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Today's Connections: Sports Edition is simple if you understand basketball.

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: Baseball teams out west

• Green: Teams in the Emerald City

• Blue: Slim Reaper road trip

• Purple: Gilded franchises

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

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

• Yellow: AL West Teams

• Green: Seattle Teams

• Blue: Teams Kevin Durant Has Played For

• Purple: "Golden" Teams

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 #400 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• AL West Teams - ANGELS, ASTROS, ATHLETICS, RANGERS

• Seattle Teams - KRAKEN, MARINERS, SEAHAWKS, SOUNDERS

• Teams Kevin Durant Has Played For - ROCKETS, TEXAS, THUNDER, WARRIORS

• "Golden" Teams - GOLDEN BEARS, GOLDEN GOPHERS, GOLDEN HURRICANE, GOLDEN KNIGHTS

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.

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

Sound.

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

AUDIO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Worn after breaking a bone.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BRACE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Used to make bread.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DOUGH

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To worship.

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

DEIFY

Final Hurdle hint

Plain writing.

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

PROSE

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

SAVE $800: The Roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $799.99, down from the list price of $1,599.99. That's a 50% discount and the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum and mop $799.99 at Roborock
$1,599.99 Save $800   Get Deal

Not many people can say they look forward to cleaning the floors. That becomes even more true if you have pets that tend to track mud into the house all day long. Instead of fretting over how to find the time to clean the floors daily, hand the task off to a powerful combo robot vacuum and mop. There's a great model on a sweet discount at Amazon right now.

As of Oct. 27, the Roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $799.99, marked down from the list price of $1,599.99 at Roborock. That's a major 50% discount that takes a sweet $800 off the price. It's also the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

What's better than a robot vacuum? A super powerful model that also mops, and that's exactly the case with the Roborock Qrevo Edge. It comes with a wildly powerful 18,500Pa suction. The hot water mop is perfect for getting rid of muddy paw prints or shoe tracks, and this model comes with corner-to-edge cleaning capabilities. The warm-air dryer is also a major benefit on the mop.

SEE ALSO: Our vacuum expert loved this smart robot vac at $400 — now it's only $269.99

Roborock mentions this model mops at 55 decibels, which should be quiet enough to not disturb sleeping family members or pets. Speaking of being kind to pets, the this Roborock model has a camera that is designed to detect pets and stop the brush as it approaches them, moving around them gently to avoid startling or disrupting.

While it's on sale for a massive 50% discount, snag the do-it-all Roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum and mop. Your list of chores will shorten while your floors will become sparkling clean.

TL;DR: Don’t miss the chance to get Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 (reg. $199).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $14.97
$199 Save $184.03   Get Deal

Want a smoother online experience? Microsoft’s most modern OS is here to make it happen — Windows 11 Pro is just $14.97 (MSRP $199). That’s a lifetime license for less than a movie ticket. And it’s ideal timing since Windows 10 is no longer supported.

Windows 11 Pro comes loaded with a sleek, streamlined interface, improved multitasking tools like Snap Layouts, and enhanced security features including TPM 2.0, BitLocker, and Smart App Control. It’s built for professionals, creatives, and everyday users alike. Gamers will also appreciate support for DirectX 12 Ultimate, delivering ultra-realistic graphics.

SEE ALSO: Save an extra $10 when you bundle Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro

But the real game-changer is Copilot. This built-in AI assistant helps you work faster by summarizing web pages, generating text or images, opening apps, adjusting settings, or even suggesting code — all without leaving your workflow.

Why Upgrade Now?

• Lifetime license for just $14.97

• Windows 10 is being phased out

• Built-in AI assistant Copilot for smarter daily productivity

• Advanced security and pro-level tools

• Seamless design optimized for multitasking and collaboration

• Supports Microsoft Teams, Widgets, and touch-enabled devices

Don’t wait too long to get a lifetime Windows 11 Pro license for $14.97 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K   Shop Now

Interested in upgrading your TV without actually buying a new model? Or perhaps you're interested in switching to the Fire OS to watch all your favorite shows without the hassle? You can't go wrong with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.

It's easy to use, it's affordable, and better yet, it's often on sale. During the recent October Prime Day, we saw some incredible lows across the entire range of Amazon's TV sticks, including the 4K model. And with Black Friday fast approaching, we're hoping we see the same low prices or better.

Why we love the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

There's so many reasons to love the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, but I think the ease of setup trumps them all. You'd think that any device that can transform your TV so significantly would require lots of steps, settings, and stress. But in reality, all you need to do is plug it in and go. The TV stick is plugged into your TVs HDMI port, and then a cable is plugged into a wall socket. And that's it. No, really. Just turn your TV on with the remote that comes included with the box and you're ready to start streaming.

The box also comes with everything you'll need: the TV stick, an extension cable for the TV stick (ideal if your TV is mounted on the wall), a socket to power it, a remote, and batteries for the remote. As soon as your Amazon driver delivers the parcel, you've got everything you need.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Oct. 24, 2025)

The 4K model also differs from previous variations of the Fire TV Stick, with this one specifically for 4K-ready TVs. You'll be able to watch all your favorite shows and movies in 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.

It also comes with Alexa, as you would expect from an Amazon device. Press the blue Alexa button on the remote to search for movies, shows, or to find out what that one actor's name is. And if you’ve got compatible smart home devices, you can use the remote to dim lights, check cameras, or adjust other gadgets without leaving the couch. Some may call it lazy, we call it efficient.

Black Friday deal we hope to see on the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

The Fire Stick 4K regularly comes down to $29.99 from $49.99. However, if you like to save to the absolute max, we're hoping Black Friday can beat this deal. During October Prime Day, this model came down to $24.99, an extra $5 savings. This was also its lowest-ever price — basically a steal. We won't be satisfied unless this record-low is at least matched over Black Friday.

SAVE 50%: As of Oct. 27, you can get the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station bundle on sale for $449, down from $899.99, at Amazon. That's a 50% discount and a $450.99 price cut.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station + 3-Port 102W Fast Charger $449 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $450.99   Get Deal at Amazon

Whether you're prepping for camping season or just want some backup power for when the lights go out, having a reliable portable power station is always a good idea.

As of Oct. 27, you can get the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station bundle on sale for $449, down from $899.99, at Amazon. That's a 50% discount and a $450.99 price cut.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best Jackery power station deals to keep your home or campsite juiced up

The Explorer 1000 v2 is the updated version of the Explorer 1000. It uses a longer-lasting LiFePO4 battery (Jackery claims up to 10 years or 4,000 charge cycles) and charges way faster than the original — it can go from empty to full in just an hour if you use the app's emergency charge setting. It's got plenty of power (1070Wh capacity, 1500W output) to run essentials like a mini-fridge or heater, plus charge laptops via its 100W USB-C port.

While the power station comes with its own AC charging cable, having this extra multi-port charger (the 3-Port 102W Fast Charger) is super handy for juicing up your other devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops that support USB-C charging).

SAVE 69%: As of Oct. 27, the Monster open-ear (AC221) earbuds are $31.99, down from $102.99, at Amazon. That's a 69% discount and a $71 price cut.

Monster open-ear (AC221) earbuds $31.99 at Amazon
$102.99 Save $71   Get Deal at Amazon

Open-ear earbuds are having a moment, especially those clip-on styles that don't actually go in your ear canal. They're great if you want to listen to music or podcasts while still hearing traffic, coworkers, or whatever else is happening around you. And right now, you can get a pair of your own for an insanely good price.

As of Oct. 27, the Monster open-ear (AC221) earbuds are $31.99, down from $102.99, at Amazon. That's a $71 discount and their lowest price ever.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Sony WF-1000xM5: Which noise-canceling earbuds are better?

Instead of sitting in your ear canal, the AC221s clip gently onto the outside of your ear. Monster claims this design, combined with their lightweight build (just four grams per bud), makes them comfortable for all-day wear without pressure. They use Bluetooth 5.4 for a stable connection and feature 13mm drivers tuned for "Pure Monster Sound" with aptX decoding for richer detail.

Even with this absurd discount, they promise decent specs: clear calls, an IPX6 water-resistance rating (for handling sweat and splashes), and solid battery life — up to eight hours on the buds themselves and 30 with the charging case. If you've been wanting to try out the open-ear trend without spending a lot, or just need a super cheap pair of wireless buds for calls and casual listening, this 69% discount is pretty hard to ignore.

TL;DR: Transport yourself to the golden age of gaming with the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console, now for just $99.99 (reg. $159.99) with free shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kinhank Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator & Streaming Console $99.99
$159.99 Save $60.00   Get Deal

If you’re missing the games of yesteryear, you’re in luck. There’s now a gaming console that brings classic games from Atari, Nintendo, and Sega Genesis to you, while doubling as a modern-day streaming device that lets you binge-watch your favorite shows from Hulu, Disney+, and more.

The Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console gets this all done and more, and right now it’s on sale for only $99.99 (reg. $159.99).

SEE ALSO: 7 of the coolest indie games at SXSW Sydney 2025

If you’re looking for a device that can unite the whole family, look no further than the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console. It serves up serious game nights, with thousands of preloaded nostalgic games ready to enjoy, and can also let you stream content from your favorite services for movie night, too.

There are no chunky cartridges to blow in or discs to keep up with; all the games on the Kinhank Super Console X2 are ready to play after just pressing a few buttons. There are options from Nintendo, PlayStation, Atari, and more. If you run out of options, you can also download more current 3D games for free.

If you’d like to wind down for the night with a good flick, the Kinhank Super Console X2 is also a streaming device. You can access your go-to streaming apps right on the device and watch a favorite film — and all you have to do is connect your TV, laptop, or projector.

This Kinhank Super Console X2 comes with two controllers. If you have more players, you can also add extra Bluetooth controllers.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The best ways to watch 'Good Boy': BEST FOR PRIME MEMBERS AMC+ and Shudder on Prime Video Free for 7 days, then $6.99 per month Get Deal BEST FOR HORROR FANS Shudder annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $89.99/year (save $17.89) Get Deal BEST FOR MORE THAN JUST HORROR AMC+ annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $95.88/year (save $24) Get Deal Best trial deal AMC+ Free 30-day trial for select customers with code AMC30FT4 (save $9.99) Get Deal

Attention horror movie fans and dog lovers alike: Good Boy is officially available to watch at home. A scary movie unlike anything you've ever watched before, Good Boy drops audiences into a haunted house story told from the perspective of a very adorable dog named Indy. It's deceptively simple, yet the unlikely perspective takes familiar haunted house tropes and gives them fresh (terrifying) life.

If you missed this unlikely horror movie hero (and aspiring Oscar hopeful) in the theater or you can't wait to watch again, here's everything you need to know to watch Good Boy at home — including when and where it's streaming and the best streaming deals to save you money.

What is Good Boy about?

The plot is pretty straightforward. Indy and his owner Todd (Shane Jensen) leave their cramped apartment in the city for a cabin in the countryside, where Todd's late grandfather (Larry Fessenden) lived. The house is long abandoned and the vibes are immediately off. Indy can sense an invisible presence and starts receiving haunting visions of the previous inhabitant's death. When Indy's human threatens to succumb to a similar fate, it's up to the goodest boy to defeat the evil spirits in the house and save Todd.

Here's a glimpse of what you're in for:

Is Good Boy worth watching?

"Beyond being a scary-as-hell watch for dog lovers, Good Boy has a built-in allure as Indy is just a star from his first frame," Mashable's film critic Kristy Puchko writes in her review, dubbing it "a deceptively simple horror movie that hits hard" and "a ruthless blast."

Other critics and audiences alike seem to agree, as the film has earned an 89% Tomato score and 82% Popcorn score at Rotten Tomatoes. Those are pretty impressive numbers for a scary movie in general, let alone one told from the perspective of a dog and a feature directorial debut.

It's one of our favorite movies out of SXSW 2025, and we're Team Indy, all the way to the Oscars.

Read Mashable's full review of Good Boy.

How to watch Good Boy at home Meet Indy, *the* "Good Boy." Credit: IFC Films

Good Boy world premiered at this year’s SXSW Festival before launching in U.S. theaters on Oct. 3, 2025. It's still in select theaters, but you can officially watch it at home as of Oct. 24 via digital video-on-demand. It will also hit streaming next month. See the details below.

Rent or buy it on digital

As of Oct. 24, Good Boy is available to rent or purchase at digital on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Fandango at Home. If you choose to rent, you'll get 30 days to watch and just 48 hours once you begin watching. If you purchase, it's yours to keep.

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

• Prime Video — $9.99 to rent, $19.99 to buy

• Apple TV — $9.99 to rent, $19.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home — $9.99 to rent, $19.99 to buy

• YouTube — $9.99 to rent, starting at $14.99 to buy

• Google Play — $9.99 to rent, starting at $14.99 to buy

Stream it on Shudder or AMC+

IFC Films isn't making us wait too long: Good Boy is set to make its streaming debut on Shudder on Nov. 21, 2025. Shudder is a streaming platform dedicated specifically to horror and subscriptions start at just $8.99 per month. If you want more than just horror, you can also subscribe to AMC+ and enjoy the entire Shudder library under one service for as low as $9.99 per month. We've rounded up the best deals on both services below.

The best streaming deals to watch Good BoyBest for Prime members: AMC+ and Shudder on Prime Video Opens in a new window Credit: AMC+ AMC+ and Shudder on Prime Video   Get Deal

Here's a good 2-for-1 deal. You can add AMC+ and Shudder to your Prime Video membership for just $6.99 per month (or $9.99 to go ad-free). And if you want to watch Good Boy for free online, just wait until the movie starts streaming on Nov. 21 and then take advantage of the 7-day free trial for Prime members.

Best for horror fans: Shudder annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Shudder Shudder annual subscription free 7-day trial, then $89.99/year (save $17.89) Get Deal

Horror fanatics who want to watch Good Boy for free should definitely take advantage of the 7-day free Shudder trial. If you're ineligible for the free trial, the best way to save on a Shudder subscription is to sign up for an annual plan. Usually $8.99 per month, which adds up to $107.88 for a year, an annual plan will only cost you $89.99, which breaks down to $7.50 per month. That's just shy of $18 in savings.

Best for more than just horror: AMC+ annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: AMC+ AMC+ annual subscription $95.88/year (save $24) Get Deal

If you want to watch Good Boy, but don't necessarily want to subscribe to an all-horror streaming service, AMC+ is a better option for you. It has all of Shudder's content, including Good Boy, plus AMC content, IFC Films, BBC America, Sundance Now, and more. In other words, it offers a lot more than just horror movies. You can kick things off with a seven-day free trial, then save about $24 by signing up for an annual subscription for just $95.88 (versus $9.99/month or $119.88).

Note: for a limited time, select customers can also use the code AMC30FT4 to score a free 30-day trial. YMMV.

Is this the beginning of the end for Roomba?

According to the robot vacuum maker, iRobot, it's a real possibility.

iRobot was banking on a $1.7 billion acquisition deal from Amazon, which fell apart due to regulatory issues in January 2024. Since then, iRobot has been looking for a buyer to solve its financial woes.

On Monday, iRobot shared in a regulatory filing with the SEC that talks with the last remaining potential buyer have fallen through, as CNBC reported. The company says the bidder offered a "significantly lower" price per share than what the Roomba maker's stocks currently trade at.

iRobot's stock dropped 33 percent on this news.

“We currently are not in advanced negotiations with any alternative counterparties to a potential sale or strategic transaction,” iRobot wrote in a regulatory filing with the SEC. “As such, there remains no assurance that our review of strategic alternatives will result in any transaction or outcome.”

While Roombas were once synonymous with robot vacuums in general, in recent years, the company has faced steeper competition from competing brands like Shark. Mashable shopping reporters have found Roombas often lag behind rival vacuums in testing. Robot vacuums have also evolved considerably, and new flagship robot vacuums now offer smart laser mapping, mopping, and self-cleaning. But over the past few years, iRobot has struggled to keep up with the competition.

iRobot has also faced considerable revenue problems in recent years and has struggled to pay debts. 

In July 2023, iRobot took out a $200 million loan to keep operations afloat, with the expectation that the company would soon be acquired by Amazon. Now, iRobot needs to find new funding, and fast, or the company says it "may be forced to significantly curtail or cease operations and would likely see bankruptcy protection."

This latest news isn't a total surprise.

When the company shared its financials in March, iRobot warned that it could be out of business within 12 months. And it seems not much has changed since March, aside from the fact that we are now much closer to that 12-month mark.

Recently, Mashable sat down with Sarah Bond, president of Xbox, who said that the next-gen Xbox console would offer a premium, high-powered experience. Now, Windows Central reports that the future console "will indeed run full-bore Windows, with a TV-optimized, console-style experience layered on top."

In effect, the next Xbox console would combine a traditional console experience with the benefits of both cloud and PC gaming, allowing gamers to access a wider variety of experiences and, crucially, a wider variety of storefronts. So, rather than being locked into Xbox Game Pass or Xbox-compatible games, players could also access Steam and other gaming libraries.

When Mashable spoke to Bond, we asked about the rumors that the next Xbox will be more like a gaming PC than a console.

“Well, I can tell you you're right that the next-gen console is going to be a very premium, very high-end, curated experience. You're starting to see some of the thinking that we have in this handheld. But I don't want to give it all away," Bond said.

In its report, Windows Central cites "trusted sources" at Microsoft, who reportedly confirmed that the console will offer a full Windows gaming PC experience.

As Bond told Mashable, the newly released (and currently sold out) ROG Xbox Ally shows the overall direction Xbox is heading. And in our conversation, Bond emphasized the importance of not locking players into a single storefront or type of experience. Likewise, she stressed the importance of Xbox Play Anywhere titles, as well as cross-platform games in general.

The ROG Xbox Ally looks and feels like an Xbox console, only in a handheld form factor. However, users can also switch between this Xbox UI and a traditional Windows experience.

Look closely, and you can see the Windows experience available in the ROG Xbox Ally. Credit: Matt Fornwald / Mashable

Some gamers were initially surprised to find that the new ROG Xbox Ally came with tools like Microsoft Teams and OneDrive. However, a closer integration between Windows and Xbox makes sense, considering their common parentage.

Likewise, as Xbox focuses less on exclusives (Bond called exclusives "antiquated" in our interview), Xbox will need an OS that allows users to access games outside the Xbox ecosystem, and Windows would make that possible.

LMAOOO WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE NEW XBOX HANDHELD COMES WITH MICROSOFT TEAMS AND ONEDRIVE INSTALLED??? this is the fucking goofiest company in games

[image or embed]

— Jai (@lowercasejai.bsky.social) October 15, 2025 at 3:24 PM

For those nostalgic for the days of big Xbox exclusives like Halo: Combat Evolved, this may be a disappointing direction. But based on the popularity of the ROG Xbox Ally and cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Game Pass, despite recent price increases, this could help futureproof Xbox for a new era of gaming.

On the downside, given how often the word "premium" is mentioned in conversations about the new Xbox, gamers should probably prepare themselves for a high price tag.

Xbox can't seem to stay out of the news lately, with the announcement that Halo: Combat Evolved is coming to PlayStation next year and, in response, a detente called in the console wars. Things took a darker turn on Sunday night when President Trump launched into an AI slop meme war with GameStop that has now spiraled into the Department of Homeland Security using Halo imagery to compare undocumented immigrants to parasitic aliens.

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Early Monday morning, the official DHS X account — already infamous for its cruel, brain-rotting posting history — shared an image of Xbox's iconic mascot, Master Chief, standing on a Warthog with the Halo ring world in the background. The caption read, "Finishing this fight," a nod to the final line of Halo 2 and the marketing tagline for Halo 3. The image itself included the phrase "Destroy the Flood," alongside a link to an ICE recruitment page.

SEE ALSO: For Trump officials, social media is war

The post is problematic on several levels — the most glaring being that DHS appears to be equating the Flood, the main antagonists of the Halo series, with immigrants. For context, the Flood are a parasitic alien species that infect and consume sentient life across the galaxy.

This isn't the first time ICE has co-opted video game imagery for its recruitment posts on social media. Just last month, the agency used the "Gotta catch 'em all" Pokémon theme for videos of arrests, complete with custom-made cards of individuals captured by ICE. That's on top of the many crass, bizarre, and meme-heavy "Dark MAGA" posts the agency has shared — including ones featuring Trump with laser eyes or reposts originating from neo-Nazi accounts.

SEE ALSO: President of Xbox Sarah Bond talks Ally X, next-gen console, and recent price increases

It's not clear why Trump and DHS are fixated on Halo as of late. It is worth noting that Microsoft, which owns Xbox, is one of several tech giants that reportedly helped fund construction of Trump's $300 million ballroom — a project that has already required the demolition of the East Wing. Critics say the investment is part of a broader push by major tech firms to stay in favor with the administration as they compete for lucrative federal contracts.

ICE's goal seems to be grabbing the attention of younger audiences — ostensibly for recruiting — but also to continue dehumanizing undocumented immigrants and other groups targeted by the administration.

It's a bold strategy for an agency hoping to look heroic, but it seems ICE missed the part where the good guys fight to protect all of humanity.

Mashable has contacted Xbox for comment, but has yet to receive a response as of this writing.

This article reflects the opinion of the writer.

Despite U.S. regulators currently investigating Tesla over "Full Self-Driving" traffic violations and safety concerns, Elon Musk's EV company rolled out a new full self-driving (FSD) mode earlier this month, ominously called "Mad Max."

Now, according to a new report from Reuters, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has contacted Tesla to inquire about the newly released "Mad Max" mode. 

"NHTSA is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information," the agency said in a statement. "The human behind the wheel is fully responsible for driving the vehicle and complying with all traffic safety laws."

An NHTSA inquiry would be the first step into a formal investigation of Mad Max mode.

What is Tesla's new Mad Max Mode?

Mad Max is a reference to the film franchise of the same name, which originally starred Mel Gibson but has since been revived with actors such as Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, and Anya Taylor-Joy. In the Mad Max movies, "road warriors" navigate an apocalyptic wasteland, and the movies are famous for their fiery car stunts and chase sequences.

It's an unsettling name for a self-driving car mode, to say the least.

Electrek reported that the Mad Max driver assistance mode allows the vehicle to ignore speed limits and navigate through traffic more quickly.

"Introduced new speed profile MAD MAX, which comes with higher speeds and more frequent lane changes than HURRY," reads the Tesla release notes for the feature, according to Tesla Oracle.

One Tesla owner on X posted a video of their vehicle in Mad Max mode and noted how it is "going to speed like crazy" on an open road. The video also showed the Tesla rolling through a stop sign while in Mad Max mode.

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Another Tesla owner published a YouTube video of their vehicle hitting up to 79 miles per hour in a 50-mile-per-hour zone. They noted that their Tesla was passing all of the other vehicles on the road.

As previously mentioned, Tesla is already being investigated by the NHTSA over vehicles in FSD mode allegedly running red lights and driving the wrong way down roads.

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As the EV news site Electrek points out, Musk teased a version of Mad Max mode back in 2018 when FSD was in its development stage.

"We considered going beyond Mad Max to 'LA Freeway' level, but that’s too loco," Musk said at the time.

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Seven years later, Tesla has decided to publicly release Mad Max mode in the midst of an ongoing safety investigation.

Microsoft Teams might just be the new office snitch, thanks to a feature rolling out soon that can track a worker’s location.

The update, set to arrive in December, will let Microsoft’s communication platform automatically detect when an employee arrives at the office by monitoring their connection to the building’s Wi-Fi. If you’re working on-site and step out, Teams will automatically change your work location once it notices you’ve disconnected.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Copilot’s version of Clippy gets a name

It sounds a little unsettling, but according to Microsoft’s 365 roadmap, the feature will be off by default. However, tenant admins will have the option to enable it and require users to opt in — meaning your boss could still decide how closely Teams keeps tabs on you.

On one hand, it could be convenient for managers who don’t want to wander the office looking for coworkers. On the other, as the return-to-office trend continues, it also gives employers an easy way to see who’s actually showing up. Details on how precisely the feature determines your location are vague, but a similar Amazon policy sparked pushback when employees spoofed their home Wi-Fi SSIDs to mimic the company network. Don’t expect that trick to work this time.

The location tracking tool is just one of several new Teams features rolling out soon, alongside the ability to save messages in chats and customizable keyboard shortcuts.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 27, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon, down 33% from its new list price of $299.99. That's a new record-low price for the 45mm smartwatch with WiFi connectivity.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm, WiFi) $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100   Get Deal

A new Google Pixel Watch debuted a few months ago at the Made by Google 2025 event, which means the previous generation Google Pixel Watch 3 got a huge price drop. The starting price for the third-generation smartwatch in the larger 45mm option is now just $299.99 instead of $399.99. And that's not all. As of Oct. 27, it dropped to a new record-low price at Amazon, making it perhaps the best smartwatch deal we've seen since Prime Day.

You can grab the 45mm Google Pixel Watch with WiFi connectivity for just $199.99 instead of $299.99 for a limited time. That's $100 or 33% in savings and its best price ever by a long stretch.

While the Google Pixel Watch 3 isn't the most revolutionary pick when it comes to smartwatches, we are more inclined to recommend it at this ultra-low price. The third-generation didn't make any sweeping hardware changes compared to its predecessor, but Google did go all out with improving the software — particularly with workout features and more personalized AI enhancements. It also features a brighter display with better clarity in different lighting conditions. "Although I was standing in a brightly lit room with sunlight pouring in, the smartwatch screen was still remarkably clear," Mashable's Kim Gedeon wrote in her hands-on review.

The newer Pixel Watch 4 promises better battery life, faster charging, more advanced health and fitness features, and new color options. However, it'll cost you $399.99. If you'd rather save $200 and can deal with not having the latest and greatest device, we recommend going with the older generation.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4)   Shop Now

Apple MacBooks have been on sale all year at Amazon. Over the last few months, the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air has come down in price on a regular basis, reaching the all-time low of just $799. With Black Friday fast approaching (yep, it's that time of year again), we're hoping for an even better discount.

Why we love the MacBook Air

The MacBook Air has always offered a sleek design, perfect for working on the go, and this latest model is no different. Weighing just 2.7 pounds, the 13-inch version is super lightweight and portable. And it comes in four signature Apple colors: starlight, sky blue, silver, and midnight. It starts with 16GB of memory and has SSD options ranging from 256GB to 2TB, so it's even suited for heavy storage needs.

The current MacBook Air is powered by Apple's M4 chip, so it's faster than previous models. This really comes into its own when you're working across different apps, multitasking through multiple tabs, or editing lengthy videos.

SEE ALSO: Apple M4 MacBook Air review: A really good deal

Display wise, the M4 MacBook Air is stellar. It has a bright Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664 pixels and support for 1 billion colors, so everything looks sharp and vibrant. The 12MP camera with Center Stage is impressive, too, and ensures you always look your best on video calls, automatically keeping you in the center frame. This goes hand in hand with the three studio-quality mics and four speakers with Spatial Audio, so you get a really professional sound at all times. (If you want even better audio quality, upgrade to the 15-inch model, which has six speakers.)

The M4 MacBook Air comes with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe charging port, and a headphone jack. Plus, WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 will make sure you're getting fast, reliable wireless connections. And if you like to extend your screen setup, open-lid support for up to two external displays means you can easily expand. And it has an incredible all-day battery life, promising to last up to 18 hours.

Product integration is a big plus for Apple, and if you're already deep in the eco-system, this MacBook will fit in seamlessly, especially with your iPhone. With Mirroring, you'll be able to control your iPhone directly from your laptop, reply to messages, and use apps. You can even copy text, images, or files on your iPhone and instantly paste them on your Mac, answer FaceTime calls, and send texts straight from your laptop. My favorite feature is being able to share a web page directly from my phone to Mac, handy for filling out forms or tasks that need a bigger screen.

Black Friday deal we hope to see on the MacBook Air M4

The 13-inch M4 MacBook Air M4 has been priced as low at $799 in 2025, but we think Black Friday can do better. Based on recent pricing during October Prime Day, we hope to see this model hit $799 at the very least. If you do see this record-low price (or better), we recommend jumping on the deal and not looking back.

The whole point of Spotify Wrapped has become to show your friends — and, often, the internet at large — that you have impeccable taste in music. The question is: How long does the company track your listening for the super-popular year-end product?

We don't know, exactly, when Wrapped will be released — though we do have a good idea — but there clearly isn't too much time left to affect your top songs.

Unfortunately, Spotify has been tight-lipped about when it stops tracking your listening habits to include them in your Wrapped. The best practice would be to assume Spotify is including your listening up until the day of Wrapped, but we do have more info about when they might actually stop tracking.

SEE ALSO: Why artists are leaving Spotify — and how you can, too When does Spotify stop tracking for Wrapped?

There was a persistent rumor that Spotify stopped tracking listening habits for Wrapped once October ended. The streaming giant outright denied that rumor a few years back, so it feels safe to assume the tracking goes into November.

We here at Mashable have actually asked Spotify about the tracking period and, well, the company is not sharing the exact timeline. It does say, however, that it tries to include as much time as possible.

"We start at the beginning of January with all of your listening that begins right then at the beginning of the year, and it goes all the way through collecting data up until a few weeks before we launch the Wrapped product," Molly Holder, the senior director of product for personalization at Spotify, told Mashable last year.

"We aim to get as much of your year in listening covered as possible," Holder added.

We do know for sure that the period after Wrapped is released and before Jan. 1, 2026, is an untracked no-man's land. So once Wrapped does drop, feel free to fire up your guilty pleasures.

SAVE 20%: As of Oct. 27, the NatureNova Personal Water Filter Straw (1 Pack) is on sale for $10.38, down from a typical price of $12.99, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount and $2.61 in savings.

NatureNova Personal Water Filter Straw (1 Pack) $10.38 at Amazon
$12.99 Save $2.61   Get Deal at Amazon

Having a way to get safe drinking water is a must for any emergency kit or serious hiking trip, and personal filter straws are a pretty popular solution. While LifeStraw tends to dominate the conversation (it's always a top-seller during Prime Day), there are other, often much cheaper, options out there if you're looking to stock up without spending a ton.

As of Oct. 27, the NatureNova Personal Water Filter Straw (1 Pack) is on sale for $10.38, down from a typical price of $12.99, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount and $2.61 in savings.

SEE ALSO: Sip safely with a discounted LifeStraw Go water bottle

For just over $10, this NatureNova straw uses a four-stage filtration system (including hollow fiber membrane, activated carbon, and PP cotton) that claims to remove 99.999999% of tiny contaminants down to 0.01 microns. According to the product page, each straw can filter up to 1,500 liters (or 396 gallons) of water, which is a pretty standard lifespan for these types of filters.

It's designed to be super portable and weighs less than 3.5 ounces, so it's easy to stash in a bag. It also comes with a few handy accessories you don't always get with budget straws: an extension tube so you don't have to get quite so close to the water source, and a backwash syringe to help clear out the filter and potentially extend its life. You can also screw it onto standard water bottles.

SAVE $500: As of Oct. 27, you can grab an LG 83-inch B5 OLED 4K TV for $1,996.99 instead of $2,496.99. That's a savings of 20% and the lowest price to date on this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 83-inch B5 OLED 4K TV $1,996.99 at Amazon
$2,496.99 Save $500.00   Get Deal

Upgrading your TV to an OLED display can completely transform your entertainment space. But, as with most tech upgrades, it'll cost you — especially in the age of tariffs. If you're new to the OLED TV world, the entry-level LG B5 model is a good place to start, and as of Oct. 27, you can grab the massive 83-inch version for $500 cheaper than usual.

The LG 83-inch B5 OLED 4K TV is typically $2,496.99, but Amazon has knocked the price down to just $1,996.99. That's 20% in savings and its best price on record since its release earlier this year. FWIW, the upgraded mid-range model, the 83-inch C5 OLED 4K TV (one of our top picks), is over $3,000 on sale.

If you want a vibrant, detailed, and truly immersive viewing experience, OLED TVs are the best choice. And when it comes to OLED TVs, LG is our favorite brand. The B5 is the brand's cheapest OLED in 2025 (as opposed to the mid-range C5 and high-end G5 models), making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting a big screen with the best picture quality and the best price. It features Dolby Vision, 120Hz gaming support, HDR10 Pro, Dolby Atmos and Filmmaker Mode, NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium compatibility, and a host of AI features like Concierge for content recommendations and Personalized Picture & Sound Wizard to tailor your viewing experience.

Whether you're excited to watch the latest theatrical releases or the biggest games of the week, you'll be floored by the difference an OLED TV makes. And with this deal, you don't have to spend a fortune.

After years of litigation, arguments, and presidential administration changes, the U.S. and China have officially struck a deal: the U.S. version of TikTok is finally being sold.

On Sunday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on CBS’s Face the Nation that the two countries have "reached a final deal on TikTok."

"We reached one in Madrid, and I believe that as of today, all the details are ironed out, and that will be for the two leaders to consummate that transaction on Thursday in Korea," Bessent said.

SEE ALSO: President Trump finally inked a $14 billion TikTok deal to keep the app alive

He added that while he is "not part of the commercial side of the transaction," he was responsible for getting the Chinese government "to agree to approve the transaction, and I believe we successfully accomplished that over the past two days."

This comes about a month after President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring that the new TikTok deal met the requirements of the 2024 law that banned TikTok from operating in the U.S. At the time, Vice President JD Vance said the deal values the U.S. TikTok assets at $14 billion, as Deadline reported.

The new deal means that data for U.S. users will be managed by Oracle; the U.S. algorithm would be controlled domestically; and TikTok's U.S. operations would be under the control of a board of directors likely including Oracle's Larry Ellison, Fox Corp, Andreessen Horowitz, and Silver Lake Management, according to TechCrunch.