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If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
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 15 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 15If 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: Is this some kind of joke?These words are good for a laugh.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThe answers are related to types of funny people.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is YoureKidding.
NYT Strands word list for August 15Clown
Comic
Fool
Buffoon
Prankster
Jester
YoureKidding
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.
A24 has released a new promotional image for We Live in Time, a decade-spanning romance featuring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. It also apparently features a horrific, bug-eyed carousel horse, which has swiftly stolen the spotlight to become a new internet meme.
We Live in Time follows the relationship between Almut (Pugh) and Tobias (Garfield), from their first meeting, to falling in love, to starting a family together. Told in snapshots throughout their lives, the drama seems to be aiming for a touching tone as the couple support each other through career milestones and health struggles.
SEE ALSO: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield live epic love story in A24's 'We Live in Time' trailerAs such, We Live in Time's latest promotional photo appears to depict a relatively early moment in their relationship, with Pugh and Garfield laughing as they enjoy a romantic carousel ride together. Yet in what is either a brilliant stroke of marketing or a gross oversight, the happy couple is completely overshadowed by the demonic visage of the carousel horse next to them.
Positioned in the bottom left corner of the photograph, the satanic steed's bulging, soulless eye and gaping maw demand the viewer's attention, refusing to let us mindlessly enjoy seeing Pugh and Garfield pretend to be in love. Trapped in what I can only assume is a silent scream, the tormented pony almost appears to break the fourth wall by gazing directly out at viewers.
It's like one of those reminders of mortality that 17th century artists used to put in their paintings. Death is coming, and it looks like a horse who has seen the end of time.
Tweet may have been deletedSocial media users immediately honed in on We Live in Time's disquieting steed, breaking out their image editing software with glee. The hell horse quickly went viral and inspired numerous memes, with people editing it into other films or superimposing it on top of Garfield and Pugh's heads. Even Late Show host Stephen Colbert weighed in on the tortured equine.
"Look, I'm gonna say what we're all thinking," Colbert quipped during his Wednesday night monologue. "That pony is tripping balls on ketamine."
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedIt's unclear whether this sinister stallion previously existed in the wild, or was specifically created for We Live in Time by a set designer who missed their calling as an existential artist. While the film was shot in London, the horses on South Bank's famous Golden Carousel look more colourful and less like they'd eat your soul.
We Live in Time and its horrible horse arrives in theatres on Oct. 11.
TL;DR: Through Sept. 3, use the discount code HEADWAY to get a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium for just £35.06 (reg. £233.77).
Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription £35.06 at the Mashable ShopIt's all too common to find ourselves endlessly scrolling through social media feeds or getting lost in the constant stream of news updates. These activities can lead to wasted hours and can even increase stress levels.
This August, help yourself break free from these time-wasting cycles and invest in something that can benefit your personal growth and well-being. Headway Premium, an app that gives you useful summaries of nonfiction bestsellers, is now available for a one-time fee of £35.06 for a lifetime subscription when you order through Sept. 3 and use the discount code HEADWAY at checkout.
Headway was made to empower you with a vast library of easy-to-digest summaries of best-selling nonfiction books. These summaries span a wide range of topics, from self-improvement and productivity to psychology and business. With Headway summaries, you can gain key insights and actionable advice from some of the world’s most popular books in just 15 minutes a day — and you can get them in audio or written versions.
The app also offers gamified learning and tailored recommendations based on your interests and goals. Whether you want to improve your leadership skills, learn about mindfulness, or explore new business strategies, Headway has something for everyone.
Headway Premium features interactive features like quizzes and actionable insights to help you retain information and apply what you’ve learned in real life. These tools help make learning engaging and practical.
Turn those in-between moments into opportunities for growth. Whether you're waiting in line at the store, commuting, or taking a break, the Headway Premium app makes it easier to learn something useful instead of scrolling through TikTok.
Stay motivated and focused with a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium on sale for just £35.06 (reg. £233.77).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Watch Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Washington Mystics and Minnesota Lynx are having very different campaigns, so most fans will be expecting a comfortable win from Minnesota Lynx in this matchup. But you never know what will happen in the WNBA. There is always the chance of an upset.
If you want to watch Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx?Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 15. This fixture takes place at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
How to watch Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota LynxFans can live stream the 2024 WNBA season from anywhere in the world with WNBA League Pass, including the fixture between Washington Mystics and Minnesota Lynx.
Something to note is that WNBA League Pass may not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. Fortunately, fans can bypass these geo-restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations, so you can bypass blackouts to watch every WNBA League Pass game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video).
Access every WNBA League Pass game by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
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 no broadcast deals for the WNBA
Log in to WNBA League Pass
Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)
ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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
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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 also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
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 15'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 15 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 15 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Popular nut for squirrels.
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 A.
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...
ACORN.
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 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 15'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 14 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: Distance
Green: Companion
Blue: Brewskis
Purple: Words that start with "Pay"
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Breadth
Green: Other Half
Blue: Beers, Familiarly
Purple: Words After "Pay"
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 #431 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayBreadth: EXTENT, RANGE, REACH, SCOPE
Other Half: COMPLEMENT, MATCH, MATE, PARTNER
Beers, Familiarly: BUD, NATTY, SIERRA, STELLA
Words After "Pay": CHECK, DIRT, PAL, PHONE
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.
It's the link-up of the century for all the young parents out there. Ms. Rachel and Elmo, finally together at last.
The X account for Elmo, the beloved Muppet, tweeted a picture of the character with Ms. Rachel, the uber-popular YouTube creator and educator known for her toddler learning videos.
Tweet may have been deletedElmo is obviously an iconic character, but Ms. Rachel is a superstar in her own right. Her YouTube channel focuses on educational and fun content for toddlers, and as someone whose friends have begun having kids, I can confirm that parents swear by her. She's racked up 11 million subscribers and millions upon millions upon millions of views. Most of her videos have hundreds of millions of views.
So, naturally, the parents out there were super pumped to hear about the collaboration. There have been so many tweets about it.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedWhile there wasn't an official announcement, it feels safe to assume Elmo and Ms. Rachel might soon appear in an episode of Sesame Street or a digital video together. It is, indeed, a huge day for parents and toddlers.
The wait for the next Nintendo console continues.
Nintendo's oft-rumored follow-up to the Switch (which we'll call "Switch 2" for the sake of convenience) may not launch in early 2025, as many had hoped. That's according to Chris Dring, the head of GamesIndustry.biz, anyway, who said on that site's podcast (as spotted by VGC) that developers aren't expecting the Switch 2 to launch before the end of Nintendo's current fiscal year. In case you were wondering, Nintendo's fiscal year ends on March 31, 2025, so April 1 is the earliest we could see Switch 2, according to Dring's comments.
SEE ALSO: We finally know when 'Stray' is coming to Nintendo Switch, but are preorders live?“In fact, [developers Dring has spoken to have] been told not to expect it in the [current] financial year," Dring said. "A bunch of people I spoke to hope it’s out in April or May time, still early next year, not late."
To be clear, it wouldn't be accurate to call this a "delay" because Nintendo never announced a release date to begin with. In fact, Nintendo hasn't announced the console at all; the most it has given us is assurance that it will be announced in the current fiscal year. For comparison's sake, the Switch was announced in October 2016 and launched in early March 2017. It was a very quick turnaround, and Nintendo could theoretically use that approach again, meaning we may not hear a peep about Switch 2 from the company itself until the end of this year at the earliest.
Of course, no one outside of Nintendo's offices knows the company's plans, so this could all be completely wrong. However, the company just recently showcased a boatload of really exciting-looking OG Switch games (including Metroid Prime 4), some of which have 2025 release dates. In other words, Switch owners will have plenty to chew on until there's a new machine to buy.
A confession: Long before Alien: Romulus, I've not been much for Fede Álvarez's brand of horror.
His reboot of Evil Dead was so grisly that I saw a colleague who deeply loves a good scary movie flee the theater in revulsion. His Texas Chainsaw Massacre was likewise dripping with buckets of blood and viscera, as was his 2016 original thriller Don't Breathe. It's not the gore alone that put me off, but more how it heightened a bleakness so intense it might well steal your breath. It seems he revels in seeing his heroes suffer, providing little hope to his audience they'll find a way out of it. That knocks the fun out of horror for me.
This suffocating grimness soured me on Álvarez's work. Frankly, I approached his spin on the Alien franchise with dread, even though I've relished this freaky franchise's blend of body horror and alien terror for decades. But I was wrong to doubt him. To his credit — and to producer Ridley Scott's as well — Álvarez's signature stomach-churning violence and deeply dark attitude are perfectly suited to Alien: Romulus. Moreover, his style suits the franchise's haunting message, in which the real villain is not the "perfect organism" that runs amok on remote spacecrafts but the inhuman corporation that exploits human suffering for profits. It's a capitalism critique that remains as relevant now as it was in 1979, when Scott first took us aboard the Nostromo. Here, Álvarez finds a fitting vessel for his darkest side.
There's no sign of Ripley in this curious prequel, which is set between Alien and its 1986 sequel Aliens. However, fans of the franchise will relish the return of such harrowing space critters as the facehugger, the chestburster, the queen Xenomorph, and more. Alongside these iconic extraterrestrials is a crackling ensemble cast, comprised of Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Aileen Wu, and Spike Fearn. But amid fresh faces, new twists, and a standout star, this entry flounders in a desperate frenzy of climactic fan service.
Alien: Romulus plays like Aliens meets Don't Breathe. Tyler and Rain bond over firepower. Credit: 20th Century StudiosÁlvarez and co-writing/producing partner Rodo Sayagues love a story about a group of young friends, brash and dangerously naive, who go on an ill-considered quest, be it vacationing in a remote cabin in a creepy forest, creating influencer content in a notorious ghost town, or breaking into a reclusive war vet's house with plans to burgle him and get out alive. Alien: Romulus aligns most closely to the last of these, as like Don't Breathe, its setup involves a sketchy heist.
Cailee Spaeny (Civil War, Priscilla) stars as Rain, an indentured worker on a Weyland-Yutani space colony, where disease and industrial accidents have made her and her synthetic "brother" Andy (David Jonsson of Industry and Rye Lane) orphans. So when her situationship-mate Tyler (Archie Renaux) proposes a heist that could get them to a nice space colony — one where sunshine actually exists — she's eager to sign on, whatever the cost.
The plan is for Tyler, his pregnant sister Kay (Isabela Merced), his aggro cousin Bjorn (Spike Fearn), and Bjorn's chill girlfriend Navarro (Aileen Wu) to burgle a derelict space station floating above their colony, snatching the equipment they need to fly far, far away. But this is an Alien movie, so their plans are complicated when they come across some otherwordly pests.
Álvarez and Sayagues' soft spot for impulsive (and criminal) youth plays well in the sandbox Ridley built. Like Ripley's crew, Rain's is a motley bunch; they know how to operate this highly specialized space tech, but they're essentially blue-collar folk with simple ambitions and all-too-human impulses. They are in no way prepared for the horrors that lurk in deep space. The first act of Alien: Romulus revels in character work, like the best of the Alien movies, embedding us with people so their pain becomes our own.
For Spaeny, this means much frowning and some tough choices about loyalty and risk. For the others, franchise-familiar friction sparks over Andy's involvement, as Weyland-Yutani's artificial persons have a reputation for betraying their human colleagues when it comes to benefitting the company. But Andy isn't like the snarling Ash (Ian Holm), the stoic Bishop (Lance Henriksen), the wide-eyed Annalee Call (Winona Ryder), or even the scintillatingly strange David (Michael Fassbender). And that's exciting.
David Jonsson steals this movie. David Jonsson is phenomenal as Andy. Credit: 20th Century StudiosSpaeny is put in the Ridley-like role of the hardened heroine who's destined to fight back against a towering and terrifying queen. But her character is perhaps too much an echo of Ripley, with the rough edges of spurting rage smoothed out. Andy, however, is an interesting new spin on AI in the Alien series. Programmed by her dad, Andy's directive is to "do what's best for Rain," and that includes delivering lovably lame dad jokes. For instance: Did you hear about the claustrophobic astronaut? He needs space. (Buh-duh-dum!)
These jokes might be a bit cringe, but they're undeniably endearing. Where the rest of the cast shoulders the angst and terror demanded of this high-tension franchise, Andy is a breath of fresh air because he can experience neither. This brings some warmth into Álvarez's movie, which creates a sharper contrast: a ray of hope amid the darkness. Andy is essentially the well-meaning little brother, exerting a guilelessness that is so rare in this franchise that it shines bright like a diamond. Eventually, plot twists will complicate matters, giving Andy a glitch in his programming and Jonsson room to show his range. Without giving away spoilers, suffice to say he is absolutely riveting across this journey.
Props to the ensemble as a whole, which rattles with raw emotion, be it wrath, hope, or horror. But by rights, Alien: Resurrection should elevate Jonsson to movie star status.
Alien: Romulus is revoltingly frightening and savagely entertaining. Isabela Merced creeps around as Kay. Credit: 20th Century StudiosLiterally, this movie had me dry-heaving.
It's not just that Álvarez leans hard into H.R. Giger's visual designs, which are a nauseating mix of genitals, generous glop, and hard, glossy exoskeletons. Though make no mistake, this movie's monsters are so sensationally rendered you can practically smell their musk. But what takes the scares here to the next level is a sound design that is loud, enveloping, and absolutely brutal — sometimes to the point of losing dialogue to it.
Props to composer Benjamin Wallfisch for a score that is nostalgic, tapping into past Alien movies with love and care, while creating an orchestral soundscape that raises goosebumps with its trills and stings. Yet the sound team, led by Lee Gilmore, owes me a good night's sleep after the hellish sounds they made echo through my skull. You can get a taste of it in the teaser. The roar of jet engines rattled me in my seat, making me physically feel like a part of this mission. The screech of relentless aliens left my spine tingling. The auditory memory of the fleshy skittering of too many legs down a hallway still makes me gag. The hiss of acid blood cutting through metal and flesh still rings in my ears. You don't just watch Alien: Romulus; you are absorbed into it. Brace yourselves.
Combining this immersive soundscape with the mindful use of Xenomorph monsters makes Alien: Romulus sensationally scary and well worth the price of admission. Unfortunately, the filmmakers fumble this marvelous build-up with a climax that is a sloppy burst of fan service.
Alien: Romulus bungles its finale with too many callbacks. Been here, seen that. Credit: 20th Century StudiosIf you thought Deadpool & Wolverine went hard on fan service, well, you're right. Alien: Romulus doesn't hit those degrees of pandering, but it does fall prey to the seemingly studio-mandated checklist for sequels.
The first half of this prequel elegantly blends the signatures of Álvarez's horror films with the well-established lore of the Alien movies, lacing in Weyland-Yutani's impact, familiar terms like "artificial person," and of course the Xenomorphs. It's all world-building; it works to establish Romulus while charting its own course. But as Alien: Romulus barrels to a conclusion, it begins to feel less like a fresh and thoughtful new adventure in this space (where no one can hear you scream), and more like a clumsy clip show of franchise highlights.
There'll be some familiar lines, and while some are subtle, one feels so forced that it sparked guffaws from the audience. Memorable shots are replicated, like the human heroine coming face-to-mouth(s) with the vicious alien queen. Plot points from previous films are reenacted with little to no innovation, so the tension of Romulus' final act becomes derailed by predictability. The character logic and action-scene geography suffers under the need to be like the other Alien movies, for better or worse. To that end, what will likely be most polarizing among fans of these films is the resurrection of a particular character who, while crucial to the plot, feels more like a cheat code than considerately included.
As Rain races to her final moments on-screen, audience may get a bit beleaguered by her, because she's no longer forging her own path. She's doggedly following Ripley's. We've seen that movie before, and it's a great movie! But it's time for something new and as daring as the group of reckless goofs this film drew us in with. Alien: Romulus won't be sunk by its flimsy final act, but some of the thrill is lost amid the clutter of callbacks. Still, this is a movie that demands to be seen in theaters, where the volume can gobble you up like so many alien maws.
While some of us can't get enough of sunny summer weather, others can't wait to feel the drop that comes with autumn temps while crunching all the freshly fallen leaves. If you've been waiting for fall adventures, you don't have to wait much longer. But as we wait out the last few weeks of August, now is a great time to take stock of what your outdoor gear look like. We're often pretty rough on outdoor gear, so it's possible some essentials need replacing.
Thankfully, there are some great deals out there that will help you replenish your gear while saving some serious money. Below, we've collected some of our favorite outdoor deals that'll get you out camping, hiking, or chilling in the backyard as we enjoy the changing season.
Best camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: REI Our pick: REI Co-op Skyward 6 Tent $223.83 at REIThere's nothing quite like sleeping under the stars, or at least looking out from your bug-free and screened-in tent. If you're interested in sleeping in comfort while camping, the REI Skyward 6 Tent aims to impress with its high ceilings that allow for people as tall as 6'3" to stand upright in the tent. Thanks to today's sale price, this spacious tent can be your haven for just $223.83, which is a whopping 50% discount off the usual price of $449.
The close to vertical walls means you'll be living in luxury in the Skyward 6 Tent that can sleep up to six people. Weighing a bit more than 15 pounds, this option might be best if you're camping from the car and don't need to hike in all of your supplies. But the spacious tent can be perfect for families heading out for some fall camping.
More camping deals:GCI Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger — $54.83 $110 (save $55.17)
Eureka Ignite 2-Burner Camp Stove — $74.93 $124.95 (save $50.02)
Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler — $74.99 $84.99 (save $10)
Coleman Sundome Camping Tent (4 person) — $74.99 $99.99 (save $25)
The North Face One Bag Duo sleeping bag — $348.73 $499 (save $150.27)
Safety should always come first when you're out hiking. Taking pictures of every single mushroom you come across is second. But in terms of safety, head out well-equipped with the Garmin inReach Messenger, which is on sale today for just $249.99, down from the list price of $299.99. That's a 17% discount, or a savings of $50. But having peace of mind that you're always in contact with the outside world is priceless.
The Garmin inReach Messenger allows you global two-way messaging even when there's no cell coverage. With a satellite subscription, you'll be able to stay in contact long after your phone has lost a signal, letting friends and family know you're safe and what your expected ETA back home is. You can also share your location via GPS and should things go wrong, you can trigger an SOS message.
More hiking deals:Sea to Summit AlphaLight 2-Piece Cutlery Set — $10.73 $19.95 (save $9.22)
Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit — $15.55 $24.47 (save $8.92)
TheTentLab Deuce #3 Heavy Duty Backcountry Trowel — $15.93 $21.95 (save $6.02)
REI Co-op Trailmade 60 Pack (men's) — $124.93 $179 (save $54.07)
REI Co-op Trailmade 60 Pack (women's) — $124.93 $179 (save $54.07)
A set of outdoor string lights can take a backyard party to the next level when it comes to ambiance. The Govee Outdoor String Lights are made with waterproof and shatterproof bulbs which means you'll never have to worry about a rainstorm ruining your outdoor set-up. Thanks to the sale price with the on-page coupon, you can score a 48-foot set of Govee lights for just $34.99 instead of the usual price of $54.99.
With the Govee Home app, you can control the lights and choose between 16 million colors or cold or warm white, and they can even synch to your current music. Not only does this make your fall backyard gathering brighter, the lights can also be awesome for Halloween and since they're safe in the snow, you can even leave them up through the winter holidays.
More backyard deals:Outside Inside Pop-Up LadderBall Set — $41.93 $59.95 (save $18.02)
Franklin Sports Portable Outdoor Pickleball Net System — $122.99 $174.99 (save $52)
Ooni Fyra 12 Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven — $249 $349 (save $100)
Solo Stove Bonfire Essential Bundle 2.0 — $349.99 $419.99 (save $70)
School may be in session, but that doesn't mean the fun and games have to come to an end — video games, at least. Whether you just sent the kids back to school or you're taking classes yourself, gaming is a great way to unwind after a long day of learning. And there are plenty of awesome deals to take advantage of right now in the best gaming deals of the week.
You can save big on huge Nintendo Switch hits right now, like the recently released Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, bringing the hype all the way back from its GameCube debut to new audiences. There's also the sprawling Final Fantasy XVI for PlayStation gamers, and Xbox fans can look forward to adventuring with the Prince in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
No matter which platform you play on, there's a deal for you. Check out our favorite picks of the week below.
Best PlayStation deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Final Fantasy XVI' $49.99 at AmazonThe darkest Final Fantasy yet is a massive, cinematic adventure that shouldn't be missed. Final Fantasy XVI digs deep into its roots and comes away with a new twist on the series with a dark fantasy. Journey to the continent of Valisthea and take on the role of Clive Rosfield, who finds his kingdom destroyed, his brother Joshua missing, and a mysterious drought known as Blight taking over the land. This gritty twist on the normally plucky series is a stark departure, but an excellent one that fans won't want to pass up, especially at this price.
More PlayStation dealsGames
Assassin's Creed Mirage Deluxe Edition — $14.99 $59.99 (save $45)
Cyberpunk 2077 — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)
God of War Ragnarök — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)
Hades — $12.49 $24.99 (save $12.50)
The Last of Us Part II Remastered — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth — $45.49 $69.99 (save $24.50)
Madden NFL 25 (preorder) — $69.99 + free $10 Best Buy gift card
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 — $49.69 $69.99 (save $20.30)
Octopath Traveler II — $24.99 $59.99 (save $25)
Red Dead Redemption 2 Ultimate Edition — $29.99 $99.99 (save $70)
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Deluxe Edition — $44.99 $89.99 (save $45)
Consoles and accessories
Sony INZONE H3 — $78 $99.99 (save $21.99)
Sony INZONE H5 — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P — $159.99 $179.99 (save $20)
Seagate Game Drive PS5 NVMe SSD (2TB) — $199.99 $259.99 (save $60)
Sony INZONE H9 — $229.99 $299.99 (save $70)
PlayStation 5 (Slim) — $459.99 $499.99 (save $40) with College Football 25 purchase and Target Circle
The Prince is back in this Metroidvania that introduces a new protagonist: Sargon. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown finds Sargon running, dashing, and jumping through the cursed city of Mount Qaf to rescue Prince Ghassan. A member of The Immortals, a warrior clan, Sargon is a skilled adventurer that you'll love taking control of, especially if you love to zip through challenging levels that'll have you stretching your parkouring muscles. And the fresh coat of paint for the Prince of Persia series isn't half-bad, either.
More Xbox dealsGames
Assassin's Creed Mirage — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)
Assassin's Creed Odyssey Gold Edition — $19.99 $99.99 (save $80)
Assassin's Creed Valhalla — $14.99 $59.99 (save $45)
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora — $34.99 $69.99 (save $35)
Far Cry 6 Deluxe Edition — $19.99 $79.99 (save $60)
Madden NFL 25 (preorder) — $69.99 + free $10 Best Buy gift card
Skull & Bones — $27.99 $69.99 (save $42)
Consoles and accessories
Xbox Series X Console Wrap (Mineral Camo or Arctic Camo) — $22.50 $44.99 (save $22.49)
Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black or Robot White) — $43.91 $59.99 (save $16.08)
Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition (preorder) — $69.99
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 — $144.99 $179.99 (save $35)
Xbox Series S — $268 $299.99 (save $31.99)
Xbox Series X — $448 $499.99 (save $51.99)
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel & Pedal System — $499.99 $649.99 (save $150)
This Nintendo Switch remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door takes the 2004 GameCube cult classic and gives it a fresh coat of paint for a new generation of players. It includes updated graphics and animation, music, and additional quality of life changes to help keep it in line with modern releases, as well as a new fast travel system and additional boss encounters. Meanwhile, the story is still the same: Mario and Princess Peach find themselves searching for a lost treasure and Peach is kidnapped (surprise). Mario has to set off on a journey to save Peach from aliens called X-Nauts while seeking out a piece of that treasure, too. If you loved it back on the GameCube, it's even better now. If this is your first time, you'll have a blast.
More Nintendo Switch dealsGames
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — $49.95 $59.99 (save $10.04)
Princess Peach: Showtime! — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)
Super Mario Bros. Wonder — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)
Super Mario Party Jamboree (preorder) — $59.99 + free 3-month Nintendo Switch Online membership
Trombone Champ — $8.24 $14.99 (save $6.75)
Accessories
PowerA Wireless Controller — $34.99 $44.99 (save $10)
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller — $38.99 $59.99 (save $21)
Hori Split Pad Pro — $42.99 $49.99 (save 7)
Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe — $94.99 $109.99 (save $15); extra $6 off with paid My Best Buy membership
Google has an AI update for its Magnifier app that's geared towards people with low vision. And the best part is you don't need a new Pixel 9 to use it.
Magnifier is an app was released last year as an accessibility tool that works with Pixel cameras to magnify text, details, and zoom in on distant objects. As of Tuesday, it has been updated with AI-powered capabilities to make gathering visual information easier.
SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Made by Google 2024, including the new Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel Watch 3, and Gemini LiveThe Made by Google event mostly focused on hardware, unveiling the Pixel 9 series, the Pixel Watch 3, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2, with a deep integration of AI-powered features for the new devices. However, not everything Google launched yesterday required a new gadget. Magnifier is available for Pixel 5 and newer.
With the Magnifier update, users can now search for text within the camera view for things like looking up specific dishes on a menu, finding flight information on those big airport screens.
The app also has a new picture-in-picture format, so you can take a picture of a certain aspect of something you're viewing and keep that image on the screen as you continue to scan. The example Google gives is browsing a deli counter while also looking at the menu. You can also choose different lens settings within the app, like the macro zoom or wide angle. The Selfie Illumination feature automatically lights up the selfie camera, so that plus macro zoom is a useful combination for doing makeup.
While the app was designed with the low-vision community in mind, it's a useful app for just about everyone. Luckily, you don't have to upgrade your device to access the Magnifier update. The app update is available on Google Play.
The dust has barely settled from the Made by Google 2024 event, and we're already seeing some sweet deals pop up on smartphones across the market.
We've done our best to gather some of the best phone deals this week. While we can't guarantee they're the absolute "best," these prices are definitely better than paying full retail.
Whether you're team Android or Apple, there's something here for everyone.
The best unlocked phone deal this week Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple iPhone 13 (Renewed) $422.00 at AmazonYou can get an unlocked Apple iPhone 13 (128GB) for $422 at Amazon. The catch? It’s renewed, which means it’s not brand new. But don’t let that deter you — it’s still a pretty good deal, since you’re basically getting $171 off.
SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: What are the differences?The iPhone 13 may not be the newest model, but it has everything you’d want in a smartphone, and you can save even more if you trade in your old device. Plus, with this deal, you can take the phone and put it on whichever carrier plan works best for you.
This smartphone has a 6.1-inch screen, a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with night mode, the A15 Bionic chip, and up to 19 hours of battery life.
More unlocked phone dealsMoto G Play (2023, 32GB) — $99.99 $169.99 (save $70)
Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation (Renewed, 64GB) — $119 $156.86 (save $37.86)
Motorola Moto G (256GB) — $199.99 $272.34 (save $72.35)
Google Pixel 7a (128GB) — $334 $499 (save $165)
Apple iPhone 14 Plus (Renewed, 128GB) — $496.94 $527 (save $30.06)
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (Renewed, 256GB) — $752.39 $789.95 (save $37.56)
Who among us hasn't dreamed of being whisked away from our humdrum lives to an exotic island, populated by beautiful people and lush with luxury? This is the dream come true for Blink Twice's heroine, a cater waiter named Frida (I Wanna Dance With Somebody's Naomi Ackie), when dashing tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) offers her a private plane ride to his equally private island. But in this place of poshness and privilege, something heinous hides in plain sight.
For her directorial debut, actress turned co-writer/helmer Zoë Kravitz brings in a star-studded cast that includes Alia Shawkat, Christian Slater, Adria Arjona, Simon Rex, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, and Kyle MacLachlan. Together, they deliver a gnarly thriller about power, betrayal, and desire that's sure to leave audiences rattled, yet wearing a crooked grin.
Blink Twice is diabolically cast. Credit: Amazon MGM StudiosEven from the trailer, female viewers might raise an eyebrow at Frida's decision to fly off with no notice to Slater's private island, where she swiftly surrenders her phone to his fiercely chipper assistant (Davis). But the script by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum builds in unspoken assurances: Frida's bestie Jess (Shawkat) is coming along, for starters. Plus, there are other women who will there, like astrology-loving app developer Camilla (Liz Caribel), chess-savvy pothead Heather (Trew Mullen), and Survivor Babes reality TV star Sarah (Arjona). Yet it's not just that the presence of other women makes Frida feel safe about following a billionaire to a second (and remote!) location. These women have an enviable confidence and fun-loving vibe that is intoxicating — even before the party drugs are offered.
So, when things go from sublime to surreal, it's hard to point the finger and proclaim undeniably that we'd know better. Plus, who could resist the allure of these men? Kravitz casts Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, and Haley Joel Osment — an array of actors who've been celebrity crushes, sex symbols, and dreamboats. It's easy to imagine saying yes to this fantasy of fame, fortune, and rich, hot, and famous men. Still, Kravitz's female characters are self-aware enough to second-guess their choices as the fancy and fun facade of the island begins to crack.
When Jess goes missing, Frida is mortified to realize that no one else seems to remember her being there at all. But who could forget that freckled spitfire, the sort of friend who always has a lighter when you need one? As Frida grows suspicious, her investigation will lead her into surprising alliances, dark conspiracies, and heart-wrenching revelations.
Kravitz smartly gives her thriller space to breathe. Credit: Amazon MGM StudiosThe premise of a private island that's not actually paradise might sound cliched, but Kravitz and Feigenbaum give their story time to develop and envelop. A grubby bathroom scene in Frida and Jess's apartment swiftly establishes their shared intimacy and humble circumstances. The gala, where they strategically swap their cater-waiter uniforms for slinking cocktail dresses to sneak in among the affluent guests, is explored from the crowded kitchens to the swanky ballroom. However, it's on the island itself where Kravitz wisely takes her time, developing the heady routine of pleasure-chasing, which involves an endless supply of drugs, booze, cuisine, and bright, white attire for every occasion.
Sure, Jess will joke that the female guests all being provided the same white bathing suits, the same white dinner dresses, and the same accessories seems "cultish." But it's a detail easy to forget in the haze of pot smoke and budding romance. Frida's keen to spend every moment she can with Slater, and Tatum is a master of playing the romantic lead. His warm smile, concentrated stare, and soft, husky voice is a smooth seduction. And all this sultriness and sumptuousness invites us to live vicariously through Frida, with Ackie's wide eyes and enchanted smile reflecting our own. This cozy setup makes the jagged punctures of this dream world hit all the harder, because you might even forget you're not watching a romance but a thriller.
Kravitz crafts a crackling and satisfying thriller. Credit: Amazon MGM StudiosI don't need to share spoilers to celebrate Blink Twice's second half. Simply put, Ackie handles the turn from besotted to terrified with a visceral aplomb. Tatum makes a surprisingly sensational villain, while the rest of the supporting cast bursts with energy, whether playing malicious or manic. Christian Slater in particular seems to relish the chance to sink his teeth into Kravitz's juicy revelations, practically spitting through an unnerving smile.
Elsewhere, Rex (who earned critical acclaim for 2021's Red Rocket) and Haley Joel Osment are happy to play a pair of fools, while Caribel and Mullen dazzle with brat summer charm. Arjona proves a standout though, shifting from Frida's romantic rival to something far less archetypal and far more complex — and even surprisingly funny.
Perhaps the greatest surprise of Blink Twice is just how slyly humorous it is. The material gets dark, but Kravitz and her cast lace in an absurdity that keeps us at the edge of our seats, instead of buried behind our hands. The defiant comedy amid the horror here urges us to keep hope alive, even when things look bleak, much like Radio Silence's 2019 hit Ready or Not. That film feels like an influence here, in terms of some plot and aesthetic details, and these similarities — as well as visual nods to movies like I Spit on Your Grave — might have some viewers snarking that Blink Twice is derivative. But Kravitz uses familiar pieces to build her foundation, then crafts a freshly exhilarating adventure that feels of its time. Rather than an imitator of these movies, it feels a kindred spirit, using its screams to deliver a message that is achingly timeless.
Which is all to say, Blink Twice is a knockout.
Check out Amazon's best deals of the day on August 14:
Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Google Pixel 9 $799 with free $100 Amazon gift card Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (128GB) $479.99 at Amazon (save $120) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL JBL Tune Flex $49.95 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST BLUETOOTH TRACKER DEAL Tile Starter Pack $39.25 at Amazon (save $15.74) Get DealToday's a good day to treat yourself to some tech deals at Amazon. Top brands like Samsung and Tile have discounted their devices on this random Wednesday in August, while Google just launched new gadgets with free Amazon gift cards attached.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Aug. 14. If none of these spark your interest, be sure to check out our picks from Aug. 12 and Aug. 13. Some of those discounts are still live as well.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Google / Amazon Google Pixel 9 free $100 Amazon gift card with preorder Get DealGoogle announced its latest Pixel 9 smartphone at the Made By Google event on Aug. 13, and it's now up for preorder at Amazon. When you secure the AI-infused phone ahead of its official release on Aug. 22, you'll get a free $100 Amazon gift card. The Pixel 9 isn't a massive leap from the Pixel 8, but it does include some essential upgrades. It wields Google's new Tensor G4 chip, which is allegedly nearly 20% faster, a completely refreshed AI experience, a 35% brighter display, and a new 48 MP ultrawide camera lens. Oh, and now it comes in pink!
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (128GB) $479.99 at AmazonBasically a budget-friendly alternative to the flagship Galaxy Tab S9, the FE+ is a "great tablet for casual users who still want a high-quality, reliable device." It touts the same tough IP68 dust- and water-resistant rating, a 12.4.-inch screen, 20 hours of battery life, and included S Pen as its more expensive sibling. However, it differs in the CPU, display quality, and price. As of Aug. 14, you can snag the 128GB version on sale for only $479.99 at Amazon — that's a savings of 20%. Need more storage? The 256GB model is also on sale for just $549.99, a savings of 21%.
Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.
Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune Flex $49.95 at AmazonWhile they may not be the fanciest earbuds on the market, the JBL Tune Flex do offer some impressive features for their price. Those include noise cancellation, Ambient Aware mode, bass-first tuning, customizable EQ, and a battery life up to 32 hours. Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) were not thrilled with the fit of these buds and wouldn't recommend them at full price, but on sale for just $49.95, you could definitely do worse.
Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Tile Starter Pack $39.25 at AmazonIf you're new to Bluetooth trackers, Tile's starter pack is a solid introduction to these devices. It comes with one Tile Mate (one of our top picks for a Bluetooth tracker) and one Tile Slim for only $39.25 — that's 29% cheaper than buying each one separately. The Mate can attach to your keys, luggage, or other items without much bulk, while the Slim is about the size of a credit card and can slip into your wallet or purse. Both are designed to reliably help you keep track of your stuff through GPS. If you opt into the paid Tile Premium subscription you'll unlock even more features, like notifications when you leave stuff behind and item reimbursement.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
SAVE UP TO 25%: As of August 14, save up to 25% off classroom essentials at retailers like Best Buy, Rite Aid and Staples during Instacart Back-To-School Deal Week.
Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart Instacart Back-To-School Deal Week Get DealSchool is officially back in session, and that means there's shopping to be done. Whether you're grabbing some school supplies you forgot to pick up or restocking the pantry for hungry kids in and out of the kitchen, saving some money on things you're going to buy anyway probably sounds like a good idea. And not having to leave your house to get it all? An even better one. Thanks to a promotion from Instacart, you can have all that and more for a limited time.
As of August 14, you can save up to 25% off school supplies, grocery and convenience items during Instacart's Back-To-School Deal Week. You can save on eligible orders at select retailers like Staples, Best Buy, Rite Aid and Sprouts. You'll find savings on a variety of goods, and the percentage you'll save will be cut from your entire order, with order minimums and maximum savings that will apply per retailer.
SEE ALSO: 60+ best back-to-school deals for students on a budgetTo access the deal, head to the Instacart homepage, either within the Instacart app or the deal promotion landing page. Choose the retailer you want to shop, add all your items to your cart, and check out. You'll see applicable promotions there, where you can save up to 25% off. Choose the one that works for you and your discount will automatically be applied.
Though not every retailer you want to shop will be included in this sale, it's still a good way to save some serious cash if you have things you still need to pick up to prepare for the new school year. Or if you're short on ingredients for dinner. This promotion is running through August 19, so be sure to get your shopping in while it's still going on.
SPEND $50+ AND SAVE 15%: Prime members who spend $50+ on eligible Amazon-brand items can save 15% during the Amazon stock up and save event.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Save 15% on orders of $50+ on eligible Amazon-brand items Prime-member exclusive savings Get DealFor some of us, it's super easy to stop by the store a couple of times a week. For others, it's at least a half hour journey to the local store. In either case, it can be convenient to keep a stockpile of essential supplies around the house like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and health-care items. If your pantry and supply closet is looking a little slim these days, check out this stock-up sale at Amazon.
As of Aug. 14, Prime members can save 15% on purchases of eligible Amazon-brand items when you spend $50 or more during the Amazon stock up and save event. The discount will automatically apply to your cart once you have $50+ worth of eligible items. The maximum total savings during this sale is $100.
SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Sony's WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones just dropped below $200The sale extends to hundreds of handy Amazon-brand items, including many in the mega-retailer's Amazon Basics and Amazon Essentials product lineup. If you're heading back to school yourself or getting ready to send the kids back, stock up on essential school supplies like a box of 30 Amazon Basics #2 pencils, which is currently on sale for just $1.99, or a set of Amazon Basics Premium Colored Pencils, which is also on sale for just $3.99.
The sale also includes plenty of household essentials that are always nice to have around, like cotton swabs and toothbrushes.
You can also find plenty of great pet supplies that are both on sale and eligible for the discount, like the Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pee Pads, Amazon Basics Flea and Tick Topical Treatment for Cats, and Amazon Brand Wag Dental Chews for dogs.
Keep in mind that to score the 15% discount during the stock up and save event, you'll need to be signed up and logged into your Amazon Prime membership. If you're not a Prime member already, a monthly membership costs $14.99 per month, or you can snag an annual plan for $139.
If you're in the midst of back-to-school season, check out the great savings available during the Amazon stock up and save event. You'll save 15% on items that are likely already on your weekly shopping list.
FREE MAX (WITH ADS): Get a discounted annual DashPass subscription from DoorDash and enjoy unlimited $0 delivery fees, reduced service fees, and a Max with Ads subscription at no extra cost — all for just $96/year ($8/ month).
Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash DashPass annual subscription $9.99 at MaxIf you use DoorDash but aren’t a DashPass subscriber, you could be missing out on a great deal.
Right now, you can get DashPass for just $8 per month when you sign up for a DashPass annual plan. That comes with a free Max with Ads subscription, which normally costs $9.99 per month — that's a savings of $119.88 per year.
SEE ALSO: The 13 best TV episodes of 2024 (so far)Sure, the free Max plan includes ads, but the savings on delivery fees are more than enough to make up for it. DashPass offers free delivery on orders of $12 or more, and you'll also get reduced service fees. According to the DoorDash website, subscribers save $4-5 per order.
If you use DoorDash even a few times a month, getting the DashPass annual plan with free Max is a no-brainer.
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