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The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're good with letters.

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 October 24, 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: Bravery

• Green: The means

• Blue: They sound alike

• Purple: They feature the alphabet

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: Fortitude

• Green: Channel

• Blue: Words starting with the "Say" sound

• Purple: Things featuring letters A through Z

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 #871 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Fortitude: BACKBONE, COURAGE, HEART, SPIRIT

• Channel: MEDIUM, OUTLET, PLATFORM, VENUE

• Words starting with the "Say" sound: SACRUM, SEITAN, SEYCHELLES, SÉANCE

• Things featuring letters A through Z: ABECEDARIUM, COMPUTER KEYBOARD, OUIJA BOARD, SCRABBLE

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 October 24, 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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a birdwatcher.

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 October 17, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 24, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: "Nevermore!"

The words are related to animals.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a type of bird.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Thats So Raven.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 29

• Omnivorous

• Clever

• Winged

• Thats So Raven

• Black

• Feathered

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're good at reading facial expressions.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 24, 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 October 17, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A scowl.

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 G.

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...

GLARE

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 October 24, 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.

SHOP NOW: As of Oct. 29, shop the new Amazon Echo Studio. It's the most advanced smart speaker from Amazon, now featuring Dolby Atmos.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Studio $219.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

On Sept. 30, 2025, Amazon debuted a new collection of Echo devices, built for Alexa+. The new AI-powered voice assistant does a lot more than play whatever music you ask it to. Now Alexa+ can hold a conversation or plan a date night. To keep up with its innovative internal tech, Amazon launched the Echo Dot Max, Echo Show 8, Echo Show 11, and Echo Studio. The latter, the Echo Studio, is the brand's finest speaker yet, offering a larger design and Dolby Atmos.

The Echo Studio got its first update in six years — it previously debuted in 2019, and the 2025 model looks quite different. As noted by Mashable's tech editor, Timothy Bech Werth, the new Echo Studio looks a little bit like the Death Star, with its circular orb design and flat control panel. The front panel has simple controls for volume and turning off the voice controls. It's covered in a new 3D knit material and a 1.73-inch front-firing speaker.

The new Amazon Echo Studio design reminds us of the Death Star. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The speaker includes spatial audio as well as Dolby Atmos. So while it does a spectacular job playing music, the Echo Studio can also be used for your in-home theater, creating a true surround sound experience.

It's going to be Amazon's biggest screenless speaker, measuring 6.1 inches by 5.8 inches. It's slightly bigger than Amazon's old flagship Echo, which seems to have been discontinued.

After a month-long preorder period, the Amazon Echo Studio is now available for purchase for $219.99, making it the second most expensive device in the Echo lineup.

It’s 10:30am and I’m at 77%. It’s been a busy morning—kids up early, streaming the new Tame Impala album to my Sonos speakers, watching a few of my friend Stephen’s terrible Sora videos—but nothing out of the ordinary. Still, my iPhone 17 Pro wouldn’t be this low this early. Am I worried? Yes and no. It’s a solvable problem, but it’s still a problem.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 29, the Eureka J15 Evo Ultra is on sale for $499.96 at Amazon. That's a 17% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eureka Eureka J15 Evo Ultra $499.96 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100.03   Get Deal

Buying a robot vacuum is like buying yourself a little gift every single day — the gift of no vacuuming. And if you've been on the hunt for the right "gift" to buy, this latest Amazon deal on the Eureka J15 Evo Ultra might sway you. As of Oct. 29, this impressive vacuum is down to $499.96. That's a $100 discount, and it's never been cheaper than this.

The Eureka J15 Evo Ultra is a great choice, even without a discount. It has 22,000 Pa suction power so it can easily pick up heavy dirt. It also has mopping capabilities, and one of its many pros includes the ScrubExtend mop extension technology, a feature that allows the mop to reach skirting boards, corners, and table legs for improved edge coverage. You know what that means? No need for you to touch up those hard to reach places.

SEE ALSO: The top 5 robot vacuums for carpet all passed the cat hair test

If you have pets, you may wonder if this robot vacuum is powerful enough against the almighty pet hair, but thanks to the DragonClaw Side Brush, this device will become your best friend. The V-shaped design of the brush detangles hair as it spins, with an anti-tangle roller brush and built-in comb to prevent clogs and keep the vacuum running smoothly.

There's also little to do in the way of navigation. It does so itself, and seamlessly, thanks to the LiDAR navigation. It also climbs thresholds up to 20 mm and automatically lifts the mop 10 mm when it detects carpets to avoid wetting them.

Get this robot vacuum deal from Amazon now.

SHOP NOW: As of Oct. 29, the Amazon Echo Dot Max is now available to purchase. Shop the smart speaker at Amazon for $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot Max $99.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

In February 2025, Amazon announced its revamped voice assistant called Alexa+. The AI-powered assistant can do more than ever before, including holding conversations, drafting messages, and analyzing documents. With all of these new capabilities, Amazon announced a new collection of Echo devices to support Alexa+ in September of this year.

One of those devices was the Amazon Echo Dot Max, which is available to purchase as of Oct. 29. Amazon seems to have done away with its classic Echo, now offering the Echo Dot Max, a device with a similar look and the exact price point of the former Echo.

The Amazon Echo Dot Max comes in three shades: graphite, amethyst, and glacier white. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

It's just slightly bigger than Amazon's popular Echo Dot, a small but powerful speaker. The Echo Dot Max is capable of filling large spaces, and in addition to built-in Alexa, it has an included smart home hub. It has a 0.8-inch tweeter and a 2.5-inch woofer to support lossless, high-definition audio, even adapting to the room it's in to provide the best sound possible.

Alongside the new Echo device come two new accessories, a wall mount and a charging stand.

The Amazon Echo Dot Max is available to buy at Amazon now for $99.99.

TL;DR: Give your wallet a break ahead of the holidays with this Sam’s Club Plus Membership with Auto-Renew, on sale now for $50 (reg. $110) for just two more days until Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club 1-Year Sam's Club Plus Membership (Auto-Renew) $50
$110 Save $60   Get Deal

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… unless you’re a wallet. With the holidays fast approaching, there’s no better time to show your bank account a little love. This Sam’s Club Plus Membership makes it easy to save money on a wide variety of categories — from weekly groceries to furniture to prescriptions.

Right now, you can save big on a one-year membership with auto-renewal for just $50 (reg. $110). But you’re going to need to act fast — this sale only runs for two more days and ends Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

SEE ALSO: Walmart will host two extended Black Friday sales that start in mid-November

Become a Sam’s Club member and watch your dollar stretch a little further. Not only will you get budget-friendly options for everyday essentials like food and toilet paper, but you’ll also unlock savings across electronics, jewelry, and furniture.

Head into Sam’s Club to get your weekly staples and even pick up a prescription at the pharmacy. Then, when you get home, you can continue to use your membership to save on things like hotel bookings, car rentals, live events, movies, and more.

This deal on a Plus membership is available to new Sam’s Club members and includes a complimentary household card to extend the savings even further. It also gives you access to free shipping online or in the app, curbside pickup to help save you time, and savings in the optical department, tire and battery center, and on gas at select locations.

Act fast to secure your own Sam’s Club Plus Membership with Auto-Renew for just $50 (reg. $110).

StackSocial prices are subject to change.

TL;DR: Make PDFs manageable with this lifetime subscription to PDF Expert Premium Plan, now just $79.97 (reg. $139.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Readdle PDF Expert Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Mac) $79.97
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Your Mac can do a lot of things, but easily handling PDF files isn’t one of them. That’s where PDF Expert comes in, offering a convenient way to edit, annotate, and manage your PDFs right on your device. Make handling PDFs easier with a lifetime subscription to PDF Expert’s Premium Plan for Mac, on sale now for $79.97 (reg. $139.99).

End a lifetime of struggling with PDFs with PDF Expert. This award-winning app has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to work with this file format, allowing you to add images, insert links, edit text, and much more. There’s no app-hopping required, and you can tackle it all with just a few clicks.

SEE ALSO: Turn paper chaos into organized PDFs with iScanner’s lifetime plan for $25

From filling out blank PDFs to creating a brand new one, PDF Expert handles it all. You can easily edit existing documents with highlight, comment, and stamp options, or even obscure confidential information using the blackout or erase options as needed. If you need to add your signature, you can add it in a few clicks and even let customers sign documents with one-time signatures.

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TL;DR: Stop struggling with PDFs with some help from this lifetime subscription to PDF Converter and Editor, now just $24.99 (reg. $99.99) with code PDF15 now through Nov. 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $24.99
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It’s time to make peace with PDFs. PDF Converter and Editor makes it possible, offering an easy way to work with these pesky files. And right now, you can lock in a lifetime of convenient PDF navigating with this handy tool for just $24.99 (reg. $99.99) with code PDF15 now through Nov. 2.

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. That’s our take on PDFs after working with PDF Converter and Editor. It makes working with these frustrating files much easier every time you come into contact with one — from the doctor’s office to your kid’s school.

SEE ALSO: Save an extra $10 when you bundle Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro

PDF Converter and Editor makes it easy to convert a PDF to another file type in just a few clicks — including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, text, HTML, PNG, or JPG. Need to turn something into a PDF? That’s easy too — this tool lets you create a PDF from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and image files.

When you convert your files, you can rest easy knowing that your document’s quality won’t be sacrificed. Your original layouts, images, and hyperlinks will all be preserved.

Need to edit a PDF? It’s totally manageable with PDF Converter and Editor. It lets you merge, split, rotate, or delete pages in seconds, or use OCR to extract and edit text from a document. Need to fill out a form? It’s super convenient with this tool. You can even add notes, stamps, text, and your very own customizable watermark if needed.

Snag a lifetime subscription to PDF Converter and Editor for just $24.99 (reg. $99.99) with code PDF15 now through Nov. 2.

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TL;DR: Secure enough cloud storage forever with this Internxt Cloud Storage 100TB lifetime subscription, on sale now for $999.99 (reg. $9,900).

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 100TB $999.99
$9,900 Save $8,900.01   Get Deal

When it comes to smart financial decisions, buying is typically better than renting. That’s also the case when it comes to cloud storage. We’ll all continue to amass data daily, so our need for more space will continuously increase. If you’re looking for a large amount of storage that will accommodate your growing collection of important files, it’s time to check out Internxt Cloud Storage.

Right now, you can lock in a lifetime subscription to a giant 100TB of secure cloud storage for just $999.99 (reg. $9,900).

SEE ALSO: Go beyond vocabulary — build real language fluency with Babbel

How much are you currently paying for cloud storage? Not only does that payment continue month after month, but it can also get a whole lot higher when your storage needs increase. That’s where Internxt Cloud Storage really shines — offering you enough space for life with this deal on 100TB.

The largest amount of storage Apple currently offers is 12TB — and that sets you back $64.99 a month for the rest of your life. This 100TB one-time payment ensures you have enough space for your photos, videos, important files, and more forever, with a user-friendly interface and full control of your files.

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Internxt Cloud Storage offers easy cross-platform compatibility, too. It works across devices and operating systems, so you can access your files from anywhere.

Take advantage of this amazing deal on a Internxt Cloud Storage 100TB lifetime subscription, now only $999.99 (reg. $9,900).

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TL;DR: Live stream the NBA for free with a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime. Live stream the NBA for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA is a unique sport. There's nothing else in which incredibly tall athletes can be made to look absolutely tiny by aliens who can dunk without leaving the ground. And almost all of these shockingly tall athletes display a skillset that mere mortals can't even fathom.

The NBA could make a legitimate argument that it hosts the very best athletes in the world. Sure, the NFL might disagree. And rugby definitely attracts some special specimens. But the NBA has a bunch of seven footers dunking on each other. That's tough to beat.

If you are interested in watching the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the NBA?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America made up of 30 teams (29 from the United States and one from Canada). The defending champions are the Oklahoma City Thunder.

When is the NBA?

The 2025–26 NBA season is the 80th edition of the competition. The regular season runs from Oct. 21 to April 12. The play-in tournament is scheduled to be played on April 14-17, followed by the playoffs on the next day, and concluding with the NBA Finals from June 4 to June 21.

The in-season NBA Cup will take place from Oct. 31 to Dec. 16.

How to watch the NBA for free

The NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime in the UK.

86 regular-season games, the Emirates Cup Championship, the play-in tournament, one third of first and second round games of the Playoffs, a Conference Finals series, and the NBA Finals are available to Prime members in the UK. The full schedule can be found here.

These free live streams are geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select NBA games before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing live streams on platforms like Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE OVER $300: The Grecell 1,000W Solar Generator is on sale for $399.96 at Amazon. That's over $300 off the list price for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Grecell Grecell 1,000W Solar Generator $399.96 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $300.03   Get Deal

Oh look, Mashable is shouting about another deal on a portable power station. Change the record, Mashable. There are so many interesting deals out there right now as we build towards Black Friday, so why are we constantly banging on about these power banks?

Firstly, power stations are super useful devices that can provide vital backup for travel, camping, or really any outdoor activity. And also, these power stations are expensive but go on sale all the time. So we're motivated to make sure you never may full price. So maybe get off our backs, yeah? We're simply trying to find you the very best deal on the best power stations for your next trip.

SEE ALSO: Harness the power of the Bluetti AC200PL portable power station with the Charge 1 alternator charger while the bundle is $1,100 off at Amazon

And if you're really looking for the best right now, we would like to point you in the direction of the Grecell 1,000W Solar Generator. For a limited time, this power station is on sale for $399.96 at Amazon, down from $699.99. It's not the lowest price we've ever seen, but it's not far from that record-low level and there's no guarantee that we'll ever see that price again. A discount of over $300 is still significant.

The Grecell 1,000W Solar Generator produces a 1,000W pure sine wave output to power your laptops, tablets, phones, lights, CPAP medical devices, TV, mini-refrigerator, and everything else. It can be charged via an AC outlet, solar panel, or car outlet, and comes with a built-in MPPT that extracts the maximum power from the solar panel at all times. It's also designed to keep itself from overheating with silent built-in dual cooling fans.

Get prepped for your next outdoor adventure and save over $300 on the Grecell 1,000W Solar Generator. This deal expires on Oct. 29, so act fast to secure this low price.

TL;DR: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Oct. 28. The Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Authors, offers free romance books in a variety of subgenres for your e-reader.

We warned you that the Stuff Your Kindle Day calendar was getting out of hand towards the end of October. We told you all about the squashed schedule, so don't act all surprised that we've got another giveaway going live.

Following on from the Stuff Your Kindle: Crime Edition, Cozy Mystery eBook Blast, Spook Your Kindle, and Get Spooked events that all went live in the latter stages of the month, the Romance Book Blast is ending things in style on Oct. 28. The Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Authors, is offering you the chance to download free romance books in a variety of subgenres. And everything that you download is yours to keep forever, so stock up while you can.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The Romance Book Blast takes place on Oct. 28. In contrast to the Get Spooked event that runs for five days, this giveaway only lasts through the day. There's no need to panic, but you do need to act fast to stock up on everything you want to read. If romance is your thing, this is your best opportunity to bolster your reading list.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

A great thing about Stuff Your Kindle Day is that anyone can participate. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them directly from your phone.

Which e-books are free?

The Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Authors, has a helpful hub page for the event. Here you can find 1,250+ books organized into subgenres so you can find exactly what you want:

• Steamy Romance 1

• Steamy Romance 2

• Sweet and No Spice

• Small Town Romance

• Sports Romance

• Romantic Comedy

• Dark Romance and Romantic Suspense

• Paranormal Romance

• Fantasy Romance

• Young and New Adult

• Historical Romance

• Science Fiction

• Erotica and Erotic Romance

There really is something for everyone here, so take your time, pick your favorites, and download for free.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep forever, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time. There's no reason to hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite + Kindle Unlimited (3-Month Plan)   Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle Paperwhite. Prices start at $159.99, but you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 29, the Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G55C is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's a 33% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G55C $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100   Get Deal

If it's time for a gaming upgrade, check out this deal on the Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G55C. It's a high-quality, curved gaming monitor, and right now it's $100 off. As of Oct. 29, you can make this monitor yours for just $199.99. It's the perfect option if you need an upgrade without a hefty price tag.

This monitor features a QHD display with 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD, so your games will all appear sharp and detailed. The curved screen is a real plus too, and the 1,000R display is designed to fill more of your field of view. And say goodbye to annoyingly slow, laggy visuals. This screen has a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, so everything will move as fast as you do.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade to a curved OLED gaming monitor for 44% less with this LG UltraGear deal

AMD FreeSync support helps minimize screen tearing, and HDR10 enhances contrast and color range. For long periods of gaming, this monitor also benefits from Eye Saver Mode and flicker reduction settings. These features help protect your eyes from strain after extended use.

Get this gaming monitor deal from Amazon before it goes back up in price.

TL;DR: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Oct. 26-30. Get Spooked, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering free paranormal, mystery, thriller, and horror books for your e-reader.

Opens in a new window Credit: Indie Author Central Get Spooked (Oct. 26-30)   Learn More

We know, we know. We've only just got through the last three Stuff Your Kindle Days, and now another? Listen, we don't set the schedule. We just report on new events going live. We're happy to admit that the schedule has got out of hand recently.

Fresh from the Stuff Your Kindle: Crime Edition, Cozy Mystery eBook Blast, and Spook Your Kindle events, a new free giveaway has gone live until Oct. 30. Get Spooked, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering you the chance to download free paranormal, mystery, thriller, and horror books. And better yet, everything that you download is yours to keep. So yes, the schedule has been ridiculously busy lately. But free books are free books.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Get Spooked takes place on Oct. 26-30. Unlike a lot of the recent events that have only lasted 24 hours, this monster event runs for five days, providing you with the opportunity to assess your options and stock up on exactly what you want to read. Bookworms, take your time.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The best thing about Stuff Your Kindle Day (besides all the free books) is that anyone can participate. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them directly from your phone.

Which e-books are free?

Spook Your Kindle, hosted by Indie Author Central, has a hub page for the event. Everything is neatly organized by genre, content level, spice level, and availability, so you can head directly to what you want to read most.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep forever, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time. There's no reason to hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite + Kindle Unlimited (3-Month Plan)   Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle Paperwhite. Prices start at $159.99, but you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase.

Samsung is actually doing it: The company is launching ads on its Family Hub smart refrigerators.

The fridges have a large display that typically shows stuff like time, the weather, camera streams, and family photos. They are being updated with a new design, smarter AI, and a new widget for the Cover screen that will show news, weather forecasts, and – fanfare – "curated advertisements."

The idea is not entirely new; Samsung piloted this idea last month, but now the ads are going to show on more fridges.

Notably, these fridges start from $1,899 in the U.S. and can go up to $3,499, which is a sum you typically pay for a home appliance with the expectation of not having to suffer through advertisements.

Fortunately, owners can get rid of these ads in two ways. First, they can dismiss the ads on the Cover screen, but that will only get rid of specific ads that won't appear again during the campaign period. They'll also be able to go to Settings - Advertisements and turn off the Cover screen ads completely.

Mercifully, ads will not appear when the Cover screen displays art or album themes.

SEE ALSO: Samsung unveils its tri-fold phone with a sneak peek

While the ability to turn ads off is great, this type of advertising often ends up being mandatory. At least the fridges aren't (currently) tracking consumers or collecting their personal information.

FREE IPHONE 17 PRO: You can get a free iPhone 17 Pro when you trade in any eligible phone and sign up to an Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Free iPhone 17 Pro at T-Mobile   Get Deal

A new wave of iPhones were released this year, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. We've given the new releases the full review treatment, and if you're itching to upgrade your smartphone to something from this selection, T-Mobile has a deal that should be something to carefully consider.

Right now, T-Mobile is offering the iPhone 17 Pro for free via 24 monthly bill credits when you trade in any eligible device, in any condition, and sign up to the Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan. This equates to a $1,100 discount, and it can even be applied against iPhone models down to the 14.

SEE ALSO: Somehow, Apple AirTags are still at their low Prime Day price — buy now to save over $30

The Experience More plan is also included in this promotion. With this deal, you can get $900 off any iPhone 17 model, as well as older models, also spread across 24 bill credits. To qualify for all of these plans, you’ll need to purchase the phone on a monthly payment plan, pay the sales tax on the full retail price, and pay a $35 connection charge upfront.

Be sure to browse all the deals on offer, because there really is something for everyone, including some that don’t require a trade-in. For example, you can get a $830 discount when you switch to T-Mobile Experience Beyond. These offers apply to well-qualified customers only, and if you cancel before your contract is up, you'll be asked to pay the full balance.

Head to T-Mobile to grab this free iPhone deal now.

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 Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025:

AcrossSkill taught at lifeguard training, for short

• The answer is CPR.

Bop it!

• The answer is Head.

Not given anything to eat

• The answer is Unfed.

Twist it! Pull it!

• The answer is Taffy.

Best of the best

• The answer is Elite.

DownMeans of getting trash to a basement dumpster

• The answer is Chute.

Word that can precede "code" or "colony"

• The answer is Penal.

"Baby Beluga" musician

• The answer is Raffi.

Neatly skillful

• The answer is Deft.

Change the color of, as hair

• The answer is Dye.

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 today's Mini Crossword.

After Edward Berger's visually rich and thematically intense film Ballad of a Small Player has ended, is there more?

The Conclave director returns with a Colin Farrell-led spiral into gambling addiction in Macau, a dazzlingly filmed story that goes all in — fistfuls of lobster included. After premiering at Telluride Film Festival, then hitting Toronto International Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival, Ballad of a Small Player is out now in limited cinemas in the U.S. and UK. And we're here to tell you whether to stick around for the end credits or not — without spoiling anything.

SEE ALSO: 'Ballad of a Small Player' review: Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton front a trippy thriller

Adapted from Lawrence Osborne's 2014 novel, the film sees Berger and screenwriter Rowan Joffé plunge Farrell into the unravelling character of sharply tailored Lord Doyle, whose thirst for the big win may never be quenched. Over a few tempestuous days, as his debts overwhelm him, he befriends the mysterious Dao Ming (Fala Chen) while trying to avoid British tourist Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton), who finds herself scoffing at the invitation of "dinner and a dance" with Lord Doyle for various reasons.

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

Mashable entertainment editor Kristy Puchko wrote of these performances in her review: "Farrell is solid as a scam artist whose charm is a blessing and a curse. Swinton's a joy in a bit part that at least gives her opportunity for eccentric choices and even more eccentric outfits. Chen is enigmatic and lovely as a loan shark haunted by her past."

And it's these characters you should stick around in the end credits for.

Featured Video For You Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini on the subtle comedy in their new thriller 'Conclave'

So, does Ballad of a Small Player have an end-credits scene? Yes, yes it does. And you should absolutely watch it.

Ballad of a Small Player is out now in cinemas before streaming on Netflix starting Oct. 29.