Blogroll

SAVE $90: As of Dec. 11, the DJI Flip (RC-N3) drone is on sale for $349 at Amazon. That's a 21% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Flip (RC-N3) Drone $349 at Amazon
$439 Save $90   Get Deal

With a potential ban looming, it could be your last chance to purchase a DJI drone. There's less than two weeks until the U.S. government's audit deadline (Dec. 23), so things are looking increasingly uncertain for DJI’s future in the U.S. market. But for now at least, Amazon has a deal live on the DJI Flip (RC-N3) drone. As of Dec. 11, you can save $90 with a new price of $349.

It's a lightweight drone, coming in at under 249g, so it doesn’t require FAA registration or a Remote ID in the U.S. for flying. It also has carbon-fiber propeller guards to give it full coverage for safer flying.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

It uses a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and can record in 4K/60fps HDR video, with subject tracking to keep your focus locked and give you the best quality images and footage. The battery is great too, giving you up to 31 minutes of flight time on a single battery, and the box includes the DJI Flip, the DJI RC-N3 controller, an Intelligent Flight Battery, and the usual extras.

If your phone uses the Google Play app, it's worth noting that the DJI Fly app isn’t available due to compatibility issues. To get the app you’ll need to download it directly from DJI’s website along with the user manual.

Pick up this DJI drone deal from Amazon (while you have the chance).

SAVE $1,000: As of Dec. 11, the Anker Solix F2000 Solar Generator is on sale for $1,199 at Amazon. That's a 45% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix F2000 Solar Generator $1,199 at Amazon
$2,199 Save $1,000   Get Deal

As we get deeper into the winter months, the likelihood of storms and power cuts increases. And during these times, a portable power station isn't just a "nice to have", it can be essential. If you need to keep fridges, laptops, or even medical equipment up and running, a reliable backup power source can make all the difference. And right now at Amazon, you can get a great deal on an impressive model, the Anker Solix F2000 Solar Generator.

As of Dec. 11, this Anker model is down by $1,000, taking the list price from $2,199 to $1,199. Not only is that a huge discount, but it's the lowest-ever price for this model.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This is a powerful unit, designed to support you for everyday use. It has a LiFePO4 battery system and internal components that keep an eye on the temperature, checking up to 100 times per second to make sure it performs properly. It can power up to 12 devices at once through a mix of ports (including a TT-30 RV outlet, four 2,400W AC sockets, three USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and two car outlets), so you'll always be connected.

In the box, you’ll get the power station itself, AC, car, and solar charging cables, a five-port solar connector, an accessories bag, the PS400 panel with two 9.84ft solar cables, and a welcome guide.

Get this great portable power station deal from Amazon now. It's stamped as a "limited time" offer, so it won't be around for long.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love outdoor decor.

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 December 11, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Found outside a home

• Green: Rearranged

• Blue: Alphabetical

• Purple: Dirty

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Things seen in a yard

• Green: Anagrams

• Blue: Letter homophones

• Purple: Dust ___

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 #914 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Things seen in a yard: GNOME, GRILL, SHED, SPRINKLER

• Anagrams: ARES, EARS, SEAR, SERA

• Letter homophones: ARE, ELLE, QUE, QUEUE

• Dust ___: BOWL, BUNNY, DEVIL, JACKET

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 11, 2025

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love add-ons.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 11, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 11, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Let me elaborate...

The words are related to writing.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe written additions.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is And Furthermore.

NYT Strands word list for December 10

• Postrscript

• Addendum

• And Furthermore

• Footnote

• Epilogue

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're always in the ballpark.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 11, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 11, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To estimate.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter S appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

GUESS

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 11, 2025

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

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

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

Memes are few and far between in 2025, but there are still some good ones.

Why are memes so rare? Simply put: TikTok. The heart of digital culture has migrated to TikTok, which is a short-form video platform. So there remain memes of a sort — they're mostly called TikTok trends — but the text-and-image-based memes of years past? Those are harder to come by.

Another reason for that? Twitter (RIP). When Elon Musk bought the app and then reimagined it as X, well, that fractured the central text-based social platform. Previously, a meme was born on Twitter, then worked its way to Reddit, then Instagram, then, weeks later, Facebook. With X becoming increasingly difficult to use and less popular, that lifecycle has mostly disappeared.

But memes, to some extent, persist. On TikTok, Bluesky, Instagram, and, yes, even X. We've tracked them closely and collected 12 of the best memes of 2025.

1. The endless 6-7 of it all

I personally cannot wait until we exit the era of 6-7. Dictionary.com made it their word of the year, for better or worse (worse...definitely worse). In case you missed it, we explained the origins and meaning, but the TL;DR is that it means nothing. It's just a fun thing to say. And kids, especially, find it hilarious. It's so prevalent that it made it onto South Park.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: What does '6-7' mean? Here's why kids are saying 'six, seven' over and over. 2. Trump take egg

Just before President Donald Trump's extreme tariffs sent the U.S. economy into a tailspin, the internet had jokes...jokes about egg. It was a bit of classic internet absurdism, poking fun at people who voted for Trump for lower egg prices...as egg prices skyrocketed.

Trump take egg

[image or embed]

— Sean T. Collins (@seantcollins.com) March 2, 2025 at 3:38 PM

Trump take egg

[image or embed]

— Thor Benson (@thorbenson.bsky.social) March 2, 2025 at 12:11 AM SEE ALSO: The 'Trump take egg' meme is an absurdly layered joke 3. The Anthropologie rock

The internet collectively created a bit that the famously pricey retailer Anthropologie was selling rocks for four figures. It was all based on a joke from TikTokker @phoebeadams112, who pranked their boyfriend by claiming she paid $150 for a rock from Anthropologie. It eventually grew so large that the brand itself began joking about it.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 4. The Duke-White Lotus debacle

It was the (missed) shot heard round the world: Duke crashed out of 2025's March Madness in a stunning chokejob. It was kismet: In this year's season of HBO's The White Lotus, Timothy Ratliff (Jason Isaacs) spirals out of control, often in a Duke t-shirt. The memes practically made themselves.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 5. Get me to God's country

Morgan Wallen inspired one of the best memes of 2025 after he stormed off the stage at Saturday Night Live as the credits rolled. He later, hilariously, posted an image of a private jet to his Instagram stories, captioning it, "Get me to God's country."

It was assumed that country star Wallen, who had a previous SNL appearance cancelled for violating COVID protocols and, soon after, faced major ire when footage of him saying the N-word surfaced, was signaling to his fans he was ready to leave the liberal big city. People mostly poked fun at the idea, since, you know, the super-rich guy was leaving NYC in a private jet.

Get me to God's country

[image or embed]

— Hayden Clarkin (@thetransitguy.com) March 30, 2025 at 9:22 PM This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 6. The little French fish

There was a period of time in 2025 when FYPs everywhere were dominated by a little French fish. It was just a little orange fish named Steve. That was really it. But it ruled.

7. The conclave memes

There were few bigger internet moments in 2025 than the conclave to decide the new pope. That seems odd, and it was. But the memes and jokes about the conclave were hilarious and constant. We got Brat edits, fancams, and breathless coverage online. It was great and quite strange.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 8. Holy airball

To keep things on the holy side, TikTok had lots of memes about holy f-ing airballs in 2025. In essence, posters would use the phrase to subvert people's expectations — often in a braggy way.

9. 100 men vs. 1 gorilla

And, finally, we have perhaps the biggest meme of 2025: 100 men vs. one gorilla. The internet has long loved to imagine silly, man vs. animal fights. And in 2025, we really focused on 100 dudes taking on a gorilla. Real scientists even weighed in, which is fantastic. (In general, if the guys stay organized and selfless, they'd win.) It became a meme for days.

SEE ALSO: The internet can’t stop arguing over 100 men fighting 1 gorilla This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The whole gorilla debate was unserious and funny, just how memes should be.

10. The Weapons run

Not to spoil the movie Weapons — but to mildly spoil Weapons — a scene features kids running in a very specific manner. People quickly started copying the run, making it an IRL meme in no time at all. People also posted images of the scene, adding funny or relatable captions.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 11. The Group 7 fad

Speaking of memes involving the number seven, remember the whole Group 7 thing? It stemmed from the promotion of the song "So Unfair" by singer Sophia James. She posted seven promotional videos, grouping folks by which video they saw. Weirdly, the Group 7 TikTok took off, and people made jokes about how elite that group was.

It was random and an interesting flash in the pan.

"I was just trying to promote my song. That's all it was," James told Mashable over email.

12. Bobby Hill's wabi-sabi

There's beauty in imperfection, and there's beauty in Bobby Hill's voice. It's no wonder a clip from King of the Hill featuring Bobby waxing about wabi-sabi took off. It became a meme on TikTok to use that sound and show off the imperfect things in life, such as crooked teeth or bad haircuts.

So sure, we didn't get as many memes this year, but we certainly had a decent amount of fun online. And as Bobby Hill taught us, perfection is overrated.

Jimmy Kimmel has called out President Donald Trump for his recent comments on immigration, stating they "might be the worst thing he's ever said." Considering Kimmel's history of criticising Trump, that's not an insignificant claim.

Speaking to a crowd in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Trump complained that many immigrants to the U.S. are from what he considers "shithole countries." The president further expressed a desire for "nice people" from countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark to immigrate to the U.S. instead.

"We always take people from Somalia, places that are a disaster, right?" said Trump. "Filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime. The only thing they're good at is going after ships."

"You know, I always suspected he got his opinion of Somalia from watching Captain Phillips on TNT, and now I know that that's true," Kimmel quipped. "Wow, that was racist. I mean, he put the three whitest countries in the world on the guest list. Black country? Lock the doors. That was extra Trumpy."

Trump also mentioned Kimmel in his speech, the U.S. president continuing his vocal dislike of the talk show host.

"You've mentioned me three times now in four days," said Kimmel, addressing Trump. "I just want you to know I'm thinking about you too, girl."

This week’s tips are adapted from Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner’s new book, The Octopus Organization: A Guide to Thriving in a World of Continuous Transformation (HBR Press). An “Octopus Organization” is flexible, decentralized, and built for change. The journey to becoming one begins with identifying “antipatterns”: formulaic responses to complex challenges that can set […]

257257

IP security cameras are a dime a dozen, so you might not think to look twice at the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro, except to note its premium design. However, beneath this flagship smart home camera is a cutting-edge smart home device.

It's the Third Quarter tonight, which basically means there's only half of the moon on show. Third Quarter is also the second half moon of the lunar cycle, where the left side of the moon is illuminated (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere)

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Thursday, Dec. 11, the moon phase is Third Quarter. This means 53% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

If you don't have any visual aids, there's still lots for you to spot tonight, including the likes of the Tycho and Kepler Craters and the Oceanus Procellarum. If you have binoculars, you'll also be able to see the Grimaldi Basin, Clavius Crater, and the Alps Mountains. With a telescope, the Caucasus Mountains, Apollo 15 and the Rima Ariadaeus all come into sight.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Jan. 3.

What are moon phases?

NASA says the Moon goes through a cycle of about 29.5 days, and during that time we see its different phases. Even though we always see the same side of the Moon, the sunlight hitting it changes as it orbits Earth. That’s what makes it look full, half-lit, or sometimes completely hidden. The cycle has eight main phases:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 11, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 9, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 11 Pips

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

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 11 Pips

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

Equal (2): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (5): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 11 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this green space must add up to 9. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

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

Number (10): Everything in this purple space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-0 placed horizontally; 6-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Worn while painting.

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

SMOCK

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A seat option at a restaurant.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 11, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BOOTH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A copier brand.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 11 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 11, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

XEROX

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Trending.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 11 Hurdle Word 4 answer

VIRAL

Final Hurdle hint

A soldier.

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

TROOP

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 $16: A 22-treatment box of Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects is on sale at Amazon for $29.99, down from the standard price of $45.99. That's a 35% discount that matches the lowest price we've seen this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Crest Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects (22 Treatments) $29.99 at Amazon
$45.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal

We're in the frenzy period of shopping for last-minute holiday gifts. It's now a battle of searching for presents that'll arrive on time. But while you hunt for that perfect gift, consider stocking up on some essentials that are also seeing holiday discounts.

As of Dec. 10, a 22-treatment box of Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects is on sale at Amazon for $29.99, down from the standard price of $45.99. That's a 35% discount that matches the lowest price we've seen this year.

Crest Whitestrips are something we look forward to buying at a sale price each Black Friday. This year was no exception and they dipped back to their all-time low price. But if you missed out on the savings, you're still in good shape because they're currently 35% off.

SEE ALSO: The Lego Christmas Table Decoration is on sale for $24 and it'll arrive well before the holidays

Each box of Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects has 22 treatments for 44 strips in total. Crest says this 22-day plan will turn teeth 19 levels whiter while also being safe for enamel. They're easy to apply and the directions instruct wearing the strips for 45 minutes per session, so it's a quick process.

The Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects are also part of an Amazon P&G promotion that'll save you $5 if you purchase two eligible items. Stock up on toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and more during this promotion and you'll save an extra $5.

Since the Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects are back at a Black Friday price of $29.99, stock up for 2026. This year has taught us raising prices and shrinkflation are never-ending, so it's worth securing this deal today.

SAVE OVER $1,000: As of Dec. 10, the Jackery HomePower 3600 portable power station is down to $1,699 at Amazon — a saving of $1,100 that matches its Black Friday price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3600 $1,699 at Amazon
$2,799 Save $1,100   Get Deal

With a huge surge in camping and off-grid living, plus a threat of extreme weather looming, portable power stations are really having a moment. Sometimes referred to as solar generators or home backup power, they're basically reliable and movable power sources that can keep everything from your phone and laptop to your refrigerator and CPAP machine up and running when you don't have access to standard wall power.

These gadgets come with hefty price tags, but you can often find great deals if you dig. For instance, as of Dec. 10, the Jackery HomePower 3600 portable power station is down to just $1,699 at Amazon. That's $1,100 or 39% off its usual list price of $2,799 and matches its Black Friday discount.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The HomePower 3600 weighs about 77 pounds, which pushes the limits of what we would consider portable, but it has built-in wheels and a handle. So you can roll it around like a suitcase. That bulk translates to some serious power. It delivers 3,600W output (7,200W in parallel) to run heaters, dryers, and refrigerators with ease. It offers dual voltage (120V and 240V in parallel) and 3,584Wh capacity, which is enough to keep your fridge running for two weeks. It's also expandable to 21kWh per unit or 43kWh with multiple units, which could keep your entire household running for the same amount of time.

The HomePower 3600 packs four AC outputs, a TT-30 RV port, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports on board and there's no complex installation required. Just plug it in and power it up and you're ready to rock and roll. When it runs out of juice, there are four convenient ways to charge it back up — a typical AC outlet, solar power, gas generator, or AC plus solar dual charging.

Whether you need a home backup or a way to power a full campsite, the Jackery HomePower 3600 goes above and beyond — snag it while it's over $1,000 off.

TL;DR: Internxt is offering a lifetime 100TB cloud storage plan with end-to-end encryption for $974.97, a nearly 90% discount from its usual price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 100TB $974.97
$9,900 Save $8,925.03   Get Deal

Backing up files is one of those things everyone knows they should do — but it rarely sits at the top of the to-do list. Physical storage doesn’t help much either. Hard drives fail, USBs fade into obscurity, and laptops die at the worst possible time. Cloud storage remains the most practical long-term option, and Internxt offers encrypted cloud storage with a one-time lifetime plan instead of ongoing monthly fees. Right now, those plans are heavily discounted.

Right now, you can score a lifetime subscription to Internxt’s 100TB plan for $974.97 through Dec. 14 (it usually costs $9,900).

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Internxt separates itself from most mainstream cloud platforms by putting privacy at the center of its design. It uses end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture, meaning your files are encrypted on your device before they’re uploaded, and only you can access them — not even Internxt. The service also employs post-quantum cryptography, which is designed to protect data against future quantum-computing threats.

In practical terms, Internxt still works like a standard cloud service — just with stronger security layered on top. You can upload, store, share, and send files across devices with a straightforward interface. Apps are available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, along with a browser-based web app for access anywhere. File organization is simple, and sharing tools allow you to move large files without relying on email attachments or external drives.

Performance isn’t a problem either. Internxt is built to take full advantage of your internet connection for uploads and downloads. The platform is also GDPR-compliant and has undergone third-party security auditing by Securitum, a European cybersecurity firm.

While nearly $1,000 is a pretty steep upfront cost, the scale of the storage is equally significant. 100TB is enough space for an estimated 20 million songs or roughly 20,000 HD movies, making it suitable for long-term photo archives, video libraries, creative projects, and business backups — all without worrying about expanding storage later.

For a limited time, you can purchase a lifetime subscription to Internxt’s 100TB encrypted cloud storage plan for $974.97 through Dec. 14.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Lifetime access to over 1,000 StackSkills courses — covering IT, design, coding, finance, marketing, and more — is now just $19.97 for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSkills EDU Unlimited by StackSkills: Lifetime Access $19.97
$600 Save $580.03   Get Deal

A fresh year always brings a sense of possibility, and having the right tools makes it much easier to follow through on big goals. That’s why lifetime access to EDU Unlimited by StackSkills is such a standout offer right now.

For $19.97, you get a permanent learning library filled with 1,000+ online courses — all organized, professionally produced, and easy to explore at your own pace.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

EDU Unlimited covers an impressive range of subjects. Tech skills? Check out courses on cloud computing, Python, ethical hacking, UI/UX design, or data analytics. Creative passions? There’s photography, character design, animation, music production, and YouTube strategy.

Professional development? You’ll find communication, marketing, business strategy, finance, leadership, and plenty more. The variety makes it simple to jump between career-focused paths and personal-interest topics whenever inspiration hits.

The platform is powered by 350+ experienced instructors, many of whom teach from real-world expertise — startup founders, engineers, designers, marketers, analysts, and creators who’ve tried, failed, succeeded, and are ready to share the whole journey. Progress tracking tools, course certifications, and quarterly Q&A webinars help keep things structured without feeling rigid.

One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. Courses cover beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so you can build a foundation or refine the skills you already use every day. New courses are added monthly, meaning the library grows along with your goals.

For anyone looking to make professional progress, switch career paths, explore a side hustle, or simply learn for the joy of learning, lifetime access for this price is tough to beat.

Get a lifetime of EDU Unlimited by StackSkills while it’s just $19.97 (reg. $600) ahead of the holidays.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Normally, a brand would be thrilled if its new holiday commercial went viral, but a new McDonald's Netherlands ad has gone viral for all the wrong reasons.

Originally posted to YouTube on Dec. 6, the holiday commercial was clearly made using generative AI, and it also features a label disclosing it as "AI-generated." The commercial's theme is "The most terrible time of the year," and it features a montage of short clips depicting holiday traditions descending into chaos. The clips bear the hallmarks of generative AI video — generic-looking actors, exaggerated movements, strange inconsistencies, and a flat, artless aesthetic.

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

After the video gained mainstream attention, the backlash from AI haters was overwhelming. While the "most terrible time of the year" theme may have been intended as tongue-in-cheek, many viewers found the idea cynical. By Dec. 9, McDonald's Netherlands pulled the holiday commercial, or advert.

McDonald's provided Mashable with the following statement from McDonald's Netherlands:

"McDonald’s Netherlands has decided to remove our AI-generated Christmas advert. It was intended to reflect the stressful moments that can occur during the holidays in the Netherlands, but we recognize that for many of our guests, the season is 'the most wonderful time of the year'. We respect that and remain committed to creating experiences that offer Good Times and Good Food for everyone."

Recently, Coca-Cola published its own AI-generated holiday commercial, made in partnership with the AI studio Secret Level. Though Coca-Cola also faced backlash for its ad, the company has continued playing the ad throughout the holiday season, undeterred by critics.

The BBC reports that the McDonald's Netherlands commercial was made by the Dutch company TBWA\Neboko and the U.S. company The Sweetshop. Speaking to Futurism, the CEO of Sweetshop emphasized that a lot of human labor went into the final product.

"We generated what felt like dailies — thousands of takes — then shaped them in the edit just as we would on any high-craft production,” the CEO reportedly said. "This wasn’t an AI trick. It was a film."

But for AI critics, any amount of AI in filmmaking or advertising is unacceptable, full stop. Likewise, writers and actors' unions have fought against expanding the use of generative AI. Even so, Hollywood and Madison Avenue leaders appear eager to adopt the new technology.

If you need the fastest possible speeds for external storage, Hyper might have the tool for you. The company's new HyperDrive enclosure uses USB4 V2 to turn any NVMe drive into a high-performance external drive, but you'll have to pay a hefty sum for the privilege.

SAVE $20: As of Dec. 10, the new Amazon Echo Dot Max is on sale for $79.99. That's 20% off its list price and its lowest price to date.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot Max $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20   Get Deal

One of Amazon's most popular smart home speakers got a boost earlier this fall. The Echo Dot Max is one of four new Echo devices built specifically for Alexa+, the superpowered AI assistant that can do more than ever before. And it just got its biggest discount since launch.

As of Dec. 10, you can grab the new Amazon Echo Dot Max for just $79.99 instead of $99.99. That's 20% off its list price and beats its Black Friday price by $10. For a speaker just over a month old, that's a pretty solid discount.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

While it's just slightly bigger than the Echo Dot, the Dot Max features nearly three times the bass. It's powerful enough to fill large spaces with its 0.8-inch tweeter and a 2.5-inch woofer that support lossless, high-definition audio. It can even adapt to its environment to provide the best sound possible. Now that the original Echo is obsolete, the Dot Max seems to be taking its place, with a similar look and the exact price point.

Just like other Echo smart speakers, you can use it to control lights, locks, and other smart home devices, set routines, ask it for the weather, and so much more without needing a separate hub. And since it was built for Alexa+, you'll get access to a more natural and conversational voice assistant that's wildly advanced.

Whether you're in the market for a new smart home speaker or you're looking for a gift for someone on your list, the brand-new Echo Dot Max has a lot to offer — especially at its lowest price to date.

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA Cup quarter finals are almost through. The last matchup sees the Los Angeles Lakers take on the San Antonio Spurs for a place in the final four. We're expecting an electric contest between two star-studded teams.

If you want to watch Lakers vs. Spurs in the NBA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Lakers vs. Spurs?

Lakers vs. Spurs in the NBA Cup starts at 10 p.m. ET on Dec. 10. This game takes place at the Crypto.com Arena

How to watch Lakers vs. Spurs for free

Lakers vs. Spurs in the NBA Cup is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S., but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.