IT General

SAVE $110: As of Oct. 9, the iRobot Roomba Q011 robot vacuum is on sale for $139.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 44% on list price, and the lowest it's ever been on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roomba iRobot Roomba Q011 $139.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

If a robot vacuum is on your wish list, you'll probably have heard of Roomba. One of the top robot vacuum manufacturers, the devices are both useful and smart.

As of Oct. 9, you can shop the iRobot Roomba Q011 as part of Amazon's October Prime Day. Reduced by $110, you can swap out your manual model for just $139.99.

The Q011 features self-docking and has a power-lifting suction that adjusts based on the type of floor. But our favorite feature of this model is its compatibility with Alexa. With this, you can control the vacuum using simple voice commands so you can start, stop, or schedule cleaning sessions without lifting a finger. Yes, you can boss around your vacuum.

SEE ALSO: Plenty of self-emptying robot vacuums are on sale this October Prime Day

However, it's worth noting that this model does not have self-emptying capabilities nor does it map out your space with AI (rather, it uses basic navigation sensors to avoid bumping into obstacles), so this one requires slightly more upkeep. But for the low sale price, we reckon you can't go wrong.

Ready to remove vacuuming from your list of chores? Move fast before this deal runs out.

SAVE $85: As of Oct. 9, the Kindle Scribe is on sale for $254.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 25% on the list price of $339.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe (16 GB) $254.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $85.00 Get Deal

If reading and writing are your thing, then you'll love this October Prime Day deal. Combining reading and note-taking, the Amazon Kindle Scribe is an e-reader and a digital notebook all in one. And thanks to Prime Big Deal Days, this Kindle is at its lowest price in months.

The Kindle Scribe is the newest e-reader in Amazon's lineup. The Scribe comes with a stylus so you can jot down notes and convert them to text as easily as writing in a notebook. Besides its note-taking abilities, it has a 10.2-inch 300 ppi Paperwhite display.

Its lightweight design also makes it portable and easy to carry around on your travels. And let's not forget the impressive battery life, lasting weeks on just a single charge.

SEE ALSO: 300+ October Prime Day deals selected by our shopping experts

The bright display is perfect for reading in any light, indoors or outdoors, and you can store up to 16 GB of content. That means you can stock up on plenty of Prime Day e-book deals and barely make a dent in the storage.

Again, as of Oct. 9, the Kindle Scribe is marked down to $254.99, so you're saving $85 — all the more money for books. This is the final day of October Prime Day, but you can check out our Prime Day live blog to stay up to date on all the final deals, including a handful of deals on Kindle e-readers.

SAVE $200: As of Oct. 9, the Breville Barista Express espresso maker is on sale for $549.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 27% on the regular list price of $749.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville Barista Express $549.95 at Amazon
$749.95 Save $200.00 Get Deal

If there’s one thing guaranteed to improve that morning coffee — which, let’s be honest, is already a highlight of the day — it’s knowing that you got it for an absolute bargain. That’s what you’ll get with the Breville Barista Express, on sale for day two of Amazon’s October Prime Day. It’s a pro-level espresso machine that has a current markdown of $200.

Sure, you can find some bargain bin espresso makers on Amazon, but this is the type of appliance worthy of a more serious investment — at least if you care about your coffee. The Breville Barista Express is a luxe espresso machine with a brushed steel exterior, and it's marked down to $549.95 for a total savings of 27%. So, don’t miss your chance to pick up this professional-quality appliance while it's heavily discounted. Remember: Oct. 9 is the final day of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days.

SEE ALSO: The new Apple AirPods Max 2 just got their first discount for October Prime Day

The Breville Barista Express has all the features you need to make high-quality coffee drinks at home, including a precision conical burr grinder, expertly tuned water pressure, digital temperature control, a powerful steam wand for milk, and lots more.

For coffee lovers, this is one of the best Prime Day deals we’ve seen so far. Don't miss your chance to get a superb, top-rated espresso machine at its lowest price of the year.

Want to stay up to date with all the latest savings? Follow our live blog with up-to-the-minute coverage on all of the latest October Prime Day deals at Amazon and beyond.

October Prime Day: Here's the latest news on the deals

More on Prime Day: Here are all the best deals to shop so far

SAVE $49.96: As of Oct. 9, the Beats Fit Pro are on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 25% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Fit Pro $149.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $49.96 Get Deal

Beats is one of the most recognizable names in the audio field, so you know that with these products comes great quality. There are few options as reliable when it comes to upgrading your sound quality. And is there any better excuse to upgrade than Amazon's October Prime Day?

As far as wireless earbuds go, there are plenty of incredible offers to be had over the remaining 24 hours, but as you can tell from our review, we're big fans of the Beats Fit Pro.

SEE ALSO: The all black Beats Studio Pro headphones are down by 51% on October Prime Day

With immersive sound quality, incredible noise cancellation, and a seriously impressive battery life (we're talking days, not hours), any deal on these earbuds is a win. The design is another big win, especially for fitness enthusiasts. The silicon tip slides into your ear seamlessly, staying put for all types of activity and all intensities — runners to Pilates lovers, you're all safe with these.

And as of Oct. 9, you can save 25% at Amazon and pick these up for just $149.99. But move quick, Prime Day is coming to an end.

Shop more headphones deals

• Amazon headphones deals

• Best Buy headphones deals

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SAVE OVER $300: As of Oct. 9, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is on sale for $1,046.58 at Amazon. That's a saving of 26% on list price and it's lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,046.58 at Amazon
$1,419.99 Save $373.41 Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is a great opportunity to upgrade your tech. With deals across Apple, Samsung, and more big names, you don't have to look far to grab a bargain. And if a new phone is on your horizon, check out this incredible discount on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Reduced by 21% to $1,046.58, this phone is now at its lowest-ever price at Amazon, and one of the best October Prime Day deals we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best October Prime Day unlocked phone deals from Samsung, Google, and more

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an incredible smartphone and one of the top models in the Galaxy range. Upgrade for the eye-catching 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the 200MP main camera, the ultra-wide, telephoto, and periscope lenses, or even just for the super-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.

The 5,000 mAh battery will keep you going all day, even if you're streaming, working, gaming, or simply browsing. Plus, it supports 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, so when it’s time to charge, you won’t have to wait long.

Convinced yet? Grab this great Prime Day deal before it's too late.

SAVE $300: As of Oct. 9, the ASUS ROG Strix gaming laptop is on sale for $1,099.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 21% on list price — and its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Strix gaming laptop $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

If a new gaming laptop has been on your wishlist, now is the time to pounce. With 24 hours left of Amazon's October Prime Day, you'll find surprising deals on laptops of all sorts, including impressive gaming rigs.

The ASUS ROG Strix is a solid gaming laptop, with a sleek design and strong performance. It's a great option if you're new to the world of gaming. It's built with impressively powerful hardware, including high-end graphics cards and processors. The Strix series also has great cooling features, customizable RGB lighting, and plenty of ports for additional gear. Not to mention, it looks cool too. With a 17-inch screen and a 16:10 aspect ratio, you can enjoy high-quality and immersive gaming.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Prime Day laptop deals are ramping up: Shop record-low prices on Apple, LG, and Acer

As of Oct. 9, you can purchase this device for its lowest-ever price at Amazon. Down from £1,399.99, you can shop for $1,099.99 on Amazon. And even better, this discount is exclusive to the newer, 2024 model.

You deserve only the best for your gaming setup, so act fast before this deal runs out.

Cold, dry, and barren: Mars doesn't look like it could be a haven for life — at least not the kind humans are familiar with. 

Despite the Red Planet's appearance, scientists have wondered for decades about the possibility of microbial life inhabiting Mars in the distant past. Now a new study, based on data collected by NASA's Curiosity rover, is peeling back another layer of the mystery. For the first time, researchers measured the isotopic composition of carbon-rich minerals found in Gale Crater, a region laced with dried rivers and gullies and being explored by the rover.

The findings Curiosity beamed millions of miles back to Earth were not optimistic, at least in terms of the potential for life above ground. 

"Our samples are not consistent with an ancient environment with life (biosphere) on the surface of Mars," said David Burtt, lead author of the study, in a statement, "although this does not rule out the possibility of an underground biosphere or a surface biosphere that began and ended before these carbonates formed."

The new paper, published in the National Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Monday, suggests two possible ways carbon-rich minerals could have formed at Gale crater: a series of alternating wet and dry periods at the site or salty-ice conditions. These two different ancient climate scenarios could be summed up as bleak and bleaker when it comes to supporting life. 

SEE ALSO: NASA's Mars rovers had a gangbusters summer of rocks NASA's Curiosity rover snaps a selfie image on lower Mount Sharp in Gale crater in August 2015. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS

In an environment that swings like a pendulum from wet to dry, the region would intermittently shift from more habitable to less habitable, said Jennifer Stern, a co-author. In frigid temperatures near the planet's equator, the environment would be hostile for living things because most water would be frozen and inaccessible for chemistry or biology.

"And what is there is extremely salty and unpleasant for life," she added in a statement.

This isn't the first time scientists have theorized these possible climate scenarios for ancient Mars. Computer modeling of the planet, based on the presence of certain minerals and rock formations, have led scientists down this path before, but this is the first time they've had isotopic evidence from Martian rocks to bolster those ideas. 

An artist interprets what Gale crater on Mars might have looked like during one of its ancient, wet periods. Credit: NASA illustration

Scientists have sought life on Mars since the first spacecraft touched down on its surface in 1976. Mounting evidence from robotic explorers, especially from Curiosity and its twin Perseverance, has shown the Red Planet to have once been warmer and wetter, perhaps more than 3 billion years ago. 

The rover pair had a highly productive summer, including Perseverance's discovery of a spotted rock with the most compelling signs of ancient dead Martian life yet, though a sample would need to be shipped back to Earth for confirmation. A research team also recently published more evidence of a vast ocean of water below the planet’s surface. And where there's water on Earth, there's often life.

Scientists are interested in Mars' carbon-rich rocks because they are like climate time capsules. Their minerals can hold onto clues about the environments in which they formed, such as the temperature and acidity of the water, and the ingredients within the water and air. Curiosity made the isotope measurements by heating the samples to over 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit and analyzing the released gasses. 

Isotopes are versions of an element with different masses. As water evaporates, light versions of carbon and oxygen are more likely to escape into the atmosphere, while heavier versions tend to remain and get incorporated into rocks. 

The isotope values of the sampled materials indicate lots of evaporation, the team says, suggesting that they probably formed in a climate that could only support transient liquid water — that is, water that comes from melted ice when temperatures rise and the surface pressure is right. 

The heavy isotope values in the samples are much higher than what’s seen on Earth for carbonate minerals. Furthermore, they are the heaviest carbon and oxygen isotope values recorded for any Martian materials. Although evaporation can cause oxygen isotope changes on Earth, the changes measured in the Martian samples were two to three times greater, Burtt said. 

Astrobiologists believe caves like this one on Mars could potentially harbor life. Credit: NASA / JPL / Univ. of Arizona

"The fact that these carbon and oxygen isotope values are higher than anything else measured on Earth or Mars points towards a process (or processes) being taken to an extreme," he said. 

But this doesn't discount the possibility of life. The Red Planet appears to have a network of deep caves formed by ancient volcanic vents. Within them could be liquid water, traces of long-deceased bacteria or fungi, or, some scientists believe, perhaps even existing microbial life. 

Caves can host complex ecosystems, inhabited by extremophiles that munch on rocks and convert the material into energy for life. Because of this, many astrobiologists want nothing more than to go spelunking on Mars.

TL;DR: For $39.99, get lifetime access to this CompTIA prep bundle and boost your IT career with courses in security, networking, and cloud computing.

If you’ve been thinking about leveling up your IT skills or diving into new fields like cybersecurity, networking, or cloud computing, this $40 CompTIA online learning package has you covered. With lifetime access to this training package, you can work at your own pace to master the essential skills needed for the most in-demand IT roles.

Start with IT Fundamentals, where you’ll learn the basics of computing, including hardware, software, and operating systems — perfect for building a strong foundation. From there, dive into specialized areas like networking and server administration, where you'll learn how to manage network infrastructures, configure servers, and troubleshoot systems like a pro. Whether you're just starting out or looking to boost your skills, you'll have a solid base to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam.

Cloud computing continues to transform the way businesses operate. With the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ course, you'll gain expertise in cloud infrastructure and learn how to design, implement, and manage cloud solutions for modern businesses. This training will help you become a certified Cloud Engineer, one of the most in-demand roles in tech today.

Not to be overlooked, the bundle also includes data analysis training, helping you turn raw data into actionable insights — a key skill for any Data Analyst or business professional. You’ll dive into database structures, learn how to clean and manipulate datasets, and create reports to support better decision-making.

Immerse yourself into the world of IT fundamentals, networking, security, and more with these CompTIA certification prep courses — on sale for $39.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Oak Academy The 2024 All-in-One CompTIA Certification Prep Courses Bundle $39.99
$299.90 Save $259.91 Get Deal

TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for a one-time payment of $69.97 (reg. $219) and say goodbye to subscriptions.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $69.97
$219.99 Save $150.02 Get Deal

Tired of paying for office software subscriptions? With Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021, you get a lifetime license on sale for $69.97, giving you access to all the essential productivity tools you need — without monthly fees.

This suite includes Word, perfect for creating documents, reports, and polished writing projects. Excel helps you manage data and finances with powerful spreadsheets, and PowerPoint makes building professional presentations a breeze. For business users, Outlook is included to streamline your emails, calendars, and contacts in one easy-to-use app.

The software is optimized for macOS and works with Apple’s Retina displays, so everything looks as crisp and clear as you’d expect. Plus, it's a one-time purchase — no subscriptions, no renewals, just lifetime access to the Microsoft programs you know and trust.

Whether you’re managing a small business, working remotely, or just need reliable software for personal projects, this lifetime license is an unbeatable deal.

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 today for $69.97 and never worry about subscriptions again.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: VideoProc's family license for Windows, available for $35.99, gives you pro-level video editing tools to make even your phone footage look Hollywood-worthy.

We’ve all got a collection of shaky, underwhelming phone videos sitting on our devices. But why settle for mediocre footage when VideoProc for Windows can give your videos the Hollywood treatment? You don’t need a fancy camera or pricey software to make your content shine — just VideoProc’s easy-to-use converting and editing tools on up to five devices for $35.99 (reg. $119).

VideoProc helps you elevate even the most basic footage with help from AI tools, offering features like stabilization for shaky shots and enhanced color correction to make your clips pop. From home movies to travel vlogs, you can take control of every detail. With VideoProc, you can cut, crop, merge, and transform your videos with just a few clicks.

It’s designed to be super user-friendly, so even if you’re not a pro, you can still create polished, professional-looking content. And if you're dealing with 4K or large file sizes, VideoProc handles it all with ease, so you can edit without worrying about your computer slowing down.

Plus, with the lifetime family license, you get access to all the features forever, no subscription fees attached. That means you can edit as many videos as you want, whenever you want, on up to five devices. Whether you’re a social media creator or just looking to upgrade your family videos, VideoProc has everything you need to take your content to the next level.

Get a pro-level editing suite that ensures even your phone footage looks red-carpet ready — a VideoProc Converter AI lifetime family license is on sale for $35.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Digiarty Software VideoProc Converter AI: Lifetime Family License (For Windows) $35.99
$119.90 Save $83.91 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get this 5-in-1 Multi-Device Power Pack for $54.99 (reg. $119.99) and keep all your gadgets charged simultaneously, anywhere you go.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shenzhen Centralspot Innovation 5-in-1 Multi-Device 10,000mAh Power Pack $54.99
$119.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal

It's a familiar scene: you're on the run, you're about to run out of power, and you have no options. Never face a blackout again with a 5-in-1 charging power pack on sale for 54% off.

For a limited time, score the 5-in-1 Multi-Device 10,000mAh Power Pack on sale for $54.99 and keep your devices charged anytime, anywhere.

What you get with the 5-in-1 Power Pack:

• Charges up to five devices simultaneously, including phones, tablets, and laptops

• USB-C and USB-A compatibility so you can charge a wide range of devices

• Wireless charging for compatible smartphones and accessories

• 10,000mAh high-capacity battery ensures long-lasting power, letting you charge multiple devices without frequent recharges

• Lightweight and portable design that’s perfect for travel, work, or home use

• Equipped with fast-charging technology for quicker power-ups on all your devices

Get the 5-in-1 Multi-Device 10,000mAh Power Pack on sale for $54.99 and stay juiced.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $180: As of Oct. 9, the Beats Studio Pro headphones are on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 51% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $169.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal

We're 24 hours into Amazon's October Prime Day but there's still plenty of time for you to grab a great deal. Everything from tech to home goods are seeing huge discounts, so keep your eye out for a bargain. We've been watching the sales closely, and one of the best deals we've seen so far is on Beats Studio Pro headphones.

A truly well-known name when it comes to high-audio quality, these headphones offer premium sound quality with noise cancellation and spatial audio support. The battery life can last up to 40 hours and it has ideal connectivity with both Android and Apple devices. If you're going to listen to your favorite tunes, you might as well listen to them in great quality, right?

As of Oct. 9, 2024, you can score a huge discount on these Beats headphones at Amazon. Down from £349.99, enjoy a 51% saving and pick them up for just £169.99. There's a range of deals across all colorways, but for this low price, browse the black, sandstone, navy, and deep brown models.

Shop more headphones deals

• Amazon headphones deals

• Best Buy headphones deals

• Walmart headphones deals

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 October 9'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 October 9 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. 

Prime Day deals you can shop right now

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $168.99 (List Price $249.00)

• Apple iPad 10.2" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2021 Release) — $199.00 (List Price $329.00)

• TP-Link Tapo C120 2K QHD Security Camera — $24.99 (List Price $39.99)

• 65" Hisense U6 Series 4K Mini-LED ULED Smart TV (2024 Model) — $597.99 (List Price $799.99)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Black) — $229.00 (List Price $299.00)

• Geekom A8 Ryzen 9 2TB SSD 32GB RAM Mini Desktop — $721.00 (List Price $849.00)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) — $34.99 (List Price $59.99)

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

It's October Prime Day: Here's the latest news on the deals
More on Prime Day: Here are all the best deals to shop so far

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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

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 October 9 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 9 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Mother.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears three times.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 9 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...

MOMMY.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

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 October 9'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 SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 9 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.

It's October Prime Day: Here's the latest news on the deals
More on Prime Day: Here are all the best deals to shop so far

Prime Day deals you can shop right now

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $168.99 (List Price $249.00)

• Apple iPad 10.2" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2021 Release) — $199.00 (List Price $329.00)

• TP-Link Tapo C120 2K QHD Security Camera — $24.99 (List Price $39.99)

• 65" Hisense U6 Series 4K Mini-LED ULED Smart TV (2024 Model) — $597.99 (List Price $799.99)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Black) — $229.00 (List Price $299.00)

• Geekom A8 Ryzen 9 2TB SSD 32GB RAM Mini Desktop — $721.00 (List Price $849.00)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) — $34.99 (List Price $59.99)

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 October 8 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: Carbonation

• Green: Glow up

• Blue: Music critics

• Purple: Requires plating

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: Effervescence

• Green: Burgeon

• Blue: Music Publications

• Purple: Ending with Tableware

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 #486 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Effervescence: BUBBLES, FIZZ, FOAM, FROTH

• Burgeon: BLOSSOM, DEVELOP, MATURE, PROGRESS

• Music Publications: BILLBOARD, MOJO, PITCHFORK, SPIN

• Ending with Tableware: BOILERPLATE, BUTTERCUP, JACKKNIFE, WITHERSPOON

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.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 8

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 9 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Wednesday, October 9, 2024:

AcrossDocument type definition

• The answer is DTD.

Suborder for swans, ducks, and geese

• The answer is Anseres.

Home of the Jets and Giants

• The answer is MetLife.

Caffeine Dispenser

• The answer is Barista.

More upright

• The answer is Erecter.

Grids of pixels on an electronic display

• The answer is Rasters.

General ___'s Chicken

• The answer is Tso.

It's October Prime Day: Here's the latest news on the deals
More on Prime Day: Here are all the best deals to shop so far

DownIn flagrante _______

• The answer is Delicto.

Sibelius's "Valse ______"

• The answer is Triste.

More dextrous

• The answer is Defter.

Natural resin

• The answer is Amber.

______ at hand (close by)

• The answer is NearAt.

Anxiety inducer

• The answer is Stress.

Department store chain

• The answer is Sears.

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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Best KitchenAid deals from October Prime Day Best stand mixer deal KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer $349.95 at Amazon (save $110.04) Get Deal Best stand mixer attachment deal KitchenAid Stand Mixer Pasta Roller and Cutter Attachment $134.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is in full swing, and we've been covering all the best deals you can get across various categories. This time, we're looking at the iconic kitchen brand, KitchenAid, as they've showed up to October Prime Day in a big way. We've already found a few great offers on their popular stand mixers, as well as their attachments and a few other miscellaneous items.

Check out our favorite KitchenAid deals below and give your kitchen a serious glow-up.

SEE ALSO: A list of 25+ Ninja kitchen gadgets on sale for October Prime Day Best stand mixer deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer $349.95 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $110.04 Get Deal Why we like it

Need we even tell you why KitchenAid stand mixers are great? Probably not. If you're looking to pick up one of the iconic kitchen mainstays during the Prime Big Deal Days sale, the Artisan Series 5-Quart version is up for $110.04 off the usual price. There's no better time to buy one than right now (except for maybe Black Friday).

More stand mixer deals

• KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3.5-Quart Stand Mixer — $249.99 $379.99 (save $130)

• KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Quart Stand Mixer — $279.99 $329.99 (save $50)

• KitchenAid 7-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer — $529.95 $599.99 (save $70.04)

Best stand mixer attachment deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Stand Mixer Pasta Roller and Cutter Attachment $134.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Once you get your stand mixer, the journey isn't quite over yet. Now, you can have fun picking out all the fun attachments you want to add to the mix. This pasta roller and cutter attachment makes crafting homemade pasta way easier, and it's a nice $15 off during October Prime Day. Warning: Once you make pasta from scratch, boxed pasta will never hit the same way again. Bon appétit!

More stand mixer attachment deals

• KitchenAid Flex Edge Beater Attachment — $24.88 $39.99 (save $15.11)

• KitchenAid Shave Ice Attachment — $64.99 $99.99 (save $35)

• KitchenAid Fruit and Vegetable Spiralizer Attachment — $66.49 $129.99 (save $63.50)

• KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment — $69.99 $99.99 (save $30)

• KitchenAid Food Grinder Attachment — $74.95 $99.99 (save $25.04)

• KitchenAid Sifter and Scale Attachment — $99.96 $169.99 (save $70.03)

• KitchenAid Grain Mill Attachment — $114.96 $149.99 (save $35.03)

• KitchenAid Food Processor Attachment — $151.99 $249.99 (save $98)

More KitchenAid deals from October Prime Day

Small appliances

• KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer — $44.95 $59.99 (save $15.04)

• KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper — $49.99 $59.99 (save $10)

• KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender — $49.99 $59.99 (save $10)

• KitchenAid 6 Speed Hand Mixer with Flex Edge Beaters — $59.95 $79.99 (save $20.04)

• KitchenAid 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• KitchenAid Go Cordless Kitchen Vacuum — $84.99 $129.99 (save $45)

• KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer with Turbo Beater — $89.99 $109.99 (save $20)

• KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Blender — $94.99 $129.99 (save $35)

• KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Mixer — $99.95 $129.99 (save $30.04)

• KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder — $139.95 $179.99 (save $40.04)

• KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor — $149.95 $199.99 (save $50.04)

• KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker — $219.99 $299.99 (save $80)

Misc.

• KitchenAid Classic Solid Turner — $5.99 $9.99 (save $4)

• KitchenAid Gourmet Multi-Sided Meat Tenderizer — $8.06 $21.99 (save $13.93)

• KitchenAid Nonstick Aluminized Steel Baking Sheet — $8.99 $13.83 (save $4.84)

• KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener — $9.58 $14.99 (save $5.41)

• KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher — $9.96 $17.99 (save $8.03)

• KitchenAid Expandable Stainless Steel Colander — $21.35 $37.99 (save $16.64)

• KitchenAid Classic Tool and Gadget Set, 15-Pieces — $26.49 $59.99 (save $33.50)

• KitchenAid Gourmet Forged Triple Rivet Knife Block Set — $62.70 $119.99 (save $57.29)

• KitchenAid Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 9 Pieces — $186.99 $219.99 (save $33)

October Prime Day luggage deals: Best overall Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX hardside expandable luggage set $208.34 at Amazon (with Prime) (save $280.66) Get Deal Best carry-on deal Travelpro Maxlite 5 softside expandable carry-on $108.79 at Amazon (with Prime) (save $61.20) Get Deal Best budget pick Amazon Basics expandable hardside luggage (30-inch) $68.89 at Amazon (with Prime) (save $41.10) Get Deal

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean the travel season has to end. And now that Prime Day fall edition is finally here, you can get your hands on discounted luggage that’ll last you a lifetime (depending on the brand and how you treat it, of course).

SEE ALSO: Live Blog: The latest news on October Prime Day 2024

Whether you’re in need of a small carry-on for business trips, a roomy checked bag for your next family vacation, or something in between, Amazon’s got hundreds of options from top brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, Travelpro, and more with price cuts that’ll likely disappear once the big event wraps up.

From hardside to softside spinner sets, durable backpacks, and even kids' luggage, we've done the hard work of rounding up some of the best October Prime Day luggage deals.

Here are our top picks:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Samsonite Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX hardside expandable luggage set $208.34 at Amazon
$489.00 Save $280.66 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX hardside expandable luggage set is one of the best deals we've seen during Prime Day. This durable two-piece set was originally priced at $489, but you can snag it for just $208.34 right now — that's over 50% off. But you have to be a Prime member to get this deal.

The set comes with one 20-inch carry-on and one 24-inch checked bag, both with expandable hardside shells, multi-directional spinner wheels, and a built-in TSA-approved lock. This set also includes a 10-year warranty, so you can literally use it for years to come.

More October Prime Day luggage deals

• Adidas Defender 4 large duffle bag — $33.75 $55 (save $21.25)

• American Tourister Disney hardside carry-on luggage — $89.99 $199.99 (save $110)

• Travelpro Maxlite Air hardside expandable carry-on luggage — $112.19 $169.99 (save $57.80)

• Samsonite Evolve Se hardside expandable two-piece luggage set — $182.96 $289 (save $106.04)

• American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 softside expandable three-piece luggage set — $209.76 $349.97 (save $140.21)

• American Tourister Stratum 2.0 hardside expandable three-piece luggage set — $221.75 $349.97 (save $128.22)

Best Prime Big Deal Days Xbox deals Best console deal Xbox Series S (512GB) $284.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal Best accessory deal Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller $140 at Amazon (save $39.99) Get Deal Best bundle deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max + Astral Purple Core controller + 1-month Game Pass Ultimate bundle $79.99 at Amazon (save $61.98) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is finally here, and it's brought with it a bevy of worthwhile gaming deals that you should definitely check out. Xbox fans are particularly lucky when it comes to discounts during the October Prime Day event — we've already found some pretty sweet offers on consoles, accessories, and individual games, and we expect to find more as the sale continues.

SEE ALSO: These are the best October Prime Day deals that cost under $50

Below, find our top Xbox deals from Prime Big Deal Days so far. (If you're looking for an Xbox Series X discount, we couldn't find any at Amazon, but Best Buy has them in stock for $50 off.)

Best console deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Series S (512GB) $284.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This isn't the best Xbox Series S deal we've ever seen, but it's something! The Xbox Series S is one of the best consoles you can get on a budget — just $284.99 during Prime Big Deal Days, which saves you $15. It's not as powerful as its Series X counterpart, but it's close, and if you also pick up an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, we're certain that you'll be happy with the overall package.

Best accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller $140.00
$179.99 Save $39.99 Get Deal Why we like it

There's nothing wrong with the Core controller that comes with your Xbox console, but if you're looking to upgrade, there's no better option than Xbox's Elite line. The Elite Series 2 Core controller comes with a more premium-feeling build-quality, adjustable thumbsticks, a rubberized grip, hair trigger locks, back paddles, and more great customization options. During October Prime Day, you can get one for $140, saving you $39.99.

Best bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox / Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max + Astral Purple Core controller + 1-month Game Pass Ultimate bundle $79.99
$141.97 Save $61.98 Get Deal Why we like it

This is easily the best gaming bundle we've found during Prime Big Deal Days so far. It comes with an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (which includes the Xbox streaming app), an Xbox Wireless Core controller, and a 1-month membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. That's a $141.97 value for just $79.99. If you're into streaming games, this deal is a no-brainer — pick it up and save $61.98.

More October Prime Day Xbox deals

Games:

• Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon — $39.99 $46 (save $6.01)

• Assassin's Creed Mirage — $22.99 $49.99 (save $27)

• EA Sports College Football 25 — $42.99 $69.99 (save $27)

• Elden Ring — $50.40 $59.95 (save $9.55)

• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth — $47.09 $69.99 (save $22.90)

• Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 — $35.30 $39.99 (save $4.69)

• Madden NFL 25 — $42.99 $69.99 (save $27)

• Minecraft (with 3500 Minecoins) — $23.72 $29.99 (save $6.27)

• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown — $19.99 $49.99 (save $30)

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge — $19.93 $34.99 (save $15.06)

• WWE 2K24 — $28.24 $34.99 (save $6.75)

Accessories:

• Razer Universal Quick Charging — $19.99 $39.99 (save $20)

• 8Bitdo M30 Wired Controller — $29.69 $34.99 (save $5.30)

• Xbox Core Wireless Controller — $43.93 $59.99 (save $16.06)

• Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Wired Controller — $66.99 $149.99 (save $83)

• HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Gaming Headset — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• SteelSeries Arctis 7X+ Gaming Headset — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)

• Asus ROG Raikiri Pro Controller — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)

• Seagate Storage Expansion Card (1TB) — $129.99 $159.99 (save $30)

• HORI Fighting Stick for Xbox Series X|S — $158.99 $199.99 (save $41)

• SCUF Instinct Pro Controller — $194.99 $229.99 (save $35)

• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Gaming Headset — $218.31 $249.99 (save $31.68)

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

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

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

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

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

A home for many kinds of tropical fish.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 9 Hurdle Word 1 answer

CORAL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Lifts up a helicopter.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for October 9 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ROTOR

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A negative kind of responsibility.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 9 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BLAME

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Expressing dry humor.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 9 Hurdle Word 4 answer

WRYLY

Final Hurdle hint

A floppy-eared dog.

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

HOUND

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

October Prime Day board game deals: Best overall Catan $29.99 at Amazon (save $30 ) Get Deal Best runner-up Ticket to Ride $29.99 at Amazon (save $25) Get Deal Best board game for kids Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet Adventures $9.99 at Amazon (sav e $2) Get Deal

Today’s the day: October Prime Day is finally here, and Amazon’s gifting us with hundreds of deals on all sorts of products, from TVs and soundbars to gaming consoles and more. But tech isn’t the only thing getting discounted — we’re also seeing some major deals on top-rated board games.

SEE ALSO: The PlayStation 5 Slim is down to its lowest-ever price on October Prime Day

Whether you’re seriously into board games, want to bulk up your collection, or make family game night a regular thing, October Prime Day is one way to do it on the cheap. From classics like Catan and Monopoly to adult party games like Tipsyland, here are the best October Prime Day board game deals we could find:

Best board game deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Catan Catan $29.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Catan is a classic strategy game that’s perfect for families and game nights. And, at 50% off — down to just $29.99 — it's a steal. (You can get the five-to-six-player extension for $24.49). In this game, you’ll need to collect resources, settle the land, and trade with other players to build the biggest settlements. If you like any of the digital empire-building games, Catan is a great tabletop version that requires tight strategy, some luck, and a good dose of diplomacy to win.

More board game deals

• Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures — $9.99 $11.99 (save $2)

• Guess Who? — $12.99 $17.99 (save $5)

• Azul — $17.09 $39.99 (save $22.90)

• Splendor — $22.49 $39.99 (save $17.50)

• Monopoly Ultimate Banking Edition — $23.49 $37.99 (save $4.50)

• Ticket to Ride — $29.99 $54.99 (save $25)

• the Uzzle — $39.99 $70.99 (save $31)