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First look: Lego reveals a $230 Batman Returns Batmobile that transforms into the Batmissile
The iconic Batmobile from 1992's Batman Returns is officially getting the Lego treatment. The company has officially announced that the Lego DC Batman: Batman Returns Batmobile is set to drop this September.
Preorders are not live just yet, but it won't be long until you can get your hands on this awesome-looking brick-built vehicle. This 2,269-piece set will be available to buy for $229.99 from Sept. 1 at the Lego Store if you're part of the Lego Insiders program or from Sept. 4 if you're not (it's free to sign up). That's just a couple of weeks away from the time of this writing, so you won't have long to wait.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego DC Batman: Batman Returns Batmobile (76355) $229.99 at LegoLearn More
If you're a big fan of the Caped Crusader, this set is worthy of a spot amongst your collectibles. The 2,269 pieces come together to form the vehicle from the film, complete with a detailed cockpit and cool details hidden throughout, such as The Penguin's tracking device. The fun of this build doesn't stop there, though.
Credit: LegoSurely the coolest part of this set is the fact that the Batmobile can actually transform into the Batmissile. According to the press release, "For the first time in a Lego Batmobile model, builders can press a button to release the vehicle's side panels, revealing the sleek Batmissile escape vehicle hidden within."
Of course, no Batmobile is complete without Batman. This build comes with Michael Keaton's Caped Crusader as a minifigure, "with a newly molded cape," per the press release.
Credit: LegoThis set is recommended for adults 18 and over. As always, if you know someone younger who wants to give it a try, just help them out. It won't be long before this build is available to buy, so mark your calendar for Sept. 4 (or Sept. 1 if you're a Lego Insider).
I found the best Lego deals in Best Buys 60th Anniversary Sale: Save on Technic, Star Wars, and Super Mario
The 60th Anniversary Sale at Best Buy has already delivered some hefty savings on TVs, laptops, and Apple gear, plus plenty of impressive Pokémon TCG offers. But it doesn't end there. No, Lego fans also have plenty of reasons to start browsing the retailer's birthday event.
The sale is running online and in stores through Sunday, Aug. 23, and dozens of Lego sets are currently marked down across Technic, DREAMZzz, Animal Crossing, Super Mario, Friends, and more. Even better, a lot of the strongest bargains follow the same pattern: up to 30% off the usual price.
Whether you're after something to display, a new Nintendo-themed build, or a much larger set to keep someone occupied for hours, these are the best Lego deals we've spotted.
Best Lego Technic deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Building Kit $41.99 at Best Buy$59.99 Save $18 Get Deal
A Corvette Stingray for less than $42 sounds pretty great, even before remembering this one is made from 732 Lego pieces. The Technic Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has been reduced from $59.99 to $41.99 at Best Buy, saving $18 on the list price.
There is plenty going on underneath that bright yellow bodywork, too. The finished car has functioning steering, a moving six-cylinder engine, and a differential, while both the doors and hood open so you can get a better look at the interior.
For Lego car fans who want something more functional than a standard brick-built model, without spending three figures on one of Technic's massive collector sets, this is easily one of the sale's standouts.
Best Lego DREAMZzz deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego DREAMZzz Crocodile Submarine Building Kit $48.99 at Best Buy$69.99 Save $21.00 Get Deal
Getting a 1,107-piece Lego set below $50 is quite a nice steal, and Best Buy has managed exactly that with the DREAMZzz Crocodile Submarine. Its usual $69.99 list price has been cut by $21, leaving you paying only $48.99.
The biggest draw here is that you're technically getting two potential builds in one box. You can assemble the set as the namesake crocodile submarine, complete with a posable head, legs, and tail, or rebuild it into an eagle submarine with adjustable wings.
Both versions come with dual shooters, a hidden compartment, and a minifigure cockpit. Plus, Logan, Zoey, and Arika minifigures are also bundled in alongside a Grimspawn, spiders, and a Blue Treasure Creature, giving the finished build plenty to do once the 1,107-piece project is over.
Best Lego Animal Crossing deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Animal Crossing Blathers’s Museum Collectio $55.99 at Best Buy$79.99 Save $24.00 Get Deal
Blathers's Museum is one of the most familiar buildings in Animal Crossing, and recreating it in Lego form is an even better buy at $24 off.
The 543-piece Blathers’s Museum Collection is down from $79.99 to $55.99, another 30% saving. Along with Blathers and Lily minifigures, the set packs in several little nods to what you'd actually spend your time doing inside the museum in the game.
You can dig up a missing Triceratops tailbone, collect fish for the aquarium, catch butterflies and creepy-crawlies, and even stop off at the included Roost café. The hinged walls and exhibition pieces can also be rearranged, so you're not stuck with only one museum layout once the build is finished.
Best Lego Super Mario deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart Toad's Garage Building Kit $27.99 at Best Buy$39.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal
For something even cheaper, Mario Kart Toad's Garage is only $27.99, down from its standard $39.99 price.
The 390-piece set comes with two Blue Toad pit crew figures and a B Dasher Kart, plus a working car elevator, tools, alternate tires, and customization pieces for swapping out its horn and engine. The kart even has its own shell shooter.
In fact, if you already own compatible Lego Mario, Luigi, or Peach figures, they can be dropped into the kart or used with the action tags for extra digital interactions, as well.
More Lego deals at Best BuyLego Minifigures Series 29 — $3.49 $4.99 (save $1.50)
Lego Friends Horse & Baby Foal Trailer — $20.99 $29.99 (save $9)
Lego Disney Minnie’s Pet Hotel — $27.99 $39.99 (save $12)
Lego DREAMZzz Nightmare Scorpion Digger — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)
Lego Friends Beach House with Seals — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)
Lego Friends Heartlake City Fashion Show — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)
Lego Friends Horse Stable and Riding Academy — $62.99 $89.99 (save $27)
Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram — $89.99 $99.99 (save $10)
Lego Ideas BTS Dynamite — $119.99 $126.99 (save $7)
Lego Editions Lionel Messi Celebration — $179 $199.99 (save $20.99)
Rosie ODonnell thanks Trump in Kimmel monologue
Rosie O'Donnell kicked off her second night of guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday with another nod to Donald Trump.
The comedian and screen icon, who has a long-time feud with the U.S. president, opened the show talking about Cats: The Jellicle Ball and hoping the brand new Women's Pro Baseball League will be "the biggest lesbian extravaganza of all time." But of course, O'Donnell also shouted out Trump directly.
"This has been kind of a strange experience for me because all of a sudden I'm re-famous. I'm back in the spotlight, all thanks to President Oompa J. Loompa, who is watching us this evening from inside a catering cart," she said.
"You know I couldn't have done it without you, sweetie. You brought me back, just like you did with fascism and the measles."
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Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and more are all included in this lifetime subscription, now just $99.99
TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Claude, Gemini, GPT, and more on 1min.AI for just $99.99 (reg. $540).
Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $99.99$540 Save $440.01 Get Deal
One AI subscription is manageable. Most cost around $20 per month, which isn’t too bad if you only use one model like ChatGPT. The problem is no single model can do everything, but paying for a bunch of different subscriptions isn’t a viable solution. If you want a better option, 1min.AI is a new platform that gives you lifetime access to some of the most popular AI tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Mistral, and many others. It’s also only $99.99 right now (reg. $540).
1min.AI runs in your browser and pulls a ton of everyday work into one place. You can research keywords, draft blog posts, rewrite and shorten text, generate social posts, and keep a consistent brand voice across projects. There are tools to summarize or translate documents, chat with multiple PDFs at once, and spin up slide presentations. For visuals, you can generate images from prompts, upscale low-resolution pictures, remove backgrounds, extend edges, or turn rough sketches into cleaner artwork.
Here’s a small sample of the AI models you’ll get access to:
GPT
Claude 3 Opus and Claude 3 Sonnet
Gemini Pro 1.5
Llama 3
Mistral models
The Advanced Business Plan includes 4,000,000 credits each month, plus the chance to earn up to 450,000 more through daily logins and other tasks. Credits are shared across writing, images, audio, and video, so you can lean harder on whichever tools you need that month. The plan supports up to 20 members, with shared workspaces, an unlimited prompt library, unlimited storage, and unlimited brand voices. If you don’t use all your credits, they just roll over, so you aren’t missing out if you have a lighter month.
Stop paying a separate monthly fee for every one of your AI tools. Get a 1min.AI lifetime subscription on sale for $99.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Regularly $1,199, score a MacBook Air for $200 with this limited-time deal
TL;DR: Bring home a tiny but mighty MacBook Air for just $199.97 (reg. $1,199) while supplies last.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 2018 (Refurbished) $199.97$1,199 Save $999.03 Get Deal
The MacBook Air may be tiny, but it’s still mighty. You shouldn’t underestimate Apple’s lightest laptop — it still packs plenty of power and a whole lot of storage in its sleek and portable frame. Right now, you can bring one home for a surprisingly light price — just $199.97 (reg. $1,199).
Don’t sleep on the MacBook Air. This Apple device may be easy to take anywhere, weighing in at just 2.75 pounds, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on power. A 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM let you tackle even the lengthiest to-do lists, and the 13-inch widescreen display is equipped with Intel HD Graphics 617, allowing you to see everything in high-quality images with smooth streaming capabilities.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you like to store files locally, you’ll have plenty of space thanks to 128GB of flash storage, along with room to download your favorite apps, too. You’ll enjoy easy connectivity thanks to WiFi and Bluetooth, letting you go online and transfer files. And you won’t be hunting for an electrical outlet mid-day — this MacBook Air has an impressive 12 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Wondering how you’re saving $999 on this Apple laptop? It comes with a Grade A refurbished rating, which means it arrives in near-mint condition with virtually no signs of wear or missing parts.
Regularly $1,199, get this quality refurbished MacBook Air for only $199.97 (reg. $1,199).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
How to watch Ligue 1 online for free
TL;DR: Live stream select Ligue 1 fixtures for free on CazéTV. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Ligue 1 doesn't have the same reputation as the Premier League or La Liga, but PSG has just secured its second consecutive Champions League title, so perhaps it's time to reassess the quality of France's top league?
We know that there's a gulf in quality between PSG and the rest of the league, but Ligue 1 now combines genuine stars like Dembélé, Vitinha, and Kvaratskhelia with elite young talent that will dominate the game in the years to come. Will any team make the jump and actually compete with PSG for the title? That seems unlikely, but fans can bank on some thrilling football every week.
If you want to watch Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What is Ligue 1?Ligue 1 is a professional football league in France and the highest level of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is contested by 18 clubs, including popular teams like PSG, Olympique de Marseille, and AS Monaco. Every team plays 34 matches per season.
The defending champions are PSG.
When is Ligue 1?The 2026/27 Ligue 1 season kicks off on Aug. 21. The 34-matchday campaign concludes on May 29.
How to watch Ligue 1 for freeCazéTV will be showing select Ligue 1 fixtures for free on their YouTube channel.
These free live streams are geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can unblock free live streams of Ligue 1 from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of Ligue 1 by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil
Visit CazéTV
Watch Ligue 1 fixtures for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of Ligue 1 without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures (plus coverage of the Premier League and La Liga) before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free live streams all season, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for CazeTV?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream for free on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
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 — 80% off for a limited time. This plan 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 $12.99 (with a money-back guarantee).
Live stream Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TikTok could let you send friends money via DM
TikTok is reportedly working on a feature that would let users send money to each other via direct messages.
Bloomberg reports that code in TikTok's U.S. iOS app suggests it's developing a peer-to-peer payment system for users. According to the uncovered code, senders will receive notifications regarding the status of their transactions, while receivers will be able to tap a button to accept incoming payments. Users will be able to attach messages to their transactions as well, keeping alive the well-worn tradition of sending cheeky captions with your Venmo transactions.
SEE ALSO: TikTok shoppers spent $50 billion in six months on the platformThe new feature will reportedly work through TikTok Pay, an in-app payment system for TikTok Shop that is only available in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam at present. The U.S. TikTok Shop currently accepts PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, and Affirm, as well as credit and debit cards.
Despite TikTok's code hinting at a peer-to-peer payment system, there's no surefire guarantee that such functionality is coming to the platform, whether in Southeast Asia, the U.S., or elsewhere in the world. It isn't uncommon for apps to begin developing and exploring ideas that are later scrapped, and a TikTok spokesperson told Bloomberg that the feature isn't even being tested at present. As such, even if TikTok does eventually roll out payments in direct messages, it will likely be a while before we see it.
Mashable has reached out to TikTok for comment.
TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance has previously set a precedent for offering similar financial services. Douyin, the version of TikTok that ByteDance offers in China, already supports peer-to-peer payments in its own payment system Douyin Pay. Though the U.S. government forced ByteDance to sell its American operations to a new, majority U.S.-owned company TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC earlier this year, ByteDance still retains a 19.9 percent ownership stake.
ByteDance also appears to be exploring further expansion of its financial services internationally. Earlier this year, Reuters reported that TikTok applied to Brazil's central bank for licences that would allow it to operate as a lender, as well as to offer users prepaid accounts for holding money, making payments, and receiving funds.
Integration of payment services to social media platforms isn't new. Facebook Messenger has offered peer-to-peer payments in the U.S. since 2015, while X's launch of X Money in July introduced such functionality to its paid U.S. subscribers.
Even so, the already thriving use of TikTok for commerce could potentially give its peer-to-peer offering an edge. A recent report found that TikTok Shop users spent $50.3 billion on the platform globally during the first half of this year alone, with $11.8 billion of that coming from U.S. shoppers — one of its largest markets alongside Southeast Asia.
All the phones T-Mobile is giving away for free: Shop iPhone 17, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Google Pixel 11
Getting a new phone usually means paying for it, one way or another. But right now, T-Mobile is handing out some of the biggest names in the mobile game — the iPhone 17, Galaxy Z Fold 8, Pixel 11, Razr, and more — On Us, for $0 upfront. And you don't necessarily need a trade-in to get there — some of these deals just require a new line, or a new line plus porting in your number from another carrier.
The catch is that "On Us" here means the cost is paid off through monthly bill credits over 24 to 36 months. As long as you stick around for the whole term, you'll never pay for the device itself. Switch carriers or downgrade early, though, and the rest of the balance comes due right away.
Our favorite free phone deal at T-Mobile Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free with any-condition trade-in on Experience Beyond (up to 36 months of bill credits). No trade-in? Still free with a new line and port-in on Experience Beyond or Experience More. Get Deal Why we like itWhat makes the iPhone 17 Pro deal stand out is how many paths there are to finding real value:
Any trade-in + Experience Beyond: Free, no conditions on the trade-in's condition
No trade-in, but porting your number: Still free with a new line on Experience Beyond or Experience More
On a 55+, Military, First Responder, or Student Perks plan: Up to $900 off with trade-in (new line/port-in required on the discounted plans, trade-in alone works on Experience Beyond)
Trade-in only, no new line, on Experience More/Beyond: Up to $830 off
New line + trade-in on most plans: Up to $730 off
Trade-in on a savings-tier Experience Beyond plan: Up to $630 off
Trade-in on most other plans: Up to $300 off
Legacy Simple Choice plan + trade-in: Up to $150 off
Switching carriers and porting your number: An extra $800 back via prepaid Mastercard, stackable with your device discount
Bottom line: whatever your current T-Mobile setup looks like, there's almost certainly a version of this deal that gets you to $0 or close enough.
It's rare to see this many flagship phones from so many different brands — Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola — all free on the same carrier at the same time. If any of these phones have been on your radar, this is about as good a moment as you're likely to get to make the jump for free.
Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on August 19
The Moon is getting brighter with each passing night. Its illuminated side is gradually growing on the right side (left, if you're in the Southern Hemisphere) as it moves through the Waxing Crescent phase of its lunar cycle.
What is today’s Moon phase?As of Wednesday, Aug. 19, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in Waxing Crescent phase, with 42% of its surface visible.
Without any visual aids, tonight you can see the Mares Crisium, Tranquillitatis and Fecunditatis. With binoculars you'll also be able to see the Endymion Crater, Posidonus Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. A telescope will also help you spot the Apollo 17 and 16 landing spots, as well as the Rupes Altai.
When is the next Full Moon?The next Full Moon will take place on August 28.
What are Moon phases?The Moon goes through a series of phases that cause its appearance to change as seen from Earth. As the Moon orbits Earth, it goes through a lunar cycle that takes about 29.5 days to complete, according to NASA. The positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon determine how much of the Moon’s illuminated side is visible from Earth, creating its different phases. Throughout the cycle, the Moon changes from a thin crescent to a half Moon, then a Full Moon, before repeating the cycle once more.
The eight phases are:
New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
NYT Pips hints, answers for August 19, 2026
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 19, 2026The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 19, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for August 19 PipsNumber (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically.
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed horizontally.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for August 19 PipsLess Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally.
Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.
Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 4-6, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for August 19 PipsNumber (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically.
Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 3-6, placed vertically.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically.
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically.
Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.
Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically.
Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
NYT Strands hints, answers for August 19, 2026
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you like hot dogs.
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 MashableBy 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 August 19, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For better or wurst...The words are related to hot dogs.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe toppings on a hot dog.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
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NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Top dogs.
NYT Strands word list for August 19Mustard
Onion
Relish
Ketchup
Sauerkraut
Cheese
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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.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 19, 2026
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you have a preference between charcoal or natural gas.
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 August 17, 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 August 19, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Cooking BBQ in this.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There is one letter that appears twice.
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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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...
GRILL
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.
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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.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 19, 2026
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're familiar with the theater.
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 August 17, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Easy
Green: Hide
Blue: Sounds like a sport
Purple: Could be a movie
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Here are today's Connections categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Piece of Cake
Green: Conceal
Blue: Words before “ball” in sport names
Purple: Homophones of CGI-animated films
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #1164 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayPiece of Cake: BREEZE, CINCH, PICNIC, SNAP
Conceal: BLANKET, HIDE, MASK, OBSCURE
Words before “ball” in sport names: BASE, BASKET, FOOT, PICKLE
Homophones of CGI-animated films: ANTS, COCOA, RHEO, SEOUL
Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
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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.
Severance, Silo, and 4 more shows that made Apple TV the best place for sci-fi
If there is one genre that has come to define Apple TV, it's sci-fi. The streaming service has fully leaned into sci-fi as one of its most prominent genres. The result has been some of the best sci-fi shows on television.
Keep your gadgets charged with this 100W 8-in-1 cable for $25
TL;DR: Get the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable for $24.99 (reg. $49.99) and combine charging, data transfer and several handy travel tools in one compact cable.
Opens in a new window Credit: GoCable GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable $24.99$49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal
Carrying a charging cable is already a necessity for most people, so GoCable tries to make that one piece of gear do considerably more. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable combines charging, data transfer, and several built-in tools in a compact design, and it’s currently $24.99 (reg. $49.99).
The cable supports up to 100W charging, making it suitable for everything from phones to laptops when paired with a compatible wall adapter or power bank. Universal connectors support USB-C-to-USB-C and Apple Lightning devices, while an LED display provides a quick look at charging status. A magnetic wrap keeps the cable contained instead of turning the inside of your bag into a knot factory.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The extras are what make this more of an everyday-carry gadget than a standard charging cable. A built-in bottle opener handles one common travel problem, while a concealed safety cutter can help open packages without requiring another tool. There’s also a carabiner clip for attaching the cable to a bag or belt, plus support for high-speed data transfers when you need to move files between compatible devices.
That combination is great for travelers, commuters, and creators who already carry several devices and want to consolidate some of their gear. A photographer, for example, could keep the cable handy for charging a camera or other equipment while also having a way to transfer files. It’s also small enough to keep attached to a backpack or keyring, so it doesn’t disappear into the bottom of a bag.
GoCable takes the familiar charging-cable concept and adds tools that don’t need their own space in your bag. Just keep in mind that the charging source isn’t included, so you’ll still need a compatible power adapter or power bank.
For anyone looking to simplify their everyday carry, the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is available for $24.99 (reg. $49.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.
Get 6 hours of Claude and ChatGPT project management training for $20
TL;DR: Get six courses and six hours of Claude & ChatGPT project management training for $19.99 (reg. $97).
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpertEase Global Claude & ChatGPT for Project Management Bundle $19.99$97 Save $77.01 Get Deal
AI is becoming another tool in the project manager’s toolbox, but knowing how to use it effectively is a different matter. The Claude & ChatGPT for Project Management Bundle focuses on practical workflows with six courses and six hours of training, and it’s on sale right now for $19.99 (reg. $97).
The bundle covers project management fundamentals, as well as specific ways to use ChatGPT and Claude throughout a project’s lifecycle. You’ll learn how to create project plans, define objectives and deliverables, build timelines and milestones, and break larger projects into manageable tasks with work breakdown structures.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!A dedicated prompt engineering course also covers techniques for getting more useful responses from generative AI tools. That matters when you’re asking an AI assistant to work with project information because the quality of the output depends heavily on how the request is structured.
The training also gets into some of the less exciting parts of project management. ChatGPT and Claude can be used to help prepare meeting agendas and minutes, write status reports, organize action items, identify risks and dependencies, and develop mitigation strategies. The goal is to reduce repetitive planning and documentation work while leaving the actual project decisions to the person managing the work.
Team leads can use the workflows for coordination and delegation, while consultants and operations professionals can apply them to client projects and internal processes. Professionals preparing for project management roles can also use the training to build familiarity with AI-assisted workflows that are increasingly becoming part of modern workplace tools.
This bundle focuses on two widely used AI assistants and the tasks project professionals actually handle. Instead of learning how to use ChatGPT or Claude in the abstract, you’ll work through applications tied to planning, scheduling, communication, and project delivery.
For $19.99 (reg. $97), the Claude & ChatGPT for Project Management Bundle offers six hours of focused training for anyone looking to bring AI into their project workflow without spending hours figuring out where to start.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
NASA: SpaceX rocket crash made basketball court-size moon crater
The stray SpaceX rocket that crashed into the moon about two weeks ago created a fresh crater wider than an NBA basketball court and up to 10 feet deep, NASA says.
The measurements come from the space agency's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which circles the moon from pole to pole every two hours. But getting images and data of the impact, which happened on Aug. 5, took six days because the spacecraft had to wait for the hole to slowly rotate back into view as the lunar surface turned beneath it.
NASA wanted these images to hone its ability to pinpoint fast-moving objects that slam into the moon — a dress rehearsal that could help protect future astronaut crews by improving how quickly and accurately it can track impact risks.
SEE ALSO: Bright planets can blind the Webb telescope. A fix is coming.The rocket made moonfall near Einstein Crater, close to the boundary between the lunar near and far sides.
Getting the images was a bit of a threading-the-needle exercise. Engineers tilted the orbiter so its camera pointed at the predicted zone each time it passed overhead, while the spacecraft raced along at about a mile per second.
"If the camera snapped even 10 seconds too early or too late, the target would drift off-center by 10 miles," according to the agency.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The roughly four-ton Falcon 9 upper stage hit the moon after spending more than a year wandering through space. The crash wasn't planned — shifts in solar activity and gravity slowly nudged the empty rocket onto a lunar collision path.
The rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Jan. 2025 with two commercial lunar landers: Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost and ispace's Resilience. After it released both spacecraft, the used booster stayed in space as intended instead of heading back to Earth. Blue Ghost went on to make a successful lunar landing, a first for a privately built spacecraft, while Resilience crashed during its own landing attempt.
In a statement earlier this month, SpaceX said the collision wasn't intentional and that the company works "to be as responsible as possible with hardware left in space to ensure space safety."
The new NASA photos show the crater under different lighting conditions as the sun's position changed from one orbit to the next. In some shots, the crater rim stands out sharply, letting scientists measure its 60-foot width. Based on the length of the crater's shadow, scientists could also estimate its depth.
The orbiter took images of the crater from different angles, showing older, darker, weathered surface material and brighter debris blasted up from deeper underground around it. Credit: NASA Goddard / Intuitive MachinesThe images also reveal a mix of bright and dark streaks fanning out from the hole. The darker rays are made of older, "weathered" lunar dust and rocks that space radiation and tiny meteorites have altered over time. The collision dug this material up from just over a foot below the surface. The brighter rays closer to the rim come from more pristine material blasted out from deeper underground.
NASA didn't find the crash site on its own, and it wasn't the first orbiter to get shots of it. Independent astronomers used public data to trace the rocket's path. Then, NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies, which tracks objects that could pose a risk to Earth, refined the predicted impact zone.
The NASA center passed the information along to South Korea's Danuri orbiter team, which released its orbiter images on Aug. 6. The South Korean scientists sent the precise coordinates back to NASA so that it could home in on the rocket's final resting place.
Comcast will turn your Xfinity router into a home motion detector (in exchange for some privacy)
Your internet service provider's bundled modem could soon serve as a home security tool. Comcast has launched an Xfinity Shield platform that not only protects against online threats, but can stand in as a motion detector to alert you to physical intruders.
AirPods with cameras arent the only new product that Apple just leaked
The latest macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta is here and the big news isn't a software update or a new Mac feature — it's references made to new yet-to-be-announced Apple products.
Earlier today, Mashable covered the biggest highlight the internet is buzzing about: A video demo in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta that appears to show a user demonstrating how new AirPods with cameras will work.
However, AirPods with cameras aren't the only unreleased Apple products alluded to in the new macOS beta release. In fact, there is a slew of new Apple products mentioned throughout the beta.
SEE ALSO: Apple Siri AI settlement: When eligible iPhone users can receive up to $95Unlike the AirPods with cameras video, most of these unreleased product mentions are just references to codenames but they still give a good idea of what's to come, possibly as soon as Apple's big iPhone event in September.
Sticking with Apple headphones, the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta references what appear to be a fourth-generation AirPods Pro. Along with AirPods Pro 4 are references to codenames which could refer to two upcoming Beats headphones. And there may be more than one model of AirPods with cameras too. The macOS Beta references two separate codenames attached with camera AirPods projects.
With the annual iPhone event just weeks away, it should come as no surprise that there are references to the upcoming new line of Apple smartphones. And the codenames here all match up with the ones previously uncovered in the iOS 27 beta 5 system files. The referenced iPhones here include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, the long-rumored foldable iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 base model, and iPhone Air 2.
Also found in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta are references to an assortment of Apple home products. Codenames mentioned in the macOS beta have been linked to different versions of Apple's new Home Hub as well as "Pebble," the homeOS operating system that runs on the Home Hub device. There are also codenames connected to the new HopePod mini, a potential Apple home security device, and a rumored "tabletop robot" product.
Codenames linked to a new Apple TV remote, two new (possibly water resistant) iPad mini devices, and a new Vision Pro headset are references in the macOS beta too.
Of course, the whole reason we're talking about these upcoming Apple products right now is thanks to the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta, so it seems fitting that there would be some unreleased Mac-related mentions. The macOS beta references codenames for two new iMac Models. There's also references to four new MacBook Pro models, which could possibly be the higher-end OLED MacBook Pros that Apple is reportedly working on. Finally, there's a reference to a codename that seems to be a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro that will be powered by Apple's upcoming M6 chip.
It should be noted that the products that have been mentioned here have all been previously tied to codenames references in the macOS beta. There are dozens more codenames mentioned in this new beta that reference unknown new Apple products as well.
We'll have to see what Apple has up its sleeve, starting with the iPhone event in September.
These 5 simple Linux tools make Windows 11 look outdated
I am mainly a Linux user, but sometimes I have to return to Windows for work or gaming. Whenever I do, I notice that Windows hasn’t evolved in any meaningful way since I first used it. Compared to Linux, it feels like it’s stuck in time. Let me explain what I mean.


