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Opens in a new window Credit: Evaris Media Undetectable AI: Lifetime Subscription £29.81 at the Mashable Shop
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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 September 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 September 27 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Complete trust in one's beliefs.

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 F.

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...

FAITH.

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.

Hurricane Helene is strengthening as expected, and landfall will occur on the Big Bend coast of Florida Thursday night. Traffic, however, will not wait for landfall to occur.

Tweet may have been deleted

During a major hurricane, road conditions can be affected not just by flooding and crashes, but by road damage, precautionary closures, or just too many people on the road.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Helene: Watch Florida webcams live, including Panama City, Port St. Joe SEE ALSO: Hurricane Helene update: Track the Florida landfall path

Fortunately you can check out live video feeds along your itinerary before you depart, and leave less to chance if you need to be out on the roads.

How to stay aware of road conditions during Hurricane Helene Credit: Florida Department of Transportation

As you're probably aware, the Florida Department of Transportation operates a site called FL511, and it aggregates live video feeds along Florida's roads and highways (some of which tend to be inoperable at any given time).

Credit: Florida Department of Transportation

The FL511 map overlays information on top of the Google Maps display of Florida.

Enter your starting point and destination in the info box on the left side, or right click on a location to draw up an itinerary.

To see live video along your specific route, find the box for "Traffic Cameras" and click it (assuming it's not already clicked).

Credit: Florida Department of Transportation

To bring up an actual live video, click one of the camera icons.

Credit: Florida Department of Transportation

The FDOT also advises motorists to check FL511 for potential alternative routes in the event that conditions mandate road closures, which they almost certainly will on Thursday night and Friday morning.

Tweet may have been deleted

In other words, check in with FDOT's map early and often to make sure your route is actually your route during Hurricane Helene.

OpenAI doesn't want to be so open anymore.

According to a new report, OpenAI — the organization that burst onto the scene with the release of its popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, in 2022 — is looking to restructure into a for-profit company.

Much to the chagrin of its biggest critics, like former investor Elon Musk, OpenAI has been slowly moving away from the non-profit ethos it was initially founded on. OpenAI was originally founded in 2015 as a non-profit organization. In 2019, a for-profit subsidiary of the non-profit was set up, and the organization has been headed in that direction ever since. 

SEE ALSO: OpenAI is reportedly going all-in as a for-profit company

OpenAI is now looking to make its evolution into a for-profit company complete by shedding the non-profit board that controls it.

OpenAI looks to shed non-profit's power

In its current state, a non-profit organization sits atop OpenAI's business operations and controls the for-profit business' operations. This was set up in an attempt to keep true to part of OpenAI's original mission of ensuring a "safe AGI that is broadly beneficial." Potential dangers with AI, namely AI that surpasses its human creators, had once been a concern at the forefront of the organization. 

Late last year, the board's role and those concerns were thrust into the headlines after the non-profit board fired OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, setting off a chain of events that eventually landed Altman back at the head of the company. Altman was accused by some of his peers of putting AI safety issues aside in order to focus on growth at the for-profit company.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI Strawberry might release sooner than expected. Everything we know so far.

Investors, such as companies like Microsoft, have put billions of dollars into OpenAI. Even with these big investments, as OpenAI critic Ed Zitron recently pointed out, OpenAI is on track to lose billions this year. As these Big Tech companies seek returns on their investments, it seems inevitable that OpenAI will continue to focus on its profit motives. But, to fully do that, the non-profit board has to go – and it appears Altman is in the midst of doing that.

On Wednesday, the same day this report was published, OpenAI's CTO Mira Murati announced she was leaving the company. Shortly after Murati's announcement, OpenAI’s chief research officer Bob McGrew and VP of research Barret Zoph both announced their intention to leave the organization as well.

OpenAI appears to be undergoing big change as the organization restructures everything from how the company operates to its executive offices. While OpenAI says its non-profit will continue to exist, it will only own a minority stake in the for-profit company. OpenAI will seemingly take more risks in order to turn a profit, operating more so as a standard tech startup than before. But, it's unclear whether those risks will solve the for-profit company's financial issues or leave a net positive impact on society as a whole.

Finances can be a confusing space to navigate, and often, social media feels like a place that might make it make sense. People talk honestly about their financial woes online, and it can make you feel more open to following their advice — mainly because you don't have to pay for it,

Influencers on TikTok will tell you to get a high-yield savings account, or maybe they'll tell you not to. They tell you how to invest or get an unstressful job you like that pays well. They tell you what you're doing wrong — which, it turns out, is probably everything. They break down their paychecks and tell you why the advice you're following — on the very site you're following them — is messed up.

If that seems confusing, it's because it is. A new report by Edelman Financial Engines found that "more than a quarter of social media users (and 42% in their 30s) said they believed financial advice or information on social media that turned out to be false or misleading."

According to the report, since the vast majority of the population uses social media, and so many of us spend over three hours on it every day, we're exposed to "curated lifestyles and consumerism can come at a cost." The report shows that a quarter of users say they feel dissatisfied with their own personal wealth after using social media and comparing themselves to those online — and it's worse for younger generations.

SEE ALSO: What's so special about a Stanley? A guide to conspicuous consumption on TikTok.

"Americans, who tend to spend the most time on these platforms, are particularly vulnerable: 42% of those in their 30s have fallen prey to bad advice, and 2 in 10 (19%) have been duped multiple times," the report states. "Men are also more likely to believe misinformation online."

This comes at a time in which young people — those between the ages of 22-24 — are "more likely to be delinquent on credit cards and car loans than the generation before them," according to the Washington Post, and Gen Z debt loans have increased faster than their incomes. Of course, it's not particularly surprising that users are willing to do just about anything to get out of it; half of all Americans with debt even said they'd disclose private and personal information online if it meant their debt would be erased, the Edlemen report showed.

"Don’t let scrolling impact your financial decisions," the report reads. "As a society, we’re spending more time online and on social media than ever before, and there’s probably no changing that. But that shouldn’t mean we let our guard down against the bad advice and misinformation that’s out there. Younger generations are most susceptible to this content, so make sure to also encourage your kids to seek out guidance from qualified professionals instead of viral trends."

Helene is, as of this writing on Thursday afternoon, a "dangerous major hurricane," and conditions are expected to rapidly worsen in the next several hours as landfall approaches.

Tweet may have been deleted

The west coast of the Florida peninsula saw storm surge and rain all day, but what was visible Thursday may be deceptive, as this intensifying storm will be significantly more violent and dangerous for the Big Bend — along with areas to its north — than it was for the rest of the state.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Helene update: Track the Florida landfall path

The following webcams are in or near NOAA's forecast cone for Helene, meaning they're likely to be directly in the path of the center of the hurricane. As these spots take what may be a direct hit, the full power of Hurricane Helene can be better understood by watching it in action.

Landfall view of the webcam at Turtley Rad Cut on St. George Island

At the approximate western limit of NOAA's forecast cone is the inhabited section of St. George Island, a barrier island across the Apalachicola Bay from the mainland. This webcam usually shows a placid swimming beach called Bob Sike's Cut. It may soon not show any land at all.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Helene: Watch Florida webcams live, including Panama City, Port St. Joe Webcam in Steinhatchee, Florida during Hurricane Helene

Around the eastern limit of the forecast cone is Steinhatchee, a community in Taylor County. This webcam view — situated at a dock behind a seafood restaurant — faces inland from the mouth of the Steinhatchee River, where it empties into Deadman Bay. The visible effects of storm surge on the river tonight will be dramatic, and the webcam will shift into its night vision mode to broadcast them .

"John Wick" spin-off "Ballerina" hits theaters June 6.

California has taken a huge step in protecting children placed in the online spotlight, passing two new pieces of legislation providing financial safety nets for minors starring in digital content.

Gov. Gavin Newsom was joined at the bill signing by singer and former child star Demi Lovato, who recently made headlines for her appearance in Child Star, a new Hulu documentary about youth working in Hollywood. Lovato championed California's new legislation and spoke about its importance at the event.

SEE ALSO: No more TikTok FYP? California social media bill could totally reshape kids' online world

The first of the new laws establishes financial and legal protections for minors featured in monetized online content, mandating a percentage of earnings gathered from online "performers" be placed in a trust by their parent or guardian. The law also requires those overseeing the kid-related content to create a written statement related to the trust and to keep records on revenue generated and how much money is placed in the trust. The second law expands existing legislation protecting child performers to cover minors "employed as content creators on online platforms."

Both laws, known as SB 764 and AB 1880, are intended to bolster the California Child Actor's Bill, also known as the Coogan Law. Passed in 1939, the law requires employers of child performers to place 15 percent of the young talent's earnings into a Coogan Account (formerly called blocked trust accounts or trust accounts) in order to ensure the minor is afforded a portion of their profit once they turn 18.

"A lot has changed since Hollywood’s early days, but here in California, our laser focus on protecting kids from exploitation remains the same," said Newsom. "In old Hollywood, child actors were exploited. In 2024, it’s now child influencers."

Coogan Law isn't infallible, however, and many industry actors have found legal loopholes to the law's provisions. Most recently, advocates have noted the grey area occupied by online child performers or influencers, including children who feature predominately in family "vlog" content created by their parents. Until recently, online "stars" were not protected under current entertainment law, although some states have moved to pass their own protective legislation.

Children "starring" in online content aren't just at risk for financial exploitation. Other advocates are ringing alarm bells on the social and mental repercussions of invasive sharing of children online, also referred to as "sharenting." In addition to financial protections at the state level, other legislators have proposed privacy laws to provide legal pathways for children who are exploited by their guardians without consent.

"In order to build a better future for the next generation of child stars, we need to put protections in place for minors working in the digital space," said Lovato.

"The Last of Us" Season 2, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, hits HBO and Max in 2025.

Businesses are trying to game Google Maps with fake reviews and Google has had enough.

Google has started restricting profiles of businesses that are found to have hosted fake reviews. On its support website, Google laid out what exactly can happen to such businesses. Some of the possible punishments include, but are apparently not limited to, the following:

• Businesses won't be able to receive new reviews for a set period of time

• Existing reviews will be unpublished for a period of time

• Business profiles will display a warning that they have hosted fake reviews in the past

Tweet may have been deleted

Google started rolling this out initially in the UK earlier this year, but the policy is supposedly global now, per The Verge. That said, I haven't personally seen any warnings like this, so I can't guarantee if they're appearing in the U.S. yet.

SEE ALSO: Google launches new gaming world for kids on Roblox

It's no surprise that businesses would try to exploit the reviews system on Google Maps, given that the app is incredibly popular and one of the most common use cases is to find businesses in a user's area. However, fake reviews could erode trust in the system, so it's probably smart for Google to take increased steps against them.

Samsung hosted an event in NYC on Thursday, Sept. 26, revealing a handful of new devices, including new tablets, a phone, and a watch.

As expected this time of year, Samsung revealed the Galaxy Tab S10+ and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. Interestingly, there isn't a base model this year, so you won't find an entry-level Galaxy Tab S10 in this lineup.

We also got a glimpse of the new Galaxy S24 FE, a budget-friendly addition to the Galaxy S24 series line that was unveiled earlier this year. And finally, Samsung revealed a new watch that has cellular support.

SEE ALSO: Apple Clean Up vs. Google Magic Eraser vs. Samsung Galaxy AI: Which one erases objects better? Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and S10+

As mentioned at the outset, Samsung eliminated the base model, so there's no Galaxy Tab S10 that succeeds last year's 11-inch Galaxy Tab S9.

Say hello to the new Galaxy Tab S10 series tablets Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashanle

This year, there are only two tablets to choose from: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ (12.4-inch) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (14.6-inch).

Interestingly, unlike their predecessors, the Galaxy Tab S10 tablets no longer sport Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. Instead, they come with MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipsets.

As Liliputing pointed out, this is interesting since MediaTek is often known for being packed inside budget devices (and the Galaxy Tab S10 series are not considered budget tablets). But Samsung claims that they have an 18 percent increase in CPU power as well as a 28 percent jump in graphics performance.

We'll have to test these claims ourselves when we get the new tablets in for review.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

With Samsung leaning heavily into AI, it's no surprise that the Book Cover keyboards (which can be attached to the tablets) now have a new Galaxy AI key, giving you easy access to the AI assistant that was announced alongside the Samsung Galaxy S24 series earlier this year.

Galaxy AI features include Sketch-to-Image, Circle to Search, and Note Assist. Plus, there's a Handwriting Help feature that helps tidy up your John Hancock.

Samsung also claims that the new Galaxy Tab S10 series also has "long-lasting battery life" as well as ultra-fast charging.

New features, aside from the new processor, include an improved speaker setup with an enhanced AI-powered "Dialogue Boost" perk, which augments voices in video and audio recordings.

The Galaxy Tab S10+ starts at $999.99 while the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra starts at $1,199.99.

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE LTE

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE was already introduced in June, but the company revealed that the watch will get the Galaxy AI features that are available on the pricier Galaxy Watch 7 series, enabling owners to get more personalized insights into their health.

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE LTE Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Plus, the company also dropped a new LTE version of the Galaxy Watch FE. In other words, you'll have the opportunity to take calls, send messages, and track your progress from anywhere — even if you don't have a connection to a phone.

The Galaxy Watch FE LTE starts at $249.99.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

If you feel that the Samsung Galaxy S24 series is too pricey and offers too many bells and whistles for your taste, the new Galaxy S24 FE is for you.

A quick look at specs:

• 6.7-inch AMOLED display

• 4,700 mAh battery

• Exynos 2400 chipset

Borrowing from the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, the FE model also has a 50MP wide lens. It also sports an 8MP telephoto lens with 3X optical zoom. Plus, the phone supports a 12MP ultra-wide lens as well as a 10MP selfie camera.

As you might have guessed, the Galaxy S24 FE also supports Galaxy AI, so you can enjoy the following features:

• Generative Edit (move objects around or remove them in photos)

• Portrait Studio (reimagine selfies as other visuals like cartoons, comics, and more)

• Edit Suggestions (remove reflections and other flaws)

• Instant Slow-mo

The Galaxy S24 FE starts at $649.99 and it comes in four colors: Blue, Mint, Gray, and Graphite.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE in Graphite and Blue Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

All of the aforementioned devices are available for pre-order today. The Galaxy Tab S10 series, Galaxy Watch FE LTE, and the Galaxy S24 FE will start shipping on Oct. 3.

SZA answers questions and eats wings on 'Hot Ones' all while in facial bug prosthetics.

Grab the best unlocked phone deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days:

The best early October Prime Day unlocked phone deals at a glance: BEST SAMSUNG GALAXY DEAL Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 AI (256 GB) $1,499.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal BEST MOTOROLA DEAL Motorola razr+ 2023 (256GB) $599.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal BEST GOOGLE PIXEL DEAL Google Pixel 8 (128GB) $499 at Amazon (save $200 + get free Googl Pixel Watch (WiFi)) Get Deal

If upgrading your phone is on your fall agenda, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days could be the perfect opportunity to snag one at a sweet discount. Rather than coordinating a trade-in or new data plan at a specific carrier, save yourself the trouble and check out Amazon's list of unlocked phones. We'll let you in on a little secret: you can usually find better deals.

While Prime Big Deal Days doesn't officially kick off until Oct. 8, unlocked phone deals are already plentiful at Amazon, particularly on Samsung Galaxy and Motorola phones. There are a few Google Pixel deals in the mix as well, but we'll definitely be keeping our eyes peeled for more as we inch closer to the big day(s). We'll be shocked if any unlocked iPhone deals pop up, but there's always a small glimmer of hope.

Here are the best unlocked phone deals at Amazon ahead of the official October Prime Day. We'll be refreshing the list regularly as the shopping event nears.

Best Samsung Galaxy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 AI (256 GB) $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,899.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 keeps the same winning formula as the Z Fold 5 (which we loved) but adds a few upgrades to make us love it more. It features a thinner, wider, and brighter display with enhanced resolution, a boost in Snapdragon power, and a ton of AI-powered tools from the Galaxy AI suite. It usually starts at $1,899.99, but ahead of the Prime Big Deal Days event, you can slash $400 off.

More Samsung Galaxy deals

• Samsung Galaxy A15 (128GB) — $179.99 $199.99 (save $20)

• Samsung Galaxy A35 (128GB) — $324.99 $399.99 (save $75)

• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (256GB) — $559.99 $659.99 (save $100)

• Samsung Galaxy S24 (128GB) — $719.99 $799.99 (save $80)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 AI (256GB) — $949.99 $1,099.99 (save $150)

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)

Best Motorola deal Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Our pick: Motorola razr+ 2023 (256 GB) $599.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the 2023 Motorola razr+.

Mashable reviewer RJ Andersen recently spent some time with the 2023 Motorola razr+ and found it to be a "worthy opponent to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5." It may not have the best camera, but it is "a solid phone with some solid specs." It has a 3.6-inch outer screen and a striking 6.9-inch internal display. It's also reliable, easy to use, and comes in some fun colors — although currently, only the blue and black are in stock at Amazon. Snatch up the 256 GB razr+ for just $599.99 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. That's 40% off and just $50 shy of its record low. If you prefer the newer model (quicker processor, larger outer display, and waterproof design), you can slash $100 off the 2024 razr+ and pay just $899.99.

More Motorola deals

• Moto G Play 2024 (64GB) — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)

• Motorola Moto G 5G 2023 (128GB) — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Motorola Moto G Power 5G (256GB) — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 (256GB) — $229.99 $399.99 (save $170)

• Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 (256GB) — $349.99 $399.99 (save $50)

• Motorola razr 2023 (128GB) — $399.99 $699.99 (save $300)

• Motorola Edge 2024 (256GB) — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)

• Motorola Edge+ 2023 (512GB) — $499.99 $799.99 (save $300)

• Motorola razr+ 2023 (256GB) — $599.99 $999.99 (save $400)

• Motorola razr+ 2024 (256GB) — $899.99 $999.99 (save $100)

Best Google Pixel deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Our pick: Google Pixel 8 (128GB) $499.00 at Amazon
$699.00 Save $200.00 + free Google Pixel Watch (WiFi) Get Deal

Check out our full review of the Google Pixel 8.

The new Google Pixel 9 is $100 more than its predecessor, which makes this deal on the still great Google Pixel 8 so much more appealing. It may not be the most exciting phone on the market anymore, but it's still a solid purchase in 2024. It offers a great camera, all-day battery life, a 120Hz refresh rate, a swanky chipset, and fancy AI features. Plus, when you snag it at Amazon through Sept. 28, you'll save $200 and get a free Google Pixel Watch (WiFi). That's technically a nearly $1,000 value for just $499.

More Google Pixel deals

• Google Pixel 8a (128GB) — $399 $499 (save $100)

• Google Pixel 8 Pro (129GB) — $624 $999 (save $375)

You might have to shell out more for your Star Wars, Disney, or Marvel fix. Disney+ began its password-sharing crackdown this week.

Following in Netflix's frustrating footsteps, Disney+ has limited subscription access to just one household. It detailed the new rules in a blog post in which it actually had the gall to tout the new "features and capabilities" that would expand "its paid-sharing program." In reality, it really just means you can't share your account outside your household without paying extra.

Let's get into the details.

How much will adding an "extra member" cost?

To add an "extra member" to an ad-supported plan, it will cost you $6.99 per month, while adding an ad-free plan costs $9.99 per month.

That's a pretty steep cost considering a Disney+ subscription with ads costs $7.99 per month and ad-free costs $13.99. Though those prices are set to rise to $9.99 and $15.99, respectively, next month.

No matter what, it's a pretty big increase to upgrade as an "extra member" or to get a new account entirely.

SEE ALSO: Which streaming service should you cancel? All of them (most of the time). What does an "extra member" have access to?

You might think that a hefty increase like this would get this "extra member" everything a regular user would receive. You'd be wrong.

The "extra member" is limited to one account and streaming/downloading on a single device at a time. They also "cannot have an active Hulu subscription, or an active or canceled Disney+ or ESPN+ subscription," Disney noted. The "extra member" feature is also not available to subscriptions that are part of a Disney Bundle.

So...there are definitely some limitations.

What now?

If you're stuck figuring out your next move, it seems like you might have to pay more. There may be ways to get around it, but those methods often prove time-consuming or annoying.

It's just another blow to people who stream their TV, amid frequent price hikes and constant advertisements on platforms that were once ad free. Of course, if you want to be brave, it could be time to start canceling subscriptions altogether.

Sometimes good things come with small price tags. Amazon' Prime Day sales are always a great time to snag some new gear, but if you're sticking to a budget this fall, here are some great deals that cost under $25.

October Prime Day deals under $25 Best earbuds deal Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds $19.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best wireless charging deal Anker PowerWave Magnetic Wireless Charger $23.99 with code ANKER2561 (save $16) Get Deal Best home security deal Blink Mini $17.99 at Amazon (save $12) Get Deal

Life feels pretty expensive these days, which means that many of us are sticking to a strict budget lately. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy Amazon's upcoming Prime Big Deal Days event. Starting on Oct. 8, the retailer is hosting another major sale that's a great time to upgrade any tech that's starting to feel old and sluggish.

However, if you're anxious to get a good deal before the sale officially starts, we have some good news. We're already seeing some noteworthy price drops, including budget-friendly items that cost under $25 thanks to early October Prime Day discounts. Here are some sweet deals to shop today.

Best earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Our pick: Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds $19.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The ultra-affordable Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds are on sale at Amazon for just $19.99 which means they're half-off the usual price of $39.99. At this price, you can use them as stocking stuffers or grab a few pairs for your family to always have on hand in case somone's earbuds go missing.

The P20i earbuds use 10mm drivers, focusing on bass while also offering about 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. They're also water resistant, so no worries if you're out in the rain or in the muggy summer heat.

The compact and lightweight design of the Soundcore earbuds paired with the attached lanyard means these earbuds are also great for travel, taking to school, or bringing along to the office.

Best wireless charging deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Our pick: Anker PowerWave Magnetic Wireless Charger $23.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $16.00 use code ANKER2561 at checkout Get Deal Why we like it

If you have an iPhone 12, 13, or 14, you're in for a great deal today. The Anker PowerWave Magnetic Wireless Charger is on sale for just $23.99 at Amazon with checkout code ANKER2561. The magnetic stand means your iPhone can recharge while still being visible and totally usable. You can charge vertically or horizontally, and you can also change the angle to make viewing better.

Below the magnetic charger, you can place AirPods 2, AirPods Pro, Galaxy Buds, or Libery Air earbuds on the charging base to simultaneously charge up your phone and earbuds.

Best home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Blink Mini $17.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Keeping an eye on the inside of your home or apartment while you're away can offer some serious peace of mind. Get reassurance the dog didn't destroy the couch or check that the kids arrived home from school on time with the Blink Mini indoor camera. You'll get a clear and crisp view with the 1080p resolution while also getting night vision views when it gets dark. Two-way audio on the camera means you can let the dog know you see what it's up to should it choose chaos and start chewing on the couch.

You'll get alerts on your smartphone when motion is detected or you can customize your notifications or detection zones. Setting up the Blink Mini includes plugging it into a power source and connecting it to your home's WiFi.

The Blink Mini usually costs $29.99 but thanks to this early October Prime Day deal, you can get the camera for just $17.99. That's an impressive 40% discount.

More October Prime Day deals under $25

• TP-Link Tapo 2K pan tilt security camera — $19.99 $34.99 (save $15)

• Energizer Weatheready rechargeable LED flashlight — $21.99 $28.99 (save $7)

• Logitech MK270 wireless keyboard and mouse combo — $22.99 $27.99 (save $5)

• Amazon Alexa Voice Remote Pro — $24.99 $34.99 (save $10)

• Logitech Brio 101 webcam — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)

• Paris Hilton enameled cast iron Dutch oven — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)

Hurricane Helene is a formidable category 2 Hurricane creeping north through the Gulf of Mexico as of Thursday midday — and, importantly, it's still gaining strength. The situation is serious, with NOAA warning Floridians in particular to prepare for landfall this evening, and noting that "preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion."

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Where will it land? When? How severe will it be at or near landfall? Where will it go once its incursion into the mainland has begun, and what will conditions be like there? There are no hard answers to any of these, only forecasts — typically doled out as illustrative maps. But the good news is that forecasts are, broadly speaking, powerfully accurate.

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Here's the latest on what the immediate future holds in the form of maps:

Latest forecast cone for Hurricane Helene: SEE ALSO: Why it's impossible to forecast the weather too far into the future

According to NOAA's forecast cone as of 11:00 a.m. ET Thursday, coastal residents should be prepared for hurricane conditions as far west as Panama City, and as far east as the Clearwater area (though Tampa might want to batten down the hatches too, as of this writing, just in case).

The cone itself — meaning the geographical range likely to contain the path of the center of the storm — was showing potential direct hits anywhere from the area of St. George Island near the Bryant Patton Memorial Bridge in the west, to the proximity of Steinhatchee in the east.

Credit: NOAA

To refresh your memory, NOAA's cone graphics predict the range of potential paths likely to be taken by the center of the storm. Storm surge and other severe conditions may well occur outside the cone, while inside the cone, there will always be some areas that experience relatively mild conditions.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Helene: Watch Florida webcams live, including Panama City, Port St. Joe Landfall times for for Hurricane Helene Tweet may have been deleted

According to the North Carolina Local CBS affiliate WNCT, Helene was expected to make landfall at approximately 8:00 p.m. CT (which is 9:00 p.m. ET). Their forecast showed the storm weakening from 120 mph winds at landfall to 65 mph when it reaches the vicinity of North Carolina about 12 hours later.

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The above map, posted by a storm chaser calling himself Reed Timmer, PhD shows a grouping of potential paths as of Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, nearly all of which appear to be making a beeline for the Big Bend.

As the landfall approaches, some of what were called "spaghetti" models when the storm was further out begin to narrow and look much less spaghetti-like. They also hint at the capricious storm's final plan of attack. Crucially, a storm ends up charting a course outside of the forecast cone 1/3 of the time, according to NOAA.

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The above maps, posted by Orlando meteorologist Noah Bergren, hint that Helene's eye may be turning slightly east, or may just be wobbling slightly off course before it returns to the cone — either is possible. Though, importantly, Bergren points out that the true "center of circulation" may well still be in the cone. The storm still appears to be headed toward the vicinity of the Big Bend, but it could also veer off the expected course, impacting — for instance — Gainesville more than previously expected.

So while forecasting maps are clues about the future, it's wise to follow NOAA's more general advice at times like this, particularly the part that says "Residents in [affected] areas should follow advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so."

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Mashable Tech Editor Kimmie G breaks down why Apple's latest fleet of iPhones could be worth the upgrade.

Shop the best early Prime Big Deal Days deals on soundbars:

Best Prime Day soundbar deals Best soundbar deal Roku TV Wireless Soundbar $99.99 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal Best Sony soundbar deal Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar $98 at Amazon (Save $31.99) Get Deal Best Amazon soundbar deal Amazon Fire TV Soundbar $104.99 at Amazon (Save $15) Get Deal

Another Prime Day is coming. This time, Amazon is bringing back its October event, Prime Big Deal Days — expect two days jam-packed with deals. As we prepare for the sale to run October 8 and 9, we're ramping up our deal hunting; we already found the best Bluetooth speaker deals, and now we're rounding up the best soundbar deals.

Now that we're in the thick of football season, WNBA playoffs, and just general cozy season, we're spending a lot more time at home in front of the TV. If your TV is just right, but maybe your sound system just isn't cutting it, October Prime Day is a great right time to get a soundbar. We're tracking the best early deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

Best soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku TV Wireless Soundbar $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Soundbars provide advanced sound to your home theater, but getting one can feel like you're signing up for another thing that requires yet another remote that will inevitably get lost in the couch. Luckily, Roku streamlined their system with this wireless soundbar that seamlessly connects to your Roku TV or streamer. Unfortunately, this soundbar is only compatible with Rokus, but the good news is that Rokus are some of the best streaming devices out there.

Normally $149.99, ahead of Prime Day, the Roku TV wireless soundbar is down to $99.99, saving you $50 for 33% off.

More soundbar deals

• VIZIO 2.0 Home Theater Sound Bar — $69.99 $79.99 (save $10)

• Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar — $98 $129.99 (save $31.99)

• Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $104.99 $119.99 (save $15)

• VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Soundbar — $129.99 $159.99 (save $30)

• Samsung HW-S50B/ZA 3.0ch Soundbar — $217.99 $247.99 (save $30)

• Sony Bravia Theater Bar 8 Soundbar — $1,444 $1,599.97 (save $155.97)

If you own an LG TV, hit up the settings menu ASAP.

That's because full-screen screensaver advertisements have infected LG televisions, FlatPanelsHD reported. These ads appear before the normal screensaver kicks in, and can be for either LG-centric promotions or third-party partners like car companies. According to FlatPanelsHD's testing, the ads are muted...for now.

SEE ALSO: Get a smart TV for less than $150 ahead of October Prime Day How to turn off screensaver ads on LG TVs

The obvious first response to this, if you own an LG TV, is "can I turn these ads off?" The good news is that, at least at the moment, you can. Here's how:

1. Open the TV's settings menu

2. Navigate to "Additional Settings"

3. Navigate to the "Screen Saver Promotion" toggle and turn it off

LG seemingly turned this on without announcing it ahead of time, and it has infected even the company's newest, most high-end sets, according to the FlatPanelsHD report. That may not sit well with people who paid more than $1,000 for a TV, especially if the ads ever, at any point, start making noise. Ditto if LG ever disables the ability to turn them off.

Shopping for early savings at Amazon's Prime Day Big Deal event? While the event doesn't kick off until the second week of October, we're already seeing some purchase-worthy sales. If you have a budget of under $50, here are some great sales to shop ahead of next month's Prime Day event.

Best October Prime Day deals under $50 Best entertainment deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $34.99 at Amazon with code FTVMAXUP24 (save $25) Get Deal Best headphones deal Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones (black) $39.90 at Amazon (save $20.09) Get Deal Best home security deal Blink Outdoor 4 $39.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal

The temperature and leaves are beginning to fall, which means it's almost time for Amazon's third major sale of the season. Starting on Oct. 8, Amazon will treat us to the Prime Big Deal Days event, and we expect to see solid discounts on Amazon devices, small kitchen appliances, headphones, robot vacuums, and plenty more. But before you add it all to your cart, check out the Mashable guide to items you don't want to buy during Prime Day.

Like most Amazon sales, the deals have already started trickling in ahead of the official start date. If you're looking for some upgraded tech items or you're already getting some holiday shopping taken care of, here are some great deals that'll cost you under $50 during Amazon's October Prime Day sale.

Best entertainment deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $34.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $25.00 with code FTVMAXUP24 Get Deal Why we like it

If your streaming stick doesn't support 4K, it's time for an upgrade. Thanks to an early Prime Big Deal Days sale, you can grab the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for just $34.99, down from the normal price of $59.99. With the streaming stick, you'll be in for smooth 4K streaming with quick loading and navigation. The stick even supports the blazing fast WiFi 6E.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max comes with an Alexa voice-controlled remote, so you can tell Alexa to start playing the latest episode of your favorite show. The remote also has four pre-programmed buttons so you'll have easy access to your favorite streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video.

Gamers can also benefit from the streaming stick since you can play Xbox games with no console required, so long as you have the stick and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Anker Our pick: Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones (black) $39.90 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.09 Get Deal Why we like it

Noise-cancelling headphones tend to cost several hundred dollars, putting them out of range for many folks. But that's not the case today — you can grab the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones in black for just $39.90 at Amazon.

Are these top-of-the-line Bose headphones? Nope. But they do an excellent job with sound quality and noise cancellation, especially considering the affordable sale price. The ear cups are made with a soft memory foam so you'll be comfortable for all-day wear, and they get about 60 hours of playtime before you'll need to recharge. You'll also get a convenient travel pouch with the headphones for easy storage.

Best home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Blink Outdoor 4 $39.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Home security cameras can be a great addition to your tech collection. The wireless Blink Outdoor 4 is on sale at Amazon for just $39.99, down from the list price of $99.99 which means you'll be getting a massive 60% discount. The security camera has a battery that'll keep it powered for up to two years while also offering crisp and clear 1080p HD resolution. Come night time, the camera will switch to an infrared night live view.

Mashable sister publication PCMag (both owned by Ziff Davis) gave the Blink Outdoor 4 an "excellent" review, noting its wider field of view and optional people alerts as pros.

Plus, since the camera is wireless, you won't have to worry about a complicated set-up process.

More deals under $50 at Amazon's Big Deal Days event

• Soundcore P30i earbuds — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20 with on-page coupon)

• Blink Video Doorbell — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)

• Sony SRSXB1 Portable Speaker — $38 $59.99 (save $20)

• Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe — $46.99 $59 (save $12.01)