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TL;DR: Pay $79 once for lifetime ChatPlayground AI Unlimited access, with 20+ models, side-by-side comparisons, file chat, and unlimited monthly messages.

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Asking three AI tools the same question shouldn’t require three tabs and a copy-and-paste routine. ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited Plan puts multiple models in one desktop workspace, with a lifetime subscription available for $79 (reg. $619) through Nov. 8. Pay once, then compare responses without the tab-hopping.

The main attraction is side-by-side comparison. Enter a single prompt and view answers from different models, including options such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek. With more than 20 models available, you can compare approaches instead of settling on whichever answer arrived first.

That’s useful when you’re exploring a coding problem, refining a prompt, or looking for a different creative direction. One response might offer a clearer explanation; another might suggest an approach worth investigating. Seeing them together makes those differences easier to assess.

ChatPlayground also lets you upload PDFs and images to ask questions about your files, generate AI images, and save chat history for ongoing projects. Prompt-engineering tools help you refine your requests, while priority customer support provides faster assistance when you need it.

The Unlimited Plan includes unlimited monthly messages, subject to a fair use policy, plus priority access to new features and future models. Updates are included, and desktop access supports unlimited devices.

ChatPlayground is also an independent platform, rather than an OpenAI product. Both new and existing users can purchase this offer, and the code must be redeemed within 30 days of purchase.

Get ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited Plan lifetime subscription for $79 (reg. $619) through Nov. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

24. Taken: Natalee Holloway

In 2005, the missing persons case of Natalee Holloway became national news when the 18-year-old from Tennessee vanished in Aruba. She was last seen with Dutchman Joran van der Sloot, who was an early person of interest and over the years has told conflicting stories of what came next.

Netflix's newest true crime doc series reexamines the case, offering interviews with authorities and Holloway's mother and friends, as well as previously unreleased footage. Directors Dani Sloane and Matthew Galkin teamed with Story Syndicate (Maternal Instinct, Titan: The Oceangate Disaster) for this three-part documentary series about a mother's quest to getting justice for her daughter. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Taken: Natalee Holloway is now streaming on Netflix.

23. A Dog's Perfect Christmas

Look, I love a Netflix Christmas movie, but to be honest, this one looks outstandingly average. And I love dog movies. If you saw the 2017 Dennis Quaid-fronted drama A Dog’s Purpose or its sequel, 2019's A Dog's Journey, this is pretty much the same deal but set at Christmas. And that makes sense since all three movies (as well as A Dog's Way Home) are based on novels by W. Bruce Cameron, who has screenwriting credits on each movie. The rumply basset hound and pristine corgi puppy who are seemingly tasked with bringing a family together in yuletide unity are cute, but the trailer is not. — Shannon Connellan, Senior Editor

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Milo Ventimiglia, Brooke Lena Johnson, Thomas Haden Church, Mary Steenburgen, Kathleen Rose Perkins, Jennifer Tilly, Ethan Loomis, and Marissa Jaret Winokur

How to watch: A Dog's Perfect Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

22. The Institute, Season 2

Psychic children abducted by the government and held in a brutal secure facility? It's a classic Stephen King formula, and The Institute — based on the horror author's novel of the same name — did well enough to bag itself a second outing. While the first season focused on new recruit Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman) surviving in his strange new prison, Season 2 looks set to widen its scope, with the main cast struggling to find evidence that'll expose the facility's corrupt practices. — Sam Haysom, General Assignment Editor, UK

Starring: Joe Freeman, Ben Barnes, Mary-Louise Parker, Alfie Allen, Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Arlen So, Robert Joy, and Hannah Galway

How to watch: The Institute Season 2 premieres Nov. 8 at 9 p.m. ET on MGM+.

21. The 12 Dates of Christmas

I'm sorry, but isn't The 12 Dates of Christmas already a movie? The cheeseball 2011 Groundhog Day scenario starring Amy Smart as a Scroogey woman stuck in a time loop of dates to teach her a lesson about being nicer to people? Well, this isn't that.

Hulu's identically named film reunites Pretty Little Liars stars Lucy Hale and Ian Harding in another romantic scenario, this time much less problematic than that show's student-teacher relationship. Will I be settling in to see Hale's character determined to thwart her own singlehood by going on 12 dates in 12 days at the busiest time of the year? As sure as a partridge in a pear tree. — S.C.

Starring: Lucy Hale and Ian Harding

How to watch: The 12 Dates of Christmas premieres Nov. 6 on Hulu.

20. Super Troopers 3

Vermont's finest return in Super Troopers 3, a madcap sequel from comedy troupe Broken Lizard. The film sees Farva (Kevin Heffernan) about to marry Thorny's (Jay Chandrasekhar) sister Sarita (Hannah Simone). Of course, all hell breaks loose thanks to a rowdy bachelor party and a new drug known as "Canadian Crystal." Can the troopers save this wedding (and make way for a new sequel in the process)? You'll have to stream to find out. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, Erik Stolhanske, Hannah Simone, Nat Faxon, Chace Crawford, Andrew Dismukes, Marisa Coughlan, Jon Rudnitsky, Lisa Gilroy, Sakina Jaffrey, Iqbal Theba, Lynda Carter, and Brian Cox

How to watch: Super Troopers 3 is now streaming on Hulu.

19. New Group

Almost anything can be scary in the right circumstances. That, at least, seems to be what writer/director Yûta Shimotsu is going for in New Group, a horror comedy largely centered around human pyramids. These start to pop at Ai's (Anna Yamada) new high school, and it soon becomes clear that the phenomenon is more disturbing than simple gymnastics. — S.H.

Starring: Anna Yamada, Yuzu Aoki, Arisa Sasaki, and Pierre Taki

How to watch: New Group debuts on Shudder on Nov. 6.

18. The Uprising

Andrew Garfield says "no kings" in The Uprising, the latest from director Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy). The film tells the story of England's 1381 Peasants' Revolt, with Garfield playing a fictionalized farmer at the center of it all.

SEE ALSO: Andrew Garfield on the meaning of 'no kings' in 'The Uprising'

While The Uprising's tale of standing up to tyranny is timely, critics found the film's execution lacking. As Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review, "Greengrass gives us a bland, muddy slog with a black-and-white hero and villain, and an ending that is sure to satisfy no one."* — B.E.

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Jamie Bell, Stephen Dillane, Tom Hollander, Cosmo Jarvis, Thomasin McKenzie, Jonny Lee Miller, Woody Norman, and Katherine Waterston

How to watch: The Uprising premieres Nov. 6 on Peacock.

17. Charlie Harper

Romantic drama Charlie Harper hits digital this week — and no, it is not about someone named Charlie Harper, but rather about the love story between Charlie (Nick Robinson) and Harper (Emilia Jones). The film uses a nonlinear approach to tell the story of this pair's relationship, from their sweetest moments to their most tumultuous. Critics didn't fall completely in love with Charlie Harper, but if you're looking for some onscreen romance, it's definitely worth a shot. — B.E.

Starring: Emilia Jones and Nick Robinson

How to watch: Charlie Harper is now available on digital.

16. The Remarried Empress

Yes, there is a new Korean romantic epic streaming this week, and yes, it does come with a heap of buzz from this year's Busan International Film Festival. Based on the hugely popular Naver WEBTOON, The Remarried Empress sees a royal relationship in peril, that of the Eastern Empire's Empress Navier (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha's Shin Min-a) and Emperor Sovieshu (Kingdom's Ju Ji-hoon). When the emperor's affections stray elsewhere, the empress makes one hell of a deal: She wants to remarry. And not just anyone; she's got her eye on Heinrey, the rival Western Kingdom's dreamy crown prince (Law and the City's Lee Jong-suk). The very future of the kingdoms are at stake! — S.C.

Starring: Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young

How to watch: The Remarried Empress is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

15. Bass X Machina

If you're after a steampunk anime western from Yasuke creator LeSean Thomas, Netflix's Bass X Machina will fit your wanted poster. In the six-episode animated series, Oscar-nominated Causeway star Brian Tyree Henry voices Bass Reeves, a character based on the real American frontier icon who was one of the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshals west of the Mississippi. Expect a world of ruthless outlaws, desert machines, and otherworldly forces as one man tries to protect his family and deliver justice. — S.C.

Starring: Brian Tyree Henry, Janelle Monáe, Tati Gabrielle, Cree Summer, Chaske Spencer, Currie Graham, and Starletta DuPois

How to watch: Bass X Machina is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Stick, Season 2

Owen Wilson's sports comedy Stick made a sweet splash in its first season, telling a story of golf redemption and found family. Now, Wilson returns as ex-golfer Pryce Cahill, who's coaching 17-year-old golf prodigy Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager). As Santi continues his pro golfing career, Pryce makes the game-changing decision to mount a comeback and try to become the oldest golfer to win a major championship. To accomplish that feat, he'll need some help, and Apple has recruited Pluribus Emmy winner Rhea Seehorn for the job. She plays Coach Amanda, a "swing doctor" who might just take Pryce back to his glory days. — B.E.

Starring: Owen Wilson, Peter Dager, Marc Maron, Mariana Treviño, Lilli Kay, Judy Greer, Timothy Olyphant, Rhea Seehorn, John Higgins, Billy Zane, Rex Linn, Sasha Alexander, and Missi Pyle

How to watch: The first two episodes of Stick Season 2 are now streaming on AppleTV, with new episodes every Wednesday.

13. The Walsh Sisters

Thirty years after Marian Keyes' first Walsh sisters book was published, the BBC finally brought the lives of Rachel, Anna, Claire, Maggie, and Helen Walsh to UK screens in February. Now, The Walsh Sisters is streaming in the U.S. through Roku. From Stefanie Preissner (Can't Cope, Won't Cope) and Kefi Chadwick (Rivals) comes a deeply moving adaptation that weaves several Keyes' books together — and boasts an incredible cast. As I wrote in my review, "A raw, authentic portrayal of sisterhood, addiction, grief, and mental health, The Walsh Sisters feels well overdue on our screens." — S.C.

Starring: Caroline Menton, Danielle Galligan, Stefanie Preissner, Máiread Tyers, and Louisa Harland

How to watch: The Walsh Sisters is now streaming on Roku.

12. Beware Boiúna

An ancient serpentine predator lies in slumber, deep in the Amazon, in this Anaconda-style creature survival horror from director Mike P. Nelson (V/H/S/85; Silent Night, Deadly Night). 

Beware Boiúna sees a group on a medical mission into the South American rainforest hunted by a mythical semiaquatic reptile who's recently been rudely awakened. Kiana Madeira (Fear Street), Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day), and Logan Marshall-Green (Upgrade) disturb the slumber of Boiúna, whose bite is way worse than her non-existent bark. Written by Nelson with his Wrong Turn collaborator Alan B. McElroy and Doom: Annihilation's Tony Giglio, this film feels meant to be bravely watched in cinemas behind an enormous popcorn bucket — but now you can watch it from the comfort of your sofa.* — S.C.

Starring: Kiana Madeira, Jessica Rothe, and Logan Marshall-Green

How to watch: Beware Boiúna is now available on digital.

11. Black Doves, Season 2

Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw return for spy shenanigans in Season 2 of Black Doves, and the stakes (and suspense) have never been higher.

Helen (Knightley) is still giving up England's secrets to the Black Doves, even as her husband, Wallace (Andrew Buchan), gets ready to take on the role of Prime Minister. Meanwhile, triggerman Sam (Whishaw) is stuck taking smaller hit jobs. However, the two reunite when a sinister plot to undermine Reed's (Sarah Lancashire) position in the Black Doves emerges. It's not long before the two are sucked back into a web of espionage, violence, and most importantly of all, friendship.* — B.E.

Starring: Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire, Andrew Buchan, Kathryn Hunter, Ella Lily Hyland, Gabrielle Creevy, Agnes O’Casey, and Molly Chesworth

How to watch: Black Doves Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Sense and Sensibility

Director Georgia Oakley (Blue Jean) and screenwriter Diana Reid adapt Jane Austen's 1811 novel about two very different sisters seeking a match in Regency-era England.

SEE ALSO: 'Sense and Sensibility' review: Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles resurrect Jane Austen

After the death of their father, the rigorously rational Elinor Dashwood (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her impulsive younger sister Marianne (Esmé Creed-Miles) are eager to find husbands. But they're looking for something more rare than financial security. They're looking for love in a world of infuriatingly righteous gentlemen and unfortunately sexy rogues.* — K.P.

Starring: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Frank Dillane, Herbert Nordrum, George MacKay, and Fiona Shaw

How to watch: Sense and Sensibility is now available for rental or purchase on digital.

9. Primetime

Before Lance Oppenheim blew our minds with You Can See Everything, he dropped Primetime, a docudrama exploring Chris Hansen's problematic news special series To Catch a Predator.

Robert Pattinson is chilling and uncomfortably funny in the lead role of Hansen, reimagining the real-life newsman as a creepy clown with a dangerous blind ambition. And while Oppenheim and a talented cast make a movie that is thought-provoking, this critic hoped it'd go harder. As I wrote in my review, "I was left wishing Primetime had the guts to follow the dark path this heightened Hansen charted to somewhere deranged, perhaps providing a more satisfying ending than real life (and reality TV) has. Chase those midnight movie vibes that Pattinson has coursing through his final act into something damning and daring! Or, don't, I guess.

"While Primetime is exhilarating and disturbing thanks to its sensational cast, a flimsy conclusion has this film end with a whimper instead of a bang." — K.P.

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and Phoebe Bridgers

How to watch: Primetime is now available on digital.

8. The History of Concrete

Director John Wilson, of HBO's How To with John Wilson, makes his feature directorial debut with documentary The History of Concrete. Don't be fooled by the seemingly dry title. The History of Concrete is an absurd deep dive into the gray material that surrounds us, one that involves everything from Hallmark movies to gum-busting machines. If you enjoyed How To with John Wilson or want another meta-documentary after seeing You Can See Everything, this should scratch that itch. — B.E.

How to watch: The History of Concrete is now available on digital.

SEE ALSO: 'Musk' review: Alex Gibney's near 4-hour doc is a scathing look at Elon Musk 7. Musk

Alex Gibney's Musk documentary had a blink-and-you'll-miss-it theatrical run, being pulled from cinemas after just two weeks. But if you didn't get chance to see the nearly four-hour doc — which charts the rise to power of the world's richest man, featuring interviews with family members and former colleagues — you can catch it on digital this week. Mashable's Matt Binder described it as "brutal and accurate" in his review for Mashable. It struggled at the box office, but had its marketing campaign hampered due to ads being restricted on multiple social networks. — S.H.

How to watch: Musk is now available on digital.

6. MP3

Jess McKenna and Zach Reino have made their mark on Dropout with improvised musical numbers on Play It By Ear and Game Changer, including the finale "Last Talent Standing." Now, they're bringing their song-writing skills to the comedy streamer's first scripted series in seven years, MP3.

SEE ALSO: Dropout's 'Game Changer' finale: Sam Reich reveals the secrets of 'Last Talent Standing'

Seemingly inspired by the TRL days of MTV, MP3 focuses on a TV show where host Dane Cartel (Jeremy Culhane) offers up music videos alongside his new co-hosts Chia (Aparna Nancherla) and Dr. Muse-Tina (Skye Townsend). This setup allows Dropout's wide ensemble of comedians to pop up for kooky cameos, singing and dancing in a variety of bizarre music videos. Plus, based on the trailer, this show shares a universe with Very Important People. So, watch out for the epic return of Princess Emily. — K.P.

Starring: Jeremy Culhane, Paul F. Tompkins, Zach Reino, Aparna Nancherla, Skye Townsend, and Jess McKenna

How to watch: MP3 is now streaming on Dropout.

5. Bad Apples

Teachers deserve better. Our underpaid educators put up with everything from disruptive students to micromanaging parents. And in Jonatan Etzler's dark comedy thriller Bad Apples, one (Saoirse Ronan) takes matters into her own hands. Written by Jess O'Kane as an adaptation of Rasmus Andersson's novel De Oönskade, the film sees Ronan as Somerset-based primary school teacher Maria. She loves teaching, despite the underfunded education system testing her daily. When troubled student Danny (newcomer Eddie Waller) constantly disrupts her class, Maria makes some choices.

SEE ALSO: 'Bad Apples' review: Teachers, this film is for you

As I wrote in my review, "With Ronan's always-impeccable talents supported by a sublime young cast, Bad Apples leans into unethical impulses, all the while exposing home truths about the under-resourced education system and social disdain toward children with behavioural, emotional, and social difficulties. Plus, it's really funny."* — S.C.

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Eddie Waller, Jacob Anderson, Rakie Ayola, Robert Emms, Sean Gilder, and Kerry Howard

How to watch: Bad Apples is now available on digital.

4. North of North, Season 2

One of 2025's best TV surprises was Canadian comedy North of North, a small town sitcom set in the Arctic Circle. Young Inuk mother Siaja (Anna Lambe) decides to blow up her unhappy marriage and start fresh, embarking on a warm, moving journey of self-discovery. That journey continues in Season 2, which will see Siaja try to keep leveling up her life, professionally and personally, even if it means making some big mistakes in the process. Wherever your new road takes you, Siaja, we can't wait to keep supporting you!* — B.E.

Starring: Anna Lambe, Maika Harper, Braeden Clarke, Jay Ryan, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Zorga Qaunaq, Bailey Poching, Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds, Keira Belle Cooper, and Bruce McCulloch

How to watch: North of North Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

3. The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, Season 2

If you're on the hunt for surgically precise joke writing and an impeccable ensemble, I've got one name for you: Reggie. Dinkins.

Created by 30 Rock's Robert Carlock and Sam Means, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins cemented itself as one of the year's best comedies when it premiered this January. Now, it's back and bound to deliver more riotous one-liners and pop culture references. The series follows disgraced New York Jets star Reggie Dinkins (Tracy Morgan) and documentarian Arthur Tobin (Daniel Radcliffe), who's making a film about Reggie's life. Morgan and Radcliffe are a duo to die for, and Erika Alexander and Bobby Moynihan are riots in their supporting roles. Buy into the ridiculousness and have the best time.* — B.E.

Starring: Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe, Erika Alexander, Bobby Moynihan, Precious Way, and Jalyn Hall

How to watch: The first episode of The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins Season 2 is now streaming on Peacock. New episodes premiere Mondays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes available on Peacock the next day.

2. Resident Evil

Good news, everyone! You can watch Weapons director Zach Cregger's Resident Evil reboot at home this week. The adaptation of Capcom's popular horror game franchise was co-written by Cregger with John Wick: Chapter 4's Shay Hatten, with horror and action through the roof. Except this time the Resident Evil chaos is happening to a regular Raccoon City resident (Austin Abrams) who just can't seem to figure out those damn locks. — S.C.

Starring: Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser

How to watch: Resident Evil is now available on digital.

Best of streaming this week: It Gets Worse

Leo Reich's new comedy It Gets Worse set the internet ablaze when Channel 4 released an NSFW clip involving Andrew Scott as a therapist. And while that's certainly a great hook, especially for everyone who's still not over Scott's role in Fleabag, it's far from the best thing about this beautifully messy series.

Reich stars as 24-year-old Ethan, who's going through the catastrophic double whammy of a quarter life crisis and eviction from the London apartment he shares with his two best friends from university, Abi (Emily Fairn) and Sam (Olive Gray). As the three try to find a new place, they split up across the city, where they each face a harrowing question familiar to anyone in their early 20s: What the hell am I going to do with my life? To find answers (if there are any), Reich spins a tale of fraught friendships, awkward hookups, and hard truths sure to make any young 20-something at a crossroads feel seen. — B.E.

Starring: Leo Reich, Emily Fairn, Olive Gray, Sean Delaney, Dane Williams, India Mullen, John Tothill, Andrew Scott, Lena Dunham, and Amelia Dimoldenberg

How to watch: All episodes of It Gets Worse premiere Nov. 6 on Paramount+.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get "dates" (and I use that term loosely) with the tap of a button. Thanks to classic hookup apps like Tinder and newcomers like Pure, finding a sexy new friend can be as straightforward as ordering a pizza. As for the quality? That’s about the same as your pizza — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you're located, and how hungry you are.

SEE ALSO: 6 AdultFriendFinder features other hookup sites lack

Fortunately, you’ve got your resident dating app expert here (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw) to guide you to the promised land, aka the best hookup apps.

I’ve spent the past four years (yes, years) testing dozens of the top dating apps for Mashable, from discreet sexting apps to dating sites for serious relationships. My goal is simple: to find the best apps for every kind of dater, including the one-night-stand crowd. I also consulted a panel of sex and relationship experts to make sure my picks are solid.

The short answer: Tinder is still the best hookup app for most people, thanks to its massive user base and new IRL features like Group Hangouts and Events. If you want total anonymity, try Pure. Hinge is best for regular FWBs, and Feeld is the go-to for kink, ethical non-monogamy, and exploring your sexuality. Queer men should start with Grindr (or Sniffies for cruising), and queer women should download HER.

How to get the most out of hookup apps

My first rule: be brutally honest about what you want. Are you here for a good time? Own it. That means staying in your lane; don't go looking for a one-night stand on an app like eharmony. "Hookup apps help prevent situations where people are on mainstream dating sites with the intention of having a casual hookup but are unclear about these intentions," Suzannah Weiss, sex/couples therapist and resident sexologist for Erojoy, tells Mashable. "They also give women a space to be openly sexual creatures without judgment."

And here's a little secret I picked up from Alexander Liebisch, the CEO and founder of TinderProfile.ai: Timing is everything. He found that people messaging on Tinder's "Free Tonight" feature after 10 p.m. on a weekend had a 45 percent higher chance of hooking up.

Once you've matched, reach out, be honest, and follow through! "Plan dates within the first conversation or else you'll get tired out from having a bunch of conversations that aren't going anywhere," Weiss says.

Recent updates to this guide

• OkCupid (removed October 2026): OkCupid is still a solid pick for inclusive, values-driven dating, but it's a relationship app at heart. Feeld, HUD, and HER all do inclusivity better for no-strings fun. And after OkCupid's 2026 FTC settlement over sharing nearly 3 million users' photos with a facial recognition company, I'm not comfortable recommending it for something as private as hookups.

• Hily (added August 2026): I’ve added Hily to our top picks because its free tier is surprisingly generous (up to 100 likes a day!) and its AI safety tech (like Consent Guard) makes it a standout option for casual, blunt daters looking for a fresh alternative to the Big Three.

• Hinge (moved up October 2025): Hinge just keeps getting better, so I’ve bumped it up higher on my list. It still earns its spot for casual dating with personality; its user base is growing, and my recent tests have been surprisingly positive.

Why some popular hookup apps didn't make the cut

You might notice a few apps that pop up in ads or other lists are missing here. That’s intentional. I swipe through the good, the bad, and the downright sketchy so you don’t have to. For an app to make my list, it has to be effective, safe, and worth your time.

Here's a shortlist of apps that didn't make the cut:

• Plenty of Fish: POF's rebrand didn't do it any favors. My last round of testing showed it removed key features like free messaging with non-matches, and I kept running into the same old profiles. (Removed January 2025.)

• Match: Some people swear they've found casual hookups on Match, but that's not what it's for. It's still one of my top picks for a long-term relationship. For a hookup? You're fishing in the wrong pond. (Removed August 2025.)

• Wild: You’ve probably seen ads for this one. On paper, Wild sounds like the perfect casual dating app. In practice, the paywalls are aggressive, the distance filter doesn't work, and you have to pay for anything that's even remotely useful. Unless you're willing to spend serious cash upfront (and hope for the best), the experience feels more limited than with more generous free options like Tinder or Hily.

• DOWN: This app (formerly "Bang With Friends") is known for its simple "Get Down" vs. "Get Date" feature. It sounds clever, but in reality, the experience is messy at best. Many users report feeling scammed by subscriptions that don't deliver matches, or finding that the few real people on there are... let's say "odd." It’s hard to recommend an app when the main user complaint is "Is anyone real?" Hard pass.

• Facebook Dating: Yes, Facebook has a dating section, and it’s surprisingly massive (and completely free, which is huge). While it's a decent option for casual dating, the vibe tends to be a bit more "friends of friends" and "relationship-focused" than the anonymous, no-strings energy you get from apps like Pure or Feeld. (For Mashable's Chance Townsend, signing up was "the most uneventful dating experience" of his life.) It's also added an AI dating assistant and "Meet Cute," which sends you one surprise match a week. It's worth a shot if you're already on Facebook, but it didn't quite crack my top tier for no-strings-attached hookups specifically.

SAVE $200: As of Nov. 5, the Ecovacs Deebot T90S Pro is on sale for $699 at Amazon. That's a 22% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Deebot T90s Pro $699 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $200.99   Get Deal at Amazon

Vacuuming isn't exactly anyone's idea of a fun way to spend their free time. Fortunately, vacuums have come a long way from bulky devices dragged across your floors that still manage to miss awkward corners. Robot vacuums can now do the hard work for you, navigating your floors, avoiding obstacles, and tackling everyday dirt while you get on with something else.

As of Nov. 5, there's a deal on the Ecovacs Deebot T90S Pro that saves you $200 on the list price, now down to $699. It vacuums, it mops, and it even manages its own maintenance.

This truly is a great robot vacuum if you want floor cleaning gone from your mind. It combines powerful vacuuming with continuous fresh-water mopping to tackle everything from everyday dust and pet hair to sticky kitchen spills. It has an OZMO ROLLER 3.0 system that uses 32-way pressurized water flow to rinse the roller as it cleans, and a scraper that removes dirty water to help prevent smearing and the spread of grime across hard floors.

For vacuuming, it delivers up to 40,000Pa of suction and features anti-tangle brushes designed to reduce hair wrap. Plus, the OMNI Station handles maintenance, including automatic dust removal, hot-water roller washing, hot-air drying, and cleaning-solution dispensing.

You can find this robot vacuum deal at Amazon now.

TL;DR: Daily Red is a free, daily Pokémon battle game where everyone gets one chance a day to defeat Red on Mt. Silver. Red's team stays the same, but your lineup is randomly generated every 24 hours — forcing you to win with whatever random squad you're dealt.

If your morning browser routine already includes Wordle or the Mini Crossword, there is a new fan-made puzzle game making the rounds among Pokémon fans. Daily Red takes the most legendary boss encounter in franchise history and reimagines it as a fast-paced, tactical puzzle you can solve in under five minutes.

Instead of spending dozens of hours training a competitive squad, the game puts you right on top of Mt. Silver for a Level 100 showdown against Red. The catch? You do not get to pick your party. Every 24 hours, every player worldwide is handed the exact same randomly generated lineup of six Pokémon. Your job is to figure out how to pilot whatever unusual, bench-warming team you've been dealt to victory.

Is Daily Red an official Pokémon game?

No. Daily Red is an unofficial, free-to-play fan project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nintendo, Game Freak, or The Pokémon Company. It runs entirely in your browser with no microtransactions, ads, or sign-ups required.

How to play Daily Red

Getting started takes zero downloads and no account registration. Here is the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Head to the site — Go to daily-red.com on your mobile device or desktop browser.

2. Inspect your squad — Click to begin your daily match at the peak of Mt. Silver. Once the fight starts, inspect your six assigned Level 100 Pokémon — checking their movesets, abilities, and type coverage — before locking in your first move against Red's lead Pikachu.

3. Outsmart Red — Defeat all six of Red's classic Level 100 Pokémon before he wipes your party out.

4. Share and track — Copy your spoiler-free results grid to share with friends, then return the next day to protect your streak.

Your win streaks and battle stats are saved directly to your browser's local cache. If you want to keep a long streak going, stick to the same device and browser for your daily battles. 

Daily Red relies on the same viral mechanics that made Wordle a massive hit: every player tackles the same daily puzzle, your wins are tracked through an ongoing streak, and you can share a color-coded grid of your results without spoiling the winning moves for others.

Knowing your enemy: Red's fixed team

While your party changes every single night, Red's team remains completely static. Knowing who he brings to the fight lets you plan your strategy before making your first move:

• Pikachu (Level 100 — always his starting lead)

• Espeon (Level 100)

• Snorlax (Level 100)

• Venusaur (Level 100)

• Charizard (Level 100)

• Blastoise (Level 100)

Because Red always leads with Pikachu, your first big tactical decision happens the second the match loads. Check your six assigned Pokémon to see who has the best matchup or immunity against an electric lead, then plan how you'll handle his bulkier threats like Snorlax later in the match.

The daily battle resets every night at midnight in your local time zone. A live countdown timer at the top of the site tracks how much time remains in the current window. Once the clock strikes midnight, everyone receives a brand-new randomized party to take on Red all over again.

SEE ALSO: Pokémon x Beats: Where to buy Pokémon collab that turns the Beats Pill into a Pikachu-themed speaker

Whether you get handed an overpowered legendary or find yourself trying to defeat a Level 100 Snorlax using a Luvdisc, it’s easy to see why Daily Red is blowing up across the Pokémon community right now.

Where to check for Zelda Switch 2 stock: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Nintendo Shop Now Amazon Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Amazon Shop Now Walmart Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Walmart Shop Now Target Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Target Shop Now Best Buy Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Best Buy Shop Now GameStop Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at GameStop Shop Now

If your current morning ritual involves violently hitting refresh on a dozen retail tabs, you already know the vibe: finding the Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition is turning into an Olympic sport.

Between automated bot armies scooping digital drops, surprise order cancellations at Walmart, and inventory vanishing in seconds on Amazon, this custom black-and-gold console feels like a myth. But while digital storefronts look completely barren, stock is actively circulating behind the scenes.

Where to check for Zelda Switch 2 stock right now

Before getting into the restock details, bookmark these retailer pages to check for surprise drops:

• Nintendo Store — Out of stock right now, but you can add it to your wishlist to get pinged the second a restock hits.

• Amazon — Dropping tiny batches of consoles randomly throughout the day.

• Walmart — Out of stock, so make sure your in-stock email alerts are turned on.

• Target — Sold out online, but two drops are coming: in-store on Thursday, Nov. 5, and online on Friday, Nov. 6.

• Best Buy — Sold out online, but select stores are doing midnight openings on Nov. 5 with walk-in stock.

• GameStop — Online orders are off; you will have to walk into a store to find one.

Why is the console selling out so fast?

The feeding frenzy is being supercharged by Nintendo’s staggered release calendar. While the custom Zelda 40th Anniversary hardware dropped first on Oct. 29, the flagship game driving demand — The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 — arrives this Thursday, Nov. 5.

The remake rebuilds the 1998 classic from the ground up with modernized controls, a fully orchestrated soundtrack, reworked dungeon puzzles, and expanded Hyrule environments. Since the $520 console doesn’t include the game, everyone is rushing to lock down a system before launch day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 $59.99 at Amazon
  Preorder at Amazon What comes with the Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2?

The package includes the special-edition Switch 2 system sporting a custom black-and-gold finish, themed Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a matching dock decorated with the gold Triforce emblem. It retains the platform's signature flexibility, letting you switch between TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes whenever you want.

Inside the themed chassis, you get 256GB of built-in storage (expandable with microSD Express cards), a vivid display in handheld mode, faster load times, and support for up to 4K resolution on compatible TVs when the console sits in the dock.

The magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers add mouse-style tracking in supported games, while the new GameChat hub lets you voice chat and share your screen directly as you play. It also plays your older Switch games and supports standard multiplayer options.

How can you improve your chances of finding stock?

Landing limited-edition Nintendo hardware takes a little prep work, but these battle-tested habits will give you a real edge over the bots:

• Save your checkout details everywhere — Log in to Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Nintendo Store to save your shipping address and default card. Stopping to type a card number or billing zip code during a live drop is how you lose an order.

• Hands off the refresh button in Best Buy's queue — When an online drop goes live, Best Buy puts shoppers into a randomized waiting line to filter out scrapers. Touching the reload button resets your spot and boots you straight to the back.

• Watch for Walmart+ early-access paywalls — Walmart frequently locks headline console drops behind paid Walmart+ subscriptions for the first 30 to 60 minutes. If you have a membership, keep that tab signed in; if not, wait for the general public window to unlock.

• Dodge third-party sellers — Double-check the seller before buying. Marketplace scalpers frequently list units for jacked-up prices; make sure it says "Sold and shipped by [Retailer]" at the standard price.

• Skip the web wars and head to physical stores — Online checkout bots grab website stock in under 15 seconds. Showing up in person is easily your most reliable path to securing one without paying scalper markups.

Will the Zelda Switch 2 be restocked on Black Friday?

Most likely, yes.

Stores like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy often hold onto popular gaming hardware to use as headline deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday week.

With that said, Black Friday restocks are usually the hardest ones to catch. You will be fighting website crashes, gift shoppers, and automated bots all at once. If you can grab a console during the Nov. 5 launch drops at Target or Best Buy, take it. Think of Black Friday as a backup plan, not your main bet.

Console hunting sucks right now, period. But between the surprise micro-drops and Thursday's physical store restocks, you still have real shots at retail price — just be ready to move the second that button turns yellow.

TL;DR: The Lego Group has launched its 2026 holiday campaign and film, directed by Michael Gracey and set to Daft Punk's hit "One More Time." You can stream the short and shop every featured set directly at Lego.

Holiday shopping season has officially arrived, and Lego is getting into the spirit with a star-studded workshop and a classic French touch. The brand dropped its 2026 holiday campaign ad, a chaotic, joyful 74-second short directed by The Greatest Showman filmmaker Michael Gracey and set to Daft Punk’s iconic track "One More Time."

The film follows a single red 2x4 Lego brick on a journey through the Lego Holiday Workshop, where it gets assembled, energized by superheroes, and sent out the door to a family living room.

If you found yourself eyeballing the sets on screen, you don't have to wait until December to start building. Lego launched a dedicated storefront allowing viewers to shop the models and characters that make cameos in the ad.

Here are some of our favorites featured in the film that make epic holiday gifts:

Lego Speed Champions F1 Academy Lego Race Car Opens in a new window Credit: Speed Champions / Lego Lego Speed Champions F1 Academy Lego Race Car $27.99 at Lego
  Shop Now at Lego

The Lego holiday ad opens with a high-speed dash through the snow, pairing Daft Punk minifigures with real-life Dutch driver Esmee Kosterman in her liveried racer. You can park the exact track action on your desk with the Lego Speed Champions F1 Academy Lego Race Car. Clocking in at 201 pieces, the build celebrates the all-female racing series with sharp, authentic details — from the aerodynamic rear wing and halo safety system right down to the Pirelli-branded tires and an included driver minifigure complete with helmet and wrench.

Avengers: Doomsday Quinjet Opens in a new window Credit: Marvel / Lego Avengers: Doomsday Quinjet $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now at Lego

Doctor Doom stealing the spotlight in the holiday workshop ad is just a preview of the chaos in store here. The 433-piece Lego Marvel Avengers: Doomsday Quinjet spans over 13 inches wide and features accessible fold-out top and rear panels, dual front stud shooters, and a cockpit built for hands-on play. What really makes the set, though, is the minifigure lineup: you get Captain America with folding wings, Cyclops, a bulky The Thing with oversized fists, and Doctor Doom complete with his fabric cape and translucent blasters.

Credit: Lego Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird $69.99 at Lego
  Shop Now at Lego

The goofy creature waving a tearful goodbye near the end of the holiday workshop film is straight out of K-Pop Demon Hunters. The 825-piece Lego Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird set turns the animated sidekicks into vibrant desk decor, featuring posable limbs and two swappable facial expressions — including a tongue that holds tiny love notes. Sussie the magpie perches on Derpy's head, and there is even a secret storage compartment hidden inside the tiger's skull to stash the letters and an included mini flowerpot.

Lionel Messi — Soccer Legend Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Editions Lionel Messi — Soccer Legend $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now at Lego

While race cars and superheroes zip through the workshop ad, soccer fans get their own headline moment with the 958-piece Lego Editions Lionel Messi – Soccer Legend build. The display figure offers two distinct pose options: Messi dribbling downfield with an included soccer ball, or his iconic victory celebration with both arms raised toward the sky. Standing over 10.5 inches tall, the finished tribute comes complete with his legendary number 10, a bold 'MESSI' base lettering plate, and an official printed name plaque that looks right at home on an office desk or bedroom bookshelf.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Ideas E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now at Lego

Nobody in the holiday workshop looks more heartbroken to say goodbye to their bricks than Spielberg's beloved alien. Designed specifically for adult collectors, the 1,226-piece Lego Ideas E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial set captures the character's wrinkled features with fully posable arms, an opening mouth, and a head that rotates 360 degrees. You can point his iconic forefinger to signal home, set a pot of revived sunflowers in his hands, or hit the rear switch to activate an authentic glowing chest light brick.

Credit: Lego

Didn't see your specific fandom on our list? Shop the complete lineup over at Lego's official holiday workshop hub.

TL;DR: Lifetime 1min.AI Advanced Business access is on sale for just $69.97 (reg. $540) through Nov. 8.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $69.97
$540 Save $470.03   Get Deal

AI subscriptions aren’t cheap, but they’re manageable if you only use one model like ChatGPT. However, if you need tools for generating images, writing copy, analyzing documents, or translating between languages, a platform like 1min.AI is a more viable option.

1min.AI gives you lifetime access to some of the most popular AI tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Mistral, and many others. It’s also only $69.97 for a lifetime subscription (reg. $540) through Nov. 8.

1min.AI runs in your browser and pulls a ton of everyday work into one place. You can research keywords, draft blog posts, rewrite and shorten text, generate social posts, and keep a consistent brand voice across projects. There are tools to summarize or translate documents, chat with multiple PDFs at once, and spin up slide presentations. For visuals, you can generate images from prompts, upscale low-resolution pictures, remove backgrounds, extend edges, or turn rough sketches into cleaner artwork.

Here’s a small sample of the AI models you’ll get access to:

• GPT-5.5 Pro

• Claude 4.1 Opus, Claude 4.5 Sonnet

• Gemini 2.5 Flash, Gemini 3.1 Pro

• Llama 3

• Mistral models

The Advanced Business Plan includes 4,000,000 credits each month, plus the chance to earn up to 450,000 more through daily logins and other tasks. Credits are shared across writing, images, audio, and video, so you can lean harder on whichever tools you need that month. The plan supports up to 20 members, with shared workspaces, an unlimited prompt library, unlimited storage, and unlimited brand voices. If you don’t use all your credits, they just roll over, so you aren’t missing out if you have a lighter month.

It’s only $69.97 to get a 1min.AI lifetime subscription through Nov. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Apple's rumored "anniversary iPhone" might not have an uninterrupted display after all.

The "iPhone 20" is allegedly slated to launch in 2027, with Apple skipping the iPhone 19 altogether to mark the iPhone's 20th birthday. Old rumors claimed that this will be the first iPhone with a completely uninterrupted display, with no bezels, no camera cutouts, just a perfect slab of glass on the front.

Now, leaker Digital Chat Station, in a sort of Q&A session underneath a Weibo post on iPhone 18, said that the display on the anniversary iPhone will definitely have holes.

This isn't new. We've heard it from Digital Chat Station and Ice Universe before, and by now, we mostly expect the anniversary iPhone to have a new type of bezel-less, "quad-curved" display but with a small dynamic island on top.

But the rumor is worth revisiting in light of iPhone Duo, which actually already has a fully uninterrupted inner display, with the FaceTime camera hidden underneath it. Having tested the iPhone Duo, I can say that having such a display is pretty great. But it comes with two major caveats: There's no Face ID (the iPhone Duo instead has a Touch ID on the side), and the FaceTime camera has low, 4-megapixel resolution and cannot take great selfies.

While it's possible (indeed, probable) that Apple is already working on upgrading that camera, it's hard to imagine the company making it as good as the "regular" selfie camera on its recent phones. It just doesn't seem likely that Apple could achieve such a drastic leap by next year; not to mention the separate issue of hiding Face ID sensors under the display as well.

SEE ALSO: Apple Q4 2026 earnings call: CEO John Ternus addresses iPhone Duo availability and increasing prices

In his post, Digital Chat Station also addressed the iPhone 18e, iPhone 18, and iPhone Air 2, which he says are coming in the first half of next year.

The iPhone 18 will reportedly have a 6.3-inch 1.5K 120Hz OLED display with a Dynamic Island, Apple's 2nm A20 chip, Face ID, a dual 48-megapixel camera setup, and a larger battery. Unfortunately, the price of the phone will also increase, though we don't know by how much.

Starbucks announced plans for its holiday merch weeks ago. That was a blessing and a curse. It's good to get an insight into what's to come, but the wait is painful. We want that Bearista merch without delay.

We've all had to be incredibly patient, but the wait is over: Starbucks is launching the first wave of its holiday merch from Nov. 5.

Credit: Starbucks

The lineup spans seven core drinkware and lifestyle items priced between $14.95 and $29.95. And in a major brand win for Mashable readers, it includes a limited-edition 24-ounce Owala FreeSip bottle for under $20 (we know you absolutely love these viral bottles).

Starbucks could print some standard red-and-green stripes on generic plastic cups and sell out by the early hours of launch day. Fortunately, they've gone incredibly hard with this initial drop. This year’s capsule features genuine design standouts that work surprisingly well for home offices and seasonal gifting:

• Owala Bearista FreeSip ($19.95): The undisputed hero of the entire drop, and something we expect to sell out quickly. Why? A standard 24-ounce Owala FreeSip retails for somewhere between $25 and $30 at Amazon, so scoring an official co-branded Starbucks edition for $19.95 is a wild promo.

• Bearista Bow Tumbler ($29.95): An insulated stainless-steel travel cup crowned with a sculpted dimensional gift bow lid.

• Double-Wall Bearista Glass Mug ($16.95): Clear borosilicate glass with an insulated interior silhouette.

• Bearista Espresso Mug and Snowglobe Gift Set ($22.95): A bundle that includes a miniature espresso demitasse cup and a matching Bearista desktop snow globe.

• Bearista Holiday Ceramic Mug ($19.95): A classic mug featuring the mascot dressed in winter gear.

• Glass Bearista Ornament ($16.95): A miniature glass ornament modeled after the iconic Glass Bearista Cold Cup.

• Plush Bag Charm ($14.95): A mini plush Bearista donning the signature Starbucks green apron.

Credit: Starbucks

This Nov. 5 drop is substantial, but Starbucks is holding back the Glass Bearista Cold Cup (Surprise Box Edition) until Nov. 10. That's followed by the Red Cup Day free reusable cup giveaway on Nov. 17.

There's a lot to come from Starbucks this season.

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.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

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

Go get it!

Hurdle Word 1 answer

FETCH

Hurdle Word 2 hint

There's a possibility.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 5, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

MIGHT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Bring it down.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 5, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 4, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

LOWER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Vapor.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

STEAM

Final Hurdle hint

Growl.

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

GRUNT

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

The Moon is now approaching the end of its current lunar cycle, with less than 20% of its surface illuminated. This puts it near the end of the Waning Crescent phase, when just a thin sliver of the Moon remains visible before the New Moon.

What is today's Moon phase?

As of Friday, Nov. 5, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Crescent phase, with 16% of its surface visible.

Tonight, without the use of visual aids you should be able to spot the Aristarchus Plateau and that's all. With binoculars or a telescope, you'll be able to see this and the Grimaldi Basin.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on November 24.

What are Moon phases?

It takes the Moon around 29.5 days to pass through a complete lunar cycle. As it travels around Earth, the angle at which sunlight reaches its surface changes what we can see from here, producing the different phases, from the New Moon through to the Full Moon and back again. The cycle then starts over, as explained by NASA.

The eight phases are:

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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for college basketball fans.

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. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise 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 before the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Coming soon

• Green: Minor leagues

• Blue: Related to one player

• Purple: Hockey leaders

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Future Olympic hosts

• Green: Triple-A baseball teams

• Blue: Associated with Nikola Jokić

• Purple: NHL head coaches

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 #773 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Future Olympic hosts: BRISBANE, FRENCH ALPS, LOS ANGELES, UTAH

• Triple-A Baseball Teams: CHIHUAHUAS, MUD HENS, SPACE COWBOYS, TIDES

• Associated with Nikola Jokić: JOKER, MVP, NUGGETS, SERBIA

• NHL head coaches: BRUNETTE, MAURICE, MUSE, ST. LOUIS

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 the latest Connections.

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 5, 2026 Raindrop meaning

A singular example of precipitation.

Rose meaning

A type of flower that can be a variety of colors.

Whisker meaning

Hairs on the faces of some animals, including cats.

Kitten meaning

An adolescent cat.

Gig meaning

A task or job of varying size.

Pear meaning

A type of fruit.

Spike meaning

To drive something into the ground, like a football.

Wedge meaning

A tool used for a variety of purposes to improve access or leverage.

Run meaning

To move at a rapid pace.

Lotus meaning

A type of flower.

Uvula meaning

A small, teardrop-shaped piece of dangling flesh at the back of the mouth

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Brando meaning

Possibly the last name of a famous actor.

Anemone meaning

A sea creature or a flower.

Speedbag meaning

Gym equipment used by boxers.

Platform meaning

A foundation from which to build or communicate.

Narcissus meaning

A type of flower.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 the latest Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you like shoes.

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

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

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 5, 2026 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: Shoe-related

• Green: Floral

• Blue: Similar shapes

• Purple: Nearly alcohol

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Kinds of heels

• Green: Flowers

• Blue: Teardrop-shaped things

• Purple: Liquors with last letters changed

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 #1243 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Kinds of heels: KITTEN, PLATFORM, SPIKE, WEDGE

• Flowers: ANEMONE, LOTUS, NARCISSUS, ROSE

• Teardrop-shaped things: PEAR, RAINDROP, SPEEDBAG UVULA

• Liquors with last letters changed: BRANDO, GIG, RUN, WHISKER

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 the latest Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you work like wordplay.

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 November 5, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Handle with care

The words are connected by a word.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are parts of expressions that use the word "break."

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Give me a break.

NYT Strands word list for November 5

• Faith

• Ground

• Bread

• Wind

• Dancing

• Give me a break

• Character

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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 the latest Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you've ever seen a drought.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 5, 2026 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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Dry.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No letters appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

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...

PARCH

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.

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 the latest Wordle.

ChatGPT will now allow users to make GIFs from text prompts or uploaded images. The new feature is powered by Images 2.6, OpenAI's latest AI image generation model, unveiled on Wednesday.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI is making a major change to ChatGPT interface

Rolling out globally to ChatGPT and coding tool Codex today, Images 2.6 enables users to either describe the GIF they would like it to generate or upload an image to be animated. Users can also upload a rough drawing, and have the AI model to generate a more complete version to animate.

Once generated, The Verge reports that ChatGPT's new feature will allow users to adjust the GIF's animation speed, as well as view and edit individual frames. OpenAI stated in a since-deleted X post that users can also have Images 2.6 save their uploaded pictures to be reused as prompts in the future.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: @ChatGPT via X

Significantly, Images 2.6's GIF-generating capability is not an AI video generator. Instead, OpenAI suggested that Images 2.6 can be used to create animated storyboards or to "explore character movement before video production." OpenAI discontinued its AI video generation app Sora earlier this year. The Wall Street Journal reported that it had few users and lost the company approximately $1 million per day.

OpenAI appears to have largely focused its visual AI generation models on still images since then. However, the launch of Images 2.6 suggests it may be flirting with moving pictures once more. Last month, OpenAI launched Intelligent UI, a new ChatGPT feature that allows users to generate interactive visual interfaces.

Credit: OpenAI

According to OpenAI, Images 2.6 also generates images 50 percent faster than its previous model, Images 2.5. Generation is still likely to take a moment, though. The company says that its speed-focused GPT‑Image‑2.6 Flare model can generate an image in about six seconds, provided its quality is set to low. OpenAI's GPT‑Image‑2.6 Flare and GPT‑Image‑2.6 Sunburst models are rolling out in the company's API.

Images 2.6 is available now across all of ChatGPT and Codex's subscription tiers.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Bluetti is making 2026 one of their best years yet. On top of launching the compact Elite 100 mini, the brand new Apex 200 is something special. It's both a powerful model for at-home backup during a storm, and also worth taking on RV trips. And if you're feeling strong, it could be awesome at the campground.

Credit: Bluetti

The Bluetti Apex 200 just launched on Nov. 4, but the brand is already offering a $300 discount that can be combined with an extra 5% off with code MASHABLE5OFF. That brings the price down from the standard $1,399 to a more comfortable $1,044. Keep in mind the sale with additional 5% discount is set to expire on Nov. 18.

Features of the Bluetti Apex 200

In my ranking of the best portable power stations, I mentioned the Bluetti Apex 300 as a great model for whole-home backup. That's still true, but the versatility of the Apex 200 is exception, and that might make it a better option for some homes.

One of the largest differences between the 300 and the new Apex 200 is battery capacity. The Apex 200 has a smaller capacity of 2,560Wh, but that also means it's lightweight, smaller, and easier to carry.

Credit: Bluetti

On top of this, the Apex 200 has more port versatility. It comes with three standard AC ports, two USB-C, two USB-A, and a 30A. Those ports will be ideal during an outage to keep the refrigerator running, lights on, and phones charged up — all from the same power station.

But if you're thinking you might need more power, rest assured the Apex 200 has major expansion ability. You can combine it with up to six B500K expansion batteries to max out at a major 33.28kWh. Keep in mind Bluetti says the Apex 200 with two B500K expansion batteries should keep most homes charged up with essentials for about two to three days.

Credit: Bluetti

Bluetti also made it possible to recharge the Apex 200 giant solar power. It can handle up to 3,000W of solar input. If you're able to capture 3,000W from solar, the Apex 200 can recharge in about 1.7 hours. Of course, you can also go with standard AC recharging, a gas generator, or the car.

How to buy the Bluetti Apex 200

The Bluetti Apex 200 is already available to buy on the Bluetti site. Order before Nov. 19 and use code MASHABLE5OFF to get the power station for $1,044, down from the list price of $1,399. We'll keep an eye on Amazon availability and potential sale prices.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Apex 200 $1,044 at Bluetti
$1,399 Save $355 use code MASHABLE5OFF Get Deal at Bluetti

With a heavy dose of 2000s nostalgia and a premise that feels like a Total Request Live parody, MP3 has dropped on Dropout, bringing with it a trio of wacky music videos each week. While the show is being touted as Dropout's first scripted show in seven years, Paul F. Tompkins assures fans of the streaming comedy platform that there's still plenty of improv in the mix. 

"We shot it sort of Curb Your Enthusiasm style," said the comedian, who's previously appeared on Dropout shows like Game Changer and Very Important People. He explained that show creators Zach Reino and Jess McKenna gave Tompkins and co-stars Jeremy Culhane, Aparna Nancherla, and Skye Townsend an outline of each episode. "It's like: Here are the scenes. Here's what we want to get to, and then we have so much room to play within that. It's nice to have that. Like, improv is fun, but it is nice to have that sort of safety net underneath you."

In a Zoom interview with Tompkins, Nancherla, and Townsend, Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko learned the origins of MP3's goofy VJs, and how Culhane got kisses from a comedy icon. 

MP3 lets its cast build their characters. 

MP3 centers around an unusual father-son team of former boy band member Dane Cartel (Culhane), who's hosted Music Presentation 3 for years, and his father, MP3 director Thomas Cartel (Tompkins). But recently Thomas has brought in two new co-hosts, the dryly odd Chia (Nancherla), and the ever-chipper Dr. Muse-Tina (Townsend), which is causing on-set tensions and shenanigans.

Townsend (Black Lady Sketch Show) explained how Reino and McKenna allowed her a lot of creative input into Dr. Muse-Tina's look. 

The origin of Dr. Muse-Tina, from her baby bangs to her bleached eyebrows, braces, and beyond. Skye Townsend plays Dr. Muse-Tina in Dropout's new show, "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

"Everybody brought on board was brought on board with trust, and they just let us play," she said of the production. "The name was established and her origin story, that she has lived a life that's unbelievable, but possibly she did everything she said," Townsend explained. 

From there, Townsend offered a look into her vision of the character with a visual aid. "I love to do mood boards," she shared, "And so coming in, I just did a full mood board with, like, a bio and like — what do her teeth look like? Here are three different options for her mouth. Can she get rid of her eyebrows? And if not, can they be bleach blonde?... Then, the first day of work, when we tested hair and makeup, I saw the mood board sitting there. And I was like, 'Oh my God, we're doing it!' They put on the wig and they cut the [baby] bangs, and they just kept getting shorter… I was blown away by the fact that they were like, 'Hey, if this is how you envisioned her, go crazy.'"

But what does Dr. Muse-Tina's big, bold look mean to Townsend? She said, "This is a person where her confidence and her excitement for life, she just wants to rock it. And so I think, like, there was just never too much for this character… It just makes her so chaotic, because she's supposed to be this person who has lived the wildest life ever, and it shows on the aesthetic."

Aparna Nancherla pulled personal inspiration into Chia.  Skye Townsend, Aparna Nancherla, and Jeremy Culhane co-host Dropout's new show, "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

Puchko pointed out that the workman's jumpsuit Nancherla wears in the first episode of MP3 is similar to the one the comedian wore in her Dropout stand-up special, Hopeful Potato. Nancherla confirmed, "A lot of the wardrobe was, like, from my own wardrobe. So, for Chia, [it] was kind of like, where does Aparna end and Chia begin? And there is some overlap, but there's also a lot about Chia that I think is a question mark, and that was kind of fun to explore. Like, I feel like I discovered a lot as we were shooting of, like, who is this person? How did she end up here? I think that was a really fun thing, because that really leans into the improv of it all — just, like, kind of figuring it out as you go."

To that end, when asked what Nancherla makes of Chia describing herself as a "noise professor," the comedian offered, "I think it's someone who is just very completely, like, enamored and at the same time flummoxed by the idea of sound."

Paul F. Tompkins plays against expectations in MP3.  Paul F. Tompkins plays Thomas Cartel in "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

In the first episode of MP3, Thomas Cartel is established as a loving but stern father to a nepo baby ex-boy bander, and a director who makes casting decisions on Hinge dates. His look, which includes a Kangol hat and a soul patch, reads skeevy, but there's more to Thomas than meets the eye. 

"What's interesting to me about this character," Tompkins said, "is that he absolutely looks like the most disgusting person, an overaged club guy who still thinks he's very cool-looking. But there's nothing in his personality that suggests he was in any way problematic. That he was just in a boy band, and that was fun. And then he decided to start a record label, and now it's a TV show, and isn't that fun too? And now his son's doing it. So, he's like this kind of sweet middle-aged dad who looks like a guy you would cross the street from if you saw him walking towards [you]." 

Tompkins reveals how Culhane brought "kisses" into MP3.  Jeremy Culhane plays Dane Cartel in "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

One sign of Thomas' non-toxic masculinity is his unreserved affection for Dane. Sure, the two quarrel on set. But they make up when Dane requests kisses, and Thomas delivers a concentrated flurry on his son's forehead.  

"I gotta say, that got established so early on," Tompkins recalled. "It was one of the first exchanges that Jeremy and I had. He just went 'Kisses,' and I was like, 'Yes, kisses.' And then he leaned forward, and I just I decided, Okay, yes, it's got to be one million rapid-fire kisses on his forehead, and this is something that they do all the time to reset their relationship."

For more on MP3, look for Mashable's full Say More interview with Tompkins, Nancherla, and Townsend on Friday. Plus, we've got an upcoming interview with MP3 creators Zach Reino and Jess McKenna coming your way. 

How to watch: The first episode of MP3 is now streaming on Dropout. New episodes will roll out every two weeks through the season finale on Dec. 2.