Mashable

One of the first big tricks Tesla pulled from its sleeve was when it started offering over-the-air upgrades that made its cars considerably quicker. There's just something special about getting a performance upgrade for a car you already purchased. Now, Ford is following suit by offering to make the Mustang Mach-E GT a lot faster with a software upgrade.

The upgrade applies only to the owners of the 2024 Mustang Mach-E GT, but it is considerable, adding an extra 100 lb-ft of torque from the car's two electric motors, and lowering the 0-60 miles per hour time from 3.8 to 3.3 seconds. According to Ford's general manager for integrated services Chet Dhruna, a Mustang upgraded in this way can run a quarter mile in 11.8 seconds, at 114 miles per hour.

SEE ALSO: Tesla recalls 1.8 million cars over hood issue

The upgrade isn't free; it costs $995 before tax, but it still sounds like a pretty sweet deal that can turn your Mustang Mach-E GT into a proper tire destroyer.

Customers buying a new Mustang Mach-E GT can add this upgrade as an option; folks who already own the car can download it through the FordPass app (but remember, it needs to be the 2024-year model).

The Mustang Mach-E GT is the most powerful electric Mustang in Ford's roster, and this upgrade makes it one of the quickest SUVs you can get. For example, it's quicker than a Tesla Model Y Performance, which goes from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. It's also quicker than all of Porsche's electric Macan variants, except the Turbo Electric, which beats the Mustang at 0-60 miles per hour by 0.2 seconds.

Google's next big hardware event is fast approaching, with Made by Google 2024 scheduled to kick off on Aug. 13. It's an earlier date than usual for this annual event, which usually takes place in October. 

This doesn't automatically mean there's some exciting news that the tech giant just couldn't wait to share. Google may just be trying to get its new Pixel phones out ahead of Apple's expected iPhone 16 launch in September. But whatever the reason, it looks like we'll get our hands on Google's next devices sooner than initially anticipated.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9: All the rumors we know so far

Here's what to expect from Made by Google 2024.

What is Made by Google?

Made by Google is an annual event unveiling Google's latest gadgets, with the primary focus typically going to the next generation of Pixel phones. They aren't the only devices on the agenda though, with past Made by Google events also featuring Google's Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds.

This year the in-person event will take place at Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California, though it has previously been held in New York and Brooklyn. 

What can we expect at Made by Google 2024?

Google has already dropped multiple hints regarding what we can expect at its August event, teasing its upcoming devices across social media.

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro Tweet may have been deleted

August's Made by Google event is set to unveil the next generation of Pixel phones, including the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. As is tradition, a lot about these phones has already been leaked, and rumours about the lineup abound.

Google appears to be changing up its hardware design with the Pixel 9, eschewing the Pixel 8 series' rounded edges in favour of a flatter feel. The Pixel 8's rectangular back camera strip also seems to be out, replaced with a rounder, pill-shaped design.

The Pixel 9 series will of course get a spec boost to go with its new look, with reports of higher megapixel cameras and faster Tensor G4 chips across all models. The Pixel 9 Pro will reportedly have a 4GB RAM increase from the Pixel 8 Pro as well, offering 16GB of RAM to more smoothly run Google's AI chatbot Gemini.

It's likely there will be considerable focus on the Pixel 9 series' AI and Gemini functionality. Even Google's official Pixel 9 Pro and Pro 9 Fold teaser videos focused more on Gemini than the phones themselves, like a parent who makes their child's birthday party all about said kid's younger sibling. While Made by Google is first and foremost a hardware event, AI is currently the undisputed darling of the tech industry, so it isn't surprising that it would get a look in. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

We know for certain that the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are coming. If rumours are to be believed, they could very well be joined by a Pixel 9 Pro XL.

The last XL variation in Google's Pixel series was the Pixel 4 XL back in 2019, which offered increased screen size and battery life over the Pixel 4. As such, it wouldn't be surprising if the rumoured Pixel 9 Pro XL offered a similar bump over the Pixel 9 Pro.

Even so, early leaks suggest the Pixel 9 Pro XL is even smaller than the Pixel 8, sporting a 6.5-inch screen compared to the latter's 6.7 inches. If true, this could mean the Pixel 9 Pro is smaller still. We'll just have to wait until Aug. 13 to find out for sure.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Credit: Google

Google launched its first foldable smartphone at last year's Google I/O event, introducing the world to the Google Pixel Fold. This year the tech giant will follow it up with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

This is another announcement that we know for certain is happening, with Google having already posted a teaser video saying as much. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold appears slimmer than Google's first generation foldable, with a squarer back camera module replacing its predecessor's rectangular strip. As usual, we can likely expect upgraded specs as well.

Google Pixel Watch 3 (and Pixel Watch 3 XL)

Though Google's Pixel 9 phones are undoubtedly the diamonds of this Google season, they likely won't be attending this party alone. Leaks suggest that Made by Google will launch the Google Pixel Watch 3, available in both 41- and 45-millimetre sizes. In comparison, last year's Pixel Watch 2 only comes in a 41-millimetre size. 

Some older reports suggest that the Pixel Watch 3's 45-millimetre variant will actually be called the Pixel Watch 3 XL, though the name's absence in newer leaks have cast some doubt on exactly how Google will title these devices.

Featured Video For You How to set up an automation in Google Home

The Pixel Watch 3 will reportedly have thinner bezels allowing for a larger screen, while said screen will also be twice as bright as the previous model. Google's latest watch may also introduce a new battery saver mode, stretching the Pixel Watch 3's charge to last 36 hours. The device's standard battery life with its always-on display is apparently still 24 hours, the same as the Pixel Watch 2.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Google may also bring out the next generation of its wireless earbuds this August. While details about the rumoured Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 remain scant, leaks suggest that the earbuds will come in at least four different colours: pink, pale green, ivory, and grey (though they'll likely get more fanciful names).

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 case will reportedly be slightly bulkier than the Pro, while the Buds themselves seem to have larger grills. Google also appears to have brought back the Pixel Buds' stabiliser arcs, which are intended to help keep the earphones in your ear.

Google TV Streamer

New smartphones, new earphones, and a new watch would be a lot, but Google may not be stopping there. Made by Google may also introduce a follow up to 2020's Chromecast with Google TV called the Google TV Streamer.

Leaks suggest that the Google TV Streamer has abandoned its predecessor's dongle form factor, opting for hardware designed to sit on a table or entertainment unit. The wide, pill-shaped device's slanted surface makes it look similar to a magnetic phone charger.

The Google TV Streamer may have HDMI, Ethernet, and USB ports, while its remote will have a customisable shortcut button as well as ones for YouTube and Netflix.

Android 15, maybe?

Made by Google may be a hardware event, but hardware is nothing without software. Many have been expecting Google to launch Android 15 this August, bringing with it new features such as Theft Detection, a locked space to hide apps, and the ability to add photos to your Google Wallet.

However, recent reports claim that the Pixel 9 series will be launched on Android 14 rather than 15, casting doubt on whether Google's OS system is ready to debut. Android 15 is currently in its fourth and final scheduled beta, with the next update expected to be its official release.

Though even if Android 15 doesn't show up on Aug. 13, it's likely it will appear within the next few months.

How do I watch Made by Google 2024?

Made by Google will kick off on Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. EST. Fortunately for those of us unable to make it to California, the event will be livestreamed on the Made by Google YouTube channel.

It's a remarkably cool time to be Irish. Cillian Murphy has his Oscar, Paul Mescal wears his short shorts, and Sally Rooney's forthcoming novel is one of the most anticipated of the year. 

It was only a matter of time before the Irish language earned the same reputation as its people. 

SEE ALSO: Why the internet stans Ireland

In Kneecap, the semi-fictionalized origin story of the Belfast Irish-language rap group of the same name, Irish is the language of rebellion … and consuming large quantities of ketamine, cocaine, acid, and MDMA. 

Often repeated in the film is the line, "Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet for Irish freedom." The movie takes place in 2019 in West Belfast, during the height of advocacy for recognition of the Irish language in the United Kingdom. In 2022, the country's Identity and Language Act passed, granting Irish an equal status to English. It established the Irish language commissioner to develop Irish in Northern Ireland, repealed the ban of Irish in Northern Ireland courts, and allowed members of the Northern Ireland Assembly to speak Irish. The reality of the band's formation in 2017 was just as closely tied with the moment. 

In real life, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, who goes by Móglaí Bap, was out spray painting walls with the slogan "Cearta," which means "rights" in Irish, the night before an Irish Language Act march. While Bap got away, the friend who was with him got picked up by the police, refused to speak English, and spent the night in jail awaiting a translator. 

The incident inspired Bap to recruit Mo Chara, real name Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, to join him in writing and recording "C.E.A.R.T.A," their first song. They filmed and put out a music video, but didn't plan to do any more songs. After the song was denied play on the Irish language radio station due references to drugs and cursing, a petition circulated and the track went locally viral. "We had no plan to start a band, but that demand…" Bap said to Mashable. The group has since released two albums, all in Irish with a dash of English, and they still frequently go viral, for both tongue-in-cheek republican stunts — that often turn into self-referential songs of their own — and their solidarity with Palestine.

Kneecap puts the live music in living language

The group takes a necessary alternative approach to the legal and political work around the Irish language in the UK. Having begun their band five years before the 2022 law was passed, they've worked to create energy around the language, which continues to be "endangered," according to some linguists.

"Having music is an important part of a living language, especially music that represents the language people speak on the streets and amongst each other socially," said Bap. "It's a very natural way to learn, especially with hip-hop, because hip-hop has story lines and a certain way of delivery. You're going to learn a lot of the language through the music."

The third member of the group, JJ Ó Dochartaigh / DJ Próvaí, a former Irish teacher, used to translate pop songs into Irish as a teaching tool. "Learning through music always sticks in your head more than just rote stuff," Próvaí told Mashable. 

While Chara insists that they are also "just trying to make tunes," their impact on interest in the Irish language is undeniable. When the British director of the film, Rich Peppiatt, enrolled in a night Irish class in Belfast in 2019 while doing research for the film, half the students in the class said they were there because of Kneecap. 

When interviewed about American interest in Ireland earlier this year, Eleanor O'Leary, a lecturer in media and communications at South East Technological University in Ireland, noted the new attention to the Irish language, pointing to Kneecap's online following as an example of the new energy. 

Duolingo has also seen surges in interest in Irish. During the pandemic, Irish became the most popular language in Ireland for both new and existing users, overtaking Spanish. In 2021, Irish was the fastest growing language on Duolingo, with a million people actively learning it — quite high for a language which, according to Kneecap, only 80,000 people speak. From the end of 2022 to the end of 2023, Duolingo saw a 70 percent increase in daily active learners in the Irish course. 

Now, with the film, the group is poised to reach a more global audience.

Paying homage to rap's legacy

Bap grew up speaking Irish at home, while Chara and Próvaí learned it through school. The boys are quick to cite their history, telling Mashable that Irish language primary schools didn't exist in Northern Ireland until 1972, and Irish language secondary schools didn't come into being until 1991. 

Kneecap's members are, of course, big fans of hip-hop's sound, but they were also attracted to the genre's history of giving a voice to Black Americans and its central nature of storytelling. "Irish speakers in the North never really had a voice for a long time. We thought it was a great opportunity for us to let the world know about the North, about Ireland, that the Irish language does exist, it's not just English with a funny accent," said Bap.

SEE ALSO: 'Kneecap' review: A welcome middle finger to Oscar-bait biopics

Storytelling is intrinsic to Irish culture, and knowing that not many of their listeners understand Irish, having elaborate visual stories in their music videos was of the utmost importance. The film incorporates many of their pre-established storylines — from the cross-community relationship with a Protestant girl developed in their 2019 single "Fenian Cunts," to their film rivals, the fictitious Radical Republicans Against Drugs, which they use to poke fun at the staunch anti-drug stance of republicans and which dates back to "Your All Legitimate Targets" off their mixtape. The band benefits from the medium of film pushing these storylines and viewer connection with the Irish language further through the use of subtitles when Kneecap speaks and raps.

A large portion of Kneecap is in Irish, a rarity in film, and an entirely different approach to The Quiet Girl, the 2022 primarily Irish language adaptation (which doesn't have much dialogue at all) of Claire Keegan's short story "Foster" that earned a Best International Feature Film nomination at the Oscars. While The Quiet Girl presents a quaint view of Ireland set in the 1980s, Kneecap and the band's music takes the Irish language out of the past and into the raucous semi-present. 

Irish solidarity and beyond

"Hopefully when people see Kneecap, the movie and the music, they'll see that it's possible to do stuff in your own language," said Bap. "We've met people who tell us the film makes them reflect on how they can be creative with the language, because even in Ireland for a long time, most people wouldn't sing in Irish, and even worse, they'd sing in American accents." 

Chara added that your native language can connect you to where you're from, your history, your past, and the land. "Belfast doesn't have a meaning [in itself], but it comes from Béal Feirste in Irish, which means 'the mouth of Farset River that runs underneath Belfast,'" said Chara. "The list goes on everywhere in Ireland a name originates from Irish and was translated to English a long time ago."

The group and their championing of the Irish language is ultimately a reaction to their people's history of being colonized and England's attempt at erasing Irish culture. But Kneecap isn't only concerned with the Irish cause. The film ends with a PSA noting that an Indigenous language dies every 40 days. The group made headlines when they dropped out of SXSW in solidarity with Palestine. Kneecap's attitude has earned them the respect of politically aware Gen Z fans. 

"We're very good at history and remembering stuff in Ireland, and we're very bitter and resentful, so we never, never forget. But the history repeats itself," said Bap. "We understand the importance and the impact that solidarity can have on people, and we see that now in Palestine. That's why it's important for us to make sure people feel seen, heard, and not dismissed."

Kneecap is in theaters Aug. 2.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to this guitar lessons training bundle for $14.97 through September 3 and learn guitar online.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dan Dresnok The 2024 Guitar Lessons Training Bundle $14.97 at the Mashable Shop
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Create your perfect summer soundtrack with these guitar lessons you can take right from home. With courses designed to get you strumming, soloing, and composing, you’ll be ready to impress everyone at beach bonfires, camping trips, and backyard barbecues.

This comprehensive bundle covers everything from beginner basics to advanced guitar techniques, including songwriting, fingerstyle, jazz, blues, and more — all on sale for $14.97 until September 3.

Learn essential skills like reading TAB (tablature), mastering chords, and strumming melodies that will have you jamming to your favorite summer hits in no time. You'll learn fingerstyle guitar, jazz improvisation, and blues rhythms to add a unique touch to your outdoor performances. Whether you're a newbie or looking to refine your skills, this bundle offers something for every guitarist.

To make the most of your outdoor jam sessions, focus on acoustic techniques perfect for open spaces. Practice projecting your sound, using fingerpicking for gentle, melodic tunes, and experimenting with natural surroundings for unique acoustic effects. Playing at the beach or around a campfire could definitely add the right vibe to your music.

Why not use this summer to finally nail those tricky guitar techniques or write your own songs? The bundle includes courses on ear training, children’s songs, and even Christmas classics, so you're ready for any time of year. Plus, with lifetime access to over 200 lectures and almost 80 hours of content, you can learn guitar online at your own pace.

So grab a guitar, head outside, and rock on.

Through September 3, you can get this guitar lessons training bundle on sale for $14.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Running a small business often means juggling countless documents, from contracts to invoices. PDF Reader Pro for Mac is here to make that process smoother and more efficient. Marked down to $29.97 (reg. $59) until September 3, this powerful tool offers everything you need to handle your business paperwork with ease.

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Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story. Kneecap, the music-fueled biopic named for the Irish hip-hop trio on which it centers, spins a tale that is at times so outrageous you might suspect poetic liberties have been taken. But the film itself embraces the blurring of fact and feeling to deliver a propulsive and political romp that rejects the austere approach of so many indulgent Oscar-chasing biopics. And thank God and all the saints for that! 

Too often, larger-than-life rock stars or pop divas or legendary musicians are reduced by a color-by-numbers approach that fails to capture exactly why they were so enthralling to begin with. (For recent examples, see Elvis, Back to Black, and One Love — or don't.) However, Kneecap embraces the raw and reckless energy of Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, who perform under the stage names Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí. So, early on, a sprawling club scene with flashing lights and hard drug-taking spills into a dark, forbidding forest — not nearby, but connected — as the police (or "peelers," as the boys call them) chase them down. 

SEE ALSO: The 10 Sundance movies (and shows) you need to know about

By collapsing the set of a nightclub into a forest that seems plucked out of nightmarish fantasy, director/writer Richard Peppiatt swiftly establishes that Kneecap won't play by the rules. Hand-drawn graphics burst onto the screen, emphasizing motions and odd analogies. Claymation will be employed to illustrate the mind-bending effects of an ill-timed ketamine trip. And alongside the band, who play themselves in the film, two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Fassbender strides onscreen to bring a bit of surreal grit. 

Combined with a soundtrack flushed with Kneecap's high-octane hip-hop, the result is a rush to the head that's hard to shake. But why would you want to?

"Kneecap" is a fuck you to boring biopics and tedious vanity projects.  Naoise Ó Cairealláin as Móglaí Bap or Naoise and Michael Fassbender as Arló Ó Cairealláin in "Kneecap." Credit: Helen Sloan / Sony Pictures Classics

The premise of Kneecap might sound a bit dry if you're new to the group's music. A few years back, a debate brewed over the proposed Irish Language Act, which would formally recognize the native tongue alongside English. While advocates and academics rallied for the dying language, an unlikely resurgence came to it through fast-growing interest in a band from Belfast, who rap in Irish about drugs, sex, and rebelling against British authority — including the police. 

Smartly, Kneecap interweaves this larger political story into the playful personal stories of its three members. Liam Óg serves as the cheeky narrator, providing voiceover to all parts, including his Romeo-and-Juliet romance with a British party girl (Jessica Reynolds), who likes a kinky night in. However, the story begins with Naoise's baptism, which was raided by a police force suspicious of his father, a Catholic radical Republican named Arló (Fassbender), who had a habit of planting bombs in the name of rebellion. Raised under the shadow of his dad's politics, Naoise is stuck between a rock and a hard place, pressured by Arló's admirers to follow in his dad's footsteps and the snarl of a police force that expects him to. As the Irish language was previously banned by the imperialist English authorities, Naoise's embrace of it does follow in his father's edict that "Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet fired for Irish freedom" — though perhaps not as Arló intended.

While these "Ceasefire babies" are painted as altar boys corrupted by the bad streets of West Belfast — and not troubled about that or The Troubles — JJ is introduced as a middle-aged music teacher on the brink of dying of boredom. A chance encounter over a police interrogation table changes everything, when JJ becomes inspired by Liam's in-your-face lyrics and proudly Fenian posturing. Just like that, a band is born. But their rise will be rife with violence, huge mistakes, and lots of drugged-up shenanigans. And most of that is an absolute blast. 

Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí thrill playing themselves…as fools.  Naoise Ó Cairealláin as Móglaí Bap or Naoise, JJ Ó Dochartaigh as DJ Próvaí or JJ, and Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh as Mo Chara or Liam Óg in "Kneecap." Credit: Sony Pictures Classic

Kneecap throws up a brazen middle finger to another "North of Ireland" set biopic, Kenneth Branagh's Belfast. Where the world-renowned actor/director made a prestige pic out of his childhood, Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí reject the opportunity to gloss up their images. Instead, they gamely present themselves as fun-loving fuckups, never shying away the havoc that lies in the wake of their road to stardom. 

They welcome us to witness them stumbling on stage, too high to function after a dime bag mix-up. They invite us to laugh at sexual proclivities that thrust into political orgasms. They show their asses, literally and metaphorically, which proves crudely inspiring. These three didn't set out to change their nation. They set out to sing (or rap) a song for themselves, and in doing so, connected to an undercurrent of cultural pride and resilience that connected them to others. 

But what first unites us to them is their rough-hewn charisma. Playing themselves on-screen could have spelled disaster, as plenty of musicians have fumbled at acting. But they excel, managing to play scenes of clownish absurdity and more tender moments with stirring screen presence. DJ Próvaí proves the strongest — to the point where I wondered if his signature onstage attire of an Irish flag balaclava allowed them to cast an established actor for the role. But the whole crew thrives on-screen as they do onstage, exploding in a frenzy of humor, music, and attitude that is wicked fun. 

In the end, Peppiatt has done a superb job of not only shaking off the oh-so-serious shackles that are musician biopic conventions, but also enthusiastically embracing the hip-hop energy of his subjects, allowing them to be both the stars and fuel of their story, propelling them to a climax that deserves its rowdy encore across the credits. 

Simply put, Kneecap is sensational, silly, sharp, and ultimately sublime. 

Kneecap opens in theaters Aug. 2. 

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 2 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 2

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, August 2, 2024:

AcrossOrion's ___ (giant waist of space?)

• The answer is belt.

Sides in a historic tennis "battle"

• The answer is sexes.

You might really feel this in your core

• The answer is plank.

"___ well that ends well!"

• The answer is alls.

W.S.J. or WaPo competitor

• The answer is NYT.

DownWhat's visible when wearing a crop top

• The answer is belly.

Glorify

• The answer is exalt.

Monocle's middle

• The answer is lens.

"Shame, shame!" clicking sound

• The answer is tsk.

Reach across

• The answer is span.

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

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

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: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 2 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 2

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Here, there, and everywhere

The hint for the theme is that it's all about the where of things.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are about locations.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Location.

NYT Strands word list for August 2

• Above

• Among

• Location

• Through

• Beside

• Underneath

• Between

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.

After an emotional speech at Wimbledon confirming he'd shortly be retiring from professional tennis, Andy Murray entered the Olympic doubles with his partner Dan Evans — and was ultimately knocked out on Thursday in the quarter finals.

The game was his final match before retiring, so obviously it was only fitting that Murray mark the occasion in some way on social media.

SEE ALSO: Simone Biles shades former Olympic teammate MyKayla Skinner in Instagram caption

Cue what may be one of the greatest retirement posts of all time.

Tweet may have been deleted

At the time of writing that's been shared 73,000 times.

Murray even updated his bio to really drum the message home.

Tweet may have been deleted

A truly glorious way to mark the end.

The online world can be a dangerous place, with hackers, viruses, and surveillance software lurking in every corner of the web. We're not trying to scare you, but have you ever considered just how much of your personal data is exposed to this sort of thing whilst you're browsing? If not, you probably should. You might be surprised by the results.

Your data is seriously valuable stuff these days, and everyone is looking to get their hands on it. Once you come to understand that the internet is insecure, it's perfectly normal to feel a little concerned about how much of your data is up for grabs. There's no need to panic though, because there is a simple and effective way that you can stay protected.

To stay safe online and keep all of your data and personal information secure, you really should consider investing in a VPN.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide protection for your data and identity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure because everything passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside is protected against online threats. This means that hackers, governments, and your internet service provider will be unable to access any of your information.

Do you need a VPN?

Investing in a VPN is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and anonymity online. VPNs are vital tools in the fight against scammers and cybercriminals, but there's another reason you might consider these security services. And it has nothing to do with security.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for remaining anonymous online

VPNs can be used to unlock streaming services from around the world, including the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. How do they do this? It's actually a really simple process, and it can significantly boost your content options. All you need to do is open up your preferred VPN, connect to a server from another country in order to spoof your IP to another address, and then head to your preferred streaming site. This process tricks the site into thinking you are based in another country, meaning you can watch all that great content that is normally blocked.

VPNs are really useful for cybersecurity and streaming, which means they should be a worthwhile investment for just about everyone.

What should you know before subscribing to a VPN?

Selecting a VPN that is right for you is not easy, because there are a lot of options all offering similar packages. To make the decision a little simpler, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to consider before making any sort of purchase:

• Connection speed — This is absolutely vital whether you're looking to use a VPN for online security or streaming. It's normal for a VPN to result in a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything significant.

• Encryption — We know that a lot of people will be using VPNs for streaming, but these services are primarily designed to provide cybersecurity, so encryption is important. The best VPNs will offer powerful protection for your data, meaning that everything is unreadable and untraceable.

• Number of connections — You should seek out a VPN that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time. This is also beneficial for large families or households with multiple people likely to be online at the same time.

• Privacy policy — The best VPNs should be very clear about how they handle, store, and use your data. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't super clear, you should look elsewhere.

• Server network — The best VPNs provide access to thousands of servers located all around the world. This is useful as you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing.

There are plenty of other things that are worth considering, like bandwidth, apps for certain operating systems, and customer support, but these are probably the most important features to keep in mind.

Should you use free VPNs?

With free versions of popular VPNs and free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan, why would you ever pay? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN?

There are a lot of VPNs out there, and we recommend taking some time to carefully access all your options. Once you have established exactly what you need, you can turn your attention to finding the best deals on all the top VPNs.

We have reached out to partners in order to line up a list of the best deals on the most popular providers, to help you save big. You can find all the best deals on the likes of ExpressVPN, NordVPN, PureVPN, and more.

These are the best VPN deals in 2024.

TL;DR: As of July 29, you can get the Complete 2024 CompTIA Certification Training Super Bundle for just £39.24 — a £12 price drop since the last time it went on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: CommerceNova LTD Complete 2024 CompTIA Certification Training Super Bundle £39.24
£459.37 Save £420.13 Get Deal

There are so many incredible online learning resources, but some fields are constantly changing. For fast-growing industries like IT and cybersecurity, why not go straight to a credible source that has the most recent information? That's especially true if you're preparing for a competitive IT certification.

That's why aspiring IT workers and students could benefit greatly from the Complete 2024 CompTIA Certification Training Super Bundle. You can even get it for a reduced price, just £39.24. Though this course previously went on sale for £51.02, its full retail price is £459.37, and this new reduced pricing won't be around too long.

Save on a comprehensive IT intro

While these courses do start with some fundamental material, learners should have some basic understanding of computers and CompTIA objectives. Be sure to give the course topics a once-over before purchasing. 

When you're ready to get started, it's up to you which class you start with. There are introductory IT fundamentals courses, lectures on network security, guides for using Linux, an introduction to cloud computing, and a whole lot more. It's everything you'll need to get prepared for competitive CompTIA certifications, including CompTIA ITF+, A+ Core 1 and 2, and Linux+.

This bundle itself won't certify you as an expert, but you could use it as a study guide for your CompTIA certifications. Just keep in mind that those are organised by CompTIA, so all the awesome prep material may be here, but you'd still need to register for the exams through them. 

Learn the basics of IT and cybersecurity

Get a lifetime of CompTIA study materials at a drastically reduced price.

You have until Aug. 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get the Complete 2024 CompTIA Certification Training Super Bundle on sale for only £39.24, with no coupon needed. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2024 US Open for free on 9Now and TVNZ+. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Everything eventually comes to an end, and it feels like the golden era of tennis is at that point. Novak Djokovic is the only remaining name from the famous group of players that have dominated the game for decades, but don't let that fool you into thinking the Serbian star is going to go out quietly.

He hasn't managed to win a Grand Slam this year, but he will be desperate to defend his US Open crown. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are leading the way for the next generation, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams by taking top spot in the sport.

If you want to watch the 2024 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the US Open?

The US Open Tennis Championships (or US Open) is a hardcourt tennis tournament held annually in Queens, New York. The US Open is the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year, after the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.

The current singles champions are Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff.

When is the 2024 US Open?

The 2024 US Open takes place from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8. The tournament takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center within Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.

How to watch the 2024 US Open for free

Fans can live stream the 2024 US Open for free on these platforms:

• Australia — 9Now

• New Zealand — TVNZ+

These streaming services are geo-blocked, but anyone from around the world can access these sites with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock 9Now and TVNZ+ in just a few clicks.

Access free live streams of the 2024 US Open by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit 9Now or TVNZ+

5. Watch the 2024 US Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can 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 watch every US Open match before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the US Open?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia and New Zealand

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 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.

Live stream the 2024 US Open for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream France vs. Argentina at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

France and Argentina faced off in the last World Cup final, and although the sides meeting at Paris 2024 are lacking the biggest stars, this is still an exceptional quarter-final matchup. A place in the semi finals is up for grabs, so we're expecting a tense battle.

If you want to watch France vs. Argentina at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is France vs. Argentina at Paris 2024?

France vs. Argentina at Paris 2024 takes place at 3 p.m. ET on Aug. 2.

How to watch France vs. Argentina at Paris 2024 for free

France vs. Argentina at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These are tools that hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream France vs. Argentina at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream France vs. Argentina (plus the rest of Paris 2024) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream France vs. Argentina at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Egypt vs. Paraguay at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We've reached the knockout rounds of the football at Paris 2024, which means it's all or nothing for the remaining teams. Egypt meet Paraguay in the third quarter-final matchup, with fans expecting a close battle between two even sides.

If you want to watch Egypt vs. Paraguay at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Egypt vs. Paraguay at Paris 2024?

Egypt vs. Paraguay at Paris 2024 takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Aug. 2.

How to watch Egypt vs. Paraguay at Paris 2024 for free

Egypt vs. Paraguay at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These are tools that hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Egypt vs. Paraguay at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Egypt vs. Paraguay (plus the rest of Paris 2024) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Egypt vs. Paraguay at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Japan vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The football at Paris 2024 has been really entertaining, and that's not going to change as we enter the knockout stage. The second semi final will see Japan take on Spain, as both teams dream of a gold medal.

If you want to watch Japan vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Japan vs. Spain at Paris 2024?

Japan vs. Spain at Paris 2024 takes place at 11 a.m. ET on Aug. 2.

How to watch Japan vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free

Japan vs. Spain at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These are tools that hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Japan vs. Spain at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Japan vs. Spain (plus the rest of Paris 2024) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Japan vs. Spain at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Morocco vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Everyone wants a chance at winning gold at Paris 2024, but only a few athletes get close. We've reached the quarter-final stage of the football competition, meaning every remaining side will start to believe they can win.

USA and Morocco are meeting in the first knockout fixture. If you want to watch Morocco vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Morocco vs. USA at Paris 2024?

Morocco vs. USA at Paris 2024 takes place at 9 a.m. ET on Aug. 2.

How to watch Morocco vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free

Morocco vs. USA at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These are tools that hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Morocco vs. USA at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Morocco vs. USA (plus the rest of Paris 2024) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Morocco vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How does your garden grow? Or so goes the popular English children's rhyme. But a more pertinent question might actually be this: Just how bloomin’ big is it? Because gardens aren't only about relaxing in the sunshine. It takes hard work to maintain them. In other words, it you have a lawn it will need to be cut. And the size and cutting requirements will dictate the lawn mower you use.

If you're wondering whether you actually need a decent lawn mower, the answer is almost certainly yes. Gardens can be hard work, but a lawn mower does most of the work for you. And you can find suitable lawn mowers for just about every type of garden. Nowadays, gardeners can purchase manual, electric, cordless, robot, and petrol lawn mowers from recognisable brands like Bosch, Hyundai, and Flymo.

We can't pick the best lawn mower for you, because it ultimately depends on your garden and gardening habits. But we've dug through the weeds to help steer you in the right direction. In other words, we've shortlisted a selection of impressive lawn mowers that will offer a solution for every type of garden and gardener. But to get you started, here’s some helpful information.

Are there different types of lawn mower?

It’s not quite as straightforward as just strolling into B&Q and picking up the first mower you see. There are regular corded lawn mowers that plug into the mains, cordless battery-powered mowers, manual push-mowers, robot lawn mowers, and even tractor-like lawn mowers that you can ride on.

Are cordless lawn mowers better than electric?

Electric lawn mowers might seem slightly behind the times with the increasing availability of battery-powered and robot mowers, but there are benefits to electric lawn mowers. They’re generally cheaper and totally reliable. The main drawback is that you need an accessible power outlet. And if you have an especially big garden, you’ll need to make sure the cord can stretch far enough to cover the whole lawn. Indeed, they can have limited range or get tangled as you mow. Cordless lawn mowers give you a much bigger range and easier handling, but they can be a little pricier — and there’s the added issue of needing to keep it charged.

What are the benefits of a robot lawn mower?

Like their indoor counterpart — the robot vacuum cleaner — robot mowers take all the work out of cutting the grass. Put your feet up and let them do the hard work. It’s really that simple. But they’re also smarter that that. You can map out routes, helped by smart apps and guidance wires, and the mower will get to work every day. They can even make adjustments to the schedule based on the weather, get into tricky spots that regular mowers can’t reach, and will return to their charging station automatically. The ultimate in luxury, effort-free gardening.

What is the best lawn mower for large gardens?

While there are electric, cordless, and robot mowers made for big lawns, the best mower for the job is probably a petrol lawn mower. Petrol lawn mowers give you serious power to cover more ground and mow through tough grass and even tougher terrain. The downside is that petrol lawn mowers can be absolute beasts — heavy, noisy, and hard to handle. For a pro-level job, however, they’re seriously tough to beat.

What is the best lawn mower?

It all depends on the kind of garden you have and what best suits your needs, but we have tracked down examples of every type of mower so you can get a taste of what's on offer. We've checked out reviews, customer feedback, and everything you need to know about the best lawn mowers, so you don't need to spend hours doing the research. The result is this selection of impressive devices for you to check out.

These are the best lawn mowers in 2024.

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 2'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 1 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

What snow and cereal can both be.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

FLAKE.

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 2'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 deleted

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 2 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Getting on your nerves

• Green: DJ antics

• Blue: English lesson

• Purple: Green but not the color

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

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

• Yellow: Stretch, As One's Patience

• Green: Things a DJ Does

• Blue: Adjectives Used in Grammar

• Purple: What "Green" Might Mean

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 #418 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Stretch, As One's Patience: STRAIN, TAX, TEST, TRY

• Things A DJ Does: MIX, SAMPLE, SCRATCH, SPIN

• Adjectives Used in Grammar: DIRECT, IRREGULAR, POSSESSIVE, PRESENT

• What "Green" Might Mean: ECOLOGICAL, JEALOUS, LUSH, NAUSEOUS

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.

What do you know about Cellino and Barnes? If you've spent time anywhere near Buffalo, New York, you might know of them as the law firm behind the insidiously catchy jingle that played for over 25 years across TV and radio: "Cellino and Barnes! Injury attorneys! 800-888-8888!"

But you don't need to be a local to have heard this dastardly ditty; it's spawned a celebrity-studded viral challenge, as well as a Saturday Night Live skit. Of course, their accidentally amusing billboards are a meme unto themselves. But even if you know nothing else about their sordid history, that's more than enough to revel in every moment of the new off-Broadway comedy Cellino V. Barnes. 

In the vein of contemporary off-Broadway hits like campy Celine Dion jukebox musical Titanique and Cole Escola's Mary Todd Lincoln spoof Oh, Mary! (which has since made the leap to Broadway), Cellino V. Barnes is far less concerned with the truth behind their story, and far more focused on unleashing madcap humor upon its giddy audience. In fact, reading up on the real-life Ross Cellino and Steve A. Barnes only makes this show more remarkable. Played by Eric William Morris and Noah Weisberg, these regionally recognizable "ambulance chasers" are not the mercurial family man and the hard-nosed military vet depicted in the 2020 New York magazine exposé, which thoroughly detailed their break-up after decades together. Instead, playwrights Mike B. Breen and David Rafailedes reimagine them as an arrogant buffoon and his slyly sophisticated sidekick, determined to make big bucks through marketing... and ambulance chasing. 

Over the course of just 74 minutes — with no intermission — Cellino V. Barnes spins a story that is outrageous, entertaining, and even a bit poignant. 

Cellino V. Barnes reimagines its heroes in a buddy-cop comedy.  Credit: Marc Franklin

Swaggering on stage in a sharp plaid suit, suspenders, and clip-on tie, Eric William Morris instantly depicts Ross Cellino as Gordon Gecko wannabe, a "greed is good" businessman who refuses to play by the rules. By contrast, Noah Weisberg's Steve Barnes — wearing a bright blue suit and a bald cap slicked with an unflattering ring of brown hair — is comically conciliatory, showering the hot-shot nepo baby with praise to get a job at Cellino's dad's firm. Where others see this slick slip-and-fall lawyer as a huckster, Barnes sees in Cellino's shameless litigiousness — he'd even sue a dog! — a huge potential for fame and fortune.

Minutes into their meeting, they've not only bonded but are plotting their own law firm. And naturally, that means they need what every self-respecting attorney has: a jingle.

A pitch-perfect spoof of every bad musician biopic, Cellino V. Barnes presents the creation of the teeny tune as a moment of divine inspiration. A spotlight shines on Barnes, who has a bizarre affinity for the number eight. Then, like an angel — or "Cellino Dion" — he lets loose the unforgettable jingle, earning applause and giggles from the knowing audience. And that's just the first half. 

Eric William Morris and Noah Weisberg make a crackling comedy duo.  Credit: Marc Franklin

From the moment their characters connect over a ludicrous lawsuit, Morris and Weisberg click. With his chest out and his chin in the air, eyes wild, Morris has the gusto of a coked-up Foghorn Leghorn, whether he's venting about his daddy issues or ranting about his deranged dedication to girls hockey. Weisberg balances this manic energy with a bouncy guilelessness, even as the pair talks loan-sharking or a particular case filing so juicy it's basically orgasmic. 

Together, the two create a fast-paced and fluid banter that ranges from bonkers bromance to brutal break-up. Playwrights Breen and Rafailedes give them the fuel with a screenplay that is relentlessly stuffed with jokes. Meanwhile, directors Wesley Taylor and Alex Wyse have created a simple staging of a few filing cabinets, a desk, and a handful of office supplies, with a near-breathless pacing. Whenever a bit runs the risk of growing stale, the play swiftly shifts, anticipating the audience's flagging interest by presenting a new plot development or a fresh gag. And Morris and Weisberg make it all look easy as they leap across decades, from 1997 to 2007 to the 2010s, creating a compelling arc even amid the extreme silliness. 

I didn't expect Cellino V. Barnes to make my heart flutter.  Credit: Marc Franklin

Before seeing this play, I didn't spend much time pondering the emotional weight of the break-up of Cellino & Barnes. I'd wager to say that I'm like a lot of New Yorkers, where I was mostly shocked and a bit bemused when their billboards took sides, either becoming Cellino Law or the Barnes Firm. But sitting in the Asylum theater, I found myself gasping in alarm when the two started throwing down "passive-aggressive memos" (which, yes, are based on real — and really petty — missives between the former law partners).

While Cellino V. Barnes is an unabashedly silly spoof of the injury attorneys' story, it's also empathetic. Amid the manic mugging of Morris and the comedic clucking of Weisberg, the two establish such a rich chemistry that it stings when their characters turn their fire on each other. Perhaps this is why the play ends more sweetly than the actual Cellino and Barnes story, in which they became estranged before the latter died in a plane crash in 2020. Like Furious 7, the Fast and Furious movie to which all plays dream to be compared, Cellino V. Barnes offers its audiences a sweeter resolution that invites us to celebrate the long-running partnership over its messy ending (or at least alongside it). Perhaps the fat payday is not the millions earned from personal injury lawsuits, but the friends we made along the way? 

In the end, Cellino V. Barnes is sublimely stupid and a bit brilliant. Relishing in the tabloid elements of the true story, its playwrights spin a yarn that doesn't lean so hard into the real attorneys that an unfamiliar audience might be left in the cold. Committed and kooky, Morris and Weisberg create characters whole cloth that are as hilarious as they are compelling. Combined with a snappy direction, this play's humor hits so fast and hard, it's not just thrilling. It might be exactly the kind of the shock to the system its crooked counselors would drool to litigate over. 

Cellino V. Barnes is playing for 12 weeks at the Asylum in New York City.