Blogroll

DoorDash nightmare as driver accused of spraying substance on food

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 17:05

Food delivery can get tricky in the wee hours of the night.

That was the case in McCracken County, Kentucky earlier in December for one couple, anyway. According to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office, a local husband and wife ordered delivery via DoorDash "shortly after midnight," but when they started eating the food, they experienced burning sensations in their noses and mouths. A glance at security doorbell footage revealed that the Dasher had sprayed a substance on the food before handing it off to the customers.

SEE ALSO: DoorDash unveils new delivery robots that yawn, wink, and travel 20 mph

The accused Dasher in question, Kourtney N. Stevenson, told investigators that she was attempting to pepper spray a spider due to her fear of arachnids. As the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office pointed out in its press release, it would be extremely unlikely to see a spider outdoors in the 35-degree weather the area was experiencing that night. Stevenson was arrested on felony charges of battery and consumer product tampering.

Whatever the case may be, the lesson here is to always make sure your food looks, smells, and seems OK to eat before chowing down.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This five-year-old hybrid embarrasses brand-new rivals in reliability

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 17:00

Used hybrids don’t always have the best reputation, but some models break that stereotype entirely, and one five-year-old option stands out for delivering reliability that rivals, and often surpasses, many brand-new cars. At a time when buyers worry about expensive battery replacements or complex drivetrains, this hybrid’s track record shows that not all electrified vehicles come with added risk. For value-focused shoppers, that makes it one of the smartest used purchases on the market.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Roombas 2025: Should you be buying a Roomba amid iRobots bankruptcy news?

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 16:54
After an unprofitable 2025, it might be the end of an era for iRobot

Roombas, as we know them, might cease to exist at this time next year. It sounds like iRobot is planning on continuing the product line under Picea ownership, but we don't know when the next new Roombas can be expected. Here's how we got here.

SEE ALSO: How to make your robot vacuum work better: 3 setup tips to do right now

Amazon and iRobot called it quits with their pending acquisition back in 2024, and things have only gone downhill for iRobot from there. Soon after that, iRobot randomly overhauled the Roomba lineup in March 2025 — an interesting deviation from its usual release schedule, in which the biggest Roombas of the year typically come out in August. It felt like a last-ditch effort to keep the company afloat after struggling to profit in 2024.

More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first Roomba hit homes in 2002, but the newest wave of Roombas saw the ingenuity that made its predecessors stand out. As someone who tests robot vacuums for a living, I've been saying for a year now that Roombas were struggling to stay relevant in a sea of smarter, stronger, more fairly-priced robot vacs from the likes of Roborock and iRobot's biggest Google search competition, Shark. Like sure, it's great to finally see a mopping Roomba with spinning mopping pads or a Roomba self-washing and -drying mopping pad dock that's relatively affordable. But the best robot vacuum mop combos from other brands have been on top of that for years.

If there's any hope for the Roomba's reputation, iRobot and Picea need to find a way to be more realistic about price points. If new Roombas are ever released, they need to be much more affordable in relation to other robot vacuums on the market that offer the same features. If iRobot and Picea insist on maintaining premium prices, they really do need to "innovate" as mentioned in the Dec. 15 press release — as in, find a way to stand out from all of the incredible robot vacuum advancements that we'll be seeing from competing brands at CES 2026.

How to tell the difference between the Roomba models

The iRobot Roomba 105. The Roomba Combo i5+. The Roomba Combo j7+ (not to be confused with the Roomba j7). The arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but we can teach you.

When shopping for a Roomba, you'll choose from what I call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter and a number (like j9+ or i5) or the word Max is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 105, 205, or 692) or just words (like Roomba Vac or Essential).

A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock, and Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title. "Max" is a new Roomba term introduced with the Roomba Combo 10 Max — it refers to the ability of a hybrid Roomba to wash and dry its own mopping pad within the self-empty dock. On the other end of the spectrum, "Essential" means "most basic" in the Roomba family, meaning no smart mapping.

Other Roombas I've tested

I've tested several Roombas that are no longer main players in the Roomba guide for 2025. The Roomba Combo j9+ doesn't wash or dry its mopping pad, and is simply too expensive to be worth buying over its siblings like the Roomba Combo 10 Max, Roomba Plus 505. or Roomba Max 705. Plus, the j9's increasing obsoleteness has pretty much halted its ability to get a noteworthy discount nowadays.

I have also removed any 600 series Roombas from this guide for a similar reason: They just can't compete with the newer cheap Roombas that have stronger suction and smart mapping. When I tested the Roomba 694, it pissed me off more than it impressed. The Roomba 694 and Roomba 692 are hard to find in stock, anyway, and it's rarely for less than the Roomba 105 (my new top pick for the best cheap Roomba).

Categories: IT General, Technology

What to expect from the inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 16:50

The first-ever U.S. TikTok Awards are officially taking over Hollywood on Dec. 18, 2025 — and Mashable will be on the red carpet and inside the venue, covering the night as it unfolds in real time.

Designed to honor the creators, trends, and cultural moments that defined TikTok this year, the show marks the platform’s biggest attempt yet to turn internet virality into a full-scale awards spectacle. Think: the For You Page, but live, loud, and happening all at once at the Hollywood Palladium.

SEE ALSO: How to vote for the TikTok Awards 2025 — plus date, nominees, and how to watch

And now, we know who’s headlining.

Ciara will headline the first U.S. TikTok Awards

GRAMMY-winning global superstar Ciara will headline the inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards, bringing her signature choreography and stage presence to the Palladium. The multi-platinum artist, whose music and dance moves have long thrived on TikTok, is set to perform a mix of her biggest hits during the live show.

"There’s nothing like performing for a community that loves movement, music, and expression as much as I do," Ciara said in a statement, per TikTok. "The TikTok Awards are all about celebrating that spirit, and I’m honored to hit the stage for the first-ever show in the US."

What to expect from the TikTok Awards

If you’re wondering what this show will actually feel like, imagine the chaos and creativity of TikTok brought to life in physical space. Hosted by La La Anthony, the U.S. TikTok Awards promises creator-led segments, live performances, and moments designed to be experienced and immediately shared, clipped, and stitched.

The theme for the night — "New Era, New Icons" — celebrates creators across beauty, fashion, music, sports, education, and entertainment whose influence extends far beyond the app itself.

In other words: Expect meme-by-morning moments and at least one reaction GIF that lives online forever.

Presenters revealed

TikTok has also announced a new slate of presenters spanning creators, cultural icons, and community favorites:

  • Breakthrough Artist of the Year — Presented by KPop Demon Hunters star REI AMI (@rei.ami)

  • Okay Slay Award (Beauty) — Presented by Tan France (@tanfrance)

  • Video of the Year — Presented by Tefi Pessoa (@hellotefi)

  • I Was Today Years Old Award (Education) — Presented by Justin Danger (@justin_danger_nunley)

  • Immediately Added to Cart Award (TikTok Shop) — Presented by Patrick Starrr (@patrickstarrr)

  • CapCut Creator of the Year — Presented by Carter Gregory (@thecarterb)

  • Live Creator of the Year — Presented by Ashby Florence (@ashbyflorence)

Additionally, e.l.f. Cosmetics joins as a title sponsor, presenting the Rising Star of the Year Award.

Mashable’s live TikTok Awards coverage

Mashable will be covering the TikTok Awards live from Los Angeles, with our team on the red carpet capturing arrivals, GRWM-to-carpet transformations, and creator interviews — plus inside-the-room coverage of performances, wins, and the moments you'll be seeing all over your feed the next morning.

The red carpet livestream kicks off at 5 p.m. PT, followed by the main ceremony at 6 p.m. PT, streaming live on @TikTok and Tubi, the official streaming partner of the TikTok Awards 2025. The show will also be available on demand on Tubi the next day.

Red carpet hosts and correspondents for the livestream include:

  • Dylan Kevitch (@dylan.kevitch)

  • Hannah Kosh (@hannahkosh)

  • Taylor King (@tksjuicypolls)

When and where to watch the TikTok Awards
  • Red carpet: 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET on TikTok LIVE

  • Main ceremony: 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET on TikTok and Tubi

  • Location: Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles

Whether you’re tuning in for the performances, rooting for your favorite creator, or just waiting to see what breaks the internet next, Mashable will be there tracking it all, from red carpet chaos to the final award.

And yes: If something wild happens backstage, it'll probably hit your For You Page within minutes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Slash $50 off the Sonos Era 100 smart speaker

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 16:47

SAVE $50: As of Dec. 16, the Sonos Era 100 is on sale for $169 at Amazon and other retailers. That's about 22% off the full list price of $219 and matches its Black Friday price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Era 100 $169 at Amazon
$219 Save $50   Get Deal

With the exception of Black Friday, Sonos doesn't offer many big discounts on its products throughout the year. So when you see a good price, you should snag it. For instance, now's the time to grab the Sonos Era 100, as it's on sale for about 22% off.

As of Dec. 16, you can get the Sonos Era 100 for just $169 at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Sonos.com. While that's about $20 shy of its best price ever, it matches its recent Black Friday deal. And although Amazon has deflated the list price, it's a full $50 off its usual $219 tag.

Released in 2023 as a direct replacement for the Sonos One (which we loved), the Sonos Era 100 is "the best smart speaker for the money," as our sister site CNET noted in their review. It's slim and sleek and can seamlessly fit on a bookshelf, kitchen counter, desktop, or nightstand, but its sound is as powerful as a speaker twice its size. It packs two tweeters and can produce a stereo sound on its own, unlike its predecessor. It also has refreshed controls on top with a capacitive volume control and a new button to turn off the voice assistant.

Connect to WiFi, Bluetooth, or hardwire it for your preferred sound and use the Sonos app to optimize it to your space. It features both Amazon Alexa and Sonos' own voice assistant, so you can ask your speaker to manage your calendar, set alarms, control the lights and other smart home devices, and so much more. Or you can toggle it off if you want some privacy.

Unfortunately, it doesn't offer spatial audio (you'll need the Era 300 for that, which is $200 more). But as our friends at CNET wrote, "If you want a smart speaker that's compact and sounds great, the Sonos Era 100 is an excellent choice and an easy recommendation." And at $169, it's a pretty great deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

PornHub Premium hacked. This is the info they reportedly stole.

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 16:30

Pornhub suffered a hack of information related to its Premium members and is reportedly being extorted with sensitive member data, according to the tech site BleepingComputer.

The porn company confirmed the hack with a statement on the support section of its website. Wrote the company:

"A recent cybersecurity incident involving Mixpanel, a third-party data analytics provider, has impacted some Pornhub Premium users. Specifically, this situation affects only select Premium users. It is important to note this was not a breach of Pornhub Premium’s systems. Passwords, payment details, and financial information remain secure and were not exposed."

Mixpanel has denied that the information came from a recent November hack, however, that involved other major companies like OpenAI. Regardless, any hack would naturally prove concerning for Pornhub Premium users, considering the sensitive nature of the site. And while financial information does not appear to be part of the hack, some concerning data was reportedly stolen.

SEE ALSO: Conduent data breach exposed data of 10.5 million people, including Social Security numbers What information was stolen in the Pornhub hack?

Tech-focused site BleepingComputer reported that it had received confirmation from the group ShinyHunters that it was behind the hack, which it claims included "201,211,943 records of historical search, watch, and download activity for the platform's Premium members." BleepingComputer reported that the hacker group sent extortion emails to Pornhub and that it claims the info includes a "PornHub Premium member's email address, activity type, location, video URL, video name, keywords associated with the video, and the time the event occurred."

So, basically, the hacker group could try to extort Pornhub with the claims that it can release detailed information about what compromised Premium member accounts watched and when. That would obviously be sensitive info for someone using Pornhub that they may not want to be released.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Rock a pearly white smile with $50 off the Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 16:23

SAVE $50: As of Dec. 16, get the Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush for $59.99, down from its usual price of $109.99, at Amazon. That's a discount of 45%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush $59.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal

If a whiter smile and cleaner teeth are important to you, you're not alone. Lots of folks would love to improve their oral hygiene, and that's something simple you can do by swapping out your toothbrush. Our recommendation? Toss the manual brush for an electric option that can give you a gorgeous set of chompers by helping you to polish what you have.

As of Dec. 16, get the Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush for $59.99, down from its usual price of $109.99, at Amazon. That's $50 off and a discount of 45%.

SEE ALSO: The best electric toothbrushes for upping your oral hygiene game

This electric brush comes with three cleaning modes to help you achieve a brighter smile with cleaner teeth: Daily Clean, Sensitive, and Whitening. Oral-B claims it can also help you have healthier gums in just a week while removing more plaque than a manual brush.

It can help you figure out whether you're pressing too hard while brushing with a pressure sensor as well, and a lightning timer that helps you make sure you're brushing for the recommended amount of time: twominutes. It also has a lengthy battery and a special refill change alert to let you know when you change your brush head. Paired with two brush heads and a travel case, this brush will last for quite a while to come.

If it's time to trade up for a better quality brush, this is a great and affordable option you'll want to snag before it goes off sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday is back: The Roborock Saros 10R is on sale for a record-low price at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 16:18

SAVE $600: The Roborock Saros 10R is on sale at Amazon for $999.99, down from the list price of $1,599.99. That's a 38% discount that matches the record low.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Saros 10R $999.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $600   Get Deal

Tis the season to get behind on household chores. It's hard enough to stay on top of cleaning during non-holiday periods, but now it seems quite nearly impossible. There's glitter on the living room floor, flour on the kitchen floor, and leaves in the entryway. Instead of worrying about vacuuming that yourself, enlist the help of a capable robot vacuum that's on a major discount.

As of Dec. 16, the Roborock Saros 10R is on sale for $999.99 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $1,599.99. That works out a savings of $600 from a 38% discount. Today's sale price matches the record low we saw during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Mashable's vacuum expert Leah Stodart has tested over 30 models. Some have a grabby arm to collect your socks while others are excellent at mopping. When testing the Roborock Saros 10R, Stodart wrote, "It doesn't do everything perfectly, but it's still probably the most reliable robot vacuum I've ever tested."

Understandably, dishing out about $1,600 for a vacuum feels intense. But now that it's under $1,000, things feel a bit better. The Saros 10R comes with an impressive 22,000Pa suction power, and Stodart found other qualities that set it apart from other premium models.

SEE ALSO: Our favorite vacuum under $500 is now even cheaper

For starters, it's barely over three inches tall. This slim and low-profile means it'll have no issue getting under the couch, the bed, and the side tables, cleaning up areas that can be a struggle to reach with a stick vacuum. Stodart also mentioned it has the quietest self-empty system that she's ever heard, and it never gets lost.

Adding to the standout features on the Saros 10R is its ability to clean corners really well. It also has a livestream pet camera which allows you to see what the robot vacuum is seeing through the app. There's also an option to "search for pet." In Stodart's review, she wrote, "A ton of people have standalone security cameras to keep tabs on their pets when they're not home, so adding that pet sitter-like feature to an appliance that's already roving your house is actually pretty practical."

If you could use some help with chores, the Roborock Saros 10R is a reliable robot vacuum and mop. Its normal price of $1,600 feels scary but today it's down to $999.99 at Amazon. Considering how much time and hassle it could save you over several years, it might be well worth the investment.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Robloxs 2025 Replay shows just how obsessed Gen Z is with the game

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 15:00

If you don't play Roblox, your introduction to the online virtual world might be through less-than-stellar stories in news outlets about the company's legal woes due to child safety issues.

Roblox is quickly making moves to address that and looking at the company's 2025 user data, it's easy to see why that's the case: Roblox is extremely popular among young people.

As Roblox previously boasted, half of the U.S. population under the age of 16 were on the platform. A whopping 151 million users login to Roblox every day and the average user spends around 2.8 hours a day on the platform. User avatar updates happen 274 million times daily. One Saturday morning this past August saw 45 million users concurrently playing games on the platform.

And what Roblox games were they playing?  According to Roblox, "Grow a Garden" hit a record with 21.6 million users playing at the same time in July. In September, "Steal a Brainrot" broke that record with over 25 million users playing simultaneously. These feats are even more incredible when you consider both games were released in March and May, respectively, this year.

SEE ALSO: Roblox: A parent's guide to keeping your kids safe

Even so, "Grow a Garden" and "Steal a Brainrot" only take the second and third place when it comes to popular Roblox games searches. The top search is still for the classic "Brookehaven," released in 2020. The platform's users take part in an average of 21 Roblox games or experiences per month.

Another interesting data point in the Roblox 2025 Replay: the correlation between device and type of Roblox experience. Mobile phone gamers preferred horror or escape games. Tablet users were more creative types, choosing games like "Build a Plane." Console gamers, on platforms like Xbox or Playstation, were more likely to search out licensed action titles like Sonic, and play sports-based games.

Roblox users with VR headsets, unsurprisingly, would seek out virtual reality worlds and immerse experiences. And PC gamers are most likely to search out complex RPG-like titles on the Roblox platform.

The Roblox 2025 Replay also notes how the "67" trend and KPop Demon Hunters often spiked in popularity on the platform; there's a survey of Roblox's Gen Z users which can be found here.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Top challenges for online daters, according to Coffee Meets Bagel

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 15:00

The dating app Coffee Meets Bagel found a few contradictions in its first Dating Realness Report — which seems to sum up dating in 2025.

Over nine in 10 daters are looking for something serious, according to a survey of over 1,000 21-35 year-olds in the U.S. (who are working professionals either actively looking for a relationship or aren't actively searching but are open to one).

Specifically, 61 percent are seeking a spouse, and 31 percent are looking for a long-term partner. But 93 percent think dating is challenging, and nearly half (45 percent) think a relationship is harder to commit to than a job.

SEE ALSO: Tinder's predictions for dating in 2026

Some of the biggest pain points when dating are endless swiping without meaningful matches (54 percent), getting ghosted or unmatched (47 percent), and figuring out what to say or how to start a conversation (43 percent).

Now, take AI. Eighty percent of survey respondents are comfortable with AI assisting with dating tasks. However, if they found out they used AI to write their profile or message, around 65 percent would be less likely to engage with them, have a negative impression of them, or wouldn't be sure what to think.

Coffee Meets Bagel also found that while Gen Z was more comfortable with AI than millennials, they're also less likely to engage with a profile that used AI compared to their older counterparts.

This is similar to what Hinge found in its latest report as well: while Gen Z wants deeper connections, some are using AI to date.

And CMB's survey found that emotional connection and chemistry are a must-have for a majority of daters (73 percent), even higher than physical attraction (63 percent).

Shared values and beliefs (59 percent) rounded out the top three must-have qualities, followed by ambition/drive (57 percent) and shared interests (53 percent).

Interestingly, when broken down, more millennials (76 percent) chose emotional connection as a must-have than Gen Z (68 percent). Yet, more Gen Z chose ambition/drive than millennials (61 percent versus 52 percent).

And in this time of economic uncertainty, the highest life priority ranked was financial stability (54 percent), followed by health and wellness (49 percent), then love and relationships, which tied with family (47 percent each).

Coffee Meets Bagel also asked about the top challenges after matching. Gen Z and millennials differed only slightly in their answers: mixed signals (42 percent Gen Z, 44 percent millennial), starting or keeping conversations going (40 percent Gen Z, 38 percent millennial), and getting ghosted (38 percent Gen Z, 40 percent millennial).

Categories: IT General, Technology

Fallout Season 2 review: Our introduction to New Vegas is a blast, and more relevant than ever

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 15:00

Post-apocalyptic shows give me a sense of both anxiety and calm.

Anxiety because, obviously, the world has ended. When I think of anxiety-inducing things to put on screen, societal collapse and environmental destruction are tough to beat. The calm, on the other hand, comes from knowing that as bad as things get in the show, at least it's just that: a show. There is no zombie fungus out to get me like in The Last of Us, no alien virus hive mind like in Pluribus, no Arctic volcano-mega tsunami-nuclear war combo like in Paradise. (At least, my anxiety would tell me, not yet there isn't.)

SEE ALSO: 'Fallout' Season 2 is premiering early. Here's when.

But lately, as the state of our world grows more and more dystopian, even that calmness has evaporated. Between a U.S. government that seems hell-bent on rolling back human rights and massacres playing out across the globe in real-time on social media, the bleakness can feel overwhelming, to the point that I'd rather face down a Clicker than exist under the current administration. With that feeling in mind, apocalyptic media can serve as a road map for navigating a continually awful moment. Who steps up and fights for a new, better way of living, and who accepts this awful reality?

These questions are on full display in Fallout Season 2, which stages an ideological showdown against the backdrop of an increasingly bizarro — and immaculately realized — nuclear apocalypse.

What's Fallout Season 2 about? Johnny Pemberton and Aaron Moten in "Fallout." Credit: Lorenzo Sisti / Prime

Picking up right on the heels of Season 1, Season 2 sees Fallout's core three scattered across the wasteland. Lucy (Ella Purnell) and the Ghoul (Walton Goggins) are tracking Lucy's father, Hank (Kyle MacLachlan), to New Vegas. Meanwhile, Maximus (Aaron Moten) has returned to the Brotherhood of Steel, now with more status — and more disillusionment about the way the Brotherhood operates. Hovering over it all is the game-changing technology of cold fusion, a limitless power source that could improve life across the wasteland, if it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

Season 1 already did an admirable job of building out the world of Fallout, from its retro-futuristic vaults to the ruins of Shady Sands. In Season 2, though, it goes for broke, with stellar results. New Brotherhood of Steel factions offer up a more comprehensive look at the chaos that reigns across the U.S., while tensions between Vaults 32 and 33 gift us further Vault-Tec intrigue, all wrapped up in a chipper Vault Dweller smile. But it's New Vegas that's undeniably the star of the show.

SEE ALSO: Amazon pulls error-filled 'Fallout' AI video recaps from Prime Video

As someone who's less familiar with the Fallout games, I've had New Vegas, both the setting and the game itself, hyped up to me by Fallout fans. Thankfully, the show delivers on the hype with a bold, bonkers new post-apocalyptic playground, all neon lights and sleazy storefronts.

New Vegas and the surrounding environs pop with colorful new factions, some of which have been altered from their game appearances. Members of the Kings gang are now ghouls, shambling around in their Elvis getups. Unsurprisingly, zombies rocking leather jackets and pompadours is a sight gag that pays off in spades. Elsewhere, the Roman-inspired Caesar's Legion's fanaticism is equal parts frightening and funny. (Bonus points for how they so confidently butcher the word "Caesar.")

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

These groups, along with others Lucy and the Ghoul cross paths with on their journey to New Vegas, all have their own unique approaches to existing in the wasteland. And as Lucy explores more of the madcap world she's spent most of her life living beneath, she must repeatedly choose between succumbing to the unspoken laws of the wasteland, or sticking by her all-important Golden Rule of treating others the way she'd like to be treated.

Fallout Season 2 stages an ideological battle that feels all too real. Ella Purnell and Walton Goggins in "Fallout." Credit: Prime Video

Lucy's tug-of-war between wild wastelander and goody two-shoes Vault Dweller was a key component of Fallout Season 1, but Season 2 throws it into sharper relief thanks to her alliance with the Ghoul. 

On one side of this partnership, you have the optimistic, if naive, Lucy, who wants to bring wrongdoers like her father to justice. On the other side, you have the grizzled Ghoul, a nihilist who's seen all the evils the wasteland and Vault-Tec have to offer and who's accepted the chilling fact that war changes. The two spend much of the first six episodes sent to critics locked in an ideological battle, with Lucy's hopes for peaceful resolution often getting ground down by the Ghoul's knowledge of the brutal truths of the wasteland.

If Lucy and the Ghoul are polar opposites, then Maximus serves as a midpoint between their worldview. He's still enamored with Lucy, deeming her the one truly good person he's met. By contrast, the overly masculine posturing of the Brotherhood of Steel seems even more ridiculous now, prompting some golden, totally over-it reaction shots from Moten. Yet Maximus still has much to unlearn from his time in the Brotherhood, and he, like Lucy, finds himself caught between surrendering to the way things are and striving to make something better.

That internal battle feels all too real right now, especially since the show's fictional antagonists, like RobCo Industries' CEO Robert House (Justin Theroux), bear striking similarities to very real tech companies that put profit over people in increasingly dystopian ways. Watching his and Vault-Tec's plans play out is enough to send a creeping sense of all-too familiar dread running up your spine.

So, Fallout asks, what will you do with that dread? Accept and feed into it? Or try to push for something hopeful? I won't lie, I've been feeling pretty Ghoul-ish lately. But watching Fallout Season 2, with its own guidebook to the apocalypse, has made me hope I can make my outlook a tad more like Lucy's.

Fallout Season 2 premieres Dec. 16 at 9 p.m. ET on Prime Video, with a new episode every week.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Avatar: Fire and Ash review: How can a film be so stunning, yet so disappointing?

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 15:00

With the first two films in the Avatar franchise, Cameron delivered a glorious new sci-fi world I adored getting lost in. I went gaga for every new piece of Pandoran flora and fauna the films introduced. Bioluminescent trees? Stunning. Floating mountains? Sign me up. Benevolent space whales? I think I'm in love.

These wondrous creations came to life through groundbreaking technology, much of it, like Avatar: The Way of Water's underwater motion capture, completely new as well. That's a lot of "new" to go around.

SEE ALSO: 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' trailer: James Cameron sets Pandora ablaze in stunning first look

So why is Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third film in the series, such a retread of what came before?

Detractors of the franchise might find that question funny. After all, a common complaint about Avatar is that it's just FernGully or Pocahontas or Dances with Wolves, but in space. (While there are several solid criticisms of Avatar, these comparisons by themselves do not strong critiques make, but I digress.) However, Fire and Ash cannibalizes prior Avatar films' best set pieces and story beats, resulting in a film that, while undeniably spectacular, relies too heavily on its prior installments, as opposed to the new Pandoran elements that could make it truly special.

What's Avatar: Fire and Ash about? Zoe Saldaña in "Avatar: Fire and Ash." Credit: 20th Century Studios

Fire and Ash gets off to a promising start. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) are still mourning their son Neteyam (Jamie Flatters), who passed away in Avatar: The Way of Water's climactic battle. His younger brother Lo'ak (Britain Dalton) takes the loss especially hard, believing it to be his fault.

While strong characterization is frankly the last thing I come to Avatar for, this sense of familial grief proves a grounding moment to open the film. Cameron lets the characters sit in their loss, exploring the varying degrees of rage and anguish that come with Neteyam's death. Neytiri skews more towards the former, while Jake and Lo'ak skew towards the latter. The dynamic between them is tense as can be, as they hope to rebuild their life with the ocean-dwelling Metkayina clan without one of their core pieces.

SEE ALSO: 7 magic school series to buy young readers that aren't 'Harry Potter'

But it's not long before danger comes for the Sullys. This time, it's not just in the form of humans, including Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), still in his resurrected Na'vi body. Instead, it's also in the form of the Mangkwan, or Ash People, a Na'vi clan that has forsaken Pandoran goddess Eywa and conducts hostile raids on other clans.

The Ash People are the most exciting part of Avatar: Fire and Ash. Oona Chaplin in "Avatar: Fire and Ash." Credit: 20th Century Studios

The Mangkwan clan offers Cameron a way to further expand on the peoples of Pandora, in the way the Metkayina clan did in The Way of Water. But while the Metkayina at least bore some resemblances to Avatar's forest-dwelling Omatikaya clan in terms of how they lived in harmony with Pandora, the Mangkwan are a shock to the system.

Following a disastrous volcanic eruption that wiped out their home, the Ash People turned their back on Eywa. Now, they only worship the destructive power of fire. With their ash-gray skin, striking red body paint, and warring ways, they're a sharp contrast to the other Na'vi we've met.

Leading them is Varang (Oona Chaplin), a scene-stealing sorceress who immediately takes Fire and Ash to a new level. At times slinky and seductive, at others downright terrifying, Chaplin's performance creates a sci-fi villainess for the ages.

SEE ALSO: 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' trailer: Get your best look yet at Pandora's Ash People

She only gets better when she and the Mangkwan join forces with Quaritch. Lang reliably turns in the most fun performances in the Avatar films (nothing but respect for my Papa Dragon), and the trend continues here. He chews the scenery and spits out Southern-tinged one-liners like nobody's business, and Chaplin more than matches his energy. As the two become more than just allies, they also morph into an intoxicating — and much more fun — foil to Jake and Neytiri's own relationship.

Disappointingly, though, the Mangkwan get far less development than the Omatikaya or Metkayina clans. We don't get to know a single member of the tribe in depth beyond Varang. Nor do we spend much time in their village, an impressively desolate wasteland broken up by barren trees and the jagged ruins of their volcano. For a film called Avatar: Fire and Ash, there's far less fire and ash than I would have liked.

Avatar: Fire and Ash recycles the best parts of Avatar: The Way of Water. I think I've seen this film before... Credit: 20th Century Studios

As the Ash People fade into the background, Cameron resurfaces storylines from The Way of Water that perhaps would have been better left in the depths. Why do we need a replay of Payakan the tulkun's undersea rescue of a trapped Lo'ak? Or of the RDA's tulkun brain-harvesting plot? How, for that matter, did cartoonishly evil poacher Mike Scoresby (Brendan Cowell) survive getting mauled by Payakan?

These storylines worked wonders in The Way of Water. New villains in the poachers and new creatures in the tulkun set the stage for a show-stopping naval battle that still gets my heart pounding and lungs aching just thinking about it. Here, though, Cameron tries to do all that again, but bigger. Yet all I could think about for the entirety of the third act was how much it felt like The Way of Water's stellar conclusion — right down to the appearance of certain sets — and how much better The Way of Water pulled it off.

That final sequence, which also bears shades of Avatar's climactic showdown, begins to show the limits of the Avatar series. There's only so many times we can watch Jake and Quaritch square off, or witness Pandora's wildlife pull off a deus ex machina. Three movies in, and the stakes need to change.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is still a jaw-dropping spectacle. Tell me that's not the coolest thing you've seen. Credit: 20th Century Studios

Here's the thing: If I had seen Fire and Ash without having seen The Way of Water, I would have been in nonstop awe. The entire final battle is tremendous in a void — it just pales in comparison to the strangely similar set piece from its predecessor.

Thankfully, Fire and Ash gifts us with some exquisite new developments on Pandora. The Mangkwan stand out, as do the Windtraders, a nomadic people who roam around with the help of airborne medusae and windrays. When combined, these opalescent stunners form organic airships that are glorious to behold. I freaked out seeing them in the film's first trailer, and I freaked out even more seeing them onscreen. Their skin rippling in the wind, their veins shining just underneath... Like everything else on Pandora, they're astounding technical achievements, and I wish we got more time with them.

On the other end of the beauty scale, we have the human city on Pandora, a bustling industrial nightmare. Its hulking buildings and factories, as well as its hordes of colonizing forces, speak to an increasingly dark dystopia. A daring mission to the city gives us a deeper look at this dystopia and sparks a grittier action sequence than anything else we've seen in the Avatar films. Like the Ash People's village, it's a compelling aesthetic break from the lushness of Pandora, and a reminder of the natural beauty and ecosystems the Na'vi are fighting to preserve. It's also a high point because it's so different, and it's tempting to imagine a world where this is Fire and Ash's finale as opposed to The Way of Water remix that we get.

Instead, Cameron returns to familiar ground, relegating all of Fire and Ash's most exciting newcomers except Varang (who, I can't stress enough, still rules) to the background.

In the end, it feels greedy to ask for more from the Avatar series, with its maximalist world-building and take-no-prisoners action sequences. But after watching Fire and Ash, and with the knowledge that fourth and fifth films may be on the way, I don't want to settle for further derivatives of the preceding films. I want the greatness I know that Avatar is capable of, so asking for more is exactly what I'm going to do.

Avatar: Fire and Ash hits theaters Dec. 19.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Perform Under Pressure Like a Pro

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 14:44

When the stakes are high, your mindset can make or break your performance. To lead effectively under pressure, train yourself to focus on what you can control—not on the outcome or others’ opinions. Here’s how.  Ignore the noise. Don’t let external feedback dictate your confidence. Whether it’s praise or criticism, both can be distracting. Instead, stay grounded in your preparation and […]

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Categories: Management

The Pokémon TCG Mega Venusaur ex Premium Collection is over $30 cheaper at TCGplayer vs. Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 13:41

SAVE $31.60: Pokémon TCG's Mega Venusaur ex Premium Collection is just $46.39 at TCGplayer, a massive $31.60 less than Amazon's current price tag of $77.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Venusaur ex Premium Collection $46.39 at TCGplayer
$77.99 Save $31.60   Get Deal

You can't beat that feeling of trust when buying from an online retailer you know. Amazon is a solid example thanks to its next-day Prime delivery, but they're not always the cheapest. The problem is the whole “you get what you pay for” mentality only goes so far when a retailer is charging you $77.99 but an independent seller with glowing reviews is selling the same product for $46.39.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

A couple of dollars extra is usually worth it for the quick service, but over $30? I know which side my bread is buttered. The Mega Venusaur Premium Collection is packed with the following booster packs alongside a Mega Venusaur ex promo card and jumbo card:

  • 4 x Destined Rivals

  • 2 x Journey Together

  • 2 x Mega Evolution

Oh, and don't forget the reusable sticker!

The best chase cards you can pull from this collection Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you're buying this Premium Collection just to chase your holy grail Pokémon cards, it's probably going to cost you less buying single cards considering the general price crash the hobby has had on the secondary market. Here's the best chase cards from Destined Rivals and Mega Evolution with up-to-date value data and links to buy from TCGplayer:

Destined Rivals
  1. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $390
    Market price: $424.44
    Most recent sale: $394.48

  2. Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $192.91
    Market price: $194.86
    Most recent sale: $180

  3. Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $177.98
    Market price: $172.69
    Most recent sale: $181.10

  4. Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $118.72
    Market price: $123.39
    Most recent sale: $124.99

  5. Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 234/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $65.75
    Market price: $65.79
    Most recent sale: $65.98

Mega Evolution / Phantasmal Flames
  1. Mega Charizard X ex - 125/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $514
    Market price: $535.60
    Most recent sale: $514

  2. Mega Charizard X ex - 130/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $360.48
    Market price: $386.07
    Most recent sale: $369.59

  3. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $320
    Market price: $385.01
    Most recent sale: $323

  4. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $278
    Market price: $302.38
    Most recent sale: $281.97

  5. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $195.73
    Market price: $206.79
    Most recent sale: $191.99

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG Lugia ex & Latios ex Premium Collection is $36.33 cheaper at TCGplayer vs. Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 13:33

SAVE $36.33: The Lugia ex & Latios ex Premium Collection is $62.99 on TCGplayer. That's $36.33 cheaper than Amazon's current $99.32 listing, showing the sorry state of big box retailer inflated pricing.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Lugia ex & Latios ex Premium Collection $62.99 at TCGplayer
$99.32 Save $36.33   Get Deal

Pokémon TCG has a pricing problem in 2025, and it's not just scalpers and stock shortages causing the problem. Big box retailers such as Amazon are charging way over MSRP for most products. The best case scenario is market value. Collector markets such as TCGplayer are seriously undercutting Amazon, the world biggest online retailer.

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We have independant vendors undercutting Amazon on this Lugia ex & Latios ex Premium Collection by over $35. Do me a favour and vote with your wallet. TCGplayer isn't an online store, it's a market place owned by Amazon that gives independant sellers a big platform to sell sealed and single Pokémon TCG, complete with full reviews so you can be confident asbout your purchase.

The best chase cards you can pull from this collection Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you don't want to risk opening hundreds of Booster Packs trying to find your chase card, why not just buy the single card you need instead? You're going to be opening Destined Rivals and Mega Evolution packs in this Premium Collection, so here's the top cards from each:

Destined Rivals
  1. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $390
    Market price: $424.44
    Most recent sale: $394.48

  2. Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $192.91
    Market price: $194.86
    Most recent sale: $180

  3. Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $177.98
    Market price: $172.69
    Most recent sale: $181.10

  4. Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $118.72
    Market price: $123.39
    Most recent sale: $124.99

  5. Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 234/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $65.75
    Market price: $65.79
    Most recent sale: $65.98

Mega Evolution / Phantasmal Flames
  1. Mega Charizard X ex - 125/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $514
    Market price: $535.60
    Most recent sale: $514

  2. Mega Charizard X ex - 130/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $360.48
    Market price: $386.07
    Most recent sale: $369.59

  3. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $320
    Market price: $385.01
    Most recent sale: $323

  4. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $278
    Market price: $302.38
    Most recent sale: $281.97

  5. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $195.73
    Market price: $206.79
    Most recent sale: $191.99

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals Booster Bundle is down to market value right now at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 13:27

MARKET VALUE: Pokémon TCG's Destined Rivals Booster Bundle is currently $58.29 on Amazon, which is down to market value when compared to TCGplayer listings starting at $58.49.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Destined Rivals Booster Bundle $58.29 at Amazon
$65.88 Save $7.59   Get Deal

Destined Rivals is the best-looking set to collect in the Scarlet and Violet era, in my opinion.

While Journey Together brought back Trainer Pokémon, Destined Rivals nailed it by bringing back fan favorites Giovanni and Team Rocket alongside Ethan, the protagonist from Pokémon Gold and Silver. The Secret Illustration Rares in this set just pop, such as Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex screaming nostalgia vibes from Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back (The First Movie) and Ethan's Ho-Oh ex throwing Generation One trainers back to Ash's first steps out of Pallet Town, witnessing the then-unannounced Pokémon Gold legendary Pokémon flying above.

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My favorite card from Destined Rivals is actually quite cheap, as a regular Illustration Rare. I'm talking about Ethan's Typhlosion - 190/182, a masterclass in how Illustration Rares are done. There's so much action and emotion behind this cracking bit of artwork by GIDORA. The Destined Rivals Booster Bundle is a great way to grab six booster packs to rip open, and this is one of the cheapest ways to do it right now.

The best chase cards you can pull from Destined Rivals Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

I love ripping open booster packs, but it can get ridiculously expensive quickly if you're looking for the grail cards of Destined Rivals. Of course, you could just get lucky and find what you're looking for, but it's a slim chance. With single Pokémon cards finding a new floor price-wise, it's a great time to just buy the cards you need and potentially save a small fortune.

  1. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $390
    Market price: $424.44
    Most recent sale: $394.48

  2. Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $192.91
    Market price: $194.86
    Most recent sale: $180

  3. Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $177.98
    Market price: $172.69
    Most recent sale: $181.10

  4. Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $118.72
    Market price: $123.39
    Most recent sale: $124.99

  5. Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 234/182
    Near Mint Holofoil: $65.75
    Market price: $65.79
    Most recent sale: $65.98

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score extra seasonal savings on iBUYPOWERs RDY Prebuilt PCs with this coupon code

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 13:22

TL;DR: iBUYPOWER is offering an an extra discount on any RDY Prebuilt PC with code 12DEALS. This is part of its 12 Deals of Christmas promotion that's running until Dec. 24.

Opens in a new window Credit: iBUYPOWER iBUYPOWER 12 Deals of Christmas: Save extra with 12DEALS   Get Deal

'Tis the season to treat yourself to some sleek new tech for the holidays. If a PC upgrade has been on your mind, iBUYPOWER is holding a 12 Deals of Christmas sale event until Dec. 24. This event features 24-hour Flash Sales each day on various prebuilt gaming PCs, including a stellar deal on iBUYPOWER’s RDY Element 9 R07.

This build is currently on sale for $500 off its list price, down to $1,549. That's not all, though. You can save an extra $50 by applying the code 12DEALS at the checkout. That's a fantastic saving for a PC that's fitted with an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, RTX 5070 12GB GPU, 32GB of DDR5-5600MHz RAM, and 2TB of storage. And the saving don't stop there.

SEE ALSO: The 60+ best Christmas gifts for 2025: Find unique gift ideas you'd never think of on your own

This code can be used on any RDY Prebuilt PC from iBUYPOWER, allowing you to save up to $200 off RDY Prebuilt PCs priced over $2,999, $100 off RDY Prebuilt PCs over $1,999, and $50 off RDY Prebuilt PCs over $999. That's quite the bonus to take advantage of before Christmas hits, especially with component prices surging. So why not treat yourself to a new build today to take you into the new year?

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Remember, these are limited-time deals as part of iBUYPOWER's 12 Deals of Christmas, which only runs until Dec. 24. So, if one of those PC builds has caught your eye, now is your chance to save a little bit extra with code 12DEALS.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 16, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 13:17

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a film buff.

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 16, 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: Get moving!

  • Green: Lineage

  • Blue: Films by an iconic director

  • Purple: Musical sounds

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Dances

  • Green: Descendants

  • Blue: Hitchcock movies

  • Purple: Starting with percussion instruments

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 #919 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Dances: BOLERO, FOXTROT, MAMBO, QUICKSTEP

  • Descendants: BROOD, FAMILY, OFFSPRING, POSTERITY

  • Hitchcock movies: LIFEBOAT, ROPE, SPELLBOUND, SUSPICION

  • Starting with percussion instruments: BELLHOP, CHIMERA, DRUMROLL, RATTLESNAKE

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 16, 2025

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for December 16, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 13:17

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a good judge of character.

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 16, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 16, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Let me count the ways

The words are related to personality.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe positive personality traits.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is High Praise.

NYT Strands word list for December 16
  • Charming

  • Funny

  • Smart

  • Beautiful

  • High Praise

  • Kindhearted

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 16, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 12/16/2025 - 13:17

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're constantly changing.

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 16, 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 16, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A shift.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

SEGUE

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 16, 2025

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology
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