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This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

There's a universal truth about audio technology: Not all speakers are made equal. But that's also true of listeners. Some people are content with something cheap and cheerful for their audio consumption — as long as they can hear what's being the played, the speaker is perfectly acceptable. But audiophiles fall into a very different category. The speaker needs to deliver a rich body of sound that's full of nuances.

Thankfully, we understand the demands and expectations at either end of the speaker spectrum. Which is helpful for you guys, because shopping for a speaker isn't easy. In fact, if you've never bought a speaker before, it requires some research. There are a lot of different speakers on offer, with lots of features and specifications to consider.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets in 2024

We're assuming you're here because you don't have time for all of that. Fear not, because we've done a lot of the hard work on your behalf and researched some of the very best speakers available on Amazon. Here's everything you need to know before buying yourself a new speaker, followed by our top choices.

Do you need speakers?

Will you be using your speakers solely for music? Only for TV and films? Maybe a bit of both? You should decide on that now, because it will factor into what kind of speaker you end up getting. For instance, if you're only looking for something to pair with your TV, a soundbar will be a good choice, but if you want something more music-focused, consider a pair of bookshelf speakers or a portable Bluetooth option. 

In addition, you'll want to note the kind of sound quality you're looking for — whether that's surround sound, Dolby Atmos, or just plain old stereo (which is also great, don't feel pressured to get something super fancy and expensive if you don't really need it). Not all speakers produce the same kind of sound quality, so it's important to know exactly the kind of listening experience you're looking to get out of it.

How much space do you have?

Speakers can get pretty big, so take stock of how much useable space you want to dedicate to your audio setup both horizontally and vertically. Not everyone has the room for multiple floor standing speakers, so don't overwhelm yourself with something gigantic if it's going to get under your feet or end up scraping the ceiling. There are plenty of speakers that can be easily stored or concealed, some that can be affixed to your walls, and some that are so small that they can rest on a tabletop or shelf. Small speakers can be powerful, too.

What are passive and active speakers?

The difference between passive and active (sometimes called "powered") is pretty simple, yet important to note. Passive speakers don't have any sort of built-in amplification, which means that they need to be connected to a stereo receiver to work. Active speakers have everything built-in from the start, including preamp, volume controls, and inputs. If convenience is one of your top priorities, go for active speakers, as they'll require a lot less setup and additional equipment to get them working.

How many speakers do you need? 

Having two amazing speakers is always going to get you better results than having five average speakers. Plus, having too many speakers around is just going to take up an unnecessary amount of space. 

If you have the room, two speakers is the perfect number. It's especially ideal if you listen to a lot of music, which is normally recorded for a stereo setting — so having a left and right channel will do you wonders. If you have a smaller space, even one really good speaker should do you just fine.

Do you need a subwoofer?

The short answer is no. You don't actually need one. Should you get one, though? Well, that's a different question, to which we would answer: Sure, why not?! Adding a sub will make pretty much any audio setup sound better (not all of them are compatible, though, so make sure you check before buying one first). 

One common misconception about subwoofers is that many think they just add more bass, when that's not necessarily true. Subs actually help improve the dynamics of said bass, not only boosting its quality overall, but also adding more depth and space to your output. Sometimes adding a high-quality subwoofer to your speaker setup is more helpful than upgrading the speakers themselves.

What is a smart speaker?

These are speakers that double up as smart devices, which may connect to Alexa or sync with other smart home devices. They’re great in their own right, but they aren't always the best way to listen to music (sorry, Alexa). If you can't live without a smart assistant within your speaker setup, we recommend something that's Bluetooth-enabled and connecting to your smartphone. That way, you get the perks of your phone's built-in smart assistant without having to downgrade the speaker itself. 

What are the best speakers?

We're glad you asked. We have picked out a favourite from each of the most popular speaker categories — from bookshelf to Bluetooth speakers and everything in between — and lined up the very best options for your consideration.

These are the best speakers in 2024.

TL;DR: Through 08 December, you can get the Koofr Cloud Storage 1TB plan for just £87.46 (reg. £644.22) — an 86% discount at the Mashable Shop.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage 1TB plan £87.46 at the Mashable Shop
£644.22 Save £556.76 Get Deal

Losing your phone is painful enough, but if you tack on losing all your photos and videos, it’s tragic. The same goes for a fried hard drive on your computer or a busted tablet. Losing files is frustrating, but it’s a frustration that may be avoidable if you start using cloud storage for all the files you can’t afford to lose. Koofr Cloud Storage has a 1TB lifetime subscription for an unlimited number of devices, and it's a tidy way to prevent devastating file loss. 

For a limited time, a lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage (1TB) is just £87.46 (reg. £644.22). Head to the Mashable Shop to take advantage of this deal for a limited time.

What can you do with 1TB of cloud storage? 

Running out of space for new apps on your phone is a frustration you can avoid if you keep all your photos and videos safely in the cloud. Upload a file of any size to Koofr from any of your devices. 

Koofr also connects to other external cloud accounts like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, and OneDrive, so you can transfer files directly from one platform to another. And if you’re worried about duplicates wasting space, just use Koofr’s duplicate finder — a feature that’s only available with the 1TB lifetime plan. 

If you’re storing all your files online, they should be in a secure place. Koofr encrypts all files in rest and in transfer, so they’re only readable with your permission. You can still share files with other people, but it’s done by sharing links or by adding special access to folders or files. 

Store your files somewhere safe and convenient 

Koofr offers a single file hub for you to use across an unlimited number of devices. For a limited time, get a lifetime subscription to a Koofr Cloud Storage 1TB plan for just £87.46. Sale ends 08 December at 11:59 pm PST. 

Prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream New Zealand vs. England for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

England suffered a disappointing defeat against Pakistan in their last Test match series, but Bazball is all about taking positive decisions in attack and defence. So one defeat is not going to knock the confidence of this England side.

And that's a good thing too, because next they face a New Zealand team coming off a 3-0 win against India away from home. The Black Caps will be looking to secure another big win, this time in front of their own fans.

If you want to watch New Zealand vs. England (1st Test) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is New Zealand vs. England (1st Test)?

The 1st Test between New Zealand and England takes place from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2. This Test match takes place at the Hagley Oval.

The full schedule for England's three-Test tour of New Zealand (local time) is as follows:

• New Zealand vs. England (1st Test) — Nov. 28 to Dec. 2

• New Zealand vs. England (2nd Test) — Dec. 6 to Dec. 10

• New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test) — Dec. 14 to Dec. 18

The good news for fans is that every Test match in this series is available to live stream for free.

How to watch New Zealand vs. England for free

New Zealand vs. England (1st Test) is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand.

If you're abroad for this Test series, you might need to use a VPN to unblock TVNZ+. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can access free live streams of New Zealand vs. England from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of New Zealand 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 New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Stream New Zealand 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 New Zealand vs. England (1st Test) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream this Test series before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for TVNZ+?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

• 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 New Zealand vs. England (1st Test) for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix for free on ORF or ServusTV. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Max Verstappen has finally secured his fourth F1 title. For a while there it looked like the championship was slipping out of his fingers, but he did enough in Las Vegas to seal the win.

So what now? There are two races left in the season. The title is no longer on the line, but we're still expecting a dramatic finish including the final Sprint race.

If you're interested in watching the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix?

The 2024 Qatar Grand Prix takes place over 57 laps of the 5.419 kilometer Lusail International Circuit. The full schedule can be found here:

• Practice 1 — 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. ET on Nov. 29

• Sprint Qualifying — 12:30 to 1:14 p.m. ET on Nov. 29

• Sprint — 9 to 10 a.m. ET on Nov. 30

• Qualifying — 1 to 2 p.m. ET on Nov. 30

• Race — 11 a.m. ET on Dec. 1

The good news for fans is that it's possible to live stream the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix without spending anything.

How to watch the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix for free

You can find free live streams of F1 on these platforms:

• Austria — ORF or ServusTV (12 races each)

ORF and ServusTV are geo-restricted to Austria, so you might need to use a VPN to access these free live streams from abroad. VPNs are tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access free live streams of F1 from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free streaming services by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 Austria

4. Connect to ORF or ServusTV

5. Watch the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix from anywhere in the world

Please be aware that Formula 1 take the view that the use of a VPN to watch content from another territory may be a breach of the relevant broadcasters’ terms of service and may constitute copyright infringement. It is your responsibility to ensure that your use of a VPN is legal and Mashable does not encourage any illegal use of a VPN.

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 services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming F1 live is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for F1?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

• Fast streaming speeds

• 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 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Celtic vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Celtic have made a decent start to this year's Champions League, but they need to continue to pick up points if they want to progress to the knockout rounds. Club Brugge are only a point behind Celtic, so this matchup could be crucial to both team's chances of moving on in the competition.

There is still time for both teams to turn things around. If you want to watch Celtic vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Celtic vs. Club Brugge?

Celtic vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Nov. 27. This fixture takes place at Celtic Park.

How to watch Celtic vs. Club Brugge for free

Celtic vs. Club Brugge is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to access Virgin Media Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Celtic vs. Club Brugge 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Celtic vs. Club Brugge 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 access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Celtic vs. Club Brugge (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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 Celtic vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Red Star Belgrade have found it tough in this year's Champions League. They are currently sat near the bottom of the standings after four defeats from four games. Stuttgart haven't had it much easier, with only four points so far.

There is still time for both teams to turn things around. If you want to watch Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart?

Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. GMT on Nov. 27. This fixture takes place at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.

How to watch Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart for free

Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to access Virgin Media Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart 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 access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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 Red Star Belgrade vs. Stuttgart in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Liverpool vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The fifth round of Champions League fixtures has some really interesting matchups, but the biggest game is undoubtedly Liverpool vs. Real Madrid. Liverpool have won every game in this year's competition and sit on top of the standings. Real Madrid have been inconsistent, but they go into every game expecting to win.

If you want to watch Liverpool vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Liverpool vs. Real Madrid?

Liverpool vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Nov. 27. This fixture takes place at Anfield.

How to watch Liverpool vs. Real Madrid for free

Liverpool vs. Real Madrid is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player in Ireland.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock RTÉ Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Liverpool vs. Real Madrid on RTÉ Player 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 Ireland

4. Sign in to RTÉ Player

5. Watch Liverpool vs. Real Madrid 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Liverpool vs. Real Madrid (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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 Liverpool vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

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 November 27 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 27 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Come fly with me

These words are traveling.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are companies used for flying.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Airlines.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 27

• United

• Southwest

• Frontier

• Delta

• Spirit

• Virgin

• Airlines

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

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

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

Connections 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 November 27 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:

• Yello: In disrepair

• Green: Auto Repair

• Blue: Tasks for a sitter

• Purple: Types of bands

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: Not Working Reliably

• Green: Car Parts

• Blue: What a Sitter Might Sit

• Purple: ___Band

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 #534 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Not Working Reliably: BUGGY, ERRATIC, GLITCHTY, SPOTTY

• Car Parts: BUMPER, GRILLE, MIRROR, RIM

• What a Sitter Might Sit: BABY, HOUSE, PET, PLANT

• ___Band: BOY, RUBBER, TRIBUTE, WEDDING

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 27

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 27 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 27 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Informal words.

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...

SLANG.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 26

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.

Need a new TV? You will find the lowest prices, and biggest cash savings, during Black Friday! Here are the best TV deals we've found in Australia.

Best LG TV deals

• LG 65" OLED EVO C4 4K Smart TV 24 – A$2,888 (was $4,295, save $1,407)

• LG 65" UT8050 4K UHD LED Smart TV 24 – A$985 (was $1,495, save $510)

Best Sony Bravia TV deals

• Sony 65" X85L BRAVIA Full Array LED 4K HDR Google TV – A$1,499 (was $2,190, 32% off)

• Sony 65" X80L BRAVIA LED 4K HDR Google TV – A$1,499 (was $1,879, 20% off)

Best Hisense Black Friday TV deals

• Hisense 65" U7NAU 4K Mini-LED QLED Smart TV – $1,195 ($500 off)

• Hisense 65" Q6NAU 4K QLED Smart TV – $725 ($1,299 MSRP, $574 off)

Best Samsung Black Friday TV deals

• Samsung 55" The Frame 4K QLED Smart TV 24 – $1,344 (was $1,995, save $651)

• Samsung 65" The Frame 4K QLED Smart TV 24 – $1,771 (was $2,499, save $728)

• Samsung 98" DU9000 4K Crystal UHD Smart TV – $3,995 (26% off, save $1,600)

Best TCL Black Friday TV deals

• TCL 85" C655 QLED Google TV 24 – $1,695 (10% off, save $200)

• TCL 75" C745 QLED Google TV – A$1,395 (20% off)

• TCL 98" C755 QD–Mini LED Google TV 24 – $4,685 (save $1,310)

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday, originally a U.S. tradition, has steadily grown in popularity in Australia over the past few years. Since the 1950s, American stores have offered substantial discounts on their merchandise the day after Thanksgiving. This tradition has evolved into a global shopping event, with Black Friday now recognised worldwide.

Cyber Monday, a more recent addition to the holiday weekend, emerged as online retailers aimed to capitalise on the Black Friday frenzy. As the distinction between traditional and online shopping fades, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have merged into a unified week of deals.

When is Black Friday in 2024?

Black Friday 2024 takes place on Friday, Nov. 29, and Cyber Monday takes place on Monday, Dec. 2. However, the whole week prior has now become informally known as 'Black Friday Week', and early deals begin to pop up throughout this week and even earlier. Amazon, for example, kicked their sale off on Nov. 19, and are running deals into Cyber Monday.

What TV deals will Australians see in 2024?

We are expecting a huge range of TV deals from leading retailers this year, so get excited to see heavy discounts on TVs from the likes of Sony Bravia, Hisense, LG, and many more top brands. You will likely be able to find deals on small screens, enormous 8K models, and everything in between.

Pretty much every leading tech retailers will start dropping deals from the start of November, so be sure to look at the likes of Amazon, The Good Guys. Bing Lee and JB Hi-Fi, all of whom have a history of impressive Black Friday TV deals. But it isn't just these retailers: Pretty much every site will offer some big savings during this busy shopping season, so if you don't see what you are looking for from one retailer, stay calm and move onto the next. Patience is key during the Black Friday season.

What are the best items to buy on Black Friday/Cyber Monday?

You should expect huge discounts on big-ticket items like laptops, Hi-Fi, consoles and TVs. There also seems to be a slant towards gadgets and gift items, which makes sense with the holidays around the corner. Online retailers like Amazon, Kogan and Ebay will have strong deals in all categories. However, keep an eye out specifically for the following products:

• Appliances: Retailers like The Good Guys and Bing Lee always go big on Black Friday, dropping prices on pretty much everything they stock. You can expect deals on washing machines, fridges, freezers, kettles, toasters, and much more. If you're looking to stock up on appliances for your home, these sites should be your first stop.

• Games consoles: Finding consoles has been a proper headache over the last couple of years, but things are definitely improving in Australia, with PS5 bundles being readily available on Amazon. That means there should be opportunities to pick up deals games and accessories for the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PS5 this year.

• Smartphones: Amazon always offers plenty of impressive deals on all sorts of smartphones.

• Toys: Black Friday is probably the best time of the year to shop for toys. The most in-demand toys will sell out fast in the run-up to Christmas, so this is a great opportunity to get in early. We recommend checking out Amazon for the best deals on Lego, especially for the massively popular Star Wars and Harry Potter sets.

• TVs: Black Friday is all about big deals on the biggest products, and that means TVs. We expect pretty much all of the leading retailers to offer fantastic deals on TVs of all sizes from top brands like Sony, Samsung, LG, and Panasonic. It's best to shop around for the best TV deals, because there are going to be so many, but you can't go wrong with The Good Guys, Bing Lee or Kogan.

• VPNs: Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are a fairly new addition to the Black Friday shopping scene, but there are some good deals available, especially by Cyber Monday. Cybersecurity is increasingly important, and VPNs offer online protection for your identity and data. All the leading services are likely to offer discounted rates over the week, and you should be able to find good deals on the likes of NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN, PureVPN, and CyberGhost VPN.

Be sure to also be on the look out for deals on travel, subscription services, and laptops, because these are likely to feature heavily throughout this shopping season.

You won't find a better time to pick up a robot vacuum on the cheap than Black Friday. Here are the top Aussie robovac deals we've spotted this year so far:

Best ECOVACS Black Friday deals

• ECOVACS DEEBOT N10 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop – A$379 (was $799, 53% off)

• ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 Turbo Robot Vacuum Cleaner – A$798 (was $1,498, 40% off)

• ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ 3-in-1 Robot Vacuum – A$548 (was $799, 31% off)

• ECOVACS X2 Omni Robot Vacuum Cleaner – A$1,697 (was $2,499, 32% off)

Best iRobot Black Friday deals

• iRobot Roomba 692 Robot Vacuum – A$329 (was $499, 34% off)

• iRobot Roomba i7+ Robot Vacuum – A$1,249 (was $1,699, 26% off)

Best other Black Friday robot vacuum deals

• eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim) – A$159.99 (was $349.99, 54% off)

• Eureka J12 Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner – A$799 (was $1,599, 50% off)

• Eureka NER710 Robot Vacuum Cleaner – A$368 (was $599, 39% off)

• Lefant Robot Vacuum – A$139.90 (was $399.99, 60% off + $20 voucher)

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday was originally a U.S. tradition, but is now very much a thing in all Western markets across the globe. In short, it has become the biggest period of sales for all retailers in all categories, to help clear our stock in the lead-up to the new year.

Meanhile, Cyber Monday is a recent addition to the Black Friday weekend, taking place the following Monday (in 2025, that's Dec. 2), but is more focused on online retailers. As the lines blur between commerce and e-commerce these days, Black Friday/Cyber Monday has become one connected week of deals.

When is Black Friday in 2024?

Black Friday 2024 officially takes place this Friday, Nov. 29, with Cyber Monday on Dec. 2. However, the whole week prior has now become informally known as 'Black Friday Week', and early deals begin to pop up throughout this week and even earlier. Amazon, for example, kicked their sale off on Nov. 19, and are running deals all the way up to Dec. 2.

What are the best items to buy on Black Friday/Cyber Monday?

You should expect huge discounts on big-ticket items like laptops, Hi-Fi, consoles and TVs. There also seems to be a slant towards gadgets and gift items, which makes sense with the holidays around the corner. Online retailers like Amazon, Kogan and Ebay will have strong deals in all categories. However, keep an eye out specifically for the following products:

• Appliances: Retailers like The Good Guys and Bing Lee always go big on Black Friday, dropping prices on pretty much everything they stock. You can expect deals on washing machines, fridges, freezers, kettles, toasters, and much more. If you're looking to stock up on appliances for your home, these sites should be your first stop.

• Games consoles: Finding console availability has been a total over the last couple of years, but things are definitely improving in Australia, with PS5 bundles being readily available on Amazon. That means there should be opportunities to pick up deals games and accessories for the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PS5 this year.

• Smartphones: Amazon always offers plenty of impressive deals on all sorts of smartphones.

• Toys: Black Friday is probably the best time of the year to shop for toys. The most in-demand toys will sell out fast in the run-up to Christmas, so this is a great opportunity to get in early. We recommend checking out Amazon for the best deals on Lego, especially for the massively popular Star Wars and Harry Potter sets.

• TVs: Black Friday is all about big deals on the biggest products, and that means TVs. We expect pretty much all of the leading retailers to offer fantastic deals on TVs of all sizes from top brands like Sony, Samsung, LG, and Panasonic. It's best to shop around for the best TV deals, because there are going to be so many, but you can't go wrong with The Good Guys, Bing Lee or Kogan.

• VPNs: Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are a fairly new addition to the Black Friday shopping scene, but there are some good deals available, especially by Cyber Monday. Cybersecurity is increasingly important, and VPNs offer online protection for your identity and data. All the leading services are likely to offer discounted rates over the week, and you should be able to find good deals on the likes of NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN, PureVPN, and CyberGhost VPN.

Be sure to also be on the look out for deals on travel, subscription services, and laptops, because these are likely to feature heavily throughout this shopping season.

Dads often catch flak for corny jokes and being bad at texting, but father figures have another thing in common besides thinking terrible puns are hilarious: They're some of the most selfless people in the world.

To be honest, a lot of us wouldn't know how to live on our own if it wasn't for those father figures — this goes for uncles, stepdads, or anyone else who stepped up to take on that role, too. And though they probably insist that you don't have to get them anything, Father's Day is an extra-special time to show your appreciation.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about Amazon Prime Day so far

That said, you can’t just phone it in and get him a mug that says "Dad." Sure, it's technically a gift for a dad — but it's also a terrible gift. No shame if you’ve done it before; dads can be notoriously tough to shop for, we know. But we can do way better than that this Father's Day!

That’s why we have you covered with awesome gift ideas for all kinds of guys, from the practical to the eclectic. (We can even help you out if you’re working with a tight budget thanks to this roundup of the best gifts under $50.) And, right here, we’ve rounded up dozens of the best gifts you can give your dad, whether he’s a grilling aficionado, an outdoor adventurer, a tech geek, or the chill kind of dad who just wants to kick back with a cold one and enjoy this fine June day dedicated to him.

From practical gadgets that make his life easier to sentimental keepsakes that tug on the heartstrings of even the most “tough guy” dads, you’re bound to find the best Father’s Day gift for your dad below.

A quick look at the best Ninja deals ahead of Black Friday Best Slushi alternative Ninja Creami $149.00 at Walmart (save $50) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Ninja 13-in-1 Double Oven and Air Fryer with FlexDoor (DCT402BK) $199.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Not on sale, but in stock Ninja Slushi $299.99 at Ninja Kitchen Shop Now

If any certain type of countertop kitchen appliance is your 2024 Black Friday goal, Ninja probably has one on sale.

Black Friday Ninja deals are popping off this year, especially at Amazon, which has been in official Black Friday mode since Nov. 21. The list of classic Ninja air fryers and air frying toaster ovens, blenders, coffee makers, and more on sale is even beating that of October Prime Day Ninja deals in terms of the percentage off — several appliances have already beaten their previous record-low price just seen at Amazon last month.

Oddly enough, the one category where Ninja is slacking is pressure cookers, despite that being the category that originated the famous "Foodi" name in the first place. Ninja seems to be letting Instant Pot have that spotlight back (though it still uses "Foodi" in titles for its some other multitasking appliances) to focus on a new wheelhouse: little treat machines. Two of Ninja's most fun treat-making gadgets, the Ninja Creami ice cream maker and the Ninja Thirsti soda and sparkling water maker are, in fact, on sale for Black Friday, both for well under $200.

SEE ALSO: Get 25% off sitewide during Ruggable's Black Friday sale

Now for the bad news: I realize there's one major Ninja treat maker that ends with an "i" missing from that list. No, the Ninja Slushi probably won't go on sale for Black Friday, but it is still in stock. You could hold out hope for a surprise Cyber Monday price drop, but given the number of times it has sold out since July and the fact that even more people will be shopping now because of Black Friday, it's wiser to just order it at full price while you can still order it at all. You'll understand when you're happily sipping on a gingerbread milkshake or a frozen version of your favorite holiday cocktail in a week or two. (I would know— I was making frozen versions of all of my favorite drinks with the Slushi all summer, and it was an absolute delight to have in my kitchen.)

As of Nov. 26, the Ninja Slushi is currently only in stock at Ninja's website for $299.99, and can also be pre-ordered at Crate & Barrel with an expected restock coming in early December. The Slushi occasionally pops up for immediate purchase at other big retailers, but if you see it going for more than $299.99, it's a gouged MSRP.

At any rate, I'm tracking all of the best Black Friday Ninja deals below including deals on the Ninja Creami, which is my number one alternate suggestion if the Slushi isn't in the cards right now. Note: Any deal marked with a 🔥 has dropped to a record-low price at Amazon.

Best Ninja deal for something similar to the Slushi Our pick: Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker (NC300) $149.00 at Walmart
$169.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Before the internet was freaking out over the Ninja Slushi, it was freaking out over the Ninja Creami. And I get it: Being able to make ice cream in literally whatever flavor you want without leaving the house is a reason to live. If your sweet tooth would choose hand-dipped ice cream over a super sweet frozen marg anyway, your decision between the two isn't even hard.

The cheapest Ninja Creami I've seen so far this Black Friday season is at Walmart, where the Creami is on sale for $149. (This beats Amazon's price on a slightly different Creami model by $10). Though the Creami can't make frozen drinks like the Slushi can, it obviously has the ice cream advantage — both machines also have milkshake overlap. Sorbet is also exclusively a Creami thing (cranberry orange mimosa sorbet for the holiday party, hello?), and this version of the Creami even has a dedicated button for lite ice cream.

Mashable shopping reporter Samantha Mangino spent several weeks with the Creami, and identified one specific type of person (past the expected dessert lover) who would thrive with the Creami: meal preppers. My roommate can vouch for this — we also have a Creami, and she's gotten into a routine of prepping protein ice cream to look forward to after work throughout the week.

Best Ninja deal if you want an air fryer Ninja 13-in-1 Double Oven and Air Fryer with FlexDoor (DCT402BK) 🔥 $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

We know some version of the Foodi immediately comes to mind when you think of Ninja deals, but Ninja makes other feature-stuffed appliances that would also get serious use on your countertop. Amazon's deal on one of Ninja's newer air fryer ovens is actually the first time this model has dropped below $200.

This countertop air frying oven has a double stack design that can cook two separate food items on different settings simultaneously: The rapid top oven is great for pizzas up to 12 inches, while the larger convection and air fry oven is ideal for roasts or larger snack portions like wings. In total, there are 13 cooking presets, including bake, broil, toast, whole roast, and dehydrate.

More Black Friday Ninja kitchen dealsPressure cookers, air fryers, and other countertop cookers

• Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Indoor and Outdoor Grill — $79 $139.99 (save $60.99)

• Ninja Air Fryer Pro (AF141) — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40) 🔥

• Ninja 8-in-1 Foodi Everyday Possible Cooker Pro (6.5-quart) — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40) 🔥

• Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Dual Zone Air Fryer (DZ071) — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50.05)

• Ninja 8-in-1 Foodi Everyday Possible Cooker Pro (8-quart) — $99.95 $119.99 (save $40) 🔥

• Ninja Flip Toaster Oven and Air Fryer (SP151) — $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)

• Ninja 6-in-1 Foodi Indoor Grill and Air Fryer (FG551) — $149.99 $259.99 (save $110)

• Ninja Foodi 13-in-1 Dual Heat Countertop Convection Oven (SP351) — $169.99 $329.99 (save $160)

• Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Countertop Convection Oven (DT201) — $179.99 $329.99 (save $150)

• Ninja Woodfire Pro Outdoor Grill and Smoker — $249.99 $399.99 (save $150) 🔥

• Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Pizza Oven — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100) 🔥

Coffee makers, blenders, and more drink makers

• Ninja Programmable XL Coffee Maker Pro — $69.99 $99.99 (save $30)

• Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single Serve Coffee Maker — $69.99 $99.99 (save $30)

• Ninja Blender Compact Kitchen System — $99.99 $159.99 (save $60) 🔥

• Ninja Hot and Iced XL Coffee Maker — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50) 🔥

• Ninja Thirsti Soda and Sparkling Water Maker — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)

• Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System — $129.99 $219.99 (save $90)

• Ninja Espresso and Coffee Barista System (CFN601) — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)

Cookware, cooking irons, and accessories

• Ninja Foodi Power Mixer System with immersion blender and hand mixer — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Ninja Foodi NeverStick 4-quart Possible Pan — $84.99 $129.99 (save $45) 🔥

• Ninja NeverDull Knife Block Set with sharpener (12-piece) — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Ninja Foodi NeverStick 12-piece Cookware Set — $269.99 $399.99 (save $130)

Drake’s feud with Universal Music Group just escalated to DEFCON 1. The Toronto rapper has filed his second lawsuit against the music giant, with his lawyer having previously dropped allegations that UMG engaged in a "pay-to-play" scheme with iHeartRadio to boost Kendrick Lamar’s "false song" "Not Like Us" on the airwaves.

Yes, second lawsuit — this time alleging defamation. The first, filed on Monday to the New York State Supreme Court, claimed the label engaged in a scheme with Spotify, allegedly manipulating the platform in order to artificially inflate the popularity of "Not Like Us," an allegation that would provide an alternative explanation for the song's success besides music fans simply loving it. Lamar's track is a dancey, anthemic rap song, but it's also a diss track that directly throws shots at Drake, including lyrics that accuse the "Certified Lover Boy" of harboring sexual predators in his entourage, and going so far as to label them "certified pedophiles."

SEE ALSO: Kendrick Lamar and Drake's rap beef is big business for content creators

Heavy stuff, and it’s hit harder than anyone could've predicted. "Not Like Us" has become a cultural juggernaut, achieving a record-breaking tenure at the top of the Billboard rap chart, two separate peaks as the number one U.S. song on any chart, over 900 million Spotify streams at the time of this writing. The track has even been nominated for five Grammy awards as well (one of which is for the track's producer, not Lamar).

A spokesperson for Universal Music Group has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "offensive and untrue." The statement went on to claim, "No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear."

Spotify, meanwhile, has declined to comment, despite multiple outlets reaching out for a response.

Drake’s Monday filing stops short of a full legal complaint. Instead, it’s a petition that could escalate into a lawsuit, with key figures from UMG and iHeartRadio expected to face depositions as Drake’s legal team seeks to gather evidence.

UMG has a deal to license Drake's music releases under its Republic label alongside releases from Drake's own Canadian label OVO Sound. According to Drake’s lawyers, there is "more than enough evidence" that UMG failed to take any action to prevent Lamar from defaming him on "Not Like Us." They argue this lack of intervention is particularly significant given that Lamar is signed to Interscope, which, like Republic, is under the very large UMG umbrella.

The filings on Monday and Tuesday come just days after Lamar released his surprise album GNX, which The Ringer's Charles Homles calls "a 45-minute treatise on the power of rolling up to your biggest hater's funeral to ensure they’ve departed this mortal coil."

Drake is so Draking this thing with Kendrick Lamar we’re gonna have to rename the Streisand Effect.

— Alex Cranz (@cranz.bsky.social) November 26, 2024 at 10:53 AM

Curiously, Lamar himself has not been named in any of the lawsuits. However, the filings argue that UMG showed favoritism for monetary gain between two artists signed under Universal at the expense of Drake's reputation.

The holidays can prove challenging for myriad reasons. Family can be hard. Traveling sucks. But, if your budget is tight, the holiday season can be incredibly stressful.

TikTok creator @dollartreedinners seems to understand that fact and has worked to help folks out on Thanksgiving. That creator, real name Rebecca Chobat, has published a viral series of videos making Thanksgiving food out of affordable options available at Dollar Tree. To be clear, the series isn't stunt food or cosplaying Chopped; Chobat seems genuinely interested in giving folks holiday options on a really tight budget. As her username suggests, Chobat has dedicated her sizable following — nearly 2 million followers on TikTok alone — to helping folks eat for less.

The series started with a shopping video that has garnered some 3 million views. For just $20, Chobat bought the ingredients to make a fried mac and cheese appetizer, a Thanksgiving casserole, and a caramel sugar cookie bar with fruit pie filling.

Sure, the recipes are not gourmet. How could they be? And that's not really the intention. The food looks quite tasty and certainly squeezes the absolute most out of a small budget.

Chobat's casserole, for instance, combines packaged potatoes, canned turkey, canned green beans, dried cranberries, and some margarine to create an entire dish guaranteed to deliver the perfect Thanksgiving bite. The fried mac and cheese balls, meanwhile, reimagine the blue box classic. And what could be bad about sugar cookies with pie filling for dessert?

If you want to feel a bit of hope, read through the comments on these videos from Chobat. In an internet age where most things are negative, this series has inspired some real positivity. You'll see comments like, "I work at Dollar Tree and have seen so many people buying these ingredients," or "I needed this," or, "my mom made something like this and I loved it."

Most notably, a TikTok from creator @CalebCooks94 went super viral in response to Chobat's series. He described being at the Dollar Tree and meeting a woman using Chobat's recipes to feed her three kids this Thanksgiving. He talked about witnessing Chobat making a real difference for folks who thought their holiday options were limited.

And as if things couldn't get more wholesome, Chobat responded in the comments: "I really hope she and her family loves the Thanksgiving dinner and thank you so much for sharing this story!! It brought tears to my eyes."

Chobat has made Dollar Tree Thanksgiving recipes in years past and, obviously, has a channel dedicated to helping folks eat on a budget. In a video responding to a comment about canned turkey, she thoughtfully noted that her channel — and her Thanksgiving series, especially — are dedicated to helping folks find options. Not everyone has a huge budget. Not everyone has a full-size oven or fridge. Not everyone is physically capable of lifting a whole turkey. She makes TikToks for people who need to get around those roadblocks.

Mashable has reached out to Chobat for comment and will update if necessary. But, in general, it is nice to see success for a creator who really seems to be focused on helping folks. And it's certainly great to see folks who need the help get the chance to make tasty food for the holiday.

There are now at least two patients who have had Neuralink's brain chip implanted in their head. While there have been some bumps in the road, it appears that things are going well enough for Elon Musk's neurotechnology company to look ahead at what's next.

So, what's Neuralink looking at testing out now?

Neuralink aims to embed its brain chip into robotic limbs to achieve what Musk refers to as the “Luke Skywalker solution.”

Controlling a robotic arm with Neuralink?

Neuralink is planning trials to determine if its brain chip implant can control an “investigational assistive robotic arm.”

"This is an important first step towards restoring not only digital freedom, but also physical freedom," Neuralink said in a statement.

Neuralink is referring to these tests as the CONVOY study.

Musk has previously discussed this possibility before. One of the goals of Neuralink has been to help "restore full body movement" for individuals with spinal cord injuries, quadriplegia, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

"When a Neuralink is combined with Optimus robot limbs, the Luke Skywalker solution can become real," Musk said in a post on X in Sept. 2023. He included a link to a scene showcasing Luke Skywalker's robotic prosthetic hand from the Star Wars trilogy.

Neuralink has previously faced scrutiny over the deaths of at least 12 monkeys used in trials. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine alleges that Musk misled investors by claiming Neuralink was not responsible for any monkey deaths.

There's a special corner of the internet that delights in telling people to be grateful. Between hashtags like #blessed and #grateful and "thankful grateful" TikToks, it can be a little much, especially when you're knee-deep coping with difficult emotions like sadness, anger, and resentment.

What's often missing from the gratitude conversation on social media is permission to acknowledge life's complexities. As we head into a holiday season full of sentimental reminders to be grateful, you might be tempted to dismiss gratitude practices as inauthentic or forced.

Yet the right gratitude meditation can help you strike a rewarding balance between experiencing the enlivening grace of this practice and letting challenging emotions be what they are.

Meditation teacher Diana Winston says practicing gratitude can create space for people to turn toward positive emotions that counteract, but do not erase, negativity and hardship. It can also help people notice and appreciate their surroundings in ways they hadn't before, observing features of the landscape, for example, that they'd overlooked.

The act of being present in your life can naturally lead to feeling thankful, says Winston, whose own gratitude meditation is included in the roundup of tracks below.

SEE ALSO: I used an AI journal for a week. What I learned about myself surprised me.

She notes that an effective gratitude meditation can help you access feelings of gratitude, which include warmth and connection. Skeptics should know that these tracks might encourage listeners to use visualization or reflect on how gratitude makes their body feel; language that might make them feel awkward, dorky, or embarrassed. Winston says that's fine.

"Leave space for a complicated humanness," says Winston, director of UCLA Mindful. "It's OK to feel grateful and also feel tired or annoyed."

Unlike a lot of #gratitude content on social media, the guided meditations below don't traffic in toxic positivity. There's no instruction to replace negative feelings with positive ones, or to transform something painful into a reason for giving thanks.

In general, when selecting a guided meditation, feel free to skip tracks that make assumptions about the listener's resources or abilities. If you're blind and the meditation teacher is asking you to feel grateful for the power of sight, or if you're struggling financially and being told to give thanks for your income, this may very well feel inauthentic, if not insulting.

If meditation isn't your thing, Winston says there are other ways to practice gratitude, including making a gratitude list or sending a letter of thanks to someone you care about.

"Leave space for a complicated humanness. It's OK to feel grateful and also feel tired or annoyed." - Diana Winston, director of UCLA Mindful

If you're interested in trying online guided gratitude meditations, the free tracks below range from short, straightforward instruction to more advanced or complex techniques. To further explore a gratitude practice, consider using an app like Happier, Calm, Insight Timer, or Headspace. (Headspace and Happier offer greater accessibility to all users by providing guided tracks with closed captioning. UCLA Mindful's app, which is free to use, offers guided meditations in American Sign Language.)

1. Mindful: A Meditation Series (Growing Gratitude Guided Meditation)

Length: 6 minutes

This brief YouTube guided meditation was published by the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability as part of a series of guided meditations. The captioned video track focuses on gratitude for being enough as you are, rather than focusing on striving for more. Among its prompts is an invitation to think of one thing that made the listener smile recently, like a meal or funny joke, and then to consider how that joy feels in their body.

2. Gratitude Meditation, Jack Kornfield

Length: 7 minutes

Trained as a Buddhist monk and clinical psychologist, Jack Kornfield is a well-known meditation teacher. Hosted on Kornfield's website, this short audio guided meditation begins with descriptions of the gratitude practices of Buddhist monks, Native people, and Tibetan monks and nuns. He defines gratitude as the "gracious acknowledgement of all that continues to sustain us" and "confidence in life itself." The focus of the meditation is gratitude for how the listener cared for themselves and others cared for them as well.

3. The Massive Power of Not Taking Sh*t for Granted, Matthew Hepburn

Length: 12 minutes

This audio track is from the Ten Percent Happier Podcast, but it can be easily played online via iHeart. Starting with a brief intro from podcast host and Ten Percent Happier co-founder Dan Harris, it features meditation teacher Matthew Hepburn, who asks listeners to begin by acknowledge exactly how they feel.

There's no need to replace the emotion a listener currently feels with anything else, he says, and prompts listeners to think of something for which they're grateful, whether it's as "extraordinary" as winning the lottery or "ordinary" as breathing fresh air. He then asks them to contemplate the sensory details of the experience to make the memory "come alive" in the moment.

4. Reset & Refocus With Gratitude, Lama Rod Owens

Length: 16 minutes

Hosted by the meditation app Insight Timer, this web-based audio track features renowned teacher Lama Rod Owens. A Black Buddhist minister, Owens is skilled at recognizing how gratitude serves people while also making room for their anger and disappointment.

In this guided meditation, Owens asks listeners to feel gratitude for their connections to all beings. When thoughts turn toward anger at someone for their behavior, Owens contemplates the gratitude he might feel when people show you how not to be in the world. To learn more about how Owens balances gratitude with intense feelings, check out his 2020 guided meditation published on YouTube by Tricycle: The Buddhist Review.

5. Morning Meditation with Tara Brach: Presence and Gratitude

Length: 19 minutes

Tara Brach is among the most-well known meditation instructors, online and offline. In this guided audio mediation, published on YouTube, Brach slowly leads listeners through developing sustained awareness of their body's sensations. This present-moment awareness then gives way to reflection on what listeners feel grateful for, and an invitation to feel that in "your body and your heart." That gratitude, says Brach, might help you know what your prayer is for today.

6. Hammer Podcast: Gratitude, Diana Winston

Length: 32 minutes

This audio-only track is a recording of the Hammer Podcast, a drop-in meditation hosted by UCLA Mindful and the Hammer Museum. In this episode, Winston, author of The Little Book of Being: Practices and Guidance for Uncovering Your Natural Awareness, spends the first several minutes talking about what gratitude means and how it can be practiced.

The meditation itself begins at about eight minutes in, with a prompt to consider what in this moment can be appreciated. This might be as simple as the listener's breath or family. Then Winston asks what this feels like in the listener's body, like warmth or a smile, inviting them to let this feeling stay with them even as other emotions may arise.

Since the guided meditation occurred online with a live audience, it concludes with Winston reading what people dropped in the chat when she asked them to share their gratitude. Their responses included "pineapples, my apartment, free food, my cat, my dog, sunlight, joy, road trips, and my 99-year-old mom." It's a lovely reminder that when given the opportunity, we can all find gratitude for something, however small.

Best Early Black Friday Deals Under $50 Best tech deal under $50 Amazon Echo $49.99 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal The Last of Us Part I for PlayStation 5 $29.99 at Best Buy (Save $40) Get Deal Best home and kitchen deal BrüMate Era 40 oz. Tumbler $30.14 at Amazon (Save $14.85) Get Deal

Some of the best savings you'll find during Black Friday are on the small stuff. Yes, you can find hundreds of dollars of savings on big ticket items like TVs and laptops, but when you actually look at those percentages, things are only maxing out around 25 or 30%.

While deal hunting this holiday season, some of the best sales are on products falling under $50. Whether you're looking for kitchen or smart home tech, or a new video game to play during your holiday PTO, here are the best deals under $50 to shop.

Best tech deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo $49.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's line-up of Echo devices is extensive so why not just make things simple and go with the original? This smart home hub is a speaker first, delivering premium sound while responding to voice controls. But you can maintain your home, too, with the Echo's built-in Alexa that helps set routines whether you need a daily alarm or want the lights to come on once the sun sets.

Right now, you can find the OG Amazon Echo for $49.99. That knocks a generous $50 off for 50% savings.

More tech deals under $50

• Amazon Echo Dot Kids — $27.99 $59.99 (save $32)

• Roku Streaming Stick 4K — $29 $49.99 (save $20.99)

• JBL Go 4 — $39.95 $49.95 (save $10)

• Sony XB100 Bluetooth Speaker — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Sony WH-CH520 Headphones — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Chromecast with Google TV — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Amazon Echo Spot — $44.99 $79.99 (save $35)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 — $44.99 $89.99 (save $45)

• Amazon Fire 7 Tablet — $44.99 $79.99 (save $35)

• JBL Clip 5 — $49.95 $79.95 (save $30)

• JBL Tune Buds — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Beats Solo Buds Earbuds — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30)

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• JBL Tune 235NC Earbuds — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Google Nest Audio Smart Speaker — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• JBL Tune 670NC Headphones — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Amazfit Bip 5 Unity Smartwatch — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)

Best gaming deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy The Last of Us Part I $29.99 at Best Buy
$69.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The second season of The Last of Us is coming in 2025, and if you still haven't played the video game, now is your time to catch up. Ahead of Black Friday, find The Last of Us Part I for PlayStation 5 marked down 57%. It's down to $29.99, saving you $40. Plus, you can save 15% on Astro Gaming headsets with the purchase of a video game at Best Buy.

And while you're at it, you may as well pick up The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PlayStation 5, which is also on sale ahead of Black Friday.

More gaming deals under $50

• NBA 2K25 for PlayStation 5 — $29.99 $69.99 (save $40)

• Hogwarts Legacy for PlayStation 5 — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)

• Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)

• EA Sports FC 25 for PlayStation 5 — $29.99 $69.99 (save $40)

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch — $34.99 $59.99 (save $25)

• The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PlayStation 5 — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Nintendo Switch Sports — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless Controller — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)

Best home and kitchen deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: BrüMate BrüMate Era 40 oz. Tumbler $30.14 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $14.85 Get Deal Why we like it

I'm not here to pry your Stanley Cup out of your hand, but I am here to tell you that you have other options. An underrated entry in the 40 oz. tumbler market is the BrüMate Era 40 oz. Tumbler. It keeps beverages ice cold and every part is dishwasher-safe, but the real showstopper is the locking lid. The top of the lid slides to lock and unlock so when you're on the go, the tumbler becomes totally spill proof if you want to toss it in the bag.

During Amazon's early Black Friday sale, find the BrüMate Era 40 oz. Tumbler for $30.14, taking $15.85 off the price.

More home and kitchen deals under $50

• Levoit 28DB Humidifier — $28.49 $39.99 (save $11.50)

• Magic Bullet Blender — $29.49 $49.99 (save $20.50)

• Blink Smart WiFi Video Doorbell — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)

• Blink Outdoor 4 Security Camera — $39.99 $99.99 (save $60)

• KitchenAid Ultra 5-Speed Mixer — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)

• KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)

• Nutribullet Personal Blender — $48.99 $69.99 (save $21)

GET $320 OFF: As of Nov. 26, you can get an ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop for just $1,179.99. That's 21% off the original price or $320 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop $1,179.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $320.00 Get Deal

The ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop packs together multiple types of productivity into one multi-screened package. Not only does it provide more screen for your buck, this Black Friday deal gets you even more bang for your buck, with 21% off.

If you’re all-in on digital drawing and visual design we think this ASUS laptop could be the right pick for you. Eliminating the need for an expensive drawing tablet accessory, it includes a drawing and touch screen.

SEE ALSO: Slash $450 off the new Microsoft Surface laptop ahead of Black Friday

The Duo’s touchscreen can work in tandem with the included Bluetooth keyboard or function as a virtual keyboard. Beyond touch and drawing, the dual OLED displays can function side by side in portrait or landscape mode. Use the second screen as a secondary monitor to read and edit documents side by side. We loved how it juggles different apps simultaneously.

Nov. 26 the ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop is available for $1,179.99 as part of Amazon's early Black Friday sale. Buy it now and save 21%, or $320.

With Intel Arc Graphics, 16 GB of RAM, and Windows 11, this laptop isn’t all screen, it also has some solid power. Its 1TB solid state drive should give most people the space they need for storage.