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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
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Updated: 1 hour 25 min ago

As the 2025 TikTok ban deadline looms, here's what we know

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 17:46

TikTok is facing a potential ban in the U.S. that could go into effect just one day before a new administration takes the Oval Office — and its fate hinges on legal battles, political maneuvers, and President-elect Donald Trump.

What's going on with the TikTok ban?

In short: We're waiting.

In April, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that gave ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, nine months to either get a new owner or be banned in the U.S., meaning app stores like Apple and Google and internet hosting companies could face penalties from the government if they distribute or update TikTok. TikTok responded to the potential ban in the courts by suing the government in May, calling the law unconstitutional because the company claims it "subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban, and bars every American from participating in a unique online community with more than 1 billion people worldwide."

While the case is ongoing, the Jan. 19 deadline is swiftly approaching. That suit could help give TikTok a bit of leeway, putting the ban on hold until Trump is inaugurated and he has the power to potentially stop it.

Could Trump save TikTok?

Trump has flipped his opinion on TikTok, from attempting to ban it through an executive order in 2020 to announcing "I'm gonna save TikTok" on the campaign trail in 2024. The president-elect, who was once a great enemy of the app, is now being painted as its savior.

Trump could indeed, at the very least, slow the ban from being enforced. Under the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, the president can extend the deadline by 90 days if there has been "significant progress toward a sale." Four people close to Trump say he’s going to try and stop it from happening, according to a report from The Washington Post.

SEE ALSO: Here's how the TikTok ban will likely play out in the courts

However, to fully repeal the law, Trump would need approval from Congress, which is anything but a clear way to success. The original law passed with wide bipartisan support — 352 in favor in the House of Representatives and 79 in the Senate. Without congressional support, he would have to ask his new attorney general — Matt Gaetz — to refuse to enforce the law.

TikTok is keeping calm

In the past, ban efforts (i.e., Trump's 2020 executive order) have resulted in a chorus of upset from users and creators on the platform. But, lately, it's been oddly quiet on the app — and it's not just creators who don't seem to be freaking out as much as you might expect.

ByteDance's valuation was set at $300 billion, one of its highest valuations to date, on Sunday. And The New York Times reports that employees seem pretty confident, too. "Inside TikTok, there has been little acknowledgment that the company might soon be banned in the United States, despite its thousands of employees here, according to four former employees who spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing nondisclosure agreements. Executives have, at times, made light of the possible ban, suggesting in one all-hands meeting that it would one day be the subject of a Hollywood film, three of the employees said," the Times reported.

One thing is clear: Despite the relatively calming reports from the app, things are still very much up in the air for the future of TikTok. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to use a Visa gift card on Amazon while Black Friday shopping

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 17:46

UPDATE: Nov. 19, 2024, 10:40 a.m. EST This article has been updated to include details of Amazon's Black Friday 2024 shopping event.

Have a Visa gift card that you keep forgetting to use? Black Friday is the perfect rainy day to break that bad boy out — you'll be able to squeeze way more out of those free funds when just about everything is on sale. And BTW, Amazon's Black Friday event kicks off Thursday, Nov. 21 and runs all the way through Cyber Monday on Dec. 2.

Adding a Visa gift card on Amazon isn't the process that you'd expect, though. While it is technically a gift card, it can't be registered as a gift card as an official Amazon gift card would. Rather, register the gift card like you would register a legit Visa debit or credit card to start using it as a payment method.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime How to add a Visa gift card to make purchases on Amazon

Step 1: Go to Amazon on your phone, tablet, or computer and find your Account tab. On the mobile app, your Account lives in the little person icon in the middle at the bottom of the screen and in the three horizontal lines at the bottom right side of the screen. On a web browser, hover over Accounts & Lists at the top right corner of the webpage, then select Account from the dropdown menu that appears.

Step 2: Once there, scroll to find the Your Payments tab. This option will take you to your digital wallet where you can view your added payment methods.

Step 3: Click on Add a payment method. Because the gift card is a Visa, it functions like a regular debit or credit card, so scroll down to the credit or debit cards category to add the new card.

Step 4: You'll then be prompted to add the necessary card information like the card number and expiration date.

Step 5: Then, it'll ask for the Billing Address. Prepaid Visa gift cards aren't tied to a name or address, so you won't actually receive a billing statement. You can add your own address to be quick, or call the customer service number to get the card issuer's address.

SEE ALSO: Walmart vs. Amazon: Which retail giant has the best deals?

There are a few caveats to consider when using a Visa gift card on Amazon. First, not all Visa gift cards may work as debit or credit cards on Amazon. Some may require users to use a CVV to authorize a purchase. Since Amazon doesn't ask for this information while adding payment methods, these Visa gift cards might not go through.

Also, Amazon doesn't allow users to combine multiple cards for a single transaction. This means that you can't cover your total with two Visa gift cards, or use up the remaining gift card balance as a partial payment and cover the rest with another credit or debit card. Keep an eye on your cart total as you chip away at it and make sure that the total order cost (including shipping and taxes) doesn't exceed the account balance.

There is, however, a workaround for tracking that Visa gift card balance. You can use the Visa gift card to add or reload funds on an Amazon gift card, which you can then apply toward future Amazon purchases. Once you add a Visa gift card as an Amazon payment method to your account by following the steps above, you can purchase an Amazon gift card for the full amount of the Visa gift card balance (taking into account any fees the Visa card may deduct upon use), or follow these steps to access your existing Amazon gift card balance and reload funds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Visa Add a Visa gift card to your Amazon account Learn More
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: Get the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ for a new record-low price

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 17:43
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Nov. 19: OUR TOP PICK Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB, WiFi) $149.99 (save $70 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL JBL Flip 6 $79.95 (save $50) Get Deal BEST STREAMING DEVICE DEAL Roku Ultra $79.99 (save $20) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL LG 27-inch StanbyME $796.99 (save $203) Get Deal

We're just two days away from the kickoff of Amazon's official Black Friday sale, which runs from Nov. 21 through Dec. 2 (Cyber Monday). If you want to get a jump start on shopping, however, there are plenty of early deals you can grab. Some of our favorite brands, like LG and Samsung, have already dropped prices down to all-time lows, so why wait?

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Nov. 19. If you missed yesterday's picks, most of those are still live as well — including a new all-time low on the Oura Ring 3 Horizon.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB, WiFi) $149.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $70.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal

Not everyone needs their tablet to compete with their computer. If you want a reliable tablet that can tackle basic everyday tasks proficiently without breaking the bank, check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. It's not as fancy as the S9 lineup, but it still checks all the boxes a low-cost tablet should. Our sister site PCMag called it the "best low-cost Android tablet you can buy." It features an 11-inch display, quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and expandable storage up to 1TB. The 64GB option with WiFi is usually $219.99, but as of Nov. 19, it's down to a new record-low price of $149.99 with an on-page coupon. That's $10 cheaper than its previous all-time low.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 6 $79.95 at Amazon
$129.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

It's no secret that JBL makes great speakers. The ultra-portable Clip 5 and heftier Charge 5 both hold spots on our list of the best Bluetooth speakers. In between those, there's the Flip 6 — a rugged, portable, and powerful speaker that we also tested and loved. While it can't charge your devices like the Charge 5, it still boasts an IP67 waterproof and dustproof design, robust sound with deep bass that doesn't distort, adjustable EQ via the redesigned companion app, and roughly 12 hours of battery life. It's regularly $129.95, but as of Nov. 19, it's down to only $79.95. That's 38% in savings and a new record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Ultra $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Roku's most powerful streaming player to date, the 2024 Roku Ultra dropped earlier this year with welcome performance upgrades on speed and WiFi, as well as a new and improved remote. It claims to be 30 percent faster than the previous generation and packs a quad-core processor that offers smooth HD, 4K, and HDR streaming on a zippier interface. It also has Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support, a microSD slot for storing and streaming external media, an Ethernet port, and the Roku Voice Remote Pro with customizable shortcut keys. It was already our favorite Roku streaming device, but these upgrades make it even better. It's regularly $99.99, but you can get it on sale for just $79.99 as of Nov. 19. That's 20% in savings and just 99 cents away from its record-low.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 27-Inch StanbyMe $796.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $203.00 Get Deal

A truly unique gadget with a lot of potential, the LG StanbyMe is on sale for its lowest price to date — down to $796.99 from $999.99. That's 20% in savings. It's essentially a 27-inch touch-screen monitor mounted on a wheeled floor stand that can rotate between portrait and landscape mode and roll from room to room, blurring the lines between a TV and a tablet. The resolution isn't the best at just 1080p, but depending on what you'd use it for, it may not be a dealbreaker. It can mirror your iPhone, run for three hours on battery power, stream all your favorite apps, and more. While our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) called it "a portable TV that could stand to be more," they couldn't deny its unique lifestyle design.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stock your digital library ahead of Black Friday with these Kindle book deals

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 17:42

SAVE UP TO 93%: Ahead of Black Friday, shop Kindle books up to 93% off. Find 2024 releases like Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe on sale for just $1.99, knocking 87% off.

Best Kindle Book Deals Best fiction deal "Margo's Got Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe $1.99 at Amazon (Save $13) Get Deal Best non-fiction deal "You Could Make This Place Beautiful" by Maggie Smith $2.99 at Amazon (Save $17) Get Deal Best YA deal "Legendborn" by Tracy Deonn $1.99 at Amazon (Save $12) Get Deal Best cookbook deal "Mary Barry's Complete Cookbook" by Mary Berry $2.99 at Amazon (Save $37.01) Get Deal

For those of us with an endless appetite for reading, it can be an expensive hobby whether you're a fiend for hardcovers or dedicated to the e-reader life. Luckily, there's Libby and Kindle Unlimited, which can save you a pretty penny on all the latest arrivals. However, if you want to read exactly what you want and not wait around for your library holds to come through, it pays to splurge on an e-book.

Whether you need to escape your family or are headed on a holiday vacation, a fully stocked Kindle is a good Kindle. With Black Friday is inching closer and closer, the book deals are spectacular so you don't need to splurge either. Find top best-sellers — both fiction and non-fiction — for as low as $0.99. Here are the best early Black Friday deals on Kindle books.

When is Black Friday?

With Thanksgiving falling on Thursday, Nov. 28 of this year, Black Friday follows on Friday, Nov. 29.

However, you don't need to wait that long for deals. "Early Black Friday" deals have already started to roll out, giving a jumpstart to the shopping season. While in-store deals may kick-off on Nov. 29, online sales will run all month long.

Do you need a Kindle to read Kindle books?

Yes and no. Unlike a standard e-book that can be read on any device, Kindle books can only be read on Kindle devices or the Kindle app. The Kindle app gives you flexibility so you don't need to spend a hundred dollars on an e-reader. Although we do have to say, Kindles are totally worth it.

The Kindle app is available on iOS and Android devices so you can read Kindle books on your exisiting smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

Best fiction deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon "Margo's Got Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe $1.99 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $13.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Margo's Got Money Troubles is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. After a short-lived affair with her professor, Margo Millet finds herself 20, pregnant and alone, while navigating financial woos and upcoming motherhood. Rufi Thorpe's novel is a 2024 hit with an Apple TV+ series already in development, starring the likes of Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nick Offerman.

This acclaimed novel is just $1.99 ahead of Black Friday. That knocks $13 off the price for 87% savings.

More fiction dealsBest non-fiction deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon "You Could Make This Place Beautiful" by Maggie Smith $2.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Poet Maggie Smith rose to internet fame with her poem Good Bones, but her 2023 memoir tells the story of marriage and motherhood. Told through both poetry and prose, Smith explores the end of her marriage in You Could Make This Place Beautiful. Full of reflections on the expectations of gender roles and power dynamics, it's a moving, powerful read that you can find for just $2.99, bringing it down $17 for 85% off.

More non-fiction deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Shop the REI Winter Sale and save up to 30% off on thousands of hiking, biking, camping, and travel items

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 17:32

SAVE UP TO 30%: The REI Winter Sale has hiking, camping, travel, winter sports, and fitness gear on sale through Nov. 25.

Best REI Winter Sale deals Best fitness tracker deal Garmin vivoactive 5 $199.99 at REI (save $100.01) Get Deal Best camping deal REI Frostbreak 5 Sleeping Bag $104.25 at REI (save $44.75) Get Deal Best winter sports deal MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes $135.89 at REI (save $34.06) Get Deal Best travel deal Thule Compression Packing Cube Set $33.69 at REI (save $11.26) Get Deal

REI stands as one of the best outdoor retailers in the US. But it's famously rejected the notion that we should spend the holiday period of Thanksgiving at the mall. Since 2015, REI has closed its physical stores on Black Friday, adopting the slogan "Opt Outside," which encourages us (and REI employees) to take the day off as an opportunity to explore the outdoors. But since the weather in late November might be wet and cold, time outside requires good gear.

Thankfully, REI's Winter Sale is already underway, offering thousands of sale products that save you up to 30% through Nov. 25. The sale covers a massive range of products for camping, hiking, snow sports, and fitness trackers.

It's a great time to snag holiday gifts before the chaos of Black Friday arrives, which frees you up to enjoy a relaxing day off after Thanksgiving. If your holiday shopping list includes an outdoor enthusiast, the REI sale is worth checking out. Here are some of our top recommendations this year.

Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vivoactive 5 $199.99 at REI
$300.00 Save $100.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The Garmin vivoactive 5 fitness tracker is ideal for anyone looking to keep tabs on fitness goals, whether you plan on walking around the neighborhood more often or start training for a marathon in 2025. The bright, AMOLED display means you'll be able to easily view your stats while getting up to 11 days of battery life. The Garmin vivoactive 5 also features the brand's Body Battery readout, which gives you an energy score based on metrics like activity level and sleep quality. Plus, the vivoactive 5 not only tracks your sleep, it has automatic nap detection.

The Garmin vivoactive 5 is also great for those who use a wheelchair, offering a mode that tracks pushes instead of steps.

More fitness dealsBest camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: REI REI Frostbreak 5 Sleeping Bag $104.29 at REI
$149.00 Save $44.71 Get Deal Why we like it

Winter camping can be one of the most rewarding experiences, with the right gear. You'll need a cozy and functional sleeping bag that's rated to handle chilly temps. Enter the REI Frostbreak 5 Sleeping Bag, which is on sale for only $104.29, down from the usual price of $149. Like the name implies, the Frostbreak 5 is rated to handle temps as low as five degrees Fahrenheit. The sleeping bag uses four layers of water-resistant synthetic fill to keep you cozy and warm during chilly nights.

With a mummy shape to the sleeping bag, the face muffler is also great for keeping warm, as is the draft tube which prevents any cold air from seeping in. The unisex sleeping bag comes in short, regular, and long size options so you can find the best fit.

More camping dealsBest snow sports deal Opens in a new window Credit: MSR MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes $135.89 at REI
$169.95 Save $34.06 Get Deal Why we like it

Snowy winter adventures await with the MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes which are 20% off during the REI Winter Sale, bringing them down to $135.89 instead of the usual $169.95. While snowshoeing on a crisp winter day can be fantastic, getting the snowshoes on is no one's favorite part. The MSR Evo Trail aims to make that process easier with two roller buckles and toe stops that are designed to be simple to secure, even while you're wearing gloves. The stretch bindings secure your feet comfortably without squeezing or causing pressure points. The pair weighs about four pounds, so it won't be a massive weight to strap to your backpack should you be hiking up to the snowline.

More snow sports dealsBest travel deal Opens in a new window Credit: Thule Thule Compression Packing Cube Set $33.69 at REI
$44.95 Save $11.26 Get Deal Why we like it

If you'll be heading off on adventures over the holidays or in 2025, a set of compression packing cubes can be a life-saver. With one small and one medium cube, the Thule Compression Packing Cube Set is on sale for just $33.69 which is a solid 25% discount compared to the normal price of $44.95. Compression cubes help minimize space when packing clothing, so you can take along more outfits in less space. Thule uses high-quality YKK zippers for better durability and a rip-stop nylon material that's also water-repellant.

More travel deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Shop the best early Black Friday 2-in-1 laptop deals from HP, Samsung, and more

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 17:16

UPDATE: Nov. 19, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST This article has been updated with the latest 2-in-1 laptop deals ahead of Black Friday across a variety of retailers.

Early Black Friday 2-in-1 laptop deals Best 2-in-1 laptop deal Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Intel 13th Generation Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,499.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best 2-in-1 Chromebook deal HP Chromebook x360 14 (Intel Processor N100, Intel UHD Graphics, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) $199 (save $230) Get Deal

The countdown to Black Friday is well underway, and so are the early deals. That's right, the holiday shopping event has basically already started (unofficially, of course), so it's time to start scouring every retailer you can to find the best discounts possible. Fortunately, we're here to do all that hard work for you.

SEE ALSO: Pick up a new keyboard at a nice discount ahead of Black Friday 2024

If you're hoping to pick up some new tech, you've come to the right place. Take a look at our favorite 2-in-1 laptop deals below. Be sure to keep visiting this page as Black Friday nears, though, because we'll be updating it as new deals go live.

If you're looking for other tech items on sale, we've also been building comprehensive deals guides for laptops in general, tablets, headphones, TVs, fitness trackers, and plenty more.

Best 2-in-1 laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Intel 13th Generation Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,499.99 at Best Buy
$2,799.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is one of the more high-end 2-in-1 laptops you can get, and we can confirm that it's not just style over substance — we enjoyed our time with it. If you're a creative type who's consistently taking on processor-hungry tasks like photo and video editing, the Surface Laptop Studio 2's powerful CPU and versatile design are going to be exactly what you need to stay productive. Pick one up ahead of Black Friday and save $300 off the original price, for just $2,499.99.

Best 2-in-1 Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Chromebook x360 14 (Intel Processor N100, Intel UHD Graphics, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) $199.00 at Walmart
$429.00 Save $230.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking stay on the more budget-friendly side of the spectrum, going the Chromebook route is probably where you'll want to start. The HP Chromebook x360 14 has decent enough specs that should help you get through simple tasks like web browsing and document editing, and it's only $199 leading up to Black Friday. That's over $200 in savings, so don't miss out.

More 2-in-1 laptop deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Hackers are now sending scam QR codes via physical mail — and they can steal your passwords

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 17:00

We've warned you about QR code scams before. Now, we're warning you about a new QR code scam – one that may show up in your physical mailbox.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in Switzerland has issued a new alert based on a new scheme from hackers and scammers that weaponizes the postal service. The scam involves a physical piece of mail arriving at a target's door, urging them to download an app. 

The app, which can be downloaded via a QR code displayed on the mailer, is actually malware disguised as a legitimate app that can steal data from the user's device.

A new type of QR code scam

The hackers and scammers behind this fraudulent scheme imitate Switzerland's Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, right down to the official governmental seals on the mailed document. The mailer urges recipients to scan the QR code in order to download a "Severe Weather Warning App" for Android devices. 

When the QR code is scanned, users aren't taken to the official Google Play store, but instead a third-party site. Once there, they are asked to download an "AlertSwiss" app.

As first reported on by The Register, there are some obvious discrepancies between the hacker's app and the real one that it copies. There is a genuine government app with the same name, but it's called "Alertswiss," without the capitalized "S." In addition, while the fake app attempts to mimic the app logo, it isn't exactly the same.

The fake app, when downloaded, installs a "variant of the Coper trojan" malware on the target's device. This malware can log the user's activity on the device, stealing passwords, messages, notifications, as well as other sensitive information. In addition, phishing pages can be automatically displayed on the infected device as well.

NCSC told The Register that this was the first time it had ever come across malware being delivered via physical mail in this way. 

Unlike email, there is a cost associated with sending each piece of physical mail, so this attack method must be delivering some level of success to the scammers behind it.

If bad actors aren't already looking at replicating this campaign outside of Switzerland yet, this warning should serve as an important notice to be on the look out for QR code scams being sent to your physical address in the not-so-distant future.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag the Asus ROG Ally for its lowest price yet and game on the go

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 16:58

SAVE $150: As of Nov. 19, the Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld with AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, 512GB storage, and 7-inch FHD 120Hz display is just $349.99, down from $499.99, at Target. That's a 30% discount and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Asus ROG Ally $349.99 at Target
$499.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Black Friday may still be over a week away, but that hasn't stopped retailers like Target from serving up some of the best deals we've seen, particularly when it comes to gaming and tech. If you've been holding off on getting a handheld gaming PC, now's the time to do so, since the Asus ROG Ally just dropped to its lowest price yet.

As of Nov. 19, the Asus ROG Ally is on sale for $349.99 at Target, down from its usual price of $499.99. That's a discount of $150, or 30% off. This is the lowest price we've tracked for the handheld so far, so now's a great time to lock yours in.

SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday 2024

This handheld gaming PC is a Steam Deck competitor that won't break the bank. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, has 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM, and has a 7-inch 1080p touchscreen that runs at a 120Hz refresh rate with FreeSync. Suffice to say, this bad boy can handle just about any game you throw at it, though it will eat up your battery pretty quickly if you're playing while on the go.

But you don't have to use it as a handheld; you can also hook it up to a TV or monitor, so you have a gaming PC wherever you go or wherever you stay. It can even quick charge up to 50% battery in 30 minutes, so you don't have to wait long to get your next session in. At this price, you'll want to act fast, so snag yours while it's still up for grabs at Target.

Categories: IT General, Technology

More Lego deals snap into place at Walmart's early Black Friday sale

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 16:52

Save up to 37%: As of Nov. 19, more Lego deals hit Walmart ahead of Black Friday.

Best new early Black Friday Lego deals at Walmart: Best Lego gift deal overall Lego Dreamzzz Crocodile Car $27.00 (Save $14.77) Get Deal Best budget Lego deal Lego City Space Explorers Pack $20.00 (Save $11.99) Get Deal Best large Lego Walmart deal Lego City Deep-Sea Explorer Submarine Building Set $70.00 (Save $39.99) Get Deal

With early Black Friday sales unfolding at Walmart and beyond, now is the time to start ticking gifts off the holiday shopping list. Any parent with a Lego-obsessed kid knows the sound of Legos scraping in the box. There are few better times throughout the year to add more Legos to the war chest.

Lego has tons of great options, from exclusives like Lego Dreamzzz to franchise sets. Whether you’re shopping for an engineer, a collector, or a Minecraft-obsessed kid, there's sure to be a set they'll love.

Best Lego gift deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Dreamzzz Crocodile Car $35.00 at Walmart
$41.77 Save $6.77 Get Deal

We love this surrealist Lego Dreamzzz Crocodile Car set that ushers kids into a customizable dream world. The main component is a fire spitting car/beast with four legs, a tail, and a huge blue gator maw. True to dreamland, the set also comes with a black-clad motorcyclist on a pink winged bike, as well as a minion on a fire spitting scooter.

Dreamzzz is about ushering kids into a fantasy dream world, so when they’re done with their crocodile car, the set offers alternate builds, with the car becoming a truck and mini-boat. If you’re buying for someone who like offbeat fantasy, this set is the way to go.

Best budget Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego City Space Explorers Pack $20.00 at Walmart
$31.99 Save $11.99 Get Deal

Looking for a smaller Lego set? The Lego City Space Explorers Pack is value-priced but mighty. With a mech, hover scooter, and an agile space craft, this multi-set ushers kids into future space exploration, and comes with a few set pieces to create the scene, including air and land drones and blue crystals on rock.

With 426 pieces, this three-in-one set is a real Lego value pack. Get it for $20 and save 35%.

Best large Lego Walmart deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego City Deep-Sea Explorer Submarine Building Set $70.00 at Walmart
$109.99 Save $39.99 Get Deal

Learn the secrets of the sea with the Lego City Deep-Sea Explorer Submarine Set. Can this advanced submarine, aqueous mech, and diver squad make it into the shark infested undersea wreckage without getting chomped? As with all Lego, there are many ways for it to play out.

Right now this Lego City submarine set is available for $70 — buy it now and save $39.99.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan team up for Netflix Christmas special

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 16:46
Sabrina Carpenter's star-studded Christmas special hits Netflix December 6 at 9 p.m. ET. Watch the trailer.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple shares the most popular podcasts of 2024

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 15:47

Apple's list of top podcasts for the year is in and it's...not very surprising.

The most popular podcast of the year in the U.S., according to Apple, was the New York Times' The Daily, followed by Crime Junkie, and The Joe Rogan Experience in the third spot.

SEE ALSO: Apple Podcasts are now available on the web

The full list is as follows:

Apple's top podcasts of 2024

  1. The Daily

  2. Crime Junkie

  3. The Joe Rogan Experience

  4. Dateline NBC

  5. SmartLess

  6. Huberman Lab

  7. This American Life

  8. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

  9. Up First from NPR

  10. Morbid

Apple actually shared 10 different top lists, including the list of Top New Shows (headed by The Tucker Carlson Show), Top Series (with Serial on top), and Most Shared Shows (with the first places belonging to Huberman Lab).

You can check out all the 2024 top charts in the Browse tab in the Podcasts app. In some markets, you can also check out Apple's curated collection of "standout" shows called Shows We Love.

The company hasn't yet revealed the Show of the Year; that's coming on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Check out all of Apple's top lists (so far), below:

Apple's top new podcasts of 2024

  1. The Tucker Carlson Show

  2. Three

  3. Mortal Sin

  4. Drowning Creek

  5. The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke

  6. Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings

  7. Noble

  8. Murder in the Hollywood Hills

  9. Hysterical

  10. Who Killed JFK?

Apple's top podcast series of 2024

  1. Serial

  2. Up and Vanished

  3. Three

  4. The Bakersfield Three

  5. CounterClock

  6. Something Was Wrong

  7. Dr. Death

  8. The Binge Cases

  9. Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra

  10. The Binge Crimes

Apple's top podcast episodes of 2024

  1. Crime Junkie: “SERIAL KILLER: The Alphabet Murders Part 1”

  2. The Joe Rogan Experience: “#2219 - Donald Trump”

  3. The Daily: “Harris Baits Trump: Inside Their Fiery Debate”

  4. Dateline NBC: “Dangerous Secret”

  5. The Bakersfield Three: “Episode 1: Fight Like a Mother”

  6. SmartLess: “Vince Vaughn”

  7. Three: “Skylar Is Missing | Chapter 1”

  8. Serial: “Serial S04 - Ep. 1: Poor Baby Raul”

  9. Mortal Sin: “1 – Ashes to Ashes”

  10. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce: “Travis Wins on the Road, Jason Celebrates Shirtless and Full Divisional Round Recap | Ep 75”

Apple's most shared podcasts of 2024

  1. Huberman Lab

  2. Scamanda

  3. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

  4. The Daily

  5. The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

  6. The Bible Recap

  7. The Mel Robbins Podcast

  8. Sold a Story

  9. Who Killed JFK?

  10. Crime Junkie

Apple's most shared podcast episodes of 2024

  1. The Tucker Carlson Show: “Calley & Casey Means: The Truth About Ozempic, the Pill, and How Big Pharma Keeps You Sick”

  2. The Mel Robbins Podcast: “The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now”

  3. The Daily: “The Year of Taylor Swift”

  4. Huberman Lab: “Dr. Stacy Sims: Female-Specific Exercise & Nutrition for Health, Performance & Longevity”

  5. The Joe Rogan Experience: “#2219 - Donald Trump”

  6. The Ezra Klein Show: “Is Tim Walz the Midwestern Dad Democrats Need?”

  7. Honestly with Bari Weiss: “Why the Kids Aren’t Alright”

  8. We Can Do Hard Things: “263. Healing from Emotionally Immature Parents with Lindsay C. Gibson”

  9. Call Her Daddy: “Vice President Kamala Harris”

  10. Good Inside with Dr. Becky: “The Anxious Generation with Jonathan Haidt”

Apple's most followed podcasts of 2024

  1. The Joe Rogan Experience

  2. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

  3. Huberman Lab

  4. Call Her Daddy

  5. The Tucker Carlson Show

  6. The Mel Robbins Podcast

  7. SmartLess

  8. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

  9. Crime Junkie

  10. The Daily

Apple's top subscriber podcasts of 2024

  1. Apple News+ Narrated

  2. Morbid

  3. Dateline NBC

  4. The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke

  5. Dr. Death

  6. SmartLess

  7. Something Was Wrong

  8. Scamtown

  9. American Scandal

  10. Mortal Sin

Apple's top podcast channels of 2024

  1. Wondery

  2. iHeartPodcasts

  3. The New York Times

  4. audiochuck

  5. SiriusXM Podcasts

  6. Dateline NBC

  7. Dear Media

  8. iHeart True Crime

  9. Scicomm Media

  10. Cumulus Podcast Network

Categories: IT General, Technology

Harris Dickinson seduces Nicole Kidman in steamy 'Babygirl' trailer

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 15:47
"Babygirl" hits theaters December 25.
Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for November 19

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 13:58

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 19 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Pick-ups

These words belong in the kitchen.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are used to eat.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Utensils.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 19

  • Spoon

  • Skewer

  • Fork

  • Spork

  • Knife

  • Tongs

  • Chopsticks

  • Utensils

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Instagram will let users 'reset' their recommended content

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 13:00

Too often, a curious teen comes across the wrong Instagram influencers or accounts and finds their feed flooded with similar suggestions.

It could've been a relatively harmless foray into content they don't want to see all day, every day, like horror movie fan accounts. Or, it could be something more dangerous, such as influencers promoting disordered eating or certain conspiracy theories.

SEE ALSO: Your Instagram Story Highlights might be moving to the grid

Now teens will finally have a way to cleanse their feed of recommended content, which is based on their recent activity and who they follow. On Tuesday, Instagram announced that it's testing a "reset" feature.

The tool, slated to roll out globally after a short testing period, will be accessible in the content preferences menu. With three clicks, users will be able to clear out suggestions for Instagram's Explore, Reels, and Feed products. During the process, users will be prompted to review and unfollow accounts they don't care for any longer.

How to reset your Instagram content recommendations. Credit: Meta

Teens also won't be the only ones to take advantage of resetting their content recommendations. Instagram is making the feature available to everyone, ostensibly because a feed full of uninspiring or mismatched suggestions isn't only a teen problem.

Instagram already allows users to curate their recommendations by labeling specific posts as "interested" and "not interested," as well as hide content with captions that contain certain words or phrases.

Instagram has also debuted other features related to teen safety and well-being in recent months.

In September, it launched restrictive "Teen Accounts" for users under 16. Last month, the platform announced tools to combat financial sextortion, which devastates victims and largely affects teens.

Instagram's parent company, Meta, is a defendant in a lawsuit against it and other major social media platforms. The complaint alleges that the companies' products exploit children and adolescents, including by exposing them to an "algorithmically-generated, endless feed" to keep them scrolling. Meta has disputed the claims.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jon Stewart uses a donut to show where Democrats keep going wrong

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 12:32
Jon Stewart spoke about the difference between Democrats and Republicans on "The Daily Show", using a donut to illustrate his point.
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Game Awards 2024 nominations: Which games are up for the gold?

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 12:02

There's been a veritable avalanche of great games in 2024, and the big hitters are now up for the gold.

The nominations for The Game Awards were announced on Monday evening, with Game of the Year nominees Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Astro Bot, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, and Metaphor: ReFantazio dominating the list.

Indie games like Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Neva, Indika, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Manor Lords, Pacific Drive, and more are all up for awards, and major releases like Helldivers 2, Silent Hill 2, Star Wars Outlaws, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 are up for awards too — though not Game of the Year.

And for TV fans, Arcane, Fallout, Knuckles, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, and Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft are all nominated for Best Adaptation.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best video games of 2024 (so far)

Notably, one of the biggest snubs was BioWare's excellent Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which only landed one nomination this year for Innovation in Accessibility. I'm sure complete and utter icon Taash would have something to say about this.

Here are the nominations for The Game Awards 2024 — have you played them all?

Game of the Year

Astro Bot

Balatro

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Best Game Direction

Astro Bot

Balatro

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Best Narrative

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Metaphor: ReFantanzio

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Silent Hill 2

Best Art Direction

Astro Bot

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Neva

Best Score and Music

Astro Bot

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Silent Hill 2

Stellar Blade

Best Audio Design

Astro Bot

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Silent Hill 2

Best Performance

Briana White, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Hannah Telle, Life is Strange: Double Exposure

Humberly González, Star Wars Outlaws

Luke Roberts, Silent Hill 2

Melina Juergens, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Innovation in Accessibility

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Diablo IV

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Star Wars Outlaws

Games for Impact

Closer the Distance

Indika

Neva

Life is Strange: Double Exposure

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Tales of Kenzera: Zau

Best Ongoing Game

Destiny 2

Diablo IV

Final Fantasy XIV

Fortnite

Helldivers 2

Best Community Support

Baldur's Gate 3

Final Fantasy XIV

Fortnite

Helldivers 2

No Man’s Sky

Best Independent Game

Animal Well

Balatro

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

Neva

UFO 50

Best Debut Indie Game

Balatro

Animal Well

Manor Lords

Pacific Drive

The Plucky Squire

SEE ALSO: 6 of the coolest upcoming indie games at SXSW Sydney 2024 Best Mobile Game

AFK Journey

Balatro

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket

Wuthering Waves

Zenless Zone Zero

Best VR/AR Game

Arizona Sunshine Remake

Asgard's Wrath 2

Batman: Arkham Shadow

Metal: Hellsinger VR

Metro Awakening

Featured Video For You CES 2024: The AR glasses that let you game on the go Best Action Game

Black Myth: Wukong

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Helldivers 2

Stellar Blade

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Best Action/Adventure Game

Astro Bot

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Silent Hill 2

Star Wars Outlaws

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Best RPG

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Best Fighting Game

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

MultiVersus

Tekken 8

Best Family Game

Astro Bot

Princess Peach Showtime

Super Mario Party Jamboree

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

The Plucky Squire

Best Sim/Strategy Game

Age of Mythology: Retold

Frostpunk 2

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Manor Lords

Unicorn Overlord

Best Sports/Racing Game

F1 24

EA Sports FC 25

NBA 2K25

Top Spin 2K25

WWE 2K24

Best Multiplayer Game

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Helldivers 2

Super Mario Party Jamboree

Tekken 8

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2

Best Adaptation

Arcane

Fallout

Knuckles

Like a Dragon: Yakuza

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

Most Anticipated Game

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Ghost of Yotei

Grand Theft Auto VI

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Monster Hunter Wilds

Content Creator of the Year

CaseOh

IlloJuan

Techno Gamerz

TypicalGamer

Usada Pekora

Best Esports Game

Counter-Strike 2

DOTA 2

League of Legends

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Valorant

Best Esports Athlete

33

Aleksib

Chovy

Faker

ZyWoO

ZmjjKk

Best Esports Team

Bilibili Gaming (League of Legends)

Gen.G (League of Legends)

NAVI (Counter-Strike)

T1 (League of Legends)

Team Liquid (DOTA 2)

The Game Awards will be announced on Dec. 12 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be streaming live on The Game Awards website.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock Xnxx for free

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 11:34

TL;DR: Unblock your favorite porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites like Xnxx is ExpressVPN.

Access to your favorite porn sites is not always guaranteed. There are a number of locations around the world that will restrict your access to porn sites, which is probably fair enough. However, there is something to be said for online freedom.

When the time is right, you'll want to be able to secure access to your favorite porn sites without hassle. Fortunately, there is a simple hack that can bypass geo-restrictions to unblock porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock sites like Xnxx for free, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Xnxx for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world.

Follow these simple steps to unblock porn sites like Xnxx:

  1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Xnxx

  4. Access Xnxx from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Xnxx without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when temporarily away from home.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for fast and reliable unblocking of porn sites like Xnxx, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • Fast streaming 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 also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen Colbert says what everyone's thinking about that Trump McDonald's plane photo

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 11:31
Stephen Colbert has commented on that viral photo of Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and RFK Jr. eating McDonald's on a plane.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 19

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 11:26

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for November 19'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 today: Hints and answers for November 19 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's The Mini crossword answers for November 19 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Departing from one place to another.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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...

GOING.

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 19

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 19

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 11:25

Connections is the latest New York Times word game 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 November 19'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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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's The Mini crossword answers for November 19 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Expert

  • Green: Unlock your phone

  • Blue: Types of pasta

  • Purple: Involves two things

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Area of Expertise

  • Green: Ways to Unlock A Device

  • Blue: Pasta Shapes

  • Purple: Double____

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 #526 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Area of Expertise: CONCENTRATION, FIELD, FOCUS, SPECIALTY

  • Ways to Unlock A Device: FACE, FINGERPRINT, PASSWORD, PIN

  • Pasta Shapes: EAR, ELBOW, RIBBON, WHEEL

  • Double____: AGENT, DRIBBLE, JEOPARDY, STANDARD

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 19

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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