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Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 18 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Handling a task

• Green: Brews with distinct flavors

• Blue: Actions in the financial market

• Purple: Precedes "dome"

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

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

• Yellow: Deal With

• Green: Styles of Beer

• Blue: Investment Verbs

• Purple: ___Dome

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 #556 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Deal With: FIELD, HANDLE, MANAGE, TACKLE

• Styles of Beer: BITTER, BOCK, SOUR, STOUT

• Investment Verbs: HEDGE, HOLD, SHORT, TRADE

• ___Dome: CAPITOL, CHROME, ONION, TEAPOT

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 18

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.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 18 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 18 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Large and substantial, but not necessarily heavy.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter H.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

HEFTY.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 18

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

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

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

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 18 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: You say you want a revolution

These words are things that spin.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are commonly seen spinning, or revolving.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Spinners.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 18

• Pinwheel

• Earth

• Football

• Dryer

• Tires

• Ballerina

• Spinners

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

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

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

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 18 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: Fouls on the court

• Green: Yankees #2

• Blue: On skates

• Purple: Different types of balls

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: Basketball violations

• Green: Derek Jeter nicknames

• Blue: Roller derby terminology

• Purple: ________ Ball

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 #86 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Basketball violations - BACKCOURT, DOUBLE-DRIBBLE, GOALTEND, TRAVEL

• Derek Jeter nicknames - CAPTAIN, DJ, JEETS, MR. NOVEMBER

• Roller derby terminology - BLOCKER, BRIDGING, JAMMER, PIVOT

• _____ Ball - AIR, FOUL, GOLF, LONZO

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

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.

OpenAI announced numerous new options for developers who use their technology to build products and services, promising the upgrades will "improve performance, flexibility, and cost-efficiency."

In their live announcement today — which suffered from audio problems — the OpenAI team first highlighted changes to OpenAI o1, the company's reasoning model that can "handle complex multi-step tasks," according to the company. Developers can now utilize the model on their highest usage tier; it's currently used by developers to build automated customer service systems, help inform supply chain decisions, and even forecast financial trends.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI makes ChatGPT Search available to everyone starting now

The new o1 model can also connect to external data and APIs (aka Application Programming Interfaces, which is how different software applications communicate with each other). Developers can also use o1 to fine-tune messaging to give their AI applications a specific tone and style; the model also has vision capabilities so it can use images to "unlock many more applications in science, manufacturing, or coding, where visual inputs matter."

Improvement were also announced for OpenAI's Realtime API, which developers utilize for voice assistants, virtual tutors, translation bots, and AI Santa voices. The company's new WebRTC Support will help in real-time voice services, utilizing JavaScript to ostensibly create better audio quality and more helpful responses (e.g., the RealTime API can start formulating responses to a query even while a user is still speaking). OpenAI also announced price reductions for services like WebRTC Support.

Also of note, OpenAI is now offering Preference Fine-Tuning to developers, which customizes the technology to respond better to "subjective tasks where tone, style, and creativity matter" than so-called Supervised Fine-Tuning. Catch the full presentation below.

The artificial intelligence start-up’s funding shows investors remain enthusiastic about the A.I. boom.

2024 was a big year for AI, and not all of it was good. But amidst the ethical dilemmas and growing concerns around the race to integrate the technology anywhere and everywhere, many set out with the goal to harness the power of AI responsibly. Here are 5 projects driven by AI that are genuinely helpful.

Federal agencies have opened at least three reviews into whether the company and its leader complied with disclosure protocols intended to protect state secrets, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Nov. 17th, shop Amazon deals on tablets from Amazon Fire, Samsung, and iPad before the holidays.

The best tablet deals on Amazon Best Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 $74.99 (Save $65) Get Deal Best Samsung tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus 11” $149.00 (Save $70.99) Get Deal Best Apple tablet deal Apple iPad (10th Generation) $279 (Save $70) Get Deal

What's the easiest entry point into the world of technology? Today, that's a tablet. Whether you go for a classic iPad, a Samsung Galaxy Tab, or you score a sweet deal on an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet, you'll get your hands on a device chock-full of technological capabilities. Stream video, surf the web, play games, and edit photos — all on a responsive screen.

With the holidays so close that we're approaching the end of viable shipping windows, Amazon is offering huge deals on tablets. Amazon Fire Tablets are posting crazy low prices, Samsung Galaxy Tab is plummeting, and even Apple's iPad is on sale.

Don't wait, we don't expect to see category-wide tablet deals like this again anytime soon.

Best Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 $74.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A 46% price drop on the newest Fire tablet? That's a pretty sparkly sale price. This affordable tablet packs 32GB of storage and 3GB of memory. Use it as an e-reader to dig into your libraries stacks from home, travel the world on Youtube, or try and beat Tetris yourself.

The ad-supported Amazon Fire HD 10 is available for only $74.99 for a savings of 46%. Get it now and save $65.

Best Samsung tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus 11” $149.00 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $70.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is an attractive 11-incher with a whole 64GB of storage and four powerful speakers. Perfect for video and surfing the web, it offers a rich display. The tablet's large storage makes it a perfect hub for family photos, e-books, and more.

At 32% off ahead of the holidays, now is a great time to invest in a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, whether you're buying for a kid, yourself, or work. Get it now and pay just $149.00.

Best Apple tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th Generation) $279.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

We all know the iPad. The device that pioneered what a modern tablet is, the iPad offers seamless touch controls and remarkably powerful specs. With an A14 Bionic Chip and 64GB of storage, the iPad is loaded for the price. It also looks impeccable, with Apple's proprietary Liquid Retina Display — a perfect feature, because with two 12MP cameras, you'll want to be looking at some photographs.

Pair this with an Apple Pencil to draw or build virtual worlds in Minecraft. However you use it, now is a great time to invest in a new iPad. The Apple iPad (10th Generation) is currently on sale for 20% off ahead of the holidays, get it now for just $279.00.

More tablet deals on Amazon

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet — $69.99 $139.99 (save $70)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) — $199.99 $268.99 (save $69)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet — $54.99 $99.99 (save $45)

SAVE 50%: The AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 is just $45 at Amazon, down from the typical list price of $89.99. That's a savings of $44.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: AeroGarden AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 $45.00 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $44.99 Get Deal

Nothing is as delicious or satisfying as making a meal with vegetables you grew yourself. However, winter weather puts a snag in the ability to grow much of anything outside. If someone on your holiday shopping list loves to garden, but pauses during the winter, check out this great deal at Amazon.

As of Dec. 17, the AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 is on sale for just $45, down from the normal price of $89.99. That's an impressive 50% discount that'll save you $44.99. You can choose any of the four colorway options to get the $45 sale price, but if you're hoping for delivery before Dec. 25, your best option is the green colorway.

SEE ALSO: Save $300 on a 65-inch LG C4 at Best Buy and get a $100 gift card for free

The premise of the AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 is pretty simple — it uses a hydroponic watering system and LED lights to grow produce indoors. It also eliminates the use of soil, which can be great for gardening indoors without the mess.

AeroGarden introduced targeted grow lights into the Harvest 2.0 model that aims to provide more light on the plants themselves and less light on your countertop. Each harvest 2.0 can accommodate six plants, and the LED light adjusts up to 12-inches tall to give plants space to grow.

The AeroGarden comes with the growing container itself, a detachable 15W grow light, a growing starter kit, power adapter, and a bonus lettuce seed packet. Plus, its compact size means this can be a great gift for all gardeners, regardless of their kitchen size.

If you're shopping for last-minute holiday gifts, the AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 is both useful and thoughtful for anyone who enjoys growing their own veggies or herbs. Plus, you could gain some benefit from gifting the AeroGarden, like enjoying fresh produce when you get invited over for dinner.

The best streaming deals to watch 'Anora': WATCH NOW Buy 'Anora' on Prime Video $19.99 Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy 'Anora' on Apple TV+ $19.99 Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy 'Anora' on Fandango at Home (Vudu) $19.99 Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy 'Anora' on YouTube $19.99 Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy 'Anora' on Google Play $19.99 Get Deal WATCH LATER Hulu annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal

Anora, winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, is flooding award nomination lists this season. And we couldn't be more thrilled. A Cinderella story that doesn't quite go the way you'd expect, Anora is our favorite film of the year. It's already secured nominations for Best Picture at the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, and we wouldn't be surprised if it nabbed the Oscar nomination as well.

As of Dec. 17, it's gracing the small screen for all to see. Here's everything you need to know to watch Anora at home.

What is Anora about?

Mikey Madison stars as sex worker Anora — call her Ani — whose professional relationship with her young Russian client Ivan (Mark Eydelshtyen), the son of an oligarch, quickly turns into a wedding in Vegas. Ivan's wealthy parents aren't thrilled with the news and they make a visit to Brooklyn, alongside their cronies, to try to put an end to the marriage. It's up to Ani to fight for what she wants. "To borrow from another 2024 cinematic sex worker — she will not accept a life she does not deserve," Mashable film editor Kristy Puchko summarizes.

Check out the official trailer for a sneak peek:

Is Anora worth watching?

Not only do we think Anora is one of indie writer/director Sean Baker's best films yet, but we also think it's the best movie of 2024. "Anora is magnificently alive. Madison is its shining star, her charisma absolute as she wields a Brooklyn accent like a whip to dazzle with or wreak havoc as she sees fit," Mashable's Kristy Puchko writes in her review, adding that it's "as bold as it is brilliant." Other critics largely agree, with the film earning a glowing 96 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 90 percent audience rating.

It's nominated in the major categories at both the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, so it wouldn't be a stretch to say it's an Oscar contender. Get ahead of the hype and watch it before awards season really kicks off — we can't recommend it enough.

Check out our full review of Anora.

How to watch Anora at home Credit: NEON

If you skipped the big screen, you're in luck. Anora is now officially available to watch at home as of Dec. 17. You can purchase it for your digital collection through on demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV. It will also be available to rent at a later date. If you'd rather wait and stream the film, keep reading for more information.

Here are some of the platforms where you can purchase the film online:

• Prime Video — $19.99

• Apple TV — $19.99

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $19.99

• YouTube — $19.99

• Google Play — $19.99

When is Anora streaming?

There's no official streaming date yet for Anora, but since the indie film distributor Neon has a deal with Hulu, we expect the film to make its streaming debut on the service sometime early next year. Based on the release schedule of previous Neon hits like Cuckoo and Immaculate, we expect that Anora will likely hit Hulu in March — but we'll keep you updated as soon as we know for sure.

You can set yourself up for success by signing up for Hulu ahead of time. It's surprisingly one of the most generous streamers for newbies, as it offers a free 30-day trial. Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but we've also rounded up a few different ways you can save on your subscription below.

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Instead of paying $9.99 per month for Hulu (with ads), which adds up to $119.88 in a year, you can opt for an annual subscription and save 16%. A yearly subscription, paid up front, costs just $99.99, which drops the monthly fee down to just $8.33 per month. It's the best way to keep more money in your pocket in the long run.

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Want the most bang for your buck? Opt for a bundle plan. You can sign up for the Disney Duo Basic bundle and get both Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for $10.99 per month. That's just $1 more than paying for Hulu alone, or a savings of 45%. If you're a sports fan, you can also throw ESPN+ into the mix for only $16.99 per month total. That's 47% in savings on all three services.

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Students looking to stream Anora and other Neon hits can sign up for Hulu for only $1.99 per month. That's 80% off the usual cost of a Hulu with ads plan. The only requirement is that you can verify your college email address using SheerID.

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One of the best ways to get free streaming services, including Hulu, is to switch your phone plan to T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan. Customers on this plan can enjoy Hulu with ads for free (as well as Netflix and Apple TV+). If you're already on the Go5G Next plan, just head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim your offer. You'll have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu.

Note: After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll also have to take action in order to keep your subscription alive.

Writer/director Barry Jenkins has proved himself as a passionate filmmaker through such gorgeous, human dramas as the San Francisco-set love story Medicine for Melancholy, the Best Picture-winning coming-of-age tale Moonlight, and the poignant adaptation of James Baldwin's If Beale Street Could Talk. So, if anyone could course-correct Disney away from the dead-eyed CGI remake of 2019's The Lion King, it'd be Jenkins, right?

Mufasa: The Lion King might be the greatest challenge the filmmaker has ever faced. Gone are the gorgeous human faces from which his sophisticated lens captured emotions big and fragile. The dialogue here is not penned by him or translated from a celebrated playwright, but comes from Jeffrey D. Nathanson, whose credits include Speed 2: Cruise Control, Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, and the "live-action" Lion King. The vibrant colors and enthralling animation style of the 1994 Disney animated classic have been chucked in favor of a more photorealistic look, draining Jenkins' previously bold palette. And because this is a prequel, there are requisites of plot and aesthetic that inherently confine the filmmaker's creativity.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2024, and where to watch them

So, has Jenkins overcome all this to make a film worthy of his reputation? No, but he makes a noble effort.

Mufasa: The Lion King is a bunch of origin stories no one asked for. Credit: Disney

Have you ever wondered how Mufasa met Rafiki? How Zazu's morning reports came about? Where Rafiki got his signature walking stick or why Pride Rock looks like it does? No. Oh, well, this just got awkward. Yes, the main thrust of Mufasa: The Lion King is the backstory of how Mufasa came to be the King of the Pride Lands. But that doesn't stop this prequel from ham-fistedly shoving in additional lore to an eye-roll-worthy degree. The same attitude is taken with crudely wedging in popular characters — or at least cute and comedic ones — that have nothing to do with Mufasa's origins for some easy fan fodder.

As such, Mufasa begins with an adult Simba (Donald Glover) leaving his cub Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) with babysitters Timon and Pumbaa (Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen), who swiftly cede storytelling duties to Rafiki (John Kani). From there, things get very Princess Bride, in that the story the mystic mandrill tells will be interrupted for Kiara to ask clarifying questions or for Timon and Pumbaa to deliver fart jokes or inexplicable pop culture references, including an allusion to The Lion King on Broadway. (Timon is furious he's a puppet in it.)

Credit: Disney

Amid these oft-irksome interruptions, the story of a young Mufasa takes shape both slowly and too swiftly. The Shakespearean gravitas of the original Lion King is lost amid the ruthlessly realistic animal faces that look mostly accurate aside from their mouths twisting to deliver lines like "I've always wanted a brother!"

The broad strokes of the plot are these: After a flash flood washes Mufasa far away from his homeland, he's rescued by a young, British-sounding prince/cub named Taka. After a rousing musical number, they decide they will be brothers (no matter what Taka's royal and xenophobic father says about "strays"). But when a pride of white-furred lions led by the fearsome Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen, because of course Mads Mikkelsen), a now-adolescent Mufasa (Rebel Ridge's Aaron Pierre) flees with Taka (Chevalier's Kelvin Harrison Jr.) to preserve the royal bloodline, heading for the mythical lands of Milele. Along the way, the pair will meet several familiar Lion King characters, before revealing the most telegraphed plot twist in all Disney history.

Mufasa: The Lion King brings together an astounding cast and Lin Manuel-Miranda as lyricist. Credit: Disney

To Jenkins' credit, his cast is full of phenomenal talent. Pierre won praise earlier this year for his grounded and gritty action-hero turn in the hard-hitting thriller Rebel Ridge. Harrison Jr. has awed in critically heralded dramas like Luce and Waves, Joe Wright's adaptation of Cyrano, and the achingly underseen but moving biopic Chevalier. Also in the mix voicing lions are Emmy winner Thandiwe Newton (Westworld), BAFTA winner Lennie James (Save Me), Anika Noni Rose (aka the voice of Princess Tiana in The Princess and the Frog), Keith David (Dr. Facilier in The Princess and the Frog), and Folake Olowofoyeku (Bob Hearts Abishola). Plus, from 2019's The Lion King, Jenkins inherited Glover, Rogen, Eichner, Kani, and Beyoncé as Nala, who shares a brief scene with her real-life daughter Blue Ivy Carter, playing Kiara.

Collectively, this ensemble brings gravitas, emotions, and life into these characters. And new songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, Moana, Encanto) deliver some welcomed joy amid the grim plotline of conquest, jealousy, and death. However, the songs here don't compare to Miranda's best, nor Elton John and Tim Rice's work in the original Lion King. Instead, much like the Miranda-less Moana 2, they feel like pale imitations of the original.

"I Always Wanted a Brother," sung as a duet of young Taka and young Mufasa, running about the other species of their terrain, echoes the youthful enthusiasm and naïveté of "I Just Can't Wait to Be King." Elsewhere, Mikkelsen delivers surly commitment and snarling cheek with the threatening "Bye Bye," but can't compare to Jeremy Irons' grandiose (and more cleverly written) "Be Prepared," an all-time best of Disney villain songs. The best of the soundtrack is "Tell Me It's You," sung by Aaron Pierre and Tiffany Boone, who voices Sarabi. "Can You Feel The Love Tonight," is undoubtedly hard to live up to, but actually hearing the lions at the song's center sing of their love is undeniably impactful, the hesitancy of their confessions of love playing out in a rushing, winsome song. But there's one big enemy to creativity that this could-have-been epic collaboration of talents can't overcome.

Mufasa: The Lion King is dragged down by the "live-action" aesthetic. Credit: Disney

I can't get past it, not in 2019 and not now. The decision to make a "live-action" Lion King binds the filmmaker to an animation style that bleeds away so much of the expressiveness that makes this medium a place for the impossible. Imagination is drowned in place of photorealism, which brings nothing interesting or exciting to these films. This pursuit of naturalism robs Jenkins of the freedom to play with color, as he did so memorably and movingly in Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk. Here, aside from splotches of occasional flowers, his lions live in a world of neutral colors. And perhaps it's a world gorgeously rendered, but the constantly moving "camera" won't allow you to linger on anything.

The shots in Mufasa: The Lion King are short and always moving. Watching the film on 3D IMAX, I realized I couldn't focus my eyes on anything, not because of the glasses, or some projection issue, but because nothing stayed consistently in frame for more than five or seven seconds. The eyes of the lion, the arc of a distinctive tree, the feathers of a soaring bird. I tried again and again to focus my eyes and take in natural wonders Disney has clearly spent plenty on recreating, but the constant prowling of the camera makes taking in such elements impossible to savor.

Perhaps Jenkins and director of photography James Laxton (Moonlight! If Beale Street Could Talk!) were looking to recreate the sense of a lion on the move, constantly swerving the camera to take things in. Or maybe they were keeping things moving to hide the seams of a world that strives for realism and falls short of the awe evoked by actual nature? Either way, it's disappointing. Mufasa: The Lion King is not the eyesore of its predecessor. The sparkling clear eyes of cub Kiara alone prove that point. But neither is it the awe-inspiring vision of the 1994 original.

Faced with the fan service expectations demanded of sequels and the soul-crushingly uninspired "live-action" animation style, Jenkins strove to break through with radiant human talent, swelling song numbers, and a physical point-of-view that perhaps allows the audience to feel part of the pride. But his swipes at originality are swallowed by so much IP. In the end, Mufasa: The Lion King is periodically entertaining but falls far short of reaching the heights of the original.

Mufasa: The Lion King opens in theaters Dec.20.

Apple's Home app is about to get more handy.

At least, that's according to the first developer beta for iOS 18.3. Per Aaron Perris on X (via 9to5Mac) Apple launched the first beta for the next iOS build this week, which notably features support for robot vacuums in the Home app. In case you don't know, that's Apple's all-in-one mobile app for controlling supported smart home devices, whether they were made by Apple or come from an authorized third-party.

SEE ALSO: Apple is finally getting serious about foldable devices, reports say

If this does indeed come to pass when iOS 18.3 theoretically launches early next year, expect to be able to control and monitor your robot vacuum from an iPhone. Apple says you will be able to control its power and cleaning functions through the app, as well as give requests via Siri. There's no real info about which robot vacuums will be included, though. It should be noted that Apple doesn't currently make one of its own, so all the supported options will have to be third-party devices.

But at least you'll potentially be able to control the one you have from the same app that you use to control all your other smart home devices soon.

SAVE $40: Snag the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids for just $149.99 ahead of Christmas. That saves $40 for 21% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids $149.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

With the holidays creeping up, it's time to kick things into high gear and find last minute gifts guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas. If you're buying for a kid in your life, and stumped on the hot ticket items, look to the Kindle Paperwhite Kids. It's no secret that Kindles are our favorite e-readers, and if you're purchasing for a kid, the Paperwhite Kids is the best option.

Compared to the standard Kindle Paperwhite, the Paperwhite Kids is heftier, weighing 11.6 oz compared to the Paperwhite's 7.4 oz. The extra weight gives it a sturdier build that can stand up to the antics of a kids rough and tumble lifestyle. It's ad-free, so no ads or games will distract young readers from their books.

It comes with built-in parental controls so you can monitor what your kiddo is reading. However, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids comes with six months of Amazon Kids+ that provides access to a library of age-appropriate books.

Ahead of the holidays, you can find the Kindle Paperwhite Kids for just $149.99, saving $40 for 21% off. And the best news? It will arrive in time for Christmas.

SAVE $17: As of Dec. 17, get Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch for just $42.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $59.99. That's a discount of 28%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' $42.99 at Woot
$59.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal

'Tis the season to buy and play more video games. Whether you're planning on gifting a console to someone this year or you want to stock up on some new games as a gift to yourself, saving money is never a bad idea. You can get one of the Nintendo Switch's best Mario games right now at a great price at Woot.

As of Dec. 17, you can get Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch for just $42.99, down from its usual price of $59.99. That's $17 off, or a discount of 28%. This price is for the physical copy of the game, not a digital code, so you'll have to wait for it to be shipped to you.

SEE ALSO: Looking for a solid gaming TV deal? The LG B4 55-inch OLED TV is $400 off.

This Mario adventure is one of the most exciting games to be added to the long list of platformers starring everyone's favorite plumber. You'll explore the Flower Kingdom in this outing, all while collecting Wonder Flowers that give Mario and friends exciting and unique abilities. They might bring pipes to life, send enemies charging through stages, or make things, well, trippy. You'll have to see it to believe it, really.

You don't have to play as just Mario, though. The whole crew's along for the ride, including Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and others. And this time around, there's also a new power-up to use, like the Elephant Fruit. It's exactly what you probably think it is: it transforms Mario and the gang into elephants for some unique puzzles involving trunks, water, and other elephant-like shenanigans.

It's a blast, especially with other people. If you haven't yet tried it out, or just want to add a new Switch game to your collection, it's worth the entry price – and it also makes a great last-minute gift for the gamers in your life.

T-Mobile is starting to roll out Starlink access for satellite connectivity in dead zones.

On Monday, the telecom company shared that it has opened registration for a Starlink beta program. All T-Mobile customers can register to join the beta program and test out the satellite messaging feature. But spaces are limited, and T-Mobile is prioritizing first responder individuals and organizations, said the announcement.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon were all tested for speed. Which one won?

The T-Mobile Starlink beta program comes a month after the satellite-to-phone service received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The regulatory framework for providing satellite coverage involved making sure it didn't interfere with networks provided by cell towers. But the FCC is fully on board with a space solution to supplement earthly coverage areas. "The FCC is actively promoting competition in the space economy by supporting more partnerships between terrestrial mobile carriers and satellite operators to deliver on a single network future that will put an end to mobile dead zones," said FCC Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel.

Previously, the FCC granted Starlink "special temporary authority" to provide a free trial of emergency satellite texting to T-Mobile users impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton.

Soon, T-Mobile customers will be able to have this kind of broad access all the time. T-Mobile and Starlink coverage aims to provide connectivity to over half a million square miles of remote areas that can't be access otherwise. "T-Mobile Starlink is the first major low-earth orbit constellation in the world paired with terrestrial cellular spectrum, making the phone in your pocket work in areas of the U.S. that have never, and probably never will, have ground based coverage," said Mike Katz, president of Marketing, Strategy and Products.

The beta program will initially support just texting, but voice and data will eventually be a part of future service.

A new rocket from Mr. Bezos’ company Blue Origin and a satellite system from Amazon could heat up competition with SpaceX, owned by Mr. Musk.

Dec. 19th, Hydro Flask water bottles are on sale for up to 50% off from retailers like Amazon, REI, and Hydro Flask.

A great water bottle is all-year round. Hydro Flask might have hydro right in the name, but these famous water bottles and tumblers are for far more than a icy draught of water on a hot July day. With thick insulation, they’ll keep your water drinkable in freezing weather or warm. Additionally, many are well-suited for hot beverages. The initiated grab their Hydro Flask whenever they leave home.

Hydro Flask water bottles make great gifts, and right now many of the most popular models are on sale, making them great picks for last minute gifts. Shop now to find Hyrdo Flask water bottles and tumblers up to 50% off at retailers like Amazon, Hydro Flask, REI, and more.

Best Hydro Flask tumbler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler $17.39 at Amazon
$34.95 Save $17.56 Get Deal Why we like it

Tumblers are ever-popular. The Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler is built for days on the road. Chocked with insulation, it keeps beverages cold all day long and fits in drink holders, so it can ride out with you on the way to school and remain sippable for the drive home.

The 32 ounce Travel Tumbler is 50% off at Amazon. Order now and get this iconic tumbler for just $17.39.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy's Last Minute Savings event is bringing deals on everything from Bose headphones to KitchenAid stand mixers Best Hydro Flask deal for hot or cold Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask Hydro Flask National Park Foundation 32 Ounce Wide Mouth - Zion $22.48 at Hydro Flask
$44.95 Save $22.47 Get Deal Why we like it

Keep your coffee hot, your iced tea cold, and the preservation of America's natural spaces a topic of conversation with the National Park Foundation 32 Ounce Wide Mouth Hydro Flask water bottle. Printed with an image of Zion national park in orange, blue, and cream, this special edition water bottle honors American heritage.

This wide-mouth, screw top water bottle holds 32 ounces of liquid and is insulated for hot or cold beverages. At 50% off it's a great present for an outdoor enthusiast. If Zion doesn't call to your heart, this special edition parks water bottle is also available with other national parks graphics including Yellowstone.

Best with flex straw cap Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask Hydro Flask 24 Oz Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Straw Cap $19.89 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $20.06 Get Deal Why we like it

If you want a water bottle that's made for straw-sipping but will never leak, then Hydro Flask's Flex Straw Cap water bottle is a perfect choice. With 24 ounces of carrying room, this water bottle totes big drinks. Vacuum sealed, it will keep drinks cold or hot — however, the straw is designed for cold drinks rather than warm so you might want to screw off the lid and skip the straw for hot coffee.

The Hydro Flask 24 Ounce Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Straw Cap is available for 50% off at Amazon. Order now and gift it for the holidays.

More Hydro Flask deals

• Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle With Flex Straw Cap 32 Ounce — $32.93 $44.95 (save $12.02)

• 40 Ounce Travel Tumbler - Sugar Crush Limited Edition — $29.96 $39.95 (save $9.99)

• Hydro Flask 32 Ounce Wide Mouth Flex Straw Water Bottle — $31.49 $44.99 (save $13.50)

• Hydro Flask 2pc Coffee Mug Set Trillium — $34.99 $49.99 ($15.00)

Building a chatbot like ChatGPT requires billions upon billions of dollars. That’s the driving force behind OpenAI’s plans to change how it’s managed.

As the maker of ChatGPT battles Google and Meta for A.I. supremacy, it’s also fighting to end control by a nonprofit board.