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Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now

Week 1 of the new college football season continues with Miami vs. Notre Dame. This matchup is one of the highlights of an action-packed schedule this week. What's not to love about two top-10 teams renewing a rivalry that goes way back. This one is set to be epic.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

If you want to watch Miami vs. Notre Dame for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Miami vs. Notre Dame?

Miami vs. Notre Dame takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 31. This game takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium.

How to watch Miami vs. Notre Dame for free

Miami vs. Notre Dame is broadcast on ABC. Fans can live stream this game on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Miami vs. Notre Dame from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Miami vs. Notre Dame from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Miami vs. Notre Dame from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

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

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now

There are so many interesting matchups in Week 1 of the new college football season, including South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech. There'a a lot of intrigue around South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, but that's just one potential storyline in this epic faceoff.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

If you want to watch South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech?

South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech takes place at 3 p.m. ET on Aug. 31. This game takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

How to watch South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech for free

South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech is broadcast on ESPN. Fans can live stream this game on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

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

TL;DR: Level up your PC with Windows 11 Pro for only $12.97 (reg. $199) — there are only a few more days left to snag this special discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $12.97
$199 Save $186.03 Get Deal

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 Windows device’s performance, because the latest operating system, Windows 11 Pro, is now less than $13 until the end of today. However, codes are limited.

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.

SEE ALSO: Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for under $50

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.

You have a little while longer to score this Windows 11 Pro discount for just $12.97. Don’t wait too long to act, as codes are selling quickly.

StackSocial prices subject to change

TL;DR: Grab a 2020 MacBook Air with Apple’s M1 chip, 256GB SSD, and 8GB of RAM for only $429.99 (reg. $999). It’s fast, reliable, and deeply discounted — inventory is limited.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch (Refurbished) $429.99
$999 Save $569.01 Get Deal

Looking for a MacBook that can keep up with your workflow without draining your bank account? This 2020 MacBook Air delivers flagship-level performance in a compact, ultra-lightweight design. And right now, you can grab a refurbished 13.3-inch model for only $429.99 (reg. $999) — that’s over half off the retail price.

This is one of the lowest prices you’ll find anywhere — beating both Amazon and Walmart — but stock is limited, and deals like this don’t last long.

What makes this MacBook Air worth it?

At just under 3 pounds, this MacBook Air is built for portability but doesn’t hold back on power. The Apple M1 chip provides up to 3.5x faster performance and 5x faster graphics compared to previous Intel-based models, making it ideal for everything from video editing to multitasking in pro apps.

You’ll also get:

• 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking

• 256GB SSD for fast storage and plenty of room for your files

• A 13.3-inch Retina display with vibrant color and crisp resolution

• 18-hour battery life to keep you going all day

• Fanless design for silent operation — no more whirring or weird ‘breathing’ from your laptop

Another bonus? This MacBook’s 16-core Neural Engine inside the M1 chip helps power advanced tasks like photo recognition, voice processing, and machine learning applications, all without breaking a sweat.

While this model is refurbished, it was awarded a Grade ‘A’ rating. What’s that mean? This MacBook Air will arrive to you in near-mint condition, with little to no signs of use. You’re getting the same MacBook Air experience, but at a fraction of the price. Because it’s in almost pristine condition, you may not even notice it’s a refurbished device.

SEE ALSO: The four-pack of Apple AirTags is just over $5 away from their lowest price ever

This M1-powered MacBook Air is an unbeatable value, especially for students, remote workers, or anyone needing a reliable everyday laptop that’ll let them work all day long without missing a beat.

Don’t miss your shot at scoring Apple performance without the Apple price tag. Inventory is selling quickly for these 13.3-inch M1 MacBook Airs, so grab yours now for just $429.99 (reg. $999).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Italy vs. South Africa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Women's Rugby World Cup continues to gather momentum as the best sides in the world come head-to-head. Italy vs. South Africa is one of the most interesting matchups of the second round. South Africa smashed Brazil in their opening game, but Italy should provide a tougher test.

If you want to watch Italy vs. South Africa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Italy vs. South Africa?

Italy vs. South Africa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup starts at 3:30 p.m. BST on Aug. 31. This fixture takes place at the LNER Community Stadium.

How to watch Italy vs. South Africa for free

Italy vs. South Africa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer 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 BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup online for free

Live stream Italy vs. South Africa 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 BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Italy vs. South Africa 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 Italy vs. South Africa without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the Women's Rugby World Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, 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 Italy vs. South Africa in 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

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

Japanese noodles.

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

RAMEN

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A period of time.

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

PHASE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

What a cow has.

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

UDDER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A type of sword.

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

SABRE

Final Hurdle hint

A type of drum.

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

SNARE

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

We're in a new moon phase tonight, meaning the moon is around half lit up.

The lunar cycle 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, let's see what's happening with the moon tonight, Aug. 31.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Sunday, Aug. 31, the moon phase is First Quarter, and 53% will be lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

There's a lot to see when you look up at the moon tonight. With no visual aids, you'll see the Mare Serenitatis, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Mare Tranquillitatis. With binoculars, you'll also get a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, the Archimedes Crater, and the Apennine Mountains. If you have a telescope too, you'll also spot the Apollo 15, Apollo 17, and the Rupes Altai.

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.

Depending on what time of year you're reading this, it's either starting to get a little chillier during the nights or it's just downright cold. All of which means it's time to get warm and snuggly. But here’s the problem: Nothing is getting any cheaper. On the contrary, in fact. Everyone's been hit by energy prices, and we're all thinking twice about putting the central heating for a few hours, let alone the entire night.

There is a solution, however: Get yourself an old-school electric blanket. Actually, there’s nothing old-school about the tech being used to heat electric blankets in this day and age. Modern electric blankets have all kinds of features, such as dual controls, targeted areas for warming, and multiple heat settings. And for just a fraction of the price of running the central heating all night long.

But which electric blanket should you choose? There are so many out there it’s hard to know which products are the hottest. Luckily, we’ve hunkered down and done the research. But before you buy, let us warm you up with some handy information. 

What is an electric blanket?

An electric blanket plugs into the mains and warms up via heating elements within the fabric itself. Most electric blankets are actually “toppers” or under blankets, which mean you secure them on top of your mattress and lie on them. They fix onto the mattress with corner straps or elasticated skirting. The heat is managed by a remote control that’s attached to the blanket. This can usually be detached so you can machine wash the blanket. Also available are electric throws to wrap around yourself.

Are electric blankets safe to use?

While safety experts recommend that no heated appliance should be left on unattended, or while you sleep, electric blankets have safety measures such as timers which switch the heat off, or an automatic shut-off that prevents overheating. 

Are electric blankets expensive to run?

This, of course, is the most crucial question as the price of energy soars and the general cost of living increases. The cost of running an electric blanket varies, depending on which heat setting you use (some blankets have up to nine different heat settings).

Most of the blankets in this roundup claim to cost from 1p per night (on their lowest setting), based on a runtime of eight hours. Real-world tests have found the figure to be slightly higher, from 3p to 9p. Either way, it’s significantly cheaper than central heating, which can currently cost between 4.6p and £1.20 per hour.

What is the best electric blanket?

That all depends on what features you need to keep you warm, and which blanket suits you best. That’s why we’ve researched all the best brands and available options and pulled together a wide selection of options to consider. All you need to do is make your bed and lie in it. Well, and switch your new electric blanket on, of course.

These are the best electric blankets in 2025.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for August 28, 2025 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: Baseball field

• Green: Found in the City of the Brotherly Love

• Blue: Events where players get picked

• Purple: SEC shorthand

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: Materials Found on a Baseball Field

• Green: Philadelphia Teams

• Blue: Words That Precede "Draft"

• Purple: Starts of SEC Team Names

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 #342 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Materials Found on a Baseball Field - CHALK, DIRT, GRASS, RUBBER

• Philadelphia Teams - EAGLES, FLYERS, TEMPLE, UNION

• Words That Precede "Draft" - FANTASY, MOCK, NFL, SNAKE

• Starts of SEC Team Names - BULL, GATO, SOON, WILD

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.

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.

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 29, 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 August 30, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 31 Pips

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must equal 2. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-1, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must equal 1. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 31 Pips

Equal (1) : Everything in this space must equal 1. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically.

Greater than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically.

Greater than (6): Everything in this space must be greater than 6. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Greater than (6): Everything in this space must be greater than 6. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 0-4 placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 31 Pips

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

Number (24): Everything in this space must add up to 24. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally.

Number (13): Everything in this space must add up to 13. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

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

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must equal 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

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

Equal (1): Every dot in this space must be 1. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 1-0, 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.

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: To condemn

• Green: Parts of Monopoly

• Blue: They have various meanings

• Purple: Twigs

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: Criticize harshly

• Green: Common components of board games

• Blue: Heteronyms

• Purple: ___Sticks

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 #813 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Criticize harshly: BASH, BLAST, FLAME, ROAST

• Common components of board games: BOARD, CARDS, DICE, PIECES

• Heteronyms: AXES, BASS, COORDINATE, DOES

• ___Sticks: CHOP, DRUM, FIDDLE, FISH

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 27, 2025

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.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Up the hill

The words are song-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are found in a classic nursery rhyme.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Jack and Jill.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for August 30

• Tumbling

• Water

• Fetch

• Jack and Jill

• Broke

• Pail

• After

• Crown

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for August 4 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 4, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Part of a flower.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

PETAL.

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

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

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

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 Wordle.

TL;DR: Give an old PC an upgrade with this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows, now just $39.97 (reg. $219.99) through Sept. 7.

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$219.99 Save $180.02 Get Deal

Jealous of all those kids going on back-to-school shopping sprees? Take advantage of a deal on something your PC could use: a fresh Microsoft Office Professional 2021 lifetime license. Right now, you can enjoy this suite of Microsoft Office apps for life for just $39.97 — $180 off the usual price — if you purchase before Sept. 7.

Bring Word, Excel, Outlook, and more to your PC for less

Whether you’re heading back to school or just trying to get through the work day, a Microsoft Office Professional 2021 license gives your PC a new lease on life. It equips your device with eight helpful apps that can help you tackle everything from creating a killer presentation to whipping up an informative spreadsheet.

This license gives you lifetime access to Microsoft Office staples like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, while also including newer additions like Teams, Access, OneNote, and Publisher — all for just $5 each. There are no monthly fees or renewals, unlike Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

SEE ALSO: Back to school, AI edition: College students get big discounts on AI tools like Gemini and Grammarly

Don’t let the year of this edition worry you. The 2021 version actually offers some unique advantages like redesigned features, the ability to work offline, and no cloud dependency. Just make sure your device is running Windows 10 or 11, as these apps are not supported by Windows 7 or 8.

Get things done with some help from this affordable lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows, now only $39.97 (reg. $219.99) through Sept. 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $150: As of Aug. 30, a Pink 10th Generation 256GB  10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display Apple iPad with A14 Bionic chip is $349, down from its list price of $499.

Have you always wanted to become an iPad girly, boy, or person? This Labor Day weekend deal on Amazon has a 10.9-inch 256 GB Pink 10th Generation Apple iPad at 33% off. If you were waiting on a sign to spring for a back-to-school Apple iPad, now is a perfect time to take the leap (especially if you love pink). There’s nothing like coming home after a long day to play around on your iPad, seriously. These devices have been around for 15 years, and it seems they just continue to get more useful. 

One of the best things about Apple iPads is their versatility. You can manage your whole life with an iPad while seamlessly integrating it into your existing Apple ecosystem. Not only does it do everything that your iPhone can (save for connecting to Data, with this particular model), it also has excellent new features that just put a cherry on top.

Customize your home page with widgets that represent your hobbies, classes, work, or all of the above. Download apps like Procreate and pick up an Apple Pencil to revolutionize the way you can make art, digitally collage, take notes, journal, and more.

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Disney's 2025 Destination D23 event may not come with as many major film and TV announcements as its biennial D23 Expo, but it still gave Disney fans lots to be excited about.

SEE ALSO: Disney sues Sling TV over new short-term TV passes

Destination D23's Aug. 30 Walt Disney Studios Showcase event offered attendees first looks at upcoming titles from Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, including Toy Story 5, Avengers: Doomsday, and The Mandalorian & Grogu. From new film announcements to key release dates, we've rounded up every major announcement below so you don't have to miss a thing.

Toy Story 5 gets new characters and new plot details.

At last year's D23 Expo, director Andrew Stanton revealed a teaser for Pixar's latest sequel, along with the plot synopsis that this time around, it's toys versus tech. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the whole gang will be facing off against the Pixar version of an iPad: Bonnie's antagonistic Lily Pad tablet.

This year's D23 offered up new looks at Toy Story 5, including concept art for Lily Pad and the film's opening scene, which sees a vast army of Buzz Lightyears washing up on a deserted island. This army will be among the film's villains after they get stuck in a malfunctioning play mode.

The Toy Story 5 segment of the Walt Disney Studios showcase also revealed that Conan O'Brien would be joining the cast as the voice of Smarty Pants, a potty training toy.

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How to watch: Toy Story 5 hits theaters June 19, 2026.

Pixar reiterated its sequel-heavy slate of upcoming films.

Pixar also showed off its upcoming slate of films, which is highly sequel-focused. The animal body-hopping comedy Hoppers hits theaters March 6, 2026, followed by Toy Story 5 on June 19.

Next up is the original film Gatto, directed by Enrico Casarosa (Luca). The movie, set for a June 2027 release, follows a black cat who lives in Venice and forges an unlikely bond with a street artist. From there, Pixar pivots hard into sequel territory, with Incredibles 3 and Coco 2. While neither film have hard release dates, Pixar has them slated for releases in "2028 and beyond."

Marvel screened the first footage of Avengers: Doomsday.

In a video message from the Avengers: Doomsday set in London, Paul Rudd and directors Joe and Anthony Russo introduced footage from the upcoming superhero team-up film. The footage has not yet been released to the public. However, according to the Russo Brothers, Avengers: Doomsday is the biggest movie they've ever made. How in the world are they going to top Avengers: Endgame?

How to watch: Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters May 1, 2026.

Star Wars showed footage from The Mandalorian & Grogu.

D23 attendees also got a taste of the upcoming Star Wars film The Mandalorian & Grogu with footage that has yet to be release to the public.

The movie continues the team-up between Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his adorable Baby Yoda son Grogu. In addition to Pascal, The Mandalorian & Grogu also stars Sigourney Weaver as Ward, a veteran Rebel Alliance pilot; Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt, son of Jabba the Hutt; and Jonny Coyne as an Imperial Warlord. Star Wars Rebels' Zeb is also set to make an appearance.

How to watch: The Mandalorian & Grogu hits theaters May 22, 2026.

Ice Age 6 gets a title and a release date.

The sequels just keep coming, as Disney released new details about the sixth film in the Ice Age franchise. Titled Ice Age: Boiling Point, the animated adventure is set for release on Feb. 5, 2027. It will also feature Baby Scrat, who I'm praying is way better at finding acorns than his accident-prone father.

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How to watch: Ice Age: Boiling Point hits theaters Feb. 5, 2027.

Walt Disney Animation announced a new film, Hexed.

Walt Disney Animation announced its next original film, Hexed, set for release on Nov. 25, 2026. The film centers on an oddball teenager and his mother. When the pair discovers the teenager's "weirdness" is actually hidden magic, they're transported to a brand-new magical world.

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How to watch: Hexed hits theaters Nov. 25, 2026.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw gets a release date.

The fourth animated Diary of a Wimpy Kid film will premiere on Disney+ on Dec. 5, allowing audiences to celebrate Christmas alongside the Heffley family.

How to watch: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw premieres Dec. 5 on Disney+.

Zootopia 2's opening scene teases trouble for Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

Disney revealed more details about the upcoming Zootopia 2 at D23, including screening the film's opening scene. In the scene, police partners Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) get into a car chase that goes horribly wrong, which doesn't bode well for their new partnership.

The film adds two new cast members: Patrick Warburton, who will voice Zootopia Mayor Winddancer, and Yvette Nicole Brown, who will voice Bearoness Bear and an EMT Otter.

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How to watch: Zootopia 2 hits theaters Nov. 26.

SAVE $300: As of Aug. 30, the iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot Vacuum is down 33% on Amazon. This Labor Day deal is on sale for $599, down from $899.

One of the most intelligent robot vacuums on the market, the iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot Vacuum, is over a third off for a sweet Labor Day Deal. This auto-docking, self-emptying, and obstacle-avoiding robot vacuum will make the start of the school year and the end of summer simpler and cleaner. This particular model is excellent for carpet and hard floors.

The iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot Vacuum can be controlled via buttons on the device itself, voice control, app control, or seamless integration into the smart home ecosystem of your choice. Tell your smart home device to start the Roomba (or the unique name you've given it) to get to work in your stead. Delegation has never felt better.

You also don’t have to go hunting for a dead robot vacuum deep under your couch later in the day, or trip over your fallen vacuum soldier that died in the middle of a dark room. It also features state-of-the-art obstacle avoidance, preventing traffic jams and eliminating the need for behind-the-couch search-and-rescue missions. Additionally, this model can also pay attention to which of your rooms gets the dirtiest most frequently and adjust its cleaning schedule accordingly.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot Vacuum $599 at Amazon
$899 Save $300 Get Deal

Curl up with your coziest fall book, and let the iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot Vacuum handle the vacuuming, sweeping, and overall cleanliness management of your space. 

SAVE $16: As of Aug. 30, the Google TV Streamer 4k is on sale for $84.00 right now at Amazon. That's 16 percent off the rarely-on-sale list price of $99.99. 

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$99.99 Save $15.99 Get Deal

The Google TV Streamer 4K is among some of the best Amazon Labor Day Deals happening this weekend. The streamer is on sale right now, which is rare for this specific device. The Google TV Streamer 4K’s sleek, porcelain shade and design blend seamlessly into your living room decor. It also seamlessly integrates with Google’s other smart home devices.

It’s the perfect streamer for those who already have Google smart hubs or speakers because you can simply tell any one of them to turn on whatever show or movie you’d like to watch. You can also speak into the remote to dim your lights or view your camera feed without pausing the game, movie, or season finale.

It’s also an excellent standalone streamer if you don’t have any Google smart home products or ecosystems. It can turn any TV into a smart TV, offering twice the storage of its previous model at 32 GB and 22 percent faster streaming. The Google TV Streamer 4K enables you to stream your favorite services, including Live TV, and access up to 800 free channels. This device is compatible with any speakers, especially Dolby Atmos, for a more immersive 3D audio experience.

Unfortunately, HDMI cords are sold separately, so be sure to plan ahead if you don’t already have one. The remote features a customizable option that allows you to use the home button to launch your favorite app. It will also ring if it gets buried under the couch or kicked under a chair. 

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for August 28, 2025 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: Lost the ball

• Green: Found in the Buckeye State

• Blue: Pitching MVPs

• Purple: Related to Falcon's Robinson

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: Ways a Football Changes Possessions

• Green: Ohio Teams

• Blue: Last 4 NL Cy Young Winners

• Purple: Associated with Bijan Robinson

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 #341 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Ways a Football Changes Possessions - DOWNS, FUMBLE, INTERCEPTION, PUNT

• Ohio Teams - BENGALS, BLUE JACKETS, CREW, OHIO STATE

• Last 4 NL Cy Young Winners - ALCANTARA, BURNES, SALE, SNELL

• Associated with Bijan Robinson - FALCONS, MUSTARD, RB, TEXAS

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.

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.

The best self-emptying robot vacuums speak to the life hack seeker in you. If vacuuming every day is something you don't feel like doing manually, you probably also don't feel like manually dumping a vac's dustbin into the trash every day. Such is the natural pipeline of being spoiled with technology.

Let's set the scene: When you outsource vacuuming to a robotic vacuum cleaner, your floors get cleaned way more often, right? There's just one little downside to that extra attention: The more gunk picked up off the floor, the faster the dust bin fills up — especially if you have pets. You could either empty the dustbin yourself multiple times a week, or just get a robot vacuum that empties itself. These vacuum cleaners take care of vacuuming and bin maintenance on their own, storing the debris collected on each trip in a larger compartment that's located in the charging dock.

SEE ALSO: Roborock Saros Z70 review: If you think you need the robot vacuum with an arm, no you don't

Most brands claim capacities between six to eight weeks, but almost every auto-empty vacuum I've tried is self-sufficient for much longer than that. The feature is so core to the hands-off cleaning experience nowadays that it's rare for any new robot vacuum release to arrive to market without a self-emptying dock. Automatic emptying is the precursor to any of my tips for making your robot vacuum work better in general, and people on Reddit seem to agree that self-emptying vacuums are worth the convenience.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineups

The best robot vacuum and mop combo models that auto-empty even take it a step further with auto-washing and -drying mopping pads and self-refilling water tanks, and it all goes down in the same dock where the robot vac empties itself. If your home's a tight squeeze, you certainly don't need such a full-fledged auto-empty dock (you don't even need to skip self-emptying altogether). I've tested a ton of solid self-emptying robot vacuums for small spaces in my own apartment.

I've been testing the latest and greatest self-emptying robot vacuums from 2025 against the top vacs from years prior. Three-quarters of the way through 2025, these top five picks offered the most efficient automated cleaning experience in my home.

Other robot vacuums I've tested recently

I've tested several other robot vacuums that auto-empty that didn't make the cut. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, Narwal Freo X Ultra, and Roomba j7+ were top picks in this list at one point, but were merely upstaged in power and price tag value by newer models.

I've also tested some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were OK, but didn't wow enough to be contenders for this list. The Dreame X50 Ultra grabbed attention during its CES 2025 debut for its ability to "climb," though the fine print is that it can't scale thresholds taller than 6 millimeters (about 2.36 inches). A slew of new Dreame robot vacuums are slated to come out in fall 2025, among them a model with improved climbing abilities and a model whose self-empty dock can hold three sets of mopping pads. I'll be getting my hands on these as soon as possible and updating my top picks for this list accordingly.

Are self-emptying robot vacuums worth it?

A robot vacuum that can empty its own dust bin is for sure worth it in just about every home — no one should have to settle for an add-on task related to the gadget they just bought to automate another chore. However, automatic emptying is particularly valuable in homes with pets. Daily pet hair pickup could easily fill up a vacuum's tiny onboard dustbin after just a few rooms, but that capacity is significantly expanded when there's a large alternate dustbin on the dock. If they get full mid-cleaning session, self-emptying vacuums know to head back to the dock to unload, then finish the rest of the session with a clean slate.

Not for nothing, even the most ergonomic upright vacuums are a pain to wrestle out of the closet sometimes. In a pinch, it's inarguably worthwhile to have the option to start sweeping with a click on an app.

For people with allergies, auto-emptying also spares you from inhaling the inevitable puff of dust that emerges when dumping a dustbin into the trash. Speaking of avoiding the grosser parts of the job, if you're specifically seeking a robot vacuum that mops, many self-emptying docks also take it upon themselves to wash and dry the dirty mopping pads after the job is done.