IT General

If you've always been curious about joining AdultFriendFinder but nervous about handing over personal info, we get it. It's just common sense to be cautious with your data, especially on a well-known hookup site with a history of data breaches. But let us put your mind at rest: You can sign up to AFF with minimal personal info.

Here's a guide to all the info you need to provide to sign up for either a free or paid account on AdultFriendFinder.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Free accounts

Because free accounts are extremely limited in what they can do on AFF, they don't require much information. You will need to provide AFF with your email address, date of birth, and location, as well as your marital status and sexual orientation. Other dating sites require a profile photo so other users can see you, but AFF allows you to browse the site anonymously. You can use AFF without uploading a single photo. 

If you're still nervous, you can use a burner email address, though if you want to earn verified status on AFF in the future, you will need to correct your email to match the contact information on any government-issued identification (which AFF requires for official verification). 

Paid accounts

If you enjoy your AdultFriendFinder experience and want more freedom to explore the site and connect with other users, there's no way around it: you'll need to upgrade to a paid premium membership, which means providing even more (and actually legitimate) personal information.

You need to provide a credit card number and an accurate address, including your country, city, state, and ZIP code. 

If you want the premium experience but you really don't want to share those credit card digits, you can use one of their alternative payment methods, like a mail-in check, digital gift card, or prepaid debit card. 

Not all of these payment options are available in every country, but if you prioritize anonymity and data security, the prepaid account option is the most secure.

SAVE $20: As of Nov. 6, the Waterpik Cordless Pulse is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Waterpik Waterpik Cordless Pulse $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal at Amazon

If flossing isn't already part of your daily routine, a water flosser could make it a whole lot easier.

A water flosser does exactly what it says on the tin: it flosses your teeth with water instead of dental floss. And as of Nov. 6, the Waterpik Cordless Pulse is currently discounted at Amazon, so you can give one a try without spending too much. Normally $49.99, it's now $29.99 (the lowest price ever).

The cordless design makes this Waterpik easy to handle and store, while the included accessories give you everything you need to get started. Inside the box, you'll find two jet tips, a removable 6oz water reservoir, and a lithium-ion battery that charges via USB. The whole unit is waterproof, so you can use it in the shower and rinse it clean after use.

It has different settings to make it comfortable to use, with two pressure levels to suit your preference. Waterpik says the flosser removes up to 99.9% of plaque bacteria from treated areas, helping support healthier gums and fresher breath. It also carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance for safety and effectiveness, and comes with a two-year warranty.

Head to Amazon to grab this deal now.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box is on sale for $129.95 at Amazon, down from its $209.70 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box $129.95 at Amazon
$209.70 Save $79.75 Preorder at Amazon

Anyone who resisted picking up Magic: The Gathering's Star Trek Play Booster Box when it went on sale last month has had their patience rewarded, because now, with the sci-fi trading card crossover's release just seven days away, the expansion’s 30-pack box has had another price cut.

As of Nov. 6, the Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box has reached a new record-low preorder price of $129.95 at Amazon, a generous $79.75 below the $209.70 list price. At 38% off, you're effectively spending just $4.33 per pack.

For comparison, that's a $35.66 savings compared to when we covered the lowest preorder price of $165.61 on Oct. 5. As confirmed by the price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is indeed the cheapest the MTG box has been sold for on Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Magic: The Gathering's Reality Fracture Play Booster Box is down to its lowest-ever price — save over $10

To be clear, this deal is coming from third-party seller NCC & Games rather than Amazon directly — with delivery set for as soon as Nov. 16, a few days after the set’s Nov. 13 release date. You can buy the listing, which is sold and shipped by Amazon, for a slightly more expensive $145.61, and it also comes with its handy preorder price guarantee.

Inside are 30 Play Boosters with 14 cards apiece, bringing together iconic Star Trek captains, spacecraft, and other favorites from the franchise's six decades. Each pack promises a Traditional Foil and one to four rare or higher-rarity cards, with special-border treatments and alternate artwork offering some extra surprises for collectors.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Bundle is on sale for $57.95 at Amazon, down from its $61.45 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Bundle $57.95 at Amazon
$61.45 Save $3.50   Get Deal at Amazon

The wait for the Pokémon TCG's Delta Reign expansion is finally over, and Amazon has marked the Nov. 6 launch with another discount on its six-pack Booster Bundle.

As of Nov. 6, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Bundle is priced at just $57.95 at Amazon, shaving $3.50 off its regular $61.45 price. Sure, it’s a relatively modest 6% saving in the grand scheme of things, but this means you'll be spending about $9.66 per pack.

While this deal is supplied by third-party seller Toynado Alley rather than Amazon, it still has 100% positive feedback. Also keep in mind that delivery is estimated for Nov. 14, rather than dispatching today or arriving over the weekend. 

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Display Box gets a surprise discount at Amazon — save over $10 before Delta Reign drops

This new low price is only $5.31 above the Delta Reign Booster Bundle’s estimated $52.94 market price on TCGplayer. What’s more, this particular box has been steadily climbing in market price over the last week, and we expect that to go up even more during this launch period — so get yours while stocks last at this price point. 

For $57.95, the Booster Bundle offers 60 trading cards spread across six packs, each accompanied by a Basic Energy and Pokémon TCG Live code card. Delta Reign offers over 135 cards to pull, including Mega Rayquaza ex, Mega Malamar ex, Mega Golurk ex, and Mega Golisopod ex. 

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $103.23 at Amazon, down from its $137.95 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box $103.23 at Amazon
$137.95 Save $34.72   Get Deal at Amazon

The Pokémon TCG's Delta Reign expansion has officially arrived, and Amazon sellers have marked the occasion by giving its Rayquaza-themed Elite Trainer Box the biggest price reduction we've ever seen.

As of Nov. 6, the Pokémon TCG’s Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box is available for just $103.23 at Amazon, chopping $34.72 off its typical $137.95 price. That's a huge saving compared to the $140 preorders we spotted in October. It is indeed the lowest price we’ve seen for this ETB (confirmed by our go-to price tracker, camelcamelcamel).

SEE ALSO: Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Booster Display Box preorders hit a new record-low price at Amazon — save over $10

This new price by third-party seller Hero Collect means you’re only paying $11.47 per booster pack before factoring in the accessories. In addition to being $1.72 cheaper than Walmart’s lowest listing of $104.95, this heavily discounted price is only $4.23 above the estimated $99 market price on TCGplayer.

You get nine booster packs from the Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, an exclusive full-art foil Kyogre promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, seven dice, a plastic coin, six dividers, a collector's box, a player's guide, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

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 — Out of stock, so make sure your in-stock email alerts are turned on.

• Target — Sold out online, but two drops are coming: in-store on Thursday, Nov. 5, and online on Friday, Nov. 6.

• Best Buy — Sold out online, but select stores are doing 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 — arrives this 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
  Preorder 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 during the Nov. 5 launch drops at Target or Best Buy, 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 Thursday's physical store restocks, you still have real shots at retail price — just be ready to move the second that button turns yellow.

We're closing in on the biggest shopping day of the year. While most people will do the bulk of their shopping online for Black Friday 2026, some still prefer the in-store experience. There's something nostalgic about heading to a big box store at the crack of dawn to do some discount shopping.

If you're gearing up for that classic Black Friday in-store shopping experience, knowing when retailers open (and close) is key to planning your attack. We've noted the opening times on Black Friday for major retailers below, but there may be exceptions to these hours. It's always best to check the exact opening hours at your local store. The majority of stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Black Friday store hoursBest Buy

Black Friday 2026: Opens at 6 a.m. local time, closes at 10 p.m. local time

Feel free to camp out like old times if you're hoping to score a high-demand item. Just note that Best Buy may employ a ticketing system "for the safety and security of customers and employees."

Kohl's

Black Friday 2026: Opens at 5 a.m. local time, closing time varies by location

On Black Friday, the first 200 shoppers at every Kohl's store can receive $5 to $100 in instant Kohl's Cash. On Saturday, Nov. 28, the first 200 shoppers will receive an instant Sephora at Kohl's promotional gift valued from $5 to $100 to use that day.

Lowe's

Black Friday 2026: Opens at 6 a.m. local time, closes at 10 p.m. local time

Macy's

Black Friday 2026: Opens at 6 a.m. local time, closes at 10 p.m. local time

When you shop in Macy's stores on Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28, you can receive a free reusable tote bag with any $100+ purchase. The totes are limited to one per customer, while supplies last. 

Target

Black Friday 2026: Opens at 6 a.m. local time, closing time varies by location

In 2025, Target offered the first 100 guests in line a free limited-edition iridescent tote bag, some with gifts inside valued up to $350. We'll be on the lookout for an in-store shopping incentive this year as well.

The Home Depot

Black Friday 2026: Opens at 6 a.m. local time, closing time varies by location

Walmart

Black Friday 2026: Opens at 6 a.m. local time, closes at 11 p.m. local time

Airbnb is planning to launch an AI travel agent next year. The company shared details of the project during its Q3 2026 earnings call on Thursday, reiterating its intention to "build an AI-native Airbnb."

SEE ALSO: Airbnb is cracking down on checkout chores. Some hosts are furious.

"AI is the best thing to ever happen to Airbnb. It's changing both how we develop products and how we operate," Airbnb said in a letter to shareholders. "AI is helping our teams move faster, and in Q3 alone, we shipped more than 50 products and features — nearly 70 percent more than a year ago."

Now Airbnb intends to add an AI travel agent to that collection. While still under development, the company says its new AI agent is being designed to help users research, plan, and book trips on its platform.

"We’re developing a custom-designed, AI-native experience that builds the interface around your question," said Airbnb. "Rather than a chat window, our agent draws on a library of hundreds of travel-specific interface elements — maps, photos, comparisons, calendars, itineraries — and composes them in real time to match what you’re looking for."

CEO Brian Chesky elaborated during Airbnb's earnings call, stating that the AI agent will "feel a little bit like generative AI" due to its ability to respond to users' requests with relevant custom interfaces for specific travel needs. Chesky further stated that the agent will have a "post-chat-based interface," being less text-focused, though it will still retain a "chat element."

"If you want a car rental, the agent generates this little UI of a car, and it's [presented] beautifully in a custom-generated interface," said Chesky. "If you want to invite co-travellers, the agent helps you."

Airbnb's AI agent will also help resolve issues once a booking has already been made, including changing reservations or assisting with refunds and rebookings. Interestingly, Airbnb states that the AI will provide 24-hour safety support as well, though did not elaborate on exactly what type of assistance it will offer.

"Our agent will help guests explore options, make decisions with the people they’re travelling with, and take action directly in Airbnb," Airbnb wrote. "Over time, we want our agent to help guests plan their entire trip in one place, across homes, hotels, services, experiences, and more."

This won't be restricted to bookings that are available on Airbnb either. Chesky stated that the AI agent will be able to go "outside the walls of Airbnb," though noted it will stay within the realm of travel.

"Today's AI agents, like [Meta's AI agent] Muse and [invite-only AI assistant] Instinct, are good at simple routine tasks like making a restaurant reservation or scheduling an appointment," Chesky said. "But planning a trip is different. Travel is aspirational. Discovering where to go and where to stay is part of the experience… I don't think the general-purpose agents are the best to do that. That is why we are building our own AI agent."

Airbnb's new AI travel agent is expected to be released in the first half of 2027.

This upcoming AI travel agent isn't to be confused with Airbnb's AI customer support assistant, which is already in operation. Airbnb states that its AI assistant resolved around 40 percent of all customer support issues without any human agents in Q3, an increase from approximately 30 percent last quarter. In Q2, Airbnb's AI agent resolved nearly 45 percent of issues that specifically began in the tool.

Airbnb reports that its revenue grew 19 percent to $4.9 billion in Q3, bringing in a net income of $1.9 billion.

TL;DR: Watch Ireland vs. Argentina in the 2026 Nations Championship for free on ITVX. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Nations Championship is back this weekend with another batch of huge fixtures between elite international sides. We don't fully understand the significance of this new competition yet, but we're fully on board with more clashes between top sides. What's not to like?

Ireland host Argentina in the first fixture this weekend. The Aviva Stadium will be lively when these physical sides come together on Friday evening.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 Nations Championship from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Ireland vs. Argentina?

Ireland vs. Argentina in the 2026 Nations Championship kicks off at 3:10 p.m. ET on Nov. 6. This fixture takes place at the Aviva Stadium.

How to watch Ireland vs. Argentina for free

Ireland vs. Argentina in the 2026 Nations Championship is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can livestream the 2026 Nations Championship for free from anywhere in the world.

Livestream Ireland vs. Argentina in the 2026 Nations Championship for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for 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 the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Ireland vs. Argentina for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN 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 Ireland vs. Argentina in the 2026 Nations Championship without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream multiple weekends before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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 Ireland vs. Argentina in the 2026 Nations Championship for free with ExpressVPN.

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

Don't repeat it!

Hurdle Word 1 answer

CYCLE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Cleanse.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 6, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

DETOX

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Evil.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 6, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 6, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CRUEL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Terribly.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

BADLY

Final Hurdle hint

Females.

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

WOMEN

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

You'll need a good pair of binoculars or a telescope to get a closer look at what's on the Moon's surface tonight, and one of the last chances before the New Moon arrives.

What is today's Moon phase?

As of Friday, Nov. 6, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Crescent phase, with 16% of its surface visible.

To see the Grimaldi Basin tonight, you'll need the assistance of either binoculars or a telescope.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on November 24.

What are Moon phases?

It takes the Moon around 29.5 days to pass through a complete lunar cycle. As it travels around Earth, the angle at which sunlight reaches its surface changes what we can see from here, producing the different phases, from the New Moon through to the Full Moon and back again. The cycle then starts over, as explained by NASA.

The eight phases are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 6, 2026 Backup meaning

To supply supporting information.

Pickup meaning

A type of truck.

Makeup meaning

Products used for aesthetics or costumes.

Hot rod meaning

A car modified for speed and aesthetics.

Flatbed meaning

A type of truck.

Fabric meaning

Material used for creating textiles or clothing.

Extra meaning

More of something.

Woolens meaning

Clothing made of wool.

Traffic cone meaning

A temporary traffic control device.

Semi meaning

A type of truck.

Constitution meaning

Rules or principles by which a government or organization operates.

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.

Replacement meaning

Something that takes the place of something else.

Spare meaning

An extra of something.

Osiris meaning

Egyptian god of the underworld.

Structure meaning

How something is organized.

Tanker meaning

A type of truck.

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 spend much time on the road.

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 6, 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: How it all comes together

• Green: Unoriginal

• Blue: Vehicles

• Purple: Words within words

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: Composition

• Green: Copy

• Blue: Kinds of trucks

• Purple: Ending in parts of the eye

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 #1244 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Composition: CONSTITUTION, FABRIC, MAKEUP, STRUCTURE

• Copy: BACKUP, EXTRA, REPLACEMENT, SPARE

• Kinds of trucks: FLATBED, PICKUP, SEMI, TANKER

• Ending in parts of the eye: HOT ROD, OSIRIS, TRAFFIC CONE, WOOLENS

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

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

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you work like the outdoors.

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 6, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Autumn walk in the woods

The words are seasonal.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are things found in a forest.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical (diagonal).

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is forestfloor.

NYT Strands word list for November 6

• Husk

• Leaves

• Forestfloor

• Moss

• Pinecone

• Branch

• Acorn

• Twig

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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.

I love being scared in a theater. That ripple of goosebumps that travels up your arms and then seemingly across the body of the audience as a whole. In movie theaters this year, I was spoiled for choice with frightening and mind-bending films like The Bone Temple, Hokum, and Leviticus. But in playhouses, the pickings have been thinner.

SEE ALSO: Best horror movies of 2026, and where to stream them now

Undeniably, I was giddy over The Lost Boys: A New Musical for its refreshing blend of fun and fright. However, after much buzz out of the West End, Paranormal Activity's transfer to Broadway left me underwhelmed. Sure, it had some solid jump scares. But the play as a whole wasn't as haunting as its playwright Levi Holloway's previous Broadway offering, 2023's chilling Grey House.

SEE ALSO: 'Paranormal Activity' is a bad omen for Broadway

So, it was with some reluctance that I sat down for 2:22 A Ghost Story. Like Paranormal Activity, it's also a West End transfer, having debuted in London in 2021 with Lily Allen in a lead role. (IYKYK.) 2:22 A Ghost Story even earned a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best New Play. But The Curious Case of Benjamin Button won the Olivier for Best New Musical from its West End debut, and yet its transfer to Off-Broadway left me more annoyed than moved.

All this to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how satisfying and scary 2:22 A Ghost Story is Off-Broadway. This spooky production offers way less in stage spectacle than The Lost Boys or Paranormal Activity. However, bolstered by a small and staunch cast, it's a terrifically chilling theatrical experience.

What does 2:22 A Ghost Story has in common with Paranormal Activity? Finn Jones and Jasmine Cephas Jones in "2:22 A Ghost Story." Credit: Evan Zimmerman

Both plays center on a married couple dealing with a possible paranormal infestation in their home. Both are set entirely in these homes, which are in London, England. In each, the wife believes a ghost is among them, while the husband is the skeptic, who will endure some serious shocks on the path to believing. Plus, both plays employ jump scares.

What sets 2:22 A Ghost Story apart out the gate is a clever device. Writer Danny Robins takes tropes of a haunted house story, including mysterious noises, objects moving seemingly on their own, and activity tied to a particular time. And he sets them within the uniquely stressful situation of a dinner party.

The brilliance of 2:22 A Ghost Story begins with a dinner party. Anna Camp, Finn Jones, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and Martin Marquez consider the paranormal in "2:22 A Ghost Story." Credit: Evan Zimmerman

New mom Jenny (Jasmine Cephas Jones) and husband/co-parent Sam (Finn Jones) are eager to show off their new home and baby girl, Phoebe. So, they invite over Sam's best friend, Lauren (Anna Camp), and her boyfriend, Ben (Martin Marquez).

The simple set on the Off-Broadway stage is a living room/kitchen area, with exits to an offstage bathroom, a view to the stairs that lead to an unseen second floor, and glass doors that give a peek of a backyard that's often obscured by fog. This is a smaller setting than Paranormal Activity and The Lost Boys, which includes a view of the home's second story and bathroom. But 2:22 A Ghost Story is enhanced by what we can't see.

For instance, something sinister happens in the bathroom. A child's toy is sullied in a dangerous way. Because we the audience were not witness to how it happened, we are encouraged to join in the debate as the dinner party devolves into arguments about the possibility of paranormal involvement.

Within this discussion, playwright Danny Robins builds in tensions through personal relationships and class conflict. In Paranormal Activity, the play's commitment to sticking mostly with the husband and wife led to some gratingly repetitive couples arguments. 2:22 A Ghost Story adds heat and variety by complicating that dynamic through the dinner guests.

For starters, Sam and Lauren have been friends since college. Now, she's a successful therapist and he's an astronomer working on a kind of Idiot's Guide to the Stars. Yet, she fawns over him like a schoolgirl as he lectures on about stars, science, and logic. And Jenny's not blind to it, nor is Ben. More tension sparks as Sam snootily suggests that Ben, a blue-collar builder, is too lowbrow for the educated and elegant Lauren.

The tension of this class conflict is reflected in the set itself. Jenny and Sam admit they've moved into a gentrified area, purchasing the house from an old widow who'd lived there for decades with only the memory of her late husband to keep her company. The widow's gaudy wallpaper still lingers on some walls, marked by photo frames, while others are painted a modern white, inlaid with cold glass doors and dark gray kitchen cabinets. Beyond that, the layers of the house and its history are a part of the play from the moment the lights go up, notably on Jenny painting the walls in the middle of the night. And all of it matters.

2:22 A Ghost Story delivers scares and laughs. Credit: Evan Zimmerman

The dinner party gets tense before the mention of ghosts. Soon, Jenny reveals she wants witnesses. For three nights in a row, while Sam was away for work, she's heard someone in their child's bedroom at 2:22 in the morning. Sam doesn't believe her, so she practically begs their guests to stick around and see for themselves. Lauren, a messy drunk giddy for a reason to linger near Sam, is quick to agree — with the caveat more wine be procured. And Ben is a big believer in the paranormal, unveiling a personal story of his own brush with a ghost.

Camp, who is perhaps best known for her comedic turns in the Pitch Perfect movies, is the comic relief for much of the play. She plays drunken Lauren perhaps a bit too broadly. But in the play, Lauren is the only American, so brashness and brazenness are baked into the role. However, between Sam and Ben's bickering, Marquez lands a few zingers that scored chuckles and even cheers from the audience.

The scares come in two forms. The first is an ear-piercingly loud sound design, which punctuates the play with screams and music (including Massive Attack's "Angel," which is always an ominous sign). Sometimes, it feels a bit of a cheap trick. Like when directors Matthew Dunster and Gabriel Vega Weissman need to establish a passage of time, the stage lights go black, so things might be arranged in the dark (the curtain open).

Accompanying the blackout is a blinding red light that rims the stage and a recording of a sharp scream that made the audience flinch communally every time. Other screams sound during the dinner scenes as well, explained away by horny foxes plaguing the new homeowners. The back porch light might kick on due to its motion sensor at any moment, and with it might be the horrid shriek of a wild animal. And over all of it hangs a digital clock with bright red letters, ticking ever closer to the haunting hour.

2:22 A Ghost Story has a frightfully great cast. Jasmine Cephas Jones in "2:22 A Ghost Story." Credit: Evan Zimmerman

The more stirring scares came from the cast's performances. In an opening scene, the audience witnesses one of Jenny's potentially paranormal incidents. Then, we see her unravel as the hour grows late, closer to 2:22. As Jenny, Jones is riveting. She's not just scared, but furious. Something has invaded their home. AND her husband doesn't believe her about the danger. Her seething is not the soul of Jenny, but informs much of her behavior on this pivotal night. But so does love. Looking at Lauren flirting shamelessly with Sam, Jenny is not just angry, but also compassionate, because she loves him too — even when he's driving her mad.

To his credit, Finn Jones is perfectly infuriating as Sam. Costume designer Cindy Lin offers a shorthand that Sam is a bit of a self-aggrandizing prat by putting him in the self-imposed uniform of tech bros: jeans, long-sleeve t-shirt, and a puffer vest. But Jones, with a sneering smile and condescending tone, makes for a sensationally aggravating antagonist. As the others marvel and fret at the possibilities of the paranormal, Sam demands to be the voice of reason. But because his tone is so patronizing and elitist, it's deliciously easy to loathe him. If this were a murder mystery play, I'd be rooting for his death!

Then, there's Ben. The oldest and least educated in the group of young, wealthy, and privileged intellectuals, he is swiftly established as an outsider. But proud as he is, Ben doesn't balk at Sam's snide attacks. Instead, he is vulnerable, sharing his understanding of spirits and this very neighborhood in a way that is an earnest invitation. Whether he's revealing a story of a long-ago haunting, speculating on the ways of the dead, or hosting an impromptu séance, Ben grounds 2:22 A Ghost Story's reality, making anything feel possible as the clock ticks down.

I won't dare reveal what happens in the play's final moments. Instead, I'll share this: Minutes into 2:22 A Ghost Story, I was rattled. At intermission, my mind throbbed with possibilities and half-remembered ghost stories, both fictional and purportedly true. By the curtain call, my heart was pounding, rallied by the magic of theater and a terrific climax. So be warned, if you miss 2:22 A Ghost Story, you're missing out. (But if you do go, maybe consider some earplugs.)

2:22 A Ghost Story is now playing at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York City.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you don't care for high quality.

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 6, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

Trash.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No letters appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

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...

DRECK

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.

HBO and Sky's War is an addicting legal drama, but in its glorious sixth episode, it becomes a stealthy installment of The Traitors.

SEE ALSO: 'War' review: HBO and Sky's delicious legal drama is your next TV obsession

The traitor, naturally, is lawyer Johnny Warren (Archie Renaux), who's playing both sides of the divorce trial between actor Carla Duval (Sienna Miller) and tech magnate Morgan Henderson (Dominic West). Johnny officially works for the firm representing Carla, Taylor & Byrne, and has even developed a secret romantic relationship with Carla. However, he's been secretly feeding information to the firm representing Morgan, Cathcarts & Sons. It's the kind of underhanded trickery that could cost Johnny his career and Cathcarts their reputation.

So far, their game has gone off without a hitch — that is, until Johnny feeds Cathcarts an asset list including a Ferrari Testarossa, an item that is later stricken from Taylor & Byrne's records. When the Ferrari appears on a Cathcarts list, it becomes a smoking gun for training associate Molly Giordano (Emma Laird), who realizes Taylor & Byrne has a mole in its midst.

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From there, all of episode 6 becomes a mole hunt, with Johnny playing Molly and fellow associate Saeed Masood (Shaheen Jafargholi) against each other in the hopes of getting off scot-free. There's so much deception and backstabbing going on, you'd have expect Alan Cumming or Claudia Winkleman to pop out of a filing cabinet and feast on the proceedings.

SEE ALSO: Archie Renaux breaks down 'War's game-changing mole twist

Johnny plays a blinder throughout the episode, eventually framing Saeed and thoroughly convincing Serena Byrne (Phoebe Fox) and Nicholas Taylor (James McArdle) that he's a company man through and through. However, he makes a crucial error at the finish line. I'm talking tripping over your own feet with one meter left to go levels of bad.

Right before heading into court for the trial, he borrows a page from Cathcarts associate David Schill's (Miles Jupp) book and quotes Keanu Reeves, telling Serena, "The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way. You know who said that?"

Yet little does Johnny realize, former Cathcarts employee Serena has probably heard David's Keanu Reeves spiel more times than she can count. She responds to his question with a clipped "David Schill" and a growing anger in her eyes, realizing that she and Nicholas have been played for fools this whole time. It's an electrifying end to an electrifying episode, and it's a moment that Renaux and Fox couldn't wait to play.

SEE ALSO: 'War' stars Dominic West and Sienna Miller on episode 1's red carpet gone wrong

"As an actor, you know, sometimes it's fun to soliloquize," Fox told Mashable in a junket interview alongside Renaux. "But often, it's fun to try and play a very complex emotion in two words. I think I say 'David Schill,' and that's it, and I have to play that landing on me and all the emotions that are coming up in that moment."

Phoebe Fox in "War." Credit: Justin Downing / Sky / HBO

While the discovery of Johnny's betrayal felt inevitable from the moment he took the job with Cathcarts, Renaux and Fox both praised the ridiculousness of Johnny's self-imposed downfall.

"You do not expect it all to come down to that Keanu Reeves quote," Fox said.

"It's the most stupid thing that Johnny could have done," Renaux told Mashable. "It's so small and seemingly insignificant in Johnny's mind. He's done all the hard stuff. Someone's taken the fall for him, and he thinks it's plain sailing, then that's the thing that gives him away. It's beautiful. So fun."

The Keanu Reeves slip takes Johnny from his highest high right to the depths of hell, and there's a certain amount of schadenfreude in watching how Johnny loses all cockiness in the blink of an eye.

"He thinks he's so slick," Renaux said. "And, in fact, he's nicked [the quote] from someone else. That's someone else's thing."

Johnny began the season accepting the Cathcarts mole job out of desperation, unable to find work elsewhere. But as Fox asked Renaux of the deception, "Do you think he ever enjoys it and finds it fun?"

"I think he might enjoy tiny bits where he manages to get out of things and style things out, on the rare occasions where that does happen," Renaux said. "I think he enjoys feeling useful, but I think it starts to eat at him."

Now that Serena's found Johnny out, his lies won't eat at him anymore. But what's next for him? Will he be banished from the proverbial roundtable of Taylor & Byrne and lose out on any hope of a law career? Or will he manage to squirm his way out of this one and nab a job at Cathcarts?

Whatever happens, it's clear Serena won't let Johnny's transgression go easily.

"It's not just anger," Fox said of Serena's reaction. "It's biblical, man."

War is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes airing Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Every homeowner and DIYer likely has a decent selection of cordless power tools, myself included, and they're always the basics. A drill or driver, impact wrench, screwdrivers, saws, and things of that nature. If you're a fan of Ryobi, you know the company makes all sorts of oddball tools, including these 4 outdoor products you'll probably want to buy.

Cyberattacks targeted several European countries this week, including grocery stores across the UK and the European Union, as well as three cold storage facilities in France that house some of the nation's blood supply.

The blood facilities were targeted on Sunday and Monday, with the temperature of the remotely controlled containers raised to "very high levels," according to EFS, France's public blood, plasma, and platelets service. Technicians were alerted to the attack by alarms and moved the blood before the supplies were rendered unusable.

SEE ALSO: Iran-linked hackers launch cyberattack against U.S. medtech company Stryker

Not long after, supermarket freezers and refrigerators in the UK, Italy, Germany, Romania, Belgium, Estonia, Ireland, Finland, Luxembourg, Holland, and Sweden reportedly malfunctioned, with some machines going into defrost mode. Temperatures in some of the cooling units soared to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, causing millions of euros in spoiled food, the Guardian reported.

The grocery store malfunctions were reminiscent of cyber-enabled attacks that hit hundreds of French grocery stores last month, which not only ruined food but sparked fires. Similarly, in August, commissaries at half a dozen US military bases reported that their freezers were remotely set to defrost overnight, ruining food supplies. An investigation into the incidents by the Defense Department is ongoing.

No individual or group has taken responsibility for the blood and grocery store incidents this week or earlier this year. Intelligence experts in Europe have posited that Russian officials are possibly recruiting people to commit sabotage in NATO nations.

As someone who loves foldable phones, I’m happy the iPhone Duo exists. Apple’s first foldable phone has brought a lot of excitement and attention to a device category that, despite being around for nearly a decade, most people haven’t experienced. There are many now asking themselves if the iPhone Duo should be their first foldable phone — that answer, sadly, is no.