Mashable

TL;DR: Through November 10, you can get a lifetime subscription to Matt's Flights Premium Plan for just $79.97 and save a ton on domestic and international travel.

Opens in a new window Credit: Matt's Flights Matt's Flights Premium Plan (Lifetime Subscription) $79.97
$1,800.00 Save $1,720.03 Save up to 90% on domestic & international flights Get Deal

Many of us dream of exploring new destinations near and far. However, the passion for travel can be met with resistance in the way of funding. There's only so much money you can make and save and spend on getting to those locations. But there are ways to ensure you have cheaper flights so you can stretch that travel budget further.

Matt's Flights is a flight alert service that takes the work out of finding affordable airfare. For just $79.97, this lifetime subscription offers you the chance to save up to 90% on domestic and international flights, making travel more accessible than ever.

Matt is like a virtual travel fairy, constantly on the lookout for airline mistakes and deeply discounted fares. His keen eye for deals means you get notified the moment a bargain hits the market, and you get a low-cost flight option right in your inbox, ready to whisk you away on your next adventure.

Travel can be complicated depending on where you're going and when, but with Matt’s one-on-one flight and travel planning support, you never have to do it alone. Whether you're unsure about a particular route or need advice on the best time to book, Matt is there to help.

As a premium member, you'll receive five times more deals than free users. This translates to more options and a higher likelihood of getting that perfect, wallet-friendly flight. And if you have a specific destination in mind, you can submit unlimited custom search requests, and Matt will dig deep to find the best airfare available. Whether it's a spontaneous weekend getaway or a long-awaited international journey, Matt’s Flights can help make it happen.

Travel more for less with this easy-peasy service. Pick up a lifetime subscription to Matt's Flights Premium Plan for just $79.97. This deal ends November 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a refurbished HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini Desktop (2.2GHz i5-9500T, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) with a keyboard and mouse on sale for just $279.97 while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini Desktop (2.2GHz i5-9500T, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $279.97
$379.99 Save $100.02 2015 with Windows 10 Pro Get Deal

Your laptop is great, but sometimes you want something with more power at home. If you’re looking for a performance, ergonomics, and battery upgrade, a refurbished HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini Desktop is a great choice — especially while it's on sale for just $279.97.

Here are five reasons to grab this HP mini desktop computer:

1. Price: It’s $279.97 (reg. $379.99) because it’s a refurbished model, though it’s in grade “A” condition. 

2. Performance: An Intel Core i5 and 16GB of RAM make this model suitable for demanding everyday tasks or even gaming.

3. Accessories: It comes with a keyboard and mouse, so you only have to add a monitor. This allows you to select one that meets your exact needs.

4. Storage: 256GB SSD lets you download programs or save photos, videos, and other files locally.

5. Built-in security: Windows 10 Pro comes pre-installed with BitLocker device encryption and Windows Information Protection services, which are not available on the free Home version.

Build a desktop setup with the HP EliteDesk mini desktop for $279.97 (reg. $379.99) while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium — delivering quick, powerful insights from popular nonfiction books — on sale for $59.97 until November 10.

Opens in a new window Credit: GTHW App Limited Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription $59.97
$299.95 Save $239.98 Get Deal

For those of us with big goals but little time, Headway offers a clever shortcut to wisdom. Imagine getting the main takeaways from bestselling books all in short summaries that fit into your day, learning on your schedule.

With a lifetime plan to Headway Premium for a one-time payment of $59.97, you can tackle new skills, boost your knowledge, and feel like a lifelong learner without diving into hours of reading.

Users can choose from a wide variety of topics, including health, nutrition, finances, real estate, self-help, and more. There are more than 1,500 different summaries to choose from, and up to 50 more are added monthly. A very helpful feature allows you to get personalized recommendations according to your goals and preferences.

While this won't replace reading the actual book, it can clarify some of the more important points and let you know if it's something you'd like to know more about. Plus, you can choose to learn by reading, listening, or watching, which can keep things interesting, and allows you to listen to Headway summaries while you drive to work.

Until Nov. 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can score a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium and start your self-growth journey right.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Jimmy Kimmel has shared his reaction to Donald Trump winning the 2024 US election.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, November 7, 2024:

AcrossAlternative to Saran wrap

• The answer is Foil.

Get on the nerves of

• The answer is Annoy.

Depart

• The answer is Leave.

Highway divisions

• The answer is Lanes.

Winter holiday gift that's hard to wrap

• The answer is Sled.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 7 DownNiagara attraction … whose last letter can be moved to the end of 7-Across to spell two timely words

• The answer is Falls.

Basketball star who co-hosts the ABC game show "Lucky 13"

• The answer is O'Neal (without the ').

Silly as all get-out

• The answer is Inane.

Gave a ❤️ in a text thread

• The answer is Loved.

"Of course!"

• The answer is Yes.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

SAVE $518: As of Nov. 7, the Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station is on sale for $549.99 at Amazon, down from $1,068 — a 49% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station $549.99 at Amazon
$1,068.00 Save $518.01 Get Deal

When it comes to backup power, the Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station is a big deal — literally. Normally priced at $1,068, it’s now available for $549.99 at Amazon, knocking a hefty 49% off its original cost. That’s $518 in savings, the lowest price we’ve seen. So, whether you’re prepping for an emergency power outage or planning a week in the great outdoors, this power station has you covered.

The Anker SOLIX C1000 has features ideal for home, camping, and RV use. With its 1,056Wh LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery, you’re getting a device with serious longevity — think 3,000 battery cycles over a 10-year lifespan. It’s built to last, and it’s tough, too, coming with a water-resistant carry bag that protects against unexpected rain showers (thank you, IP54 rating.). The bag’s rubber feet also lift the unit off the damp ground, and its Velcro design lets you access all the outlets without ever taking it out of the cover.

SEE ALSO: Save up to 50% on camping gear at REI and enjoy the vibrant fall colors this year

One of the SOLIX C1000’s standout features is its UltraFast recharging capability, which gets you up to 80% battery in just 43 minutes and fully recharged in less than an hour. Pair it with Anker’s compatible solar panels for a quick 600W solar recharge, fully charging the unit in under two hours — perfect for those remote camping trips when you’re off the grid.

This power station packs serious wattage, with a 1,800W output and a 2,400W surge capacity. This means it can handle most home appliances and electronic devices. Its 11 versatile ports allow you to plug in everything from a mini-fridge to your smartphone, so you’re ready for almost any power need. As always, Amazon Prime members can take advantage of free returns if the item is not the right fit.

SAVE $161: As of Nov. 7, the Sony ECM-S1 Wireless Microphone is available for $258 at Amazon, down from its list price of $419.99. That's a 39% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ECM-S1 Wireless Microphone $258.00 at Amazon
$419.00 Save $161.00 Get Deal

Suppose you’re a content creator, streamer, or someone spending too much time on virtual meetings. In that case, you already know nothing kills the vibe faster than poor audio quality. Enter the Sony ECM-S1 wireless microphone, a game-changer for crystal-clear sound now available at Amazon for $258. With a 39% discount off the $419.99 list price, this deal brings you the lowest price in the past 30 days. That’s $161 in savings for picking up a mic stand, comfy chair, or just some snacks to fuel those long recording sessions.

Sony has packed the ECM-S1 with features that make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to level up their audio without the hassle of a complicated setup. Equipped with an omnidirectional polar pattern, the mic captures sound from all directions, so you can move around without sacrificing audio quality. It connects easily to laptops, cameras, and more with USB Type-C and 3.5mm jack options, plus Sony’s Multi-Interface (MI) shoe, making it incredibly convenient for Sony camera users.

SEE ALSO: Google's crazy AI podcasting tool NotebookLM gets some upgrades

This isn’t just some primary plug-and-play mic. Sony has thought of everything from a battery indicator light to prevent a mid-session shutdown to a mute button for those uh-oh moments and volume control for precision adjustments. A built-in pop guard controls those “P” and “B” sounds, ensuring a polished, professional sound.

If you’ve been eyeing Amazon’s credit card, you can get $60 off upon approval, bringing the price down to $198. And don’t worry if it doesn’t end up being a fit, Amazon Prime offers free returns. Grab this deal before it’s gone, and get back to sounding like the pro you are.

"Daily Show" host Desi Lydic has tried to unpack why Harris lost and Trump won the 2024 election.

We all know you're supposed to toggle on Airplane Mode when you get on a flight. But what does Airplane Mode actually do?

In short, turning on Airplane Mode, shuts off cellular connectivity which grants access to voice and data uses like GPS, calls, and messaging. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bans cellular connectivity on flights because "its signals could interfere with critical aircraft instruments."

SEE ALSO: How to track flights on iPhone

Nowadays, many planes are equipped with WiFi systems, which enable cellphone use if you're connected to the plane's WiFi network. You can easily connect to the WiFi network without having to disable Airplane Mode. Airlines typically provide instructions on how to do this, so be sure to look into that the next time you fly.

With Airplane Mode on, you can still access apps and services on your phone that don't require cellular connectivity. So if you've downloaded shows or games, you're good to go.

Other uses of Airplane mode

Airplane Mode was designed for, duh, using your devices on an airplane without interference. But Airplane Mode can be a handy tool even when you're not soaring through the air.

Saving battery life

Relying on your phone's cellular connectivity can be a battery killer. If you're connected to a WiFi network and therefore don't need connectivity or if you desperately need to save your battery life, turning on Airplane Mode can help with this by cutting down on battery-draining apps and services that run in the background.

Just remember, if you're not connected to WiFi you won't receive calls, messages, and other updates that require WiFi or cell connectivity.

Lifehack: turning on Airplane Mode while you charge your phone can also charge it faster.

Saving data

Turning on Airplane Mode if you're connected to WiFi is an easy way to cut down on cellular data usage. Sure, you could individually change the settings for every app to only run on WiFi, but this way turns of cellular functionality for all apps.

This is especially useful if you're traveling abroad and don't have an international roaming plan. Otherwise your phone company might charge you crazy international fees for data usage outside of the U.S.

When you need a break

Turning on Airplane Mode can also give you a much-needed break from all the pings and popups. It's basically another way of enabling Do Not Disturb. While Do Not Disturb keeps your phone connected but silences notifications, Airplane Mode essentially turns your phone offline, so you don't get notifications until you disable it.

So if you want to shut off the digital world for a while, Airplane Mode is your friend. Thankfully, alarms still work while in Airplane Mode.

Late Show host Seth Meyers has reacted to Donald Trump winning the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Late Show host Stephen Colbert has reacted to Donald Trump winning the 2024 U.S. presidential election, securing a second term.

TL;DR: We've got an exciting price drop to share — get a lifetime license for Microsoft Office 2021 on Mac for only £19.37 (reg. £177.69) through 10 November — all the productivity without the recurring fees.

Your Mac has everything you need, with one exception. It doesn't have a great word processor. Or a viable Excel alternative. Or a tool for creating presentations like PowerPoint. Okay, so, three exceptions.

And for a limited time, you can get a lifetime device license for all of these classic Microsoft tools in this Mashable Shop deal. For your purchase of £19.37, an 89% discount from the usual price, you'll get:

• One-time purchase means no ongoing costs — you own Office 2021 for life without ever worrying about subscriptions

• Budget-friendly solution — save money in the long run compared to subscription-based software that keeps draining your wallet

• Full suite of tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (Basic), and OneNote (free version) — everything you need to get work done without cutting corners

• Perfect for home or business users looking to maximise productivity without paying for features they don’t need

• Designed for Mac — optimised for macOS, giving you seamless performance and familiar functionality

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for just £19.37 (reg. £177.69) until 10 November at 11:59 p.m. PT and ditch the subscription fees for good.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $69.97
$219.99 Save $150.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: New members can get a two-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Unlimited Kindle Unlimited (2-Month Subscription) Free at Amazon Get Deal

Have you ever thought about signing up for Kindle Unlimited? This could be your best opportunity to try it out, because you really don't have anything to lose.

New members can get a two-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited for free. Kindle Unlimited subscribers get unlimited reading and listening on any device, with over 1 million titles, thousands of audiobooks, and selected magazine subscriptions available on any device.

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

The bad news is that existing Kindle Unlimited subscribers with free trials or paid memberships are not eligible for this special deal, and customers who have benefited from a Kindle Unlimited promotion or Kindle Unlimited free trial in the last 36 months may not be eligible for all promotions. But for new members, this is your time to shine.

After the two-month promotional period, the subscription will automatically renew for £9.49 per month for Prime members. You can cancel this at anytime though, so there's no pressure to pay anything.

Get two months of Kindle Unlimited for free before Black Friday.

TL;DR: Live stream Gauff vs. Krejcikova in the 2024 WTA Finals for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2024 WTA Finals rumble on with more games between the world's best players. The next group-stage game sees Gauff take on Krejcikova. Both players won their last games in straight sets, so will be coming into this match with a lot of confidence.

If you want to watch Gauff vs. Krejcikova in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Gauff vs. Krejcikova in the 2024 WTA Finals for free

The 2024 WTA Finals are available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand, including Gauff vs. Krejcikova.

If you're abroad for this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock TVNZ+. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2024 WTA Finals by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Watch Gauff vs. Krejcikova in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can access free live streams of Gauff vs. Krejcikova without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch every WTA Finals match before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the WTA Finals?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the WTA Finals for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• 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.

Live stream Gauff vs. Krejcikova in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens for free with a 30-day free trial of Prime Video.

Thursday Night Football returns with Week 10 action, which kicks off with an AFC North showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals are 4-5 and the Ravens are 6-3. Both teams are coming off high-scoring wins, with the Bengals defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 41-24, and the Ravens defeating the Denver Broncos 41-10.

The Ravens are looking to take the division from the leading Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2), and could do so with a win over the Bengals.

When is Bengals vs. Ravens?

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens takes place at 8:15 p.m. ET on Nov. 7. The two teams will face off at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Al Michaels is expected to do the play-by-play, Kirk Herbstreit is the analyst, and Kaylee Hartung will be the sideline reporter.

How to stream Bengals vs. Ravens for free

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but anyone can watch this game for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (not to mention other Thursday Night Football fixtures).

If you're already a member, or have already used the 30-day trial, Prime Video subscriptions start at $8.99 per month.

Best streaming services for Bengals vs. Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens will be aired locally on ABC (WCPO/Channel 9 in Cincinnati, WMAR Channel 2 in Baltimore) in both the Cincinnati and Baltimore markets. It may be available in some other markets, but NFL games are subject to local blackouts.

If you do not have a cable package in those markets, you have options. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Bengals vs. Ravens on local ABC networks.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

For in-market games: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Again, Bengals vs. Ravens is subject to local blackouts. It is available nationally on Prime Video.

How to watch Bengals vs. Ravens from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Bengals vs. Ravens from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Bengals vs. Ravens from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• 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.

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

TL;DR: Access Pornhub from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

The sad reality for fans of Pornhub is that the site is now blocked in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Utah. That's a long list, and Florida could join at any moment.

The popular site has been blocking a lot of users this year, which is frustrating for anyone simply looking to access their favorite site at an entirely appropriate moment. Fortunately, online restrictions like this can be bypassed with a simple hack.

If you want to unblock sites like Pornhub for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure server in another location. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Access Pornhub by following this quick and easy process:

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 Pornhub

4. Access Pornhub from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to your favourite sites.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, 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 so your data is always secure

• 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 Pornhub for free with ExpressVPN.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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 Nov. 7'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 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.

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 7 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Grand prizes

• Green: The only move in the game hot potato

• Blue: Clubs for short

• Purple: True Underdogs will know this one

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

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

• Yellow - Awards for winning a title

• Green - Pass

• Blue - Colloquial MLB Nicknames

• Purple - Five Ds of Dodgeball

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 #44 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Awards for winning a title: BELT, CUP, RING, TROPHY

• Pass: ASSIST, DISH, DISTRIBUTE, GIVE

• Colloquial MLB Nicknames: BUCCOS, HALOS, PHILS, SNAKES

• Five Ds of Dodgeball: DIP, DIVE, DODGE, DUCK

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.

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.

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 7 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 7 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Extremely online

These words will give you brainrot.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words for social media engagement types. 

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Socialmedia.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 7

• Tweet

• Socialmedia

• Share

• Follow

• Comment

• Like

• Report

• Post

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.

It looks like Apple is about to make history – as the first company to receive a fine under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).

According to a new report from Bloomberg, the European Commission is planning to slap Apple with a fine of as much as 10 percent of the company's global annual sales.

SEE ALSO: Gaming emulators are now on the App Store after Apple relaxed the rules

The EU would levy the fine as a result of Apple's failure to let third-party app developers promote cheaper deals for their software outside the App Store.

Mashable reported in June that the Europe Commission was investigating Apple for breaching its DMA laws, which went into effect in November 2022.

Apple was previously hit with a whopping $2 billion fine earlier this year for similarly restricting the music streaming service Spotify from promoting cheaper deals outside of the App Store inside of its app. However, the EU doled out that fine under its traditional antitrust rules.

The EU instituted the DMA in order to further spur competition within industries typically dominated by Big Tech companies. The DMA requires that large tech companies, deemed gatekeepers, allow for open competition from third-party entities on their core platforms.

The DMA has already forced Apple to make sweeping changes to its core platform services, like the App Store, in the EU. Still, Apple is being further investigated by the European Commission for failing to do so in other areas of core platforms that it operates. It's very possible that whatever the final total for this penalty is for Apple, it's just the first in a number of fines to come.

If you just watched someone play Mario & Luigi: Brothership for an hour or so, you might come away thinking it’s one of the best Switch games and/or RPGs of the year. Unfortunately, the game is much longer than an hour.

Brothership, the latest in the long-running brotherly RPG series starring Nintendo’s mascot and his idiot brother, has most of the component parts you need for an enjoyable adventure. The turn-based combat is as fun as ever, especially when paired with some of the most charming visuals ever in a 3D Mario game. It’s got a pretty solid set of build-crafting mechanics for a game aimed at a younger audience, too. 

Combined with an endearing nautical setting, Brothership should be great — or at least really good. Unfortunately, it settles for something around “fine,” which still falls short of carrying it the distance.

SEE ALSO: 'The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom' review: Princess Zelda shines in her protagonist debut Brotherhip says bon voyage to the Mushroom Kingdom, for better or worse

The latest Mario & Luigi adventure (which does not involve original series development studio AlphaDream, which closed in 2019) has a propulsive enough premise to keep the player going, at least for a while.

Could really use some sea shanties. Credit: Nintendo

There’s not much to it: Everyone gets whisked away from the Mushroom Kingdom to a new place called Concordia. At some point in the recent past, Concordia was a big continent united by the power of the Uni-tree. Of course, some bad things happened and now Concordia is a series of disconnected, drifting islands in a giant ocean. Mario and Luigi must journey across Concordia, reconnecting each island to the Uni-tree to restore harmony.

Mario’s various role-playing adventures have generally favored charm and humor over serious, grandiose storytelling à la Final Fantasy — and Brothership is no different. The bulk of the game is spent going from one island to another, spending anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes solving whatever their quirky local problem happens to be, and reconnecting it to the big tree. Most of the islands have pun names, as do many of the characters and enemies you’ll fight. It’s goofy and often clever.

Unfortunately, that’s kind of where the charm ends, at least in the writing. Brothership isn’t anywhere near as witty and outright funny as previous series entries like Bowser’s Inside Story were. It tries, and is never aggressively unfunny or anything like that, but it’s just kind of … there. Much of the dialogue failed to elicit any kind of response in me. 

To its credit, Brothership does try to tell a somewhat socially relevant story about the power of connection. Electricity is the aesthetic theme of the day here, with most of the NPCs either looking like living ports or connectors with legs. Everything you do is in the service of bringing a divided people back together, whether in the micro on each island, or in the macro across the entire adventure. 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t dig too deep beyond the surface on any of that, and often feels like window dressing to justify having a bunch of enemies and NPCs who look like HDMI connectors. Nearly every friendly NPC in Concordia has a power outlet for a face, which is fun in theory, but in practice, it makes most of them look like interchangeable Funko Pops. They lack personality, broadly speaking.

Compared to the colorful cast of the recent Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remake, it’s no contest.

That Mario & Luigi combat can still sing

Thankfully, Brothership is still a pretty good RPG at its core. The part where you fight enemies is fun, and that was almost enough for me. Almost.

The hammer attacks are super satisfying. Credit: Nintendo

Battles remain turn-based, as they always have been, and the basic premise of the older games still holds true here. Every attack involves both Mario and Luigi, so when they attack, they attack together. Every attack, from regular jump attacks to the more flashy Bros. Moves, requires timed button presses of some kind, and the same goes for dodging, defending, and countering enemy attacks.

This structure allows for two fundamental truths that keep the combat in Brothership engaging for most of its runtime. Watching Mario and Luigi do stuff together is really charming, and putting quick-time events in turn-based battles makes the proceedings feel just a bit more exciting. Stats don’t dictate whether an attack lands, you do. 

All of these mechanics have been staples of previous Mario & Luigi games, so there’s nothing particularly novel here — even if they work well. Plugs do a lot to alleviate that problem. Eventually, a few hours too many into the game, you unlock the ability to craft and set plugs into a gradually expanding set of personal power outlets. Each plug has a different unique combat effect; one of them adds fire to every attack, while another automatically does quick-time events for you. 

Each plug has a limited number of charges, and once those are depleted, it needs time to recharge. Once you’re deep enough into Brothership, this becomes pretty exciting. Hot-swapping plugs in and out during fights (blessedly, this doesn’t cost a turn) to fit each situation is tactically compelling. You have to consider which plugs you want to be active at the same time because there are hidden combos with bonus effects, too. 

This plug makes it so attacks hit multiple enemies. Credit: Nintendo

Juggling plugs wound up being the most fun part of Brothership for me, but it takes entirely too long (think 15 hours or so) to get to the point where you have an adequate number of both outlets and plugs to make this system work as intended. 

Boss fights are also a highlight, though they also put a spotlight on one of Brothership’s shortcomings: There just aren’t enough of them. So many islands end with Mario and Luigi anticlimactically winning the day without any kind of dramatic confrontation at the end. 

The really big, set-piece story boss fights are great, but I’d estimate there’s a single-digit number of those. What makes them cool is that they use “Luigi Logic,” a new mechanic that mostly manifests as ordering Luigi to smash boxes or hit switches outside of combat. In boss fights, though, Luigi Logic always opens up a unique, bespoke mechanic that can turn the fight on its head. 

Here’s the problem: There’s not enough tactical depth to these. Picking the Luigi Logic action is always the right move when it’s available — and doing it right will always stun the boss, opening it up for huge damage. There’s no real consideration to be made about holding it for a big moment or anything like that. And again, this is something that happens far too infrequently in Brothership.

Still, once it starts hitting the right notes, the combat in Brothership does indeed become the best thing about the game. It’s just not without its flaws.

But this adventure asks too much of the combat The platforming here is pleasant, if not especially demanding. Credit: Nintendo

It’s problematic, then, that most of the stuff outside the combat ain’t great. 

When you’re not fighting enemies, you’re most likely running around a series of relatively small islands that each have their own little stories to tell. Sometimes, you’re helping a star dancer find the right hair wax to keep his groove going, and other times, you’re helping a tribe of ice people become friends with a tribe of fire people. 

But in practice, this usually means running to the next objective indicator while fighting enemies and solving relatively simple puzzles along the way. I do dig that Brothership plays more like a simple puzzle-platformer outside of combat than a traditional RPG. Generally speaking, the flow of fighting and puzzle solving is inoffensive, and at times, it’s actively pretty interesting.

The real downfall lies in the side quests. There are a decent number of these peppered throughout the game, and aside from "Very Important" ones that the game marks with red text, almost none of them are really worth doing. They almost all involve going back to some island you’ve already cleared out, talking to one or two people, maybe fighting an enemy, and then getting healing items as a reward.

If you really like Concordia’s characters, maybe that’s enough for you. Over time, though, it becomes tedious, especially in the instances when you have to manually sail somewhere. Sailing is not mechanically dense in Brothership whatsoever, as it mostly involves opening a map and clicking on where you’d like to go. The ship navigates itself very slowly by default, or very quickly if you optionally turn on fast sailing.

The idea, as explicitly stated by the game, is for you to set a destination and then go do other stuff for a while as your boat slowly makes its way over there. This would be fine if the side quests were interesting, but by and large, they are not. On a practical level, you’ll spend a lot of time turning on fast sailing and just staring at the map until your ship gets to its destination.

Wind Waker, this is not.

Last and certainly not least, with regards to gameplay, Brothership is just too long. The runtime can exceed 30 hours and probably a decent amount more if you feel like doing everything, but it runs out of tricks around hour 20. 

Brothership is one of the best-looking Mario games

This Mario & Luigi game might lack charm in its characters and writing, but the visuals almost make up for that.

Those are my little guys right there. Credit: Nintendo

Simply put, these are the most charming 3D renditions of Mario and Luigi I can remember. Most of Brothership’s world is lovingly rendered in the style of the old Game Boy Advance Mario & Luigi box/instruction manual art, with flat, solid colors and black outlines around everything. It looks like a polygonal cartoon, and both Mario and Luigi move around the world in exceedingly charming ways. Their proportions bend and stretch during battle animations, and these are by far the most expressive faces the two brothers have ever had. 

One caveat, though: Performance isn’t great. The Switch is showing its age because this game occasionally chugs below its 30 frames per second target, even at times when there’s not much going on. Combat is mostly safe from this, at least. 

The audio presentation is solid, too, if not quite as spectacular. Most of the music is brassy and jaunty, as one would expect from a modern Mario game. Very little (if any) of it will stick around in my brain for long, but that’s fine. I also enjoy that Mario and Luigi speak to people in fake Italian-sounding gibberish, which I’m pretty sure would get Nintendo canceled if it were done with almost any other language on Earth.

Is Mario & Luigi: Brothership worth getting?

I suspect where a given individual lands on Brothership will have a lot to do with how they feel about previous Mario & Luigi games.

If you’ve never played one, this could be a good starting point. Brothership’s brotherly combat is a real highlight, something that’s consistent across the whole series. Good combat and great visuals will likely be enough to hold your interest. I feel that it overstays its welcome, but you might not.

But anyone with any reverence for previous entries like Superstar Saga and Bowser’s Inside Story may feel like this is a case of too little, too late from Nintendo. Brothership is the first new game in this series in nearly a decade, and in some respects, it’s one of the worst. That doesn’t make it a bad game, but it’s merely OK, and by the standards of its predecessors, that’s not good enough.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch on Nov. 7.