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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 22'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.

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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.

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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 22 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: Projectionist equipment

• Green: Layer

• Blue: Generic newspaper

• Purple: Prank'd

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: Classic Movie Theater Equipment

• Green: Tier

• Blue: Newspaper Names

• Purple: Prank Verbs

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 #438 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Classic Movie Theater Equipment: PROJECTOR, REEL, SCREEN, SPEAKER

• Tier: DECK, FLOOR, LEVEL, STORY

• Newspaper Names: GLOBE, MIRROR, POST, SUN

• Prank Verbs: EGG, MOON, STREAK, TOILET PAPER

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.

The F.B.I. raided the homes of two prominent commentators on Russian state television channels as part of an effort to blunt attempts to influence November’s election.

So, you want your PC to perform at its best? Outside of just buying the most expensive hardware, one of the keys to achieving this is ensuring top-notch security. A secure PC isn't just safer, it's also faster. By following these tips to optimise your system, you'll transform your computer into a sleek, efficient powerhouse. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds: security and performance. Let's dive in.

First steps

Clear up disk space: Running your PC when it's bogged down with junk is like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. If your PC is feeling sluggish, the first thing you should check is the amount of available space on your drives. Removing unnecessary files and unwanted programs should quickly provide a speed boost, with plenty more you can do from there.

Restart your PC: Sometimes, things are as simple as turning it off and on again. Rebooting your PC can help close unnecessary background processes, clear the memory (RAM), and provides an opportunity to apply updates. This of course leads to the next tip..

Update your operating system: Make sure that your Operating System (OS) and all your drivers are up to date. These updates often include performance improvements and security patches that can help your PC run more smoothly and safely.

Run an antivirus scan: You could have some viruses or malware infecting your system. These malicious programs often run in the background, consuming valuable resources and slowing down your computer. By running a scan using a reputable antivirus, you can detect these threats and eliminate them. Then you’ll not only be safer, but have a faster, more responsive computer.

Choosing an antivirus

Everybody should be using some form of basic antivirus on their computer. Something that only becomes more important if you a) share your devices, or b) use that device for banking or online shopping.

Outside of just scanning for viruses, antivirus software also enhances your PC’s performance by removing and blocking malware, cleaning up unnecessary files, optimising system settings, and providing ongoing protection against new threats. So it’s kind of like having a housekeeper or a robot vacuum cleaner for your PC. Plugging away in the background, sucking up all the digital dirt and keeping your PC squeaky clean. Leading to a smoother, faster, and more reliable computing experience.

Even if you really, really don’t want to pay for additional security on your devices, it’s still recommended you install a lightweight, free version of a reputable antivirus. Avast One Basic was the 2024 Editor's Choice pick for free antivirus by the experts at our sister site PCMag. It provides free protection for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, and scored near-perfect scores in our lab testing for both antivirus and phishing protection. However, if you want the best protection for the most devices, we recommend upgrading your plan to one of the paid options. In this instance:

Avast One Gold

While a free tool such as Avast One Basic is a great place to start, the best features and security tools are always going to be tied to a premium antivirus plan. For Avast One, the golden standard is quite simply: Avast One Gold.

Upgrading to Gold provides:

• Antivirus and malware protection for up to 30 devices (PCs, Macs, tablets or smartphones)

• A VPN (Virtual Private Network) with unlimited data for all devices on the plan to help you browse privately and securely

• Performance optimisation features, automatic PC driver updates, and storage cleaning tools

• Anti-tracking technology to prevent bad actors or advertisers from tracking you and learning about your online behaviour

• Email Guardian, which helps flag scams and suspicious emails before they even reach your inbox

• Technology that helps automatically block fake and malicious websites

So if you want to both secure your devices and speed them up, Avast One Gold is an easy recommendation. It provides advanced protection, performance optimisation, privacy, priority support, and multi-device coverage. If you’re interested, you can read more about Avast One here.

The most controversial new Windows feature in years is making its grand re-entrance in a couple of months.

After a previous, open-ended delay announced in mid-June, Microsoft announced via an update to an old blog post that its new "Recall" feature will be available for Windows Insiders testing in October.

"As previously shared on June 13, we have adjusted our release approach to leverage the valuable expertise of our Windows Insider community prior to making Recall available for all Copilot+ PCs," Microsoft's blog update said. "Security continues to be our top priority and when Recall is available for Windows Insiders in October we will publish a blog with more details."

SEE ALSO: Microsoft's three new Xbox consoles are up for preorder ahead of their October launch Windows Recall release date window

In October, Windows Insiders will gain access to Recall, though the exact date remains unspecified. At least, we think so. Recall was announced in May as a potentially life-changing AI feature that constantly takes screenshots of everything you do on a compatible Windows PC, then studies those screenshots to build a database of all your actions that you can search through if needed.

The only problem is that Recall was immediately flagged as a massive cybersecurity problem, considering the fact that it actively and purposely compiles a history of everything a user does on a PC. Microsoft tried to put a band-aid on the situation by making Recall opt-in, but by then, the damage was done — and at least one government agency was investigating Microsoft over Recall.

We'll have to wait for Microsoft's blog post to find out how (if at all) the company has addressed the security concerns with Recall. But at least it won't be a long wait.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the newest addition to the Pixel family. Before the reveal of the Google Pixel 9 series, the lineup only had two phones: a base model (e.g., last year’s Google Pixel 8) and a Pro variant (e.g., 2023’s Google Pixel 8 Pro).

Now, Google has changed things up with a triple-device lineup: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Interestingly, despite its name, the Pixel 9 Pro XL isn’t that much larger from last year’s biggest model (i.e., Google Pixel 8 Pro). The new Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch display while the Google Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch panel.

What really makes the Pixel 9 Pro XL comparatively larger to the Pixel 9 Pro is that Google actually shrunk the Pro model to 6.3 inches, down from 6.7 inches. So yes, the Pixel 9 Pro is smaller than the Pixel 8 Pro. Weird, I know, given that phones typically become larger than their predecessors, not smaller.

Now that you’ve got a good understanding of the Pixel 9 Pro XL (and its new family), let’s dive into my experience with it.

SEE ALSO: Pixel 9 Pro XL hands-on review: I zoomed in on strangers 5,280 feet away and saw the color of their clothes Google Pixel 9 Pro XL price and specs

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a starting price of $1,099 via the Google Store. It comes with the following specs:

• Google Tensor G4 chip

• 16GB of RAM

• 128GB of storage

• 6.8-inch, 1344 x 2992-pixel display

If you want, you can get more storage by upgrading to the 256GB model, which will set you back $1,119. If you want a 512GB model or a 1TB variant, you’ll have to shell out $1,319 and $1,549, respectively. (I highly suggest getting the 256GB model. In my personal experience, 128GB of storage lasts about a little over a year before your storage gets full.)

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 Pro XL at Google Store
Shop Now Google Pixel 9 Pro XL design

The Pixel 9 Pro XL, unlike its lesser successors (e.g., Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro), actually looks and feels premium — thanks to the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 matte back. With a shiny polished metal frame that wraps around the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it could really compete with the likes of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is also highly resistant to fingerprints, so feel free to get handsy with it without any guilt.

The particular unit I tested for this review sports the Hazel chassis. There are three other colors you can choose from, including Obsidian (black), Rose Quartz (pink), and Porcelain (off-white).

I've seen them all in person. The Obsidian may be the most popular of the four colorways. You can never go wrong with a rich, onyx device that looks like it'd be on Batman's desk. The Rose Quartz delivers a pink-ish hue to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Emphasis on the word ish because it's more of a pastel, barely there, "baby shower pink," if you will. If you want a pink that's actually not afraid to be pink, check out the "Peony" color on the Pixel 9.

Although Google made a subtle gen-over-gen change with the camera bar, it elevates the visual appeal of the Pixel 9 series. The funky Geordi La Forge-esque visor no longer goes from edge to edge. It now has an island-style design with a body that color matches the chassis.

On the right side of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you'll find the volume and power buttons. On the bottom, you'll discover the USB-C port and a SIM card slot (the Pixel 9 Pro XL also supports eSIM).

Compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is just a smidge larger (6.41 inches long versus 6.40). However, it's slightly thinner (0.33 inches vs. 0.35 inches). The Pixel 9 Pro XL feels quite nice in the hands; the curved edges are forgiving as my fingers wrap around them. As someone who never liked the Pixel series' design, I'm finally warming up to it.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL display

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch, 1344 x 2992-pixel resolution display. It has a screen-to-body ratio of about 88%, a slight jump from the Pixel 8 Pro's 87% screen-to-body ratio. This means that the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a better immersive viewing experience with thinner bezels, allowing more of the display to be dedicated to your content.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I fired up a few videos on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, including platforms like YouTube and Netflix. One thing I noticed is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL was a highly saturated panel, particularly compared to my iPhone 15 Pro Max. For example, while watching Love is Blind UK, the electric green top on one contestant appeared to be more vibrant — as if it was popping out of the screen — compared to its Apple counterpart.

However, my daily driver, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, is even more vivid than the Pixel 9 Pro XL — perhaps too vivid. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is "just right."

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL cameras

The megapixel count of the Pixel 9 Pro XL hasn't changed from the Pixel 8 family. It still has a 50MP wide camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto sensor.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, this time around, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's ultrawide camera got a slight update, an improved aperture, that means that you should get better ultrawide photos in low-light conditions.

In other words, your vacation photos where you grab ultrawide shots of stunning landscapes should have improved detail on the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

I tested the Pixel 9 Pro XL against my beloved iPhone 15 Pro Max, and to my surprise, the former bested it. And I have proof.

Wide camera

I captured a picture of some antique cars inside a museum and was taken aback by the Pixel 9 Pro XL's capture:

^This is the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s pic. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Here is the iPhone 15 Pro Max's capture of the scene:

^This is the iPhone 15 Pro Max's pic Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The first thing that caught my eye is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL deals better with challenging lighting, delivering a shot with little to no lens flare (unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max). The Apple device offered a more true-to-life interpretation of the two antique cars while its Google rival captured a richer, more saturated shot.

Ultrawide camera

I also took some pictures of Northport Harbor in Long Island, New York. Flanked by verdant trees, here is an ultrawide shot taken by the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL:

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's photo of the Northport Harbor. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Here is the same scenery taken with the iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 15 Pro Max's photo of the Northport Harbor. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro XL's interpretation of the scene appears to be more vibrant and colorful. The grass emanates greener hues, and most conspicuously, the sky and harbor look bluer. The ripples and waves in the water appear more detailed, too.

Telephoto

Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max's telephoto sensor maxes out at 5X optical zoom before the digital zoom (i.e., software) kicks in. I snapped a photo of a neighbor's yellow flowers, and here's how it turned out (at 5X zoom).

Look at the shot taken by the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and you'll notice a more robust and detailed capture of the eye-catching flower compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max:

^This is the Pixel 9 Pro XL's pic. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable ^This is the iPhone 15 Pro Max's pic Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Pixel 9 Pro XL may have an edge over the iPhone 15 Pro Max when it comes to cameras, but as you'll find out, the Google phone is weaker when it comes to performance.

If you're curious about how far the Pixel 9 Pro XL can zoom with its Super Res Zoom perk, check out my hands-on that featured me zooming in 5,280 feet and getting incredible detail.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performance

We ran Geekbench 6 on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which sports the new Google Tensor G4 chip, and it delivered a multi-core score of 4,569.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

This is quite low compared to the scores we've recorded for other phones we've reviewed:

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - 4,569

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 - 6,069

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 - 6,300

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - 7,078

iPhone 15 Pro Max - 7,359

I know the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 7,359 score may look astronomical — and that's because it is. It's way too overpowered for a smartphone. The Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn't need to match this score to be considered as beastly as the priciest iPhone, but its Geekbench 6 score is surprisingly low. And when you consider that the Pixel 8 Pro actually delivered a higher score (e.g., 4,639), the G4 chip feels even more underpowered.

Even so, I didn't experience any slowdowns whatsoever while juggling multiple apps simultaneously. It is worth nothing, however, that the Pixel 9 Pro XL got a little too hot at times, particularly while using the cameras during a warm day. This phone may be a nightmare to use on the beach.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL AI features

Apple Intelligence is in trouble! Google packed a cornucopia of AI features into the Pixel 9 family. Check out our hands-on experiences with a good chunk of them:

• Add Me

• Reimagine

• AI-powered weather app

• Pixel Screenshot

• Pixel Studio

I also recommend that you check out the new Gemini Live, the big update to Google's ChatGPT rival.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life

In-freakin'-credible! The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL drained at a rate of just five percent hour on our test.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

We ran a TikTok rundown on the Pixel 9 Pro XL at 50% brightness. Now, imagine our surprise when we saw it lasted a whopping 18 hours and 41 minutes on a single charge. This beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which lasted 14 hours and 53 minutes on the same test.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Is it worth it?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is totally worth it based on the battery life alone. You can comfortably leave the house with the Pixel 9 Pro XL and not suffer from battery drainage anxiety. You can get away with being lazy for a bit and not charging the phone for a night or two.

Plus, when it comes to its shooters, it can compete with arguably the best smartphone on the market: the iPhone 15 Pro Max. That being said, the Pixel 9 Pro XL beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max in at least three categories: camera, display, and battery life.

On top of that, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's Google AI features are a blast to use (though they have their quirks), making the Pixel 9 Pro XL one of the best phones of 2024.

In what may be the most bonkers news to happen this year, billions of Americans had their most personal, sensitive info swiped by hackers late last year — and this massive breach wasn't announced until just last week. The devastating data leak at the hands of National Public Data is a nightmare, exposing three decades’ worth of Social Security numbers on the online black market. Yep, it’s as bad as it sounds.

SEE ALSO: What does the future of social security look like for millennials?

So, what now? Well, don’t hold your breath for financial compensation just yet. But if you want to know if you’re one of the unlucky millions, and how to shield yourself from the fallout, we’ve got you.

Social Security breach check

Pentester, a cybersecurity firm, launched a tool that lets you check if your data was caught up in a recent breach. To find out, visit npd.pentester.com, enter your first and last name, along with your birth year, and you’ll get a list of any breached accounts associated with you.

The tool even shows the last four digits of the compromised Social Security numbers, making it easier to confirm if your information is at risk.

How to protect yourself if you're breached

If you’ve checked Pentester’s website and discovered that you’re one of the billions affected by the breach, here’s what the NPD recommends to protect your identity:

1. Financial monitoring - NPD advises taking a closer look at your bank accounts, ensuring everything is in order. While this might seem like a no-brainer, the reality is that many Americans don’t scrutinize every line item on their credit and debit card statements, which leaves room for fraudulent charges to slip through unnoticed.

2. Credit monitoring - Set up credit monitoring with one or all of the major credit bureaus, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This way, you’ll get alerts for any suspicious activity, like new or existing accounts being opened in your name.

3. Consider a credit freeze - Instituting a credit freeze is like hitting a big red button. It stops new credit from being opened in your name without your explicit permission.

Of course, none of these steps will erase the fact that your Social Security number is now floating around in the cybercrime underworld. But they’re practical measures you can take to safeguard your finances and protect yourself from future headaches.

SAVE $179.99: As of Aug. 21, Best Buy is giving away free Surface Pro Keyboards with pen storage with the purchase of select Microsoft Surface Pro 11 configurations (starting at $1,499.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro 11 $1,499.99 at Best Buy
Free Surface Pro Keyboard Get Deal

Microsoft markets its Surface Pro as a "2-in-1 laptop," but that designation should come with an asterisk: The device functions as a hybrid laptop if you buy its sold-separately keyboard. Otherwise, it's just a tablet.

For a limited time, Best Buy is remedying the situation: Select configurations of the new Surface Pro 11 come with a free Surface Pro Keyboard with pen storage (a $179.99 value) through Sunday, Aug. 25 as part of the retailer's Tech Fest sale. This marks the first-ever deal we've seen on the newest Surface Pro, which hasn't seen a formal markdown since launching in June.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 review: 23 hours of battery life? MacBooks are in trouble

The Surface Pro 11 is a lightweight convertible Copilot+ PC with a built-in kickstand and four color options. Like the excellent new Surface Laptop 7, Microsoft's more traditional clamshell-style offering, it's powered by a fresh Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset that makes it AI-ready and plenty power-efficient. (We haven't tested it ourselves, but Microsoft claims the Surface Pro 11 is 90 percent faster than its predecessor and capable of lasting up to 14 hours per charge.)

The configurations that Best Buy's picked for this bundle deal feature an upgraded Snapdragon X Elite CPU with 16 to 32GB of RAM and 512GB to 1TB of storage (priced at $1,499.99 to $2,099.99). If you're doing some last-minute back-to-school shopping for laptop deals, then this is a great opportunity to buy a Windows device that will last you for a long time to come.

As for that free Surface Pro Keyboard you're getting: It has a dedicated Copilot key, a glass touchpad, and a built-in storage tray for the second-generation Surface Slim Pen. Annoyingly, you still have to buy that stylus separately. (Psst: My Best Buy members can get it on sale for 10% off through Aug. 21.)

SAVE $26: As of August 21, get the Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W) for just $29.99, down from $55.99, at Amazon. That's a 46% discount and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W) $29.99 at Amazon
$55.99 Save $26.00 Get Deal

Need an affordable, reliable charger that won't let you down? Anker has you covered with one of the best chargers you can find right now on Amazon for the money, even at full price — and his 46% discount on a Mashable-approved charger is a true deal.

As of August 21, you can get the Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W) for just $29.99. That's $26 off its normal price of $55.99, and a discount of 46%. It's also the best price we've seen for this charger, matching the sale we saw back in July when several Anker-branded models went on sale.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deals of the day: Echo Buds with ANC are just $10 shy of their Prime Day price

This charger uses GaN technology, which means it can charge must faster than others while putting off less heat. It's incredibly quick, boosting your phone or laptop back to 100% in less time than other options on the market, and it can charge multiple devices at once, with a max of three. Its 65W high-speed charging means you could get your MacBook Pro back up to 100% in a couple of hours, which makes this a travel must-have.

You get two USB-C and one USB-A slots, so you could feasibly charge your laptop, phone and tablet, or a pair of earbuds — all in one easy charger.

Snatch up this deal while it's still around and bring home a great little charger that will get everything boosted up to full battery quicker than usual.

AI is encroaching into every app, and in some cases that could be a problem.

Take Slack, for example. The workplace instant messenger app has an optional suite of AI features you can pay extra for, but according to the security firm PromptArmor, it's full of potential holes. The feature exists to help create quick summaries of conversations, but per PromptArmor, it does so with access to private DMs, and can be tricked into phishing other users.

The technical nitty-gritty details are all in the PromptArmor blog post, but the problem here is essentially twofold. For starters, Slack recently updated its AI system to be able to scrape data from private user DMs and file uploads on purpose. Beyond that, using a technique called "prompt injection," PromptArmor proved you can use Slack AI to create malicious links that could potentially phish members of said Slack channel.

SEE ALSO: Gmail can now literally 'polish' that turd of an email draft

Mashable has reached out to Slack for comment on this. Per PromptArmor's blog, the issue was raised to Slack ahead of the publication of its blog post. A spokesperson for Slack's parent company SalesForce told The Register that the problem has been addressed, but did not go into specifics.

"When we became aware of the report, we launched an investigation into the described scenario where, under very limited and specific circumstances, a malicious actor with an existing account in the same Slack workspace could phish users for sensitive data," the SalesForce spokesperson said. "We've deployed a patch to address the issue and have no evidence at this time of unauthorized access to customer data."

If nothing else, it's probably worth looking up the stated AI policies for every app that you use regularly.

Some of the best waterproof and portable Bluetooth speakers are on sale today for up to 27% off. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Our top picks: Best overall deal JBL Flip 6 $99.95 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best Sony deal Sony ULT Field 1 $98 at Amazon (save $31.99) Get Deal Best Bose deal Bose SoundLink Flex (black) $109 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal Best Sonos deal Sonos Roam 2 $143 at Amazon (save $36) Get Deal

Watching the sunset at the beach or lakeside is one of life's simple joys. Perhaps one of the only things that could make it better would be listening to some great music. Pop on some ambient jazz or this summer's playlist and take the experience to a whole new level.

However, there's one non-negotiable when it comes to tunes by a body of water: your portable Bluetooth speaker needs to be waterproof. Sure, we all tell ourselves we'll keep the speaker far away from the water source, but stuff happens. It's better to play it safe and opt for a waterproof speaker for the beach, the lake, or the pool.

Some of our favorite models are on sale as we count down the final days of summer, so if you have some water-side hangs planned, here are some great deals to shop today.

Best overall waterproof speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL Our pick: JBL Flip 6 $99.95 at Amazon
$129.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Getting up to 12 hours of playtime before it needs a recharge, the JBL Flip 6 is a great option if you're shopping for a portable Bluetooth speaker that's worthy of taking along to the beach or the pool. Thanks to today's sale price at Amazon, you can score late-summer savings and get the speaker for just $99.95 instead of the usual price of $129.95. That's a 23% discount. Plus, this deal extends to all colorway options of the JBL Flip 6, including pink, teal, red, and camo.

In Mashable's review of the best outdoor speakers, the JBL Flip 6 earned the spot of the best Bluetooth party speaker. "In our testing, the JBL Flip 6 delivered strong bass and better overall sound compared to more expensive outdoor Bluetooth speakers from Sonos and Bose," according to the review.

The Flip 6 comes with IP67 waterproof and dustproof reassurance, so it'll be no problem to carry this portable party to any gathering. It also weights under two pounds, so it doesn't add much when tossing it in your tote bag or backpack.

More waterproof speaker deals

• Anker Soundcore 2 — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10 with on-page coupon)

• Sony SRSXB13 — $38 $59.99 (save $21.99)

• Soundcore Motion 300 — $64.99 $79.99 (save $15 with on-page coupon)

• Bose SoundLink Micro — $99 $119 (save $20)

• Soundcore Boom 2 — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Aug. 21:

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Amazon Echo Buds with ANC (2nd gen) $44.99 at Amazon (save $75) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Sonos Roam 2 $143 at Amazon (save $36) Get Deal BEST KINDLE DEAL Kindle Kids $94.99 at Amazon (save $25) Get Deal BEST LAPTOP DEAL Asus Vivobook 17 (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $679.99 at Amazon (save $120) Get Deal BEST SMART HOME DEAL Blink Outdoor 4 three-camera system $139.99 at Amazon (save $120) Get Deal

If you're looking to dabble in some deals — for back-to-school shopping or just because —allow us to steer you in the right direction. We've scoured the pages and pages of deals at Amazon and hand-picked a few that we think are worth your money, including some of the mega retailer's own devices and other top brands like Asus and Sonos.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day for Aug. 21, 2024. If none of these Amazon deals catch your eye, be sure to take a peek at our picks from Aug. 19 and Aug. 20. Many of those savings are still live — including a record-low ninth-generation iPad and the first-ever discount on the Sonos Ace headphones.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with ANC (2nd gen) $44.99
$119.99 Save $75.00 Get Deal

Amazon's second rendition of the Echo Buds, now dubbed the Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation, offer solid sound quality and a pretty comfortable design. While the battery life isn't anything to write home about, they're still some of our favorite wireless earbuds. Mashable's Alex Perry tested them upon release and called them "a steal for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the world of ANC without setting their wallet on fire."

As of Aug. 21, you can snag a pair on sale for only $44.99, down from the usual $119.99. That's 63% in savings and just $10 away from their record-low Prime Day price.

Best speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Roam 2 $143.00 at Amazon
$179.00 Save $36.00 Get Deal

Prime Day pricing is back for the Sonos Roam 2 Bluetooth speaker, y'all. While we haven't had a chance to test it out ourselves, we did love the first generation of this sleek and portable speaker. Mashable's Alex Perry called the first rendition "an endearing and great-sounding portable speaker that you can use in just about any way you want," and bestowed on it the coveted Mashable Choice award.

According to our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis), the second generation doesn't do much to distinguish itself from the first generation. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but we feel better recommending it now that it's back down to just $143.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Kids $94.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

Just like the baseline Kindle, but designed for young readers, the Kindle Kids is a solid budget-friendly pick for an e-reader. It's screen time you can feel good about.

Like the regular Kindle, it has a six-inch, glare-free display with 300 ppi for sharp resolution, adjustable front light, and dark mode to prevent eye strain. Where it stands out is the kid-friendly extras, like 1-year of unlimited access to Amazon Kids+. This subscription would normally run you $4.99 per month and includes thousands of ad-free books and a Vocabulary Builder, where kids can look up definitions and learn new words. As of Aug. 21, it's down to just $94.99 from $119.99. That's 21% in savings.

Best laptop deal of the day Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS Asus Vivobook 17 (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $679.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal

If a new laptop is on your shopping list, the Asus Vivobook 17 is a solid everyday powerhouse. Not only does it feature a 17.3-inch NanoEdge display, but it also boasts a 180-degree hinge to enhance usage. Other features include a fingerprint reader, noise-cancellation for video calls, military-grade toughness, and plenty of ports for versatility. Usually $799.99 for the 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD model, it's on sale for just $679.99 as of Aug. 21. That's 15% in savings and its lowest price on record.

Best smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 three-camera system $139.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal

If you're in the market for a security system, this bundle of Blink Outdoor 4 cameras is a budget-friendly way to add some eyes around your home. It's one of our top overall picks for security cameras, thanks in part to its extremely long battery life. Once you pop in some AAs, you won't have to worry about changing them for two years.

The Amazon-brand cameras work seamlessly with other Alexa-enabled devices, come with customizable motion zones without the need for a subscription (although a subscription does unlock more features), as well as infrared night vision and crisp two-way audio. Snag a three-pack for only $139.99 as of Aug. 21. That's 46% in savings and just $5 shy of the bundle's all-time low price.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Want to build something fun with Lego? Check out our picks of today's best Lego deals:

Our top picks: Best Lego Star Wars Deal Lego Star Wars Emperor's Throne Room Diorama $78.99 at Amazon (Save $21) Get Deal Best Lego Icons Deal Lego Icons Tiny Plants Building Set $39.99 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal Best Lego Super Mario Deal Lego Super Mario Bowser's Muscle Car Expansion Set $23.95 at Amazon (Save $6.04) Get Deal

Who doesn't love getting a new Lego set? The iconic building blocks come in a wide variety of sets, from landmarks to animals and everything in between. They're great for both kids and adults and offer hours of entertainment. Plus, when you're finished, you have a great little setpiece for display. But as fun as Lego sets can be, they can be pretty pricey, so it's usually a good idea to wait until they go on sale.

That means right now is a great time to jump in and pick up a few sets, since there are a few deals going on that you won't want to miss. Whether you're a Star Wars fan or you just want to put together some pretty flowers, you'll find discounts on a variety of sets, including some fun additions to your Lego Super Mario setup.

Whether you're shopping for yourself, a child, or a Lego collector, you'll find plenty of good reasons to drop some cold, hard cash on these options that you can bring home right now. Check out our picks and snatch them up before they're gone.

Best Lego Star Wars deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Lego Star Wars Emperor's Throne Room Diorama $78.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $21.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This Lego Star Wars diorama looks like it was taken straight from the video game series. It captures the duel scene between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker from Return of the Jedi with adorable minifigs of both characters, Emperor Palpatine, and some seriously tiny lightsabers. It includes the circular Death Star window, a rotating throne, two display consoles and a special 40th anniversary Star Wars: Return of the Jedi plaque. When finished, it stands 6.5 inches tall, and it consists of 807 pieces. It's not only a fun set to put together, but a great finished display item for any fan of the movies.

Best Lego Icons deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Lego Icons Tiny Plants Building Set $39.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Love tiny plants, but don't want to take care of the real thing? This Lego Icons flower set comes with multiple small plants — nine, to be exact — each sprouting from their own miniature pot. These tropical plants are colorful and exotic, and simple to build. When you're finished, they can go on your desk as fun little paperweights or even replace the real tiny plants you may have on display in your home. Because they don't die, and you don't have to worry about watering them. This is a 758-piece building set.

Best Lego Super Mario deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Lego Super Mario Bowser's Muscle Car Expansion Set $23.95 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $6.04 Get Deal Why we like it

If you've been collecting Super Mario toys for your Lego menagerie, you'll want to add Bowser's muscle car to the pack. Bowser comes in a purple jalopy with a Super Mario character and an Action Tag that can interact with the rest of the Mario Lego sets. Put Bowser in his car, pull the yellow lever, and the hood ornament will move. He can also toss bombs out of his trunk. This 458-piece set also features support for Lego Mario, Luigi and Peach for "driving" the car, which will make sound effects. You'll also be able to earn digital coins by doing so.

More Lego deals:

• Lego Creator 3-in-1 Exotic Parrot — $15.99 $19.99 (save $4)

• Disney and Pixar Up House — $47.99 $59.99 (save $12)

Brand-new Xbox consoles are available for preorder now. We've got all the details:

Where to buy: Microsoft Store Xbox Series X – 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition $599.99 Pre-order Now Microsoft Store Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition (Robot White) $449.99 Pre-order Now Microsoft Store Xbox Series S – 1TB (Robot White) $349.99 Pre-order Now

Months after their initial announcement at June's Xbox Games Showcase 2024, Microsoft has finally set a release date and opened preorders for its three new Xbox console variants.

The lineup includes a 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition Xbox Series X ($599.99), an all-digital Series X in Robot White ($449.99), and a 1TB Series S in Robot White ($349.99). They'll formally launch in the U.S. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, per an Xbox Wire post. And if you're worried they'll sell out fast for the holidays, you can lock in a preorder through the Microsoft Store starting today (Aug. 21).

The Special Edition Series X is the flashiest of the bunch, sporting double the space of the regular model and a speckled lime green-on-black design. The company said this "celestial effect [represents] thousands of games and millions of gamers playing on Xbox," but I'd argue it's also kind of brat. It ships with an exclusive Xbox Wireless Controller with a green back case.

SEE ALSO: Gamescom 2024: Every game and series announced and shown at this year's event, so far

The Robot White Series X scraps a disc drive for the first time in Microsoft's flagship console, blurring the line between the Series X and the entry-level Series S. (You'll still get more power out of a Series X, for what it's worth.) It's $50 cheaper than the standard black version that can play physical games, and it comes with a matching controller.

Meanwhile, the new 1TB Series S is just a new colorway; we've had a 1TB Carbon Black Series S since fall. Notably, that version appears to be getting phased out: Microsoft said in its announcement that "fans can still purchase [it] while supplies last" (emphasis mine), and seemingly just from third-party retailers. The Microsoft Store is only selling refurbished models.

More than 30 tech companies have pitched A.I. tools to political campaigns for November’s election. The campaigns have been wary.

SAVE $50: The Google Nest Audio Smart Speaker is on sale for $49.99 at Best Buy, marked down from the normal price of $99.99. That's a 50% discount that also comes with three free subscriptions.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Nest Google Nest Audio Smart Speaker $49.99 at Best Buy
$99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

If you've never taken care of household chores or cooked dinner while listening to an audiobook, you're missing out. And if audiobooks aren't your thing, your favorite playlist or podcast can also transform an otherwise dull task into something enjoyable. Today at Best Buy, you can score a great deal on a smart speaker from Google Nest, which also comes with bonus perks.

As of Aug. 21, the Google Nest Audio Smart Speaker is on sale for $49.99, down 50% from the normal price of $99.99. That's a $50 savings on a top-rated smart home product. Plus, on top of the speaker itself, you'll also get some noteworthy extras for free:

• Free 4-month subscription to SiriusXM

• Free 3-month access to Google One with 100 GB of cloud storage

• Free 3-month subscription to YouTube Premium

Synching with streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, you can ask the Google Nest Audio to play all your favorite songs. You can also tune into the news, podcasts, and the radio with voice control.

If you have other Google Nest speakers in the house, you can ask Google to move your music from room to room as you move around. Or you can let the whole house know dinner's ready by broadcasting messages over all your household's Nest speakers. While jamming out in the morning to your wake-up playlist, you can ask Google for your daily schedule or the weather forecast so you can plan your day.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Hands-on with the thinnest foldable you can get

Google has made some major product announcements lately, like the upgraded Google Nest Learning Thermostat, the new Google TV Streamer (which will replace the Chromecast), the new Pixel 9 lineup, and the Pixel Watch 3. However, Google didn't announce any new smart speakers, so the Nest Audio remains the latest model.

The half-off sale price paired with free subscriptions makes this a great time to snag the Google Nest Audio. Doing household chores, making dinner, or getting ready in the morning while enjoying some premium tunes on the Nest Audio will surely make the tasks more enjoyable.

I’ve reviewed good chunk of laptops over past few years, many of which were Lenovo laptops, so I'm a bit of a master, if I say so myself.

I evaluate how comfortable and intuitive a keyboard is for typing, whether the display meets my expectations for brightness and crispness, how hot and noisy the laptop gets under heavy use, whether the speakers and webcam are mediocre (like most laptops), and much more.

That said, you know I mean it when I say these are the best Lenovo laptops you can get.

The best Lenovo laptops

Because Lenovo generally delivers high-quality laptops, choosing my three favorites wasn’t an easy task. There are so many different laptop lines under Lenovo — ThinkPad, ThinkBook, the Legion and LOQ gaming laptops, Yoga, IdeaPad — and I haven’t had a chance to review all of the lines over the past few months.

But out of all the Lenovo laptops I've tested this year, these three laptops stood above the rest.

1. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a dual-screen productivity masterpiece

When I first unboxed the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i, I remember thinking, “This is so cool, but I couldn’t see myself buying it as a daily laptop.” And man, I quickly proved myself wrong. I even ended up keeping this laptop for a week longer than I normally do before sending a review unit back.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

After just a few weeks with this laptop, I was obsessed. With two stunning 2880 x 1800-pixel OLED panels, a surprisingly satisfying keyboard, and the included wireless mouse, I was more productive than I've ever been — it was like bringing my two-monitor desktop setup with me wherever I went.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

While this laptop’s dual display greatness is my favorite feature, it wasn’t the only feature that impressed me. The Yoga Book 9i is also equipped with a rotating Bowers & Wilkins soundbar that had me listening to my favorite bassy tracks on repeat. Plus, the webcam takes incredibly detailed shots.

During my time with the Yoga Book 9i, it never got too hot nor noisy, and I didn’t notice any lag while performing my daily work. That said, its Geekbench 6 multi-core score of 8,642 reflects middle-of-the-road performance and is worth noting.

There was one feature I wasn’t crazy about when reviewing the Yoga Book 9i: its battery life. In our 1080p video test, it only lasted 7 hours and 5 minutes, which is low even for a Windows laptop. That said, it does charge quickly — and if you’re like me, there’s rarely a moment where I’m not next to an outlet, so I’d still highly recommend this laptop despite its short battery life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable Lenovo Yoga Book 9i $1,799.00 at Best Buy
$1,999.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal

You can buy the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i for $1,999 via Best Buy.

2. Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 is ideal if you're on a budget

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Gen 9 is a newer version of my daily driver laptop (the Yoga 9i Gen 7), and if I needed to replace my existing laptop, this one would be a strong contender.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

Before diving into which hardware features I love about the Yoga 9i 2-in-1, let’s talk price, because that’s a huge driving factor behind my recommendation. At full price, this laptop is $1,449 — that’s already a great deal. Right now, you can grab the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 for just $1,099 via Best Buy.

To help you understand why paying $1,099 for this laptop is insane, let me tell you what it brings to the table. The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Gen 9 is decked out with a vivid 2.8K OLED display, a rotating Bowers & Wilkins soundbar that provides full-bodied, delicious audio, a comfortably springy keyboard, and a flexible form factor that lets you flip between tablet, tent, and laptop modes.

This laptop is also equipped with one of Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 155H chips, and it earned an impressive Geekbench 6 multi-core score of 12,345. In practice, the laptop ran a bit hot and noisy under pressure, but nothing too major.

And like its close sibling above, the Yoga Book 9i, the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 doesn’t have the best battery life. It only lasted 7 hours and 21 minutes in our 1080p video test, but with double-sided USB Type-C ports and fast charging, it wasn’t that big of a deal for me while testing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 $1,799.99 at Lenovo
Get Deal 3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 has mind-blowing battery life

If you’re looking for a Lenovo laptop with exceptional battery life, look no further than Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9. In our 1080p video test, this laptop lasted 14 hours and 21 minutes, double that of both Yoga laptops mentioned above.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

That lengthy battery life could be due to the laptop’s Intel Core Ultra 155U CPU or its 1920 x 1200-pixel, low-power IPS display with a matte finish, or a combination of the two. Its display is reminiscent of a Kindle, which feels easy on the eyes during long work days.

I enjoyed the laptop’s springy keyboard, smooth glass touchpad, surprisingly capable speakers hidden below the keyboard, and overall port variety — I love seeing HDMI ports and multiple USB Type-A ports on laptops. The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 performs well, too, earning a Geekbench 6 multi-core score of 9,420.

The only hangup I have with the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is its price. It’s a business-forward laptop, but if you don’t need 1TB of storage, you’re paying a premium for this configuration. The exact configuration I reviewed is $2,419 via B&H,

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 $2,419.00 at B&H Photo
Get Deal

August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning 1987 play "The Piano Lesson" has been adapted into a film. Trailer.

One of the most stressful parts of travel, especially when traveling internationally, is worrying about your cell phone data. Am I using too much? Will there be extra charges? Will I run out and be stranded? These are questions we’ve all asked ourselves when roaming abroad — which is where Nomad comes in. Nomad provides data-only eSIM cards for reliable connectivity in 170 countries, giving you access to high-speed data for just pennies per gigabyte. Here’s how: 

Democratizing data with global partnerships

Nomad has dozens of global partners, allowing them to provide a reliable, high-quality connection to your mobile device and offer data that’s up to 40 percent cheaper than other providers, depending on your destination. Nomad stands out of the crowd by working with multiple local providers whenever possible, allowing you to connect to another network if a connection is bad.

Data you need, when and where you need it 

Nomad has a few plan options depending on your travel itinerary. The Regular Plan offers pre-purchased data by the gigabyte with up to 30 days to use it. A Day Plan lets you choose the length of your trip and the amount of high-speed GB per day. Once that allocation is up, you get unlimited data at 512kbps. You can even opt for a Regional Plan that covers multiple countries or worldwide. For example, Nomad’s Europe Regional Plan gives you 10GB of data for just $18, that you can use as you travel through 35 countries, using a single eSIM to connect.

Credit: Nomad Help that’s actually helpful 

If you’ve never used eSIM data before, Nomad makes it as easy as scanning a QR code or tapping a simple "Install Now" button on their app, offering data monitoring and management across multiple eSIMs if you have them. Your mobile data will automatically connect when you arrive at your destination. And if you ever need help, their responsive, thorough customer support team is available 24/7, wherever you are in the world, to get you the answers you need — without making you feel like you’re dealing with an uncaring chatbot.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nomad International Cellular Data Plans Enjoy up to 50% off your eSIM data Shop Now

In addition to the savings Nomad offers, users can also save 5% off Nomad eSIM plans whenever you want using the promo code MASHABLE. If you know someone traveling soon, you can also send them to Nomad’s referral program which allows you to share codes with friends and save 25% off.

Click here to see everything that eSIM data from Nomad can add to your travel experience...and happy wandering.

If you're crap at writing emails, Gmail's latest Gemini-powered update could sort you out.

Announced by Google on Tuesday in a blog post, the new "Polish" feature for Gmail uses the company's Gemini AI to do exactly that to your draft. It's an expansion of the AI-powered "Help me write" feature launched in May last year for Google Docs and Gmail.

The "Polish" feature is available through a "Refine my draft" shortcut now appearing within email drafts on both desktop and mobile Android and iOS devices. But it's only available for people paying for Gemini for Google Workspace or Google One AI Premium. Google says the feature will be switched on by default for these users.

SEE ALSO: Gemini Live: I got to use it before you and it's the biggest threat to ChatGPT right now

When writing an email in Gmail, you can select the "Refine my draft" option to do one of the following with your trash words: Formalize, Elaborate, Shorten, and now, Polish. The Polish option lets you write the email as rough notes, then transforms it into a proper, formal email that another human will hopefully be able to understand.

According to Google, this is how the feature works:

"When 12+ words are present in an email draft, the ​​'Refine my draft' shortcut will be shown below the email content to indicate that there are options available to Polish, Formalize, Elaborate, or Shorten your draft, or Write a new draft. The menu can be triggered simply by swiping right on 'Refine my draft.'"

It's one of the few things that's new in Gemini, with only a few announcements about Google's AI at the company's "Made by Google" event last week — it was really about the new Pixel phones. However, Google did announce several Gemini-powered Gmail updates including tools to summarize your emails for you, Google Meet highlights, and the ability to ask Gemini questions about your inbox.

At the event, Google also announced Gemini Live, its AI chatbot that Mashable tech editor Kim Gedeon dubbed "the biggest threat to ChatGPT right now."

Netflix has released a trailer for "Squid Game: Unleashed", a playable version of the streamer's hit show.