailers on July 14, 2026. While it originally cost $24.99 to buy and $19.99 to rent, those prices have now dropped to just $19.99 and $7.99, respectively. Note: If you choose the rental option, you'll get access for 30 days, but only 48 hours once you start watching.

Quick links to buy/rent Backrooms on digital:

• Apple TV —  buy for $19.99, rent for $7.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $19.99, rent for $7.99

• Prime Video —  buy for $19.99, rent for $7.99

Stream it on HBO Max

A24 renewed its output deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, which means new A24 theatrical releases will continue to stream on HBO Max before anywhere else. Following the same theater-to-streaming schedule as other recently released A24 movies (Marty Supreme, The Drama, and Bring Her Back), we originally made an educated guess that Backrooms would make its streaming debut on HBO Max in late September — just in time for spooky season. We're happy to announce that prediction was right on track. Backrooms is streaming on HBO Max as of Sept. 25, 2026.

HBO Max subscriptions start at $10.99 per month. However, there are some ways you can save money on your plan. Check out the best HBO Max streaming deals below.

SEE ALSO: HBO Max and Paramount+ are combining into one streaming service The best HBO Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on HBO Max annual subscriptions Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Basic with ads annual subscription $109.99 per year (save $21.89) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Standard annual subscription $184.99 per year (save $36.89) Get Deal

The best way to save money on HBO Max on any given day is with the annual plan. Yes, it costs more up front, but you'll save about 16% over the course of a year — up to $45.89 in savings.

A monthly plan with ads typically costs $10.99 per month, but a full year costs $109.99, which breaks down the monthly cost to only $9.17. Want to go ad-free? The annual HBO Max Standard or Premium plans will also save you about 16% over their monthly equivalents. Standard subscriptions cost either $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year (which breaks down to $15.42 per month). Premium subscriptions cost $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year (about $19.17 per month). While both are ad-free plans, only the Premium option will unlock 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos, and the ability to download more offline content.

Get HBO Max for free: Switch to Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max / Cricket HBO Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the Supreme Unlimited plan Get Deal

It may not be the most convenient option, but switching your phone plan to Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan for $60 per month will get you HBO Max with ads for free. Once you're a Cricket customer, you can use your provider credentials to log in via the HBO Max app or website.

Best HBO Max deal for students: Save 50% on HBO Max Basic with ads Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Student $5.49 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students can get an entire year of HBO Max with ads for 50% off. Just use UNiDAYS to prove your student status, and you'll receive a unique discount code that'll drop the cost per month down from $10.99 to $5.49. Once the initial 12 months are up, the price will jump back to the full cost unless you cancel.

Best bundle deal: Get HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 42% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / HBO Max Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $19.99 per month (with ads), $32.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

The Disney+ bundle deal, which includes HBO Max and Hulu, is one of the best deals in streaming. For just $19.99 per month, you'll get all three streaming libraries with ads, which is about $15 cheaper than paying for each one separately. Want to go ad-free? It'll run you $32.99 per month as opposed to $56.47 for all three. That's up to 42% in savings.

Best for Verizon customers: Get Netflix and HBO Max for $13/month Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix / HBO Max HBO Max and Netflix (with ads) $13 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $6.98 per month) Get Deal

If you're a Verizon customer on the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan, you can add the Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) to your plan for only $13 per month. A $19.98 per month value, that's about $7 in savings each month. Once you enroll in the promo, you'll have to complete the account setup separately for each service. Check out Verizon's support page for all the eligibility details, terms, and FAQs.

Best for Xfinity customers: Bundle HBO Max, Peacock, and Netflix and save $10/month Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix / Peacock / HBO Max Netflix Standard with ads, Peacock Premium, and HBO Max $22/month with Xfinity StreamSaver (save $8.97/month) Get Deal

Xfinity Internet and TV customers can also get in on the bundle action with Xfinity StreamSaver packages. The package with Netflix Standard with ads ($8.99 per month), Peacock Premium ($10.99 per month), and HBO Max Basic with Ads ($10.99 per month) can be added to your existing Xfinity service for only $22 per month. It typically costs $30.97 for all three, so that's about $9 in savings monthly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A long, hooded winter coat.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

PARKA

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Put into practice.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 25, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ENACT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Courageous.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 25, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 25, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BRAVE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Livid.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

ANGRY

Final Hurdle hint

Golden.

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

HONEY

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 25, 2026 Bougie meaning

Describes someone with expensive or luxurious taste.

Fancy meaning

Elaborate, decorative or expensive.

Posh meaning

Elegant, luxurious or expensive.

Swank meaning

Stylish, expensive and showy.

Aykroyd meaning

An Old-English last name.

Levy meaning

The legal imposition or collection of a tax, fee, fine or property seizure by a government or authority.

Rather meaning

An adverb meaning somewhat, to a certain degree or instead.

Savage meaning

Fierce, wild or uncivilized.

Escapement meaning

A mechanical device that regulates movement in steps.

Pendulum meaning

A weight suspended from a fixed point so that it can swing freely back and forth.

Ratchet meaning

A mechanical mechanism with a toothed wheel and catching piece that allows movement or rotation in one direction only.

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Spring meaning

A bent or spiraled piece of metal that returns to its original shape after being stretched out.

Border meaning

An outer edge, dividing line or a narrow strip of plants along a path.

Classy meaning

Stylish, elegant and having high standards.

Foamily meaning

In a foamy manner, or in a way that relates to foam.

Genius meaning

A rare, high level of skill or brilliance in fields like art, music, or science.

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

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

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

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

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you like the finer things in life.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 25, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: "Ooo la la!"

• Green: Tick tock

• Blue: Same names

• Purple: Classification

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Luxe

• Green: Parts of a mechanical clock

• Blue: Famous Dans

• Purple: Taxonomic ranks plus a letter

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 #1201 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Luxe: BOUGIE, FANCY, POSH, SWANK

• Parts of a mechanical clock: ESCAPEMENT, PENDULUM, RATCHET, SPRING

• Famous Dans: AYKROYD, LEVY, RATHER, SAVAGE

• Taxonomic ranks plus a letter: BORDER, CLASSY, FOAMILY, GENIUS

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

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

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you're good at math.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 25, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: 1X1, etc...

The words are related to math.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe numbers.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Square Numbers.

NYT Strands word list for September 25

• Four

• Nine

• Twenty five

• Square Numbers

• Thirty six

• Eighty one

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 25, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 25, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A small group of trees.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No, there are no recurring letters.

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

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

COPSE

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

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

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

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

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

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

ESP32 boards can be incredibly cheap. They're so cheap that it's easy to fall into the habit of using a new board for each project that you build. Doing so may be wasting the capabilities of your ESP32s, which can handle more than one job at a time.

I never planned to explore the open-source Android world. It started with a simple thought: what would my phone look like if I stopped reaching for Google’s apps for everything?

Who would have thought that cheap microcontrollers would become such a booming business? The ESP32 is the culmination of years of enthusiasts making awesome stuff with single-board computers and microcontrollers like those from the Arduino family, and now you can buy a fistful of powerful ESP32s for very little money.

Netflix's U.S. movie chart seems like it's gone into full recruitment mode, with Guy Ritchie's WWII caper flick The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare perched atop the pile at No. 1 and Top Gun: Maverick on loan from Paramount sitting pretty in the third spot.

A full-sized 45L gaming desktop and a 32-inch 4K OLED monitor — that's been my go-to setup for a long time, and the one I always return to between reviews. With the Lenovo Yoga All-in-One i 32 Gen 11 Aura Edition (my goodness, what a name, Lenovo), I feel the desire to return to my trustworthy gaming desktop less than ever. This may be the hero All-in-One PCs should look up to.

TL;DR: As of Sept. 24, the De'Longhi Magnifica Duo espresso machine is available for $799.95 at Amazon. That's a $200 saving on the regular list price of $999.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: De'Longhi De'Longhi Magnifica Duo Espresso Machine $799.95 at Amazon
$999.95 Save $200   Get Deal

Good quality coffee tastes good, but it doesn't come cheap. That's true whether you're buying just one cup on the go or a coffee machine. Of course, it makes sense to fork out for a coffee machine — it will save you money in the long run — but that initial cost of a machine can be enough to make most coffee lovers stop in their tracks.

Thankfully, October Prime Day is just around the corner, with the two-day event scheduled for Oct. 6-7 — a perfect opportunity to pick up a coffee machine deal and lots more discounts. In fact, there are some deals live ahead of the big event, such as 20% off the De'Longhi Magnifica Duo espresso machine.

As of Sept. 24, the De'Longhi Magnifica Duo espresso machine has been marked down to $799.95, which gives you a tasty saving of $200 from the regular list price of $999.95.

You'll certainly get your money's worth with this deal. It offers 20 different hot and cold drinks at the press of a button, including espresso, drip coffee, iced lattes, and cold brew. It also comes with a milk frother and an integrated conical burr grinder. It's super quick, which takes all the effort out of your morning brew (or indeed, a coffee at any time of the day).

Don't miss your chance to save $200 on the De'Longhi Magnifica Duo espresso machine ahead of October Prime Day. Now available for just $799.95.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

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

• Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)