Technology

If you’re into keyboards, you’ve probably noticed a new kind of magnetic keyboard making waves—and it’s not Hall Effect. It’s based on TMR, a next-gen technology with better precision and efficiency. But is this evolution really worth the price?

I'm always looking for ways to improve my email security, limit the amount of spam reaching my inbox, and generally keep my emails organized. Plus email addressing helps me achieve all three of these goals.

I’ve had a lot of fun putting together a smart home, so much so that I’ve been known to get ahead of myself as I put technology before practicality. This can trip up guests and visitors alike, and it’s a mistake you’re going to want to avoid making.

If you've checked your in-game metrics recently and noticed that your graphics card is constantly running hot, potentially even causing games or drivers to crash, it can be quite disconcerting. Many guides online will suggest that simply repasting the GPU could lower the temps, but what if you don't want to risk damaging your precious graphics card, have nowhere to take it, or don't want to overpay for the service?

For me, there isn’t a better way to unwind from a long day than by sitting down and engaging in a good movie. Luckily, Amazon Prime Video has plenty. This week’s mix includes a lingering taste of Halloween, current and classic comedies steeped in laugh-out-loud sardonic wit, a little bit of action mixed with bickering and brotherly love, and an inspiring drama based on the true story of the first Mexican American to go to space.

Have you ever seen the @ symbol in a Microsoft Excel formula and wondered why it's there? Well, wonder no more, because in this guide, I'll explain everything you need to know about this powerful operator.

Today, Google released the 2025 edition of the Holiday 100, its annual gift guide based on the year’s biggest Google Search trends. The list includes new tech releases like the Nintendo Switch 2, the Ninja Creami Swirl, and the Google Pixel Watch 4 as well as apparel, home, beauty, and toy picks. Obviously, Labubus are on there.

Google chooses items for its Holiday 100 list by analyzing U.S. Google Trends data from May through September. The tech giant says that more than 1 billion shopping-related searches are conducted every day on Google, providing it with a vast data pool to draw from.

The Nintendo Switch 2 and Google Pixel Watch 4 were two of the most-searched products of the year. Credit: Google

This year's top-searched items and breakout trends include items we've reviewed, written about, and featured in our own gift guides here at Mashable. Below, we've highlighted ten Holiday 100 picks, ranging from $28 to $1,300, that we'd love to unwrap ourselves. If you need some wishlist inspo ahead of the holidays (and Black Friday), just keep scrolling.

To see the full Google Holiday 100 list for 2025, click the Shopping tab on Google Search or visit g.co/holiday100.

1. The Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch 2 $449 at Walmart
$920.86 Save $471.86 The successor to Nintendo's bestselling hybrid console arrived in May (and promptly sold out everywhere), fueling a surge in "Switch 2" searches. It's pretty easy to find in stock nowadays, but that might change as the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear. Consider yourself warned. Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Amazon 2. The Ninja Creami Swirl Ninja Creami Swirl $331.10 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $18.89 Searches for "Ninja Swirl" hit an all-time high this year, and the hype is real: Our reviewer found that Ninja's latest countertop ice cream maker is as good as TikTok says it is. The added soft-serve dispensing feature makes it a better value than the original Creami. Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Ninja Kitchen 3. A smart ring Oura Ring 4 $349 at Amazon
Search interest in these small, fashion-forward fitness trackers hit a new peak in 2025. Our favorite model for most people is the Oura Ring 4, which is sleeker, comfier, and more accurate than the competition. It comes in ten finishes, including four new ceramic designs in pretty pastels. Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Target 4. The Google Pixel Watch 4 Google Pixel Watch 4 (Bluetooth/WiFi, 41mm) $349.99 at Walmart
Everyone was googling the big G's newest wearable (even before it made its debut in early October). Our reviewer called it "a true runner's watch," praising its bright domed display, custom workout features, and repairable design. If your current smartwatch is more than a generation old, it's a worthy upgrade. Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Amazon 5. A red light mask Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask $349 at Amazon
2025 was the year everyone got into red light therapy. The best red light mask we've tested ourselves is the Shark CryoGlow, which incorporates blue and infrared lights for added acne- and wrinkle-reducing benefits. It also comes with built-in chill pads that de-puff the under-eye area — something you won't find on any other LED mask. Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Shark Shop Now at ULTA 6. A styling wand Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System $249.99 at Walmart
$349.99 Save $100 Interest in "Styling wand" has ramped up during the holiday season every year since 2011. Hopefully everyone's stopped splurging on Dyson Airwraps by now: Its best dupe, the Shark FlexStyle, is a more useful device that's almost half the price. It comes in some highly giftable limited-edition colorways, too. Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Amazon 7. A photo printer Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer $99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $10.99 Google saw a 65 percent spike in searches for "photo printer" over the past year. One of our editors is obsessed with the ultra-portable Canon Ivy 2, which has a user-friendly app and offers better photo quality than any other model she's tried. What's more, it's often on sale for just $100. Shop Now at Amazon 8. A home projector LG CineBeam Q 4K Smart Portable Projector $962.59 at Amazon
$996.99 Save $34.40 Movie theater attendance is still on the decline; is it any wonder that "home projectors" got 60 percent more searches this year? The lightweight LG CineBeam Q can throw a picture up to 120 inches wide, and it made our reviewer think about ditching her TV for good. It's not exactly cheap, but it's more affordable than other 4K options. Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at LG 9. The Lego Willy Wonka set Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory $219.99 at Lego.com
Wonkamania endures. "Lego Willy Wonka" was a breakout search term following the September release of a new fan-voted building set inspired by the 1971 movie (complete with a chocolate waterfall). It contains 2,025 pieces, including a Gene Wilder mini-figurine. It's a Lego.com exclusive, FYI. Shop Now 10. A Labubu The Monsters Big into Energy Series - Vinyl Plush Pendant Blind Box $27.99 at Amazon
Furry, pointy-toothed, and inescapable on FYPs, Labubu dolls were one of the biggest viral hits of 2025. (They're part of the larger "backpack charm" trend, which was more searched than ever.) They come in sealed "blind boxes," so collecting a full set can be a challenge. Put one in your favorite Gen Zer's stocking to earn major brownie points. Shop Now at Amazon

Like two toddlers who were somehow given the gift of internet access and infinite money, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are arguing online again.

The latest instance in this never-ending beef was started by Altman on Oct. 30, who shared his unsuccessful attempt to cancel the Tesla Roadster. In an X post with email screenshots, Altman said he had pre-ordered the Roadster in July 2018 with a $45,000 reservation payment. Seven years later, in 2025, he tried to cancel the reservation and get a refund by directly responding to the original reservation confirmation email, which yielded an "address not found" error.

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On one hand, it's not that unusual for a company email address to get changed or expire after seven years. On the other, it's very unusual for a company to ask for a $45k down payment on a car and then not launch it for seven years, so we do kinda get where Altman's coming from.

SEE ALSO: Musk hopes Tesla Roadster demo will be ready before end of 2025

Musk responded on X on Nov. 1, first by changing the subject and saying that Altman "stole a non-profit," referencing the odd trajectory of OpenAI from a non-profit to for-profit company. (Musk was involved in OpenAI early, but later sued when the company transitioned to for-profit.) The Tesla CEO then said that Altman's "issue was fixed" and that the OpenAI CEO had received a refund "within 24 hours."

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Altman may have chosen the wrong moment to cancel his Roadster reservation, as Musk recently said that Tesla is close to demonstrating a "prototype" of the vehicle, hyping it up as "if you took all the James Bond cars and combined them, it's crazier than that" — and hinting that it'll be able to fly. Then again, this car was originally supposed to launch in 2020, so we wouldn't hold our breath waiting it to launch.

AT MARKET VALUE: As of Nov. 3, the Pokémon TCG White Flare Elite Trainer Box is $82.94 at Amazon. This is now at market value vs. TCGPlayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company White Flare Elite Trainer Box $82.94 at TCGPlayer
  Get Deal

Have you been hunting down Mega Evolution boosters and Phantasmal Flames preorders? I don't blame you, but my eye has been on the Scarlet and Violet era, specifically White Flare. Amazon are finally playing ball with their pricing, bringing the White Flare Elite Trainer Box down from a ridiculous $104.49 to market value at $82.94. Well, technically its a couple of dollars more, but you'll get prime delivery and have this ETB in your hands tomorrow. It's a solid pay off especially when you're paying extra for delivery at TCGplayer.

Black Bolt and White Flare is a crazy double set featuring an Illustration Rare or Secret Art Rare for every Unovan Pokémon. Oh, and don't forget about the new Black White Rares of Victini (two for both sets), Reshiram (White Flare), and Zekrom (Black Bolt). It really is such an epic way to cap off the Scarlet and Violet era.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

The Black Bolt ETB includes a Tornadus 210 Illustration Rare promo card, 65 Black Bolt-Themed sleeves, themed dice, and eight booster packs. Even the box is great for storing all of your bulk cards thanks to the included dividers. That works out at $10.37 per booster pack plus all the extras as a bonus, not bad given current market conditions.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Prefer to just sink your money into the chase cards you want rather than ripping up endless boosters and spending a fortune in the process? Here's the top five with direct links to buy for the best price alongside up-to-date pricing info:

1. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $446.99
   Market price: $483.91
   Most recent sale: $440

2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $440
   Market price: $430.29
   Most recent sale: $405

3. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $415
   Market price: $499.59
   Most recent sale: $430

4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $372.60
   Market price: $369.06
   Most recent sale: $354

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $225
   Market price: $245.39
   Most recent sale: $194.99

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $191.98
   Market price: $190.31
   Most recent sale: $192.05

BELOW MARKET VALUE: As of Nov. 3, the Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box is $84.95 at Amazon. This is now below market value vs. TCGPlayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box $84.95 at TCGPlayer
$87.87 Save $2.92   Get Deal

Mega Evolution has been dominating the Pokémon TCG landscape, with stock levels looking better than ever. Phantasmal Flames preorders haven't been looking bad either, but regular stock remains to be seen when it releases Nov. 14. I'm still focused on the Scarlet and Violet era, which is a good job as I've found a great deal on the BLack Bolt Elite Trainer Box.

Right now, Amazon is selling it for below market value for $84.95, which is around $3 lower than TCGplayer's current listings. It doesn't sound like much, but it's more money in your pocket and next-day delivery. Who can argue with what when other ETBs are soaring to over $100?

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

The Black Bolt ETB includes a Thundurus 209 Illustration Rare promo card, 65 Black Bolt-Themed sleeves, themed dice, and eight booster packs. With the box even serving as a great storage box for your cards. This ETB normally goes for around $95, meaning you're paying $10.62 per booster pack instead of $11.88. Looking to rip open packs and find chase cards? These are the kind of deals collectors and trainers need to keep an eye out for.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Like I said, the only problem with this set is it's size, making those top chase cards brutal to catch in sealed products. For some, that's the fun and thrill of it all, but others just want to buy the single cards they're after and likely save some money in the process. Here's the top six right now and where you can buy them:

1. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $446.99
   Market price: $483.91
   Most recent sale: $440

2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $440
   Market price: $430.29
   Most recent sale: $405

3. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $415
   Market price: $499.59
   Most recent sale: $430

4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $372.60
   Market price: $369.06
   Most recent sale: $354

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $225
   Market price: $245.39
   Most recent sale: $194.99

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $191.98
   Market price: $190.31
   Most recent sale: $192.05

SAVE $60: As of Nov. 3, the Anker 3-in-1 charger is on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. That's a 26% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 3-in-1 Charging Station $169.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $60   Get Deal

If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, wouldn't it be nice if you could get rid of your cable clutter and just use one charger to power them all? Well, thanks to Anker, now you can. Meet the Anker 3-in-1 charging station, a handy device that can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all in one stand. And it's MagSafe too, so you don't need to use any cables.

As of Nov. 3, it's on sale for its lowest-ever price. You can save $60 with the new price of $169.99. It's compatible with most, but not all devices. For the Apple Watch, it works with the Apple Watch Series 11, 10, 9, 8, and 7, the Ultra Apple Watch Series 1-6, and the Apple Watch SE Series. For AirPods, it will work with Gen 2, 3, 4, Pro, Pro 2, and Pro 3, and for iPhone it is compatible with the iPhone 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, and 12.

Despite charging multiple devices at once, it's fast. It delivers 25W ultra-fast wireless charging, meaning it can power your iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in just 22 minutes. It also has an aerospace-grade TEC active cooling system to keep your phone below 89°F while charging. This protects your battery and helps to ensure its long-term health.

It also has a built-in 1.65-inch HD display that gives you real-time updates on power, temperature, and charging status. It'll also show the three different charging modes: Boost, Ice, and Sleep, giving you a choice of charging speed depending on needs and time of day.

Get this Anker deal from Amazon now.

The Anker Prime 160W, 3-port charger is one of the fastest wall plugs you can buy and one of the relatively few with a screen. Its shape and smart cable placement make it a brilliant charger, but the price might be a deal-breaker for most.

BELOW MARKET VALUE: As of Nov. 3, the Magic: The Gathering — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Play Booster Box is $209.70 at Amazon, compared to TCGplayer's price of $231.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Play Booster Box $209.70 at Amazon
$231.99 Save $22.29   Pre-order Here

Universes Beyond is on fire right now. We've already had Marvel's Spider-Man and Avatar: The Last Air Bender hit digital and store shelves on Nov. 21, and now the next Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond set is taking us back to the sewers with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on March 6, 2026. So why not lock your preorder in?

The Magic: The Gathering — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Play Booster Box is $209.70 at Amazon, that's $22.29 cheaper than the current going rate on TCGplayer, meaning Amazon is well below market value. You'll also get their preorder price guarantee and won't be charged for it until it ships. That's a win-win situation.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Each of the 30 boosters in this display box has 14 cards, ranging from 1-4 rares or mythics, 3-6 uncommons, and 6-9 commons. If you're after pulling rare cards, your chances are between 1% and 25%, with Full Boarderless Mythic Rare Turtles having a pull chance of under 1%. So if you're planning on pulling one, you're going to be opening a lot of boosters.

Most valuable Magic: The Gathering — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cards Credit: Wizards of the Coast

We're already seeing presale listings for single Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle MTG cards over on TCGplayer, which means you can snag some in-demand cards now before prices blow up near release next year. There's always a chance single card prices will go down, but we're not seeing any downward trends on the top chase cards from other Universes Beyond sets.

Here's the top five most valuable MTG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cards you can pre-order right now:

1. Super Shredder #83
   Near Mint Holofoil: $60
   Market price: $60
   Most recent sale: $60

2. Leonardo, the Balance (Borderless) #1
   Near Mint Holofoil: $45
   Market price: N/A
   Most recent sale: N/A

3. Splinter, the Mentor (Borderless) #3
   Near Mint Holofoil: $45
   Market price: N/A
   Most recent sale: N/A

4. Heroes in a Half Shell (Borderless) #6
   Near Mint Holofoil: $45
   Market price: N/A
   Most recent sale: N/A

5. Krang, Master Mind #43
   Near Mint Holofoil: $30
   Market price: $30
   Most recent sale: $30

So, you're going through a breakup. You're in the thick of heartache and it can feel never-ending. But, rest assured: this too shall pass. But, how long will it take for your post-breakup blues to lose their grip on you? If you're looking for specifics, you've come to the right place.

A statement that's often bandied around is that it takes half the duration of the relationship to get over it. But, is that actually true? We've read the research to get the answers to the burning question: how long does it take to get over a breakup?

It could take three months to feel better

A 2023 study by researchers at the University of Washington examined the recovery period of individuals who experienced a single breakup. The study observed participants over a two-year period and found that people going through breakups experienced a temporary increase in depressive symptoms, which returned to pre-breakup levels after three months.

SEE ALSO: How to get over a breakup Self-esteem may take one year to recover

Breakups can do a number on our self-esteem. Processing feelings of rejection can make us question our self-worth, our value as a partner, even our appearance. But, it's important to challenge these thoughts — feelings aren't facts! It's normal for your self-esteem to take a hit in the midst of a breakup, but crucially, it should not be a permanent state. (If it does continue post-breakup, it could help to speak to a therapist.)

A 2017 University of Bern study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that going through a breakup can decrease self-esteem, but after one year, self-esteem levels in participants levelled out.

SEE ALSO: How to separate romantic rejection from your self-worth Four years until they're just someone you used to know

Carrie Bradshaw, patron saint of heartbreak, once said, "If you love someone and you break up, where does the love go?" Good question, Carrie.

Right now, you're likely wrapping your head around the idea of no longer seeing this person everyday. It's like losing a dear friend. But, one day, you'll be able to look back at your ex simply as someone who was once a part of your life. (If you're keen on staying friends after you break up, it will take time and effort.)

A 2025 study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that for the average person, it takes 4.18 years for attachment bonds to fade away. "People’s former partners simply become someone they used to know," authors Jia Y. Chong and R. Chris Fraley found.

A psychotherapist's perspective on breakup timelines

We know what the research tells us, but what do therapists think based on their experience of talking to patients?

Naomi Magnus, psychotherapist at North London Therapy, says there is no fixed timeline for getting over a breakup. "Your emotional recovery will depend on the length and depth of the relationship, how well you cope in stressful situations, and the support network around you," she tells Mashable.

Featured Video For You 'I was cloaked.' What it's like to be blocked and stood up by your Hinge date.

Magnus adds that many people report gradual improvement over weeks or months, but that processing grief fully could take six months or longer. "It's normal to experience waves of sadness, anger, or longing," she says. "To heal, you need to process these emotions, look after yourself well, socialise with people who love and support you, and reflect on the relationship. It's not easy, but always remember the heartache won't last forever."

Were you the dumper or the dumpee?

How quickly you bounce back from a breakup can also depend on whether you were the dumper or the dumpee, says therapist Jonathan Eddie, a member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Other factors that can impact recovery time, he tells Mashable, include: "Do you feel relatively secure aside from the relationship? Do you carry psychological wounds from your past that were triggered by the separation? How traumatic was the split? What history did you have together? How badly were your dreams dashed? Were dependants or property involved?"

SEE ALSO: What are the rules for blocking someone after a breakup? Can heartbreak last longer than one year?

Eddie says that the ending of a relationship can cause grief that's not unlike the death of a loved one. "Just like bereavement, there’s no set timeframe for processing," he says. "Hopefully, with the benefit of time and new experiences, the intensity will lesson and perhaps even vanish all together." 

“I guess if I was to rely on my experience to put a number on it, I’d say anything up to a year is a reasonable length of time to recover from a breakup," Eddie adds. "If it was to drag on too much beyond that, or if it was to impact on the ability to move forwards in life, then it could be a really healing experience to work alongside a trained therapist."

If you need more advice on getting over a breakup, check out Mashable's guide to moving on after a relationship ends.

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

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 3, 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 November 3, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Stirred.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

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...

AWOKE

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 November 3, 2025

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love a good tale.

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 3, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 24, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Wee wee wee!

The words are related to a story.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a popular children's story.

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 This Little Piggy.

NYT Strands word list for November 3

• Went

• Market

• Stayed

• Home

• This Little Piggy

• Beef

• Roast

• None

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love putting things together.

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 3, 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: They're the same color

• Green: They're blown up

• Blue: They're made of many parts

• Purple: Creatures

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Things that are red

• Green: Things filled with air

• Blue: Things with a lot of pieces

• Purple: Ending with animals

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 #876 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Things that are red: CLOWN NOSE, FIRE ENGINE, MARASCHINO CHERRY, STOP SIGN

• Things filled with air: BALLOON ANIMAL, BOUNCY CASTLE, WATER WINGS, WHOOPEE CUSHION

• Things with a lot of pieces: JIGSAW PUZZLE, LEGO SET, LITE-BRITE, PICK-UP STICKS

• Ending with animals: DARK HORSE, FUNKY CHICKEN, JUMBO SHRIMP, SEA MONKEY

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 November 3, 2025

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

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

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is easy if you know teams located in the Southwest.

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

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

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Being routed

• Green: Teams in the Beehive State

• Blue: Advanced stats

• Purple: Mispelled quarterbacks

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Fall Behind

• Green: Utah Teams

• Blue: Categories of Points in a Basketball Box Score

• Purple: NFL QBs, With The First Letter Changed

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

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #405 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Fall Behind - DROP BACK, FALTER, LAG, TRAIL

• Utah Teams - COUGARS, JAZZ, MAMMOTH, UTES

• Categories of Points in a Basketball Box Score - BENCH, FAST-BREAK, PAINT, SECOND-CHANCE

• NFL QBs, With The First Letter Changed - COVE, ELLEN, MIX, WIELDS

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

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

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

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

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

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 3, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 3, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 3 Pips

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

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 3 Pips

Number (10): Everything in this space must add to 10. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed vertically; 3-1, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this red space must add to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 0-0, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this light blue space must add to 5. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 0-0, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this orange space must add to 5. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically; 3-1, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 3 Pips

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

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

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

Number (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 3-3 is placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (16): Everything in this space must be greater than 16. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-1, placed horizontally.

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

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

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

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, Nov. 3, 2025:

AcrossOn the ___ (using Tinder or Bumble)

• The answer is Apps.

Color of the second-hardest Connections category

• The answer is Blue.

Prepare, as a Thanksgiving turkey

• The answer is Carve.

Have to have

• The answer is Need.

Camper's construction

• The answer is Tent.

DownKimmel's channel

• The answer is ABC.

Audience member who's in on the magic trick

• The answer is Plant.

Many a baby food

• The answer is Puree.

Typical number of objects that humans can hold in working memory, hence phone numbers

• The answer is Seven.

Summer hrs. in N.Y.C.

• The answer is EDT.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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