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SAVE $120: As of Oct. 28, the Dyson Supersonic is on sale for $299.99 at Amazon. That's a 29% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic $299.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $120   Get Deal

The Dyson Airwrap is so popular and so beloved that many people don't realize there are other incredible Dyson styling products on the market. And it's not the only hair drying product either — there's also the Dyson Supersonic, and it's on sale right now.

The Dyson Supersonic is a hair dryer designed to dry hair quickly while protecting it from extreme heat, unlike the Airwrap, which focuses on styling and curling as it dries. And as of Oct. 28, you can find it on Amazon for its lowest price in two years — $299.99, last reaching this low in November 2023.

SEE ALSO: The Dyson Airwrap Origin is down to its lowest-ever price — save $150 right now

If heat damage is a big concern for you when using a hairdryer, this model might just be the one for you. The Dyson Supersonic measures air temperature over 40 times per second to prevent extreme heat damage, so it's just as concerned about protecting your hair as you are. It's also incredibly powerful, benefiting from a Dyson Digital Motor V9 that spins at up to 110,000rpm, generating a high-velocity jet of air that dries hair quickly without using excessive heat.

With four precise heat settings, three speed settings, and a cold shot, it's designed to suit all hair types. The controlled airflow also helps to reduce frizz and leaves your hair looking smooth and natural. And to keep things from getting complicated, it comes with just one attachment, so you don't need to spend ages figuring out what does what.

Get this Dyson Supersonic deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $1,200: As of Oct. 28, the Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 200 V2 is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's a 52% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 200 V2 $1,099 at Amazon
$2,299 Save $1,200   Get Deal

Chances are you’ve heard of Bluetti if you’ve looked into portable power stations. If you want something powerful that will last, they're one of the best in the business. And as of Oct. 28, you can find a great discount at Amazon on the Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 200 V2. Not only is it reduced by a hefty amount ($1,200, to be exact), but it's also at its lowest-ever price, now just $1,099 for a limited time.

Portable power stations like this are multi-use. You can take it on a camping trip to ensure all your devices remain charged. It can also power cookers or any other powered product you take with you. But it's also good to keep you supported during a power cut, providing a source of home backup.

SEE ALSO: Need backup power? This Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 bundle is a steal at $450 off

This deal comes with a 200W solar panel and can fully recharge in about 13.5 hours using just sunlight. This is ideal for when you need a steady source of energy for extended periods with no power. You'll get your money's worth too, the LFP battery is rated for over 6,000 cycles, which translates to a lifespan of around 17 years.

With a capacity of 2073.6Wh and an AC output of 2,600W (5,200W peak), you'll be able to power up to nine devices at the same time, with outlets including one car port, two USB-C, two USB-A, and four AC Outputs.

Get this Bluetti deal at Amazon now.

SAVE OVER $30: As of Oct. 28, the Apple AirTag four-pack is on sale for $64.99 at Amazon. That's a 34% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag 4-Pack $64.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $34.01   Get Deal

A deal on AirTags is a sign you need to stop losing your stuff, right? Whether it’s your keys, wallet, or your passport, these little trackers make sure nothing goes missing for too long. And with this lingering Prime Day discount on the AirTag four-pack, there couldn't be a better time to stock up.

As of Oct. 28, the four-pack of AirTags is down to $64.99, a $34.01 saving on list price. This is also just 50 cents off their lowest-ever price, according to camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday deals we hope to see — Apple AirPods 4 for under $90

If you've ever used the Find My app before, you'll pick up AirTag tracking really fast. For those not in the know, an AirTag can be attached to basically anything. Once it is activated and good to go, just open the app you use to track your friends and Apple devices (iPhone, AirPods, etc) and you'll see your AirTag pop up.

It's incredibly accurate too, thanks to the Ultra Wideband technology that leads you right to it. It even works for luggage that might get left behind at an airport, thanks to the huge number of Apple devices out there that can detect and relay your AirTag’s location. So even if you end up really far away from it, you'll still be able to track its whereabouts.

Another great feature is its small, built-in speaker. No, it's not for playing music, but playing a noise to alert you to its location. This is ideal for when you're nearby, but it is out of sight. Think down the back of the couch or buried underneath cushions...

We don't know how long this AirTag deal will hang around, so head to Amazon now.

SAVE $900: As of Oct. 28, the LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo AI is on sale for $1,996.99 at Amazon. That's a 31% discount on the list price, and its best-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo AI $1,996.99 at Amazon
$2,896.99 Save $900.00   Get Deal

It always feels like a win when you find a product that's been reduced to its lowest-ever price. Any deal is a good thing, but knowing you've scored a deal so good that it's never happened before? That deserves bragging rights for sure. And that's exactly what you'll get with this LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo AI.

As of Oct. 28, this impressive TV is at its lowest-ever price. Reduced from $2,896.99 to $1,996.99, this TV deal keeps an extra $900 in your pocket. Not only that, but according to camelcamelcamel, this new price is significantly lower than previous discounts.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday deals we hope to see — the Fire TV Stick 4K for under $25

And with this TV, you're getting so much. From screen quality to sound, everything is of the highest quality. It has over 8.3 million self-lit pixels, so you'll get perfect black and vibrant colors. It also supports Dolby Vision for color and brightness, Dolby Atmos for immersive sound, and Filmmaker Mode to show films as the director intended.

It's run by the Alpha 11 AI Processor, which helps make picture and sound look and feel sharper, while also using AI upscaling and AI Director Processing to improve the quality of movies and shows automatically.

If you're a gamer, it has a super-fast 0.1ms response time, up to 120Hz refresh rate, and supports NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, and VRR. Four HDMI 2.1 ports let you connect multiple devices, and the Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer are perfect for controlling everything, without being overly complicated.

Get this great TV deal from Amazon.

SAVE $8.12: As of Oct. 28, the Pokémon TCG Surging Sparks Elite Trainer Box is $74.82 at TCGplayer, compared to $82.94 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Surging Sparks Elite Trainer Box $74.79 at TCGPlayer
$82.94 Save $8.15   Get Deal

Remember Surging Sparks? I wouldn't be suprised if you forgot about it thanks to the Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames hype train. Whilst we're struggling for said train to stop at the station so we can pick it up, Surging Sparks sealed product is finally coming back down to earth.

The Surging Sparks ETB is currently $74.79 at TCGplayer, a saving of $8.12 on an overpriced $82.94 at Amazon. It should be cheaper on Amazon, as they should really be selling sealed product for MSRP, but secondary market values are fighting the good fight and giving people prices they're willing to pay.

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

Trainers will get eight Surging Sparks booster packs, a set of 65 deck sleeves that match the Pikachu theme of the Elite Trainer Box, a set of dice, card dividers, a card storage box, and a promo Magneton Illustration Rare card.

Most valuable Surging Sparks Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Another great point to make about Surging Sparks is single card values — they've crashed since their peak at the start of the year, making it a great time to save money on endless pack openings and just snag the chase card you need. Tacking Pikachu ex SIR as an example, which was going for around $485 in January, but is now selling regularly around the $330 mark. I don't think it's a stretch to say this card and the other chase cards will climb once again when we see the set go out of print at somepoint in 2026, so it's a great time to buy:

1. Pikachu ex - 238/191

   Near Mint Holofoil: $329.31
   Market price: $348.92
   Most recent sale: $328

2. Latias ex - 239/191

   Near Mint Holofoil: $173.99
   Market price: $178.16
   Most recent sale: $178.41

3. Milotic ex - 237/191

   Near Mint Holofoil: $119.97
   Market price: $113.55
   Most recent sale: $100.79

4. Pikachu ex - 247/191

   Near Mint Holofoil: $63.97
   Market price: $66.94
   Most recent sale: $63.90

5. Hydreigon ex - 240/191

   Near Mint Holofoil: $44.43
   Market price: $45.42
   Most recent sale: $41

Being a woman on the internet can be tough, but trying to find a genuine connection on a dating app? That can feel nearly impossible sometimes. Between the emboldened creeps, endless swiping, and surprisingly convincing AI profiles, it's enough to make you wonder if applying for Love Island is a more sane alternative. (Spoiler alert: it's not.)

The reality is, dating as a woman in 2025 comes with a unique set of challenges. There's the constant barrage of low-effort "hey" messages, the unsolicited dick pics, the men who are definitely married, and the underlying safety concerns men just don't have to think about. It’s enough to make you want to swear off dating and just get another cat (no judgment here).

But despite the challenges, dating apps do work. Connections happen every day, and a 2025 survey from SSRS found that nearly 39 percent of all U.S. adults have used dating apps. However, among current users, only 38 percent are women. Yes, that means the odds are a little stacked against you, but don't despair. The key isn't giving up and hoping for an old-fashioned meet-cute; it's finding the best dating apps for women that prioritize safety, respect, and actually help you filter out the nonsense.

SEE ALSO: How to get over a breakup

Fortunately for you (and my sanity), navigating this mess is literally my job. As Mashable's resident dating expert for the last three years, I've put dozens of dating apps and websites to the test. From classics like eharmony to exciting newcomers like Pure, I tried them all. I did the swiping, matching, and blocking to figure out what actually works. So whether you want a serious relationship, a casual hookup, or just an app that puts you in control, I've found the options genuinely worth your time.

The dating apps I'd skip (and why)

You'll probably notice a few popular apps are missing from my list. That’s intentional. Part of my job is to filter out the platforms that aren't worth your time, money, or sanity —especially when safety is a top concern for women. An app doesn't get my recommendation just because it's well-known; it has to be effective and trustworthy. Here are a few I think women should skip.

• Plenty of Fish (POF): I know this one shows up on a lot of lists, but in my opinion, it's a low-tech dating app ghost town. POF launched way back in 2003, and the experience and interface feel dated. After testing it out, I (along with tons of Redditors) can confirm that it's filled with bots and scammers. I think your time is better spent elsewhere.

• "Hookup" sites (like BeNaughty, Fling, Kasual): You've probably seen ads for sites promising quick, no-strings-attached fun. Based on my research and countless user reviews, I'd advise women to steer clear. These platforms are notorious for being overrun with bots and having questionable billing practices. More importantly, the lack of verification and moderation often creates a sketchy environment where harassment and fake profiles are rampant.

There's no purer form of rage than what stems from watching your streaming content buffer ad infinitum. Whether it's upload speeds, download speeds, or latency that's causing the stop-and-go, there's a better life out there: You just need a good internet service provider recommendation.

SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this easy TV specs guide

The FCC does require internet service providers to provide some level of transparency about their broadband plans. But switching internet typically still involves tedious research — unless you're simply handed some cold, hard data on the fastest ISPs for streaming. Mashable's parent company, Ziff Davis, happens to have a service that literally gives out awards for ISPs with the fastest internet speeds: meet Ookla. Between January and June of 2025, Ookla conducted millions of consumer-initiated speed connection tests (officially called the Speedtest) of the top internet service providers (some fiber, some hybrid fiber-coaxial).

Those results are accompanied by a handful of user experience metrics to form one big Speedtest Connectivity Report, and we got the inside scoop. Now, we're passing it along to you. Let's get you up to speed on which internet service providers are the best for streaming in 2025.

Ever wanted to say something to the world, but want everyone to forget about it in a day? You can (sort of) do that on Threads, with a new feature called ghost posts (just in time for Halloween!).

On Monday, Meta's Twitter-like social network announced the feature, which basically means posts that are automatically archived after 24 hours. To create a ghost post, toggle on the ghost icon while creating a post.

Ghost posts are different from regular posts in several ways. Replies to ghost posts will be sent to your inbox, and only you will be able to see who liked them and replied to them.

Replies to ghost posts go directly to your inbox. Credit: Meta

In the announcement, Meta said you can now " hare unfiltered thoughts and fresh takes without the pressure of permanence or polish." The internet never forgets, though, so don't go too unfiltered on these because the ghost posts can still be screenshotted.

SEE ALSO: Threads users can now start group chats with up to 50 friends

Threads has been on a tear recently, having launched long (10,000 characters) text attachments, as well as Communities for live events.

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 Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025:

AcrossN.B.A. team with purple-and-orange jerseys

• The answer is Suns.

"___ Demon Hunters" (hit 2025 movie)

• The answer is KPop.

Scrumptious

• The answer is Tasty.

"Next ___ on the agenda ..."

• The answer is Item.

Politician Buttigieg

• The answer is Pete.

DownRink rental

• The answer is Skate.

Ticked off

• The answer is Upset.

Ticked off

• The answer is Not Me.

Fittingly, the outside letters of "snoopy"

• The answer is Spy.

What might be requested after spinning around an iPad

• The answer is Tip.

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.

Amazon is reportedly planning to cut up to 30,000 jobs this week, according to sources speaking to Reuters. If this goes ahead, it will be the largest mass layoff in the company's 31-year history.

SEE ALSO: Amazon reportedly lays off over 150 delivery drivers, union claims it's illegal

As reported by Reuters, multiple sources claim that Amazon will lay off thousands of corporate jobs beginning from this Tuesday. The move is apparently the result of the online retail giant cutting expenses after overhiring during the COVID-19 pandemic, having brought on 427,300 new employees between January and October 2020. 

Amazon employs approximately 1.5 million workers worldwide, and is one of the U.S.' largest employers. This week's mass layoffs will be its largest since the company cut 27,000 corporate jobs between November 2022 to March 2023.

It's currently unclear exactly which corporate Amazon employees might be impacted. Earlier this month, Fortune reported that Amazon plans to cut up to 15 percent of its employees in human resources, which has over 10,000 employees across the globe.

Mashable has reached out to Amazon for comment.

Though this round of Amazon layoffs is focused on its corporate employees, the company's warehouse workers have also faced challenges in recent months. Amazon reportedly fired over 150 unionised drivers in New York last month, which the union claimed was retaliation for the workers' participation in December's strikes. Despite the National Labor Relations Board's finding that Amazon is a joint employer with its subcontractors, the company maintains that the drivers managed by its subcontractors aren't its employees. Amazon has also refused to recognise their union.

The New York Times reported last week that Amazon hopes to eventually replace over half a million jobs with robots, with the goal of automating 75 percent of its operations. This would include creating warehouses which employ only a small number of humans.

In response, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that the internal documents sighted by the Times "reflect the perspective of just one team and don't represent our overall hiring strategy across our various operations business lines."

Nantel further noted that Amazon is looking to hire 250,000 seasonal workers for the holiday season. Of course, the nature of seasonal work means that these jobs will likely be temporary.

The thrill of unboxing a brand-new device never gets old. Whether it is the latest tablet, a powerful gaming console, or a laptop that promises to blitz through work tasks, there is something exciting about seeing that shiny new bit of tech come to life. But once the excitement fades and you begin putting it through its paces, the truth becomes obvious. A smart device is often only as good as the internet connection it relies on. If your home internet is sluggish or your internet setup isn't ideal, you may not unlock the full value of what you have just bought.

That’s where nbn’s range of wholesale speeds could come in, if you’re on a fixed line or fixed wireless connection. With more Australians investing in higher speed tier nbn® plans, many households are discovering that a key factor to getting the most out of new tech is not just the device itself, but also the speed and quality of the network it runs on. And it is not only about speed plans. Ensuring your home internet setup is working correctly and checking the age of your Wi-Fi router can be just as important.

More devices, more demand

A decade ago, many households were sharing a connection between a single computer, a TV, and maybe a laptop or two. Fast forward to today and the average Australian household has 25 connected devices all competing for bandwidth. Tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and gaming consoles could all be streaming, downloading, and updating around the clock. Add in connected appliances, smart home hubs, electric vehicles and security systems, and the demand for reliable bandwidth is higher than ever.

This is where a suitable nbn high speed tier plan can make a difference. Instead of devices competing for insufficient bandwidth and slowing one another down, a well-matched speed tier can help ensure everyone in the household can do what they want at the same time. One person could stream 4K video, another might be playing fast-paced online games, while others join video calls for work or study.* The right speed plan can help the experience remain smooth with minimal interruption, so that every device feels as fast and responsive as your plan allows. 

Since nbn is a wholesaler, it’s best to speak to your preferred internet provider to find a plan that's right for your household.

Speed helps unlock device potential

Buying a new smart device is often seen as a way of making life easier, more entertaining, or more productive. But the full value you get from that purchase is often directly tied to the experience of your internet. A high-performance laptop cannot reach its full potential if it spends most of its time waiting on slow file transfers. A brand-new console will not impress if multiplayer games lag. A crisp, high-resolution tablet will not shine if video streams constantly buffer.

Choosing the right nbn speed plan is one important way to ensure that your new tech can deliver what it promised in the store. Think of it as being future-ready. By choosing a speed tier that matches the way your household uses the internet, you are helping to make sure that new devices today, and those you will buy tomorrow, can all perform at their best. The second way to help ensure your new tech delivers what it promised, is to check your in-home internet setup. 

Do not overlook your setup

Of course, speed is only one part of the equation. A faster nbn speed tier plan can provide the bandwidth you need, but if your home internet setup is holding things back, you will not be able to take advantage of the increased speeds.  If your Wi-Fi router is more than five years old, you may want to consider your home internet setup and whether it’s still suitable for your needs.

Checking the age of your Wi-Fi router and placing it in an optimal location can be just as important as the plan you select. Wondering where to place your Wi-Fi router? Position it in an elevated, open, uncluttered area and as close as possible to where you use the internet the most. Together, the right speed tier and internet setup can help ensure your new device performs at its best, keeping that fresh-out-of-the-box feeling going for longer.

Ready for tomorrow's tech

The technology we use at home is constantly evolving. Each year brings new devices that often rely on more data and demand faster connections. From higher definition streaming and cloud-based gaming, to remote work tools that require smooth video conferencing, the requirements on household networks continue to climb.

Upgrading to an nbn high-speed tier plan – if that’s right for your needs – and making sure your home internet setup is ready to support the increased speeds helps you to prepare for that future.

Households that work for everyone

One of the most tangible benefits of higher internet speed is the harmony it can bring to busy households. A suitable high-speed nbn plan with enough capacity helps the whole family to stream, work and game all at the same time with minimal disruptions. A parent can attend a video meeting while another streams a workout class, children are watching cartoons in 4K, and a teenager is in the middle of an online gaming session. With a higher speed tier that’s right for your needs, everyone can do great things online at once.* 

The same is true for sharehouses. When multiple adults live together and each has their own set of connected devices, a high-speed tier plan helps everyone to stay connected without the dreaded buffering symbol or dropped video call.

Australians love their technology, and households are filling up with more connected devices every year. In fact, the average home is expected to have 44 connected devices by the end of the decade. But a new smart device is often only as good as the home internet setup that supports it. By upgrading to an nbn high-speed tier plan aligns with your internet usage and making sure your home internet setup is ideal, you can help unlock the true potential of your tech.

Bottom line, you don’t need to let your shiny new gadgets get bogged down. Increased nbn speed tiers to suit your needs and the right home internet setup can help keep your whole household connected, now and in the future.

A slow connection can impact your online experience, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just browsing. Here are ways to optimise your in-home internet setup.

*Your experience, including the speeds actually achieved, depends on many factors, including whether you are using the internet during the busy periods (7pm - 11pm), the number of people in your household online at the same time, your nbn access technology and configuration and some factors outside of nbn’s control (like your equipment quality and set-up, chosen broadband plan, age of device(s), and/or how your provider designs its network).

We're a day away from another lunar phase which can mean one thing; the moon is almost half back to us. After last week's New Moon, it's been slowly coming back. And there is lots to find out and see with tonight's moon.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Tuesday, Oct. 28, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. There will be 39% of the moon lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

Without any visual aids, tonight you should be able to see the Mare Crisium, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Mare Serenitatis. With a pair of binoculars you'll see even more, including the Endymion Crater, Mare Nectaris and the Posidonius Crater. By adding a telescope to your set up, you should also be able to spot the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots, as well as the Valentine Dome, a volcanic dome NASA tells us is almost the same heigh as the Eiffel Tower. It’s nicknamed the Valentine because it looks like a heart in certain lights

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Nov. 5.

What are moon phases?

NASA explains that the moon goes through phases as it completes its 29.5-day orbit around Earth. The changing angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth cause the different phases we observe. From Earth, the moon can look full, partially lit, or even disappear entirely, but we always see the same side. What changes is the amount of sunlight reflected from its surface, depending on its position in orbit.

The eight main moon phases are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Digital tools are meant to make work easier and more efficient, but they can derail our attention and drain our energy. The tools aren’t going away (or getting less numerous), but you can mitigate the digital exhaustion they cause. Yesterday we laid out four tips to help you do that. Here are four more.  Don’t […]

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Happy Tuesday and 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 October 18, 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 October 18, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 28 Pips

Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this green space must add to 5. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally.

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

Number (5): Everything in this green space must add to 5. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 28 Pips

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

Number (4): Everything in this red space must add to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically; 1-0, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add to 8. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 28 Pips

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

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

Number (20): Everything in this space must add to 20. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 3-5, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally.

Number (20): Everything in this space must add to 20. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Number (17): Everything in this space must add to 17. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 1-6, 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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is simple if you understand basketball.

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: Baseball teams out west

• Green: Teams in the Emerald City

• Blue: Slim Reaper road trip

• Purple: Gilded franchises

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: AL West Teams

• Green: Seattle Teams

• Blue: Teams Kevin Durant Has Played For

• Purple: "Golden" Teams

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 #400 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• AL West Teams - ANGELS, ASTROS, ATHLETICS, RANGERS

• Seattle Teams - KRAKEN, MARINERS, SEAHAWKS, SOUNDERS

• Teams Kevin Durant Has Played For - ROCKETS, TEXAS, THUNDER, WARRIORS

• "Golden" Teams - GOLDEN BEARS, GOLDEN GOPHERS, GOLDEN HURRICANE, GOLDEN KNIGHTS

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 today's Connections.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Sound.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

AUDIO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Worn after breaking a bone.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BRACE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Used to make bread.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DOUGH

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To worship.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answer

DEIFY

Final Hurdle hint

Plain writing.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

PROSE

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

SAVE $800: The Roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $799.99, down from the list price of $1,599.99. That's a 50% discount and the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum and mop $799.99 at Roborock
$1,599.99 Save $800   Get Deal

Not many people can say they look forward to cleaning the floors. That becomes even more true if you have pets that tend to track mud into the house all day long. Instead of fretting over how to find the time to clean the floors daily, hand the task off to a powerful combo robot vacuum and mop. There's a great model on a sweet discount at Amazon right now.

As of Oct. 27, the Roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $799.99, marked down from the list price of $1,599.99 at Roborock. That's a major 50% discount that takes a sweet $800 off the price. It's also the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

What's better than a robot vacuum? A super powerful model that also mops, and that's exactly the case with the Roborock Qrevo Edge. It comes with a wildly powerful 18,500Pa suction. The hot water mop is perfect for getting rid of muddy paw prints or shoe tracks, and this model comes with corner-to-edge cleaning capabilities. The warm-air dryer is also a major benefit on the mop.

SEE ALSO: Our vacuum expert loved this smart robot vac at $400 — now it's only $269.99

Roborock mentions this model mops at 55 decibels, which should be quiet enough to not disturb sleeping family members or pets. Speaking of being kind to pets, the this Roborock model has a camera that is designed to detect pets and stop the brush as it approaches them, moving around them gently to avoid startling or disrupting.

While it's on sale for a massive 50% discount, snag the do-it-all Roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum and mop. Your list of chores will shorten while your floors will become sparkling clean.

TL;DR: Don’t miss the chance to get Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 (reg. $199).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $14.97
$199 Save $184.03   Get Deal

Want a smoother online experience? Microsoft’s most modern OS is here to make it happen — Windows 11 Pro is just $14.97 (MSRP $199). That’s a lifetime license for less than a movie ticket. And it’s ideal timing since Windows 10 is no longer supported.

Windows 11 Pro comes loaded with a sleek, streamlined interface, improved multitasking tools like Snap Layouts, and enhanced security features including TPM 2.0, BitLocker, and Smart App Control. It’s built for professionals, creatives, and everyday users alike. Gamers will also appreciate support for DirectX 12 Ultimate, delivering ultra-realistic graphics.

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

But the real game-changer is Copilot. This built-in AI assistant helps you work faster by summarizing web pages, generating text or images, opening apps, adjusting settings, or even suggesting code — all without leaving your workflow.

Why Upgrade Now?

• Lifetime license for just $14.97

• Windows 10 is being phased out

• Built-in AI assistant Copilot for smarter daily productivity

• Advanced security and pro-level tools

• Seamless design optimized for multitasking and collaboration

• Supports Microsoft Teams, Widgets, and touch-enabled devices

Don’t wait too long to get a lifetime Windows 11 Pro license for $14.97 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K   Shop Now

Interested in upgrading your TV without actually buying a new model? Or perhaps you're interested in switching to the Fire OS to watch all your favorite shows without the hassle? You can't go wrong with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.

It's easy to use, it's affordable, and better yet, it's often on sale. During the recent October Prime Day, we saw some incredible lows across the entire range of Amazon's TV sticks, including the 4K model. And with Black Friday fast approaching, we're hoping we see the same low prices or better.

Why we love the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

There's so many reasons to love the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, but I think the ease of setup trumps them all. You'd think that any device that can transform your TV so significantly would require lots of steps, settings, and stress. But in reality, all you need to do is plug it in and go. The TV stick is plugged into your TVs HDMI port, and then a cable is plugged into a wall socket. And that's it. No, really. Just turn your TV on with the remote that comes included with the box and you're ready to start streaming.

The box also comes with everything you'll need: the TV stick, an extension cable for the TV stick (ideal if your TV is mounted on the wall), a socket to power it, a remote, and batteries for the remote. As soon as your Amazon driver delivers the parcel, you've got everything you need.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Oct. 24, 2025)

The 4K model also differs from previous variations of the Fire TV Stick, with this one specifically for 4K-ready TVs. You'll be able to watch all your favorite shows and movies in 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.

It also comes with Alexa, as you would expect from an Amazon device. Press the blue Alexa button on the remote to search for movies, shows, or to find out what that one actor's name is. And if you’ve got compatible smart home devices, you can use the remote to dim lights, check cameras, or adjust other gadgets without leaving the couch. Some may call it lazy, we call it efficient.

Black Friday deal we hope to see on the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

The Fire Stick 4K regularly comes down to $29.99 from $49.99. However, if you like to save to the absolute max, we're hoping Black Friday can beat this deal. During October Prime Day, this model came down to $24.99, an extra $5 savings. This was also its lowest-ever price — basically a steal. We won't be satisfied unless this record-low is at least matched over Black Friday.

SAVE 50%: As of Oct. 27, you can get the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station bundle on sale for $449, down from $899.99, at Amazon. That's a 50% discount and a $450.99 price cut.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station + 3-Port 102W Fast Charger $449 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $450.99   Get Deal at Amazon

Whether you're prepping for camping season or just want some backup power for when the lights go out, having a reliable portable power station is always a good idea.

As of Oct. 27, you can get the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station bundle on sale for $449, down from $899.99, at Amazon. That's a 50% discount and a $450.99 price cut.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best Jackery power station deals to keep your home or campsite juiced up

The Explorer 1000 v2 is the updated version of the Explorer 1000. It uses a longer-lasting LiFePO4 battery (Jackery claims up to 10 years or 4,000 charge cycles) and charges way faster than the original — it can go from empty to full in just an hour if you use the app's emergency charge setting. It's got plenty of power (1070Wh capacity, 1500W output) to run essentials like a mini-fridge or heater, plus charge laptops via its 100W USB-C port.

While the power station comes with its own AC charging cable, having this extra multi-port charger (the 3-Port 102W Fast Charger) is super handy for juicing up your other devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops that support USB-C charging).