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TL;DR: Train to be the type of leader you'd want to follow using the 2024 Leadership Essentials Bundle, on sale for $29.99. 

Leadership is more than just knowing how to get a job done. As you step into leadership roles, understanding the intricacies of personal branding, team management, and ethical decision-making is essential. Whether you're preparing for a promotion or simply looking to sharpen your skills, the 2024 Leadership Essentials Bundle is where you can learn more about what it takes to be an effective leader, and it's marked down from $600 all the way down to $29.99. 

How to become a better leader at work?

There's no leadership checklist you can work through to be a perfect lead at the front of every team. Instead, check out the three courses in this bundle tailored to different facets of leadership. First up is a class about personal branding. That's where you can learn about leveraging social media, analytics, and other tools to craft a strong, consistent image that aligns with your professional goals. 

Next on the agenda is the Comprehensive Leadership Toolkit. This is where you can look at practical strategies for transitioning from a management role to true leadership. This course may help you develop the skills to inspire and empower your team. It emphasizes emotional intelligence, creating a compelling vision, and fostering an environment where team members thrive. 

The Ethical Leader's Guide to the Digital Transformation explores the principles of ethical leadership in a changing digital environment. How do you navigate a biased algorithm or use generative AI responsibly? Or apply basic ethics to any social media platform? This is where you can learn more about the tough ethical decisions modern leaders have to make in the face of an always-evolving digital world. 

Become the leader you'd want to follow

Training your leadership skills is tough because you have to learn to adapt to complex intellectual and emotional situations, but this bundle is a great place to start. 

Get the 2024 Leadership Essentials Bundle for $29.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Crafty E-Learning The 2024 Leadership Essentials Bundle $29.99 at the Mashable Shop
$600.00 Save $570.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get a year of MagellanTV for $35.99 through September 3 and stream thousands of documentaries on history, science, and more.

If your idea of a perfect night in involves diving deep into history, science, or the unexplored corners of the world, then MagellanTV is the streaming service you didn’t know you needed. This isn’t your typical streaming platform — it's a treasure trove for those who crave knowledge and love immersing themselves in the world’s best documentaries.

Until September 3, get a whole year of documentary streaming for $35.99 (reg. $59).

With this subscription, you'll get a premium viewing experience without the interruptions, offering completely ad-free streaming. With over 3,000 documentaries covering everything from ancient civilizations to modern science, you can dive deep into your favorite topics without distractions.

The service also boasts stunning 4K content and exclusive documentaries you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, with new titles added weekly, there’s always something new to discover — all without a single ad to break your focus.

MagellanTV focuses solely on documentaries, ensuring that every piece of content is both educational and engaging. It’s a paradise for documentary enthusiasts who are tired of sifting through endless titles to find something worth watching.

With thousands of documentaries in front of you, there’s something here for every inquisitive mind. It’s like having a front-row seat to the most fascinating stories our planet has to offer. Get 365 days of non-stop learning and exploration, all from the comfort of your couch.

Score this 39% discount on a year of the MagellanTV Documentary streaming service on sale for $35.99 through September 3.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: MagellanTV MagellanTV Documentary Streaming Service: 1-Year Subscription $35.99 at the Mashable Shop
$59.88 Save $23.89 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get top-tier sound and comfort with Beats Solo 4 headphones, featuring clear audio, Bluetooth 5.3, and quick charging for just $129.99.

When you really care about sound and comfort, a good pair of headphones is essential. Whether you're diving into your favorite music, catching up on podcasts, or cranking up the tunes for a workout, having high-quality audio can make all the difference.

Beats Solo 4 headphones are designed to hit the mark on both fronts. They come with custom 40 mm transducers that deliver crystal-clear sound with minimal distortion. Plus, the personalized spatial audio and dynamic head tracking make it feel like the music is all around you, and these ones are marked down to $129.99. 

Beats headphones for under $150

Sound quality is important, but so is comfort. It's hard to enjoy crystal-clear audio and deep, rich bass when uncomfortable headphones steal your attention. At just 217 grams, these headphones are light, and the UltraPlush ear cushions give them a cozy fit for long listening sessions. They’re also built to stay put, so you won’t have to keep adjusting them while you’re moving around.

Bluetooth 5.3 gives you a strong, reliable connection and a longer range, so dropouts are less of a hassle. Running low on battery? No problem. The Fast Fuel feature gives you up to five hours of playback with just a quick 10-minute charge. If you prefer wired connections, they come with USB-C and 3.5 mm audio cables, which support high-resolution lossless audio thanks to the built-in DAC technology.

These headphones are compatible with iOS and Android devices and have features like one-touch pairing, automatic switching between devices, and “Find My” to keep track of them. Whether you’re hitting the gym, traveling, or just chilling at home, these headphones make sure you get great sound and comfort all day long.

Save on a pair of Beats headphones

These headphones are a New Open Box product, which is just another way of saying they may have been excess stock or a return, but they're still in brand new condition, even if the price is majorly marked down. 

That's how you can get a pair of Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones for only $129.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: beats by Dre Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones (Open Box) $129.99 at the Mashable Shop
$199.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: For a limited time, this 3-in-1 Wireless Travel Charger for Apple Watch with USB-C and a 5,000mAh power bank is on sale for just $34.99 (reg. $59).

Whether you’re on a business trip overseas or just out for the day running errands, staying connected means keeping your devices charged and ready to go. To help on that front, this 3-in-1 wireless travel charger is now available for just $34.99 (reg. $59) and is a terrific solution for powering up your essential gadgets. 

This versatile charger features a 5,000mAh power bank, USB-C output, and wireless charging capability. It allows you to charge your smartphone, headphones, and smartwatch, including Apple Watch, all at once. With fast charging capabilities supporting 5W, 7.5W, 10W, and 15W power outputs, you can quickly recharge those devices you rely on daily.

Its lightweight and compact design means it's an ideal option for travel. This could be a game changer since you wouldn't have to fuss with multiple chargers when you're trying to pack light. 

Other valuable features include over-discharging, over-charging, short circuit protection, and low-tension safeguards to protect your expensive devices while charging. A digital display provides real-time information on the remaining power of your charger, so you’re not caught off guard.

Its compact design, fast charging capabilities, and versatile compatibility make it a go-to accessory for anyone who needs to stay connected while traveling or simply running around.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to simplify your charging routine and ensure your devices are always ready when you need them.

For a limited time, this 3-in-1 Wireless Travel Charger for Apple Watch with USB-C and a 5,000mAh power bank is on sale for just $34.99 (reg. $59).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 3-in-1 Wireless Travel Charger for Apple Watch with USB-C & 5000mAh Power Bank $34.99 at the Mashable Shop
$59.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

Sometimes, planets go rogue.

Scientists used the powerful James Webb Space Telescope to spot six of these rogue objects, which move through the cosmos untethered from any solar system. They're a little bigger than the gas giant Jupiter, and the discovery suggests these worlds formed similar to the way stars form — rather than how planets are usually created.

Astronomers have waited for years to harness the abilities of the Webb telescope, whose large mirror gathers bounties of distant, faint light, to find such free-floating objects.

"It has been in planning for a decade," Ray Jayawardhana, an astronomer at Johns Hopkins University and senior author of the study, told Mashable.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

You can see three of these rogue planets below, circled in green. They're located about 1,000 light-years away in our galaxy, inhabiting the nebula NGC1333, an enormous region of dust and gas where stars form.

"It has been in planning for a decade."

Although it's possible they originally formed as planets around a star, the researchers think they're more likely failed stars — but didn't have nearly the mass needed to ignite a stellar engine like our sun. (Stars form when enormous clouds of gas collapse and heat up, ultimately creating the immense pressure and heat needed for star creation.) The lowest-mass object found, about five times the mass of Jupiter, shows evidence of a dusty disk around it, and space dust often spins around a central object amid star formation. What's more, it's hard to imagine a planet getting ejected from its solar system and maintaining such a disk.

"The objects more likely formed how stars formed," Rayawardhana said.

The research has been accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journal, a peer-reviewed science chronicle.

The green circles show three of the recently observed rogue planets in the nebula NGC1333. Credit: European Space Agency

The rogue objects are similar in mass to other large gaseous planets found beyond our solar system, called exoplanets. If they aren't failed stars, these objects would have needed to get thrown out of their solar system, perhaps by a close gravitational interaction with another planet, or a second star (most solar systems have two or more stars).

The investigation of rogue objects continues. The astronomers have been awarded more competitive time with the Webb telescope to peer at such objects with dusty disks. Could they be "mini-planetary" systems like the many curious moons orbiting Saturn and Jupiter? As we know in our own solar system, these planetary systems include intriguing moons, some of which harbor oceans beneath their icy shells.

A bonus sighting: Although not a part of this research endeavor, the Webb image above shows telltale evidence of a newly forming solar system. Look near the bottom right, below the black bar, where you can see two dark cone-like features emanating from a bright central spot. That's Webb, from our perch in the Milky Way galaxy, viewing the dusty disk of the solar system side-on, as we might view the side of a frisbee. The nascent system's dust-filled disk blocks starlight, creating those two dark flares.

The Webb telescope's powerful abilities

The Webb telescope — a scientific collaboration between NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency — is designed to peer into the deepest cosmos and reveal new insights about the early universe. But it's also peering at intriguing planets in our galaxy, along with the planets and moons in our solar system.

Here's how Webb is achieving unparalleled feats, and likely will for decades to come:

- Giant mirror: Webb's mirror, which captures light, is over 21 feet across. That's over two-and-a-half times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope's mirror. Capturing more light allows Webb to see more distant, ancient objects. As described above, the telescope is peering at stars and galaxies that formed over 13 billion years ago, just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. "We're going to see the very first stars and galaxies that ever formed," Jean Creighton, an astronomer and the director of the Manfred Olson Planetarium at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, told Mashable in 2021.

- Infrared view: Unlike Hubble, which largely views light that's visible to us, Webb is primarily an infrared telescope, meaning it views light in the infrared spectrum. This allows us to see far more of the universe. Infrared has longer wavelengths than visible light, so the light waves more efficiently slip through cosmic clouds; the light doesn't as often collide with and get scattered by these densely packed particles. Ultimately, Webb's infrared eyesight can penetrate places Hubble can't.

"It lifts the veil," said Creighton.

- Peering into distant exoplanets: The Webb telescope carries specialized equipment called spectrographs that will revolutionize our understanding of these far-off worlds. The instruments can decipher what molecules (such as water, carbon dioxide, and methane) exist in the atmospheres of distant exoplanets — be they gas giants or smaller rocky worlds. Webb looks at exoplanets in the Milky Way galaxy. Who knows what we'll find?

"We might learn things we never thought about," Mercedes López-Morales, an exoplanet researcher and astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics-Harvard & Smithsonian, told Mashable in 2021.

Already, astronomers have successfully found intriguing chemical reactions on a planet 700 light-years away, and have started looking at one of the most anticipated places in the cosmos: the rocky, Earth-sized planets of the TRAPPIST solar system.

Apple's big September event is fast approaching, bringing us all the latest gadget goodies from the multi-trillion dollar tech giant. 

Set to kick off on Sept. 9 with the tagline "It's Glowtime," Apple's event is expected to introduce the next generation of several popular devices. Anticipated announcements include the new iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple AirPods 4. It wouldn't be surprising if we got an update on AI platform Apple Intelligence either, particularly with artificial intelligence currently the hot trending topic in tech.

Here's what to expect from Apple's September event.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 16: Every single rumor we know so far iPhone 16

Unsurprisingly, the main attraction of Apple's event will be the launch of its new iPhone 16 series of smartphones. 

We've already heard a slew of rumours about the iPhone's next iteration, with reports suggesting that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will be the same size as their predecessors. However, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max's displays will apparently grow by 0.2 inches, measuring 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively. The next generation of iPhones will also reportedly have slimmed down bezels.

Another reported change is the implementation of the Action Button across the entire iPhone 16 line. A customisable shortcut button on the side of the phone, the Action Button was previously only seen on Apple's higher-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 15 line's camera-focused Capture Button will reportedly make its way into the iPhone 16 series as well.

There's also some talk about the iPhone 16 Pro getting solid-state buttons, which offer haptic feedback instead of physically moving. It's unclear whether the Action Button will be one such solid-state button, but it wouldn't be surprising.

Rumours are circulating about the iPhone 16's camera as well. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 16 series will move to a stacked design for its rear camera, which should improve its performance. Apple may also tackle lens flare and ghosting with an anti-reflective coating on its camera lenses. The 16 Pro series will apparently have 5X telephoto zoom, a feature previously only on the 15 Pro Max, while its ultrawide camera will reportedly get a significant resolution bump from the 15 Pro's 12MP to 48MP.

Leaks further suggest that the 16 Pro series will be available with up to 2TB of storage, offering plenty of room for you to keep your 48MP photos. It may also come in a bronzed gold colour option called "Desert Titanium."

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple is also expected to announce its new Apple Watch series. Rumours from multiple sources claim that the Apple Watch Series 10 will get a screen size bump with 45mm and 49mm versions, making its larger size comparable to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. For comparison, the Series 9 comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes.

There's also a chance that the Apple Watch 10 might be thinner than its predecessor. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is working to make its devices notably thinner, with May's iPad Pro just the first of many slimmed down products. While we aren't expecting to see the iPhone impacted until next year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said the Watch 10 will feature a thinner form factor. 

We may also see a new magnetic system for attaching Apple Watch bands, though Gurman notes it's unclear whether it will be ready for the Series 10 or arrive in a future generation.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 may be announced but isn't expected to get a major design change, still rocking the same look from 2022. Rumours suggest it may get more case colour options, as well as a new chip alongside the Series 10, but otherwise the next Apple Watch Ultra doesn't seem to be getting much of an upgrade.

Apple has reportedly been working on introducing new health tools to both the Watch and Watch Ultra, including a blood pressure monitor, sleep apnea sensor, and glucose monitor. However, ongoing legal disputes have significantly hampered their implementation, leaving big questions regarding when we might see these features introduced.

Apple AirPods 4 

The fourth generation of Apple AirPods is expected to arrive in September as well. Rumours suggest that while an AirPod Pro refresh is unlikely to happen until 2025, Apple may replace the AirPods 3 and 2 with new mid-range and entry-level AirPods 4 options this September.

Both these new AirPods will have updated designs, potentially new colours, and make the switch to USB-C charging. Apple's mid-range AirPods 4 will reportedly have active noise cancellation as well, a feature which the tech giant previously only offered on the AirPods Pro.

How to watch Apple's September 2024 event

Apple's event will kick off Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT. Fortunately for those of us unable to make it to Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, the keynote will be livestreamed. You'll be able to watch the event on Apple's official website, via the Apple TV app, and on YouTube (video embedded below):

TL;DR: Through Sept. 3, get Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (10TB) for just £53.04 — that's a 96% discount from the usual £566.26 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pexels Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (10TB) £53.04 at the Mashable Shop
£566.26 Save £513.22 Get Deal

It might be time to do away with the low storage warning for good. If you want to clear some room on your phone, tablet, or laptop’s hard drive, all you need is the right cloud storage solution. Prism Drive gives you 10TB of cloud storage for life that you can access from an unlimited number of devices, and for a limited time, this lifetime pass is only £53.04 (reg. £566.26).

You don’t need a coupon code to access this pricing at The Mashable Shop, but this deal is only around through Sept. 3.

Get 10TB of cloud storage for life 

Prism Drive gives you 10TB of cloud storage to use however you want. Upload from an unlimited number of devices and store any file type. Get your video library off your computer or clear out all those huge HD photos off your phone to make room for apps you had to delete. 

Prism Drive does have a 10GB per upload size limit, so you might have to split large folders into separate uploads. Once your files are online, you can access them from any of your devices and share them using links you can send to friends or colleagues. Prism also makes it easier to peruse your uploads with file previews. Those previews even let you view videos online. No need to download large video files when you’re just going to upload them once you’re done watching anyway. 

Safety is a must for long-term cloud storage. Prism Drive has no-knowledge encryption, so you’re the only one who can actually see what you have uploaded. Prism Drive also claims to have the strongest available transfer encryption. If it’s user error you’re worried about, then take advantage of Prism Drive’s 30-day trash history. If you delete something, you can find it in the trash for 30 days before it’s gone forever. 

A safe place for your photos, videos, and more 

Give your devices some room to breathe and download an app that solves all your storage problems. Get a 10TB lifetime subscription to Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage on sale for £53.04 (reg. £566.26). This sale ends Sept. 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

Stack Social prices subject to change. 

TL;DR: Watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Las Vegas Aces and Dallas Wings are back on the court as the WNBA season continues. Both teams have had a strong season, positioning themselves well for the playoffs. Las Vegas Aces are one of the top performers of the season so far, but they'll face tough competition from the Dallas Wings as both teams look to finish strong.

Don't miss out on this next match. If you want to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Las Vegas Aces vs. Dallas Wings?

Las Vegas Aces vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 27. This fixture takes place at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

How to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Dallas Wings

WNBA fans can live stream Las Vegas Aces vs. Dallas Wings and the rest of the 2024 WNBA season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

The WNBA League Pass may not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But not to worry, there's a way around this. You can beat these geo-restrictions by using a VPN. This is a useful tool that works by hiding your real IP address to help you connect to secure servers in other locations. So, you'll be able to bypass any blackouts and watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

You can access every WNBA League Pass game by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream the WNBA from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Las Vegas Aces vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

In a world where scammers seem to be working overtime, protecting yourself from fraud has become an essential life skill. While a good antivirus will make this a much easier task (and these days there are impressive free tools that focus on scam protection), there are still important lessons that everyone should learn in order to protect themselves. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, so staying informed is crucial. With that said, let's dive into some practical tips to keep you and yours safe online.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

This is rule number one for a reason. This age-old wisdom still remains the golden rule of scam detection. That secret investment opportunity promising 1000% returns? It's more likely to multiply your problems than your money. We’ve all heard stories of the temporarily embarrassed Nigerian Prince, or seen banner ads promising a free MacBook if you click in the next 10 seconds. But over time, these scams have gotten a lot more sophisticated. Remember, in the real world, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

Pressure is a red flag

Scammers love to create a sense of urgency. "Act now or lose this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" they'll say. But here's a little secret: legitimate opportunities rarely disappear in the blink of an eye. If someone's pushing you to make a quick decision, especially about money or personal information, take a step back. Genuine offers can wait for you to think things through.

Check the source

In this digital age, it's easier than ever for scammers to impersonate legitimate organisations. That email from your bank might not be from your bank at all. This is a process known as Phishing, and is becoming more and more common, especially with the rise of AI chatbots. Most Antivirus tools will make these much easier to spot, but it's important to stay vigilant.

Before clicking any links or providing information, verify the source. Call the company directly using a number you trust, not one provided in the suspicious message. It's a small step that can save you from a world of trouble.

Guard your personal information

Your personal details are the keys to your digital kingdom. Scammers are always fishing for this information, often through seemingly innocent requests. Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages asking for any sensitive data like your bank details or passwords. Legitimate organisations typically don't ask for this information out of the blue.

Be sceptical of unsolicited contact

If you receive an unexpected call, email, or message, especially one that requests action on your part, proceed with caution. Scammers often initiate contact, posing as everything from ATO officials, trusted colleagues, and tech support for ISPs and major banks. When in doubt, end the communication and reach out to the relevant organisation or person directly.

Keep your devices up-to-date

Keeping your devices and applications updated ensures you have the latest security patches. These can often fix vulnerabilities in the ways that your devices interact with each other that if left unchecked, can attract cybercriminals like flies to… yeah.

Use strong, unique passwords

Yes, it's a pain to remember multiple complex passwords. But it's a bigger pain to have your accounts hacked because you used "password123" across all your profiles. The best way to solve this problem for yourself is to use a password manager to keep track of unique, strong passwords for each of your accounts. Bitdefender Password Manager currently stands out as the PCMag Editors’ Choice for Browser-based Password Management, but there are many options out there. Often, the best password managers also come included in premium Security Suites. In the case of Bitdefender, this comes in Bitdefender Premium Security and above.

Be wary of unusual payment methods

If someone insists on payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, your scam radar should be beeping loudly. These payment methods are often favoured by fraudsters because they're difficult to trace or reverse.

Do your research

In the age of information, ignorance is a choice. Before engaging in any financial transaction or sharing personal information, do some digging. A quick internet search can often reveal if others have encountered similar scams. There are some great resources out there to keep yourself up-to-date on the latest threats.

Trust your gut

If something feels off, it probably is. Your intuition is a powerful tool in recognising scams. If a situation makes you uncomfortable or seems strange, listen to that inner voice. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

–

Remember, protecting yourself from fraud isn't about becoming paranoid; it's about being prepared. By cultivating a healthy scepticism and following these practical tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams. Even if you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on antivirus, there are plenty of lightweight, free options available to provide a bit of extra peace of mind. As well as tools like Bitdefender Scamio, a free AI scam detector for Web, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

In the end, the best defense against fraud is an informed and vigilant mind. So keep your wits about you, your personal information close, and those Nigerian princes at arm's length. Happy scam-spotting!

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 27's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles 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 27 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Heavy is the head that wears this.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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...

CROWN.

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

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

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

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 27's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 26 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Eruptive

• Green: Scoville rating

• Blue: Barber tools

• Purple: Card decks

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

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

• Yellow: Explosive Sound

• Green: Chili Pepper Quality

• Blue: Classic Barbershop Supplies

• Purple: Kinds of Cards

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 #443 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Explosive Sound: BOOM, CRASH, ROAR, THUNDER

• Chili Pepper Quality: FIRE, HEAT, KICK, SPICE

• Classic Barbershop Supplies: BRUSH, CAPE, CLIPPERS, GEL

• Kinds of Cards: BASEBALL, MAGIC, SET, TAROT

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.

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Lyft is rolling out a new feature designed to make rides more inclusive for pet owners across the U.S. Just in time for National Dog Day, the company announced the launch of "Pet Rides," a service allowing riders to bring their pets along for the trip. Riders will pay an additional $4 fee, which goes directly to the driver.

This new option aims to ease the stress of traveling with pets, ensuring that riders are matched with drivers who are comfortable with having animals in their cars. Whether it's a quick trip to the vet or a day at the park, pet owners can now bring their furry friends without hassle.

How to use Lyft Pet Rides

To book a Lyft Pet Ride, users can select the option in the Lyft app. The service is currently limited to one cat or dog per ride, with pets required to be in a carrier, on a blanket, or at the owner's feet. While drivers can opt out of participating, they are still required to accommodate service animals.

With Pet Rides, Lyft catches up with competitor Uber, which has had the feature since 2021. As part of the rollout for the feature, Lyft is partnering with animal shelters and rescue organizations, encouraging pet adoption with special promotions.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models are reportedly getting some camera upgrades. Brace yourselves; the tech bro in your life is about to get even more insufferable — Apple's got another event lined up, And yes, that means the iPhone 16 is on its way.

Naturally, this spells more camera upgrades because we all know that’s what truly matters.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16: 5 new rumored features that may make you ditch your phone

We've been all over the iPhone 16 rumors since the iPhone 15's debut last September — and keeping track has been like a full-time job. The buzz is all about Apple Intelligence and how it'll integrate into the flagship device, but expect to see the additions of fancy new buttons and gloriously slim bezels. However, for some of us, the main event here is the camera.

For all you shutterbugs and Insta-addicts, we’ve rounded up the three juiciest new camera features coming to the iPhone 16.

1. New capture button

Available on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

The most significant camera upgrade, beyond the new ultrawide lens, is the introduction of the capture button.

All the iPhone 16 models, including the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, are reportedly getting a new capture button. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

While the action button on the iPhone 15 was a nice touch, the capture button takes things to the next level, offering more control with less effort — a win-win.

This new feature gives users enhanced camera functionality through intuitive swiping gestures. Zooming in and out, focusing on subjects, and even handling more technical aspects like activating the shutter becomes smoother and more streamlined.

2. Better Night Mode

Available on iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

A design refresh is always a crowd-pleaser, and the iPhone 16’s rumored new stacked rear camera design on its Pro and Pro Max models is no exception.

For all you night owls, this is especially exciting. The stacked design, paired with Sony's CMOS image sensor, promises to boost light capture and deliver a wider dynamic range. Translation: your low-light shots are about to get a serious upgrade.

3. New ultrawide sensor

Available on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are poised to step up their photography game with a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, a major upgrade from the current 12MP setup on the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Only the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models are reportedly getting the new ultrawide sensor. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

This new lens promises better light gathering, meaning your shots in dimly lit environments are about to get a whole lot better. A late August report from Apple Insider gives this rumor some solid backing.

The ultrawide camera normally falls short in the sharpness department compared to the main camera. If this 48-megapixel upgrade is the real deal, it could finally iron out those nagging issues with crispness and clarity.

For more information on what's to come from Apple, check out our rumor hubs for the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10.

SpaceX is about to send its human spacecraft farther than ever before in space, and it will do it with a crew of four civilians. 

During the five-day Polaris Dawn mission, the Crew Dragon capsule is expected to reach its highest-ever orbit of 435 miles above Earth. That's about 185 miles beyond the International Space Station, where the company's spacecraft regularly ferry NASA astronauts. 

The journey will also attempt to make history with the first commercial spacewalk. The purpose of having the crew exit the spacecraft is to test the company's new spacesuits, designed to adjust to different body types. The mission will also involve 36 research studies and experiments.

SEE ALSO: A space company is headed to Mars this fall. No, it's not SpaceX. During the five-day Polaris Dawn mission, the Crew Dragon capsule is expected to reach its highest-ever orbit of 435 miles above Earth. Credit: SpaceX

The crew is composed of regular people — that is, if you consider a billionaire, two SpaceX engineers, and a retired U.S. Air Force combat pilot to be "regular." They include Jared Isaacman, who funded the mission and will serve as its commander. The others on board are pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteet, mission specialist Sarah Gillis, and medical officer Anna Menon.

If all goes according to plan, Menon will beat her husband, Dr. Anil Menon, to space. Prior to his recruitment for NASA astronaut training in 2021, Dr. Menon was SpaceX's medical director. 

How to watch the Polaris Dawn launch Tweet may have been deleted

Polaris Dawn is targeted for liftoff on a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, at about 3:38 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Two more launch opportunities are available within the four-hour window at 5:23 a.m. ET and 7:09 a.m. ET. 

A live broadcast will begin about 3.5 hours before the launch on X, the social platform owned by SpaceX founder Elon Musk, through the space company's account. It will also stream on SpaceX's website. 

The Polaris Dawn crew will be the first to test SpaceX's Starlink satellite communications in space.

The detention of Telegram’s founder has highlighted the messaging app’s outsized status in Europe’s deadliest war since World War II.

Pavel Durov’s anti-establishment streak helped him create one of the world’s biggest online platforms, which emphasizes free speech. It also put a target on his back.

Uber has been hit with a monster fine in the EU for failing to safeguard the transfer of driver data.

On Monday, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) announced that it is fining Uber 290 million euros, or $325 million USD, for violating the EU's sweeping General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws.

Uber accused of insufficient protection of personal data

According to the Dutch DPA investigation, Uber collected sensitive data about its drivers — including account details, taxi licenses, location data, photos, payment details, identity documents, and criminal and medical data — and stored them on US servers without using proper "transfer tools" for transferring data outside of the EU. "Because of this, the protection of personal data was not sufficient," said the announcement.

The fine is the end result of a complaint filed by 170 French Uber drivers to a France-based human rights group. The complaint was then escalated to the Dutch DPA since Uber's European headquarters is in the Netherlands.

This isn't the first time the EU has brought the hammer down on Uber for data privacy violations. In 2018, the transportation and delivery giant was fined 600,000 euros for a data breach and 10 million euros in 2023 for privacy infringement of its European drivers.

Other Big Tech companies have faced the consequences of the EU's strict laws around protecting user data. In 2021, Amazon was slapped with a $886 million penalty for failing to comply with the GDPR, and more recently, Meta was hit with a whopping $1.3 billion fine for improper transfer of data to the US.

The Dutch DPA said in its announcement that Uber has "ended the violation." However, in a statement to The Verge, Uber says it plans to appeal the ruling.

SAVE 32%: As of Aug. 26, you can grab a refurbished Dyson Airwrap Complete for just $339.99 at Dyson and Walmart. Typically, refurbished Airwraps go for $499.99, so this deal saves you $160 and costs you $260 less than the Airwrap brand-new at full price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Refurbished Dyson Airwrap Complete Long $339.99 at Dyson and Walmart
$499.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal

Dyson dropped a brand-new Airwrap today, but Dyson's older Airwraps are still bringing the heat.

As of Aug. 26, you can grab a refurbished Dyson Airwrap Complete Long at Dyson.com and Walmart for just $339.99. This is one of the best prices we've seen the refurbished model drop to, saving you $160 over the full price of the refurbished model and $260 compared to a brand-new model.

I tested out the Airwrap Complete when it first became available and again when the curly hair attachment dropped. Though it was definitely a luxurious hair tool and simplified some styling, it was one that I found hard to justify the $600 price tag in most situations, especially when the Shark FlexStyle exists and has a starting cost of $279.99.

SEE ALSO: Dyson Airwrap vs. Shark FlexStyle: Here's which hot air tool is worth your money

However, a $339.99 price tag makes the Airwrap much more of a competitor. The airflow generally feels better on the Airwrap, the attachments are more streamlined, and the curling barrels don't require you to switch them out to change the direction of your curls. With this deal, you'll get six attachments, while the FlexStyle that starts at $279.99 only comes with three attachments — the model that starts at $300 comes with five different attachments.

If you have curly hair, unfortunately, this deal only applies to the straight-to-wavy model, meaning there will be no diffuser or wide-tooth comb in the attachment selection. Instead, the Complete Long comes with the following: a Coanda smoothing dryer, a 1.2-inch Airwrap long barrel, a 1.6-inch Airwrap long barrel, a firm smoothing brush, a soft smoothing brush, a round volumizing brush, and a carrying case. Whether you buy from Walmart or Dyson, your product will also come with a one-year warranty.

There are very few scenarios where I think the Airwrap is worth springing for over the FlexStyle, but this refurbished deal is one of them. You can grab the multi-styler in the blue/blush, nickel/copper, or ceramic pop colorways.

Dyson gave their most famous hair tool an upgrade.

On Aug. 26, the brand released the Dyson Airwrap i.d., a multi-styler that comes with a new lineup of attachments and app compatibility designed to make curling hair easier than ever. Models are available for straight to wavy and curly to coily hair — both retail for $599.99, keeping in line with the pricing from past Airwraps.

This follows the release of Dyson's first-ever styling products, the Chitosan line, which also aim to make curls and other Airwrap-created styles last longer.

As Mashable's beauty tech reporter, I haven't tested this latest Airwrap (yet), but I have tested the Airwrap Complete, as well as plenty of dupes. So while I can't speak to a firsthand experience of the Airwrap until I work on the full review, I can walk you through what's new, and what stands out in the quickly growing multi-styler market.

New attachments for the Airwrap i.d.

Before we get into anything fancy, let's take a look at the core product: the styler and its attachments. Like past Airwraps, this one comes with six attachments and a case. For the straight to wavy Airwrap, you'll receive the following (with new attachments bolded):

1. Conical Airwrap barrel

2. Large round volumizing brush

3. Coanda smoothing dryer

4. 1.6-inch Airwrap long barrel

5. Soft smoothing brush

6. Fast dryer

What you'll get in the box with the Airwrap i.d. for straight to wavy hair. Credit: Dyson

While there are only two brand new attachments, Dyson's also made a few smart swaps from the old Airwrap Complete lineup, which included the Coanda smoothing dryer, a 1.2-inch Airwrap long barrel, a 1.6-inch Airwrap long barrel, a firm smoothing brush, a soft smoothing brush, and the round volumizing brush.

SEE ALSO: I tried 4 Dyson Supersonic dupes that are actually worth the hype

Instead of the smaller 1.2-inch barrel, Dyson went for a tapered option with a 20mm tip that can help you achieve tighter (and ideally longer-lasting) curls. They got rid of the firm smoothing brush, which was a redundancy with the soft smoothing brush. They also decided to include the 2.2-inch diameter round brush instead of the 1.5-inch round brush — for the Airwrap Complete, the former was only included for the curly and coily Airwrap. Finally, Dyson brought back the fast dryer, which a Dyson spokesperson confirmed is just a new name for the "pre-styling" dryer found on the first-generation Airwrap.

As for the Airwrap i.d. for curly and coil hair, the lineup includes (new attachments bolded):

1. Conical Airwrap barrel

2. Wave+Curl diffuser

3. Firm smoothing brush

4. Large round volumizing brush

5. Wide tooth comb

6. Fast dryer

What you'll get in the box with the Airwrap i.d. for curly to coily hair. Credit: Dyson

Although there are also two brand new attachments for this version, it closely resembles the Airwrap Complete Diffuse, which also had a diffuser, wide tooth comb, large round volumizing brush, and firm smoothing brush. Like the straight/wavy Airwrap, Dyson replaced a 1.2-inch barrel for the Conical Airwrap barrel, swapped the old diffuser model for this new one, and swapped the Coanda smoothing dryer for the fast dryer.

While it's hard to tell without testing how exactly it does this, the new Wave+Curl diffuser is designed to disperse airflow in two different ways: a dome mode and a diffuse mode. According to Dyson, the dome mode helps define natural waves and curls, while the diffuse mode adds volume. To me, that sounds like it might be offering the adjustability found on the Shark FlexStyle's diffuser.

Finally, Dyson's also released the blade concentrator attachment, which is not currently included with either Airwrap i.d., but can be purchased separately for $39.99, along with the 18 other Airwrap attachments offered (including those listed above). This attachment is designed for those who want the most precise and smoothest dry possible.

The blade concentrator has two curved surfaces that direct Dyson's famous Coanda airflow. Credit: Dyson An app to style your hair

The other major change with the Airwrap i.d. is the app compatibility. The Bluetooth-enabled Airwrap connects to the MyDyson app, which now includes the i.d. curl program. There, users can enter their hair profile, and the app will generate a styling routine for you, including wrapping, styling, and cold shot time.

With your routine programmed, you can then activate the Airwrap to take control with one press of the power button. It's not that much less work than hitting those buttons yourself, but considering there is a learning curve to curling your hair with the Airwrap, I could see this being a useful feature. We'll see how it works in practice when I get my hands on the Airwrap i.d.

Also, as you can likely guess from the name "i.d. curl", at this time the app only includes styling recommendations for the curl function of the Airwrap i.d.

Where to buy the Dyson Airwrap i.d.

If you're interested in picking up the latest Airwrap, it's available at Dyson.com for $599.99 for both straight and curly hair in two different colorways: vinca blue/topaz and ceramic patina/topaz.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap i.d. for straight to wavy $599.99 at Dyson
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap i.d. for curly to coily $599.99 at Dyson
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The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL was unveiled in mid-August alongside the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. I got a chance to review the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, and while I was blown away by its smooth-and-seamless operation, as well as its quirky AI feature set, nothing could have prepared me for its incredibly long battery runtime.

Up until now, according to Mashable's in-house testing, the iPhone 15 Pro Max lasted the longest on a single charge with an impressive runtime of 14 hours and 53 minutes. So imagine our surprise when the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL lasted about four hours longer than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

SEE ALSO: Pixel 9 Pro XL hands-on review: I zoomed in on strangers 5,280 feet away and saw the color of their clothes Google Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life

According to our battery test, which involves running a TikTok video loop continuously over Wi-Fi at 50% brightness, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL lasted a whopping 18 hours and 50 minutes — that's nearly 19 hours.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Because our in-house testing is based on a continuous, non-stop video rundown, the average user will likely be able to eke out even more battery life out of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL based on usage that involves some standby time, as well as calling, texting, web browsing, and more.

Here's a look at some of the other runtimes we've recorded on the same battery life test:

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - 13 hours and 1 minute

iPhone 15 Pro Max - 14 hours and 53 minutes

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 - 12 hours and 13 minutes

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 - 12 hours and 44 minutes

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on the Google Tensor G4 chip, which likely contributes to its long battery life. Based on the approximate 19-hour runtime, the processor is quite energy efficient. The downside, however, is that the performance figures, based on Geekbench 6, isn't very impressive. With a multi-core score of just 4,569, it's less powerful than even the Google Pixel 8 Pro that dropped last year.

For more details on Google's new current-generation phones, check out our full reviews on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Google Pixel 9.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Google Pixel 9 Pro XL $1,099.99 at Google
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