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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 34 min 31 sec ago

Stephen Colbert responds to Elon Musk's 'joke' about Biden and Harris assassination

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 05:20
Stephen Colbert has responded to Elon Musk's now-deleted "joke" about Biden and Harris assassination during Tuesday's "Late Show".

Parents have no idea how teens are using AI, survey finds

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 05:13

A new survey found that parents significantly underestimate their teen's use of generative artificial intelligence. The technology, popularized by the conversational platform ChatGPT, allows users to ask pretty much any question of an AI bot and receive a specific and detailed original response. 

The survey, conducted this spring by the nonprofit organization Common Sense Media, polled 1,045 U.S. adult parents and their teens. Overall, 70 percent of the teens said they used generative AI. 

Of the teens who said they'd used at least one platform, only 37 percent of their parents were aware of their use. Almost a quarter of parents whose child had used the technology didn't know it, and nearly 40 percent of the adult respondents whose teen had experimented with the tools weren't sure about their experience doing so. 

SEE ALSO: AI apps can automate your home life, and it's more cool than scary

Teens with generative AI experience said they most commonly used platforms for homework help, to avoid being bored, and to translate something from one language to another. Many of the teens admitted to using generative AI for school assignments without the teacher's permission. Some teens created new content using someone else's voice or image, sometimes as a joke or to tease another person. While participants were asked about their experience with using AI to make explicit nonconsensual imagery, those findings will be included in a future report.

Amanda Lenhart, head of research for Common Sense Media, said that parents should start discussing the complexities of generative AI with their children so that they're prepared for what they might encounter. 

"You've got to talk about it because your kids are already using it, even if you don't think they are," Lenhart said. 

What your teen should know about generative AI 

While the technology may benefit teens in numerous ways, Lenhart noted that young users may not be aware of its potential for reproducing bias and sharing incorrect or misleading information, often known as hallucinations

Teens also might not know when using generative AI tools is tantamount to cheating; or violates another person's privacy, when it's used to create imagery without their consent; or, understand that the large language models upon which generative AI platforms are built can have different training, tuning, and guardrails.

"These tools pull from the best and the worst of the internet and the best and worst of humanity, and that means that sometimes what they share with us is both wrong and awful," Lenhart said. 

Parents may not know any of this important information if they've not read about or used generative AI, which is why it's helpful for adults to familiarize themselves with the technology as they start discussing it with their child, Lenhart added. 

She recommends that parents test out platforms that use this technology. They may even already spend time on platforms or services that incorporate generative AI, without realizing it. 

Google's Gemini search product, for example, currently produces generative responses to user inquiries. Meta's Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp communication tools have generative AI capabilities as well. Basic Meta AI prompts include "give me a personality quiz" and "how do I speed read?" 

Teens on Snap likely know its generative chatbot My AI, which adults could experiment with and then discuss with their child, Lenhart said. 

When engaging with teens about generative AI, parents can play with the technology together with or alongside their child. Lenhart cited asking it to write a silly poem, make up Halloween costume ideas, or plan a week of meals as examples. A parent could also watch their teen test a chatbot's knowledge of a topic they're passionate about and then discuss how to know whether the AI was wrong or right. 

Whatever parents choose, Lenhart says to focus on finding ways to help teens identify how AI platforms do or don't work and have that conversation together.

Generative AI at school

The survey suggests those discussions aren't happening in the classroom, which Lenhart said is consequential. 

Common Sense research shows that teens who do participate in complex conversations and lessons about the topic at school have a more nuanced understanding of generative AI's pros and cons. But the survey found that this isn't happening for over half of the young respondents. 

Lenhart said it's important for teens to be told the rules for using generative AI when completing schoolwork, which may vary from teacher to teacher. 

"Most adolescents don't want to cheat." - Amanda Lenhart, head of research for Common Sense Media

"Most adolescents don't want to cheat," Lenhart said. "They want to use it in a way that is appropriate for learning, so tell them where that is so they can walk up to that line and not cross it."

And according to the survey, suspicion of cheating may disproportionately affect Black students. In the survey, Black teens were twice as likely as White and Latino teens to say that their teachers incorrectly flagged their schoolwork as the product of generative AI when it wasn't. Lenhart said this finding mimics historic inequities in school-based discipline for Black youth.

"AI tools are not exempt from the bias you probably already experience in your school," Lenhart said.

The issue illustrates why it's so important that adults, at school and home, are aware of the challenges that teens will face in the era of generative AI.

Hurdle hints and answers for September 18

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 05:02

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

An adjustment.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 18 Hurdle Word 1 answer

ADAPT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

During.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 18 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

WHILE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A deceitful copy.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 18 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DECOY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A film genre. Or conflict.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 18 Hurdle Word 4 answer

DRAMA

Final Hurdle hint

Soft and maybe a little sticky.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

GOOEY

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

'Eden' review: Ron Howard's island drama is numbingly dull, and ugly as sin

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 05:00

Ron Howard is on something of a survival thriller kick. After returning to his Apollo 13 roots with In the Heart of the Sea in 2015, and the more recent Thirteen Lives, his newest film is Eden, a story in a similar vein also based on real events. Unfortunately, the fourth time isn't a charm, and only proves the Howard haters correct in their assertion that the Solo: A Star Wars Story helmer is largely a journeyman, with little style (or substance) of his own.

The star-studded drama is a dud. It has little by way of theme or rigorous meaning, and is told with one of the most offensively dull color palettes digital cinema has to offer. The cast certainly gives it their all, making commendable strides toward fleshing out Noah Pink's screenplay (from a story by Howard and Pink), but too much visual and emotional detail is lost at every turn, making Eden something of a curio. It's hard not to wonder how it ended up being presented in its final state.

What is Eden about?

Based on the accounts of several survivors who formed an impromptu commune in the Galápagos, the film is set on the (in)famous Floreana Island, and adapts the broad strokes of real events — the who’s who, and who died and survived — but adds dramatic speculation to exactly how everything went down. Floreana was uninhabited until 1929, when the pompous Dr. Friedrich Ritter (Jude Law) and his partner Dore Strauch (Vanessa Kirby) arrived from Berlin to set up camp on the tiny volcanic landmass. World War I, the ensuing economic crash, and Germany's resurgent fascism had sent Ritter looking for not just a new place to live, but an isolated stronghold where he could write a manifesto to guide humanity toward a harmonious new beginning. The film also hints that Strauch's multiple sclerosis may have been a reason she accompanied him, perhaps in the hopes of recovery, but her needs are secondary to the desires of her narcissistic beau.  

SEE ALSO: 'We Live in Time' review: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in the biggest cinema disappointment of the year

The film is set several years into their residency on Floreana, when a family of three — having read, in various newspapers, the letters Ritter sent back to mainland Europe — arrives in hope of a similar escape. Daniel Brühl plays Heinz Wittmer; Sydney Sweeney plays his pregnant, younger wife, Margaret; and Jonathan Tittel plays Heinz's teenage son (and Margaret's stepson), Harry. The Wittmers are curious and well-meaning, though Ritter — an isolationist, despite his egalitarian principles — wants nothing to do with them, so they set up camp several miles away. Minor tensions start to simmer between the two houses, but these don't fully explode until a third, more chaotic group arrives and begins sowing seeds of dissent between Ritter and the Wittmers.

Led by the self-proclaimed heiress Eloise Bosquet de Wagner Wehrhorn (Ana de Armas), with her two helpers and lovers in tow (Toby Wallace and Felix Kammerer), this hedonistic trio plans to set up an island resort on Floreana, where they hope to welcome wealthy guests. Their intrusion on Ritter and the Wittmers' (admittedly uneasy) paradise is ripe for allegory concerning the way wealthy classes historically extract resources at the cost of peace, but this is just one of the movie's many hints that go practically nowhere.

What is the meaning behind Eden's survivalist tale?

As rivalries ensue and factions form, Eloise proves a master manipulator, and becomes the movie's most (and perhaps only) entertaining character, courtesy of de Armas' bravura. She feels like a typhoon whose only purpose is to shatter the existing status quo. However, that status quo is seldom interesting on its own. The closest it comes to intrigue is when Howard's camera zeroes in on Ritter's attempts to write in isolation. Law's temperament betrays a fidgety impatience, but his posture always is regal, creating a magnetic pull-and-push about his character.

Unfortunately, few characters in the story are either drawn to or repelled by him, let alone in the same breath. He simply exists as a temperamental figure whom everyone accepts from a distance as he makes grandiose claims about fixing the world. Eloise is his counterpart in a sense — equally, if not more, fraudulent — but rare are the moments in which Eden takes advantage of this thematic twinning. For the most part, the film treats survival in the most technical, linear, and literal fashion, despite a setting that is functionally purgatory (the film's Biblical title invites such reading, too).

Survival, for the likes of Heinz and Margaret, is about collecting food and water, and getting through pregnancy intact, but it's never about any underlying questions that test their beliefs or their resolve. And unlike the great island stories of modern culture — The Lord of the Flies and Lost first spring to mind — the characters' (and society's) larger problems don't travel to Floreana, leaving only Eloise's individual quirks as sources of incitement. Had the movie's setting been radically different (a train, a cruise ship, perhaps a hotel), it's unlikely things would have played out much differently.

The struggles in Eden stem not from mistrust or inner folly, but the question of how best to grow vegetables, or how to most efficiently ward off wild dogs, and yet the film isn't particularly invested in the process of survival, either. Instead, it maintains an air — a pretense — of greater significance, when no such thing exists. Part of this disconnect is also owed to how Howard and cinematographer Mathias Herndl capture the island itself, and the characters and their world at large, which makes the movie especially tough to watch.

The cinematography in Eden works against its story.

Eden is a ugly film, though not in a way a survival saga ought to be. There’s a visual unseemliness that suits such a story, the kind that emphasizes the murky, the solemn, the dangerous — like in Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan. Here, it's not the ugliness of oppressive surroundings that defines Floreana, but the ugliness of the texture itself, and its noncommittal nature.

The film's gloomy desaturation works at times, though it’s applied as a constant filter from start to finish, and never evolves alongside the characters' perspectives on the island — even when they first see the place as a heavenly abode, rich in resources. When the characters eventually turn on one another, there’s little sense that their surroundings have contributed to this in any way. 

SEE ALSO: 'Better Man' review: All hail Robbie Williams, a chimp for all seasons

Even taken at its word, as the depiction of a theoretically omniscient and dramatically ironic viewpoint, the movie's aesthetic issues don't end there.

Perhaps a greater problem than the amount of color in each frame is the amount of contrast, or the sheer lack thereof. Characters' faces constantly fall into muddy grays, rendering anything resembling the drama of shadows completely null. Every tint begins to look and feel the same, from tree barks to human flesh (with not so much as a hint of how people might become one with their environments). It's ghastly to look at, and swallows up any sense of detail.

For instance, a stray line about Ritter's teeth early on gestures toward an element of his character. Heinz makes mention of the doctor having yanked out his own teeth for medical reasons, leaving one to assume the extent of this procedure; perhaps it’s a molar or two, in the back of his mouth. However, when he’s seen putting on metal dentures well into the runtime, it turns out that all of Ritter’s teeth are missing. This is the first time any real attention is drawn to his mouth, but the film isn’t trying to hide this fact, or present it as a major reveal. It’s simply one of the many dramatic details (and character idiosyncrasies) obscured by the movie’s haphazard color-timing approach. 

Similarly, scenes that should be flooded with intensity are instead awash in blandness. Nothing about the human face and the human eyes, and thus human soul, can be fully hidden or properly accentuated when every part of the frame looks equally dull, and feels equally lifeless and bloodless in the process. 

To add to this, the movie goes on well beyond its natural endpoint: a moment of mistrust made manifest, which seems to push several characters beyond their brink, and makes them wrestle with their moral spines. But in its need to capture real events as they happened (albeit with its own spin on some of them), Eden far overstays its welcome, like an unwanted, unpleasant houseguest who just won't take the hint. Ironically, that's as close as the movie gets to embodying any of its characters' points of view.

Eden was reviewed out of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Give your dusty old film reels a second life with Kodak's converter for $50 off

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Now you can easily convert 8mm and Super 8 films to digital files with the Kodak Reels Digitizer, on sale now for $349.99 (reg. $399.99) — no computer needed, just plug in and go.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Reels 8mm & Super 8 Film Digitizer with 5-inch Screen $349.99 at the Mashable Shop
$399.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Remember those old home movies stored on 8mm or Super 8 film? Chances are they’ve been sitting in a dusty box for years because finding a projector — let alone one that works — is like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s where the Kodak Reels 8mm and Super 8 Film Digitizer comes in. This Kodak film digitizer is now sale for $349.99 (reg. $399.99) at the Mashable Shop, giving your precious family memories a fresh digital life without the hassle of outdated equipment or complicated setups.

With this device, you can effortlessly convert your 8mm and Super 8 films to digital even if you aren't a tech expert. It’s as simple as loading up the film and watching your footage come to life on the large 5-inch screen — no extra gear or computer required. This digital converter can accommodate film reels ranging from 3-inches to 9-inches.

Whether it’s an old family vacation or grainy birthday footage, you can easily preview it on the screen and capture it directly onto an SD card. That means no cables, no computers, and definitely no film degradation. Plus, it supports SD cards up to 32GB, so you can archive all those classic moments without running out of space.

Kodak really thought of everything with this one. The machine captures your film at a crisp 1080p resolution, ensuring your old footage gets a clear, high-quality digital makeover. And with the built-in editing software, you can even tweak your videos right on the device. You can convert at speeds of up to 30 frames per second, so this won't feel like a never-ending project.

So, if you’ve been sitting on decades of family footage, it’s time to bring them into the 21st century.

Preserve and relive your favorite moments with the Kodak Reels 8mm and Super 8 Film Digitizer on sale for $349.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Get 2TB of cloud storage for life for just $90

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: For $89, FileJump gives you lifetime access to 2TB of secure cloud storage so you can save, sync, and share your files with ease.

Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $89.00
$467.00 Save $378.00 Get Deal

Sick of paying monthly fees for cloud storage? Meet FileJump, the 2TB lifetime cloud storage solution that saves you from recurring bills while offering a secure, accessible, and user-friendly platform.

Whether you’re juggling work files, personal documents, or a growing collection of photos and videos, FileJump has your back — and it’s here to stay, with no expiration date. For a limited time, get 2TB of cloud storage from FileJump for life for just $89.

FileJump ensures your data stays secure with 256-bit AES encryption, giving you peace of mind knowing your files are safe. And with no limits on download speeds or transfers, you can access and share your files as quickly as you need, without the restrictions many competitors impose.

One of FileJump’s biggest selling points is its ease of use. No complicated setups or tech jargon — just a simple drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to upload and manage your files. You can use Chrome or Firefox and easily toss your files into the cloud without the headache. Plus, the lifetime subscription means you’ll never have to worry about running out of space or dealing with sneaky upsell attempts down the road.

Want to preview an image, video, or even an Excel file? No need to download anything first — FileJump lets you view your content right in your browser. And for those who need to collaborate, it offers easy sharing options. Just send a link or create free accounts for clients or team members to access exactly what they need.

If you’re looking for affordable, secure, and limitless cloud storage, get a lifetime subscription to 2TB of cloud storage from FileJump on sale for $89.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Outsmart your workload by learning AI automation with ChatGPT for just $25

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: For $24.97 until September 29, these ChatGPT Automation courses offer a hands-on approach to mastering AI and task automation, with eight courses to get you started.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eduonix Learning Solutions ChatGPT & Automation E-Degree $24.97
$790.00 Save $765.03 Get Deal

AI is more than a buzzword; it’s becoming a valuable tool for anyone looking to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Whether you’re already dabbling in automation or just starting to understand AI, ChatGPT Automation courses are the perfect tool to give you the practical skills you need to thrive. Get it on sale for just $24.97 through September 29.

This program is designed to help you become well-versed in AI-powered automation, and with eight courses led by industry pros, you’ll be navigating the world of ChatGPT in no time.

One of the standout courses is Mastering ChatGPT and OpenAI for Automation, which walks you through the nuts and bolts of setting up workflows and automating repetitive tasks — great tools to learn for if you’re tired of manually handling the same processes day in and day out. By the end, you’ll know how to use AI to free up time, boost efficiency, and streamline your daily operations.

Another must-take is AI-Powered Automation for Business, where you’ll dive deeper into using ChatGPT and OpenAI tools to enhance productivity in real-world business applications. Whether it’s automating customer service responses or creating smarter marketing campaigns, you’ll walk away with practical skills that can make a serious impact on your career or business.

No prior experience in AI is required. This instruction takes you from a total newbie to someone who can confidently navigate the world of AI and automation, all while helping you stay competitive in an ever-evolving job market.

Build both foundational knowledge and advanced skills with this ChatGPT and Automation online learning package on sale for $24.97 until September 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Tired of fumbling with your Apple TV remote? This one has buttons

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: For $34.97 through September 29, ditch the frustrating Apple TV remote and switch to this Bluetooth and Infrared button remote that makes controlling multiple devices easy.

The Apple TV remote is sleek — but also ridiculously frustrating. If you’re tired of constantly sliding your finger across that touchpad, struggling to hit the right button, or endlessly hunting for the tiny remote between couch cushions, you’re not alone. Many people are fed up with the native Apple TV remote. The good news? You don’t have to settle for it anymore.

Meet the Button Remote for Apple TV (and Apple TV 4K), on sale for $34.97 until September 29, which takes the headache out of navigation with traditional buttons, letting you quickly move through menus, adjust the volume, or switch apps with actual tactile control.

It’s Bluetooth- and infrared-enabled, meaning it works with both newer and older models of Apple TV — plus over 100 other brands of TVs, soundbars, and receivers. Imagine finally having one remote to rule them all.

This remote gives you full control, whether you’re hopping between Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, or managing your home entertainment system. It’s built to give you a smooth, frustration-free experience every time you sit down to binge-watch.

With its dual technology and compatibility with a wide range of devices, this remote is the smarter, simpler way to enjoy your Apple TV.

Until September 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get the Button Remote for Apple TV and Apple TV 4K on sale for $34.97 (reg. $39).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV/Apple TV 4K (Bluetooth + Infrared) $34.97
$39.99 Save $5.02 Get Deal

Ready for a wireless upgrade? This $45 CarPlay adapter makes it easy

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Through September 29, get the Ottocast U2-Air Wireless CarPlay Adapter for $44.97 and enjoy seamless wireless CarPlay on the road.

Dealing with tangled cables every time you hop in the car? This 2022 version of the Ottocast U2-Air Wireless CarPlay Adapter lets you ditch the cords and switch to wireless CarPlay in just seconds. Instead of plugging your phone in every time, this adapter automatically connects your iPhone to your car’s CarPlay system as soon as you turn on the ignition.

Now, your favorite apps, navigation, and music are ready to go — without the hassle. And this open-box model is on sale for half off at $44.97 (reg. $89) until September 29.

If you're wondering what "open-box" means, all it indicates is that it's been returned and repackaged, or that it was excess inventory. But don't worry — it's a brand-new item.

Unlike traditional wired CarPlay, which can be limiting, wireless CarPlay gives you a smoother, more intuitive experience. No more worrying about whether your charging cable is in the car or if it's long enough to reach. With this adapter, you’ll free up your USB ports and preserve your phone’s charging port — all while enjoying a clean, modern setup, giving you the freedom to move around or hand your phone to a passenger without unplugging.

The 2022 Ottocast model is designed for quick setup and stable connections, so you won’t be dealing with annoying dropouts or lag. It’s the same CarPlay experience, but better — with all the apps, voice commands, and features you love.

If you’re ready for a hassle-free upgrade, check out this open-box model of the OTTOCAST U2-AIR Wireless CarPlay Adapter 2022 Edition on sale for $44.97 until September 29.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ottocast OTTOCAST U2-AIR Wireless CarPlay Adapter 2022 Edition (Open Box) $44.97
$89.99 Save $45.02 Get Deal

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 18

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 04:56

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 Wednesday, September 18, 2024:

AcrossDoc treating a dachshund
  • The answer is Vet.

"Nice going!"
  • The answer is Bravo.

Tended to, as a squeaky wheel
  • The answer is Oiled.

Drop a few bucks
  • The answer is Spend.

Last word before the starting pistol goes off
  • The answer is Set.

DownParking pro
  • The answer is Valet.

Divisible by two
  • The answer is Even.

Mary ___ Lincoln, first lady of the 1860s
  • The answer is Todd.

Mr. Burns's relationship to Homer Simpson
  • The answer is Boss.

Ready for picking
  • The answer is Ripe.

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.

NYT Strands hints, answers for September 18

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 04:50

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 September 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 18 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Handy helpers

These words allow you to get things done.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are all related to tools

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 ToolChest.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 18
  • Wrench

  • Screwdriver

  • ToolChest

  • Pliers

  • Hammer

  • Level

  • Knife

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.

Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17' trailer keeps killing Robert Pattinson in sci-fi thriller

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 02:54
The official trailer for Bong Joon-ho's sci-fi film 'Mickey 17' is here, featuring Robert Pattinson dying over and over again.

Learn to use ChatGPT like a pro with this £18.97 bundle

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: As of Sept. 18, get the ChatGPT & Automation E-Degree courses for only £18.97 — a 96% discount.

You may have used AI tools like ChatGPT, but that doesn't mean you already know how to get the best results out of them. If you've spent hours refining your prompts and still can't get the exact response you want, it might be time to study up with the ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree. 

This online learning opportunity is made up of 12 lectures on everything from tailoring ChatGPT to your industry to streamlining business processes with automation tools. You can even explore how AI and data visualisation can intersect. Get the whole bundle while it's on sale for £18.97. 

Become an AI expert

There's a lot more to ChatGPT than asking it to write your emails or summarise the articles you don't have time to read. This bundle gives you the chance to learn more about using AI to amplify your own creativity, while also learning how to apply this tool to your business, including using ChatGPT to visualise data for you. Keep in mind that access to AI software isn't included in this bundle, but you may be able to use your own free OpenAI membership for some lessons. 

Each course is taught by a professional from Eduonix Learning Solutions, and you can progress at your own pace. All course materials are yours for life and can be viewed or re-viewed as many times as you'd like. 

Find out how to automate your industry 

Make sure to check out each lesson on using automation to make your own job easier. You might be wasting time on repetitive tasks you could easily delegate to AI. 

See what AI and automation tools can do to make your life easier when you get the ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree course on sale for £18.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Eduonix Learning Solutions ChatGPT & Automation E-Degree £18.97 at the Mashable Shop
£600.20 Save £581.23 Get Deal

4 months of Amazon Music Unlimited is available for free

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: A four-month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited is available for £0, saving you £39.96 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Music Unlimited (3-Month Subscription) £0 at Amazon Get Deal

Until Oct. 10, a four-month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited is available for free as part of the Prime Big Deal Days.

Something to be aware of is that after the four-month promotional period comes to an end, your subscription will automatically renew at £9.99 per month for Prime members. You can cancel this function at anytime though, so there's no obligation to pay anything.

SEE ALSO: Yes, another Prime Day is coming. Here are the early deals to shop now.

Amazon Music Unlimited provides unrestricted access to millions of songs and thousands of playlists, all without any adverts. Users can stream and download their favorite tracks with unlimited skips and explore a vast selection of podcasts. And Amazon Music Unlimited now offers an exceptional audio experience thanks to HD and spatial audio options.

That's a lot of benefits to get for absolutely nothing, but this deal really doesn't come with a catch.

Get three months of Amazon Music Unlimited for free in the Prime Big Deal Days.

3 months of Kindle Unlimited is available for free

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: A three-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited is available for £0, saving you over £20 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Unlimited Kindle Unlimited (3-Month Subscription) £0 at Amazon Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is back on Oct. 8-9, but you don't need to wait for those dates to save. Some of the best deals are already live, and you don't even need to spend anything to get involved.

A three-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited is available for £0, saving you £28.47 on list price. After the three-month promotional period, your subscription will automatically renew at the monthly rate of £9.49 for Prime members. You can cancel this automatic renewal function at anytime though, so there's no pressure to pay anything.

Kindle Unlimited provides unlimited reading and listening on any device, with over 1 million titles, thousands of audiobooks, and selected magazine subscriptions available on any device. That's a lot of content, and it could be all yours for absolutely nothing.

Kindle Unlimited subscribers with active free trials or paid memberships are not eligible for this exclusive promotion. Customers who have benefited from a Kindle Unlimited promotion or free trial within the past 36 months may also miss out on this offer. But everyone else can profit from this Prime Big Deal Days giveaway.

Get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free.

How to watch Manchester City vs. Inter Milan online for free

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Manchester City vs. Inter Milan in the Champions League for free on RTL ZWEE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The new Champions League format is throwing together more massive matchups between the biggest clubs in Europe, which is great news for fans. We all want to see sides like Manchester City and Inter Milan doing battle. And you can do just that without spending anything.

If you want to watch Manchester City vs. Inter Milan in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Manchester City vs. Inter Milan?

Manchester City vs. Inter Milan in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 18. This fixture takes place at the Etihad Stadium.

How to watch Manchester City vs. Inter Milan for free

Manchester City vs. Inter Milan is available to live stream for free on RTL ZWEE.

RTL ZWEE is geo-restricted to Luxembourg, 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 Luxembourg, meaning you can unblock RTL ZWEE to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Manchester City vs. Inter Milan for free 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 Luxembourg

  4. Sign in to RTL ZWEE

  5. Watch Manchester City vs. Inter Milan 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Manchester City vs. Inter Milan (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTL ZWEE?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTL ZWEE, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Luxembourg

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Manchester City vs. Inter Milan in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund online for free

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League for free on Tabii. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The new format of the Champions League will not be for everyone, but the fact is fans are getting more big games between the best sides. And we're all for that.

Club Brugge and Borussia Dortmund are next up in an interesting first-round matchup. Both sides will believe they can secure three points and make a mark on the tournament.

If you want to watch Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund?

Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 18. This fixture takes place at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

How to watch Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund for free

Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund is available to live stream for free on Tabii.

Tabii is offering free live streams of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League for the next three seasons. Tabii is geo-restricted to Turkey, 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 Turkey, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund on Tabii 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 Turkey

  4. Sign in to Tabii

  5. Watch Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Tabii?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Tabii, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Turkey

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Club Brugge vs. Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk online for free

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League for free on Tabii. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The first round of Champions League fixtures has already produced some really entertaining games, and we're expecting more of the same between Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk. Sure, these aren't the biggest teams competing in the competition, but these evenly-matched teams could produce something special.

If you want to watch Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk?

Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 18. This fixture takes place at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

How to watch Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk for free

Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk is available to live stream for free on Tabii.

Tabii is offering free live streams of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League for the next three seasons. Tabii is geo-restricted to Turkey, 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 Turkey, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk on Tabii 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 Turkey

  4. Sign in to Tabii

  5. Watch Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Tabii?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Tabii, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Turkey

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Bologna vs. Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava online for free

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It has been a while since Celtic really impressed in the Champions League, but this could be the year.

An opening round win over Slovan Bratislava could set Celtic on their way to a successful campaign. Of course, there are no easy games in this competition, and Slovan Bratislava will be desperate for three points from this tough matchup.

If you want to watch Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava?

Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 18. This fixture takes place at Celtic Park.

How to watch Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava for free

Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, 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 Ireland, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava on RTÉ Player 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 Ireland

  4. Sign in to RTÉ Player

  5. Watch Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTÉ Player, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 18

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 22:00

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 18'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 18 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Completely or entirely.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

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...

FULLY.

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.

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