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 PipsIf 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 December 4, 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 December 4, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 4 PipsNumber (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally.Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.Number (11): Everything in this space must add to 11. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed vertically.Number (12): Everything in this space must add to 12. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally.Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 4 PipsNumber (6): Everything in this purple space must add to 6. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically.Number (6): Everything in this red space must add to 1. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally.Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed vertically.Number (5): Everything in this green space must add to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.Number (5): Everything in this purple space must add to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally.Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically.Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 4 PipsNumber (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 0-4, placed vertically.Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically.Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 4-4, placed vertically.Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.Number (0): Everything in this yellow space must add to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally.Number (11): Everything in this space must add to 11. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally.Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed horizontally.Not equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically; 3-3, placed vertically; 1-1 placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally.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 will be easy if you know your Joes.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. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 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. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 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 categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:Yellow: HurlersGreen: Gridiron leaderBlue: TeammatesPurple: TitlesHere are today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:Yellow: Members of a pitching staffGreen: Descriptors often applied to QBsBlue: Members of the Cleveland CavaliersPurple:" Last words in football moviesLooking 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 #437 is...What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?Members of a pitching staff - ACE, CLOSER, LONG RELIEVER, SETUP MANDescriptors often applied to QBs - DUAL-THREAT, GAME MANAGER, MOBILE, POCKET-PASSERMembers of the Cleveland Cavaliers - GARLAND, HUNTER, MITCHELL, MOBLEYLast words in football movies - GIANTS, LIGHTS, REPLACEMENTS, SUNDAYDon'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.

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 Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025:AcrossButterfingersThe answer is Klutz.Letter before betaThe answer is Alpha.Like "ad hoc" or "ad hominem"The answer is Latin.Prestigious university in AtlantaThe answer is Emory.Word drawn out in speech before "... they're off!"The answer is And.DownDinosaur ___, vegetable so-named for its bumpy green textureThe answer is And.Animal in a Peruvian herdThe answer is Llama.Sinclair who wrote "The Jungle"The answer is Upton.Base that's 90 feet from homeThe answer is Third.Wild and funnyThe answer is Zany.If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.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.

It's the last full Moon of the year, and it's not just any full Moon, it's a supermoon. The third of three consecutive supermoons to round out the year, so if you missed November and October's, make sure you head out for this one. Supermoons are what the name suggests, a full Moon that appears bigger and brighter in the sky than usual, perfect for late-night stargazing.There's lots to know about this Moon, so keep reading to find out when it is, and what it means.When is the December Full Moon?December's full Moon will occur on Thursday, Dec. 4. Time and Date estimates it will peak at 6:14 p.m. ET.What is the December full Moon called?Full Moons all have their own names, and December's is traditionally known as the 'Cold Moon'. As you might imagine, this name has something to do with the arrival of winter, and the drop in the temperature.December's Full Moon is also a supermoon, which means it appears larger and brighter than usual because it’s closer to Earth in its orbit. This happens when the Full Moon occurs near its closest point to our planet, called lunar perigee, giving us a fuller, more prominent view in the night sky, Royal Museums Greenwich tells us.When is the next Full Moon?The next Full Moon is predicted to occur on Jan. 3, 2026.What are the lunar phases?The Full Moon is just one phase in the Moon’s 29.5-day orbit around Earth. The different phases show how much of its surface is lit up from our point of view. We always see the same side of the Moon, but as it circles Earth, the sunlight falls on it differently. That’s why sometimes it appears full, sometimes half, and at other times seems to disappear entirely.There are eight main Moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle: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.Last Quarter (or Third 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.

Year-end reflections are upon us, but instead of journaling about your goals, Grindr has data from its annual Unwrapped to make looking back on 2025 a little sexier.Case in point: "Hung" was the most searched-for profile tag, according to Grindr Unwrapped, which pulls profile data from the app's 15 million monthly users and over 32,000 votes. If you're astrologically inclined, Scorpio was the most favorited zodiac sign. SEE ALSO: The best gay dating apps of 2025: Grindr is still king, even if we wish it weren't This year, Grindr users sent over 135 billion total chats and over 12.8 billion total taps (icons you can send to someone you're interested in).Next, Grindr broke out some data by country, and it's like a kinky United Nations: Finland is the top nation for sending nudes, South Korea apparently has the most open relationships, Switzerland has the most twinks, and Italian users were the most into feet.Stateside, the U.S. had the highest percentage of self-proclaimed "daddies" by country. London was the top city to visit for a "gaycation" (Grindr's gotten into travel content recently), while Tokyo, Seattle, and Taipei were among the highest-volume areas where users searched for friends."These findings capture a community that's bold, brash, and unapologetically itself," Zachary Zane, Grindr's sex and relationship expert, said in a release shared with Mashable. You can view the full Grindr Unwrapped on Grindr's app or website.

Apple's head of UI design and long-time executive Alan Dye has left Apple to join Meta, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. Dye has been the head of Apple's UI design team since 2015, having overseen numerous major launches. For example, in 2015 the OS versions across Apple's major platforms were iOS 9 and macOS 9; we've seen ten iterations of each platform since. According to the report, Dye will now be head of design for hardware, software and AI integration at Meta's freshly created design studio. Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed the news to Bloomberg, and said that his replacement will be long-time Apple designer Stephen Lemay. "Steve Lemay has played a key role in the design of every major Apple interface since 1999. He has always set an extraordinarily high bar for excellence and embodies Apple’s culture of collaboration and creativity,” Cook said in a statement. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the creation of a "new creative studio in Reality Labs" which will be led by Alan Dye. "The new studio will bring together design, fashion, and technology to define the next generation of our products and experiences," he wrote. Zuckerberg also said Apple designer Billy Sorrentino will also be coming to Meta and joining Dye's team. SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold vs Apple foldable iPhone: Specs and rumors Dye leaves Apple at a particularly sensitive time. The company is rumored to be working on a foldable iPhone, the first such product for Apple, which will surely require a significant revamp of the iOS user interface. Dye's departure follows several other high-profile executive exits from Apple. The company COO Jeff WIlliams retired in November, and Apple's AI chief John Giannandrea announced his departure last week.

As someone who grew up reading Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians, watching the first season of the Disney+ series felt like coming home. After two disappointing film adaptations, here was a show that better captured the spirit (and, you know, basic plot) of The Lightning Thief, complete with a charming young cast. SEE ALSO: 'Percy Jackson and The Olympians' Season 2 trailer takes us to the Sea of Monsters However, as the season progressed, my cozy nostalgia at revisiting Camp Half-Blood butted up against some growing frustrations. Many of the adaptation changes from book to screen worked well, like fleshing out the perspectives of side characters like Sally Jackson (Virginia Krull). Others, like having our heroes miss the Summer Solstice deadline for their quest, didn't land, feeling more like arbitrary changes than a meaningful rewrite of an already great story. Visually, too, the series proved underwhelming, full of murky, static shots. Why wasn't this epic tale of heroes and monsters more imaginatively executed?These frustrations unfortunately continue to rear their heads in Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Once again, the changes from book to show are a mixed bag, and once again, the show often lacks a defining visual spark. Yet the occasional high-energy action sequence and delightful interplay between Camp Half-Blood's heroes gives hope that it's not all rough waters ahead.Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 heads to the Sea of Monsters. Walker Scobell and Leah Sava Jeffries in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." Credit: Disney / David Bukach Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians adapts Riordan's The Sea of Monsters, which means you can bet on some serious nautical action. But before we head out to sea, we're off to Camp Half-Blood with Percy (Walker Scobell) and Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), where things have taken a turn for the worst. SEE ALSO: The 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' cast has seen your fan edits An attack from Kronos supporter Luke (Charlie Bushnell) has left Camp Half-Blood's defensive barrier failing, meaning it's only a matter of time before monsters break through and massacre every demigod in the area. Camp's only hope? A quest to find the Golden Fleece, currently hidden in the Sea of Monsters (aka the Bermuda Triangle). Coincidentally, that's also where Grover (Aryan Simhadri) has run into trouble on his search for Pan. With a trip to the Sea of Monsters, Percy can kill two Stymphalian birds with one stone and save both camp and his best friend.Percy Jackson and the Olympians switches up the books, with mixed results. Aryan Simhadri in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." Credit: Disney / David Bukach Percy Jackson and the Olympians' path to Percy's quest is frequently muddled, shifting book events and character allegiances around to the point that I wish I hadn't reread The Sea of Monsters ahead of time, as I kept getting so distracted by the changes. Again, many of the changes work. Some early tension and distrust between Percy and Annabeth adds new layers to their friendship. Elsewhere, the series delves deeper into the perspective of Clarisse (Dior Goodjohn), daughter of Ares (Adam Copeland), who steps into a daunting leadership role of her own. SEE ALSO: How much does Disney+ cost per month? With that, Percy Jackson and the Olympians continues to broaden its world and give more of its young cast time to shine. Early questing arguments between Percy, Clarisse, and Annabeth crackle with teasing and banter, a welcome antidote to much of the darker dialogue about the Greek gods and the Great Prophecy that will decide their fate. While these are undeniably core parts of Percy's story, they often threaten to eclipse that Percy Jackson and the Olympians is also — crucially! — fun, something the show occasionally seems to forget.Take the Laistrygonian giants Percy faces in episode 1, for example. In The Sea of Monsters, they originally present as visitors from Detroit, albeit with names like Skull Eater and Joe Bob. Their disguise provides equal parts silliness and tension, as Percy realizes that he's once again facing monsters who are not what they seem. In the series, though, there is no pretense, no disguise. The Laistrygonians are already in full giant form when Percy crosses paths with them, robbing us of the fun of seeing figures from Greek myth remixed into the real world — again, a core part of the appeal of the series!Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.Percy Jackson and the Olympians deserves to look better.The lack of fun extends to the overall visual style of Percy Jackson and the Olympians as well. Why, in a story where myths are real, is the world so visually bland? Backgrounds are often washed out and unfocused, and most shots position their subjects smack-dab in the center, creating a monotony that pushes against the imaginative quality of the story itself.Thankfully, there are moments that break free of this blandness. A Camp Half-Blood chariot race makes for a dynamic set piece, complete with beautifully crafted chariots and solid action-driven character beats. A later encounter with the monster Scylla expertly dials up the tension and boasts some impressive water effects. It's a formidable welcome to the Sea of Monsters, one that I hope the season can live up to in the later episodes that weren't screened for critics.Despite all its flaws, Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 still satisfied my itch for more demigods, taking me right back to the first time I curled up and devoured The Sea of Monsters. But nostalgia can only get you so far, and while Percy Jackson and the Olympians has all the elements it needs to be good, what I really want from it is to be great.Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 premieres Dec. 10 on Disney+.

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 hintRage. SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerWRATHHurdle Word 2 hintA sharp utensil. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerKNIFE Hurdle Word 3 hintA small car. SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer SEDANHurdle Word 4 hintAn oven setting. SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 4 Hurdle Word 4 answerBROILFinal Hurdle hintSticky. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerTACKYIf you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.It might come as a surprise to cocktail fans but blenders can be used for more than just frozen margaritas. They can also be used for healthy living. Shocking, right?You can make hot soup without a hob, coffee without a coffee maker, and whipped cream without a whisk. That's just a little taster of what a multitasking blender can tackle. Indeed, a blender can expand your meal repertoire tenfold, and without needing multiple kitchen-cluttering machines. It's an all-in-one marvel.But where to start when actually choosing a blender? Each model has its own selection of features, which means different will suit different blending needs. So unless you’re a blender expert, it can be difficult to know what’s what and which machine is best for you. This is where we can help. Here's some useful information and a selection of the best blenders available right now.Is a blender and food processor the same thing?As a general rule, blenders are for liquids — juice, smoothies, shakes, soups, and purees — whereas food processors will slice, chop, grate, shred, and dice. However, you’ll find some blenders have attachments, such as detachable food mixing bowls, that allow them to double up as a blender/food processor combo.Why do you need a blender?The ability to make your own juice, smoothies, and protein shakes isn't the only reason to invest in a blender. These devices can also help you to establish healthy habits. Blenders simplify meeting your nutrient goal by squeezing everything into a 30-second meal replacement. With thousands of recipes online, you're bound to find a balanced combo of greens and fruits that you actually look forward to drinking.Being completely in charge of the contents lets you closely monitor portion size, stick to dietary restrictions, and track macronutrients to stay on track with diet goals. You'll never need to buy sickeningly expensive juice again.Do blenders have smart features?Blenders can be as basic or as advanced as you want (depending on what you’re willing to spend, of course). There are simple blenders that cost next to nothing and have a simple on/off switch, or tech-savvy blenders that connect to an app via Bluetooth. These apps might provide recipes or keep records of nutrition or health goals. There are other features to look out for, such as pre-set blending programs. These can be geared to specifically make soup, smoothies, or frozen desserts. Some blenders can automatically detect the load and adjust their motors and settings accordingly.What is the best blender capacity?The capacity of a blender will vary. There are personal-use blenders, which have a container big enough for one person (around 700ml), and multi-serve blenders, which have a much bigger container (2 litres or more). But many blenders come with different sized containers, allowing you to switch between sizes as required. We especially like blenders that have a sports bottle attachment, which can be used to make a smoothie or juice. Simply detach the bottle, pop a lid on, and off you go.What is the best blender?That’s up to you. We can’t make the decision on your behalf. That's kind of the point of a blender — you know the ingredients you like and you can make the smoothie or meal exactly how you want it. That's also true when choosing the machine. It has to be one that suits your needs, routine, and kitchen. What we can do, however, is draw up a list of the best blenders for everyone, to help you find something that's perfect for you.These are the best blenders in 2025.

TL;DR: Download content from major streaming platforms with a lifetime subscription to this cool tool, Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader, for just $95.99 (reg. $159.99). Opens in a new window Credit: Keeprix Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader: Lifetime Subscription $95.99 $159.99 Save $64.00   Get Deal You’re probably paying a small fortune in fees for all the streamers you’re subscribing to, so you might as well have something to show for it.Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader lets you download and save content to enjoy later, and watch offline whenever you want without ads. Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to this handy service for just $95.99 (reg. $159.99). Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up! Tired of your favorite content disappearing from your go-to streaming services? Are their offline limitations frustrating you? Keeprix Downloader is an excellent solution that lets you download videos from the major streaming platforms — from Netflix to Amazon Prime, Paramount Plus, and even TikTok — and save them forever on your device.Keeprix Downloader offers unlimited downloads in MP4 or MKV format on both Windows and Mac devices. It’s a great option when you’re trying to avoid regional restrictions, DRM limits, or even obnoxious ads — as you’ll be left with your favorite content, ad-free, that you can watch offline anywhere.Curious how it works? Just install Keeprix Downloader on your device, open the app, and paste in the video link you want to download. After that, just download and enjoy.Build your very own personalized media library, or repurpose videos for creative projects. The downloads will be lightning-fast and watermark-free. You can also take advantage of batch processing and add multiple videos to a queue.Get a lifetime subscription to Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader for just $95.99 (reg. $159.99).StackSocial prices subject to change.

Best Cyber Monday noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds deals still live: Best deal overall Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (1st gen) $279 (save $150) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) $249 (Save $50) Get Deal Past-Gen Sony Headphones Deal Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $278 (Save $121.99) Get Deal As Mashable's tech editor, I've covered a lot of cool headphone launches this year. The long-awaited Sony XM6 headphones finally came out this year, and we also got new flagship headphones from Nothing, Bowers & Wilkins, Bose, and Beats. If you need a new pair of noise-cancelling headphones, the Cyber Monday season is the best possible time to buy. And while the sale is technically over, some deals are hanging on into the following week.However, you won't find all of them in this guide, as not every post-Cyber Monday headphones deal is worth shopping for. I've gathered the biggest discounts on the noise-cancelling headphones I'd actually recommend buying, whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for Christmas gifts for techies. SEE ALSO: 8 Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday: Samsung's The Frame, Bose headphones, and a TCL TV From audiophile-worthy headphones from Bowers & Wilkins to the latest Bose wireless earbuds, you'll find the best of the best here.Best overall Cyber Monday headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (1st gen) $279 at Amazon $429 Save $150   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (1st gen).Though these are last-gen headphones from Bose, $279 puts them at a pretty unbeatable price — and one that's $20 cheaper than what they were at over Cyber Weekend. In Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard's comparison between the two generations, she found that the two weren't hugely different, with these headphones still competing with other top of the line models in comfort, audio quality, and noise cancellation. She wrote, "On sale, the first gen Bose QC Ultra headphones have a near unbeatable value," and that's especially true at this record-low price.Best runner-up noise-cancelling headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $248 at Amazon $399.99 Save $151.99   Get Deal Why we like itCheck out our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5.I tested Sony's legendary XM5 headphones against the newer version, the XM6, as did Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard. And both of us found that they're far more alike than different. Unless you're a picky audiophile, I think most people should opt for the XM5 model while it's on sale, which is what Allard recommended in her comparison. These headphones jumped back in price somewhat following Cyber Monday to $278 (instead of their record low $248), but they're still an excellent value). And they still have all the features you really need: excellent audio quality, best-in-class active noise-cancellation, and an easy-to-use app to adjust EQ settings. More noise-cancelling headphones dealsJLab JBuds Lux ANC — $27 $79.99 (save $52.99)JBL Tune 770NC — $79.95 $149.95 (save $70)Sony WH-CH720N — $98 $179.99 (save $81.99)Beats Solo 4 — $129.95 $199.95 (save $70)Beats Studio Pro — $169.95 $349.95 (save $180)Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) — $279 $429 (save $150)Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) — $399 $449 (save $50)Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Headphones — $499.95 $699 (save $199.95)Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd gen) $249 at Amazon $299 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like itCheck out our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) earbuds.The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are the best noise-cancelling earbuds of 2025, full stop. The only buds that really come close? The first-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, which I'm wearing as I write this sentence. These earbuds are supremely comfortable, and they let you slip into a cone of silence on demand. Their price is a bit higher than the $216 low they hit over Cyber Weekend, but getting them for $249 is still a solid deal.More noise-cancelling earbuds dealsJBL Tune Flex — $39.95 $99.95 (save $60)Raycon Everyday Earbuds — $55.99 $79.99 (save $24)Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — $129 $179 (save $50)Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — $99 $179 (save $80)Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro — $159.99 $249.99 (save $90)Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds — $179.99 $229.99 (save $50)Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 — $245.41 $299.99 (save $54.58)

When iOS 26 first dropped, there was one pretty huge group chat bug. Some users complained that their messages to existing group chats were sent as individual chats instead of chats to the entire group, and didn't show in the group chat at all. A user on Reddit said the bug was particularly stark with chats that included numbers that weren't tied to iPhones.But in the few weeks since, that bug seems to be fixed, and users have begun to shift their focus away from the frustrations of a new iOS system and towards the fun new features. 9to5Mac wrote up a rundown of the five most intriguing features, including the typing indicator, polls, Apple Cash, background changing, and adding contacts.The typing indicator was once reserved for one-on-one conversations, but iOS 26 brought the text bubble to group chats. Of course, not everyone is elated (one user wrote on Reddit looking for a way to remove it since they "really don't want" the feature), but personally, I find it cool.Group chats also got polls, which Mashable's Alex Perry called "one of my favorite" new features after trying it out in beta, saying it is "nominally a feature for deciding where to get dinner, but will really be a feature that's used to settle incredibly arcane, nonsensical inside-joke arguments among friend groups."Groups can also send Apple Cash. I don't personally know anyone who uses this form of money transferring before using Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, or, of course, literal cash, but I suppose if you're interested in settling money after a bachelorette trip, I could see this being useful.You can also change the background of a group chat. One of my group chats has changed to a photo of my cat edited to look like he's wearing jeans. The options, fellas? They're endless.

When it first hit Broadway in 1981, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's decades-spanning musical Merrily We Roll Along was a total flop. The original run of the show ran for 16 performances and 44 previews before closing.But in the years since, Merrily We Roll Along has enjoyed much bigger critical and commercial success, and no production exemplifies that more than the show's 2023 Broadway revival. Directed by Maria Friedman, the revival starred Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez as Merrily We Roll Along's core trio of Franklin Shepard, Charley Kringas, and Mary Flynn. The show charts their friendship in reverse chronological order, starting with a bitter stand-off in 1977 before turning back the years to their first meeting in 1957. SEE ALSO: The best movies of 2025, and where to watch them The Broadway revival earned seven Tony Award nominations and took home four: Best Revival of a Musical, Best Actor in a Musical for Groff, Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Radcliffe, and Best Orchestrations. Now, you can catch the award-winning production in all its glory on the big screen.In an interview with Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards, Groff, Radcliffe, and Mendez broke down how they filmed the stage production for the film version."They filmed three shows at night in a row, and then during the day, they would have cameras that were on stage with us, and we would film close-up stuff," Radcliffe explained. "It was nice that it wasn't all the pressure resting on one night, actually."The filmed version also allowed the actors to appreciate moments from the show that they couldn't actually see while performing their tracks."There were so many moments that I never knew existed because I'm busy doing my thing," Mendez said. "So to be able to zoom out and get to capture all these beautiful, amazing moments that our ensemble was doing, that was one of the best gifts to get."2025's Merrily We Roll Along isn't the only one filmed version of the musical we'll be getting, though. Director Richard Linklater is currently filming his own take on the musical, with Paul Mescal, Ben Platt, and Beanie Feldstein in the lead roles. However, his production will span 20 years in order to capture the characters' growth over that length of time, Boyhood-style."If there's any film that is absolutely primed for the Richard Linklater Boyhood treatment, it is Merrily," Radcliffe said. "I don't know any of the actors in it, so I haven't had contact with anyone, but I'm pretty sure I walked past Beanie Feldstein on the street once when she was going to film a section of it... I'm very excited to see that film when it comes out."Thankfully, Sondheim fans will have the filmed version of the 2023 Broadway revival to tide them over during the wait for Linklater's take.Merrily We Roll Along hits theaters Dec. 5.Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

First Black Friday, then Cyber Monday, and now Cyber Week. If you're feeling a little fatigued by the constant pace of deals over the past week, then we know how you feel. But you really are running out of time to take advantage of some of the lingering sales, so if you still have loved ones in need of Christmas gifts, then let us help you make them happy and save some money in the process.Right now, our favorite Ninja gifts are still on sale, with savings up to 38% off the usual retail price. That includes affordable gifts under $50 as well as pricier gifts like the Ninja Creami, a long-time Mashable favorite. We've tested a lot of Ninja kitchen appliances over the years, and we've been consistently impressed by the brand's offerings.So, if you're looking to save on your holiday shopping list — and in this economy, who isn't? — then check out these Ninja Cyber Week deals while you still can!Ninja BlendBOSS Personal Blender with To-Go TumblerWe love this personal blending system, which we recently included in our guide to the best tech gifts of the year. We love the fun look of this countertop appliance, and it's still included in Amazon's ongoing Cyber Week sale. For the smoothie king or queen, they can quickly throw together a smoothie and then take it to go on the road.While it doesn't have a huge discount, this is your chance to grab one of the year's hottest gifts while it's on sale. Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja BlendBOSS Personal Blender with To-Go Tumbler $118.99 at Amazon $139.99 Save $21.00   Get Deal Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream and Soft Serve MakerWe were impressed with the Ninja Creami soft serve machine, even if it is a bit loud. But that's a small price to pay for the ability to make your own ice cream sundaes at will. For parents, ice cream lovers, or anyone with a sweet tooth, this is a surprisingly fun treat that also makes a great gift. During Cyber Week, you can pick it up on sale for 20% off its usual price at Amazon. Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker $279.99 at Amazon $349.99 Save $70   Get Deal Ninja Blast Portable Cordless BlenderIf you don't want to spend more than $50, then check out this Ninja personal blender, currently priced at just $39.99 for Cyber Week. This would also make a great gift idea for gift exchanges with a $50 price limit. Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Blast Portable Cordless Blender $39.99 at Amazon $69.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal Ninja 4-in-1 Air Fryer ProCurrently 38% off, as it has been since the start of Black Friday, this Ninja Air Fryer is the perfect gift for a college student or any young person moving into their first apartment. With a very reasonable $79.99 price tag, this air fryer will make it easy to whip up veggies, meat, and leftovers in minutes. Really, anyone who doesn't do much cooking could appreciate this one. Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja 4-in-1 Air Fryer Pro $79.99 at Amazon $129.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal Ninja SlushiWe have two words for you: Wine slushy. Or maybe you're prefer a blended margarita, piña colada, espresso martini, or daquari? With the Mashable-tested Ninja Slushi, you can have all of the above. Give this to a sibling or friend, and you can also benefit from delicious blended drinks and cocktails. Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi $269 at Amazon $349.99 Save $80.99   Get Deal

The new iPhone, the Nintendo Switch 2, anything KPop Demon Hunters-related: these are the trending holiday gift items this year. And if you're on Facebook, there's a nonzero chance they are actually gifts that cyber criminals are pretending to sell in order to scam Facebook users.These AI-generated products look like quality items, which the scammers then pitch at affordable prices. When a user clicks on the ad, which the scammer paid Facebook to serve, they are sent to the thieves' e-commerce storefront. The consumer makes their purchase without realizing the item is a fake. They'll either receive a cheap imitation product, or never receive any item at all. According to a BBC investigation, consumers were scammed out of their money after falling for fake AI-generated images posing as C'est La Vie and Mabel & Daisy, family-run UK-based businesses selling products such as clothing and jewelry. The stores do not actually exist; the e-commerce site is connected to a warehouse in China that ships cheap knockoffs.The BBC heard directly from more than 60 people who fell victim to these scams after its report came out. Meta told the BBC it had removed those fraudulent companies from the platform. But what's to stop it happening again?Facebook scams are nothing new. For years, fraudsters have weaponized the Facebook ads platform on a large scale. Meta makes, according to one analysis, a whopping $7 billion a year from scam ads alone.Generative AI has only made scamming easier for cyber criminals, who can now generate convincingly real images and videos in an attempt to legitimize their fake shops. What can we do about this? Be extra careful this holiday season and remember the old adage: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you've ever found searching through your folders on Google Drive to be a chore, the company has good news. There's a catch, however — and naturally it involves your wallet. Google revealed its list of upcoming changes to Drive this week. Most revolve around further integrating Gemini, the company's AI tool. Gemini will now preview what's inside a folder in Drive, making it easier to find what you're looking for without opening individual files. "Gemini will now proactively provide insights about the files within a folder, right at the top of the folder view," the announcement says. "This makes it easier to quickly understand what’s inside without having to open individual files. For a more in-depth look, you can click 'Explore with Gemini' to get a full summary or ask follow up questions in the Gemini side panel." Here's what that looks like: Credit: Google "This feature is designed to help you save time and stay organized by providing at-a-glance insights into your folders," Google wrote. As tech site Android Authority pointed out, this helpful upgrade is available only to paid Google Workspace users, or folks with a Gemini Plus or Pro subscription. So if it looks nifty and you don't have one of those accounts already, you'll have to pay up.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025?Even the best value headphones will feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool gets bigger by the month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC. So, which brand comes out on top?For most people, we think the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer the best overall value, with the ideal blend of comfort, sound quality, and ANC. However, if you're looking for the best active noise-cancellation overall, we have to give it up to the Sony XM6 headphones. Fortunately, there are no bad choices here.To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best options at every price range. SEE ALSO: How we test headphones and earbuds How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise via passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking. Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn't make the final cut for this guide. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Getting up close and personal with Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable If you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you'll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.Other headphones may be great at blocking low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results all around, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.In the past, not many wireless earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal (or fit as many mics) that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.Recent testing updatesDecember 2025: We removed the Dyson On-Trac headphones from this guide. While they had unbeatable battery life when they were first released, that's no longer the case.December 2025: We added the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 as the best sports earbuds.December 2025: We added the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones as the best splurge.September 2025: We replaced the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds with the updated second-gen model.July 2025: We added the new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.February 2025: We added the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds as our favorite earbuds pick under $100, replacing the Beats Studio Buds+.August 2024: With a heavy heart, we said goodbye to the Bose 700 headphones as our recommendation for the best noise-cancelling headphones with adjustable ANC.

Remember DeepSeek, the large language model (LLM) out of China that was released for free earlier this year and upended the AI industry? Without the funding and infrastructure of leaders in the space like Google and OpenAI, the team behind the DeepSeek R1 model was able to create a viable competitor to Gemini and ChatGPT.This week, the DeepSeek team released two powerful new models, DeepSeek-V3.2 and DeepSeek-V3.2-Speciale — and once again they are totally free to use. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. DeepSeek's China-based team says that DeepSeek-V3.2 provides equivalent levels of performance as OpenAI's GPT-5 and described the model as "your daily driver." DeepSeek-V3.2 is more for the same everyday tasks that you'd seek out from a AI assistant chatbot like ChatGPT.DeepSeek-V3.2-Speciale, on the other hand, appears to be competing with the more advanced AI models like Google's Gemini 3.0 Pro. DeepSeek describes the model as having "maxed-out reasoning capabilities" and shared testing results showing DeepSeek-V3.2-Speciale acing numerous LLM reasoning benchmarks. "DeepSeek-V3.2 is our first model to integrate thinking directly into tool-use, and also supports tool-use in both thinking and non-thinking modes," DeepSeek said in a statement announcing the models posted to its X account.Basically, as the DeepSeek team describes it, the latest model is able to mimic human reasoning and utilize tools like search engines and calculators. Furthermore, DeepSeek-V3.2-Speciale is for mathematical needs, with the team sharing the models' "gold medal" results from taking tests such as the International Math Olympiad.DeepSeek says it is setting out to “push the inference capabilities of open-source models to their limits and explore the boundaries of model capabilities.”How does DeepSeek-V3.2 compare to GPT-5?The biggest difference is that DeepSeek's models are open-source. In short, they're tools that can be applied to specific problems. ChatGPT, on the other hand, is a closed-source, general-purpose AI chatbot that combines multiple models into a single user experience.So, while it seems that the latest DeepSeek models stack up to ChatGPT and other models contextually, it should also be noted that it is primarily a text-based model and not one for images, video, or other media. And, of course, DeepSeek's models are free, while users have a very limited number of prompts with the free version of ChatGPT. So far, on the popular AI leaderboard LMArena, the new DeepSeek models have lagged behind the likes of GPT-5 and Gemini 3. And in terms of feature set, ChatGPT still offers a more complete, all-around experience.How can you try DeepSeek-V3.2?Users currently looking to utilize DeepSeek-V3.2 can do so right now on DeepSeek's website, API, and app. You can head to the DeepSeek platform and try it right away.However, as of now, the DeepSeek-V3.2-Speciale model is only available through DeepSeek's API. The API access for DeepSeek-V3.2-Speciale does incur a cost; however, it is 10 times cheaper than its competitors' models, with a cost of 42 cents per million tokens.DeepSeek last upended the industry nearly a year ago. Since then, a lot of advances have been made with other models. We'll soon see if DeepSeek's latest models continue to disrupt the industry.

How to choose the best headphonesWe won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2025 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections. What about wired headphones?We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us. If we had to pick, we'd recommend the Marshall Mode earbuds as our top wired pick. Some of us are also fans of Apple's EarPods.Other headphones we've testedMost recently, we tested the JBL Tour One M3 headphones and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and we may add them to this guide in a future update. We also tested the Marshall Major V headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones, both of which had excellent sound profiles and easy-to-navigate custom equalizers on their companion apps. Ultimately, they didn't make the cut on our final list for a couple of reasons. With the Major V headphones, we love that their claim of 100+ hours of battery life held up under our testing, but we found them to get uncomfortable after a couple of hours. We also would have appreciated ANC at their $149 price point. For the B&W headphones, we loved their design and premium feel in addition to their truly impressive sound, but we found that their ANC was only so-so. If you're willing to spend $399, you can find a better balance of sound and ANC in the Sony XM5 headphones.We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.In the testing pipelineFor our future updates, we're testing out more budget noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones.Recent updates to this guideDecember 2025: We replaced the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds, which are no longer available, with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds.December 2025: We removed the Marshall Mode wired earbuds, as they're frequently out of stock.December 2025: We added the Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Headphones as the best headphones under $100.December 2025: We added the Sony XM5 headphones, originally released in 2022, as our new honorable mention pick.

SAVE $1,150: As of Dec. 3, get the Anker Solix F2000 portable power station for $849 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,999. That's a discount of 58%. Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Anker Solix F2000 portable power station $849 at Amazon $1,999 Save $1,150   Get Deal We've seen Cyber Monday come and go, but there are still plenty of reasons to shop when it comes to Amazon. The retailer has a wide variety of items on sale, including cold-weather and off-grid essentials, like portable power stations. If you're looking for something to rely on if you lose power due to winter storms or you just need a backup for camping or other outdoor activity, we've found one that you can use for a variety of situations and then some for a great price. As of Dec. 3, get the Anker Solix F2000 portable power station for $849 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,999. That's a discount of 58%. SEE ALSO: The best Cyber Monday deals on portable power stations: Jackery, Bluetti, and DJI at record lows This portable power station boasts 2,048Wh of capacity, with 2,400W of continuous output and a surge of 2,800W. If you end up needing more power, it is compatible with an additional battery as well, so you can net up to 4,096Wh. It has a long-lasting battery too, so you can rely on it for the long term. It also has wheels and a special handle to make it much easier to tote around, as it's not especially light. It's 26 pounds, but it has such a large capacity that it's worth wheeling around and taking with you, even at this bigger size. Since it has a light as well, you can actually see what you're doing with it when the power is off. It's also got you covered with two USB-A, three USB-C, four AC, and one 30-amp port. Grab this power station and be ready for whatever happens this winter, whether you need it or not. It's always good to be prepared.