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If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A less-common way of saying revived.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for December 17 Hurdle Word 1 answer

REDUX

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A type of space discussed by Taylor Swift.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 17 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BLANK

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Not married.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 17 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 17, 2024 Hurdle Word 3 answer

UNWED

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Payment recipient.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 17 Hurdle Word 4 answer

PAYEE

Final Hurdle hint

Repeat.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

AGAIN

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

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.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 17 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: Redo

• Green: Famous in the ring

• Blue: Basketball coaches (not-pro)

• Purple: Partial football team names

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: Second chance

• Green: Famous boxers

• Blue: Men's college basketball coaches

• Purple: First names...or the starts of NFL team names

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 #85 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Second chance - DO-OVER, MULLIGAN, REPECHAGE, RETRY

• Famous boxers - ALI, FOREMAN, LEWIS, LISTON

• Men's college basketball coaches - DREW, FEW, OATS, SELF

• First names...or the starts of NFL team names - BEN, BILL, DOLPH, PAT

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.

FREE $100 GIFT CARD: As of Dec. 17, the 65-inch LG C4 OLED TV is on sale for $1,499.99, $300 off its list price of $1,799.99. As a bonus, Best Buy is also offering a free $100 gift card with purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch Class C4 Series OLED evo 4K TV + Free $100 Gift Card $1,499.99 at Best Buy
$1,799.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there are still quite a few worthy deals to explore at various retailers. Best Buy is offering a particularly nice holiday treat right now for shoppers on the lookout for a new TV. Not only can you save on one of the best TVs available at the moment, the LG C4 OLED, but you'll also get a bonus gift card with your purchase.

Best Buy has the 65-inch LG C4 OLED marked down from its list price of $1,799.99 to $1,499.99, which is a great deal for a TV like this. What makes it even better, though, is you can get a free $100 Best Buy gift card with your purchase of this TV. And who doesn't love free money?

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

This TV is worth every cent, too. Thanks to its OLED display, you'll see a vibrant picture with excellent contrasts that are further enhanced by crisp 4K resolution. Not to mention, this TV is packed with exciting features like Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Filmmaker Mode that make it the ultimate screen for movie nights.

And with a free $100 gift card, you can put that towards numerous different items at Best Buy. Especially with the holidays coming up, you could even use it to get some last-minute gifts, and Best Buy is full of great options at the moment.

This deal won't stick around for long, so get a free $100 gift card with purchase of a discounted 65-inch LG C4 OLED TV whilst it's live.

Looking to save even more ahead of the holidays? Thankfully, there are still plenty of great offers available after Cyber Monday. Best Buy's last-minute savings event has plenty of exciting deals right now, but outside of the retailer, you can also save on a selection of gaming laptops across different stores and Amazon Echo devices are also still enjoying some very nice discounts at the moment.

SAVE $50: As of Dec. 17, Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller is on sale for $129.99 at Best Buy, saving you $50 off its usual $179.99 price. With pro-level customization, up to 40 hours of battery life, and precision controls, it’s the ultimate upgrade for Xbox and PC gamers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Elite Series 2 $129.99 at Best Buy
$179.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Grinding through ranked matches and skill trees with the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller feels impressive as it adapts to you. Now available for $129.99 at Best Buy — a solid $50 discount from its regular $179.99 price — it’s the perfect opportunity to treat your hands to something special.

So, what makes the Elite Series 2 controller worth it? The controller comes with six interchangeable thumbsticks, four paddles, and two swappable D-pads, so you can fine-tune your setup for precision aiming, quick-fire combos, or whatever fits your play style. Plus, with adjustable thumbstick tension and shorter hair-trigger locks, every movement feels snappier and more responsive — perfect for competitive shooters or high-speed racers.

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

You can save up to three custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly using a simple button press. Whether you need one profile for sniping in Call of Duty, another for drifting in Forza Horizon 5, or something for RPG adventures, the Elite Series 2 has you covered. And don’t forget the Xbox Accessories app, where you can fine-tune button mapping to create the exact layout you need.

Battery life won’t let you down either. This lousy boy offers up to 40 hours of gameplay on a single charge, with a USB-C cable and charging dock included for easy recharging. Whether playing on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or PC, you can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or Xbox Wireless or plug it in directly with the USB-C cable for zero latency.

To top it all off, the Elite Series 2 is designed for durability. The wrap-around rubberized grip keeps it comfy during marathon sessions. At the same time, its refined components are built to last — because nothing’s worse than a controller giving up a mid-boss fight.

Inside the box, you’re getting more than just the controller. The full package includes:

• Six thumbsticks: standard (2), classic (2), tall (1), vast dome (1)

• Four paddles: medium (2), mini (2)

• Two D-pads: standard and faceted

• Thumbstick adjustment tool

• Charging dock and USB-C cable

• Carrying case for keeping everything organized

At $129.99, the Xbox Elite Series 2 is one of the best deals for a pro-level controller with this much customization and performance. This is the controller to beat if you take your gaming seriously (or want to feel like a pro while button-mashing).

It dwells miles down, nearly freezing in perpetual darkness, equipped with numerous appendages to capture prey.

Deep Sea biologists found a new animal some 26,000 feet (7,902 meters) underwater in the ocean's "hadal zone," named for the Greek god of the underworld, Hades. These researchers lowered baited traps into the Atacama Trench off of Chile, and brought up four individuals of a species now called Dulcibella camanchaca.

"Dulcibella camanchaca is a fast-swimming predator that we named after 'darkness' in the languages of the peoples from the Andes region to signify the deep, dark ocean from where it predates," Johanna Weston, a hadal ecologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution who coauthored the discovery, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Scientists witness stunning, unprecedented carnage in the ocean

In the hadal zone, the deepest ocean realm, many critters depend on food sinking down from the more productive waters above. But Dulcibella camanchaca isn't a scavenger. The four-centimeter (1.5-inch) crustacean (an arthropod with a hard shell like a crab) captures smaller hadal crustaceans.

"This finding underlines the importance of continued deep-ocean exploration, particularly in Chile’s front yard," Carolina González, a researcher at the Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía who analyzed the species' DNA, said. "More discoveries are expected as we continue to study the Atacama Trench."

The research has been published in the science journal Systematics and Biodiversity.

The location of the Dulcibella camanchaca discovery in the Atacama Trench. Credit: Johanna Weston / Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution An illustration of the predatory Dulcibella camanchaca and its "raptorial appendages." Credit: Johanna Weston / Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Even in the deepest ocean, predators can flourish, such as a snailfish spotted at 27,349 feet (8,336 meters) down — the deepest fish ever observed. They are flabby, jelly-like fish that binge eat when they spot hadal prey, such as crustaceans.

Ocean research organizations are now vigilantly documenting and mapping the deep sea. Scientists want to shine a light — literally and figuratively — on what's down there. The implications of knowing are incalculable, particularly as deep sea mineral prospectors prepare to run tank-like industrial equipment across parts of the seafloor. For example, research expeditions have found that ocean life carries great potential for novel medicines. "Systematic searches for new drugs have shown that marine invertebrates produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organisms," notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

TL;DR: The Seido Japanese Master Chef's 8-Piece Knife Set combines razor-sharp blades, ergonomic design, and professional-grade quality for $119.97 (reg. $429).

The new year is the perfect time for new habits — and delicious, healthy meals start with the right tools. The Seido Japanese Master Chef's 8-Piece Knife Set is a beautifully crafted collection that empowers home cooks and pros alike to slice, dice, and chop with precision.

For just $119.97 (regularly $429), this set offers premium Japanese craftsmanship without the sky-high price tag, and it even comes in an easy-to-gift box. Each knife in the set is forged from high-carbon stainless steel, offering an ideal combination of durability, sharpness, and balance.

Unlike typical Western knives with 25° edges, Seido knives are designed with a sharper 15° edge, delivering incredibly smooth cuts. Whether you're slicing through crusty bread with the serrated bread knife, finely chopping herbs with the santoku, or carving roasts with the slicing knife, these tools are designed to make cooking easier.

With knives like the 8" chef’s knife for all-purpose slicing and the 7" cleaver for tackling tougher cuts of meat, every kitchen task can be easier to manage. The ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip, while the acute blade angles make even the most delicate cuts precise.

Not only are these knives razor-sharp, but they’re also a work of art. Crafted by Japanese blacksmiths with over 100 years of combined experience, each knife features a beautiful Damascus-etched finish that adds elegance to your kitchen. And with a lifetime of sharp performance, these knives will remain a trusted partner in your culinary adventures.

Don't miss the Seido Japanese Master Chef's 8-Piece Knife Set while it's on sale for just $119.97 (reg. $429).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Seido Seido™ Japanese Master Chef's 8-Piece Knife Set w Gift Box $119.97
$429.00 Save $309.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: For $79.99, grab the PDF Expert Premium lifetime plan for someone this holiday and help them tackle PDFs on their Mac.

Struggling with PDF documents? PDF Expert is here to save the day. You could alleviate your PDF woes — or someone else's — with powerful editing and management features that make handling PDFs a breeze. Until December 22, get lifetime access to a PDF Expert Premium plan on sale for $79.99 (reg. $139).

One of the highlights is its powerful editing tool. With PDF Expert, you can easily edit text, images, and links within your PDFs. No more dealing with uneditable files — simply click and type to make changes. This feature is perfect for correcting typos, updating documents, or customizing forms without needing to recreate the entire file from scratch.

Another key feature is the annotation tool. PDF Expert allows you to highlight text, add notes, and draw shapes directly on your PDFs. Whether you're reviewing a contract, marking up a report, or collaborating on a project, these annotation tools make it simple to communicate your thoughts and feedback clearly.

PDF Expert also excels in merging and organizing PDF files. You or anyone else on your gift list can combine multiple PDFs into one, rearrange pages, or extract specific sections with just a few clicks. This functionality is great for students, professionals, or anyone who needs to keep their documents neat and accessible.

With this one-time purchase, users will get unlimited access to these features and more, without any recurring fees. 

'Tis the season to work with PDFs without worry. Grab this lifetime subscription to PDF Expert Premium as a last-minute holiday gift for yourself or someone else for $79.99 while supplies last. This offer expires December 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Readdle Limited PDF Expert Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Mac) $79.99
$139.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: AI Magicx is your AI multitool for generating all kinds of content, and it's only $69.99 for a lifetime subscription with code FESTIVE30. 

Running a small business or side hustle means wearing many hats: marketer, designer, writer, and sometimes all three at once. That's a lot of hats for one head. Maybe it's time to tip your hat to an AI tool that can multitask just as well (or even better). 

AI Magicx is a full AI toolkit with models for generating text and images, analyzing documents, and even bots that can engage with customers. Best part: this isn't another monthly expense. You can get AI Magicx for life on sale for $69.99 (it's usually $972). 

Hats off to AI Magicx

AI Magicx gives you access to a full suite of AI tools that can help streamline your work day, whether you're designing, writing, or engaging with your audience. From generating custom logos to crafting articles and stories, AI Magicx might become your new favorite productivity multitool.

If you’re looking for visuals, the Magicx Art Generator is your go-to. With a simple description, it can turn your words into vibrant visuals. Whether you need a picture for a social media post, an email campaign, or your website, this tool makes it easy to create eye-catching images with no artistic expertise required.

For content creation, the AI Article Generator helps you effortlessly generate well-researched, high-quality blog posts, product descriptions, and other content. The AI Story Generator takes things a step further by allowing you to develop captivating stories from your ideas. 

But that's not the only language it can help with. This AI toolset also has support for coding. You might not need to be a tech pro to customize your website.

The AI Chatbots included with AI Magicx are helpful for any growing business. These smart bots can engage with visitors on your website, answer questions, and provide assistance, all while saving you time. 

Limited-time offer

Use code FESTIVE30 by January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a lifetime subscription to AI Magicx for $69.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: AI Magicx AI Magicx: Lifetime Subscription (Rune Plan) $69.99
$972.00 Save $902.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: The 9" Wireless Car Display adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to any vehicle for just $94.97 (reg. $179).

Who says you need a brand-new car to enjoy cutting-edge features? The 9" Wireless Car Display is here to revolutionize your driving experience for just $94.97 (regularly $179). Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this sleek touchscreen gives you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation tools — without ever touching your phone. It’s the ultimate upgrade for anyone needing modern tech in their older vehicle.

With its vibrant 1024x600 FHD screen, you can adjust the brightness to suit your needs, enjoy a broader viewing experience, and connect seamlessly to your smartphone using Bluetooth, AUX, or FM transmission. Whether you’re syncing real-time GPS, playing music, or mirroring your phone’s screen for YouTube, this display transforms your car into a smarter, more efficient machine.

Factory-installed infotainment systems can cost thousands of dollars. This display gives you most of the same functionality — hands-free voice control via Siri or Google Assistant, access to maps and apps, and even compatibility with a reversing camera — at a fraction of the price. Plus, its easy DIY installation means no expensive trips to the mechanic. Just plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter, and you’re good to go.

Beyond convenience, this display prioritizes safety. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road while enjoying turn-by-turn navigation or taking calls. Its mirror link function makes it perfect for playing videos during car camping trips or entertaining passengers on long drives. And since it works with any car model, it’s an accessible upgrade for everyone.

Don't miss this 9" Wireless Car Display while it's on sale for just $94.97 (regularly $179) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rochas Divine Mart 9" Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility & Phone Mirroring $94.97
$179.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal

SAVE $400: As of Dec. 17, LG 55-inch B4 OLED 4K UHD Smart TV is available for $999.99 at Best Buy, saving you $400 off its usual price of $1,399.99. It’s the perfect blend of breathtaking visuals, immersive audio, and gaming features that’ll elevate your home entertainment experience.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-inch B4 OLED 4K UHD Smart TV $999.99 at Best Buy
$1,399.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal

Let’s be honest — once you’ve seen an OLED TV in action, there’s no going back. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or bingeing your favorite shows, the LG B4 55-inch OLED TV delivers breathtaking picture quality that makes other TVs look... well, flat. And thanks to Best Buy’s deal, you can snag this beauty for $999.99 — a sweet $400 discount from its regular $1,399.99 price.

What makes the LG B4 so impressive? For starters, it’s got 8.3 million self-lit pixels, meaning every scene pops with perfect black levels and vibrant, luminous color — no backlight bleeding or muddy grays here. The OLED display makes it look razor-sharp, from watching shadowy action sequences to colorful animated films. And with Dolby Vision and FILMMAKER MODE support, you’ll experience movies just as the director intended, without any weird motion smoothing or artificial adjustments.

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

LG’s α8 AI Processor drives all that visual magic, which automatically enhances picture and sound quality based on what you’re watching. Streamed content, live TV, or gaming — the AI smarts ensure everything looks (and sounds) its best without you lifting a finger. Combine that with Dolby Atmos audio, and you’ve got a genuinely cinematic experience in your living room.

Gamers, you’re in for a treat, too. The LG B4 is stacked with gaming features like NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which eliminate screen tearing and keep gameplay buttery smooth. Four HDMI 2.1 ports give you the bandwidth to connect all your consoles and devices simultaneously. The LG Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer put everything you need to tweak settings for the perfect play session at your fingertips.

Beyond the stunning visuals and gaming chops, the LG B4 runs on webOS 24, LG’s latest smart TV platform. It’s faster and more intuitive and now comes with Quick Cards for quickly organizing your favorite streaming apps. Want more content? LG Channels offers 300+ free channels, so you can spend less time scrolling and more time watching. And with webOS Re: New, LG guarantees software updates for up to five years — talk about future-proofing your TV.

At $999.99, the LG B4 is the ultimate upgrade for anyone ready to take home entertainment to the next level. OLED TVs at this price don’t come around often, so don’t wait — your eyes (and your console) will thank you.

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are an interesting gadget. They started out very low key, with the ability to listen to audio, as well as take photos and videos, but also with most of the "smart" features missing.

But Meta has slowly been adding more features to the mix, and now we've reached a point in which the Ray-Ban Metas truly deserve the "smart" moniker.

On Monday, Meta announced several new features for Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

SEE ALSO: Ray-Ban Meta Glasses can be used to dox strangers via facial recognition, according to Harvard students. Here's how to protect yourself.

One, currently enabled only for members of Meta's Early Access program, is live AI. It enables Meta's AI to see what you see (through the glasses' camera) and chat with you about your surroundings. For example, you could ask the AI what next to add to a cake you're baking, or how to improve your houseplant's health.

Also available to Early Access program members is live translation, which is one of the coolest use cases for a gadget like this. If you're chatting with someone in a foreign language (English, Spanish, French, and Italian are supported) you can have the glasses translate what the other person is saying and feed the translation to the glasses' speakers, or as a transcript on your phone.

Another new feature, available to all users from the U.S. and Canada, is Shazam integration. When there's music playing near you, you can say, "Hey Meta, what is this song?" and Shazam will find out the answer for you. Takes some of the fun out for music nerds like me, but it sounds like a pretty natural and elegant way to use Shazam.

Meta says more software updates (including some surprises) are coming in 2025.

FREEBIES AND LIFETIME LICENCE DEAL: As of Dec. 17, the Neural DSP Quad Cortex is available for $1,699 at Sweetwater, with financing options as low as $36.11 per month. Meanwhile, Daaci’s Natural Drums AI plugin is just $125.67 for a lifetime license — no subscriptions, no bloated bundles, just pure, dynamic drum grooves on demand.

Opens in a new window Credit: Neural DSP Neural DSP Quad Cortex Get Deal

Why you can't find a reliable drummer for your jam sessions? Drummers are either late, loud, or mysteriously absent when inspiration strikes. But what if I told you a $125.67 plugin could replace them forever — no backtalk, no endless tuning, no monthly fees? Of course, I'm joking. Plenty of amazing drummers are out there; they don't want to play with me.

Enter Daaci's Natural Drums AI plugin, the intuitive virtual session drummer you didn't know you needed. Pair it with the Neural DSP Quad Cortex for studio-grade guitar and bass tones, and you've got yourself an all-inclusive band setup for a fraction of the cost of hardware, drum kits, and overpriced subscriptions.

SEE ALSO: Want to learn guitar? This $40 bundle gives you a pro teacher

The Neural DSP Quad Cortex, priced at $1,699 at Sweetwater, is what happens when cutting-edge tech meets hands-on flexibility. This floor-ready digital modeler features a 2GHz Quad-Core SHARC processor — enough power to run multiple amp chains simultaneously. It packs over 50 amps, 70 stomps, and 1,000 impulse responses, from glassy cleans to face-melting saturation.

Neural's Capture Technology lets you digitize and save your favorite real-world gear for easy recall. And with CorOS 3.0, you can now integrate Neural DSP's popular plugins, like Archetype: Gojira X, expanding your tone palette without the fuss of external computers.

But here's where the setup really sings: Daaci's Natural Drums AI plugin. For $125.67, you're not just buying a drum machine — you're purchasing a lifetime license for an AI drummer that adapts to your ideas in real-time.

Other plugins force you into monthly payments or bloated bundles packed with kits you'll never use. Not here. With Natural Drums, you get seamless DAW integration (Logic Pro X, Ableton, Pro Tools, and more), control over complexity, fills, swing, and patterns, and the kind of lifelike grooves that actually sound like a human behind the kit. Want to start with a simple rhythm and spice it up later? Natural Drums lets you add embellishments, fills, and shuffles with a few clicks — all without hogging your CPU.

SEE ALSO: When does Spotify Wrapped start tracking for 2025? What we know.

Lifetime licenses like this are practically a unicorn in the plugin world. While other companies nickel-and-dime you for every little add-on, Natural Drums gives you everything you need upfront. No subscriptions, overstuffed bundles, or tricks — just a top-tier drum companion you can rely on forever.

Quad Cortex, for $1,699, and Natural Drums, for $125.67, turn your home setup into a professional studio with guitar tones and drum tracks that sound like they cost ten times more. You'll never feel like you're missing a piece of the puzzle laying down polished recordings, working on new ideas, or just jamming without the hassle of chasing down flaky bandmates.

At the end of the day, you're not just saving money on mics, amps, drum kits, and late-night rehearse-a-thons — you're investing in creative freedom. No drummer? No problem. With the Neural DSP Quad Cortex and Daaci Natural Drums AI plugin, you have your full band at your fingertips for less than a decent drum kit. Deals like this don't stick around forever — unlike your new AI drummer.

SAVE $70: As of Dec. 17, Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are on sale for $229 at Amazon. That's a saving of 23% on the list price.

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

If you're looking for a great new pair of earbuds at a great price, look no further than Amazon's Daily Deals. Even without major retail holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday, you can find amazing discounts on all kinds of products, including the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.

As of Dec. 17, these earbuds are reduced to just $229 at Amazon. They've never been priced lower than this, and you can choose between all available colors: white, moonstone blue, black, and the diamond 60th-anniversary edition.

SEE ALSO: Get $50 off this incredible portable speaker from Beats

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are designed for music lovers who still want to be connected to their surroundings. They work by resting just outside your ears rather than fitting inside the ear canal like standard designs. This positioning uses Bose’s open-ear audio technology to direct sound precisely toward your ears, allowing you to hear music clearly without blocking external noise. This type of earbud is fantastic for running, walking, and any outdoor activity where you need to remain aware of your surroundings. They're also water resistant so there won't be any issues on rainy days.

This design doesn't mean you'll be scrimping on sound quality, in fact, it's quite the opposite. With a name like Bose, you know you'll be getting some of the best sounds around. Bose still manages to create an immense, full sound even though the buds don’t seal in your ears.

TL;DR: Live stream Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in the Emirates NBA Cup with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

It's the second annual Emirates NBA Cup, previously known as the In-Season Tournament. The Milwaukee Bucks head to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Emirates NBA Cup Championship.

The Bucks have won three of their last five games, specifically their last three games, sending the team to the NBA Cup Championship. Milwaukee is currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Thunder is riding a five-game win streak into the championship game, which makes sense considering they sit at the top of the Western Conference.

When is Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder?

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 17. This game takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The game will air on ABC.

How to watch Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

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 Bucks vs. Thunder 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 Bucks vs. Thunder 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 Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 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 Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 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 Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 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 Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $105: As of Dec. 17, the Amazon eero 6+ WiFi router is on sale for $194.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon eero 6+ mesh WiFi Router $194.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $105.00 Get Deal

If your patchy, unreliable WiFi makes you want to throw your router out of the window, let's talk about an upgrade. You shouldn't have to suffer with laggy video calls, buffering shows, or devices that just won't connect. And you don't need to spend a fortune to get away from this either.

As of Dec. 17, you can find incredible deals on mesh router systems at Amazon. This includes a great deal on the Amazon eero 6+ router system. Currently, this product is reduced to $194.99, saving you 35% on list price. This discount is specific to the three-pack option, but you can find deals across all bundles.

SEE ALSO: Is this router better than a VPN? You decide.

A mesh WiFi system includes a main router and two nodes (satellites) placed around your home. They work together to eliminate dead zones, providing reliable WiFi coverage all over your home.

The eero 6+ is a great option for a mesh router system that offers gigabit wifi speeds at an affordable price. It is backward-compatible with older eero devices, making it flexible for all home setups. It boasts WiFi 6 technology and an extra boost from the 160 MHz radio channel, so the eero 6+ ensures fast and reliable connectivity for the entire household. The TrueMesh technology reduces dead spots and dropped signals, keeping your smart home running smoothly even when you’re away.

The setup doesn't require any overly complicated instructions either. It can be done in minutes by using the eero app.

Move fast, however, this is a limited-time deal at Amazon.

SAVE $50: As of Dec. 17, the Beats Pill is on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 33% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Pill $99.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Christmas is fast approaching and if you didn't stock up on all your gifts during the recent Black Friday madness, Amazon's Daily Deals are about to become your best friend. With great discounts across anything from coffee machines to headphones, you'll find something for everyone. And for the audiophile in your life, you can't go wrong with this great deal on the Beats Pill portable speaker.

Recently upgraded, the Beats Pill is the same speaker we've loved for years, but better. It may appear petite and dainty, but it's robust. It packs a serious audio punch, with the new, bigger, bespoke racetrack woofer displacing 90% more air volume, meaning you get a much deeper, fuller bass. Not to mention, it even has IP67 water resistance so it's safe from accidental splashes.

SEE ALSO: Drumroll... Beats drop major last minute audio deals at Amazon

For portable listening, the new 24-hour battery life will keep you going all day long, and can even be used to charge your phone or other devices through a USC cable.

As of Dec. 17, the Beats Pill is reduced to $99.95 (down from $149.95), saving you almost $50 on list price. It has also never been priced lower than this, so you know it's a great deal. This price is available in all the colors offered by Amazon: matte black, champagne gold, and statement red, but without the power adapter or AppleCare+.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

WordPress.org now requires users to affirm that pineapple is delicious on pizza before they can log in. It's the latest move in an increasingly antagonistic dispute between WordPress co-founder and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg and web hosting service WP Engine.

As reported by 404 Media and confirmed by Mashable, WordPress.org's login page features a new check box next to the phrase, "Pineapple is delicious on pizza." Users are currently unable to log in or create a new account unless they tick the box, which was first spotted on Sunday. (WordPress.com remains unaffected.)

SEE ALSO: Hong Kong Pizza Hut offers free pineapple after Italy objects to Olympic win

The merits of pineapple on pizza has long been the subject of frequently lighthearted internet debate. However, this particular invocation is less jovial. WordPress.org's pineapple pizza mandate comes in response to a California District Court decision last Tuesday, which granted WP Engine a preliminary injunction preventing Automattic from blocking its access to WordPress.org.

The injunction also ordered Automattic to remove a check box on WordPress.org's login page, which required users to pledge that they were "not affiliated with WP Engine in any way, financially or otherwise." Users were unable to log in unless this box was ticked.

Yet instead of completely removing the box, it appears Automattic amended it to refer to pineapple on pizza instead.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: WordPress.org What's the WordPress drama?

The ongoing WordPress drama is primarily about alleged trademark infringement, with WP Engine and Automattic having been at loggerheads for months now.

1. Blog post from Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg disparages WP Engine

The dispute publicly kicked off when Mullenweg denounced WP Engine as a "cancer to WordPress" in a blog post on Sept. 21. WP Engine is a third-party web hosting service that specifically caters to websites built using WordPress' open-source content management system, which is hosted and available via WordPress.org. 

Mullenweg has since been loudly critical of WP Engine, deriding the company for disabling tracked changes, using branding that allegedly infringes on WordPress' trademark, and contributing little to develop the open-source software.

"[WP Engine] do about half a billion in revenue on top of WordPress and contribute back 40 hours a week, Automattic is a similar size and contributes back 3,915 hours a week," Mullenweg claimed in his post.

2. WP Engine sends cease-and-desist letter to Automattic

Of course, WP Engine wasn't pleased with this. The company responded with a cease-and-desist letter on Sept. 23, demanding Automattic and Mullenweg stop making "false factual statements." 

WP Engine also accused Mullenweg of threatening to take a "scorched earth nuclear approach" toward the company if it refused to pay Automattic to license WordPress' trademarks. Court documents indicate Automattic demanded eight percent of WP Engine's revenue to be paid on an ongoing monthly basis.

According to WP Engine, such licensing is unnecessary as its use of WordPress' trademarks to describe its services are permitted under fair use.

"Mr. Mullenweg’s covert demand that WP Engine hand over tens of millions to his for-profit company Automattic, while publicly masquerading as an altruistic protector of the WordPress community, is disgraceful," read WP Engine's letter.

"WP Engine’s uses of those marks to describe its services – as all companies in this space do – are fair uses under settled trademark law and consistent with WordPress’ own guidelines."

3. Automattic sends cease-and-desist letter to WP Engine, bans it from WordPress

Automattic responded to that with its own cease-and-desist letter also dated Sept. 23, demanding WP Engine "immediately stop all unauthorized use of [WordPress and WordPress-based ecommerce platform WooCommerce] trademarks." 

Acknowledging that it had contacted WP Engine about licensing the trademarks, Automattic stated that no agreement had been reached, and accused the company of misleading consumers into thinking it is affiliated with WordPress.

The WordPress Foundation's trademark policy was also amended to specifically call out WP Engine, acknowledging that "WP" is not covered by trademarks but asking that it not be used "in a way that confuses people."

"For example, many people think WP Engine is 'WordPress Engine' and officially associated with WordPress, which it’s not," the policy reads. "They have never once even donated to the WordPress Foundation, despite making billions of revenue on top of WordPress."

Mullenweg subsequently announced that WP Engine had been banned from WordPress.org on Sept. 25, breaking numerous websites and preventing updates from being implemented. While it was temporarily lifted two days later, the ban significantly disrupted WP Engine's ability to do business. 

"[P]ending their legal claims and litigation against WordPress.org, WP Engine no longer has free access to WordPress.org’s resources," Mullenweg wrote in said announcement.

Expanding further on his personal blog, Mullenweg claimed Automattic's demand that WP Engine pay up "isn’t a money grab: it’s an expectation that any business making hundreds of millions of dollars off of an open source project ought to give back, and if they don’t, then they can’t use its trademarks," 

4. WP Engine files lawsuit against Automattic

It was all downhill from there. On Oct. 2, WP Engine filed a lawsuit against Automattic and Mullenweg with a slew of allegations, including libel, slander, attempted extortion, and unfair competition. 

WP Engine also amended its plan names to remove the word "WordPress," and updated its website to make clear it is "not endorsed or owned by, or affiliated with" the WordPress Foundation or WooCommerce.

"Automattic’s suggestion that WPE needs a license to do that is simply wrong, and reflects a misunderstanding of trademark law," a WP Engine spokesperson told TechCrunch. "To moot its claimed concerns, we have eliminated the few examples Automattic gave in its September 23rd letter to us."

In response to the ongoing legal proceedings, Automattic maintains that "WP Engine has never lost the ability to access the WordPress code and plugins on the Website."

"WP Engine is asking that the court force Matt and Automattic to allow WP Engine to host and distribute their plugins on the WordPress.org website for free in the absence of any obligation requiring them to do so," Automattic stated.

What does pineapple pizza have to do with the WordPress lawsuit?

All of this brings us back to WordPress.org's pineapple pizza pledge.

In early October, Mullenweg amended the WordPress.org login page to add a mandatory check box pledging that users have no affiliation with WP Engine. In a Slack post at the time, Mullenweg stated that this checkbox was part of the ban on WP Engine.

Following the court's injunction last Tuesday, that box now demands loyalty to the pineapple on pizza agenda instead.

What connection this culinary debate has to the larger legal matter at hand is unclear, assuming it has any at all. Automattic has not made any public statement on the matter, while Mullenweg merely shared a post on X which highlighted the change.

It's likely that Mullenweg simply took the opportunity to make a joke, regardless of the more serious circumstances surrounding it. Even if it didn't have bigger fish to fry, it seems improbable that Automattic would follow up with users on their pizza preferences.

Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The No. 25 Memphis Tigers and the West Virginia Mountaineers will face off in the first bowl game of the season this week at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The match will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The Tigers earned the No. 25 ranking after winning four of their last five regular season games. Memphis finished the season fourth in the American Athletic Conference with a 10-2 record overall and 6-2 in conference. West Virginia did not earn a College Football Ranking after coming in ninth in the Big 12 conference, but they were 6-6 overall.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Memphis vs. West Virginia football kickoff time and network

The Memphis vs. West Virginia football game is scheduled for a 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT start on ESPN on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Best streaming services for Memphis vs. West Virginia football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Memphis vs. West Virginia football game on ESPN. 

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 channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling 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, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV 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. 

TL;DR: Help them preserve cherished photos, videos, and important files with 1TB of Koofr cloud storage for life for just £94.60, with no recurring fees.

Who isn't on the hunt for a thoughtful gift that’s both practical and unique? That's why this offer has come at the perfect time.

Give your loved ones the gift of secure, lifetime cloud storage with Koofr’s 1TB plan — just £94.60 through 22 December. Because it's made to be user-friendly, it's ideal for parents, grandparents, or anyone who wants to keep photos, videos, and important files safe — even if they're not all that comfortable with digital files.

Koofr makes digital organisation simple and worry-free. Unlike other storage services, Koofr’s one-time payment model means no monthly fees, ever. Once you’re in, you’re set for life.

More than just a place to park files, it’s a thoughtful solution built to make digital storage easy, accessible, and secure. With 1TB of space, you can store up to 250,000 photos, 500 hours of HD video, or millions of documents. And if you’re already using services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, Koofr lets you connect them all in one place for simplified access to all your files.

One of the more thoughtful features is the Koofr Duplicate Finder. Say goodbye to duplicate files taking up unnecessary space. Koofr makes it easy to keep storage neat and organised. And it's good to know that Koofr takes privacy seriously. It doesn’t track your activity, and all files are encrypted during transfer and at rest, so you can rest assured your data is private.

Koofr is ideal for anyone who wants to keep their digital files safe and accessible, especially those who might not be very tech-savvy. It’s a useful gift for backing up photos, archiving family memories, or securing important work documents.

Grab lifetime access to 1TB of Koofr Cloud Storage while it's on sale for just £94.60 (reg. £638.70) through 22 December.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) £94.60
£638.70 Save £544.10 Get Deal

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 17 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Courage, boldness, or bravery

• Green: Types of pathways

• Blue: Ways to use paper

• Purple: Surfaces in which Tennis is played

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: Intrepidity

• Green: Road

• Blue: Kinds of Paper

• Purple: Kinds of Tennis Courts

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 #555 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Intrepidity: GRIT, HEALTH, NERVE, PLUCK

• Road: ARTERY, AVENUE, DRAG, DRIVE

• Kinds of Paper: CONSTRUCTION, GRAPH, TISSUE, WAX

• Kinds of Tennis Courts: CARPET, CLAY, GRASS, HARD

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 17

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

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

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