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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 October 17 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 17 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Dream teams

These words are from a popular type of online game.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are sports terms related to online sports leagues.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is FantasyLeague.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 17

• Draft

• Roster

• Waivers

• FantasyLeague

• Standings

• Matchups

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 16 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 17

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.

TL;DR: Through October 27, get lifetime access to the Complete CompTIA and IT Exam Training Bundle for only £30.74 (reg £2,114.08). That's 98% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Exams Digest The Complete CompTIA and IT Exam Training Bundle £30.74
£2,114.08 Save £2,083.34 Get Deal

If you are in the IT game (in any capacity), you need to stay informed of the latest developments in the field, as well as prepare for any certifications or training you may need or want to complete to advance your career. This online learning bundle is a comprehensive IT resource designed to keep you ahead of the curve. With lifetime access to a wealth of training materials, this bundle equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to conquer CompTIA and other IT certification exams. 

It includes five platforms in one learning bundle. This includes CompTIA, Cisco, AWS, Microsoft, Google, and Linux certification path training. Get an in-depth, comprehensive online education to help you pass the exams you need to elevate your career. You'll get five courses totaling 180 hours of premium learning content — and lifetime access is just £30.74 for a limited time.

The CramWise course is taught by Exams Digest and gives you 40 hours of content and more than 25 simulated exams to practice for the real ones. This course will help you understand all the components of computer security, master AWS databases, and more.

Other courses include Dojo Lab, which shows you how to assess risk in a Linux environment. You'll also go over all the hardware you should know about, including motherboards, CPUs, RAM, and more.

Get ready to take your exams with the help of this expert-led instruction. You'll also learn to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations with hands-on labs and real-world scenarios and develop the skills necessary to thrive in natural IT environments. 

Get lifetime access to this CompTIA & IT exam training bundle on sale for £30.74 through October 27.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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 October 17'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 October 17 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 October 17 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 17 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Cut in two.

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. SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 17 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...

HALVE.

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

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

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

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.

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 October 17'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 SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 17 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 October 17 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: Knoll

• Green: Public relations specialties

• Blue: Singular cinema

• Purple: a word before a word that rhymes with "jaw."

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 - Grassy Area

• Green - Deal with

• Blue - Movies with "S" Removed

• Purple - ___ Law

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 #493 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Grassy Area: GREEN, LAWN, PARK, YARD

• Deal with: ADDRESS, ANSWER, FIELD, HANDLE

• Movies with “S” Removed: CAR, GOODFELLA, JAW, SWINGER

• ___ Law: CRIMINAL, HARVARD, LEMON, NATURAL

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 17

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.

TL;DR: Live stream Pakistan vs. England for free on Tamasha. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Cricket fans have it rough, because it is particularly difficult to stream international fixtures for free. Recent international football games have been free to watch, but the same can't be said for Test cricket. These games are almost always stuck behind a paywall. Almost always, but not always.

If you want to watch Pakistan vs. England (2nd Test) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Pakistan vs. England (2nd Test)?

The 2nd Test between Pakistan and England takes place from Oct. 15 to Oct. 19. This Test match takes place at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

How to watch Pakistan vs. England for free

Pakistan vs. England (2nd Test) is available to live stream for free on Tamasha.

Tamasha is geo-restricted to Pakistan, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Pakistan, meaning you can access free live streams on Tamasha from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Pakistan vs. England by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Pakistan

4. Visit Tamasha

5. Stream Pakistan vs. England for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Pakistan vs. England (2nd Test) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this Test series before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Tamasha?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on Tamasha, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Pakistan vs. England (2nd Test) for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Get a grade-A refurbished HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini Core desktop with dual 22" monitors (and more) for only $319.99 (reg. $399).

If your home workstation is beat, but you've been holding back on an upgrade because it's too expensive, this might be your chance. This grade-A refurbished HP EliteDesk Mini Core Desktop is equipped with a Core i5-6500T processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD—bundled with two 22-inch LCD monitors for just $319.99 (reg. $399).

Whether you're working from home, managing large projects, or simply need a faster, more reliable workstation, this setup can deliver the performance and productivity you need to get things done efficiently. And because it's grade-A refurbished, it should arrive in near-mint condition.

The Intel Core i5-6500T processor makes for smooth multitasking and rapid performance. Combined with 16GB of RAM, you should be able to switch between apps, manage data-heavy tasks, and run multiple programs at once without any issues.

With a 512GB SSD, you can enjoy faster load times and ample space for your work files, documents, photos, and videos. Solid-state technology boosts boot-up speed and file retrieval.

The compact nature of the HP EliteDesk Mini Core Desktop makes it ideal for any workspace. Whether it’s your home office or a small work desk, it’s designed to fit seamlessly without taking up valuable real estate.

Packed with multiple ports, including USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, DisplayPort, Ethernet (RJ-45), and more, you’ll have all the options you need to connect peripherals, external storage, and other devices.

Not only do you get the powerful mini desktop and dual monitors, but this package also includes a keyboard and mouse, giving you everything you need for a ready-to-go workstation.

Don't miss this affordable bundle while it's still in stock.

Pick up the grade-A refurbished HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini Core desktop with dual 22-inch monitors for only $319.99 (reg. $399).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini Desktop | Core i5-6500T | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD | Windows 10 Pro | 2x 22" LCD Monitors (Refurbished) $319.99
$399.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Large technology companies are investing billions of dollars in nuclear energy as an emissions-free source of electricity for artificial intelligence and other businesses.

Victims affected by a massive 23andMe data breach could collect a heck of a paycheck. A proposed settlement agreement would offer up to $10,000 to victims.

Under the settlement that still needs court approval, the "company will provide as much as $10,000 to qualifying customers, depending on the hardships they incurred, as well as other security services," reported CNET. The breach, which affected millions, came to light around this time last year.

Most users whose data was hacked could expect to get a relatively small payout, if and when the settlement is approved. The top-end folks — those who might see that $10,000 — would have to prove they suffered hardships like identity fraud due to the privacy breach.

Nearly 7 million users were affected.

The settlement comes at a particularly unstable time for the genetics company. All of its independent directors resigned from the board last month amid disagreements with the company's CEO and co-founder Anne Wojcicki. A detailed report from The Financial Times noted that company has suffered mass layoffs, seen its valuation deflate by billions, and even proposed the relatively cut-rate $30 million settlement with affected users due to the "dire financial condition" of the company.

"I'm certainly not alone in feeling like there’s tremendous value — not just monetary value, but also truly disruptive value that can transform healthcare for people — in what Anne has built," an anonymous former senior staffer told the FT. "I think that’s why everyone finds it so heartbreaking right now to see things sort of spinning out of control."

SEE ALSO: 23andMe confirms how many people were affected by its data breach. It's not great news.

Julie Bowen, Bruce Campbell, Anna Camp, Emjay Anthony, Chiara Aurelia and Kezii Curtis give us the rundown on their 80s-era series about Satanic panic in a small Michigan town.

One of the best and most surprising shows of 2023 is back for a second season, and it's honestly (and thankfully) like we never left it. 

Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein, Shrinking Season 1 hilariously and unabashedly harnessed the everyday pain and absurdity of grief, and left most of its characters in a pretty solid place, emotionally, in the finale. In Season 2, Segel's rule-breaking therapist and widowed father Jimmy is understandably still haunted by the past, but it's different this time — with the sudden arrival of the man responsible for his wife's death (a welcome cast addition in Shrinking writer and Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein). How the hell would you react?

SEE ALSO: 15 minutes of sadness: Behind the therapy trick in 'Shrinking'

The show's brilliant cast all return for a second round, taking the characters through new challenges and delivering the show's very funny, genuinely moving script to perfection. With just two episodes out on Apple TV+, Shrinking picks up where we left off with these now ingrained characters and wisely doesn't reinvent the wheel.

Shrinking's superpower remains its superb cast and sharp writing. Jessica Williams and Christa Miller. Credit: Apple TV+

Once again a brilliant lead, Segel steps back into the role of Jimmy with relatable finesse, with the actor's signature earnestness and weary sense of optimism being put to the test with the arrival of Goldstein's character this season. Segel is still at his comedic best here, defying the insistence of his revered colleague Paul (an excellent-as-ever Harrison Ford) that he quit it with the "Jimmying" (his tendency to take the therapy sessions out of the office). Some of the outrageous lines that come out of Jimmy's mouth can't be swallowed again ("Speaking of cars…"), despite his attempts. Plus, Segel's awkward banter with the talented Lukita Maxwell as Jimmy's daughter, Alice, really makes the show, with Maxwell giving Alice genuine depth and deadpan hilarity at every turn.

Now a professor, having gained a recommendation from Paul last season, Gaby (the superb Jessica Williams) is struggling with the guilt of sleeping with her dead best friend's husband, while trying to resist their natural chemistry — a chemistry Williams and Segel flawlessly convey, with Williams' speedy retorts one of the show's best elements. But one of the unsung reasons to watch Shrinking is Williams and Christa Miller as Jimmy's neighbour Liz, as the pair craft one of the most satisfying best friendships on TV. They're a duo who say exactly what they think to each other. It's deeply refreshing, and not always the right move, but it's a delight to watch their unpretentious, no-holds-barred connection.

Featured Video For You Jason Segel and the 'Shirinking' cast reveal their tricks to de-stress

Meanwhile, Paul privately struggles with sharing his deeper feelings for Julie (Wendie Malick) and publicly grumbles through contemporary phrases like "Good news if true" and "I never say beep-boop" with all the open, eloquent disdain we've come to expect from Paul. Thanks to what Paul calls Jimmy's "textbook dual relationship" with his patient-turned-friend Sean (an expertly understated Luke Tennie), Paul takes over Sean's treatment. However, never fear, Segel's Jimmy continues his fine-tuned Holt/Perolta energy with Ford's Paul, hoping for his approval at every turn and finally seeing his house.  

As Jimmy's best friend, Brian, Michael Urie is audacious as ever, shining in moments of utter rage — when Brian screams on a hiking trail after hearing some news he wasn't privy to, "Fuck rescue dogs! That's right. Fuck hiking! Fuck that headband! Actually I like that headband … Fuck this whole mountain!" you feel it in your bones.

It's a truly ensemble affair, with this season allowing the characters more room to branch out into anxieties and challenges — with one big one in particular.

Jason Segel's Jimmy is haunted by the past again — but it's different this time. Harrison Ford and Jason Segel. Credit: Apple TV+

For the entirety of Season 1, Segel navigated Jimmy through the complexities and pain of losing a loved one, with the grief of his wife's death in a car accident the driving force in his and his daughter's growth. Though grief is by no means ever "done," Jimmy found himself on pretty solid footing at the end of the season. However, he's faced with a darker side of the past in Season 2, one that's played by Shrinking writer Brett Goldstein. 

Though an accomplished, Emmy-winning comedy actor, Goldstein remained strictly behind the page for Season 1. This season, Goldstein takes on an unenviable role in a cast full of now-beloved characters, showing up as the man responsible for Jimmy's wife's death in a car accident. While the first two episodes don't give us much to go on, Goldstein's few moments on screen have enabled Jimmy's rage to come out, so expect much more here.

Shrinking still gives actually good advice.  Lukita Maxwell and Michael Urie. Credit: Apple TV+

Being a show about therapists, Shrinking often gives some excellent advice (check with your own therapist, of course, before implementing anything you see). Season 1 explored the real "15 minutes of sadness" technique and discussions around compassion fatigue, and this season, Paul leans on a tool called "reversal of desire." In episode 2, Alice's friend Summer suggests she write a letter to the man responsible for her mother's death and not send it, an age-old processing technique. (It's a letter Alice finds difficult to put into words that aren't simply "You ruined my life ... eat my ass.")

Whether its characters are learning to understand their triggers or trying to process their frustrations with one another, Shrinking arms you with a collection of common sense, usable advice for your own complicated stuff. Honestly, it feels great to be reconnected with such flawed, vulnerable, hilarious characters, all of whom are simply trying to figure it out day by day.

Shrinking, one of TV's best-written comedies, returns to cut to the deep shit among the regular shit, without judgment and with a lot of laughs. Consider us prescribed.

Shrinking Season 2's first two episodes is now streaming on Apple TV+, with a new episode every Wednesday.

The Federal Trade Commission just announced a new set of rules intended to pull customers out of their frustrating subscription cancellation "doom loops." The "Click to Cancel" rule not only ensures that customers know what they're signing up for before paying, but that they have an easy way out if it gets to be too much.

SEE ALSO: FCC investigating why broadband data caps are still a thing. What you can do to help.

"Too often, businesses make people jump through endless hoops just to cancel a subscription. The FTC’s rule will end these tricks and traps, saving Americans time and money. Nobody should be stuck paying for a service they no longer want," commission chair Lina M. Khan wrote in the rule's announcement.

Khan told NBC that the commission now receives more than 70 complaints per day pertaining to difficult subscription cancellation processes. Part of the body's "Time is Money" initiative — which also includes cracking down on fake reviews and AI-generated advertising — the new rule seeks to protect consumers against what are known as negative option programs, or marketing tactics that require consumers to input payment information and consent to a subscription before accessing free services or trials.

Tweet may have been deleted

Under the new provisions, sellers are prohibited from misrepresenting these negative option features in marketing. They must disclose terms before obtaining a customer's billing information, get customer consent, and (most relevant to current subscribers) provide simple cancel options that would immediately stop charges.

Tweet may have been deleted

The FTC is amending an existing subscription and negative option rule, introduced in 1973.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has pushed back against the FTC's customer-focused rulings, arguing that things like the click to cancel requirement will cost the average American more time and only succeed in "micromanaging" businesses. "Businesses succeed by being responsive to customers and have a far better track record of customer service, streamlined paperwork, and prompt response times than the federal government," wrote U.S. Chamber of Commerce executive vice president Neil Bradley. "Imposing heavy-handed regulations that micromanage business practices and pricing is the wrong approach, inevitably raising costs for consumers."

Khan responded to the claims in a comment to NBC, "At the end of the day, if a business is dependent on tricking or trapping people into subscriptions, that’s not a good business model, and that’s not one that we should stand for."

Save $26.01: As of Oct. 16, you can score the EA Sports College Football 25 PS5 video game for $42.99 at Walmart, the lowest price we've found for this title yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Electronic Arts EA Sports College Football 25 (PS5) $42.99 at Walmart
$69.00 Save $26.01 Get Deal

Looking for something to do this weekend? If you need a new game to play, we found a lingering Prime Day deal worth checking out.

As of Oct. 16, you can score EA Sports College Football 25 for PS5 at $42.99, the lowest price it saw during Amazon’s recent October Prime Day event. However, this deal is only available at Walmart this time (only used copies of the game are discounted at Amazon, as of this writing). If you want a brand-new copy at the lowest price, Walmart is the place to go, as it's currently undercutting Amazon, GameStop, and other retailers.

According to Mashable reviewers Alex Perry and Chance Townsend, this game will satisfy gamers who used to love to play Madden, one of the all-time best sports video game franchises.

“Of course, it's gonna play better than its 11-year-old predecessor, but there's a level of fluidity in here that even puts Madden to shame,” writes Townsend. “This shines within the running game, which is ultra-fun, crisp, and doesn't feel too animation-heavy.”

SEE ALSO: 'EA Sports College Football 25' review: Why it puts 'Madden' to shame

Although Townsend and Perry note that this isn’t the game everyone’s been waiting for for the last 11 years, it’s still a solid college football experience that's well worth the $42.99 price tag.

So, if you love college football and haven’t bought EA Sports College Football 25 for PS5 yet, now’s the time. If you’d rather try the game first, you can also subscribe to EA Play and get 10 hours of playtime for free.

UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2024, 12:10 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with additional details about the new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition's specs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) $279.99 at Amazon
Pre-Order Here

After an unceremonious leak earlier in the morning, Amazon officially unveiled its first color Kindle on Wednesday, Oct. 16. That's right: Almost 17 years after the release of the very first Kindle, a model with a color display is finally hitting the market.

In addition to the new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, Amazon is also releasing new versions of the Kindle, Kindle Scribe, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Kids, the first major update to the Kindle line of e-readers since 2022.

The Colorsoft Signature Edition is set for launch on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at $279.99 and preorders are now live at Amazon.

Meet the next generation of Kindles. Credit: Amazon Introducing the first-ever Kindle with a color display

The new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is a 7-inch, waterproof e-reader with a glare-free "Colorsoft" display that supports a full spectrum of shades. That means users can view book covers, scroll through comics, and highlight sentences in vivid colors. In a press release, Amazon said the new color Kindle "packs a suite of innovations that make every hue and shade pop," including a light guide with micro-deflectors that brighten without fading and an oxide backplane for crisp contrast and speedy page turns.

Just like the newly updated Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which has a grayscale display, this color variant comes with an auto-adjusting front light, 32GB of storage, and wireless charging via USB-C. (Its battery life is just slightly shorter: It lasts up to eight weeks per charge versus the standard Paper Signature Edition's twelve.) The Colorsoft Signature Edition also omits the lockscreen ads found in other Kindle models, which cost a premium to remove. It comes in a metallic black finish.

The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition features a metallic black shell. Credit: Amazon SEE ALSO: I've read 34 books this year and these are my favorite e-readers

The Colorsoft Signature Edition is one of six new Kindles in Amazon's newly refreshed Kindle lineup, joining the flagship Kindle ($109.99 with lockscreen ads), the Kindle Paperwhite ($159.99 with ads), the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition ($199.99), the Kindle Paperwhite Kids ($179.99), and the Kindle Scribe (starting at $399.99 with 16GB of storage). All the other models are available for purchase immediately, save for the Kindle Scribe, which is up for preorder ahead of its Dec. 4 release date.

The release of the Colorsoft Signature Edition sets up some long-awaited competition for the $219.99 Kobo Libra Colour, which debuted this April as "the first color e-reader from a major brand," per Bethany Allard, lead shopping reporter at Mashable. Allard gave the Kobo Libra Colour a 3.8/5 rating in her review, praising its overall design and software support but noting that it's "definitely a first-generation product with a few issues to work out."

Stay tuned for our review of the Colorsoft Signature Edition.

Surfshark's new free Data Leak Checker tool couldn't come at a better time. Seemingly every day there's a new report of a data breach from Fidelity to MoneyGram to Comcast and it's overwhelming — and unfair — for customers to keep track it all themselves.

SEE ALSO: Fidelity data breach compromises more than 77,000 customers

Just enter your email on Surfshark's Data Leak Checker website and it tells you if your data was found in leaks, which leaks it was found in, and what was leaked. Some of the leaks will be paywalled, but the free version still tells you all the information about up to six leaks as well as the full number of leaks. If you're wary of sharing your email address with yet another company, Surfshark ensures that it won't be shared for marketing purposes.

For the full report, you have to sign up for Surfshark Alert, which monitors your personal data through your email address and notifies you when it leaks.

The Data Leak Checker checks for both database and malware-based data leaks. In the report the information is split up onto database and malware-based leaks, so it looks at both the large-scale data breaches you read about in the news and anything leaked due to malware on your device.

There are other free tools on Surfshark's website including a map of global data breach statistics that's updated regularly. Right now, the map sits at 18 million breached accounts reminding you how important the Data Leak Checker tool can be.

Bring all the skellies to the yard this year with deals on poseable skeletons, all available to shop now:

Best poseable skeleton deals: Best Poseable Skeleton Deal Steve the Poseable Skeleton $174 at Walmart (Save $75) Get Deal Best 2-Pack Poseable Skeleton Deal Xonor Posable Skeleton (2-Pack) $78.99 at Amazon (Save $11) Get Deal Best Fully Poseable Skeleton Deal Joyin Posable Life Size Skeleton $69.99 at Amazon (Save $6) Get Deal Best Budget Poseable Skeleton Deal Crazy Bonez Pose-N-Stay Life Size Skeleton $64.99 at Amazon (Save $25) Get Deal

Everyone loves a huge, poseable skeleton. How many times have you driven past someone's home and appreciated a big ol' bone daddy perched in their yard? If you live in an area where people take their Halloween decor seriously, probably plenty. But why settle for being the person who just drives by? Why not be the Halloween decor champ by grabbing a giant poseable skeleton and doing something creative with it?

You might have already missed out on The Home Depot's popular, massive 12-foot Giant-Sized Skelly this year, but don't despair. There are tons of other options you can choose from that would all make great additions to your yard this year.

To help you make the most of your Halloween yard tableau this year, we found a few of our favorite bone-tastic picks so you can stay in vogue with spooky design trends and also just have a bunch of big skeleton friends hanging out in front of (or in back of) your home. Sounds like a win to us. Read on for our favorite skellies.

Best poseable skeleton deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Steve the Poseable Skeleton $174.00 at Walmart
$249.00 Save $75.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you missed out on The Home Depot's Skelly, Steve (yes, that's this guy's name) is the next best thing. You get a 10-foot poseable friend (which is only two feet shorter than Skelly, but who's counting?) crafted from bone-colored plastic with a wide base and iron legs. It comes with poseable arms and legs and four ground stakes to keep it stable. Steve will feel right at home among your Halloween decorations.

Best 2-pack poseable skeleton deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Xonor Poseable Skeleton $78.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $11.00 Get Deal Why we like it

What's better than one huge, poseable skeleton? Two, obviously. This deal nets you two 5.4-foot poseable skeletons with plenty of movable joints so you can work them into whatever position you want. This is an excellent option if you want to start a skeleton party in your yard. They're both pretty realistic-looking, and you can set plenty of spooky scenes with two figures instead of one. You'll have to assemble the head, rib cage, and legs, though.

Best fully poseable skeleton deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Joyin Poseable Life Size Skeleton $69.99 at Amazon
$75.99 Save $6.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you like to be able to contort your large skeletons into whatever pose you'd like, this one is incredibly flexible. It has fully poseable joints and it's nearly six feet tall. You can use it indoors or outdoors, but it'll shine the brightest outside, maybe with a fun little skeleton dog or other spooky accessories. Since it has so many points of articulation, you'll love being able to give it plenty of different "assignments" in your yard. It's a bit pricier than getting a 2-pack, but you're paying a little extra for quality.

Best budget poseable skeleton deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Crazy Bonez Pose-N-Stay Life Size Skeleton $64.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Don't want to pay an arm and a leg to bring home a skeleton for your yard? You can opt for this budget pick instead. It's still five feet tall and comes molded in all-weather plastic, with poseable limbs and knees that can lock into place. It's also quite detailed, and you can save a decent amount of money setting up this guy instead of some of the more expensive options out there this year. He even has a pleasant yellowing effect that stands out from all the other gray skeletons out there.

It looks like Google Chrome really wants you to look at advertisements.

In a quote post on X posted by Raymond Hill, the developer who brought us the free ad blocker Chrome extension uBlock Origin, it appears that Google Chrome is turning off the ad blocker.

"The deprecation of uBO in the Chrome Web Store has started," Hill posted.

This comes in response to another user, Christoph Nakazawa posting a screenshot that shows Google Chrome turning off three extensions — MDN Search, Neat URL, and uBlock Origin — with the note "These extensions are no longer supported. Chrome recommends that you remove them."

"After more than 15 years, it's time to switch browsers. I just want Chrome but without nefarious behavior by Google," Nakazawa wrote. "What Chrome-based browser would you recommend on macOS?"

As Mashable noted in August, this change comes as Google Chrome moves from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3. In an emailed statement to The Verge, a Google spokesperson Scott Westover said the majority of "actively maintained" extensions in the Chrome Web Store already use Manifest V3. "The top content filtering extensions all have Manifest V3 versions available — with options for users of AdBlock, Adblock Plus, uBlock Origin and AdGuard," he told the outlet.

This doesn't come as a huge surprise, as Google has already been cracking down on ad blockers on its other sites, including YouTube.

If you'd like to avoid this entirely, consider switching to more ad-blocker friendly browsers, like Brave.

Android 15 is here. Let's talk about it.

The latest build of Google's mobile operating system is finally upon us as of this week, and that means you're probably wondering what exactly it does. The good news is that Google put up a blog post more or less detailing exactly that.

Here are all of the major new features in Android 15, which is now available on devices like the new Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

SEE ALSO: Google could face Chrome and Android split as DOJ seeks breakup Android 15: Every big new feature

Android 15 doesn't seem that major as big new OS updates go, but there are still a handful of useful-sounding additions here.

Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock

Android 15 brings in a couple of new anti-theft features that could be life-saving. First up is Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to sense if someone has taken your phone with the intent of running, driving, or biking away. The phone should automatically lock in those scenarios, but if it doesn't, Remote Lock lets you lock it yourself from any other phone, just by calling your phone number and putting in a security code.

Private space

Do you have certain apps on your phone that you don't want other people to see or know about? Don't worry, no judgment here. Everyone does, whether they want to admit it or not.

The good news is that Android 15 has something for you. You can create "private spaces" for designated apps, meaning you need to pass a security check (like a fingerprint scan) before you can see or open them. You can even hide the existence of the private space itself, for an extra layer of security.

App pairing

Google's blog post didn't forget about the other Android devices it makes, like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Tablet. Devices with bigger screens got a couple of other new toys to play with.

The main one is app pairing, which lets you combine two apps into one app icon on your home screen. When you tap the icon, the two apps open at the same time in a multi-tasking view. The example Google gave in the blog post is combining Gmail and Google Drive, so you can drag files from one to the other. I'm sure you can think of other ways to use app pairing that are more exciting than that.

Circle to Search...for music

Android has its own Shazam equivalent now.

Google actually started gradually rolling this out in August, but it's worth noting anyway. Hold down the home button to activate Circle to Search like you normally would while a song is playing. There should be a music note icon you can tap, at which point your device will take a few seconds to listen to the song before telling you what it is.

Not revolutionary by any means, but hey, it'll be useful.

App archiving

Last but not least, you can get rid of apps without losing any of your app data.

If you want to create space in your phone's internal storage, you can choose to archive apps rather than fully delete them. This will free up space, but you'll keep all the app's data intact. If you feel like reinstalling the app, it'll be like it never left. This isn't particularly revolutionary (the Nintendo Switch can do this), but it is nice to have.

SAVE 13%: The Shark HyperAir hair dyer with IQ styling concentrator attachment is just $129 at Walmart, marked down from the normal price of $149. That's a savings of $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark HyperAir hair dryer with IQ styling concentrator $129.00 at Walmart
$149.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal

The Dyson Supersonic hair dyer might have all the buzz (still) but there are some great alternatives that cost a whole lot less. If you're looking to upgrade your hair dyer but don't want to pay Dyson prices, check out this deal at Walmart.

As of Oct. 16, the Shark HyperAir hair dyer with IQ styling concentrator attachment is on sale for just $129 at Walmart, down from the list price of $149. That's a 13% discount or a savings of $20.

If you're looking for shiny and frizz-free hair, the Shark HyperAir could be your new favorite beauty tool. Shark uses the brand's IQ technology to provide high-velocity heated air with ionized air to create a fast-drying solution with no damage from heat. Shark also mentions the negative ion air helps reduce frizz and flyaways.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300: The Shark FlexStyle is no longer your only option

The hair dyer measures the heat output up to 1,000 times per second to keep the air output at a consistently damage-free temperature. You'll be able to select between three airflow and three heat settings to get your desired hair drying experience. Plus, the cool shot button will help create a smooth finish.

This deal at Walmart includes the Shark IQ styling concentrator. Shark mentions the nozzle opening of the concentrator offers precision drying and shaping, while also helping with creating a smooth style.

If you're ready to put hair care as a top priority this winter, grab the Shark HyperAir for under $130 today at Walmart and you'll be well on your way to healthy locks.

X is not a gatekeeper platform and therefore not beholden to the Digital Markets Act strict list of regulations.

But the reason why X isn't one of the seven Big Tech companies that are required to comply with certain fair business practices might sting Elon Musk's ego a bit.

This announcement came from the European Commission in a press release on Wednesday morning. X doesn't qualify as a gatekeeper because the assessment from the Digital Markets Advisory Committee, "revealed that X is not an important gateway for business users to reach end users."

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's X will no longer pay creators based on ads but on engagement

Musk will no doubt be happy that his company doesn't have to adhere to the DMA's "do's and don'ts" which if violated, amount to a penalty of 10 percent of the company's global turnover. But the Commission's conclusion that X isn't an important enough platform for businesses to impact users is like rubbing proverbial salt on the wound of X's current advertising situation.

About a year ago, many big ticket companies including Apple and Disney pulled their ads from X in the wake of antisemitic and hate speech comments posted by Elon Musk. Musk since apologized for his remarks, but revenue has reportedly tanked, since the CEO took over the company which relies heavily on an advertising model. More recently, X filed an antitrust lawsuit against advertisers, claiming they conspired against the X to hurt it financially.

That said, X didn't want to be classified as a gatekeeper anyway. According to the Commission's announcement, X submitted "rebuttal arguments, explaining why its online social networking service should not, in its view, qualify as an important gateway." The seven Big Tech companies classified as gatekeepers are Alphabet (Google's parent company), Amazon, Apple, ByteDance (TikTok's parent company), Meta, Microsoft, and Booking.com. Yeah, Booking.com is a gatekeeper and X isn't. Let that sink in.

GET $200 off: As of Oct. 16, the Samsung Freestyle (2nd gen) projector is $599.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual $799.99 price. That's 25% off for total savings of $200.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Freestyle (2ng gen) projector with Gaming Hub $599.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

Have you ever laid down after a long day and wished your ceiling would magically transform into a big-screen TV? (Yes, you could watch TV from the couch or even sit up in bed, but lying down without craning your neck is next-level relaxation.) If your answer is a resounding "Yes!", then you’re in luck — we found the Samsung Freestyle (2nd gen) laser projector on sale at Best Buy.

As of Oct. 16, you can score the Samsung Freestyle 2 for $599.99 (originally $799.99) at Best Buy. That’s a $200 price cut and a sweet deal for a smart, top-rated laser projector. This projector is available at a similar price at Amazon, but only from third-party sellers, making this Best Buy deal your best bet to save.

With this smart laser projector, you can watch your favorite movies on a 100-inch display and enjoy 360-degree sound from the Freestyle speakers. If watching movies or binge-watching your faves on the ceiling isn’t enough to persuade you that this is the treat you need, maybe its Gaming Hub will. With this projector, you can stream games, no console required. Plus, you’ll have access to your favorite streaming apps and everything else you’d get on a smart TV, including a built-in voice assistant.

You can use the Freestyle for gaming, movies, and streaming. Credit: Samsung SEE ALSO: Amazon's Echo Show 10 is one of our favorite smart home devices

The point-and-play design means anyone can use this projector. Just place it and point it at any flat surface, and you’re good to go. And, with 360-degree audio, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of all the action.

The Samsung Freestyle 2 is famously easy to use, and a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a 98-inch TV. With tons of smart features and a 25% discount, it's the perfect excuse to treat yourself.