Blogroll

The used luxury sedan that delivers German interior quality at Japanese prices

How-To Geek - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 14:15

Luxury sedans from Germany can be eye-wateringly expensive when new, but depreciation can turn them into surprisingly affordable used-car bargains. One three-year-old sedan now costs roughly the same as a mid-trim family car from a mainstream brand, yet offers the kind of upscale cabin, technology, and refinement that economy-focused automakers still struggle to match. For buyers willing to accept a few miles on the odometer, it's a compelling way to get genuine luxury without paying a luxury-car sticker price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 reasons your NAS is actually a terrible option for long-term backups

How-To Geek - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 14:00

I know that reading the headline of this article must be pretty baffling, because hey, what's a better backup than a NAS? NAS systems were made to be backups, among other things. Their uses are endless, but pretty much everyone I know uses their NAS as a backup.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Every color of Sony LinkBuds Clip open earbuds is under $200 at Amazon — act fast to save $30

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 13:32

SAVE $30: As of Aug. 17, the Sony LinkBuds Clip open earbuds are discounted to $198 at Amazon. That saves you $30 on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony LinkBuds Clip $198 at Amazon
$228 Save $30   Get Deal

Noise-canceling earbuds may be a popular pick for listeners, but there's something nice about open earbuds. They are a great option for those who prefer to be more aware of what's going on around them while listening, rather than being cut off from the outside world. If you've been thinking about buying a pair, the Sony LinkBuds Clip is a model we recommend.

Amazon even has them on sale right now, so it's a perfect time to grab them.

Normally listed at $228, the Sony LinkBuds Clip is now $198 on Amazon in every color. That saves you $30 overall, though not for long. Most of the colors have a "limited time deal" tag right now, so be quick to scoop them up at this price before the discount disappears.

SEE ALSO: CMF's first pair of open earbuds are finally here and have the potential to be a category best this year

Earning the spot as the "best newcomer" in our roundup of the best open earbuds — thanks to being "the first to truly rival Bose's rich soundscape" — the Sony LinkBuds Clip are an investment well worth making if open earbuds have been on your mind. Their battery can last up to 37 hours with the charging case, they feature a comfortable and secure fit, and they boast excellent sound quality, with writer Simon Cohen saying they're "some of the best-sounding open-ear wireless earbuds you can buy" in our review.

On top of that, they come with three listening modes: Standard, Voice Boost for noisy places, and Sound Leakage Reduction for quieter places. That way, you can find the best option depending on where you are.

If they've caught your eye, act fast to save on the Sony LinkBuds Clip while they're still on sale at Amazon.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

KDE Plasma feels faster after you disable this one animation nobody needs

How-To Geek - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 13:30

Animations have been part of the desktop experience for decades, starting with early graphical interface innovations and evolving into a staple of modern operating systems. But they’ve had a checkered history, falling in and out of fashion as tastes evolve and priorities vary.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 gaming monitor has never been cheaper — save $150 at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 13:27

TL;DR: The Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) gaming monitor is on sale for $199 at Amazon, down from its $349.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-Inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) $199 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $150.99 Get Deal

An 180Hz gaming monitor from a top-tier brand can rack up quite a price in today’s market, even in smaller sizes. That said, Amazon is continuing its string of reliable Samsung bargains, making it much easier on your bank account to upgrade your setup. 

As of Aug. 17, the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F model) gaming monitor is available to buy for only $199 on Amazon. Against its $349.99 list price, that cuts $150.99 off the total for a 43% discount — and is now the lowest price ever seen at the retailer (as confirmed via price tracker camelcamelcamel).

Sold and shipped by Amazon directly, free delivery is available, with orders fulfilled by Aug. 22, while Prime members can get it as soon as Aug. 18. Free 30-day returns are included, too. 

For the money, the Odyssey G5 offers a 32-inch Fast IPS panel with 2560x1440 QHD resolution. That’s 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD — so when you boot up even the latest games like Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls or Beast of Reincarnation, you’ll get a noticeably sharper display without paying tons more for OLED or 4K.  

Speaking of Marvel Tokon, any fast-paced title like fighting games or shooters will feel incredible to play thanks to the Odyssey G5’s 180Hz refresh rate, too. Along with the 1ms GtG response time, the extra speed should make motion feel much cleaner than on a basic 60Hz or 75Hz screen.

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NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync are both supported, helping the monitor stay in step with compatible graphics cards to reduce tearing, lag, and uneven-looking motion. Plus, the classic HDR10 lends brighter highlights and more nuanced shadows, while the IPS panel offers a wide 178-degree viewing angle.

For even more value at the sub-$200 price point, Samsung has also packed in several gaming extras: Black Equalizer for brightening darker areas to make hidden enemies easier to spot, Virtual Aim Point for an on-screen crosshair, and Auto Source Switch+ for automatically jumping to newly connected devices.

Any gamers who fancy trying out 4K OLED can also find LG's 32-inch UltraGear monitor on sale at 40% off. Among even larger monitors, the 40-inch curved Samsung Odyssey G7 is on offer for under $650

Categories: IT General, Technology

Krispy Kreme is dropping a Pokémon doughnut collection — how to catch Pikachu, Jigglypuff, and more

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 13:18

TL;DR: In celebration of Pokémon's 30-year anniversary, Krispy Kreme is launching six Pokémon-themed doughnuts across the U.S. This limited-edition collection features Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, and a Poké Ball.

For years, American Pokémon fans have suffered through severe international FOMO as Krispy Kreme locations in Australia and South Korea roll out exclusive, character-themed doughnut lineups. The painful wait is officially over: Krispy Kreme is dropping its official Pokémon collection across the U.S. on Monday, Aug. 18.

The limited-edition release brings six custom designs to the menu, covering the iconic Gen 1 starters, fan favorites, and the essential Poké Ball:

  • Bulbasaur: An Original Glazed doughnut dipped in vanilla icing, finished with a leaf frosting accent and a Bulbasaur topper.

  • Charmander: A chocolate and toasted marshmallow-filled shell doughnut dipped in orange caramel icing, topped with red and gold sugar "sparks" and a Charmander piece.

  • Jigglypuff: An Original Glazed piped with strawberry buttercream, dusted with strawberry cookie crunch, and topped with a Jigglypuff decal.

  • Pikachu: A lemon-flavored Kreme doughnut dipped in vanilla icing, decorated with yellow lightning nonpareils and a Pikachu topper.

  • Poké Ball: An Original Glazed topped with vanilla icing, vibrant red sprinkles, and chocolate piping.

  • Squirtle: An Original Glazed piped with cotton candy buttercream, coated in sanding sugar nonpareils, and topped with a surfing Squirtle piece.

“We had so much fun bringing the world of Pokémon to life through doughnuts in a way only Krispy Kreme can,” said Alison Holder, Chief Brand and Product Officer at Krispy Kreme. “From Pokémon-inspired creations and playful flavors to themed cups, special packaging, and fan surprises, this collection is made to be caught and shared as we celebrate 30 incredible years of Pokémon.”

Where to find the collection

In Krispy Kreme shops, you can order the doughnuts à la carte or grab a custom Pokémon dozen box, which packs all six specialty designs alongside classic Original Glazed doughnuts in limited-edition packaging. Krispy Kreme is also dropping five limited-edition Pokémon collectible cups, each filled with 10 Original Glazed Gold Dots.

Want to make sure you don't miss out? The Pokémon Doughnut Collection is now available for preorder — choose a pickup or delivery date of Aug. 18:

Opens in a new window Credit: Krispy Kreme / The Pokémon Company Pokémon Doughnut Collection   Pre-order Here

Participating grocery retailers will also carry a dedicated six-pack featuring Charmander, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, a Poké Ball, and two Original Glazed doughnuts.

How to get a free Original Glazed doughnut

If you want to grab a free treat, mark Aug. 22 on your calendar. Anyone who visits a participating Krispy Kreme shop or drive-thru wearing any Pokémon merchandise will receive one free Original Glazed doughnut — no purchase necessary.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Rare Apple price drop: Get Apple’s 11-inch A16 iPad for just $399 right now

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 13:04

SAVE $50: As of Aug. 17, the Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) is on sale for $399 at Amazon. That's an 11% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) $399 at Amazon
$449 Save $50   Get Deal

The Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) has dropped in price at Amazon, giving you the chance to save $50 on the 128GB model. This deal applies to all colorways, so you can choose from yellow, blue, pink, or silver, all for the lower price of $399. This deal does not include AppleCare+, which can be added on for an extra cost.

This iPad features Apple’s A16 chip. This gives it a faster performance and an all-day battery life that won't let you down. It has a Liquid Retina display that includes True Tone, a feature that adjusts the screen to the color temperature of your surroundings.

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It runs on iPadOS, which means you can use multiple apps at once without lag or slow performance. You can also access apps such as Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with even more available through the App Store. Netflix, Prime Video, and more are great for streaming, and gaming apps let you use the iPad for play too.

It also has a 12MP Center Stage front camera for video calls and a 12MP Wide rear camera with True Tone flash for photos, document scanning, and 4K video. This iPad also supports other Apple accessories such as the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio.

Find this iPad deal at Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Our top budget smartwatch just got a discount: Grab the CMF BY Nothing Watch 3 Pro for under $70 at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 13:01

SAVE $10: As of Aug. 17, the CMF BY Nothing Watch 3 Pro is on sale for $69 at Amazon. That's $10 off its list price of $79.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing CMF BY Nothing Watch 3 Pro $69 at Amazon
$79 Save $10   Get Deal

Budget-friendly buys are always a good find, especially at a time when tech prices are looking less friendly on the wallet. If you've been hoping to find a smartwatch in that category, the CMF BY Nothing Watch 3 Pro is our favorite budget smartwatch, and Amazon's made it even cheaper for a limited time.

As of Aug. 17, every color of the CMF BY Nothing Watch 3 Pro at the retailer has been marked down to $69. Compared to its usual list price of $79, that's a nice $10 discount. Again, this is a limited-time deal, so you don't have long to act.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder the Google Pixel Watch 5

The CMF BY Nothing Watch 3 Pro is an impressive budget model, offering up to 13 days of battery life and tracking for heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂), stress levels, workouts, and more. Writer Lauren Allain wrote in her review that it "looks, feels, and functions like a smartwatch that costs hundreds more." She added that the "fitness tracking metrics are detailed, the sleep tracking dives deep, and the battery keeps it powered up for weeks."

With high praise like that, it's no wonder it earned the spot as our top budget pick in our roundup of the best smartwatches. Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth wrote: "If you're looking for the best smartwatch under $100, nothing else comes close."

Act fast to score a sweet deal on the CMF BY Nothing Watch 3 Pro while it's still on sale at Amazon.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

This ESP32 project reminds me to water plants based on soil moisture instead of a strict schedule

How-To Geek - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 13:00

Keeping houseplants can make being indoors feel more like being outside in nature. It only works if your plants stay alive. I used some cheap ESP32 boards and even cheaper soil moisture sensors to set up a system that alerts me when my plants actually need watering.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Bundle hits record-low price at Amazon — save $10 before it sells out

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 12:59

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Bundle is on sale for $58.99 at Amazon, down from its $69.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Bundle $58.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $11.00 Get Deal

Magic: The Gathering’s Marvel Super Heroes expansion has already seen some hefty cuts across its popular collection of packs and boxes, and you can now get a bundle on sale that’s perfect for both MTG newcomers and veterans. 

As of Aug. 17, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Bundle is available for as low as $58.99 at Amazon. By taking $11 off its $69.99 list price, this 16% discount on the nine-booster collection makes it so you’re only paying $6.55 per Play Booster before counting everything else inside. 

The cheapest Amazon listing is sold and shipped by third-party seller MOHZAK LLC, with free delivery currently scheduled for Aug. 27. If you’d prefer getting yours as soon as possible, Amazon itself is directly selling and shipping the Bundle for $59.93, only 94 cents more, with free delivery set for Aug. 22 or as soon as Aug. 18 for Prime members.

Whichever option you choose, you can take comfort from knowing that you’re getting a lower price than what’s ever been available on Amazon before — as confirmed via price tracker camelcamelcamel

On the other hand, you can still spend less away from Amazon. TCGplayer has unopened Marvel Super Heroes Bundles starting at $47.65, with shipping included, which is only 19 cents higher than its current market price of $47.46. 

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As for what you actually get in the box, the Bundle includes nine Marvel Super Heroes Play Boosters containing 14 trading cards each, along with an alternate-art Traditional Foil promo card. There are also 30 Basic Lands split evenly between Traditional Foil and nonfoil versions, with five full-art cards in each group. 

Rounding everything out is an oversized Spindown life counter, a Marvel Super Heroes card storage box, and two reference cards. For those who aren’t aware of pulling specifics, each Play Booster can contain between one and four cards of Rare rarity or higher, plus one Traditional Foil card, making this a handy middle ground between grabbing a few loose packs and committing to a full booster display. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is under market price at Amazon — save $50 while stocks last

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 12:55

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $69.95 at Amazon, down from its $119.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box $69.95 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $50.04   Get Deal

Despite the hype ahead of its launch, Pitch Black has continued to drop in price compared to popular Pokémon expansions. In fact, you can grab the ETB for its lowest-ever price right now.

As of Aug. 17, the Pokémon TCG’s Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is now available for $69.95 at Amazon. It's the lowest price we’ve seen on Amazon so far (confirmed by the price tracker camelcamelcamel), taking $50.04 off the $119.99 list price for a 42% discount in total. 

Better still, this isn’t a marketplace seller undercutting everyone else. The listing is sold and shipped directly by Amazon, with free delivery currently estimated for Aug. 22-25. Amazon is marking the item as a final sale with no returns, so keep that in mind before checking out. 

What’s more, going below the $70 mark puts the Pitch Black ETB below its TCGplayer-estimated market price of $73.94. Any listings at the dedicated trading card retailer only go as low as $74.30, so Amazon is giving you the best price by a fair amount.

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Inside the Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box are nine titular booster packs, a full-art foil Zarude promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, a player’s guide, six damage-counter dice, a competition-legal coin-flip die, a plastic coin, six dividers, a collector’s box, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. 

At $69.95, the nine boosters work out to roughly $7.77 each before you even factor in the promo and accessories. Among expansion headliners, you can pull in said packs are SIR Mega Darkrai ex, MHR Mega Darkrai ex, SIR Morpeko ex, and Mega Zeraora ex — worth up to $200+, and you can buy any of these cards individually on TCGplayer if you wish.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best senior phone plans of 2026: Cut your monthly bill in half with T-Mobile, AT&T, and more

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 12:39
Best phone plans for seniors: Best overall phone plan for seniors T-Mobile Experience More 2.0 $50/line/month with AutoPay (save $5/line per month) Get Deal Best phone and internet combo for seniors AT&T 55+ $99/month Get Deal Best budget phone plan for seniors T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 2.0 $30/line/month with AutoPay (save $5/line per month) Get Deal Best no-contract plan for seniors Boost Mobile Senior Savings $10/month for new customers (save $15/month) Get Deal Best low-cost unlimited plan for seniors Mint Mobile 55+ Unlimited Plan $15/month (save $15/month) Get Deal

Phone bills shouldn't get more confusing as you get older — but most carriers make it feel that way.

Some carriers offer real, age-restricted pricing built specifically for people aged 55 and up, complete with perks like built-in scam-call protection. T-Mobile, AT&T, and a handful of carriers all run age-restricted phone plans that undercut their standard pricing — sometimes by a lot.

Some of these plans are best if you just want a straightforward, low-cost phone line. Others bundle in-home internet, extra data, or streaming perks for people who need more than the basics.

Here's what's actually worth switching to:

Best overall phone plan for seniors Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile T-Mobile Experience More 2.0 Unlimited data, 4K streaming, and Scam Shield Premium — starting at $100/month for two lines with AutoPay. Get Deal Why we like it

With the T-Mobile Experience More 2.0, two lines run $100 per month with AutoPay, and instead of a 50GB data cap, you get unlimited premium data, with streaming capped at 4K UHD rather than getting stuck at standard definition. You also get 60GB of high-speed hotspot data, Netflix Standard included, and Scam Shield Premium built in for call protection.

So if you watch a lot of video on your phone or don't want to think about data limits, this plan takes that worry off the table. It's T-Mobile's way of giving seniors the "normal" unlimited plan experience, minus the full price tag.

Best phone and internet combo for seniors Opens in a new window Credit: AT&T AT&T 55+ Two unlimited lines plus home internet for $99/month, with ActiveArmor scam protection built in. Get Deal Why we like it

AT&T's 55+ plan earns its spot by doing something none of the other plans on this list do: bundling two unlimited wireless lines with home internet for a flat $99 per month. If you're already paying for both separately, that's easy savings in one bill. It also comes with AT&T ActiveArmor built in to screen out spam and scam calls, and Fiber customers get automatic internet backup, so a home outage doesn't cut you off from the outside world.

It's a great fit for anyone ready to simplify their bills and consolidate services under one carrier. The one extra step is that signup happens over the phone rather than online, since AT&T verifies age and applies the discount directly — a quick call, and you're set.

Best no-contract plan for seniors Opens in a new window Credit: Boost Mobile Boost Mobile Senior Savings Unlimited talk, text, and data for $25/month — locked in for life, no contract required. Get Deal Why we like it

Boost's pitch is refreshingly simple: $25 per month, unlimited talk, text, and data, and that price is locked in for good — no surprise hikes, no fine print about rates jumping after a year. New customers even get a head start at $10/month for the first three months before it settles into the standard rate.

With 30GB of high-speed data included before speeds slow down, it's plenty for most day-to-day use without needing to think too hard about it. It's also flexible — no contract means you can leave anytime, and you're free to add family members of any age to the account. Simple, affordable, and built to stay that way.

Categories: IT General, Technology

YouTube's search is broken, but these 3 extensions fix it

How-To Geek - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 12:30

While it's easy to think of YouTube as just a place to watch videos, it's actually one of the biggest search engines in the world. Whether you're looking for a review, some entertainment, or trying to figure out how to fix something, YouTube is often the go-to platform when you need hands-on advice.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tributes flow online for incredible light Hayden Panettiere

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 12:25

Hayden Panettiere, star of Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream franchise, has died aged 36.

Announced by CBS News, the actor passed away on Monday. According to the news outlet, "an investigation is ongoing" into Panettiere's death.

Tributes to Panettiere are pouring in from family, friends, co-stars, celebrities, and fans. In a statement given to CBS News through a publicist, her father Skip Panettiere paid tribute to his daughter.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," his statement reads. "She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen. We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss."

New York-raised Panettiere's screen career spanned decades, from TV roles in soap opera One Life to Live at four years old to her celebrated performance as high school cheerleader Claire on Heroes and her Golden Globe-nominated role as country music star Juliette Barnes on Nashville. In film, Panettiere was well-known for her Scream character Kirby Reed, as well as roles in Remember the Titans, Custody, Bring It On: All or Nothing, and Raising Helen. And she also gained fame for her voice acting in video games Until Dawn and Kingdom Hearts.

Panetierre detailed her life in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, released in May 2026. She is survived by her daughter, Kaya.

Hayden Panettiere in "Nashville," for which she gained two Golden Globe nominations. Credit: Mark Levine / Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Beneath Panetierre's final Instagram post, friends and fans are posting messages of grief and shock at the actor's passing, including actor Selma Blair, who wrote, "I love you. Don’t be gone." 7th Heaven star Beverley Mitchell also posted under the photo, describing Panetierre as a "bright light."

Viola Davis, who starred in Custody with Panettiere in 2016, posted on Instagram. "What an amazing talent you were....so gifted," she wrote. "I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered."

Panetierre's Scream co-star Melissa Barrera posted a tribute in an Instagram Story, writing, "Rest in peace sweet Hayden." Fellow Scream franchise star David Arquette also posted on Instagram, "I love you Hayden."

Hayden Panettiere's Kirby Reed is a 'Scream' franchise legend. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy-Lenz posted on Instagram mourning her long-time friend, saying she met Panettiere at New York production studio Screen Gems in childhood. "I'm crushed. I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals."

Heroes writer Bryan Fuller wrote on Instagram, "Wise beyond her years and already saddled with so much of a life, she left an indelible mark on me as a writer and a storyteller. Incredibly sad news." Panettiere's co-star on the show, James Kyson, posted, "I remember her as a fierce protector of animal rights and a 'cheerleader' for kindness, justice, and people being treated fairly - something that I’ve always appreciated."

Brit Shaw, who guest starred on Nashville, posted of Panettiere, "She had this way of making you feel at home. From the moment I walked onto the Nashville set, she made me feel like I belonged. We had so many good times together, and I’ll always be grateful for them."

Both sharing sweet photos with Panetierre from the 2000s, actor Taryn Manning posted, "Hayden was always such a sweetheart- so rad - down to earth, kind, and consistently the same every time I saw her," and singer Ashlee Simpson posted on Instagram of being "deeply saddened by the news...You will be deeply missed."

Actor and author Alyson Stoner, who voiced Kingdom Hearts character Kairi as well as Panetierre, posted a moving video to Instagram, "from one Kairi to another."

Screen icon Rosie O'Donnell posted of being "heartbroken," on Instagram, singer Jojo shared a Story writing of the "devastating news."

Podcaster Jay Shetty, who interviewed Panettiere in May on the release of her memoir, wrote on Instagram, "I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year. My love and condolences to her family and fans."

SAG-AFTRA also posted on X in tribute to Panettiere, who was a member of the guild for decades. "We mourn the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere," the post reads. "Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends & fans."

This story is developing...

Categories: IT General, Technology

Mammotions Luba 3 robot lawn mower is down to its best-ever price at Amazon — save over $800

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:29

SAVE OVER $800: As of Aug. 17, the Mammotion Luba 3 robot lawn mower with garage has hit its lowest-ever price of $2,448 at Amazon. That's $851 off its full price of $3,299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mammotion Mammotion Luba 3 AWD 3000H Robot Lawn Mower with Garage $2,448 at Amazon
$3,299 Save $851   Get Deal

Considering how warm it's been so far this summer, a robot lawn mower could be a helpful pick-up, as it can trim your yard while you stay out of the heat. If these devices have caught your attention for that reason, Amazon's been dropping great discounts on select models, including the Mammotion Luba 3 AWD 3000H robot lawn mower with garage. As of Aug. 17, this model has hit its lowest price to date at the retailer.

This combo pack of the robot lawn mower and its garage has received an $851 discount on Amazon, bringing its price down from $3,299 to $2,448. Since it's never been this cheap before (according to camelcamelcamel), now is the perfect time to buy.

SEE ALSO: Purple's Labor Day sale gets you a king mattress for the price of a queen — shop now for up to $400 off

Boasting two 165W motors with six-blade discs, the Mammotion Luba 3 has plenty of power to cut through your lawn. It comes with a rechargeable lithium battery up to 12 Ah, allowing it to run for up to 175 minutes per charge. The mower also features Tri-Fusion Navigation technology — comprising 360° LiDAR, NetRTK, and Dual-Camera AI Vision — which helps it navigate and avoid obstacles as it moves around your yard.

Plus, this robot mower can handle slopes up to 80% (38.6°), according to the store page. It also has an adaptive suspension system, which helps it clear curbs, roots, and thresholds up to 50mm high, so it can handle many obstacles it might encounter while mowing.

The Mammotion Luba 3 AWD 3000H robot lawn mower with garage is only on sale for a limited time, so act fast to save.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for Aug. 17, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:28

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, Aug. 17, 2026:

AcrossBrownie ingredients
  • The answer is Eggs.

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

Gym rep on leg day
  • The answer is Squat.

"Silly" stuff
  • The answer is Putty.

Stand for a painter
  • The answer is Easel.

onnie and ___, classic crime couple
  • The answer is Clyde.

Down=
  • The answer is Equal.

Courageous
  • The answer is Gutsy.

Fenced in, as a private community
  • The answer is Gated.

What "each of us already has, all we need to do is find it," per Diane von Furstenberg
  • The answer is Style.

Contractor's detail, for short
  • The answer is Spec.

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Fitbit Inspire 3 deal: Grab this budget-friendly fitness tracker for $79.95 at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:25

SAVE $20: As of Aug. 17, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is on sale for $79.95 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

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$99.95 Save $20   Get Deal

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is back on sale at Amazon, and if you've been looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker, this is a great choice for just about anyone. As of Aug. 17, it's dropped to just $79.95, saving you $20 on the list price. And for under $80, you're still getting an impressive number of features.

For example, this watch is a lightweight, water-resistant fitness tracker, so it can be used for water-based activities like swimming. You won't need to take it off for showering either. It has up to 10 days of battery life, so it won't need to be constantly recharged either.

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The display is a color touchscreen with customizable clock faces that can be changed in the Fitbit app. And for activity tracking, you can get all-day monitoring of stats like steps, heart rate, and Active Zone Minutes, plus more than 20 exercise modes and automatic workout tracking. It also offers features for stress and sleep tracking, including a daily Stress Management Score, mindfulness and breathing sessions, automatic sleep tracking, Sleep Profile, Sleep Score, and a smart wake alarm.

Other features include SpO2, resting and high/low heart rate notifications, irregular heart rhythm notifications, menstrual health tracking, and smartphone notifications for calls and texts.

This deal is available at Amazon right now, so don't miss out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for August 17, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:23

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 Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 17, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

  • Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

  • Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

  • Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

  • Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

  • Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 17, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for August 17 Pips

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally.

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 0-1, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for August 17 Pips

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

Less Than (9): Everything in this space must be less than 9. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 3-2, placed horizontally.

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

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for August 17 Pips

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically; 4-2, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 0-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

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

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

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 17, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:21

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you've ever watched baseball.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: The coin toss

  • Green: Persistent

  • Blue: Types of basketball passes

  • Purple: GOATs of Oakland

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Words Heard During a Coin Toss

  • Green: Determined

  • Blue: ___Pass, In Basketball

  • Purple: Raiders in the Hall of Fame

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

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #693 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • Words Heard During a Coin Toss: DEFER, HEADS, RECIEVE, TAILS

  • Determined: DOGGED, DRIVEN, INTENT, TENACIOUS

  • ___Pass, In Basketball: BOUNCE, CHEST, OUTLET, POCKET

  • Raiders in the Hall of Fame: BRANCH, CASPER, GUY, SHELL

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 17, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 08/17/2026 - 11:21

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're familiar with musical 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 categories

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

  • Yellow: Skype

  • Green: Excel

  • Blue: Country stars

  • Purple: Could be a pet

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Video Call Platforms

  • Green: Spreadsheet Features

  • Blue: First Names of Country Music Legends

  • Purple: Starting with Pets

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 #1163 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Video Call Platforms: HUDDLE, MEET, TEAMS, ZOOM

  • Spreadsheet Features: FORMULA, FUNCTION, MACRO, SCRIPT

  • First Names of Country Music Legends: DOLLY, JOHNNY, PATSY, WILLE

  • Starting with Pets: BIRDIE, CATTLE, DOGIE, FISHEYE

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 13, 2026

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 today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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