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If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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 Mashable

By 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: Here's the answer hints for October 7 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 7 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Most excellent

These words will affirm, slangily

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words for "neat."

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Thatscool.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 7

• Groovy

• Boss

• Swell

• Dandy

• Thatscool

• Hype

• Choice

• Righteous

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 7 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 7

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.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for October 7'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 SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 7 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.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 7 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Stupid face

• Green: Car noises

• Blue: What you do when someone tells a good joke

• Purple: Monkeys

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

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

• Yellow: Knucklehead

• Green: Car Onomatopoeia

• Blue: Sounds of Laughter

• Purple: Famous Primates

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 #484 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Knucklehead: DING-DONG, DODO, YAHOO, YO-YO

• Car Onomatopoeia: BEEP BEEP, PURR, SKRRT, VROOM

• Sounds of Laughter: HAR-HAR, HOOT, WHOOP, YUK

• Famous Primates: BUBBLES, GEORGE, KING KONG, KOKO

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 6

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.

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 October 7'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 today: Hints and answers for October 7 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 October 7 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 7 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Powder that can thicken a soup.

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. SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 7 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...

FLOUR.

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.

'SNL' takes on the VP debate with Bowen Yang as JD Vance and Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz.

Grindr, the most well-known gay dating app, is reportedly testing an AI bot that is designed to act as a wingman for its users.

Grindr's AI wingman will be specifically tailored for the app's LGBTQ user base, the Wall Street Journal reported. Users will interact with the wingman like a chatbot. Currently, a small group of users is testing the feature, Grindr's CEO George Arison said in an interview with WSJ. The group will expand to 1,000 users by the end of 2024 and 10,000 in 2025. The plan is for the chatbot to be available to Grindr's 14 million users by 2027 at the latest, Arison told WSJ.

SEE ALSO: As Grindr complaints rise, other gay dating apps try to swoop in

The wingman will apparently keep track of users' favorite matches and make suggestions ranging from long-term relationship candidates to date spots. Later on, the wingman may be able to make restaurant reservations and converse with other wingman bots so users have a "robust view" of each other by the time they meet in person, WSJ reported.

The Wall Street Journal listed some preliminary issues with this idea. For one, Grindr needs to ensure this won't be a privacy and safety risk in areas where it isn't safe to be outwardly gay. Furthermore, Grindr sold user location data through ad networks for years, and AI data could pose another privacy risk.

WSJ claims a solution will be an "empathetic AI technology" through AI model company Ex-human, which Grindr made a deal with last year. The model Ex-human creates will be trained on romantic conversation and made "more gay." It's unclear how these models will solve these potential privacy concerns. Grindr is also in a lawsuit in the UK about revealing users' HIV status.

Besides these possible issues, Grindr users are currently frustrated with the app due to growing product issues and paywalls. In a statement to Mashable earlier this month concerning this frustration, a Grindr spokesperson said, "Since a major investment in modernizing our chat platform earlier this year, we are aware that our users have experienced technical challenges on Grindr."

It remains to be seen, then, how the app's infrastructure will contend with the introduction of a chatbot, and also how Grindr users will react to it. When Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd described a potential "AI dating concierge" in an interview in May, the reaction was overwhelmingly negative. Considering that Grindr is known for quick hookups — VICE described it as a "24/7 merry-go-round of sex in your immediate locale" in 2022 — users may not want an AI bot intervening with their carnival ride.

Mashable has reached out to Grindr for comment on the AI wingman.

The saga concerning X and Brazil continues. On Friday, Brazil's Supreme Court stated that X paid its fines to the wrong bank, Reuters reported. This will delay the return of the social media platform to Brazil.

Back in August, Brazil's top court banned X (formerly Twitter) for failing to appoint a legal representative within the country. This came after X owner Elon Musk refused to comply with Brazil's order to take down misinformation and fake news and pay fines for this, which Musk called "censorship orders."

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's X sucks and I'm not leaving

However, this battle didn't last long because X surrendered to Brazil in September when Musk quietly agreed to the country's demands: taking down accounts spreading misinformation, appointing a local representative, and paying fines.

On the latter point, Musk and X have taken hit after hit. In late September, Brazil's Supreme Court said if X wanted to be reinstated, it'd have to pay an additional $5 million in fines after already paying $3.3 million. This Friday, X filed a new request for Brazil to lift its suspension, claiming it paid all the fines. Brazilian Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes responded that X needed to pay its fines to the right bank, according to Reuters. The justice also said that once this is done, Brazil's prosecutor general will consider the company's request.

X's lawyers then apparently denied sending the funds — which amount to around $5.24 million — to the wrong place, according to court documents seen by Reuters. X's counsel also denied the need for the prosecutor general's opinion before X could function in Brazil again.

Mashable has reached out to X for comment.

If you're an avid Walmart shopper, you'll probably want to consider signing up for Walmart+. We know that having to sign up for yet another membership service sounds like a pain, but it may be worth it for you (don't worry, we'll tell you why). That's especially true now that Walmart's decided to compete with Amazon Prime Day with its very own Holiday Deals event, beginning on October 8.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Start time, the competition, and more

Although the Holiday Deals event is open to all customers, Walmart+ members will get early access and can start shopping 12 hours earlier than non-members. (Walmart+ members also get early access to Walmart's Black Friday sales.)

Below, we'll explain what it is, what you'll get out of it, and how to sign up. You'll also find a list of anticipated deals from the holiday sale.

What is Walmart+?

Walmart+ is the big-box retailer's premier membership program that gets you exclusive benefits, both online and in-store. These include perks like free and fast shipping, early sale access, mobile scan & go at Walmart stores, and lots more. Many compare it to Amazon Prime, though it's still a bit different.

What are the perks?

The whole reason for signing up for Walmart+ is those sweet perks. Here's what you'll get when you become a member:

• Unlimited free delivery: All $35+ orders from Walmart stores will be delivered free of charge.

• Fast shipping: Next-day and two-day shipping is free for Walmart+ members with no minimum required.

• Easy returns: If you need to return something, Walmart will pick it up for you. You won't need to print any labels or repackage any products.

• Savings on fuel: Walmart+ members save 10 cents per gallon at participating fueling stations like Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, Sam's Club, and more.

• Auto care: Visit any Walmart Auto Care center for free flat tire repair and road hazard warranty.

• Mobile scan & go: Shopping at a physical Walmart location? Use your smartphone to scan and pay for your items to make the checkout process faster.

• Paramount+ Essential (ad-supported) Plan subscription: Gain access to Paramount+ for no additional fee and enjoy the catalog of movies and TV shows.

• Early access: Members will get first dibs on special product releases and big sale events, including Black Friday.

• Walmart+ travel: Enjoy up to 5% in Walmart Cash when booking hotels, car rentals, tours, and more with Expedia, and up to 2% on flights.

• Burger King savings: Treat yourself to 25% off Burger King every day and a free Whopper with any purchase every three months.

Walmart frequently treats its members to exclusive limited-time perks, adding even more value to your Walmart+ membership. Previous examples include free Apple Music and YouTube Premium.

How much does Walmart+ cost?

A Walmart+ membership costs $98 annually or $12.95 monthly. New members can also redeem a 30-day free trial to test the waters before fully committing, but it has limited benefits, and only some of these offers will be available.

Walmart also offers a Walmart+ Assist membership, a more affordable option available to qualifying government aid recipients of SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and more. It's $6.47 per month or $49 per year.

How do you sign up?

Signing up with Walmart+ couldn't be any easier. Here's how to get started:

1. Go to the Walmart+ page. Here, you'll find information on what the service is, what perks you'll get, and pricing.

2. Click on "Start your free 30-day trial." (Yes, you get your first month totally free! A recurring billing period will start after the trial ends.)

3. Fill out your personal and payment information for billing and shipping purposes.

4. That's literally it. You're now a Walmart+ member, and you can start enjoying your perks immediately!

What is Walmart's holiday sale?

Walmart's first-ever Holiday Deals sales event starts on October 8 at 12 p.m. ET, but Walmart+ members can browse the sale at midnight ET on October 8th. In-store savings kick in on October 9, and the deals will run through October 13. You don't need a Walmart+ membership to shop the sale, but signing up does guarantee early access.

Here are a few examples of what you can expect to find during the sale:

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Pizza Fire Delivery Van — $29 $49.15 (save $20.15)

• LEGO Disney Stitch Toy Building Kit — $51.95 $64.99 (save $13.04)

• DR. J Professional HEPA Air Purifier — $69.99 $179.99 (save $110)

• Bissell Little Green Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner — $109 $153 (save $44)

• Frigidaire 7.5 Cu. ft. Refrigerator — $198 $499 (save $301)

• Restored Apple MacBook Air Bundle — $226 $279 (save $53)

• 15.6-inch MSI Thin Gaming Laptop (Core i5-13420H NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD) — $599 $699 (save $100)

• onn. 98-inch Roku TV (Walmart exclusive) — $1,498 (special buy)

Walmart+ or Amazon Prime?

Though similar, Walmart+ and Amazon Prime still have some pretty big differences between them, and we could make a case for having both. Both services include free and fast shipping benefits, grocery delivery, and access to select streaming services, to name a few shared perks. But, if you had to pick one, we'd say the answer lies in just one question: Do you plan on shopping in-store? If yes, go for Walmart+, but if you think you'll only be shopping online, Amazon Prime will be your best bet. (One more note to consider: Amazon Prime costs about $40 more annually than Walmart+.)

Both memberships also have special shopping events, like Amazon's flagship Prime Day, and Walmart's Walmart+ Week. During Prime Day, the focus is on deals across products, but Walmart+ Week centers extra savings on offers and services exclusive to its members.

Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Walmart+ Learn More

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, October 6, 2024:

AcrossOne of Franklin's certainties in life

• The answer is Taxes.

Human voice at the end of a phone tree, say

• The answer is Agent.

One might be thrown in surprise

• The answer is Party.

"When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's ___"

• The answer is Amore.

Smokin' hot

• The answer is Sexy.

DownAppetizers like croquetas and patatas bravas

• The answer is Tapas.

One's best effort, so to speak

• The answer is A Game.

Search for : "google" :: make a copy of : "___"

• The answer is Xerox.

Diary passage

• The answer is Entry.

Eyelid irritation

• The answer is Stye.

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

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

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

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

GET $102 OFF: As of Oct. 5, you can get the Shark Navigator Lift-Away XL for just $97 at Walmart. That's a $102 discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Navigator Lift-Away XL (CU512) $97.00 at Walmart
$199.00 Save $102.00 Get Deal

It’s officially shopping season, and with Prime Big Deal Days right around the corner, we’ve seen deals across a wide range of product categories, from tech to home goods, and not just from Amazon.

Right now, Walmart is hosting what it’s calling Shark Days, where you can score $100 off select Shark products, including the Shark Navigator Lift-Away upright vacuum.

SEE ALSO: Walmart is going head-to-head with Prime Big Deal Days

As of Oct. 5, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away XL (CU512) is just $97! That’s a $102 discount. I'm shocked whenever I see a vacuum for less than $100, let alone one from a reputable brand like Shark. (This upright vacuum has more than 9K reviews, averaging 4.4 stars out of 5.)

I bought a Shark Lift-Away because of the anti-allergen complete seal technology and HEPA filter. My model also has an odor neutralizer, which I love since I have two dogs. It traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. And, with an extra-large canister capacity, the XL model means fewer trips to empty.

The lift-away canister (hence the name) is also super convenient for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, stairs, and furniture. Plus, the crevice tool makes getting into the couch cushions and other tight spots easy.

If you need a budget-friendly upright vacuum that can handle quick cleanups on the carpet and hard floors, spring for this Shark Navigator Lift-Away XL vacuum while it's on sale.

GET $100 OFF: Get up to $100 off Shark vacuums, air purifiers, and more during Walmart's Shark Days sales event.

The best Shark Days deals: Best robot vacuum deal Shark Matrix 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop $249 at Walmart (save $47) Get Deal Best upright vacuum deal Shark Navigator Lift-Away XL (CU512) $97 at Walmart (save $102) Get Deal Best air purifier deal Shark Air Purifier $139.98 at Walmart (save $49.02) Get Deal

With Prime Big Deal Days just a few days away, retailers are doing the most to compete for consumers’ attention and wallets. Sales have been popping up everywhere, from Target to Best Buy. Now, Walmart’s adding to the mix with a Shark Days sales event (yes, this is in addition to its holiday plan).

Right now, you can score up to $100 off select Shark vacuums, air purifiers, and more. The retailer hasn’t let us know when the sale will end, but given the Prime Day faceoff, we expect it to last through the weekend.

Here are some of the best Shark deals you can snag at Walmart right now:

Best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Matrix 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop $249.00 at Walmart
$296.00 Save $47.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Shark Matrix 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $249 (it normally goes for $296). That’s a $47 discount and a pretty solid deal on a two-in-one robot that can vacuum and mop your floors.

SEE ALSO: Review: I can't believe how much I loved the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 robot vacuum

This little robot is built to cover every inch of your home with its Matrix Clean navigation. Its suction power is ideal for handling both hard floors and carpets. (Pet owners will appreciate the hair-picking-up power.) And, the sonic mopping function scrubs floors 100 times per minute to lift up and trap dirt and grime. You can also set it to target specific areas and avoid others.

The only caveat is that this model doesn’t come with a self-emptying base, so you'll have to empty the dustbin manually.

More Shark robot vacuum deals

• Shark Matrix robot vacuum (AV2310) — $249 $299.99 (save $50.99)

• Shark IQ robot vacuum with bagless base (RV2302AE) — $288 $499.99 (save $211.99)

• Shark Matrix self-empty robot vacuum (RV2300S) — $329 $499.99 (save $170.99)
  

Best upright vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark Navigator Lift-Away XL (CU512) $97.00 at Walmart
$199.00 Save $102.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re looking for an upright vacuum to handle quick cleanups, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away XL (CU512) is only $97 right now.

The Lift-Away features a detachable canister for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. The vacuum itself weighs only 13.7 pounds, so it’s easy to tote around. It also has a swivel head for cleaning tight corners.

With an extra-large canister and anti-allergen complete seal technology (and HEPA filter), this vacuum is a great option for homes with pets or families dealing with allergies.

More Shark upright and stick vacuum deals

• Shark Navigator Swivel Pro (NV150) — $144 $179 (save $35)

• Shark Pet Pro cordless stick vacuum (IZ240) — $179 $229 (save $50)

• Shark Clean & Empty cordless stick vacuum (BU3120EM) — $199 $319 (save $120)

Best air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark Air Purifier $139.98 at Walmart
$189.00 Save $49.02 Get Deal Why we like it

The Shark Air Purifier is $139.98 at Walmart. It covers 500 square feet, or you can buy the 1,000-square-foot version for $199.98.

This air purifier features an anti-allergen HEPA filter with nano-seal technology to capture up to 99.98% of dust, odor, pollen, and smoke. The CleanSense IQ tracks your home’s air quality and auto-adjusts to ensure fresh air all day long. The touch controls allow you to adjust the fan speed yourself.

"Have you ever thought, 'I'm killing cinema'?"

That's the question that third assistant director Dag (Lolly Adefope) asks first assistant director Daniel (Himesh Patel) while working on fictional superhero flick Tecto: Eye of the Storm.

SEE ALSO: 40 shows we can't wait to see this fall

It's a question that's been asked of a lot of comic book movies lately, especially with superhero fatigue setting in and filmmaking legends like Martin Scorsese questioning their merit. It's also the question at the heart of The Franchise, a new HBO comedy from Succession writer and Veep producer Jon Brown. Veep and The Thick of It creator Armando Iannucci and Skyfall and 1917 director Sam Mendes also serve as producers, with Mendes directing the first episode.

The Franchise answers the question of whether superhero films are killing cinema with a resounding yes right off the bat, sending up everything from convoluted cinematic universes to gratuitous cameos. But beyond simply pointing a finger and laughing at superhero films, The Franchise doesn't really have that much to say, and it falters as a result.

What's The Franchise about? Richard E. Grant, Katherine Waterston, and Billy Magnussen in "The Franchise." Credit: Colin Hutton / HBO

The Franchise transports us to the chaotic set of Tecto, the latest project from not-so-subtle Marvel stand-in Maximum Studios. While production is already well underway, the shoot is anything but smooth. Director Eric (Daniel Brühl) is a pretentious auteur, lead actors Adam (Billy Magnussen) and Peter (Richard E. Grant) are at each other's throats, and producer Anita (Aya Cash) is ready to enact some harsh cost-cutting strategies. Plus, there's the worrying matter that overbearing higher-ups from Maxmium Studios, like exec Pat (Darren Goldstein) and Kevin Feige-esque overlord Shane, who only communicates via proxy Bryson (Isaac Powell), are losing faith in the project. It's up to Daniel and the newly arrived Dag to put out all these (sometimes literal) fires and keep Tecto afloat.

The promise of The Franchise is most evident in its ambitious opening, a long take that follows Daniel as he shows Dag around set on her first day. He juggles everything from actors worried about their heavy prosthetics to Peter's attempts at a problematic joke, cleverly preempting the latter six seconds ahead of time. It's the perfect portrait of controlled chaos, as well as a solid introduction to the world of blue screens and superhero spandex we'll be inhabiting for eight episodes. But from there, the laughs come in fits and starts. So does the satire, which you'd expect to excel given all the Veep connections behind the scenes.

SEE ALSO: 'Joker: Folie à Deux' review: A middle finger to fans of Lady Gaga, the DC movies, and musicals The Franchise's satire is lackluster. Himesh Patel, Isaac Powell, Lolly Adefope, Jessica Hynes, Aya Cash, and Daniel Brühl in "The Franchise." Credit: Colin Hutton / HBO

The Veep comparison hangs heavy over The Franchise, which attempts some of the same tricks but with far less rewarding results. At first, Eric's dynamic with his too-eager right-hand woman Steph (Jessica Hynes) feels like an attempt at recreating the dynamic between Veep's Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and her bag man, Gary (Tony Hale). But there's no depth or background to their relationship, no layers to Steph's coddling of her charge. Elsewhere, a scene where Steph advises Eric to let out all his swearing before directing elicits memorable results in creative expletives like "cocktangle" and "fuckclump," but even these feel like reheated leftovers of Veep and The Thick of It's greatest hits.

In terms of actual satire, The Franchise is haunted by shades of other shows that have parodied the superhero filmmaking industrial complex better in the past. Barry's cameo from CODA writer/director Sian Heder as a new franchise director was a solid send up of award-winning filmmakers getting looped into comic book movies so the studio can accrue prestige points. The Boys' many references to comic book movies and shows — including A-Train's (Jessie T. Usher) extremely expensive TV shows reshoots — prove a consistently sharp spot in a show that's otherwise losing its edge. The Franchise is going to have to do better than a laundry list of superhero film-related buzzwords in order to keep up. Mentions of "phases" and exploited VFX workers can only do so much.

SEE ALSO: 'The Penguin' review: Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti deliver the goods in Gotham crime drama

Part of what makes The Franchise's take on comic book movies so ineffective is its clear disdain for them. Many of its critiques — including Maximum's "woman problem" and its fans' treatment of women involved in the films — are valid, albeit fairly surface level. And yes, the comic book movie's grip on pop culture is ripe for parody and deserving of closer inspection. But the show is overall devoid of any understanding of why these kinds of franchises may have resonated in the first place, or why they're so much more disappointing now than they were five years ago, during the era of Avengers: Endgame. Since no character is coming at the project from a place of care — apart from Daniel, who we're told loved the original Tecto comics but whose love has been ground down by years of thankless work in service to show business — we're trapped in a mire of smug cynicism, that of someone who's always stood outside the world they're making fun of, without bothering to take a closer look.

The Franchise could have been so much more. Himesh Patel in "The Franchise." Credit: Colin Hutton / HBO

Thankfully, The Franchise is not without its high points. Grant's performance as a trained theater actor who can't stop being problematic and who considers Tecto beneath him is uproarious. (Doubly so when you remember Grant guest-starred in Loki as Classic Loki.) Magnussen's Adam, whose brawn is matched only by his many insecurities, makes an excellent foil for Grant's archness. Brühl, himself a veteran of the MCU as Baron Zemo, is also having a blast; he's part jittery director plagued with imposter syndrome and part diva. It's a shame, then, that the rest of the more-than-capable ensemble, like Patel, Adefope, Cash, and Hynes, are stuck playing varying shades of stress and contempt.

Another highlight of The Franchise comes as the credits roll, when we catch glimpses of dramatized behind-the-scenes interviews with various cast and crew. Here, the actors like Peter and Adam try especially hard to keep up the facade that all is well, despite being mere inches from cracking. The comedic tension there is infinitely more rewarding than just being shoved into Tecto's chaos all the time, and you can't help but wonder whether The Franchise might have benefited from a larger behind-the-scenes documentary-style format. The show that we got, in the end, remains less than super.

The Franchise premieres Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max, with a new episode every Sunday.

TL;DR: Wake up to a fully charged iPhone every morning with the Speedy Mag Wireless Charger, on sale for $34.97 ($119.95) through October 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: Electronic Avenue Speedy Mag Wireless Charger for iPhone (Blue) $34.97
$119.95 Save $84.98 Get Deal

Tire of that ominous glow of a red low battery signal? Get a Speedy Mag Wireless Charger for your iPhone for just $34.97 (reg. $119.95). That's 70% off.

Here's what you get with this fast, slim charger that sticks right to your iPhone:

• Optimized for iPhone 12 and newer, delivering fast wireless charging while you sleep

• Slim, sleek design that seamlessly blends into your bedroom decor

• Built-in safety features like overheat protection and short circuit prevention ensure a worry-free night’s sleep

• Strong magnetic alignment keeps your phone securely in place throughout the night

• Charges through most phone cases, so you don’t have to remove your case every time

• USB-C charging cable included for quick setup right out of the box

Make your nightstand smarter — grab the Speedy Mag Wireless Charger today for your iPhone for just $34.97 until October 27 and never wake up to a dead phone again.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Zoom in on life’s tiny details with a portable handheld LCD microscope with 4-inch screen on sale for $69.97 (reg. $100) through October 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay Portable Handheld Pocket LCD Microscope with 4-inch Screen $69.97 at Mashable Shop
$100.00 Save $30.03 Get Deal

Remember the days when you’d spend hours outside, fascinated by the tiny creatures crawling in the grass or the intricate details of leaves? That sense of wonder doesn’t have to disappear just because we’re adults now.

With a portable handheld LCD microscope on sale for $69.97 (reg. $100), you can rediscover the magic of the microscopic world — all without leaving your backyard.

Featuring a 4-inch LCD screen and magnification up to 1200x, this little device transforms everyday objects into something extraordinary. Imagine zooming in on the veins of a leaf, the details of a pebble, or even the textures of your favorite fabric. You’ll see the world in a whole new way, and it might be even more fascinating now than when you were a kid — or you can give one to your child and watch their eyes widen with fascination, too.

It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to carry — perfect for taking on nature walks, beach days, or even just exploring your own garden. Whether you’re sharing it with your kids to spark their curiosity or using it for your own nostalgic thrills, this microscope is your ticket to exploring the hidden wonders of the world.

This fun, educational tool is great for anyone with a curious mind.

Through October 27, you can get this Portable Handheld Pocket LCD Microscope with a 4" screen on sale for $69.97 (reg. $100).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The Ottocast wireless CarPlay adapter is on sale for only $44.97 (reg. $89.99) through October 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ottocast Ottocast U2-Air Wireless CarPlay Adapter 2022 Edition $44.97
$89.99 Save $45.02 Open-box product Get Deal

Ready to make your driving experience smoother, faster, and wireless? Say goodbye to tangled cords and hello to the Ottocast CarPlay Adapter.

For just $44.97 (reg. $89.99) through October 27, this nifty new, open-box device transforms your wired CarPlay into a wireless experience in as little as seven seconds. Simply plug it in, and you’re good to go — no complicated setups, no jumble of messy wires. The adapter automatically connects to your iPhone as soon as you start your car, making it a proper plug-and-play solution for seamless, wireless Apple CarPlay. 

Enjoy a stable and lightning-fast connection with the adapter’s 5G WiFi module. It helps ensure your music, navigation, and calls stay uninterrupted while you’re on the go. It’s designed to keep up with your busy life, making sure you stay connected without the hassle.

There's no need to change a thing in your car. The Ottocast is fully compatible with your vehicle’s touchscreen, steering wheel controls, voice commands, and even the control knobs. It’s a seamless integration that feels just like factory-installed wireless CarPlay.

The sleek, modern design won’t clutter your dashboard — it’s compact enough to blend right in. Plus, it comes with both USB Type-A to C and Type-C to C cables, making it a perfect fit for over 800 vehicles, and is compatible with factory-wired CarPlay in cars from model year 2016 to 2024.

New, open-box items are typically excess inventory from store shelves. This means you're still getting a new item, but just at a lower price.

The Ottocast US-Air wireless CarPlay adapter is on sale for only $44.97 (reg. $89) through October 27.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime device license for the 2019 Windows version of Microsoft Office for just $24.97 until Oct. 27 at the Mashable Shop — no subscriptions, just productivity.

Whether you love them or merely tolerate them, Microsoft software like Word and Excel are essential for workplace productivity.

And with this Microsoft Office deal at the Mashable Shop, you can get the whole Office suite for $24.97 (reg. $229). While this is a slightly older version of the suite, it's hard to argue with a sub-$25 price tag.

• Lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access for one device

• Features a modern, easy-to-use interface along with cloud connectivity, regular updates, and 24/7 customer service

• Great option for remote workers or students who need access to MS Office productivity tools for essays, presentations, email access, and more — no recurring fees ever

• After purchase, be sure to redeem code within seven days

• Can be installed on devices running Windows 10 or 11 (not supported on Windows 7 or 8)

Again, until Oct. 27, you can score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows on sale for $24.97. Never pay for an Office subscription again.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $24.97 at the Mashable Shop
$229.00 Save $204.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: On sale for $514.99 (reg. $1,499), you can own a "Grade A" refurbished M1 MacBook Air that’s good for your budget and the planet.

Looking to upgrade your tech without draining your bank account or adding to e-waste? A refurbished M1 MacBook Air (2020), currently marked down 65% to $514.99, could be the answer to all your eco-friendly, budget-saving dreams. This isn't just about owning a sleek Apple device; it’s about making a choice that’s good for you and the planet. After all, why buy new when you can save money and help reduce waste with a high-quality refurbished model?

The M1 MacBook Air is a legendary laptop. It was so well-designed that it was showing up in Mashable's best laptop guides four years after its launch. With Apple’s powerful M1 chip under the hood, this MacBook Air is more than just good looks. It handles everything from streaming and editing to multitasking like a champ. Plus, it’s so lightweight, you can easily toss it into your bag without feeling weighed down. This is the laptop you’ll be proud to bring to the coffee shop, work remotely, or simply flex at home — all while knowing you’ve made a sustainable choice.

Score a great deal on a powerful MacBook without that “new” price tag. You still get all the Apple cred and performance, but you’re saving cash and cutting down on waste by giving a refurbished device a second life. It’s a win-win. And with an "A" refurbished rating, you might not even notice it's been used before.

So, why not save the planet (and some money) with this refurbished 2020 MacBook Air? You’ll be doing good while looking good.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3" (2020, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Space Gray) $514.99 at the Mashable Shop
$1,499.00 Save $984.01 Get Deal

Teens and parents alike may consider themselves familiar with classic signs of online grooming. For victims, that includes withdrawing from friends and family, becoming secretive about online activity, and sharing explicit images of themselves.

But predators are so skilled at deceiving their victims that signs of online grooming can actually be subtle and hard to detect, says Lauren Coffren, executive director of the exploited children division at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

In fact, when grooming takes place over a period of time, the dynamic can look much like any other friendship in the beginning, filled with conversations about mutual interests.

But another type of grooming, known as financial sextortion, can happen within hours and minutes, which prevents victims and their parents from picking up on the traditional or obvious warning signs. In these cases, predators may pose as a peer and send nude or explicit pictures to their victim, which is not uncommon for teens.

"These bad actors are really good at what they do," Coffren says. "They figured out these tactics of how to trick kids."

SEE ALSO: Why teens are telling strangers their secrets online Signs of grooming you might miss

1. The child is receiving a lot of compliments from a new friend.

Predators often earn a child's trust by complimenting them, says Coffren. They may have taken note of the child's interests or likes and dislikes, as indicated by their social media activity. Then they'll flatter the child by remarking on their good taste.

Compliments may also be based on the child's personality traits, such as their sense of humor or intelligence. Such remarks are designed to break down a child's defenses, and they may be particularly effective when a child already craves validation.

Parents might feel thrilled that their child is talking to someone online who appears to genuinely like them, but the new contact may have a predatory motive. It's important that parents have ongoing conversations with their child about the nature and frequency of online interactions that involve compliments and flattery.

2. The new friend is engaging your child's interests.

Predators can skillfully talk to children about their hobbies and passions, including gaming, music, sports, and pop culture, Coffren says. They build trust with a victim by being curious about and sharing those interests.

Again, this dynamic is something that parents typically embrace for their children when it involves trusted friends. But online, that new connection could be anyone, unless that person legitimately belongs to a child's broader in-person social circle.

If a child is excited by a new online relationship in which shared interests play a key role, parents should remain aware of how that continues to develop. While it could be an authentic peer-to-peer relationship that's fulfilling for both children, predators know how to make it hard for a child to know the difference between that and a bond based on deceit.

3. Their relationship looks like a friendship—with some differences.

Coffren says that traditional online grooming will often look like a typical friendship until the predator's behavior slowly starts to escalate. They might offer the victim gift cards, in-game currency, or other presents to appear generous and supportive. A young recipient will likely consider themselves lucky, not manipulated.

Escalation can also involve riskier chat topics, such as sexual interests. For a teen who wants to feel mature, or who is curious about their own sexuality, these conversations can feel like a step toward adulthood. Unfortunately, predators will ultimately take advantage of this.

Coffren says threats toward the child may follow soon after these exchanges. A predator will often threaten to share screenshots of the chats if the victim doesn't continue to talk to them, or if they refuse to share explicit imagery of themselves.

Coffren urges parents to regularly talk to their kids about what healthy relationships and boundaries look like so that they understand the potential implications of behaviors like gift-giving and riskier chats online. Parents should also discuss what a child can do if they're being targeted by a predator, which can include telling a trusted adult and blocking and reporting that account.

In general, she warns parents of the dangers related to children talking to any strangers online, given how swiftly exploitation can happen. To learn more about what online grooming looks like, and how to discuss it with children, Coffren recommends NCMEC's comprehensive resources on the topic.

Most importantly, Coffren advises parents to be unequivocally supportive of a child who shares that they've become a victim of online grooming.

"We put all of this pressure on children to be able to say, 'Never put yourself in that position,' instead of saying, 'OK, if you find yourself in that position, here's the steps you can do to be able to get out,'" Coffren says.

If you are a child being sexually exploited online, or you know a child who is being sexually exploited online, or you witnessed exploitation of a child occur online, you can report it to the CyberTipline, which is operated by the National Center for Missing Exploited & Children.

TL;DR: Live stream Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams for free on 7plus. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NFL action continues today with a showdown between teams from NFC North and NFC West, with the Green Bay Packers at the Los Angeles Rams.

Both teams have had patchy starts to the season. The Packers have alternated wins and losses over the first four weeks and took a hit when quarterback Jordan Love injured his MCL — but he was back in a loss against the Vikings and will look to secure the Packers' second win on the road so far this season.

The Rams, meanwhile, have struggled to get going this season but will have the edge on home turf. Their only win came at SoFi — against the 49ers, no less.

If you're interested in watching Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Packers vs. Rams?

Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams starts at 4:25 p.m. ET on Oct. 6. This fixture takes place at the SoFi Stadium.

How to watch Packers vs. Rams for free

Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams is available to live stream for free on 7plus.

7plus is an Australian streaming site that's geo-restricted to viewers in the country. But anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy online tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) while connecting you to a secure server based in Australia. That will allow you to bypass geo-restrictions to access 7plus from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 7plus

5. Live stream Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not technically free, but top VPN providers usually offer free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without parting with any cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it will give you enough time to watch Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams and other select NFL games before recovering any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL live, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, which saves you 49% off the regular price. As part of this limited-time deal you'll also get an extra three months of coverage at no additional cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup for free, and a money-back guarantee within 30 days.

Live stream Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

As we enter Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season, the New York Giants are about to visit the Seattle Seahawks in a clash between AFC East and NFC West.

The Seahawks are looking good so far, having won in the first three weeks of games. They dropped a game against the Detroit Lions last week but still have the edge over the Giants, who have only managed a single win so far and lost three.

But there's a long way to go in the season. It's still all to play for — and you can stream the Sunday football action for free.

If you want to watch New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks for free from anywhere around the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Giants vs. Seahawks?

New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks starts at 4.25 p.m. ET on Oct. 6. This fixture takes place at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.

How to watch Giants vs. Seahawks for free

New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is a New Zealand-based streaming site that's geo-blocked outside of the country. However, you still can access this free streaming platform from anywhere around the world by signing up for a VPN. A VPN is a useful online tool that will hide your real IP address (digital location) while also connecting you to a secure server in New Zealand. This will allow you to sidestep geo-restrictions and access TVNZ+ no matter where you're based.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Live stream New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not actually free themselves, but the leading VPN services will usually offer free trial periods or money-back guarantee deals. Take advantage of this to access free live streams of the NFL without spending anything. It's obviously not a long-term solution, but it will give you enough time to watch New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks before recovering any initial downpayment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL live, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, which is a huge saving of 49% on the regular price. Within this limited-time deal you'll also receive a bonus three months at no extra cost, a full year of unlimited cloud backup, and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Giants vs. Seahawks for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NFL is back in London, but anyone from around the world can watch the New York Jets take on the Minnesota Vikings without spending anything. There's a quick and easy hack that can provide access to a free live stream of this exciting fixture, and we're not talking about those dodgy streams that leave your system exposed to the worst of the web.

If you're interested in watching New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Jets vs. Vikings?

New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings starts at 9:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 6. This fixture takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

How to watch Jets vs. Vikings for free

New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform 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 bypass geo-restrictions to access ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is obviously a quick fix, but it gives you enough time to watch New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL live, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. With this limited-time deal you'll also get an extra three months of coverage, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee for free.

Live stream New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.