IT General
Your Blink camera alerts are getting a big upgrade
Blink, the Amazon-owned company known for its affordable smart home security cameras, just announced a big upgrade to its camera software. Do you ever wish your cameras were a bit more descriptive with alerts and notifications? If so, you'll be happy to hear about these new features.
Hinge launches AI feature so you stop starting the conversation with hey
In its latest report, Hinge found that singles are using AI to date — and they're getting in on the trend. Earlier this year, the dating app introduced AI-driven prompt feedback to help users write better profiles.
Now, Hinge is launching Convo Starters, another AI feature that seeks to help daters break the ice.
SEE ALSO: How to refresh your Hinge accountConvo Starters, which offers daters personalized tips for starting a conversation based on a potential match's prompt responses and photos, will appear when a user sends a like to someone else.
Daters will see three unique tips, each encouraging them to ask questions, share ideas, or express their opinions. The Convo Starters are optional, and users can also enable or disable the feature in their settings. Users will also write a message in their own voice.
Credit: Hinge"We've heard from daters that not knowing what to say can hold them back from sending a comment at all," Hinge's president and CMO, Jackie Jantos, stated in a press release shared with Mashable. "With Convo Starters, we're easing that pressure. By offering gentle guidance grounded in someone's profile, we're helping daters start thoughtful, genuine conversations that show real interest — and bring them one step closer to a great first date."
Given that Hinge also recently found that Gen Z daters have more trouble initiating a deep conversation than millennials, this new feature tracks.
The AI-powered feature is available in the U.S. today. In addition to using generative AI, Convo Starters also utilizes insights from Hinge's research team and behavioral scientists, as stated in the press release.
Hinge pointed out that both Convo Starters and Prompt Feedback don't provide copy-and-paste responses for singles, as part of the app's AI principles of transparency, authenticity, and equity.
Hinge isn't the only app baking AI into its app. Before it rebranded to Bumble BFF, Bumble for Friends launched a similar feature to Convo Starters — AI icebreakers — back in 2023. And Tinder is testing an AI matching feature called Chemistry, set to launch next year.
Gift yourself this MacBook Pro for just $400
TL;DR: A MacBook Pro can be yours for only $399.97 (reg. $1,580) now through Jan. 11.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (2020) 13" i5 2GHz Touchbar 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $399.97$1,580 Save $1,180.03 Get Deal
Hoping to find a powerful laptop under the tree this year? This amazing deal on a MacBook Pro lets you be your own Santa this year — dropping the price from $1,580 to just $399.97 while supplies last.
Just in time for the holiday season, a feature-packed MacBook Pro can be yours for a fraction of the usual price. This model in particular combines performance and portability. It weighs just 3.1 pounds while offering all the power of a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2GHz base speed to keep up with your multitasking.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Like to keep your important files within reach? This MacBook Pro offers 512GB of SSD so that you can store things locally with plenty of space. A 13.3-inch Retina display delivers stunning visuals no matter what you’re up to, with Apple’s True Tone Technology that adjusts screen color for improved visibility and reduced eye strain.
Type comfortably with the Magic Keyboard, and enjoy easy access to shortcuts to streamline your workflow with the Apple Touch Bar on top. When you need to connect, this device has four Thunderbolt 3 ports. You’ll also enjoy a layer of security with the Touch ID, and 10 hours of battery life on a single charge.
You’re saving a small fortune thanks to this model’s grade A refurbished rating, which means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition while you enjoy the deep discount.
This MacBook Pro is just $399.97 (reg. $1,580) now through Jan. 11.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Give your PC a total refresh for just $10 with this Microsoft upgrade
TL;DR: Give your PC a total refresh with this lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for $9.97 (reg. $199).
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97$199 Save $189.03 Get Deal
You can’t get much for $10 nowadays. It’s not enough to buy you lunch or get you a ticket to the movies, but it is enough to get your PC a total refresh. If you have a dusty old computer lying around, you can revamp it with this affordable Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license — now just $9.97 (reg. $199).
Though it seems like a small act, giving your PC a new operating system totally revolutionizes your device. Installing Microsoft Windows 11 Pro gives a computer a new lease on life, as this particular operating system was made with the modern professional in mind.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Curious what’s new with Windows 11 Pro? This operating system is geared toward improving your daily workflow, with features like a seamless interface, a more powerful search experience, snap layouts, and seamless redocking.
This operating system also offers some tools that will save you money in the long run — like access to Microsoft Teams to help you communicate with coworkers. You’ll also have Microsoft Copilot right on your desktop — with no subscription required — which can help you with your daily tasks like changing settings, summarizing web pages, or opening apps.
This license includes Azure AD, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker device encryption. You’ll also enjoy improved cybersecurity, with features like biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus protection.
Get a Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for only $9.97 (reg. $199).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Amazons still offering the PlayStation 5 Pro for its best-ever price — act fast to save over $100
SAVE OVER $100: As of Dec. 8, the PlayStation 5 Pro is still marked down to its best price of $648.99 at Amazon. This is $101 off its list price of $749.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation 5 Pro $648.99 at Amazon$749.99 Save $101 Get Deal
Black Friday featured some great PlayStation deals, and while many of them have ended by now, lucky shoppers can still take advantage of a select few lingering around at different retailers. The PlayStation 5 Pro is among the best, still marked down to its best price of $648.99 at Amazon after the seasonal sale event.
This deal saves you $101 on the PlayStation 5 Pro's usual price of $749.99. This is the deal price it was sitting at during Cyber Monday. It may not stay live for much longer though, so it's worth acting fast if you've been hoping to upgrade to this powerful PS5.
SEE ALSO: The best video games of 2025The PlayStation 5 Pro is a console with quite a lot of features packed into it, including advanced ray tracing capabilities. It's able to reach higher frame rates than the original PS5, with support for both 60Hz and 120Hz displays, and it can make games shine on a 4K TV with PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, which up-scales visuals for crystal clear picture without having to sacrifice more demanding effects like reflections. It also comes with a 2TB SSD, which offers plenty of storage for your favorite games, a DualSense wireless controller, and even comes with the delightful Astro's Playroom pre-installed.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Unfortunately, the PlayStation 5 Pro does not come with a disc drive. That has to be purchased separately. If you don't mind having a digital-only console or you're happy to buy the disc drive, this deal is worth jumping on before it's gone for good.
If you're shopping for more gaming items ahead of the holidays, check out our roundup of 50+ gift ideas that gamers would actually want as gifts to see some of our recommendations this year.
The Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Play Booster Box has never been cheaper at Amazon — save over $60
BEST PRICE: The Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Play Booster Box is on sale for $142.57 on Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Magic: The Gathering Store Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Play Booster Box $142.57 at Amazon$209.70 Save $67.13 Get Deal
Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be over and out, but there are still lots of opportunities to save right now. Particularly if you're interested in trading cards. We've come across a number of heavily discounted Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering sets, including popular booster boxes.
The Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Play Booster Box is on sale for $142.57 on Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price on this box. Collectors, this is your chance to score cards featuring your favorite characters and master Avatar: The Last Airbender-themed game mechanics.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!This heavily discounted set contains 30 Play Boosters, each with 14 cards and at least one shiny Traditional Foil card and 1–4 cards of rarity "Rare" or higher. If you're lucky, you could also get special cards featuring beautiful borderless alternate art.
Get the record-low price on the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Play Booster Box at Amazon.
The Streamer Awards 2025: IShowSpeed wins Streamer of the Year
The annual Streamer Awards announced its 2025 winners on Saturday, with the best streamers taking home the gold.
Held in a ceremony at Los Angeles' Wiltern Theatre, the awards saw creator IShowSpeed taking home the all-important Streamer of the Year award, the second time in a row after taking out last year's title. Meanwhile, CaseOh landed Gamer of the Year, and Cinna took out The Sapphire Award for best female or marginalised gender streamer of 2025.
SEE ALSO: The Mashable 101: The creators shaping the internet in 2025Kai Cenat took home multiple awards including Best Just Chatting Streamer, best Streamed Event for Streamer University, Best Marathon Stream for Mafiathon 3, and Best Collab for LeBron James' appearance mid-marathon in which the Los Angeles Lakers star gave the streamer a haircut live.
Producer, rapper, and Twitch streamer PlaqueBoyMax took home Best Music Streamer and Best Streamed Series for In the Booth, while YouTuber and Twitch streamer Emiru landed Best Creative Arts Streamer. Specific gaming categories saw League of Legends streamer Caedrel winning Best MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) Streamer, while Peak took out Stream Game of the Year.
From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable covers the creators shaping digital culture today. Meet The Mashable 101, our list of the internet’s most exciting voices; and explore our other series, on how creators are building their platforms; on the gear they swear by; and on the trends of today and tomorrow.
And the bolded winners are...
The Streamer Awards 2025Best Music StreamerBest Creative Arts Streamer Featured Video For You Morgan Jay knows exactly what he’s doing Best RolePlay StreamerBest MOBA StreamerBest Brand PartnerCash App
Gamer Supps
AT&T
Red Bull
"Recognising a growing streamer averaging under 200 viewers this year."
Best Battle Royale StreamerBest Fighting Game StreamerBest MMORPG StreamerBest Speedrun StreamerBest Sports StreamerBest Minecraft StreamerBest Marvel Rivals StreamerBest FPS StreamerBest Strategy Game StreamerBest Reality StreamerBest IRL StreamerBest Vertical Live StreamerFrom YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage and meet the Mashable 101 to discover the internet’s most exciting voices.
Stream Game of the YearExpedition 33: Clair Obscur
Peak
R.E.P.O.
Schedule 1
Marvel Rivals
hololive
OSCS
AMP
FaZe Clan
agent00 and extraemily
"Streamer who began the year with under 1,000 average viewers and has shown rapid growth and huge potential for the future."
Best Breakout Streamer"Streamer who experienced explosive growth in the past year, establishing themselves amongst the top streamers and as one of the most talked-about names in streaming."
League of Their Own"Streamer who creates truly one-of-a-kind content, pioneering a niche or category that no one else does, a creator who is simply in a league of their own."
Streamer's Choice Award"Voted by streamers at the show themselves, this award honors the streamer they most enjoy watching."
Legacy Award"Awarded to a legend who has contributed a great deal to and has had a profound impact on the streaming industry - a career achievement award."
The Sapphire Award"Recognizing the best female or marginalized gender streamer of 2025, this award goes to a streamer who shines against the odds in a male-dominated industry and has excelled in entertaining at the highest level this past year."
Gamer of the YearStreamer of the YearMeet The Mashable 101: the creators keeping the internet interesting. From meme-makers to movement-starters, these are the people powering our timelines today.
Teslas 2025 holiday update brings Grok navigation, Santa Mode, and more
Tesla's 2025 holiday update is here, and it's one of the biggest we've ever seen.
The company typically rolls out a big update ahead of the December holidays, and this year was no exception. The 2025 holiday update, which is rolling out "shortly," is a mix of fun, games, and some very interesting new driving and navigation features.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The biggest new feature in the bunch is Grok with Navigation Commands. According to Tesla, "Grok can now add & edit navigation destinations, becoming your personal guide." To use this feature, you'll have to set Grok's personality to "Assistant."
There's a couple of other navigation improvements, including the ability to set your navigation favorites, including Home and Work, by simply dropping a pin on the map. Furthermore, suggested destination will now show up based on your recent trips and habits (only when you're parked, though).
Finally, navigation now offers optional automatic high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane routing. According to Tesla, if you choose this option in Navigation, "your route will automatically select the carpool lane when eligible, based on time, location, passenger count & road restrictions."
"Select" Tesla Superchargers are getting a 3D site map. Credit: TeslaAs for charging, you'll now be able to set charge limit per location – pretty useful if you always charge to a certain level at certain locations, such as at home or at work.
Also, some Tesla Superchargers will get a 3D view which you can access by tapping "View Site Map." The view shows a detailed layout of the Supercharger stalls, so you can pick the space you like as you drive towards the Supercharger.
As is typical for Tesla holiday updates, a lot of the new stuff is just pure fun. New features include the Tesla Photobooth, allowing you to take selfies with the car's inner camera and add filters, stickers, and emojis, with the ability to share the photos from your Tesla app.
Well, why not? Credit: TeslaThere's also a Santa Mode, which turns your car into Santa's carriage, a new light show called Jingle Rush, and more customization of your Tesla avatar, including window tints, custom wraps, and license plates (I shudder to think what my Tesla avatar will look like after my daughter finds this feature).
No more boring, uniform colors! Credit: TeslaThe update brings a new game called the ISS Docking Simulator, allowing you to try your hand at docking your spacecraft with the International Space Station, using controls based on actual interfaces used by NASA astronauts.
Other new features of note include Live Activity on the iPhone when your car is in Dog Mode, with periodic photo snapshots of your vehicle's interior, and live updates on temperature, battery, and climate conditions inside the car. Dashcam clips now include more details, like speed, steering wheel angle, and self-driving state.
Buddy's looking fine over there. Credit: TeslaThere's also a number of minor new features, including the ability to add Spotify tracks to queue from the search screen, and the ability to enable or disable your wireless phone charging pads.
SEE ALSO: Tesla launches cheaper Model 3 in EuropeAs always, feature availability depends on region and on your car; older vehicles probably won't get all of the updates listed above.
Tesla didn't say when the update is coming, except that it's rolling out shortly.
The Apple iPad 11-inch is back to $279 at Amazon — act fast to save $70
SAVE $70: As of Dec. 8, the 11-inch iPad (A16 chip, 128GB, WiFi) is on sale for $279 at Amazon. This is $70 off its list price of $349.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 11-inch $279 at Amazon$349 Save $70 Get Deal
The holidays are quickly approaching, and if you're still on the hunt for gifts, there are thankfully quite a few deals worth exploring right now at select retailers. Some are even offering discounts on high-end products like tech from Apple.
The 11-inch iPad (A16 chip, 128GB, WiFi) is very close to its lowest-ever price at Amazon. As of Dec. 8, the 11-inch iPad (A16 chip, 128GB, WiFi) is discounted to $279 at Amazon. This is a $70 discount from its retail price of $349. Now is a great time to grab it if you've had it on a holiday season shopping list.
SEE ALSO: From AirPods to espresso machines, everything the Mashable shopping team bought during Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025This iPad is worth the investment as well. We consider it the best option on a budget, noting that it "doesn't possess the flair of the Pro or Air, but it is a testament that Apple can still produce good entry-level tech." This model comes with 128GB of storage, providing you with plenty of space for your favorite apps, and features the A16 chip, which offers a nice performance boost.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Its 11-inch Liquid Retina display makes color and detail really shine on the screen, and features like True Tone help adjust the display so you can comfortably view it under any kind of light. If it sounds like the kind of tablet you've been looking for, now is a great time to take advantage of this deal on the 11-inch iPad while it's still available at Amazon.
Looking for more gift ideas to grab before the holidays? Have a look through our breakdown of the 60+ best Christmas gifts for 2025 to see some of our top recommendations.
The Pokémon TCGs Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames Booster Box is cheaper at TCGplayer vs. Amazon
SAVE UP TO $23.71: Pokémon TCG's Mega Evolution Booster Box is down to $243 at TCGplayer including shipping, saving $6.99 on Amazon's price. But the big saving here is the Phantasmal Flames Booster Box sitting at $259.96 at TCGplayer, saving a massive $23.71 over Amazon's price.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolutions Booster Box $249.99 at AmazonGet Deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Phantasmal Flames Booster Box $259.96 at TCGplayer
$283.67 Save $23.71 Get Deal
For the sake of $6.99, it's worth getting the quick one-day Amazon prime shipping for the Mega Evolutions Booster Box. But if you're happy to wait and have more change in your pocket, hit up TCGplayer to save a bit more.
Plus if you're a TCGplayer subscriber, you get free delivery and 1% cashback on all purchases, which goes to 3% after being a member for one year. It doesn't sound like a lot, but if you're constantly buying, that store credit adds up. Plus nine times out of ten, TCGplayer's merchants are cheapest as they follow market value trends.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!I love everything about Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames, but if I can get a good saving I'm going to take it. By buying from TCGplayer right now you're saving $23.71 over Amazon, so it's a no-brainer.
Never heard of TCGplayer? It's the U.S. benchmark for valuing single cards and sealed products for multiple TCGs, and it's owned by eBay so it's trustworthy. Like its big brother, TCGplayer has seller feedback and reviews available, with power sellers often wearing the TCGplayer recommended seller badges for added consumer confidence. And you can see up to 12 month's worth of value and pricing history including the current market value of whatever you're buying, which means you can make solid and well-informed buying decisions.
The best chase cards from Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon CompanyHonestly, this is how to launch a new generation of Pokémon TCG, and Mega Evolution is by far the best gimmick for me out of the mainline Pokémon games. Here's the top five chase cards from Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames, including up-to-date value information and links through to TCGplayer to catch them for yourself:
Mega Charizard X ex - 125/094
Near Mint Holofoil: $595
Market price: $603.05
Most recent sale: $599.99Mega Charizard X ex - 130/094
Near Mint Holofoil: $429
Market price: $443.45
Most recent sale: $441Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
Near Mint Holofoil: $385.70
Market price: $397.22
Most recent sale: $385.70Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
Near Mint Holofoil: $289.99
Market price: $311.23
Most recent sale: $305Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
Near Mint Holofoil: $190
Market price: $210.26
Most recent sale: $204
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 8, 2025
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a California native.
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 December 8, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: To pressure someone
Green: California staples
Blue: Texan athletes
Purple: Major cities
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Goad, with "On"
Green: Famous streets in Los Angeles
Blue: Member of a Dallas pro sports team
Purple: European capitals minus second-to-last letter
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 #911 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayGoad, with "On": EGG, PUSH, SPUR, URGE
Famous streets in Los Angeles: MULHOLLAND, RODEO, SUNSET, VINE
Member of a Dallas pro sports team: COWBOY, MAVERICK, STAR, WING
European capitals minus second-to-last letter: MINK, PARS, ROE, SOFA
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.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 8, 2025Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
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 today's Connections.
NYT Strands hints, answers for December 8, 2025
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're good with words.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 8, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 8, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Grammatically speakingThe words are related to language.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe speaking terms.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Parts of Speech.
NYT Strands word list for December 8Noun
Article
Verb
Parts of Speech
Adjective
Conjunction
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 today's Strands.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 8, 2025
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love a Thanksgiving meal.
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 December 8, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 8, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:A savory sauce.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
GRAVY
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.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 8, 2025Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
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 today's Wordle.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for December 8, 2025
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT gameHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, Dec. 8, 2025:
Across___ MahalThe answer is Taj.
The answer is Sale.
The answer is Viper.
The answer is Ozark.
The answer is West.
The answer is Tapas
The answer is Alert.
The answer is Jerk.
The answer is Size.
The answer is Vow.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.
Pokémon TCGs Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle is $17 less at TCGplayer vs. Amazon
SAVE $17.19: Pokémon TCG's Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle is down to $61.30 at TCGplayer including shipping, whilst Amazon is punching in at $78.49 in an astounding move even in this climate.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle $61.30 at TCGplayer$78.49 Save $17.19 Get Deal
Pulling an Umbreon ex - 161/131 would be insane, not just because it's going for $1,050 right now near mint, but because pulling any chase card from Prismatic Evolution boosters is a mini nightmare. The set is jam packed with Pokéball and Masterball rares, which are pretty much reverse holo cards with a cool design. But it's mostly down to pot luck, so you very well could end up with a god pack.
If you really just want that Sunbreon artwork in your binder or on your shelf, you can pick up a Korean variant for $346.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Everyone is focused on Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames right now, but Prismatic Evolutions has Eevee and every Eeveelution alongside epic Secret Illustration Rares of Roaring Moon ex, Ceruledge ex, and Dragapult ex. We're seeing the secondary market are undercutting big box online stores more often than not, and TCGplayer is the most trustworthy marketplace for just that.
Owned by eBay, sellers have their own reviews and feedback section, with power sellers getting the official TCGplayer recommendation. You can also see the value performance of your chosen chase card or sealed product over the last 12 months so that you're making a solid and informed purchase.
The best chase cards from Prismatic Evolutions Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon CompanyThe top chase cards of Prismatic Evolutions are at some of the best prices they've ever seen right now, so here they are with that all important value information alongside a cheeky link to TCGplayer to catch one for yourself:
Umbreon ex - 161/131
Near Mint Holofoil: $1,050
Market price: $1,033.59
Most recent sale: $1,069.99Sylveon ex - 156/131
Near Mint Holofoil: $311
Market price: $326.11
Most recent sale: $312.50Leafeon ex - 144/131
Near Mint Holofoil: $254.83
Market price: $258.76
Most recent sale: $240Glaceon ex - 150/131
Near Mint Holofoil: $189.18
Market price: $193.56
Most recent sale: $190Vaporeon ex - 149/131
Near Mint Holofoil: $188.60
Market price: $192.60
Most recent sale: $188.01
Pokémon TCGs Prismatic Evolutions Premium Figure Collection is $27 less at TCGplayer vs. Amazon
SAVE $27.02: Pokémon TCG's Prismatic Evolutions Premium Figure Collection is down to $123.99 at TCGplayer, which includes shipping. Meanwhile Amazon is charging $151.01, which is fantastic if you love burning money.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Prismatic Evolutions Premium Figure Collection $123.99 at TCGplayer$151.01 Save $27.02 Get Deal
Prismatic Evolutions is locking horns with 151 for the biggest Scarlet and Violet era Pokémon TCG Expansion, but if we're going off pure values right now, Prismatic is the most expensive set to collect. Yep, I'm talking about that Sunbreon, officially named Umbreon ex - 161/131 and going for $1,050 right now if you're seeking something minty.
If you just want the artwork on your wall and don't care about reading the card, you can pick up a Japanese card for $430 or Korean for $346. Regardless, Prismatic Evolutions is keeping up with the latest set release and first expansion, Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames respectively.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Prismatic Evolutions has Eevee and every Eeveelution alongside some smashing Secret Illustration Rares of non-Eeveelution Pokémon in this set. Roaring Moon ex, Ceruledge ex, and Dragapult ex are just as awesome as elemental mutant foxes, especially when you consider their unique artwork.
Amazon being undercut by market sellers on TCGplayer is nothing new, and they're all rated sellers with feedback just like eBay. In fact, TCGplayer is owned by eBay, plus it's a great tool to track values of cards and sealed products over the last 12 months as it uses live market data.
The best chase cards from Prismatic Evolutions Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon CompanyNo matter which way you look at Prismatic Evolutions, it's a very expensive set to collect either sealed or looking into single cards. It's also a very hard set to pull chase cards from, so the majority of the time it's going to be cheaper to buy the cards you want outright. Here's the top five including value data and links to TCGplayer to catch 'em all:
Umbreon ex - 161/131
Near Mint Holofoil: $1,050
Market price: $1,033.59
Most recent sale: $1,069.99Sylveon ex - 156/131
Near Mint Holofoil: $311
Market price: $326.11
Most recent sale: $312.50Leafeon ex - 144/131
Near Mint Holofoil: $254.83
Market price: $258.76
Most recent sale: $240Glaceon ex - 150/131
Near Mint Holofoil: $189.18
Market price: $193.56
Most recent sale: $190Vaporeon ex - 149/131
Near Mint Holofoil: $188.60
Market price: $192.60
Most recent sale: $188.01
The Fire Stick HD is back on sale for under $20 — get it for almost half off
SAVE $16: As of Dec. 8, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $18.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 46% on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick HD $18.99 at Amazon$34.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal
Fire TV Sticks are one of Amazon's most famed products, and right now you can get a great deal on the HD model, currently down to under $20. As of Dec. 8, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for just $18.99 at Amazon, a saving of $16. This is also just $1 off its best-ever price (the likes of which we saw at Black Friday and Prime Day), so it really is a cracking deal.
The Fire Stick HD is one of the most affordable in the lineup. It offers Fire OS streaming for any HD-compatible TV with an HDMI port. To get going, you plug the streaming device into your TV and connect it via the provided cable to an outlet. And that's all you need to do. When you turn your TV on (with the new Amazon remote) you will see all your apps and shows on one easy-to-use platform.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!It even comes with Alexa voice search. Use the blue Alexa button on the remote to ask questions, get movie recommendations, or crawl through different streaming services to find the show that you want. It also has compatibility with music streaming services too, including Amazon Music and Spotify, so you can listen from your TV.
This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.
The Fire Stick 4K Max just got a $20 discount — act fast to save on this popular streaming stick
SAVE $20: As of Dec. 8, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99 at Amazon. That's a 33% discount on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon$59.99 Save $20 Get Deal
If you've been waiting for the Fire Stick 4K Max to go back on sale, now is your time to pounce. The famed streaming device just got a $20 discount at Amazon, bringing it to its second cheapest price of the year (only slightly beaten by the recent Black Friday price). This discount brings the price down to $39.99.
The Amazon Fire Stick is always worth it, especially with a discount like this. With this specific model, not only are you getting to watch your favorite shows and movies in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, but you're also getting 16GB of storage, which is double other models. So, if you plan to download lots of apps, games, and TV shows, this Fire TV Stick is the one for you.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!You can also use it to game without a console. Play Xbox games like Forza Motorsport, Starfield, Palworld, and hundreds more with the Xbox Game Pass via cloud gaming.
And it's all so easy to set up. Plug the Fire TV Stick into your TV's HDMI port and connect it to an outlet. Turn your TV on with your new, Amazon remote, and get ready to stream with the Fire OS. It couldn't be simpler. The box comes with everything you need, including batteries for the remote and an extension cable for the Fire Stick (so it can still fit even if your TV is secured tightly to the wall).
Grab this great deal from Amazon while it's still available.
The Google Pixel 9 is back to its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save $300 right now
SAVE $300: As of Dec. 8, the Google Pixel 9 is on sale for $499 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 $499 at Amazon$799 Save $300 Get Deal
If you've been shopping around for a new smartphone, this latest Amazon deal on the Google Pixel 9 will see you taking home a great model for less than $500. As of Dec. 8, the impressive Pixel model is on sale for just $499, a saving of $300. According to camelcamelcamel, this is its lowest-ever price.
The Pixel 9 also comes unlocked, so it's an ideal choice for anyone who doesn't want to be stuck in a two-year contract with one network provider. It also comes with some of Google’s latest AI features through Gemini, Google's AI assistant. These are tools that can help with tasks, respond to voice prompts, and generally make your use of the phone feel seamless.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The camera offers great quality. It's award-winning, in fact. It has a 50 MP main sensor and a new 48 MP ultrawide camera with Macro Focus for detailed, up close shots. And after you snap, the phone's AI photo tools let you edit in ways that can change composition, adjust scenes, or improve how people look in group shots. Features like Add Me and Best Take can merge or refine images, and Magic Editor allows you to reframe or alter scenery after shooting. Editing made nice and easy.
You can find this Google Pixel 9 deal at Amazon now.
Apple AirPods 4 are down to $80 at Best Buy — last chance to secure this low price
SAVE $50: As of Dec. 8, Best Buy has dropped the price of the AirPods 4 (without ANC) to $79.99 as part of its Deal of the Day. This is $50 off their list price of $129.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $79.99 at Best Buy$129.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal
Big seasonal sale events may be behind us now, but if you're still hoping to save on tech ahead of the holidays, Best Buy's here to help. As part of its Deal of the Day, the retailer has dropped the price of the AirPods 4 (without ANC) to $79.99 on Dec. 8, so you can score these earbuds at a discounted price that's very close to the $69.99 point they hit over Cyber Monday.
This discount ultimately saves you $50 on the AirPods 4 (without ANC), as they usually retail for $129.99. This is a great price if you've had your eye on them, either for yourself or as a gift to give during the holiday season. Again, this is a one-day-only deal, so if you'd like to grab them for $79.99, you need to act quick.
SEE ALSO: From AirPods to espresso machines, everything the Mashable shopping team bought during Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025With a battery life that can last up to 30 hours when you use the charging case, the AirPods 4 are an excellent companion to pack with you for any holiday travels. And though these versions don't have noise-cancellation, they still offer great sound quality thanks to the H2 chip and features like Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, which makes it feel as if the sound is coming from all around you as you listen.
Don't miss out on Best Buy's Deal of the Day on the AirPods 4 (without ANC), which has knocked them down to just $79.99.
If these have been on your holiday season shopping list but you're not quite done yet, check out our roundup of the 60+ best Christmas gifts for 2025 to see even more items we'd recommend this year.
