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Last Friday night, close to a hundred of us gathered around candle-lit picnic blankets with a makeshift stage at the head of the grass. We know, that’s probably not your idea of a typical night at Tompkins Square Park in downtown Manhattan — but it’s safe to say we did something a bit … different.

We got off together. Off the apps, that is; after a big countdown, we deleted our accounts to digital platforms that we’ve simply had enough of.

It was hard to predict how many would be joining us for this “Delete Day” — having no more social media ourselves, we hit the streets with fliers and chalk to spread the word over the past couple of weeks. At the same time, we weren’t surprised by the energetic turnout. People are ready to take a real stance against the attention economy: it’s become abundantly clear that the convenience isn’t worth the brainrot.

Trying to limit one’s use of a persuasively designed app doesn’t do much to brighten our tech-addicted, media-saturated age. We can’t just spend less time sitting through exploitative algorithms, mind-melting AI slop, and shameful advertising. When platforms are designed on the fundamental premise of extraction, we can’t just use them more intentionally, either.

It’s time we opt out, for good.

SEE ALSO: Social media use may cause depression among young people, new study finds

The gathering was the NYC kick-off of the newly formed “Time to Refuse” campaign, a global campaign led by Gen Z to promote “appstinence,” a term that means “to refrain from using technology that is designed to be addictive.” Popular platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X fall under this umbrella.

With the fervor of freedom, participants of all ages shouted what accounts they would be deleting. “I’m deleting Hinge!” yelled one in the back. Everyone roared. “I’m doing Instagram, Snapchat, and Spotify,” a triple deleter jumped in.

The two of us, Gabriela and Nick, part of the team who set up this campaign, kicked the night off as co-hosts.

Nick started by raising the energy. His choice of LinkedIn was met with great applause and laughter. Gabriela followed by describing the perilous state of the technological landscape, and how this is only the beginning of a larger resistance.

And it is. As far as the formal campaign goes, many partners are expected to follow, with events in Kenya, Finland, Canada, and various other stops in the United States like Philadelphia.

Gabriela, the 24-year-old founder of the “appstinence” movement, was raised in 2000s Silicon Valley. As tech behemoths decided the direction of society, they decided hers as well. After getting her first smart device at 9 and making her first social media account at 10, she spent over a decade of her life “chronically online.” To this day she is working to unlearn how addictive technology conditioned her habits, inner state, and perspective on the world. 

Just a year older, Nick endured the same kind of self-control struggles with video games, apps, and smartphones — until he recognized it doesn’t have to be that way. After the mess of COVID and an eye-opening stint at a couple of startups — including a social media marketing role! — Nick went all-in on removing addictive technology from his life in favor of in-person connection. Through work on policy, education, and community organizing, he’s identified a strong coalition moving to end the screen-based life.

SEE ALSO: This Gen Z-er quit social media and hasn't looked back since

This isn’t a last-ditch Hail Mary against Big Tech. These companies have not undone our humanity. Step by step, people are reclaiming their lives from products made to addict and influence us.

We refuse so we can rebuild. Quitting addictive technology is a gateway. The act is necessary to do all the important work that remains: it frees us up for more acts of agency.

The fact that we had to hold an in-person event for people to delete one account is itself an indictment of the problem. Popular advice to just take a day off from our phones or shut them off to focus is just not working. 

A robust solution, at this point, requires a mass exit. The space beyond social media is where we’ll discover better alternatives. With care and dedication, our creativity will take on new forms; our social fabric will strengthen; appropriate tech tools will come in time. You don’t need a perfect vision of the future right now — just make a move.

We offer our ritual as an example for anyone to follow. Our team found some crates, handpainted a banner, sourced lights and speakers from filmmaker friends. In a frenetic, late-night sprint, we co-authored a booklet with reflection questions and instructions on how to delete accounts. We drew on what we knew best, to unite in our own way. 

You can do the same, on any scale. Let a few gather to delete today so more can gather tomorrow. And please reach out if you’re looking for support.

This article reflects the opinion of the writers.

Gabriela Nguyen is the founder of the appstinence movement and Nick Plante is the NYC event organizer for the Time to Refuse campaign.

TL;DR: Enjoy a break from sun, rain, and more with the Carsule Lite, now just $89.99 (reg. $98).

Opens in a new window Credit: Mogics Carsule Lite with 4 Magic Magnets $89.99
$98 Save $8.01 Get Deal

Whether you’re heading out for a camping trip or just want to be prepared for anything, it’s nice to know you have a safe spot to keep you protected from the elements. That’s what the Carsule Lite offers — an easy way to enjoy instant shade and rain protection. And right now, it’s on sale for $89.99 (reg. $98).

Tired of struggling to assemble a tent? If you’re looking for an easier outdoor setup that instantly provides a respite from the weather, the Carsule Lite can help. This pop-up, car-mounted canopy instantly expands into a sheltered zone for any type of car, providing protection wherever you end up — including areas where camping may not be allowed.

SEE ALSO: Mashable's favorite portable power stations are 50% off for October Prime Day now

The Carsule Lite is lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to pop in the car before an adventure. It attaches to any type of vehicle, allowing you to take a nap, make a meal, or simply avoid a surprise rainstorm while you’re spending time in the great outdoors. It provides an ample 42 square feet of shaded area.

You’ll be protected from both rain and sun thanks to the Carsule Lite’s design. The outer layer of the Carsule Lite is made from black polyester, which absorbs most visible light, reducing glare and brightness. The inner surface is coated with an aluminum-infused silver layer, providing UPF 50+ protection and shielding you from harmful UV radiation. It’s also 2500PA water-resistant, so it can keep you dry even in heavy rain.

If you have multiple Carsule Lite panels, you can combine them with bidirectional zippers to expand your protection. Multiple panels can combine to form tents or large sunshades. This panel includes four magic magnets that work great with cars that have iron tailgates, like SUVs, wagons, and vans, making it super easy to remove.

Upgrade your outdoor adventures with the Carsule Lite, on sale now for just $89.99 (reg. $98).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Upgrade your home office with the HP Slim Desktop Pentium Silver J5040, on sale now for just $189.99 (reg. $299.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Slim Desktop Pentium Silver J5040 (Refurbished) $189.99
$299.99 Save $110 Get Deal

Ready to spruce up your workspace? Whether you have a desk in the corner of your bedroom or a sprawling home office, you can make the most of it with the HP Slim Desktop Pentium Silver J5040. This HP not only comes in a sleek black shade, but its space-saving size lets you make room on your surfaces.

Right now, you can bring home this mini tower for only $189.99 (reg. $299.99) while supplies last.

SEE ALSO: The best laptop backpacks for commuting and travel

If you like to keep your home and work life separate, a desktop computer is a great way to set clear boundaries. Today’s desktop computers are a lot sleeker than what you remember, and this HP Slim Desktop Pentium Silver J5040 is an excellent option if you value the real estate on your desk.

Though this desktop is tiny, it still packs a mighty punch. It’s equipped with a quad-core Intel Pentium Silver processor that reaches up to 3.2GHz, along with 8GB of RAM, so it’s ready to handle some pretty heavy lifting. There’s also 256GB of SSD available, so you can store local files easily.

Whether you’re tackling work, school, or taking a streaming break, the Intel UHD Graphics 605 provides crisp visuals to meet all your needs. You’ll also have access to multiple connectivity ports for serious flexibility. The HP Slim Desktop Pentium Silver J5040 runs on Windows 11 Home, providing a sleek, modern interface that offers a great user experience.

If you’re curious why you’re saving over $100 on this device, it’s due to its grade A refurbished rating. It will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition, with minimal to no scuffing on the case, while you score it for an amazing price.

Bring home the HP Slim Desktop Pentium Silver J5040 for only $189.99 (reg. $299.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $10: As of Oct. 14, the Pokémon TCG White Flare Elite Trainer Box is $82 at TCGplayer, compared to $92.94 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG White Flare Elite Trainer Box $82 at TCGplayer
$92.94 Save $10.94 Get Deal

Whilst everyone is chasing Mega Evolution Hyper Gold Rares and SIRs, I've still got my eye on Black Bolt and White Flare. Prices are rising on the top chase cards, so finding a good deal on sealed product is an absolute win (more on that below). Luckily the secondary market has our back thanks to TCGPlayer, currently undercutting Amazon on White Flare ETBs by $10.

There's nine booster packs from the White Flare set plus a code card for Pokémon TCG Live as standard. Plus you get White Flare-themed sleeves, themed dice, and a Tornadus promo Illustration Rare for your binder.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

It's a shame we're still seeing ridiculous pricing at big box retailers, but staying savvy with deals makes sure there's more money in your pocket, or more packs to rip open. We all want more packs to rip open.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Prices are climbing for the top chase cards in Black Bolt and White Flare, but they're also super hard to pull. If you'd rather just buy the card you're after, here's where you can get the top chase cards from Black Bolt and White Flare right now:

1. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $495.23
   Market price: $493.24
   Most recent sale: $495

2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $426.99
   Market price: $427.78
   Most recent sale: $424.99

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $400.69
   Market price: $426.71
   Most recent sale: $423.14

4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $367.95
   Market price: $369.17
   Most recent sale: $353.21

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $364.99
   Market price: $367.93
   Most recent sale: $360

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $190.73
   Market price: $198.12
   Most recent sale: $188.99

SAVE $360: As of Oct. 14, the DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station is on sale for $939 at Amazon. That's a 28% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station $939 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $360 Get Deal

There are many situations in life where power is a must. Whether it's being able to power up a kettle for a hot mug of coffee or keeping your refrigerator running to prevent your food from spoiling, sometimes a portable power station can be your best friend. If you've been looking for a powerful option, enough to power multiple devices at once, check out this deal on the DJI Power 2000 at Amazon.

As of Oct. 14, this model is at its lowest-ever price, currently down to $939. That's a discount of 28%, and an extra $360 in your pocket. It's a fantastic choice when looking for a power station that will keep you going for days. Just see what our review thought when it was given the full testing experience.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Mini 3 drone is down to its lowest price in 2025 — save over $80 right now at Amazon

This option has a 2,048Wh LFP battery with a 3,000W stable output, so it can power just about anything, whether you're using it for a home backup or taking it camping. And if you are taking it outdoors, it's protected by a sub-nano coating and flame-retardant housing. This protects it from small bumps or rain.

It also includes a UPS feature with a 10ms switch time to prevent interruptions during outages, so you won't be disconnected at all, ideal for things like routers. It has 15 ports, including dual full SDC ports, so you can charge and power multiple devices at the same time. It's easy to use and control too, with all monitoring managed from the DJI Home app. Here you can see battery life and adjust settings. And speaking of battery life, this model is perfect for last-minute needs, charging to 80% in just 55 minutes.

Get this DJI Power 2000 deal from Amazon.

SAVE $305: As of Oct. 14, the Hisense 55-inch Canvas TV is on sale for $694.99 at Amazon. That's a 31% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-Inch Canvas TV $694.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $305 Get Deal

If you're still mourning the loss of summer and the long, bright nights, why not treat yourself to a new TV? It's the season for staying indoors, so why not make the hibernation process more enjoyable? And as of Oct. 14, you can get a great deal on the Hisense 55-Inch Canvas TV, perfect for staying in and shutting out the world.

Right now, you can take this TV home for $694.99. That's a saving of $305 on list price. If you want something bigger, every size option up to 85-inch is also heavily discounted.

SEE ALSO: Need a new TV? LG's 55-inch C5 OLED is down to a record-low price

TVs don't really get more aesthetic than this one. It's designed to blend seamlessly into your home. When you’re not watching, switch on Art Mode to turn your TV into a gallery wall. You can display a single piece or a rotating slideshow of paintings that match your mood. The Hi-Matte display makes it really look like art and completely disguises your TV. It also comes with an ultra-slim wall mount that lets it sit flush against the wall. It's attached magnetically, so you can swap out whenever you fancy a change. It comes in teak, but you can also go for white or walnut.

Display-wise, you won't be disappointed. It has a 4K QLED display with Quantum Dot technology, so every color is sharp and clear. Gamers will love the 144Hz Game Mode Pro, which makes every movement smooth and responsive, while the 2.0.2 surround sound pulls you right into the action.

Get this great TV deal at Amazon.

SAVE $84: As of Oct. 14, the DJI Mini 3 drone is on sale for $335 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 $335 at Amazon
$419 Save $84 Get Deal

With the threat of a ban looming, DJI drones are regularly running out of stock on Amazon. There's no need to panic just yet, because one popular model is available right now at a discounted rate. As of Oct. 14, the DJI Mini 3 is in stock and on sale at Amazon, saving you $84 with the new price of $335.

It weighs under 249 grams, so you don’t need FAA registration or Remote ID if you’re flying for recreational purposes (but check the FAA website for the latest rules, just to be sure). And despite its small size, the performance is seriously impressive, capturing stunning 4K HDR video with Dual Native ISO Fusion. It also benefits from True Vertical Shooting, a feature perfect for social media, letting you film and post straight to Instagram or TikTok without extra editing.

SEE ALSO: DJI fights U.S. government classification as 'Chinese military company,' appeals ruling

The battery life is impressive too, stretching up to 51 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (sold separately), and the Fly More Combo gives you up to 114 minutes of total flight time. It's designed to be stable in windy conditions, too. It has a level five wind resistance, a three-axis gimbal, and a brushless motor. And you’ll get up to 10km of HD video transmission with anti-interference performance, perfect for shooting wide landscapes.

It's worth noting that this product is shipped by Amazon but sold by Xingtai. We don't generally recommend third-party sellers, but Xingtai has an excellent track record and times are tough right now. We'll take what we can get.

Head to Amazon to grab this great drone deal before it sells out.

Donalf Trump didn't win the Nobel Peace Prize in the end, but he did get a phone call from winner María Corina Machado, who apparently — according to Trump — told him she was accepting the award "in honor of you."

After sniggering at the clip of Trump recounting this, in the video above, Jimmy Kimmel reveals that this is one goal he's more than happy for the president to keep trying to win.

"So now Trump's focused on winning the prize next year, which is fine!" Kimmel says. "Let him keep trying to make peace. I'm fine with coming up with prizes and trophies to motivate him — give him the Nobel Re-open the Government and Leave Healthcare Alone Prize."

DJI is continuing to fight the U.S. government's classification of it as a "Chinese military company," filing an appeal in its unsuccessful lawsuit against the Department of Defense (DoD, recently renamed the Department of War).

In a ruling against DJI last month, a U.S. district court allowed the DoD's designation of the Chinese drone manufacturer as a "Chinese military company" to stand. Despite disagreeing with the DoD's allegation that DJI is "indirectly owned by the Chinese Communist Party," the judge determined that there is evidence that the company does contribute to the "Chinese defence industrial base," as drones are of substantial use in military contexts. 

In response, DJI asserts that numerous other commercial technologies can be "misused" for military purposes, and that this doesn't indicate any connection between them and the Chinese military.

SEE ALSO: Judge rules that DJI will stay on Pentagon list of Chinese military-linked firms ahead of potential ban

"We respect the Court's process but are disappointed that the designation remains in place despite findings that reject the core of the DoD’s allegations," said DJI spokesperson Adam Welsh. "We will continue to defend the integrity of our company as the findings reaffirm what we have maintained all along — that DJI operates independently, has no government or military affiliation, and is committed to the responsible development of drone technology."

DJI states that it has never manufactured military equipment or marketed its drones for combat purposes. The company has also previously pledged not to enable modifications that would allow for such use. However, it isn't uncommon for technology to be misappropriated for uses that they weren't intended for, including military applications. Earlier this year, the European Union banned video game controller sales to Russia, citing their potential use for piloting drones on the battlefield.

"[W]e absolutely deplore any use of our products to cause harm," DJI wrote in a 2022 statement. "DJI has only ever made products for civilian use; they are not designed for military applications…

"Our distributors, resellers, and other business partners…. agree not to sell DJI products to customers who clearly plan to use them for military purposes, or help modify our products for military use, and they understand we will terminate our business relationship with them if they cannot adhere to this commitment."

According to DJI, the DoD's decision to label it a "Chinese military company" has prompted several clients to end their business relationships with it. Even so, the court did not accept DJI's argument that the impact was so severe as to prevent the company from pursuing its chosen business. The matter will now be heard by an appeals court.

DJI has been facing significant challenges conducting business in the U.S. as of late, many of which appear to be posed by the federal government. Earlier this year, customers began reporting that they were unable to purchase DJI products from its website because everything was marked out of stock. This was due to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection hindering importation over claims that DJI used forced labour — an allegation the company emphatically denies.

This incident and the ongoing lawsuit are both unrelated to the national security review that may see DJI drones banned in the U.S. by the end of the year. Under legislation passed last December, the U.S. government must conduct a formal national security review of Chinese-made drones, with failure to do so resulting in a ban on such products. As of July, DJI states it has not received any indication that this review is underway.

Yesterday we shared five ways “being yourself” can backfire at work. Here are four more ways authenticity can damage your reputation—and how to take a more strategic approach.   Taking full credit. Even if you led the project, claiming all the credit makes you seem self-important. Highlighting team efforts earns more goodwill and trust.  Using edgy […]

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

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

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

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

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

More clear.

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

PURER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

An exterior.

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

OUTER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Busy.

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

ABUZZ

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A symbol.

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

TOKEN

Final Hurdle hint

To train.

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

DRILL

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

When employees at SpaceX HQ saw their latest Starship rocket make a steady, controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, after an hour-long flight where it passed every test, the atmosphere was jubilant — and more than a little patriotic.

"USA, USA," engineers chanted on the SpaceX livestream from Starbase in Brownsville, Texas — jumping and pumping fists in a style more like a sports game than NASA Mission Control.

Still, celebration was warranted — for SpaceX as much as for the U.S. space program.

NASA's moon plans, already much delayed and facing competition from the Chinese space program, cannot proceed without Starship. And Starship, with a $4.2 billion contract on the line, cannot proceed until it has proved its ambitious launch-and-return maneuvers to be safe.

This was the Elon Musk-led company's last chance to prove itself in 2025, a year with a mixed track record and many rattled nerves. The explosion of a nitrogen tank in a prototype on the ground this summer was only the latest PR disaster for Starship. Before Monday's test, Starship was six for 11 in successful launches.

Big whoop, you might think — now it's seven for 12. But that one small step matters more than most. With data gathered from those failures, informing both the current design (version 2) and its upcoming version 3, Starship is on the road to reliable repeatability.

Splashdown: A smooth dip in the Indian Ocean for Ship 38. Credit: SpaceX livestream

The 400 ft-tall rocket has now performed the same incredible feat twice in a row. Two launches, two fuel booster ejections, two hour-long flights, two identical orbital maneuver tests, two proof-of-concept deliveries of dummy Starlink satellites (which this time went a lot smoother), two controlled ocean splashdowns that could just as easily have been landing pads.

And there's no sense that the company is being cautious in these latest tests.

"We're kind of being mean to this Starship," one company commentator said on the livestream for Flight 10, and Flight 11 was no different. The craft was covered in a variety of different heat shield tiles, with some of the most experimental designs placed at its most vulnerable points — all the better to gather data on what works in the long run.

SEE ALSO: Watch SpaceX's Starship explode in giant fireball during latest test

Starship — the upper part, also known as Ship 38 — performed what SpaceX called a "dynamic banking maneuver" on its controlled return to the ocean. This would allow it to approach a landing tower and be "caught" by robotic arms, in the same jaw-dropping style SpaceX has demonstrated with its booster.

Not to be outdone this time, the booster also performed a controlled splashdown with a 13-engine burn.

Whether all this success continues with Starship Version 3 remains to be seen, and the NASA moon plan — which may require Starship to seed as many as 40 floating fuel depots — is another giant leap beyond that. Customers considering signing up for planned Starship cargo runs to the moon in 2028, and Mars in 2030, may well believe SpaceX is being optimistic with that timing.

But in the moonbase race, which China plans to enter in 2030, Starship's success allows NASA one small foothold on getting there first.

Happy Monday and welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the 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 onto 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 for 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 October 11, 2025

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 October 11, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 14 Pips

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

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 14 Pips

Number (5): Everything in this dark blue space must add to 5. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this red space must add to 9. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this light blue space must add to 9. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed vertically; 0-3, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 14 Pips

Number (18): Everything in this space must add to 18. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (12): Everything in this space must add to 12. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 6-5, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this green space must add to 10. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this light blue space must add to 10. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally.

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

Number (0): Everything in this light blue space must add to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 3-0, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically; 0-1, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add to 4. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-1, 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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition requires some knowledge of some athletic moves to get past a defender.

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. 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 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.

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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: Anklebreakers

• Green: Located in the northeast

• Blue: Associated with Hall of Fame third baseman

• Purple: Winter sport

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Move to Evade a Defender

• Green: Boston Sports Teams

• Blue: Associated with Cal Ripken Jr.

• Purple: First Words of Winter Olympic Sports

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 #386 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Move to Evade a Defender - DEKE, JUKE, SIDESTEP, SPIN

• Boston Sports Teams - BRUINS, PATRIOTS, RED SOX, REVOLUTION

• Associated with Cal Ripken Jr. - 8, IRON MAN, ORIOLES, STREAK

• First Words of Winter Olympic Sports - ALPINE, FIGURE, NORDIC, SPEED

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.

We're inching closer to the New Moon, which means for the next few nights the moon is going to look smaller and smaller to us. This is because of where we are in the lunar cycle, a series of unique phases of the moon that occur over 29.5 days.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Tuesday, Oct. 14, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. Tonight, only 42% will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

Waning Crescent is the last phase before we reach the new moon, and with each day until then, the visibility will decrease. But for now, there's still plenty to see on the moon's surface tonight. With just your naked eye, enjoy a glimpse of the Tycho Crater, Oceanus Procellarum, and the Kepler Crater. With binoculars you'll see even more, including the Gassendi and Alphonsus Craters.

With a telescope, you'll see all this plus the Fra Mauro Highlands, the Schiller Crater, and the Reiner Gamma, a lunar swirl on the moon's surface.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Nov. 5.

What are moon phases?

Moon phases are a cycle that occur every 29.5 days, as the moon travels around Earth. The changes happen because the Sun, Earth, and Moon are always moving relative to each other. From here on Earth, the Moon can look full, partly lit, or even completely dark, but we always see the same side. What’s different each night is how much sunlight is hitting it.

The eight main moon 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.

Google's AI features, at least many of them, are useful. But oftentimes, they can cross the line into bloatware, as it's the case with the vast majority of the AI stuff Google has tried to add to Search. Now, it got an image editing feature, but we really didn't need it here.

Since Windows 11's release, Microsoft has gradually been closing the loopholes and methods that allowed users to bypass the Microsoft account requirement.

SAVE $38: As of Oct. 13, you can pick up a like-new Kindle Paperwhite with 16GB of storage for just $96.99 at Amazon. That's 28% cheaper than buying a brand-new model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Like-New Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) $96.99
$134.99 Save $38.00 Get Deal

While it has since been replaced with an upgraded model, the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite is still an excellent e-reader — especially when it's less than $100. As of Oct. 13, you can pick one up for just $96.99 (reg. $134.99) and save nearly 30% at Amazon. There's just one catch.

As a "like-new" model, this Kindle Paperwhite has been refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like a brand-new device. Plus, it comes with the same warranty you'd get when purchasing a new model. It may just come in a generic Amazon box as opposed to a Kindle-specific box, which is no biggie.

Before the 2024 model was released, we touted the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite as the best e-reader on the market. At 6.8 inches, it's an ideal size for most hands, and at just over seven ounces, it won't weigh your arm down while holding it up. It's small enough to slip into a purse and since it's waterproof, you'll never have to stress about spills or splashes. The battery life, at up to 10 weeks, feels never-ending. The 300 ppi glare-free matte screen looks just like a printed page and is bright enough to read in direct sunlight. Plus, it features adjustable warm light and customizable fonts to make your reading experience personalized to your liking.

Sure, the newest Paperwhite device is even better, with faster page turning and even longer battery life, but the 2021 edition still holds a special place in our hearts. Grab a like-new model for under $100 while you can.

After sustained outcry from child safety advocates, families, and politicians, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill designed to curb AI chatbot behavior that experts say is unsafe or dangerous, particularly for teens.

The law, known as SB 243, requires chatbot operators prevent their products from exposing minors to sexual content while also consistently reminding those users that chatbots are not human. Additionally, companies subject to the law must implement a protocol for handling situations in which a user discusses suicidal ideation, suicide, and self-harm.

State senator Steve Padilla, a Democrat representing San Diego, authored and introduced the bill earlier this year. In February, he told Mashable that SB 243 was meant to address urgent emerging safety issues with AI chatbots. Given the technology's rapid evolution and deployment, Padilla said the "regulatory guardrails are way behind."

SEE ALSO: Colleges are giving students ChatGPT. Is it safe?

Common Sense Media, a nonprofit group that supports children and parents as they navigate media and technology, declared AI chatbot companions as unsafe for teens younger than 18 earlier this year.

The Federal Trade Commission recently launched an inquiry into chatbots acting as companions. Last month, the agency informed major companies with chatbot products, including OpenAI, Alphabet, Meta, and Character Technologies, that it sought information about how they monetize user engagement, generate outputs, and develop so-called characters.

Prior to the passage of SB 243, Padilla lamented how AI chatbot companions can uniquely harm young users: "This technology can be a powerful educational and research tool, but left to their own devices the Tech Industry is incentivized to capture young people's attention and hold it at the expense of their real world relationships."

SEE ALSO: California greenlights AI safety, data protection, Netflix quiet

Last year, bereaved mother Megan Garcia filed a wrongful death suit against Character.AI, one of the most popular AI companion chatbot platforms. Her son, Sewell Setzer III, died by suicide following heavy engagement with a Character.AI companion. The suit alleges that Character.AI was designed to "manipulate Sewell – and millions of other young customers – into conflating reality and fiction," among other dangerous defects.

Garcia, who lobbied on behalf of SB 243, applauded Newsom's signing.

"Today, California has ensured that a companion chatbot will not be able to speak to a child or vulnerable individual about suicide, nor will a chatbot be able to help a person to plan his or her own suicide," Garcia said in a statement.

SB 243 also requires companion chatbot platforms to produce an annual report on the connection between use of their product and suicidal ideation. It permits families to pursue private legal action against "noncompliant and negligent developers."

Some experts, however, disagree that SB 243 will robustly protect children from AI chatbot harm. James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, told Mashable in a statement that the bill had been "watered down after major Big Tech industry pressure."

According to the nonprofit's analysis of the bill, companies could avoid liability if safeguards fail, as long as they were implemented in the first place.

Several hours after Newsom signed SB 243 into law, he vetoed a separate bill sponsored by Common Sense Media. That legislation, AB 1064, would've prohibited chatbot companions for minors when they're capable of certain foreseeable harms, among other safety measures.

Last week, Newsom signed legislation requiring AI labs to both disclose potential harms of their technology as well as information about their safety protocols.

As Mashable's Chase DiBenedetto reported, the bill is meant to "keep AI developers accountable to safety standards even when facing competitive pressure and includes protections for potential whistleblowers."

On Monday, Newsom also signed into laws two separate bills aimed at improving online child safety. AB 56 requires warning labels for social media platforms, highlighting the toll that addictive social media feeds can have on children's mental health and well-being. The other bill, AB 1043, implements an age verification requirement that will go into effect in 2027.

UPDATE: Oct. 13, 2025, 4:39 p.m. PDT This story has been updated to include Gov. Newsom's veto of AB 1064.

UPDATE: Oct. 13, 2025, 3:11 p.m. PDT This story has been update to include a statement from James P. Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media.

HDR is arguably the biggest leap in visual quality that we've experienced in home entertainment, but if you go to your local cinema, most are still SDR and the few that are "HDR" offer anything but an impressive image.