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At 15.4 billion miles away from Earth in interstellar space, Voyager 1 won't last much longer. 

In fact, NASA's flight engineers may have thought the 47-year-old mission had finally kicked the bucket when the uncrewed spacecraft recently went quiet. The probe had shut off its main radio transmitter for communicating with mission control. 

Voyager's problem began on Oct. 16, when flight controllers sent the robotic explorer a somewhat routine command to turn on a heater. Two days later, when NASA expected to receive a response from the spacecraft, the team learned something tripped Voyager's fault protection system, which turned off its X-band transmitter. By Oct. 19, communication had altogether stopped. 

The flight team was not optimistic. 

However, Voyager 1 was equipped with a backup that relies on a different, albeit significantly fainter, frequency. No one knew if the second radio transmitter could still work, given the aging spacecraft's extreme distance. Days later, engineers with the Deep Space Network, a system of three enormous radio dish arrays on Earth, found the signal whispering back over the S-band transmitter. The device hadn't been used since 1981, according to NASA. 

"The team is now working to gather information that will help them figure out what happened and return Voyager 1 to normal operations," NASA said in a recent mission update. 

SEE ALSO: NASA spacecraft has roamed billions of miles — but hasn't reached the 'edge' Tweet may have been deleted

Both Voyager 1 and its twin, Voyager 2, have been bopping along for nearly a half-century, far beyond their original life expectancy. Launched in 1977, the pair was originally intended to study Jupiter and Saturn, their moons, and Saturn's rings. For the two-planet journey, they were built to last just five years.

After their initial success, engineers doubled their objectives to include two more giant planets, Uranus and Neptune. Between the two spacecraft, they've explored four planets, 48 moons, and a host of planetary magnetic fields and rings.

In August 2012, Voyager 1 made history as it entered interstellar space, the region between stars, filled with material ejected by other stars that died millions of years ago. Voyager 1 and 2 are the only spacecraft ever to operate outside of the heliosphere, the region of space affected by the sun's constant flow of material.

Voyager 1 launched from Earth in 1977 and is the farthest human-made object in space. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

Voyager 1 is speeding away from the solar system at over 38,000 mph and is the farthest human-made object from Earth. It is so far away that it takes 23 hours for a command to reach the spacecraft, and another 23 hours for mission control to hear back from it.

NASA has previously said the Voyagers generate about 4 fewer watts of power annually, limiting the number of systems the spacecraft can use. Flight controllers have occasionally turned off equipment to conserve power. The goal is to keep the two running beyond 2025, according to the agency.

It's not clear yet why Voyager 1's fault protection system shut off the main radio transmitter. When onboard issues occur, such as the spacecraft overdrawing its power supply, the system will automatically turn less-critical equipment off so that it can continue flying. Based on data from Voyager 1, the spacecraft should have had enough power to flip on the heater without incident. 

Voyager 1 is speeding away from the solar system at over 38,000 mph and is the farthest human-made object from Earth. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech graphic

Interstellar space is a high-radiation environment that nothing human-made has ever flown in before. That means the only thing the teams running the old probes can count on are surprises. 

Last month the team troubleshot a thruster problem on Voyager 1. At this point in the mission, nothing is easy or guaranteed, said Voyager project manager Suzanne Dodd in a statement. 

"All the decisions we will have to make going forward are going to require a lot more analysis and caution than they once did," she said.

Choosing the best laptop is a largely subjective decision that comes down to your primary use cases, your preferred operating system, and your budget. In other words, there's no such thing as a universally best laptop.

This is an annoying fact of life for both laptop shoppers and those of us doling out "best laptop" recommendations, since we can't make custom judgment calls for everyone in need of a new machine. (I would love to, but I've got a thing after this.) However, I can confidently point you in the right direction of some standouts that I and other members of the Mashable team have vetted and approved.

Our top picks

As of Nov. 2024, Mashable's top laptop overall is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, a sophisticated Copilot+ PC with incredible performance, an unrivaled battery life of nearly 23 hours, and some fun AI features (if you're into that sort of thing).

If you're a card-carrying member of Team Apple, the best MacBook we've tested to date is the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air, which is a sleek, peppy notebook with a scrumptious keyboard and closed-lid support for two external displays. We currently recommend the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro as the best laptop for photo and video editing — it's fast, well-made, and long-lasting — but that will likely change soon with this month's launch of M4-series models. Stay tuned for our review.

SEE ALSO: I've tested over 59 laptops: This is the best Windows laptop of 2024

For users on a budget, the best cheap laptop we've tested is the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, which has a premium, ultra-portable design and an excellent keyboard. If you're trying to spend less than $500, look into the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch: With a large, colorful display, cool everyday performance, and some useful AI features, it's the best Chromebook we've used.

Among gaming laptops, the Alienware m16 R2 leads the pack. It's a super snappy mid-ranger that's capable of being toned down for everyday use when you're done playing Cyberpunk 2077.

The best laptops we've tried also include two unique 2-in-1 devices. Creative professionals would be served well by the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, a sturdy 2-in-1 with a decent battery life and a pull-forward design that can turn it into an easel, while heavy multitaskers should look further into the latest Asus Zenbook Duo. It features two beautiful OLED displays, performs well for its price point, and includes free accessories like a stylus and a detachable keyboard.

After spending countless hours reviewing laptops across popular brands, we've decided to recommend these models because they're well-made, powerful enough for their respective use cases, and priced fairly (or easy to find on sale). At the very least, we think they can be useful archetypes within different categories of computers. Don't start from square one if you don't have to, you know?

What's on deck

Along with an M4-series MacBook Pro, we have reviews in the pipeline for several laptops: the new Dell XPS 13, a Lunar Lake model with an optional tandem OLED display; the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, a cheap Chromebook; the HP Omen 17, a strapping gaming laptop; and the latest Framework Laptop 13, a modular laptop. (The previous-gen Framework Laptop 13 used to be featured in this guide as Mashable's favorite repairable laptop.) I'll update this story once we've finished testing them.

The scoop on Black Friday laptop deals

If you're particularly hung up on the "budget" part of laptop shopping, know that Black Friday season is the best time to buy a laptop if you're hunting for a good deal. With Black Friday proper scheduled for Nov. 29 this year — an unusually late time slot — many retailers are treating all of this month like a free-for-all.

SEE ALSO: When do Black Friday sales start? Be on the lookout for early holiday deals.

As someone who's covered Black Friday sales for Mashable since 2019, I expect to see most of the best Black Friday laptop deals pop up at Best Buy — possibly including sizable price drops on new Lunar Lake Copilot+ PCs and M4 MacBook Pros. (The M3 generation will likely hit new record lows.) Amazon will probably price-match its competitor on models from popular brands like Apple, Microsoft, LG, Acer, and Asus, with Walmart filling the gap on lower-priced gaming laptops and Chromebooks.

Cross-checking Black Friday laptop deals across retailers (and manufacturers' DTC sites) will be your best line of defense against overpaying. Keep in mind, too, that stores like Best Buy and Target offer holiday price match guarantees, in case something you buy gets cheaper later in the season. If you don't want to sift through the sea of sales yourself, though, I'll also be tracking the top Black Friday laptop deals myself.

Read on for Mashable's in-depth guide to the best laptops of 2024. FYI: We've listed the pricing and specs of our testing units, which may not apply to each laptop's base model.

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Sunday Football returns with Week 9 action, which includes Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks. It's been an average season so far for both teams. The Rams are 3-4 and the Seahawks are 4-4, with both teams sitting in the bottom half of NFC West.

However, the momentum seems to favor the Rams, who have won their last two games. The Seahawks, meanwhile, have lost the last three games at Lumen Field. Can the Rams make it a fourth straight home loss for the hosts?

Fortunately, you can stream Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks for free anywhere in the world. But only if you know how to get around geo-block restrictions. Here's everything you need to know.

When is Rams vs. Seahawks?

Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks takes place at 4.25 p.m. ET on Nov. 3. This fixture will be played at Lumen Field.

How to watch Rams vs. Seahawks for free

Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand.

TVNZ+ is a free streaming platform based in New Zealand, which is geo-restricted for viewers inside that country only. That means you might need to use a VPN if you're watching from abroad. VPNs can help by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to secure servers based in other countries (including New Zealand), which will enable you to bypass the geo-restrictions and access free streams.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Live stream Rams vs. Seahawks for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming aren't technically free to use, but the leading VPN providers tend to have free trial period deals or money-back guarantees. By signing up for these offers you'll be able to access free live streams of the NFL without spending a dime in the long run. It's a temporary fix, but you'll have enough time to watch Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks (plus other select NFL fixtures) before recovering any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently available for $99.95. Within this limited time deal you'll get an extra three months at no additional cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup for free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Rams vs. Seahawks for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

SAVE 68%: Ready to equip your Mac with the tools you need to work smarter? Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 costs just $69.97 for lifetime access to everything you need — including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more — for efficient document creation, data management, presentations, and email organization.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $69.97
$219.99 Save $150.02 Get Deal

This edition of Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more — essential tools for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals who want reliable productivity software without ongoing fees.

Whether you’re handling client documents in Word, managing budgets in Excel, crafting compelling presentations in PowerPoint, or staying on top of emails in Outlook, Office 2021 has you covered — and a lifetime license is on sale for just $69.97.

Plus, for those who rely on offline access, Office for Mac allows you to edit and save documents without an internet connection, making it perfect for work on the go. Imagine having your go-to productivity suite at your fingertips, whether in a bustling cafe or on a remote site without WiFi.

Unlike cloud-based options, this lifetime license puts you in control. With just one payment, you can own Office for good. This option is especially beneficial for Mac users who need professional-grade tools for everyday tasks without extra bells and whistles. While the basic version of Teams includes basic collaboration capabilities, the main suite is ideal for Mac professionals who don’t need continuous cloud access.

This offer gives you a one-time purchase installed on one Mac for life. You also get access to Microsoft's customer support if any issues should arise. It should also be noted that Microsoft Office 2021 licenses require that customers update their OS to Version 12 Monterey or later.

Grab lifetime access to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 while it's on sale for $69.97 (reg. $219.99) through November 3.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Never lose your essentials again—get a 3-pack of KeySmart SmartCards, compatible with Apple Find My network, for just $89.99 (reg. $119).

We all have that one friend prone to misplacing their wallet, ID, or bag. The KeySmart SmartCard 3-Pack is designed for that exact situation. At only $89.99 (reg. $119) for a 3-pack, these slim, credit card-sized trackers fit discreetly in any wallet, card holder, or bag. 

While Apple’s AirTag is a classic, KeySmart’s SmartCard has a few distinct advantages. It’s credit-card thin, fits into tight spaces like wallets and work badge holders, and charges wirelessly on any Qi-enabled charger, unlike AirTag’s replaceable battery. Its IPX8 rating also makes it submersible for up to an hour, which is ideal for unpredictable environments. With this 3-pack, you can consider yourself equipped to tackle lost-item chaos.

Plus, with three in a pack, there’s one for you, one for a friend, and one for that cousin who’s always losing things. It's also a good idea for those who travel to other countries. Keep one of these in with your passport to minimize the chance of losing it while abroad.

Pairing seamlessly with Apple’s Find My network, the SmartCard helps you locate your essentials in seconds. Open the Find My app, and you can see exactly where your SmartCard-equipped item is, whether at home, in your car, or somewhere you’ve left it.

Built with simplicity in mind, the Find My network makes tracking straightforward and effective, even if you’re already used to an AirTag or similar device. The SmartCard 3-pack also allows you to cover multiple items, so you’re never limited to tracking just one thing.

Unlike an AirTag, which requires disposable battery replacements, the SmartCard is rechargeable, making it a more sustainable choice. 

A unique idea for Secret Santa, grab bags, or stocking stuffers, the KeySmart SmartCard 3-pack is only $89.99 (reg. $119).

KeySmart® SmartCard - Works with Apple Find My (3-Pack) - $89.99

Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart® SmartCard - Works with Apple Find My (3-Pack) $89.99
$119.97 Save $29.98 Get Deal

TL;DR: Upgrade your car’s tech with this Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support for just $89.97 (reg. $149.99).

Take your car’s infotainment to the next level with the new Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Support. For just $89.97, you get a powerful upgrade that lets you go wireless, stream your favorite shows, and stay connected on the road. Compatible with more than 800 car models from 2016 onward, this adapter is ideal for anyone looking to modernize their drive without the dealership price tag.

No more fumbling with cables: simply plug in the adapter, connect wirelessly, and you’re ready to access CarPlay or Android Auto. With pre-installed apps like YouTube and Netflix, the adapter turns your car into an entertainment hub. Stream video during road trips, access maps, take hands-free calls, and listen to music — all with the ease of wireless tech.

This 2024 edition goes beyond basic CarPlay with a Qualcomm QCM2290 chipset for high performance and 16GB of storage to keep your apps running smoothly. Enjoy quick, clear connections using dual Bluetooth technology and fast Wi-Fi support. Need more storage? The adapter supports a TF card, so you can save even more videos, playlists, or navigation data for offline access.

The adapter also excels at adaptability. Powered by Android 11, it provides a modern, streamlined interface and an improved app experience. Its wide compatibility with both iOS and Android makes it versatile enough for any user. Whether you're a commuter, road-tripper, or simply a tech enthusiast, this adapter’s easy integration will enhance your driving experience with minimal setup.

Don’t wait any longer to upgrade your drive. 

Through November 3, you can get an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support for just $89.97 (reg. $149.99).

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support (2024 Edition) - $89.97

Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support (2024 Edition) $89.97
$149.99 Save $60.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Babbel’s all-language lifetime subscription is just $179.97 (reg. $599) through November 3.

Learning a new language has enormous benefits, one of which is giving your brain a nice workout. Whether you want to learn the native language for an upcoming trip or communicate globally for business, Babbel has been a trusted name in language learning for many years. 

If you’re ready to open up a whole new world of communication, Babbel has a lifetime subscription that gives you unlimited access to 14 languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, and many more. And it's for the one-time price of $179.97 (reg. $599) through November 3.

With lessons crafted by expert linguists, Babbel doesn’t just cover the basics but digs into the topics you’ll actually use. Its unique lesson structure was designed to fit easily into anyone’s schedule, with 10- to 15-minute lessons that can be done even on busy days.

And because Babbel syncs across devices, you can start a lesson on your desktop in the morning and finish it on your phone later. Speech recognition tools mean you’re learning vocabulary and improving pronunciation – Babbel’s like having a personal language coach with you anytime.

Imagine yourself ordering confidently in a new language, making connections with locals, and understanding cultural nuances wherever you go. Babbel also offers offline access, so even without Wi-Fi, you’re ready to learn. This approach allows you to build up practical skills for real conversations, making travel more fun and daily interactions easier.

In addition, Babbel’s built-in review sessions ensure that you remember what you learn, reinforcing each lesson so that it sticks.

Learning multiple languages has never been this accessible.

Babbel’s all-language lifetime subscription is just $179.97 (reg. $599) through November 3.

Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) - $179.97

Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $179.97
$599.00 Save $419.03 Get Deal

Kamala Harris offers wise words to Kamala Harris in the Saturday Night Live cold open sketch.

TL;DR: Live stream Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Most NFL fans would agree that Sunday Football is the highlight of the week. And today's action sees the in-form Washington Commanders head out on the road for a showdown with the struggling New York Giants.

Everyone's keen to see something special again from the Commanders' rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, who threw a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown to beat the Bears last week. With a season record so far of 6-2, the Commanders are favorites against the Giants, whose 2-6 record says a lot about their performance and low-scoring offense this season. But can New York turn things around against Washington?

If you want to watch Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants, it's available to stream for free from anywhere around the world. But only if you know how. Here's all the information you need to watch the game.

When is Commanders vs. Giants?

Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 3. This fixture will be played at the MetLife Stadium.

How to watch Commanders vs. Giants for free

Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand.

TVNZ+ is a free streaming platform that's geo-blocked outside of New Zealand, where the platform is based. That means you might need to use a VPN if you're watching from abroad. VPNs work by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to secure servers in other countries (including New Zealand), which will help you to bypass the geo-restrictions and access free streams.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Live stream Commanders vs. Giants for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming aren't free to use, but the top VPN providers do tend to offer free trial period deals or money-back guarantees. By signing up for these offers you'll be able to access free live streams of the NFL without spending a thing in the long run. Sure, it's a short-term fix, but this will gives you enough time to watch Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants (plus other select NFL fixtures) before recovering any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently available for $99.95. Within this limited time deal you'll get an extra three months at no additional cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup for free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Commanders vs. Giants for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Sunday Football is back for Week 9 of the NFL 2024 season, and there's exciting action lined up as the Miami Dolphins visit the Buffalo Bills.

The Bills are in fine form, leading AFC East by three games and 6-2 overall this season. Quarterback Josh Allen has made significant contributions to those stats and will look to do more in this divisional clash.

It's a different story for the Dolphins, who are only 2-5 and are unlikely to make the playoffs. Indeed, this looks like a Bills win, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Upsets do happen on the gridiron, as proved when AFC East stablemates the New York Jets beat the Houston Texans earlier this week.

The good news is you can watch Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills for free from anywhere in the world. Keep reading for all the information you need.

When is Dolphins vs. Bills?

Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 3. This fixture will be played at the Highmark Stadium.

How to watch Dolphins vs. Bills for free

Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand.

TVNZ+ is a free streaming platform that's geo-restricted to New Zealand so you might need to use a VPN to watch from abroad. VPNs work by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to secure servers in other countries (including New Zealand), which allows you to sidestep geo-restrictions and access free streams.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Live stream Dolphins vs. Bills for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming aren't actually free, but the top VPN services do tend to offer free trial period deals or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you'll be able to access free live streams of the NFL without spending a thing. It's a short-term fix of course, but it gives you enough time to watch Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills (plus other select NFL fixtures) before recovering your downpayment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently available for $99.95. Within this limited time deal you'll get an extra three months at no additional cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup for free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Dolphins vs. Bills for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 3 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 3 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: In my kingdom

These words are evolutionary.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words that refer to identification. 

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Taxonomy.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 3

• Class

• Genus

• Species

• Taxonomy

• Phylum

• Order

• Family

• Domain

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.

TL;DR: Live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic in the NBA for free on Ran.de. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA season has started really strongly, with a number of teams making a good impression.

The Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic have both started this campaign well, and will be looking to secure another big win this weekend. The Orlando Magic have a team full of young stars, going up against the experience of Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving. And Luka Dončić is pretty good, as well.

If you want to watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic?

Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic in the NBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 3. This game takes place at the American Airlines Center.

How to watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic for free

Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic is available to live stream for free on Ran.de in Germany.

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

Live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic for free on Ran.de 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 Germany

4. Visit Ran.de

5. Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free 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 Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic 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 including Germany

• 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 Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic in the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Harness the power of AI and get this lifetime subscription to AI MagicX on sale for £30.93 (reg. £250.62) for a limited time.

Ever thought about having your own virtual assistant that would do whatever you wanted it to? While we're not offering an assistant that can fold your laundry and do your dishes (yet!), there is a great deal available on a helpful AI generator and editor by AI MagicX.

Imagine having a powerful AI tool at your fingertips that can generate high-quality text, stunning visuals, and professional designs with just a few clicks. Now you can with lifetime access to AI MagicX, on sale for £30.93. No more staring at a blank screen or struggling with design software.

AI-powered services you can use:

• AI Logo Designer

• MagicX Art Generator

• AI Chatbots

• AI Article Generator

• AI Story Generator

• Document Editor

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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 October 28'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 Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 3 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: Football players

• Green: Fun school names

• Blue: Schools of the top choices

• Purple: Strong words

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 - Soccer positions

• Green - Schools with colorful nicknames

• Blue - Alma mater of last 4 NFL No. 1 picks

• Purple - Power _____

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 #41 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Soccer positions: GOALKEEPER, MIDFIELDER, SWEEPER, WINGER

• Schools with colorful nicknames: STANFORD, SYRACUSE, TULANE, TULSA

• Alma mater of last 4 NFL No. 1 picks: ALABAMA, CLEMSON, GEORGIA, USC

• Power ____: FORWARD, HITTER, LIFTER, PLAY

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.

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for November 3's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 1 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 1 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A fierce fire.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

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...

BLAZE.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 3

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

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 November 3's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 3 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: Tugs at the heartstrings

• Green: Not passing the vibe check

• Blue: Judicial process

• Purple: Easy things

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: Heartwarming

• Green: Sneaking Suspicion

• Blue: Legal Session

• Purple: Easy___

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 #511 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Heartwarming: MOVING, SWEET, TENDER, TOUCHING

• Sneaking Suspicion: FEELING, HUNCH, IMPRESSION, SENSE

• Legal Session: HEARING, INQUIRY, PROCEEDING, TRIAL

• Easy___: CHAIR, LISTENING, MONEY, STREET

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 3

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.

Amazon might be in a pickle with the promised AI upgrades to Alexa.

Bloomberg reported that the company's signature voice assistant, which was supposed to get a big AI overhaul before the end of this year, will instead get that upgrade in 2025. The idea is to make Alexa smarter and more powerful by making it more conversational and capable of new things. Unfortunately, by all accounts, that isn't happening.

SEE ALSO: How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership

The Bloomberg report goes on to detail the problems that the AI-enhanced Alexa is having in testing. For example, beta users reported that the AI can give long, rambling answers that aren't entirely relevant to the original query. Other alleged problems include hallucinations and, stunningly, a failure to work with connected smart devices like light switches consistently.

Amazon hasn't officially confirmed any delay, but beta access has apparently been turned off, so you can't even try the more conversational Alexa in a test environment anymore. Perhaps you'll be able to use it in 2025.

Shameik Moore, Susan Sarandon and D'Arcy Carden are joined by Yassir and Isaiah Lester in breaking down how this wild film came together.

Okta just squashed a particularly unusual bug in its software.

The digital security management company posted a bug fix report to its website (as spotted by The Verge) letting users know that a glitch in the system that theoretically allowed bad actors to gain access to accounts had been ironed out. Sounds normal enough, right? Well, here's the kicker: The bug could've allowed someone to log into an account without entering the password as long as the username was 52 characters or longer.

SEE ALSO: Largest U.S. healthcare data breach exposes medical records of 100 million customers

"During specific conditions, this could allow users to authenticate by only providing the username with the stored cache key of a previous successful authentication," Okta wrote.

It should be re-emphasized that this is no longer a concern for Okta users. The bug has been fixed. Unfortunately, it existed in the system for about three months, as Okta's report said the software had been affected since July until someone noticed on Oct. 30. That's a very long time for such a vulnerability to be present, but it's unclear at this point if anyone was negatively affected by it.

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 Saturday, November 2, 2024:

AcrossThermometer reading, for short

• The answer is Temp.

Dessert made with black-and-white cookies

• The answer is Oreo Pie.

Viral pygmy hippo parodized on "Weekend Update"

• The answer is Moo Deng.

"Incidentally ...," in a text

• The answer is BTW.

Heart test inits.

• The answer is ECG.

"Don't worry, it's just a scratch!"

• The answer is I'm okay.

French filmdom

• The answer is Cine.

Canceled, as a TV series

• The answer is Axed.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for November 1 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 1 Down"Lara Croft: ___ Raider"

• The answer is Tomb.

Sexy, steamy stuff

• The answer is Erotica.

Pet food product with a jingle sung by a cat

• The answer is Meowmix.

Holder of peas

• The answer is Pod.

Cheated at hide-and-seek

• The answer is Peeked.

Ancient builder of Machu Picchu

• The answer is Inca.

Like quiche and custard

• The answer is Eggy.

Number accidentally typed instead of an exclamation point

• The answer is One.

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.