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Dune: Prophecy throws a lot of new Dune lore at us, from the Butlerian Jihad fought against thinking machines to the beginnings of the Sisterhood that will one day become the Bene Gesserit.

However, one of the biggest new terms we learn in the first episode is "Tiran-Arafel," a word uttered by Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul (Cathy Tyson) on her deathbed. The warning accompanies a vision of the Sisterhood's destruction, suggesting that whatever Tiran-Arafel is, it's nothing good.

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' review: The Bene Gesserit shine in this sci-fi showstopper

Dune: Prophecy confirms this in the very next scene, when young Sister Valya Harkonnen (Jessica Barden) informs her fellow Sisters of Raquella's words. Her compatriot, Sister Kasha (Yerin Ha) gives the exact definition. "A reckoning," she says. "A holy judgment brought on by a tyrant."

However, the idea of Tiran-Arafel, or more specifically, just arafel, is not unique to Dune: Prophecy. Instead, arafel — which is Hebrew for "fog" — pops up at the end of God Emperor of Dune, the fourth novel in Frank Herbert's series.

As (spoiler) Paul Atreides's son Leto II (who is also a sandworm-human hybrid) dies, his last words are, "Do not fear the Ixians. They can make the machines, but they no longer can make arafel. I know. I was there."

There's a ton to unpack there, from the machine-creating Ixian civilization to Leto's visions. (Like father, like son.) But the main takeaway from God Emperor of Dune for the sake of Dune: Prophecy is that arafel is later described as a "cloud-darkness of holy judgment." Essentially, it's the apocalypse for humankind.

Dune: Prophecy adjusts that meaning a little bit, with the "tiran" addition emphasizing that the Sisterhood's judgment will specifically be brought on by a tyrant. But who could that be?

As of now, all signs point to soldier Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), who seems to have it out for the Sisterhood. After all, his mysterious ability to burn people without even touching them seems like exactly the kind of power a tyrant would have.

New episodes of Dune: Prophecy premiere Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

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 November 18's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

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

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

• Yellow: Found in a bathroom

• Green: Regular payments/bills

• Blue: Things with visible dots or patterns

• Purple: Different types of crabs

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: Used in Hair Care

• Green: Monthly Expenses

• Blue: Things with Spots

• Purple: ___Crab

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 #526 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Used in Hair Care: COMB, DRYER, HAIRSPRAY, ROLLERS

• Monthly Expenses: GAS, INTERNET, PHONE, RENT

• Things with Spots: DALMATIAN, DIE, DOMINO, LADYBUG

• ___Crab: FIDDLER, HERMIT, HORSESHOE, SPIDER

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 17

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 November 18'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 November 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 November 18 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Weak and delicate.

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 T.

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...

FRAIL.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 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.

Mr. Carr, who currently sits on the commission and is a vocal critic of Big Tech, has said the agency should regulate the tech industry.

The fledgling social media site has been flooded with new users since the election. It hasn’t all been easy.

SNL revives Domingo with Charli XCX and a "HOT TO GO!" by Chappell Roan spoof.

On its surface, Conclave's target audience might be retired folks catching a weekday matinee. Its cast boasts an array of all-star actors over 60: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini. And it follows the process of electing a new Pope.

But the papal thriller has drawn an unlikely online fandom due to its modern mess and drama. It's inspired jokes, memes, and even fan edits. A fan captured the unlikely appeal of the movie by describing it as "just Mean Girls for popes."

SEE ALSO: 'Conclave' review: Vatican-set thriller is divinely fun

One X user wrote, that Conclave "is a 10/10 movie for gasping and gagging. movie version of the “hey girly” message. every time ralph finnes served diva the crowd gasped an a man blew raspberries. I’m a believer."

Another said, "what if the pope DIED before letting you QUIT and you have to run the CONCLAVE while you were HAVING DOUBTS and the italian candidate was VAPING and FASCIST so you tried to vote for YOURSELF and you FELL DOWN."

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Fans also compared it to The Real Housewives franchise. One user captioned an image of two Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, "This is exactly what Conclave is like."

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Others are experimenting with the new vocabulary of the Vatican. One user joked, "i want to know what all the cardinals in conclave had chosen as their popenames.... i want to hear about the popesonas that never made it..." Another wrote, "(me asking my friends if they have time to see Conclave with me) what's your Conclavability this week."

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But the most iconic Conclave post is the edit to Charli XCX's "Sympathy is a Knife." If that doesn't convince you to see the film, just know you're missing out.

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'SNL' Cold Open parodies Trump and Biden's presidential transition meeting

Charli XCX stars in very mean 'SNL' meet cute

Charli XCX hooks up with Shrek in 'SNL' sketch

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, November 17, 2024:

AcrossSomeone for whom a velvet rope may be lifted, in brief

• The answer is VIP.

Workplace with pickaxes

• The answer is Mine.

Puff piece?

• The answer is Cigar.

Lose a staring contest

• The answer is Blink.

Parts of Crocs that say "crocs" on them

• The answer is Soles.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 17 DownCandlelight ceremony

• The answer is Vigil.

Totally harebrained

• The answer is Inane.

Company car and a free gym membership, for example

• The answer is Perks.

Venus de ___ (sculpture)

• The answer is Milo.

"60 Minutes" network

• The answer is CBS.

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

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

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

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

If the election underscored anything about the internet, it was the ascendancy of social platforms for the right. That puts Democrats at a disadvantage.

A small study found ChatGPT outdid human physicians when assessing medical case histories, even when those doctors were using a chatbot.

TL;DR: Sprinkle in some nostalgia with your tech gift this season with a 20,000mAh power bank with a transparent retro-tech case — get it on sale for $34.99 (reg. $49.99). 

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For anyone who loves a bit of nostalgia mixed with modern convenience, the Transparent Retro 20,000mAh Power Bank is a holiday dream come true. This unique power bank brings back the best of 90s tech vibes with a clear, see-through casing that lets you glimpse its inner workings while delivering cutting-edge performance. Priced at just $34.99 (originally $49.99) for the holidays, it’s a gift that’s as fun as it is functional.

It features a lightweight, ultra-slim design that’s easy to slip into a bag or pocket. But the retro vibe isn’t all it’s packing: with a massive 20,000mAh capacity, it can provide up to four full charges for most smartphones or keep your tablet powered for up to an additional 24 hours. And with a digital battery-level display, you’ll always know how much power you have left.

When it’s time to charge, this power bank doesn’t mess around. It features 20W USB-C Power Delivery and dual USB adaptive fast charge ports, letting you power up three devices simultaneously.

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For the 90s enthusiast, the tech lover, or anyone who appreciates form meeting function, this transparent power bank is a gift that will surprise and delight.

Grab this Transparent Retro 20,000mAh Power Bank while it's still available for just $34.99 (originally $49.99).

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TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac with lifetime offline access for just $39.99 (reg. $229) through Nov. 21.

G Suite has been a go-to for Mac users who want free and easy access to productivity apps, but they’re largely limited when working in dead zones or dealing with sketchy Wi-Fi. A Microsoft Office download covers all the essentials without the hassle of a constant internet connection. 

For a one-time purchase of $39.99, you can get lifelong device access to six productivity apps fully offline, so you can keep working wherever you are. This price drop is only through Nov. 21, or until we sell out of codes.

With lifetime access to all the essentials — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook — you’re covered for all your business needs. The best part? You don’t need to scramble for the nearest hotspot to access your files. Everything is saved locally, so you can pick up right where you left off, no matter where you are.

Whether you're on a plane, in a remote cabin, or just dealing with spotty Wi-Fi, this software lets you edit and save documents directly on your Mac, ensuring your productivity doesn’t take a hit when your connection does.

So, whether you're a frequent traveler, someone who works in areas with unreliable internet, or you just want the peace of mind that your documents are always accessible, check out this deal.

Until Nov. 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 on sale for $39.99 (reg. $229) — an 82% discount.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac $39.99 at the Mashable Shop
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HBO's Dune: Prophecy offers us a look at what the world of Dune was like 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides. Naturally, that time jump means we get to meet a whole new cast of characters — a process that can be daunting given Dune: Prophecy's intricate sci-fi lore.

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' review: The Bene Gesserit shine in this sci-fi showstopper

But don't worry! We've assembled a handy-dandy character guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of Dune: Prophecy, from the Sisterhood to the Imperial Royal Family. You'll be an expert in no time.

On Wallach IX: The Sisterhood Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Jihae, and Tabu in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Photos: Attila Szvacsek / HBO

Inspired by Brian Herbert (son of Dune author Frank Herbert) and Kevin J. Anderson's novel Sisterhood of Dune, Dune: Prophecy centers on the early days of the Bene Gesserit order, back when it was known simply as "the Sisterhood." The series picks up over a century after the Butlerian Jihad, a war against "thinking machines" (aka AI) that led to the banning of all computers.

Several forces rose to fill the void left behind by thinking machines, including the Sisterhood. At their school on the rainy planet Wallach IX, the Sisterhood trains young women to serve the Great Houses as Truthsayers. Their guidance from the shadows bolsters the Sisterhood's power and creates a growing network of influence across the Imperium. Among those shaping the future of the Sisterhood are:

Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson): The current leader of the Sisterhood, Valya was a close confidant of the Sisterhood's founder, Mother Raquella (Cathy Tyson). She hopes to make the Sisterhood an unstoppable force and push the boundaries of what it means to be human.

She also hopes to bring House Harkonnen (yes, of Feyd-Rautha fame) back into the Imperium's good graces, as they were disgraced following the end of the Butlerian Jihad. The culprits? The pesky members of House Atreides, whose beef with House Harkonnen will endure long past Dune: Prophecy and into Dune.

SEE ALSO: The Bene Gesserit take control in 'Dune: Prophecy' teaser

Reverend Mother Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams): Valya's younger sister. While Tula tends to do her Valya's bidding, the rise of a new threat to the Sisterhood may force the pair in radically different directions.

Reverend Mother Kasha (Jihae): A close friend of Tula and Valya since their days as acolytes in the Sisterhood, Kasha is also the Truthsayer for Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong).

Sister Francesca (Tabu): Sister Francesca is another good friend of Tula, Valya, and Kasha's from their acolyte days. She was once a great love of the Emperor.

On Wallach IX: The acolytes of the Sisterhood Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Aoife Hinds, and Chloe Lea in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Photos: Attila Szvacsek / HBO

The Reverend Mothers and high-ranking Truthsayers aren't the only members of the Sisterhood Dune: Prophecy focuses on. You'll also meet a quarter of acolytes, each negotiating their own relationship to the order they've devoted their lives to. They are:

Sister Theodosia (Jade Anouka): A hard-working acolyte with a lot of potential, Sister Theodosia — or just Theo — aspires to be the best Truthsayer she can, all while hiding a dangerous secret of her own.

Sister Jen (Faoileann Cunningham): Emotionally guarded and somewhat skeptical of the Sisterhood's teachings, Sister Jen is among the most unpredictable acolytes in the Sisterhood.

SEE ALSO: Denis Villeneuve breaks down the evolution of sandworms in 'Dune: Part Two'

Sister Emeline (Aoife Hinds): Raised by anti-technology Butlerians, Sister Emeline is a deeply religious member of the Sisterhood. In some scenes, you can catch her reading the Orange Catholic Bible, a foundational religious text in the Dune world.

Sister Lila (Chloe Lea): Sister Lila is the youngest acolyte in the Sisterhood and was raised in the order. Her deep empathy and kindness could lead her to greatness — or could they lead someone to take advantage of her?

On Salusa Secundus: The Imperial Royal Family Mark Strong, Jodhi May, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, and Josh Heuston in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Photos: Attila Szvacsek / HBO

In Dune, Salusa Secundus is the Emperor's prison planet, where the Sardaukar fighters are trained. (Remember the banger throat-singing scene in Denis Villeneuve's Dune? That was all on Salusa Secundus.) However, thousands of year prior, it was the homeworld of the Imperial House Corrino, and therefore the seat of the Emperor. This opulent paradise is home to the Imperial Royal Family, which includes:

Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong): Head of the Imperium, Emperor Javicco hopes to maintain peace in the era following the machine wars. But that's easier said than done, especially when his grasp on the spice-rich planet of Arrakis is slipping. Don't worry, Javicco, your descendants will have the exact same problem for millennia.

Empress Natalya Arat Corrino (Jodhi May): With her marriage to Emperor Javicco, Empress Natalya helped unite the Imperium. However, she'd love to contribute further, even as her husband begins to heed her counsel less and less.

Princess Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina): Heir to the Golden Lion throne, Princess Ynez is determined to be the best ruler she can be. That means joining up with the Sisterhood. If her training is successful, she'd be the first Sister on the throne. (And you know Valya would love to see that.)

Constantine Corrino (Josh Heuston): Constantine is Emperor Javicco's illegitimate son. (Jon Snow in space, anyone?) While he's close with Ynez, he also find himself in the awkward limbo of trying to impress his father or simply living a carefree life of hedonistic bliss.

On Salusa Secundus: The outsiders Travis Fimmel, Chris Mason, and Shalom Brune-Franklin in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Photos: Attila Szvacsek / HBO

The Imperial Royal Family have several intriguing characters hovering in their orbits. They are:

Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel): A charismatic soldier previously stationed on Arrakis, Desmond arrives on Salusa Secundus with troubling news and an even more troubling ability, one that could tip the scales of power across the Imperium. Oh, and he wants to wipe out the Sisterhood for good.

SEE ALSO: Space babies and time jumps: How 'Dune: Part Two' handles the challenge of Alia Atreides

Keiran Atreides (Chris Mason): An Atreides? In Dune? It's more likely than you think. Keiran Atreides is a Swordmaster for House Corrino who trains closely with Ynez. Very closely.

Mikaela (Shalom Brune-Franklin): A Fremen woman who works in a Salusa Secundus spice den, Mikaela is hiding some secrets of her own.

Dune: Prophecy premieres Nov. 17 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

TL;DR: Get the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro for $99.99 (reg. $159.99) and give the gift of thousands of classic games, free shipping included.

Need a gift that’s equal parts nostalgia and all-around fun? The Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro might be just the ticket, on sale for 37% off at $99.99. This isn’t your typical gaming console — it’s a time machine packed with over 70,000 pre-loaded games from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s, making it the perfect way to relive the golden age of gaming.

Imagine firing up classics like Super Mario, Street Fighter, and Pac-Man all over again, or introducing them to someone experiencing these gems for the first time.

Setting it up is simple: just plug it into your TV, grab a controller, and dive right into the action — no complex installations or additional hardware required. And it’s not only a retro gaming powerhouse. The Super Console doubles as a streaming device, letting you effortlessly switch between intense rounds of player versus player and a holiday movie marathon on your favorite streaming platform. This little console does it all, blending the best of retro gaming and entertainment into one compact system.

For those holiday gatherings, the console’s multiplayer support lets you share the fun with friends and family. It supports two controllers, so you can challenge your cousin to a friendly competition. With classics from every genre — from fighting and racing to puzzles and RPGs — there’s something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age.

For gamers and nostalgia lovers alike, this console wraps up retro thrills in a way that’ll never go out of style.

At $99.99 (reg. $159.99) with free shipping, the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console is a gift that brings back memories, invites new ones, and adds a little extra cheer to the holidays. 

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Opens in a new window Credit: Kinhank Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator & Streaming Console $99.99 at the Mashable Shop
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TL;DR: This voice-to-text recorder uses AI to transcribe and summarize meetings and lectures. Grab one while it's 32% off and enjoy free shipping while supplies last.

Taking notes in a fast-paced meeting or class lecture is tough — and annoying. You try your hardest to stay engaged, but you’re stuck writing everything down or furiously typing, hoping nothing important slips by. In the end, all you have is an unhelpful partial transcript of the conversation.

Instead, this AI audio recorder could capture every spoken word for you. Not only does the Focais AI voice-to-text device transcribe conversations, meetings, and lectures, but it can also summarize all the key points for you. For a limited time at the Mashable Shop, you can get this innovative little device for just $99.99 with free shipping (reg. $149).

Change the way you work and study

How is this smart voice recorder any different than just taking videos of meetings or classes on your phone? Here’s exactly why:

• It only records when it detects sound to save memory and battery

• AI enhances voice clarity while minimizing background noise

• OpenAI’s Whisper transcribes voices into text with 98% accuracy, including timestamps

• AI automatically summarizes conversations 

• If you’re in a language course or international business meeting, you can also get AI translations in over 120 languages

Sure, you could record that hour-long lecture on your phone, upload it to ChatGPT, and see if you get a decent transcript to summarize. Or, you could just hit record on this gadget and have it all done automatically.

Listen to your recordings and view the transcripts and summaries on the iOS and Android app. You’ll also be able to easily share files with any of your colleagues or classmates — if you’re feeling generous. 

Take one of these meeting and lecture recording tools home for $99.99 with free shipping (reg. $149) before they’re sold out.

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TL;DR: For a limited time, score 1minAI’s lifetime subscription for $99.99 and get access to an all-in-one AI toolkit.

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Managing multiple subscriptions for all your creative and professional needs? That’s more juggling than anyone needs — and it’s pricey, too.

Get a lifetime subscription to 1minAI on sale for $99.99 — it's a single platform packed with the tools you’d normally need a bunch of apps to accomplish. From content writing and image editing to data analysis, 1minAI has you covered — all in one convenient spot.

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The 10 minutes it takes to manually vacuum a 700-square-foot apartment probably isn't enough to send someone over the edge as far as chores are concerned. While the time-saving factor may be a moot point here, it doesn't completely diminish the appeal of using a robot vacuum in a crowded home.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

It's actually totally plausible that spaces with less square footage get dirty faster because virtually every spot is a high-traffic spot. With that logic, a robot vacuum is absolutely worth it in a small space.

However, it is crucial to not automatically assume that less floor to cover means that the cheapest vacuum you can find will suffice. Cramped furniture arrangements and quick changes between floor types actually call for a vac on the more competent end navigation-wise, or you'll risk arriving home to a bot that got stuck in kitchen chair legs during the first five minutes of cleaning. Before getting into specific robovac recommendations, let's assess the features that would make this a smart purchase.

Do robot vacuums work in small apartments?

While some large, heavy-duty robot vacuums would probably be overkill in a tight space, there are several compact, quiet robot vacuums on the market that make a lot of sense in a small space.

One way to downsize the space a robot vac takes up is to forego the self-empty dock. While forgoing it automatic emptying o save yourself inches on the floor may not be ideal, it'll be a little less damning in a small space, as the vacuum isn't sucking up as much dirt on each cleaning run as it would in a big house. However, finding a super compact auto-empty dock nowadays isn't hard, and many robot vacuums offer the option to buy one separately later.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day vs. Black Friday: When are the deals better?

If your small apartment has hard floors, a robot vacuum and mop combo is a genius way to downsize chores supplies. This'll save you not only the time it takes to mop manually but also the breath it takes to curse your Swiffer for hogging your scarce closet space. Multiple floor types also make smart mapping and zone labeling a crucial feature, despite the fact that your home may not have many specific rooms to select on a map in the first place.

Should I buy a robot vacuum on Black Friday?

Absolutely, especially if you're set on saving money on a robot vacuum splurge. Robot vacuums have evolved into a core Black Friday category at all of the big retailers — it's the most likely time of year for many robot vacuums to drop to new record-low sale pricing. I'm tracking those Black Friday robot vacuum deals now through Cyber Week, updating the list as new deals pop up.

Not sure which options to look for this Black Friday? I've hands-on tested the top contenders over the years and have handpicked the four best robot vacuums for apartments, studios, and other one-story homes. (Take the prices you see with a grain of salt — we list the MSRPs for each robot vacuum, but they're almost always on sale, which is even more likely if you're shopping during the Black Friday season. I list each vacuum's most common sale price in "The Good" section for each.)