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The next MacBook Pro drop, packed with the M4 chip, is coming very soon, according to Apple leaker Mark Gurman.
We got a sneak peek of the M4 chip's capabilities when Apple unveiled it alongside the iPad Pro. This was the first time Apple has injected an M-series chip into an iPad before a MacBook.
The M4 chip was officially introduced to us when the iPad Pro dropped earlier this year. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableWe can't quite wrap our minds around why Apple would do this. Perhaps Apple wanted to give us a sneak peek of the M4's powerful capabilities before introducing it to the MacBook family. Based on the in-house performance numbers we got for the M4-based iPad Pro, the next M4 MacBook Pro will likely be equally as impressive.
That being said, let's take a look at all the rumors we've been hearing about the M4 MacBook Pro.
M4 MacBook ProSimilar to the M3 MacBooks that dropped last year during the October "Scary Fast" event event, we're expecting the following M4 MacBook models this year.
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 (cheapest)
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max
16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max (priciest)
According to Apple, compared to the M2 CPU, the M4 processor is 50% faster. The Cupertino-based tech giant also claims that rendering performance has a four-fold performance jump.
M4 MacBook Pro release dateAccording to an April report from Gurman, the next MacBook Pro will launch sometime later this year. While he didn’t provide an exact date, it’s expected to arrive before the M4 MacBook Air, which is slated for a spring 2025 release.
The current-gen entry-level MacBook Pro Credit: AppleThis matches a rumor from Ross Young, another respected analyst. According to Young, who posted a leak on his subscriber-only feed on X (formerly Twitter), Apple fans can expect an M4 MacBook Pro release "later this year," he said.
Based on what Apple has done historically, this means that Apple will likely hold a Mac event on October or November to unveil the new M4 MacBook Pro. However, as BGR noted, the best guesstimate is October.
According to Gurman, the entry-level M4 14-inch MacBook Pro will be released first, followed by the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring the more powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, likely at the end of 2024 or early 2025.
M4 MacBook Pro designWe haven't seen any design rumors regarding the M4 MacBook Pro, but it likely won't get a significant overhaul. As MacRumors said, behind the scenes, Apple is planning a MacBook launch with a new OLED display. However, this isn't expected until 2026.
If you're curious about other next-gen laptops, including the M4 MacBook Air, M4 Mac mini, and more, check out our M4 Macs rumor hub.
TL;DR: Get digital downloads of both Java and Bedrock versions of Minecraft for just $24.99 (reg. $29) for a limited time.
Minecraft has captivated millions of players worldwide with its endless possibilities, creative freedom, and unique blend of exploration and survival. Whether you love building intricate structures, battling mobs, or exploring vast worlds, Minecraft offers something for everyone.
With the Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition bundle, you can access both versions of the game for just $24.99 (reg $29) for a limited time—giving you the best of both worlds.
By purchasing the Minecraft bundle, you get access to two distinct versions of the game, each with its own unique features and advantages.
Java Edition is exclusive to desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, and Linux) and is known for its extensive modding capabilities, which allow players to customize their gameplay. This version is particularly popular among those who enjoy tinkering with mods, creating custom skins, and engaging in the vibrant community-run servers.
However, the Java Edition requires more powerful hardware to run smoothly, especially with mods. It is also limited to playing with other Java users and does not support cross-play with other platforms.
Bedrock Edition is designed for versatility and accessibility, running on a wide range of devices, including consoles, mobile phones, and even Chromebooks. This edition offers a smoother experience even on lower-spec devices, and it supports cross-play, allowing players to connect and play together across different platforms.
The Bedrock Edition also features the Minecraft Marketplace, where players can purchase add-ons, skins, and custom worlds. While it doesn't offer the same level of modding freedom as Java, Bedrock's broader compatibility makes it an excellent choice for players who want to enjoy Minecraft on multiple devices.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your Minecraft world for less.
Pick up the Minecraft Java & Bedrock Edition bundle for just $24.99 (reg $29).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition (Digital Download) $24.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Easily navigate the complexities of BOI reporting with a one-time FileForms BOI report filing for just $89 (reg. $179).
For professionals like business owners, accountants, and legal experts, Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting to FinCEN is now a crucial task mandated by the CTA that demands accuracy and timeliness. The Corporate Transparency Act has made BOI reporting a legal requirement for many entities. The process can be daunting, especially when done manually (like filing taxes for the first time).
This is where FileForm BOI Report Filing can help. Created with the help of licensed attorneys and CPAs, it's a service designed to simplify and streamline the reporting process, saving you time and reducing the risk of costly errors. You follow a step-by-step guide, so you know your filing is correct.
A one-time filing is on sale for just $89 (reg. $179). While most users will only need the one-time filing report, many might need additional report filings due to specific situations, such as moving, a change in stakeholders, mergers, etc. In that case, an unlimited one-year option is also available.
Before diving into the specifics of BOI reporting, it’s important to understand who qualifies as a beneficial owner. A beneficial owner is an individual who owns or controls a significant portion of a company, typically defined as holding 25 percent or more of the company’s equity or having substantial influence over its operations.
While the goal of this reporting is to enhance transparency and prevent illicit activities like money laundering, the penalties for non-compliance are steep — businesses that fail to file accurate reports can face significant fines and other legal consequences.
Filing BOI reports manually can be time-consuming and error-prone. Gathering and verifying the required information, keeping track of deadlines, and ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements can overwhelm even the most organized professionals.
Manual filing also lacks the safeguards and support that FileForms provides, including top-tier security protocols. You'll even have support and guidance from its expert team whenever needed.
For professionals responsible for BOI reporting, FileForm offers an invaluable tool to simplify compliance and reduce risk.
Pick up a FileForms BOI one-time report filing for just $89 (reg. $179) before the upcoming deadline.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: FileForms FileForms BOI Report Filing $89.00 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Turn your smart TV into a dynamic digital frame with a premium lifetime subscription to a digital frame on sale for $99.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: CastHub Digital TV Frame Family Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription $99.99 at The Mashable ShopThese days, the pictures we take tend to stay in our phones and never leave. Instead of gathering dust in your digital album, why not turn your living room into a gallery that everyone can enjoy? With Digital Frame by CastHub, you can transform your smart TV into a vibrant digital frame, showcasing your favorite memories on the big screen. Get lifetime access on sale for $99.99.
CastHub is capable of connecting up to 15 devices across different locations — no need to buy a separate device. Want to share your latest family vacation photos while you're visiting your parents? Easy. Need a slick way to present your work across multiple offices? Done. And here’s the kicker: You get to enjoy the larger display of your Smart TV, giving your photos and videos the attention they deserve.
Unlike those clunky, limited digital frames, CastHub gives you the freedom to share and display across multiple devices. Plus, it’s perfect if you’ve already invested in something like the Samsung Frame — this software can take your setup to the next level.
Skip the overpriced gadgets and turn your smart TV into a family connection hub that’s easy, flexible, and completely fuss-free.
Get a lifetime subscription to the Digital TV Frame Family Premium Plan for $99.99 for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: For a limited time, you can get a 1-Year BJ's Wholesale The Club+ Card Membership with BJ's Easy Renewal for just $65 (reg. $110).
Opens in a new window Credit: BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. Annual BJ's Wholesale The Club+ Card Membership $65.00 at The Mashable ShopFor those who appreciate value and convenience (which is probably all of us), an annual BJ’s Wholesale Club+ Card Membership offers a unique opportunity to change up your shopping world. Priced at just $65 (reg. $110) when you sign up for auto-renewal, this membership grants you access to a host of exclusive perks that go beyond the already pretty great standard benefits, helping you stretch your budget further while enjoying high-quality products and services.
With a BJ’s Club+ Membership, you get access to the standard wholesale club savings and convenient shopping options like ExpressPay. This checkout option allows members to skip the line in-club, scan their items as they shop, and pay in the BJ's mobile app for a quicker checkout.
While all members can enjoy significant savings with up to 25% savings over grocery store prices every day, along with access to a wide selection of fresh food and national brands, the Club+ Card membership gets you more. What truly distinguishes the Club+ Card Membership are the additional rewards and savings. Club+ Card members earn 2% back in rewards on most purchases, with opportunities to earn up to 3x back during special events.
These rewards can be redeemed at any time and never expire, giving you the flexibility to use them when it’s most convenient for you, like around the holidays. Plus, you’ll save even more at the pump with an exclusive discount of five cents off per gallon at BJ’s Gas.
The fine print states that this promotional price is contingent upon you signing up for auto-renewal, which will automatically enroll you for another year of membership once the initial year ends.
If you've always wanted to try BJ's, now's a good time to do it.
Get a 1-year BJ's Wholesale Club+ Card Membership with BJ's Easy Renewal* for just $65 (*terms apply).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
I don't share my literal dreams, the ones that happen at night, with just anyone.
But in this case, I was testing the journaling app Rosebud, which is powered by artificial intelligence. After using Rosebud's voice-to-text feature to create a few daily run-of-the-mill entries (the app is not just for dreams), I decided to log a recurring dream that had recently eluded my own attempts at analysis.
I'll spare you the details; let's just say that it involves my children leaving their belongings behind. In the dream, I keep trying to remember where the items have been tossed aside, but then I ultimately forget them, too, at which point panic sets in.
I clicked on Rosebud's dream-specific journal entry, which asks you to share as many specifics as possible. I gave it a two-sentence description. Despite my limited recounting, Rosebud's line of questioning led me to an epiphany about parenting, responsibility, letting go, and trusting your child, all within three follow-up prompts. I was hooked.
SEE ALSO: AI chatbots are being used for companionship. What to know before you try itThe desktop version of Rosebud is a year old, but the app launched last week. So far in my testing, the journal app, billed as "guided self-discovery," has offered what AI technology has long promised to become: a tool for supporting human growth and creativity, with surprising efficiency and insight.
Rosebud's cofounders, software engineers Chrys Bader and Sean Dadashi, who met in a men's group, say Rosebud is designed to increase users' self-awareness, not to solve problems for them. It's also not pitched as therapy, but as an accessible complement to professional help. It costs $12.99 per month or $107.99 annually.
This is refreshing at a time when some AI products are positioned as robots to whom we can offload unique aspects of the human experience, like writing a letter on behalf of a child to their sports hero (see Google's ill-fated "Dear Sydney" ad).
Rosebud's philosophical approach of championing human-led, AI-enabled personal growth, combined with the instantaneous speed at which the app helps deliver meaningful insight, offers a compelling example of how AI journaling could transform people's self-awareness, potentially improving their well-being and mental health.
I do have some reservations, including the risk of becoming too attached to Rosebud, data safety and privacy issues, and what happens when users express suicidal thoughts or feelings. As the market for AI journaling apps grows, the best options will be products that meaningfully address these and other risks, putting safety above profit and growth. So far, Rosebud seems to be taking that challenge seriously.
AI journaling: The good and the greatScientific research tells us that expressive writing, which you'll often find in personal journals, can improve people's well-being and mental health, though this effect isn't universal. When journaling works, it appears to be partly because the author is able to write without fear of judgment, but the science isn't conclusive yet.
There's limited research on the new phenomenon of AI journaling, so little understanding of who stands to benefit most from the practice — or what could potentially go wrong. Rosebud only has customer survey data, and hasn't yet hired a chief medical or clinical officer, though the company partners with mental health professionals to provide feedback about how the platform responds to numerous scenarios.
This is all to say: If you sign up for Rosebud, or another AI journaling app, you're exploring uncharted territory and should proceed with reasonable caution.
Rosebud is built on large language model (LLM) technology, but has been tailored specifically to engage users in a way that should heighten their self-awareness. Rosebud's cofounders recently decided to make Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet their primary LLM of choice, after simultaneously testing that platform and OpenAI's ChatGPT.
The Rosebud AI-powered journal can deliver profound insights. Credit: RosebudBader and Dadashi said they preferred the way Claude referenced memories provided by Rosebud's proprietary "awareness engine." Drawing on Claude's LLM, the pair have engineered Rosebud to serve up daily reflective prompts to users, starting with basic questions like, "What's your top priority today?" and "What was the highlight of your day?"
There are separate journal prompts for dreams and gratitude. Plus, there are journals created by Rosebud-vetted experts on topics like "nervous system rebalancing" and positive psychology, and journals created by licensed therapists, based on evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy.
Once you complete an entry, Rosebud can get into its groove. First comes a summary of what you just shared, laced with validations, minor insights, and new prompts. For example, if you're worried about work deadlines competing with parental obligations, Rosebud will say it understands, acknowledge that the situation is challenging, and may ask something like, "What would help you feel accomplished?" and "How do you envision your evening unfolding if both your goals and your child's needs are met?"
Without AI, it's easy to imagine an analog journal entry about the same scenario providing the writer a chance to at least prepare themselves for the day ahead, and potentially practice self-compassion or another coping skill. But with AI, there's dynamism that can lead to that improved self-awareness that Bader and Dadashi say they are so determined to provide.
That's partially because Rosebud has a choose-your-own-adventure element. Following its initial summary, you can ask the Rosebud app to do things like suggest some ideas, offer a different perspective, or "help me think through this."
I've favored suggesting ideas and offering a different perspective, both of which have led to surprisingly useful tips and insights.
For one entry about trying to increase my exercise after a frustratingly long illness-induced break, the different perspective feature posed a question I hadn't even considered: How would I feel about going into the day with a curiosity mindset, treating my exercise attempt as an experiment to see how my body reacted, rather than pressure myself to achieve a certain outcome?
"Rather than trying to replace human thinking, [Rosebud] is trying to help you think more deeply, and feel more deeply." - Sean Dadashi, Rosebud cofounderI'm not joking when I say that I immediately wrote the idea on a sticky note so it would be visible throughout the day, because it was an excellent suggestion I didn't want to forget.
What's perhaps most valuable about Rosebud is that it doesn't try to problem-solve on users' behalf. Bader and Dadashi say this is intentional. The approach is drawn directly from their own personal experiences in individual therapy and men's groups, where they had to learn skills like active listening and validation, and subdue the impulse to explain or give advice to someone.
"Rather than trying to replace human thinking, [Rosebud] is trying to help you think more deeply, and feel more deeply," says Dadashi. "You can't grow if someone's telling you what to do, or giving you all the answers."
Areas for improvement in AI journalingThere's real promise in an AI journaling app like Rosebud. While it's no substitute for professional therapy, it could provide vital support for someone who can't access help, or just empower users with fresh insight about their feelings and experiences, in a low-cost, accessible way.
But it also comes with unique risks. While expressive writing is considered a low-risk activity, AI can introduce unexpected complications.
Dr. Johannes Eichstaedt, a computational social scientist and assistant professor in psychology at Stanford University, has generally positive views on the concept of AI journaling.
Yet he can see a potential downside if users become reliant on a platform like Rosebud, turning to it instead of a loved one, or becoming so engaged with the technology that they stop doing other important things, like exercise and sleep.
Bader and Dadashi say they're aware of this possibility. Even though the average user is on the platform for just 12 minutes a day, there have been extreme cases of "unhealthy use" clocking in at three or four hours per day. That's partly why there's now an undisclosed limit on the number of times a user can "go deeper" in their entry, but users rarely reach it. I tend to ask Rosebud to go deeper two or three times before finishing the entry.
But there are other considerations. Eichstaedt says this includes the possibility that AI journaling apps may create an "echo chamber" for people with serious mental illness like obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. He notes that because an AI assistant is typically instructed to be helpful, it may unwittingly reinforce harmful thought patterns or behaviors.
For someone with OCD, this could mean using an AI journaling app to seek reassurance for their compulsive anxiety; a professional would try to help a patient with OCD cope in the absence of reassurance.
Bader and Dadashi have no easy answers for how to handle these dynamics, though they recognize the "ethical boundaries and limitations in addressing serious mental health conditions." For now, they've programmed Rosebud to detect patterns of overdependence and also to encourage users to seek mental health care, as appropriate.
This is the case for someone who expresses suicidal feelings, a scenario I personally tested using a unique account. Unfortunately, Claude does not immediately offer specific crisis resources, per its default setting, so it took an additional response from me specifically asking how to contact a hotline to elicit information about those details. Prior to that, it first asked if I would be open to professional support, then gave me a generic list of options, like a primary health physician, local mental health clinic, or a crisis line.
SEE ALSO: 21 reasons to keep living when you feel suicidalBader and Dadashi say this is partly because the LLM doesn't know the user's location and doesn't want to share irrelevant contact information, like providing a U.S. crisis line for a resident of the United Kingdom. They added that they're working to improve Rosebud's ability to quickly give a suicidal user the right resources.
Users should also understand that no internet-connected journal product is guaranteed safe from bad actors, no matter how well it's protected. Rosebud entries, for example, are encrypted in transit to the company's servers, and then stored in a highly rated third-party cloud. But they also end up at Anthropic and OpenAI's servers, albeit anonymized, so Claude can respond to each prompt.
Currently, Rosebud's data is retained at Anthropic and OpenAI for 30 days, but Bader says the company is working with both companies to enable a zero-retention option. Neither LLM company trains their products on user data, and Rosebud doesn't, either. Nor does Rosebud sell user data to third parties.
Despite these measures, the data is still out of your hands once you enter it into Rosebud and could be a target of hackers eager to weaponize it. Because it doesn't handle patient data in a clinical setting, Rosebud isn't required to be compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the federal privacy law.
For some, these and other risks of AI journaling may be worth it. Personally, I'm finding it difficult to justify pausing my use given how much I've gained from Rosebud in one week. It's helped supercharge my mindfulness practice. I've set and achieved goals related to focus that have otherwise stymied me. It even managed to convince me to adopt a new mindset, which is no small thing for someone who reports on mental health for a living.
The real test will be if this journaling habit sticks for the long run, since we know that most people abandon mental health and well-being apps within weeks of starting them. My personal growth might plateau, too. But I actually look forward to finding out, because who knows what Rosebud will help me learn about myself along the way.
If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.
Here at Mashable, we’ve always been all about the stuff people love doing online.
It’s why we make it our business to cover the trends that are entertaining, delighting, and surprising the internet most, week in and week out.
It’s the reason so many of the stories at Mashable are delivered with a little humor – and a lot of fun.
It’s also the reason we offer tips and strategies around playing some of our readers' most beloved online games each and every day.
And we’re not stopping there. As your friends on the internet, we’re happy to share some great news that we hope will bring more smiles to the faces of our fans: Games are coming to Mashable.
If solving your Sudoku, finding just the right seven letters to complete your crossword, or guessing the Wordle after a single stab in the dark has ever brought you joy, our Mashable Games hub is for you.
Through a partnership with creator Arkadium Games, we’re bringing you 50 of the most popular games the platform has to offer – from Mahjong to Sudoku, from Solitaire to Hurdle (and crossword puzzles, too!).
Best of all, they’re all free of charge for you to play as long and as many times as you please at games.mashable.com.
Whether you’re a newbie or a vet to any of the games on the Mashable Games hub, we invite you to spend some time exploring, to find your favs, and to come back for more.
Get started with one of our gaming guides below…
…or dive right in and start playing now! Then email our EIC, Alesha Williams Boyd, and let us know how it’s going: alesha.boyd@ziffmedia.com. We want to hear from you.
Happy gaming! Enjoy!
Mashable Team
There’s nothing like a great crossword. Crosswords have been the go-to morning activity for millions of people around the world. Back in the day, a crossword used to be found at the end of the newspaper. Now, there are easier ways to play for as long as you want. The Daily Crossword offers a range of features and tools to make crosswording even more fun.
Looking for a crossword game to incorporate into your morning routine? Here’s everything you need to know about Daily Crossword, including how to use the different settings and some tips and tricks for getting the best possible score.
How to play the Daily CrosswordAt its core, the Daily Crossword works the same as other crossword games. You’ll be presented with a grid of boxes, with some boxes having numbers that correlate to clues across or down. If a clue is labeled as being across, you’ll need to find a word that corresponds to that clue and fill it in horizontally. If a clue is labeled as being down, you’ll do the same, but vertically, starting from the top. Only the right word will fit, though. While you might be able to find other words that correspond to the clue and fit in the boxes, the right word will have letters that are featured in other words that cross it.
That’s really all there is to it. If you find all the correct words, the puzzle will fit together nicely without any errors or blank boxes. Of course, you might find yourself needing to erase words that you’ve previously filled in if you find that words don’t quite fit together.
Settings you can changeYou can change in Daily Crossword to make the experience of using it even better. The settings are available both on the web and in the mobile app.
Daily Crossword allows you to change settings relatively easily using the three-line menu button on the top left-hand corner of the screen. There, you can access a range of different settings. For example, you can opt to show a timer. The time will continue ticking while you're playing, and it will continue ticking whether you show it or not, considering the fact that it impacts your final score. If you're competitive, you may want to show the time on the screen to ensure you complete the crossword in a reasonable amount of time.
On top of having settings related to the timer, you can also select whether the arrow keys on your keyboard only change the cell that you’re on or the direction in which you’re typing, and you can choose to automatically skip over filled squares when you’re typing. You can also choose settings related to the clues. For example, you can increase the size of the clues, and you can show the clues as a list on the side of the puzzle, or only a single clue at once. It’s worth taking a look at the settings to set up Daily Crossword to be perfect for you.
Free Daily Crossword hints and featuresThere are other tools that you can use in Daily Crossword, too. For starters, there’s a check and auto-check feature, which essentially checks whether a letter, word, or puzzle that you’ve typed in is correct. You can press the check button to check either a letter, word, or puzzle. And you can enable auto-check to automatically check any mistakes as you type. To enable auto-check, press the check button, then toggle on auto-check.
If you’re really stuck, you can use the reveal feature to show you a part of the puzzle that you haven’t yet guessed. Reveal allows you to show a letter, word, or the whole puzzle.
Last is the pencil feature. The pencil is built for those times in which you’re not sure if a letter or word properly fits. You’ll be able to insert a letter into any cell without it being recognized as having been completed. So you can test out words as you go. When you use the pencil feature, letters will appear as gray instead of black on the puzzle, so you can know which letters and words you’ve entered using the feature.
Speaking of pencils, perhaps you prefer to fill out the puzzle on a good old-fashioned piece of paper. That’s what the print button on the top right of the screen is for. When you press print, you’ll be able to choose where you want the clues and what you want to be printed if you’ve already entered letters and words.
How is the Daily Crossword score calculated?Your score for the Daily Crossword depends on a number of different factors. For starters, there’s the puzzle score, which is equal to the percentage of the puzzle that you completed without help times 100. “Help” is defined as any part of the puzzle that was filled using the reveal and check buttons. So if you want the maximum score, you should avoid using those features.
You’ll also get a time bonus, though the bonus that you get depends on the type of puzzle that you’re completing. For example, the bonus for a Two Minute Mini Daily Crossword is 120 minus the number of seconds you took, times 10. The bonus for the Sunday crossword is 2,700 minus the number of seconds you took, times 10.
Lastly, you’ll get a bonus if you complete the puzzle on the Daily Puzzle Date. For example, if the Daily Puzzle Date is the 2nd of October, and you complete it on the 2nd of October, you’ll get a 50-point daily bonus.
But while you’ll get a score for an individual puzzle, you’ll also get a total score for the month. Your total score is basically the sum of all the daily scores you’ve finished within a month, and it’s added to a leaderboard as you go.
Daily Crossword tipsIf you’re looking to get the highest score you possibly can, there are a number of tips to keep in mind.
For starters, it’s probably a good idea to start with clues that you find easy. This will allow you to fill in as much of the puzzle as possible, which could give you additional hints as to what the other words may be. It’s also a good idea to focus on shorter words before anything else, which, again, will help you fill in letters that will be used in longer words down the line.
Often, the Daily Crossword will have a theme to it. You could get hints as to what the theme of the puzzle is using the puzzle’s title, and if there is a theme, keep it in mind as you guess words, as the words will connect to the theme.
Don’t be afraid to guess words as well. Sometimes, you won’t definitively know what a word is, but that’s why the pencil feature is there. Use the pencil feature to guess words as you go, as it could help you fill in letters that will give you more hints about other words.
Hurdle is a daily word game that seemingly builds on the idea of Wordle, but turns the game up a notch. The game is a daily word puzzle that will put your knowledge of the English language to the test by increasing the pressure and difficulty as you play.
Curious how to play Hurdle? Or interested in tips on achieving the best possible score? Here’s everything you need to know about Hurdle, including how to play and some tips on ways to improve your score at the end.
How to play today’s HurdleThe goal of Hurdle is to correctly guess a secret five-letter word, through six guesses that will give you hints about the final word as you go.
You’ll start by guessing a 5-letter word. After hitting enter, the tiles of letters for that word will flip and turn one of three colors: gray, yellow, or green. Here’s what the colors mean.
Gray: The letter isn’t in the word.
Yellow: The letter is in the word, but in a different spot.
Green: The letter is in the word, and it’s in the correct spot.
So far, the game is a lot like Wordle, right? This, however, is where the similarities end. Once you guess the correct word, you’ll move on to the next Hurdle, but this time, the word from the previous puzzle will be automatically entered as the first guessed word. Get the second Hurdle correct, and you’ll move on to the third Hurdle, which will have the words from the first two Hurdles pre-filled. By the time you get to the fifth and final Hurdle puzzle for the day, you’ll only have two chances to solve the puzzle using the color tile clues pre-filled by the first four words.
Not so easy now, is it?
At the end of the game, you can use the Recap function to check your answers, and if you didn’t guess a word correctly, you’ll be told what the word was at the top of the screen.
Challenge yourself with Hard ModeAs if the game on its own wasn’t hard enough, you can challenge yourself even further with a dedicated hard mode. Hard mode increases the pressure by forcing you to use any revealed hints in your subsequent guesses. So, if any letters show yellow or green in one guess, you’ll be forced to use them in further guesses.
To enable hard mode, press the three-button hamburger menu on the top left of the puzzle, then press the settings option. Finally, toggle on the hard mode option, then close the settings menu by tapping on the “X” on the top right of the screen.
How are scores calculated?If you’re constantly trying to beat your previous score, you might be wondering how scores are calculated. It’s actually not all that complicated. Here’s a rundown of how scores are calculated based on whether you won or lost, and your game mode:
Game won: 1,000 + (100 x number of empty lines) + Winning Bonus
Game lost: (10 x number of yellow letters on the keyboard) + (20 x number of green letters on the keyboard)
The winning bonus is 4,000 points and it’s awarded at the end of all the hurdles. So you won’t get a winning bonus for completing just the first hurdle, for example. The maximum possible score in Normal mode is 10,800 points. In Hard mode, scores are multiplied by 1.5, bringing the maximum total score to 16,200 points.
High Contrast ModeThe game offers a High Contrast Mode too, which is aimed at making it easier to see different colors for those with certain color blindnesses. When High Contrast Mode is turned on, letters that are in the correct spot will be orange instead of green. Letters in the word but in the wrong spot will be blue instead of yellow.
To turn on High Contrast Mode, press the three-lined menu button on the top left of the puzzle. Then press the settings button and toggle on High Contrast Mode. Close the settings menu by tapping on the “X” in the top right of the screen.
Tips for getting the best scoreLooking for tips on how to get a better score? There are a few things to keep in mind as you play.
Linguistic researchers note that vowels are the most common letters in the English language, so your first word should contain as many vowels as possible.
Additionally, for at least the first few words, you should try to use words with five different letters, as this will maximize the number of clues you’ll get.
There are some other things to consider too. Most of the time, the word won’t be a plural, unless it’s an irregular plural like “Geese.” Also, it’s worth keeping in mind the fact that the word could have two of the same letter – so if you’re stuck, and not sure why you can’t think of a word, try to think of ways in which a letter you got right could be in the word twice.
Last but not least, you don’t have to play entirely on the screen – if you’re having trouble, it can help to get out a good ol’ pen and paper, and try to brainstorm that way. This will help you eliminate words without using up your guesses.
Last week, Stephen King took to X (formerly Twitter) to share some Dark Tower fan art — along with a comment that immediately caught fans' attention.
"Mid-world is still there," wrote the author, referring to the universe in which his eight-book series is set. "The tower still stands."
SEE ALSO: 10 of the best Stephen King book endingsOver the weekend, he did it again. The author shared an image posted by a fan account for Roland Deschain, the series' main character. The image showed a road sign reading "Crimson King Dr" (the Crimson King is one of the main antagonists in the books).
Tweet may have been deleted"He lives," King wrote.
Given that the Crimson King's fate at the end of the series is uncertain – due to various complicated factors that would require an article of their own to explain – King's comment is especially interesting.
Is he just teasing us with all these Dark Tower posts, or are they building to something? News of the Mike Flanagan TV adaptation? Or could there be another book in the works?
It wouldn't necessarily be that surprising. King likes returning to previous characters and worlds, and has already returned to the Dark Tower universe with another novel – The Wind Through the Keyhole – that was published eight years after the core series had ended.
There's no mention of anything Dark Tower-related on his official site, but maybe that'll soon change.
TL;DR: Update your computer with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for £31.10 (reg. £171.16).
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License £31.10 at the Mashable ShopFor cost-conscious small business owners, college students, freelancers, and other professionals, popular Microsoft Office tools like Word and Excel are essential — and expensive. That's why finding a budget-friendly, reliable productivity solution is crucial. And for a limited time, Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is on sale.
So, if you can make do with a slightly older version of this productivity suite (and for most people, that's very doable), you can get a lifetime pass over 75% off. With your one-time purchase, once you have Microsoft Office set up on your laptop or desktop, the license never expires.
One of the most appealing aspects of Microsoft Office 2021 is the substantial cost savings. With Microsoft 365, you face recurring subscription fees that can add up over time. In contrast, purchasing a lifetime license for Microsoft Office 2021 means a one-time expense. This single payment gives you permanent access to essential productivity tools.
A lifetime license for Microsoft Office 2021 offers the benefit of a fixed, upfront cost and helps you avoid potential price increases (not to mention annoying subscription renewal fees). This software suite includes the most popular Microsoft tools. This includes Word to create and edit pro-level documents, Excel for managing and analysing data, PowerPoint to design presentations to impress clients and colleagues, and Outlook to organise emails, schedules, and contacts in one place.
The suite includes OneNote for streamlined note organising and managing, as well as Teams. You'll also get Publisher so you can produce professional-quality publications and marketing materials, plus Access for database management.
For a limited time, grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for £31.10 — 81% off from the usual price. Your new MS Office license will cover one Windows device for life (its life, not yours, of course).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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 August 19's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
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.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.
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 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 18 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Non-imperial unit of measurement.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?The letter E appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.
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...
METER.
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.
Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
One of the elements of Industry Season 3 that most intrigued Ken Leung was the brand-new dynamic between his character, Eric Tao, and Marisa Abela's Yasmin Kara-Hanani.
"Before we shot anything, I was told that something would happen between Eric and Yasmin," Leung told Mashable in a video interview. "For everything that happens on the show, and things that I could imagine or predict, that kind of came out of nowhere. Up until then, Eric has nothing to do with Yasmin, and suddenly they were going to come together in some way, so I was most curious about how that was going to happen."
SEE ALSO: 'Industry' Season 3 review: There's no better time to invest in HBO's finance dramaThe catalyst for Eric and Yasmin's sudden proximity in Industry is none other than their shared connection to Harper Stern (Myha'la), Eric's former protégé and Yasmin's frenemy. When Eric fired Harper at the end of Season 2, that left Pierpoint & Co. with a huge seat to fill — and who else should fill it but Yasmin?
However, it's clear right from the Season 3 premiere that Eric and Yasmin's relationship won't be anything like Eric and Harper's. He's unsympathetic towards her status as tabloid fodder and unimpressed by her performance. In his mind, Yasmin is devoid of Harper's drive and hunger, hampered by external forces that make her a liability to Pierpoint.
The difference between Harper's and Yasmin's respective backgrounds and approaches to work were key for Leung's understanding of how Eric would view Yasmin. "Harper is a known entity. The reason Eric is attracted to her is that he recognizes something in her of himself. Yasmin is the other side of that," Leung explained. "She is a complete unknown. She's not your typical grad. She has personal wealth; she doesn't know why she's there, or what she wants — or it doesn't seem like she does. So she's a big question mark."
Marisa Abela in "Industry." Credit: Simon Ridgway / HBOYasmin's "unknowable" qualities begin to reveal themselves to Eric later in the premiere, during the pair's impromptu cocaine-fueled night out with Yasmin's lawyer (Fiona Button). The HR violations pile sky-high as Yasmin, rocking a barrister wig, bares her soul to Eric. She confesses she finds Eric terrifying, while Eric says he feels like they've "just skipped several awkward stages of a relationship." Pierpoint's HR department should be bursting into the room any second now, right?
At the crux of this coked-up conversation is the sense that Yasmin and Eric can be equals now on the trading floor. "Let's try to remember that feeling when we're sober," Yasmin implores Eric.
She holds Eric to that request in episode 2, after he reproaches her for manipulating rumors about Lumi's IPO launch. "Why don't you just talk to me how you talked to me last night," she tells him. "You know, like I'm a human being."
This is the exchange that truly changes Eric's mind about Yasmin, according to Leung. "Lo and behold, she steps up to Eric in a way that we maybe don't expect. She has the wherewithal to say, 'Drop the bullshit. Stop this show you're putting on all the time,'" Leung said. "In that moment, Eric sees that this unknown entity has an element of known. It pulls him in gradually to the point where she becomes an obsession."
That Eric's "obsession" with Yasmin coincides with his separation from his wife is no accident. Eric has leapt back into the dating pool, is having casual sex (including with Yasmin's lawyer), and has started using drugs again. Basically, he's acting like the young grads all the way back in Season 1, even as he joins the ranks of partner at Pierpoint.
"With Eric's struggles with aging out of this young man's business, [Yasmin] represents something new and something young," Leung said. "She represents everything he's desperately trying to recapture and hold on to."
Industry is now streaming on Max, with new episodes airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
Connections is the latest New York Times word game 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 August 19's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
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.
Tweet may have been deletedEach 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.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers 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 19 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Types of music
Green: Things at a hot dog station
Blue: Body exercises
Purple: Words that are also maybe Pixar movies
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Music Genres
Green: Bratwurst Go-Withs
Blue: Yoga Poses
Purple: Starting with Pixar Movies
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 #435 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayMusic Genres: BLUES, COUNTRY, FOLK, ROCK
Bratwurst Go-Withs: BRAT, BUN, MUSTARD, SAUERKRAUT
Yoga Poses: CHAIR, MOUNTAIN, TREE, WARRIOR
Starting with Pixar Movies: COCONUT, SOULMATE, UPDO, WALLET
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.
Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
OpenAI, the company that brought us ChatGPT, said on Friday that it discovered and banned "accounts linked to an Iranian influence operation." The accounts were allegedly using ChatGPT to "generate content focused on multiple topics, including the U.S. presidential campaign," OpenAI said in a statement.
The group is known as Storm-2035 which, according to Axios, has a reputation for attempting to influence elections by creating fake news websites and sharing them on social media. The OpenAI statement said the group used ChatGPT to "generate content focused on a number of topics — including commentary on candidates on both sides in the U.S. presidential election – which it then shared via social media accounts and websites."
It generated content about both major party presidential candidates — Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump — along with Israel’s invasion of Gaza, Spanish and English-language discussions about the rights of Latinx communities in the U.S., Venezuelan politics, and Scottish independence. Storm-2035 also created some fashion and beauty content which, OpenAI suspects, is an attempt to "appear more authentic" and to "build a following."
However, OpenAI reported that the attempt did not achieve "meaningful audience engagement."
"The majority of social media posts that we identified received few or no likes, shares, or comments," OpenAI said. "We similarly did not find indications of the web articles being shared across social media."
"Notwithstanding the lack of meaningful audience engagement resulting from this operation, we take seriously any efforts to use our services in foreign influence operations," OpenAI said.
The biggest matchup of the day is between X and Brazil.
X, formerly known as Twitter, said on Saturday that it's closing its operations in Brazil "immediately" due to "censorship orders" from Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes. According to a document that, X says, are "censorship orders," de Moraes secretly threatened X representative Rachel Nova Conceicao with arrest if it did not agree to take down some content on the site.
"Last night, Alexandre de Moraes threatened our legal representative in Brazil with arrest if we do not comply with his censorship orders. He did so in a secret order, which we share here to expose his actions," X said in a statement posted to the site. "Despite our numerous appeals to the Supreme Court not being heard, the Brazilian public not being informed about these orders and our Brazilian staff having no responsibility or control over whether content is blocked on our platform, de Moraes has chosen to threaten our staff in Brazil rather than respect the law or due process."
X decided to close its operations in Brazil, but the social media site will still remain available to people in the country. Mashable has not verified the validity of the document that X shared, and Brazil's Supreme Court refused to confirm nor deny the authenticity to Reuters.
"We are deeply saddened that we have been forced to make this decision. The responsibility lies solely with Alexandre de Moraes," the post continued. "His actions are incompatible with democratic government. The people of Brazil have a choice to make - democracy, or Alexandre de Moraes."
Tweet may have been deletedAlong with the statement, X posted photos of a document allegedly sent by de Moraes to X that states that if X doesn't comply with de Moraes' orders, it will face a daily fine of 20,000 reais ($3,653). Moreover, X representative Rachel Nova Conceicao could face arrest, according to the document.
This fight — particularly between X owner Elon Musk and de Moraes — is not new. According to Engadget, Musk said in April that he would not comply with Brazilian orders to block certain accounts, which resulted in de Moraes to open an obstruction of justice inquiry against Musk. X changed its take and later said it would comply with Brazil's orders.
This comes as the U.S. House Judiciary Committee claimed Brazil is attempting to force X to censor hundreds of accounts, including the accounts of former Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro, current Brazilian Senator Marcos do Val, and Brazilian journalist Paulo Figueiredo Filho.
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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 18 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 18Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, August 18, 2024:
Across"Oh, and another thing ..."The answer is Also.
The answer is Rear.
The answer is Mango.
The answer is Star.
The answer is Hang.
The answer is Arm.
The answer is Leash.
The answer is Santa.
The answer is Organ.
The answer is Org.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
TL;DR: Match colors precisely with the Nix Mini 3 color-matching sensor, on sale for just $79.99 (reg. $97) for a limited time.
It's a safe bet that most of us have seen a color that made us want to know more about it at some point in our lives. Maybe you've seen a vibrant plate in a store that would be perfect as an accent color in the bedroom you're redoing. Or maybe the color of that old, pink beat-up blanket your kid loved years ago could be used as part of a big-kid room redo.
On sale for $79.99 (reg. $97), the Nix Mini 3 is a portable color sensor with a built-in light source that can make your life a lot easier. It delivers accurate, reliable color matching wherever you go.
The Nix Mini 3 is ideal for professionals who need to know colors, including interior designers, graphic designers, those in the construction and architecture fields, artists, and more. It's also terrific for DIYers, homeowners, and the casual project do-ers.
All you do is hold the Nix Mini up to any flat surface and press scan. The Mini works with the Nix Toolkit app to match it to over 200,000 brand-name paints. It will also help you find color codes such as RGB, HEX, and CMYK. You can even opt for advanced color system access via a premium subscription, which could be helpful if you need it for professional reasons.
This latest version of the Nix Mini has fine-tuned the color readings for accuracy. It also uses a USB-C for charging and is dust- and water-resistant. It's compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and the accompanying app is available on both app shops. The battery also holds a longer charge than previous models.
Pocket-sized, so it's super easy to take with you anywhere, this little color sensor could be just the thing to help you recreate that color you love so much.
For a limited time, the Nix Mini 3 color-matching sensor is on sale for $79.99 (reg. $97).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nix Sensor Nix Mini 3: The #1 Color Sensor for Designers, Contractors, Architects, & Homeowners $79.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Get lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more with a Microsoft Office 2019 license for Windows at $24.97 for a limited time.
Your credit card is exhausted from all of today’s subscription fees. While you probably don’t want to cancel Peacock and never see the ending of Yellowstone or say goodbye to two-day shipping with Prime, you could swap your Microsoft 365 subscription for a Microsoft Office lifetime license.
Instead of spending $7 monthly (or $70 yearly), you can pay once and use the apps as much as you’d like. For a little while longer, the Windows software suite is on sale for $24.97 (reg. $229).
What apps are included?Microsoft Office 2019 isn’t the newest version available, but it’s the cheaper one for people who just need to use the apps and don’t care about what they look like inside. However, it does have a classic, timeless design.
Here's a list of the apps you get:
Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Outlook
OneNote
Publisher
Access
This purchase is a no-brainer if you aren’t taking full advantage of Microsoft 365’s OneDrive storage, mobile app access, and cloud-based backups. Those just wanting the apps should be more than comfortable with a Microsoft Office download.
You might actually like this license more than the subscription. The apps are downloaded directly onto your PC instead of hosted on the cloud. While this does mean there are no built-in cloud backups, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of trying to work offline.
Plus, now that Microsoft added Copilot’s AI features to Microsoft 365, you might be looking for a way to escape them. Not everyone is crazy about having a virtual robot interfere with their work, and these classic apps won’t ever bug you about it.
The price drop on this Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows ends soon, so get your download for $24.97 (reg. $229) now. No coupon is needed.
Shop other Microsoft deals in our collection.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $24.97 at The Mashable Shop
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