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Babes, can you handle this collision of supreme talent? Nicola Coughlan, who won our hearts on Derry Girls and Bridgerton, is joining Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa for the latest Doctor Who Christmas Special, titled "Joy to the World."

Written and executive produced by former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat, this holiday special stars Coughlan as the title character, a single woman named Joy, whose quiet Christmas break in London is interrupted by a "top secret mission" with a certain wildly charismatic Time Lord (Gatwa).

SEE ALSO: 'Doctor Who' Christmas specials ranked, and where to watch them

What else is in store? Well, double Doctors, self-reflecting drama, and....dinosaurs! Joy to the world indeed.

How to watch: Doctor Who "Joy to the World" will premiere on Disney+ Dec. 25 9:10 a.m. PST / 12:10 p.m. EST.

"Wrapped season" might be coming for cuffing season's lunch. The popularity of Spotify Wrapped has caused other apps — from sex toy orgasm tracking to banking — to come up with their own year-end stats. The latest to join wrapped season is Grindr with "Grindr Unwrapped 2024."

SEE ALSO: Grindr is testing an AI 'wingman' bot, CEO says

In 2024, Grindr users sent over 130 billion chats and almost 10 billion taps, according to the app's data. Grindr also surveyed 10,000 worldwide users on questions ranging from sex position of the year to mother of the year, and here's what it found:

Missionary won sex position of the year, with backshots (from behind), 69, side, and spooning rounding out the top five. Kissing was Grindr users' favorite foreplay activity of 2024, followed by oral (if you count oral sex as foreplay...), rimming, "hand stuff," and frotting (penis-to-penis rubbing).

As for mother of the year, Charli XCX won over Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Celine Dion, and Chappell Roan. Charli also won ally of the year and "BRAT" was Grindr users' album of the year — there must be a lot of 365 party girls on the app. Chappell Roan's "Good Luck, Babe!" was Grindr users' top song of the year, though, proving the newcomer's star power.

Check out all of the app's findings at Grindr Unwrapped.

Writer Richard Curtis shares the journey of adapting his children’s books into the intertwined holiday stories that make up That Christmas. He reflects on his personal Christmas traditions and how they inspired the heartfelt themes of family, community, and love in the film.

That Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

TL;DR: Live stream Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions for free with a 30-day free trial of Prime Video.

Thursday Night Football returns with Week 14 action, which kicks off with an NFC North showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. The Packers are 9-3, which puts them in third place in their division. The Lions are leading the entire NFC, not just the NFC North, at 11-1. The two teams are separated by the 10-3 Minnesota Vikings.

Detroit has not lost since Week 2, giving them all the momentum, on top of being the home team, where the Lions are 5-1. Green Bay has won four of their last five games, including the last three straight. The Packers are also 4-1 on the road. The odds currently favor Detroit.

When is Packers vs. Lions?

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions takes place at 8:15 p.m. ET on Dec. 5. The two teams will face off at Ford Field in Detroit.

Al Michaels is expected to do the play-by-play, Kirk Herbstreit will join him in the booth as the analyst.

How to stream Packers vs. Lions for free

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but anyone can watch this game for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (not to mention other Thursday Night Football fixtures).

If you're already a member, or have already used the 30-day trial, Prime Video subscriptions start at $8.99 per month.

Best streaming services for Packers vs. Lions

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens will be aired locally in both Green Bay and Milwaukee. It may be available in some other markets, but NFL games are subject to local blackouts.

If you do not have a cable package in those markets, you have options. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Packers vs. Lions on local networks.

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

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

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.

For in-market games: 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. 

Again, Bengals vs. Ravens is subject to local blackouts. It is available nationally on Prime Video.

How to watch Packers vs. Lions from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Packers vs. Lions from anywhere in the world 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 service

5. Watch Packers vs. Lions from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• 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.

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

Cuffing season is in full swing and 2025 is within kissing distance. But, what will the new year bring for our love lives?

Dating app Hinge is encouraging daters to adopt a concept they're calling "Dating Forward". The concept essentially centres around being intentional and thoughtful in your dating behaviour, avoiding amassing dating matches without talking to them, and instead taking time to read people's profiles and engage with the content.

SEE ALSO: Cuffing for love? Here are the best dating apps for serious relationships

So, how exactly do we "date forward"? Hinge's director of relationship science Logan Ury says it's all about prioritising quality over quantity.

According to a new survey by the company, 47 percent of Hinge daters say that going on more dates is their top dating goal for 2025. But, as anyone who's been on a dating app lately will know, the real challenge lies in turning matches into conversations, then converting those chats into real-life dates. That's not even mentioning the journey that ensues once you've connected IRL.

Hinge's five tips for dating forward in 2025Focus on the present

73 percent of Hinge daters admit to overthinking past dating experiences. Hinge wants daters to refocus their attention to present and future dating experiences.

Set yourself dating goals

When you're spending a decent chunk of time on the apps, it's useful to think about what you want to get out of that. 42 percent of Hinge daters say they need to set clearer intentions for what they're looking for.

Prioritise quality matches over quantity

Stop racking up matches with no intention of talking to people. Instead, try slowing things down and evaluating each match before turning back to scrolling through profiles. Hinge introduced Your Turn Limits in 2024 to cap the number of unanswered messages in a bid to beat dating fatigue. If you have too many pending replies, the feature will ask you to respond to or end those conversations before connecting with new people.

SEE ALSO: Tinder's top dating trends and predictions for 2025 Meet ASAP

Many of us know how it feels to get stuck in a pen pal situationship with someone who has no intention of meeting you in person. Chat to someone too long and you can quickly lose interest in meeting up. Hinge research has found that three days of chatting is the "sweet spot to ask someone out."

Plan activity-based dates

Gone are the days of boring dates that feel like job interviews. Why not plan a date around an activity you find fulfilling? If the date goes well: great. But if it doesn't: you still had fun and got to do an enjoyable activity. 31 percent of Hinge daters think that planning dates that centre around activities they like would help them stay focused on dating. You could try going to museums, art classes, or an event where you try your hand at a new skill.

Go forth and date forward.

Haliey Welch, the girl behind the viral "Hawk Tuah" video that was everywhere over the summer, has gone from strength to strength since, growing a huge social media following before launching her own podcast. But it seems like her luck in the public sphere may have run out.

SEE ALSO: 50 Cent got hacked by someone shilling memecoins

On Wednesday, Welch followed in the footsteps of celebrities like Iggy Azalea and Cardi B when she launched her own memecoin, $HAWK. Within minutes of the launch, though, things started going wrong. Here's how it all played out.

Tweet may have been deleted What is Haliey Welch's $HAWK token?

In short, it's another of the many memecoins on the Solana blockchain. Welch teased the launch in late November, mentioning possibly launching a memecoin on her podcast when interviewing businessman Mark Cuban, and sharing a thread on X (formerly Twitter) from a company called overHere, who said it was launching the token on her behalf.

Tweet may have been deleted

"$HAWK isn’t just a Meme Coin, it’s a part of the culture," reads the token's description on overHere's site. "Haliey is using her meme to unite her entire community. From: TikTok, Talk Tuah podcast listeners, merchandise buyers, and even her charity supporters. Hundreds of thousands of non-crypto users will be onboarded by $HAWK because Haliey is making it easy, fun, and engaging. If you love Haliey, you love memes. And $HAWK is where it all comes together."

overHere's original X thread also stated that $HAWK "isn't just another token launch," arguing that it would help onboard non-crypto users while putting transparency first.

So where did it all go wrong?

What happened with the $HAWK launch? That chart...doesn't look great. Credit: dexscreener.com

Shortly after $HAWK launched, Welch's X post was quickly hit with a Community Note warning that 96 percent of the token's supply appeared to be owned by just 10 connected wallets. Wallets are anonymous (at least to an extent), but when such a large percentage of one token is owned by so few, the risks are obvious — if these people start selling, the token's value can plummet.

Tweet may have been deleted

As you can see from the chart above by blockchain data analytics visualiser Bubblemaps, $HAWK spiked to a market cap of almost $500 million just minutes after its launch, before dumping down just as quickly again. At the time of writing the coin has a market cap of $36.6 million. In short, most people who bought the coin in those opening hours have lost money on it.

What has Haliey Welch said about $HAWK?

Welch and the overHere team attempted damage control in the hours after the launch, saying that "Haliey's team has sold absolutely no tokens whatsoever" and trying to place the blame on snipers (people who use bots to quickly buy tokens at the cheapest price possible). They released "Hawkanomics" which appear to show that Welch's tokens (10 percent of the supply) are locked for 12 months.

Tweet may have been deleted

They all eventually joined an X Spaces to talk about the launch, which Welch left after an hour saying she was "gonna go to bed." The overHere team promised that they'll "come back tomorrow" and that they're not going anywhere.

For the people who may have bought the token shortly after it launched, though, only to find its value quickly melting away as others sold it, that might not be much comfort.

SAVE $150: As of Dec. 5, the Beats Studio Pro headphones are on sale at Best Buy for $199.99. This is $150 off their original price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $199.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Headphones with noise-canceling are a must for people who frequently listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts. There's truly nothing better than being able to tune in to just what you're listening to and not be bothered by outside noises. Unfortunately these headphones can often come with hefty price tags, but thankfully a few are still on sale after Cyber Monday, including the Beats Studio Pro.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are currently down to $199.99 at Best Buy, a whopping $150 off their original price of $349.99. All colors are discounted as well, so you can choose between the black and gold headphones, standard black, navy, deep brown, and sandstone. As a bonus, you also get two free items with your purchase: Apple Fitness+ for free for three months and up to three months free of Apple Music.

SEE ALSO: My favorite LG TV is still on sale after Cyber Monday

Noise-canceling headphones like these ones are worth every penny. In our review, writer Alex Perry said "the Beats Studio Pro headphones are excellent on most of the levels that matter. They sound fantastic, last a long time, and support multiple playback styles. Most importantly, Android users don’t get the shaft, with near-parity between iOS and Google’s mobile platform."

These headphones may not stay at this sale price for long, so take advantage of this Beats Studio Pro headphones deal at Best Buy before it's gone.

There are still some great deals to check out right now, even with Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us. In our roundup of the best Cyber Monday deals still live, you can have a look through our selection to see if any items that caught your eye are still discounted right now.

SAVE $150: As of Dec. 5, the 42-inch LG C4 OLED 4K TV is on sale for $999.99 at Best Buy. This is $150 off its original price of $1,149.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 42-inch Class C4 Series OLED TV (2024) $999.99 at Best Buy
$1,149.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

If you frequently use a TV for gaming, movie nights, or watching your favorite TV shows, it's definitely worth investing in an OLED TV. Thankfully, after the Cyber Monday sale event, there are still a few on sale. This includes some of this year's biggest and best models, like the LG C4 TVs.

For those looking for a smaller TV for their living space, the 42-inch LG C4 is currently on sale for $999.99 at Best Buy. This is $150 off its original price of $1,149.99 and absolutely worth jumping on if you've been looking for an upgrade, in my opinion.

SEE ALSO: The PS5 Digital Edition is still at its Black Friday price

As someone who picked up an LG C4 TV for themselves this year, it's worth every penny. Games look stunning and smooth on it and movie nights are unbeatable when it comes to the OLED display and 4K resolution. I recently re-watched The Lord of the Rings trilogy and let me tell you, those films look even more gorgeous on this OLED. Filmmaker Mode really made them shine, as did Dolby Atmos for excellent sound.

Deals like this likely won't stick around for long as we inch closer to the holidays, though. So, if you want to jump into OLED with a smaller display for your home, have a look at this 42-inch LG C4 deal at Best Buy.

While some of the bigger deals may have gone by now, there are still a few hanging on after Cyber Monday. If you're curious to see what else is still available, have a look at our breakdown of the best Cyber Monday deals to see if something that caught your eye during the sale is still discounted.

Is Paul Mescal one of those method guys?

"Absolutely not," he tells his SNL colleagues in the sketch above, which is a promo for the episode Mescal will be hosting on Saturday. "That's not my style."

Cue Mescal quickly attempting to start a Gladiator II style challenge to settle a dispute before shooting Mikey Day with an arrow after he tells the actor he can't play Donald Trump Jr.

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

We all love a bit of exercise gear around the house. Especially now that so many of us are still working from home and living more sedentary lifestyles.

But there’s one exercise machine that’s still daunting: the terrifying treadmill. Maybe it’s because they’re big, bulky, and there’s no escape once you’re on them, but the treadmill has always been the scariest of all exercise equipment. Modern home treadmills, however, are actually sleek, smart, and interactive.

Whether you’re looking to do some interval workouts or simply reach the highest level of calorie burn, this new class of fitness equipment has the lot: sound systems, tablet holders, compatibility with fitness apps, advanced heart rate monitoring, and more.

What are the health benefits of a treadmill?

Having a treadmill at home means all the benefits of good cardio — improved cardiovascular health, calories burnt, weight loss, low blood pressure, improved sleep, and more. A good quality treadmill will also take it easy on your joints, with a design that absorbs impact. That means fewer injuries that you might pick up from running on regular streets. It’s not only health benefits, of course. Treadmills are hugely convenient, making it easier to workout whenever you like, and modern tech features allow you to customise workout your specific fitness needs.

How big is a treadmill?

That’s perhaps the biggest question of all when it comes to treadmills. Because you only have so much space, and they’re not exactly small — though they’re also not necessarily as big and cumbersome as you might think. The average treadmill is just under two metres long and just under a metre wide. If you are struggling for space, consider a foldable model. That means you can store it away between workouts.

What are most important features on a treadmill?

Most modern treadmills come with some kind of console and/or display screen. This is where it feeds back vital info to keep track of your performance and progress — stats such as calories burned, heart rate, distance, and speed. Available stats will vary depending on how expensive and advanced the treadmill is.

More advanced treadmills will also connect to smart devices via Bluetooth and sync with fitness apps — or have a tablet-style screen that links to live workout classes, as made popular by Peloton exercise bikes. If they don’t have screens, let’s not overlook how important it is to have some sort of clip or holder for securing a tablet, just in case you need distracting with your favourite show to get through those last few miles. Other key features include different levels of incline.

What is manual and automatic incline?

Here’s a term that might confuse you if you’re a treadmill newbie. Incline is basically how steep the running deck is. Using an increasingly steep incline helps burn more calories and build muscle. Some models have a manual incline, which means you change it with a lever — this is more common on budget models. Automatic incline is activated by a simple press of a button, which you can pump up or down depending on how intense you want your workout to be.

How much does a treadmill cost?

This all depends on the quality you’re looking to buy. If you want a basic model that folds away into the downstairs cupboard, you can pick one up for under £200. But if you’re looking to get serious about state-of-the-art tech and high quality design, you can spend into the thousands. This list includes a range of price points. Spend as little (or as much) as required to suit your fitness needs.

What is the best treadmill?

The answer, ultimately, is whatever suits your home and workout style. In order to find the best options for you, we have scoured the web for write-ups and left no treadmill review unread. Whether you want a heavy-duty piece of training equipment or are thinking of exploring folding treadmills to find a rainy-day fit, we’ve got suggestions in your price range.

These are the best home treadmills for 2024.

Stardew Valley fans, there's been an update on the developer's highly awaited next game, Haunted Chocolatier. But before you get too excited, remember these things take a SquidFest's worth of work to create.

The farming/role-playing game's designer, Eric Barone, who works under under the alias ConcernedApe, published a blog post on Wednesday checking in about Haunted Chocolatier's development and reminding fans that it takes time to make a game like this from scratch — and notably solo.

SEE ALSO: 'Stardew Valley' has an official cookbook. Here's how to make Seafoam Pudding.

Barone said he'd been working on the recently released Stardew Valley 1.6 update, originally announced in April 2023, which meant he had to bench Haunted Chocolatier for a moment as he added new content and fixed bugs. But the developer said he has "created a 'vertical slice' of Haunted Chocolatier, essentially a skeleton of the game with most (not all) of its bones in place."

"It’s been a little sad to see Haunted Chocolatier getting dusty on the shelf… but this is the reality of my situation," he wrote. "Stardew Valley is a big and popular game, and I have a lot of attachment to it. I also feel a strong sense of duty and obligation to all the people who have bought Stardew Valley over the years, granting me this rare opportunity to be an indie game developer. So it’s hard to 'let go' of Stardew, even temporarily, to work on something that isn’t already established and meaningful to people."

For fans, Barone shared a little of the "vertical slice" he's created so far for Haunted Chocolatier, with screenshots he noted were "'work in progress' and likely to change before release." Barone is coding the game himself in the Microsoft platform C# (as Stardew Valley was) and entirely from scratch.

Run awaaaaaayyyy! Credit: ConcernedApe

In the post, you can see an adorable hovering ghost character, a scene showing the titular chocolatier's home with rows of vegetables suggesting that requisite farming element, a scene showing the player fighting off a giant horde of incoming pink and purple blobs with a sword (Barone has previously said the game will have "a greater focus on combat" than Stardew), an inventory menu, and two characters (one with purple hair, one blonde).

These are just the latest additions to the sneak peeks we've seen in ConcernedApe's existing screenshots which you can check out on the website. Plus, here's the early gameplay trailer from 2021 you can still savour:

Barone explained there will be no preorders, crowdfunding, or early access of any kind with Haunted Chocolatier, "so I don’t feel a ton of external pressure to finish the game on a timeline. The major source of external pressure is the fact I announced the game kind of early (I had my reasons for doing this), which built up excitement, meaning that if I take a long time, people might become sad. And that is a real pressure to me. But ultimately, I will not release a game unless it is complete and I am very happy with it, and I think that’s what most people would want, anyway."

Enjoy the snippet and head back to your cauliflowers, folks. It'll be here when it gets here.

SAVE $69.01: As of Dec. 5, the Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) is on sale for $359.99 after clipping a $19.01 coupon at Amazon. This is 16% off its original price of $429.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) $359.99 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $69.01 Get Deal

There are still a few Apple deals floating around following the big Black Friday and Cyber Monday seasonal sale events. If you were hoping to pick up an Apple Watch on sale, Amazon's here to help as you can still score an Apple Watch Series 10 at a discounted price right now.

The Apple Watch Series 10 with GPS is on sale for $359.99 at Amazon after clipping a $19.01 coupon on the store page. This is 16% off its list price of $429 and is just $0.99 away from its lowest-ever price from Black Friday, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. A deal like this one may not stick around for long, so act fast to pick it up.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade your earbuds and save $10 on the Apple AirPods 4

This Apple Watch is a worthy addition to a collection of Apple devices as well. Along with health and safety features, sleep tracking, and fitness tracking, this smartwatch has a lightweight design that can fit comfortably on your wrist alongside a larger display. In our review, Mashable's Stan Schroeder also said "if you've never owned an Apple Watch and want to dive in now, the Series 10 is a good place to start."

Who knows how much longer this deal will stick around for, so take advantage of this Apple Watch Series 10 deal while it's still live.

There are a few more Apple deals still live after Cyber Monday, if you're looking to pick some up before the holidays. Have a look at our roundup of the best Apple Cyber Monday deals to see which ones are still hanging on after the sale events.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 5, Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still on sale for $169.99 at Target. This is 32% off their original price of $249.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 (Active Noise Cancellation) $169.99 at Target
$249.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

The Cyber Monday sale event may be officially over, but there are still quite a few deals leftover to jump on before the holidays kick off. If you still have Apple products on your radar, the good news is that some are still discounted right now, including my personal favorite earbuds: the Apple AirPods Pro 2.

While not as low as they were during Cyber Monday, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still on sale at Target for $169.99. This is $80 off their original price of $249.99 and well worth picking up at this price, in my opinion.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade your earbuds and save $10 on the Apple AirPods 4

Not only are these earbuds great for listening to podcasts, music, and audiobooks, but I really love the active noise cancelation. Sometimes while I'm working I'll just put on noise cancelation to help me focus. And for when I need to keep an ear out for what's going on around me, especially if I'm traveling, Transparency mode works wonders so I can hear what's happening around me without skipping a beat.

Our review said, "The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are a great pair of wireless earbuds. They sound wonderful and have almost uncanny active noise cancelation." If you've been wanting to pick them up for yourself, don't miss out on this Apple AirPods Pro 2 deal at Target.

Looking for even more Apple deals? It's worth having a look at our roundup of Apple Cyber Monday deals to see if anymore are still discounted after the sale event. While many discounts won't be quite as steep, they're definitely still worth a look right now.

SAVE $1000: As of Dec. 5, the Sony 75-inch Bravia XR X93L Mini LED 4K Smart TV is available for $1,498 at Walmart. That’s a $1,000 discount off its original price of $2,498.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Bravia XR X93L Mini LED 4K Smart TV $1,498.00 at Walmart
$2,498.00 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal

Sony's 75-inch Bravia XR X93L Mini LED 4K Smart TV combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek design, making it one of the best premium TVs around. And now, it's on sale for $1,498 at Walmart — a generous $1,000 off its list price of $2,498. It's pricey, but it's an absolute bargain considering what you get for your money.

This TV's heart is Sony's Cognitive Processor XR, which delivers stunning picture quality with deep blacks, bright highlights, and natural colors that mimic real-world visuals. Paired with the XR Backlight Master Drive and XR Triluminos Pro, the Mini LED technology creates fantastic contrast and billions of vibrant colors for a brilliant visual experience.

SEE ALSO: New consumer protection rules would block data brokers from selling Americans' sensitive info

Gamers will appreciate the HDMI 2.1 features, including 4K/120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which ensure smooth, responsive gameplay. If you're a PlayStation 5 owner, exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode optimize your gaming and streaming sessions with incredible picture quality.

Bravia XR X93L offers Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode, letting you enjoy your favorite content exactly as the creators intended. The Bravia Core app allows you to stream high-quality 4K UHD movies directly on your TV.

But the brilliance isn't just visual. With Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, the TV's sound positioning tweeters provide wider, more immersive audio that complements the stunning picture. The Acoustic Center Sync feature enhances dialogue clarity and overall sound immersion if you pair it with a Sony soundbar.

The multi-position stand can be configured in three ways to suit your setup. Placing it on narrow furniture or raising it to accommodate a soundbar? Sony's got you covered. With an anti-reflective screen and wide viewing angles, you'll enjoy a premium picture no matter where you sit.

At $1,498, this deal is a no-brainer for anyone wanting a top-tier TV perfect for gaming, movie nights, and everything in between. In my experience, deals like this don't last long, so make your move before it's too late.

SAVE $200: As of Dec. 5, the Hisense U6 Series 65-inch 4K Smart TV is available for $497.99 at Amazon. That’s a $200 discount off its original price of $698.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense U6 Series 65-inch 4K TV $497.99 at Amazon
$698.00 Save $200.01 Get Deal

If you're looking for a high-performance TV that doesn't blow your budget, the Hisense U6 Series 65-inch 4K Smart TV is what you need. Currently priced at $497.99 at Amazon, this limited-time deal knocks $200 off its regular price of $698.

What sets the Hisense U6 apart is its impressive Mini-LED backlight technology. This contrasts exceptionally with a Full Array of Local Dimming, offering the deepest blacks and brightest highlights. The clarity on this bad boy is brilliant for its deal price point.

SEE ALSO: New consumer protection rules would block data brokers from selling Americans' sensitive info

The TV also features QLED Quantum Dot Color, which brings over a billion vibrant shades to your screen. Colors feel rich, natural, and immersive, which improves image quality regardless of what this TV is used for. Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos have also come along for the ride, slapping viewers in the middle of the action with immersive sound.

For gamers, the U6 Series has you covered with Game Mode Plus, which includes Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and AMD FreeSync compatibility. These features ensure smooth, lag-free gaming experiences. Thanks to Motion Rate 240 and Game Booster120, fast-paced action scenes and high-intensity gameplay look seamless and fluid.

Powered by Google TV, Hisense U6 integrates all your favorite streaming apps, voice control via Google Assistant, and advanced WiFi 6 connectivity for faster buffer-free streaming. The Hi-View Engine also uses AI-enhanced processing to continually optimize your picture quality.

At 65 inches, this TV hits the sweet spot for size and performance, making it an ideal centerpiece for any living room or gaming setup. It's also part of a series that offers multiple size options, so you can upgrade to a model that fits your space if you need it.

If you're looking for a TV that combines premium features with unbeatable value, the Hisense U6 Series 65-inch 4K TV is a fantastic deal that won't last long.

SAVE $500: As of Dec. 5, Sony 85-inch X77L 4K Ultra HD Smart TV is available for $998 at Amazon. That’s a $500 discount off its original price of $1,498.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 85 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L $998.00 at Amazon
$1,498.00 Save $500.00 Get Deal

Shopping for a massive TV with premium features and excellent value can feel overwhelming. Don't worry; I think this deal on the Sony 85-inch X77L 4K Ultra HD Smart TV hits the sweet spot. Currently priced at $998 on Amazon (down from $1,498), this $500 discount makes it one of the best big-screen deals of the season.

What makes Sony X77L stand out? Sony's 4K Processor X1 delivers vibrant colors and sharp detail in every frame. It makes every use case pop, from movies to gaming, with the resulting image quality feeling almost lifelike. The processor also works with 4K XR-Reality PRO to upscale older content, breathing new life into your favorite shows and movies.

SEE ALSO: New consumer protection rules would block data brokers from selling Americans' sensitive info

Games, sports, and action movies look amazing thanks to Motionflow XR technology, which reduces blur during fast-moving scenes. For gamers, the X77L is packed with exclusive PlayStation 5 features, like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. You'll get a lag-free and responsive experience if that means nothing to you.

At 85 inches, this TV is a proper centerpiece for your home cinema or gaming setup. Thanks to Google TV, you'll have all your favorite streaming apps in one place. Need to adjust settings or find a show? Use Google Assistant for hands-free control or pair with an Alexa device for seamless integration.

Sony has also thought of practical details. With Apple AirPlay, you can easily share content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, and multiple HDMI ports make it versatile enough for any setup. Plus, the TV is surprisingly slim for its size, allowing it to blend beautifully into any space.

This deal is about grabbing a premium giant-screen TV at a price that won't make your partner flip. If you dream of upgrading to an 85-inch screen without breaking the bank, this is your chance. Sony's X77L delivers everything you need for a top-tier viewing experience, and at $998, it's a deal that's hard to beat.

SAVE $250: As of Dec. 5, the Samsung 65-inch Q80C QLED 4K Smart TV is available for $748 at Walmart. That’s a $250 discount off its original price of $998.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 77-inch S84D OLED TV $748.00 at Walmart
$998.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

I've reviewed my share of TVs, but this Samsung 65-inch Q80C QLED 4K Smart TV deal gives buyers bang for their buck. It's available at Walmart for $748 — a hefty $250 off its regular price. This is a steal for anyone looking for a mid-range price tag and flagship performance.

A Direct Full Array QLED display means solid contrast, even in rooms filled with natural light. Watching a movie? You'll notice the difference. Gaming? The Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ keeps every frame smooth and sharp up to 4K 120Hz. And for streaming or live TV, its Neural Quantum Processor ensures every scene is rendered in crisp detail.

SEE ALSO: New consumer protection rules would block data brokers from selling Americans' sensitive info

The Quantum HDR+ sealed the deal for me. It brings colors to life, delivering theater-level brightness and depth to your favorite shows and movies. Pair that with Dolby Atmos™ sound, and you'll feel right in the action. The same goes for gaming on consoles and PCs that support it.

I also love how this TV is designed for modern living. There's a built-in Gaming Hub (no console required) or the SolarCell Remote that charges itself; Samsung has thought of everything. Plus, features like ConnecTime makes taking video calls from your big screen easy. RememberDon't that Samsung TVs have the Game Pass app built in, which means cloud gaming without an Xbox console. However, we'd recommend picking up a compatible Bluetooth controller.

At $748, this Samsung 65-inch Q80C QLED 4K Smart TV is solid. If you're looking to upgrade your setup for holiday movie marathons or level up your battle station, this Samsung QLED is a no-brainer. It'll likely shoot back up to full price sooner rather than later, so don't hang around.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, December 5, 2024:

AcrossCrunch muscles, informally

• The answer is Abs.

Brings in at harvest time

• The answer is Reaps.

Homophone for a winter vegetable

• The answer is Carat.

Prompt someone to say "Why don't you take a picture – it'll last longer!"

• The answer is Stare.

Freshly minted

• The answer is New.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 4 DownShapes of rainbows

• The answer is Arcs.

Homophone for a winter vegetable

• The answer is Beat.

Kitchen wrap brand

• The answer is Saran.

Homophone for a winter fruit

• The answer is Pare.

Warm, hearty winter meal

• The answer is Stew.

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

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

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

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

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 December 5 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 5 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Gonna fly now!

These words are things that have wings.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are creatures that fly, often used in storytelling.

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 WingedThing.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 5

• Griffin

• Butterfly

• Fairy

• Stork

• Dragon

• Angel

• WingedThings

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.

The Sound Towns of 2023 have been replaced with features such as an A.I.-driven podcast about users’ listening habits and word-salad-like genre summaries.