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October's barely off the starting line and Netflix has already got a dozen new documentaries and docuseries on the grid for U.S. subscribers. If you caught those Formula 1 racing references, then there's something particularly great in store for you below.

Home hubs are essential in a modern home, and it makes sense to get a current model with the latest features. Amazon's latest Echo Show 11 is one of the best choices because it has a vivid display, amazing sound quality, and access to the latest AI-powered Alexa+ voice assistant. It's also available at an unbeatable price with 40% off with a limited-time Amazon deal.

Nvidia might have released the Shield TV Pro in 2019, but even that device isn't immune to market pressure. The company has raised the price of the Shield TV Pro to $300, a $100 hike.

TL;DR: Amazon has launched a $100 Kindle Sling Bag with SCAD students, complete with a Kindle-inspired keychain and wristlet stand.

Kindle Sling Bag, SCAD Designer Collection $99.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon

Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, retailers (and Amazon itself) are trying to grab everyone's attention with new product drops.

This week, Amazon opened preorders for a $99.99 version of its Kindle Sling Bag, designed in collaboration with students at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). It comes in dune and cinder (which are basically just cream and black) and is set to ship Oct. 28.

SEE ALSO: I tested all of Amazon's e-readers, and this is the best Kindle to buy

It's made from GRS-certified recycled leather with 59 percent recycled content — if that helps you feel a little better about paying top dollar for what's essentially just a crossbody purse. The biggest difference between this and the original sling bag Amazon released last November is functionality: the new one includes a wristlet stand that props your Kindle up on any flat surface, plus a small Kindle-shaped charm.

It fits standard Kindles, the Kindle Aluminum, Paperwhite, and Colorsoft. (Note: It's not compatible with the Kindle Scribe or Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.)

Aside from being the family tech support guy, my job also has me testing a lot of software and operating systems. I end up installing a new OS every couple of weeks, whether I'm testing Linux, troubleshooting a PC, or working on one of my articles. That means I have to rely on a bootable USB tool pretty regularly.

The Star Trek universe is huge and full of different media. I've watched the shows, played the video games, read a ton of the novels (Star Trek: Titan is a personal favorite), and have even written about Trek-related songs. Since this year is the series' 60th Anniversary, I thought I'd celebrate with these tech-related StarTrek hobbies.

For over three months, I have been running 12 speed tests per day every single day. It's added up to over 1,200 tests spanning over 100 days, using nearly 2.5TB of data. What did I learn from this endeavor? Actually, way more than I imagined I would.

Losing cell service mid-drive is a big deal because it can mess with your maps, music, and a whole lot of other things, and then you're stuck looking at the screen instead of the road. Most people don't notice how much Android Auto leans on the internet until they're staring at a frozen screen somewhere outside coverage. The good news is that you can prepare and use your apps in places where you have no reception, as long as you know where to look.

TL;DR: Ninja is launching the Ninja PREPi Precision-Powered Prep and Store System — a compact 5-in-1 device built to chop, purée, slice, shred, and cut french fries directly into a serve-and-store container.

Ninja PREPi $229.99 at SharkNinja
  Shop Now at SharkNinja

If you are tired of spending half your paycheck on mediocre takeaway salads, Ninja wants a word. The appliance brand known for cluttering up your counter in the best way possible is officially dropping its next kitchen fix — the Ninja PREPi Precision-Powered Prep + Store System, retailing for $229.99.

Designed specifically for cramped apartments, tiny counters, and tight cabinet space, the PREPi packs full-size food processing muscle into a footprint that won't swallow your entire kitchen. Instead of dragging out three different chopping boards and dirtying half a dozen plastic containers, this compact unit lets you process, serve, and snap a lid on to store your food in the same container.

SEE ALSO: The best early October Prime Day kitchen deals: We found live deals Ninja and Keurig deals worth grabbing

Powering the device is a 500-watt motor capable of handling heavy-duty food preparation without stalling. The system relies on a versatile set of attachments, starting with a single Chop & Purée blade that handles everything from coarse salsa prep to smooth dips without making you swap parts midway through. A reversible disc handles uniform slicing on one side and flips over for shredding cheese or veggies on the other.

For fry lovers, the PREPi includes a dedicated French fry disc that lets you drop a whole potato down its three-part feed chute and spit out perfectly even, air-fryer-ready cuts in a few seconds flat. If you pick up the PN351 model, you also get a built-in dicing kit for fast, uniform salad prep.

Welcome to October. It's spooky season, and we have a new Halloween-themed show for you to watch this weekend. It's a dramedy involving teenage witches coming to Disney+ and Hulu. As for the non-spooky shows to watch this weekend, a new thriller starring an Academy Award-winning actress premieres on AMC+.

Mac minis with Apple Silicon are some of the best compact desktop computers on the market, but their Intel-based predecessors aren't ready for the landfill just yet. While they're too old to get new versions of macOS and too feeble to use as your main PC, they still have enough fuel in their tanks to work as home servers. Put Linux on one, start self-hosting, and you'll be able to save wads of cash you're now spending on various subscriptions.

Filmmaker Erin Lee Carr has made her mark with such mesmerizing documentaries as Mommy Dead & Dearest, I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth V. Michelle Carter, Britney v. Spears, and Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara. Now, she's tackling one of the most shocking reality TV series of the 2000s with The Swan: Behind The Mirror.

Sitting down with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko in the Say More studio, Carr shared how she created a space for the swans to speak out, rewriting their narratives along the way. When she signed on to helm the project, it was important to her that empowerment be part of the story. Not only did she include every contestant who wanted to participate, but she also gathered the flock of swans for a reunion to celebrate their resilience and beauty (inside and out).

Together, they also dig into some of the doc's most WTF reveals, including the nude photos that plastic surgeon Dr. Randal Haworth still has of the Season 2 contestants. Plus, Carr reflects on how she's grown a deep well of empathy that has been central to her work in documentary, whether talking to coerced reality TV stars or convicted killers.

The Swan: Behind the Mirror is now streaming on Hulu.

If you've been staring at Excel all week at work, the last thing you probably want to do this weekend is open another spreadsheet. Except Excel gets surprisingly interesting when you connect it to other things. This weekend, put that idea to the test with three projects that take Excel somewhere a little different.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a lender.

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 2 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:

High interest.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter U appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter U.

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...

USURY

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 today's Wordle.

If you're heading outside tonight, don't forget to look up. The Moon is still very much visible in its current position in the lunar cycle, so, if the sky is clear, try and spot some craters or mares.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, Oct. 2, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase, with 64% of its surface visible.

With just your naked eye, tonight you can see the Mare Vaporum, the Oceanus Procellarum, and the Kepler Crater. If you have binoculars, you can also spot the Alps Mountains and the Alphonsus and Gassendi Craters. Finally, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 12 and 15 landing spots, plus the Rima Ariadaeus.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on October 25 or 26, depending on your timezone.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth, and as it moves through this cycle, we see different amounts of its sunlit side from here. That's what creates the Moon's different phases, from a thin crescent through to a half Moon and, eventually, the Full Moon. Once it reaches the Full Moon, the cycle starts over again. NASA explains that the phase we see depends on the Moon's position in relation to Earth and the Sun.

The eight phases are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAVE OVER $80: As of Oct. 2, the Bluetti Elite 10 Mini portable power station is down to $112.99 on Amazon. That's $86.01 off its full price of $199.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 10 Mini Portable Power Station $112.99 at Amazon
$199 Save $86.01   Get Deal

Power stations have been among the many early deals we've spotted at Amazon ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. If you've been hoping to find a portable pick for battery backup, there's no need to wait for the sale to start. The tiny but mighty Bluetti Elite 10 Mini is already 43% off at the retailer.

As of Oct. 2, this discount has dropped the Elite 10 Mini's price from $199 to $112.99, saving you just over $80. It may not be at its lowest-ever price on Amazon (that was $107), but it's certainly very close. If you've been looking for a very compact power station to keep everyday items charged up, this deal is well worth jumping on.

SEE ALSO: 35+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Echo Dot, Bose, Lego, and Fire TV

The Elite 10 Mini is a very compact portable power station. It weighs just 4lbs and can easily fit in a backpack, making it perfect for traveling. And speaking of travel, it's also flight-approved. Since it has a 128Wh capacity, it falls within the 100–160Wh range and can be brought on most major airlines, so long as you have prior approval.

Alongside the 128Wh capacity, this power station also features a 200W AC outlet, 100W USB-C fast charging, two 15W USB-A ports, one 15W USB-C port, and a 12V DC output. It can power up a variety of everyday items — such as laptops, drones, or cameras — so you don't have to worry about them running out of juice while you're on the go.

The power station has three charging methods, so you can give it a boost through 150W AC charging, 100W solar charging, or 100W car charging via the cigarette lighter.

This offer on the Bluetti Elite 10 Mini may not be available for long, so be quick to save at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)

If smartwatches have one weakness compared to regular watches, it's their short lifespan. Most have promised only a few years of software support, and they're dependent on companion apps that can stop working at any time. But there are alternative companion apps out there that can keep your watches running longer and safeguard your privacy in the process.

SAVE $400: As of Oct. 2, the LG 55-Inch Gallery TV with Frame is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon. That's $400 off its full price of $1,299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-Inch Gallery TV with Frame QNED AI LX7B Series Mini LED Smart TV $899.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $400   Get Deal

Amazon's second Prime Day event of the year, Prime Big Deal Days, is coming up fast on Oct. 6. That's just next Tuesday, if you're counting down the days.

If you're hoping to buy a new TV from the sale, you're in luck, as the retailer already has a promising selection on sale ahead of time. The LG 55-Inch Gallery TV with Frame is one of them: For a limited time, it has been discounted to $899.99.

Overall, this offer saves you $400 compared to paying its full price of $1,299.99, which is a pretty exciting deal if you've been eyeing up this art TV for your home. Plus, it comes with a snow-white attachable frame to surround it, so you can complete its artsy display for your home.

SEE ALSO: 35+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Echo Dot, Bose, Lego, and Fire TV

With that sleek frame around it, this LG TV is transformed from a standard screen into wall art. When you're not watching something on it, you can choose from over 5,000 pieces of art to show off. Its matte display helps prevent annoying glare caused by windows and lights, which is a benefit to the art as much as it is to the regular display when you're watching a movie or show.

4K resolution, QNED Color, and Mini LEDs come together to create a sharp, vibrant picture with deep contrast. It even comes with an auto-brightness control feature that senses the room's lighting and adjusts the screen brightness so you can see everything clearly. On top of that, it's a smart TV powered by Google Gemini, so it's quick and easy to access your favorite streaming services.

If an art TV has been on your radar, this is an excellent opportunity to save on the LG 55-Inch Gallery TV with Frame at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)

Jimmy Kimmel has made many jokes about Trump appearing to fall asleep at events, but the most recent occasion gave him the perfect joke setup.

"The president right now is working very hard to right the ship that definitely isn't sinking," says Kimmel in the clip. "Trump held an event yesterday to triumphantly announce a $54 billion investment in natural gas."

Cue footage of Trump with his eyes closed in a room full of men taking turns to praise him, offering Kimmel the ideal joke setup: "Only Donald Trump would fall asleep during a press conference with the Secretary of Energy."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Thermal printers are mostly used in retail to produce receipts, since they don’t need to be super high quality, don’t consume ink, and can print quickly. But it turns out you can adapt them for use in your own projects with a little time and an ESP32.