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Video calls have become a fact of life for many of us, and when the time comes to hop on a call, I’m glad I have a foldable. It sure beats lugging my old laptop around. If you have not seen a video call placed from a foldable, allow me to break down what it’s like.

I grew up sliding cartridges and discs into video games consoles. I've since bought a bunch of mobile games, and that has changed the way I game even after returning to a dedicated game console—a Nintendo Switch 2. It's digital only for me.

One of the most famous video games of all time has had a movie adaptation stuck in development hell for several years, but it might have just escaped.

Deadline reports that Ben Zazove and Evan Turner have been commissioned to write the screenplay for an upcoming adaptation of Space Invaders, a classic Taito arcade game from 1978. Zazove and Turner most recently penned The Out-Laws, an action comedy for Netflix. There's no word on what exactly the Space Invaders movie will look like, who will direct it, who will be in it, or when it will come out yet, of course.

SEE ALSO: 'Mortal Kombat II' trailer tags in Johnny Cage, Kitana, and Jade

This movie was actually announced more than six years ago with screenwriter Greg Russo (who did the recent Mortal Kombat reboot) attached. That apparently didn't work out, so now we're here with two different screenwriters on the same project, six years later.

Space Invaders, if you aren't aware, doesn't have a lot going on, plot-wise. You play as a little ship shooting alien spacecraft as they encroach upon Earth. The original arcade game doesn't really have much in the way of lore or emotional resonance in its narrative, so Zazove and Turner have some work to do to make it work as a movie.

That is, of course, assuming the movie ever actually gets made. Plenty of video game movies are announced, but comparatively few actually come out. I'm old enough to remember when Asteroids was getting a movie adaptation 15 years ago.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, August 10, 2025:

AcrossTry to tag

• The answer is Chase.

Fictional sports icon with a statue by the Philadelphia Museum of Art

• The answer is Rocky.

Loosen, as laces

• The answer is Untie.

Trigger for a werewolf's transformation

• The answer is Moon.

"It's freezing!"

• The answer is Brr.

DownTable tidbit

• The answer is Crumb.

Pay homage to

• The answer is Honor.

Driver, Cooper or Butler

• The answer is Actor.

Poisonous part of a poison dart frog

• The answer is Skin.

Needle opening

• The answer is Eye.

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Internxt Cloud Storage just dropped the price for a 20TB lifetime subscription to $499.99 (reg. $4,900).

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB) $499.99
$4,900 Save $4,400.01 Get Deal

Cloud storage is one of those things you sign up for without thinking much about it. Subscription fees seem cheap, but you’re never done paying for them, so the longer you pay them, the worse of a value it is. Functionally, you’re paying for space you can’t live without but never really own.

If you’re ready to stop renting storage and just pay once, Internxt Cloud Storage has a 20TB lifetime subscription on sale for $499.99 right now (reg. $4,900).

A lifetime of cloud storage

Whether you’re backing up years of photos, storing large creative projects, or archiving documents for work, 20TB gives you the space to do it all without juggling multiple plans or worrying about monthly charges creeping up.

Internxt also puts a strong emphasis on privacy. Your files are encrypted on your device before they’re uploaded, then broken into fragments and distributed across a secure network of servers. It’s a zero-knowledge setup, which means even Internxt doesn’t have access to your data. The platform is also open source and GDPR-compliant, so you have more transparency and control than you’ll find with many big-name providers.

You can access your files through apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, or just log in through a browser. File syncing is automatic, and the interface is clean and straightforward. You can also set permissions and share links securely if you need to collaborate or deliver files to others.

For anyone running a small business, freelancing, or just managing a large personal archive, this is a practical way to stop worrying about cloud storage for good.

Right now, it’s only $499.99 to get an Internxt 20TB Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription. Sale ends soon.

StackSocial prices subject to change

TL;DR: Elevate your binge-watching with a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream Standard Plan, now half off the regular price and just $199.99 (reg. $399.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Curiosity Stream Curiosity Stream Standard Plan: Lifetime Subscription $199.99
$399.99 Save $200 Get Deal

Who says relaxing can’t be productive? If you want to chill out without feeling like you’re wasting time, it’s time to elevate your binge-watching habits. Curiosity Stream does just that, serving up educational and entertaining content you can devour from the comfort of your couch.

Right now, you can secure a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream for just $199.99 (reg. $399.99).

Enjoy award-winning documentaries for life with this smart streaming service

Lie back and learn something new with Curiosity Stream. This documentary streaming service is packed with thousands of entertaining films, shows, and series on topics ranging from art and nature to history, science, and technology. And unlike other streamers that charge you month to month, you can pay just once and enjoy the service forever.

Founded by John Hendricks, the mastermind behind Discovery Communications, you can rest easy knowing the content you discover on Curiosity Stream is top quality. From impressive production values to top-tier Emmy Award-winning content like Stephen Hawking’s Favorite Places, there are excellent options for everyone, and new content is added weekly.

There are multiple search tools to help you find the right show for your mood, and an option to bookmark shows or resume watching on other devices. If you have a big trip planned, you can take advantage of the downloadable feature for offline viewing and watch documentaries anywhere.

Learn something new every day with this lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream Standard Plan, now only $199.99 (reg. $399.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Enjoy a calmer internet with a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan, now just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN through September 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02 Get Deal

From unskippable pop-ups to videos that autoplay to creepy trackers following your every move, browsing the web has become anything but relaxing. AdGuard is here to change that — bringing back the calm, clean, and private internet experience you deserve.

Right now, you can even share the peace with the whole family with a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan, which covers nine devices. It’s on sale now for only $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN through September 7, making it less than $2 a device.

Enjoy clean, calm, ad-free browsing for the whole family

You may not realize it, but those annoying ads you encounter daily not only serve as an eyesore, but they could also be tracking your activity and slowing down your browsing experience. If you’d like to get time back and banish them for good, AdGuard is ready to help.

AdGuard is an ad-blocker that stops pop-ups, banners, and video ads in their tracks. And if eliminating ads wasn’t amazing enough, it also helps keep you safer online. It protects you from cyberattacks, malware, and phishing sites, and keeps your important info hidden from trackers and activity analyzers.

The AdGuard Family Plan lets you enjoy this elevated internet experience on up to nine different devices. If you have little ones at home, it also includes a parental control feature to prevent your kids from accessing inappropriate content online.

AdGuard works on both Android and iOS devices, so you can protect all the smartphones, laptops, and tablets in your home.

Change up your internet experience with this lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan, now just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN through September 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get Windows 11 Pro for only $14.97 (reg. $199).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $14.97
$199 Save $184.03 Get Deal

Support for Windows 10 is ending soon, and that means no more security updates or patches from Microsoft. If you’re still using it, now’s the time to upgrade.

For a limited time, you can get a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 instead of the usual $199.

Why upgrade to Windows 11 Pro?

Windows 11 Pro is designed for speed, security, and multitasking. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, while tools like Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, and smarter memory management help you stay productive with less effort. Whether you’re working across multiple apps or organizing your workflow, these features make everyday use smoother.

On the security side, Windows 11 Pro includes advanced protections like TPM 2.0, BitLocker encryption, biometric login options, and Smart App Control. These tools work together to protect your data and your system from outside threats.

For creatives, gamers, and developers, the upgrade offers more than just a better interface. Features like DirectX 12 Ultimate improve graphics performance, while tools like Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox give advanced users more control and flexibility. Microsoft’s built-in Copilot assistant is also included, offering AI-powered help for tasks like summarizing content or finding settings.

This deal includes a one-time purchase for a single device, with no subscription or ongoing fees. Once you install it, updates are included for the life of the device.

If you’re planning to keep using your PC beyond Windows 10’s retirement, this is one of the most affordable ways to upgrade while keeping your system safe and up to date.

Right now, Windows 11 Pro is only $14.97, but it won’t stay that way.

StackSocial prices subject to change

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 10, get the Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $799 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $999. That's a discount of 20% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal

It's time to head back to school, so whether that means you or your kids are piling goodies into a backpack for class, a good computer is important to have. It's also one of the best times to score a good deal on a laptop, so you're in luck if you need to go shopping. And you won't want to miss this particularly good deal on an M4 MacBook Air, which is back down to one of the lowest prices we've seen.

As of Aug. 10, get the Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $799 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $999. That's a discount of 20% and $200 off. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks in 2025: Air or Pro?

The M4 MacBook Air is our top pick for the best MacBooks, as well as our guide to the best laptops you can buy. It's the recipient of our Mashable Choice Award, and it happens to be a portable powerhouse that can handle a variety of use cases, even if you're going to skip school and start working with it instead.

The laptop itself is slim, lightweight, and a quiet powerhouse backed by an M4 processor that can handle multitasking, graphic design, presentation creation, and just about anything else. It boasts a lengthy battery life for all-day use and a fantastic webcam so you can attend virtual class or work Zoom meetings. All of this for just $700.

There are few other similarly priced products with stats like that beyond the Windows realm, so if you're ready to join the Apple ecosystem or just want something new that's worth investing in, this is the time to snag a MacBook Air.

TL;DR: These earbuds specifically designed for sleep can be yours for only $19.97 now.

Opens in a new window Credit: HyperGear SleepEEZ Mini Noise-Blocking True Wireless Earbuds for Sleeping $19.97
$34.99 Save $15.02 Get Deal

Summer is almost over and back-to-school season looms on the horizon. It’s time to say goodbye to sleeping in, and hello to early morning wake-ups, packing lunches, and long carpool drop-off lines.

If you need a little extra sleep to prep for the chaos, grab the SleepEEZ noise-cancelling earbuds for $19.97.

If you’re a sensitive sleeper, chances are that you’ve already tried various sound machines, earplugs, or even AirPods. Between having to pay extra for “better” white noise to waking up with sore ears from hard AirPods, these methods all have their pitfalls. SleepEEZ is different. These earbuds were specifically designed for sleep and use soft silicone and ErgoLoops for a pressure-free fit. These earbuds are suitable for all sleeping positions, so you can take advantage of the -20dB of noise reduction regardless of if you sleep on your back, side, or stomach.

Besides discomfort from my AirPods sticking out while I sleep on my side, sometimes they just fall out while I’m moving around. These earbuds were specifically designed to stay in your ears, and there are four options for auto-off timer durations. Don’t deal with timers that weren’t long enough to accommodate your tossing and turning and simply stop playing before you’re asleep.

The SleepEEZ noise-cancelling earbuds are 42% off just in time for back-to-school season. Score a pair for $19.97 now (reg. $34.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

HBO MAX BUNDLES: HBO Max is offering a few different bundle deals so you can stream from its library without making a massive dent in your wallet.

The best HBO Max deals and bundles in August 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle $16.99 per month with ads, $29.99 per month ad-free Get Deal Best Student Discount HBO Max Student Discount Students save 50% on HBO Max Basic With Ads plan Get Deal Best Bundle with Hulu Hulu with HBO Max Add HBO Max to your Hulu base plan from $9.99 per month Get Deal

It's happened: Max has rebranded back to its old name of HBO Max. Forget the name change, though, because the service still has plenty of exciting films and shows to watch. From The Last of Us to Sinners to the upcoming second season of Peacemaker and so much more, HBO Max is worth the investment for those looking to dive into the most talked about pieces of entertainment.

If you've been hoping to catch Sinners — you can check out our Sinners review to see our thoughts, where we called it "easily one of the best movies of the year" — there's no better time than now to start looking at plans and bundles.

The good news is that HBO Max has a couple of different bundles available at the moment that are worth checking out, including a big bundle with Disney+ and Hulu. With streaming prices on the rise, a bundle like this can be a great way to save some cash while getting access to your favorite services.

SEE ALSO: Now streaming: How to watch 'Final Destination: Bloodlines' at home

Alongside that deal and a couple more, we've also broken down HBO Max's standard plans in case you're just interested in its service on its own.

Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

The HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu bundle is a top-tier choice for those looking to have access to some of the biggest streaming services around. Starting at $16.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for them on their own. If you've already got Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions, this bundle is worth every cent. If you're interested, there are two plan options to choose from:

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)

HBO Max Student Discount Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Student Discount Students save 50% on HBO Max Basic With Ads plan Get Deal Why we like it

It's always nice when streaming services have a deal for students, and HBO Max's offer is definitely worth taking advantage of. Students who can verify their status with UNiDAYS are eligible to get the HBO Max Basic With Ads plan for just $4.99 per month. That's a 50% discount off its usual price of $9.99 per month. After verifying your status, you'll receive a unique code that can be used to redeem the discounted plan on HBO Max.

• HBO Max Student Discount — $4.99 per month (save 50%)

Best Bundle with Hulu Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with HBO Max Add HBO Max to your Hulu base plan from $9.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not interested in the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max mega bundle, you can just get Hulu and HBO Max together if you already have a Hulu base plan, which starts at $9.99 per month. HBO Max Basic with Ads can be added onto your plan for $9.99 per month, or you can splash out on the HBO Max Standard plan for $16.99 per month.

• Hulu with HBO Max add-on — from $9.99 per month

HBO Max's monthly plans

HBO Max offers a few different subscription plans. If you don't mind having to sit through ads, HBO Max's Basic With Ads plan starts at $9.99 per month or the annual plan runs for $99.99 per year, which ultimately saves you $19. If you can't stand ads and don't mind throwing down a bit more cash, the Standard plan will cost you $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year, which saves you $33. If you really want to go big on an HBO Max plan, you can spring for the fancy Premium plan, which costs $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year.

Below we've broken down what comes with each of these plans, per HBO Max's website, so you can know a bit more before you buy.

Basic With Ads — $9.99 per month, $99.99 per year

• Stream on two devices at once

• Full HD 1080p resolution

Standard (Ad-free) — $16.99 per month, $169.99 per year

• Stream on two devices at once

• Full HD 1080p resolution

• 30 downloads to watch on the go

Premium (Ad-free) — $20.99 per month, $209.99 per year

• Stream on four devices at once

• 4K Ultra HD video quality (as available)

• Dolby Atmos immersive audio (as available)

• 100 downloads to watch on the go

If you're wondering where to start once you've set yourself up with a HBO Max subscription, we've got an excellent selection of recommendations to point you in the right direction. Looking for a great TV show to kickstart your next binge-watching session? Have a look through our roundup of the 20 best TV shows streaming on HBO Max. Or if you prefer movies, we narrowed down the 25 best movies on HBO Max to make your next movie night a spectacular one.

HULU BUNDLES: Hulu is offering a range of bundle deals so you can stream from its impressive library without breaking the bank.

The best Hulu deals and bundles in August 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Add-On Deal Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Best Student Deal Hulu Student Deal Hulu (with ads) for $1.99 per month Get Deal

There's a wide range of excellent shows and films to watch on Hulu. From A Complete Unknown to season four of The Bear, it's a library that's full of options to keep you entertained for hours. The new Alien: Earth series is also set to stream there soon on Aug. 12. You can check out our review here, where we said streamers should "come for the Xenomorph, but stay for all the exquisite nightmares Hawley is cooking up."

If any of these have caught your eye and have you itching to sign up for Hulu, we're here to help you get the best deal. Outside of the standard ad-supported and ad free plans, there are quite a few bundle deals available with Hulu that are worth exploring if you're looking to save some cash.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the entire 'Alien' franchise — from the 1979 classic to the new 'Alien: Earth' series

With streaming prices on the rise (Hulu even recently increased its prices just last year), there's no better time than now to find a way to save on streaming services like this one. Below you can find details on Hulu's best bundles at the moment — alongside information on both its ad-supported and ad free plan, if you just want the basics — offering you a way to save on the service without going overboard on spending. It's also worth keeping in mind that it was recently announced Hulu will soon be fully integrated into the Disney+ app, making it more worth it than ever to check out a bundle.

You'll even get additional streaming services thrown in at a lower cost, and what's better than that?

Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

Released last July, this is one of the best Hulu bundles available at the moment. Starting at $16.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for the three of them separately. It's an incredible deal to take advantage of, especially if you've already got Disney+ and HBO Max subscriptions. There are two plans to choose from with this bundle, and they are:

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)

Best Disney+ Add-On Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't want to splash out on the full Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max bundle, the next best thing is the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic plan. This comes with just Disney+ alongside Hulu, giving you access to each of their ad-supported streaming platforms for as low as $10.99 per month. If you're already subscribed to Disney+ or have been hoping to jump into its library, this is well worth investing in.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic — $10.99 per month

This isn't the only Disney+ plan available with Hulu, though. For those looking to jump into an ad-free tier for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, there's the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium plan that'll cost you $19.99 per month instead. And if you're a sports fan and want to throw in ESPN+, there are also Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic and Premium plans, which run for $16.99 per month and $26.99 per month, respectively.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $19.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic — $16.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium — $26.99 per month

Best Student Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student Deal Hulu (with ads) for $1.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you're a student enrolled at a university, you can score a Hulu (with ads) plan for even lower than the above bundles. Hulu's Student Deal gives eligible college students the ability to buy a Hulu (with ads) plan for just $1.99 per month. Hulu notes that the deal lasts "so long as student enrollment status remains verified," then it goes back up to the standard monthly price.

• Hulu Student Deal — $1.99 per month

Hulu's monthly plans

If you're just looking to jump straight into Hulu's library without any fancy bundles, there are a couple of subscription options to consider. The ad-supported tier comes in at $9.99 per month, but you'll get your first month free, which is a great way to test the waters and see if it's the right fit for you. If you want to go ad free, that'll cost you $18.99 per month. Unfortunately, this plan does not offer a free trial like its ad-supported sibling.

• Hulu (with ads) — $9.99 per month (get first month free)

• Hulu (no ads) — $18.99 per month

If you really want to go big on a streaming investment, there's the Hulu + Live TV plan. This costs a whopping $82.99 per month for its ad-supported plan, but comes with plenty to keep you busy. Hulu + Live TV (with ads) gets you access to 95+ channels, unlimited DVR, Disney+ (with ads), ESPN+ (with ads), and Hulu (with ads). If you want to go even bigger with the ad-free plan — which offers Hulu (no ads), Disney+ (no ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) alongside Live TV — it'll cost you $95.99 per month. The ad-supported plan also offers a free trial, but for just three days instead.

• Hulu + Live TV (with ads) — $82.99 per month (three day free trial)

• Hulu + Live TV (no ads) — $95.99 per month

Wondering what to watch once you get set up with a Hulu plan or bundle? We're here to help with that as well. Have a look at our roundups of the 30 best comedies on Hulu, the 25 best sci-fi movies on Hulu, and the 26 best horror movies on Hulu to start building your watchlist. And if you're in the mood to binge-watch a show, check out our breakdown of the 25 best shows on Hulu.

Most of my fellow critics and peers agree that Sony sells the best earbuds and headphones. Some credit the company’s exceptional soundstage. Others commend its robust active noise cancellation, which gives the best Bose headphones a run for their money. I say it is Sony’s proprietary technologies. 

Most of these technologies are at your disposal via the Sony Sound Connect app (iOS/Android). You have the customizable EQ with multiple well-engineered presets that complement their associated categories. The Find Your Equalizer setting is a terrific option for creating a sound profile tailored to your hearing. The 360 Reality Audio makes music and movies more immersive. Then there’s the LDAC codec to enjoy hi-res audio streaming over Bluetooth at fast bitrates. Talk about a stacked lineup.

But there is one feature I have yet to mention. It’s easily my favorite and the most underrated wireless audio enhancer out there: DSEE. 

Audiophiles live by it, and casual listeners are often wowed by its performance. If you’re a Sony user who has yet to experience DSEE, stop what you’re doing and turn on this game-changing feature ASAP. It takes no longer than a minute. Let me show you how.

What does DSEE stand for?

It’s an acronym for Digital Sound Enhancement Engine. There are three versions of the technology: DSEE HX, DSEE Extreme, and DSEE Ultimate. Sony headphones employ DSEE Extreme. 

If you’re reading a review and the feature is simply referred to as DSEE, don’t panic. Experts and tech publications shorten the moniker for convenience (adding Extreme multiple times to copy becomes tedious after a while).

What is DSEE, and what does it do?

Sony defines DSEE as “an upscaling technology designed to enhance the quality of compressed low-quality audio files (e.g., sound source data on CDs or MP3).”  

You’ll notice the increase in clarity, depth, and fidelity on any track you play, no matter the format. The 20-year-old Napster files sitting in my Apple Music library never sounded so good. Listening to poorly engineered classic albums on Spotify is even more gratifying. I’m talking about material that sounds like it was produced in a back alley or sewer.

Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the 36 Chambers is the one LP I reverently recommend hearing with DSEE on (the uptick in resolution is stark).

The results are most apparent on Android devices, though some skeptics will attribute this to DSEE with LDAC being employed at the same time. Either way, the technology is a sonic wonder.

How to enable DSEE on Sony headphones

You don’t have to be an engineer to tweak the sound on your Sony headphones. The company developed its wireless audio ecosystem to be super user-friendly. Look at Sony’s equalizer. It is so easy to operate and nowhere near as complex as the multi-layered tools in professional studio programs like Logic Pro. Using your finger to manually adjust frequencies requires minimal effort.

DSEE is even simpler to manage. Enter the Sound Connect app (when paired to your mobile device), select the EQ field, and scroll to the bottom to toggle DSEE Extreme on and off.

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable Which Sony headphones support DSEE?

All current Sony wireless headphones and earbuds support this feature.

When shopping for a laptop on a tight budget — like, under-$500 tight — you'll want to pay close attention to what you're buying.

In the highly competitive laptop market, you really do get what you pay for. That means it can be very dangerous to buy a cheap laptop just because it's inexpensive. Choose wrongly, and you'll be stuck with a slow, outdated computer that causes more problems than it solves. Mashable regularly tests budget-friendly laptops, but if $500 is your upper limit, even some of those models will be out of reach. Fortunately, we still highly recommend a handful of computers that will fit nicely into your budget.

Plus, one of our favorite laptops for college students is now under $500 during the back-to-school shopping season. As of this writing, you can grab the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus for $379 at Best Buy.

Our advice? If you're buying a Chromebook, get a Chromebook Plus. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable Gaming is still possible with a $500 budget. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable A quick guide to laptop pricing

You can buy a cheap Chromebook for as little as $100, while our favorite gaming laptop will set you back over $3,000. And in our guide to the best laptops in general, you'll find machines that span a wide spectrum of prices. With $500 to spend, you'll be priced out of Ultrabooks, MacBooks, and most gaming laptops.

Typically, laptops fall into one of the following categories:

• Chromebooks ($100 to $650): These computers have minimal storage and are designed to run mostly web applications. They're light, portable, and very affordable. Cloud-based gaming Chromebooks also offer an alternative to gaming laptops.

• Budget laptops ($250 to $750): Even the best budget laptops won't have the most impressive specs, but they should have enough RAM and storage for everyday use at school or work.

• MacBooks ($850 to $3,500): The best cheap MacBook (the M4 MacBook Air) will set you back $999 at full price (or $850 on sale), while a fully specced-out MacBook Pro can cost as much as $3,500.

• Ultrabooks ($1,000 to $3,500): These high-end laptops have enough processing power to handle tasks like photo and video editing. They typically have a sleek and modern aesthetic, too. MacBooks also fall into this category.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptops of 2025 no matter your budget What are the best laptops under $500 in 2025?

We've put together a detailed guide to the best budget laptops for under $500, including some Chromebook picks. Check out all six contenders below, updated as of August 2025.

Will tariffs affect laptop prices?

The short answer: They already have.

President Donald Trump's tariff policy left major tech companies scrambling to import devices before the new levies took effect. Other companies like Nintendo and Razer delayed orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and a new line of Razer Blade laptops. And Asus recently announced higher prices for select laptop models.

With tariff news coming hot and fast, we expect more price shakeups in the months ahead. Many laptops are manufactured in China and Southeast Asia, a region targeted by President Trump. Already, big-name laptop brands may have to increase their MSRPs. We expect more volatility in tech product pricing as the tariff situation evolves. So, if you find a cheap laptop you like at a price you can afford, don't take that price for granted.

TL;DR: Upgrade your PC with Windows 11 Pro for only $14.97 (reg. $199) before codes sell out.

If you haven't heard already, Microsoft has officially announced the countdown clock on Windows 10. Are you still running your PC on this dated operating system? Now might be the perfect time to finally upgrade your device's performance, because the latest operating system, Windows 11 Pro, is now less than $15.

With these Windows 11 Pro keys, you can completely revamp two compatible PCs, whether they're your personal or work computers. For starters, you'll enjoy a refreshed user interface that's been designed to be intuitive and aesthetically pleasing with rounded corners.

This updated operating system provides more than just an improved navigation experience. New productivity tools like snap layouts, easy redocking, and improved voice typing can help you complete personal and professional tasks, and you'll even have a more powerful search experience to get you further.

Digital safety is paramount for anyone online, which is why Windows 11 Pro is outfitted with enhanced security measures like Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, BitLocker device encryption, and more for greater peace of mind as you browse, stream, or game. And speaking of gaming, this operating system is designed to improve PC gaming graphics with DirectX12 Ultimate.

Since this is the Pro version of Windows 11, you'll additionally get remote work-friendly features, such as remote desktop access for viewing files and running programs from your mobile device. There's also Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox for extra professional usage.

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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

Crept.

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

SNUCK

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Used to patch up a wound.

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

GAUZE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A collection of songs or photos.

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

ALBUM

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To touch lightly.

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

GRAZE

Final Hurdle hint

A giver.

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

DONOR

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

The moon is still looking big and bright in the sky after last night's full moon, so what can we see? Keep reading to find out what's going on with the lunar phase now.

The lunar phase is a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. 

So, what's happening with the moon tonight, Aug. 10?

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Sunday, Aug. 10, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous, and it is 98% lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

There's still lots to see tonight, including the Mare Fecunditatis, the Copernicus Crater, and the Oceanus Procellarum, all visible with the naked eye.

With the addition of binoculars and a telescope, you'll see much more, so if you have either, pull them out for tonight. Binoculars will give you a glimpse of the Grimaldi Basin, while a telescope will let you see the Descartes Highlands.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Sept. 7. The last full moon was on Aug. 9.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

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.

Last Quarter (or Third 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.

TL;DR: Live stream Chelsea vs. AC Milan for free on Channel 5. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Chelsea won the Club World Cup earlier this summer, and they'll be hoping to carry those impressive performances into the new Premier League season. In an effort to sharpen up before the opening round of fixtures, they face AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.

If you want to watch Chelsea vs. AC Milan for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chelsea vs. AC Milan?

Chelsea vs. AC Milan kicks off at 3 p.m. BST on Aug. 10. This fixture takes place at Stamford Bridge.

How to watch Chelsea vs. AC Milan for free

Chelsea vs. AC Milan is available to live stream for free on Channel 5.

Channel 5 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 5 from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Chelsea vs. AC Milan for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit Channel 5

5. Live stream Chelsea vs. AC Milan for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Chelsea vs. AC Milan without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 5?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 5, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Chelsea vs. AC Milan for free with ExpressVPN.

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

Dating is a competitive game, and you should do everything you can to give yourself a chance of success. Looking your best and smelling fresh is a good place to start, but nothing shortens your odds of success like signing up to a dating site.

The problem with this tactic is that there are just so many dating sites out there to consider, each with a different set of features that will suit some people better than others. It's difficult to know which site is best for you, and you could easily spend hours researching all of the sites on offer without a definitive answer.

We know that you don't have time for all of that, so we've set out to make things a little easier for you.

What are the benefits of using dating apps?

By subscribing to a dating site, you're shortening your odds of finding a connection. It's as simple as that.

Dating sites and apps let you get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals, and provide the opportunity to test out a potential relationship on an app before actually meeting in real life.

SEE ALSO: Best hookup apps and dating sites to find casual sex with no strings attached

Subscribing to dating apps and sites is also a way less intimidating way of meeting someone compared to a face-to-face situation. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you face your fears from the comfort of your own home.

Is online dating worth the hassle?

Sentiments aside, we have some hard data to back our reasoning for Why Online Dating Is Worthwhile™: Statista predicted that the online dating audience will grow to 53.3 million by 2025, compared to 44.2 million users in 2020. A study from Stanford released in 2019 asserted that online dating is officially the most common way for couples to meet, rounding out at nearly 40 percent of couples having first met online.

This pre-pandemic prediction came before the COVID-era dating app sign-ups surge. Though people are eager to get back to doing as many things IRL as possible now, dating apps are still a great place to find someone, whether you want a relationship or are just looking to get nasty.

And yes, though there are algorithms that dictate what profiles pop up on your screen, we firmly believe that the stars aligning still comes into play. After all, the person who signs up on the app and is looking for love at exactly the same time you are is up to fate and the universe, proving that online dating romance is very much alive and well.

Because it's not 2007 anymore, the need for mobile-friendly online dating isn't just a millennial thing — people over 40 don't have time to sit around at their home desktops, either. Dating sites that are older than most members of Gen Z (like Match and eharmony) have been forced to give serious attention to their smartphone counterparts if they don't want to be outgrown.

However, that statistical promise still requires patience and a game plan, the game plan is choosing the dating app with features that best fit your lifestyle — and the lifestyle of the type of person you're looking for. Are you looking for an app strictly for sex or an app more serious than Tinder but less serious than eharmony? Or maybe, you'd just really love to find an app where queer women aren't relentlessly sexualized by creeps and pestered by unicorn hunters.

Should you use free dating apps?

The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are good examples of free apps with massive networks of users.

The bad news is that a lot of free apps simply don't cut it. You get what you pay for with dating sites and apps, and for the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up the cash.

You can still find something worth your time with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading. Paid sites provide access to premium features that give you the best chance of finding something special.

What is the best dating site?

We're sorry to break it to you like this, but there isn't a single dating site that is better than the rest. Instead, there are a lot of sites and apps with similar features and packages, and the best option for you really comes down to your own set of preferences.

To make the decision process a whole lot easier for everyone, we have lined up a selection of the most popular sites in the dating game, including leading sites like Match, and Eharmony. All you need to do is pick a favourite from the bunch.

These are the best dating sites in 2025.

The wait is nearly over. Netflix has dropped the first glimpse of what’s in store for Season 2 of its hit live-action One Piece adaptation.

Unveiled during the One Piece Day celebration in Tokyo, the teaser introduces a wave of new characters sailing into the story: the enigmatic Miss All Sunday, aka Nico Robin (Lera Abova), the cunning Miss Wednesday (Charitha Chandran), and the fierce Marine Vice Admiral Smoker the White Hunter (Callum Kerr). In May, Netflix also teased the arrival of the fan-favorite reindeer doctor, Tony Tony Chopper.

SEE ALSO: The first look at Netflix's 'Pride and Prejudice' is finally here and omg

If internet chatter and the teaser’s hints are any indication, Season 2 will wrap up the final arc of the East Blue Saga (Loguetown) before plunging into most of the Arabasta Saga — including Reverse Mountain, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island. Netflix has already confirmed a Season 3, which will likely tackle the entirety of the Arabasta arc.

Season 1 premiered back in 2023, but the new season isn’t expected until sometime in 2026 — a longer gap than the time span covered in the manga from its very first chapter to the current one (Chapter 1156). Here’s hoping we won’t be waiting quite as long for Season 3.