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The best streaming deals to watch 'The Smashing Machine' at home: Watch now Rent or Buy on Prime Video $5.99 or $19.99 Shop Now Watch now Rent or buy on Apple TV $5.99 or $19.99 Shop Now Watch as of Jan. 23 HBO Max (With Ads) $109.99/year (save $21.89) Get Deal Watch as of Jan. 23 Max Standard $184.99/year (save $36.89) Get Deal Watch as of Jan. 23 HBO Max Student $5.49 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal Watch as of Jan. 23 HBO Max Basic With Ads Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $10.99/month) Get Deal Watch as of Jan. 23 Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $19.99 per month (with ads), $32.99 per month (no ads) (save up to 41%) Get Deal

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is ready for a change of pace. Known for his larger-than-life personality and smoldering action-comedy performances, The Smashing Machine sees him take on a heavier, more dramatic role as MMA fighter Mark Kerr.

It world premiered at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, then played at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where Mashable's film editor, Kristy Puchko, reviewed the film. It earned mostly positive reviews, with tons of praise for Johnson's performance. The movie also stars Emily Blunt as Kerr's partner Dawn, Ryan Bader as UFC champion Mark Coleman, and Oleksandr Usyk as MMA fighter Igor Vovchanchyn.

If you missed it in theaters, you can now watch The Smashing Machine at home. Here's what you need to know to tune in — including where it's streaming and when.

What is The Smashing Machine about?

Written and directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems), The Smashing Machine tells the true story of MMA fighter Mark Kerr (Johnson) during the early days of the UFC in the '90s. It's set across several years, ushering audiences to Japan for the Pride FC competition and back to the U.S. for training. It dives into his personal struggles and tumultuous romantic relationship with Dawn Staples (Blunt) as he strives to be the best in the ring.

Get a glimpse at Johnson's transformation in the official trailer:

Is The Smashing Machine worth watching?

The Smashing Machine may not have been a knockout at the box office, but Johnson's transformation into Mark Kerr and his performance alone make it worth watching. The film took home the Silver Lion during the Venice International Film Festival and has racked up a 70 percent critic rating and 75 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Mashable's own reviewer writes, "In the end, Johnson gives a career-defining performance that should well prove he can handle meatier, even artier fare. Blunt gives her all in a thankless role, and Safdie, in his feature-length directorial debut without his brother/Uncut Gems co-helmer Josh Safdie, takes some big swings. It's a shame he didn't have a sharper eye on what was hitting, and what was leaving his audience needing more."

Check out Mashable's full review of The Smashing Machine.

How to watch The Smashing Machine at home Credit: A24

A24 has officially announced a streaming date for The Smashing Machine. You can tune in at home by purchasing or renting via digital video-on-demand as of Nov. 4, 2025 or streaming as of Jan. 23, 2026. We've broken down the details below.

Buy or rent on digital

As of Nov. 4, The Smashing Machine is available to purchase or rent on digital video-on-demand platforms. You can buy the movie for your digital library or rent it for 30 days. If you choose to rent, just note that although you'll have 30 days to watch, you'll only have 48 hours to finish watching once you begin.

You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:

• Prime Video — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99

• Apple TV — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99

• YouTube — buy for $19.99, rent starting at $4.99

• Google Play — buy for $19.99, rent starting at $4.99

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Rent or Buy 'The Smashing Machine' at Prime Video $5.99 or $19.99 Get Deal Stream it on HBO Max

A24 has a multi-year output deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, so new A24 theatrical releases exclusively stream on HBO Max before anywhere else.

Based on the theater-to-streaming trajectory of other recently released A24 movies — like Sorry, Baby, Materialists, and Bring Her Back — we estimated that The Smashing Machine would hit HBO Max sometime in February or March 2026. We're happy to report that A24 is blessing us a bit early (likely due to awards season). You can stream The Smashing Machine on HBO Max as of Jan. 23, 2026.

HBO Max subscriptions start at $10.99 per month (thanks to a recent price hike), but there are some ways to save some money on your plan. Check out the best HBO Max streaming deals below.

The best HBO Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on HBO Max Basic annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Basic with ads annual subscription $109.99 per year (save $21.89) Get Deal

The HBO Max Basic plan with ads typically costs $10.99 per month, but if you pay for an entire year upfront, that price drops down to just $9.17. With the annual plan, you'll pay $109.99, which saves you about 16% compared to paying each month.

Best Max deal with no ads: Save up to 16% on HBO Max Standard annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Standard annual subscription $184.99 per year (save $36.89) Get Deal

If you'd rather go ad-free, the annual HBO Max Standard or Premium plans will also save you about 16% over the monthly plans. The Standard tier costs either $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year (about $15.42 per month), while the Premium tier costs either $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year (about $19.17 per month). Both tiers offer ad-free viewing, but the Premium tier also features 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and the ability to download more offline content.

Get HBO Max for free: Switch to Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max / Cricket HBO Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the Supreme Unlimited plan Get Deal

The only current way to get HBO Max for free is to switch your phone plan to Cricket's $60 per month Supreme Unlimited plan. It includes HBO Max Basic with ads for free — a $10.99 per month value. When you open up the HBO Max app or website, you'll just select Cricket as your provider and use your credentials to log in.

Best HBO Max deal for students: Save 50% on HBO Max Basic with ads Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Student $5.49 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students can watch The Smashing Machine when it hits streaming by signing up for an entire year of HBO Max with ads for half price. Just verify your student status through UNiDAYS and retrieve the unique discount code to drop the price from $10.99 to $5.49 per month.

Best bundle deal: Get HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 41% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / HBO Max Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $19.99 per month (with ads), $32.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

For the most bang for your buck, check out the Disney+ bundle deal that includes Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max for just $19.99 per month with ads. That lineup of streamers would usually cost you $34.97 per month if you paid separately for each, so you'll keep an extra $15 in your pocket monthly. If you prefer an ad-free experience, the bundle will run you $32.99 per month as opposed to $56.47. That's up to 41% in savings for access to all three streaming libraries.

UPDATE: Dec. 23, 2025, 11:16 a.m. This article has been updated to include the official streaming release details for "The Smashing Machine" on HBO Max.

Grocery prices continue to rise for many Americans. Federal food assistance programs are pleading their case with a hostile administration. Food banks across the country are trying to keep up. 

Households, caught in the crosshairs of political and economic decisions by federal leaders, are trying to cut costs where they can and still feed themselves and their families balanced, whole meals. 

How do they do that? Some strategic decision making, online deal hunting, and, as always, help from their communities.

Know your grocery stores 

While the cost of groceries has increased across the board — soaring more than 29 percent since 2020 — prices and access still vary based on a shopper's location. States and counties may see their own price disparities, while households that shop in-person versus through delivery services are seeing a widening gap on receipts. Areas that have been left without major grocers, often referred to as food deserts, have long faced inflated prices, only set to worsen. 

Meanwhile, advocates like New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani are pushing for more publicly-funded grocers, expanding on nonprofit co-ops and military store models that could counter the profit-driven price setting in corporate grocery chains. 

Until then, shoppers are navigating what's near them, so knowing which grocery stores offer consistently low prices is a good place to start. 

According to shoppers, your best bets among mainstream grocers are Walmart, Aldi, Lidl, Grocery Outlet, WinCo, and Trader Joe's — most offer a majority of privately labeled products. If you can manage wholesalers, like Costco, head there to compare unit prices (and often get them lower).

A tip: Try to check prices against those of your local mom-and-pop grocer or, if you're fortunate enough to live near one, your local farm. They may be better than the big markets.  

SEE ALSO: Walmart denies tariffs caused reinstatement of 'basket fee' Find digital deals 

It never hurts to scour the pages of your local newspaper for the best grocery deals, but many of those old school circulars have moved online. 

Once you find which store you can rely on, check out if they have any online or app-exclusive bargains. Aldi and Kroger stores, for example, post weekly digital deals. 

There are also general apps that share coupons, deals, and low-cost to free food in your area. One of the most popular is Flipp, a digital circular offering that also has its own app and which lets you connect your loyalty accounts all in one place.

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Before placing orders online, though, check to make sure you're not being charged extra money, like Walmart's reinstated basket fee. (And if you're privacy minded, signing up for a grocery store account may not be the best idea.)

Another option is Flashfood, which hooks up local shoppers with nearby deals, online ordering, and pickup. General coupon sites like Slickdeals (as well as its app) and Coupons.com often include deals from large retail and grocery stores, like Walmart and H-E-B.  

For cheap prepared food and surplus check out sites like Too Good To Go, which connects users with surprise bags of food, prepared meals, and more from local restaurants and grocers. 

There's also apps like Lemontree that focus on getting entirely free produce and pantry items, hot meals, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) money into the hands of those in need. Lemontree is available only in select cities, mostly on the East Coast. 

Join online communities 

There's a vast community of deal hunters and creators sharing grocery hacks online that are worth checking out, too. Many of them congregate on subreddits like r/budgetfood (77,000 weekly visitors) and r/frugal (1 million weekly visitors), and share strategies on how to meal plan and shop in more cost effective ways.

Rebecca Chobat, the creator behind the viral account Dollar Tree Dinners, has been posting extremely low cost meals and grocery hauls for years, and now shares her ideas with more than 3.5 million followers. Other TikTok accounts like Nicole Svenson, @itsmekatevee, and @at.home.cook share budget dinners and grocery hauls. There's also budget-friendly YouTube channels, like Frugal Fit Mom and Julia Pacheco. 

Get help from food assistance organizations 

If you are in need, do not hesitate to ask for help. Federal food assistance benefits like SNAP, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) work alongside a network of national food banks to fill gaps where your weekly grocery budget can't stretch. 

To find food banks in your area, check out hunger nonprofit Feeding America's online search tool or call 866-3-HUNGRY (866-348-6479). 

SAVE $100: The 11-inch M5 iPad Pro is on sale at Amazon for $899, down from the list price of $999. That's a 10% discount that matches the lowest Amazon has ever offered.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 11-inch M5 Apple iPad Pro (WiFi, 256GB) $899 at Amazon
$999 Save $100   Get Deal

Need a last-minute gift that'll earn you the title of superstar gift giver? We're cutting it close now to get gifts delivered on time for Christmas, but you're not totally out of luck at Amazon. If you're shopping for a generous gift for someone who could use a tablet, check out this Apple deal.

As of Dec. 23, the 11-inch M5 Apple iPad Pro (WiFi, 256GB) is on sale at Amazon for $899, marked down from the standard price of $999. That's a savings of $100 from a 10% discount. Today's sale matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

On Mashable's list of the best iPads, the iPad Pro with M5 chip earns the spot as the best option for professionals. In part, that's thanks to the powerful M5 chip, but we also love the battery life and super thin, portable design. Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino wrote, "Professionals planning on using an iPad as their tablet should go for the new iPad Pro". "This 2025 release is loaded with Apple's fastest processing power thanks to the M5 processor, giving it way more power than the average user really needs. Graphic designers can store all of their creative work on the device, which has up to 2TB of storage."

SEE ALSO: Last-minute gifts on sale that'll arrive before Christmas: DoorDash gift cards, Fire Sticks, the Shark Glossi, more

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth said, "It's the kind of gadget that makes you feel like you're living in the future," in his full review of the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5). He pointed out extra impressive stats like the ability to reach up to 1,600 nits peak brightness with HDR content and the ultra-light design.

Before this deal disappears or delivery times push beyond Christmas, secure the powerful 11-inch M5 Apple iPad Pro (WiFi, 256GB) is on sale at Amazon for $899. Get the wrapping paper ready and you'll be in great shape for top-tier gifting this year.

As we get into the final hours of Christmas shopping, don't stress about how long your list is. There's still time to get holiday shopping done. While it may be too late to place an online order (unless you're shopping on Amazon,) but you can always shop in store. Most retailers will be open on Christmas Eve, which falls on Wednesday, Dec. 24 in 2025. However, these retailers will have truncated hours.

Generally, retailers will close on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, so Christmas Eve is your last chance to stock up on groceries and gifts. So whether you're scrambling to pick up AirPods for mom or just ran out of wrapping paper, here's where and when you can shop on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve Store Hours for Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and more

Apple: Apple Stores will open by 9 am local time and close by 6 pm on Christmas Eve. Store hours vary locally so check local hours.

Best Buy: Best Buy stores open from 8 am to 7 pm local time.

Costco: Costco stores open from 10 am to 5 pm local time.

The Home Depot: Home Depot stores open at regular hours but will close early at 5 pm local time. Check local store hours.

Lowe's: Lowe's stores will open at 6 am and close by 6 pm local time. Some stores will close by 5 pm, check local store hours.

Macy's: Macy's stores will open from 8 am to 7 pm local time.

Target: Target stores open from 7 am to 8 pm local time.

REI: REI stores open from 9 am to 6 pm local time.

Walmart: Walmart stores open from 6 am to 6 pm local time.

Will any stores be open on Christmas?

Most retailers will be closed on Christmas Day. However, some pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens will remain open. 24 hour locations of both CVS and Walgreens will remain open on Christmas Day.

Otherwise, CVS locations will open from 10 am to 8 pm local time on Christmas Day. Check store hours before shopping. Walgreens locations will open from 8 am to 5 pm but like CVS, not all locations will be open so verify hours before shopping.

SAVE $34.98: As of Dec. 23, new and returning subscribers can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for only 99 cents. Typically $11.99 per month, that saves you nearly $35 across three months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Unlimited Kindle Unlimited $0.99 for three months (save $34.98) Get Deal

One of our favorite hidden gems on Cyber Monday was the Kindle Unlimited 99-cent deal. While that deal should technically be long gone, it actually just reappeared as a rebranded holiday deal. If you missed out during Cyber Week, you have been granted another chance.

As of Dec. 23, new and returning subscribers can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for only 99 cents. Usually $11.99 per month ($35.97 total for three months), that's $34.98 in savings — the next-best thing to free.

Kindle Unlimited unlocks instant access to a library full of millions of books across every genre you can imagine. And unlike the beloved Libby app, these books require no wait times. From bestsellers like Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides to recent books-turned-movies like Regretting You by Colleen Hoover and The Housemaid by Freida McFadden to subscription to magazines like People or Time, the Kindle Unlimited library is brimming with excellent reads. You can borrow up to 20 books at a time (magazines don't count toward your borrowing limit) and you don't even need a Kindle device to access Kindle Unlimited (although we suggest grabbing one while they're on sale!). You can just download the app onto any device and read at your own leisure — your laptop, smartphone, iPad, or web browser.

After the three-month promotional period, your subscription will automatically renew at full price ($11.99 per month), so be sure to set a remind to cancel if you want to avoid that charge. I personally think it's worth the monthly fee if you want to read a lot of brand new releases, as there is no wait time like Libby. If you don't mind waiting, I'd cancel before your three-month period is up.

When the trailer for Anaconda hit, I was giddy. At a glance, this seemed like a sublime elevator pitch: Two childhood best friends reunite to reboot the 1997 Jennifer Lopez/Ice Cube creature feature Anaconda. With Jack Black and Paul Rudd as the aforementioned besties, the promise of hilarious hijinks seemed sky-high. The zany trailer gave a taste of comedic chaos the filmmakers had in store, like a bumbling amateur film crew crossing paths with a real — and really monstrous — anaconda. It seemed like a perfectly wrapped gift for comedy lovers, just in time for Christmas. 

SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2025, and where to stream them

I'm sorry to Grinch the vibe. But this Anaconda is not what we wished for. 

Written by Kevin Etten and Tom Gormican, and directed by the latter, this haphazard reboot gets tripped up in clumsy attempts at cleverness. Far from keeping it simple and stupid, the screenplay wedges in a thriller subplot that's far from thrilling, and gives the female characters all the depth of a shot glass. 

The male characters don't fare much better. Anaconda's hapless heroes natter on about what makes a great movie in passionate debates, so we know Etten and Gormican can talk the talk — but they can't walk the walk. 

Anaconda (2025) is not the scrappy sister film to Be Kind Rewind.  Credit: Matt Grace / Sony

Maybe you aren't coming to a 2025 action-comedy looking for a "spiritual sequel" to Michel Gondry's 2008, Jack-Black-fronted buddy comedy about two VHS rental store employees who dedicatedly make "sweded" versions of blockbuster films. But frankly, the premise and Black's casting had me hoping for this unconventional vibe: a celebration of determined filmmakers, doing their damndest with whatever they have at their disposal, turning junk into art. Instead, Gormican offers an action-comedy that's overstuffed with intrigue and underwhelming in-jokes.

Black stars as Doug McCallister, a lifelong Buffalo resident who once dreamed of moviemaking but now makes wedding videos for a living. ("It's a B, B+ life!") Meanwhile, his childhood best friend, Ronald "Griff" Griffen Jr., chased his dreams of movie stardom all the way to Los Angeles, only to wind up a struggling thespian whose greatest success is four guest appearances on S.W.A.T. But what if they could make their dream come true by rebooting Anaconda in the Brazilian Amazon? 

Their childhood buddies, Kenny (a daffy Steve Zahn) and Claire (a woefully underused Thandiwe Newton), join them on this quest, employing a slippery snake handler (Selton Mello) and a curious riverboat captain (Daniela Melchior) to shoot their Anaconda with a live snake. Things go dangerously awry when they bumble into the territory of an enormous and aggressive anaconda. But while they're dealing with all of this, there's also a macho band of men chasing down their "badass" riverboat captain for reasons unknown — and ultimately reasons not all that interesting. 

This is set up as a movie about friendship and the love of making movies with your friends. However, the amount of the film that actually features Doug and his friends making a movie is shockingly small. Where there could have been a DIY charm to seeing the footage, Gormican is solidly uninterested in showing the crew at work, offering one lazy montage of a successful shoot day. 

As soon as the enormous snake shows up, they all forget they're making a movie about the giant snake. As much as Doug and Griff claim to be horror fanatics, it seems they've never even heard of found footage, much less understood the rule that you never stop shooting! 

Jack Black is catastrophically miscast as the straight man.  Credit: Matt Grace / Sony

What an absolutely bonkers choice Gormican makes here. You've got an actor whose comedic charisma is so intense that he's not only been the best part of movies like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, The Holiday, and A Minecraft Movie (not to mention School of Rock, which he headlines), but also fronts a comedy-rock band known as Tenacious D. And you attempt to make him the level-headed guy, who's supposed to set up the punchlines for the zanier characters? It's not that Black can't manage that. It's that it's a waste of his dynamic energy and unparalleled comedic brilliance. Anaconda feels like it's constricting his potential. 

He and Rudd, who has been a solid straight man in Role Models and I Love You Man, have an awkward chemistry. It's as if they're not sure who is supposed to hit the punchline, as the latter bops around like a Muppet. To his credit, Zahn thrives amid this chaos, as he's always been a character actor who can make the most of any situation. Here, he's that wildcard friend who insists he's "Buffalo sober," meaning he only drinks "wine, beer, and the light liquors." And Mello manages some silliness as the eccentric snake handler. 

The rest of the cast, however, is so tangled in the convoluted plot that they have little opportunity to be funny or even amusing. Newton's role is so thinly written that Claire seems to exist only to be the object of Rudd's affections. Melchior's role is so dry and clichéd that she practically poses the whole of her screentime. That's infuriating, considering she's previously managed to be compelling in supporting roles in The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and American Sweatshop. Yet Gormican gives her more screentime and less to do! 

Anaconda is too slick and stupid in the wrong way.  Credit: Bradley Patrick / Sony

Look, the original Anaconda wasn't good. But it was fun. It understood what people wanted to see: famous people fighting a giant snake. This Anaconda has a setup that suggests Gormican knows what we want: Jack Black and Paul Rudd being goofy while making a silly snake movie. And yet, what we get is an overlong, convoluted action-comedy where neither the action nor the comedy is worthwhile. 

It's the same issue I had with Gormican's The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which starred Nicolas Cage as himself. It's just not weird enough. Gormican's premises promise something next-level bonkers, but fail in his execution, which feels weird only in how safe they are. 

His Anaconda can't compete with the wildest films from either lead's oeuvre, whether that's Jack Black's Nacho Libre, Be Kind Rewind, or Tropic Thunder, or Rudd's Wet Hot American Summer, Anchorman, or The 40-Year-Old Virgin. This Anaconda could have been a sensationally funny movie that explored the grimy glory of indie moviemaking or the comical challenges of creating art with friends. Instead, it's a meandering mess that wastes the cast's star power and the audience's goodwill. 

I entered the theater optimistic, like I did 28 years ago when I saw Anaconda on a double date. Did that date go well? Absolutely not. But did I have a blast watching that wild movie? I did. And I've had a soft spot for it ever since. So, I was excited to see what could be done with a cast of characters who shared that enthusiasm for lowbrow cinema and a love of making things for the joy of making them. But this Anaconda doesn't have the spirit I'd expected. It's glossy, sloppy, and slick with CGI snakes, but there is no soul. 

Anaconda opens in theaters on Dec. 25.

Last-minute gifts on sale with same-day Amazon delivery Digital delivery $100 DoorDash gift card $85 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal Same-day delivery Keurig K-Mini Mate $49.99 (save $40 at Amazon) Get Deal Overnight delivery Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $21.99 (save $28 at Amazon with code HOL25FTV) Get Deal Same-day delivery Apple AirTag $24 (save $5 at Amazon) Get Deal Same-day delivery Shark Glossi 2-in-1 Hot Tool and Air Glosser $129.99 (save $50 at Amazon) Get Deal

There are last-minute Christmas gifts bought, like, the week before, and then there are last-minute last-minute gifts bought in the wee 48 hours before the big day. If you're still scrambling on Dec. 23, you're not screwed. We found an impressive handful of solid last-minute gift deals at Amazon that can arrive by Christmas, either with same-day or next-day delivery.

SEE ALSO: We found 35+ unique gifts under $50 for the holidays

If your giftee would appreciate a gift card more than any forced physical gift, our favorite last-minute gift card deal is easily the $100 DoorDash gift card on sale for $85. It has limited inventory, so grab it before the status bar hits 0% left.

There are also several options for tangible gift ideas with lightning fast delivery that would work for just about anyone. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus with overnight shipping is on sale for $21.99 after a regular onsite discount and a few extra dollars shaved off with code HOL25FTV. (That's the slightly upscaled version of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, one of Mashable's top-selling items on Black Friday, that wouldn't arrive until Dec. 27.)

Available with same-day delivery are the Keurig K-Mini Mate at a record-low price of $44.99, the Shark Glossi hair styling tool at its Black Friday price of $129.99, and an Apple AirTag for just $24 (another Black Friday best-seller).

Bah humbug. Just days before Christmas, the U.S. has effectively banned foreign drones, including the most popular drone maker, China-based DJI.

So, what happens next, especially if you already own a DJI drone or have a new one waiting to be unwrapped under the Christmas tree? Here's what we know.

On Monday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially blacklisted foreign-made drones and components, which include DJI's drone products. The ban has been looming for a while now, and DJI, which accounts for a whopping 90 percent of the global drone market share, tried to fight it. The drone maker recently agreed to comply with audits in hopes of being removed from the FCC blacklist, but to no avail. DJI drones are now banned with all the others, on the blacklist.

The FCC instituted the ban in the name of national security, claiming foreign drones pose potential threats to the U.S.

"President Trump has been clear that his Administration will act to secure our airspace and unleash American drone dominance," Trump's appointed FCC chair, Brendan Carr, said in a statement.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. What about the DJI drone you already own?

So, where does that leave U.S. consumers who own a DJI drone? These consumers also include many industries that have pushed back on the ban, as drones have become an important tool for everything from law enforcement to agriculture.

According to the FCC, those who already own drones will not be affected by the ban. Consumers in the U.S. can continue to own and operate their DJI drones or any other drones made by companies affected by the blacklist. Additionally, retailers can continue to sell drone models and products from blacklisted companies that have already been approved for sale.

SEE ALSO: Review: Is Insta360's Antigravity A1 drone the DJI replacement we've been hoping for?

In a statement, Carr said that the ban "does not disrupt the ongoing use or purchase of previously authorized drones, and with appropriate avenues for excluding drones that do not pose a risk."

DJI released its own statement on the ban, committing to continue serving the U.S. market under these new regulations while criticizing the process by which they were implemented.

"DJI is disappointed by the Federal Communications Commission’s action today to add foreign‑made drones to the Covered List," the company said. "While DJI was not singled out, no information has been released regarding what information was used by the Executive Branch in reaching its determination."

"DJI products are among the safest and most secure on the market, supported by years of reviews conducted by U.S. government agencies and independent third parties," DJI continued. "Concerns about DJI’s data security have not been grounded in evidence and instead reflect protectionism, contrary to the principles of an open market."

The drone maker also reiterated the FCC's claim that consumers who already own DJI drones will not be affected by the ban and can continue to operate their drones. DJI also expressed hope that its future products will be cleared by the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security for release in the U.S.

SAVE $6: As of Dec. 23, get Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for $53.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $59.99. That's a discount of 10%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Pokémon Brilliant Diamond $53.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $6   Get Deal

Looking for a last-minute Nintendo Switch gift or just want to add to your collection? Amazon has your back with this deal on a great Pokémon remake for Nintendo Switch that can arrive as early as today if you hurry and pick yours up.

As of Dec. 23, get Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for $53.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $59.99. That's $6 off and a discount of 10%.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025: the hot console's first year evaluated

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and its companioin game Shining Pearl are remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS entries Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. They take place in the Sinnoh region and come with a wide variety of then-new Pokémon to capture. These remakes take a different approach to the games, however, with special chibi art and a host of improvements to the originals as well as new content.

These remakes were looked upon fondly when they first debuted, and they're still very much worth adding to your collection, especially if you fancy yourself a big fan of the monster-collecting franchise. You don't need both entries to enjoy the game to the fullest, but keep in mind each game does have its own Legendary monster, with Dialga in Diamond and Palkia in Pearl.

This is a particularly fun Pokémon entry for Switch, so make sure you get it while it's still hot, as the clock is ticking down to the holidays fast.

SAVE $72: The Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds are on sale at Amazon for $107.99, down from the list price of $179.99. That's a 40% discount that matches the record low at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds $107.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $72.00   Get Deal

A thoughtful gift that someone will use everyday is hard to come up with. Mashable's gift guides can help, but we have a special recommendation for that someone who is always struggling to get quality sleep. If that's someone on your Christmas shopping list, check out this thoughtful gift that's on sale at Amazon.

As of Dec. 23, the Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds are on sale at Amazon for $107.99, marked down from the list price of $179.99. That's a savings of $72 thanks to the 40% discount. This sale price matches the rarely-seen record low at Amazon. Depending on the delivery address, these might arrive in time for Christmas.

Whether it's a partner snoring, the cat running around, or the neighbor's party, noise is a big sleep disruptor. Putting on a fan or a white noise machine helps some people, but you have another option in sleep earbuds. The Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds are designed to be comfortable enough to wear all night long, even for side sleepers.

Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard tested out sleep earbuds and found the Soundcore Sleep A20 to be the best option for most people. The earbuds let you stream your own audio or sleep sounds from the Soundcore app. They also track sleep data and come with six different earbud tips.

SEE ALSO: From Oura to Whoop, we tested the best sleep trackers of 2025

Soundcore mentions the Sleep A20 earbuds get about 80 hours of playtime before they'll need to recharge, which means you'll have to recharge about once per week, depending on how much you sleep. And don't worry about sleeping through an alarm — you can set that to play on the earbuds.

While they're back at a record-low price, snatch up the Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds. Gift them to a loved one who could use some better sleep or buy them for yourself as motivation to get better rest in 2026.

SAVE $31.99: As of Dec. 23, the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are on sale for just $38 at Amazon. That's 46% off their current list price of $69.99 and only $5 shy of their best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 headphones $38 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $31.99   Get Deal

They may be the most basic headphones in Sony's lineup, but the WH-CH520s are still pretty great — especially when they're on sale.

As of Dec. 23, the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are down to just $38 from $69.99. That's 46% in savings and only $5 shy of their best price ever on record.

At under $40, these aren't going to match the depth of sound of Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones, but they're still more impressive than their price tag lets on. As our reviewer noted, the WH-CH520s "surpass expectations by delivering broad connectivity, energetic sound, and longer playtimes than most luxury models."

Standout features include up to 50 hours of battery life, a three-minute fast-charge option, multipoint connectivity, customizable EQ, hands-free calling, and a lightweight design. You can even make your own sound profiles in the app to match the genre you're listening to.

If you don't need all the fancy bells and whistles that come with top-of-the-line headphones, you can save a bunch of money by opting for a more basic pair like the Sony WH-CH520s. As Mashable reviewer Alex Bracetti said, "They are arguably the best headphones under $100, easily the best headphones under $50, and a must-own for budget-conscious shoppers who want affordable Sony cans at a ridiculously low price."

The good news is every color option is currently down to just $38. The bad news is they won't arrive before Christmas.

There's still just under a year left before Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters. But based on the film's first teaser, as well as the mid-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it seems like Marvel is already hinting at Doctor Doom's (Robert Downey Jr.) nefarious plans. Forget Infinity Stones, the MCU's next Big Bad is collecting super babies.

SEE ALSO: 'Avengers: Doomsday' teaser reveals the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers

Exhibit A: the very first time we see Doctor Doom in the MCU. His introduction comes during one of the post-credits scenes in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, in which he appears in the Fantastic Four's apartments and approaches Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) and Reed Richards' (Pedro Pascal) child Franklin. By this point, the film has already established that Franklin is a being of immense power, so could Doctor Doom be trying to steal him away from his loving parents to use him for his own plans?

Let's move onto Exhibit B: the teaser trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. Obviously, the biggest reveal here is that Chris Evans will be returning as Steve Rogers. But the teaser unveils another surprise: Steve is now a father.

Avengers: Endgame gave Steve a happy ending, with him remaining in the past and marrying Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). Because of the seeming finality of that arc, it's going to take something huge to bring him back out of retirement and into the fight against Doctor Doom. Yes, Doctor Doom on his own already seems like a big threat, but you know what would make Steve even angrier and ready to fight? If Doctor Doom took his baby.

The focus on children doesn't stop at Franklin Richards or Steve's baby, though. So much of the MCU post-Avengers: Endgame has been about superpowered kids, from Wanda Maximoff's twins Billy (Julian Hillard and Joe Locke) and Tommy (Jett Klyne) to Miss Marvel's Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani). Post-credits scenes also keep introducing the Avengers' descendants, like Bruce Banner's (Mark Ruffalo) son Skaar (Wil Deusner) and T'Challa's (Chadwick Boseman) son Toussaint (Divine Love Konadu-Sun). Elsewhere, Thor: Love and Thunder villain Gorr's (Christian Bale) whole evil plan involved imprisoning a bunch of children. Could Doctor Doom be treading a similar path in Avengers: Doomsday?

Again, we've got a year until we find out. But until then, I'm nervous for every young character in the MCU. Are they being set up to be part of the MCU's Young Avengers? Or are they just more kidnapping fodder for Doctor Doom?

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters Dec. 18, 2026.

SAVE $10: As of Dec. 23, get the Tile Slim smart tracker for $19.99, down from its usual price of $29.99, at Amazon. That's a discount of 33%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Tile Slim $19.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10   Get Deal

If you're always losing some of your most important belongings like your wallet or your purse or bag, a smart tracker is a great idea for you. You can just toss one in a card slot, a pocket, or even your car and you'll be able to track down your lost item in minutes. And right now you can get one for a great price at Amazon.

As of Dec. 23, get the Tile Slim smart tracker for $19.99, down from its usual price of $29.99, at Amazon. That's $10 off and a discount of 33%.

SEE ALSO: Grab a 4-pack of AirTags for under $65 and get 'em before Christmas

This slim, card-shaped tracker is the same size as a credit card, only slightly thicker, and you can fit it nto any wallet or other area in which you can fit a card. It's Tile's thinnest tracker yet, and it's perfect for any area you can't really make a traditional tracker like an Apple AirTag fit in.

This tracker works with both iOS and Android though, so you aren't locked to one network if you happen to lose something. When you connect this tracker to your phone, you can have it ring to help you find it or locate it on your phone with special directions via the free app. You can even trigger an SOS alert if needed in an emergency situation.

This handy tracker is a must-have if you find yourself losing all of your things at inopportune times, and it's super affordable. Grab one for yourself or a few and stay on top of your belongings. There's not enough time in life to be stressing over lost items.

SAVE $140: The Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB) is on sale at Amazon for $309.99, down from the list price of $419.99. That's a 31% discount that matches the record low at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB) $309.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $140   Get Deal

We're getting close to the deadline for Christmas presents arriving on time. But there's no need to freak out if you're a last-minute shopper. Amazon has a nice selection of gifts that will still arrive for the holiday. You'll need to wrap in a hurry, but as long as everything goes to plan, you'll be ready. If one of the most versatile e-readers sounds like a nice gift, there's a great deal in store today.

As of Dec. 23, the Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB) is on sale at Amazon for $309.99, down from the list price of $419.99. That works out to an awesome savings of $140 from a 31% discount. This sale price matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon for this model. This sale price applies to both the Metallic Jade and Tungsten colorways, so check delivery times/dates for both options if you're looking for the quickest possible delivery.

If you or someone on your Christmas shopping list loves to read and journal, the Amazon Kindle Scribe is the perfect model. On Mashable's list of the best Kindles, the Scribe earns top marks as the best option for taking notes. Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino wrote, "If, looking through your bookshelf, your books have dog-eared pages, highlighted lines, and scribbles in the margins, your instinct might be that an e-reader isn't for you, but I'd like to introduce you to the Kindle Scribe," she said. "It's the only Kindle with writing capabilities and comes with an included stylus pen that magnetically attaches to the side of the e-reader; it's ready for all your handwritten thoughts."

SEE ALSO: Need a last-minute Christmas gift? The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft is $60 off and it'll arrive before Dec. 25.

Mangino explained the included pen moves across the screen with ease, giving it the feel of writing on paper. In the full review of the Kindle Scribe, it lost some points because of it's $450 price tag, but today's sale that brings it down to $310 gives it much more allure. Plus, the pre-Christmas deliver date is a major bonus.

Focusing on some specs, the Kindle Scribe has a 10.2-inch display, getting up to 94 nits of brightness. Battery life is strong, getting up to 12 weeks before you'll need to recharge and the included premium pen doesn't ever need recharging. But keep in mind that it's not waterproof like some of its other Kindle family members like the Paperwhite.

If you're in a slight panic about shopping for last-minute gifts, rest assured that almost anyone would love the Kindle Scribe. Snag it while it's on sale at Amazon for $309.99 which shaves $140 off the normal price. Get the gift bag ready and you'll have a wonderful Christmas present, good to go.

SAVE $25: As of Dec. 23, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $134.99 instead of $159.99. That's a savings of 16% or $25 and about $10 shy of its best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25   Get Deal

Mashable shopping reporter Sam Mangino has tested every Kindle device and the Kindle Paperwhite constantly comes out on top. "It's "as good as an e-reader can get," she writes. Ahead of the big day on Dec. 25, you can pick one up for $10 shy of its best price ever.

As of Dec. 23, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is down to $134.99 from its list price of $159.99. That's $25 or 16% in savings. While we did see it drop even lower on Black Friday, this is still a really solid discount — and its second-best price all year.

Though I'm a major fangirl of the basic Kindle (and highly recommend it!), the Kindle Paperwhite is definitely the "better" device on paper. It's the fastest model yet and turns pages without stuttering or slowing down. The vibrant seven-inch display includes adjustable brightness and warmth to make reading in any condition easy on the eyes. And the real kicker is that it's waterproof (unlike the basic Kindle) — a pretty major reason why it lands in the top spot on our best e-reader's list.

Though it's a bit bigger than the basic Kindle, it's still small enough to slide comfortably in a purse. And just like every Kindle device, its battery life is bonkers at about 12 weeks per charge.

Unfortunately, you can only get delivery before Christmas in some locations. But saving $25 justifies waiting an extra day or two in my eyes. Snag the Paperwhite for only $134.99 while this deal is still live.

The European Commission is pleased with Apple's iOS 26.3 – two of its features in particular, that is.

The European Union's watchdog said that two of the features introduced in the iOS 26.3 beta were a result of an EU investigation into Apple's terms for connected devices.

"The DMA creates new opportunities for developers to bring to market innovative products and services in Europe. This is another step towards a more inter-connected digital ecosystem to the benefit of all EU citizens,” an EC spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal.

One of the two features in question is Notification Forwarding for third-party smartwatches, which we've covered here.

The other feature the EC probably refers to is Proximity pairing, allowing users of iOS devices to easily pair with third-party devices, similarly to how you pair AirPods to your iPhone.

There's also a feature called Transfer to Android, allowing users to transfer their data to an Android device in an easier way.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone Fold isn't even announced yet, and Samsung might already be working on a competitor

I can't remember when a new version of iOS was this focused on compliance with European rules. All three new features have to do with Europe's Digital Market Act (DMA), which Apple isn't very happy about.

All of these new features will only be available for customers in the European Union. Apple's iOS 26.34 is currently in beta, and will probably become available in January.

Marvel Studios keeps bringing back the actors it sent off in Avengers: Endgame — and I'm not just talking about Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.

Instead, I'm talking about Chris Evans as Captain America/Steve Rogers.

SEE ALSO: Is Doctor Doom going after all the super babies in 'Avengers: Doomsday'?

The teaser trailer for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday puts Steve front and center, revealing what's been going on in his life since the end of Avengers: Endgame. In that film, following the return of the Infinity Stones, Steve stayed in the past and married Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). He grew old and, in the present, passed his shield and the title of Captain America to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie).

However, based on the Avengers: Doomsday teaser, it's clear that that wasn't really the end of his story.

The teaser sees Steve returning to the home he shares with Peggy, then cradling his newborn child. Cute, right? Well, it's less cute than it is foreboding, because what in the world is going to happen to Peggy and that child to bring Steve out of retirement and into the fight against Doctor Doom? Remember how Doctor Doom was creeping on Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm's (Vanessa Kirby) baby Franklin at the end of The Fantastic Four: First Steps? What if he's coming after all the super babies?

In addition to Downey Jr. and Evans, Avengers: Doomsday also stars (deep breath) Chris Hemsworth, Kirby, Pascal, Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Wyatt Russell, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, Kelsey Grammer, Lewis Pullman, Danny Ramirez, Joseph Quinn, David Harbour, Winston Duke, Hannah John-Kamen, Tom Hiddleston, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, and Channing Tatum.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters Dec. 18, 2026.

If you’re one of the 67 percent of Gen Zers (ages 18-24) currently using nicotine who are planning to quit for the New Year, you might be freaking out right about now. Between gift-hunting and dealing with your extended family and all the other chaos that generally flares up this time of year, you might even find yourself wanting to reach for the vape more than you usually do. All the more reason to stay on track with quitting, even with your halls fully decked.

Many e-cigarette, vape, or pouch users may reach for nicotine in order to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. But according to the nonprofit public-health organization Truth Initiative, nicotine can actually make your symptoms worse. That’s right, worse. 

Findings from a meta-analysis of 26 studies have shown that quitting nicotine is associated with lower levels of stress, as well as an improved mood, which is something we could all use more of this time of year. A Truth Initiative survey has also shown that a whopping 90 percent of vapers who quit reported feeling less anxious and depressed.

But surviving the holidays and sticking to your New Year’s resolutions is hard, especially when vapes are being engineered to keep you using. Truth Initiative research shows that between 2017 and 2022, disposable e-cigarettes have nearly tripled in nicotine strength — making them more potent — and they have more puffs per device and are cheaper. Over 75 percent of teens who vape use their device within 30 minutes of waking up, a key sign of growing nicotine dependence.

The good news is that you don’t have to white-knuckle it this year. While only three to five percent of people quit for longer than six months using the ‘cold turkey’ approach, counseling and medication can more than triple your chances of quitting for good. 

Additionally, Truth Initiative has proven and free resources to help keep your quitting resolutions on track. EX Program, featured in their national campaign, Outsmart Nicotine, offers a solution loaded with digital tools and both expert and peer support to help you put the vape down for good.

Opens in a new window Credit: Truth Initiative EX Program A science-based approach to quitting nicotine Learn More Tap into a free digital support network

EX Program is a comprehensive digital resource developed by Truth Initiative with the experts at the Mayo Clinic. It isn’t a generic one-size-fits-all quitting program, it’s designed to meet the unique challenges faced by Gen Z. Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine has shown that using EX Program can increase your odds of quitting nicotine by up to 40 percent. As an added bonus, if you’re thinking about quitting cannabis, a new study has shown that EX Program can help you with that, too. 

Sign up and you’ll get a tailored quit plan and a suite of digital tools that you can access 24/7. In addition to receiving expert tips and strategies to help you quit, you’ll also get interactive texts from quitting experts and other quitters just like you who have gone through the process and know what it’s like. Whether you engage — or just lurk and learn — EX Program is an anonymous, safe space that’s got your back. And it’s free. 

Change your old patterns

In order to quit for good, you’ll need to break a physical addiction, which isn’t an easy feat. Thankfully, EX Program’s daily texts and expert resources can help you identify your personal triggers, cope with cravings, and replace your old routines with healthier ones. All you have to do to start is text DITCHIT to 88709.

Take exercise, for example. Something as simple as doing a few jumping jacks every morning or taking your pup on a walk can do wonders for your head — and boost those endorphins and dopamine. Playing games can also provide a fun distraction. Whenever you feel triggered, you can do something fun to help crush the nicotine cravings. Go ahead, put on your headphones and bust a move.

If you thought the holidays were a bad time to outsmart nicotine, they might actually be one of the best times ever. Regardless, remember that Truth Initiative has loads of proven digital tools designed to help you quit — and stay quit.

From smart watches to smart mirrors, technology has taken over the fitness industry with as much verve as it has taken over every other industry. And, in some cases, it's made it easier to train, lift, stretch, run, sleep, rest, and reset every day in 2025.

This year, Mashable tested a lot — and I mean a lot — of fitness tech. I trained for and ran the New York City Marathon with seven fitness trackers. We tried all the smart rings including, and beyond, the Oura ring. We tried every sleep tracker we could get our hands on and put every pair of headphones we could find in our ears for a good workout. We tested the fitness mirrors, and we built out tech-forward home gyms.

Here are four of the best bits of fitness tech from 2025.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS, Cellular, 49mm, Black Ocean Band) $779.99 at Amazon
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Shop Now at Amazon

The Apple Watch Ultra 3, released in September, was one of my favorite trackers I tested while training for, and especially running, the New York City Marathon. Its screen is massive, which can be annoying for daily wear, but rules for trying to read metrics during a workout. The battery life is significantly improved over its predecessors, and it's surprisingly comfortable.

While the workout metrics are straightforward, they're also very reliable. If you're looking for fitness tech that also doubles as lifestyle tech, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the way to go.

The Whoop MG Whoop MG $359 at Best Buy
Whoop MG Shop Now at Best Buy

The Whoop MG 5.0, released in May 2025, was rated the best sleep tracker by Mashable's Samantha Mangino, who noted that while there's a lot of data a sleepmaxxer might not be into, it's remarkably comfortable and is "best for someone who wants to be told what to do regarding sleep."

Anyone who wants to prioritize their fitness knows that sleep is the number one thing you can do to make your workouts go the extra mile. I wore the Whoop during my marathon journey and found that its tracking is elite for other athletic endeavors as well, such as indicating how strong your body battery is and providing recommendations for enhancing your recovery.

It doesn't have a screen, so there's no GPS or heart rate feedback data during workouts, but that also means there's no annoying text notifications while you're hanging out with family.

While the subscription model is financially frustrating, Whoop’s depth of recovery data makes it arguably one of the best tools for understanding your body.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04 Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 See It at Amazon

These headphones, released in February, were reviewed by Mashable's Samantha Mangino and Alex Bracetti as the top headphones for working out. The duo said these are "best for fitness users who want the most boxes checked." The controls are accessible, there's convenient multi-platform support, they're durable, have engaging sound and noise cancellation, are comfortable and fit well, and offer long playtimes.

Strava

Simply a lovely app to track workouts and talk about them with friends. Nothing about Strava is particularly new for 2025, but its integration with fitness trackers works seamlessly, and you really can't get mad at its dedication to consistency.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love German food.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 23, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Weaknesses

• Green: Philosophical ideas

• Blue: Superheroes wear them

• Purple: Meaty snacks

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Vulnerability

• Green: Freudian concepts

• Blue: Characters in capes

• Purple: Starting with slang for sausage

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 #926 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Vulnerability: ACHILLES' HEEL, DOWNFALL, KRYPTONITE, SOFT SPOT

• Freudian concepts: FIXATION, OEDIPUS COMPLEX, SUPEREGO, UNCONSCIOUS

• Characters in capes: DARTH VADER, DRACULA, LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD, SUPERMAN

• Starting with slang for sausage: BRATZ, DOGMA, FRANKENSTEIN, LINKLATER

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 December 23, 2025

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

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

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