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Nobody said gardening was easy. It takes love, hard work, and — above all else — a good looking lawn. You can fill your garden with as many flowers, trees, water features, and ornaments as you want, but it simply isn't up to scratch without a well-kept lawn. It's the thing that ties the whole garden together.
The easy solution is a good lawn mower. Indeed, a neat and tidy lawn is pretty easy to achieve when you've got the right mower. And it's especially easy with a cordless lawn mower, which gives you the added bonus of convenience and lightweight handling. Even with the list of options that include electric, manual, and petrol devices mowers, there are lots of reasons to go cordless.
But where to start? Not everybody is an expert gardener with a deep knowledge of the best tools and equipment. Here's a quick guide on cordless lawn mowers.
What is a cordless lawn mower?Like it says on the box, a cordless lawn mower is exactly that: cordless. There's no need to plug into the mains, which means no cord trailing behind — which also means no tripping over or cutting through the cord by mistake. Cordless lawn mowers are powered by rechargeable batteries, giving you more freedom in the garden.
What are the benefits of a cordless lawn mower?Cordless lawn mowers give you a much bigger range and have easier, lightweight handling. They’re best for small and medium-sized gardens, but allow you to reach spots that might be hard to cut when tethered to a cord. They also need relatively little maintenance, unlike petrol mowers. Other than charging the battery, of course.
What are the drawbacks of a cordless lawn mower?All that added convenience comes at a higher price. And there’s the added issue, as stated above, of keeping the battery topped up. It’s worth remembering to recharge after use, rather than realising the battery’s dead every time you get the lawn mower out of the shed. And while they’re especially good for smaller and medium-sized gardens, if you have a large or hilly garden, or seriously tough grass to cut through, the extra power you get with an electric or even petrol lawn mower is probably better.
What features do cordless lawn mowers have?Cordless lawn mowers, with their added convenience, are often easy to store away, so look out for models that have folding handles or other storage features. Depending on your lawn layout and style, you might want to check that your new lawn mower has close edge cutting — which allows you to go right to the edges — or a rear roller for creating a stripe effect on your lawn. Other features include adjustable cutting heights and easy-to-empty grass boxes — all bonuses that make cutting the grass easier.
How long does a cordless lawn mower battery last?A good battery is perhaps the most important feature of all. You want a battery that gives you plenty of juice, if only to save the hassle of constantly recharging or running out of power when you're only half finished. Look out for cordless lawn mowers that offer 25 minutes or more, but be aware that some cheaper mowers offer much shorter runtimes — it could all come down to how much you want to spend.
What is the best cordless lawn mower?If a cordless lawn mower seems like the best option for your garden, you're in luck. There are lots of impressive models out there from some of the biggest gardening brands. To make your decision making process that little bit easier by shortlisting a selection of the very best options, giving you more time for actual gardening.
These are the best cordless lawn mowers in 2024.
TL;DR: The 2024 Paralympic Games are available to live stream on a wide range of platforms, including Channel 4, Peacock, TVNZ, and more.
This has been an absolutely massive year for sport, and we're not done yet. Following on from the T20 World Cup, Euro 2024, Copa America, and Olympics, the Paralympic Games are here to deliver 549 events in 22 sports. We have truly been spoiled this summer.
If you want to watch the 2024 Paralympic Games for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What are the Paralympic Games?The Paralympic Games is a series of international multisport events involving athletes with a range of disabilities. The Paralympic Games are organised in parallel with the Olympic Games.
When are the 2024 Paralympic Games?The 2024 Paralympics is the 17th edition of the famous event. This year's event is held in Paris from Aug. 28 to Sep. 8.
How to watch the 2024 Paralympic Games for freeThe 2024 Paralympics is available to watch on a number of streaming platforms:
Australia — 9Now (free)
Canada — CBC Sports
France — France TV (free)
Italy — Rai (free)
New Zealand — TVNZ (free)
Spain — RTVE (free)
UK — Channel 4 (free)
USA — Peacock
If there is not a free way to watch the 2024 Paralympics in your location, you can use a VPN to hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect to a secure server in another country. This way you can bypass geo-restrictions to stream the 2024 Paralympics without spending anything. The process is actually really straightforward:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free coverage of the 2024 Paralympics
Visit your preferred streaming platform
Live stream the 2024 Paralympics for free from anywhere in the world
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 gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to stream all the action from the 2024 Paralympics before recovering your investment.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
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.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 17 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 17If 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.
NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: One for the agesThese words hels celebrate your big day.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThe answers are birthday-related words.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is HappyBirthday.
NYT Strands word list for August 21Celebrate
Gifts
HappyBirthday
Cards
Party
Candles
Cake
Looking for other daily online games? Find one you might like – or hints for another game you're already playing – on Mashable's Games page.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for August 21's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
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.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 20 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Soil enrichment.
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 M.
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...
MULCH.
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.
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for August 21's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 21 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Smother
Green: Round and inflatable
Blue: Visual graphs of information
Purple: Fun alchohol
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Cover with a Thick Layer
Green: Things that are Inflated
Blue: Kinds of Charts
Purple: Classic Cocktail Types
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 #437 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayCover with a Thick Layer: CAKE, COAT, PLASTER, SMEAR
Things that are Inflated: BALLOON, BASKETBALL, FLOATIE, TIRE
Kinds of Charts: BAR, BUBBLE, LINE, PIE
Classic Cocktail Types: FIZZ, PUNCH, SLING, SOUR
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.
Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Gamescom, one of the most anticipated gaming events of the year, has not disappointed so far. The festivities kicked off with the much-hyped Opening Night Live showcase, setting the stage for what's to come in the world of gaming. Last year, we got a taste of hits like Mortal Kombat 1, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, and a fresh season of Diablo 4. But this year? Oh, it’s even bigger.
The 2024 event delivered major reveals, including the long-awaited announcements and release dates for Borderlands 4 and Civilization 6. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. To keep you in the loop, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about what’s been announced, teased, and revealed at Gamescom 2024 so far.
Here’s your ultimate rundown:
Borderlands 4 reveal trailerPerhaps as a way to make people forget about the recently released (and eminently forgettable) Borderlands movie, series developer Gearbox opened up the Gamescom opening night stream with the announcement of Borderlands 4. And that's pretty much it. We don't know anything about what Borderlands 4 actually entails, or how it differs from previous games in the series, but we know it exists and it's coming out in 2025.
Dying Light: The Beast announcement Tweet may have been deletedRather than make story DLC for Dying Light 2 or convert the ideas it had for that DLC into a hypothetical Dying Light 3, the developers at Techland have decided on a different approach: Just make a smaller game.
Dying Light: The Beast promises around 20 hours of gameplay (less than half as long as a full Dying Light 2 playthrough) in a new open world zone full of parkour to do and zombies to kill. It's got four-player co-op but can also be played solo. And it's only $40, so that's nice. Dying Light: The Beast doesn't have a release date yet, but it's launching on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Civilization VII release date Tweet may have been deletedEight years after Civilization VI launched, there is a seventh game in the vaunted turn-based strategy game series on the way.
We've known that for a few months now, but Gamescom gave us a glimpse of gameplay footage (spoilers: it looks like Civ) and, more importantly, an idea of when we can play it. Civilization VII launches on Feb. 11 on Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series consoles, and PC.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for PS5 and release date Tweet may have been deletedMicrosoft debuted a short new trailer for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle at Gamescom, but it didn't really show anything mind-blowing or new. Instead, we got some important information about when the game will be available, and for which platforms. We also got an exclusive first look at the game before it was revealed at ONL.
Long story short, Indiana Jones launches on Dec. 9 on Xbox Series consoles and PC. That it's coming to Xbox and PC this year isn't a surprise, but Microsoft did shock the world a bit by announcing Great Circle is also coming to PS5 in spring 2025. It's far from the first previously Xbox-exclusive title to come to PlayStation, but this one feels like the biggest so far.
Marvel's Rivals release date Tweet may have been deletedMarvel Rivals is like Overwatch but with Marvel superheroes. Based on that one sentence, you already know whether or not you're interested.
So instead of trying to sell you on the game, I'll just let you know that it's coming out on Dec. 6 on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. And yes, it's free-to-play, so you don't need to plunk down any cash to get in on the ground floor of what could be a very popular game.
Amazon Prime Video's Secret Levels trailerIf you were hooked on Netflix's Love, Death & Robots, get ready to be blown away by the next big thing from the same creative masterminds. This time, with the help of Amazon MGM Studios, Blur Studio will be diving into the world of video games with a brand-new animated anthology called Secret Levels.
The first season of Secret Levels features an impressive lineup of iconic games to draw from as it crafts its 15 animated stories. Here's a peek at the titles that have fueled these episodes:
Armored Core
Concord
Crossfire
Dungeons & Dragons
Exodus
Honor of Kings
Mega Man
New World: Aeternum
PAC-MAN
PlayStation (Spotlighting beloved entities from various PlayStation Studios)
Sifu
Spelunky
The Outer Worlds
Unreal Tournament
Secret Levels will stream on Amazon Prime Video on December 10.
Mafia: The Old Country reveal trailerThe Mafia trilogy of self-serious organized crime stories has garnered a devoted fanbase over the years without ever really feeling like one of the biggest things in gaming. But eight years after Mafia III (which is seriously underrated), the franchise is back with Mafia: The Old Country.
This announcement didn't feature any gameplay footage or information beyond a basic premise, which is that it's about the origins of the mafia way back in the old country in the early 1900s. We will certainly find out more at a later date.
Masters of Albion first look Tweet may have been deletedPeter Molyneux is back!
That name either made you giggle or made you say "who?" depending on how long you've been following video games. Molyneux was a creative force behind popular old PC games like Black & White and Populous decades ago, before becoming the public face of the Fable trilogy. He's long been known for making grand, ambitious promises about games that often don't come true.
Anyway, he has a new, apparently self-funded game called Masters of Albion coming out. It appears to harken back to the PC god game days of old for Molyneux, with the same "hand of God" mouse cursor conceit as Black & White. But you can also control individual villagers in a third-person mode, so Masters of Albion definitely has a lot going on. Whether or not any of it will work as promised could be another story.
Dune: Awakening gameplay reveal Tweet may have been deletedEver since watching Timothée Chalamet, dominate the spice planet Arrakis in Dune: Part Two, I’ve been itching to dive back into the Dune universe. Luckily, Funcom has answered my prayers with an exclusive gameplay reveal of their upcoming survival-crafting shooter, Dune: Awakening.
In this game, players will start by customizing their own prisoner who crash-lands on the harsh desert world of Arrakis. Immediately faced with the brutal realities of heat stroke and thirst, survival becomes a desperate scramble.
But this is Dune we're talking about, so survival isn’t just about staying hydrated. Players will have to battle the relentless desert elements, form alliances, and join forces with others to create powerful guilds. And, naturally, the fight for control over the precious spice is at the heart of it all. Oh, and did I mention? You’ll also be able to summon those iconic giant sandworms to wreak havoc on your enemies.
Dune: Awakening hits PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S sometime in early 2025.
Batman: Arkham Shadows VR trailerThe Batman Arkham games are making a comeback — this time in virtual reality. The latest entry in Rocksteady Studios' acclaimed Arkham Knight series, Batman: Arkham Shadow, is set to be a first-person action game exclusively for the Meta Quest 3.
Sure, it’s a bit of a bummer that it’s locked behind the Quest 3, but trust me, this machine packs a punch. Based on the gameplay trailer revealed at Gamescom, Arkham Shadow is poised to deliver a Batman experience like no other
You can grab Batman: Arkham Shadow for the Meta Quest 3 sometime this October.
New Monster Hunter Wilds trailerWe finally got another look at the highly anticipated Monster Hunter Wilds, the sixth mainline entry in the beloved series. Originally announced at last year’s Gamescom, this time around we were treated to an extended glimpse of the gameplay, co-op features, and even a sneak peek at a brand-new map location.
Monster Hunter Wilds will be released for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2025.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage gameplay trailerLost Records is the latest narrative adventure from Don't Nod, the creators of the beloved Life is Strange series. This time, the story centers on the reunion of a group of friends after 27 years apart. From what we've seen in the trailer and the intriguing premise, Lost Records looks like it’s going to dive deep into the "We don't talk about that summer" mode of storytelling, with all the emotional twists and turns you'd expect from Don't Nod.
This one was also announced at last year's Gamescom and will be released in two parts. Part 1 will release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on February 18, 2025, and Part 2 will drop on March 18, 2025.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign gameplaySurprise! Call of Duty is actually getting a campaign this year. After the rushed disappointment of Modern Warfare 3 (no, not that Modern Warfare 3), Raven Software, the team behind Black Ops 6, made sure to reassure everyone at Gamescom that, yes, there will be a campaign this time.
The seven-minute gameplay reveal at Opening Night Live was the usual bombastic COD spectacle, but it sure does look impressive. This time around, Black Ops 6 is set in the early 1990s, against the backdrop of the Cold War between the US and Russia. The timeline for the Black Ops sub-series might be a bit of a mess, but these games have consistently been among the franchise's best-received.
This will also mark the first mainline Call of Duty release since Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, and getting it out the door with Sony has been a bit of a headache. The game will launch on October 25, day one on Xbox Game Pass, just in time for the service’s new price increases.
Goat Simulator Remastered announcementNot much needs to be said about this one. We all remember how Goat Simulator took the gaming world by storm back in 2014. Since then, it’s been re-released several times to keep up with new console generations, with the most recent port landing on the Nintendo Switch in 2019.
Now, Goat Simulator Remastered is set to bring upgraded visuals, bug fixes, and every DLC from the original in one chaotic package. You can grab it later this year on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5.
Ever since Microsoft acquired Bethesda, players have been curious as to what MachineGames’ first game under the new Xbox umbrella would be. The studio is best known for creating the Wolfenstein series, but it’s now shifting gears to a beloved one: Indiana Jones.
Bethesda invited Mashable to an extended 30-minute, hands-off preview of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to show what to expect. Based on the gameplay shown, it expertly takes MachineGames’ first-person pedigree and storytelling skills to the next level.
SEE ALSO: Mashable's best games 2023: No, 'Baldur's Gate 3' isn't No. 1 Taking inspirationThe preview begins with game director Jerk Gustafsson and creative director Axel Torvenius speaking about how they took various real-world examples of temples to design their own. For example, they looked at drawings of the Sukhothai temples and extrapolated them in the opposite direction, making them more overgrown in order to fit the 1930s setting of the game.
Credit: MachineGamesThroughout the game, they confirmed that you’ll be able to visit other locations around the world such as the Vatican and the Himalayas. They also announced that the game will feature many cinematic set pieces, including being chased by a fighter plane. So far, this sounds like an exciting adventure that could even rival PlayStation’s Uncharted series.
The events of the Great Circle are set between the films Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Last Crusade. In 1937, a break-in occurs at Marshall College — and it turns out that Jones’ rival archeologist, Emerick Voss, has been plundering sites all across the world to find relics.
Credit: MachineGamesIt seems like Voss is working for Nazi Germany, as when a concerned scientist tells him that the relics that he’s looking for contain otherworldly powers, he says that it’s all the more reason for the Führer to have them. Voss is also a completely original character, which makes Great Circle feel like a genuine new adventure for the Indiana Jones franchise.
GlobetrotterThe gameplay follows the first-person style that MachineGames is known for from its Wolfenstein series — a format that feels perfectly suited to Indiana Jones. What really caught my eye were the fist fights that Jones engages in, as they’re much more methodical and slower-paced than you’d expect. He can face off against opponents on a 1vs1 basis, holding his fists up while swinging and dodging.
Credit: MachineGamesHe can also even grab them by the collar and pummel their faces in, as well as grab items lying around like rolling pins to hit them with. The game takes the realistic approach, and while it wasn’t showcased, I’d imagine Jones would have a difficult time trying to fist fight against multiple enemies. However, the slower-paced melee combat makes it far more immersive, akin to the experience in sims like Kingdom Come: Deliverance.
But what’s Indiana Jones without his trusty whip? Don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do with it. For instance, he can use it to hit enemies, but also grab items from a short distance, including dropped guns from incapacitated enemies. Outside of combat, the whip lets him traverse small gaps by using it like a grappling hook onto something like a tree branch. Additionally, the whip is integral to solving certain puzzles and looking for alternative paths in dungeons.
There’s a lot more to talk about regarding Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, such as the ability for Jones to don disguises, such as a clerical pastor, to infiltrate restricted areas — similar to the Hitman games. The game also encourages you to go off the main path and find little adventures on your own to discover collectibles. By doing so, you can earn Adventure Points that help Jones learn new abilities. One such ability is called True Grit, which lets him withstand a fatal blow.
I’m really excited to get my hands on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle later this year, assuming it doesn’t get delayed, of course. The showcased gameplay appears both immersive and enjoyable, while the story promises to be incredibly engaging. MachineGames is the ideal developer for creating the game that the Indiana Jones franchise deserves — and it looks like the great adventure game that Xbox really needs for its lineup.
Instagram is all about vertical content, and that might mean changing the look of your profile grid.
A few days ago, Instagram head Adam Mosseri posted a story on his app detailing a change we've seen coming since at least 2022.
"We're actually testing a vertical grid, for those of you who haven’t seen it yet, for your profile, instead of squares," Mosseri said. This follows a November 2022 post on X from reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi showing just how Instagram might change the aspect ratio of your profile grid. While that might sound like a visual nightmare, screenshots Paluzzi got his hands on don't actually look very bad.
Tweet may have been deleted"The vast majority of what is uploaded to Instagram today is vertical," Mosseri said. "It's either 4 by 3 in a photo or 9 by 16 in a video, and cropping it down to square is pretty brutal."
Instagram spokesperson Christine Pai told the Verge that the company is "testing a vertical profile grid with a small number of people" and will "be listening to feedback from the community before rolling anything out further."
It makes sense, as the photos we upload are rarely square anymore. The company is famously prioritizing Reels, which are vertical every time. But this could be a tough change for creators and users who have crafted a perfect Instagram grid. It's a mixed bag!
All of America's most gullible and Facebook-addicted uncles probably believe Kamala Harris is holding communist rallies.
Former President Donald Trump has taken to using AI images to that effect in an apparent effort to get his latest insult nickname to stick. He's taken to calling the VP "Comrade Kamala," which, frankly, sounds too cool to be an insult. Right-wingers have also begun calling Harris "commie-la." The attack centers on tying Harris' economic plans to communism.
So that's all to explain why Trump posted perhaps the most obviously AI-generated image of all time. It features Harris speaking in a place labeled Chicago — where the DNC is being held — with communist flags and red propaganda everywhere.
Tweet may have been deletedWhile AI hasn't necessarily proven to upend the world as some evangelists suggested, it has already made its mark on the 2024 presidential election. Trump, especially, seems to be leaning into it. Earlier this week, he "accepted" the support of Swifties for Trump, mainly consisting of AI-generated fans of Taylor Swift who "endorsed" him. Look around the internet, and you'll see Trump fans creating a number of strange AI creations, either celebrating their candidate or denigrating Harris.
Tweet may have been deletedSo stay on your toes and try to help out your most vulnerable uncles. We've got a long, AI-filled path to Election Day.
Let's be real: PC gaming offers the best possible experience for gamers. High-end gaming computers pack more graphical and processing power than any home console, and they offer a level of freedom in terms of customization and game choice that you’re just not going to find anywhere else. But when it comes down to it, do you want your gaming sessions tied to your desk?
While desktops deliver elite performance, the best gaming laptops fit into the modern lifestyle more smoothly. It’s so convenient to take your gaming rig with you on the go – whether that’s to a friend’s place or just to another room. Plus, there’s a gaming laptop to fit every type of player. Whether you're looking for a powerhouse that supports eye-popping visuals, a lightweight notebook to fit snugly in your backpack, or hoping to find the best budget gaming laptop, we promise there's a machine for you.
SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer Where should you buy a gaming laptop?You can find great gaming laptops at pretty much any big-name retailer nowadays. Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, GameStop, B&H, and others all have large selections of gaming laptops across a wide variety of brands. During popular shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday, these retailers often host huge sales.
However, there is a benefit to shopping directly with gaming laptop brands — their sites often offer a lot more customization, letting you pick out the exact specs you want. At bigger retailers, most off-the-shelf gaming laptops are already pre-specced, making it harder to find the right configuration and price.
Testing the Razer Blade 14 gaming laptop for this guide. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable What's the best cheap gaming laptop, and is it worth it?When it comes to gaming laptops, it's totally fine to not immediately spring for the top-of-the-line, $2,000-plus powerhouse. Plenty of gaming laptops fall below the $1,000 mark and are well worth the money. But, we would advise against going too cheap. You really do get what you pay for, and if you do buy that bottom-of-the-barrel machine, you're not going to be able to run many of the games that you want to play.
However, if you're looking to keep a tight budget and don't mind playing via cloud streaming, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a great option (more details on that laptop below). And if you're looking to spend even less, the Lenovo Gaming Chromebook 16 is another solid cloud gaming laptop, which you can read about in our guide to the best laptops under $500.
SEE ALSO: Prime Day laptop deals: Two gems aside, your shopping cart can stay empty for now What are the best gaming laptops?Finding the best laptop for your needs and budget can be tricky. They may be easier to parse than their desktop counterparts, but gaming laptops still require a fair bit of careful spec scrutinization. These are no consoles — you can’t just pick the latest generation system off the shelf and get playing. Choosing between the many graphics cards, processors, storage sizes, and screen types can be a real head-scratcher. And that’s where we come in.
Mashable Shopping experts have tested and reviewed a lot of gaming laptops over the years. Read on to find our recommendations for the best gaming laptops of 2024.
This is Sydney Sweeney's world and we're all just living in it. In 2024, she hosted SNL, channeled her Spider-Woman powers in Madame Web, ate some absurdly spicy wings, and starred in and produced the hit rom-com Anyone But You. Now, she's playing a mysteriously pregnant nun in the religious horror movie Immaculate (which she also produced). If you missed it in theaters, you can now join the viewing party from home since Immaculate is officially streaming.
Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Immaculate at home, including the best streaming deals to potentially save a few bucks.
What is Immaculate about?Immaculate follows Sister Cecelia (Sweeney), a young novitiate who discovers she is pregnant after arriving at a convent in Italy. Since she is a virgin, the religious order — Father Sal Tedeschi (Álvaro Morte), Mother Superior (Dora Romano), and Cardinal (Giorgio Colangeli) — declares it an immaculate conception. As her belly grows, she begins to doubt whether the pregnancy is what she wants and worries that a dark force is at play.
"The heart of the horror here is about Cecilia's faith being used against her," Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko writes in her review.
Immaculate also stars Sweeney's fellow The White Lotus alum (from Season 2) Simona Tabasco as Sister Mary, as well as Benedetta Porcaroli as Sister Gwen, Giampiero Judica as Doctor Gallo, and Giuseppe Lo Piccolo as Deacon Enzo.
Is Immaculate worth watching?Immaculate earned $5.3 million domestically in its opening weekend (and has now grossed $21.7 million worldwide) according to Box Office Mojo, which is reportedly the biggest opening ever for the movie's distributor Neon. And considering it only cost a reported $9 million to produce, its theatrical run has been relatively successful. Much of that success can be attributed to Sweeney's star power.
"Props to Sweeney, who not only shows her merit as a leading lady, but also produced Immaculate. While the film wobbles, it shows her fearlessness not only in what she'll take on as an actress (Nude scenes? Blood? Action? Bring it on!), but also delivers an impossible-to-miss message about the sanctity of a woman or pregnant person's right over their own body," Mashable's Kristy Puchko writes in her review. She also calls it "solid B-movie entertainment, brandishing sex, violence, and gore with a heady mix of irreverence and star power."
The critics on Rotten Tomatoes (who gave the film a 71% rating) also largely credit Sweeney's "divine performance" for the success of Immaculate.
Read Mashable's full review of Immaculate.
Can I watch Immaculate at home?Initially premiering at the SXSW Film Festival, Immaculate made a splash with its theatrical debut on Friday, March 22. Less than a month later, the film's digital release was announced. As of April 16, Immaculate is available to rent or buy on digital on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV for those wanting to watch the horror flick at home. If you'd rather stream the film, keep reading for more information.
Here are some of the platforms where you can rent or purchase the film online:
Prime Video — $2.49 to rent or $11.49 to buy for Prime members
Apple TV — $3.99 to rent or $12.99 to buy
Fandango at Home — $3.99 to rent or $12.99 to buy
YouTube — $3.99 to rent or $12.99 to buy
Google Play — $3.99 to rent or $12.99 to buy
Immaculate is officially streaming on Hulu as of Aug. 16, 2024. It comes as no surprise that the Sweeney flick has found its way to the streamer, as the indie film distributor Neon has a deal with Hulu. Fortunately, Hulu is one of the more affordable streamers around and there are plenty of ways to sign up for a discount. Subscriptions start at $7.99 per month, but we've rounded up the best ways you can save on your subscription below.
Is there a Hulu free trial?If you're brand new to Hulu or returning after canceling a previous subscription, you can kick things off with a free 30-day trial. Just remember that if you want to avoid charges, you'll have to cancel before the 30 days are up. If you choose to keep your subscription going, it'll cost you $7.99 per month with ads.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free 30-day trial, then starting at $7.99 per month Get Deal The best Hulu streaming dealsBest Hulu deal for most people: Hulu annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $79.99 per year (save 16%) Get DealIf you don't qualify for a free trial or you want to save some money after your trial ends, you can opt for an annual subscription to Hulu rather than paying monthly. It typically costs $7.99 per month for the ad-supported plan, but if you pay annually, that monthly fee drops down to jut $6.67 per month. Sure, you'll have to pay $79.99 up front, but you'll end up saving about 16% in the long run. If you plan on sticking around after watching Immaculate, this is your best bet.
Best bundle deal: Get Hulu and Disney+ for 37% off Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Duo Basic bundle: Hulu and Disney+ with ads $9.99 per month (save 37%) Get DealHulu alone will run you $7.99 monthly, but you can get more bang for your buck by bundling it with Disney+ for an extra $2 per month. That gets you access to both streaming libraries with ads for 37% cheaper than paying for each separately. Even better, you can add ESPN+ into the mix for $14.99 per month and save 44% on all three services.
Best for students: Hulu Student Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student $1.99 per month (save 75%) Get DealStudents can sign up for a student account via Hulu for just $1.99 per month. That's 75% off the full cost of Hulu with ads. You'll just have to verify that you're a student using SheerID to score the deal.
Best for T-Mobile users: Hulu (with ads) included for one year for Go5G Next customers Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get DealIf you're a T-Mobile customer not already on the Go5G Next plan, this might be an incentive to switch. Customers on the Go5G Next plan get Hulu with ads included for no extra cost — and that's on top of the already stacked lineup of Netflix and Apple TV+. Head over to the T-Mobile website and choose "redeem now" to claim your offer if you haven't already. You'll have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu. After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll also have to take action in order to keep your subscription alive.
SAVE $85: As of August 20, get the Amazon Echo Buds with wireless charging case for just $54.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 61% and the lowest price we've seen.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds $54.99 at AmazonNoise-cancelling earbuds can block the world out when you need a distraction. We've tested plenty, and while some of the best come from brands like Bose, there's a lot to be said about those you can pick up at an affordable price. And if you've had your eye on models like the Amazon Echo Buds, which are on sale right now, you're in luck. You can get them for an absolutely fantastic price – in fact, their best ever – if you head to Amazon right now.
As of August 20, get the Amazon Echo Buds for just $54.99. That's $85 off their normal price of $139.99 and a discount of 61%. It's the lowest price we've tracked for the buds, especially as this is the version that comes with a wireless charging case as opposed to a wired one.
These are some of the most affordable ANC buds you'll find right now, as you don't often get quality like this in the lower price range. Block out the world with customizable Audio Personalization options that can help you hear what's important and connect to two devices at the same time with automatic switching.
They're compact, light, and IPX4 sweat-resistant so that makes them great for both the gym and chilling at home enjoying your favorite music, media, and more. They connect via the Alexa app to help you control the content you're enjoying and can be used for voice calls and hands-free assistant use as well. And when you need to charge them back up, you can spend just 15 minutes to get them back up to a 5-hour listening session in a pinch.
Be sure and grab a pair while you can at this price before they sell out – you'll be saving some serious cash and getting some fantastic earbuds, too.
The best Ninja kitchen deals this week save you up to 35%. Check out our top choices:
Our top picks: Best Ninja air fryer deal Ninja Max XL Air Fryer (AF161) $109.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Best Ninja coffee maker deal Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker (12 cup) $118.99 at Amazon (save $31) Get Deal Best Ninja blender deal Ninja Blast Two-Pack Portable Blender (BC155PS) $79.99 at Amazon (save $33) Get DealGone are the days when the coolest kitchen appliance was a blender with two speeds. These days, we have plentiful options when it comes to kitchen gadgets and small appliances, from air fryers to incredibly fancy coffee makers. But if your kitchen is calling for some upgrades from a reliable and budget-friendly brand, we're seeing some excellent deals this week on Ninja kitchen appliances.
Here are some of our top picks for the week of August 20:
Best Ninja air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Our pick: Ninja Max XL Air Fryer (AF161) $109.99 at AmazonIf you've been slogging through summer heat while still using your oven for dinner, you might want to consider switching to an air fryer if you don't like significantly upping the temp in your house. Thanks to today's sale price on the Ninja Max XL Air Fryer (AF161), you can grab this 5.5-quart model for just $109.99 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $169.99. This means you'll be getting a 35% discount and saving $60.
It doesn't get much more functional than the Ninja Max XL Air Fryer, with one-touch functions that include air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. Ninja mentions the 5.5-quart size can air fry up to three pounds of fries, which makes it ideal for families. With temps that can reach up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll be enjoying perfectly fried foods in minutes, without turning on your oven.
Best Ninja coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Our pick: Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker $118.99 at AmazonIf you're a coffee drinker and have intentions of cutting back on ordering $7 lattes each morning, you're in luck. The Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker is on sale for just $118.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $149.99, which means you'll be getting a 21% discount. In terms of comparing this sale price to $7 lattes, you'd only need to grab 17 cups on the go to pay for the Ninja coffee maker.
This machine is a work-horse when it comes to brewing up your favorite coffee. Versatility reigns supreme, giving you the option between eight brewing sizes and four brewing strengths. On Monday, you might opt to brew a full carafe of classic coffee, while Tuesday might call for a travel-size mug of rich coffee. You can also make cold brew with the Ninja in just 10 minutes, which means this machine can not only save you money in the long run, it'll also save time.
Best Ninja blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Our pick: Ninja Blast Two-Pack Portable Blender (BC155PS) $79.99 at AmazonIf you're a smoothie fanatic or refuel with protein shakes, the Ninja Blast Portable Blender might be your new favorite kitchen gadget. This portable blender can go anywhere thanks to the leak-proof lid and convenient carrying handle. The rechargeable battery means you can pack along smoothie ingredients when you're off to the gym, add in some ice from the machine when you're done working out, and blend away. The 18-ounce container means you'll have plenty of enjoyable smoothie.
Today's deal at Amazon brings the price of a two-pack of Ninja Blast Portable Blenders down to just $79.99. The normal price of a two-pack is $112.99 which means you'll be scoring a 29% discount when buying two.
More Ninja deals this weekNinja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Ninja Precision Temperature Electric Kettle (KT200BL) — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Ninja Professional Blender 2.0 (BR201AMZ) — $89.99 $99.99 (save $10)
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 (AF141) — $89.99 $119.99 (save $30)
Ninja Nutri Personal & Countertop Blender (BL642) — $149.99 $179 (save $29.01)
Ninja Professional XL Food Processor (NF705BRN) — $149.99 $189.99 (save $40)
Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker (OG850) — $349.99 $399.99 (save $50)
August falls right in the limbo period between Prime Days — the one that always happens in July and, unless Amazon goes rogue this year, the one that has become an October tradition in recent years. But Roomba deals are randomly alive and well at Amazon.
SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineupsYes, everyone's favorite robot vacuums to eye on Prime Day are on sale at Amazon at the end of August (many models, at least), some even matching or beating their record-low pricing from July. We've pulled the noteworthy ones below.
Best Roomba deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo j5 $299.00 at AmazoniRobot's j5 series robot vacs are the cheapest Roombas that can steer clear of phone chargers and pet waste, now even more affordable with a straight up 50% discount on this Combo j5 model. I first experienced iRobot's small obstacle avoidance when testing the Combo j7+, and after testing several other Roombas (including this j5) and competitors, I can confidently call iRobot's obstacle avoidance tech the best in the game. If your previous hesitation with robot vacuums stemmed from the need to clean up before they could clean, this is your answer.
As a Combo model, the Combo j5 does mop. Rather than having the water tank onboard 24/7 like the Combo j7+ or j9+, you will have to physically click the water tank on and off to enter mopping mode. Compared to the j7 series, the j5's cameras also aren't quite as precise, and still may require you to pick up things like socks.
More Roombas on saleiRobot Roomba j7+ with self-empty station (renewed premium) — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)
iRobot Roomba j7+ with self-empty station — $429.99 $799.99 (save $370)
iRobot Roomba j9+ with self-empty station — $599 $899 (save $300)
Vacuum and mop combo
iRobot Roomba Combo i5 — $229 $349.99 (save $120.99)
iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ with self-empty station — $349 $549.99 (save $200.99)
iRobot Roomba j5+ with self-empty station — $449 $799.99 (save $350.99)
iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ with self-empty station — $699.99 $1,099.99 (save $400)
For seven glorious weeks in June and July, I was excited about Star Wars again, and it was all thanks to The Acolyte.
Created by Leslye Headland, the latest Star Wars series was a breath of fresh air for a franchise whose biggest live-action TV offerings had mostly devolved into stale Easter egg hunts. (Looking at you, The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.) While The Acolyte certainly wasn't without its own Easter eggs, it was also primarily original material.
SEE ALSO: 'The Acolyte' review: Just what Star Wars needsWe got our first taste of the High Republic Era in live-action Star Wars, as well as new heroes in twins Mae and Osha (both played by Amandla Stenberg), and a new Sith Lord in the Stranger (Manny Jacinto). A cast of mostly original characters and a lack of gratuitous Skywalker cameos kept The Acolyte feeling fresh from week to week, as did its no-holds-barred action sequences, hints of enemies-to-lovers romance, and interrogation of the Jedi Order. By the time the finale rolled around, teasing exciting new possibilities for the show's future, I was locked in and burning for more.
But on Tuesday, Deadline reported that Lucasfilm would not be renewing The Acolyte for a second season. According to the publisher, citing "sources", the reasoning was ratings-based, with the season finale drawing what is believed to be the lowest minutes viewed for a Star Wars finale.
Manny Jacinto and Amandla Stenberg in "The Acolyte." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.The cancellation might make sense from a numbers standpoint, as The Acolyte's budget was reportedly $180 million for eight episodes. (Never mind that a Star Wars show with fewer connections to existing IP was always going to be a riskier bet.) But from a storytelling standpoint, the decision does a major disservice to Star Wars going forward. It sends the unfortunate message that any attempts at original storytelling will be sidelined in favor of more self-referential slogs. Nothing new is allowed, nor is any show given the chance to grow past its first season unless it's an instant smash hit. So why even bother getting invested in a new Star Wars series in the first place? (Notably, Andor, the best Star Wars series, was guaranteed a Season 2 from the jump. Could you imagine if its low viewership resulted in an Acolyte-style cancellation?)
'The Acolyte' gave me hope for the future of Star Wars. Now, I'm not so sure.The loss of The Acolyte is also a blow to its audience, many of whom, like me, saw the series as a way to reconnect with a franchise that had otherwise lost their trust and interest. Whether people were seeing themselves in The Acolyte's diverse cast or rejoicing in Star Wars actually embracing an enemies-to-lovers romance, it was a joy to watch viewers geek out every week over the show's every twist and turn.
Of course, there is a nasty flip side to that fandom. Bigoted, so-called Star Wars "fans" took every opportunity to attack the series with racist, sexist, and homophobic rhetoric, all because The Acolyte dared center women and people of color. Stenberg has been a target for this vitriol since her role in the show was announced, the same kind of racist attacks Star Wars actors like John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran, and Moses Ingram faced before her. Following the cancellation announcement, comments on Stenberg's social media have been a parade of hateful gloating. (Thankfully, there is still quite a bit of support.) Clearly, this subset of the Star Wars audience views The Acolyte's cancellation as a moral victory and as proof that Star Wars remains "theirs."
That Lucasfilm and Disney did little to speak out against this hate during The Acolyte's run speaks volumes. That they continue to push aside audience members eager for something new speaks volumes too. As one of those audience members, The Acolyte gave me hope for the future of Star Wars. Now, I'm not so sure.
If you're in the market for some new headphones, you've got plenty of options. But if you want premium quality that both sounds good and looks good, Bose is always a go-to that you can rely on, whether you want over-ear headphones or earbuds. You can rest assured you'll get quality noise-cancelling as well as excellent audio, and all at a great price – especially right now.
As of August 20, you can save big on some of Bose's best and brightest headphones that have been heavily discounted. From some of the brand's best and brightest options like the excellent over-ear Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones to smaller and perfectly portable QuietComfort Earbuds II, you can score significant savings on great audio right now, as long as you're quick. It's unclear how long these deals will last, so if you're into them, you'll want to lock them in quick.
Check out our picks for the best Bose deals of the week below.
Best Bose deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort Ultra $349.00 at AmazonIt doesn't get much better than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones when it comes to noise cancelling and long wear time. They're ridiculously comfortable as their name would imply, and boast a 24-hour battery life in addition to absolutely fantastic noise cancellation. They also happen to offer rich, full audio with crisp treble and deep, satisfying bass. Plus, they come with three listening modes to make sure you're feeling the music even while you need to block out the rest of the world. You can also customize your listening experience based on what fits your musical profile best. They're Bose's best over-ear options by far, and well worth picking up on sale.
Best Bose earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds $349.00 at AmazonYou don't always want to cart around a huge pair of over-ear headphones. For those situations, earbuds often make a great alternative, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are the best you can get from the brand. They offer excellent straight audio if you're just planning on enjoying your favorite tunes, but they also flourish when it comes to active noise cancellation and spatial audio. They're like a smaller version of their larger over-ear cousin, but don't offer any less than excellence in the noise cancelling department. Their portable package make them useful in a variety of situations where over-ear headphones don't make sense as well, especially if you need to make sure you're paying attention to your surroundings.
Best budget Bose earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II $199.50 at AmazonThe more affordable Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are made even cheaper now that they're on sale for a discount. They're made to fit in your ear while offering a more personalized noise cancellation experience, and they fit in the ear nicely, especially when compared to other similar brands on the market. They come with three pairs of ear tips and stability bands to ensure you get the fit you need as well. Plus, their touch interface make controlling your audio as simple as it can be, since simple taps and swipes can pause and play your content without you having to touch your phone or computer.
Sexual wellness brand Bellesa makes adult products a bit more accessible. The company isn't just a sex toy shop, but also has a feminist porn site (link is very NSFW) — one of Mashable's top 10 places to click when you want to get off — that offers free videos.
Now, Bellesa has launched BB Outlet, an online platform that provides inexpensive sex toys. According to the press release, BB Outlet offers more than 300 products with prices starting at $5.99. Bellesa made these toys specifically for BB Outlet, such as the clit sucker BB Air for $8.99. In contrast, the Bellesa AirVibe Pro — also a clit sucker — retails for $149. Another example: The BB Classic Rabbit is $21.99, while the Bellesa bestselling rabbit Diosa Soft-Touch is $129.
SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a sex toyOn the BB Outlet homepage, you can select toys in the $4-10, $11-20, $21-30, and $31+ range. These offerings are branded "BB Outlet" as opposed to Bellesa, with the words printed on some of the toys. From what Mashable has viewed, they're are made of body-safe silicone.
In addition to vibrators (wands, suckers, rabbits, and more), dildos, wearables, and anal toys, BB Outlet also sells bondage gear like handcuffs and gags, and lube and cleansers.
"With BB Outlet, the price of pleasure is now within reach for all," said Bellesa CEO Michelle Shnaidman in the press release. "Whether it's someone's first time exploring, trying something new, gifting a close friend or simply expanding their collection, we're proud to make it possible for everyone to experience pleasure and embrace their sexuality without compromise."
While Mashable has yet to try out BB Outlet toys, the prospect of finding a new favorite toy without breaking the bank is enticing.
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of August 20:
Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Sonos Ace headphones $399 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST SMART HOME DEAL Amazon Echo Spot + Sengled smart light bulb $54.99 at Amazon (save $44.99) Get Deal BEST KIDS DEAL Kindle Paperwhite Kids $134.99 at Amazon (save $35) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL Amazon 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV $309.99 at Amazon (save $210 with Prime-exclusive code PRIME55) Get DealThis week is starting off on a strong note when it comes to deals and discounts at Amazon. We're seeing plenty of price drops on the mega retailer's own devices for the first time since Prime Day. Plus, there's a first-time discount on a brand-new pair of headphones we're loving.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Aug. 20. If none of these catch your eye, be sure to take a peek at our picks from yesterday, Aug. 19. Many of those are still live — including a record-low ninth generation iPad.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ace headphones $399.00 at AmazonThree years in the making, Sonos finally released its first pair of headphones earlier this summer. Now, just a few months after their debut, they have received their first discount. Usually $449, you can slash $50 off and grab them for $399 at Amazon as of Aug. 20. Considering our biggest complaint about the headphones upon testing was their price, this is a welcome drop. The design, sound quality, battery life, and spatial audio are definitely stand out features, but we do wish the ear cup seal was tighter to block out more outside sound. Overall, though, Mashable's Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern says she would recommend them to "true audiophiles who value incredible sound quality above all else."
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon / Sengled Amazon Echo Spot + Sengled smart light bulb $54.99 at AmazonJust released last month, the Echo Spot is essentially a fancy alarm clock that can help you start and end your day with smart features. It doesn't have an integrated camera (because that would be creepy), but it does allow you to see time, weather, song titles, and more at a glance and control your smart devices with our voice. It comes in three sleek colors and currently is down to just $54.99 — that's a savings of 31%. Better yet, you can score a free Sengled smart light bulb with your purchase.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite Kids $134.99 at AmazonWhile this isn't the best deal we've ever seen on the Kindle Paperwhite Kids, it's the biggest price drop we've seen in several months. A step up from the basic Kindle Kids, the Paperwhite Kids adds some boosted features like a larger display, longer battery life, double the storage, an adjustable warm light to cut down on blue light, and IPX8 waterproofing. With Amazon Kids+, it also comes preloaded with a full library of age-appropriate books. As our reviewer noted, "It’s a piece of kids’ tech that even the most anti-screen relatives at your next family get-together won’t be able to grumble about." Snag it on sale for just $134.99 as of Aug. 20 — that's a savings of 21%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV $309.99 at AmazonNeed a new TV? If you're a Prime member, you can snag a 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV for only $309.99. That's over 40% in savings if you use the code PRIME55 at checkout. The 4-Series is equipped with 4K Ultra HD entertainment with HDR 10, on-board Alexa, and four HDMI inputs for connectivity. It's not the fanciest TV in the Fire lineup, but it'll still get the job done. And if you're already using a Fire TV Stick, it'll already have your custom-arranged apps waiting for you when you log into your Amazon account. If you're not a Prime member, you'll have to pay $349.99, which is honestly still a pretty good discount at 33%.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
Late August is prime time to buy a Dyson, and not just because there are several Dyson deals live right now — though that does help.
It's still summer-y enough for playing outside dirt, mowing the lawn grass, and leftover beach sand to make its way onto your floors. However, crunchy leaf season is right around the corner, and having a cordless vacuum at the ready will be a game-changer. Or perhaps you're more so fearing the kickoff to fall allergy season. If you haven't upgraded to an air purifier or a vacuum with a HEPA filter yet, the Dyson models on sale this week are your sign to set yourself up for success already.
SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Dyson: Which cordless vacuum should you get?I don't have a seasonal spiel about Dyson's hair tools — having your hair on point is kind of a year round thing, so whenever the urge to upgrade to a Dyson Supersonic, Airwrap, or Corrale strikes, you should just go for it. Luckily, refurbished versions of all three are even more affordable than usual this week.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Our pick: Dyson V12 Detect Slim $449.99This $449.99 sale price is just $50 away from the cheapest we've ever seen on the Mashable Choice-winning V12 Detect Slim — and that record-low has only really made an appearance during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
In my opinion, the V12 Detect Slim is the best Dyson for most people because it packs the most crucial Dyson features into an affordable package that barely weighs more than five pounds — the ideal weight for one hand usage, especially in handheld mode. Easily the best part about the V12 Detect Slim is its inclusion of Dyson's green laser, which highlights microscopic dust on a hard floor that you may have assumed was clean. My other favorite Dyson tool, the mini motorized cleaning tool for tackling pet hair on furniture, is also included.
More deals on cordless Dyson vacuumsDyson V7 Advanced — $279.99 $399.99 (save $120)
Dyson Outsize— $519.99 $599.99 (save $80)
Dyson Gen5detect — $749.99 $949.99 (save $200)
Dyson Ball Animal 3 Complete — $399.99 $549.99 (save $150)
Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 — $299.99 $429.99 (save $130)
Dyson Hot+Cool Autoreact HP7A — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)
Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 — $429.99 $529.99 (save $100)
Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03 — $749.99 $899.99 (save $150)
Dyson Corrale (latest gen, refurbished) — $179.99 $399.99 (save $220)
Dyson Supersonic Origin (latest gen, refurbished) — $199.99 $319.99 (save $120)
Dyson Supersonic (latest gen, refurbished) — $209.99 $499.99 (save $290)
Dyson Airwrap Origin Long (latest gen, refurbished) — $279.99 $349.99 (save $160)
Dyson Airwrap Complete Long (refurbished) — $339.99 $499.99 (save $160)
As a kid, there was nothing I loved more than seeing a handwritten letter arrive on my doormat from one of my pen pals. I treasured every letter and postcard, storing them in a shoe box covered with a collage of my own fabulous design (I still have them to this day).
In my (deeply wholesome) childhood obsession with pen pals, never in a million years would I imagine that my future self would attach a negative meaning to the idea of a pen pal. But here I am: a single woman in her thirties who's found herself in several pen pal situationships on dating apps. And it has brought me nothing but frustration and upset.
SEE ALSO: I got stood up. I refuse to let dating app culture break my spirit.The most recent experience brought with it several valuable — albeit painful — lessons. I'd matched with a man on Bumble and immediately we got chatting and there was a palpable connection.
We moved the chat over to WhatsApp and spent hours texting about all manner of things. When I went back to look at his profile (OK, to check him out again! He was super handsome!) I noticed he was quite far away and using "Travel Mode" — a Bumble Premium feature that allows you to change your location from your current one. This didn't set off alarm bells — when I'm on holiday or travelling for work, my Bumble profile will appear the same way to anyone swiping in London.
But this connection wasn't travelling, he was working and living in another part of England, hoping to move closer to London at some point. After a week or so of messaging in October, he addressed the elephant in the room: he couldn't come to London until the new year and didn't want to stand in the way of me meeting someone else before then. But he so enjoyed talking to me, he said. I thought about my own situation — I had three months to finish a non-fiction book I was working on (ironically, the book is all about why dating is so hard right now!). My entire life was pretty much consumed by it. I wasn't in a position to go on dates and certainly wouldn't be able to make someone feel like they were my priority (which might not feel great in the early stages of seeing each other).
Asking for clarity in the talking stageWe agreed to keep chatting until we were both in a position to meet up in the new year. For weeks, we texted on a daily basis, we sent voice notes, memes, we sexted, we talked about what we'd do to each other once we finally met up. But that day never came. When December arrived, I mentioned we should start thinking about when we wanted to meet up, but his response was very non-committal. I brought it up again a week later and, again, very little reaction. At this point, I knew it was high time for clarity. I composed a paragraph in my Notes app and plucked up the courage to ask where he was at emotionally. I laid my cards on the table: "I would like to explore this connection in person. But I want to check we're on the same page — if not, I'd rather know." I added: "I'd rather we didn't waste our time / get stuck in a nebulous pen pal thing."
He took 24 excruciating hours to give me a response to that question. In that time, I came to terms with the fact that the answer I'd eventually get would not be the one I wanted. I cried quite a few tears — which surprised me, given that we'd never met. But, that sadness came from feeling stupid for giving so much time to a situation that proved fruitless. For believing in a fantasy and ignoring the reality that had been staring me in the face. For feeling strung along and not seeing it sooner. Eventually, he told me he didn't envisage himself hopping on trains back and forth to London and wanted to spent the next six months focusing on his friendships. He told me he understood if I didn't want to keep chatting, but expressed that he did not like the sound of a "nebulous pen pal".
Featured Video For You How Tinder and other dating apps use algorithms to find your match — Horny on MainAs tears streamed from my eyes, I replied saying I was looking for a relationship and deserved to be with someone who knew what they wanted with me. I wished him well and we parted company. I unfollowed him on social media and archived our chat. Eventually he unfollowed me back on Instagram. But every few weeks, I'd notice him viewing my Instagram Story. Even now, eight months since we last spoke, he still peeks at my Story, despite the fact we no longer follow each other.
Why do people look for pen pals on dating apps?It's very confusing to spend such a prolonged period of time talking to someone, forming an attachment, only to learn that they likely had no intention of ever meeting up in person. I've learned valuable lessons from my experience with this man. When swiping on apps, I make sure the person lives in the same city as me (important!). I now make sure when I'm talking to someone, we move our connection to real life in the first week or so of texting. I ask for clarity at the first sign of inconsistency. I end things if they admit they're not in the right space for dating.
In the aftermath of that prolonged talking stage, I wondered if the man had only ever intended to be pen pals. Had he, from the very outset, had no intention of ever meeting up with me? I couldn't stop thinking about the "why?" of it all. What was the motivation behind solely messaging and never taking the connection to real life?
When I swipe on dating apps, I often see 'no pen pals' in people's bios — so mine is not a unique experience.When I swipe on dating apps, I often see "no pen pals" in people's bios — so mine is not a unique experience. What is the reason behind this behaviour? Why do some people seek out — consciously or unconsciously — pen pals on dating apps? Annabelle Knight, sex and relationship expert at Lovehoney, says there's a few reasons for 'pen pal' behaviour on dating apps. "The first is that they simply aren’t ready to date — and they might not even know this themselves; they like the 'idea' of dating, but don’t like the reality of it," says Knight. "The second is that they are struggling with their own issues — like anxiety or poor self-esteem — which would prevent them from wanting to take the next step of meeting up."
The third reason could be that the person is already in a relationship and they are using dating apps as a means of escapism, says Knight. A possible fourth reason could be that the person is trying to meet friends using dating apps.
SEE ALSO: What do we owe our online dating matches?Anna Hint, dating expert at dating app Pure, also suggested a few explanations for this behaviour. "Some of the few reasons might be boredom, 'testing the waters' before meeting up in real life, seeking validation, or just feeling lonely but not looking to develop the connection further than online chats," says Hint. "Other times someone might be in a committed monogamous relationship and not looking to meet anyone in person but open to connecting virtually — this might or might not be consensual in a couple's relationship dynamics but also a quite common scenario."
There's also the matter of dating apps creating the illusion of seemingly boundless choices. "So why settle for someone at all?" adds Hint. "Situationships, delusionships, and imaginationships are all part of our dating scenarios today. It seems like a real struggle to make up your mind about whom you should meet IRL, maybe for many people it's comfortable enough just to exchange a few texts here and there to feel 'seen' but not take it further."
All these reasons don't make this behaviour OK, but in seeking to understand the motivation behind the pen pal trap, we can take it less personally. And, we can get better at spotting it and nipping it in the bud before we spend time on someone who has no intention of meeting up.
Recognise the signs of breadcrumbingYou might be familiar with the dating term "breadcrumbing" — when a person sends endless flirty messages (akin to dropping a trail of breadcrumbs), except the trail leads to nothing. No date, no in-person meet-up, just a never-ending stream of texts.
Knight recommends learning the signs of breadcrumbing so you're equipped to recognise when it's happening and can put a stop to it if you feel you're being led on.
"Breadcrumbing, whether intentional or not, is a manipulative tactic in a relationship where someone drops vague, intermittent (or only when prompted) and flirtatious messages — quite literally digital crumbs of affection — to keep someone interested without ever intending to commit to a relationship," says Knight. "Typically if someone is vague, doesn’t follow through with their plans, and becomes more interested when you try to withdraw, they may be dropping breadcrumbs."
What to do if you're worried about falling into the pen pal trapBoundaries are key in these situations. Knight recommends minimising app-based chatting to no more than a few days as "this will allow you to determine a minimum threshold of connection."
To move to a physical, in-person meeting, Knight advises suggesting a specific activity — going to a life drawing class together, trying a new restaurant, going bowling or mini-golfing — as a date, rather than just a generic "want to grab drinks?" "Pretty quickly this will give you an idea about their future intentions to meet up, and you can decide whether or not to proceed with the conversation or cut off contact," says Knight.
Communicating what you're looking for from the get-go is a great way to define your boundaries and to find out what the other person's expectations are too. "If it seems like you are not on the same page in terms of your wants and needs, it's better to cut it off," says Hint.
What if you're only looking for a pen pal on dating apps?If you're not ready to date in person, or perhaps you want to explore intimacy purely over texting for the time being, honesty is the best policy. Make your intentions clear from the very outset and give the person the choice of whether this arrangement works for them too. "If you really are looking for a pen pal, then you need to signpost this in your bio, and make your feelings clear upfront, so that the other person knows ahead of time what they're signing up for," Knight says.
"You don't want to give any room or time for misunderstanding; even if you have good intentions, if you start talking to someone and let them know you're only looking for a pen pal weeks into a conversation, they could end up developing feelings and getting hurt," she adds.
Knight suggests using apps or websites which are solely for this purpose — InterPals, Global Penfriends, and Slowly, to name a few. On Pure you can list "virtual" as your ideal dating scenario. Similarly, on Feeld, you can add "texting" as a kink.
Hint adds that "if you want to act respectfully and ethically towards your match or chat partner: it's crucial to mention where you are standing from the start when connecting with someone online."
Dating app culture might feel really murky and dispiriting at the moment, but if we treat each other with respect and communicate clearly and honestly, we can avoid leading people on.
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