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Capitalizing on the massive success of the hit Canadian Crave/HBO Max series Heated Rivalry, audio erotica app Quinn has been teasing the show’s leads, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, as its newest star collaborators.

SEE ALSO: The glorious, easy-to-miss moments in Heated Rivalry's finale

The rollout began on Friday with a series of cryptic teasers. The first featured hockey gear laid out in a recording studio, soundtracked by the instantly recognizable t.A.T.u. hit "All the Things She Said." A follow-up clip leaned further into the mystery, showing confused production staff questioning why the only food on set was tuna melts, followed by blurred shots, quick cuts, and what appeared to be cue cards — all but confirming the involvement of the Heated Rivalry stars.

Taken together, the clues strongly suggest Quinn is preparing to have Williams and Storrie record audio content drawn from Heated Rivalry, the Rachel Reid novel that inspired the series and the second book in her Game Changers hockey romance universe.

For those not in the know, Quinn is one of the biggest names in audio erotica, an app that allows listeners to experience immersive, self-insertion storytelling. In recent years, the app has elevated its profile by partnering with some of the internet’s most beloved crushes, including Andrew Scott and Jesse Williams, to lend their voices to original and adapted erotic stories.

And for those unfamiliar with Heated Rivalry: it’s a gay enemies-to-lovers story turned breakout TV hit, centered on the combustible relationship between Canadian hockey star Shane Hollander and his cocky Russian rival, Illya Rozanov. The show premiered on Crave in Canada before landing on HBO Max weeks later in the U.S. and Australia — and it promptly exploded in popularity. Beyond sharp writing and undeniable chemistry between the leads, the sex scenes are, frankly, very hot.

So, yes, it would make perfect sense for the two stars to lend their voices to the very book that has been taking the internet by storm.

There’s no official announcement from Quinn just yet, so fans will have to wait until Dec. 30 to find out who’s involved — and whether Williams and Storrie will, in fact, be reading from Heated Rivalry or diving into other erotica altogether.

The state of New York has passed new legislation requiring social media platforms like X and TikTok to add warning labels to their services.

Much like the warnings found on cigarette packaging, the new law — signed by Governor Kathy Hochul — targets platforms that rely on features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds. These services will now be required to display labels cautioning users, particularly young people, about the potential mental health risks associated with prolonged use.

SEE ALSO: Louisiana social media age verification law blocked by federal judge

Under the law, warning labels must appear when a user first interacts with any feature deemed "predatory," and will continue to surface periodically afterward. The requirements apply whenever these platforms are accessed from within New York, regardless of the companies' locations.

The move comes amid a growing body of research linking heavy social media use to negative mental health outcomes among young people. A large, multi-year study published earlier this year found that increased social media use among tweens and teens was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms over time, while the reverse was not true.

Researchers behind the study said the findings strengthen concerns that certain online behaviors, including excessive scrolling and algorithm-driven engagement, may actively contribute to declining mental well-being rather than simply reflecting it.

At the same time, platforms like TikTok have begun rolling out their own safety and oversight features in response to mounting pressure from lawmakers, parents, and regulators. Earlier this year, TikTok expanded its parental control tools, adding options for screen time blocking, scheduled app access, and increased visibility into teens’ followers and activity.

The company has framed those changes as part of a broader push toward mindfulness and healthier usage habits, particularly for users under 18, even as critics argue that design features like autoplay and infinite feeds continue to encourage prolonged engagement.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 27, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 27, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 27 Pips

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 4-0, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 27 Pips

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this orange space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this red space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 6. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically; 2-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 2-1, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 27 Pips

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 5-5, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this red space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically; 3-1, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this green space must add up to 4. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this green space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you think outside the box a bit.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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: Trophy room

• Green: Wrasslin'

• Blue: Award-winning Canadians

• Purple: Ends in a letter

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Memento

• Green: Types of wrestling

• Blue: Blue Jays to Win Cy Young Award

• Purple: Ends in a Homophone for a Letter of the Alphabet

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 #460 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Memento - COLLECTIBLE, KEEPSAKE, MEMORABILIA, SOUVENIR

• Types of wrestling - ARM, FREESTYLE, GRECO-ROMAN, SUMO

• Blue Jays to Win Cy Young Award - CLEMENS, HALLADAY, HENTGEN, RAY

• Ends in a Homophone for a Letter of the Alphabet - BATTER'S EYE, BLUE JAY, GOLF TEE, POOL CUE

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

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

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

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

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now

It's an exciting time for college football, with both the playoffs and bowl games satisfying football fans. BYU vs. Georgia Tech should be one of the best games of the week — neither program made the playoffs but both are ranked, with BYU (11-2) at No. 12 and Georgia Tech (9-3) at No. 22, which means both teams are in good form and capable of delivering a gripping game.

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If you want to watch BYU vs. Georgia Tech for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is BYU vs. Georgia Tech?

BYU vs. Georgia Tech takes place at 3.30 p.m. ET on Dec. 27. This game takes place at Camping World Stadium.

BYU vs. Georgia Tech is broadcast on ABC.

How to watch college football in 2025/26

Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.

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Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

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Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch BYU vs. Georgia Tech 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 college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream BYU vs. Georgia Tech 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 BYU vs. Georgia Tech 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.

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

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If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

An idiot.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

DUNCE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Danger.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 27, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PERIL

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Hoarse.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 27 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 27, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

RASPY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Passionately

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 27 Hurdle Word 4 answer

HOTLY

Final Hurdle hint

To rehash.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

RECAP

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

It's a new lunar phase tonight, the First Quarter. This is when half of the moon is lit on the right side.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Saturday, Dec. 27, the moon phase is First Quarter. According to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 47% of the moon will be lit up tonight.

Without any visual aids, you can spot the Mares Crisium, Fecunditatis, and Serenitatis tonight. If you add binoculars, you'll also see the Endymion Crater and the Posidonius Crater. With a telescope, you'll also see the Apollo 17 landing spot, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Rima Hyginus.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Jan. 3. The last full moon was on Dec. 4.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete one full cycle. This is known as the lunar cycle. Throughout this time, it passes through a series of phases as it orbits Earth. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface changes, which is why it can appear fully illuminated, partly lit, or completely invisible at different points in the cycle. This process is divided into eight main lunar phases:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL;DR: Live stream Nigeria vs. Tunisia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continues to deliver exactly what we wanted — exciting football from some of the best players in the world. Next up is Nigeria vs. Tunisia, probably one of the biggest group stage fixtures on the schedule. We can't wait.

If you want to watch Nigeria vs. Tunisia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Nigeria vs. Tunisia?

Nigeria vs. Tunisia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 27. This fixture takes place at the Fez Stadium.

How to watch Nigeria vs. Tunisia for free

Nigeria vs. Tunisia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Nigeria vs. Tunisia for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Channel 4

5. Watch Nigeria vs. Tunisia for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Nigeria vs. Tunisia (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch Nigeria vs. Tunisia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Senegal vs. DR Congo in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has already delivered a huge number of exciting fixtures, but there's plenty more where that came from. Next is Senegal vs. DR Congo in Group D. Morocco are favorites to win this competition, but you have to consider Senegal as contenders.

If you want to watch Senegal vs. DR Congo in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Senegal vs. DR Congo?

Senegal vs. DR Congo in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on Dec. 27. This fixture takes place at the Tangier Grand Stadium.

How to watch Senegal vs. DR Congo for free

Senegal vs. DR Congo in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Senegal vs. DR Congo for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Channel 4

5. Watch Senegal vs. DR Congo for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Senegal vs. DR Congo (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch Senegal vs. DR Congo in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love a good drink.

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 27, 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: Plane tiers

• Green: To ascribe

• Blue: Life's work

• Purple: Boozy drinks

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Airline classes

• Green: Attribute

• Blue: Vocation

• Purple: Ending with alcoholic beverages

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 #930 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Airline classes: BUSINESS, ECONOMY, FIRST, PREMIUM

• Attribute: CITE, CREDIT, NAME, REFERENCE

• Vocation: CALLING, CRAFT, LINE, TRADE

• Ending with alcoholic beverages: DECIDER, NAMESAKE, REPORT, VILLAGER

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 27, 2025

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love adding your input.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 27, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 27, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: If you ask me...

The words are related to input.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a frame of mind.

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 My Two Cents.

NYT Strands word list for December 27

• Opinion

• Perspective

• My Two Cents

• Take

• Viewpoint

• Outlook

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love baking cookies.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 27, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 27, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A pack.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

BATCH

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 27, 2025

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

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

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

TL;DR: This tiny NanoPhone is a 4G smartphone with Dual SIM and essential apps that’s on sale for $84.97 (reg. $199.99) with free shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: NanoPhone NanoPhone - A Mini 4G Smartphone Packed with Mega Features! $84.97
$199.99 Save $115.02   Get Deal

One of the most popular goals for the new year is to rely less on your phone. If you are in that camp, the NanoPhone Mini 4G Smartphone offers a surprisingly practical way to get there.

For just $84.97 (reg. $199.99) with free shipping, you get a fully functional smartphone that’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand — and discreet enough that it won’t dominate your day.

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This credit-card-sized device delivers the core features most people actually use: Dual SIM support, 4G + Wi-Fi connectivity, clear voice calls, video chats, and access to popular essentials like WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. It’s a lightweight, clutter-free option designed for staying reachable without the constant pull of a large, app-loaded phone.

The NanoPhone shines as a travel companion, gym-friendly device, emergency backup, or dedicated “focus phone” for days when you want to unplug but can’t be totally off the grid.

Its small build and surprisingly crisp 3-inch HD touchscreen make navigating apps easy, while the front and rear cameras let you capture quick moments without hauling around your usual tech loaded with distractions. And because it supports two SIM cards, you can keep personal and work numbers separate — or use it internationally without swapping your main device.

If you’re ready to reclaim some screen-free space in your life, this tiny-but-mighty smartphone is a good place to start. Get the NanoPhone Mini 4G Smartphone while it’s on sale for $84.97 (reg. $199.99) with free shipping for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

LG is set to show off the future of home robotics at CES 2026.

The Korean tech conglomerate stated in a press release that it will unveil its newest domestic helper bot at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in early January. Named "CLOiD," the robot is "designed to perform a wide range of indoor household tasks, enhancing everyday convenience and improving quality of life by making home management more efficient and intuitive."

SEE ALSO: Chinese demonstration shows how dangerous commercial robot hacks can be

It will theoretically do so with the help of two articulated arms, each with five finger-like digits on the end that are said to help it perform delicate tasks. The arms themselves have seven degrees of freedom. There's a chip in its head that acts like a brain, complemented by a camera, a display, a speaker, and other sensors that it will use to navigate the environment and communicate with its owners. It's powered by LG AI and, according to the company, will refine its responses over time to become more personalized to the needs of whoever it interacts with on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, that's about all we've got on CLOiD right now. LG didn't share any real photos of the robot or disclose its cost or release date. Given that this is at CES, there's a real possibility that CLOiD is designed to come to mass market a very long time from now, or maybe even never. We'll all find out together in just a week or two.

The Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) viewers meet in Stranger Things Season 5 doesn't feel like the same Dustin we've known since Season 1.

Gone is Hawkins' resident ball of sunshine, replaced with a sulking, angry young man who would sooner graffiti a bully's locker than belt "Never Ending Story" over walkie-talkie. Yet this transformation didn't come out of nowhere. Instead, it stems from a clear point of trauma for Dustin: witnessing the tragic death of Eddie (Joseph Quinn) at the end of Season 4.

SEE ALSO: Gaten Matarazzo on 'Stranger Things' 'SNL' shoutout, Dustin and Steve's big fight, and why AI is 'lame'

Since then, Dustin has channeled his inner Eddie, growing out his hair, donning handfuls of rings, and rocking his Hellfire Club shirt no matter how much abuse it gets him from bullies. But while Dustin pays tribute to Eddie, he's been pushing away his other close friends, especially Steve (Joe Keery).

"He's actively trying to cut himself off from the person he's scared of losing the most," Matarazzo told Mashable during a Say More interview.

Dustin's grief causes serious tension in Stranger Things Season 5. Gaten Matarazzo in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

Matarazzo knew the strained dynamic between Dustin and Steve would be polarizing, as the two had been basically inseparable since Season 2. He also knew the same would be true of Dustin's emotional arc as a whole.

"I was kind of hoping there would be a bit of a conflicted feeling around it," Matarazzo said. "I didn't want it to come across as like, 'Oh, poor him.' Because as much as that's true, and I think a lot of people can clearly see he's going through a lot, he's also being a dick. And I think, no matter how much one is grieving, it doesn't excuse your behavior towards other people, especially those who are in your corner, people who are there supporting you."

SEE ALSO: The 'Stranger Things' play totally unlocks 'Stranger Things' Season 5, Vol. 2

That tug-of-war between sympathy for and frustration at Dustin runs through much of Season 5, starting with Dustin missing episode's 1 crawl to the Upside Down after picking a fight with his tormentors. His absence jeopardizes the mission and further strains his relationship with his friends, many of whom have experienced their own losses since Season 1.

He's going through a lot. He's also being a dick. - Gaten Matarazzo

"Dustin's in a position where there's — it seems horrible to say — but there's almost bigger fish to fry than you losing your friend," Matarazzo said. "Everyone's lost people. Maybe it's the first time it felt so present to Dustin, because it's somebody so close to him, and it happens right in front of him."

Matarazzo contrasts Dustin's own grieving over Eddie with Lucas' (Caleb McLaughlin) grieving over Max (Sadie Sink) being in a coma for over a year.

"Lucas is clearly dealing with something very similar to Dustin, but also seems to be taking it in a route that's less selfish," he said, pointing to Lucas' continued involvement in the Season 5 crawl and the friend group overall.

SEE ALSO: 'Running Up That Hill' returns for Season 5 of 'Stranger Things'

The differences in the two characters' grieving processes on screen highlights that there's no one way to deal with loss. Grief is not linear, and Dustin's own journey comes with no shortage of mess and tension. That's especially true of his relationship with Steve, which hits its lowest point in Season 5.

Dustin and Steve's more contentious relationship this season altered the way Matarazzo and Keery approached key scenes together, as the pair's friendlier, more fun dynamic as scene partners clashed with Dustin and Steve's conflict.

"Sometimes we'd be goofing off before takes and especially early on, they would yell, 'action,' and I'm like, 'Oh, I'm not centered in the slightest,' because I'm still just joking around with him," Matarazzo said. "That was a different approach. And so we would look at things and look at each other and be like, 'Man, this is really sad,' because we just want to have fun sometimes. That's the natural drive there."

SEE ALSO: The 20 best Netflix TV shows of 2025

That's not to say there are no fun Dustin and Steve moments in Season 5. Matarazzo points to the scene in episode 4 when Steve drives his car through a rift into the Upside Down, with a terrified Dustin, Nancy (Natalia Dyer), and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) hanging on for dear life.

"[In that scene] there's the normal excitement of us screaming and yelling and insulting each other, but with playful banter, and I think it's one of those moments where in [Dustin's] weird, little pent-up rage, when all is said and done and when everything else goes crazy around him, he doesn't really have time to actively try to be mean to [Steve]," Matarazzo said.

Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2 centers Dustin and Steve's relationship. Gaten Matarazzo and Joe Keery in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

The Dustin and Steve drama comes to a head in Season 5, Volume 2, when the pair investigate Hawkins Lab in the Upside Down. There, the two fully have it out about Eddie's death, with their cutting words culminating in a physical altercation. In prior seasons, Matarazzo would have put a lot of pressure on himself the entire day leading up to shooting that scene.

"But that day, I remember I felt very normal until about 20 minutes before we started shooting," he recalled. "Sometimes I just wander around in a corner with headphones on, not really to build up any emotions or anything like that, but to just weirdly get the head fog out of it and just be at a neutral place, because then you can be open to discovering what happens. There are a lot of different takes. There are takes where we're crying before the fight, there are takes where we're even angrier, and there's takes where's it just at a neutral tone, where we're just saying these things to each other and then seeing how naturally it digs in, and they took a lot from each of them."

However, one scene that Matarazzo did put pressure on himself for was Dustin and Steve's eventual reconciliation, which led to a hug so deep I felt it in my bones.

"I was so scared of it the whole time," Matarazzo said. "I remember the whole season, I read it at the table read, and I was like, 'Oh great, it's one of those.'"

Much of Season 5 was shot chronologically, too, so Matarazzo and Keery came into the scene having already gone through much of the emotional build-up. That just makes the conversation all the more cathartic, as Stranger Things' fan-favorite duo finally lay all their emotions bare.

"I think one of the healthiest things to do in grief is unpacking it when you feel the need to do so and diving in and feeling everything that you possible can feel and that you're naturally inclined to feeling," Matarazzo said.

The reconciliation scene is that to a T, with Steve and especially Dustin dropping any facades and just allowing themselves to be open about how much they mean to one another. It's a stand-out Stranger Things moment in a season full of them, made all the sweeter by the complex twists and turns Steve and Dustin took to get there.

For more from Mashable's interview with Gaten Matarazzo, watch the full Say More episode on YouTube.

Volumes 1 and 2 of Stranger Things Season 5 are now streaming on Netflix. The series finale premieres Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix and in theaters.

Spoilers ahead for the season one finale of HBO Max's Heated Rivalry:

That's a wrap for the first season of Heated Rivalry, the come-from-nowhere Canadian romance that quickly leapfrogged to the top of HBO Max's streaming series list. There is not yet a critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes for episode six, but the ultra-romantic, (mostly) languid finale certainly captured hearts on social media, with plenty of meme-able moments between NHL lovebirds, Shane and Ilya.

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After their fellow player Scott Hunter (François Arnaud) very publicly came out, Ilya decides that he will accept Shane's offer to spend a few weeks at the latter's secluded Canadian cottage (this cottage is more like a mansion in the woods, but it's good to be a professional athlete). Once at their private compound, some initial awkwardness between the besotted duo gives way to lovemaking, meal prep, barbecues, and numerous heartfelt confessions, delivered perfectly by Hudson Williams (Shane) and Connor Storrie (Ilya).

Some of the most affecting conversations include Ilya discussing his mother's suicide — he found her body when he was 12 — and a wonderful moment where Shane expresses to Ilya that their relationship is no longer just about the thrill of the forbidden, or even just about lust, but something much more. Then, Ilya, discussing his residency issues, admits he may marry his best friend/occasional lover Svetlana in order to obtain a green card. This elicits a wounded response from Shane, who quietly pleads with his betrothed not to marry someone who's not him (Williams's eye acting here is beautiful).

It's Shane's solution to Ilya's problem — his desire to never return to Russia — that serves as the impetus to what the whole season has built up to. Shane has stayed up all night, working on a solution, one that could keep them in each other's proximity. Shane proposed that Ilya abandon the Boston team that drafted him and join Ottawa, only two hours from Shane's home in Montreal. Shane also wants to start a charity with Ilya, giving them a reason to work together off the ice; a prelude to them being together, which Shane admits is what he wants so much it scares him. Shane's devotion to building a future for them together is catnip to Ilya, who starts smothering Shane with kisses, whispering words to him in Russian. Those words: "I love you."

SEE ALSO: Why is the sex in 'Heated Rivalry' so hot?

A moment later, crying and shaking, Ilya gathers to courage to tell Shane those words in English. Seeing this tougher-than-nails Russian hockey beast quivering over his love for Shane is a TV moment for the ages. Shane, gobsmacked, waits a beat to respond, which almost makes Ilya waver, until Shane responds in kind. "I love you so fucking much," Shane says. The oceans parted and the skies wept.

Hours later, Ilya watches the sunrise as Shane brings him coffee and a blanket; they soon embrace and sit in profound silence. It's a direct contrast to the previous episode, where the men watched the sun set over Tampa Bay, while barely scraping each other's pinkie fingers.

There is also a sunrise, toe-touching, sex, cheeseburgers, and swimming before the episode's biggest detour occurs — Shane's father (Dylan Walsh) catches his son making out with Ilya when he stops by the cottage to pick up a phone charger. The men, now seemingly a couple, drive to Shane's parents' house for a coming-out discussion that is as harrowing (mostly for Shane) as it is cathartic. The "talk" features the guys reassuring each other by touching toes under the kitchen table, a call back to their flirty press conference from earlier in the season. After a beautiful moment between Shane and his mother (a lovely Christina Chang), the boyfriends (not "lovers!") drive back to the cottage as the credits roll. Their intimacy, finally settling into something comfortable, is on display as they laugh, hold hands, admire each other, touch each other gently, and then in the last moment of the show, Shane playfully grabs Ilya's cheek while making a loony face himself. It was a rare demonstration of levity for Shane.

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Some on X speculated that the final shot of the show was more Williams and Storrie than Shane and Ilya. In an interview with EW, Williams and Heated Rivalry show creator (the series is based on the books by author Rachel Reid) and writer Jacob Tierney explained the exchange in the car was intentional and about the characters, not the actors.

"[Tierney] left that sweet exchange in to show how Shane is capable of breaking his guarded facade. 'I think Shane does have a playful side that is stifled...Under every scene in season 1, there's not much room for super goofy play,' Williams says. 'There's a tentative nature to episode 6. Although it's calm, it's still like, 'Can this work, when we're left alone to our own devices?'"

"It does feel like a puppy learning to play," Tierney adds.

One of the many things Heated Rivalry does well is showcase thoughtful details like the face-holding and the sentiments of love in Russian. Other notable examples include Shane's blood pressure dropping when Ilya enters his hospital room, Shane's period-appropriate boat shoes from the finale, and all the accurate Russian dialogue delivered brilliantly by Storrie.

Researchers are making headway in the "terrifying robot apocalypse" department.

Yicaiglobal reported (via Interesting Engineering) that specialists from the Chinese cybersecurity research group Darknavy recently showed off a method of compromising commercial humanoid robots that has somewhat terrifying implications if used in a real-world setting. At GEEKcon in Shangai, the researchers took a commercially available Unitree robot and demonstrated that it could be hacked with voice commands and, if that wasn't bad enough, used to infect other nearby units.

The robot in question ran off an internal AI agent. By exploiting a flaw in the software, the researchers were able to take over the robot while it was connected to a network, at which point the researchers had the robot use local wireless communication to spread the hack to another nearby robot that actually wasn't even connected to the network at the time. Spreading the hack from one robot to another only took a matter of minutes. Even worse, the researchers were able to issue a command for the robot to physically strike a mannequin on stage.

SEE ALSO: What the iRobot bankruptcy means for Roomba owners

The implications here are as obvious as they are scary. For decades, cybersecurity risks have largely involved stealing money or information from people. If humanoid robots become commonplace in homes (for use in elder care or things like that), it suddenly opens up a whole new world of horrible possibilities for hackers to commit legitimate physical harm to innocent people. Beyond that, it could disrupt robotic labor operations or critical infrastructure.

For now, let's just be glad all of this was done in a safe environment, with the intent of finding ways to fix these problems rather than propagate them.