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Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 23
After days of almost complete darkness, the moon is big and bright enough tonight to do some moon-gazing. There's plenty to see, so keep reading to find out what's on show.
What is today’s moon phase?As of Sunday, Nov. 23, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. This means 10% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.
If you don't have any visual aids, you'll be able to see the Fecunditatis and Crisium Mares. If you have binoculars or a telescope, you'll also be able to spot the Endymion Crater in the top right corner (bottom left, if you're in the Southern Hemisphere).
When is the next full moon?The next full moon will be on Dec. 4, this will be the last of three consecutive supermoons. The last full moon was on Nov. 5.
What are moon phases?NASA tells us that moon phases are all a part of a repeating lunar cycle of 29.5 days. These phases describe how the moon appears from Earth as it orbits our planet. While we always see the same side of the moon, the amount of sunlight illuminating it changes throughout its orbit. That’s why sometimes it looks full, sometimes half, and sometimes disappears entirely (the New Moon). There are eight main moon phases:
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.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 23, 2025
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love old music.
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 23, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Easygoing
Green: Where a furry friend lives
Blue: Popular films
Purple: '70s hits
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Lenient
Green: Animal homes
Blue: Oliver Stone movies
Purple: Second words in titles of ABBA hits
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 #896 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayLenient: EASY, LAX, LOOSE, SLACK
Animal homes: BURROW, DEN, LODGE, WARREN
Oliver Stone movies: JFK, NIXON, PLATOON, WALL STREET
Second words in titles of ABBA hits: GIMME, MIA, QUEEN, TROUPER
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 23, 2025Are 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.
NYT Strands hints, answers for November 23, 2025
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a snacker.
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 MashableBy 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 23, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 23, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Sweet toothThe words are related to junk food.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe sweet snacks.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Candy Aisle.
NYT Strands word list for November 23Nerds
Starburst
Runts
Candy Aisle
Whatchamacallit
Dots
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.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 23, 2025
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're an animal 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 23, 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 23, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:A rabbit.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?The letter N appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.
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...
BUNNY
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 23, 2025Reporting 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.
Score this eye-popping deal on the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 monitor — $425 off for Black Friday
SAVE OVER $425: The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is on sale for $898 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's 32% off the list price for a total saving of $427.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 gaming monitor $898 at Amazon$1,325 Save $427 Get Deal
If you're on the look out for knockdown prices on high-end gaming hardware, now's the time. It's Black Friday season once again, which is the best time to buy tech and hardware of any kind, but especially gaming gear. Because, let’s be honest, gaming hardware ain’t exactly cheap for most of the year. And with all the numerous Black Friday deals on gaming tech currently on Amazon, it would be remiss of us not to point out the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 while it's discounted by 32%.
This curved screen monitor isn’t the biggest on the market, but it’s still a fully-immersive behemoth and packed with high-spec features, which is exactly why it usually costs more than $1,300.
But thanks to Black Friday you can now pick up the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 for the excellent price of $898. That’s an impressive saving of $427.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!And you’ll absolutely get your money’s worth. It delivers a refresh rate of 240Hz, a response time of 0.3ms, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and HDR support. All of which adds to the incredible looking OLED display, which is among the best screen tech available.
The Samsung 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 is now available for $898 for Black Friday — a saving of $427.
Your favorite Office apps are updated with this discounted Mac or PC license
TL;DR: This Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business license works on both Mac and PCs, and it’s now on sale for just $149.97 (reg. $249.99) for a limited time.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $149.97$249.99 Save $100.02 Get Deal
Whether you grew up using Word to write essays for school or you remember whipping up presentations for work on PowerPoint, most of us have used Microsoft Office in our day-to-day lives at some point. If it’s been a while since you used these helpful tools or you converted to Mac and didn’t think they were an option for you, it’s time to meet Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business.
This lifetime license is compatible with both Mac and PC devices, has modern updates that keep up with how we work now, and for a limited time, you can get it for just $149.97 (reg. $249.99).
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Microsoft Office has come a long way since the days of chunky desktop computers. Now, these helpful tools are apps that you can install on a PC or Mac. This particular Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business license equips your device with four game-changing apps that you can use for life.
Draft a document with Word, figure out your budget with Excel, or tackle your emails with Outlook. You’ll also have PowerPoint on hand to help you craft presentations. This license allows you to own each app outright — so there are no subscription fees and you can work offline as needed.
This 2024 version includes new features like an updated accessibility checker in Outlook, presentation recording with voice narration and video in PowerPoint, AI-powered writing suggestions in Word, and enhanced data analysis and visualization tools in Excel.
Save big on this Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business license for Mac and PC, on sale now for just $149.97 (reg. $249.99) for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Turn your smartphone into a powerful scanner for life with this $40 app
TL;DR: Scan and save documents from anywhere with this lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP for just $39.97 (reg. $199.99) with code SCAN through Dec. 7.
Opens in a new window Credit: SwiftScan SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription $39.97$199.99 Save $160.02 Get Deal
It’s 2025. We may not have flying cars quite yet, but at least you can keep a scanner in your back pocket thanks to SwiftScan VIP. This handy app transforms your smartphone or tablet into a scanner, making it easy to digitize documents anytime.
Right now, you can secure a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP for only $39.97 (reg. $199.99) with code SCAN through Dec. 7.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Since there seems to be an app for everything these days, it’s no surprise there’s one that can make scanning as easy as a few taps. SwiftScan VIP eliminates the need for those chunky scanners we all grew up with and instead turns your smartphone or tablet into a scanning device you can take on the go.
Whether you’re saving a handwritten note or submitting your signature on an important document, SwiftScan VIP makes it easy to digitize documents from anywhere. Just point the camera at the page you would like to scan, and SwiftScan detects the edges and crops the document for you.
The app features built-in tools, including color filters, blur reduction, and auto enhancements. If you need to scan multiple pages, it’s easy to combine them into a single document. When you’re done, you can save them as a JPG or PDF, or send them via email, fax, or upload them to a cloud storage service.
Koofr Cloud Storage can also organize your scans for you, saving them in folders and making them easily searchable thanks to OCR technology. And if you need to edit a PDF, it can do that too. You can easily sign, annotate, or redact information from the file using the app.
Snag a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP for just $39.97 (reg. $199.99) with code SCAN through Dec. 7.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Elon Musks X rolls out feature that shows users country of origin – then suddenly removes it
If you were perusing Elon Musk's X late Friday night, you might have seen a brand new, highly anticipated feature roll out.
X visitors were able to go to any users' profile page, click on their join date to view a new "About this account" page which revealed exactly which nation an account was based. This information differed from the usual "Location" detail on an X profile page, as it showed exactly where an account was posting from based on their IP address, not what the user input themselves.
SEE ALSO: Grok generates sycophantic praise for Elon Musk after new updateThe country of origin disclosure was broadly lauded among X's user base. Then, suddenly, without notice, the country of origin was removed from the "About this account" page just hours after it made its late-night debut.
Mashable reported last month that the feature was on the way. X's head of product, Nikita Bier, originally teased the feature, rolling it out on his own account as a demo of how it would work before it was visible on any other X users' accounts.
It's unclear exactly why X quickly removed the feature shortly after rolling it out to the public. However, Bier replied to some X users who were reporting that their "About this account" was showing inaccurate information, which may be the reason why the feature was taken down.
One X user named "Canadian Beaver" shared that their country of origin was appearing as the United States despite residing in Canada.
"Fixing this now," Bier replied. "Looks like Starlink threw us off."
Along with the current country of origin, the "About this page" also displayed where a user resided when first creating the account. One X user reported that their join date location was inaccurately displayed as Korea.
"We identified the problem: it looks like you used a VPN to register your account in '22," Bier said to that user. "We are adding a indicator on that row on Monday for Android and iOS—and it will be live on web tomorrow."
Based on Bier's responses, it seems X may have removed the feature to fix location inaccuracies caused by VPNs, and the intention is to re-roll out the feature in the coming days.
X users mostly welcomed the country of origin feature, as many feel it would discourage foreign actors from spreading misinformation and propaganda related to political discussions on the platform. Facebook has a similar feature for Facebook Pages, where users can view the country of origin for the administrators of the page, although Facebook does not reveal the profiles behind the pages.
We'll soon find out if Musk's social media platform reinstates the feature.
Check out this massive Amazon deal on a Microsoft Surface Laptop with Copilot
SAVE $450: As of Nov. 22, Amazon has a Microsoft Surface laptop (2024) on sale for $749, down from its list price of $1,199.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop $749 at Amazon$1,199.99 Save $450.99 Get Deal
Okay, if you’ve been living life sans a laptop, it can be so annoying. On the other hand, it can be hard to find the right laptop at the right price for your specific life. This weekend might hold just the deal you’ve been waiting for. In honor of Black Friday, Amazon is offering a 38% discount on a 2024 Microsoft Surface laptop. The model comes with Microsoft’s AI software “Copilot”. That’s on top of all the software that you get with a Microsoft Surface PC. This model features 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD.
As for hardware, this Microsoft Surface laptop features a 13.8-inch touchscreen. The battery life can last up to 20 hours. The laptop is also extremely portable, weighing in at approximately 3 pounds. It’s made of durable aluminum that comes in four different colors: black, sapphire, dune, and silver. Copilot can support your work by keeping track of and recalling various documents and webpages you’ve been working on. It can also subtitle any videos in up to 44 languages and generate art from text or image prompts.
Choosing a laptop is a highly personal decision, and you should definitely take your own needs into account. This laptop is ideal for individuals who need to handle various life administrative tasks, school assignments, or light creative work.
Our new favorite cheap laptop is just $450 at Amazon for Black Friday
SAVE $900: The Acer Aspire 16 is on sale for $449.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's 36% off the list price of $699.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Aspire 16 AI Laptop $449.99 at Amazon$699.99 Save $250 Get Deal
One of the most sought after items during Black Friday is the laptop. And even with Black Friday itself just under a week away, Amazon and other retailers have already launched plenty of live deals. That includes a selection of laptop deals at Amazon, which features one of our favorite budget-priced models, the Acer Aspire 16 AI.
The Acer Aspire 16 AI is currently priced at just $449.99, which means an overall saving of $250 — 36% off the list price of $699.99. According to camelcamelcamel, that's its lowest ever price.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!It’s a superb Windows laptop for anyone shopping on a budget and comes equipped with Copilot AI assistant and features. It also boasts a massive 17-hour battery life plus a touchscreen display and a lively user experience that performs above the price point. Especially now it’s discounted as part of Amazon’s Black Friday deals.
Grab the Acer Aspire 16 AI for just $449.99 at Amazon — a saving of $250.
There’s a big deal on this PlayStation 5 Slim console this weekend
SAVE $100: As of Nov. 22, this PlayStation 5 Slim is 18% off at $449.99, down from its list price of $549.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation 5 console (slim) $449.99 at Amazon$549.99 Save $100 Get Deal
The colder months are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than adding a new gaming console to your setup for nights of gaming, the dark at 4 pm, nights away. This weekend, Amazon is offering the PlayStation 5 Slim for $100 off. That’s an excellent, and not super common, deal.
There are a few key features that the PlayStation 5 Slim has that might make it a perfect fit for you. First of all, it’s smaller than the PlayStation Pro and does not come with a disc drive. However, you can purchase an attachable disc drive if that is a crucial feature for you. It comes with a high-speed SSD for super-fast loading. It can also run a wide range of supported PS4 games. If loading speed and graphics are extremely important to you, the PlayStation 5 Pro is noticeably faster with higher image quality, making it a crucial factor to consider. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable and compact console, the PlayStation 5 Slim could be the perfect addition to your entertainment setup.
Reviewers rave about the graphics quality, value for cost, physical appearance, and they also particularly appreciate the console’s compatibility with 4K TVs.
How to watch France vs. Australia online for free
TL;DR: Live stream France vs. Australia in the Autumn Internationals for free on TF1+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Autumn Internationals continue to deliver huge matchups between the biggest sides in the world, including France vs. Australia. Neither side has dazzled in recent games, so both teams will be looking to this clash as an opportunity to put things right. France will be favorites, but don't count out the Wallabies just yet.
If you want to watch France vs. Australia in the Autumn Internationals from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is France vs. Australia?France vs. Australia in the 2025 Autumn Internationals kicks off at 8:10 p.m. GMT on Nov. 22. This fixture takes place at the Stade de France.
How to watch France vs. Australia for freeFrance vs. Australia 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. Australia for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in France
Visit TF1+
Watch France vs. Australia for free from anywhere in the world
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. Australia in the Autumn Internationals for free with ExpressVPN.
Google says it isnt using your Gmail to train AI
You may have seen the now-viral warnings that Google is snooping around your Gmail account and using your emails to train its AI models.
"IMPORTANT message for everyone using Gmail," reads the most viral post on X from user Dave Jones. "You have been automatically OPTED IN to allow Gmail to access all your private messages & attachments to train AI models."
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Numerous outlets have now reported on these claims, usually followed by a step-by-step process to shut off Gmail's Smart Features, which supposedly stop Google from using your emails.
But it's not true, according to Google. The company is not using your Gmail account to train its AI, even if users leave the Smart Features on.
"These reports are misleading – we have not changed anyone’s settings, Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years, and we do not use your Gmail content for training our Gemini AI model," said a Google spokesperson in a response provided to Mashable.
"Lastly, we are always transparent and clear if we make changes to our terms of service and policies," Google continued.
Mashable was initially skeptical about the claims that Google was using users' emails to train AI unless users opted out of a feature. Smart features, which essentially integrate Google's AI model Gemini into a user's Google Workspace account, have been available for some time now. This is not a new feature.
Additionally, Google has been explicit about its commitment to user privacy regarding AI models, such as Gemini.
"Your data stays in Workspace," reads Google's policy page on Gemini. "We do not use your Workspace data to train or improve the underlying generative AI and large language models that power Gemini, Search, and other systems outside of Workspace without permission."
Some users seem to have interpreted giving Gemini access to Gmail by turning Smart features on as equivalent to granting Google that permission. However, Google has previously addressed this on its AI on Google Workspace page, stating that this is not the case. The permissions a user grants with these Smart features are specifically to let Gemini access the data for that user's use cases, not AI training.
Users are certainly justified in questioning the AI policies of all tech companies. We are aware that numerous companies have already trained their AI models on data and content for which they did not have permission to use. And any user who wants to turn off AI features to be safe is well within their right to do so.
But, this specific claim about Google training its AI using emails from Gmail accounts unless users specific turn off a few features appears to be completely false.
NYT Pips hints, answers for November 22, 2025
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 8, 2025The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 8, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 22 PipsNumber (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.
Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically.
Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 22 PipsEqual (6): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this red space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically.
Greater Than (6): Everything in this space must be greater than 6. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 3-2, placed horizontally.
Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically.
Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 22 PipsNumber (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.
Equal (5): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically.
Equal (2): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.
Number (14): Everything in this red space must add to 14. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 4-4, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.
Number (14): Everything in this space must add to 14. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 3-2, placed horizontally.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22, 2025
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be a good time if you're familiar with Florida sports.
As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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: Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Defense
Green: In the Garden State
Blue: Americans in-between the posts
Purple: In D.C.
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Football Defensive Stats
Green: Teams That Play in New Jersey
Blue: U.S. Soccer Goalkeepers
Purple: Washington____
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: Sports Edition #425 is...
What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?Football Defensive Stats - HURRY, INTERCEPTION, SACK, TACKLE
Teams That Play in New Jersey - DEVILS, GIANTS, GOTHAM, RED BULLS
U.S. Soccer Goalkeepers - HOWARD, NAEHER, SCURRY, SOLO
Washington____ - CAPITALS, HUSKIES, NATIONALS, SPIRIT
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
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.
Electrify your Black Friday haul with a $900 saving on this portable Anker power station
SAVE $900: The Anker SOLIX F1500 Portable Power Station is on sale for $499 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's 64% off the list price of $1,399.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker SOLIX F1500 Portable Power Station $499 at Amazon$1,399 Save $900 Get Deal
A good quality power station is one of those things that you probably should own — particularly if you’re an outdoorsy RV enthusiast, a music festival lover, or someone who likes to plan for emergencies — but who’s ever in the mood to spend $1,400 on a giant portable battery? Fortunately, Black Friday has rolled back around so you won’t have to — you can now pick up the Anker SOLIX F1500 Portable Power Station with a mega discount in the Amazon Black Friday deals.
The Anker SOLIX F1500 Portable Power Station is now available for just $499, which means you’ll save an incredible $900. That’s 64% off the list price of $1,399.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!This robust power station is designed to last 10 years — that means you’ll seriously get your money’s worth — and uses multiple methods to recharge quickly, including a solar panel. With an 1800W output, it has multiple ports that will allow you to charge up to 13 devices at the same time. It even connects to the car and has an LED light. You can control it via the Anker app, too.
The Anker SOLIX F1500 Portable Power Station is currently available for $499 in the Black Friday sale at Amazon — a huge saving of $900.
This Samsung 65-inch 4K TV looks even better now its been discounted by $200 for Black Friday
SAVE $200: The Samsung 65-Inch Class QLED Q8F is on sale for $697.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's 22% off the list price of $897.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch Class QLED Q8F TV $697.99 at Amazon$897.99 Save $200 Get Deal
Black Friday will be forever associated with splurging on a big TV at a knockdown discount. Maybe it’s all those viral videos of supermarket chaos and shoppers wrestling over the last discounted TV on the shelf. That carnage might seem like a thing of the past, but the fact remains: If you’re upgrading your TV, Black Friday is the time to do it. Yes, we know that Black Friday itself isn’t for another six days, with the main event of the shopping extravaganza on Nov. 28, but Amazon already had lots of early Black Friday TV deals to take advantage of. And here’s one to grab while stocks last — Samsung 65-Inch Class QLED Q8F.
As part of the Black Friday sale, the Samsung 65-Inch Class QLED Q8F is currently available for $697.99, which saves you $200 from the list price.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!We really can’t recommend Samsung’s smart TVs enough. The debate for best smart TV manufacturer usually comes down to a choice of LG or Samsung, but the differences are marginal. This super slim 4K model certainly makes a case for Samsung’s prowess in the mid-range market. It uses Samsung’s preferred QLED display technology along with Quantum HDR, a slick operating system, and Alexa built-in. Just tell Alexa what you want to watch. You’ll be spoilt for choice with all your favorite streaming apps and access to over 2,700 free channels. Oh, and did we mention the fact that at 65 inches it’s absolutely huge?
The Samsung 65-Inch Class QLED Q8F is now available for $697.99 for Black Friday. That’s a mega saving of $200 off the usual list price of $897.99.
How to get free Lego during Lego Insiders Weekend 2025 — sign up for free
SIGN UP FOR LEGO INSIDERS, GET PERKS THIS WEEKEND: Lego Insiders Weekend runs between Nov. 22 and Nov. 23. Insiders will earn loyalty points that can be redeemed for discounts, access to three exclusive free Lego sets, and special deals that won't be available anywhere else. Lego Insiders is free to join, so why not?
Anyone shopping for Lego sets this Black Friday season — whether it's for your own personal display or for someone else — has no reason not to become a (free) Lego Insiders member during Lego Insiders Weekend, kicking off on Nov. 22. Think of it as a precursor to Lego's actual Black Friday sale, which starts on Nov. 28.
SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and moreLet's say you haven't quite been able to find the perfect set on sale amongst the Black Friday Lego deals at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. While anyone can access many of the exclusive deals on Lego's website that other stores don't have, Insiders will get extra special treatment:
Spend $50 to $200 to earn between 1,300 to 2,600 Lego Insiders points (worth at least $10 to $20 in rewards) or spend more than $200 to earn even more points, 650 Lego Insiders points (worth at least $5.00 in rewards)
Access to the member-exclusive Retro Space Explorer set with 2,400 points
Access to the upcoming member rewards sale
Three new Lego freebies are also dropping for Insider Weekend:
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Baby Gorilla Encounter Free for Insiders with $40+ purchase Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Hot Chocolate Stand Free for Insiders with $170+ purchase Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Mini Knight's Castle Free for Insiders with $250+ purchase Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Retro Space Explorer Cash in just 2,400 loyalty points Learn MoreSo yeah, maybe the best-selling Glinda and Elphaba Bookends or the Pac-Man Arcade aren't necessarily on sale, but buying them does get you a free gift and a decent chunk of points that can be redeemed for money off another set.
Even ahead of the official Members sale or Black Friday sale starting, I've already come across several Lego best-sellers that are at full price unless you're an Insiders member: Snag the Mercedes-AMG G63 and Mercedes-AMG SL 63 for $61.42 ($81.90 for everyone else) or the Medieval Dragon for $75.92 ($94.90 for everyone else).
Black Friday Lego deals already liveLego deals at AmazonLego Star Wars: 'The Phantom Menace' Mos Espa Podrace Diorama 75380 — $50.99 $79.99 (save $29)
Lego Minecraft: The Crafting Table 21265 — $71.99 $89.99 (save $18)
Lego Star Wars: Invisible Hand 25th Anniversary 75377 — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)
Target exclusive: Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector's Set with Mini Orchid and Lucky Bamboo — $41.99 $59.99 (save $18)
Lego Art: Mona Lisa 31213 — $80.90 $99.99 (save $19.09)
Lego Architecture: Statue of Liberty 21042 — $80.20 $119.99 (save $39.79)
Need more variety? We're tracking even more of the Legos on sale for Black Friday and keeping a special eye on the Star Wars Legos on sale for Black Friday.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!How to watch Wales vs. New Zealand online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Wales vs. New Zealand in the Autumn Internationals for free on S4C Clic. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Autumn Internationals continue this weekend with another batch of awesome games between the best sides in the world. The All Blacks will be looking to bounce back after losing to England last weekend. Wales have been struggling recently despite a victory over Japan last time out. Fans will be expecting New Zealand to overcome the home side.
If you want to watch Wales vs. New Zealand in the Autumn Internationals from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Wales vs. New Zealand?Wales vs. New Zealand in the 2025 Autumn Internationals kicks off at 3:10 p.m. GMT on Nov. 22. This fixture takes place at the Principality Stadium.
How to watch Wales vs. New Zealand for freeWales vs. New Zealand in the 2025 Autumn Internationals is available to live stream for free on S4C Clic.
S4C Clic is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock S4C Clic to stream the Autumn Internationals for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wales vs. New Zealand for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit S4C Clic
Watch Wales vs. New Zealand for free from anywhere in the world
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 Wales's Autumn Internationals before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for S4C Clic?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on S4C Clic, 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 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 Wales vs. New Zealand in the Autumn Internationals for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Ireland vs. South Africa online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Ireland vs. South Africa in the Autumn Internationals for free on RTE Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Autumn Internationals have showcased a number of fascinating matchups, but Ireland vs. South Africa might be the best of the bunch. Can anyone stop South Africa? This feels like the best opportunity for a Northern Hemisphere team to take the win.
If you want to watch Ireland vs. South Africa in the Autumn Internationals from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Ireland vs. South Africa?Ireland vs. South Africa in the 2025 Autumn Internationals kicks off at 5:40 p.m. GMT on Nov. 22. This fixture takes place at the Aviva Stadium.
How to watch Ireland vs. South Africa for freeIreland vs. South Africa in the 2025 Autumn Internationals is available to live stream for free on RTE Player.
RTE Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, 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 Ireland, meaning you can unblock RTE Player to stream the Autumn Internationals for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Ireland vs. South Africa for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland
Visit RTE Player
Watch Ireland vs. South Africa for free from anywhere in the world
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 Ireland's Autumn Internationals before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for RTE Player?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTE Player, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Ireland
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 Ireland vs. South Africa in the Autumn Internationals for free with ExpressVPN.


