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The moon still looks pretty big and bright in the sky after last night's Full Moon. But now that it's passed, the moon will actually be getting less visible each night as we work through the lunar cycle and approach the New Moon phase. Until then, however, there's plenty to see on the surface, so keep reading to find out what you can spot.
What is today’s moon phase?As of Friday, Dec. 5, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous. This means 99% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.
If you're looking up with just your naked eye, there's lots to see, in particular the Humorum Mare, Endymion Crater, and Alphonsus Crater. With binoculars you'll also be able to spy the Alps Mountains, Clavius Crater and the Mare Humorum. And with a telescope, you can catch a glimpse of the Apollo 11 and 12 landing spots.
When is the next full moon?The next full moon will be on Jan. 3.
What are moon phases?NASA explains that the lunar cycle (which is about 29.5 days long) is made up of the Moon’s phases, which describe how the Moon looks from Earth as it travels around us. We view the same side of the Moon at all times, but the sunlight hitting its surface shifts as it moves through its orbit. That changing illumination is what makes the Moon appear full, half-lit, or not visible at all. The cycle includes eight distinct phases:
New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
Is the Trump administration about to be the Grinch that stole sales of most drones just before Christmas?
There's a Dec. 23 deadline looming for DJI, which makes 90 percent of the world's drones, to pass an audit from the U.S. government. Without an audit, U.S. law says DJI will go on the FCC's naughty list — sorry, Covered list — effectively a ban on further U.S. sales.
DJI has long said it is happy to schedule the new U.S. audit; after all, the company has years of independent audits (and a Department of the Interior audit) under its belt. But with no reply from anyone in the Trump administration three weeks before deadline, DJI drones look like they will be left high and dry.
That's why DJI just took the desperate step of sending open letters to Homeland Security head Kristi Noem, FBI boss Kash Patel, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Department of Defense (or is that War?) chief Pete Hegseth — whom they'd written to multiple times privately.
"In September you indicated through written communication the Department's willingness to work with DJI," the letter to Noem says. (Translation: we've got the receipts.) "We stand behind the security of our technology, and are keen to meet with you and ensure that this Congressionally-mandated security review takes place as soon as possible so you can fulfill your commitment."
SEE ALSO: Everything we know about the looming DJI drone ban in the United StatesAdam Welsh, DJI head of global policy, ticked off all the ways DJI drones are safe — flight logs don't go on servers, images and videos aren't backed up to servers unless the user wants, and there's a "local data" mode that cuts all connection between the drone and the internet.
With an eye to outraged consumers — especially farmers who use drone technology — Welsh wrote that a ban "would lead to widespread consumer confusion and deprive American drone users of due process — and of answers about the safety and security of the DJI products they use every day. Failing to undertake the review further goes against Congressional intent for a security review to be completed."
The administration hasn't commented on the open letters yet, but in the past, Hegseth's department has claimed — without evidence — that DJI is a Chinese military company.
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love game night.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games 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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.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 Pips hints, answers for December 5, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Complicated
Green: Circumstances
Blue: Game night
Purple: Chatting
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Tricky
Green: State of affairs
Blue: Classic board games
Purple: ___ Talk
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 #908 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayTricky: COMPLEX, DELICATE, STICKY, TOUGH
State of affairs: DEAL, SITUATION, STATUS, STORY
Classic board games: MASTERMIND, MOUSE TRAP, OPERATION, SORRY
___ Talk: BABY, PILLOW, SMALL, SWEET
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 5, 2025Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
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.
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a foodie.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 MashableBy 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, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 5, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Feeling peckish?The words are related to eating.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe dining establishments.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Dining Out.
NYT Strands word list for December 5Steakhouse
Buffet
Cafe
Dining Out
Bakery
Bistro
Brewery
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.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're always in the mix.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 5, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 5, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Amidst.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
AMONG
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 5, 2025Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
SAVE $90: As of Dec. 4, get the DJI Mic Mini (2 TX, 1 RX, and Charging Case) for $79, down from its usual price of $169. That's a discount of 53% and the lowest price we've seen.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mic Mini (2 TX, 1 RX, and Charging Case) $79 at AmazonThough Black Friday and Cyber Monday have both come and gone, there are still plenty of deals across the board that you won't want to miss. Some of those deals include discounts on creator-approved devices like the TikTok-favorite DJI Mic Mini. You can get one for yourself right now as it's back at the lowest price recorded just yet.
As of Dec. 4, get the DJI Mic Mini (2 TX, 1 RX, and Charging Case) for $79, down from its usual price of $169. That's $90 off and a discount of 53%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.
SEE ALSO: The best Cyber Monday deals on portable power stations: Jackery, Bluetti, and DJI at record lowsThis cult-favorite microphone is a favorite that's even used by the Mashable team. It's a great option for anyone who needs to record audio, whether that means interviewing or doing regular vlogging. All you need to do is clip it onto a secure area and it can do the rest as it records in excellent quality with a great range: up to 400 meters to be exact.
It's not only lightweight, but it records high-quality audio with 48kHz sampling at up to 120 dB SPL. With 10 hours of battery and an additional 48 thanks to the included charging case with this deal, you have plenty of time to record all the audio you need as well.
Part of what makes this mic such a favorite is its ease of use related to its high quality. It really is perfect for both entry-level and seasoned creators. And if you want to be in with the in crowd when it comes to tech, now's a good time to lock yours in while the deals are still hanging on.
TL;DR: A Grade A refurbished 2019 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar that still delivers smooth, everyday performance — on Cyber Week sale for $359.97 for a short time.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Pro 2019 (Refurbished) $359.97Not every MacBook needs to be brand new, freshly unveiled, and packed with the latest buzzwords. Sometimes, the smartest move is choosing a dependable model that still delivers where it counts — and the Grade A refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (2019) 13″ with Touch Bar fits that role.
Whether you’re responding to emails, managing spreadsheets, editing photos, hopping onto Zoom calls, streaming your favorite shows, or handling everyday work tasks, this Apple MacBook Pro has the power and polish to keep everything running smoothly without feeling outdated.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Powered by a 2.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and paired with 8GB of RAM, it handles multitasking easily. The 256GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick file access. Add in the 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology and wide color support, and you get sharp, vibrant visuals that make everything from documents to Netflix look crisp and comfortable on the eyes.
The Touch Bar brings a customizable layer of convenience to your workflow, putting relevant shortcuts at your fingertips depending on what you’re doing, while Touch ID makes logging in quick and secure.
With four Thunderbolt 3 ports, you get flexibility for charging, external displays, and accessories — a bonus for anyone juggling multiple devices.
Battery life clocks in at up to 10 hours, making it a reliable companion for full workdays, travel, or casual productivity sessions at the kitchen table. And thanks to its Grade A refurbished rating, this Mac arrives in near-mint condition with minimal to no visible wear.
Don’t miss out on getting a near-mint MacBook Pro while it’s $359.97 (reg. $1,499) for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: A lifetime AdGuard Family Plan that blocks ads, boosts privacy, and protects up to 9 devices — for a one-time $15.97 payment with code FAMPLAN.
Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97The internet is supposed to make life easier — but between pop-ups, autoplay videos, banner overload, and questionable links, it can sometimes feel like a noisy theme park you didn’t buy a ticket for.
This AdGuard Family Plan lifetime subscription quietly turns the chaos down and restores your browsing experience to what it should’ve been all along: simple, clean, and refreshingly calm.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The family-friendly plan covers up to nine devices, making it an easy way to protect phones, tablets, and computers all at once. Instead of juggling different settings and endless reminders to “close that ad,” AdGuard works in the background to block distracting ads, keep trackers at bay, and shield your devices from harmful malware and phishing attempts.
What makes it especially appealing is how it simplifies life in a world that already feels complicated. Parents can enable safe browsing controls for kids, helping filter inappropriate content and creating a more secure online space without constant hovering or manual interventions.
Meanwhile, everyone gets to enjoy faster page load times, cleaner screens, and fewer interruptions while streaming, shopping, or scrolling.
AdGuard’s advanced ad-blocking engine doesn’t just tackle the obvious stuff. It filters video ads, sneaky banners, and aggressive pop-ups that tend to slow down devices and clutter your screen. Pair that with built-in privacy protection, and you’ve got a tool that keeps personal data from being tracked and analyzed across the web.
Compatible with both Android and iOS, as well as computers, this lifetime plan is designed to age well with your devices. One simple setup, ongoing updates, and long-term protection — all without monthly fees to keep track of.
Get lifetime access to the AdGuard Family Plan for a one-time $15.97 payment (reg. $169.90) through Dec. 14 with code FAMPLAN.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Safeguard your data forever with this lifetime subscription to a FolderFort 1TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan, now just $49.97 (reg. $399) through Dec. 14.
Opens in a new window Credit: FolderFort FolderFort 1TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $49.97Everyone’s wallet is stretched thin during the holidays — so why not take one monthly bill off your plate? With FolderFort, you can store data for a low, one-time payment with no future bills in sight. And right now, you can secure 1TB of storage with their Pro Plan for only $49.97 (reg. $399) through Dec. 14.
Whether you’re tired of storing a ton of chunky external hard drives or you’re looking for a more affordable way to keep your content stored safely in the cloud, FolderFort offers an option that solves both issues. This 1TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan lets you stop renting and start owning your cloud storage, providing a permanent place to store your data.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Aside from being a much more affordable option, FolderFort Cloud Storage offers incredible security and speed thanks to BackBlaze, which delivers strong encryption and blazing-fast speeds. You’ll enjoy high-speed access, fast transfers, and 99.99% uptime, too, so none of your precious time is wasted.
FolderFort lets you log in and share files across all your devices, with cross-platform access. If you need to share content, it’s easy to create links to folders or files and provide someone access, or make public links you can share more widely.
We’re constantly creating more data, so our storage needs naturally grow over time. FolderFort makes it easy to scale your storage as needed, with unlimited expansion options.
Get a lifetime subscription to a FolderFort 1TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan for only $49.97 (reg. $399) through Dec. 14.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Looking forward to Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2, but don't have enough time for a full Season 1 rewatch? Don't worry, Phineas and Ferb (voiced by Vincent Martella and David Errigo Jr.) are here to help.
SEE ALSO: 'Phineas and Ferb' creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff 'Swampy' Marsh reveal the ultimatum that made the show fans loveYes, you read that right. In a new animated short, the leads of Phineas and Ferb helpfully walk their friends through Percy Jackson's quest to return Zeus' Master Bolt to Mount Olympus. As a child of both Phineas and Ferb and Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson books, this crossover's clearly been designed in a lab to make my nostalgia go through the roof.
To help set the scene (and channel that Disney corporate synergy), Phineas is rocking a Percy cosplay, blonde wig and all, while Ferb is dressed as Mr. D. They're not the only ones in costume: Isabella (voiced by Alyson Stoner) has Medusa's snake hair, Baljeet (voiced by Maulik Pancholy) has gone full Grover mode, and Buford (voiced by Bobby Gaylor) is channeling his inner Ares. Even Perry the Platypus (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker) is in on the fun, trading his trademark fedora for a Chimera costume, horns and all.
For their recap, Phineas and Ferb have crafted a Greek urn that plays out the condensed story of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 1. With all these inventions, you know the two of them would fit right in with the children of Hephaestus at Camp Half-Blood.
To relive Percy Jackson's adventure with Phineas, Ferb, and some Greek vase painting-style animation, check out the full short above. The short will also be available on Disney+ and Disney Channel Animation's YouTube Channel on Dec. 5, and on Disney Channel Dec. 7.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 premieres Dec. 10 on Disney+.
Phineas and Ferb Season 5 is now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes arriving in January.
HBO has released the final trailer for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and it gives viewers our best look yet at the Ashford Meadow tournament.
SEE ALSO: 'Knight of the Seven Kingdoms': 5 things we learned at the New York Comic Con panelThe tourney, complete with jousting and sword fights aplenty, is the main setting for George R.R. Martin's novella The Hedge Knight, upon which A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is based. In the novella, newly knighted Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), also known as "Dunk," heads to Ashford Meadow to earn some money (and maybe a tad of knightly glory along the way).
On his journey, Dunk encounters Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), a plucky young boy determined to be his squire. So begins a Westerosi buddy comedy, one with a decidedly lighter tone than either Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon. (Timeline-wise, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms falls between the two.)
But just because A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a lighter show doesn't mean Dunk and Egg aren't in any danger. In fact, Dunk's in tons of it, because Prince Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett) wants his head. You remember the old saying about how every time a Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin to determine whether they'll be mad? Well, let's just say that the coin did not land in Aerion's favor, and that's going to complicate things for Dunk once he winds up in Aerion's crosshairs.
How will they settle their beef? On the battlefield, of course! Check out the full trailer above for teases of the jousts and duels that await in this new Westerosi adventure.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres Jan. 18 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.
Lagging Zoom calls aren't just annoying parts of the average work day. They may be irreparably changing our social interactions.
According to a new study published this week in Nature, audiovisual glitches can have far-reaching affects on users that extend beyond expected nuisances, but which have the power to fundamentally impact major areas of our life, including the outcome of a job interview, trust in medical professionals, and the result of legal proceedings. And for people who don't have reliable internet access, including digitally disconnected, rural, or low-income households, the impact may be even more severe.
SEE ALSO: It's time to add AI protections to your willTitled "Video-call glitches trigger uncanniness and harm consequential life outcomes," the study focused primarily on on-screen face-to-face video calls, rather than audio-only calls or conversations featuring screen sharing or visual aids. Researchers reviewed several scenarios, including a database of casual video social interactions, a scripted video sales pitch given to participants, and a health consultations. They found that frequent video lags reduced feelings of trust and willingness to engage, such as to take the advice of or reconsult with a health provider.
The reason is that a dropped internet connection or glitches that distort faces, misalign audio and visual feedback, or create choppiness "break the illusion of face-to-face contact" that is created while on a video call, researchers write. This evokes a feeling of uncanniness that reduces a sense of social connectedness and trust — like when you realize you're talking to an AI. This sense is commonly referred to as the "Uncanny Valley," where something looks almost human, but not quite.
"Glitches can be costly in these consequential, virtually held life events. That is, beyond just undermining trivial and fleeting moments of conversation, glitches have the potential to fundamentally alter the trajectory of individuals’ lives, from their health to job status and more," researchers found. "Because people participate in numerous personal and professional virtual interactions annually, even modest glitch-related disadvantages can compound over time into substantial cumulative effects."
The researchers also reviewed court data, and when combined with the above results, found that video glitches correlated with a lower likelihood of being granted parole. "Despite being considered a boon to access, virtual communication might unintentionally perpetuate inequality," write the study's authors. "Because disadvantaged groups often have poorer internet connections, they are likely to encounter more glitches, and, in turn, to experience worse outcomes in consequential contexts such as health, careers, justice and social connection."
The study suggests that the evolving political and technological landscape, which has shifted increasingly toward remote-only processes, consider the impact of reverting to in-person interactions in favor of video interfacing. And the study recognizes there may be an implicit bias in the design of remote systems that advantage certain groups over others.
It also argues for more research on how best to reduce the impact of the Uncanny Valley while video conferencing, with one possible intervention standing out among others: Cracking a joke or two.
ChatGPT users are up in arms over what seems like advertisements appearing in their conversations — while OpenAI disputes that the messages are advertisements at all.
Even users who shell out $200 per month for a Pro subscription say they're seeing suggestions for apps or stores that may not actually be ads, but feel like it.
Here's one example, in which ChatGPT suggests the Peloton app — in a chat that's unrelated to the exercise equipment brand.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.An OpenAI employee responded quickly to the viral tweet. "Thanks for flagging. This is not an ad (there's no financial component)," wrote Daniel McAuley, who works on the data team at OpenAI.
"It's only a suggestion to install Peloton's app. But the lack of relevancy makes it a bad/confusing experience. We're iterating on the suggestions and UX, trying to make sure they're awesome."
Users on Reddit and elsewhere have also complained about so-called "app suggestions" ... that aren't technically ads.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.While these suggestions may not technically be ads, there have also been indications that ChatGPT could integrate straightforward advertisements soon — although when OpenAI CEO Sam Altman declared a "code red" for the company, he suggested this would mean delaying the ad rollout.
As AI companies with massive valuations and a huge burn rate scramble to make money, it seems the era of an ad-free chatbot might be reaching its end.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
We finally have a date for the launch of the new Amazon Kindle Scribe and Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. First announced during Amazon's Devices and Services event on Sept. 30, 2025, no purchase date was provided for the new Amazon e-readers. As of Dec. 4, Amazon has officially announced that the new Amazon Scribe and Scribe Colorsoft will be available for purchase on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe 2025 (32GB) $499.99 at AmazonDuring the Amazon Devices and Services event, Mashable's tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, went hands-on with the new Scribe Colorsoft. The new devices are ultra-thin and lightweight, measuring just 5.4 millimeters in width and weighing just 400 grams. Additionally, Amazon developed a new chip for these e-readers, promising to be 40 percent faster. Each device features an 11-inch display with texture-molded glass, so it feels like writing on paper with the included premium pen. Both the new Scribe and Scribe Colorsoft will be available in 32GB and 64GB versions.
The new Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft finally has color displays, a game changer for avid annotators. Credit: AmazonThe Scribe Colorsoft will finally feature a color display. This means that you can now color-code your notes and annotations. Plus, both devices will have Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive integration.
Neither device is available for preorder, so if you're looking to purchase, you'll have to wait to do so on Dec. 10. But be prepared to cough up some serious dough. The Kindle Scribe and Scribe Colorsoft are the most expensive e-readers from Amazon. The new Amazon Kindle Scribe starts at $499.99, while the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft starts at $629.99.
Keke Palmer may have a murder on her hands in the teaser for Peacock's The 'Burbs.
The upcoming mystery comedy is inspired by the 1989 film of the same name, which stars Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, and Carrie Fisher as suburbanites investigating their suspicious neighbors, who may or may not be performing ritualistic sacrifices.
SEE ALSO: 'A Thousand Blows' is back with an uppercut of a Season 2 trailerIn Peacock's take on The 'Burbs, created by Celeste Hughey and produced by Seth MacFarlane, Palmer and Jack Whitehall play a young couple who has moved back to the husband's childhood home. There, Palmer's character becomes intrigued by a house that's been vacant for 20 years. In this first teaser, she learns from her neighbors that the prior owners' daughter died in the house, adding a layer of tragic mystery to her new neighborhood.
The house won't be vacant much longer, though. The show's synopsis reveals that Palmer and Whitehall's characters' "world is upended when new neighbors move in next door, bringing old secrets of the cul-de-sac to light, and new deadly threats shatter the illusion of their quiet little neighborhood."
Watch the full teaser above to see Palmer go full Only Murders in the Cul-de-sac, accompanied by the soundtrack of Doechii's smash hit "Anxiety."
The 'Burbs also stars Julia Duffy, Paula Pell, Mark Proksch, and Kapil Talwalkar.
SAVE $82.25: The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (gen 1) sunglasses are on sale for $246.75 in the matte black colorway with polarized gradient graphite lenses. That's a 25% discount compared to the list price of $329 and it's the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ray-Ban Meta Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (gen 1) sunglasses (matte black, polarized gradient graphite) $246.75 at AmazonCyber Monday deals came with some seriously impressive savings this year, but most of those have vanished by now. But if you were busy on vacation or celebrating with family and missed the big deals, there's something special in store for you today.
As of Dec. 4, the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (gen 1) sunglasses are on sale at Amazon for $246.75 in the matte black colorway with polarized gradient graphite lenses. That's a savings of $82.25 compared to the standard price of $329 and a new record-low. Amazon is also tossing in a free $1.76 Amazon credit to use on a future purchase.
If you've always been intrigued by the Meta Ray-Ban sunglasses, here's your chance to get a pair that's on a serious discount. This sale price applies to both the regular and large sized Wayfarer AI sunglasses for a classic look with modern tech.
SEE ALSO: Level up your listening with a pair of Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for their lowest price yetPacked with a 12 megapixel camera and open-ear speakers, you'll be able to record video or tune into an epic playlist with your sunglasses. The five-mic system can also record exactly what you're hearing for a truly lifelike recording.
Donning the Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses also means you can tap into AI to get more info about your surroundings. Ask about the history of a building or find out the name of a beautiful flower. Of course, you can also make and receive calls via the sunglasses for a hands-free experience.
If you've always wanted to listen to a podcast without earbuds while wearing your sunglasses, this is a great chance to score the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (gen 1) sunglasses for a record low price.
CES 2026 is just around the corner. Samsung is usually one of the companies that steals the show every year, often using the big annual consumer tech conference to make announcements regarding its line of TVs.
Well, it seems that Samsung's plans might have just leaked, courtesy of the publicly accessible European Samsung spare parts database, as first noticed by the website FlatpanelsHD.
The database lists some newer models of Samsung's most popular OLED TV sets. But, there's also a brand-new model in the database and an absolutely enormous version of Samsung's The Frame
If the leaks are accurate, new 2026 updates to Samsung's current lineup of OLED televisions are set to debut with the S85H, S90H and S95H models listed in the database. "H" denotes a new 2026 model, according to FlatpanelsHD.
However, an OLED TV model S99H is also listed, coming in sizes ranging from 55 inches to 83 inches. Based on the model number, this appears to even be a more premium version of Samsung's S95H line, which starts at just under $2,000 for a 55-inch model. It's unclear exactly what Samsung will add to make a more premium version of its current high-end TV line.
On the opposite side of the pricing spectrum, Samsung also seems poised to reveal new, more affordable lower-end models too with the S82H and S83H. The current cheapest models in this lineup are the 65-inch S84H and the 55-inch S85H, coming in at around $1,000 each. It's unclear what the newer models will be priced at, but are likely to be cheaper (yet still not "budget" priced).
And, finally, the database points to a new gigantic 98-inch version of Samsung's The Frame TV. The Samsung TV that is meant to look like a framed piece of art currently maxes out at 85-inches. Samsung may have felt that was still too small and decided to bring an even larger model to the market in 2026.
We'll find out more details when Samsung officially unveils its new products at CES.
Threads is testing a new way for users to manipulate their own recommendation algorithm.
The feature, aptly called "Dear algo," allows users to post a message to the algorithm with the note "dear algo" asking to see more or less of a certain thing. For instance, you might post "Dear algo, show me more book recommendations" or "Dear algo, stop showing me basketball updates my team is bad and it makes me sad."
Conor Hayes, the head of Threads, said in a post on the site on Dec. 3 that the platform is "testing a new AI feature to help you personalize your feed."
"When people add 'Dear Algo' to a post, it will tell your feed what you want to see more or less of for up to three days. If your profile is public, people can see your request, connect with you about it, or repost it," Hayes wrote. "This is just a test, so not everyone will have access now, but we're working on rolling it out more broadly soon."
Then, the feed responds by showing you what you asked for for the next three days. This won't change your feed entirely (or forever) but the temporary change will allow you to engage with content you like and that engagement will help refine your algorithm in the long term.
It's important to note that these posts are public — so it also informs all your friends and followers what you want to see more or less of.
Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta, wrote that the new feature was "inspired" by people on the app "who started 'dear threads algo' requests."
Something smells delicious today. The pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving is gone and we haven't started on the Christmas baking just yet, but we're all in line for a sweet treat today because it's National Cookie Day.
Cookie Monster is celebrating today with friends on Sesame Street and here in the outside world, we have some sweet deals in store. Just like National Coffee Day, this cookie celebration means brands and popular cookie bakeries are serving up some excellent opportunities to snack on something sweet for free. Here are some of our favorite cookie deals on offer today.
CrumblLike it or not, Crumbl is paying homage to the "6-7" trend on Dec. 4. Order a six-pack of cookies in store and get a seventh item for free while supplies last. There's a sticky toffee pudding cookie on the menu this week if you need extra incentive to visit today.
Dairy QueenSwing by Dairy Queen today where DQ Rewards members can save $3 on any small Blizzard through Dec. 7. The chain launched the December Blizzard of the month earlier this week and went all-in on the holiday theme with the Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard Treat. You can also score a free mini Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard Treat with purchase of a six-piece chicken strip basket or a Signature Stackburger combo.
Nestlé Toll HouseSet an alarm because at 2 p.m. ET today, you can snag a free Nestlé Toll House Cookie Tacos kit while supplies last. The kit includes ingredients you'll need to bake up your own cookie taco at home to celebrate the day. We expect this deal to vanish quicker than homemade cookies fresh out of the oven, so be sure to have fast fingers come 2 p.m.
Panera BreadSign up for a frew MyPanera loyalty program account and then stop in to snag a free cookie with purchase of a cookie. Two cookies is always better than one.
Insomnia CookiesSign up for the Insomnia Cookies Rewards loyalty program and then be one of the first 100 members to visit any store today. You'll be rewarded with a free Snowball Classic cookie and you might be in for something extra sweet. One special Snowball cookie at each location is filled with purple buttercream. That signifies your golden ticket to free cookies for a year.
View this post on Instagram Jimmy John'sGet a free Holiday Magic Cookie, which is packed with red and green M&M's, today with any digital order of $5 or more. Be sure you're logged into your JJ Rewards account on mobile or the app before placing your purchase to be sure you're in line for a free cookie.
Milk BarIf you're lucky enough to visit the Milk Bar flagship location in Los Angeles, New York, or the West Village location in New York or Logan Circle in D.C., you can score a free McCormick x Milk Bar Eggnog English Toffee Cookie. Each location will hand over this free offering to the first 50 to 100 customers, so get there early for this National Cookie Day celebration. If you're not able to snag a free cookie, you can order it online through the Milk Bar website or make them at home with the recipe listed at McCormick.
Pepperidge FarmEarly this morning, Pepperidge Farm offered to send a free Holiday Cookie Courier to anyone you love. The kit included a pack of Milano Mint Chocolate and a pack of Chessmen Butter Cookies in a lovely holiday box with a personalized note. The offering is currently sold out, but it's worth checking back later today in case Pepperidge Farms is feeling extra generous on this sweet day.
Deals for the home bakerDon't feel like heading out to take advantage of any of these free cookie deals? Today is a great excuse to bake up a few dozen cookies at home. In honor of National Cookie Day, check out these at-home baker deals that'll seriously up your baking game this holiday season.
Gorilla Grip Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop — $14.99 $19.99 (save $5)
Nordic Ware Holiday Cookie Stamps (Set of 3) — $22.50 $33 (save $10.50)
Nordic Ware Naturals Sheet Pan (3 Piece Set) — $30 $41 (save $11)
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer — $254.99 $399.99 (save $145)
Google is rolling out its Android 16 Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) 2, meaning your device could be due for an update.
The Android 16 QPR2 update comes with a number of new features that should improve performance, ease of use, and more. Here are three new features to check out.
Add widgets to your lock screenThe updated Android 16 allows you to add widgets that appear on your lock screen when you swipe left. Tech site 9to5Google notes you can enable the feature by navigating to "Settings > Display & touch > Lock screen > Widgets on lock screen."
That means you'll be able to easily access things like your calendar, camera, and more.
SEE ALSO: Android 16 is out now. Here are the new features. Notification organizer and summariesListen, we all get overwhelmed with notifications. Android 16 QPR2 promises to leverage AI capabilities to keep those pesky notifications in check. The updated software will summarize notifications — a long message in a group chat, for instance — and automatically prioritize more important notifications.
"Notification organizer automatically groups and silences your lower-priority notifications (such as promotions, news, and social alerts), making it easier for you to stay focused on what matters with fewer distractions. Notification organizer is rolling out in stages and will be available in the coming weeks," wrote Google.
Improved parental controlsAndroid 16 QPR2 introduces a "parental controls" option within settings, which means parents can keep tabs on their kids' devices from a single location. It'll allow parents to remotely set screen-time limits, control app usage, and set a schedule for when a kid's device locks.
If you want further details on updates with Android 16 QPR2 you can head over to Google's blog.