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Portable power stations are useful for everything from camping trips to keeping your gadgets running when you're away from a plug socket. They come in a wide range of prices and styles, with some reaching the thousands of dollars. They're not exactly the kind of thing you look to buy every week. But when they're on sale, a discount can make a purchase much easier to justify.
Now that we're rolling into fall and winter storm season, it's an ideal time to snag a model that's on sale. Plenty of models will be excellent for serving as backup power for your refrigerator. Other models that are on sale are perfect for fall camping.
SEE ALSO: 20+ of the best early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Apple, Nintendo, and GarminWith Prime Big Deal Days coming up on October 6-7, Amazon has already started cutting prices on some popular power stations, so now is a great time to pick one up at a lower-than-usual price. Below, we've rounded up the best early deals worth checking out.
A great beginner model from JackeryFor those new to portable power, Jackery makes some of the most beginner-friendly and uncomplicated models. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is a compact, portable power station with a 1,070Wh capacity and 1,500W output, making it suitable for powering devices such as fridges, electric pots, and other appliances. It can also go from empty to fully charged in an hour with emergency charging switched on, and the LFP battery is designed to retain more than 70% of its capacity after 4,000 charge cycles. Plus, it weighs under 24 pounds, so it's easy to carry around the house or the campground.
If you don't love the traditional black and orange look of Jackery portable power stations, the Explorer 1000 v2 comes in a modern cream color called dune white. That version is also on sale for $499 ahead of Prime Day, marked down from its list price of $589.
Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $499 at AmazonOne of the major benefits of a portable power station is the ability to recharge using solar power. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic bundle with a 220W solar panel is a great choice ahead of Prime Day. You'll get the 1,024Wh portable power station, which has a 1,800W output that can handle even big appliances like fridges. It has X-Boost providing up to 2,600W for higher-power devices, and can charge to 80% in 45 minutes via AC.
With full sun, EcoFlow says the Delta 3 Classic can recharge in about 6 hours with the 220W solar panel. Of course, you can also recharge using standard wall power or a generator. When plugged into a wall outlet, the EcoFlow can reach 80% capacity in just 45 minutes.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ecoflow Ecoflow Delta 3 Classic with 220W Solar Panel $699 at AmazonAhead of Prime Day, this Bluetti Elite 100 v2 unit has $400 off the list price. It comes with a 1,024Wh capacity and 1,800W output, with 11 ports so you can charge multiple devices at once. It can also fully recharge in about 70 minutes with TurboBoost AC charging, making it a great option for last-minute use.
But one of the highlights of the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 is its ability to connect with up to 1,000W of solar power. That's a massive amount of solar compatibility for a portable power station in the 1kWh range. If you have access to both 1,000W of solar and full sun, the Elite 100 V2 will recharge in just 70 minutes.
The 10 millisecond UPS (uninterrupted power supply) also makes this is a great model for plugging into your workstation or the WiFi router at home when a storm is threatening to take out grid power. A 10 UPS means the Bluetti will take over providing power within 10 milliseconds of losing wall power.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 at AmazonThis unit has a 1,056Wh capacity and 2,400W output, with 11 ports for powering multiple devices and appliances. It can reach 80% charge in 43 minutes with UltraFast charging enabled through the Anker app. It's built a LiFePO4 battery, so it's designed to last a long time, up to 10 years, which is around 3,000 battery cycles.
The original Anker Solix C1000 also has a few advantages over the new C1000 Gen 2. For starters, the older model has a built-in lightbar, which is incredibly useful when camping or carrying the power station around at home during a power outage. The original C1000 is also expandable to add an additional 1,056Wh of power, doubling capacity.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $449.98 at AmazonIf you plan on heading out for fall camping, you might run into some rain or dewy mornings. The Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra isn't afraid of getting wet, so it's perfect for all-season camping. It carries an IP65 rating, which means it's both water- and dust-proof. Jackery also tested this model for drops, and it'll be just fine when it takes a tumble of about three feet or less.
Important stats include a 1,536Wh battery capacity, a metal cooling base, and protective covers for all ports. This is also a great model for using in a dusty workshop since the air intake is located toward the top of the unit rather than near the bottom, which tends to suck up dust or wood shavings.
Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $1,079 at AmazonWhen the power goes out at home, a major worry is keeping food from going bad. Now that grocery prices have gone wild, the thought of having to toss it all out is worrying. Instead, plug the fridge into the Anker Solix S2000, which packs a massive 2,010Wh of battery capacity. Anker says this can keep a standard refrigerator on for up to 35 hours. Keep in mind that the exact number will depend on factors such as your fridge's capacity, the kitchen's ambient temperature, and how full the refrigerator is.
The Anker Solix S2000 has AC ports on both the front and the back of the station, so you can plug the fridge into the back and keep the front ports open for other kitchen appliances like the coffee maker.
During Prime Day in July, we saw this model drop to an incredible price of $599, which means it's possible it'll drop again next week when the sale officially kicks off on Oct. 6.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix S2000 $679.99 at AmazonWe all know DJI as the brand that launched drones into our everyday lives, as well as the company that makes excellent creator cameras and mics. But DJI also makes a stellar lineup of portable power stations. Oftentimes, they're on sale for a price that's so competitive anyone should consider them as a front-runner for portable power, but they're especially great for those who have DJI drones.
Like the name suggests, the DJI Power 1000 v2 comes with a solid 1,024Wh battery capacity with peak output of 2,600W. It has your standard AC ports, USB-C, and USB-A, but it also features dual SDC ports that can fast-charge DJI drone batteries. This feature makes it incredibly friendly for content creators. Additionally, it's super quiet, operating as low as 26 decibels, making recording video or audio near the power station no big deal.
Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 V2 $419.99These days, a huge number of Jackery portable power stations are on their second version, or v2. Most of them have improvements such as being lighter to carry, faster charging, and a USB-C port that can handle more power. But this doesn't mean you have to count out older models. The Jackery Explorer 300 still has plenty of great features for a 293Wh portable power station.
For starters, it weighs only about 7 pounds and has a 100W USB-C port. Jackery mentions that the battery can recharge a phone about 13 times. But one of the best parts about this deal is the inclusion of a 40W solar panel. The Jackery SolarSaga 40W air is a compact panel that measures about the size of a sheet of paper and weighs under two pounds.
On its own, the SolarSaga 40W Air solar panel costs $129 at full price, although it's on sale for $108.99. Given this pricing, snagging both the Jackery Explorer 300 and the 40W Air solar panel for $339 is a great option.
Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 with Jackery SolarSaga 40W Air $339 at AmazonFor those who live in an area prone to hurricanes or ice storms, the Anker Solix F3000 could be a lifesaver. Its massive 3,072Wh capacity means you can keep almost everything in your home powered up, from the refrigerator to lamps and the coffee maker. Plus, it has the capacity for major expansion to 24kWh.
Thanks to the 30amp plug, you could even do a load of laundry with the Solix F3000 or take it along in the RV. Plus, the Anker is capable of powering gadgets while recharging, and even better for storm situations, you can recharge via a generator in a bit over an hour.
Of course, Anker added durable wheels and a telescoping handle to this model since the 3kWh battery weighs about 91 pounds.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix F3000 $139.99 at AmazonNot everyone needs or wants major power backup. For short trips to the campground for a few nights or for using at home during short outages, the Anker Solix C300 is packed with useful features. The 288Wh capacity will recharge small gadgets like cell phones and earbuds while camping, and the carrying strap makes it ideal for transporting at the campsite.
The Solix C300 comes with four USB-C ports, including two that support 140W, making it possible to recharge your MacBook Pro at the campsite. Plus, you can recharge the Solix power station in 2.5 hours via the car socket. The pop-up lantern adds to the campsite-friendliness of this model.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C300 $199.99 at AmazonWe already mentioned the benefits of buying the Jackery Explorer 300 with a 40W solar panel, but if you don't mind buying used and you don't want the solar panel, this deal is pretty awesome. A renewed version of the Jackery Explorer 300 is on sale at Amazon for only $156. It's certified by Amazon's renewal program to retain at least 80% of its original battery capacity.
This isn't the fanciest or newest model, but if you're looking for a more affordable way to get into the portable power station game, this could be your ticket.
Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Refurbished Jackery Explorer 300 $156 at AmazonMost batteries don't perform well in deep chills, but the Bluetti Pioneer Na is designed specifically to be cold-proof. It can safely recharge your devices and tools at temperatures as low as -13 degrees and at temperatures as low as 5 degrees. That makes it ideal for ice fishing, working in an uninsulated shed or garage in the winter, or leaving for the cabin.
Instead of using lithium-ion battery cells, the Bluetti Pioneer Na uses sodium-ion which is not only better to use in deeply cold weather, it avoids using rarer metals like lithium and cobalt.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Pioneer Na $799 at BluettiFall has just begun, but the holiday shopping season is already heating up. No longer do things kick off on Black Friday: Amazon's annual Prime Big Deal Days on Oct. 6 and 7 will be your first chance to start scoring year-end deals.
In the lead-up to this "October Prime Day," as it's often called, Mashable's team of shopping experts is tracking all the best early deals on the biggest brands, including Apple. When it comes to iPad deals, they're a real grab bag so far. Most configurations of the latest iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro are just $30 off — nowhere close to the prices we expect them to hit once Prime Big Deal Days starts. However, a few models are cheap enough to think about adding to your cart already.
SEE ALSO: October Prime Day Apple deals guide: Buy now or wait?Below, we've rounded up the best early October Prime Day iPad deals we could find. We've also made some predictions for the iPad deals we're likely to see next week based on our experience covering Prime Big Deal Days in the past. Decide for yourself if you're willing to wait for them; even the meager savings now are still something to celebrate, considering all iPads got price hikes this summer.
Save up to $30 on the regular iPadThe standard iPad with the A16 chip is our favorite Apple tablet for budget shoppers. "Even though its tech is basic compared to the advanced iPad Air and Pro," writes Mashable's Samantha Mangino, "it's great for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading." It's rated for up to six hours of battery life.
Ahead of Amazon's sale, the base iPad with 128GB of storage is $30 off with or without cellular connectivity. It was $70 off last Prime Big Deal Days, so it could dip further to $379 next week (normally $449).
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $427 at AmazonIf you wish e-readers were more powerful, more versatile, and equipped with way more storage, get Apple's smallest iPad instead. The iPad mini's compact size and anti-reflective display make it our favorite tablet for reading.
The iPad mini also saw a $70 discount during Prime Big Deal Days 2025, so we think it will drop to $529 when this year's sale begins on Oct. 6 (typically $599). Right now, the base model is up to $30 off, depending on whether you'd like cellular connectivity.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) $569 at AmazonThe iPad Air is our favorite iPad for most people. It has a 10-hour battery life, a beautiful, crisp display, and an M4 processor that makes it as powerful as many laptops. In his iPad Air review, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth deemed it "a premium device for creators, artists, and college students."
Most configurations of the M4 iPad Air are just $20 to $30 off right now, save for the 13-inch base model with cellular connectivity. It's already enjoying a $100 discount that brings it down from $1,099 to $999. It could get $50 cheaper once Prime Big Deal Days starts — the M3 model was $150 off during last year's sale — but this is one of the more solid early deals we've spotted.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) $999 at AmazonApple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) — $729 $749 (save $20)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) — $870.08 $899 (save $28.92)
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) — $929 $949 (save $20)
If you're a professional creative in the market for an iPad Pro, consider buying last year's M4 model instead of the freshest M5 version, which just has a newer chip and newer wireless connectivity tech (WiFi and Bluetooth). The best early October Prime Day iPad deals we've seen feature $200 discounts on two upgraded M4 iPad Pros: One is a 13-inch model with 512GB of storage; the other is an 11-incher with 2TB of storage and a nano-texture display. Both of them are sitting at some of their lowest prices of the year so far. If anything, they might get $50 cheaper during Prime Big Day Deals... if they don't sell out first.
Prefer an M5 iPad Pro for future-proofing's sake? Amazon's deals on both sizes max out at $100 off right now. Come Prime Big Deal Days, they could be up to $200 off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) $1,299 at AmazonApple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,139 $1,199 (save $60)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5, WiFi + cellular, 256GB) — $1,345.99 $1,399 (save $53.01)
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,399 $1,499 (save $100)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi + cellular, 256GB) — $1,616 $1,699 (save $83)
TL;DR: Get lifetime access to a Matt’s Flights Premium Plan for $39.99 (reg. $197) for a limited time and start watching for holiday flight deals early.
Opens in a new window Credit: Matt's Flights Matt's Flights Premium Plan Lifetime Subscription: Save up to 90% on Domestic & International flights $39.99It’s never too early to think about Christmas travel, especially once you start pricing flights home. Instead of refreshing search tabs every night, you can have someone else watch the fares for you.
That’s the idea behind Matt’s Flights. There’s a real person behind it: Matt scans airlines for sales and mistake fares, then emails the deals to members. Premium members get five times as many deals as free users on both domestic and international routes and can save up to 90% on airfare.
SEE ALSO: I hunted down the top early October Prime Day MacBook deals: Save $600 on on the M5 ProThe direct line to Matt is especially handy for the holidays. You can email him for 1-on-1 flight and travel planning support, and send custom search requests for a specific route, such as getting home for Christmas. There’s no cap on how many requests you can submit.
The Premium Plan includes:
3+ flight deals per week, domestic and international
Mistake fare notifications
1-on-1 flight and travel planning support via email
Unlimited custom search requests
There are a couple of things to know before you buy. Deals are based on departures from 60 U.S. airports and six Canadian airports, so check that your home airport is on the list first. The plan is also only available to new users, and you’ll need to redeem your code within 30 days of purchase.
At $39.99 for lifetime access, one well-timed booking could more than cover the cost. Get a lifetime Matt’s Flights Premium Plan for $39.99 (reg. $197) for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: The Financial Freedom Bundle pairs lifetime access to Sterling Stock Picker with the PRO$PER financial education platform for $69.99 (reg. $598).
Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The Financial Freedom Bundle ft. Sterling Stock Picker $69.99Learning to invest usually means picking up a tool, a course, or both, separately. This bundle covers both sides at once: a stock research app and a financial education platform, for $69.99 together instead of $598.
Sterling Stock Picker runs financial, technical, and risk analysis on individual stocks and returns a buy, sell, hold, or avoid call, so you’re not stuck parsing an earnings report yourself. A five-minute risk-tolerance quiz feeds a portfolio builder that can assemble a diversified mix based on your goals, and an AI assistant named Finley answers portfolio questions in plain language with real-time market data. It works through a browser or the iOS and Android apps, with no recurring fees once you’ve bought in.
SEE ALSO: 15 early October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by our gadget expertsThe second half of the bundle, PRO$PER, focuses on education: more than 12 courses and 150 lessons on budgeting, debt, investing, and retirement planning, taught by financial educator Jaden Sterling. It includes its own dashboard for tracking goals and progress, plus the same Finley AI coach for questions as they come up.
Together, the idea is to give new and experienced investors both the research tool and the background to understand what it’s telling them, rather than one without the other. Both pieces come with lifetime access and unlimited future updates, and the bundle is open to new users only, with codes redeemable within 30 days of purchase.
Get the Financial Freedom Bundle for $69.99, an 88% savings off the $598 list price.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
You're scrolling through your TikTok For You page, watching videos, when suddenly a pop-up appears on your smartphone screen.
"Congratulations! You have been selected for our Screentime To Cash program," reads the prompt, which looks a lot like a TikTok notification.
These types of ads suggest that TikTok users can get paid to watch videos; however, even though it looks like an official TikTok message, it's not.
There is no legitimate TikTok program called "Screentime to Cash" — or anything similar — the company confirmed in a statement to Mashable. TikTok does have an official monetization program for eligible creators who upload content and meet certain requirements. But TikTok definitely does not have a program that pays viewers to watch videos or scroll through the app.
Screentime to Cash pop-up Credit: Mashable screenshotA TikTok spokesperson also told Mashable that they have since removed the ads and connected accounts.
"We've removed content and accounts for violating our policies against deceptive practices and misleading content," TikTok told us. "TikTok prohibits fraudulent activity in both advertising and user-generated content, and we continuously remove such content and accounts as they're detected or reported."
So, why is this message on your screen then?
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Behind the TikTok "Screentime to Cash" pop-up messagesThird-party entities are running ads on TikTok that are designed to look like official messaging from the platform, according to a Mashable investigation. Typically, these ads promote Get-Paid-To apps, or GPT apps.
These apps advertise themselves as ways that users can make money by playing games, watching videos, or filling out forms and surveys. The Get-Paid-To app-makers may act as affiliates for other third-party companies, which pay the app maker for signups or downloads of their product. In turn, these GPT app companies share their affiliate earnings with their users as they complete qualifying tasks. These types of apps may also share user data with third parties, a common app monetization strategy. When a user completes a certain number of tasks, such as taking surveys or downloading games, and reaches a payment threshold, they can request their payout.
Mashable found numerous TikTok users posting screenshots of the "Screentime to Cash" advertisements on social media platforms like Reddit; users said those ads directed them to third-party apps such as Playful Rewards or QuickRewardz.
Mashable reached out to both Playful Rewards and QuickRewardz, and a Playful Rewards spokesperson told Mashable that the ads "are not being run directly by Playful Rewards and may be coming from a third-party advertising source."
As for QuickRewardz, it appears the app has since been removed from the Google Play store, although it's unclear when the app was taken down. It's also unclear if the app was pulled by Google or the developer. Mashable reached out to the company behind the app, Team Rewardz, and we'll update this piece if we hear back.
These types of apps and advertisements make up a vast web of affiliate networks and third parties. This can make it difficult for social media platforms to crack down on misleading ads, leaving them playing whack-a-mole as new accounts and ads pop up, literally, as detailed in a 2024 Forrester research report.
Do get-paid-to apps actually pay?There are some legitimate companies that pay small amounts of money for completing marketing surveys or other tasks. However, on sites such as Trustpilot, some frustrated reviewers describe GPT apps as scams. Many of these users report that after qualifying for a cash payout, their account was mysteriously suspended, typically for some type of alleged policy violation, and so they were never able to claim the promised rewards.
On the TrustPilot page for Playful Rewards, one reviewer wrote: "They're a scam. I recently accumulated enough coins to cash out $60, and then promptly got my account permanently locked. When I asked their customer support, they claimed it was because I progressed too fast on a game."
Always remember the golden rule when evaluating programs like this: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Likewise, just because you see an ad on a social media site like TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook, that does not mean the company behind the ad is legit. Internal Meta documents reviewed by Reuters stated that Facebook showed users 15 billion scam ads every day, and Mashable has reported on sketchy YouTube ads using AI and celebrity deepfakes.
TikTok users should also be skeptical of apps that use misleading advertisements that imply they have a formal relationship with TikTok or other companies. Always proceed with caution when you are asked to hand over any private personal information during the signup process. You should also check the fine print, as these app-based rewards programs may contain terms that allow the company to resell your information or place you on robocall lists, according to a 2023 suit by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.
The bottom line: TikTok says these "screentime to cash" programs are in no way endorsed by TikTok.
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SAVE $402: As of Sept. 29, the Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series is on sale for $597.97 at Amazon. That's a 40% discount on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series $597.97 at AmazonAmazon's next installment of Prime Day officially kicks off next week, but we've been tracking early deals popping up throughout September. There are deals of all kinds to be found, from robot vacuums to our tech favorites.
If it's a new TV you've been looking to buy, there are many impressive deals already live, including this latest discount on the Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series. Normally $999.99, this TV is now $597.99, saving you over $400.
As the name suggests, this TV delivers cinema-quality viewing in the comfort of your home. It benefits from Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, which deliver HDR picture quality and immersive sound, and supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, and HLG.
It also offers various AI features to enhance your viewing experience. These include picture processing, which helps adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and color based on the content you're watching. An AI light sensor can even adapt the backlight to the room's ambient lighting. Plus, there's also an AI Sports Mode that automatically adjusts the picture and sound for live sports.
And if you're a movie fanatic, you'll love Filmmaker Mode. This feature preserves the original picture and sound settings of compatible films, so you can watch them the way directors intended.
You can find this early Prime Day TV deal at Amazon right now.
We're now a few days past the Harvest Moon, this month's Full Moon, so it'll now begin to wane each night until we reach the New Moon. This process is called the lunar cycle, and takes around 29.5 days in total.
What is today’s Moon phase?As of Tuesday, Sept. 29, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase, with 92% of its surface visible.
While the Moon's visibility is decreasing, there is still so much to see tonight, including the Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis, and the Tycho Crater which can be spotted without the use of any visual aids. If you have binoculars, they'll also help you see the Clavius Crater, the Alphonsus Crater, and the Alps Mountains. Finally, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots, plus the Fra Mauro Highlands.
When is the next Full Moon?The next Full Moon will take place on October 25 or 26, depending on your timezone.
What are Moon phases?The Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth, and as it moves through this cycle, we see different amounts of its sunlit side from here. That's what creates the Moon's different phases, from a thin crescent through to a half Moon and, eventually, the Full Moon. Once it reaches the Full Moon, the cycle starts over again. NASA explains that the phase we see depends on the Moon's position in relation to Earth and the Sun.
The eight phases are:
New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
SAVE $50: As of Sept. 29, the Ninja Creami is on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami $169.99 at AmazonIf you've spent any time scrolling TikTok, you've more than likely seen the Ninja Creami in action. The viral ice cream maker has become a firm favorite online for making homemade frozen treats of all kinds. We're talking everything from coffee ice cream to protein powder ice cream. And if you've been hoping to make your own creations, it's currently on sale at Amazon.
Prime Big Deal Days (also known as October Prime Day) kicks off next week, but early discounts have already started trickling in. For example, the Ninja Creami is now down to $169.99. According to camelcamelcamel, this is the best price in six months.
So, what exactly does it do? The Ninja Creami essentially lets you make seven different types of frozen treats at the touch of a button. These include ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, smoothie bowls, Lite Ice Cream, and Mix-In. Its Creamify Technology finely shaves through a frozen pint to create smooth, creamy desserts in minutes, and the Re-spin function lets you process it again for an even softer texture.
And the world is your oyster when it comes to creations. You can make treats with the ingredients you choose. Plus, the Mix-In program also lets you add chocolate chips, nuts, fruit, cookies, etc., distributing them throughout your dessert.
Head to Amazon now to grab this Ninja deal.
The TikTok Creators Summit, held on Thursday in Hollywood, had the feel of an intimate awards show mashed with a retro-style work convention, complete with lanyards and name tags.
Platform creators sipped coffee and snapped photos before being led into a cavernous room with hundreds of seats and a brightly lit stage. Hosts Eric Sedeño (@ricotaquito) and Yasmine Sahid (@ladyyasmina1) admirably kept the energy up throughout the 90-minute-long proceedings, even with some cringey jokes piped into their teleprompter.
No trophies were handed out at the summit; instead, TikTok leadership, along with creators and advertisers, cheerfully shared guidance on how TikTok talent could turn their passion for videos into a legitimate career that pays the rent (and everything else). With approximately 2 billion monthly active users, there is a lot of money on the table.
TikTok bosses like Keiko Mori, head of Creative Product Marketing and Commercial Partnerships - North America, emphasized to the young, rapt assemblage that advertisers seek creators with a clear niche and those who consistently post, engage with their audience, and have a track record of successful brand partnerships.
Selling TikTok One to creatorsPart of TikTok's strategy to enrich its creators is to get them on TikTok One, a platform that directly connects creators with advertisers. Any creator with 10,000 followers can join One, which allows them to create ads for brands to push as they please, rather than post sponsored content on their profiles, and to monetize existing (and applicable) videos by letting TikTok promote them as ads.
While TikTok One has been around for a while, TikTok announced new perks at the summit. These included One Pay, a feature which allows creators to get paid from brand deals directly through the app, rather than through the advertisers. While this sounds like adding a middleman and giving him a cut of the profits (akin to Airbnb’s model), TikTok says it collects no fees or commissions on its end of the transaction. It also addresses a big issue for many creators: chasing down payments from brand deals.
SEE ALSO: This TikTok trend has users 'blockin' the street'"Payment lands in under 30 days after a video posts, which is quicker than the traditional terms common in the industry," according to a statement from TikTok.
Another new One perk is TikTok One Plus, an invite-only opportunity for adult U.S. and Mexican creators with at least 100,000 followers. "High-quality content creators" are chosen for Plus, according to TikTok, opening up new exclusive brand opportunities for them. Companies that advertise on TikTok can easily find OnePlus creators via AI or analog searches, quickly identifying an account that aligns with their marketing campaign.
"When I first started and got my first big brand deal. I was so excited," Vanessa Louise Miller, aka DeliciousNess Bakery, told Mashable. "They did reach out to me directly. But looking back now, I feel like I waited way too long for that moment. You don’t need to have millions of followers to have a great brand deal. You can reach out to companies directly. TikTok One has been incredible for that, it connects me with a brand in the same ecosphere — and you never know what brand you’ll find on there."
8 ways to get paid on TikTokTikTok execs at the summit emphasized the myriad revenue streams available to creators — specifically, eight of them:
• Creator Rewards Program: A performance-based model that pays creators according to individual video performance. The program rewards users for their creativity, according to TikTok, which usually means longer videos with more production value (effective lighting, professional-looking editing, etc.).
• Specialized Rewards Program: This invite-only monetization program sounds like the aforementioned TikTok One Plus, but it isn't directly connected to advertising or brand marketing. Eligible creators can produce "high-quality content within specialized categories like film/TV, sports and learning" to unlock more bucks. Creators must be in the site's Creator Rewards Program to join.
• Brand Deals: Sponsored content and brand partnerships are the bread and butter of making money on TikTok.
• LIVE: At the summit, TikTok execs were encouraging live sessions for users, especially since their followers can gift them cash rewards during the vids.
• TikTok Shop: TikTok's e-commerce platform lets shoppers buy products featured in videos and live streams, with users (and TikTok) taking a cut of the proceeds.
• TikTok GO: Similar to TikTok Shop, creators can promote hotels, attractions, and local services to their followers and get a cut of the bookings.
• Post Contests: Again, TikTok wants "high-quality content" for this opportunity, which seeks videos about specific subjects or those related to a campaign hashtag. The nice thing about these contests: no minimum follower count required.
• Subscriptions: Unknown to many is the ability to charge followers a subscription, ostensibly for exclusive content like special videos or behind-the-scenes clips.
Amazon hasn't released its latest early Prime Day iPhone deals page yet. (Right now, it's just filled with iPhone 16s that aren't on sale.) We don't usually see iPhone deals worth buying on Amazon unless they're "renewed," so if you're hoping to find a discount on a brand-new, unlocked iPhone from Bezos, you probably won't.
But that doesn't mean you can't find a good deal during the sale — it just won't be on Amazon. Right now, T-Mobile is offering new and existing customers a chance to get the iPhone 18 Pro for free (if you don't mind signing a contract). If you'd rather not be tied to a carrier, Best Buy and Amazon offer discounts on unlocked "refurbished" and "renewed" models.
SEE ALSO: The best iPhones to buy in 2026: Our top pick might surprise youNow that you've heard my spiel, here are the best early Prime Day iPhone deals you can shop right now, and you can check out our Apple guide for discounts on AirPods and MacBooks.
Best iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 18 Pro (256 GB) $0 at T-MobileGetting a $1,200 phone for nothing is a hard deal to pass up. Right now, T-Mobile is covering the full cost of the iPhone 18 Pro through 36 monthly bill credits. To get this deal, you'll need to either switch to an Experience Beyond 2.0 plan or trade in a relatively recent device, like an iPhone 16 or 15 Pro, on an eligible plan.
While T-Mobile says it accepts trade-ins in any condition, older phones like the iPhone 14 or 13 will bump you down to the $930 or $500 credit tiers. You'll also still have to pay the local sales tax on the full pre-credit retail price upfront, along with a $35 device connection fee. But if you're already planning to stick with T-Mobile for the next three years, it's an easy way to upgrade without paying full price.
Read our review of the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Best iPhone 17 Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Pro (256 GB) $0 at T-MobileIf you're not worried about having the latest and greatest, T-Mobile is giving away the iPhone 17 Pro using that exact same 36-month bill credit promo. You just need to switch to an Experience Beyond 2.0 plan or trade in an older phone.
The best part? Since last year's Pro model costs less upfront, trading in an older device like an iPhone 14 or 15 nearly covers the entire cost.
Read our review of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Best unlocked iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 16e (128GB) $539.99 at Best BuyBest Buy has the unlocked iPhone 16e marked down to $539.99 — a $60 discount. It comes with 128GB of storage and Apple Intelligence built right in. It's not a flagship Pro model, but it is one of the only brand-new, unlocked iPhones seeing an outright cash discount ahead of October's sale events.
Best refurbished iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished iPhone 14 (128 GB) $309 at Best BuyIf you just want a reliable smartphone on a budget, go with a refurbished model. Best Buy has the unlocked 128GB iPhone 14 in "Refurbished Excellent" condition marked down to $309. That's a $110 price cut.
TL;DR: Watch Spain vs. Croatia in the Nations League for free on RTVE. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Spain kicked off their UEFA Nations League campaign with a victory over England. The World Cup winners now face Croatia at home. It's going to be another challenging fixture for Luis de la Fuente's side.
If you're interested in watching Spain vs. Croatia in the Nations League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
When is Spain vs. Croatia?Spain vs. Croatia in the Nations League kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Sept. 29. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.
How to watch Spain vs. Croatia for freeSpain vs. Croatia in the Nations League is available to live stream for free on RTVE.
RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can live stream Spain vs. Croatia for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Spain vs. Croatia for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain
Visit RTVE
Watch Spain vs. Croatia for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Spain vs. Croatia without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for RTVE?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTVE, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including Spain
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 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Spain vs. Croatia for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Another Amazon sale is upon us. ICYMI: Prime Big Deal Days, aka October Prime Day, returns Oct. 6 through Oct. 7 for 2026.
With deals dropping constantly throughout the event, shopping can get pretty overwhelming. We know all too well that it's easy to get caught up in the sales, indulge in some impulse purchasing, and experience a little buyer's remorse. No judgment.
As with every major Amazon sale, deals started popping off ahead of the official event kickoff, and there are lots more to come. If you run into some questions or concerns during your shopping journey — from classic cases of buyer's remorse to damaged packages to Prime membership questions — just know that you can always reach out to customer service.
SEE ALSO: How to cancel your Amazon Prime membershipSince contacting Amazon can be tricky at times, here are all the ways you can get in touch with customer service for a smoother online shopping experience before, during, and after the October Prime Day event. And yes, you can actually talk to a real person.
Amazon customer service help pageThis is probably the most common and easiest way to find answers to common queries, such as Amazon’s return policies or international shipping information. The page contains a whole library of questions that users can get answers to, including how to track packages, cancel orders, or start a return. Your most recent purchases will pop up at the top of the page for easy navigation.
To access Amazon’s Customer Service Help Page, go to the website landing page and click on "Customer Service" in the top left of the screen.
Amazon customer service emailSometimes customer queries need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis, and the answers on the official website need to be more specific to better help shoppers. In these cases, users can email cs-reply@amazon.com and explain their issues. Remember that contacting Amazon’s customer service via email might not be the best option if you have an urgent question about your purchases, since customers are unlikely to receive a prompt response.
Amazon customer service phone numberNeed a quicker reply? Call Amazon at 1-888-280-4331. When customers call this number, a bot answers and eventually connects them to Amazon staff, depending on the type of query. It’s important to note that customers should have a cell phone number connected to their Amazon account. Customers must enter verification codes sent to their linked contact information before using this service. In other words, things can get a bit tricky if you're sharing an account with someone else.
Amazon online chat serviceReal-time chatting with Amazon representatives is the most convenient way to get all your questions answered. To use the live chat feature, return to the Customer Service help page and click on "Help with something else." When the list pops up underneath, choose "something else" once again. Another page opens with a list of more help options. Select "I need help with something else."
Now you've officially entered the chat. Type "Talk to associate" in the chat box. Amazon's messaging assistant might prompt you to give more info on your issue, which you can, but if you'd rather get to a real person ASAP, you can select "I need more help" from the pre-written responses.
From there, you can choose if you’d prefer to talk via chat or call. If you're looking for immediate help with a Prime Day purchase — be it due to buyer's remorse, a damaged package, an address change, etc. — this is your best bet to get your needs met.
For simple questions, Amazon's AI chat feature (launched in 2024) called "Rufus" can help customers solve some problems and make more informed purchase decisions.
Contact Amazon via social mediaIf your questions aren’t that urgent, you can contact Amazon Customer Service at @amazonhelp on X, @amazon on Instagram, and www.facebook.com/Amazon on Facebook.
TL;DR: Watch Czechia vs. England in the Nations League for free on ITVX. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The UEFA Nations League continues this week with the second round of fixtures, including Czechia vs. England. Both sides are looking to bounce back after losing their opening fixtures. England will be the favorites to win this matchup, but there are no easy fixtures in this competition.
If you're interested in watching Czechia vs. England in the Nations League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
When is Czechia vs. England?Czechia vs. England in the Nations League kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Sept. 29. This fixture takes place at the Fortuna Arena.
How to watch Czechia vs. England for freeCzechia vs. England in the Nations League is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can live stream Czechia vs. England for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Czechia vs. England for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Watch Czechia vs. England for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Czechia vs. England without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Czechia vs. England for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for people who like baseball.
As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise 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 before the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Baseball's first GOAT
Green: Winter sports stars
Blue: Movies
Purple: Midwest rivalries
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Babe Ruth Nicknames
Green: Famous Winter Olympians
Blue: Kevin Costner Sports Films
Purple: Big Ten Rivalry Trophies
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #736 is...
What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?Babe Ruth Nicknames: BABE, BAMBINO, COLOSSUS OF CLOUT, SULTAN OF SWAT
Famous Winter Olympians: ALYSA LIU, APOLO OHNO, MARIT BJØRGEN, PICABO STREET
Kevin Costner Sports Films: BULL DURHAM, DRAFT DAY, FIELD OF DREAMS, TIN CUP
Big Ten Rivalry Trophies: FLOYD OF ROSEDALE, OLD OAKEN BUCKET, PAUL BUNYAN'S AXE, VICTORY BELL
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.
Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 29, 2026The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 29, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 29 PipsLess than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.
Less than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.
Less than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.
Less than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically.
Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 3-4, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 29 PipsEqual (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed horizontally.
Less than (7): Everything in this space must be less than 7. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally.
Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically.
Less than (12): Everything in this space must be less than 12. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 3-3, placed vertically.
Greater Than (8): Everything in this space must be greater than 8. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 29 PipsNumber (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically.
Less than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically; 4-3, placed vertically.
Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.
Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 5-5, placed vertically.
Less than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.
Number (7): Everything in this red space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.
Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically.
Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you know anatomy.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 29, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Have a heartThe words are related to matters of the heart.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe matters related to an actual human heart.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
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NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Cardiovascular.
NYT Strands word list for September 29Pulse
Cardiovascular
Vein
Artery
Atrium
Blood
Pressure
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.
Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.
While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 29, 2026 Delta meaningA letter of the Greek alphabet.
Hidden meaningSomething not clearly visible
Inside meaningSomething not outside
Model tank meaningA recreation of the military vehicle.
Monsters meaningCreatures, frequently scary.
Finding meaningThe process of discovering.
Secret meaningA fact unknown to others, perhaps by design.
Toy meaningSomething that is used for play.
Freeze tag meaningA child's game.
Oral phase meaningA term linked to Freudian psychoanalysis.
Mouth meaningA body part that, for a person, includes lips, teeth, and a tongue. It can also mean where a river ends.
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Remote meaningIsolated.
Stream bed meaningThe bottom of a waterway.
Tucked away meaningStashed.
Home game meaningWhen a sports team competes at their stadium or arena.
Drainage basin meaningWhere water runs down and eventually collects.
Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
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 Connections.
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you know animated films.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 29, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Not in a crowded space
Green: Geographical
Blue: Related to titles
Purple: Words within words
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Here are today's Connections categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Secluded
Green: River features
Blue: First words of Pixar films
Purple: Phrases hiding Greek letters
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 #1206 is...
What is the answer to Connections todaySecluded: HIDDEN, REMOTE, SECRET, TUCKED AWAY
River features: DELTA, DRAINAGE BASIN, MOUTH, STREAM BED
First words of Pixar films: FINDING, INSIDE, MONSTERS, TOY
Phrases hiding Greek letters: FREEZE TAG, HOME GAME, MODEL TANK, ORAL PHASE
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
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 Connections.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you like to swim.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 29, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Underwater swimming.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?No, there are no recurring letters.
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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.
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...
SCUBA
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.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
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.
The retro aesthetic audio brand Nothing released its first pair of over-ear headphones just over a year ago, and already, they're back with improvements.
The brand announced its latest flagship product, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro, on Sept. 28. This will be the second over-ear headphones release from Nothing this year, following March's budget-friendly Nothing Headphone (a), which I found to be a more well-rounded and better value pair of headphones than the initial launch.
The Headphone (1) Pro, though, show some serious potential. Though I've only spent a few days with the headphones so far, I have some initial thoughts, alongside everything else to know about Nothing's newest release.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro: Price and specsThe Nothing Headphone (1) Pro cost $399, putting them $100 over the asking price of the Headphone (1) upon launch. The specs are as follows:
Drivers: Bass dynamic driver, precision dynamic driver, and xMEMS driver
Active noise cancellation: Adaptive, powered by 10 microphones
Battery life: 30 hours with ANC on, 68 hours with ANC off
Quick charge: Two hours of listening from a five-minute charge
Spatial audio: Yes, five modes of dynamic spatial audio (standard, Studio B by Metropolis Studios, live house, club, concert hall)
IP rating: IP52
Multipoint: Yes
Connection: Bluetooth 6.1, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair
Colors: Black and white
While the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro retain the same distinctive retro-rectangular look of the Headphone (1), the brand brought some updates that separate the newer model as the premium one. For instance, the transparent part of the ear cup is made of shatter- and scratch-resistant glass, while a combination of titanium and aluminum provides for a lighter overall product.
Last year's Nothing Headphone (1) are similar in appearances, but the brand made key changes for the update model. Credit: Bethany Allard / MashableNothing also claims to have upped the noise cancellation power by 40 percent, thanks to the 10-microphone system with more optimally placed mics. Unlike the older headphones, all the microphones are placed inward on the ear cup, meaning less interference from wind and airflow.
SEE ALSO: The 10 best noise-cancelling headphones we use, love, and recommendThe headline with these headphones, however, likely lies with the broad listening experience. The triple driver architecture isn't one too common on headphones, but it's designed to provide the most robust listening experience. In the companion app, you have the option in the equalizer to tune the main drivers or the precision driver specifically.
In addition to the drivers, Nothing included five different modes of dynamic spatial audio, optimized for different genres of music.
If you're into audio editing, music mixing, or any aspect of audio production, Nothing also included a Flat EQ mode, which is designed to provide the most faithful reproduction of the original audio as possible. The headphones also feature an on-ear switch for this mode on the interior of the left ear cup.
Speaking of on-ear switches, it's worth noting that something that hasn't really changed between the two headphones is the excellent on-ear controls.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro: First impressions The improved comfort on this design is a huge plus. Credit: Bethany Allard / MashableThough I haven't had much time with these headphones so far, immediately I could tell they were more comfortable than the Headphone (1), which I could not wear comfortably for more than an hour. Nothing claims the Pro headphones have 50 percent softer ear cushions and an overall lighter frame, both of which feel accurate and make the experience of using these headphones significantly more pleasant.
I've yet to put them through the wringer on the ANC front, but claims of improvements there also feel accurate so far — even the standard sounds of my apartment, like my own typing and the AC running, are basically impossible to hear when I'm streaming audio with the ANC on.
What I'm really looking forward to testing extensively is the robust sound profile. These headphones offer an impressive amount of customization, from the custom equalizer, presets, spatial audio options, and flat EQ mode. As a freelance podcast producer and editor, I'm particularly interested in trying out that last mode against my usual editing headphones.
Ultimately, I'm struggling to come up with critiques in my first days of testing, which I didn't experience with the Headphone (1) — we'll see how that develops over the rest of my testing period.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro: Where to buyThe Nothing Headphone (1) will be available to purchase for $399 at Nothing's website, Amazon, and Best Buy on Sept. 29. We'll update this post as links go live.
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