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The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you like shoes.

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 November 5, 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: Shoe-related

• Green: Floral

• Blue: Similar shapes

• Purple: Nearly alcohol

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Kinds of heels

• Green: Flowers

• Blue: Teardrop-shaped things

• Purple: Liquors with last letters changed

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 #1243 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Kinds of heels: KITTEN, PLATFORM, SPIKE, WEDGE

• Flowers: ANEMONE, LOTUS, NARCISSUS, ROSE

• Teardrop-shaped things: PEAR, RAINDROP, SPEEDBAG UVULA

• Liquors with last letters changed: BRANDO, GIG, RUN, WHISKER

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 today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you work like wordplay.

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 November 5, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Handle with care

The words are connected by a word.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are parts of expressions that use the word "break."

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Give me a break.

NYT Strands word list for November 5

• Faith

• Ground

• Bread

• Wind

• Dancing

• Give me a break

• Character

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 today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you've ever seen a drought.

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 November 5, 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:

Dry.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No letters appear twice.

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 P.

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...

PARCH

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.

ChatGPT will now allow users to make GIFs from text prompts or uploaded images. The new feature is powered by Images 2.6, OpenAI's latest AI image generation model, unveiled on Wednesday.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI is making a major change to ChatGPT interface

Rolling out globally to ChatGPT and coding tool Codex today, Images 2.6 enables users to either describe the GIF they would like it to generate or upload an image to be animated. Users can also upload a rough drawing, and have the AI model to generate a more complete version to animate.

Once generated, The Verge reports that ChatGPT's new feature will allow users to adjust the GIF's animation speed, as well as view and edit individual frames. OpenAI stated in a since-deleted X post that users can also have Images 2.6 save their uploaded pictures to be reused as prompts in the future.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: @ChatGPT via X

Significantly, Images 2.6's GIF-generating capability is not an AI video generator. Instead, OpenAI suggested that Images 2.6 can be used to create animated storyboards or to "explore character movement before video production." OpenAI discontinued its AI video generation app Sora earlier this year. The Wall Street Journal reported that it had few users and lost the company approximately $1 million per day.

OpenAI appears to have largely focused its visual AI generation models on still images since then. However, the launch of Images 2.6 suggests it may be flirting with moving pictures once more. Last month, OpenAI launched Intelligent UI, a new ChatGPT feature that allows users to generate interactive visual interfaces.

Credit: OpenAI

According to OpenAI, Images 2.6 also generates images 50 percent faster than its previous model, Images 2.5. Generation is still likely to take a moment, though. The company says that its speed-focused GPT‑Image‑2.6 Flare model can generate an image in about six seconds, provided its quality is set to low. OpenAI's GPT‑Image‑2.6 Flare and GPT‑Image‑2.6 Sunburst models are rolling out in the company's API.

Images 2.6 is available now across all of ChatGPT and Codex's subscription tiers.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Bluetti is making 2026 one of their best years yet. On top of launching the compact Elite 100 mini, the brand new Apex 200 is something special. It's both a powerful model for at-home backup during a storm, and also worth taking on RV trips. And if you're feeling strong, it could be awesome at the campground.

Credit: Bluetti

The Bluetti Apex 200 just launched on Nov. 4, but the brand is already offering a $300 discount that can be combined with an extra 5% off with code MASHABLE5OFF. That brings the price down from the standard $1,399 to a more comfortable $1,044. Keep in mind the sale with additional 5% discount is set to expire on Nov. 18.

Features of the Bluetti Apex 200

In my ranking of the best portable power stations, I mentioned the Bluetti Apex 300 as a great model for whole-home backup. That's still true, but the versatility of the Apex 200 is exception, and that might make it a better option for some homes.

One of the largest differences between the 300 and the new Apex 200 is battery capacity. The Apex 200 has a smaller capacity of 2,560Wh, but that also means it's lightweight, smaller, and easier to carry.

Credit: Bluetti

On top of this, the Apex 200 has more port versatility. It comes with three standard AC ports, two USB-C, two USB-A, and a 30A. Those ports will be ideal during an outage to keep the refrigerator running, lights on, and phones charged up — all from the same power station.

But if you're thinking you might need more power, rest assured the Apex 200 has major expansion ability. You can combine it with up to six B500K expansion batteries to max out at a major 33.28kWh. Keep in mind Bluetti says the Apex 200 with two B500K expansion batteries should keep most homes charged up with essentials for about two to three days.

Credit: Bluetti

Bluetti also made it possible to recharge the Apex 200 giant solar power. It can handle up to 3,000W of solar input. If you're able to capture 3,000W from solar, the Apex 200 can recharge in about 1.7 hours. Of course, you can also go with standard AC recharging, a gas generator, or the car.

How to buy the Bluetti Apex 200

The Bluetti Apex 200 is already available to buy on the Bluetti site. Order before Nov. 19 and use code MASHABLE5OFF to get the power station for $1,044, down from the list price of $1,399. We'll keep an eye on Amazon availability and potential sale prices.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Apex 200 $1,044 at Bluetti
$1,399 Save $355 use code MASHABLE5OFF Get Deal at Bluetti

Microsoft has bloated Windows with so many features, yet I probably don't use half of them. On the one hand, they are of no use. On the other hand, these features take up my PC resources and, even worse, can be a threat to my privacy. Windows' OneDrive Folder Backup is one such feature I recently uncovered.

If you're an Android user, there's a good chance you're reading this in Chrome. It comes preinstalled, and most people don't have a reason to switch. But Chrome for Android actually comes in four flavors, and the other three have specific purposes. You can even run them all together.

Most people print using PLA filament, and some like to use ABS for its strength properties, but you don't hear much about the use of PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified.) Yet, this material has many excellent qualities to recommend it.

With a heavy dose of 2000s nostalgia and a premise that feels like a Total Request Live parody, MP3 has dropped on Dropout, bringing with it a trio of wacky music videos each week. While the show is being touted as Dropout's first scripted show in seven years, Paul F. Tompkins assures fans of the streaming comedy platform that there's still plenty of improv in the mix. 

"We shot it sort of Curb Your Enthusiasm style," said the comedian, who's previously appeared on Dropout shows like Game Changer and Very Important People. He explained that show creators Zach Reino and Jess McKenna gave Tompkins and co-stars Jeremy Culhane, Aparna Nancherla, and Skye Townsend an outline of each episode. "It's like: Here are the scenes. Here's what we want to get to, and then we have so much room to play within that. It's nice to have that. Like, improv is fun, but it is nice to have that sort of safety net underneath you."

In a Zoom interview with Tompkins, Nancherla, and Townsend, Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko learned the origins of MP3's goofy VJs, and how Culhane got kisses from a comedy icon. 

MP3 lets its cast build their characters. 

MP3 centers around an unusual father-son team of former boy band member Dane Cartel (Culhane), who's hosted Music Presentation 3 for years, and his father, MP3 director Thomas Cartel (Tompkins). But recently Thomas has brought in two new co-hosts, the dryly odd Chia (Nancherla), and the ever-chipper Dr. Muse-Tina (Townsend), which is causing on-set tensions and shenanigans.

Townsend (Black Lady Sketch Show) explained how Reino and McKenna allowed her a lot of creative input into Dr. Muse-Tina's look. 

The origin of Dr. Muse-Tina, from her baby bangs to her bleached eyebrows, braces, and beyond. Skye Townsend plays Dr. Muse-Tina in Dropout's new show, "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

"Everybody brought on board was brought on board with trust, and they just let us play," she said of the production. "The name was established and her origin story, that she has lived a life that's unbelievable, but possibly she did everything she said," Townsend explained. 

From there, Townsend offered a look into her vision of the character with a visual aid. "I love to do mood boards," she shared, "And so coming in, I just did a full mood board with, like, a bio and like — what do her teeth look like? Here are three different options for her mouth. Can she get rid of her eyebrows? And if not, can they be bleach blonde?... Then, the first day of work, when we tested hair and makeup, I saw the mood board sitting there. And I was like, 'Oh my God, we're doing it!' They put on the wig and they cut the [baby] bangs, and they just kept getting shorter… I was blown away by the fact that they were like, 'Hey, if this is how you envisioned her, go crazy.'"

But what does Dr. Muse-Tina's big, bold look mean to Townsend? She said, "This is a person where her confidence and her excitement for life, she just wants to rock it. And so I think, like, there was just never too much for this character… It just makes her so chaotic, because she's supposed to be this person who has lived the wildest life ever, and it shows on the aesthetic."

Aparna Nancherla pulled personal inspiration into Chia.  Skye Townsend, Aparna Nancherla, and Jeremy Culhane co-host Dropout's new show, "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

Puchko pointed out that the workman's jumpsuit Nancherla wears in the first episode of MP3 is similar to the one the comedian wore in her Dropout stand-up special, Hopeful Potato. Nancherla confirmed, "A lot of the wardrobe was, like, from my own wardrobe. So, for Chia, [it] was kind of like, where does Aparna end and Chia begin? And there is some overlap, but there's also a lot about Chia that I think is a question mark, and that was kind of fun to explore. Like, I feel like I discovered a lot as we were shooting of, like, who is this person? How did she end up here? I think that was a really fun thing, because that really leans into the improv of it all — just, like, kind of figuring it out as you go."

To that end, when asked what Nancherla makes of Chia describing herself as a "noise professor," the comedian offered, "I think it's someone who is just very completely, like, enamored and at the same time flummoxed by the idea of sound."

Paul F. Tompkins plays against expectations in MP3.  Paul F. Tompkins plays Thomas Cartel in "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

In the first episode of MP3, Thomas Cartel is established as a loving but stern father to a nepo baby ex-boy bander, and a director who makes casting decisions on Hinge dates. His look, which includes a Kangol hat and a soul patch, reads skeevy, but there's more to Thomas than meets the eye. 

"What's interesting to me about this character," Tompkins said, "is that he absolutely looks like the most disgusting person, an overaged club guy who still thinks he's very cool-looking. But there's nothing in his personality that suggests he was in any way problematic. That he was just in a boy band, and that was fun. And then he decided to start a record label, and now it's a TV show, and isn't that fun too? And now his son's doing it. So, he's like this kind of sweet middle-aged dad who looks like a guy you would cross the street from if you saw him walking towards [you]." 

Tompkins reveals how Culhane brought "kisses" into MP3.  Jeremy Culhane plays Dane Cartel in "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

One sign of Thomas' non-toxic masculinity is his unreserved affection for Dane. Sure, the two quarrel on set. But they make up when Dane requests kisses, and Thomas delivers a concentrated flurry on his son's forehead.  

"I gotta say, that got established so early on," Tompkins recalled. "It was one of the first exchanges that Jeremy and I had. He just went 'Kisses,' and I was like, 'Yes, kisses.' And then he leaned forward, and I just I decided, Okay, yes, it's got to be one million rapid-fire kisses on his forehead, and this is something that they do all the time to reset their relationship."

For more on MP3, look for Mashable's full Say More interview with Tompkins, Nancherla, and Townsend on Friday. Plus, we've got an upcoming interview with MP3 creators Zach Reino and Jess McKenna coming your way. 

How to watch: The first episode of MP3 is now streaming on Dropout. New episodes will roll out every two weeks through the season finale on Dec. 2.

As Home Assistant users, we’re spoiled by the project’s clockwork release cycle that sees a new major release arrive every month without fail. But not all updates are built equal, and November 2026 brings a very special community effort into the core release.

Binance is now sharing more information about the major hack that resulted in $6.3 billion being stolen from the crypto exchange last week.

The cryptocurrency company previously called the incident a "security issue" and a third-party research firm traced the crime back to a nefarious North Korean hacking group.

Now, we know more about the security issue from a recent public statement from Binance detailing what happened. What led to more than $6 billion being stolen? Hackers utilized social engineering tactics on a Binance employee by pretending to interview them for a fake job at another company.

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According to Binance, the company had "detected and prevented" dozens of attacks from North Korean actors throughout 2026. One such attack occurred when a Binance engineer downloaded a malicious Homebrew installer while attempting to install a popular AI coding tool they had found through a search engine. While the Binance team prevented this attack from succeeding, the incident revealed the engineer's role and the identities of their colleagues on Binance's wallet infrastructure team to the hackers.

In September, a different Binance engineer was contacted through a job-hunting platform and went through multiple interview rounds for a company that turned out to be nonexistent. After building trust with the engineer, the hacker posing as an employee at the fake company asked the Binance engineer to download an assignment as part of the interview process. This download included malicious code.

SEE ALSO: Binance hack update: How the $6.3 billion crypto hack happened

The hacker took control of the Binance engineer's computer and used it to access the first engineer's system as well as a third Binance employee's computer. Days before Halloween, the attacker accessed the third engineer's computer using credentials stolen from the first engineer to launch the attack that led to the theft of more than $6 billion.

Fake job interview scams have flourished in recent years. This recent Binance hack is just the latest, and perhaps biggest, such incident.

With that said, it is a concerning cybersecurity failure on Binance's end. Hackers were able to steal billions by essentially compromising a single computer by tricking one employee.

In total, $6.34 billion in digital assets were affected. Binance says $2.85 billion in digital assets have been "frozen or intercepted."

Binance has said it will "absorb the financial impact" and reimburse its users for the stolen funds.

Imagine this scenario. You see a movie on Netflix and save it to your My List. One week later, the calendar changes, and the movie you saved is no longer available on Netflix. It's a common problem that many, including myself, have faced.

Nathan Fielder's Elizabeth Holmes documentary has found its next audience, and they have a pretty good excuse for missing a theatrical screening.

A24 says You Can See Everything, directed by Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, is heading to the International Space Station after NASA requested permission to show it there. The orbiting research station is home to astronauts who live and work roughly 250 miles above Earth.

The studio announced the news on social media on Wednesday, Nov. 4, posting an image from the film beneath a cropped email with the subject line "FWD: [EXTERNAL] NASA Request for Private Viewing." The caption? "Request granted. You Can See Everything coming soon to @ISS," A24 wrote. There's no screening date yet, but the astronauts' movie-night options appear to be expanding.

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For anyone still catching up here on Earth, the documentary opened in U.S. theaters on Oct. 16. It begins with Holmes inviting a film crew to follow her during the 34 days before she reported to prison in 2023, then expands into a three-year project. The Theranos founder was convicted of defrauding investors in 2022, after her blood-testing startup's promises unraveled. (Amanda Seyfried played her in Hulu's The Dropout if that rings a bell.)

The film has been a critical and commercial hit, earning over $64 million in North America as of Nov. 4.

SEE ALSO: Why you can't see 'You Can See Everything' (and when that might change)

Now, the film is preparing to reach viewers in orbit, all while audiences in some countries are still waiting for it to reach their local cinema.

"Got it in space before Europe" commented one user on A24's Instagram post, while another added, "Wow so literally sent the movie to space but not to Mexico." Others made a more direct appeal to the studio: "You can literally watch it in space before London, think of the Brits won't youuuuuuu." "and australia still has to wait," wrote a user on X. Another questioned the studio's priorities: "Bro what are you bragging about? You can't even cover 10% of the Earth yet..."

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

The announcement also got people pitching Fielder’s next project. One Instagram user referenced The Rehearsal in which "Nathan recreates the moon landing by actually landing on the moon." Considering the logistics of this screening, perhaps A24 could put in a good word.

For everyone still waiting, A24's comments section is open. Its nearest screening, however, may require astronaut training.

TL;DR: Just $49.97 (reg. $249.99) gets you Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus. Offer ends Nov. 8.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97
$249.99 Save $200.02   Get Deal

Your spreadsheets may be a recurring responsibility, but it doesn’t have to be a recurring payment. Through Nov. 8, Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows is $49.97 (reg. $249.99) for a lifetime license on one PC.

The suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access, covering documents, spreadsheets, presentations, email, notes, and databases. That means you can draft a proposal, organize the numbers behind it, and build the presentation without assembling a collection of separate tools.

Office 2024 Professional Plus emphasizes stable, consistent functionality rather than frequent feature changes. When you’ve finally figured out your workflow, there’s something appealing about software that lets you stick with it. That focus also makes it suited to organizations working in regulated industries or restricted environments.

A streamlined interface includes dark mode support, while advanced data analysis and database management tools help with more demanding business tasks. Built-in security and compliance capabilities round out a package designed for dependable everyday work.

Before buying, check the licensing details. This offer covers one Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, and the license is tied to that device, not your Microsoft account. It does not work on Mac or macOS devices.

Get Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows for just $49.97 through Nov. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Just $39.97 gives you five years of AdGuard VPN plus lifetime AdGuard Family Plan, only through Nov. 8.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite $39.97
$439.39 Save $399.42   Get Deal

A less cluttered browser and a more private connection solve different problems — but you can address both with one purchase. The AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite is only $39.97 (reg. $439.39) through Nov. 8, pairing a five-year VPN subscription with lifetime access to the AdGuard Family Plan. Here’s what each part brings to your browsing routine.

5 years of AdGuard VPN

• Encrypted connection helps keep your internet traffic secure while you browse, stream, and download.

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• More than 60 server locations worldwide

• Unlimited data: Stream and download without a data allowance to keep checking.

• No-logs policy

• Available across platforms, including iOS, Android, and Google Chrome.

AdGuard Family Plan lifetime subscription

• Ad blocking targets intrusive banners, pop-ups, and video ads, so pages have fewer distractions.

• Use on up to 9 devices

• Privacy protection limits trackers and activity analyzers that follow your browsing.

• Malware and phishing protection to protect against harmful websites and attempts to steal personal information.

• Parental controls: Restrict access to inappropriate and adult content for younger users.

• Supports Android and iOS devices.

• Includes continuous updates and new features without another payment for the Family Plan.

Get the AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite for a one-time $39.97 payment (reg. $439.39) through Nov. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Hours before polls closed on Tuesday, news broke that Google effectively refused to turn off AI search for every school in America that uses its classroom products. 

The controversial development proved a surprisingly fitting prelude to the revelation that voters actually care a lot about artificial intelligence. 

Exit polling showed bipartisan concern over AI and data centers. In NBC News' national exit poll, 65 percent of Democrats and 39 percent of Republicans said both topics were a crucial or major factor for their Congressional ballot. 

SEE ALSO: Every historic win in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections

Voters ultimately approved more than 40 measures to slow or ban data center growth. Candidates calling for AI regulation, like Michigan senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed and South Carolina senator-elect Dr. Annie Andrews, defeated Republican competitors who championed AI. 

Experts say this midterm thrashing of Republicans is a rebuke of their pro-AI policies, along with the Silicon Valley executives who aligned themselves with President Donald Trump or donated hundreds of millions of dollars to help the GOP. 

"Voters have had enough: they want strong and effective guardrails now, and they’re demanding accountability," Michael Kleinman, head of US policy for the Future of Life Institute, said in a statement. "The AI reckoning is here." 

The AI backlash had been brewing

Though some Republicans initially seemed determined to wave off voter sentiment about AI, the angst was clear as early as May 2025 when the One Big Beautiful Bill Act included language that would ban states from regulating AI. One survey found registered voters overwhelmingly disliked the moratorium. Even former Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene opposed it.  

The measure was dropped from that legislation, but the Trump administration didn't stop trying to prohibit states from regulating AI. In Dec. 2025, Trump signed an executive order that would, among other things, punish states for passing "onerous" AI laws by withholding certain types of federal funding. 

Meanwhile, AI executives like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei talked openly about possible doomsday scenarios wrought by out-of-control AI. Communities living alongside data centers began reporting concerns about public health, electricity prices, and environmental pollution. 

AI lawsuits and legislation

A string of lawsuits on behalf of children and adult AI users gave a haunting and heartbreaking look into how AI chatbots could allegedly talk them into exploitative sexual experiences, dangerous medical decisions, so-called psychosis, and even suicide. 

Still, states across the nation continued to pass AI regulations. Roughly a week before the election, New York governor Kathy Hochul signed what some advocates believe is the strongest AI chatbot legislation in the U.S. 

Outrage over AI in classrooms

Over the last year, an army of parent and education activists have lobbied to get Big Tech out of their kids' classrooms, including through various AI bans. 

Google's decision to withhold search from schools that ban AI, because the company will not provide a version of the product without AI Mode or AI Overviews, only further rankled advocates who feel they're David fighting Goliath.

"Schools should use this opportunity not only to turn off AI, but to teach students that 'Google' isn't a verb, but the name of a surveillance and advertising company whose presence in schools has nothing to do with learning and everything to do with developing lifetime brand loyalty," Josh Golin, executive director of the advocacy group Fairplay, said in a statement. 

New York Mayor Zohan Mamdani accused Google in a Bluesky post of using its "monopoly power" to force public schools into using its AI products. 

"No corporation should have the power to dictate how we teach our children," he wrote. 

SEE ALSO: Will the AI industry face a reckoning after Election Day? Where we go from here

There are loud calls for Democrats to use their newfound electoral power to hold Silicon Valley executives accountable and to pass meaningful regulation that reflects growing concern about data centers and the economic and social threats posed by AI. 

Alvaro Bedoya, a former commissioner of the United States Federal Trade Commission, offered a few strategies Wednesday on social media, including a subpoena of Google "for cramming AI down our kids['] throats," and subpoenas for health insurers using AI to automatically deny valid claims and triage mental health emergencies. 

The elected Democratic candidates themselves may look to quickly deliver on their campaign promises. Amy Acton, Gina Hinojosa, and Keisha Lance Bottoms, Democrats who won their gubernatorial races in Ohio, Texas, and Georgia, respectively, supported data center moratoriums or greater accountability for data center developers.

Criticism of AI and data centers made multiple appearances in Democratic victory speeches Tuesday night, suggesting the party is just getting started.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner acknowledged this in his own address after defeating a Republican challenger.

"From data centers to AI safety, to the notion that we’ve got to make sure that we create jobs for that next generation of college students coming out that are going to be meaningful...this is too important to be left to Donald Trump and a few of these tech bros making all the rules," Warner said.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

You look up "gaming mouse" in the dictionary, and you're liable to find a picture of the Logitech G502 X. Logitech isn't bluffing when it calls the G502 X the "world's most popular gaming mouse," but so much success understandably makes Logitech hesitant to shake up the formula. The latest G502 X Plus is here with a modest list of improvements, and it's basically guaranteed to keep selling in droves—but that doesn't mean it's still the best. I also have the brand-new Razer Basilisk V4 Pro in hand, and in lieu of a dedicated review, it's going head-to-head against the G502 X Plus to prove Logitech's competition hasn't been idly sitting by.

I wanted to build a second brain, so I installed the one app synonymous with the idea — Notion. The plan was to set up a few databases and start capturing all my notes into them, so everything would stay neatly organized and easy to find when I needed it. However, if you’ve used Notion before, you probably already know what’s coming.

The very best deals from the Sephora Savings Event: Best hair dryer/multistyler deal Shark FlexStyle 4-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer $179.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $119.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal Best flat iron deal Shark Silki Pro 3-in-1 Hair Straightener, Styler & Dryer $179.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $69.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal Best skincare tech deal Shark CryoGlow Plus Anti-Aging LED Face Mask $341.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $37.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal Best personal fan deal Dyson HushJet Mini Cool $89.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $9.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal

If you missed out on Amazon's massive Holiday Beauty Event last month, fret not. Sephora is doling out similarly good deals on beauty tech during its fall Savings Event (live now through Nov. 9). It's another chance to save on very giftable hair and skincare tools ahead of the holidays.

Here's how Sephora's Savings Event works: You can get anything on sale in stores and online by using the coupon code ALLONSALE at checkout. The only catch is that you need to be a member of Sephora's Beauty Insider rewards program, which is free to join. The higher your membership tier, the more you'll save:

• All Beauty Insider members get 10% off minimum.

• Beauty Insider VIB members get 15% off during the sale. To reach VIB status, you need to have spent at least $350 at Sephora in the past year.

• Beauty Insider Rouge members who spent at least $1,000 at Sephora this year get 20% off.

Crucially, you can stack these discounts on top of other existing markdowns at Sephora. At the time of writing, it was offering double discounts on most Shark tools, including the excellent Shark FlexStyle, SilkiPro, Glam, FacialPro Glow, Depuffi, and CryoGlow, one of Mashable's favorite Christmas gifts and one of our Gift of the Year winners.

After picking through Sephora's Savings Event, I've rounded up the 25 best beauty tech deals below. (I've cross-checked all of them with other retailers' listings to make sure no one's beating them.) The prices I've listed are what you'll pay as a Beauty Insider member, but again, you'll save even more with VIB or Rouge status.

Lastly, be sure to enter the code SPEEDY at checkout. It unlocks free same-day delivery on online orders of $75 or more in certain areas.

Best hair dryer and multistyler deals Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle 4-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer $179.10 at Sephora
$299 Save $119.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle NextGen: IonCurl 5-in-1 Air Styler, Curler & Hair Dryer $224.10 at Sephora
$349 Save $124.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora

The Shark FlexStyle's unique twisting base and versatile attachments make it our all-time favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe. During the Sephora Savings Event, two versions of it are on sale for record-low prices.

The base FlexStyle includes two auto-wrap curlers, an oval styling brush, and a styling concentrator attachment; Sephora carries it in the limited-edition "winter pearl" colorway. The newer Shark FlexStyle Next-Gen: IronCurl, which launched this past July, has an extra anti-frizz attachment and wraps hair tighter around its barrels for longer-lasting curls. Read Mashable's full review of the Shark FlexStyle.

More hair dryer and multistyler deals

• Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Round Brush — $90 $100 (save $10)

• Shark Glossi 2-in-1 Blow Dryer Brush — $161.10 $179 (save $17.90)

• Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush — $224.10 $249 (save $24.90)

• Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer — $269.99 $299.99 (save $30)

• Shark Glam 5-in-1 Multi-Styler, Air Straightener & Hair Dryer — $314.10 $449 (save $134.90)

• T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler — $314.10 $349 (save $34.90)

• Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer — $404.10 $449 (save $44.90)

• Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer — $494.10 $549 (save $54.90)

• Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer Straight+Wavy — $584.10 $649 (save $64.90)

• Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer Curly+Coily — $584.10 $649 (save $64.90)

• Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer Straight+Wavy — $629.10 $699 (save $69.90)

• Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer Curly+Coily — $629.10 $699 (save $69.90)

Best flat iron deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Silki Pro 3-in-1 Hair Straightener, Styler & Dryer $179.10 at Sephora
$249 Save $69.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora

The Silki Pro is a wet-to-dry straightener with built-in temperature sensors that prevent it from getting too hot to the point of damaging your hair, and it comes with three comb attachments. Former Mashable reporter Leah Stodart said it took a while to tame her naturally coarse, curly hair, but that she was ultimately impressed with its results. "I showed up to happy hour with SilkiPro straightened hair, and my friend immediately commented on how healthy it looked," she wrote. Read Mashable's hands-on impressions of the Shark Silki Pro.

More flat iron deals

• Dyson Corrale Coolshine Hair Straightener — $296.10 $329 (save $32.90)

• Dyson Airstrait Straightener — $449.10 $499 (save $49.90)

Best skincare tech deals Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask $314.10 at Sephora
$349 Save $34.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Shop Now at Sephora Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark CryoGlow Plus Anti-Aging LED Face Mask $341.10 at Sephora
$379 Save $37.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora

Mashable staffers spent a full year testing various red light masks, and the Shark CryoGlow came out on top. According to Stodart, "It offers carefully curated settings that target signs of aging and acne." It also comes with under-eye cooling pads, which are "such a treat for anyone who hates mornings," she added.

The upgraded Shark CryoGlow Plus features a longer battery life and more LED bulbs for better coverage. Fun fact: This is the first time I've ever seen it go on sale. Read Mashable's full review of the Shark CryoGlow.

More skincare tech deals

• Shark Depuffi Hot & Cold Face Sculpting Tool — $179.10 $199 (save $19.90)

• Shark FacialPro Glow At-Home Facial System — $224.10 $249 (save $24.90)

• NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit — $225 $250 (save $25)

• NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit — $355.50 $395 (save $39.50)

• Shark FacialPro Glow & DePuffi Bundle — $359.10 $399 (save $39.90)

Best personal fan deals Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson HushJet Mini Cool $89.10 at Sephora
$99 Save $9.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Portable Fan $134.10 at Sephora
$149 Save $14.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora

Dyson and Shark both released powerful premium portable fans this spring. We prefer the latter's ChillPill because it comes with swappable misting and cooling attachments, but the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool is a good option if your budget is tighter. Either way, mind their noise levels if you use them indoors: They're quite loud at their upper settings. Read Mashable's full reviews of the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool and Shark ChillPill.

There’s nothing quite like free energy, both in dollars and emissions, so I’ve started powering as many devices as I can entirely with solar power — including the one I’m writing these words on. I'm not going to tell you this is practical for most people, but it's doable, and for some of us, it’s fun.