IT General

This summer, a Lifetime Plex Pass increased in price from $250 to a whopping $750. Over the last year or so, an increasing number of features have either increased in price or become paid features.

Every fresh Ubuntu install feels a bit like moving into a rented, furnished apartment. Everything looks good and works fine, but nothing feels quite like yours yet. One of the nice things about Ubuntu is that you don't have to spend an afternoon tinkering with GNOME extensions to make the desktop your own.

Is hotel Wi-Fi ever really good? Is it ever more than just a nuisance that needs to be endured? I can count on one hand the number of times I've arrived at a hotel and found the Wi-Fi satisfactory, and I'm used to having bad internet. But that (already low) number would drop lower still if I also take the ease of connecting to said Wi-Fi into the equation.

Pi-hole is one of those home lab services you quickly stop thinking about once it works. It blocks ads and trackers, handles DNS queries, and quietly does its job in the background. Then something breaks, and you realize how much of your home network depends on a service you have barely thought about. When DNS stops working, websites can appear offline even when the internet connection itself is perfectly fine.

A NAS runs around the clock, serving files, streaming media, and handling backups for every device in the house. Yet the drive I trust most spends nearly all its time disconnected. It sounds backwards, but keeping that copy offline solves problems no RAID array can. And here's why I think you should do that too.

Having a wall outlet with integrated USB-C charging seems like a fantastic idea, right? No wall adapter needed, just plug your device in and go! However, what seems convenient now might not be later as power requirements change, and that’s exactly why I won’t install a USB charging outlet in my house.

Got a computer, phone, or a tablet with some memory chips inside? That's a shame. You shouldn't be doing that.

Well, at least not according to OpenAI's Sam Altman, who shared his view on the rampant memory shortage in an interview on the YouTube Cheeky Pint and Stripe channel.

The entire interview is an interesting listen if you're into AI, but the fun part starts at about 29:20 in the video. "From a global allocation perspective, actually it's quite terrible to have everybody have a bunch of the world's limited DRAM supply sitting in their own computer," said Altman without batting an eyelash.

True, Altman was making a broader point, and he did speak after a few pints of beer, but the comment is still pretty cheeky at a moment in which everyone buying any sort of electronic device that uses RAM memory is facing higher prices, precisely because the big business' hunger for AI compute is sucking in all of the world's RAM chips.

The internet, of course, had something to say about Altman's seemingly never-ending lust for DRAM chips. The sentiment is clear: Stay away from our home machines, Altman. We've paid a steep price for a meager 16GB of RAM.

Some of the best memes we've seen are below.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

SAVE $100.99: As of Nov. 2, our absolute favorite frozen drink maker, the viral Ninja Slushi Professional Drink Maker, is down to $249 at Amazon. That's slashed from its standard $349.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi Professional Drink Maker $249 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $100.99   Get Deal at Amazon

The internet’s obsession with "little treat" culture has officially met its match, and for once, the hype is actually on sale. The viral Ninja Slushi Professional Drink Maker has dropped from its standard $349.99 list price down to $249 at Amazon. That cuts off a massive $100.99 on a kitchen gadget we love.

When we evaluated the brand’s expansive lineup to crown the best Ninja appliances, the Slushi took the top spot in the beverage department without hesitation. As shopping writer Samantha Mangino urged in our guide: "Put away the blender!" If you're planning to make icy drinks at home, this is the most foolproof machine on the market.

Traditional blenders crush ice cubes and water down your drink. The Ninja Slushi skips ice entirely, using an internal cooling cylinder and spinning auger to freeze liquids evenly without diluting the flavor.

SEE ALSO: Ninja’s new EverSear cookware wants to replace your HexClad for way less — where to buy

In her hands-on review, Mashable's Leah Stodart gave the Ninja Slushi a strong 4.6 out of 5. Her takeaway proved that while having a dedicated slush machine on your kitchen counter might feel like an extra if you already own a blender, the sheer convenience and dopamine boost of churning mundane drinks into frozen treats are real.

Over a week of testing, Leah transformed everything from everyday Pepsi and workout electrolyte powders to café mocha milkshakes and an on-demand homemade frosé that rivaled sixteen-dollar rooftop bar pours.

The machine can make about seven drinks at once in its big 88-ounce container, and the five preset buttons — slush, spiked slush, frappé, milkshake, and frozen juice — handle the work in 15 to 60 minutes. It keeps your drink cold and ready for up to 12 hours, and you can tap the temperature buttons to adjust the thickness. Clean-up is also super quick with an automatic rinse cycle and parts you can toss right in the dishwasher.

Grab the Ninja Slushi on sale today, because your blender could never compete anyway.

TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is free when you switch and bring your number on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is $1,200 off when you switch and bring your number on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 18 Pro Free when you switch and bring your number on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max $1,200 off when you switch and bring your number on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

The iPhone Duo has launched, and naturally, there was a lot of fuss made about Apple's first-ever foldable. Not all the chatter was positive, but the iPhone Duo still dominated the conversation. Now that the dust has settled, something truly wonderful has happened for Apple fans.

No, we're not talking about resolutions to any of the issues surrounding the launch. We're talking about the triumphant return of T-Mobile's free iPhone deals. For the last few weeks, T-Mobile pulled back on the free deals for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 Pro. Times were tough, but we made it through.

For a limited time, you can once again get your hands on the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free with T-Mobile. To qualify for this deal, you simply need to switch to T-Mobile and bring your number to the Experience Beyond plan. Alternatively, you can save $1,200 on the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max by doing the same.

The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan. If you leave T-Mobile before the end of the three-year contract, you will be charged the remaining balance. You also need to pay local sales tax on the phone's full retail value upfront, plus a standard $35 device connection fee per line at checkout.

You're making a commitment to T-Mobile and getting a flagship phone for free in return. That sounds like a pretty good deal to us.

Get the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free right now with T-Mobile.

TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone 18 Pro are free right now with T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Best deals on Apple iPhones   Get Deal

The 2026 Apple Event feels like it took place a long time ago, but the dust is still settling. Apple announced a wave of new hardware and software, headlined by its first foldable iPhone. We're still digging deep into all the new features and stylistic touches, but we know what you really want — deals.

We know that's the priority after new models launch. With this in mind, we've lined up the best deals this week so you can get your hands on the iPhone 18 Pro (or the iPhone 17) for the lowest possible rate.

These are the best iPhone deals from T-Mobile this week:

• iPhone 17e — free when you switch to almost any T-Mobile plan with no trade-in required.

• iPhone 17 — free when you trade in an eligible phone in good condition on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

• iPhone 17 Pro — free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

• iPhone 18 Pro — free when you switch and bring your number on an Experience Beyond plan.

• iPhone 18 Pro Max — save $1,200 when you switch and bring your number, or trade in an eligible device in any condition, on an Experience Beyond plan.

• iPhone Duo — save $1,200 when you switch and bring your number, or trade in an eligible device in any condition, on an Experience Beyond plan.

T-Mobile will charge taxes on these deals, as well as a $35 device connection fee.

If you’re still rocking an iPhone 12 or 13, you’re missing out on some genuinely game-changing features. The iPhone 17 is the first base model built specifically to handle Apple’s most advanced AI features. Mashable's Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter."

Of course, the iPhone 18 Pro takes things to another level. The iPhone 18 Pro features a new A20 Pro chip to better support AI features and Siri AI. This latest model also has major camera upgrades, including a physical variable aperture, smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography.

Get the best deals on Apple iPhones this week with T-Mobile.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day (Espeon) and Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Night (Umbreon) are available to preorder now on Walmart.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day (Espeon) $487.77 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Night (Umbreon) $509.99 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart

This week is going to be absolutely huge for Pokémon TCG collectors. We've had a wave of announcements in recent weeks, so it's hardly been quiet lately, but the Day and Night Ultra-Premium Collections and the Delta Reign Expansion are set to release on Nov. 6. Now that's big news.

With the launch day fast approaching, preorder offers are getting competitive. Amazon listings went live weeks ago but have since vanished. That has left Walmart offering the best rate on the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day (Espeon) and Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Night (Umbreon).

Both high-end boxes are currently available to preorder at Walmart for market price. That's a rare deal that will sell quickly.

TCGplayer's market price for the Day Box is currently $479, compared to Walmart's $487.77. The market price for the Night Box is $491, compared with Walmart's $499.

Both Ultra-Premium Collections come packed with 29 30th Celebration booster packs, one Classic Collection booster pack, custom metal coins, deck boxes, card sleeves, and damage-counter dice. Of course, a lot of the hype comes from the exclusive promo cards.

The Day collection includes the exclusive Espeon ex promo card with a Daytime Pikachu ex promo card and an Espeon playmat. The Night box includes the exclusive Umbreon ex promo card with a Futuristic-rarity Pikachu ex promo card and an Umbreon playmat.

It's not easy finding real value for money in the trading card market, so scoring preorders for around market value is pretty special. And that goes double for a collection like this.

An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our editorial experts vetted the deal based on our independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save money for our readers, we wrote the content.

SAVE 75%: Proton VPN's Black Friday sale drops its two-year VPN Plus subscription down to $2.49 per month (billed as $59.76 for 24 months) — save 75% off the standard monthly rate until Nov. 30.

Opens in a new window Credit: Proton VPN Proton VPN (2-Year Plan)   Get Deal at Proton VPN

If you have been putting off getting a VPN because you didn’t want to add another expensive monthly bill to your plate, this is the time to pounce. Proton VPN has rolled out its biggest sale of the year for Black Friday, slashing 75% off its two-year VPN Plus plan. That brings the price down from the regular $9.99 per month to just $2.49 per month (billed all at once as $59.76 for the first 24 months).

This offer is live through Nov 30 and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The biggest hesitation most people have with VPNs is simple: can you actually trust the company with your private browsing?

With Proton, the answer is built into the foundation. Unlike many providers that keep your data behind closed doors, Proton’s software is completely open-source, so independent security experts can inspect the code at any time. It runs on a strict no-logs policy, so whatever you search, stream, or click never gets tracked, stored, or sold off to advertisers.

Of course, solid privacy doesn't mean much if your connection grinds to a halt every time you try to stream a show. Proton solves that by giving you unlimited bandwidth with zero speed throttling across a massive network of over 20,000 high-speed servers in more than 140 countries. Thanks to its VPN Accelerator, which boosts speeds up to 400%, you can stream movies while traveling without annoying lag or buffering.

Plus, a single subscription covers up to 10 devices at once, keeping your phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV protected under one login. Besides keeping prying eyes off your traffic, it actively cleans up your daily web experience. The built-in NetShield feature acts as an automatic bodyguard, wiping out annoying pop-up ads, trackers, and malicious phishing sites before they even have a chance to load.

SEE ALSO: How to protect yourself from AI scams — McAfee+ combines AI-powered scam protection, antivirus, VPN, and more

If you're still on the fence, you may as well take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to see how it handles your daily browsing. Just keep in mind that once those initial 24 months wrap up, it rolls into a yearly renewal at $83.88 unless you turn off auto-renew.

Grab the two-year plan for $2.49 a month while the lowest price of the year is still live.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Bird call.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

CHIRP

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Hoist.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 2, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

HEAVE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Father's nickname.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 2, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 2, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DADDY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

POV.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

ANGLE

Final Hurdle hint

Elder.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

SHEIK

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The Moon has now reached its Waning Crescent phase, which means less than half of its surface illuminated. It will continue to decrease now until we reach the New Moon.

What is today's Moon phase?

As of Monday, Nov. 2, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Crescent phase, with 45% of its surface visible.

Tonight, without the use of visual aids you should be able to spot the Tycho Crater, Kepler Crater, and the Mare Imbrium. Binoculars will also help you see the Alphonsus Crater, the Clavius Crater, and the Grimaldi Basin. And, if you have access to a telescope, you'll also see the Apollo 12 landing spot, the Reiner Gamma, and the Schiller Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on November 24.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete an orbit around Earth, going through a series of phases along the way. Depending on its position relative to Earth and the Sun, the amount of its illuminated surface we can see changes, creating the familiar sequence of crescents, quarter moons and the Full Moon. Once the cycle is complete, the pattern repeats, as explained by NASA.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for football fans.

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 categories

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

• Yellow: All good points

• Green: Moving forward

• Blue: Football players

• Purple: Same first word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: A score in basketball

• Green: Propel a ball

• Blue: NFL kickers

• Purple: Goal ____

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 #770 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• A score in basketball: BASKET, BUCKET, FIELD GOAL, MAKE

• Propel a ball: BOWL, FLING, HURL, ROLL

• NFL kickers: BASS, FOLK, LITTLE, LOOP

• Goal ____: CREASE, LINE, MOUTH, POST

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.

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 2, 2026 Medicine cabinet meaning

A place for storing medicine.

Compass meaning

A tool for navigation.

Fog machine meaning

A device used to create fog clouds.

Incense meaning

To anger.

Waterfall meaning

When running water falls from a higher level to a lower one.

Disco ball meaning

A decorative item covered in small mirrors.

Nettle meaning

To irritate.

Hiking boots meaning

Gear useful for traveling into the wilderness.

Dressing room meaning

A space to select and try on outfits.

Dry ice meaning

The solid form of carbon dioxide.

Water bottle meaning

A container for carrying water.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Wind up meaning

To agitate.

Pique meaning

To provoke annoyance.

Kaleidoscope meaning

A toy that uses pieces of colored glass or plastic within a cylinder to create a visual spectacle.

Humidifier meaning

A device used to add moisture to the air

Backpack meaning

A wearable item that features storage space.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you like to travel.

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 November 2, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Packing ideas

• Green: Upsetting

• Blue: That's cool

• Purple: Reflective

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Things to bring on a trek

• Green: Anger

• Blue: Mist makers

• Purple: Things with mirrors

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 #1240 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Things to bring on a trek: BACKPACK, COMPASS, HIKING BOOTS, WATER BOTTLE

• Anger: INCENSE, NETTLE, PIQUE, WIND UP

• Mist makers: DRY ICE, FOG MACHINE, HUMIDIFIER, WATERFALL

• Things with mirrors: DISCO BALL, DRESSING ROOM, KALEIDOSCOPE, MEDICINE CABINET

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

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 NYT Strands hints will be easy if you love geography.

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 Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

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 November 2, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: High and mighty

The words are related to a geographic location.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe what you might find up high.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is Vertical (diagonally).

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Mountaintop.

NYT Strands word list for November 2

• Glacier

• Peak

• Snow

• Mountaintop

• Cliff

• Ridge

• Summit

• Saddle

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're always in a rush.

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 November 2, 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.

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

"Move over!"

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter O appears twice.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

SCOOT

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.

Most old PCs end up running a lightweight Linux distribution, but that path keeps narrowing as distros abandon older hardware. Haiku, the open-source successor to BeOS, takes a different approach, and its new R1/beta6 release makes a surprisingly strong case for reviving ancient machines.