IT General

If you're a fan of the AdultFriendFinder hookup site, you'll be interested to know it's part of a larger network of dating and hookup sites that share AFF's architecture and design philosophy. These sites are collectively known as the FriendFinder Network, which encompasses a wide variety of platforms, from mainstream dating sites to services for religious daters and even live cam sites. 

Here are three of the most popular AFF alternatives run by the FriendFinder Network:

ALT

ALT is one of the largest kinksters-only dating sites around, with even more focus on BDSM than AdultFriendFinder. The interface and general feel of the site are clearly inspired by AFF, but there's an emphasis on connecting individuals to couples or couples to individuals. And the user base is largely well-schooled in the ins and outs of BDSM. 

If you're looking for a dedicated dom or want to explore the intricacies of Shibari with someone in your area, ALT offers a large number of like-minded daters. Sign up with an open mind, and you're guaranteed to have a good time. 

BigChurch

If you've spent any time on AFF, it may surprise you to learn that one of the other sites under the FriendFinder network umbrella is a Christian dating site. A similar interface experience is the extent of their similarities, unsurprisingly. BigChurch has almost nothing else in common with its spicier sibling.

As with many other FriendFinder sites, signing up is totally free, and BigChurch has a strong community aspect, with a biblical bent nearly everywhere you look. The homepage serves up not only a Bible verse (Genesis 2:24: "A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" — what else!) but also a search bar, so instead of finding partners by shared kinks, you can find someone who shares your passion for Ephesians. 

Cams.com

If you're more of a visual person and want a dating experience to match, Cams.com is a great alternative dating platform. As with AFF, the experience is quite restrictive for free members, though it does allow you to browse webcam feeds. The real fun begins when you sign up for an upgraded paid account. You can then access HD webcam feeds, with options to tip, private message, or live video chat with other users. 

It also offers a very robust search filter, with models of all legal ages, genders (trans-inclusive!), and ethnicities. One big caveat, though: as with AFF, there are scammers on Cams.com, often using pre-recorded video feeds, so it's always worth taking a second to verify that the person you're watching is real before you spend a token on them or send a DM. 

TL;DR: Live stream Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants for free on 7Plus. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Thursday Night Football kicks off with an NFC East showdown, as the Washington Commanders visit the New York Giants.

The Giants have a better win-loss record this season, 5-2 vs. 2-5, but the last time these teams met, it ended in a tie — this game will settle the score. Coming off a win over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants certainly want to keep that momentum. They're currently in the hunt for a playoff spot.

If you want to watch Commanders vs. Giants in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Commanders vs. Giants?

Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants starts at 8.15 p.m. ET on Nov. 12. This fixture takes place at MetLife Stadium.

How to watch Commanders vs. Giants for free

Commanders vs. Giants in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can live stream Commanders vs. Giants for free from anywhere in the world.

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

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit 7Plus

5. Watch Commanders vs. Giants for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Commanders vs. Giants without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus NFL action) before recovering your 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, including Australia

• 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 free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The best early Walmart Black Friday deals: Best Apple Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.00 (save $50) Get Deal Best Home Deal Roborock Qrevo S5V Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 (save $400) Get Deal Best TV Deal LG 65-inch C6 Series 4K UHD OLED AI Smart webOS 26 TV $1,399.99 (save $1,300) Get Deal Best Lego Deal Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball $159.95 (save $40.04) Get Deal Best Kitchen Deal Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine and Drip Coffee Maker $489.00 (save $60) Get Deal Best Speaker Deal JBL Flip 6 $79.95 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Laptop Deal Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 15.3" Touchscreen 2-in-1 Laptop, (Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB Ram, 512GB SSD) $729 (Save $470.99) Get Deal Best Home Security Deal Wyze Wireless Video Doorbell $49.98 (Save $15.99) Get Deal

Walmart's Black Friday sale is arriving in three waves this year, with the first big deals drop kicking off on Nov. 12 and running until Nov. 15. The retailer's ad scans have been live for some time, offering shoppers a sneak peek at what's to come during its early Black Friday sale.

Credit: Walmart

This three-day-long event is just the start, though. The retailer also has a Black Friday sale planned for Nov. 23-29, plus a Cyber Monday sale running from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Walmart+ members can even get early access to the sale (plus exclusive online-only deals during the first 24 hours). If that's piqued your interest, check out our guide to signing up for Walmart+ to learn more.

There are quite a few early deals up that are worth a look before the main event starts. At the time of this writing, we've spotted discounts on AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4, a 65-inch LG C6 TV, and even the Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball, which has hit an all-time low price. These are just a few highlights.

Check out more of our favorite finds below, or for a deeper dive into what's available, our rundown of early Black Friday deals at Walmart can help you out.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Walmart
$249 Save $50   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

AirPods Pro 3 are our favorite pair of buds for Apple users, so it's always exciting when we spot a discount. Ahead of Black Friday sales, they're currently marked down to $199 at Walmart, saving you $50 off the regular price.

There's a good chance they'll drop a bit lower during the main sale (the lowest price they've dipped to is $169, according to price tracker camelmart), but this is still a pretty good deal if you're itching to pick them up now. They're certainly worth the investment, with Active Noise Cancellation, high-quality audio, built-in heart rate sensing, and up to eight hours of battery life with ANC.

More Apple deals

• Apple AirTag 4 Pack (2nd Generation) — $69.99 $99 (save $29.01)

• Apple AirPods 4 — $89 $129.99 (save $40.99)

• Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 18-core CPU/20 core GPU, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,816.99 $2,999 (save $183)

Best home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo S5V Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 at Walmart
$899.99 Save $400   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

It's not even Black Friday yet, and this Roborock Qrevo S5V is already down to its lowest price at Walmart. It's currently on sale for $499.99, which is $400 off its list price of $899.99. That's a huge discount, and this combo cleaner is certainly worth the pick-up if you need a little extra assistance with your floors.

It features 12,000Pa suction for lifting dirt, debris, hair, and more, plus dual spinning mops that can hit 200 RPM to scrub out stains. Its Obstacle Avoidance System is very helpful, steering clear of any objects that might be in its way as it cleans around, and PreciSense LiDAR Navigation helps it map out your home for an efficient clean.

More home deals

• Bissell Little Green Portable Deep Cleaner — $74.62 $101.97 (save $27.35)

• Shark Steam & Scrub Scrubbing Steam Mop — $98.74 $149 (save $50.26)

• Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner — $118 $168 (save $50)

• KitchenAid Deluxe Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer — $279 $449.99 (save $170.99)

• Roborock Q10 X5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch C6 Series 4K UHD OLED AI TV $1,399.99 at Walmart
$2,699.99 Save $1,300.00   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

Black Friday is a great time to upgrade your TV, and this 65-inch LG C6 TV offers an impressive 4K OLED display, support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and a 165Hz Refresh Rate for gamers. Walmart has slashed $1,300 off ahead of its early Black Friday sale, bringing its price down from $2,699.99 to $1,399.99. That's a massive drop, and not too far off from its lowest-ever point of $1,339.99.

More TV deals

• Samsung 65-inch Class U8000H Series Crystal UHD 4K TV — $298 $378 (save $80)

• Samsung 65-inch Class M70HB Series Mini LED 4K UHD Smart TV — $378 $478 (save $100)

• TCL 75-inch Class QM6K Series QD-Mini LED QLED 4K UHD HDR Smart TV — $798 $999.99 (save $201.99)

Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball $159.95 at Walmart
$199.99 Save $40.04   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

The 2,050-piece Lego Pikachu and Poké Ball set is an absolute delight for Pokémon fans, and it's recently received a surprise price drop ahead of Black Friday. Walmart currently has it on sale for $159.95. That's $40.04 off its original price, marking the lowest price we've seen since its launch. If it's been on your radar, this is a great time to act.

More Lego deals

• Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box — $21.42 $34.99 (save $13.57)

• Lego Pokémon Eevee — $47.96 $59.99 (save $12.03)

• Lego KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)

• Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Lego Harry Potter Diagon Alley Wizarding Shops — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine and Drip Coffee Maker $489 at Walmart
$549 Save $60   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier is an espresso/coffee maker we have a lot of love for, with Mashable's Samantha Mangino writing that it "strikes the perfect balance of user-friendly design with high-end settings." If you've had your eyes on it, Walmart's knocked it down to a new low price ahead of Black Friday. This has brought its price down from $549 to $489, making now an excellent time to add it to your shopping cart.

More kitchen deals

• Crock-Pot Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker — $34.96 $79.99 (save $45.03)

• Nespresso Vertuo Pop Coffee and Espresso Maker — $84.97 $119 (save $34.03)

• Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker — $149 $169 (save $20)

• Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine and Drip Coffee Maker — $489 $549 (save $60)

Best speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart JBL Flip 6 $79.95 at Walmart
$129.95 Save $50.00   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

Whether you plan on sharing holiday tunes or your favorite podcast wherever you go this season, a portable speaker can make everything better. This one has a powerful woofer with a separate tweeter and dual passive bass radiators for room-filling sound. It’s rated IP67 against water and dust, and a full charge lasts up to 12 hours, so the party doesn't have to stop until you're ready. Plus, you can link it up with other compatible JBL speakers for stereo or bigger sound.

More speaker deals

• Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $29.99 $45.99 (save $16)

• JLab JBuds Party Portable Speaker — $47.99 $59.99 (save $12)

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 15.3" Touchscreen 2-in-1 Laptop, (Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB Ram, 512GB SSD) $729 at Walmart
$1,199.99 Save $470.99   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

If you're in the market for a new daily driver laptop, this is a great option. The 15.3-inch touchscreen has a 1920 x 1200 display, with a 360-degree hinge that means it can transform from laptop to folding tablet or stand modes for sketching or streaming on the couch. It boasts an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 322 with 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 512GB SSD, and support for WiFi 7 so you stay connected even in larger homes.

More laptop deals

• HP 14-inch HD Windows 11 Laptop (Intel N150, 4GB RAM, 128GB Storage) — $199 $259 (save $60)

Best home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Wyze Wireless Video Doorbell $49.98 at Walmart
$65.97 Save $15.99   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

If you want to keep an eye out for who darkens your doorstep, this video doorbell is a boon for your home security setup. It has a 150-degree view and motion detection, as well as two-way audio, so you can communicate with anyone on your porch. You can mount it on battery power alone or wire it into the existing doorbell leads for constant power. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant and includes a one-month Cam Plus trial, which adds cloud recording and smarter person and package alerts.

More home security deals

• TP-Link Tapo TCW34 Dual-Camera Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera — $49 $58 (save $9)

Where to check for Zelda Switch 2 stock: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Nintendo Shop Now Amazon Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Amazon Shop Now Walmart Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Walmart Shop Now Target Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Target Shop Now Best Buy Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Best Buy Shop Now GameStop Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at GameStop Shop Now

If your current morning ritual involves violently hitting refresh on a dozen retail tabs, you already know the vibe: finding the Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition is turning into an Olympic sport.

Between automated bot armies scooping digital drops, surprise order cancellations at Walmart, and inventory vanishing in seconds on Amazon, this custom black-and-gold console feels like a myth. But while digital storefronts look completely barren, stock is actively circulating behind the scenes.

Where to check for Zelda Switch 2 stock right now

Before getting into the restock details, bookmark these retailer pages to check for surprise drops:

• Nintendo Store — Out of stock right now, but you can add it to your wishlist to get pinged the second a restock hits.

• Amazon — Dropping tiny batches of consoles randomly throughout the day.

• Walmart — Stock exists but only for third-party listings selling at way over market price, so make sure your in-stock email alerts are turned on.

• Target — Sold out online, but periodic drops have taken place in-store.

• Best Buy — Sold out online, but select stores ran midnight openings on Nov. 5 with walk-in stock.

• GameStop — Online orders are off; you will have to walk into a store to find one.

Why is the console selling out so fast?

The feeding frenzy is being supercharged by Nintendo’s staggered release calendar. While the custom Zelda 40th Anniversary hardware dropped first on Oct. 29, the flagship game driving demand — The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 — arrived on Thursday, Nov. 5.

The remake rebuilds the 1998 classic from the ground up with modernized controls, a fully orchestrated soundtrack, reworked dungeon puzzles, and expanded Hyrule environments. Since the $520 console doesn’t include the game, everyone is rushing to lock down a system before launch day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon What comes with the Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2?

The package includes the special-edition Switch 2 system sporting a custom black-and-gold finish, themed Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a matching dock decorated with the gold Triforce emblem. It retains the platform's signature flexibility, letting you switch between TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes whenever you want.

Inside the themed chassis, you get 256GB of built-in storage (expandable with microSD Express cards), a vivid display in handheld mode, faster load times, and support for up to 4K resolution on compatible TVs when the console sits in the dock.

The magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers add mouse-style tracking in supported games, while the new GameChat hub lets you voice chat and share your screen directly as you play. It also plays your older Switch games and supports standard multiplayer options.

How can you improve your chances of finding stock?

Landing limited-edition Nintendo hardware takes a little prep work, but these battle-tested habits will give you a real edge over the bots:

• Save your checkout details everywhere — Log in to Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Nintendo Store to save your shipping address and default card. Stopping to type a card number or billing zip code during a live drop is how you lose an order.

• Hands off the refresh button in Best Buy's queue — When an online drop goes live, Best Buy puts shoppers into a randomized waiting line to filter out scrapers. Touching the reload button resets your spot and boots you straight to the back.

• Watch for Walmart+ early-access paywalls — Walmart frequently locks headline console drops behind paid Walmart+ subscriptions for the first 30 to 60 minutes. If you have a membership, keep that tab signed in; if not, wait for the general public window to unlock.

• Dodge third-party sellers — Double-check the seller before buying. Marketplace scalpers frequently list units for jacked-up prices; make sure it says "Sold and shipped by [Retailer]" at the standard price.

• Skip the web wars and head to physical stores — Online checkout bots grab website stock in under 15 seconds. Showing up in person is easily your most reliable path to securing one without paying scalper markups.

Will the Zelda Switch 2 be restocked on Black Friday?

Most likely, yes.

Stores like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy often hold onto popular gaming hardware to use as headline deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday week.

With that said, Black Friday restocks are usually the hardest ones to catch. You will be fighting website crashes, gift shoppers, and automated bots all at once. If you can grab a console whenever stock appears, take it. Think of Black Friday as a backup plan, not your main bet.

Console hunting sucks right now, period. But between the surprise micro-drops and physical store restocks, you still have real shots at retail price — just be ready to move the second that stock goes live.

What's your vibe on a long car journey? Are you the driver — focused on the road and your safety, determined to get to your destination on time? Or are you the passenger, tasked with the aux cord, cueing up podcasts, and sipping on an iced coffee? Yes, we're talking about the passenger princesses out there.

Nov. 18 marks the third annual National Passenger Princess Day, and Dutch Bros is taking the viral trend to the next level with a mammoth merch drop.

To mark the occasion, Dutch Bros is rolling out its first-ever dedicated holiday energy drink, an online drop of fuzzy car accessories, and a nationwide morning giveaway of rhinestone car vent bling. Yes, this is real.

The festivities kick off on Nov. 13 and culminate on Nov. 18 with free car charms on qualifying beverage orders:

• Pink Majesty (Nov. 13): The chain's first dedicated beverage engineered specifically for the occasion. It blends a neon-pink Rebel energy drink base with tiny edible candy crown sprinkles.

• Merch Drop (Nov. 13): Dropping exclusively on the Dutch Bros Shop online, the collection features a plush pink fuzzy seat belt cover, an oversized sherpa-lined cabin hoodie, a bedazzled mini cup-holder trash bin, and a specialty "credit card wand" designed for swiping cards at drive-thru windows with acrylic nails.

• Vent Charm Giveaway (Nov. 18): Starting at 5 a.m. local time on the official holiday, drive-thru guests ordering any medium or large drink walk away with one of three collectible rhinestone-studded car vent clips (free while supplies last).

Credit: Dutch Bros

Physical stock for Dutch Bros giveaways is notoriously lean. If you pull up to the drive-thru window after the morning rush, odds are the franchise will be completely out of charms. The early bird gets the merch.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime Pansophy Base license for $63.20 with code DEAL20 through Nov. 15 (reg. $199), with local AI chat, writing, coding, and document analysis and no recurring fees.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mind2Matter Pansophy Private Personal AI Desktop Assistant - Base Plan: Lifetime Subscription $63.20
$199 Save $135.80   Get Deal

AI tools can be incredibly useful, but there’s a trade-off worth thinking about: when you use a cloud-based assistant, your conversations and uploaded documents may be processed outside your own computer. If you’d rather keep more control over your information — and skip another monthly AI bill — Pansophy offers a different approach. The Pansophy Private Personal AI Desktop Assistant Base Plan is on sale for $63.20 with code DEAL20 through Nov. 15.

Instead of sending your prompts and files to a cloud service, Pansophy runs its AI processing locally on your computer. That means you can use its chat, writing, and coding tools without depending on a cloud account or paying per token. Once activated and running, it can also work offline, so you don’t need an internet connection for every task.

There’s plenty to do with it, too. Use Pansophy to brainstorm ideas, draft emails, generate or debug code, summarize research, and work with documents. You can upload PDFs, Word documents, text files, and Markdown files to get summaries, ask questions, rewrite passages, or translate content. An optional web search mode can bring live search results into your workflow when you’re connected.

Pansophy supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS, with a minimum of 4GB RAM and 8GB recommended. The Base license covers one device and includes lifetime access and updates, with no token limits or recurring software fees.

A couple of things to know: this is a desktop-only product, and it doesn’t currently support image or video generation. You’ll also need an internet connection for activation and optional web searches.

If you’d like to try a more private, locally run approach to everyday AI tasks, check out this lifetime subscription to a Pansophy Base Plan for $63.20 with code DEAL20 through Nov. 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

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

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

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

School writing.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

CHALK

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Copy.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 12, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ROGER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Dance.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 12, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 12, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BEBOP

Hurdle Word 4 hint

12.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

DOZEN

Final Hurdle hint

Purple flower.

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

LILAC

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 12, 2026 Good heavens meaning

An expression used to express disbelief.

Great Scott meaning

An expression used to express amazement.

Holy smokes meaning

An expression used to express amazement.

Jiminy Cricket meaning

An iconic Disney character from Pinocchio.

Gladiator sandals meaning

A type of shoe inspired by the ancient Roman era.

Marty McFly meaning

The main character in Back to the Future.

Moonlight Sonata meaning

Beethoven's most popular song.

Rocky road meaning

A chocolate dessert.

Arctic char meaning

A northern species of salmon and trout.

Comedy roast meaning

A barrage of jokes making fun of someone.

Doc Brown meaning

A scientist in Back to the Future.

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

You're toast meaning

A popular saying meaning you've messed up.

Change purse meaning

A small purse used for carrying spare change.

Flux capacitor meaning

A part of the time machine in Back to the Future.

Shift dress meaning

A popular dress from the 1950s.

Swing set meaning

An outdoor play structure with multiple swings.

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a film buff.

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 12, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Wow!

• Green: Transformation

• Blue: Chef it up

• Purple: Great films

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

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: "Gadzooks!"

• Green: Starting with variations

• Blue: Ending in ways to cook things

• Purple: Starting with Best Picture Oscar winners

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 #1250 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• "Gadzooks!": GOOD HEAVENS, GREAT SCOTT, HOLY SMOKES, JIMINY CRICKET

• Starting with variations: CHANGE PURSE, FLUX CAPACITOR, SHIFT DRESS, SWING SET

• Ending in ways to cook things: ARCTIC CHAR, COMEDY ROAST, DOC BROWN, YOU'RE TOAST

• Starting with Best Picture Oscar winners: GLADIATOR SANDALS, MARTY MCFLY, MOONLIGHT SONATA, ROCKY ROAD

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you attend a lot of events.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

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

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 12, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Facing the music

The words are related to watching something.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words involve attending an event.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Audience.

NYT Strands word list for November 12

• Concertgoer

• Spectator

• Listener

• Viewer

• Patron

• Audience

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Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love jewels.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 12, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

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

Gold measurement.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter A appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter K.

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...

KARAT

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

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

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

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

Updated on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 9:45 a.m. ET — Jensen Huang officially resigned on Thursday morning, with CFO Colette Kress taking over as interim CEO.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang came under scrutiny this week after he admitted to an affair that The New York Times linked to a suspected Chinese intelligence asset. It now appears that this may not have been his only affair, a second strike which may see him ousted from his position leading the multibillion-dollar chipmaker.

SEE ALSO: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admits affair with alleged Chinese spy

The New York Times reports that Huang had an extramarital romantic relationship with his coworker Kimberly Powell, who currently serves as Nvidia's vice president of healthcare. While it's unclear whether this affair is still ongoing, multiple sources speaking to the Times stated that Huang and Powell were seen being affectionate with each other as recently as this March. Huang has been married to his wife since 1985, while Powell is reportedly married as well.

Meanwhile, Nvidia’s board is allegedly looking to oust Huang. The company had previously stated that Huang would stay on as CEO during the investigation into his affair with Megaspeed executive Alice Huang (no relation). However, the revelation of his relationship with Powell may have changed that plan. The Wall Street Journal reports that the board now intends to remove Huang. Reuters reported that the board was meeting late Wednesday to decide his future.

Nvidia's code of conduct does not explicitly prohibit workers from cheating on their spouses, or from dating their coworkers. However, it does warn employees to avoid conflicts of interest, which may include "personal relationships," and further states that managers "serve as role models."

"We ask ourselves what the impact would be if our conduct or action became public or came to the attention of respected colleagues," reads the code.

"We conduct ourselves and our business with the highest ethical standards by never taking undue advantage of a business relationship and never sacrificing a long-term relationship for a short-term gain."

In a letter preceding the code, Huang stated that it is the company's "responsibility to maintain high ethical standards," and urged employees to "ensure that each of us upholds the principles that are essential for preserving NVIDIA's reputation as a distinguished and exceptional company."

On Nov. 8, Huang acknowledged the affair in an email to employees that Nvidia later published, The New York Times having named his affair partner as Ms. Huang. Though U.S. spy agencies have reportedly identified Ms. Huang as a Chinese intelligence asset, China has refuted such allegations as "groundless smears and slanders" against the country.

Nvidia's stock was already down after the recent U.S. midterm elections, and fell around 10 percent through Tuesday's close after Huang's affair with Ms. Huang became public. Now the company’s stock has fallen even further following reports of his second affair and potential ousting, shaving more than 8 percent off its value in Wednesday's after-hours trading.

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If you're an Android user looking for a smartwatch that actually keeps up with your phone, the Google Pixel Watch 5 is worth looking into. This latest model brings Gemini Intelligence, a domed Actua 360 display, and up to 40 hours of battery life. The $400 list price might have been too high for some, but right now Amazon has the 44mm Wi-Fi model available for $300, 25% off the MSRP. If you've been eyeing the Pixel Watch 5, now's the chance to grab one.

My home server plans usually die when I look at the hardware list. Everyone claims you need a dedicated box, which is rough if you don't have a spare machine sitting around. In reality, the PC you already have can handle most of it. Docker Desktop runs on Windows, and plenty of useful tools are small enough that they barely register next to my browser tabs.

Long-time Android fans are well aware of the legendary Tasker app, but the experience isn’t limited to phones. The “AutoWear” plugin brings Wear OS devices, such as the Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch, into the fold.

Laptops compromise the computer experience in exchange for portability and mobility. There's no way around that fact.

The air around us is full of signals that we can't see. Despite the technology being more than 100 years old, radio waves are still frequently used by music stations, satellites, aircraft, and more. You don't need expensive equipment to pick up these signals; you can do it with a dongle that can cost as little as $25.

3D printing can mean a lot of trial and error, especially when you're fighting with bed leveling or tangled filament. The Bambu Lab P2S AMS Combo 3D Printer takes on both laser-based bed leveling and an AI vision system that detects tangled filament. Right now, you can get one for $100 off in a Best Buy holiday deal.

Some movies leave a lasting impression because of their ability to make us laugh or cry. Other movies remind us of the importance of family, friendship, and community. I have always found that the best classic movies are the ones that manage to do both, telling deeply personal stories that resonate long after the credits roll. Whether they explore the horrors of war, the strength of friendship, or the pain of losing someone we love, these films have a way of making us reflect on our own lives.

TL;DR: The Yu-Gi-Oh! The Magnificent Monsters Box Set is on sale for $35.33 on Amazon, down from its standard $39.95 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Konami Yu-Gi-Oh! Magnificent Monsters Box Set $35.33 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $4.62   Get Deal at Amazon

There's a fresh Amazon bargain for Yu-Gi-Oh! fans who prefer their trading cards centered on monsters from the hit anime series. Konami's Magnificent Monsters expansion, which only launched in September, has now hit its lowest-ever price on the retailer — a more than welcome early Black Friday deal. 

As of Nov. 11, the Yu-Gi-Oh! Magnificent Monsters Box Set has dropped to just $35.33 at Amazon, trimming $4.62 off its usual $39.95 price with a 12% discount. This offer may come from third-party seller serious_gaming, but orders are still fulfilled by Amazon with free delivery available for Prime members and non-members alike.

Only $5.16 above its estimated $30.17 market price on TCGplayer, this is indeed the lowest price this box has been on Amazon since it first dropped at $48.99 (confirmed with the price tracker camelcamelcamel).

Inside each box are three five-card booster packs containing 15 Ultra Rares altogether, accompanied by three additional Secret Rares that have a chance of being upgraded to Starlight Rares. The expansion's biggest attractions include 18 reimagined cards inspired by the first six Yu-Gi-Oh! anime series, six new boss monsters, and extremely scarce, serial-numbered Grand Master Rares that collectors can potentially pull.

SEE ALSO: Pokémon card drops and restocks: Best deals from Amazon, Walmart, TCGplayer

For early fans of the first three classic anime series, the go-to monsters include Yugi Moto’s Dark Magician (now Dark Magician, the Pharaoh’s Servant), Jaden/Judai Yuki’s Elemental Hero Flame Wingman (Favorite Hero Flame Wingman), and Yusei Fudo’s Stardust Dragon (Stardust Dragon — Victim Sanctuary).  

If you're after any particular cards, you can also buy Yu-Gi-Oh! Magnificent Monsters singles right now on TCGplayer.