News
- A collaboration between Sony and cult fashion favorite Chopova Lowena
- Made specifically for the WH-1000XM6
- £800 (about $1,085 / AU$1,665) including headphones
Sony has teamed up with cult British/Bulgarian fashion brand Chopova Lowena to create a bag for the WH-1000XM6 headphones that "seamlessly blends Chopova Lowena’s distinctive aesthetic with Sony’s cutting-edge technology and functionality".
The Alto bag, available now for £800 (about $1,085 / AU$1,665) including a set of black WH-1000XM6 headphones, is exclusive to Dover Street Market London and doverstreetmarket.com.
Maybe it's because I'm just back from the Edinburgh Festival and its streets of shops selling tourist tat, but looking at the photos of the alto it reminds me very much of the "see you Jimmy" comedy hats available everywhere (and that I've included for illustrative purposes in the gallery below, if you scroll right), or a squashed set of bagpipes. Or maybe a wild haggis that's been smashed with hammers? I don't think that's the intention here, but it's what I see.
Clearly middle-aged sarcastic me isn't the target demographic here, and Sony is very excited about the collaboration, which delivered on their brief to "create something fun, distinctly original and fashion forward."
Image 1 of 2(Image credit: Sony / Chopova Lowena )Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Dover Street Market / Temu)A bag for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, for sureChopova Lowena are Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena, and according to the press release they're a woman-centered, ethical employer creating "job opportunities for women passionate about rejuvenating cultural heritage through the preservation of traditional techniques. The objective of their design and production of distinctive garments is to usher in a system of ethical consumption with a focus on appreciating skill, craft, time and consideration for impact on the environment."
The duo "see music and fashion as deeply intertwined forms of expression that immerse individuals in their own worlds." The Alto bag is inspired by their own Sofia bag and also incorporates elements of their AW23 Pow Pow bag, creating what Sony says is "a totally unique accessory meant for the music-obsessed".
According to Chopova Lowena: "The Alto bag is here for every mood, every genre, and every tear wept to a playlist listened through your Sony headphones. You’re part of the Sony x Chopova Lowena family so no matter how you’re feeling, you’re never going through it alone.”
The Alto bag is available now. Of course, you can buy the headphones on their own (ie. without this bag) and you'd be making a great purchase if you did, since the WH-1000XM6 are some of the best over-ear headphones we've tested. Yes, we still recommend their older siblings (the excellent WH-1000XM4) as the best pick for most people owing to their incredible value and the excellent sound and feature-set, but if your budget stretches a little bit further, the XM6 are an excellent set of 2025 headphones.
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- Intel shares rose 7% following the report
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The Trump administration is reportedly in talks over taking a stake in beleagured chipmaker Intel in its latest bid to boost US manufacturing,
Reports from Bloomberg claim after the recent meeting between President Trump and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan – a relationship that's been threatened after the President called for Tan to resign over alleged ties to China, talks have reportedly been held over a deal.
A potential government investment could include equity stakes, guaranteed purchases, loans and private financing, similar to the Pentagon's recent $400 million stake in MP Materials which recently brought on the provision of a $150 million loan.
US Government could buy a stake in IntelThe news comes after a long period of uncertainty for Intel with multiple quarters of revenue decline.
Things have already slowly started to turn around, though, with Intel seeing flat year-over-year revenue in its last quarter under the guidance of new CEO Lip-Bu Tan.
"We are laser-focused on strengthening our core product portfolio and our AI roadmap to better serve customers. We are also taking the actions needed to build a more financially disciplined foundry," he said.
Intel shares rose more than 7% following the report that the US Government could get involved in Intel's operations, however the deal remains unconfirmed with no agreement reached as yet.
The White House explained, "discussion about hypothetical deals should be regarded as speculation unless officially announced by the administration."
Intel had already signed a deal with AWS in September 2024 to accelerate the development of chip manufacturing in Ohio, but progress has remained slow.
As part of the deal, AWS was going to add $7.8 billion to expand its own data center operations in Central Ohio.
In February 2025, EVP, Chief Global Operations Officer and GM for Intel Foundry Manufacturing, Naga Chandrasekaran, said Intel expects the first of its two Ohio fabs to begin operations between 2030 and 2031, with the second coming online around a year later.
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- Marvel Zombies has landed a new release date on Disney+
- The adult animated TV show will premiere in late September
- The What If...? season 1 spin-off was originally due out in early October
Spooky season will start earlier than expected on Disney+ this year after it was revealed Marvel's next TV show will premiere in late September.
Marvel Zombies, which continues the story told in What If...? season 1 episode 4, aka 'What If... Zombies!?', will make its bow on September 24. The news comes courtesy of Collider, who exclusively reported on the adult animated series' revised launch date.
Previously, the comic book giant had confirmed Marvel Zombies would be released on October 3. It's unclear why the R-rated production will come out seven days earlier than its initial launch date. However, considering Marvel's most recent animated offering – Eyes of Wakanda – saw its Disney+ release moved up three weeks from its original August 27 premiere, Zombies' revised release isn't a one-off.
Regardless, Marvel Zombies will be the penultimate Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) project that'll arrive in 2025. The only production yet to see the light of day is Wonder Man, aka the next live-action Marvel Phase 6 TV show. It's set to arrive sometime in December, and I'd expect an official release date and/or trailer to be unveiled at D23 Expo 2025, which takes place August 29-31, or at New York Comic-Con in mid-October.
Why is Marvel Zombies coming to Disney+ earlier than anticipated?Marvel release schedule changes are... inevitable (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)As I outlined above, no official reason has been given for Marvel Zombies' new launch date, but I have my theories on why it's been bumped up the studio's release schedule.
For one, it and Wonder Man are the final two MCU production of the year. It makes sense for Marvel to space them out, then, rather than release two projects in relative close proximity to the other. Marvel recently did so with The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Eyes of Wakanda – and, without being privy to data about the latter's performance on Disney+, I doubt viewership was as big as it could've been if fans went to watch First Steps instead.
Then there's the fact that First Steps will come to Disney+, aka one of the world's best streaming services, before the year is over. My Fantastic Four: First Steps on Disney+ article contains a November prediction for its at-home release date. However, if it ends up joining the streamer's back catalog in October instead, again, it would be unwise of Marvel to release two things on the same service within days or weeks of the other.
Zombies' earlier launch is great news, then, right? Not if you were hoping it would rise from the grave in time for Halloween because its original release date would've been perfect for its fright-filled narrative. Now that it's airing in late September, though, it loses some of that spooky season shine, especially as all four episodes will drop on the same date, rather than on a weekly basis.
There's an argument to be made that fans could just wait until October to watch it, but it's not the same as streaming a show as soon as it arrives, even more so if a program like Zombies is holiday-themed. It's not too late for Marvel to reverse course, but I think my pleas will fall on deaf ears.
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It only feels like August has just begun, but we're already halfway through the eighth month of 2025. If you're worried that time is going too fast, you might want to console yourself with one of the many new movies and shows that have debuted on the best streaming services this week.
There's plenty for fans of all genres to enjoy, too. Indeed, from sci-fi horrors and crime thrillers, to a pair of animated offerings – one's family-friendly, the other definitely isn't – you'll find something worth watching with our experts' help. – Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter
Alien: Earth (Hulu/Disney+)It's high time someone created a TV show set in the Alien universe. Step forward Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion), who's finally delivered on that front for Hulu (US) and Disney+ (internationally).
Set two years before the 1979 original film, Alien: Earth brings the sci-fi horror series' iconic Xenomorphs and a bunch of other nasty creatures to our home world. It's up to Wendy (Sydney Chandler), a Hybrid – an android with the consciousness of a child – to lead the charge in combatting the threat posed by said terrifying organisms.
Episodes 1 and 2 are out now, with new chapters dropping every Tuesday or Wednesday depending on where you live. Before you stream it, read my Alien: Earth guide for a full lowdown on the show and my Alien: Earth review to see what I thought of its first six entries.
- Watch Alien: Earth on Hulu (US) and Disney+ (internationally)
If you're a fan of the crass and explicit humor of The Ren and Stimpy Show, and have been craving more over-the-top 2D animations, one of this month's new Netflix movies Fixed is just the ticket. It's a raunchy tale about a bull dog that's about to neutered after getting a bit too frisky with his owners, but not before one last hurrah with his pals.
Created by Genndy Tartakovsky, who's behind hit animations like Dexter's Laboratory, Primal, and Samurai Jack, the film draws on his high-school friends for inspiration, but hasn't gone down well with critics and audiences alike. Maybe it'll fare better with you? – Amelia Schwanke, senior entertainment editor
Butterfly (Prime Video)Prime Video’s new spy thriller Butterfly is a six-part series that's based on the graphic novel series by Arash Amel, and focuses on a former intelligence operative who finds himself pursued by a sociopathic agent due to past decisions he's made.
The series stars Squid Game’s Park Hae-soo, Lost’s Daniel Dae Kim, and Kim Tae-hee, who starred in the Netflix K-Drama Hi Bye, Mama. If you're in the mood for thrills and familial drama, this could be your new favorite Amazon TV Original. – Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer
It's the unexpected Avengers: Doomsday tide over you didn't know you needed. Thor star Chris Hemsworth is back for another round of gruelling physical punishment that takes him all over the globe. This time, though it's all in the name of learning how to live healthier for longer.
Limitless: Live Better Now bridges the gap between mental and physical health, and it's clear Hemsworth has picked up some new habits for life along the way. Beginning with Hemsworth learning the drums to play for Ed Sheeran's sold-out stadium tour in episode 1, he deftly learns to scale a 600ft artificial climbing wall in Switzerland in episode 2. For the explosive finale, he's entered into one of the strictest SAS training regimes in the world, resulting in him being maced at point-blank range by a South Korean officer. Rather him than me... – Jasmine Valentine, entertainment writer
- Watch Limitless: Live Better Now on Hulu (US) and Disney+ (internationally)
The Legend of Ochi is fun for all the family this weekend. One of August's new HBO Max movies follows a farm girl named Yuri who's been is taught to not go outside after dark, because of fearsome reclusive creatures called the Ochi. However, when she finds a lost and injured baby Ochi, she embarks on a journey to reunite it with its family.
The directorial debut for Isaiah Saxon, this A24 offering on HBO Max has a starry cast including Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson, and Willem Dafoe. Relative newcomer Helena Zengel plays the role of Yuri, following her international film debut in News of the World. – LB
Night Always Comes (Netflix)Toto, we're not in The Fantastic Four: First Steps anymore. In one of August's new Netflix movies Night Always Comes, Marvel star Vanessa Kirby plays Lynette, an almost-broke former sex worker who's working at a bread factory to try and keep a leaking roof over her family's heads. When her mom decides to spontaneously blow their $25,000 house down payment on a new car, Lynette's at risk of losing their house altogether. In a complete state of panic, she takes off into the night to try and raise the same amount of money by any means necessary.
Lynette really means any, too. We're seeing Kirby in some situations we've never seen her in before, from clobbering strange men to death over a stolen safe to selling illegal drugs in the back room of a shady pawn shop. From that angle alone it might be one of the craziest Netflix original movies of the year, and I really didn't guess what was coming until its closing moments. Shoutout to my favorite performance of the bunch in Julia Fox... with so much personally branded cultural capital, I forget she's actually a dang good actress. – JV
Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical (Apple TV+)Looking for an animation that's more suited to the whole family? I suggest heading over to Apple TV+ this weekend to stream Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang in Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical.
This musical special, which is one of the five new Apple TV+ shows in August 2025, sees the gang break out into original songs by Jeff Morrow, Ben Folds, Alan Zachary, and Michael Weiner as they stumble upon a treasure trove of instruments.
The Apple Original is set to delight fans of the Peanuts comics as it's been more than three decades since the first Peanuts musical was released. I don't doubt it'll fill your weekend with a heavy dose of nostalgia. – AS
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A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, August 15 (game #530).
Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.
Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
NYT Strands today (game #531) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Think on it!
NYT Strands today (game #531) - hint #2 - clue wordsPlay any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
- LEGAL
- BANGER
- GAURD
- SNUB
- NOSE
- FATAL
• Spangram has 9 letters
NYT Strands today (game #531) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?First side: top, 2nd column
Last side: bottom, 1st column
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #531) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Strands, game #531, are…
- LOGIC
- ANALYSIS
- LANGUAGE
- NUMBERS
- ORDER
- REASON
- SPANGRAM: LEFT BRAIN
- My rating: Hard
- My score: 1 hint
The theme “Think on it!” could mean anything at all, so I went hunting for non-game words to earn a hint.
I got the word LEFT but completely missed seeing BRAIN, which probably says something about my lack of LOGIC and LEFT BRAIN dexterity.
Anyway, with logic gifted to me I was able to spot the other thinking words including a corkscrewing ANALYSIS and backwards REASON.
A nice work out for the brain, then, but not so taxing an exercise that I actually had to do any proper thinking.
Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Friday, August 15, game #530)- DISHES
- GARBAGE
- GROCERIES
- LAUNDRY
- VACUUMING
- SPANGRAM: WHAT A CHORE
Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.
A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Friday, August 15 (game #1299).
Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.
Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
Quordle today (game #1300) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.
* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).
Quordle today (game #1300) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.
Quordle today (game #1300) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?• Yes. One of Q, Z, X or J appears among today's Quordle answers.
Quordle today (game #1300) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.
If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:
Quordle today (game #1300) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?• O
• Q
• S
• E
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
Quordle today (game #1300) - the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle, game #1300, are…
- OWING
- QUAKE
- SLIDE
- ELITE
A very tricky round that could have easily gone sideways.
It took me quite a while before I found a letter containing A,U and E from the letters I had left. I could think of plenty using unavailable letters and came close to entering "usage" just to end the misery. Then I thought of QUAKE and the sweet relief of reaching the end.
Daily Sequence today (game #1300) - the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1300, are…
- SPEAK
- MORAL
- WIMPY
- SMACK
- Quordle #1299, Friday, 15 August: WHALE, PRISM, DRAKE, TEPEE
- Quordle #1298, Thursday, 14 August: LAPEL, IDIOM, RENEW, LIVER
- Quordle #1297, Wednesday, 13 August: CACTI, HOMER, EMAIL, ALBUM
- Quordle #1296, Tuesday, 12 August: SPOOL, TITLE, JAUNT, OVINE
- Quordle #1295, Monday, 11 August: ADULT, BROOM, PURER, CRUEL
- Quordle #1294, Sunday, 10 August: SCRUM, PIPER, TROLL, SPORE
- Quordle #1293, Saturday, 9 August: NOOSE, INLET, ELEGY, VIRUS
- Quordle #1292, Friday, 8 August: KNEEL, KINKY, RALPH, BOOZY
- Quordle #1291, Thursday, 7 August: PLUNK, PROXY, CURVY, PEARL
- Quordle #1290, Wednesday, 6 August: RISKY, APART, FAUNA, HANDY
- Quordle #1289, Tuesday, 5 August: ROAST, SLICK, AUDIT, BILLY
- Quordle #1288, Monday, 4 August: MACAW, SINCE, COLON, CHIRP
- Quordle #1287, Sunday, 3 August: MOTIF, LEERY, LOFTY, BURST
- Quordle #1286, Saturday, 2 August: WARTY, PUPAL, CLEAR, SLICE
- Quordle #1285, Friday, 1 August: ACTOR, MEALY, WIDTH, ADOBE
- Quordle #1284, Thursday, 31 July: STYLE, VALET, AGONY, ALLOY
- Quordle #1283, Wednesday, 30 July: DEBAR, ADMIN, FOLIO, USAGE
- Quordle #1282, Tuesday, 29 July: BATCH, TOPIC, MURKY, BUNCH
- Quordle #1281, Monday, 28 July: CANDY, TRYST, SHIRT, FORGO
A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, August 15 (game #796).
Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.
What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
NYT Connections today (game #797) - today's words(Image credit: New York Times)Today's NYT Connections words are…
- TISSUE
- WORK
- PLUCK
- CONSTRUCTION
- CRUSH
- CREPE
- CREAM
- RESOLVE
- ROLLING
- REPAIRS
- SHELLAC
- TOILET
- GRIT
- ROUT
- UPGRADES
- FORTITUDE
What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?
- YELLOW: Unwavering perseverance
- GREEN: Home improvements
- BLUE: To deliver a heavy defeat
- PURPLE: Pulp friction
Need more clues?
We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…
NYT Connections today (game #797) - hint #2 - group answersWhat are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?
- YELLOW: INTREPIDITY
- GREEN: RENOVATIONS
- BLUE: TROUNCE
- PURPLE: KINDS OF SOFT/LIGHTWEIGHT PAPER
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Connections today (game #797) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Connections, game #797, are…
- YELLOW: INTREPIDITY FORTITUDE, GRIT, PLUCK, RESOLVE
- GREEN: RENOVATIONS CONSTRUCTION, REPAIRS, UPGRADES, WORK
- BLUE: TROUNCE CREAM, CRUSH, ROUT, SHELLAC
- PURPLE: KINDS OF SOFT/LIGHTWEIGHT PAPER CREPE, ROLLING, TISSUE, TOILET
- My rating: Hard
- My score: Perfect
A great puzzle today which got me pondering how we use TOILET paper to sneeze into, blow our noses, or dab them.
TOILET paper works perfectly well for this function because it’s essentially the same product as facial tissue, just in a different format. Yet, despite this, we’d never think of using facial tissue in place of toilet paper. Why is that? We might even use less and save money if we did.
The INTREPIDITY group contained four incredible qualities we should all strive to possess and I suspect those that do possess them don’t have time to ponder the differences between KINDS OF SOFT/LIGHTWEIGHT PAPER.
Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Friday, August 15, game #796)- YELLOW: POULTRY CUTS BREAST, TENDER, THIGH, WING
- GREEN: HANDLE, AS A BILL FOOT, PAY, SETTLE, TAKE CARE OF
- BLUE: SPLENDID BRILLIANT, CAPITAL, FINE, GRAND
- PURPLE: STARTS OF CULINARY NUTS CASH, HAZE, MAC, PEC
NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.
On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.
It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.
It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.