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The popularity of polyamory and other non-monogamy has been on the rise in recent years, with some experts citing the first Trump election and COVID-19 for challenging sexual and romantic norms. Regardless of the reasons why, dating apps and search engine trends tell us that non-monogamy is on our minds. 

For individuals known online by tens of thousands of people for being polyamorous, there can be some unique challenges to their relationships — especially when they end. Social media can be a blessing for any minority community, many of whom are desperate to see themselves represented and to find opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. But for those in the spotlight, their public persona adds a singular element to heartbreak.

Social media followers "want to know everything" 

"Some people have a weird entitlement towards content creators," says Michelle Hy (@PolyamorousWhileAsian), a Portland-based polyamory content creator. "I've kept pretty good boundaries and rules when I post about a breakup or de-escalation — if it's amicable, I'll use it as an example in my stories or just to show that de-escalations can happen. If it's more tense than that, I won't talk about it publicly at all." 

SEE ALSO: What happens when your favourite TikTok couple breaks up

De-escalation is a term used in the polyamorous community to mean reducing the level of intimacy or commitment between partners, while still staying connected. For example, a couple who decides to stop living together but continue dating might describe that process as a de-escalation of their relationship. "Sometimes people want to know who did what, which I understand, but can definitely feel invasive," says Hy.

Hy's experience with prying eyes is echoed by other polyamory content creators. "When I was grieving my breakup, people would comment things like, 'Aw, you guys were so cute, I'M grieving your breakup,' which kept me feeling kind of stuck," reports Gabrielle Alexa Noel (@gabalexa), a queer sex and polyamory educator. "People expected a statement from me, my partner, and his other partner. We all ended up agreeing not to post about it to avoid having our opinions and experiences weaponized. But even still, a lot of people expected a story — with a beginning, middle, and neat, tidy end. That's just not real life." 

While important for destigmatizing alternative lifestyles, social media also blurs the lines between the personal and the public. It's easy to forget that the people who share parts of their lives for the purpose of education and community are offering something very generous, often at some personal expense.

"We get used to some parts being public and forget that that's just the surface level. It looks cute on paper, and it is cute in real life too, of course," observes New York-based queer artist, Jonzu (@jonzu). "But you're not always going to see the day-to-day work." 

It's important to remember that social media can never capture the full nuances of anyone's life, but at its best, it can offer a slice of hope in the form of representation and shared joy.

The court of public expectations online 

We already know that women, people of color, and queer people experience disproportionate harassment online. Unsurprisingly, this is reflected in the experiences of polyamorous influencers as well. Hy, who specifically creates content about intersectional polyamory as a queer Asian woman, shares: "I want to display more examples of diverse polyamory, and I definitely feel bummed that I can't do that without putting my loved ones at risk."  Followers can become demanding about personal details and bring high parasocial expectations for how influencers conduct their personal lives.

Hy isn't the only polyamorous influencer facing these unrealistic expectations of unofficial ambassadorship. Followers can feel invested in the representation they want to see, forgetting that influencers are just living their lives. "My ex is Black, and so am I, but none of my other partners are. After we broke up, I received overwhelming pressure online to date another Black person next," says Noel. "I lean towards dating other people of color in general, but I don't want to be measuring my dating interactions based on public expectations!"

While influencers' fans can see their breakup and have opinions about their personal decisions, so do the haters. "When we were breaking up, I remembered comments like, 'I'm just following to see this crash and burn' from people who hate polyamory. I never want them to think they were right!" adds Noel.

Setting boundaries as a polyamorous content creator

"I have specific conversations with people from the beginning, even on early dates," says Noel. "Like when we take a picture, if I post them and tag them, people might go to their page and interact. Sometimes 5,000+ people will click on my friends' profiles after we take a vacation together!" While most of this engagement is harmless, it follows that higher visibility online creates a higher likelihood of harassment. 

"My Puerto Rican partner of 4+ years experienced a lot of racial harassment, and it wasn't in response to anything in particular, just the existence of our relationship," Noel continues. "That made her reticent to be tagged for a while. She's okay with it now, but it's something I realized I have to give new partners a heads up on."

SEE ALSO: What are the rules for blocking someone after a breakup?

Other influencers agree that there have to be intentional choices when deciding which parts of their personal life to make public and which parts to keep private. While there is value in vulnerability and visibility, finding the balance is a crucial part of these influencers' well-being. "I didn't really post about breakups, but recently my published writing has become more personal. I wrote about my last breakup, but kept it pretty open-ended," says Jonzu.

"I keep names anonymous and I don't post photos of partners or friends," Hy agrees. "Having a public page also makes me more careful about who I date in general — it has happened more than once on a first date that someone will say 'I follow you on Instagram' and I realize they automatically know a lot more about me than I know about them. In general, it makes me feel a lot more cautious than I was 5 years ago."

The pros of the online polyamorous community 

Despite this plethora of challenging experiences, it's a relief to know that our polyamorous content creators aren't going anywhere. "I wouldn't be polyamorous without social media," says Noel. "It's where I found helpful information, made connections, and knew what to expect at NYC polyamory events. Eventually, it opened doors for writing opportunities and the events that I host, which I find rewarding."

"We booked some fun gigs — we were a power throuple!" says Jonzu. "It was a unique time for us to collaborate as queer artists and writers. It felt good at times being told that people look up to us for our dynamic.'"

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's... the first teaser for James Gunn's Superman!

SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know about

The teaser wastes no time in getting us acquainted with David Corenswet's (Twisters) take on the Man of Steel. We get glimpses of him in classic Superman mode, from saving a young girl, to running to work at the Daily Planet (as Clark Kent, of course).

But that's not all! The teaser introduces also introduces us to Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane. If the first charged glances Lois and Clark share in the teaser weren't enough to convince you of their chemistry, then their passionate airborne make-out session is sure to do the trick.

Check out the teaser above for all that and more, including looks at Nicholas Hoult (Nosferatu) as Lex Luthor, Nathan Fillion (The Suicide Squad) as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced (Alien: Romulus) as Hawkgirl, and Anthony Carrigan (Barry) as Metamorpho.

Superman hits theaters July 11.

SAVE $70: As of Dec. 19, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are on sale for $229 at Amazon. That's 23% off their list price of $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds $229.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you're getting some last-minute shopping done ahead of the holidays, Amazon's here to help with a variety of discounted items and notices of when they'll arrive before Christmas. In particular, if you've had new earbuds on your radar this year, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are currently discounted at Amazon and will even get to you before the big day.

Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are currently on sale for $229, 23% off their list price of $299. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is also their lowest-ever price so there's no better time to grab them. And, as with many items on Amazon right now, right above the 'Add to Cart' button you can see a note that says it'll arrive before Christmas.

We've ranked these earbuds as the best noise-canceling earbuds in our breakdown of the best earbuds of 2024, so you know they're worth the investment. Even our review had high praise for them, with Timothy Beck Werth saying "In terms of audio quality, noise cancellation, and battery life, I'm more impressed the longer I use these earbuds."

These are an excellent gift to pick up ahead of the holidays, whether for someone you know or as a little treat for yourself. Don't miss out on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds at their lowest-ever price.

If you're curious to see some more gift ideas at Amazon, it's worth it to have a look at their top 100 holiday gifts. There, you can find even more great deals at the retailer and when they'll be able to hit your doorstep ahead of Christmas.

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 19 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: To delay or postpone

• Green: Commonly found in a bar

• Blue: Boats or vessels

• Purple: Seen in a classic jungle monkey game

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: Defer

• Green: Bar Fixtures

• Blue: Watercraft

• Purple: Seen in "Donkey Kong"

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

• Defer: DELAY, POSTPONE, SHELVE, TABLE

• Bar Fixtures: COUNTER, KEG, STOOL, TAP

• Watercraft: BARGE, JUNK, SUB, TUG

• Seen in "Donkey Kong": BARREL, GORILLA, HAMMER, LADDER

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 19

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.

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Los Angeles Lakers head to Golden 1 Center to face the Sacramento Kings in a Western Conference matchup. Both teams are hovering near the bottom of their conference. The Lakers are 14-12, which puts them in tenth place. The Kings are 13-14 and in 12th place.

The Lakers have lost three of their last five games, but are coming off a win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The Kings have won three of their last five games, but are coming off a loss to the Denver Nuggets.

When is Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings?

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings in the NBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Dec. 19. This game takes place at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Lakers vs. Kings basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Lakers vs. Kings from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings for free 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 the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

5. Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

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 19 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 19 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Wandering off course.

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 S.

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...

STRAY.

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 19

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.

TL;DR: Live stream New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The New York Knicks head to Target Center to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Knicks are one of the better teams in the NBA so far, holding steady at third in the Eastern Conference. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, are 14-11, which puts them at eighth place in the Western Conference.

The Knicks have won three of their last five games, but it's been up and down. The Timberwolves have won four of their last five games, including back-to-back wins over the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers. Minnesota is also 8-4 at home, where they'll host the Knicks who are 8-6 on the road.

When is New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves?

New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA starts at 9:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 19. This game takes place at Target Center in Minnesota.

This game will air on TNT.

How to watch New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Knicks vs. Timberwolves basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Knicks vs. Timberwolves from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves for free 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 the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

5. Watch New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

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 19 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: Different ways to describe throwing a ball

• Green: What to do when you have the football

• Blue: Women in the Olympic pool

• Purple: Brands baseball players might use

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: Shoot

• Green: Football offensive strategies

• Blue: Gold medal-winning female swimmers

• Purple: Baseball equipment makers

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 #87 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Shoot - FIRE, FLING, HEAVE, LAUNCH

• Football offensive strategies - OPTION, PISTOL, SPREAD, WEST COAST

• Gold medal-winning female swimmers - FRANKLIN, KING, LEDECKY, MANUEL

• Baseball equipment makers - DEMARINI, EASTON, LOUISVILLE SLUGGER, RAWLINGS

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.

TL;DR: Live stream Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Indiana Pacers head to Footprint Center to escape the northern cold and face the Phoenix Suns. The Pacers are not off to the best start this season with a 12-15 record, which lands them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. The Suns are faring slightly better with a 14-11 record in the Western Conference, which lands them in sixth place.

The Pacers have won three of their last five games, and are coming off back-to-back wins over the New Orleans Pelicans and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Suns have lost three of their last five games, but are also coming off back-to-back wins over the Portland Trailblazers and the Utah Jazz. The Suns are 9-4 at home, while the Pacers are 4-11 on the road.

When is Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns?

Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA starts at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 19. This game takes place at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

How to watch Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Pacers vs. Suns basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Pacers vs. Suns from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns for free 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 the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

5. Watch Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Los Angeles Clippers head to American Airlines Center to face the Dallas Mavericks in a Western Conference matchup. The Clippers are struggling to stay relevant in the Western Conference with a 15-12 record, which lands them in ninth place. The Mavericks, on the other hand, are working their way to the top of the Western Conference, with a 17-9 record, which lands them in fourth place.

The Clippers have lost three of their last five games, but are coming off a win over the Utah Jazz. The Mavericks have won four of their last five games, including their most recent win over the Golden State Warriors. Dallas is also 8-3 at home, while the Clippers are 5-6 on the road.

When is Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks?

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks in the NBA starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 19. This game takes place at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

How to watchLos Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Clippers vs. Mavericks basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Clippers vs. Mavericks from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks for free 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 the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

5. Watch Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Golden State Warriors head to FedExForum to face the Memphis Grizzlies in a Western Conference matchup. The Warriors are a mid-conference team this season with a 14-11 record that lands them in seventh place. The Grizzlies are a top competitor with an 18-9 record in second place behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Golden State has lost three of its last five games, including back-to-back losses to the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks. The Grizzlies have won four of their last five games, but are coming off a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Memphis, however, is 12-3 at home, whereas the Warriors are 7-6 on the road.

When is Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies?

Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 19. This game takes place at FedExForum in Memphis.

How to watch Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Warriors vs. Grizzlies basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Warriors vs. Grizzlies from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies for free 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 the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

5. Watch Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

2024 has been a long year filled with viral moments aplenty. In the clip above from The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon breaks out his guitar to round them up.

The song is only two-and-a-half minutes long, but he still manages to squeeze in everything from "very mindful, very demure" to Jacob Elordi's beard.

SAVE $45: As of Dec. 19, Amazon's Echo Show 5 is on sale for $44.99. That's 50% off its list price of $89.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 5 $44.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

It's not too late to pick up some gifts for the holidays. Amazon is offering an excellent variety of last-minute deals right now, including on its own tech. The Echo Show 5 has a fantastic discount at the moment and will even ship to you before Christmas. What could be better?

Amazon's Echo Show 5 is on sale for $44.99 right now, 50% off its list price of $89.99. And as mentioned before, Amazon notes above the 'Add to Cart' button that this little smart display will arrive at your doorstep before Christmas so there's no need to worry about any delays.

SEE ALSO: The Apple iPad (10th Gen) is at its lowest-ever price — better than Black Friday and Cyber Monday

The Echo Show 5 is smaller in size than the Echo Show 8, making it a great fit for a desk or bedroom, and it can serve as a hub to control compatible smart devices. In our comparison of Amazon Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8, writer SaVanna Shoemaker said "If video calls and Zoom meetings aren’t your concern, then the Echo Show 5 is still a great choice — like the 2nd gen Echo Show 8, the new Echo Show 5 boasts many of the same expanded Alexa functions, like home monitoring and motion detection routines."

Amazon also notes on the deal page that this is a limited-time deal. So, act fast to take advantage of 50% off the Echo Show 5 before the discount disappears.

If you're looking for even more gift ideas, it's worth it to have a look at Amazon's top 100 holiday gifts. This collection has a little something for everyone in it, and Amazon will note on each page whether or not it'll arrive ahead of the holidays so you can be prepared.

The stock market may be having a bit of a wobble, but Stephen Colbert is feeling cool as a cucumber.

"Anybody have money in the stock market? Not anymore, because today the Dow plunged more than 1,100 points — and that is a lot of...Dow units," says Colbert in the Late Show clip above. "Despite this turbulent market you don't see me shaking, because I've taken all my money and placed it safely in memecoin. I'm fine. For instance, I put it in the very real cryptocurrency called Fartcoin, which is – and this is true – today surged to a nearly $1 billion market cap.

"But I'm not here to brag about my good fortune, OK, that's the thing about Fartcoin: It's silent but wealthy."

Of course, if you're thinking of following in Colbert's footsteps, it's worth remembering that all memecoins are a massively risky investment that could dump at any time.

Martin Short is co-hosting SNL this week, and in the promo above he asks the castmembers for help wrapping gifts for his celebrity friends.

"Now, this book is for Colin Jost. It's called How to develop a Personality," says Short, holding up the various presents. "Now this baby rattle is for Al Pacino. Not his baby, it's actually for Al. And of course this suntan lotion is for Steve Martin. It's SPF infinity, because let's face it, Steve is whiter than a Coldplay meet-and-greet. His blood type is mayonnaise."

Finally, Short holds up two signed photographs of himself. "And these are for my kids," he says.

SAVE $180: As of Dec. 19, Best Buy has Beats Studio Pro headphones discounted to $169.99. That's $180 off their list price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $169.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal

Even after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Best Buy is still offering up some great deals leading up to the holidays. If you're doing some last-minute shopping, you can save on numerous items there right now, but one of our favorite offers at the moment is on the Beats Studio Pro headphones.

The noise-canceling Beats Studio Pro have had a $180 price drop at Best Buy, from $349.99 to $169.99. That's an excellent deal for high-quality headphones, and made even better by the fact your purchase comes with bonus offers of Apple Fitness+ for three months and up to three months of Apple Music for free.

SEE ALSO: Save $250 on the 2024 MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip

The Beats Studio Pro are worth every penny, with a comfortable fit and active noise canceling to keep you fully immersed in your favorite music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more. In our review, writer Alex Perry said "just as the Beats Fit Pro are the easiest earbuds to recommend, it's hard to find a pair of over-ear headphones with a better all-around experience than Beats Studio Pro."

There's still time to scoop up these discounted headphones, so don't miss out on $180 off the Beats Studio Pro at Best Buy.

Best Buy's last-minute savings event is full of even more discounts that are worth exploring. From home goods to laptops to gaming consoles, there are plenty of items still on sale that you can stock up on before the holidays kick in.

SAVE $450: As of Dec. 19, the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ PC (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale for $899.99, $450 off its list price of $1,349.99 as part of Best Buy's Deal of the Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ PC $899.99 at Best Buy
$1,349.99 Save $450.00 Get Deal

The holidays are right around the corner, and if you're still looking to save on some gift ideas before the big day, Best Buy's here to help. It's Deal of the Day program spotlights an exciting new deal each day, and today's discount on a Microsoft Surface Pro is one that's definitely worth checking out.

For today only, you can save a whopping $450 on the Microsoft Surface Pro, dropping its price from $1,349.99 to $899.99. That's not all, though. This is a bundle that comes with a keyboard as well so you can set it up right away. As a bonus, it also comes with a one month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership and a Trend Micro Internet Security + Antivirus (three-device) six month subscription with auto renewal.

SEE ALSO: Save $250 on the 2024 MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip

The Surface Pro Copilot+ PC features a 13-inch, 2880 x 1920 display with a 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM. It's also powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor and offers up to 14 hours of battery life, making it a great fit for both work and play.

Act fast to save big on the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Pro before the discount disappears.

Best Buy's offering up even more deals right now as well. Its last-minute savings event features great deals on everything from speakers to gaming consoles to home goods so you can stock up on items ahead of the holidays without breaking the bank.

Just on the outskirts of a supermassive black hole roughly 4 million times more massive than the sun, a pair of stars locked in a dance is thriving. 

Astronomers discovered the duo orbiting Sagittarius A*, the Milky Way galaxy's central supermassive black hole, using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile. The binary system, the first ever found in the vicinity of an enormous black hole, is dubbed D9.

Black holes are some of the most inscrutable phenomena in space. They don't have surfaces, like a planet or star. Instead, they have a boundary called an "event horizon," or a point of no return. If anything swoops too close, it will eventually fall in, never to escape.

The new discovery, published in Nature Communications, may help astronomers better understand how stars can survive in regions of the cosmos with extreme gravity. The finding also leads scientists to wonder whether such a pair, forming and coexisting near an enormous black hole, could also host exoplanets. 

"Black holes are not as destructive as we thought," said Florian Peißker, one of the researchers at the University of Cologne in Germany, in a statement. 

SEE ALSO: He found a Milky Way black hole 50 years ago, and finally got to see it A binary star system, dubbed D9, was discovered close to the Milky Way's supermassive black hole. Credit: ESO / F. Peißker et al.

Black holes were little more than a theory 50 years ago — a kooky mathematical answer to a physics problem — but even astronomers at the top of their field weren't entirely convinced they existed. 

How the supermassive kind form is even more elusive. Astrophysicists believe these invisible giants lurk at the center of virtually all galaxies. Hubble telescope observations have bolstered the theory that they begin in the dusty cores of starburst galaxies, where new stars are rapidly assembled, but scientists are still teasing that out.

Now black holes are getting their pictures taken by a collection of enormous, synced radio dishes on Earth. Humanity saw a clear view of the Milky Way's own central black hole, Sag A* for short, for the first time in 2022. It is about 26,000 light-years away from Earth.

The James Webb Space Telescope, a collaboration of NASA and the European and Canadian space agencies, is also doing its part to reveal how these mysterious behemoths form in the first place.

The research team found D9 in a dense cluster of stars orbiting Sag A*. Within this group are so-called "G objects," mysterious things that act like stars but look more like clouds of gas and dust. In their paper, the scientists propose that G objects might be a combination of other binary stars and leftover material from other pairs after they've merged, due to the strong gravitational clutch of the nearby black hole. 

That's right: Astronomers suspect the two stars in D9 will soon merge into a single star because of the close-by gravity. They are estimated to be only about 2.7 million years old — for comparison, the sun is 4.5 billion years old — and they'll likely only have another 1 million years or so before they ultimately smash. 

Though no one checked the D9 stars' driver's licenses for their ages, co-author Michal Zajaček, a researcher at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic, said astronomers can tell the pair is young by the gas and dust around them. Other young stars, though not binaries, have been found in this region before.

Save $250: As of Dec. 19, 2024 Apple MacBook Pro with M4 Pro chip is available for $1,749 at Amazon. That's a 13% discount off its usual price of $1,999.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2024 Apple MacBook Pro $1,749.00 at Amazon
$1,999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

2024 Apple MacBook Pro isn’t just a laptop — it’s a creative and productivity beast. And right now, you can snag the 14-inch model with the M4 Pro chip at Amazon for $1,749, saving $250 off its original price of $1,999.

This MacBook Pro packs Apple’s latest M4 Pro chip, delivering blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks like coding, video editing, and rendering 3D content. Whether working on complex workflows or enjoying a Netflix binge, this laptop handles it all without sweat. And thanks to Apple Intelligence, you get an intuitive personal assistant that enhances productivity while keeping your data safe.

SEE ALSO: Save $50 on the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) at Amazon

The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is a visual masterpiece, featuring 1600 nits of peak brightness, 1,000,000:1 contrast, and lifelike colors. It’s perfect for professional creators and casual users, making every image, video, and document look its best. The all-day battery life ensures you can take this power on the go without constantly hunting for outlets.

Compatibility is seamless — this MacBook Pro works like magic with your other Apple devices. Features like iPhone Mirroring, universal clipboard, and FaceTime integration make switching between devices effortless. If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, this is the laptop that ties it all together.

For connectivity, the MacBook Pro boasts three Thunderbolt 5 ports, MagSafe 3 charging, an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot, and a headphone jack. The M4 Pro model supports up to two external displays, while the M4 Max configuration handles up to four.

Need to hop on a call? The 12MP Center Stage camera keeps you perfectly framed, while three studio-quality mics and six speakers with Spatial Audio deliver crisp sound. Whether it’s Zoom meetings or music, you’ll look and sound amazing.

At $1,749, the 2024 MacBook Pro is a steal for anyone needing cutting-edge tech with unparalleled performance. Don’t miss this chance to own Apple’s latest and greatest at a rare discount.

Save $180: As of Dec. 19, Samsung Q-series 3.1ch Dolby Atmos soundbar is available for $199 at Walmart. That's a $180 discount from its original price of $379.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Q-Series Soundbar $199.00 at Walmart
$379.00 Save $180.00 Get Deal

If your TV’s built-in speakers aren’t cutting it, the Samsung Q-series 3.1ch Dolby Atmos soundbar saves the day. And the best part? It’s now available at Walmart for $199, a sweet $180 off its original price of $379.

With Dolby Atmos on board, this soundbar doesn’t just play sound — it creates a full-blown audio experience. Think of it as your favorite shows, movies, and songs, but with the audio depth and clarity they deserve. Thanks to Q-Symphony, your Samsung TV and soundbar team up to deliver perfectly synchronized sound, giving you a fuller, more immersive listening experience.

SEE ALSO: How 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim' adapts two pages of Tolkien lore into a whole movie

The 3.1 channel system ensures you don’t miss a single detail. At the same time, Adaptive Sound Lite dynamically optimizes audio for whatever’s on screen, enhancing dialogue clarity and background effects. Whether action-packed explosions or quiet conversations, the audio always feels just right.

Gamers, this one’s for you, too. The Game Mode feature ensures perfectly synced directional audio, so you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the action. With Bluetooth Multi-Connection, you can pair two devices simultaneously — no more unpairing to switch control. Streaming music? Tap your phone to the soundbar with Tap Sound for instant playback.

HDMI eARC seamless connectivity passes advanced audio from your TV to the soundbar with a single cable. The included One Remote controls your Samsung TV and soundbar, keeping your setup clean and clutter-free.

Designed by the sound gurus at Samsung Audio Lab, this soundbar delivers an audio experience worthy of your favorite entertainment. It’s Wireless Surround Sound compatible, so you can easily upgrade to a full surround setup with optional Samsung speakers.

At $199, this soundbar is a serious steal. The Samsung Q-series soundbar will take your home audio to the next level, whether gaming, bingeing Netflix, or hosting a movie night.