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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 12, 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: Showing support

• Green: Unique roles

• Blue: Same first name

• Purple: Same first word

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: Things fans hang on their walls

• Green: Football special teams positions

• Blue: Williamses

• Purple: Goal ___

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 #323 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Things fans hang on their walls - BANNER, FLAG, PENNANT, POSTER

• Football special teams positions - KICKER, LONG SNAPPER, PUNTER, RETURNER

• Williamses - BUZZ, CALEB, TED, VENUS

• Goal ___ - KEEPER, KICK, POST, TENDER

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, August 12, 2025:

Across*Workplace for scientists

• The answer is Lab.

*Grub

• The answer is Chow.

Maliciously revealed one's private identity, informally

• The answer is Doxed.

Spanish "but"

• The answer is Pero.

Gasoline type: Abbr.

• The answer is Reg.

DownTV screen option, for short

• The answer is LCD.

___, a skip and a jump

• The answer is A hop.

*Someone who's always taking jabs at you?

• The answer is Boxer.

Used to be

• The answer is Were.

___ days (time of summer suggested by the answers to the starred clues)

• The answer is Dog.

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Gift your kids an educational, low-stimulation app with the Montessori-inspired Pok Pok, now £36 with code DROP20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription £36
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If you’re a parent of little ones, you’ve heard a lot of pros and cons for screen time. For those looking for a calm way to introduce toddlers to the concept, Pok Pok can help. This gentle, Montessori-inspired app is geared towards kids 2-8, and right now, a lifetime subscription can be yours for just £36.

Let your kids enjoy award-winning educational games, guilt-free

While most apps for kids are brightly colored and super stimulating, Pok Pok aims to be the opposite. Their app is filled with award-winning educational games that give your kids a foundation in STEM, numbers, cause and effect, problem-solving, and language. And you can rest easy with no guilt, knowing they’re enjoying an ad-free, low-stimulation educational experience.

This app is Montessori-inspired, which means it takes cues from Montessori’s child-centered educational approach, which focuses on hands-on learning, independence, and children’s natural development. That allows Pok Pok to provide a calming app experience that can grow with your child through open-ended play. All animations are hand-drawn, and sound effects and music are created in-house to ensure they’re calm, gentle, and not overly stimulating.

Pok Pok is COPPA-certified, which means you won’t see any advertisements to trick kids into buying things. There’s also an option for offline play when you’re traveling, or if you prefer, your child isn’t connected to the internet.

This lifetime subscription provides unlimited learning games and regular updates with new seasonal and cultural updates, so the app stays fresh and exciting. You’ll also receive a surprise gift mailed to you with your purchase.

Introduce little ones to screen time with the gentle, low-stimulation app, Pok Pok, now £36 with code DROP20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Enjoy serious data security at an affordable price with a lifetime subscription to the Internxt Cloud Storage 10TB plan for A$538 for a limited time.

Are you tired of hitting the storage limits on free cloud storage services like Dropbox? If you're looking for somewhere dependable and secure to keep your precious data, Internxt is an excellent option. It's an open-source platform with end-to-end encryption so that you can trust your files will remain safe and private. 

Right now, you can bypass expensive monthly fees and secure a lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage's generous 10TB plan, available for just A$538 (reg. A$4,459).

This cloud storage service truly values your privacy

Get serious about securing your important data with Internxt. They make privacy their top concern, so you can rest easy knowing your files are safe and the platform values transparency with its users. 

Though you may not have thought about it, traditional cloud storage providers can monetize user data with targeted advertising and data sharing. There's also the worry of data breaches or surveillance with these bigger companies. 

This is where Internxt shines — you don't have to worry about your data being accessed. They offer end-to-end encryption. That means data will be encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted for the receiver, so not even Internxt can access it. 

Internxt also has an open-source policy. That means their code is publicly available, offering total transparency to users. They're also GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliant, which means they adhere to strict European laws that protect user privacy and data security.

Like the popular cloud storage options, Internxt offers cross-platform compatibility and easy integration across devices and operating systems. And unlike the competitors with monthly or yearly subscriptions, this lifetime subscription won't cost you a penny more after purchase.

Enjoy a massive amount of storage with a service that prioritizes privacy with this lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage 10TB plan for A$538 (reg. A$4,459).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan AU$538
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If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

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

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

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

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

A mythological creature.

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

NYMPH

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To search.

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

SCOUT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To contaminate.

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

TAINT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

An electronic message.

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

EMAIL

Final Hurdle hint

A mouse-like animal.

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

SHREW

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

The moon is still big and bright in our skies following the full moon, but you'll notice that each night it's a little darker on the right-hand side (left if you're in the Southern Hemisphere). This is because of the lunar cycle.

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, what's happening with the moon tonight, Aug. 12?

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Tuesday, Aug. 12, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous, and it is 88% lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

There's a lot to see on the moon tonight, and it's also the start of the peak of the Perseids Meteor Shower. The moonlight may dim some of the meteors, but some should still cut through the light.

Alongside this, with no visual aids on the moon, you can spot the Kepler Crater, Mare Serenitatis, and the Mare Vaporum. Add a telescope and you'll see the Apollo 16, the Schiller Crater, and the Caucasus Mountains, a 323-mile-long mountain range.

When is the next full moon?

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

What are moon phases?

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

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from MIT are available to take for free on edX.

There's a massive bank of free online courses from some of the biggest educational institutions in the world sitting on edX. It feels like a secret, but edX is not hiding it. You can find everything listed out, ready for enrollment.

You can find free lessons on useful topics like AI, Python programming, investing, and so much more from famous schools like MIT. There's a lot on offer, so we've got you started with a standout selection of free online courses from MIT. These are the best free online courses from MIT this month:

• Circuits and Electronics 1: Basic Circuit Analysis

• Circuits and Electronics 2: Amplification, Speed, and Delay

• Circuits and Electronics 3: Applications

• Data Analysis: Statistical Modeling and Computation in Applications

• Derivatives Markets: Advanced Modeling and Strategies

• Energy Economics and Policy

• Financial Accounting

• Foundations of Modern Finance

• Foundations of Modern Finance II

• Fundamentals of Manufacturing Processes

• Fundamentals of Statistics

• Introduction to Biology: The Secret of Life

• Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science

• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python

• Machine Learning with Python: From Linear Models to Deep Learning

• Management in Engineering: Accounting and Planning

• Management in Engineering: Strategy and Leadership

• Mathematical Methods for Quantitative Finance

• Probability: The Science of Uncertainty and Data

• Structural Materials: Selection and Economics

• Supply Chain Analytics

• Supply Chain Dynamics

• Supply Chain Fundamentals

• Supply Chain Technology and Systems

• Sustainable Building Design

• Sustainable Energy

These free courses do not come with a shareable certificate of completion or graded assignments/exams, but that's the only catch. You can start learning at a pace that suits you.

Find the best free online courses from MIT on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: MIT MIT Online Courses Free at edX Get Deal

The best VPNs aren't always the most expensive. Some leading VPNs are actually really affordable, which is great news for anyone looking to secure cheap online security, data protection, and increased streaming options.

You have come to the right place if you're looking for a premium VPN with advanced features, without the big price tag. We've lined up some great value options for absolutely everyone, and there is no need to compromise on security, connection speed, customer support, or anything else.

But first, there are a few things we need to cover.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide valuable protection for your data and identity when you're navigating the online world. How do they do this? VPNs offer online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address and makes all of your information unreadable.

All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware. VPNs are primarily designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for your iPhone

VPNs can also be used to stream movies and shows from around the world, and the process is actually really simple. We've already mentioned how VPNs provide anonymity by hiding your real IP address. Well, this technique can also be used to manipulate the streaming market. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming sites into thinking that you are based in a different country. This provides access to all the extra content that would normally be restricted in your location.

Should you use free VPNs?

The question that everyone wants an answer to is whether you actually need to pay for a VPN. There are plenty of free VPNs out there, but do these offer the features you need to browse, shop, and stream securely? Unfortunately, there is often a catch with free versions (usually in the form of a limitation on your data usage or connection speed).

Occasional users will probably be satisfied with a free VPN, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading on a regular basis, you should look elsewhere. The only exception to this rule is a free trial. These come without limitations, but obviously don't tend to last for a long time.

The conclusion is that the best option for securing your data and streaming more content from around the world is with a paid subscription. The sad fact is that you'll have to pay to gain access to advanced security features without limitations on your usage. It's not all bad news though, because there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?

The process of actually selecting a VPN can be seriously tricky, especially if you don't know what to consider. Most of the best VPNs offer many of the same features with similar packages, so it's important to know what matters.

To make your life a little bit easier, we have shortlisted a few things to consider before making any sort of decision:

• Customer support — VPNs can be difficult to understand if you're not an experienced user, and even if you are, problems can occur. Whether you're a total beginner or not, customer support is key for dealing with any potential issues that might arise. You should also consider whether customer support is offered by phone, email, or web chat.

• Jurisdiction — It's a good idea to look for VPNs based in the British Virgin Islands, Panama, Switzerland, and other privacy-friendly countries. VPNs based in countries that fall under the jurisdiction of the intelligence-sharing alliances should be avoided: the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Spain. VPNs in these countries can be forced by authorities to collect and hand over user data.

• Network size and location — The best VPNs offer a large network of geographically diverse servers. The more servers (and server locations) offered by a VPN, the more likely you are to find a reliable and fast connection. This is also particularly important for streaming, as you should always be able to connect to a server in the country with the content you want to watch.

• Trustworthiness — We recommend finding an experienced provider with a strong track record and a clear privacy policy. It's important that your VPN of choice guarantees your data won't be logged or collected. If it isn't obvious what happens to your data, you should steer clear.

Make sure you carefully consider these features before deciding on the VPN that suits you and your lifestyle. Once you have narrowed down your options, you can begin the process of finding the best deals.

What is the best VPN?

We're sorry to burst your bubble, but there isn't one VPN that stands above all the rest. The best VPN for you really comes down to your own set of personal preferences. Once you find a few options that tick your boxes, you need to consider the best deals.

We have reached out to partners in order to provide you with market-leading prices on VPN subscriptions, with performance and security in mind. All of these VPN services have been handpicked not only because of the prices and deals on offer, but because they all offer the most important features to protect your online data and identity.

There are also plenty of services to consider on this list if your priority is unlocking streaming sites like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. Online security should always be the priority, but we know that many subscribers use these services to unlock more content from around the world. We get it, and we're here to help.

These are the best deals on cheap VPNs in 2025.

Grok users, paying or not, have unlimited access to the new Grok 4 model for a limited time, xAI announced on Aug. 10 — a move to remain competitive as its fellow AI companies launch increasingly advanced models and generative AI tools.

"Simply use Auto mode, and Grok will route complex queries to Grok 4. Prefer control? Choose 'Expert' anytime to always use Grok 4," xAI wrote in an announcement posted on X.

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

As xAI vies for a larger user base, the company may be trying to poach disgruntled ChatGPT users following the launch of OpenAI's GPT-5. On platforms like Reddit, many ChatGPT users have complained that GPT-5 feels less humanlike and is a little more careful in the way it approaches its relationships with users. After facing a backlash, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the company will re-release its previous model, GPT-4o, allowing other AI companies to step in with less-controlled alternatives.

Early tests of Grok 4, which launched on July 9, showed it's an impressively advanced model, surpassing competitors like DeepSeek and Claude, but the model's apparent lack of guardrails also suggests the new bot could pose safety concerns for users. A Mashable investigation showed that xAI's new generative AI image tool, Grok Imagine, failed to meet basic safety standards, allowing users to create sexual deepfakes.

How to access Grok 4 for free

You can start using Grok 4 now in the Grok iOS and Android app, or via the X website.

While on auto mode, the chatbot will evaluate whether or not a prompt requires the extended responses of Grok 4 or the quicker feedback of Grok 3. Users can also select the "Expert" setting to get answers from Grok 4.

The company will also be expanding its usage limits for users to accommodate the new model. Further information on free tiers for Grok 4 has yet to be provided.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

In the days leading up to the release of FX's Alien: Earth, the show has gone on a full publicity rampage.

FX has introduced tie-in products with everything from SoulCycle to Skullcandy headphones. On Aug. 9, they also launched "The Hunt," a series of pop-up stunts where fans could check out containment pods teeming with mysterious alien life and enter sweepstakes to win swag.

SEE ALSO: 'Alien: Earth' review: Xenomorphs get upstaged in this sci-fi treat

But the Alien: Earth product that most captured my attention was the Alien-themed burger and shake combo at Black Tap, available until Aug. 24. After all, how in the world do you capture the vibe of the Alien franchise in a burger or shake? Would a Chestburster explode from my body hours after I consumed these menu items? (And would you call that a... Chestburger?)

Given that I'm still alive while writing this, days after having both the burger and shake, the answer is thankfully no. But even without the 4D Chestburster experience, the Alien: Earth burger managed to be the craziest burger I've ever eaten, hands-down.

Look at that Xenomorph blood... I mean, sauce. Credit: Belen Edwards

There's nothing too out there about the Alien: Earth burger's ingredient list. You've got a beef patty and some pepper jack cheese, topped with cilantro, charcoal aioli, and salsa verde. Crispy onion petals round out the toppings, curling out of the burger buns just like a Facehugger's spindly legs curl around its victim's face. The combination proved delicious, with the salsa verde providing a light zing to counteract a burger's usual heaviness.

The craziness really started as I chowed down on the burger. Eating a burger tends to be a humbling experience, because no matter how hard I try, sauce and juice wind up running down my hands. Napkins will only do so much. At some point, you just have to surrender to the sauce. Now, that's all well and good when the sauce is something familiar, like ketchup or Thousand Island dressing. But when you're working with a neon green salsa verde and a deep black aioli, the effect is downright alarming.

I peered down at my hands to see them spattered in bright green and black, like some unholy mix of the Xenomorph's acidic blood and the frightening black goo introduced in Prometheus. Truly, it appeared as if I had fought a Xenomorph, and that's as close to Alien as you can get in a burger. With that in mind, the experience wasn't just about the taste of the (yes, very yummy) burger. It was also about the spillage, which reduced me to laughter the worse it got. Apparently, all you need to live your Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) fantasy is a really messy burger.

Meanwhile, the milkshake, which was Mountain Dew-flavored, was less my speed. (Look, I love shakes, but don't do the Dew.) The chocolate cake slice that topped the shake was solid, though, and so dark that it evoked the pitch blackness of space, where no one can hear you scream.

The shake and cake pairing also gave me such a sugar rush that by the time the burger arrived, I felt invincible, like I could kill a Xenomorph by myself. And after eating the burger and getting my hands and lips smeared with black and green sauce, it certainly looked like I had.

Alien: Earth premieres Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. ET on Hulu and FX.

Gamescom 2025 is right around the corner, and it’s set to be one of the biggest gaming events of the year. Over the course of several days, Cologne will once again become the center of the gaming universe, with publishers, developers, and fans all gathering for a week packed with world premieres, hands-on demos, and more livestreamed showcases than you’ll reasonably have time to watch.

Whether you’re in it for the AAA blockbusters, the indie darlings, or just the chaos of live event surprises, this year’s lineup looks stacked. Last year saw the reveal of a lot of big sequels, including Borderlands 4 and Civilization VII. To be honest, this year won't be that much different in that regard now that we know Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is the big game to start of the festivities.

Even still, Gamescom will have a little something for everyone. Here’s how to watch and what you can expect once the show kicks off.

Gamescom 2025: How to watchOpening Night Live

Gamescom kicks off with Opening Night Live, setting the tone for everything that follows during the event. The showcase will stream on YouTube and be headlined by the worldwide reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Yes, that’s right — seven of them. We used to be a proper country.

The livestream starts at 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT / 11 a.m. PT, so clear your schedule if you want to see it all unfold in real-time.

Xbox @ Gamescom

Xbox will stream for two days straight at Gamescom, kicking off on August 20 and running again on August 21. Both broadcasts start bright and early — 9 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. CT / 6 a.m. PT — and will be available to watch on YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and Facebook.

Gamescom 2025: What to expect

As mentioned up top, the big headliner for this year’s event is the reveal of Black Ops 7. But for anyone whose interests go beyond the annual big shooty-shooter, Microsoft has something special: a playable build of Silksong, the long-awaited sequel to 2017’s sleeper hit action-platformer Hollow Knight.

Xbox’s showcase will also deliver fresh updates on several announced titles, including Grounded 2, Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Overwatch 2.

We might also finally hear pricing details for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handheld systems — Microsoft’s first serious push into handheld PC gaming. Based on leaks, these things likely won’t come cheap. One leak pegs the high-end Xbox Ally X at €899 (around $1,047 USD), making it a full $100 more expensive than the 2TB version of the Xbox Series X.

Beyond that, Gamescom will be packed with reveals, trailers, and even live performances. Here’s the full schedule so far:

• Opening Night Live — August 19, 1:30 p.m. ET (pre-show), 2 p.m. ET (main show)

• Xbox @ Gamescom 2025 Broadcast — August 20, 9 a.m. ET

• Future Games Show — August 20, 2 p.m. ET

• Xbox @ Gamescom 2025 Broadcast — August 21, 9 a.m. ET

• Bethesda — streaming on Twitch August 22–25

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a man on the receiving end of many opinions. Some feel he is the talent of a generation while others find him mindbogglingly cringy. The most evolved critics (me) think he is both. But none of that really matters for the thousands of TikTok users enjoying a brand new trend borne of his 2015 musical, Hamilton.

The trend features predominately young women, all of whom somehow can pull together outfits fit for the early 1800s, dressed up as Alexander Hamilton and singing Miranda's part to the song, "Best of Wives and Best of Women." Usually, the TikTok Hamiltons are trying to sneak out of someone's house in the middle of the night and are annoyed at being held up by their curious spouse.

While everyone is nailing this trend, my personal favorite is a creation by Becca Bastos or @actressbecc, whose response to Eliza singing "come back to sleep" is a constant in my own brain. Her video has amassed over 3.3 million views.

A close second is, of course, a creation by none other than @_ashbyflorence_, who is simultaneously going viral for an incredible impersonation of The Lorax.

In response, men have begun playing Eliza's part in the song.

This comes as Hamilton returns to theaters for its 10th anniversary this year.

Less than a week after announcing a new Perplexity-powered AI search engine with reportedly tight reins on its sources, Truth Social's AI tool is already contradicting its most famous co-founder.

Truth Search AI, a new platform-based answer bot built on Perplexity Sonar API, was launched by Trump Media and Technology Group to "increase the amount of information" available to users and offer "direct, contextually accurate answers with transparent citations." Despite the commitment to a broader information environment, Perplexity representatives explained the search tool's sources could be customized by its overseers (known as source selection). In early tests by Axios, Truth Search AI's answers appeared to be limited to sourcing from traditionally conservative outlets, including FoxNews.com and FoxBusiness.com, compared to Perplexity's standard engine.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT fans are shredding GPT-5 on Reddit as Sam Altman responds in AMA (updated)

But, even with this curation, Truth Search AI isn't easily falling in line with the Trump Administration's standard talking points. In an analysis by the Washington Post, the AI tool repeatedly countered claims made by the President rather than reaffirming statements he has previously posted on Truth Social as factually correct, including the impact of international tariffs on American consumers and the need for federal intervention in what Trump has claimed is a crime-riddled national capital.

“Their own AI is now being too ‘woke’ for them,” David Karpf, a George Washington University professor, told the publication. The tool still cited primarily conservative entertainment and news sources in its citations, but its conclusions might not be as cut and dry as expected. Trump Media declined to provide comment to the Washington Post, calling their findings "transparently asinine" reporting by "irrelevant partisan hacks."

Part of what he claims to be a government-wide "truth-seeking" mission, Trump has recently attacked what he calls "Woke AI," or Large Language Models that are, in his eyes, "ideologically biased" and driven by diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Last month, Trump issued an Executive Order intended to promote "unbiased AI" in federal contracting and national security. Meanwhile, the administration has brokered several deals with top AI companies to provide services to the federal government, including $200 million Pentagon contracts with OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Elon Musk-owned xAI.

SAVE $50: As of Aug. 11, the Fitbit Versa 4 smartwatch is on sale for $149.95 at Amazon instead of its usual $199.95. That's 25% in savings and $30 cheaper than it was just last week.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50 Get Deal

The fitness tracker and smartwatch industry is a bit oversaturated these days, but Fitbit remains one of the top dogs. And when it comes to Fitbits, the Versa 4 is the one we recommend "to anyone in need of something functional, but also simple and affordable."

While it's not the most advanced smartwatch in the Fitbit lineup (that would be the Sense 2), it looks and feels good, has a massive selection of built-in fitness features, and comes at a relatively low price. As of Aug. 11, Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $149.95 — that's 25% off its list price and $30 cheaper than it was just last week when we featured it.

What it lacks in widespread app access and ECG and stress sensors, it makes up for with its fitness features, design and usability upgrades over its predecessor (which we also loved), and its responsive touch screen. You'll get heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, Sp02 monitoring, stress tracking, and a built-in GPS. Our reviewer noted that it's not the most accurate GPS she's used, but "if your aim is general fitness rather than long distance exercise with detailed tracking, it’s perfectly fine for casual use." It's also waterproof for swimming and can track basic swim metrics.

It'll outlast the Apple Watch with five to six days of power and it can track an entire 10K with GPS without dying. Unfortunately for Apple users, you can't reply to text directly from the watch — that feature is only available for Android users. But you still can get notifications and voice calls.

Ultimately, the Versa 4 is a pretty solid purchase at full price. At $50 off, it's an even better value.

Earlier this summer, a prominent Apple analyst claimed Apple was developing a "more affordable MacBook" powered by an iPhone chip. Now, we have a better idea of how much it might cost. (Spoiler: Almost half has much as a current-generation MacBook Air.)

According to the Taiwanese tech site DigiTimes, the budget MacBook that Apple is reportedly working on could cost somewhere between $599 and $699. To be clear, it's still a hypothetical at this point, but the lower end of that price range would make it 40% cheaper than the latest M4 MacBook Air. That would also put it in the ballpark of the M1 MacBook Air from late 2020, which Walmart has been selling for the Chromebook-level price of $599 this summer.

DigiTimes' report also includes the tidbit that the affordable MacBook will have a 12.9-inch display, making it slightly smaller than the M4 MacBook Air, which comes in a 13-inch size.

SEE ALSO: The next affordable MacBook might be powered by an iPhone chip

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously claimed in June that a new cheap MacBook would feature a 13-inch display and the Apple A18 Pro, the same chip used in last year's iPhone 16 Pro and Max. That would make it the first-ever MacBook to be powered by an iPhone chip. It could also come in colors like silver, blue, pink, and yellow, Kuo shared on X.

Kuo said he expected the affordable MacBook to enter mass production in late Q4 of 2025 or early Q1 of 2026, putting it slightly ahead of the rumored M5 and M6 MacBooks in terms of potential availability. If any of these leaks pan out, next year will be a major one for fans of Apple's laptops.

The good news is that the MacBook Pro might soon get a proper redesign with an OLED display. The bad news is that OLED laptops from Apple aren't coming anytime soon.

This is according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who reports that Apple's OLED update to the MacBook Pro is still at least a year away.

"It's arriving between the end of 2026 and early 2027 and should boast the M6 chip," Gurman wrote in the Aug. 10 edition of his Power On newsletter.

So, even if a MacBook with an M5 chip launches in 2025 or 2026, you may want to hold off for the OLED version.

The delay of a potential M6 MacBook Pro with an OLED display isn't entirely unexpected, considering the next-in-line M5 MacBook Pro is also rumored to be delayed until 2026. (The best MacBooks available today feature M4 chips.) In July, Gurman reported that "the M5 MacBook Pro line will be the last with the current design."

SEE ALSO: Apple's M5 MacBook Pro could be delayed until 2026, report says

The new timeline will certainly test the patience of aspirant upgraders who want a new MacBook Pro with more than just fresh silicon. The OLED MacBook Pro will mark the machine's first major overhaul since 2021, when Apple scrapped the Touch Bar, revived MagSafe charging, and bumped the smaller model from 13 inches to 14.

The one shred of hope is that historically, Apple hasn't been opposed to releasing two generations of M-something chips in the same calendar year. It kicked off 2023 with the release of the M2 Pro and Max MacBook Pros in January, then replaced them with M3 models in October.

If OLED is all that you're after, there's always the M4 iPad Pro with a tandem OLED screen. Otherwise, bear with Apple.

Back to school season is in full swing, and you don't have to rely on the Apple Store's deals to get the best bang for your buck on a new iPad, AirPods, or MacBook.

In fact, you're much more likely to get better savings from retailers like Amazon. The below list is our case in point, featuring deals like the 11-inch iPad Air marked down $150 to $649, the AirPods Pro down $80 at $169, and the M4 MacBook Air down $200 to $799 — its lowest price ever.

Check them out, along with the other top TK Apple deals live this week.

Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169 at Amazon
$249 Save $80 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 2.

The AirPods Pro 2 are our favorite earbuds for Apple users, providing excellent ANC, sound quality, and connection with Apple devices. Though Apple's price point is at the steeper end, this deal puts these earbuds at a much more accessible $169 — not quite the lowest price we've ever seen them, but still one of the best at $80 off. The only reason we wouldn't get them? If you want the latest and the greatest earbuds. The USB-C version of these earbuds released back in 2023, and though we think they hold up, there was a possible leak of the AirPods Pro 3 earlier this year.

More AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods Max — $479.99 $549 (save $69.01)

Best MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is going on its third week of sitting at its record-low price. That's right: You can get the MacBook Air M4 (in any color) for just $799. That's a 20% discount and a $200 savings. The 15-inch version is our favorite MacBook for most people, so if you don't mind a slightly smaller display, this price is pretty unbeatable for an everyday laptop.

Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,599 at Best Buy
Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M4 MacBook Pro.

If you'd rather have a Pro, the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is still sitting at $1,299.00. This is the lowest price we've tracked for this model and a full $300 off its list price. Though significantly more expensive than the Air, the Pro is better suited for folks who regularly do more intensive tasks like video editing — the larger built-in storage is also a big bonus for use cases like that.

More MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $999 $1,199 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999 $1,199 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,199 $1,399 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,399 $1,599 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,499 $1,799 (save $300)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,699 $1,999 (save $300)

Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $449 at Walmart
$599 Save $150 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M3 iPad Air.

The iPad Air is the best Apple tablet for most people, and for good reason: it has a long battery life, works for streaming and creative projects, has the option between 11-inch and 13-inch displays, and has a powerful M3 processor that basically makes it a touch screen laptop, especially with the addition of a Magic Keyboard. It's a great note-taking and file organizing machine for students, and at $150 off, it's back down to its lowest price ever.

More iPad deals

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $649 $799 (save $150)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 256GB) — $749 $899 (save $150)

Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $299 at Walmart
$399 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is the best smartwatch fitness tracker on the market, for a few reasons. For folks already in the Apple ecosystem (most people), this watch integrates easily, giving you access to health data that tracks your heart rate, steps, and sleep. While it's not too different from past generations, anyone with an older Apple Watch will appreciate what the Series 10 has to offer, especially with the larger (and thinner) display, that's still readable in bright sunlight. At $299, this Apple Watch isn't quite at its $279 all-time low, but $100 off is still nothing to sneeze at.

More Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch SE, 2nd generation (40mm, GPS) — $169 $249 (save $80)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) — $329 $429 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + cellular) — $649.99 $779 (save $129.01)

Deals on Apple accessories and more

• Apple AirTag — $24 $29 (save $5)

• Apple Pencil (USB-C) — $69 $79 (save $10)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 $99 (save $24.01)

• Apple Pencil Pro — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Apple Magic Keyboard Folio (iPad 10th generation) — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Apple Magic Keyboard Folio (iPad Air 13-inch) — $287.09 $319 (save $31.91)

The Made by Google event is just weeks away, and while all eyes are on the upcoming Pixel 10, a fresh leak has given us our first look at the redesigned Pixel Buds 2a.

SEE ALSO: A new Pixel 10 leak reveals so many colors (and more)

In an exclusive from Android Headlines, leaked renders show Google’s latest addition to the Pixel Buds A-series lineup. The case sticks to Google’s familiar shape but now features a single, unified color inside that matches the earbuds themselves—a subtle but sleek refresh.

The Pixel Buds A-series is Google’s budget-friendly line of wireless earbuds, first launched in 2021 as a more accessible alternative to the Pixel Buds Pro. While they skip some of the premium perks — like wireless charging or advanced audio tuning —they’ve built a reputation for delivering solid sound quality, dependable Google Assistant integration, and seamless pairing with Pixel phones and other Android devices.

The color shown in the leak is Iris, a soft yet striking purple. A leaked spec sheet on X shows a standard black option as well, while a separate leak hints at two more shades, Hazel and Fog Light, whatever that turns out to be.

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According the the leaked spec sheet, the Pixel Buds 2a will feature Active Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio and have a 7-hour battery life, just shy of the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s 8 hours. If the leaks are accurate, Google’s aiming to keep the A-series competitive (and cheap) without sacrificing the essentials.

Back in February 2025, former OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy posted a tweet that would start a revolution in coding and software development. Yes, we're talking about “vibe coding,” a term that has since spread across the internet like wildfire. Even OpenAI’s latest GPT-5 model aims to please the vibe coding fanatics.

So, what is this new method of coding?

Vibe coding 101

The practice of vibe coding, per Karpathy, is simply using AI to do your coding for you. For example, you would come up with an idea and then tell the AI to code it. From there, you’d review the code, and any changes or fixes you wanted would be sent back through the AI again and again until everything feels right. 

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The coder doesn’t need to do any actual coding; instead, they use natural language to describe the code, website, or application they want to create. The feeling of letting go of preconceived notions and letting the AI handle everything is described as “fully giving into the vibes” by Karpathy. Any change suggested by the AI is automatically accepted and rolled into the code. No thoughts, just vibes. 

It has been met with champions and detractors. On one side of the fence, people like Karpathy have fully embraced AI’s ability to write code and let the AI do the heavy lifting, content to explore what AI can and can’t do on its outer fringes. Others have derided the practice, saying code created this way is often incomprehensible and unpredictable, and that good engineers understand their own code. 

How can I get into vibe coding?

It’s honestly pretty easy to do. If you have access to an AI chatbot, you can start vibe coding right away. You’ll want to make sure you go into it knowing what needs to be done. For example, many have suggested making sure that you have a strong, clear vision for what you want your code to do before going into it, so that the AI writes better code. Here is a decent tutorial on getting started with vibe coding. 

If you'd like to practice with training wheels, Google recently introduced Opal, a sort of paint-by-numbers vibe coding tool. You can see what others have created and use templates to get started.

What are the best vibe coding tools?

Almost any modern LLM is decently suited for vibe coding. All of them have code knowledge at the heart of the product. Even AI companies use LLMs to code things, as was shown off when Anthropic cut OpenAI’s access to APIs in early August. However, if you’re completely new at this and want ideas on where to look, here are some good tools to try for vibe coding. 

We recommend being careful, making backups, and saving your work. Vibe coding can go seriously wrong, leading to the deletion of your code. 

Claude Code

Claude Code is a wonderful place to start for vibe coding. It’s a variant of Anthropic’s Claude chatbot that is optimized specifically for coding. We've been impressed with the latest models from Anthropic, Claude 4, particularly for coding work.

Claude Code works specifically in integrated development environments (IDEs) like VS Code while also being able to edit multiple files at once. It also has protections built in so that it won’t edit your code without your expressed consent, which helps avoid problems like code deletion that we mentioned earlier.  Of course, if you've never heard of an IDE before, then we recommend starting with a more beginner-friendly vibe coding tool, such as GPT-5 or Google Opal.

Using Claude, more advanced vibe coders can import existing code, which the AI can then read and summarize. Per Anthropic, the AI can make small changes like bug fixes or larger changes like feature implementations, both of which make it good for vibe coding. Other big-name LLMs like Google Gemini work great for this too, but Claude Code is built specifically for this stuff, so it’s a more natural option. 

GPT-5 Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Open AI

We’ve already mentioned the other big dogs, but GPT-5 gets a special mention because it’s brand new. OpenAI released the model on Aug. 7, and when it comes to state-of-the-art smarts, this is a good choice. On top of being the latest model on the market, OpenAI has put a lot of thought into the coding side of things, which is what we’ll talk about. 

One of the big highlights of the release is the improvements to agentic coding, which is tech-speak for being able to code things based on natural language prompts. OpenAI demoed this during its livestream with good results. Our tech editor also gave it a shot, and we've found that for folks with zero coding experience, GPT-5 is a great vibe coding tool for beginners. It's a big push forward for fans of vibe coding, and it’s surprisingly easy to use. 

Cursor

Cursor is another good choice for vibe coding for much the same reason as Claude Code. It’s an IDE with an AI chatbot integrated into it, and as such, vibe coding is right at the top of its feature list. It’s one of the AI tools we saw recommended most often, and it’s pretty easy to get into without a lot of prior experience. 

The big draw for Cursor is its coding agent. You can tell it to make changes, and it’ll do so while also telling you what changes it's making. This keeps coders in the loop so they know what to ask for next. It can also do things like automatic bug fixes to reduce the amount of effort you need to spend testing and iterating. Like Claude Code, you can also import libraries to use for documentation, giving you the ability to customize your coding. 

Lovable

Lovable is right up there with Cursor as an option we saw recommended fairly often. It works much the same way as Cursor, where you can talk to the AI bot to get your code written while also asking for changes, bug fixes, and the like. It also has common features like importing code for documentation and other things like that. 

Also like the competition, Lovable has various integrations that you can add to make life easier, including API access to OpenAI and Anthropic, along with GitHub. So, with a little effort, you can integrate the necessary stuff to give you the performance you need. Lovable focuses more on the AI prompt side of things, but Cursor is a more traditional IDE. So you should choose whichever one vibes (pun intended) better with your style. 

v0 by Vercel

v0 by Vercel is the final tool we recommend checking out. It works great for vibe coding and appears to be built specifically for such a thing. You tell it what you want, and it generates a web app that does what you ask. However, like 21st.dev, it seems to be mostly preferred by people looking to make UI elements alongside the software, making a good all-in-one program for vibe coding. 

Like the others on the list, you have a list of integrations that you can add to increase the likelihood of success with your work. It can integrate directly with Grok, for example, and coders can add their API keys for others like OpenAI and Anthropic. While researching this article, I found that many folks recommend using this with something like Claude Code as a one-two punch for vibe coding. 

Honorable mention: Opal by Google Credit: Google

As we mentioned before, Google recently launched Opal, a vibe coding tool that lets you leverage a variety of other Google AI tools, such as Imagen, Gemini, and even Veo, Google's generative AI video maker. While you're limited in the types of applications and websites you can create, this beginner-friendly tool doesn't require any experience with programming languages or software development. In our testing, the interface makes it easy to understand how your app functions. As you work, Opal creates a visual web of connections so you can see how each step fits into the whole.

Honorable mention: 21st.dev

21st.dev isn’t a tool that you would use to vibe code. However, it is something you would use alongside vibe coding. The idea is that it helps you build a UI for your program. You can then vibe code and use the UI elements crafted here to create one cohesive app. The service works primarily on modules that you can then export and use in your existing code. 

These components give you some template-level ideas for a UI that you can then change and construct to your specifications using the built-in AI chatbot. So, for instance, you can use this Apple-style liquid glass button component and then edit it with AI to make it look and do what you want. You can then import that code into your project, making UI work a lot easier. 

Let the AI do it

While testing all of these products, I did quite enjoy the fact that I have virtually no modern coding knowledge, and I could still create some simple stuff pretty quickly. I guess that’s the benefit of vibe coding from someone who hasn’t touched an IDE since 2008.

In any case, vibe coding in its current form is months old, so more tools are being released all the time to take advantage of the latest fad in coding. Keep an eye out for new AI coding tools in the months ahead. 

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

SAVE 21%: As of Aug. 11, you can get the Roku Streambar SE for $79, down from $99.99, at Amazon. That's a 21% discount and a $20.99 savings.

Roku Streambar SE 2-in-1 Soundbar With 4K Streaming $79 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.99 Get Deal

If you’ve been looking for an all-in-one entertainment solution for your bedroom TV or a smaller living room, I’d like to introduce you to the Roku Streambar SE. This little soundbar is feature-packed, and on sale for a limited time on Amazon.

As of Aug. 11, you can get the Roku Streambar SE for $79, down from $99.99, at Amazon. That's a 21% discount and a $20.99 savings. This isn't the lowest we've seen it go for (it was $59 during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days in October), but it's still a pretty good deal if you're looking for something that's affordable and has everything you need in one small package.

SEE ALSO: Our 5 favorite expert-tested soundbars to upgrade your TV setup

The Roku Streambar SE is a soundbar and a streaming device in one. You’ll get 4K HDR picture quality and an easy-to-use Roku interface that lets you stream from pretty much every service you can think of, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. It’s also Bluetooth-compatible, so you can pair your headphones for a quiet night of TV watching or stream music from your phone. Plus, the remote controls your TV, sound, and streaming, so you don’t have to juggle multiple remotes.

The two full-range speakers are pretty decent for the price. But if you want a more immersive experience, you can pair it with a Roku Wireless Bass Subwoofer.