IT General

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 just reminded me what I love about Chromebooks. As someone who is deep into the Google ecosystem in my work and personal life, as well as owning an Android phone (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra), it's so much more convenient for me as opposed to the M2 MacBook Air that I use.

At setup, I was asked to log in with my Google credentials, and it didn't leave me floundering. (No offense to Microsoft, but since I don't use the likes of OneDrive, Teams, nor other Microsoft properties often, I can never remember my Microsoft credentials, making setting up Windows laptops a pain.)

With an attractive sub-$500 starting price tag, for a split second, I wondered whether I'd be better off with a Chromebook — but one dealbreaker slapped me right back into reality. Still, I'd argue it's one of the best Chromebooks you can buy.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 price and specs

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714, as of this writing, starts $499 via Best Buy and comes with the following specs:

• Intel Core i5-1335U

• 8GB of RAM

• 256GB of SSD storage

• 14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel display

• ChromeOS

If you want a bump in performance, you can upgrade the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 to an Intel Core Ultra 5 115U (this review is based on this configuration) — this will require an additional $200 for a price of $699.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy / Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 $499.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy / Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 $699.96 at Best Buy
Get Deal Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 design

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714's design language just speaks to me. You really can't go wrong with a gray-and-rose-gold color scheme.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

The entire aluminum chassis comes in Steel Gray — the only color option for the Acer laptop. But what gives this laptop an edge is the rose gold touches that you can find on the hinges and the reflective trim that surrounds the touchpad.

Speaking of the hinges, as you can tell by the name "Spin," the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 would be a contortionist if it was personified as a human. It's bendable and flexible, which means it can transform into a number of different postures: tent mode, tablet mode, and more.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

Tent mode is perfect for anyone who wants the display to take center stage, making it easy to enjoy streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu on the Chromebook Plus Spin 714.

If you want to draw and take notes, you can use tablet mode. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 supports styli, like this one on Amazon, but it doesn't ship with one, which is unfortunate. However, the downside of tablet mode — and this is across all 2-in-1 laptops — is that you'll feel the keyboard under your fingers while using it, which always gave me the ick.

One of the top selling points of the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is that it meets MIL-STD 810H standards, which means it has military-grade durability. In other words, you can rest assured that it can withstand everyday wear and tear. (This makes this an ideal "starter laptop" for young children who tend to have butterfingers with tech.)

It's also worth noting that the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has quite a bit of heft. It's not heavy, but this isn't a laptop that would make me say, "Whoa! This is so thin-and-light!"

It weighs 3.21 pounds and has a slimness of 0.74 inches.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 display

I wasn't expecting the Chromebook Plus Spin 714's display to blow me away. Remember: it costs less than $700.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

It sports a 14-inch. 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio is growing more popular among laptops (16:9 used to be the traditional option), and I'm happy about it. It provides more vertical screen space, so you can enjoy more display real estate for scrolling through the web, reading documents, and more.

However, the Chromebook Plus Spin 714's display performed a lot better than I expected. I watched a couple of trailers, including Snow White (2025), and the screen perfectly captured Rachel Zegler's warm ivory skin tone. The textures are so vivid, I could practically feel the yellow tulle of the dress Zegler twirled in during one whimsical scene.

One thing to be aware of, however, is that the brightness is quite low, clocking in at about 340 nits. As such, you'll likely have a bit of trouble seeing the screen in sunny environments.

But if you plan on using the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 indoors, it's got an above-average display for a Chromebook.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 ports

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 comes with a decent variety of ports.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

On the left side, you'll find the following:

• USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 (2)

• HDMI 2.0

On the right side:

• USB-A (3.2 Gen 1)

• Headset jack

On the left side, you'll find the power button, but the volume rocker lives on the right side. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 audio

The worst aspect of the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is its audio quality. You can't win 'em all, right?

The upward-firing speakers flank the keyboard, but I'm not a fan of the sound quality. I fired up Sabrina Carpenter's hit song "Espresso" via Apple Music (downloaded from the Google Play Store), and while it could get sufficiently loud at max volume, the tune sounded a bit tinny, metallic, and flat.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 keyboard and trackpad

I'm a keyboard snob, and I can't get enough of the Chromebook Plus Spin 714's satisfying keyboard. The minute the keys actuate, they springboard you to the next letter, creating a seamless, rhythmic typing experience.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The keys are clicky and snappy, but they're also not loud enough to earn side-eyes from annoyed co-workers and classmates.

Bonus points for the keyboard's high visibility between with the well-contrasted white-and-dark gray keys. Plus, you can adjust the white backlight on the keyboard by pressing the ALT and brightness key (next to the mute button) in the function row.

The trackpad isn't half bad either. It was responsive while I pushed it to the edge with my erratic actions.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 benchmarks and performance

On Geekbench 6, which tests how well a laptop can handle real-world applications (e.g., PDF rendering, ray tracing, image editing, and file compression) Chromebook Plus Spin 714 delivered a score of 5,223.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

This score is OK. But I'm not too concerned with this performance figure because ChromeOS is designed to lightweight tasks that run through cloud-passed applications (rather than relying on local processing power).

Most Chromebook tasks (e.g., using Google Docs, streaming videos, web browsing) happen online, meaning these laptops rely on cloud servers for heavy processing, minimizing the need for powerful hardware.

Even while pushing Google Chrome to its limit with about 40 tabs, I didn't notice any slowdowns nor laggy behavior.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 battery life

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714, packed with a 53 watt-hour battery, is advertised as having up to 10 hours of battery life.

According to our video rundown test, which involves a nonstop video loop of a 1080p video, the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 lasted about 9 hours on a single charge — 8 hours and 57 minutes to be exact. This is a bit of a dealbreaker for me. Ten-hour battery life, at minimum, is a must.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Google AI

AI isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's definitely mine. I'm cautiously optimistic about the sudden resurgence artificial intelligence.

Google Gemini on Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

While you can experience Google Gemini on any laptop or phone, this suite of Google-based AI practically lives inside this ChromeOS laptop, allowing you to right click anywhere in the screen to get summaries on webpages, companionship for writing, and even creating high-res backgrounds for your video calls.

Creating summaries is quick and easy, and it worked like a charm. For example, on Mashable, I asked Gemini to give me a straightforward answer to why, exactly, iPhone 16 Pro batteries are more expensive to replace (as the headline suggested) — and it "read" the article and spat back the answer to me in a quick and concise response.

I asked Gemini to help me summarize a story on Mashable Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

And I didn't even have to read a single word.

The one issue I have with Gemini is that, at times, it can be painfully slow. For example, I tried to create a background image for my Google Meet call, and it took so long to generate (over 9 minutes), I eventually gave up and closed the laptop.

It took almost a lifetime to generate an AI background. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 comes with 12 months of the Google One AI Premium Plan (this plan includes access to Gemini Advanced and 2TB of storage, and Gemini in Docs, Sheets, Gmail, and more).

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 webcam

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a 1440p webcam, and as much as I dislike using this trite phrase, there really isn't much to write home about.

Webcam picture with Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It's not the crispest, clearest webcam, as one would expect from a sub-$700 webcam, but it does the job. It still was able to accurately capture my complexion and my burgundy top.

Is the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 worth it?

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a better-than-expected display, an excellent keyboard, a sophisticated design, and military-tested durability. However, the screen brightness isn't that great, the sound quality is mid, and the battery life could be better.

If it weren't for the battery life, I'd consider giving the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 a spot in our best cheap laptops list.

On the plus side, there's a laptop for everyone. I'd recommend the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 for budget-conscious users who are looking for a laptop that can be stationed on a desk at home. I'd also suggest this Chromebook for a tween who doesn't need a high-powered, long-lasting work station — they'll be happy with a laptop with a great display and decent performance.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy / Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 $699.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal

NFL RedZone appeared to be having issues during Sunday's Week 9 slate of games.

Users online reported choppy, blurry, or nearly unwatchable streams. And it might not be just a streaming issue or something wrong with a certain provider. My RedZone was freezing and buffering, even though it is through my cable provider. (Yes, I am a millennial with cable).

Here is a sampling of some of the posts about RedZone.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

It's not quite clear what may be going wrong. Users online described all their other channels working correctly — and it's the same for me. All of my other channels are working well, while the RedZone channel is choppy, buffering, and impossible to watch.

There was a spike in reports of issues with NFL Network on Down Detector around 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, which is when the first slate of games kicked off. (There's no page to report RedZone so that might be the closest proxy.)

Credit: Screenshot: Down Detector

My own RedZone was going in and out, so if yours isn't working it might be worth retrying it. We'll update if any information surfaces on why folks might be having issues.

Mashable has reached out to the NFL's media team and will update if we get a response.

John Mulaney did a bit of stand-up to kick off 'Saturday Night Live''s last episode before the 2024 presidential election.

Check out the best Walmart deals of the day as of Nov. 3: Our top pick Ninja CREAMi (NC300) $149 at Walmart (save $50 ) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) $89 at Walmart (save $40 ) Get Deal Best gaming deal Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset $38.49 at Walmart (save $11.48) Get Deal Best beauty deal Dyson Airwrap Origin Multi-Styler Long Vinca Blue/Rosé (Refurbished) $249.99 at Walmart (save $100 ) Get Deal

Amazon’s in full holiday mode, and other retailers are doing their best to compete. We’ve seen Target, Best Buy, and Walmart all release Black Friday-caliber deals over the past few weeks to persuade shoppers to choose them over the competition. And we have to say, some of these deals are pretty impressive.

SEE ALSO: When do Black Friday sales start? Be on the lookout for early holiday deals.

Here are our top picks for the best Walmart deals of the day as of Nov. 3. If none of the deals on this list catch your eye, be sure to check out the full Walmart deals page for more savings opportunities.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja CREAMi $149.00 at Walmart
$199.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Check out our full review of the Ninja CREAMi.

If you’ve been on TikTok within the last year, you’ve probably heard of the Ninja CREAMi. This kitchen gadget can make almost any ingredient into ice cream, sorbet, or milkshakes (with milk or a milk substitute). Just prep your base, freeze it overnight, and process it through the CREAMi the next day.

With one-touch programs and a respin function, the Ninja CREAMi gives you the freedom to have a sweet treat whenever you want.

Best Apple Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) $89.00 at Walmart
$129.00 Save $40.00 Get Deal

If you need a new pair of earbuds, the Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) are $40 off at Walmart. These earbuds come with a charging case and feature quick access to Siri — all you have to do is say, “Hey, Siri.” You can double-tap to play or skip through your tunes, and the battery lasts all day with the charging case.

Note: The charging case is the lightning port version, not the wireless one.

Best gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset $38.49 at Walmart
$49.97 Save $11.48 Get Deal

Speaking of headphones, Walmart has dropped the Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset to $38.49, a $11.48 discount from the original price.

This headset delivers 2.0 surround sound, so you can hear your enemies coming before they strike. Plus, with a 6mm boom mic, you can let your teammates know the game plan and prep for a counterattack. What’s even cooler is that the mic mutes when it’s flipped up, so you can avoid any awkward background noise during your games.

Best beauty deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap Origin Multi-Styler Long Vinca Blue/Rosé (Refurbished) $249.99 at Walmart
$349.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Check our our full review of the Dyson Airwrap.

If you’ve been dying to get your hands on a Dyson Airwrap, now’s your chance. Walmart’s got the Dyson Airwrap Origin Multi-Styler Long Vinca Blue/Rosé (refurbished) on sale for $249.99. That’s a whopping $100 off the list price. (A brand-new one will run you $599.99.)

With the Dyson Airwrap, you can hide flyaways and get a salon-worthy look with just a few pulls through your hair. Its powerful V9 motor and adjustable heat settings allow for customized styling, while three included attachments can help you create volume, curls, waves, and more right at home. The only caveat is that this deal doesn't come with a storage case.

Yes, we know it’s refurbished — but don’t take that as a bad thing. Dyson products are known for their durability and craftsmanship, so a refurbished model is still a great buy. They’re also vetted by Dyson to ensure quality.

'SNL' revived its 'What’s That Name' sketch with a surprise appearance from Hillary Clinton's 2016 running mate.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Nov. 3: Our top pick Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon (save $22 ) Get Deal Best home deal Roborock Q5 Pro+ $329.99 at Amazon (save $370 ) Get Deal Best kitchen deal KitchenAid variable speed corded hand blender (KHBV53) $44.95 at Amazon (save $15.04) Get Deal Best travel deal Wrangler Smart Luggage (2-PC) $39.62 at Amazon (save $14.37 ) Get Deal

It’s official: Amazon’s Holiday Deals list is up and running, and discounts are pouring in across a wide range of products, from kitchen gadgets to smart speakers. We’re even seeing all-time lows on select items, making this the perfect time to stock up on gifts or treat yourself to something new.

SEE ALSO: When do Black Friday sales start? Be on the lookout for early holiday deals.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day as of Nov. 3. If none of the deals on this list fit your shopping list, be sure to check out our picks from Nov. 1 and Oct. 31. Some of those discounts are still live, but most have shot up in price over the weekend.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal

Read our full review of the Echo Pop.

The Echo Pop smart speaker is now available for just $17.99, a $22 discount from its regular $39.99 price tag. This is the lowest price we’ve seen on the Echo Pop, making an already budget-friendly smart speaker a true steal.

The Echo Pop is small but still features the same Alexa voice assistant as Amazon's more premium Echo devices. It’s also available in charcoal, glacier white, lavender bloom, and midnight teal colorways to match your style. If you'd rather not use the voice controls, you can stream your favorite podcasts and music via Bluetooth.

Best home deal Opens in a new window Credit: roborock Roborock Q5 Pro+ $329.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $370.00 Get Deal

If you haven’t jumped on the robot vacuum bandwagon yet, you can get the Roborock Q5 Pro+ vacuum and mop combo for $329.99, down from $699.99. This is a record-low price for this model — the last time we saw it anywhere near this cheap was back in May, and even then, it was $480.

The Roborock Q5 Pro+ is a vacuum and a mop in one. It has LiDAR navigation, 5,500Pa of suction power, and a 240-minute runtime. It also comes with a self-empty dock, so you won’t have to worry about emptying it every day.

The Roborock app lets you choose different suction modes, set up regular cleaning schedules, and even create no-go zones.

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid variable speed corded hand blender (KHBV53) $44.95 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $15.04 Get Deal

It’s officially soup season, so you’ll want to grab the KitchenAid variable-speed corded hand blender (KHBV53) while it’s on sale for $44.95, down from $59.99.

This handy tool has a removable, eight-inch blending arm with a four-point stainless steel blade for blending ingredients directly in the pot, bowl, or container. You can make smoothies, soups, dips, hummus, and more.

It also comes with a three-cup BPA-free jar with a lid to blend and store.

Best luggage deal Opens in a new window Credit: Wrangler Wrangler Smart Luggage (2-PC) $39.62 at Amazon
$53.99 Save $14.37 Get Deal

The holidays usually mean more travel, and this two-piece set by Wrangler is only $39.62. That’s a pretty good deal for a 20-inch carry-on and a 15-inch boarding tote.

The carry-on has a hard shell, spinner wheels, and a nifty three-in-one cup holder, USB port, and phone holder built into the back. The boarding tote is large enough to fit a laptop and other small items you want to keep close.

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

John Mulaney drops another fever dream 'SNL' musical sketch

John Mulaney runs for city council in Harvey Epstein 'SNL' sketch

SNL went heavy on its Trump insults ahead of Election Day on Tuesday.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, November 3, 2024:

AcrossThe present

• The answer is Today.

Its Speedmaster model, worn by Buzz Aldrin, was the first watch on the moon

• The answer is Omega.

Squiggly Japanese noodles

• The answer is Ramen.

Strip on a flip-flop

• The answer is Thong.

What "Eat" represents in the mnemonic "Never Eat Shredded Wheat"

• The answer is East.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for November 3 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 3 DownRich, dense cake

• The answer is Torte.

Midwest city where Berkshire Hathaway is headquartered

• The answer is Omaha.

Trial versions

• The answer is Demos.

Literary representative

• The answer is Agent.

Bowen of "Saturday Night Live"

• The answer is Yang.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for November 3'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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 3 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Tugs at the heartstrings

• Green: Not passing the vibe check

• Blue: Judicial process

• Purple: Easy things

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Heartwarming

• Green: Sneaking Suspicion

• Blue: Legal Session

• Purple: Easy___

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 #511 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Heartwarming: MOVING, SWEET, TENDER, TOUCHING

• Sneaking Suspicion: FEELING, HUNCH, IMPRESSION, SENSE

• Legal Session: HEARING, INQUIRY, PROCEEDING, TRIAL

• Easy___: CHAIR, LISTENING, MONEY, STREET

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 November 3

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 today's Connections.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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 October 28'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 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. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 3 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: Football players

• Green: Fun school names

• Blue: Schools of the top choices

• Purple: Strong words

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow - Soccer positions

• Green - Schools with colorful nicknames

• Blue - Alma mater of last 4 NFL No. 1 picks

• Purple - Power _____

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 #41 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Soccer positions: GOALKEEPER, MIDFIELDER, SWEEPER, WINGER

• Schools with colorful nicknames: STANFORD, SYRACUSE, TULANE, TULSA

• Alma mater of last 4 NFL No. 1 picks: ALABAMA, CLEMSON, GEORGIA, USC

• Power ____: FORWARD, HITTER, LIFTER, PLAY

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.

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 today's Connections.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for November 3'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 today: Hints and answers for November 1 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's The Mini crossword answers for November 1 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A fierce fire.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

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...

BLAZE.

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 November 3

Reporting 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.

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At 15.4 billion miles away from Earth in interstellar space, Voyager 1 won't last much longer. 

In fact, NASA's flight engineers may have thought the 47-year-old mission had finally kicked the bucket when the uncrewed spacecraft recently went quiet. The probe had shut off its main radio transmitter for communicating with mission control. 

Voyager's problem began on Oct. 16, when flight controllers sent the robotic explorer a somewhat routine command to turn on a heater. Two days later, when NASA expected to receive a response from the spacecraft, the team learned something tripped Voyager's fault protection system, which turned off its X-band transmitter. By Oct. 19, communication had altogether stopped. 

The flight team was not optimistic. 

However, Voyager 1 was equipped with a backup that relies on a different, albeit significantly fainter, frequency. No one knew if the second radio transmitter could still work, given the aging spacecraft's extreme distance. Days later, engineers with the Deep Space Network, a system of three enormous radio dish arrays on Earth, found the signal whispering back over the S-band transmitter. The device hadn't been used since 1981, according to NASA. 

"The team is now working to gather information that will help them figure out what happened and return Voyager 1 to normal operations," NASA said in a recent mission update. 

SEE ALSO: NASA spacecraft has roamed billions of miles — but hasn't reached the 'edge' Tweet may have been deleted

Both Voyager 1 and its twin, Voyager 2, have been bopping along for nearly a half-century, far beyond their original life expectancy. Launched in 1977, the pair was originally intended to study Jupiter and Saturn, their moons, and Saturn's rings. For the two-planet journey, they were built to last just five years.

After their initial success, engineers doubled their objectives to include two more giant planets, Uranus and Neptune. Between the two spacecraft, they've explored four planets, 48 moons, and a host of planetary magnetic fields and rings.

In August 2012, Voyager 1 made history as it entered interstellar space, the region between stars, filled with material ejected by other stars that died millions of years ago. Voyager 1 and 2 are the only spacecraft ever to operate outside of the heliosphere, the region of space affected by the sun's constant flow of material.

Voyager 1 launched from Earth in 1977 and is the farthest human-made object in space. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

Voyager 1 is speeding away from the solar system at over 38,000 mph and is the farthest human-made object from Earth. It is so far away that it takes 23 hours for a command to reach the spacecraft, and another 23 hours for mission control to hear back from it.

NASA has previously said the Voyagers generate about 4 fewer watts of power annually, limiting the number of systems the spacecraft can use. Flight controllers have occasionally turned off equipment to conserve power. The goal is to keep the two running beyond 2025, according to the agency.

It's not clear yet why Voyager 1's fault protection system shut off the main radio transmitter. When onboard issues occur, such as the spacecraft overdrawing its power supply, the system will automatically turn less-critical equipment off so that it can continue flying. Based on data from Voyager 1, the spacecraft should have had enough power to flip on the heater without incident. 

Voyager 1 is speeding away from the solar system at over 38,000 mph and is the farthest human-made object from Earth. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech graphic

Interstellar space is a high-radiation environment that nothing human-made has ever flown in before. That means the only thing the teams running the old probes can count on are surprises. 

Last month the team troubleshot a thruster problem on Voyager 1. At this point in the mission, nothing is easy or guaranteed, said Voyager project manager Suzanne Dodd in a statement. 

"All the decisions we will have to make going forward are going to require a lot more analysis and caution than they once did," she said.

Featured Video For You 10 mind-blowing discoveries from the James Webb Telescope

Choosing the best laptop is a largely subjective decision that comes down to your primary use cases, your preferred operating system, and your budget. In other words, there's no such thing as a universally best laptop.

This is an annoying fact of life for both laptop shoppers and those of us doling out "best laptop" recommendations, since we can't make custom judgment calls for everyone in need of a new machine. (I would love to, but I've got a thing after this.) However, I can confidently point you in the right direction of some standouts that I and other members of the Mashable team have vetted and approved.

Our top picks

As of Nov. 2024, Mashable's top laptop overall is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, a sophisticated Copilot+ PC with incredible performance, an unrivaled battery life of nearly 23 hours, and some fun AI features (if you're into that sort of thing).

If you're a card-carrying member of Team Apple, the best MacBook we've tested to date is the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air, which is a sleek, peppy notebook with a scrumptious keyboard and closed-lid support for two external displays. We currently recommend the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro as the best laptop for photo and video editing — it's fast, well-made, and long-lasting — but that will likely change soon with this month's launch of M4-series models. Stay tuned for our review.

SEE ALSO: I've tested over 59 laptops: This is the best Windows laptop of 2024

For users on a budget, the best cheap laptop we've tested is the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, which has a premium, ultra-portable design and an excellent keyboard. If you're trying to spend less than $500, look into the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch: With a large, colorful display, cool everyday performance, and some useful AI features, it's the best Chromebook we've used.

Among gaming laptops, the Alienware m16 R2 leads the pack. It's a super snappy mid-ranger that's capable of being toned down for everyday use when you're done playing Cyberpunk 2077.

The best laptops we've tried also include two unique 2-in-1 devices. Creative professionals would be served well by the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, a sturdy 2-in-1 with a decent battery life and a pull-forward design that can turn it into an easel, while heavy multitaskers should look further into the latest Asus Zenbook Duo. It features two beautiful OLED displays, performs well for its price point, and includes free accessories like a stylus and a detachable keyboard.

After spending countless hours reviewing laptops across popular brands, we've decided to recommend these models because they're well-made, powerful enough for their respective use cases, and priced fairly (or easy to find on sale). At the very least, we think they can be useful archetypes within different categories of computers. Don't start from square one if you don't have to, you know?

What's on deck

Along with an M4-series MacBook Pro, we have reviews in the pipeline for several laptops: the new Dell XPS 13, a Lunar Lake model with an optional tandem OLED display; the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, a cheap Chromebook; the HP Omen 17, a strapping gaming laptop; and the latest Framework Laptop 13, a modular laptop. (The previous-gen Framework Laptop 13 used to be featured in this guide as Mashable's favorite repairable laptop.) I'll update this story once we've finished testing them.

The scoop on Black Friday laptop deals

If you're particularly hung up on the "budget" part of laptop shopping, know that Black Friday season is the best time to buy a laptop if you're hunting for a good deal. With Black Friday proper scheduled for Nov. 29 this year — an unusually late time slot — many retailers are treating all of this month like a free-for-all.

SEE ALSO: When do Black Friday sales start? Be on the lookout for early holiday deals.

As someone who's covered Black Friday sales for Mashable since 2019, I expect to see most of the best Black Friday laptop deals pop up at Best Buy — possibly including sizable price drops on new Lunar Lake Copilot+ PCs and M4 MacBook Pros. (The M3 generation will likely hit new record lows.) Amazon will probably price-match its competitor on models from popular brands like Apple, Microsoft, LG, Acer, and Asus, with Walmart filling the gap on lower-priced gaming laptops and Chromebooks.

Cross-checking Black Friday laptop deals across retailers (and manufacturers' DTC sites) will be your best line of defense against overpaying. Keep in mind, too, that stores like Best Buy and Target offer holiday price match guarantees, in case something you buy gets cheaper later in the season. If you don't want to sift through the sea of sales yourself, though, I'll also be tracking the top Black Friday laptop deals myself.

Read on for Mashable's in-depth guide to the best laptops of 2024. FYI: We've listed the pricing and specs of our testing units, which may not apply to each laptop's base model.

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Sunday Football returns with Week 9 action, which includes Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks. It's been an average season so far for both teams. The Rams are 3-4 and the Seahawks are 4-4, with both teams sitting in the bottom half of NFC West.

However, the momentum seems to favor the Rams, who have won their last two games. The Seahawks, meanwhile, have lost the last three games at Lumen Field. Can the Rams make it a fourth straight home loss for the hosts?

Fortunately, you can stream Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks for free anywhere in the world. But only if you know how to get around geo-block restrictions. Here's everything you need to know.

When is Rams vs. Seahawks?

Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks takes place at 4.25 p.m. ET on Nov. 3. This fixture will be played at Lumen Field.

How to watch Rams vs. Seahawks for free

Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand.

TVNZ+ is a free streaming platform based in New Zealand, which is geo-restricted for viewers inside that country only. That means you might need to use a VPN if you're watching from abroad. VPNs can help by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to secure servers based in other countries (including New Zealand), which will enable you to bypass the geo-restrictions and access free streams.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Live stream Rams vs. Seahawks for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming aren't technically free to use, but the leading VPN providers tend to have free trial period deals or money-back guarantees. By signing up for these offers you'll be able to access free live streams of the NFL without spending a dime in the long run. It's a temporary fix, but you'll have enough time to watch Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks (plus other select NFL fixtures) before recovering any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently available for $99.95. Within this limited time deal you'll get an extra three months at no additional cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup for free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Rams vs. Seahawks for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

SAVE 68%: Ready to equip your Mac with the tools you need to work smarter? Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 costs just $69.97 for lifetime access to everything you need — including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more — for efficient document creation, data management, presentations, and email organization.

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This edition of Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more — essential tools for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals who want reliable productivity software without ongoing fees.

Whether you’re handling client documents in Word, managing budgets in Excel, crafting compelling presentations in PowerPoint, or staying on top of emails in Outlook, Office 2021 has you covered — and a lifetime license is on sale for just $69.97.

Plus, for those who rely on offline access, Office for Mac allows you to edit and save documents without an internet connection, making it perfect for work on the go. Imagine having your go-to productivity suite at your fingertips, whether in a bustling cafe or on a remote site without WiFi.

Unlike cloud-based options, this lifetime license puts you in control. With just one payment, you can own Office for good. This option is especially beneficial for Mac users who need professional-grade tools for everyday tasks without extra bells and whistles. While the basic version of Teams includes basic collaboration capabilities, the main suite is ideal for Mac professionals who don’t need continuous cloud access.

This offer gives you a one-time purchase installed on one Mac for life. You also get access to Microsoft's customer support if any issues should arise. It should also be noted that Microsoft Office 2021 licenses require that customers update their OS to Version 12 Monterey or later.

Grab lifetime access to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 while it's on sale for $69.97 (reg. $219.99) through November 3.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Never lose your essentials again—get a 3-pack of KeySmart SmartCards, compatible with Apple Find My network, for just $89.99 (reg. $119).

We all have that one friend prone to misplacing their wallet, ID, or bag. The KeySmart SmartCard 3-Pack is designed for that exact situation. At only $89.99 (reg. $119) for a 3-pack, these slim, credit card-sized trackers fit discreetly in any wallet, card holder, or bag. 

While Apple’s AirTag is a classic, KeySmart’s SmartCard has a few distinct advantages. It’s credit-card thin, fits into tight spaces like wallets and work badge holders, and charges wirelessly on any Qi-enabled charger, unlike AirTag’s replaceable battery. Its IPX8 rating also makes it submersible for up to an hour, which is ideal for unpredictable environments. With this 3-pack, you can consider yourself equipped to tackle lost-item chaos.

Plus, with three in a pack, there’s one for you, one for a friend, and one for that cousin who’s always losing things. It's also a good idea for those who travel to other countries. Keep one of these in with your passport to minimize the chance of losing it while abroad.

Pairing seamlessly with Apple’s Find My network, the SmartCard helps you locate your essentials in seconds. Open the Find My app, and you can see exactly where your SmartCard-equipped item is, whether at home, in your car, or somewhere you’ve left it.

Built with simplicity in mind, the Find My network makes tracking straightforward and effective, even if you’re already used to an AirTag or similar device. The SmartCard 3-pack also allows you to cover multiple items, so you’re never limited to tracking just one thing.

Unlike an AirTag, which requires disposable battery replacements, the SmartCard is rechargeable, making it a more sustainable choice. 

A unique idea for Secret Santa, grab bags, or stocking stuffers, the KeySmart SmartCard 3-pack is only $89.99 (reg. $119).

KeySmart® SmartCard - Works with Apple Find My (3-Pack) - $89.99

Get It Here

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TL;DR: Upgrade your car’s tech with this Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support for just $89.97 (reg. $149.99).

Take your car’s infotainment to the next level with the new Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Support. For just $89.97, you get a powerful upgrade that lets you go wireless, stream your favorite shows, and stay connected on the road. Compatible with more than 800 car models from 2016 onward, this adapter is ideal for anyone looking to modernize their drive without the dealership price tag.

No more fumbling with cables: simply plug in the adapter, connect wirelessly, and you’re ready to access CarPlay or Android Auto. With pre-installed apps like YouTube and Netflix, the adapter turns your car into an entertainment hub. Stream video during road trips, access maps, take hands-free calls, and listen to music — all with the ease of wireless tech.

This 2024 edition goes beyond basic CarPlay with a Qualcomm QCM2290 chipset for high performance and 16GB of storage to keep your apps running smoothly. Enjoy quick, clear connections using dual Bluetooth technology and fast Wi-Fi support. Need more storage? The adapter supports a TF card, so you can save even more videos, playlists, or navigation data for offline access.

The adapter also excels at adaptability. Powered by Android 11, it provides a modern, streamlined interface and an improved app experience. Its wide compatibility with both iOS and Android makes it versatile enough for any user. Whether you're a commuter, road-tripper, or simply a tech enthusiast, this adapter’s easy integration will enhance your driving experience with minimal setup.

Don’t wait any longer to upgrade your drive. 

Through November 3, you can get an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support for just $89.97 (reg. $149.99).

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support (2024 Edition) - $89.97

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Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support (2024 Edition) $89.97
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TL;DR: Babbel’s all-language lifetime subscription is just $179.97 (reg. $599) through November 3.

Learning a new language has enormous benefits, one of which is giving your brain a nice workout. Whether you want to learn the native language for an upcoming trip or communicate globally for business, Babbel has been a trusted name in language learning for many years. 

If you’re ready to open up a whole new world of communication, Babbel has a lifetime subscription that gives you unlimited access to 14 languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, and many more. And it's for the one-time price of $179.97 (reg. $599) through November 3.

With lessons crafted by expert linguists, Babbel doesn’t just cover the basics but digs into the topics you’ll actually use. Its unique lesson structure was designed to fit easily into anyone’s schedule, with 10- to 15-minute lessons that can be done even on busy days.

And because Babbel syncs across devices, you can start a lesson on your desktop in the morning and finish it on your phone later. Speech recognition tools mean you’re learning vocabulary and improving pronunciation – Babbel’s like having a personal language coach with you anytime.

Imagine yourself ordering confidently in a new language, making connections with locals, and understanding cultural nuances wherever you go. Babbel also offers offline access, so even without Wi-Fi, you’re ready to learn. This approach allows you to build up practical skills for real conversations, making travel more fun and daily interactions easier.

In addition, Babbel’s built-in review sessions ensure that you remember what you learn, reinforcing each lesson so that it sticks.

Learning multiple languages has never been this accessible.

Babbel’s all-language lifetime subscription is just $179.97 (reg. $599) through November 3.

Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) - $179.97

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Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $179.97
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