Blogroll

Windows 11 just broke dark mode in File Explorer

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 17:14

Microsoft just released an optional update for Windows 11. This was supposed to give users the long-awaited consistent dark mode experience, but it accidentally broke the File Explorer interface with blinding white screen flashes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

40+ Cyber Monday TV deals still live: Hisense Canvas, Samsung OLEDs still at Black Friday pricing on Dec. 2

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 17:10

Don't have time to read a bunch of paragraphs? Use the table of contents dropdown to skip to the best TV deals in list form, categorized by retailer and size.

The best Cyber Monday TV deals at a glance: BEST 50-inch TV deal Hisense 50-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $199.99 (save $130) Get Deal Best 55-inch TV deal Hisense 55-inch U7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $499.99 (save $800) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal Samsung 65-inch S95F 4K OLED Smart TV $2,299.99 (save $1,000) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal Hisense 75-inch Canvas QLED 4K TV $1,297.99 (save $591.01) Get Deal Best 85-inch TV deal TCL 85-inch Q5 QLED 4K TV $729.99 (save $470) Get Deal

Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be over according to the calendar, but it's still the best time of year to buy a TV. We're still tracking a good portion of the best Cyber Monday deals on TVs hanging around at Best Buy and Amazon on Dec. 2, all remaining at their record-low pricing from the weekend or at least within $30 or so.

SEE ALSO: Where to watch the best holiday movies

The best TV deals still live are overwhelmingly on cheap QLED TVs anywhere from 43 to 85 inches. However, a handful of premium Samsung Neo QLED and OLED TVs are still at Black Friday pricing, waiting to give you an at-home theater experience while you avoid leaving the house this winter.

If you see a leftover deal you like, buy it now — while you got lucky shopping one day late, there's no guarantee that these TV deals will stay on sale for the rest of the week.

Psst: If you're not sure what to do with your old TV, you can recycle it at most Best Buy stores for free.

Best mid-sized QLED TV deal still live Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 50-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $199.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $130 Sold out at Amazon Get Deal Why we like it

This deal really highlights why we love the Hisense TV brand so much: You can get a QLED 4K TV for under $200, and it's not even the tiniest size option. It won't wow you quite like a premium QLED would, but you'll still notice a difference from the quantum dots — particularly when watching in the daytime. This 50-inch model is great for smaller living rooms, bedrooms, and apartments, and at $199.99, it's still beating its Prime Day price by nearly $40 at Best Buy.

Best 65-inch TV deal still live Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S95F OLED 4K TV $2,299.99 at Best Buy
$3,299.99 Save $1,000 Comes with a free $100 gift card Get Deal Why we like it

While we do think the LG C5 is the best OLED TV you can buy right now, it hasn't been the best OLED TV deal at all this Cyber Weekend. The $1,399.99 "sale price" on the 65-inch C5 at Best Buy looks like an incredible deal until you realize that that TV had been $1,399.99 at Amazon since October. Amazon dropped the 65-inch C5's price to around $1,250 for a second, but has since bumped back up to $1,396.99.

In terms of legit record-low discounts, the 65-inch Samsung S95F OLED's $1,000 discount was new for Black Friday and has stuck around through the day after Cyber Monday. The S95F is still one of our top OLED recommendations, mostly due to its high peak brightness for an OLED TV and anti-glare matte finish that's highly effective in lit rooms.

Best 75-inch TV deal still live Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch Canvas QLED 4K TV $697.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $302   Get Deal Why we like it

Now that most of the good deals on the Frame Pro have subsided, the best art TV you can still snag at Black Friday/Cyber Monday pricing is the Hisense Canvas. We appreciate the Canvas TV for being so practically priced always — for example, the 75-inch version of the 2025 Canvas TV is on sale for $400 less than the 75-inch version of last year's Frame TV.

Enticing affordability aside, we'd actively tell any gamer to choose the Hisense Canvas over The Frame because of its 144Hz refresh rate (compared to the non-Pro Frame TV's 120Hz). If you're picky about HDR, you may also be sold on Hisense's Dolby Vision support over Samsung's HDR10+ support.

Best 85-inch TV deal still live Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 85-inch Class QM5K Series 4K QD-Mini LED Smart TV $729.99 at Best Buy
$1,199.99 Save $470   Get Deal SEE ALSO: What is camelcamelcamel? Just our secret weapon for finding the lowest prices on Amazon. More Cyber Monday TV deals still live at Best Buy43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and upMore Cyber Monday TV deals still live at Walmart50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVsMore Cyber Monday TV deals still live at Amazon43-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up
Categories: IT General, Technology

Affordable Japanese luxury SUV outsells every Mercedes rival

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 17:00

Nobody wants a luxury SUV that’s going to drain their wallet with maintenance and repairs. Savvy buyers often spend hours online hunting for vehicles that combine class with rock-solid reliability.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Heres how to watch the Stranger Things Season 5 finale in theaters

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 17:00

Stranger Things fans can ring in 2026 with one last, super-sized trip to Hawkins, as Netflix is bringing the Stranger Things Season 5 finale to the big screen.

SEE ALSO: 11 burning questions we have for 'Stranger Things' Season 5, Volume 2

Screenings will take place in over 500 theaters in the U.S. and Canada. They begin Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET, timed to the finale's release time on Netflix. Not able to catch the series finale on New Year's Eve proper? The screenings will also continue throughout the day on Jan. 1.

Where can I get Stranger Things Season 5 finale tickets?

Fans can now check showtimes and reserve seats by visiting the Stranger Things Season 5 finale site. Tickets will also be available through ticketing sites like Fandango, as well as through specific theater sites like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark.

The finale, titled "The Rightside Up," will be two hours and five minutes long, Netflix confirmed. That makes it shorter than Season 4's two and a half hour-long finale, but still longer than the finales of the first three seasons.

Based on the first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 alone, it's clear those two hours are going to have a lot to wrap up — and that's before we add Volume 2, out Dec. 25, to the mix! What's going to happen with Will's (Noah Schnapp) newfound powers? And what does Henry Creel/Vecna's (Jamie Campbell Bower) really have in store for Hawkins' children? We're itching to return to the Upside Down to find out.

Stranger Things 5: The Finale hits theaters Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 is now streaming. Volume 2 premieres Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. ET, and the series finale premieres Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop saying you can’t program: You use Microsoft Excel

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 16:30

If you can navigate a nested IF function, manage thousands of rows of data, or troubleshoot the dreaded #REF! error in Microsoft Excel, congratulations—you've been programming for years without even knowing it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ZEELOOL and Prabal Gurung drop eyewear line that feels straight off the runway

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 16:28

Think you need to spend $300 or more for designer specs that look boss and help you crush it every day? Nope.

ZEELOOL eyewear always hits the perfect trifecta of quality, affordability, and style — but the launch of its limited-edition Prabal Gurung "See the Power in You" collaboration muscles the brand into couture territory.

If you’re not familiar with Prabal Gurung, the high-fashion designer is known for his bold pops of color and refined East-meets-West aesthetics. His clothing has almost a cult-like following among powerful women, and has been seen worn by Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, and Zendaya, to name a few.

Five frames, five iconic women

The frames in ZEELOOL’s Prabal Gurung collection are named after five legendary women, and each one has serious swagger. The rich jewel tones, posh metallic accents, and modern neutrals are classic yet feel edgy. Even if you don’t technically need glasses, you’ll want to snag a non-prescription pair (or three) and get tinted lenses or sunglasses to chic-ify all your daily getups. 

Here’s the all-star Prabal Gurung lineup:

Opens in a new window Credit: ZEELOOL Marilyn stays frosty Marilyn loves to be the center of attention, but there’s more going on behind those big crystal frames than meets the eye. Pearls and rhinestones sparkle on the temples for a flirty touch of glam. The quality acetate frames are as smart as they are lightweight. Pair them with blue tinted lenses and feel like the diva you are. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: ZEELOOL Grace is geometric gold When Grace walks into a room, people notice. The bold butterfly frames with gold triangle accents are effortlessly elegant and exude pure strength. Whether you’re at a gallery opening, presenting concepts to your creative director, or kicking back for the weekend in your soft pants, these statement frames have an impact. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: ZEELOOL Cher can dig it Rose-gold frames and pink rhinestones? Yes, please. These '70s-inspired metal aviator frames are as fierce as the woman they’re named after. Pair them with ombré rose lenses for a sunny weekend vibe or add anti-glare clear lenses for daily drivers. The adjustable nose pads let you comfortably wear them for hours on end. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: ZEELOOL Sophia is a superstar When the paparazzi is on your tail, slip on your oversized Sophia glasses — or sunglasses — and play it cool. Tipped with triangle metal accents, the tortoise acetate frames are giving old-Hollywood cool. Hop on your moped and grab an espresso with friends or jump on the plane for an illicit getaway. Live la dolce vita. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: ZEELOOL Don’t mess with Debbie Heart of glass? Hardly. These punk-chic specs make you feel invincible. The wide side-wire frames with a silver finish are super lightweight and perform at the office, in your art studio, and during your DJ set at the club. Adjustable nose pads dial in the comfort level; you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.  Shop Now ZEELOOL is focused on high quality 

You might assume that ZEELOOL’s Prabal Gurung frames are way too couture for your budget. News flash: They’re not. The collection starts at $55.95 for the frames. Walk into any brick-and-mortar optical store and you’ll find most designer frames are way pricier than that. 

Each of ZEELOOL’s frames is expertly crafted of premium, lightweight materials, including high-end acetate you'd expect to see at a steeper price point. Each pair also comes with your pick of scratch-resistant single-vision, progressive, reading, or non-prescription lenses for just $5 more. You can add blue-light blocking for an additional $20; photochromic lenses that darken when you’re outdoors start at $35; color tints are $40; and anti-glare driving lenses run $35. 

Even with the lens add-ons, you can easily snag a pair of Prabal Gurung glasses or sunglasses for about $100, shipping included. 

A seamless AR buying experience

ZEELOOL’s overall site and "try on" tools couldn’t be any easier to navigate. Just scroll through the Prabal Gurung lineup, or thousands of other ZEELOOL styles, see how they'll look on your face using augmented reality, and check out in two snaps. ZEELOOL also offers a limited 365-day quality guarantee, so you can take them for a real-life spin.

ZEELOOL’s Prabal Gurung collection is your secret style weapon to slay every day. Pick an iconic frame that vibes with you and work it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Home Depot is still giving away free cordless tools after Cyber Monday — see BOGO offers on DeWalt, Ryobi, Milwaukee

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 16:23
Best Black Friday cordless tool deals at a glance: Best Free Tool Deal Dewalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Impact Wrench $199 (free tool with purchase) Get Deal Best Amazon Deal Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set $99 (save $80) Shop Now Best Lowes Deal Kobalt 24V 1/2-in Keyless Brushless Cordless Drill $79 (save $70) Get Deal Best Hoto tools deal Hoto Precision Screwdriver Set $59.99 (save $40) Get Deal

Some dads only want one thing for Christmas: A Home Depot gift card. Well, here's something easier than picking out Christmas gifts for dads — a buy-one-get-one tool deal from the Home Depot.

Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy get a lot of attention for their annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, but we're here to put some respect on the Home Depot's name. Just like last year, the Home Depot is giving away free cordless tools with eligible purchases in an epic BOGO promotion. Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are technically over, however, some of these deals are still continuing on. As part of this buy-one-get-one sale, you can pick up a cordless drill, an extra battery and charger pack, a cordless leaf blower, a circular saw, and tons more tools with your purchase. The extra tool is absolutely free with an eligible purchase.

SEE ALSO: Expert-picked early Cyber Monday deals: We found record prices on AirPods, Kindles, Lego, and PS5 consoles

All you have to do is pick out a qualifying "main item" and the free tool of your choice will be included in your order. A ton of top-rated Ryobi, DeWalt, and Milwaukee products are available as freebies in this promotion. Here's an example of how it works: Add an item like the Milwaukee Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit to your cart, and then you'll be able to select a free gift with purchase. Options include a $200 portable tire inflator, a $279 nail gun, or a $199 reciprocating saw, also from Milwaukee.

SEE ALSO: The 20+ best Cyber Monday Lego deals: Save big on Star Wars, Botanicals, Disney, and more

In total, more than 123 popular cordless tools and power tool combo kits are included in the Home Depot's Black Friday BOGO sale.

Alongside Home Depot's savings, we've also tracked down the best deals at Amazon and Lowe's. Below, you'll find the best Black Friday savings still live for upgrading someone's cordless toolkit.

Best BOGO deal from the Home Depot Opens in a new window Credit: Dewalt Dewalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Impact Wrench $199 at The Home Depot
$438 Save $239 Free tool with purchase Get Deal Why we like it

An impact wrench is a clutch tool to have on hand for a variety of DIY jobs around the house (from assembling furniture to building a whole-ass patio) to car repairs. This well-reviewed model from DeWalt is sporting a 55% discount at Home Depot — one of the heftiest price drops you'll see on a power tool this Black Friday — and it comes with a free tool of your choice.

More BOGO free cordless tool deals from the Home DepotMore power tool deals from the Home DepotEven more Black Friday deals on cordless tools

Post-Black Friday deals on cordless tools are just as valuable to the average non-handy person as they are to DIY experts. Just imagine being able to mount your new TV on the wall without begging a friend with a drill to come over. Or being able to assemble a new piece of furniture with an Allen wrench drill bit instead of twisting the entire thing by hand.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

Besides the Home Depot's BOGO sale, we've found a ton more Black Friday deals on cordless power tools at Amazon, Lowe's, and Best Buy.

Best Black Friday power tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dewalt Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set $99 at Amazon
$179 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

This is a classic Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal that DIY-ers have counted on for years. Even if you're not a DIY expert, a cordless drill can make you feel like one. From assembling furniture to hanging up mirrors or mounting TVs, a cordless drill like this is an essential if you own your own home.

Best Hoto tools deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hoto Hoto Precision Screwdriver Set $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth is a fan of Hoto tools, and lucky for us, Amazon has tons of tool sets from the brand on sale post Black Friday. The Hoto Precision Screwdriver Set is on sale for only $79.99, down from the standard price of $99.99. This set is a must-have if you like to tinker with tech, and it comes with some really useful extras like opening picks, a pry tool, a magnetic pad, and a suction cup. Plus, you get 26 steel precision bits.

More Hoto tools deals at AmazonLowe's Black Friday cordless power tool dealsBest Buy Black Friday cordless power tool deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Anne Hathaway lives out a pop star nightmare in Mother Mary trailer

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 16:07

Anne Hathway channels her inner pop diva in the unsettling trailer for A24's upcoming Mother Mary.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Cosmic Princess Kaguya!' trailer is nothing short of stunning

Directed by David Lowery (The Green Knight), the film introduces pop icon Mother Mary (Hathaway), who, on the eve of her big comeback performance, seeks out an enigmatic figure from her past. That figure is her former costume designer and estranged best friend Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You).

Based on the trailer, the pair begin this fateful night together at odds: Mother Mary wants a new, showstopping dress, while Sam wonders why she's come "crawling back."

Soon, though, their dress-making session morphs into something sinister. Séances, strange visions, bloody sacrifices... All that and more await Mother Mary and Sam in this psychosexual thriller.

Of course, you can't have a movie about a pop star without actual pop songs, and Mother Mary's trailer promises those in spades. The film comes with new music from Jack Antonoff, Charli XCX, and FKA Twigs, who also co-stars. Get ready for some clubby, ethereal bops, as well as concert sequences dripping with religious iconography. (She is Mother Mary, after all.)

In addition to Hathaway and Coel, Mother Mary also stars Hunter Schafer, Atheena Frizzell, Kaia Gerber, Jessica Brown Findlay, Alba Baptista, Isaura Barbé-Brown, and Sian Clifford.

Mother Mary hits theaters in spring of 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Cut the cord and save $65 on wireless CarPlay

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 16:07

TL;DR: Add this 2024 version of the Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter to compatible cars for $84.97, saving you $65 on a slim adapter that connects to your car automatically.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support (2024 Edition) $84.97
$149.99 Save $65.02   Get Deal

If your daily commute involves a tangle of charging cords and a split second of panic when your phone battery dips, this wireless adapter could make things a lot smoother for drivers who use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and want a more convenient, cable-free experience. It adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality to compatible vehicles, letting you connect automatically every time you start the car … no plugging in required.

Powered by a Qualcomm QCM2290 processor and Android 11.0, the adapter efficiently handles navigation, messaging, calls, and streaming. Sixteen gigabytes of internal storage come standard, and entertainment apps such as YouTube and Netflix arrive preinstalled for passengers. Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ensure a reliable connection, while TF card support (card not included) allows for additional storage if your needs grow.

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It’s currently priced at $84.97 (MSRP: $149.99), which saves 43% off, through Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Compatible with over 800 car models and both iOS and Android devices, this adapter covers a wide range of drivers. (It does not support vehicles with factory-installed wireless CarPlay, including select BMW, Tesla, Mazda, and Nissan models.) For those with wired CarPlay or Android Auto, it’s an efficient upgrade that doesn’t require a new head unit.

Commuters, rideshare drivers, and road trippers who depend on maps, playlists, or hands-free messaging will find this adapter a welcome addition — provided they currently use wired CarPlay or Android Auto. Automatic connection, multi-device Bluetooth support, and flexible storage make it especially useful for shared vehicles and drivers who want more from their tech.

If you’ve ever wished your dashboard felt a little more modern, this adapter makes that upgrade accessible.

Get the 2024 Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support for $84.97 through Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Netflixs People We Meet on Vacation trailer is here, Emily Henry fans

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 16:03

Alright Emily Henry fans, the trailer for Netflix's adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation has arrived, and she's an icon, she's a legend, she IS the moment.

We've got Emily Bader as Poppy and Tom Blyth as Alex, BFFs since forever who definitely aren't in love with each other, MOM! These two live in different places but reunite every summer vacation in sublime locations where sparks are incapable of remaining unflown. Friends-to-lovers? You'll have to pack your bags and see.

Directed by Hearts Beat Loud's Brett Haley and written by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo, People We Meet on Vacation is the stuff of BookTok dreams. The cast also features Molly Shannon, Alan Ruck, Jameela Jamil, Sarah Catherine Hook, Lucien Laviscount, Lukas Gage, Alice Lee, Miles Heizer, and Tommy Do.

LET'S GOOOOOOOO.

People We Meet on Vacation is streaming on Netflix Jan. 9.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the Metroid you want 90 percent of the time

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 16:00

A lot has happened in the 18 years since Metroid Prime 3: Corruption launched.

A generation-defining financial crisis, Donald Trump somehow getting elected president twice, and the entire existence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe come to mind. Most pertinent to Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, however, is the way big-budget video games have evolved. 

Unless you’re Dark Souls, it’s broadly unacceptable for players to get lost or feel too alone, two things that are generally considered key to the Metroid experience. Metroid Prime 4 feels, at times, like it’s trying to fit a square peg into a round hole; it’s got all the major ingredients you want from the series, but also small doses of quippy, overly helpful sidekicks and open-world traversal.

And the craziest part is that, dangit, it actually works pretty well. After an abrasive and uncomfortable opening hour, Metroid Prime 4 rounds into form, feeling like the Metroid Prime of old for a large majority of its 15 to 20 hour runtime. Even with the presence of chatty human NPCs, Metroid Prime 4 is a worthy addition to your Nintendo Switch 2 library, thanks to gorgeous art direction, adequately satisfying exploration, and a totally kick-ass motorcycle.

Yes, Myles McKenzie sucks

As much as I like Metroid Prime 4, it really needs to be stated that the first hour or so plays like a tribute to the “we’re so back/it’s so over” meme. 

Samus Aran’s first mainline 3D adventure since the Bush administration opens with a combat-and-setpiece-heavy intro that doesn’t really feel like Metroid. Twenty minutes later, however, Samus is walking around a desolate alien planet called Viewros that’s full of beautiful, awe-inspiring ruins of a dead civilization, which very much feels like Metroid. Before long, you’re exploring a visually resplendent jungle and acquiring new powers to aid in exploration.

And then Galactic Federation engineer Myles McKenzie enters the picture. I and many others have already covered how discordant it feels for a stumbling, bumbling, and goofy voice-acted sidekick to be in Samus’s ear for any amount of time. It flatly isn’t good, and is the primary thing holding me back from wholeheartedly praising Metroid Prime 4. There are other human NPCs you’ll meet throughout the adventure, all of whom fit into pretty basic fictional soldier archetypes. Most of them aren’t as annoying as McKenzie, but their presence is still generally a little burdensome.

Having said all of that...there are moments that are legitimately kind of charming, here and there, even if I can't always tell if they're intentional or not. I particularly enjoy how everyone around Samus thinks she's really cool (correctly so) and wants to be her friend, but all she ever does is stare at them and occasionally nod in response. That made me laugh numerous times, if nothing else.

But it’s a smooth ride after that early speed bump Some of the environments are stunning. Credit: Nintendo

I imagine some of you will read that, decide Metroid Prime 4 is beyond saving, and move on with your life. I can’t stop you. Go with God, as they say. This is a matter of personal priorities; to some, Metroid is about loneliness first and foremost. To me, it’s about seeing an odd-colored door, making a mental note of it, and coming back later when you have the weapon or item that opens said door.

If you’re like me and can grin and bear the early stages of the game, before McKenzie sets up a base camp and only sparingly chimes in over comms for the rest of its duration, you’ll find that Metroid Prime 4 is largely the Metroid Prime you remember. 

That means the overwhelming majority of your time will be spent trawling through abandoned research facilities, scanning computer terminals, finding the occasional power-up, and taking on a collection of generally excellent boss fights. When nobody is talking at you (which, I must stress, is most of the time), the sense of atmosphere is a delight, assisted by percussive music and perhaps the best visuals on Switch 2 so far, including a flawless frame rate.

I particularly liked the Ice Belt, a haunting, frozen-over facility where Samus’s arm cannon gradually gathers a coat of frost as you explore. While a couple of the areas in Prime 4 are a little more linear than I’d like, Ice Belt feels like Metroid Prime at its best, with level design that incentivizes careful observation and fun Morph Ball shortcuts that make the entire area satisfyingly fold in on itself over time. 

All of Prime 4’s bespoke levels really shine on your second run through them, once you’ve gotten all the abilities and can freely unlock every secret there is to find. I think the most fun I had with this game was when I did this, right before setting off for the climactic final confrontation. I am very pleased to report that this game still has the Metroid juice most of the time.

Zooming around the desert Vi-O-La rocks. Credit: Nintendo

That said, Metroid Prime 4 also finds time to carve out its own space in the series, and the main way it does that is through the Sol Valley, a big desert area that acts as a hub connecting the levels, and Vi-O-La, a super sick motorcycle you unlock early on to traverse the wastes.

You’ll spend a decent chunk of Prime 4 speeding across the desert, which, well, looks like a desert. I imagine this will ruffle some feathers out there, but I’m in favor of it for a few reasons. One is that Sol Valley is easily the loneliest area in the game, as it’s the one place where (for the most part) Samus is free to operate at her leisure without needing to link up with any of her new allies. Vi-O-La itself is also a lot of fun to drive, especially once you unlock auxiliary boost charges that let you really zoom around the place.

Yes, a lot of it is empty, though that doesn’t mean it’s without secrets to find. I actually dig this because I’m a sucker for vast spaces in games where every inch isn’t necessarily meant to be interacted with. So often, video game worlds feel like theme parks where everything exists for the enjoyment of the player. Sol Valley uses its big empty spaces to communicate the desolation that Viewros has suffered pretty well, I think. As a bonus, even though it’s shaped like an open-world map, it’s mostly bereft of the kind of map icon vomit you’d find in something like Assassin’s Creed. There aren’t a million disposable side activities and collectibles here. When you find something, it really feels like you’ve found something.

It’s also a cleaner way to link together the various levels than in Prime 3, a game whose various zones felt disconnected from one another. Everything feels fairly contiguous here, even if it’s not quite as Metroid-y as the elevator-based travel in the original Prime. 

It doesn’t approach the OG Metroid Prime, but that’s fine Look at the frost on the gun. Credit: Nintendo

One detail that might drag Prime 4 down in the eyes of some players is that it’s not the first game, which is legitimately one of the finest 3D action-adventure games ever made. That’s a really lofty and, I would argue, unfair standard to hold anything to, especially considering the rocky development cycle Prime 4 went through. 

I am here to tell you that Prime 4 is not as good as the original. It’s not as lonely and the level design isn’t quite as elaborate. I have a couple of other small quibbles, too, like a relative lack of cool suit changes and the fact that too many of the abilities you unlock are things that have been in previous Metroid games.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. It’s easy and reasonable to be apprehensive about the first Prime game in nearly two decades. I get it, I really do, especially considering the pre-release whiplash of finding out Myles McKenzie exists. But if you can find it within yourself to give Prime 4 an earnest shot, like I did, you might just find that hopping into Samus’s power suit is every bit as enjoyable as it was on the GameCube and Wii. 

It’s good to have Samus back, if nothing else.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on Dec. 4.

Categories: IT General, Technology

When Spotify Wrapped 2025 comes out, how to view it

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 15:25

Do you even have good taste in music if you can't share it online?

If you're a Spotify user, of course, that's not really a concern: It's become a yearly tradition to share your music taste with Spotify Wrapped. As we inch toward the end of October, Wrapped should be coming soon. That means you'll be able to share your taste, top songs, favorite albums, and most beloved artists with all of your friends, whether they want to see it or not.

To be clear, the 2025 version of Wrapped hasn't been released yet, but the wait shouldn't be too long. Here's what we know.

When will Spotify Wrapped be released?

The short answer is: We don't know, exactly. The slightly longer answer is: We don't know, but we have an educated guess when it will be.

Last year, Wrapped dropped on Wednesday, Dec. 4. That was the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. In 2023, it was released on Wednesday, Nov. 29. That was — you guessed it — the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving.

Should the pattern hold, that means 2025 Spotify Wrapped would be released on Wednesday, Dec. 3. That's not a guarantee, by any means, but you can likely expect Wrapped to drop around that time, at the very least.

SEE ALSO: Why artists are leaving Spotify — and how you can, too How to view Spotify Wrapped

It shouldn't be difficult to find your Wrapped on the day it releases.

You'll likely get a notification letting you know it's ready. The Spotify app, typically speaking, also places a banner or section within your homepage that is hard to miss. Should all that fail, you can also head to the Wrapped section on Spotify's website.

The internet will certainly love the day Wrapped drops, but for now, we're still left waiting.

Categories: IT General, Technology

EVs made speed cheap, but they ruined the fun of driving

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 15:00

Driving used to be something more than just a way to get from one place to another. Just taking a drive down to the store could be an exciting experience in the right car. The so-called "driver's car", which emphasizes feedback and responsiveness to your inputs was a great way to forget about your dull 9-5 life. For those who cared about such things, there were plenty of choices at every budget level. These days? I'm starting to doubt that a true driver's car even exists anymore in any form.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple Music Replay 25 is more personal than ever

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 15:00

2025 is nearly over, and it's the time of the year when music streaming services compete to create the best overview of your yearly music journey.

Today, Apple Music launched its Apple Music Replay '25, and as always, the company is highlighting the facts that it's more personal than ever.

Having seen a demo beforehand, I do have to agree. Yes, it's still a replay of your favorite artists, albums, and songs of the year, with some data sprinkled on top, telling you how many minutes you've spent listening to music, or the number of artists you listened to.

SEE ALSO: Apple was a role model, until it wasn't

However, you'll also find out which were the new artists that you discovered this year; which artists you kept coming back to, and which artists made a comeback into your rotation.

And, of course, you get a playlist with all your favorite songs of the year inside, as well as your monthly Replay highlights. Finally, if you want to listen to all of the songs you've played the most since joining Apple Music, you can do so in the Replay All Time playlist.

That's a lot of minutes played. Credit: Apple

Not everything will show up for every user, making the experience a bit adventure-like. The Replay and all the accompanying playlists and experiences can be accessed in the Home tab in Apple Music.

Alongside the personalized Replay, Apple also revealed its 2025 year-end charts; this time, the chart is topped by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ unavoidable hit “APT.”

Finally, Apple added some new experiences for the artists, which also get a replay of their own, showing them new metrics such as listenership growth, and year-over-year performance summaries.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Netflixs Cosmic Princess Kaguya! trailer is nothing short of stunning

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 14:17

Shingo Yamashita's Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is hitting Netflix in January, and judging by the above trailer, we're in for an absolute treat.

It's the Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 opening sequence director's feature debut, set in the dazzling, music-fuelled world of Tsukuyomi. According to Netflix's Tudum, the anime film is inspired by Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.

In the trailer, former moon resident Kaguya (voiced by Yuko Natsuyoshi) befriends Earthling, songwriter, and student Iroha (Anna Nagase). Not wanting to return to her lunar home, Kaguya instead wants to become a top idol and streamer, specifically in the virtual realm of Tsukuyomi. There, she meets "the diva of Tsukuyomi," Yachiyo (Saori Hayami), who sings Cosmic Princess Kaguya!'s main theme "Ex-Otogibanashi" ("Ex-Fairy Tale"), composed for the movie by Vocaloid producer ryo (supercell).

SEE ALSO: 20 best anime series on Netflix to watch right now

How will Kaguya reach her dream? By singing one of Iroha's compositions, the HoneyWorks-written "Watashiha Watashinokotoga Suki" ("I like who I am"), which you hear a snippet of in the trailer. And Vocaloid fans, you can also expect songs by kz (livetune), Aqu3ra, yuigot, and 40mP in the movie too.

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is streaming on Netflix on Jan. 22.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your Google Drive is a disaster—here's how to fix it in just one afternoon

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 14:15

Google Drive is a storage solution, but most of us treat it like a digital junk drawer. Files end up in random folders, duplicates stack up, and finding anything becomes a pain. The good news? With a bit of cleanup, you can sort out the clutter and tidy up your storage in just one afternoon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best new movies and shows on Prime Video in December 2025

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 14:00

This is it, the last month of 2025, and you know what that means—Prime Video's new Originals lineup for December is heavy on the holiday-themed stuff, with a dusting of other intriguing titles to take the chill off the colder weather.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 2, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 13:54

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you don't have a dirty mouth.

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.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 2, 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: An estimate

  • Green: Profanity alternatives

  • Blue: Baseball mascots

  • Purple: Household nicknames

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Approximate

  • Green: Mild oaths

  • Blue: MLB player

  • Purple: Family member nickname plus a letter

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 #905 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Approximate: BALLPARK, BROAD, GENERAL, ROUGH

  • Mild oaths: FRICK, FUDGE, SHOOT, SUGAR

  • MLB player: ANGEL, MET, RAY, ROYAL

  • Family member nickname plus a letter: BROW, DADA, MOMA, SISI

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 2, 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 yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for December 2, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 13:54

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love bugs.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 2, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 2, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: On the web

The words are related to bugs.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe eight-legged bugs.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Spiders.

NYT Strands word list for December 2

  • Jumping

  • Recluse

  • Tarantula

  • Spiders

  • Widow

  • Huntsman

  • House

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 2, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 12/02/2025 - 13:54

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 2, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 2, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Thorny plants.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter C appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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...

CACTI

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 2, 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 yesterday's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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