Technologies

Score a Free USB-C Charger When You Buy a Top-Rated EcoFlow Power Bank This Labor Day Weekend

Never stress about running out of a charge thanks to this sweet Labor Day deal on a handy power bank.

EcoFlow makes some of our favorite portable batteries and chargers. Its brand-new Rapid series includes compact, fast-charging power banks designed to keep all your devices running on the go. For Labor Day, EcoFlow is bundling in a free charger when you buy from the series.

I found that EcoFlow has set up a tiered promo depending on how much you spend. If you spend at least $59 on Amazon on Rapid series products, you’ll receive a free 30W EcoFlow wall charger. If you step up to $139 or more on Amazon, EcoFlow sweetens the deal with a free 65W fast charger instead. Both gifts are added automatically once you meet the spend threshold, so you’re getting an essential charging accessory for free while picking up new portable power gear.

EcoFlow’s Rapid power banks are designed for people who want compact, fast, and reliable charging when they’re away from an outlet. The lineup includes different capacities to suit different needs, whether that’s keeping a smartphone alive during travel, charging a tablet between meetings, or even giving a laptop an emergency top-up.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

With USB-C Power Delivery support, these packs can charge devices quickly and efficiently, which makes them stand out in a crowded market of slower, bulkier power banks. And there’s no better way to take advantage of this than with a free USB-C charger included.

We like that EcoFlow isn’t just another brand jumping into portable power — the brand already has a strong reputation with their larger home backup batteries and solar generators, and this new line extends that reliability into everyday carry gear. Features like pass-through charging and high-speed output make the Rapid line practical for daily use, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or working remotely.

The compact designs also mean they’ll slip easily into a backpack, messenger bag or even a jacket pocket. If you’re in the market for a portable charger, this promo is an especially easy way to stock up. We’ve seen plenty of brands charge extra for wall adapters, but EcoFlow is bundling them in for free if you jump on the deal.

Why this deal matters

This deal stands out because EcoFlow is offering a meaningful freebie — either a 30W or 65W fast charger — just for buying into its new Rapid lineup. Portable batteries are always useful, but getting an extra high-quality wall charger bundled in saves you money and makes the deal much more valuable.

Since these promos are tied to spending thresholds and are only live for Labor Day, it’s a great time to grab one if you’ve been considering a new power bank.

Technologies

Verum Messenger: How to Protect Your Personal Data and Why Choosing a Secure Messenger Matters

A major data leak has been reported involving users of the Russian messenger MAX. Hackers claimed to have obtained the platform’s entire database, which includes 46,203,590 records. To prove their claims, they published part of the stolen data publicly.

According to preliminary information, the attackers gained access to users’ personal details, including contact numbers, chats, IP addresses, and other sensitive data. Cybersecurity experts warn that such incidents can lead to serious consequences — from account takeovers and extortion to large-scale phishing attacks.

Why these leaks happen

The main cause of such breaches is the storage of personal user data on servers without adequate protection or encryption. If attackers gain access to these servers, users’ information becomes fully exposed.

Additionally, many popular messaging apps require users to register with a phone number and provide extra personal information, increasing the amount of data that can be stolen.

How to reduce the risks

The only reliable way to protect your personal messages and data is to use messaging platforms that do not store personal information on their servers and rely on true end-to-end encryption.

One such solution is Verum Messenger — a next-generation app built on the principle of maximum privacy. The platform:

does not store users’ personal data;
uses unique encryption keys generated locally on the user’s device;
does not require a phone number or other personal information to register;
has no access to messages, calls, or files;
provides effective anti-spam and anti-scam protection;
offers private chats and group channels with flexible security settings.

Even in the event of a server breach, attackers would not be able to access message content — because encryption keys simply do not exist on the company’s side.

Freedom of communication without the risk of leaks

In addition to its strong security foundation, Verum Messenger offers a built-in ecosystem of tools — from encrypted email Verum Mail and an integrated VPN for anonymous connections to free crypto mining with Verum Coin and eSIM connectivity in over 150 countries worldwide.

As data breaches become increasingly common, choosing a secure messenger is no longer just about convenience — it’s about personal safety.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Monday, Oct. 20

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Oct. 20.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? It was a tough one for a change! That 1-Across is going to slyly trick you as to what a mouse is. So if you need the answers, read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Sound from a mouse
Answer: CLICK

6A clue: Many-headed serpent killed by Hercules
Answer: HYDRA

7A clue: View from a cruise ship window
Answer: OCEAN

8A clue: «See ya later!»
Answer: PEACE

9A clue: Animal whose antlers can grow up to an inch per day
Answer: ELK

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Dice, e.g.
Answer: CHOP

2D clue: French for «high school»
Answer: LYCEE

3D clue: 10 out of 10
Answer: IDEAL

4D clue: Sound from a bat
Answer: CRACK

5D clue: «Citizen ___»
Answer: KANE

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Oct. 20, #392

Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Oct. 20, No. 392.

Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.

Today’s Connections: Sports Edition has a category for all the Windy City residents out there. If you’re struggling but still want to solve it, read on for hints and the answers.

Connections: Sports Edition is published by The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can play it for free online.

Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta

Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Deep-dish pizza, anyone?

Green group hint: Duke it out.

Blue group hint: College division.

Purple group hint: «Go to your ____!»