Blogroll

SAVE OVER $20: As of Oct. 19, select colors of the Ninja Crispi glass air fryer are on sale for $152.95 at Amazon. That's $27.04 off their list price of $179.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer $152.95 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $27.04   Get Deal at Amazon

When it comes to kitchen appliances, we're big fans of Ninja. The Ninja Crispi is our favorite air fryer from the brand, earning a spot on our list of the best Ninja appliances for delivering "food that's crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside." If it's been on your radar, there's no need to wait for Black Friday. Amazon already has select colors marked down by 15%.

As of Oct. 19, both the navy and sage colors are discounted, dropping from $179.99 to $152.95. If you don't mind spending a tiny bit extra, the stone color variant is also on sale for a few cents more at $152.99. Keep in mind they all have a "limited time deal" tag right now, so the clock is ticking to grab them at this price.

SEE ALSO: The 65+ absolute best stocking stuffers for 2026

For those days when you want a quick and easy meal, the Ninja Crispi offers four modes — Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp — to help you out. Mashable's Samantha Mangino wrote in our roundup of the best Ninja appliances that it's also "made for meal preppers" as its design "allows you to meal prep and store food directly into glass baskets."

And since it uses glass containers for cooking, it doesn't have any PFAS, PTFE, or nonstick chemical coatings to worry about. Plus, the glass containers, crisper plates, adapter, and lids are dishwasher-safe, so cleanup afterward is quick and easy.

This deal may not be live for long, so now is the time to grab the Ninja Crispi while it's still on sale at Amazon.

TL;DR: Cadence launched The Pump ($30), a magnetic travel attachment for its refillable Capsules. Six years in the making, it features a flexible tube that fits Medium and Large sizes, an angled nozzle, and a lock-tight cap that prevents spills in your bag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cadence Cadence The Pump $30 at Cadence
  Shop Now at Cadence

Refilling travel bottles with your favorite skincare or haircare products usually ends one of two ways: either you are stuck digging thick lotion out of a jar with your fingers, or a cheap squeeze bottle bursts inside your luggage. Design brand Cadence is smoothing out that middle ground with its newest release: The Pump.

View this post on Instagram

Designed to attach directly to Cadence’s signature refillable Capsules, the $30 accessory gives you a mess-free way to dispense liquids like sunscreen, lotions, shampoos, and body oils while on the go. Instead of sticking a basic off-the-shelf plastic straw onto a jar, Cadence spent six years testing 1,023 different iterations to get the mechanics right.

The main innovation is a flexible, coiled dip tube. The tube stretches and compresses automatically inside the container, so a single pump head works seamlessly whether you screw it onto a Medium Capsule or a Large Capsule.

Credit: Cadence

Operating it is simple: pull off the magnetic cap, give the fluted collar a quick half-turn to raise the pump head, and press. When you are done, twist the collar back down and drop the cap back on.

Seven heavy-duty neodymium magnets lock the cap in place, physically blocking the pump head from rising while packed away. That means no accidental squirts ruining the inside of your bag during transit. Cadence also angled the dispensing nozzle upward, directing product outward so liquids do not collect around the collar and make a mess.

Pricing and where to buy

Made from the same durable polypropylene as the original Capsules, The Pump comes in a sand colorway and works with Cadence’s interchangeable, magnetic Label Tiles so you always know what is inside.

As for what you'll pay:

• The Pump (Attachment Only) — $30

• The Pump Capsule (Medium) — $50

• The Pump Capsule (Large) — $64

You can also pair it with Cadence's Parcel organizers, which now feature customizable straps with embroidered icons for a completely personalized setup.

Your carry-on will thank you. Grab The Pump from Cadence for $30.

TL;DR: Netflix’s animated movie KPop Demon Hunters is officially joining Toca Boca World on Oct. 27 — bringing exclusive HUNTR/X and Saja Boys stage outfits, characters, and an in-game music player packed with hit tracks like "Golden."

Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters is officially bringing its style, characters, and music to Toca Boca World.

The movie has grown into a massive global phenomenon since its release in June 2025. It stands as Netflix's most popular film of all time, with over 670 million views, and spent 63 consecutive weeks in Netflix's Global Top 10. Starting Oct. 27, the app's nearly 60 million active players will get access to exclusive in-game content inspired by HUNTR/X, the Saja Boys, and other fan-favorite characters from the film.

Outfits and music

The collaboration blends everyday streetwear with high-energy K-pop stage looks, allowing players to mix and match fashion items to design their own outfits and characters. The update also adds a limited-time in-game music player featuring four chart-topping tracks directly from the movie's soundtrack:

• "Golden"

• "How It’s Done"

• "Soda Pop"

• "Your Idol"

Players can run the music player in the background to soundtrack their own stories and custom scenes inside Toca Boca World.

The partnership builds on Toca Boca’s recent pop-culture crossovers — which previously included collaborations with adidas, Conan Gray, KATSEYE, Wicked: For Good, and in-game music from artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Sienna Spiro, and TWICE. According to Spin Master, Toca Boca World players were already recreating scenes and outfits from the film before the official crossover was announced.

Mark your calendar, get your playlist ready, and prepare to give your avatar the ultimate K-pop star makeover when the event goes live.

Choosing a Kindle is just the start. Once you have your Kindle, there's so much you can do to make the most of it. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.

So, after extensive testing, reading so many books, and attending BookCon, I created this guide to the best Kindles to buy in 2026.

Meet the new 2026 Kindles

On Oct. 1, Amazon announced a redesign of the entire Kindle collection. Before the launch, Mashable's tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, went hands-on with the devices, seeing their vivid new colors like ube, as well as the new aluminum casings on some of the e-readers. Here are all the new Kindle e-readers:

• Kindle (16GB) — $149.99 to $169.99

• Kindle, Aluminum (32GB) — $189.99

• Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) — $199.99 to $219.99

• Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) — $249.99

• Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) — $289.99

• Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) — $319.99

• Kindle Kids (16GB) — $179.99

• Kindle Kids Paperwhite (16GB) — $229.99

• Kindle Kids Colorsoft (16GB) — $299.99

• Kindle Click page turner — $34.99

• Kindle Page Turn Cover — $79.99

2026 Kindle price increases

For years, Kindle prices have stayed stable, but in August 2026, they finally got an increase. Every model except the Kindle Scribe received a price increase. We can thank RAMageddon, as an Amazon spokesperson said that the increased prices are a result of "significant increases in memory and storage component costs." Here's a breakdown of all the new Kindle prices

More 2026 Kindle updates

As of May 20, 2026, Amazon no longer lend software updates or provide web services to devices released in 2012 or earlier, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.

The affected Kindles include:

• Kindle (1st generation)

• Kindle (2nd generation)

• Kindle DX

• Kindle DX Graphite

• Kindle Keyboard

• Kindle 4

• Kindle Touch

• Kindle 5

• Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)

Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

• How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

• I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.

• What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

• What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month

• Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

• Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle
  

To help you find the best pair of headphones possible, our experts test headphones year-round, from popular models to new releases to budget picks (you can learn more about our detailed testing standards below). The result of that vetting is this guide, which we keep updated regularly to give you the most accurate and current purchasing information possible.

How to choose the best headphones

We won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.

All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.

To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2026 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections.

What about wired headphones?

We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us, though some of us are also fans of Apple's EarPods. With the release of the new noise-cancelling wired earbuds from Bose, we will be keeping our testing pool open to more wired models and will update this guide accordingly, should any earn a spot.

Other headphones we've tested

Most recently, we tested the Marshall Monitor III, JBL Tour One M3 headphones, and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and though they had their merits, they fell short of winning the best of the best spot on this guide.

We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.

Recent updates to this guide

• August 2026: Following the release of the second generation Bose QuietComfort headphones, we've added them to our list as the best budget pick from Bose for headphones.

• March 2025: We've designated the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds as the most comfortable ANC earbuds and crowned the Sony XM6 earbuds as the new best noise-cancelling earbuds.

• December 2025: We replaced the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds, which are no longer available, with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds.

• December 2025: We removed the Marshall Mode wired earbuds, as they're frequently out of stock.

• December 2025: We added the Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Headphones as the best headphones under $100.

• December 2025: We added the Sony XM5 headphones, originally released in 2022, as our new honorable mention pick.

• August 2026: We replaced the Sennheiser Momentum 4 with the Nothing Headphone (a) as our best battery life pick.

Latest headphones news

A few major headphone releases happened in September: Sony's mid-range WH-10000XM4C headphones, Sony's budget WH-CH730N headphones, and the Beats 360, the first pair of over-ear headphones from the brand in three years. From Bose, we've also recently seen new wired noise-cancelling earbuds, as well as two new pairs of open earbuds. We'll be comparing them against our current picks to see if they have a spot among our favorites.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2026?

Even the best value headphones will feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool gets bigger by the month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC. So, which brand comes out on top?

For most people, we think the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer the best overall value, with the ideal blend of comfort, sound quality, and ANC. However, if you're looking for the best active noise cancellation overall, we have to give it up to the Sony XM6 headphones. Fortunately, there are no bad choices here.

To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best options at every price range.

SEE ALSO: How we test headphones and earbuds How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise via passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.

Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking.

Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn't make the final cut for this guide. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Getting up close and personal with Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

If you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you'll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.

Other headphones may be great at blocking low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results all around, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.

In the past, not many wireless earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal (or fit as many mics) that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.

So, what is the best e-reader for 2026? I'm regularly testing new e-readers (and tablets) and cycling through different models to stay up to date on the best options available. If you're gearing up to read more books this year, I can recommend a model you'll love.

Note: Amazon just dropped a new collection of Kindles. We're testing out these e-readers as they're released. We've now included the 2026 Kindle in this guide.

Featured Video For You Latest e-reader news

• On Oct. 1, Amazon dropped a redesigned collection of Kindles. We have yet to test Amazon's new e-readers, but will update this guide when we've thoroughly vetted the 2026 devices. You can purchase 6-inch Kindles now, and 7-inch Kindles will be available Oct. 28.

• As of September 2026, we've added the Boox Go 6 to this guide, naming it the best Kindle alternative. We also named the Kindle Paperwhite the best e-reader for the beach (in addition to being the best overall) and named the Durobo Krono the best e-reader for audiobooks.

• In August 2026, Amazon increased the price of Kindles. Now the basic Kindle costs $149.99 ($40 increase) and the Kindle Paperwhite costs $199.99 ($40 increase).

• In July 2026, Boox announced it was releasing a pocket-sized e-reader, the Picco. After IFA 2026, rumors floated that the Boox Picco would be released in November 2026.

• Also in July 2026, Xteink dropped the X4 Pro, a new tiny e-reader with a touchscreen.

• As of April 2026, we have included the Durobo Krono and the Xetink X4 e-reader in this guide.

• In May 2026, Amazon ceased support for e-readers released in 2012 or earlier, which includes the first generation of Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite.

• Also in May 2026, Kobo announced its integration with Storygraph, which syncs your on-device reading progress with the Storygraph app.

Which are the most affordable e-readers?

When picking an e-reader, price is always a consideration. However, almost all e-readers fall into the same price range. Kindle and Kobo e-readers both start around $149.99/$159.99, while the tiny Boox Picco is just $109.99. If you want handwriting capabilities, Kobo and Boox make the most affordable options, as Kindle's Scribes start at $500.

Other e-readers we've tested From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

• Remarkable PaperPro: Whenever you search for e-readers, Remarkable's tablets will always pop up in the search results, but unfortunately, it's hard to obtain ePUB files on the Remarkable. With Remarkable, you can access files within Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you have any locked ePUB files — like from Libby — you won't be able to access them on a Remarkable tablet. So, after testing the Remarkable tablet myself, it proved to be a better document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.

• Onyx Boox Go 7: While we love the Boox Go 6, we didn't love the Go 7. It's the same size as the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but it really lags on processing speed. Reading ePUB files from Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app onto the Boox Go 7, and there was significant lag when opening and closing the app. While it was an easier process than getting library books on a Nook, it was still a major pain compared to Kindle or Kobo's integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load files. I was most looking forward to testing this Boox because of its page-turning buttons, but unfortunately, I found that they didn't work on my device.

• Boox Palma 2: I loved reading on the Boox Palma. It's a really solid palm-sized e-reader with an open Android system, so you can download any reading app from the Google Play store, including Libby, Kindle, and Kobo. Unfortunately, the Palma 2 is being discontinued, and its availability is dwindling, which is why it's not included in this list.

What about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?

If you're familiar with the Kindle lineup, it may come as a surprise that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition isn't on this list. Don't get me wrong, it's great, but I think there are better options. The Signature Edition is an upgraded version of the Paperwhite, and we've compared the devices head-to-head. The short version? The Paperwhite is a better value, even with the SE's added features like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage. Plus, after recent price increases, the Paperwhite SE now costs $249.99. If you are prepared to spend that much on an e-reader, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and go for the Kobo Libra Colour.

Where's the Nook on this list?

In terms of big-name e-readers, you might notice one omission from this list: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I have tested this e-reader, and it was previously featured on this list. However, after testing more devices, it no longer makes the cut. In comparison to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook has sloth-like performance, making it frustrating to use.

Plus, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, as it was a multi-step process that required downloading to a computer before uploading to a Nook. Its only redeeming quality was the buttons on either side of the device, which made page turning a breeze. However, unless you are a loyal buyer of Barnes & Noble books, I recommend steering clear of the Nook.

Where to get e-reader books for free

Once you get an e-reader, it's time to fill it up with books, and that doesn't necessarily mean spending money. In fact, you can load up your e-reader without spending a dime; you just need to be a bit resourceful.

The best way to read nearly any book — a classic or hot new release — is with Libby. I have read hundreds of free books with the Libby app — I wouldn't have been able to test for this guide without it. It connects with your library card, allowing you to borrow from your local library's digital collection. Plus, both Kobo and Kindle have exceptional Libby integrations.

Another way to build your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour opportunities led by authors that make books discounted or free.

If you're a fan of the classics or looking to discover a treasure lost to time, an online resource like Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 books in the public domain that you can download and read on an e-reader.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you have BO.

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 19, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

Bad smell.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

STINK

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pro-Russian accounts targeting Ukrainians on Facebook and Telegram sharply declined after Ukrainian drone strikes on Yandex data centers, according to a new report from a Ukrainian government agency. It’s the most direct evidence so far behind a claim that went viral last week, but it falls well short of proving it.

The report comes from Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), which operates under the country’s National Security and Defense Council. It was published Oct. 15, and United24 Media covered it on Oct. 17. The CCD used software from the Ukrainian security firm Osavul to track accounts it flagged as showing "signs of inauthentic behavior." According to Osavul's website, the firm "builds AI-powered risk intelligence for hybrid threats."

SEE ALSO: Did Ukraine’s strikes on data centers really silence Russian bots?

According to United24, the CCD analyzed 22,664 messages from 5,201 accounts posted between Oct. 6 and 12, across 26 topics in Ukraine’s information space. The report found two sharp drops in activity, each following a strike that fully shut down a Yandex facility. On Oct. 8, the day a fire took Yandex’s data center in Sasovo, in Russia’s Ryazan region, offline, messages fell 83.6 percent, from 4,032 to 660.

Ukraine's first data center strike saw a 84% decline in Russian-linked accounts on FB and Telegram. Credit: Center for Countering Disinformation / Mashable screenshot

The number of active accounts fell by a similar share. Activity rebounded past pre-strike levels by Oct. 10, but on Oct. 12, a day after a strike fully halted operations at a Yandex data center in Vladimir, messages fell by 42.6 percent and active accounts dropped by 41 percent.

A smaller group of 98 accounts that posted pro-war propaganda, conspiracy theories, or calls for violence followed the same pattern. The CCD concluded that strikes on data centers can significantly disrupt Russian influence networks, but the effect appears to be short-lived.

Mashable was unable to verify the CCD’s findings independently. Before publication, we emailed Osavul to request the underlying dataset, the criteria it uses to flag inauthentic behavior, and any information about where the accounts were hosted. Osavul did not respond by publication time.

The report never defines "inauthentic behavior." While the term is quite broad, some general signals that researchers typically attribute to bot accounts include newly created profiles, unusually high posting volume, blank or AI-generated profile photos, and activity across many unrelated political narratives. Without Osavul’s criteria, it’s unclear whether these accounts are automated, run by coordinated humans, or a mix of both.

Still, if the numbers hold up, they point to something real. The CCD argues that the drops show strikes on data centers can significantly constrain Russia’s information operations by disrupting the automated networks behind them. However, the agency also acknowledges how quickly the accounts came back, suggesting the disruptions were "substantial but short-lived."

Why it matters

The findings arrive after a week of overheated claims.

Last week, Mashable looked at viral claims that Ukrainian drone strikes on Yandex data centers had knocked Russia’s bot army offline. The conclusion we and other outlets reached was that the data behind those claims couldn’t support them.

That claim spread like wildfire on social media, amplified by European officials and even backed up by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum, President Zelenskyy said "everyone noticed" a drop in Russian bot activity. Social media users echoed similar observations about the seemingly stark decline in pro-GOP and pro-AfD posts after the strikes.

It was an easy idea to believe, given how platforms like Facebook and X incentivize and reward polarizing political ragebait, and Russia’s online influence operations are well-documented. The claim also seemed to have supporting data. United24 Media, the Ukrainian government-run outlet whose reporting drove much of the conversation, cited an analysis by The Deep Dive of Cloudflare Radar data. That data showed automated traffic from Yandex’s network had nearly vanished by Oct. 11.

As Mashable reported at the time, that data couldn’t support the claim. "Automated traffic" means any request that software, rather than a person, sends to a website, and most of it is mundane. Yandex, often called "Russia's Google," runs the Federation's biggest search engine, so its network constantly sends out crawlers to index the web. Knocking its data centers offline would stop that traffic, whether or not a single troll account went quiet. We found no published evidence tying influence campaigns on social media to Yandex servers, and United24 acknowledged the same limitation.

Cloudflare has since published its own analysis. It said its data doesn’t appear to support claims that the strikes crippled social media manipulation, though it couldn’t rule out a connection. Zelenskyy’s office has also narrowed his remarks. According to BBC Verify, his office said the president was "talking about the atmosphere on social media" rather than a fall in bot activity.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for people who like golf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Philly players

• Green: Rank performance

• Blue: Major golf champions

• Purple: Genericized trademarks

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: A Philadelphia Athlete

• Green: Ways to Show Standings in Different Sports

• Blue: U.S Open Golf Winners

• Purple: Brand Names Often Used as Generic Terms

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 #756 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• A Philadelphia Athlete: 76ER, EAGLE, FLYER, PHILLIE

• Ways to Show Standings in Different Sports: LEADERBOARD, RANKINGS, STANDINGS, TABLE

• U.S Open Golf Winners: ELS, KITE, STRANGE, WOODLAND

• Brand Names Often Used as Generic Terms: FRISBEE, JET SKI, JUMBOTRON, SPEEDO

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 yesterday's Connections.

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

Released in August 2025, 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 on to 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 with 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 19, 2026

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 19, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for October 19 Pips

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 6-2, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 1-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for October 19 Pips

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

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally.

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

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed horizontally.

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

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

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for October 19 Pips

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

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

Greater Than (11): Everything in this space must be greater than 11. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 19, 2026 Alibis meaning

A legal defense or piece of evidence showing that a person was in a different place when a crime or event occurred.

Balloon meaning

A flexible, nonporous bag that can be inflated with air or lighter-than-air gas.

Escrow meaning

A safe arrangement where a neutral third party temporarily holds money, documents or property until two other people finish a deal.

Mohawk meaning

A distinct hairstyle with shaved sides and a center strip of hair.

Flurry meaning

A brief, light snowfall that causes little to no ground accumulation.

Muffin meaning

A quick bread made of batter containing egg and baked in a pan having cuplike molds.

Nuggets meaning

Bite-sized pieces of battered and fried chicken or fish.

Rib meaning

The curved bones in the human or animal chest that protect internal organs

Boil meaning

The physical process of a liquid turning into vapor through heat,

Fume meaning

Strong or toxic air pollution, exhaust, or chemical vapor.

Rave meaning

An enthusiastic review or statement of praise.

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

Steam meaning

Water in its gaseous, invisible vapor or condensed mist form.

Blather meaning

To speak idly, ramble or run on.

Gas meaning

A fundamental state of matter in which particles move freely and have no fixed shape or fixed volume

Hot air meaning

Air whose temperature has been raised, causing its molecules to gain energy, move faster and spread further apart.

Wind meaning

The natural horizontal movement of air across the Earth's surface.

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

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

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

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

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you have a short fuse.

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 19, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Intense anger

• Green: All hype

• Blue: Fast food favorites

• Purple: Take flight

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

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Seethe

• Green: All talk

• Blue: "Mc" things at McDonald's

• Purple: Ending in birds

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 #1226 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Seethe: BOIL, FUME, RAVE, STEAM

• All talk: BLATHER, GAS, HOT AIR, WIND

• "Mc" things at McDonald's: FLURRY, MUFFIN, NUGGETS, RIB

• Ending in birds: ALIBIS, BALLOON, ESCROW, MOHAWK

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

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

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you like make-believe.

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 19, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: It's all Greek to me

The words are related to fables.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe ancient fables.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Mythological.

NYT Strands word list for October 19

• Dryad

• Satyr

• Nymph

• Deity

• Mythological

• Furies

• Muses

• Fates

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

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 yesterday's Strands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Divide and conquer.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

DIVVY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A cloud.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PLUME

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Stare.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 19, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

GLARE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Glare.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

STARE

Final Hurdle hint

Quick.

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

BRISK

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

It's been a while since I had to deal with a serious storage-related problem in Windows, which is likely why I didn't pay much attention to Storage Sense. I've stumbled upon it many times in Settings, but I figured I was all good because I use Disk Cleanup and regularly check what's on my computer.

I don't expect miracles from my ASUS laptop's battery, but I'd like it to last longer when I unplug it. Dimming the screen and closing apps only got me so far, so I went looking for a less obvious Windows tweak. I eventually found a processor setting that made a noticeable difference.

When I got back into 3D printing a few years ago, I focused on printing large things. That's why my first CoreXY printer was a Creality K1 Max, with a build volume large enough to print a complete cosplay helmet in one go.

We're moving further into the Halloween season, and Netflix continues to turn up the thrills. Not everything has to be scary this month to qualify as a thriller. In fact, our first movie on this list is not a horror, though if your family had to deal with a kidnapping like the one in the movie, it might be scary to you.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Project Professional 2024 for Windows for $39.97 (reg. $1,129.99), with Gantt charts, scheduling tools, and built-in reports.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Project Professional 2024: Lifetime License for Windows $39.97
$1,129.99 Save $1,090.02   Get Deal

Remember group projects where one person did all the work and everyone else showed up for the presentation? Unfortunately, coordinating people doesn’t necessarily get easier after graduation. There are just more deadlines, meetings, and spreadsheets involved. Microsoft Project Professional 2024 helps managers keep track of tasks, deadlines, and resources with scheduling tools and visual timelines. For a limited time, you can get a lifetime license for Windows for $39.97 (reg. $1,129.99).

The software helps you organize tasks, assign resources, and build detailed schedules. You can start with pre-built templates rather than creating a project plan from scratch, then use Gantt charts to visualize timelines and see how different tasks depend on one another. That way, you can see who’s supposed to be doing what and when, without having to chase down every update.

Those dependencies are particularly useful when plans change, which, as anyone who’s managed a project knows, is practically inevitable. Microsoft Project can automatically calculate task dates based on scheduling relationships, while its multiple-timeline views help you present the bigger picture without walking everyone through every individual assignment.

You can also run what-if scenarios to explore how changes in assignments might affect a project. Baselines let you compare actual progress against the original plan, making it easier to spot delays or shifts in scope.

For reporting, built-in options such as Burndown and Resource Overview help turn project data into information you can share with stakeholders. Timesheet tools can track time spent on project and non-project work for reporting, invoicing, or payroll workflows.

Microsoft Project Professional 2024 also supports integration with Project Online and Project Server. Certain collaboration features, including communication through Microsoft Teams for Business, require separate licensing.

Formerly $1,129.99, get a lifetime license to Microsoft Project Professional 2024 for only $39.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.