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TL;DR: Through August 20, it’s only $9.97 to get Windows 11 Pro.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97If you’ve been noticing your PC isn’t working like it used to, check the operating system. If you’re still running Windows 10, then you’ve gone almost a full year without important updates. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro used to cost $199, but through August 20, it’s only $9.97.
This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s more about giving your computer the modern foundation it deserves. Windows 11 Pro brings a sleeker UI, better multitasking, and enhanced security, all in a one-time lifetime license. Think of it as the difference between driving a reliable car and suddenly upgrading to one with a smarter dashboard, smoother handling, and built-in security features.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Pro adds BitLocker full-disk encryption, which keeps your data locked down, even if someone else gets their hands on your computer. Hyper-V lets you spin up virtual machines, and Windows Sandbox gives you a throwaway space to test sketchy apps without touching your main setup. Azure AD ties the machine to business identity and access management, enabling IT to manage the device on a company network.
And yes, Windows 11 comes with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can summarize pages, change settings, or even help you generate code on the fly. It’s like having a co-pilot (literally) inside your OS.
This is a smart upgrade at a smart price, but it won’t stay on sale for very long.
Until 11:59 p.m. PT on Aug. 20, Windows 11 Pro is only $9.97.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Speak words into polished, professional writing with a lifetime subscription to Contextli Pro Plus Plan, on sale now for just $199.99 (reg. $2,450).
Opens in a new window Credit: Ertiqah Contextli Pro Plus Plan: Lifetime Subscription $199.99Sometimes the fastest way to get your ideas across is by speaking, but anyone who’s relied on speech-to-text tools knows they aren’t always accurate. Contextii Pro Plus puts an end to that, turning your natural speech into clean, formatted text.
Right now, you can lock in a lifetime subscription to the Contextii Pro Plus Plan for only $199.99.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you’re tired of typing or simply have too much on your plate, Contextii Pro Plus is ready to improve your daily workflow with easy, clean, and formatted transcriptions.
This app delivers context-aware dictation and repeatable workflows for emails, messages, documents, code, support replies, journal entries, marketing notes, and more. You can import or export Contexts to manage your customized workflows, and your Contexts cloud-sync so you won’t lose them.
Contextii Pro Plus uses premium AI models, so it can handle complex reasoning, creative writing, and sophisticated workflows. If you frequently use certain terms, you can establish your own custom dictionary and even set up personalized shortcuts to save time. It also supports 99 languages, so if you need to dictate in another language, Contextii Pro Plus is ready.
Your lifetime plan comes with 48,000 one-time credits — each credit equals one minute of transcription — and they never expire. If you ever use up your credits, Bring Your Own Key mode uses your own supported provider API keys to provide unlimited usage at your provider’s cost.
You can use your Pro Plus Plan across multiple devices, with priority assistance available when you need help. Offline mode is available if you don’t want to use Contextii Cloud processing, and it works without using your credits. This lifetime subscription also includes future updates.
Score a lifetime subscription to Contextli Pro Plus Plan for only $199.99 today.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: The Keysmart SmartCard is a compact tracker that can fit in your wallet, and it’s on sale for $31.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart Keysmart SmartCard (Gen 3/Rechargeable/1-Pack) $31.99You can try as hard as you want, you probably aren’t going to get an AirTag into your wallet in a way that looks normal. If you want a better way to avoid losing your wallet (or anything else an AirTag won’t fit into), try a Keysmart SmartCard. These little trackers look just like a credit card, work like an AirTag, and you can get one on sale for $31.99 (reg. $39.99).
SmartCards work a lot like AirTags, but they actually give you more options. A single card pairs with either Apple Find My or Google Find Hub, so it doesn’t matter which phone you have. There’s no extra app to install. You can use the native app already on your device. Pair your card with Apple Find My and Precision Finding points you right to your wallet whenever it goes missing. Google Find Hub handles location and proximity guidance on the Android side.
Both networks use the same crowd-finding system your phone maker already runs, so the card borrows millions of nearby devices to report a location even when your wallet is blocks away. Separation alerts buzz your phone the second you walk off without your wallet, and IPX8 waterproofing shrugs off rain, spills, and a full dunk in the sink. Just try to avoid losing your wallet while scuba diving.
Each card runs an Atlas Gen 3 chipset that processes location data twice as fast as earlier versions while holding a connection about 30 percent more reliably. That same chip trims power draw by roughly 30 percent, so a single charge lasts up to 11 months. When the battery finally dips, you can set the card on any standard Qi wireless charging pad instead of tossing out a dead coin cell.
A lost wallet doesn’t have to ruin your day. Get a Keysmart SmartCard on sale for $31.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
There's a unique frustration in watching your friends thrill over a movie you can't see yet. Hellcat hit me with such vexation again and again, as rave reviews rolled in from Fantasia International Film Festival, FrightFest, and Beyond Fest.
Over and over, critics danced around the secret at the heart of the film, but none would reveal it. Which was infuriating, as I yearned to know. Spoilers be damned!
Now, having seen Hellcat, I understand not only the secret it keeps but also why my friends and colleagues kept mum. In this case, it's fun not knowing. So, please forgive me as I, too, avoid the major spoiler. But yeah, there'll be some hints along the way that true horror hounds can discern.
Hellcat begins as an abduction thriller. Dakota Gorman stars in "Hellcat," a Shudder release. Credit: ShudderWritten and directed by Brock Bodell, Hellcat opens with a scene that feels like something out of the true crime series Your Worst Nightmare. A young woman wakes up in the back of a camper trailer. She doesn't know where she is or how she got there, but she can tell this camper is moving. Where? Why? And who put her here?
Dakota Gorman stars as this woman, Lena, whose survival instincts kick in quickly and ferociously. Wordlessly, she makes her way up and down the camper, trying to assess how to get out and, failing that, what the hell is going on. Before long, she hears a voice. Eerily, it comes over the intercom embedded the taxidermied head of a coyote.
This is Clive (Todd Terry). His voice is Southern, firm, and infuriatingly patronizing as he tells Lena he captured her to protect her, because she is infected. By what? He won't say. But he coaches her to stay calm, lest she make matters worse.
In a clever move, Bodell won't cut to Clive right away. For much of the film, he is just a disembodied voice, tormenting Lena with a willful lack of information. Because cinematographer Andrew Duensing won't move the camera beyond what Lena can see, we, the audience, are trapped with her inside both the camper and her anxiety. Even when a flashback occurs — be it an ill-fated camping trip or a girls' night out gone bad — it unfolds within the camper. Branches sprout from the walls as a hunter pierces through their leaves with his rifle. Multicolored lights flash across the sequined dress of a scornful friend doling out unsolicited advice, as she stands outside the camper's toilet stall.
These details, along with Gorman's intense and gnarly performance, keep us feeling caged like a wild animal alongside Lena. And solving the mystery seems our only way out!
Hellcat takes a ghost-story twist, but it's not a ghost story. Dakota Gorman stars in "Hellcat," a Shudder release. Credit: ShudderNo, really. Unlike Mother Mary, which insists it isn't a ghost story (because it totally is), Hellcat truly isn't one. In writing his script, Bodell builds his story around a perspective shaped by fear, but one that is totally understandable. Waking up in a cozy cage, Lena rightfully assumes the worst about her captor. But as the film has teased, he knows more than she does, and truly means her no harm. That doesn't mean he's not doing any.
In ghost stories, this is a recurring tale. The ghost's creepy appearance strikes fear in the human heart. But as The Sixth Sense, Crimson Peak, Presence, and a slew of other sensational ghost stories show, the spirit might be the monster, but it's not the villain. Hellcat offers a similar twist, with a dizzying mash-up of genre elements.
Props to Gorman and Terry, who smoothly navigate this intriguing dynamic between captor and captive as it mutates into something far more complex. As their long drive through a seemingly endless, moonlit night goes on, they begin to form a reluctant bond. And with that, Clive will finally show his face, adding a new and strange wrinkle to this scenario.
Dakota Gorman stars in "Hellcat," a Shudder release. Credit: ShudderHorror fans will likely pick up what Clive's sniffing around by the time Lena finds a fridge stocked with sedatives and bloody meat. But even this won't give away the surprises that dogpile in the final act.
Like a lot of Shudder titles, Hellcat is a low-budget movie. But this financial constraint pushed Bodell and his collaborators to imagine what could be done cheaply and cinematically. The result is a movie that is claustrophobic, thought-provoking, surprising, and wicked fun. By the time Lena escapes the camper, Bodell has used the paths of several different horror subgenres to create a final chapter uniquely his own. After much blood, sweat, and tears — both on and offscreen — Hellcat offers a climax that is enthralling, raw, and richly humane.
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Mega Greninja ex Premium Collection is available for $60.95 at Amazon, down from its $99.99 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Greninja ex Premium Collection $60.95 at AmazonMega Greninja ex’s big premium box has already come a long way down from the triple-digit prices we saw around launch, and Amazon is once again giving Pokémon TCG collectors a chance to grab the eight-pack collection for well below $70.
As of Aug. 12, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Greninja ex Premium Collection can be picked up for as low as $60.95 at Amazon. Against its $99.99 list price, that knocks $39.04 off the box for a 39% discount — working out to roughly $7.62 per booster pack before you even account for the included promos and extra collectibles.
The cheapest Amazon option comes from third-party seller EmpireGameCenter, with free delivery currently estimated for Aug. 19. What’s more, this is the lowest price a third-party seller has ever sold this box for at Amazon, as confirmed via price tracker camelcamelcamel.
Inside the collection are eight Pokémon TCG booster packs — two Chaos Rising, four Perfect Order, and two Phantasmal Flames, alongside a standard foil Mega Greninja ex promo card and a much larger lenticular version for display. You even get a Mega Greninja tech sticker, giving collectors more than simply opening another stack of boosters.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The Mega Greninja ex card is pretty handy in the trading card game. Its Mortal Shuriken Ability lets you discard a Basic Water Energy from your hand to place six damage counters on one of your opponent’s Pokémon, while Ninja Spinner can follow up with as much as 200 damage.
As good as this deal is, you can still save more outside of Amazon. Walmart currently lists it for $59.99, while TCGplayer has unopened boxes starting from $49.06 with shipping included — going only $1.60 over market price.
TL;DR: Through Aug. 16, Instacart is tossing in a free lunchbox item like Frosted Flakes, Gatorade, or a Sargento snack kit with any order of $10 or more. The freebie changes daily, supplies are limited, and you're capped at one per account.
Packing lunches five days a week gets expensive and exhausting fast, but Instacart is chipping in this week to help soften the blow. From now through Aug. 16, the grocery delivery app is running its Back-to-School Deal Week, giving away a different lunchbox staple every day to anyone who places a qualifying order.
Here's the deal: place an order of $10 or more through the Instacart app or site, and you'll get that day's featured item tossed in for free. No promo code needed — just tap the Deal Week banner on the homepage or search the brand directly, add it to your cart, and check out like normal. The catch is that it's one freebie per account, supplies are limited, and the item swaps out daily, so you can't stockpile the same snack all week.
The lineup so far has recognizable names, with a different freebie dropping each day:
Aug. 10: A Chomps meat stick to kick things off — protein-heavy and easy to toss in any bag.
Aug. 11: Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Ham, a deli-counter regular that works for sandwiches all week.
Aug. 12: A box of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes for mornings when cereal is the only breakfast that's happening.
Aug. 13: A Hot Pockets Italian Style Pepperoni Pizza Sandwich, the microwave-and-go option for after-school hunger.
Aug. 14: A Once Upon a Farm Berry Berry smoothie pouch, dairy-free and built for little kids on the move.
Aug. 15: A bottle of Gatorade Lower Sugar Rain Berry for refueling after practice or just a long day at recess.
Aug. 16: Sargento Mighty Bites Salami & Mild Cheddar, a snack kit that closes out the week on a savory note.
Beyond the daily freebies, Instacart also has a Back-to-School Shopping Hub running through Aug. 16, with in-app deals on supplies and everyday items from stores like Staples, The Home Depot, Lowe's, Ulta Beauty, and Bath & Body Works. Staples stands out here — notebooks, pencils, and crayons are priced as low as 25 cents each, as long as you spend $10 or more.
Either way, it's free money if you're already shopping — but Deal Week ends Aug. 16, so don't sleep on it.
August is shaping up to be a big month for fans of celestial events, with both the Perseid meteor shower and a solar eclipse set to light up the skies. While the annual Perseids will deliver one of the year's most popular meteor displays, the solar eclipse will offer a different kind of spectacle as the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun.
While parts of Europe will experience a full show in the form of a total solar eclipse, those based in North America will still have a chance to catch the celestial event as a partial eclipse. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about this latest celestial event.
When is the solar eclipse in North America?On Aug. 12, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across parts of North America and most of Canada. While the continent won't experience the same totality as parts of Europe will, it will still be a rare opportunity to witness an exciting solar event.
According to NASA, viewing times will vary across North America, with Alaska and northern Canada seeing the eclipse in the morning, eastern Canada in the afternoon, and parts of the northern U.S. from midday into the afternoon.
It will peak in Anchorage, Alaska at 8:21 a.m. ET. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., it will peak at around 1:53 p.m. ET.
How to watch the solar eclipseBecause the Sun is never completely covered from anywhere in North America during this eclipse, it's never safe to look directly at it without proper eye protection.
Anyone planning to watch should wear certified eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun. If you're using binoculars, a telescope, or a camera, you'll also need an approved solar filter fitted to the front of the optics.
What causes a solar eclipse?According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking some or all of the Sun's light. During a partial solar eclipse, the Moon covers only part of the Sun, creating the appearance of a crescent-shaped Sun rather than plunging the landscape into darkness. This is what will be visible in North America.
Where can you see the partial solar eclipse in North America?NASA says the best places to spot the eclipse in North America include parts of the northern U.S. (from Alaska to North Carolina) and most of Canada. While parts of the world will see a total solar eclipse, viewers in North America will experience a partial eclipse.
How to watch 2026 Solar Eclipse livestreamsNASA is livestreaming the eclipse on YouTube, Twitch, X, Amazon Prime, Facebook, Instagram, and NASA+.
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If your feeds are blowing up with talk of the upcoming total solar eclipse, this might burst your bubble: The show might not be coming to a sky near you.
On Aug. 12, the moon will sweep its shadow across the top of the world, briefly turning day into twilight along a narrow path through Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, northern Spain, and a sliver of Portugal. That's the path of totality — where the sun is completely blocked — and it's the first time in 27 years that mainland Europe has gotten a full, real-deal solar eclipse.
But people in the United States won't be in that bullseye. Instead, a part of the country will see a partial solar eclipse, where the moon nips the sun but never covers it completely. The sky won't go dark, the stars won't pop out, and you won't get the full moody effect. But with the right eyewear, you could still see the sun turn into a yummy space crescent roll in the middle of a Wednesday.
For a U.S. audience, this eclipse is either a drop-everything-and-fly-to-Iceland kind of deal or a fun coffee break at work. Here's how to plan 15 minutes to step outside and look up safely — or, better yet, ditch the special eyewear and get a front-row seat to the main event with a livestream from where the real action is happening.
SEE ALSO: Pluto has a heart. Scientists discovered that it's bleeding. How to watch the solar eclipse online tonightFor U.S. viewers, NASA plans a live broadcast on Aug. 12, with telescope views, commentary from scientists, and footage from research aircraft flying under the moon's shadow.
In Europe, the European Space Agency and other organizations, such as the Royal Observatory, will host their own streams. The Exploratorium, which has a long track record of eclipse coverage, will again provide a live telescope feed from inside the path of totality in Spain. Here's a go-to list of live broadcasts that you can hop to and from without having to board a jet:
NASA: Streaming on NASA+ and YouTube, with views from Spain and high-altitude aircraft, starting at 1:15 p.m. ET.
ESA: Hosting a live broadcast from the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre in Teruel, Spain, and a separate telescope feed, starting at 19:30 CEST, or 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. ET.
The Exploratorium: Broadcasting a live telescope view from Spain at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Royal Observatory: Hosting a live broadcast from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, where the United Kingdom will see about 90 percent sun coverage during the eclipse, starting at 1:10 p.m. ET.
TimeandDate.com: Streaming the event with real-time animations, maps, and expert commentary, starting at noon ET.
The farther north you are, the better the show.
As the moon's shadow creeps from Russia to Greenland and Iceland and onward to Europe, the outer part of that shadow — the penumbra — brushes North America. Within that outer shadow, the sun is only partially blocked, but the effect might still be noticeable if you're paying attention.
The United States will not experience a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, but many states will get a partial solar eclipse. Credit: NASA infographicNationwide, 26 states and Washington, D.C., will get a very slight partial eclipse. The states include Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Many parts of Alaska and the far north will see the larger bites, with the eclipse unfolding earlier in the day. In parts of the south, it may register more as a subtle dimming — not much different from a little cloud cover. Just over the border, Canada gets a better view. Much of the country lies deeper in the partial zone. Northern and western areas catch the show in the morning; eastern provinces get it in the afternoon.
For the United States, the event begins at 7:34 a.m. Alaska Standard Time and ends on the East Coast at 2:52 p.m. ET. To zero in on your specific area's times, visit Timeanddate.com and enter your city or ZIP code.
Everything to know about eclipse glassesIt's plain and simple: If any part of the sun's face is visible, you must protect your eyes to look up at it. That's true in Alaska, Texas, Iceland, Spain — everywhere.
For Americans in the partial zone, the go‑to tools are protective eyewear or a handheld solar viewer designed for viewing the sun. Eclipse glasses are not just dark sunglasses. Legit eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker and built to block most of the sun's visible and invisible light.
Reputable ones follow the ISO 12312‑2 safety standard; when you put them on indoors, you shouldn't be able to see anything except maybe the brightest lights.
Keep the glasses or viewer on the whole time you're looking at the sun. Never look through eclipse glasses into a telescope or binoculars unless the optics also have a proper solar filter on the front. Concentrated sunlight can burn through a filter and through the delicate tissue at the back of your eyes, far faster than you'd expect.
A simple pinhole projector — or even a small hole in an index card projecting the sun's image onto the ground or another surface — will show you the sun's change from a circle to a crescent and back again without ever having to look up. During the partial phases, the gaps between tree leaves do the same thing naturally, scattering tiny crescent suns onto sidewalks.
Tree leaves reveal crescent suns like pinhole projectors on the ground as its partially obscured light filters through them. Credit: Michael S. Williamson / The Washington Post via Getty Images If you're not in totality, is it still worthwhile?That all depends on your appetite and attitude. On the ground in the United States, you'll get a sun that looks wrong in an intriguing way, light that feels a little hushed, and shadows that sharpen.
At the same time, cameras and telescopes along the path of totality will be streaming the full blackout — the sun's corona glowing behind a black disk like a scalloped crown. You might like to take an imaginary journey in your mind, see what it looks like from Reykjavik or a Spanish hillside.
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I learned that my iPhone 15 Pro Max and the upcoming 2026 total solar eclipse do not mix. I stumbled upon BGR's article, which warned skygazers against using their phones to take pictures of the imminent cosmic event.
If you're like me, you may be wondering "Why?" After all, who wouldn't want to snap a photo of such an awe-inspiring celestial occurrence?
Opens in a new window Credit: Lunt Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses (Pack of 5) £26.21 at AmazonAs it turns out, taking a photo of the 2026 solar eclipse could damage your iPhone's camera hardware.
SEE ALSO: Solar eclipse 2026 from the US: how to watch from home and online Why you shouldn't take a photo of the 2026 solar eclipse with your phoneIn the same way that you shouldn't use a telescope or binoculars to gaze at the sun (you could melt your eyeballs off), you shouldn't use your phone's shooter — or any other poorly equipped camera — to take a photo of the solar eclipse.
BGR says that no smartphone is designed to handle the intense solar rays the sun emanates. "Using your camera or phone could cause the heat from the rays to become so concentrated that it could melt the lens inside," the tech outlet warned.
Days before the April 8, 2024 eclipse that swept across parts of North America, NASA provided similar advice.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.There is a workaround in that you can purchase filters for your phone and camera.
NEEWER 67mm Clip On Filters Kit for Phone & Camera Credit: AmazonBut the best way to see the eclipse might very well be with your eyes rather than a camera lens. That is, if they are fully protected.
SEE ALSO: Here's where to buy legit solar eclipse glasses that'll arrive before Wednesday's eclipseIt must be emphasized that it's imperative that your eyes are protected. NASA recommends getting "ISO 12312-2" grade solar eclipse glasses that filter harmful light.
The historic 2026 total solar eclipse is set to happen Aug. 12 and, depending where you are, might only be visible as a partial solar eclipse if it's visible at all. Mashable's Elisha Sauers, our space reporter, shares exactly when and where to get the best view of the 2026 solar eclipse.
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UPDATE: Aug. 9, 2026, 11:00 a.m. EDT This 2024 story was updated to include information related to the 2026 solar eclipse happening on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Like everyone else, we cannot get enough of chains like Burger King, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell. Is it good for us? That's up for debate. Is it good for our bank balance? Absolutely not.
You've got to play the game, and if that means signing up for a million different rewards schemes and apps, we're in. And to help you squeeze absolutely everything out of some of the most popular restaurant chains in the U.S., we've compiled a list of the best offers available this week.
Here's how to eat for free this week using app hacks.
Auntie Anne’sGet a free Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel after you download the app and make your first purchase.
Burger KingDaily/weekly BOGO offers (like BOGO Original Chicken Sandwich) in the Royal Perks app.
CinnabonDownload the Cinnabon Rewards app and get a free 4-Count BonBites upon joining and making a purchase.
Del TacoGet two free Del Tacos when you join Del Yeah! Rewards and make any small purchase.
El Pollo LocoClaim a free $5 reward/point multiplier on your first order after signing up for Loco Rewards.
Hardee’sDownload the My Rewards app to claim a free Famous Star or Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich with a $1 purchase.
Insomnia CookiesDownload the Insomnia Rewards app to claim a free Warm Chocolate Chunk Cookie with no purchase required.
Krispy KremeFree doughnut of choice upon rewards signup.
McDonald’sFree 10-piece Chicken McNuggets with any $1+ purchase for new app accounts.
Moe’s Southwest GrillGet free Queso & Chips added to your account instantly when you download the Moe Rewards app.
Taco BellFree Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, or Soft Taco upon downloading the app.
Wendy’sNew app users get a free 10-Piece Nuggets offer plus 150 bonus rewards points with any $1 purchase.
WhataburgerCreate a new account in the Whataburger app and automatically receive a coupon for a free Whataburger.
TL;DR: Watch Leeds United vs. Manchester United in a 2026 pre-season friendly for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The problem with pre-season friendlies is that they don't really matter. You get a lot of experimentation and teams that aren't fully committed. That's just the way it is. Teams don't want to lose their best players to injury before the season has even started.
That being said, Leeds United vs. Manchester United looks like a thrilling fixture that probably won't be all that "friendly." These sides go way back, and we expect a competitive game as they look to sharpen up before the Premier League returns.
If you're interested in watching the 2026 Nations Championship from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
When is Leeds United vs. Manchester United?Leeds United vs. Manchester United in a 2026 pre-season friendly kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 12. This fixture takes place at Croke Park.
How to watch Leeds United vs. Manchester United for freeLeeds United vs. Manchester United in a 2026 pre-season friendly is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can livestream Leeds United vs. Manchester United for free from anywhere in the world.
Livestream Leeds United vs. Manchester United for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Watch Leeds United vs. Manchester United for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Leeds United vs. Manchester United without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, 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
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Leeds United vs. Manchester United for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Texas with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.
More than a third of U.S. states have introduced age verification laws for online adult content, including Texas. In response, Pornhub has blocked users in those locations from accessing their site. That means millions of users in Texas (and around the world) are now unable to access Pornhub.
There are complicated reasons for this situation, but the workaround is simple. If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Texas, we have all the information you need.
How to unblock Pornhub for free in TexasVPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.
Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a 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 that supports access to Pornhub
Visit Pornhub
The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.
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Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 12, 2026The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 12, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for August 12 PipsNumber (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically.
Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.
Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for August 12 PipsEqual (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 1-2, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (6): Everything in this space must be greater than 6. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.
Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (8): Everything in this space must be greater than 8. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (8): Everything in this space must be greater than 8. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for August 12 PipsNumber (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally.
Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.
Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed horizontally.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.
Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally.
Number (16): Everything in this space must add up to 16. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.
Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 5-6, placed horizontally.
Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.
Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.
Number (14): Everything in this space must add up to 14. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you've ever watched baseball.
As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, 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 the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise 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 before the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Pretending
Green: Goes by one name
Blue: Before the catch
Purple: MLB trade deadline players
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Fake a Foul
Green: Mononymic Athletes
Blue: Comes Before "Catch"
Purple: Pitchers Dealt Ahead of This Year's MLB Trade Deadline
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: Sports Edition #688 is...
What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?Fake a Foul: ACT, DIVE, EMBELLISH, FLOP
Mononymic Athletes: ICHIRO, LEBRON, SERENA, TIGER
Comes Before "Catch": BASKET, CONTESTED, FAIR, SHOESTRING
Pitchers Dealt Ahead of This Year's MLB Trade Deadline: EARLY, RAY, SKUBAL, WEAVER
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you watch a lot of cable TV.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games 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 today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable 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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.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 Pips hints, answers for August 7, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Feel this
Green: Frogs
Blue: TV last names
Purple: Doing alright
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Here are today's Connections categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Hold Onto, As a Feeling
Green: Kinds of Frogs
Blue: NBC Sitcom Surnames
Purple: Starting with Affirmative Responses
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 #1158 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayHold Onto, As a Feeling: FOSTER, HARBOR, MAINTAIN, NURSE
Kinds of Frogs: BULL, GREEN, POISON DART, TREE
NBC Sitcom Surnames: BENES, BING, LEMON, SCOTT
Starting with Affirmative Responses: FINE PRINT, GOODBYE, GREAT WHITE, OKAYAMA
Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you've been around a cowardly person.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 7, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
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 Pips hints, answers for August 7, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Weak and timid.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no reoccuring letters.
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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.
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...
WIMPY
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you like buying fresh fruits and vegetables.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 7, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Making a differenceThe words are related to donation.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe charitable actions.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
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NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Philanthropy.
NYT Strands word list for August 12Contribute
Grant
Give
Endow
Bestow
Donate
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
TL;DR: UmanWrite is an AI tool that turns generic AI writing into more natural prose, and it’s only $79 for life.
Opens in a new window Credit: UmanWrite UmanWrite All-in-One AI Writing Platform: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan/Unlimited Words) $79Whether you’re using Claude or GPT, AI writing usually sounds like AI writing. It’s clinical and awkward, but that doesn’t mean you have to manually edit every piece of content AI produces. UmanWrite is a new tool that humanizes AI writing, using more natural language to keep your audience reading rather than wondering whether you had a human writer or a robot.
Right now, you can even pick up a UmanWrite lifetime subscription on sale for $79 (reg. $1,799).
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!UmanWrite’s AI Humanizer rewrites machine-generated text into writing that sounds like an actual person. The built-in AI Detector scans each draft for the types of patterns detectors look for before you ever publish. These are subtle trends you might not notice while reading, but you never know if algorithms will ding you for having them in your content.
A grammar checker cleans up common errors and evises for clarity and readability in the same pass, so a rough draft becomes publication-ready without switching between three separate apps.
For students, freelancers, and marketers who lean on AI but still need their writing to sound like them, having humanizing, checking, and voice-matching in one place saves a ton of time.
Voice Profiles are a unique angle UmanWrite has that other tools don’t. You feed the platform samples of your own writing, and it trains on your tone and vocabulary, so later drafts read the way you write. You can train an unlimited number of them, one for each client or project, and every edit you make teaches the tool a little more about your style. Context-aware writing then adjusts each draft to the audience and purpose you set.
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Stop paying every month for a tool that caps your work. Get a UmanWrite lifetime subscription on sale for $79.
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The latest beta release for the iPhone's operating system, iOS 27 beta 5, is here.
With this release from Apple come some design changes and feature updates. However, new features and design tweaks aren't the biggest news to come with this new beta release. iOS 27 beta 5 provides references to 6 unreleased iPhone models, essentially confirming the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup for the very first time.
What's new with iOS 27 beta 5?The most visual updates with iOS 27 beta 5 are new icons for several major Apple apps. Safari, Siri, Preview, App Store and Remote app icons have all received updates. Some other apps have received more minor Liquid Glass-related tweaks.
Siri's AI update continues to receive upgrades as well. iOS 27 beta 5 brings more voice customization options. Pace and Expressivity can now be adjusted for all of the available American English voices and the British English voices as well.
Contacts also received a slight upgrade. If a company is associated with a specific contact, Contacts will now show that company name under the contact's name and in the search results.
Apple is providing users with more control over the Search function on their iPhone in iOS 27 beta 5. Users can choose whether app results appear in Search. If turned on, users can also control whether Search results show four or eight apps. There's a new "Search the Web" option at the bottom of Search results too.
There's a slew of additional smaller updates as well. For example, Software Update will now let users know when the last update was installed on their iPhone, the Clock app uses a thicker font for Alarms and Timers, and Control Center no longer displays cellular network information while the iPhone is connected to WiFi.
SEE ALSO: iPhone Fold September debut looks increasingly likely, report reveals iOS 27 beta 5 makes the iPhone 18 lineup 'official'There have been plenty of leaks, rumors, and speculation regarding Apple's upcoming new iPhone lineup. However, the iOS 27 beta 5 provides some of the strongest evidence yet that those devices are on the way. For the very first time, iPhone system files make references to 6 new iPhone models, alongside the existing iPhones. The new iPhones are referred to as V62, V63, V64, V67, V68, and V69.
Previous leaks and reporting indicate that those identifiers line up with the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18, the rumored foldable iPhone that may be called the iPhone Ultra, and iPhone 18e respectively.
SEE ALSO: All the foldable iPhone Ultra hints in the iOS 27 betaIf you'd like to update your iPhone to the iOS 27 beta 5 release, open the Settings app, tap General, and select Software Update. After that, select the iOS 27 Developer Beta under Beta Updates and your iPhone will be able to update to the latest beta version.
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Google returns to New York on Wednesday, Aug. 12, for its annual Made by Google hardware event, and this year the show arrives with an unusually thin veil of secrecy. Between official teasers and a steady drip of leaks, most of the headline details about the Pixel 11 lineup are already circulating — leaving the live keynote to mostly confirm what's already known.
This year's event also comes with a notable format shift. Comedian and former Daily Show host Trevor Noah is set to emcee the show, joined by a sprawling guest list that includes Stephen Curry, Alex Cooper, Shubman Gill, Peggy Gou, Jesser, JuJu Watkins, Chari Hawkins, and PinkPantheress, according to Android Authority. That's a departure from last year, when Made by Google was presented as a non-canon Tonight Show segment with Jimmy Fallon rather than a standalone keynote.
Here's a breakdown of what to expect.
When and how to watchThe keynote streams live on the Made by Google YouTube channel, with a mirrored feed on the Google Store, starting at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on Aug. 12. That's a notably later start than in previous years. The Pixel 10 event, for example, began at 1 p.m. ET. International viewers will also need to plan around it: The event begins at 11 p.m. in the UK, midnight in continental Europe, and 3:30 a.m. IST on Aug. 13.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Adding to the unusual scheduling, both The Verge and Android Authority note that Google and Best Buy had published a Pixel 11 preorder countdown set to expire at 10 a.m. ET — roughly eight hours before the keynote even begins. So expect most news about the Pixel 11 series to be on the web before the show starts.
Pixel 11 lineupExpect to see these four phones showcased during the livestream:
Pixel 11 Pro XL
Pixel 11 Pro Fold
The Verge and Tech Advisor both frame these as largely iterative updates rather than a redesign. The Verge notes that the phones should look similar to the Pixel 10 series, though with a camera bar that is black all the way across.
Reporting from several outlets points to a new Tensor G6 chip as the headline internal upgrade. Digital Trends reports that it will be Google's first chip built on a 2-nanometer process by TSMC, which could make the Pixel 11 one of the very first smartphones on the market to use that manufacturing process. Android Authority adds that the chip is said to use newer Arm C1 cores, a PowerVR GPU, and — notably — switch from Samsung-derived modems to MediaTek's M90 modem, a move the outlet suggests could help address long-standing Pixel complaints about heat, battery life, and connectivity.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Google is also reportedly planning to drop the 128GB base storage tier in favor of 256GB as the new minimum for the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro. Early listings also point to 12GB of RAM in the Pixel 11 Pro, a drop from the 16GB found in the Pixel 10 Pro and a potentially notable reduction given Google's AI ambitions for the phone.
On the camera front, Android Authority reports that the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL are expected to keep a triple-camera setup (50MP main, 48MP ultrawide with macro, and a 48MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom), with digital zoom reportedly reaching as high as 120x. New camera software said to be in the works includes an improved Cinematic Blur mode, video relighting, 4K/30fps capture, and an Ultra Low Light video mode. Digital Trends notes that the standard Pixel 11's camera specs remain contested among leakers, with some reports describing only two rear cameras and others insisting the telephoto lens will remain.
Android Authority also reports that the foldable is expected to have an 8-inch inner display and a slimmer folded profile of 10.1mm. Digital Trends adds that it may gain a telephoto lens for the first time and that the battery may actually shrink slightly to 4,750mAh, offset, in theory, by the more efficient chip. Notably, multiple outlets suggest that the Fold could ship around the same time as the rest of the lineup this year (Android Authority cites an Aug. 20 rumor) rather than arriving weeks later, as it has in the past.
PricingPrice increases across the board appear all but certain. Digital Trends reports that Google's VP of devices and services, Shakil Barkat, has already confirmed that pricing adjustments are coming due to rising component costs, without giving exact figures. The Verge similarly notes that a Google executive told 9to5Google the pricing "adjustments" are tied to a broader industry memory crisis. Here are the likely starting prices:
Pixel 11 — $899
Pixel 11 Pro — $1,099
Pixel 11 Pro XL — $1,299
Pixel 11 Pro Fold — $1,899
Tech Advisor highlights color options as one of the more distinctive parts of this year's refresh, given how incremental the hardware changes otherwise appear: a bright pink option for the standard Pixel 11, a "Dune" hero color with a gold frame for the Pro models, and a new matte-black take on Obsidian, sometimes referred to as "Midnight Haze."
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Pixel Watch 5The Pixel Watch 5 is expected to keep the familiar round design of its predecessor, according to Digital Trends, with only modest internal changes. Android Authority and The Verge both cite leaked specs pointing to a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 "Accelerated" chip, 3GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage — double the previous model's capacity. Battery life is expected to remain roughly the same as that of the Pixel Watch 4, at 30 and 40 hours for the 41mm and 45mm sizes, respectively.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Tech Advisor describes the new watch as having "done a Pixel 10a" by being nearly identical to its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 4. Owners are unlikely to feel compelled to upgrade if that's the case.
Pricing leaks cited across several outlets suggest that the 41mm model could start at around $399, up from $349.99, while the 45mm model could start at around $429, up from $399.99.
There are also mentions of a Pixel Watch 5 Steph Curry Special Edition. It's reportedly just a special-edition watch band, likely U.S.-only and limited to the larger case size — tying into Curry's expected appearance at the event.
The HiLight featureSeveral outlets single out a new lighting feature, variously reported under the working names "Pixel Glow" and, more recently, "HiLight." It is one of the more talked-about additions, even if opinions differ on how useful it will actually be.
The Verge and Android Authority both report that the feature is housed in the camera-bar flash, which reportedly doubles as an RGB light capable of glowing in different colors — for instance, to signal a call from a specific contact or indicate an active conversation with Gemini. The Verge notes that code spotted in Google's Contacts app appears to confirm the "HiLight" name and per-contact color customization. Android Authority reports that the feature is exclusive to the Pro models and effectively replaces the temperature sensor found on the camera bar of previous-generation phones.
Not everyone is convinced that it will be a major selling point. Tech Advisor is openly skeptical, arguing that, as currently described, HiLight amounts to a light that changes color for calls or Gemini interactions — moments when users are typically already looking at the phone's front, not its camera bar — and calls it "a bit of a dud" pending further details from Google.
As of now, one leak suggests that the feature apparently won't be available on the base Pixel 11.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Gemini IntelligenceSeveral outlets suggest that software, not hardware, may be the actual centerpiece of this year's presentation. The Verge frames Gemini Intelligence as central to explaining why the new phones matter, given how visually similar they are to the outgoing generation. Android Authority echoes that point, noting that with the hardware changes being relatively modest, Google "needs to explain why its latest generation matters," and expects Gemini to dominate the presentation.
On the Pixel Watch 5 specifically, The Verge reports that marketing materials describe Gemini Intelligence as a "personal, proactive assistant" capable of surfacing helpful information unprompted. A feature called "Proactive Suggestions" is said to offer context-aware reply recommendations for messages, and the materials reportedly tout improved sleep tracking as well.
What's probably not comingThe Verge is explicit that rumored Googlebook laptops and Android XR smart glasses are unlikely to appear, noting that Google previously said both product lines are slated for a fall launch rather than an August debut. Tech Advisor similarly rules out a Pixel smart ring or new Pixelsnap accessories, citing a lack of supporting leaks.
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