Technology

I've been a gamer for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve owned several arcade cabinets, and even built my own. While I do like today's modern games, I really enjoy the nostalgia and simplicity of older arcade and console games. My job always has me trying new software and applications, so when I came across RetroBat, it seemed right up my alley.

Google started the trend of guaranteeing nearly decade-long updates to its flagship Pixel phones a few years ago. After Google Pixel devices, Samsung jumped on the bandwagon too. Now, it's considered standard to see the latest Google and Samsung phones to boast seven-year update promises. I wouldn't be surprised if Android phone makers increased this guarantee to 10 years or more, going head-to-head with Apple's update policy for iPhones.

Your ESP32 project needs firmware to make it do what you want it to. The good news is that you don't need to know how to write complex code; with ESPHome, there are some ESP32 projects that you can set up with just a few clicks in a browser. There's no programming required at all.

TL;DR: The iPhone 17 is free when you trade in an eligible phone in good condition on T-Mobile's Experience More or Experience Beyond plans. The iPhone 17 Pro is also free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Free when you trade in an eligible phone in good condition on T-Mobile's Experience More or Experience Beyond plans. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

Apple has spent recent months dropping an overwhelming flood of hardware, but if you aren't trying to drop four figures on the latest model, carrier promo season has officially entered its prime window.

For those interested in investing in the Apple iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro, we strongly recommend checking out T-Mobile right now. The popular carrier is offering free iPhone deals this weekend.

The iPhone 17 is totally free when you trade in an eligible phone in good condition on T-Mobile's Experience More or Experience Beyond plans. The iPhone 17 Pro is also free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. T-Mobile will charge taxes on these free deals, as well as a $35 device connection fee.

How can T-Mobile offer a wild deal like this? You're committing to stay with the service for three years, because the full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan. If you leave T-Mobile before the end of the contract, you will be charged the remaining balance immediately.

SEE ALSO: The iPhone Duo has launched: How to save $1,000 without a trade-in

But why would you do that? The Experience More and Experience Beyond plans are designed for power users who want 4K streaming, massive hotspot data, and the best international roaming. These premium plans include bumper perks like Apple TV+ and Netflix.

Score an iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro for free this weekend with T-Mobile.

One of the major annoyances of online dating is how often matches devolve into pen pals rather than translate into IRL dates. Those initial, flirty conversations are great, don't get us wrong, but most of us aren't jumping onto Tinder or Hinge just to endlessly text. And yet, in modern dating, where both people often feel afraid to make the first move and take the match into the real world, endless texting is all too often the only result of a once-promising match. 

But it doesn't have to be this way. Dating app Pure concocted some clever solutions to the never-ending chatting, and in our own experimentation, they work like a charm. 

Here's how Pure introduced a sense of urgency into its dating mechanics, and how that helps users translate matches into real-life encounters. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Pure Pure   Learn More How Pure leverages a sense of urgency to benefit its users

One unique feature of Pure is that it doesn't use traditional dating profiles, which means its matches operate differently than on basically every other dating app. 

Instead of having a permanent, public-facing profile, Pure users can post "ads," temporary personal advertisements shouting out who they are or what they want, whether that's for a long-term relationship or a short-term connection. It's only when someone has posted an ad that they're discoverable to other users, and only then are your basic profile elements (age, gender, sexual orientation, and photos) visible. Once your ad expires, so does access to your profile.

The result of this mechanic is a sense of urgency, the very real possibility that you're seeing someone you may never see again, so if you want a connection, you have to act fast. That's a very welcome change from the dating app norm, where profiles are always visible, and you can browse them at your convenience, whether on your morning commute or between sets at the gym.

But Pure takes things a step further with how you actually interact with other people. 

The disappearing chat mechanic

From the moment you initiate a chat on Pure, you're under an artificial time constraint, since every chat automatically self-deletes after 24 hours, unless both parties agree to suspend the chat timer. 

While at first this seems like an unnecessary constraint, in practice it's actually very healthy and helps daters avoid the endless banter that plagues so many online dating interactions. 

Think about what would happen if you approached a cute stranger in the real world. You may see them at a bar or coffee shop, going about their day, but no matter how smooth your introduction, you know in the back of your mind that you can't monopolize this person's time and attention for very long. 

For an in-person approach, you have to be concise in your communication: I think you're cute and want a chance to get to know you better — would that interest you? But on an app, where there's no sense of urgency, you can endlessly waffle, delaying the most important question of all in favor of a never-ending series of mundane questions. 

This is why Pure's disappearing chat mechanic is so clever, even when both parties agree to disable it, since even that act forces a mutual acknowledgment of the connection. And after using the app over an extended period, we can confirm that Pure's culture really encourages in-person interactions at the expense of endless chatting or swiping.

Perhaps when you think of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, you think of Brad Pitt, who headlined David Fincher's 2008 film adaptation to the tune of 13 Oscar nominations (though no major category wins). That movie took major liberties with the 1922 F. Scott Fitzgerald short story on which it's based. So does the Olivier Award-winning new musical, which has just opened Off-Broadway at the Public Theater.

And that's for the best, as Fitzgerald's short story was mean and odd. Alas, the movie and musical made from it are less of both, and yet, I yearn for more.

What remains the same across all three iterations is this: Benjamin Button is born old and ages in reverse. Thus, his death is basically going from zygote to nothingness.

SEE ALSO: 'Copperfield! The New Musical' review: A rollicking, big-hearted Dickens adaptation that is not to be missed

In the case of the musical, writer/lyricist Jethro Compton and composer/lyricist Darren Clark transport the story from 1860s Baltimore to a Cornish fishing village at the end of World War I. There, a quirky village consists of a baker with a wandering eye, a drunken tea shop proprietor, a woman who dreams of growing her lawn gnome into a husband (stranger things have happened), and Roger Button (Brandon J. Ellis), an expectant father who is not expecting to find his newborn son is an old man with a cap and cane.

Andrew Durand stars as Benjamin Button. Andrew Durand and Kelsee Kimmel (foreground) with the company of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Credit: Joan Marcus

Earlier this year, Durand played Brad Majors in Broadway's Rocky Horror Show revival. In The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, he thrusts his jaw forward and stoops his shoulders to convey that the eponymous hero is effectively a septuagenarian at birth. Of course, as Benjamin ages in reverse, Durand will be tasked with shifting his physicality to that of a man in his fifties, who is besotted by a twentysomething barmaid, Elowen Keene (Kelsee Kimmel). As she grows older, he'll grow more spry and lively, dancing and frolicking with children, then running away like one.

SEE ALSO: 'Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen' review: Duncan Sheik's musical adaptation gets kink right, but falters elsewhere

His performance is broad and cartoonish, framing the musical as a farce. Around him, the ensemble, who play multiple supporting characters along with instruments throughout, match this tone with relish. The music by Clark is rollicking, like a country fair. "Rag Ty Yw Tre" opens the show, setting up a theme of time and tide being fickle friends to man. Other songs will invoke nature too, like "The Western Wind," "The Kraken's Lullaby," and "The Tide Is Comin' In."

While the musical has garnered praise since its Off-West End debut to its West End run to its current Off-Broadway run at the Public, I struggled to make sense of the fervor for it. The orchestration was loud and muddled; I struggled to make out the lyrics outside of the chorus. The voices of the company are melodic, and their playing enthusiastic, yet neither can distract that many of Clark and Compton's songs are not just reprisals, but repetitive. "Time is a funny thing" is a sentiment repeated over and over, making the two-and-a-half-hour production feel longer and tiresome.

Benjamin Button is a bastard. The company of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Credit: Joan Marcus

This is true to the Fitzgerald story too. In both, Benjamin marries a younger woman, and then flees her as she grows old and he grows young. Compton and Clark's musical offers a different motivation than Fitzgerald's, but their revision makes his trespass even crueler. And disturbingly, they doesn't seem to realize how much of a cad their hero is. Or else they give him a maudlin backstory as justification.

In the short story, Benjamin's father urges him to play with other children. In this musical, his mother and father lock him in the attic, ashamed of his bizarre existence. After years of such neglect, Benjamin takes to sneaking out on Friday nights to a pub to experience community and beer. There, he meets his future bride, though much drama will come before they wed. Then, tragedy will strike their family, and he'll flee.

It's not that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button doesn't recognize that running away from your wife in a time of shared heartbreak isn't horrid. But rather that the musical's rush to forgive him is not just alarming but repulsive. Opposite Durand, Kimmel offers a performance that is charming and tender, while punctuated with occasional comedic bravado to keep in the musical's overall tone. But Elowen is a character thin as tissue paper, who exists purely to satisfy Benjamin's every need, be it love, forgiveness, reflection, or beer. Yet I felt for her as her love runs off on a vague journey of self-improvement that is a circle.

This dreadful second act lumbers into a confounding climax. Songs haphazardly tie up the loose ends of every clumsy thread of character arc, from horny baker to wannabe gnome wife. Flimsy characters flit around as Benjamin is treated as some profound figure, while his behavior is generally that of a fuckboy. By the end, I had the lyric "It's all just a matter of time" ringing in my head, as I felt I'd wasted mine.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is now playing at the Public Theater until Dec. 20.

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams for free on 7Plus. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NFL serves up a major rivalry today as the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams do battle on their shared home turf. The teams have faced each 13 times in-season, with the Rams leading 7-6. A win for the Chargers here — in the teams' first clash since 2023 — would even up the head-to-head stats.

That does seem unlikely, as the Chargers are the only NFL team yet to win a game this season. Even with the Rams' mediocre 3-4 record as of Week 8, a Chargers victory would look like a major upset. But can they make it happen and start to turn this season around?

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

When is Chargers vs. Rams?

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams starts at 4.05 p.m. ET on Nov. 1. This fixture takes place at SoFi Stadium.

How to watch Chargers vs. Rams for free

Chargers vs. Rams 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 Chargers vs. Rams 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 Chargers vs. Rams 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 Chargers vs. Rams 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 Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stop all your AI subscriptions with this lifetime subscription to AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan for $29.97 (reg. $499), code SAVE10, until Nov. 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: AskAnyModel AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $29.96
$499 Save $469.04   Get Deal

When you’re making an important decision, you probably don’t just ask for one person’s opinion. So why do you settle for one answer when you’re working with AI? Give yourself extra peace of mind with help from AskAnyModel AI. This helpful tool lets you compare answers from more than 50 AI models, all in one convenient window.

Right now, you can score a lifetime subscription to AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan for just $29.97 with code SAVE10 until Nov. 1.

AI is great for saving you time, but it kind of defeats the purpose when you have to tab-hop to get a second opinion. AskAnyModel AI Pro serves up answers from dozens of models in one spot, so you can stop second-guessing and rest easy knowing you picked the best results for your query.

Gone are the days of memorizing each individual AI model’s unique strengths — AskAnyModel AI streamlines your workflow by showing you answers from six AI models of your choice in one spot. Compare them and pick the best response for your request — whether it be help with coding, generating images, or just answering a basic question.

With the AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan, you have unlimited access to non-flagship AI models. You’ll also have 500 premium monthly credits that grant you access to 20 advanced models, like OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, and Perplexity, when you need a more powerful model for your query. You can also swap between different models mid-conversation if needed.

You can use AskAnyModel AI on any device; you just need access to a web browser.

Lock in this lifetime subscription to AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan for $29.97 with code SAVE10 through Nov. 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Make complex processes easier to explain with this lifetime license for Microsoft Visio Professional 2024, on sale now for only $49.97 (reg. $579.99) through tonight, Nov. 1, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visio Professional 2024: Lifetime License for Windows $49.97
$579.99 Save $530.02   Get Deal

Some things are just easier to understand when you can see them visually. Whether it’s mapping out a workflow or breaking down a complicated process, visual guides can help you better understand the details. Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 simplifies this process, helping you build professional diagrams that make data, processes, and workflows easier to understand.

Right now, you can lock in a lifetime license to Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 for just $49.97 until 11:59 p.m. PT tonight.

Spreadsheets are great for some things, but they’re not helpful when you’re working with information that needs to connect. If you’re looking to show a workflow, a process, or even relationships, diagrams make it a little easier to get your point across. Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 lets you share these things much more easily, and this lifetime license gives you permanent access.

Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 translates complicated data into visuals that are easier to work with and explain, helping you get your point across in industries ranging from IT and architecture to engineering and business.

With over 250,000 shapes to choose from, Microsoft Visio makes it easy to create everything from simple flowcharts to complex diagrams. You can also visualize your data in real-time using Excel, SQL Server, or other databases by linking it to diagrams.

If you frequently collaborate with coworkers, it’s easy to work on the same diagram at the same time from different locations. Your changes are tracked in real-time, so you can view and edit diagrams on the go thanks to the Visio web app.

If you’re already working with the Microsoft 365 suite, you’ll also be happy to know you can embed these diagrams into PowerPoints, Word documents, or Teams chats.

Snag this lifetime license for Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 for just $49.97 through tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars for free on TVNZ. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

As the NFL continues into Week 8, eyes are on a battle for superiority in AFC South as the Indianapolis Colts go on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars lead the conference at 4-2 while the Colts are in second spot — but they're lagging behind with a poor record of 2-5 and a three-game losing streak.

The Jaguars are coming off a loss to the Houston Texans thanks to a field goal in the final seconds and want to put more distance between themselves and the Colts in the standings. But the Colts want to end their losing streak and chase that No. 1 spot in the conference.

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

When is Colts vs. Jaguars?

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars starts at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 1. This fixture takes place at EverBank Stadium.

How to watch Colts vs. Jaguars for free

Colts vs. Jaguars in the NFL is available to live stream for free on TVNZ.

TVNZ is geo-restricted to New Zealand 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 New Zealand, meaning you can live stream Colts vs. Jacksonville 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 New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ

5. Watch Colts vs. Jaguars 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 Colts vs. Jaguars without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more 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 New Zealand

• 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 Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Juventus vs. Napoli in Serie A for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Serie A is showcasing a number of really interesting fixtures this weekend, but Juventus vs. Napoli at the Allianz Stadium might be the best. These sides are tied on points after nine rounds of games. We're expecting a real battle between two teams stacked with talent.

If you're interested in watching Juventus vs. Napoli in Serie A from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Juventus vs. Napoli?

Juventus vs. Napoli in Serie A kicks off at 2:45 p.m. ET on Nov. 1. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Stadium.

How to watch Juventus vs. Napoli for free

Juventus vs. Napoli in Serie A is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Juventus vs. Napoli for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Juventus vs. Napoli 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 Brazil

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Juventus vs. Napoli for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only 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 Juventus vs. Napoli without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus other Serie A action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Serie A?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

• 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 Juventus vs. Napoli for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid in La Liga for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Real Madrid's victory over Barcelona last weekend feels like it has changed the vibe in La Liga. We're no longer talking about Barcelona running away with it. We're talking about a genuine title race. And for that to happen, Real Madrid needs to keep the momentum up and beat Racing Santander away from home.

If you're interested in watching Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid in La Liga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid?

Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid in La Liga kicks off at 10:15 a.m. ET on Nov. 1. This fixture takes place at El Sardinero.

How to watch Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid for free

Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid in La Liga is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid 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 Brazil

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only 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 Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more La Liga action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for La Liga?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

• 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 Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world 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

In the meantime.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

UNTIL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Sharp pain.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 1, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CRAMP

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To borrow.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 1, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 1, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

ADOPT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Found on a handbag

Hurdle Word 4 answer

STRAP

Final Hurdle hint

Amiss.

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

AFOUL

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

TL;DR: Live stream Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs for free on Channel 5. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

One of the biggest storylines of this week's NFL action is the question around the Kansas City Chiefs. After a dominant start to the season, which saw them go unbeaten in five games, they took their first loss last week to Super Bowl Champions the Seattle Seahawks — a 20-3 thrashing. Can the Chiefs return to dominant form as they host the Denver Broncos?

The Broncos will prove tough competition. They're currently 5-2 and unbeaten in three games — though they've already taken a loss to the Chiefs in the season opener. The Chiefs need quarterback Patrick Mahomes and running back Kenneth Walker III back on form if they're going to bounce back.

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

When is Broncos vs. Chiefs?

Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs starts at 4.25 p.m. ET on Nov. 1. This fixture takes place at Empower Field at Mile High.

How to watch Broncos vs. Chiefs for free

Broncos vs. Chiefs in the NFL is available to live stream for free on Channel 5.

Channel 5 is geo-restricted to the UK 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 the UK, meaning you can live stream Broncos vs. Chiefs 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 the UK

4. Visit Channel 5

5. Watch Broncos vs. Chiefs 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 Broncos vs. Chiefs without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more 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 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 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 Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions for free on 7Plus. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Detroit Lions head into Week 8 of the NFL season with some momentum. They're back on track with two wins in a row, including a win last Sunday that ended the Packers' win streak. But at 4-2, the Lions face their biggest challenge of the season as they host the Minnesota Vikings, now the only undefeated team in the NFL.

The Lions and Vikings are separated by two places in the NFC North, and a win for the Lions would put them within reach of the conference leaders as the season approaches the halfway point. A Vikings win, meanwhile, would give them a clean sweep over the entire conference and see them hold onto that perfect record.

This could prove the biggest clash of Week 8 — one not to miss.

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

When is Vikings vs. Lions?

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions starts at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 1. This fixture takes place at Ford Field.

How to watch Vikings vs. Lions for free

Vikings vs. Lions 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 Vikings vs. Lions 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 Vikings vs. Lions for free from anywhere in the world

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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 Vikings vs. Lions 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

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Live stream Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Moon is at its Third Quarter phase tonight, meaning only half of its visible surface is lit as we head towards the next New Moon.

What is today's Moon phase?

As of Sunday, Nov. 1, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Third Quarter phase, with 56% of its surface visible.

Tonight, without the use of visual aids you should be able to spot the Tycho Crater, Kepler Crater, and the Mare Imbrium. Binoculars will also help you see the Alphonsus Crater, the Clavius Crater, and the Mare Humorum. And, if you have access to a telescope, you'll also see the Apollo 14 and 15 landing spots and the Schiller Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on November 24.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete an orbit around Earth, going through a series of phases along the way. Depending on its position relative to Earth and the Sun, the amount of its illuminated surface we can see changes, creating the familiar sequence of crescents, quarter moons and the Full Moon. Once the cycle is complete, the pattern repeats, 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 1, 2026 Bicuspid meaning

Having or ending in two points, cusps or leaflets.

Canine meaning

Any animal belonging to the Canidae family.

Incisor meaning

Sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth in the human mouth and many mammals, used primarily for biting and cutting food.

Molar meaning

Large, flat teeth located at the back of the mouth in humans and other mammals.

Brotherly meaning

Behavior, affection or qualities characteristic of, or befitting, a brother.

Puppy meaning

A juvenile dog, generally under 12 to 18 months old.

Self meaning

An individual's distinct identity, consciousness or unique character that separates them from everyone else.

Unrequited meaning

Not returned, not reciprocated or not given in kind.

Doggy meaning

A playful, affectionate, or childlike term for a puppy or dog.

Maturated meaning

To grow, ripen, or reach full physical or mental maturity.

Trenched meaning

Furrowed, drained or provided with protective ditches.

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Tripping meaning

Catching your foot on an object or step, causing you to lose your balance.

Fiend meaning

An evil spirit, demon or a very cruel and wicked person.

Head meaning

The upper or front part of a human or animal body that contains the brain, eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skull.

Hound meaning

To pursue or harass someone relentlessly.

Lover meaning

A person who has a strong liking or appreciation for something.

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 dentist.

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.

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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.

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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 1, 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: Take a bite

• Green: All the feels

• Blue: Big fan

• Purple: Sopping

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Kinds of Teeth

• Green: Kinds of Love

• Blue: Enthusiast

• Purple: Synonyms for "Soaked" with First Letter Changed

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 #1239 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Kinds of Teeth: BICUSPID, CANINE, INCISOR, MOLAR

• Kinds of Love: BROTHERLY, PUPPY, SELF, UNREQUITED

• Enthusiast: FIEND, HEAD, HOUND, LOVER

• Synonyms for "Soaked" with First Letter Changed: DOGGY, SATURATED, TRENCHED, TRIPPING

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 love to lounge around.

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 1, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For the rest of the day

The words are related to relaxation.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe taking a rest.

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 ZZZZZZZZ.

NYT Strands word list for November 1

• Sleeo

• Slumber

• Doze

• ZZZZZZZZ

• Catnap

• Snooze

• Siesta

• Drowse

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

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're a reptile lover.

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 1, 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:

Snake

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter V.

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...

VIPER

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.