Technology

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love to keep up with your appearance.

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 9, 2025 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: Found in a beauty kit

• Green: Concentrated

• Blue: To think

• Purple: Flyers

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Personal grooming items

• Green: Packed

• Blue: Ponder

• Purple: Starting with bird homophones

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

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #882 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Personal grooming items: BRUSH, MIRROR, NAIL FILE, TWEEZERS

• Packed: COMPACT, DENSE, THICK, TIGHT

• Ponder: DELIBERATE, MUSE, NOODLE, REFLECT

• Starting with bird homophones: CRANIUM, CRONUT, LUNAR, PUFNSTUF

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 9, 2025

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're charming.

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 9, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 9, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: How enchanting!

The words are related to charisma.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe ways to capture someone's attention.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Charmed I'm Sure.

NYT Strands word list for November 9

• Entrance

• Spellbind

• Charmed I'm Sure

• Hypnotize

• Captivate

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 today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you've had an identity crisis.

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 9, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 9, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Absentmindedness.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter U appears twice

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

FUGUE

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 9, 2025

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

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

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

While modern flat panel TVs aren't literally dust magnets like CRTs with their static charges, your TV will still gather dust and dirt as time goes by. This isn't only bad because it degrades the quality of the image, but also because dust and dirt making its way into your TV can interfere with its normal operation and even shorten its life.

TL;DR: Secure a massive 100TB of cloud storage space forever with an Internxt Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for just $979.97 (reg. $9,900) until Nov. 20.

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Tired of constantly running out of cloud storage? Every time you need more space, the monthly fees climb higher, keeping you in an expensive, never-ending cycle of upgrades and charges. As we accumulate more data every day, it may be time to consider a more financially responsible approach to keeping your files safe.

With Internxt Cloud Storage, you truly own your space — there’s no more renting your data storage. And right now, you can lock in an ample 100TB of storage for just $979.97 (reg. $9,900) until Nov. 20.

SEE ALSO: The best VPN routers for securing all your devices

Using iCloud to keep your files safe? The maximum storage Apple allows you to rent is currently just 12TB — and it costs $64.99 a month. If you’re looking for a more affordable way to safeguard your precious data, providing enough space to last a lifetime, it’s time to check out Internxt Cloud Storage.

With Internxt Cloud Storage, you own your storage space. That means you can say goodbye to those hefty monthly fees and rest easy knowing you can keep all your important data in one secure space. You can also rest easy knowing Internxt’s end-to-end encryption is so secure that even the company itself can’t access your data.

It’s also GDPR compliant — adhering to strict European privacy laws — and audited and verified by Securitum. That’s a major improvement over other cloud storage services, which not only access your data but also make money from it through targeted ads and data sharing.

If you’re making the switch, Internxt offers cross-platform compatibility so you can easily integrate it across all your devices and operating systems via a desktop app, web browser app, and iOS or Android app.

Never pay for cloud storage again with this 100TB Internxt Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for just $979.97 (reg. $9,900) through Nov. 20.

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The internet can be a dangerous place, and there is more at stake if your device is compromised by malware than ever. Your passwords could be stolen, sensitive details, like your bank information, social security number, or medical information could fall into the wrong hands. If nothing else, it is just extremely inconvenient to have a PC infected with malware.

I recently tried the Spotlight feature on my friend's macOS running the latest Tahoe upgrade, and I must say, it's awesome. I wish Microsoft would bring something similar built into Windows as well.

Whether you wanted to unarchive a file or take a screenshot, you had to install a third-party app for most of the actions you wanted to perform on Windows back in the Windows XP days.

Usually, when you need to install an application on your Windows PC, you either go to the Microsoft Store or visit the app's official website. But what if I told you that you could use a simple command in Windows Terminal to install any application of your choice? I'm talking about using the WinGet tool commands.

Denmark is the latest country to take aim at Big Tech, announcing plans Friday to ban social media access for users under 15.

As reported by the Associated Press, the measure won’t take effect immediately, but the details of how the ban will be enforced remain unclear. Denmark reportedly plans to roll out an official age-verification app as part of the enforcement system, and would allow parents to grant access to children as young as 13 following an assessment process.

The move puts Denmark in line with a growing list of countries introducing similar measures as concerns over social media’s impact on youth mental health continue to mount. Australia has become the first nation to implement a social media ban for minors, which is set to take effect this December. That ban would have platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit on the hook for fines of up to $50 million AUD ($33 million USD) if they fail to comply.

In the U.S., there’s no nationwide restriction, but several states have enacted or proposed legislation limiting social media use among minors. Those laws vary widely — Nebraska, for instance, requires parental approval for anyone under 18 to open an account — and many are now being challenged in court over First Amendment concerns.

If Denmark’s plan proceeds smoothly, it could redefine the balance of power between governments and Big Tech companies like Meta, opening a new front in the global battle over who bears responsibility for verifying users’ ages — platforms, parents, or app stores.

SAVE $130: As of this weekend, Amazon has the Apple Watch Series 10 discounted by 30% which comes in at $279, down from its list price of $400. 

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If you’ve always wanted to spring for an Apple Watch, this might be the weekend to go all in. Or, maybe you own an Apple Watch, but your main qualm is that the screen isn’t big enough— this weekend, Amazon has an excellent deal on the Apple Watch Series 10, whose display is 30% bigger than previous models. It’s possible the Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale this weekend because of the new release of the Apple Watch Series 11. However, if a discount is a higher priority for you than having the new model, the Series 10 comes packing with a lot of excellent features.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is also thinner, lighter, and designed for increased comfort. The Series 10 builds on the features that Apple Watch is known and loved for over the past decade. For example, you can use it to track your HR, take an ECG at any time, and get notifications for abnormal low or high heart rate readings. You can also monitor your sleep, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen. It’s also an excellent tool for reaching your fitness goals by tracking your steps, activity, and calories (if you choose to).

And, of course, the Apple Watch Series 10 fits seamlessly into an existing ecosystem. Send texts, receive calls, pay for things with Apple Pay, and download seemingly endless apps.

For years, the race to 60 mph defined automotive performance, but electric vehicles are changing the rules. With instant torque and near-silent acceleration, even mainstream EVs now boast sports-car–rivaling sprint times. Yet as these figures become commonplace, they’re starting to lose their meaning.

TL;DR: Live stream France vs. South Africa in the Autumn Internationals for free on TF1+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Autumn Internationals kicked off last weekend with a number of fascinating matchups and there's a lot more to come. There are a number of really interesting contests taking place this weekend, but France vs. South Africa has got to be the biggest of the bunch.

Can France put that famous from World Cup defeat firmly in the past with a big win in front of their passionate fans at the Stade de France? If you want to watch France vs. South Africa in the Autumn Internationals from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is France vs. South Africa?

France vs. South Africa in the 2025 Autumn Internationals kicks off at 8:10 p.m. GMT on Nov. 8. This fixture takes place at the Stade de France.

How to watch France vs. South Africa for free

France vs. South Africa in the 2025 Autumn Internationals is available to live stream for free on TF1+.

TF1+ is geo-restricted to France, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in France, meaning you can unblock TF1+ to stream the Autumn Internationals for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream France vs. South Africa for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit TF1+

5. Watch France vs. South Africa for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Autumn Internationals without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream all of France's Autumn Internationals before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for TF1+?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TF1+, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including France

• 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream France vs. South Africa in the Autumn Internationals for free with ExpressVPN.

Capturing the best pictures using just your iPhone does not have to be something you need to stress over when you know where to look. Your camera is extremely customizable, and many hidden (and overlooked) features play a big part in how you use it.

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 8, Amazon has the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones on sale for 23% off for $329, down from their list price of $429.

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Having a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be such a game-changer. It can be so calming to know that you have a pair of headphones in your bag that can block out all the background noise, should you need it. Whether you’re immersed in the chaotic din of public transit, trying to study next to a particularly annoying chewer at the library, or just a true audiophile, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones might be a great addition to your purse, backpack, or jacket pocket.

This weekend, Amazon has marked down the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones by 23%. They come in 6 different colors at that discounted price, including black, navy blue, deep plum, white, and silver. The headphones feature spatial audio technology, providing an immersive and dimensional listening experience. The noise-cancelling feature on these headphones is truly a market-leading strength. Some reviewers said that it’s so powerful, they have to be careful when it's turned on. For this reason, there are three separate modes: Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode. 

This model also features a 24-hour battery life, a microphone for making and receiving calls, and touch controls on the ear cups. An aspect that makes these unique is their aptly named ultra-cushioned ear cups. The headphones come with specifically designed cushions for the most comfortable (while also sleek-looking) wearing experience.

Bose also notes that the band is designed to distribute pressure evenly, hopefully preventing headphone headaches from long-term use. The sale on these Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones is a great deal if you're in the market for some noise-cancelling headphones.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will restrict when commercial rockets can launch, citing heavy strain on the nation’s air traffic control system amid the ongoing government shutdown.

In an emergency order issued on Friday, the FAA stated that commercial space launches and reentries will be limited to nighttime hours, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. local time, starting Monday. The curfew is part of several new measures aimed at easing pressure on the National Airspace System. The same order also directs airlines at 40 major U.S. airports to reduce flights by up to 10 percent to alleviate "stress on the system."

Air traffic controllers have gone unpaid since the shutdown began in early October, and the number of worker absences has climbed. The resulting staff shortages have slowed operations and caused widespread flight delays. 

"My department has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety. This isn’t about politics," said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who is simultaneously serving as acting administrator of NASA, in a statement. "It’s safe to fly today, and it will continue to be safe to fly next week because of the proactive actions we are taking."

SEE ALSO: NASA quietly sends two spacecraft to Mars — and they're going a new way

Duffy, who posts on social media multiple times a day, has frequently blamed Democrats for the consequences of the shutdown. He shared a video of himself on Friday, talking to air travelers at airports and asking people whether the reductions were a good decision.

Such limitations on commercial space launches are rare — perhaps unprecedented — and could affect some upcoming missions. The first mission expected to fall under the restriction is a SpaceX Falcon 9 flight carrying Starlink satellites. It is now scheduled for Monday evening or early morning hours of Tuesday from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

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Blue Origin’s planned New Glenn launch, which will carry twin Mars spacecraft for NASA, is set to blast off this Sunday, before the restrictions take effect; however, any delay could push it into the ensuing days. 

"We have been working closely with the FAA to ensure that New Glenn's upcoming launch of the ESCAPADE Mission to Mars can proceed," the company said in a post on X. "We will continue to work with the FAA to maintain the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System."

The FAA can modify or lift restrictions if companies request changes and demonstrate "good cause," according to the order. The agency expects to roll back the curfew, as well as other operational limits, once the government has restored funding and the stress has been relieved.

After a long while of messing around with EndeavourOS, I've decided it's time to hop distros again on my main tower. My new daily driver on my dual-boot setup will be CachyOS. To be honest, I've been peer-pressured into it.

Chrome is the most popular browser in the world, but that doesn't mean it's the best—especially if you have a Samsung Galaxy phone. Before tapping on the Chrome icon, you may be surprised to find there is another browser on your phone that you like even more.

This was yet another busy week in tech, with some impressive updates coming to Google Maps and Home Assistant, Google's proposed settlement with Epic Games, more changes coming to Windows 11, and a whole lot more. Here are the biggest stories you might have missed.

One day, all of this will be gone. The sun will swell up and consume the inner planets and burn it all to a crisp. Luckily, all life on Earth and everything humanity has created on this planet will be dust for millions of years before that happens, so that's a bullet dodged!