IT General

A decade ago, adult industry insiders and observers alike talked about the rapidly growing field of independent content creation platforms — cam sites, clip stores, fan pages, etc. — as almost revolutionary forces.

Coupled with increasingly affordable and accessible production tools, these platforms would allow more diverse creators to find niche communities who'd support them as they crafted innovative new content. These platforms would also cut out the middlemen — the studios that paid performers a set fee for a scene but almost never offered royalties, and the managers who lined up work and handled logistics for a 10 to 20 percent cut of their clients' paychecks — giving talent more control over their work and far more ways to profit from it.

That was the hope, at least. 

In reality, a smutty gold rush of established sex workers and (especially over the last five years) starry-eyed newbies, eager to get in on this potential, quickly saturated these new platforms. "Just undressing on camera isn't enough anymore," says indie creator Kisscat. "This is a competitive market where production quality, creative concepts, and consistency win."  

SEE ALSO: Is AI porn the next horizon in self-pleasure — and is it ethical?

As Mashable recently reported, the amount of work that goes into creating a steady stream of adult content, keeping fickle fans engaged, and managing the back-end logistics of an indie adult career is astounding. Many who try to take it all on themselves burn out quickly. Instead, most successful creators now rely on a wide array of specialized gear and support services to maintain or grow their brands and profits — some of which then go right back into more gear and services. 

As Angela Jones, a professor who studies camming and other forms of independent sex work, points out, this means that new creators who already have the resources to identify and invest in the right goods and services often have a leg up on the competition. This systemic privilege flies in the face of the ostensibly revolutionary, open-to-all promise of independent platforms.

But that doesn't mean novices from low-resource backgrounds can't succeed, they add. But if you want to make it as an indie creator without prior experience, expert support, or a wad of startup cash, longtime performer Cherie DeVille argues, "you have to be scrappy, creative, and incredibly determined."

It also helps to understand what your competition is investing in, how you can potentially get by without some of those tools, and whether and when you should start investing your profits in them. In that respect, Mashable can help. A dozen content creators and academics who study the indie adult content ecosystem told us about the equipment and support they need to make porn — aside from naked bodies — and how they decide when to (re)invest in it.

An (incomplete) list of the goods and services porn creators rely on

At a baseline, creating your own content means taking on the tasks and expenses that studios used to shoulder. You have to source your own props, makeup, and wardrobe, and manage any travel or bookings involved in working with other performers. You also need to be able to record and edit, which often means securing regular access to a suitable computer and software suite, as well as mics and lighting, and maybe even dedicated cameras and tripods. 

Some performers, like Kisscat, whose native language is Russian, also need specialized programs to help with video subtitle generation and real-time translation. Jones notes that this baseline equipment is getting more affordable and easier to find with every passing year. But creator Penny Barber points out that cutting-edge equipment — the sort you might want if you're trying to maintain such an edge — is still pretty pricey. "My first big purchase was my Canon EOS C500 Mark II" camera, she says. "She costs as much as a car — but she combines professional quality with amateur usability." 

This is not just a potentially big initial cost — equipment is a sporadic but rolling expense. Folks who want to do occasional headline-grabbing stunts like Bonnie Blue will need to drop a ton of cash to, say, vet dozens of potential scene partners and fly them all out to a third location for a scene. 

Those who want to stay on par with their competitors' videos may need to invest in new production equipment on the reg. ("While we don't upgrade it every month, we always keep an eye on new tech," says Kisscat.) And just keeping things fresh for your fans involves constantly investing in new getups and props. "My lingerie bill is astronomical," says creator Kiki D'Aire.

"Once you're established, your outfits, your toys — I get my fans to buy all of that stuff for me," says performer Hime Marie. Barber sometimes raises fan funds for some tech upgrades, too. But it takes time to reach that level of fan engagement and support, and it's hard to count on it. 

On top of all this, performers can face a ton of potential monthly or annual expenses, such as: 

• Regular STI testing, gym expenses, and other basic health and wellness costs. 

• The price of an extra room or a studio that you can use for shooting exclusively. You don't just need the privacy, creator Jessica Ryan explains. You ideally need a place that's not just your room — that you can alter as needed —  to keep things interesting for fans. 

• An accountant or tax preparer, who can help you figure out what you're on the hook for and what you can write off — something that's especially hard for people dealing with the American tax system to figure out on their own. "You want someone who can guide you," argues D'Aire, "so Uncle Sam gets his share — but not too much." 

• A lawyer who can help you incorporate as a business in order to protect yourself from legal and financial risks — something Marie argues is especially important for everyone. Even if you only use your lawyer once, maintaining corporate status is an ongoing process.    

• A P.O. box, dedicated phone, suite of privacy software, and other tools that might help you maintain your anonymity in the face of nosy fans and rampant data brokers. 

• A content protection service that will monitor for attempts to pirate and distribute your content for free, and handle the hassle of sending out copyright takedown requests. 

• Marketing and public relations services, like SEO optimization, paid promotions on other performers' platforms, or even email marketing. It may seem like an odd investment for an adult performer, but as creator Lexi Luna points out, in the competitive market, "you need new eyes to find you, so the more you can do to attract new fans, the better."  

• Camera operators and editors. While many folks craft their own content, not everyone has the skill or inclination to do so — and some who do get too busy with the business of managing their brands to keep up. So folks like Marie depend on specialist contractors. 

Creators who want to run their own site and sell clips directly also have to factor in the cost of web hosting and a suitable content management system. Card companies and banks, ever-skittish about their reputations and varied laws about taboo products around the world, don't like working with adult content directly. So running your own site also requires investing in intermediary services, which ensure payments are processed reliably — for a cut of every sale. 

Most creators use platforms like OnlyFans because these sites handle basic payment logistics, ensure a level of privacy and security, and come with a built-in audience. However, as a tradeoff, OnlyFans takes a 20 percent cut off of their income — and some cam sites even take upwards of 50 percent of a performer's earnings.  

A few turn to social media or general managers as well, who will take at least 10 to 20 percent of a creator's income to manage some combination of promotion, fan engagement, and strategic planning. In developing countries, especially — but not exclusively — cammers in particular often agree to exchange a cut of their income for the chance to work in a dedicated studio, which will ideally supply equipment and assist with strategy and promotion.    

The exact constellation of investments creators make varies wildly, but they can be a huge shock when you're just starting out — especially if you're not mobilizing and monetizing an existing fan base. Marie, who made her name camming about a decade ago, stresses that "if I had nothing to my name and I wanted to start an OnlyFans now, regardless of how beautiful and bubbly I am, not a lot is really going to happen for me for at least the first few months — arguably even a year," as it simply takes time to establish your brand and build a following. 

It takes dedication and skill to start earning even a few thousand dollars per month on a fan site. In practice, Kisscat says, "beginners often reinvest almost everything" into starter equipment and support services. 

Even after that initial investment period, the performers Mashable spoke to for this story say that they often invest 20 to 50 percent of their profits into goods and services every month, depending on whether they're focused on maintaining their standing or on growing their brand. 

Investing in adult content creation takes risk 

It's hard, as a new creator, to know which services you need to invest in — where to allocate the resources you have. Especially when, as Gwyn Easterbrook-Smith, a researcher who studies the careers of indie adult content producers, explains, aggressive salespeople now try to convince newbies "that they need more equipment and professional services than they actually do."  

Newcomers might, for example, see that established creators use content protection services and figure that's a necessary immediate investment. But their videos may not actually be at high risk of piracy early on — or the losses they do suffer to piracy may not merit the cost. 

"Being a creator can cost an arm and a leg if you're not careful," stresses performer Mag Numb. 

Self-proclaimed managers, consultants, and coaches also exploit performers' need for support and uncertainty about what support they need, explains Easterbrook-Smith, to sell advice and aid that might "do more harm than good." D'Aire adds that "everybody I know has a story about a brand manager who ran their account into the ground or outsourced work to the Philippines." 

At the worst end of the opportunistic spectrum, recent reporting suggests way too many cam studios and fan site managers hook performers with promises of support, only to steal their profits, subject them to unsafe working conditions, or trap them into outright sex trafficking. 

Being a creator can cost an arm and a leg if you're not careful. - Performer Mag Numb

"Be mindful of the percentage they're asking for," Ryan suggests. "If somebody is asking for over 30 percent of your profits, that should be a red flag," signaling some form of exploitative intent.  

How to navigate adult content creation as a newbie

Some performers get around the expenses and risks of indie adult content creation by leaning on friends and family, who can lend them equipment or even act as altruistic support staff. But not everyone has a network of skills and resources to draw on as they journey into the porn world. 

If you're trying to hack it as a creator with limited resources, then Ryan has some basic advice: "Keep it simple, stupid."

Your competition, starting out with a bespoke shooting space and fancy camera, might have an advantage, she explains. But it's possible to start out shooting on a phone in your room whenever you have some good natural light and a few moments of privacy and silence. 

"Fans aren't going to pay much more for high production values," Luna adds. At least at the outset, "what's important is that the camera isn't shaky and the sound doesn't hiss." 

"Some top creators still film on an iPhone with poor lighting," concurs Kisscat. "But they have 10,000s of fans because they know how to connect with people and sell their presence." 

SEE ALSO: Pornhub copies TikTok with a feature fit for goonscrolling

Starting small and scrappy — doing as much as you can on your own — may actually benefit you in the long-term, D'Aire argues. You can learn a lot from tutorials on YouTube or Reddit, not just about how content creation works, but about what is and isn't easy for you, and thus what goods and services you might need to invest in once you have saved a little cash. And consulting communities of creators on sites like Reddit, who're often happy to share tips and tricks, will help you find peers who will support you as you vet scams versus valid investments. 

"As you get more proficient, you'll definitely want to maximize your potential" by investing in better equipment and more services," says D'Aire. But you can buy what you need as that need arises and your budget allows. You can find plenty of used equipment these days, adds Barber. 

"Even with mediocre gear, a creator who knows how to do what they want will outperform someone who has excellent gear and no knowledge" of branding or clear goals, she says. 

An Agatha Christie-style mystery on a luxury yacht, The Woman in Cabin 10 sees Keira Knightley trying to get to the bottom of a murder at sea.

The twist? Even though she's convinced she saw a body in the water after hearing an argument in the next door cabin, everybody else on the boat seems to be convinced that there was nobody in the next cabin.

SEE ALSO: 29 best thriller movies on Netflix right now

Guy Pearce, David Ajala, Art Malik, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kaya Scodelario, David Morrissey, Daniel Ings, and Hannah Waddingham make up the all-star cast of Simon Stone's adaptation of the bestselling 2016 novel by Ruth Ware.

The Woman in Cabin 10 is streaming on Netflix starting Oct. 10.

The freedom to install apps from outside of the Play Store is one of Android’s best features. You can find all sorts of tools and projects that might not get past Google’s approval process. However, it's also the perfect playground for bad actors, and Google is trying to clean things up.

Instagram is launching a new feature exclusively for students, a return to form for the Meta platform — lest we forget Facebook's humble beginnings.

Launched in tandem with students returning to class, Instagram announced Schools on Instagram, a private, student-only space, on Tuesday, Aug. 26. All college students have to do is verify themselves on UNiDAYS, aka the same platform that verifies students' enrollment, so they can get deals on things like Apple products and HBO Max subscriptions.

"At UNiDAYS, we're committed to creating safer, more rewarding digital experiences for the next generation," Jon Hawley, the Chief Executive Officer at UNiDAYS, said in a press release from Meta. "We do this by making verification and digital identity a foundation, not a barrier for young people. We're proud to partner with Instagram to champion digital trust and online safety. This new feature, underpinned by our world-leading verification technology, enables students to build more authentic, meaningful, and secure connections online."

SEE ALSO: TikTok is reinventing 2004 Facebook with new features for college students

After students verify themselves, they'll be able to "Add school" on their profile, which will show up as a banner that they can show only to classmates or share it only with classmates and mutuals.

Probably one of the most useful tools in Schools on Instagram is that students can connect with classmates through a school directory by browsing, searching, and filtering by year. Instagram says this will make it easier to connect and build community, but it will undoubtedly also make it easier to find out if that hot guy in your dorm is single, much like CEO Mark Zuckerberg's long-rumored intention with the original Facebook two decades ago. All of these features closely mirror TikTok's UNiDAYS-powered Campus Verification feature announced last week. In other words, Meta (aka today's Facebook) is copying TikTok, which was copying Facebook.

Time? It's a flat circle.

UPDATE: Aug. 26, 2025, 5:22 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to accurately reflect the privacy settings for the "Add school" banner.

Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game 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. Like dominoes, the tiles are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 26, 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 Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 25, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 26

Equal (1): The domino halves in this space must be 1. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 26

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 0-3, placed vertically.

Equal (2): The domino halves in this space must be 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 26

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this red space must add up to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): The domino halves in this space must be 3. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally, 6-4, placed horizontally.

Not equal: The domino halves in this space must be different. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed vertically.

Equal (3): The domino halves in this space must be 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 3-4, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.

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

Less than (2): Everything in this space must add up to less than 2. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

The New York Times has launched Pips, the latest entry in its daily habit-forming catalogue of games that includes Wordle, Connections, and Strands.

Released in August 2025, Pips is dominoes with a twist. You don't have to be good at dominoes to be good at Pips, which is designed to be a single-player experience.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a solid foundation for Pips. Like dominoes, the tiles are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The key difference for Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. Unlike dominoes, touching tiles don't have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 21, 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.

There are three difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, and Hard. The more difficult the setting, the more tiles to place and the more conditions that must be met.

Here are common examples you'll run into across 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 Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 21, 2025

If you get stuck, check out our hints for today's Pips puzzle.

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

Want to send a cool song or podcast to a friend? If you both use Spotify, you'll soon be able to message them directly through the app.

On Tuesday, Spotify launched in-app Messages on mobile devices, which will be rolling out to Free and Premium users aged 16 and older. The feature will only be available on mobile devices, and in "select markets" — Spotify did not elaborate on what they are.

The feature works exactly as you'd expect; messages are one-on-one conversations which allow you to share Spotify content such as songs, podcasts, or audiobooks, as well as react with text and emojis.

The feature will launch in select markets this week. Credit: Spotiy

To access Messages, tap on your profile photo in the top left corner, and either select an existing chat or tap "New Message" to send a message.

Messages within the Spotify app are just another way to share Spotify content. The company says they are designed to complement sharing Spotify content on other platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Tiktok, but not replace it.

SEE ALSO: Spotify now allows custom transitions in playlists

Spotify also built in some security and privacy controls to the Messages feature. Users have the choice to accept or reject message requests, and they can report content that they consider to be harmful. They'll also be able to block other users, or opt out of Messages completely through Spotify's Settings.

Finally, Messages are encrypted with "industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest." The company, however, says it will use "proactive detection technology to scan messages for certain unlawful and harmful content," and the company's moderators will review reported content.

The Pixel 10 Pro is here, bringing new features to Google's most affordable Pro handset that costs $999. So, should you spend your money on the handset, or spend another $200 and get Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra instead? Let's find out.

2025 is shaping up to be a big year for robot vacuums. Most major manufacturers are rolling out their best offerings, with models flaunting robotic arms to clear obstacles, self-lifting wheels to climb over steps, and more futuristic upgrades.

Due to ongoing negotiations, YouTube TV is about to lose access to several Fox channels, including Fox Sports. This couldn't come at a worse time, as the NFL and college football seasons are about to start. If a deal can't be met, you may lose access to the channels as soon as tomorrow, August 27th.

If you’re on the fence about subscribing to MGM+, or even if you’ve already subscribed but don’t know where to start, let me help. There’s one underrated gem that’s absolutely worth bingeing in just a month—From.

The Porsche 911 is iconic, but its price puts it out of reach for most buyers. Luckily, there are plenty of sports cars that deliver thrilling performance, timeless design, and everyday usability at a fraction of the cost. These alternatives capture the essence of driving excitement without demanding supercar-level budgets.

Hulu is home to some of the best shows on television, the kind with narratives so juicy, you find yourself detaching from your life to get back into theirs and see how things are playing out with your favorite characters. We call those kinds of series bingeworthy, and lucky for us, the platform is home to some of the best series that have ever graced our TV screens.

TL;DR: As of Aug. 26, Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Black Bolt and White Flare Elite Trainer Boxes are over 12% cheaper on TCGPlayer vs. Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG White Flare Elite Trainer Box Shop Now

If you’ve been waiting to dive into the brand-new Scarlet & Violet Black Bolt and White Flare expansions, the Elite Trainer Boxes are the best way to start, and TCGPlayer has both cheaper than Amazon. Right now, the Black Bolt ETB is $87.79 at TCGPlayer compared to $92.94 at Amazon, while the White Flare ETB is $82.49 at TCGPlayer versus $92.94 at Amazon.

• Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box — $85 at TCGPlayer vs. $92.94 at Amazon (save $7.94, or 5.71%)

• White Flare Elite Trainer Box — $80 at TCGPlayer vs. $92.94 at Amazon (save $12.94, or 12.20%)

On Amazon, both boxes are priced the same at $92.94 each. The better bet is TCGPlayer, where you’re saving between 6% and 12% depending on which half of the set you grab. That difference means more booster packs for the same money when you think about it in trade value.

Each Elite Trainer Box is packed with nine Black Bolt or White Flare booster packs, a full-art promo card, card sleeves, energy, dice, and all the accessories you need to play or collect. The Black Bolt ETB includes a Thundurus promo, while the White Flare ETB comes with a full-art promo.

These expansions mark the first-ever split release for the English TCG. Between them, they cover all 156 Unova-region Pokémon with new Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare cards. With prices already creeping up on big-box retailers, this is a good chance to lock in both ETBs below $90.

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

Across the board, these Black Bolt and White Flare products are more affordable on TCGPlayer than Amazon, often by double digit percentages. If you want to grab promo cards, crack open packs, or display sealed boxes, buying now ensures you are paying fair prices before the market tightens.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: The Pokémon Company

Black Bolt and White Flare expansions are packed with some of the coolest chase cards we’ve seen in a while. The Black and White Rares bring back Unova’s Legendary powerhouses in stunning new designs, while the Special Illustration Rares are every bit as collectible, turning favorites like Reshiram, and Zekrom into true centerpiece cards for any binder. Here's the top 5 most valuable Black Bolt and White Rare Pokémon card you could pull from your Elite Trainer Box, or just buy the card because they're super hard to pull:

1. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $450
   Market price: $474.25
   Value at launch: $500

2. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $420
   Market price: $445.20
   Value at launch: $488.50

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $400
   Market price: $406.80
   Value at launch: $499.50

4. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $430
   Market price: $430
   Value at launch: $440

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $203
   Market price: $208.05
   Value at launch: $210.56

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $190
   Market price: $203.13
   Value at launch: $210.56

SAVE UP TO $16: As of Aug. 26, a wide range of Xbox Wireless Controllers are on sale at Amazon. Prices now start from just $49.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller (2025) $49.99 at Amazon
$64.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

The Xbox wireless controller is one of the most recognisable and versatile gamepads on the market, and right now you can pick one up at Amazon for noticeably less. As of Aug. 26, Amazon has marked huge discounts on the Xbox wireless controller in various colours, some only for a limited time.

Whether you’re upgrading your current setup, wanting to add in a second player for Gears of War Reloaded co-op, or just fancy a fresh colour, this is the perfect time to grab one for less.

SEE ALSO: Lightweight gaming mice are a game-changer — here's why the SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless is my new favourite

Here’s the full breakdown of the current controller deals:

• Robot white — $49.99 $64.99 (save 23%)

• Carbon black — $54 $64.99 (save 17%)

• Deep pink — $54 $69.99 (save 23%)

• Pulse red — $54 $69.99 (save 23%)

• Shock blue — $54 $69.99 (save 23%)

• Velocity green — $54 $69.99 (save 23%)

• Electric volt — $59.99 $69.99 (save 14%)

• Carbon black + USB-C cable bundle — $54.99 $64.99 (save 15%)

Since prices on Xbox hardware, including consoles and controllers, went up in May 2025, deals this good have been quite rare. With that, it's more than the best time to jump in and add a new colour to your arsenal.

The 2025 edition of the Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller keeps everything players already loved and adds a few welcome refinements. For instance, sculpted surfaces and updated geometry make it one of the most comfortable gamepads to hold for long stretches, even compared to PlayStation's still-fantastic PS5 DualSense controller.

Meanwhile, the hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers and bumpers provide extra precision in the heat of battle.

With up to 40 hours of battery life, you’ll spend more time playing and less time charging when you’re playing the new Xbox version of Helldivers 2. The dedicated Share button makes it effortless to capture and share screenshots or clips with friends.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming headset for every platform

Plus, thanks to built-in Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth technology, you can easily switch between devices. That means seamless gaming not just on Xbox Series X|S consoles, but also on Xbox Ones, Windows PCs, Android and iOS devices, Fire TV Sticks, smart TVs, and even VR headsets.

There’s also a 3.5mm jack for wired headsets, while the USB-C port ensures fast plug-and-play connectivity if you’d prefer a direct connection.

For those who like to tweak, the Xbox Accessories app allows full custom button mapping so you can tailor the controller exactly to your style of play.

To get some improved audio whilst playing with your new Xbox controller, check out our selection of the best gaming headsets in 2025 you can buy right now. 

SAVE $70: As of Aug. 26, the Bose Ultra open earbuds are on sale for $229 at Amazon. This is 23% off their list price of $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds $229 at Amazon
$299 Save $70 Get Deal

Between Back to School deals and Labor Day sales, there are some really great discounts floating around right now. If you've been hoping to pick up some new earbuds on sale, you're in luck: Amazon has quite a few offers worth exploring, including a deal on the Bose Ultra open earbuds.

The Bose Ultra open earbuds are currently on sale for $229 at Amazon. This is a 23% discount from their list price of $299. Multiple color options are down to this price as well, so you can have your pick of the lunar blue, black, chilled lilac, diamond, moonstone blue, sunset iridescent, or white smoke earbuds.

SEE ALSO: The Apple AirPods 4 are within 99 cents of their best-ever price from Prime Day

With their open design, the Bose Ultra open earbuds allow you to hear the world around you while enjoying what you're listening to in a high-quality format, thanks to OpenAudio technology. They also boast up to seven hours of battery life. Our review found a lot to love, with writer RJ Andersen saying that these earbuds "have a unique design that prioritizes awareness over noise cancellation. Though we were skeptical at first, these buds are extremely comfortable and score top marks for battery life, spatial audio, and sound quality."

If they've been on your radar, now is your chance to score the Bose Ultra open earbuds for $229 at Amazon. And if you're looking for even more deals from the retailer, check out Amazon's Labor Day sale to see what other tech is on offer at the moment.

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Aug. 26. Year of Queer Lit offers LGBTQIA+ fiction for free or $0.99. Looking to invest in a Kindle? Amazon's Kindle (16GB) is on sale for $89.99.

The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is live, and this time the focus is on LGBTQIA+ fiction.

Year of Queer Lit is offering LGBTQIA+ fiction for free or just $0.99. The event promises over 100 books for absolutely nothing or at this heavily discounted rate, and everything that you download is yours to keep forever. And it's not just for Kindle books. Instead, this special event is highlighting anywhere that an author might sell their book. The choice is yours.

SEE ALSO: What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books.

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The Year of Queer Lit Book Blast takes place on Aug. 26. Unlike a lot of recent Stuff Your Kindle Days, this event only lasts for 24 hours. That does provide a little more pressure. But remain calm, check out what's on offer, and see if you can find something you like for a lot less (or for nothing at all).

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff Your Kindle Day is for everyone. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone.

Which e-books are free?

The full list of titles is live on the Year of Queer Lit hub page, organized into sub-genres:

• Romance

• Fantasy

• New Adult

• Young Adult

• Mystery

• Horror/Psychological/Thriller

• Historical/Historical Romance

• Contemporary

• Sci-Fi/Paranormal

• Poetry

• Non-Fiction

Take your pick from this strong selection of free (or heavily discounted) reads.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time, so don't hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Like-New) $106.99 at Amazon
$143.99 Save $37.00 Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle Paperwhite. According to Amazon, this like-new model is "refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device." That's good enough for us.

Perhaps you're a developer or just have a passion for Linux? While Linux means something different to everyone, one thing that I've come to believe is that the freedom to craft a custom system allows Linux users to flourish. I outline three reasons why Linux has allowed me to flourish.

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Arkansas with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

You might think that you can navigate the online world with total freedom, but your access is not actually guaranteed. There are restrictions and blockades at every turn, and sometimes your favorite site will be behind a wall.

A number of U.S. states have introduced laws that require visitors to upload ID before accessing pornography sites. As a result, Pornhub has banned visitors from those states from accessing their website. A similar situation is now taking place in other parts of the world. There are complicated reasons for this ban, but the workaround is straightforward.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Arkansas, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Arkansas

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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 unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming 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, a one-month plan is available for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free in Arkansas with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

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

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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: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 4 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Identifying features

• Green: A mean person

• Blue: To annoy

• Purple: A type of seat

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

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

• Yellow: Distinguishing characteristics

• Green: A real jerk

• Blue: Pester

• Purple: Words before "stool"

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 #808 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Distinguishing characteristics: MOLE, PIERCING, SCAR, TATTOO

• A real jerk: CREEP, HEEL, RAT, SKUNK

• Pester: BADGER, BUG, HARRY, RIDE

• Words before "stool": BAR, FOOT, STEP, TOAD

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4

Are you also playing NYT 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.