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There’s almost certainly a good open-source alternative for most apps and services you depend on. Not all of them are comparable to paid software, and some require significant setup or technical knowledge, but all are worth considering.

SAVE $20: As of Oct. 13, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99 at Amazon. This is 33% off its list price of $59.99, saving you $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20 Get Deal

Amazon's October Prime Day sale had plenty of great discounts on Amazon's own devices, and surprisingly, some of these discounts have stuck around. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max has actually retuned to its Prime Big Deal Days price, so if you missed out, now is your chance to grab it at this low price.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99, as of Oct. 13. This is 33% off its list price of $59.99, allowing you to pocket $20. This is the price it dropped to during the October Prime Day sale, but it's currently marked as a limited-time deal, so you'll want to be quick to grab it at this price.

SEE ALSO: Mashable readers know best — here's what our readers bought during October Prime Day

If you're spending more time inside during these cooler months, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max supports high-quality 4K Ultra HD resolution and WiFi 6E for smooth streaming quality, so you can watch all of the latest shows and movies on your favorite streaming services. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio to further enhance the images and sounds and create a cinematic viewing experience in your own home.

On top of that, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max comes with 16GB of storage over the standard Fire TV Stick 4Ks, so you have plenty of space for apps. It even comes with the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which allows you to display art and photography on your screen when it's not in use.

Who knows how much longer this deal will last, so act fast to score the Fire TV Stick 4K Max back at its Prime Big Deal Days price. It's not the only streaming device that's still on sale, either. You can also save on the regular Fire TV Stick 4K right now, if you don't want to go all-out with the 4K Max.

Read our full review of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

We've not been back to Kalos in over a decade. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I took a break in the Black and White era for various life reasons, but Pokémon X and Y threw me right back in thanks to the first true 3D Pokémon experience.

Fast-forward to 2025 and Mega Evolutions returns in Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, and the hype for the games and trading card game couldn't be any higher. If you want to see what the new era of Pokémon TCG looks like with Mega Evolution, my full review gives you just that and some deck building ideas.

SEE ALSO: 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' on Switch 2 is the turbo-charged 'Pokémon' combat of my dreams

Do you need to know global release times for Legends: Z-A? Maybe you've been living under a rock and are only just finding out about the latest Pokémon game and need more information? I've put all this information plus a full Pokédex list so you have all the information you need. Let's get into it.

Legends: Z-A leaks and spoilers are in the wild

Pokémon Legends: Z-A officially leaked and was datamined on Oct. 12, just days before release. There's all kind of information out there, but we won't be sharing or leaking anything here. It looks like the leaks have come from a physical copy of the Switch 1 version that was sold early by a retailer.

It's a good idea to take some precautions if you're looking to have a surprise or 12 on release day. I'd recommend going onto your social media accounts such as X, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, and the like and muting "Pokémon Legends Z-A", "Pokémon", "Mega Evolution", and "Mega" if you don't wish to see anything early.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A global release dates and times

Nintendo has confirmed that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will follow the usual regional rollout at 12 a.m. local time in most regions. In North America, however, the game launches based on ET, meaning players on the West Coast can start early on Oct. 15. Here's the full schedule for those who have pre-ordered the game digitally. For physical copies, most retailers deliver the day before or on release day:

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

• 9 p.m. PDT — San Francisco

• 11 p.m. CST — Mexico City

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

• 12 a.m. EDT — New York

• 12 a.m. BRT — São Paulo

• 12 a.m. BST — London

• 12 a.m. CEST — Paris, Rome, Berlin

• 12 a.m. EEST — Istanbul

• 12 a.m. UTC+5:30 — New Delhi

• 12 a.m. ICT — Hanoi

• 12 a.m. HKT — Hong Kong

• 12 a.m. CST — Beijing

• 12 a.m. JST — Tokyo

• 12 a.m. AEST — Sydney

No matter where you live, the wait will end at midnight on Oct. 16 or a few hours earlier if you’re in the U.S. The official line is a release date of Oct. 15, 2025 on Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A preload information and file size

Digital preloads have already gone live via Nintendo eShop, with trainers needing 4.1GB of free space on Nintendo Switch 1 and 7.7GB for Switch 2, although this may increase if there's a day one patch for whatever reason. We're also not sure about the file size for the Mega Dimension DLC, which will release at a later date this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable / The Pokémon Company Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Physical Edition $69.99 at Amazon
Pre-order Here

• Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A bundle and digital code — $499.99

• Pokémon Legends: Z-A — Nintendo Switch 2 Digital Edition — $69.99

• Pokémon Legends: Z-A — Nintendo Switch 1 Physical Edition — $59.99

• Pokémon Legends: Z-A — Nintendo Switch 1 Digital Edition — $59.99

It's been over three years since Season 4 of Stranger Things, and a whopping nine years since the show's first season — in short, we're going to need a recap ahead of Season 5.

Fortunately the cast has us covered, with Netflix sharing a video of them rewatching Season 1 last week, and now a video of the Season 2 rewatch this week — complete with new cast additions of Sadie Sink as Max, and Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair.

Oh, and if you need more Stranger Things ahead of the show's final season, check out this featurette that drops a few clues about what's to come.

Volume 1 of Stranger Things 5 hits Netflix Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. ET. Volume 2 premieres Dec. 26, and the series finale premieres Dec. 31.

SAVE $50: As of Oct. 13, the JBL Tune 670NC headphones are on sale for $59.95 at Amazon. This is $50 off their list price of $109.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune 670NC Headphones $59.95 at Amazon
$109.95 Save $50 Get Deal

This moment of time between October Prime Day and Black Friday may be a bit quiet, but it's not without good deals. There are a few headphone and earbud deals still floating around right now at Amazon after its latest sale event, including $50 off the JBL Tune 670NC headphones.

If you've been looking to score some new headphones, the JBL Tune 670NCs have dropped to $59.95. This is 45% off their usual retail price of $109.95, and what's even better is most of the available colors are marked down to this price as well. Choose between the black, blue, or white headphones.

SEE ALSO: Mashable readers know best — here's what our readers bought during October Prime Day

Alongside having a nice variety of colors to choose from, the JBL Tune 670NC headphones offer Adaptive Noise Cancelling so you can feel completely absorbed in the sounds you're listening to without any outside distractions. Or, if you're wanting to pay closer attention to your surroundings while you're out and about, these headphones have Ambient Aware and TalkThru features that make it easier to hear what's going on around you.

These headphones even offer up to 70 hours of battery life (with ANC off) to keep you busy. Why wait to treat yourself to something new? Score the JBL Tune 670NC headphones for 45% off at Amazon while the deal is still available.

If you don't mind spending a little extra cash, check out our breakdown of the best headphones to see even more options we think are worth your time and money.

SAVE $53: As of Oct. 13, the Magcubic Mini Projector is on sale for $56.99 at Amazon. That's a 48% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magcubic Magcubic Mini Projector $56.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $53.00 Get Deal

It's the season of cozy movies, scary movies, and rewatching the same comfort shows over and over again, and we couldn't be happier about it. And there are some things that can level up your movie nights at this time of year like nothing else: great snacks, aesthetic lighting, and of course, the screen you're watching everything on. While a big TV can be nice, if you really want that movie theater experience, why not try a mini projector?

These are clever devices that can stream movies or TV shows via WiFi or Bluetooth, without any complicated setup. And right now, you can get a deal on a great model at Amazon. As of Oct. 13, the Magcubic Mini Projector is currently at its best-ever price, reduced to $56.99. That's a $53 saving on list price.

SEE ALSO: The best streaming services for live sports in 2025

This is the perfect option for a simple setup anywhere. It has 8,000 lumens and an 8000:1 contrast ratio, so it will display bright, clear images for movies or gaming, and the built-in 5W SoundBase Speaker adds great sound without the need for extra speakers. It’s super versatile too, you can mount it on the ceiling, place it on a table, use a tripod, or rotate it 180 degrees. And as the name suggests, it's mini in weight, at just 0.88lb, so it’s easy to move around.

WiFi and Bluetooth give you instant access to over a million videos without an external streaming stick, and the Air Mouse remote makes navigation easy and hassle free, control it from sitting down. You can even control it with voice commands.

While easy to use anywhere, the manufacturer recommends setting up with a 5.2ft distance for an 80-inch screen for the best viewing experience.

Pick up this mini projector from Amazon now.

SAVE $34.01: As of Oct. 13, the Apple AirTag 4-pack is on sale for $64.99 at Amazon. That's a 34% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag 4-Pack $64.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $34.01 Get Deal

Apple products were the stars of the show during Prime Big Deal Days. Everything from AirPods to iPads saw big discounts, and some are still hanging around, like this latest deal on the AirTag 4-pack. As of Oct. 13, they are priced at $64.99, a saving of over $30 on list price.

AirTags are a lifesaver product if you regularly lose your phone, keys, passport, or anything you need regularly. They essentially work as a tracking device. Attach it to your item of choice and use the Find My app to track it. You can even share an AirTag with up to five people, so items that everyone uses can be tracked.

SEE ALSO: Apple might launch new iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and more this week

For items that are near but out of sight, they have a small speaker built in that will play a sound to help you locate the item. They are also IP67 water and dust resistant, so if your items end up somewhere they really shouldn't, the AirTag will still be trackable.

And if your item ends up further away than you'd like, hope is not lost. It can still be tracked through hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network.

Get this AirTag deal at Amazon before it goes back up in price.

SAVE $490: As of Oct. 13, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is on sale for $729.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge $729.99 at Amazon
$1,219.99 Save $490 Get Deal

Prime Day has been and gone, but that doesn't mean the discounts are dead. If you're lucky, you might find the products at the top of your wishlist are still heavily discounted, or if you're really lucky, you might find them priced even lower. If you're in the market for a new phone and find the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge catches your eye, then you're one of the really lucky ones.

Yep, as of Oct 13, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge isn't just on sale, it's at its lowest-ever price and beats Prime Day. The new price of $729.99 is for the 512GB phone, and is available in the titanium jet black, titanium silver, and titanium icyblue colors.

SEE ALSO: Samsung's Project Moohan vs Apple Vision Pro: How the rumored specs compare

The price is just one selling point of this phone. If you're looking for a model with a great camera, then look no further. It has a super sharp 200MP camera and benefits from Galaxy AI to enhance selfies and videos. It's fast, too, powered by Samsung’s most advanced processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This means no lagging or slow moving time between apps.

It's sleek too, and is the slimmest S Series phone yet. But despite this super-slim design, it's tough. Built with a titanium build and a Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 face, this phone is built to last.

Pick up this great smartphone deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $55: As of Oct. 13, JBL Tune Buds are on sale for $44.95 at Amazon. That's a 55% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune Buds $44.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $55 Get Deal

JBL headphones are some of the best around. They offer great quality, a reliable name, and they're generally pretty affordable. Especially when they sport great discounts at Amazon, like this latest sale on the JBL Tune Buds. As of Oct. 13, this pair aren't just on sale for $55 off; they're currently at their lowest-ever price.

This great deal is a lingering Prime Day price. Most of these deals have vanished by now (but not all, so don't give up discount hope), so we can't guarantee this price will hang around for long. So if you're in need of some quality earbuds, don't wait.

SEE ALSO: Pixel Buds 2a review: Google's new mid-range earbuds are a little too... mid?

These earbuds benefit from JBL's Pure Bass Sound. This means you'll get 10mm drivers enhanced by the buds to hear every beat. And the sound quality pros don't end there, as you'll also get Active Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient technology. The noise cancelling technology lets you reduce the amount of audio distractions around you. Coffee shop chatter, TV background noise, whatever it is, it's gone. And with the Ambient Aware, you can choose to tune into your surroundings at any time. Cyclists, approaching cars, all of the important things you still want to hear.

They also have a great battery life, so you're always connected. Get up to 48 hours of battery life. And when you are running low, a quick 15 minutes of charging will give you four hours of playtime.

Get this earbud deal at Amazon before it runs out.

Apple is preparing to launch several new products this week.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims that Apple will launch an updated iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and (likely) a 14-inch MacBook Pro. The company won't hold an event for the launch, instead merely launching them via press releases.

The key part for all these upgrades is Apple's new M5 chip, which will see its debut in all three devices.

Rumors (via MacRumors) indicated that the iPad Pro will not significantly change in terms of design, but will have more RAM, alongside the new M5 chip.

Similarly, the Vision Pro will also mostly stay the same aside from the inclusion of the M5 chip and, possibly, a new R2 chip for input processing. Other details, such as new Space Black color option and a comfier head strap are possible, too.

The news is part of Gurman's wider report on the Vision Pro, in which he claims that the company is scaling back its plans for a cheaper, lighter Vision Pro in order to focus on smart glasses. That device is still on the table, and will be launched "eventually." For now, however, this minor upgrade will have to suffice.

SEE ALSO: Select immersive NBA games coming to the Apple Vision Pro

Finally, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 chip is ready to launch, though it's not quite clear whether it will launch this week. If it does, it will probably be very similar to last year's model.

Larger, more powerful MacBook Pro models aren't likely to launch this soon; Gurman claims that Apple can only produce the entry-level M5 chip at volume, while more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max chips will come later.

Finally, a new AirTag, HomePod mini, and an upgraded Apple TV are "still very much on the road map," as are new iPad and iPad Air, and two new external monitors; all of this will arrive in "the coming months," the report claims.

Today's Wordle answer is sometimes a bit fuzzy.

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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A personal grooming choice.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

BEARD

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 October 13, 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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is a bit more complex than usual and features a lot of misdirects.

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 October 13, 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: Spot of trouble

• Green: Nightlife

• Blue: Later

• Purple: Part of the answer is relevant to the clue

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

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

• Yellow: Metaphors for potentially volatile situations

• Green: Bar events

• Blue: Words after a welcome departure

• Purple: Ending with synonyms for "Swindle"

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 #855 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Metaphors for potentially volatile situations: CAN OF WORMS, HORNET'S NEST, MINEFIELD, PANDORA'S BOX

• Bar events: HAPPY HOUR, KARAOKE, LIVE MUSIC, TRIVIA NIGHT

• Words after a welcome departure: ABOUT TIME, FINALLY, GOOD RIDDANCE, SAYONARA

• Ending with synonyms for "Swindle": AMERICAN HUSTLE, COMIC CON, GOLDEN FLEECE, LUCKY STIFF

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 October 13, 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 have a birdfeeder.

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 October 13, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 13, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Bring binoculars

The words are related to a type of animal.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe feathered friends.

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 Fall Migration.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 13

• Duck

• Hawk

• Finch

• Goose

• Warbler

• Thrush

• Fall Migration

• Wren

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 Connections: Sports Edition requires some knowledge of finishes and positions.

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.

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: 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: Outcomes with no winner

• Green: Iron sharpens iron

• Blue: Pool dive finish

• Purple: Midwest college coaches

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: Even Match

• Green: Outdo

• Blue: Diving positions

• Purple: Big Ten Football Head Coaches

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

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #385 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Even Match - DEADLOCK, DRAW, STALEMATE, TIE

• Outdo - ECLIPSE, OUTSHINE, SURPASS, TRANSCEND

• Diving positions - FREE, PIKE, STRAIGHT, TUCK

• Big Ten Football Head Coaches - DAY, FISCH, FLECK, RHULE

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.

Happy Monday and 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 October 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 October 11, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 13 Pips

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 4-0, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally.

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 13 Pips

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

Number (15): Everything in this space must add to 15. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically.

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

Number (15): Everything in this dark blue space must add to 15. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 6-2, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 13 Pips

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add to 10. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 1-6, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this green space must be equal to 4. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

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

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, Oct. 13, 2025:

AcrossDoor handle

• The answer is Knob.

Talking about your ex on a first date, e.g.

• The answer is No No.

Like some minds, martinis and money

• The answer is Dirty.

"Should that be the case ..."

• The answer is If so.

Profound

• The answer is Deep.

DownButter ___

• The answer is Knife.

Like the god Tyr, for whom Tuesday is named

• The answer is Norse.

Winning

• The answer is On top.

Reason for blue decorations at a baby shower, perhaps

• The answer is Boy.

Accomplished

• The answer is Dip.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

Coming off a successful flight test in August, SpaceX will try to continue Starship's redemption story with its next launch.

This time, Elon Musk's space company will attempt a new landing strategy for the booster and a more aggressive test of the ship's heat shield, which protects it from the extreme heat while reentering Earth's atmosphere. The last phase of the flight will also incorporate a new banking maneuver.

The upcoming Flight 11 test could happen as early as 6:15 p.m. CT on Monday from Starbase, Texas, SpaceX's headquarters, which is also now an official city. Starship's hourlong flight is expected to conclude with a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Whether it can achieve that unscathed remains to be seen. SpaceX suffered a string of failures and mishaps earlier this year, including an explosion on the test stand in June.

Anyone can watch a livestream of the launch either on SpaceX's website or on X.com, the social platform also owned by billionaire Musk. The broadcast will begin roughly 30 minutes before liftoff, but the exact time is subject to changes based on the rocket-fueling process and weather. 

"Over the course of a flight test campaign, success will continue to be measured by what we are able to learn," the company said. 

SEE ALSO: NASA astronaut class appears to be first without Black recruits in 40 years

NASA is counting on Starship, a 400-foot-tall, super-heavy-lift rocket and spaceship system, to put its first astronauts on the moon under a $4.2 billion contract. Though the U.S. space agency has its own rocket and spaceship, Starship is expected to ferry the crew from lunar orbit to the moon's surface for the last leg of the journey. 

That mission, Artemis III, will be the first human landing in a half-century and could happen as early as 2027, though development delays will likely cause the schedule to slip. SpaceX must first demonstrate it can refuel in space, and touch down on land — specifically, the moon's cratered south pole region. So far, its prototypes have only plopped down in water on Earth.

SpaceX conducts a static fire test of a previously used Super Heavy booster ahead of October's Starship flight test. Credit: SpaceX

Starship is also a passion project for Musk, who wants to eventually send humans to Mars and build a self-sustaining city on the Red Planet.

But how soon Starship can reach that level of safety and reliability is unclear. An explosion of a prototype on the ground this summer was a jarring image — and a sign that the vehicle is far from ready for people. SpaceX said the accident stemmed from a damaged high-pressure nitrogen tank, which caused the rocket to break apart and catch fire. No one was hurt, but the incident didn't help public opinion of the rocket's readiness for human spaceflight.

SpaceX’s last Starship test lifted off smoothly on Aug. 26. The booster completed a controlled descent back toward Earth and had a soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, while the upper stage reached space. The ship then performed a payload demonstration, releasing eight mock Starlink satellites from a giant Pez-like dispenser. It then restarted one of its engines mid-flight. 

During reentry, Starship’s heat shield and body were deliberately pushed to their limits before performing a controlled landing in the Indian Ocean. 

"We probably gave it a little bit of extra time in the oven," said Dan Huot, a SpaceX spokesperson and launch commentator. 

SpaceX has new goals and maneuvers for Starship's hourlong flight test. Credit: SpaceX infographic

This upcoming test will expand on what the company learned from Flight 10, according to the company. The booster, which is being recycled from a previous flight, will use 24 Raptor engines and test a new way of landing at sea. Instead of returning to the launch pad, it will plunge into the Gulf of Mexico. 

During its descent, the booster will attempt to switch between different groups of engines to see how the rocket behaves. SpaceX says this data will help engineers prepare for future boosters that may use more engines for safety and precision.

The ship will again release eight dummy satellites and try to restart one of its engines while coasting in space. Then, as the ship returns, SpaceX will see how it weathers the stress and friction of reentry by removing some heat-protection tiles. 

The ship will perform a series of controlled turns to practice how future missions could steer back toward the launch site, according to SpaceX. If all goes to plan, it will splash down in the Indian Ocean.

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Whether you’re an entrepreneur handling important work documents or a busy parent keeping tabs on important forms for the kids, it’s important to have a scanner handy. iScanner App makes it easier than ever to digitize documents, transforming your iPhone or iPad into a scanning machine. And right now, you can score a lifetime subscription to this handy app for just $24.99 (reg. $199.90) with code SCAN until November 2.

This handy app turns your phone into a scanner

There are endless reasons you need a scanner in your life, and if you don’t have one you know the inconvenience of searching for a way to upload a document at the last minute. iScanner App makes those frustrations a thing of the past, making it easier than ever to scan something quickly with your iPhone or iPad.

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You just need one app to handle all your work needs

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TL;DR: Give an old PC a makeover with the Adobe Acrobat Pro and Microsoft Office Professional 2019 License Bundle, on sale now for $89.99 (reg. $553).

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Give your old computer a new lease on life with this bundle

Looking for an easy and affordable way to give yourself a productivity boost? There’s no need to run out and buy a new computer — just let this bundle come to the rescue. It offers a total of eight apps geared toward helping you with your personal and professional tasks.

First up, a three-year license to Adobe Acrobat 2024 Pro, handy PDF editing software that makes these difficult files more manageable. This tool lets you create new PDFs from scratch, edit text on existing PDFs, and convert PDFs to Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files.

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When you’re done working with PDFs, you can take advantage of the seven apps included with Microsoft Office Professional 2019. This license outfits your PC with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, all redesigned with improved features and cloud connectivity.

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