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

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

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

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

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

This word describes an undomesticated animal.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 4 Hurdle Word 1 answer

FERAL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Evil Knievel did these better than anyone.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for October 4 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

STUNT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Soaked in an unpleasant manner.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 4 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SOGGY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A tool that holds things together.

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

CLAMP

Final Hurdle hint

A state of agitation.

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

TIZZY

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

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 3 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Friday, October 4, 2024:

AcrossExclamation of frustration

• The answer is Argh.

Party pooper

• The answer is Bore.

Something sweet

• The answer is Sugar.

Applications

• The answer is Uses.

Digs for pigs

• The answer is Pens.

DownTake unfair advantage of

• The answer is Abuse.

Pineapple Express actor Seth

• The answer is Rogen.

It covers a lot of ground

• The answer is Grass.

___ Royal Highness

• The answer is Her.

Slangy greeting

• The answer is Sup.

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.

Apple's iOS 18.0.1 is out, and it brings fixes for several issues that have troubled iPhone 16 and 16 Pro owners.

This includes the touch screen bug that rendered iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro's touch screen unresponsive in some circumstances, as well as a bug that froze the iPhone 16 Pro's camera when recording macro mode on the Ultra Wide camera in 4K with HDR turned off.

A bug which caused Messages to quit when replying to a message with a shared Apple Watch face was also fixed, as well as a performance issue related to memory allocation on certain iPhone models.

We haven't seen any new features or upgrades in this release, but the list of fixes above should be enough to make you want to upgrade as soon as you can.

Alongside iOS 18.0.1, Apple also updated iPadOS to version 18.0.1, as well as macOS Sequoia to version 15.0.1. On the iPad side of things, fixes include a fix for Messages and performance issues analogue to the bugs in iOS 18. As for macOS Sequoia, the new release also fixes the Messages bug, and improves compatibility with third-party security software.

SEE ALSO: How to use Genmoji on iOS 18

All of the new releases should be available for all users under Settings - General - Software Update.

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 Friday, October 4, 2024:

AcrossWhat lanternfish can do, using organs called photophores

• The answer is Glow.

Channel with "Vanderpump Rules" and "Below Deck"

• The answer is Bravo.

Consumed

• The answer is Eaten.

Really need a bath

• The answer is Stink.

Change for a twenty

• The answer is Tens.

DownStorm drain cover

• The answer is Grate.

"Et tu, Brute?" language

• The answer is Latin.

Bakery fixtures

• The answer is Ovens.

Stats or policy nerd

• The answer is Wonk.

Work email sign-off

• The answer is Best.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for October 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Driver's catch-all

These words are inside the car.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are stored near the passenger seat.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Glovebox.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 4

• Atlas

• Flare

• Title

• Glovebox

• Quarter

• Manual

• Registration

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 4 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 4

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

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

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

The Northern Lights are set to make another appearance over the next few days, bathing the sky over the U.S.-Canadian border in a beautiful display of colour. Here's how you can view the aurora borealis' amazing natural light show.

SEE ALSO: Footage shows return of colossal sunspot that created Northern Lights

According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), northern U.S. states may be able to see the Northern Lights from Oct. 4, with the display expected to persist until Oct. 6. Some of the lower Midwest to Oregon might also catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, though odds improve toward the top end of the country.

This weekend's aurora is a result of strong G3 geomagnetic storms predicted to arrive at Earth over the next three days, with the SWPC having issued Geomagnetic Storm Watches until Sunday. Fortunately, these storms should be more dazzling than disruptive. Though geomagnetic storms can cause issues such as power outages and radio disruption, the SWPC predicts that the "limited, minor effects to some technological infrastructure" which may occur during these particular storms will be "mainly mitigatable." As such, you can enjoy gazing at the Northern Lights without any worries.

How to get the best view of the Northern Lights Credit: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center

Though you can't control the weather or cloud cover obscuring the Northern Lights, you can take some steps to ensure you get the best view possible.

First, you should check that you're looking up at the right time. Searching for the Northern Lights before sunset will leave you disappointed, as auroras aren't clearly visible during the day. Instead, you should try at night when the dark sky provides the Northern Lights with a contrasting backdrop. According to the SWPC, the best viewing time for an aurora borealis is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

You should also try to view the aurora from somewhere with as little light pollution as possible. If you're willing to travel, a certified Dark Sky Place close to the U.S.' border with Canada should give you excellent visibility. These locations have been independently reviewed and recognised as having minimal light pollution, allowing for some of the best possible views of the night sky.

Even if you can't travel to one of these areas, you should still go out and look up anyway. When conditions are right, auroras can be visible from over 600 miles away.

What causes auroras? Tweet may have been deleted

While auroras can also be caused by solar flares, we can thank coronal mass ejections for this particular display. As the name suggests, a coronal mass ejection is when the Sun expels significant amounts of plasma and magnetic field from its corona, the outermost layer of its atmosphere. 

The resulting solar wind then travels toward Earth, though it can take some time to arrive. Even the fastest coronal mass ejections can take most of a day to get here, while radiation from solar flares can arrive in as little as eight minutes. 

Upon arrival, the majority of the solar wind is deflected away from Earth courtesy of the planet's magnetic field. Not all of it is sent back out into space though, with some charged ion particles entering said field instead. Such particles travel to Earth's polar regions where the magnetic field is weakest, colliding with oxygen and nitrogen atoms once there.

This chemical reaction creates the colourful lights that make up an aurora. If it's located in the Northern Hemisphere it's called an aurora borealis, while those in the Southern Hemisphere are called aurora australis.

TL;DR: Harness the power of AI and get this lifetime subscription to AI MagicX on sale for £30.45 (reg. £246.71) 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.

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TL;DR: Live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics in the NBA preseason for free on Ran.de. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

A lot of fans thought that the Denver Nuggets would meet the Boston Celtics is the NBA finals last season, but the Nuggets fell short. That was disappointing for a talented team led by the incredible Nikola Jokić, so they'll want to start the new season with some much needed positivity.

The stars are unlikely to play a major part in preseason games, but you can still get a taste of what each team is set to offer this season. And there's always the chance to spot a talented rookie before anyone else.

If you want to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics in the NBA preseason for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics?

Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics in the NBA preseason starts at 12 p.m. ET on Oct. 4. This game takes place at the Etihad Arena.

How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics for free

Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics is available to live stream for free on Ran.de.

Ran.de is geo-restricted to Germany, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with 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 preseason from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics 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 Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics 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 preseason without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics 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 Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics in the NBA preseason for free with ExpressVPN.

There is no better way to spend your free time than sitting back and watching your favourite sport, preferably surrounded by mountains of snacks and refreshments.

You simply can't escape sport these days, as every news channel, social media platform, and panel show constantly pumps out the latest highlights from all over the world. Global sport has never been easier to follow, which has resulted in a growing contingent of fans who follow sports and teams from other countries. We're all for following your passion, but this interest does cause an issue. What if your favourite sport is not readily available in your location?

It's all well and good checking in on your team from time to time online, or maybe watching the highlights from last night's game on YouTube, but this just isn't going to be enough for the most dedicated of fans. This group will need to watch games live, which can be tricky if you're based on the other side of the planet.

Whether you desperately want to follow the NBA, NFL, NHL, or some other three-letter acronym, there is a solution to your problem. No, we're not going to suggest that you try and find some dodgy stream that throws even dodgier ads your way. Instead, you should consider investing in a VPN.

Do you need a VPN to watch the NBA?

The NBA League Pass provides a solution for anyone who wants to watch their favourite teams live online. However, if you live in U.S. or Canada, NBA League Pass blackouts prevent you from watching certain live games.

The only way to get around these geo-restrictions is with a VPN. These security services encrypt all of your data, protect your identity, and hide your real IP address. By connecting to a server in a location with full access to the game you want to watch, you can trick NBA League Pass into thinking you are based in a location that isn't blocked. This is the same technique used by lots of VPN subscribers to access extra libraries of streaming sites like Netflix.

Also, you can find much cheaper subscription deals if you sign up from a server in another country. There are always new deals dropping, but at one point you could have saved 75% on an annual NBA League Pass subscription from India. It's quick and easy to switch your location to India with a VPN, meaning you could access the best deal in a matter of seconds.

It's important to point out that you will always need a subscription to the NBA League Pass if you want to watch every game. A VPN can bypass geo-restrictions and save you a lot of money on a subscription, but they do not grant you access to everything for free.

What are the most important VPN features for streaming sport?

The world of VPNs can be a complicated and frankly overwhelming place to be if you don't know what's going on. This is where we can help. We've researched everything you need to know about VPNs, and highlighted a selection of features that actually matter when it comes to streaming sport:

• Bandwidth — The best VPNs do not place monthly caps on network bandwidth, but there are some cheap services that only let you download a certain amount of data. Obviously, you should avoid these services. You should only consider VPNs with unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream as much sport as you wish.

• Connection speed — If there is one thing that completely ruins a sport streaming session, it's buffering. Every VPN is going to cause a drop in connection speed, but it shouldn't result in lag or buffering. Make sure you select a VPN with consistently strong connection speeds so that you can watch the NBA without interruptions.

• Number of connections — This feature isn't the most important if you only ever use one device, but if you're in a large household with loads of devices, it's better to subscribe to a VPN with an unlimited number of multi-logins. This means you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with the same account, so everyone can watch their favourite sport at the same time. Not many VPNs offer unlimited connections, but most of the best services let you connect at least five devices simultaneously, which is probably enough for most people.

• Server network — VPNs provide access to literally thousands of servers located all around the world, and it's these servers that grant you access to things like the NBA International League Pass. It's important to pick a VPN with a large and diverse selection of servers so that you can always find a reliable and speedy connection.

It's important to take all of this into consideration when selecting a VPN for streaming any sort of sport from around the world. The best strategy is to think through these important features, and weigh them against your own set of personal priorities. Then you should have a clearer idea about what really matters to you.

Should you use free VPNs?

Before we get into the best VPNs for watching the NBA, it's worth tackling to most common question when it comes to VPNs. Should you pay for a VPN, or try a free service?

There are plenty of free VPNs out there that offer a decent set of features, but these almost always have limits on data, server network, and connection speed, so if you want to stream freely, we really wouldn't recommend them.

The good news is that there are a lot of cheap plans on offer from the leading services, especially if you're willing to commit to long contract. The cheapest monthly rates are reserved for the longest contracts, so if you find a VPN that ticks all of your boxes, it might be worth signing up for a lengthy plan.

What is the best VPN for watching the NBA? 

There are a lot of VPNs that provide a user-friendly viewing experience for the NBA, but we know you're only interested in the very best. That's why we have lined up a selection of the best VPNs for streaming sport, including the best deals on popular services like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN.

There should be something for everyone and every budget on this list, so all you need to do is consider the options we have highlighted, and pick the service that suits you best.

These are the best VPNs for watching the NBA in 2024.

If you're buying, trading, and selling cryptocurrencies, a cryptocurrency wallet is a must-have digital accessory. We're not just talking about a Bitcoin wallet either — there are a growing number of cryptocurrencies out there for you to invest in.

But what is a crypo wallet? And how does it work? And do you really need one? We understand any confusion. The digital world can be confusing and moves at a relentless, always-upgrading pace. And you're right to be cautious: The new-fangled crypto world can be a shady, scammy place.

If you're new to it all, don't worry. We've compiled a list of great crypto wallets — options for all kinds of cryptocurrency owners — and answered the key questions.

Do you need a crypto wallet?

Technically, you don't need a crypto wallet, but just as a regular wallet keeps your cash and cards safer, a crypto wallet makes everything easier. It keeps everything in one place, so you can see exactly what crypto assets you own. It's also ideal for making Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency transactions. Simply put, if you want to be organised with how you track and monitor your cryptocurrency, you need a crypto wallet.

Are there different types of crypto wallet?

At their simplest, there are two types of wallet — a hot wallet and cold wallet — which are then broken down into subsections. A hot wallet is one that is actively connected to the internet, while a cold wallet is offline.

What is a hot wallet?

Let's break down the hot wallet with a bit more detail. Being connected to the internet means it's really easy to make transactions but hot wallets also more vulnerable to attack. The wallets typically break down to being either a mobile wallet or a desktop wallet, depending on if you're using a smartphone app or desktop app.

Another term you may see is an online wallet or cloud wallet. These are very easy to use as you can access them from any location. However, your private keys are stored on another server, which can be risky. Generally, it's not advised to use them for large amounts of money.

What is a cold wallet?

A cold wallet is not connected to the internet. That means there's no risk of being hacked but you do need to physically store items. One example is a paper wallet, which involves storing your Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency as a QR code that is printed out. Another form of cold storage wallet is a hardware wallet. It lets you store your private keys in a secure physical device while cryptocurrencies stored within the wallet are kept offline, so no chance of them being hacked.

Within the cold wallet category there are are also custodial wallets. These are digital wallets where the private key or keys are held by the service provider. You access and spend money on it but you don't have full control over it. The service provider could even potentially stop you from transferring funds.

What is the safest crypto wallet?

There isn't really one type of truly safe crypto wallet. They all have different strengths and advantages largely depending on how you're looking after your currency.

On the surface, hot wallets appear to be the riskiest. That's because you're dependent on the security of a provider. Cold storage may seem like the best solution, with crypto hardware wallets seemingly unbeatable, right? Kind of. These may not be vulnerable to hackers as they're offline but they are susceptible to external damage, theft, or simple loss of the hardware.

There's no perfect solution. You just need to weigh up what works best for your needs.

Will your Bitcoin grow in your crypto wallet?

For the most part, unfortunately not. Unlike a regular bank account that may have interest added to investments, a crypto wallet is solely a means of storage. Just like a regular wallet, it's somewhere to keep your finances safe rather than to see them grow and develop. There are some exceptions. Coinbase Wallet allows you to earn interest, but there's a certain amount of risk with rates fluctuating.

What is the best crypto wallet?

The good news is that there are plenty of crypto wallets out there, so you have options. The bad news is that selecting the right one is tricky. This is where we can help. We've lined up a selection of the very best crypto wallets, with something to suit everyone.

These are the best crypto wallets in 2024.

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 October 4'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 October 4 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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

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 October 4 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 4 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

It's the name given to a book, movie, or position, often revealing its essence.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 4 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...

TITLE.

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.

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 October 4'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 SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 4 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 October 4 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: A curve that dips inward

• Green: Just a little bit

• Blue: Famous animated characters

• Purple: Types of dates

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: Concavity

• Green: Small Amount

• Blue: Disney Characters

• Purple: ___Date

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 #480 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Concavity: DENT, DIMPLE, DING, DIVOT

• Small Amount: DAB, DASH, DOLLOP, DROP

• Disney Characters: DAISY, DALE, DOC, DORY

• ___Date: DELIVERY, DINNER, DREAM, DUE

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.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 4

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.

OpenAI is changing up ChatGPT's interface to look more like a digital notepad for projects.

On Thursday, OpenAI announced a beta "canvas" feature for writing and coding. Canvas is different from the traditional chatbox interface, which makes it tedious to refine or develop ideas without the back and forth prompts.

"Although the [ChatGPT] interface is easy to use and works well for many tasks, it’s limited when you want to work on projects that require editing and revisions. Canvas offers a new interface for this kind of work," the announcement said.

The new feature is ChatGPT's first major design change since its launch in 2022. OpenAI has been busy doing other stuff, like launching multimodal model GPT-4o, reasoning model o1, and raising $6.6 billion in its latest investment round. According to reports from the New York Times, OpenAI told investors it plans to increase revenue from $3.7 billion this year to $11.6 billion by 2025. The updates to ChatGPT, such as making it more dynamic and user-friendly, could potentially help OpenAI meet its ambitious financial goals.

Canvas makes it easier for users to iterate ideas with ChatGPT. Credit: OpenAI

For now, Canvas is only available to paying subscribers, but OpenAI says it plans to expand access to non-paying users when it's out of beta. If you're a ChatGPT Plus or Teams user, you can select "ChatGPT 4o with Canvas" from the model dropdown and get to work. Access for Enterprise and Edu subscribers rolls out next week.

From here, all you need to do is enter a prompt related to writing or coding and it will activate Canvas by opening a new window. Per OpenAI's announcement, ChatGPT has been trained to recognize certain prompts that trigger canvas. For writing help, users can highlight specific parts of the text and click "ask ChatGPT" to edit or ask certain questions about the highlighted text.

There are also shortcuts found in the lower lefthand corner for suggesting edits, shortening the length, changing the reading level, polishing for grammar, and adding emoji. The ChatGPT format remains in a left sidebar in case you want to keep the conversation going.

Canvas has a shortcuts bar for making edits. Credit: OpenAI

For coding, Canvas works in a similar way, by recognizing coding-related prompts that trigger a new window. Shortcuts include: Review code, Add logs, Add comments, Fix bugs, and Port to a language by translating your code into a different programming language (i.e., JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Java, C++, or PHP).

If you made a mistake, you can hit the back button and revert to the previous version. When you're finished working, simply close the window, and you'll find yourself back in the normal ChatGPT interface. To find the project again, just click on the module saved in your chat history.

Sarah Paulson is no stranger to horror. Here, she goes into detail with Mashable Entertainment Editor, Kristy Puchko, about why 'Hold Your Breath' hits different.

The best early October Prime Day fitness tracker deals at a glance: BEST APPLE DEAL Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal BEST SAMSUNG DEAL Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) $195.30 at Amazon (Save $104.69) Get Deal BEST GARMIN DEAL Garmin Venu 3S $399.99 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal BEST GOOGLE DEAL Google Pixel Watch 3 $299.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal BEST SMART RING DEAL Oura Ring 3 (Horizon) starting at $299.99 (save up to $100) Get Deal

If you're looking to bring home a new fitness tracker, Prime Day is a great time to shop. Though the official Prime Big Deal Days event doesn't kick off until Oct. 8, Amazon has already put up tons of deals on items across every department, fitness trackers and smartwatches included.

Now that the weather is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to change, you might be more inclined to start that jogging program you were looking forward to. Or you might decide to get ahead of New Year's resolutions and start heading to the gym. Whatever you're planning, there are plenty of smartwatch and fitness tracker deals already available to help you get going — with brands like Apple, Garmin and Samsung running the show. Fitbit deals are currently MIA, but we're not surprised. The brand typically waits until closer to the official event to join the party, though a couple of Google Pixel deals have popped up already.

We'll be keeping a running tab below on all the best fitness tracker deals throughout Amazon's October Prime Day. If you don't see the wearable you're looking for on sale yet, check back regularly for the latest updates.

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 9.

Despite the recent release of the Series 10, the Apple Watch Series 9 is not exactly outdated. You won't get the slightly larger display and sleep apnea sensor, but you'll still get the same 2,000-nit max brightness, Double Tap feature, and 18 hours of battery life. Not to mention, you'll save $100 on the Series 9 because it's no longer the shiniest new Apple toy. If you're upgrading from an old Apple Watch or are brand new to the fruit company's wearables, you won't be disappointed.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 10

• Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) — $411.99 $429 (save $17.01)

Series 9

• Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) — $299 $399 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) — $329 $429 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS + cellular) — $599 $749 (save $150)

SE

• Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $189 $249 (save $60)

• Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $229 $279 (save $50)

Ultra

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + cellular) — $734.89 $799 (save $64.11)

Best Samsung Galaxy Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 $195.30 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $104.69 (Bluetooth, 40mm) Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Galaxy Watch 6.

When a new generation makes its debut, we often see ultra-low prices on the previous one. Such is the case with the Galaxy Watch 6. With the arrival of the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra over the summer, the Watch 6 is now steadily sitting below $200. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, you can grab the 40mm version with Bluetooth for only $195.30, which is 35% in savings and a new record-low (by about $1). Only a year old, the sixth generation is still a very good smartwatch. It includes a nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, irregular heart rate notifications, and a better battery life over its predecessor, which led Mashable's Alex Perry to dub it "the king of the Android smartwatch mountain."

More Samsung Galaxy Watch deals

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 44mm) — $194.72 $329.99 (save $135.72)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Bespoke Edition (Bluetooth, 44mm) — $279.99 $379.99 (save $100)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Bluetooth, 44mm) — $287.34 $329.99 (save $42.65)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (Bluetooth, 43mm) — $329.99 $399.99 (save $70)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (LTE, 44mm) — $329.99 $379.99 (save $50)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (LTE, 47mm) — $581.62 $649.99 (save $68.37)

Best Garmin deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu 3S $399.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Ideal for smaller wrists, the Garmin Venu 3S is about .2 inches smaller in diameter and .3 oz lighter than the standard Venu 3. It still offers the same advanced features, like a built-in speaker and microphone to take calls, the ability to store music, and an abundance of health and fitness tools and insights. The only real difference besides the size is that the 3S has a slightly shorter battery life (about 10 days in smartwatch mode versus the 3's 14 days), but it still blows the Apple Watch battery out of the water. It's usually $449.99, but you can save $50 ahead of the October Prime event and get it for only $399.99. That's just a few bucks away from its all-time low.

More Garmin deals

• Garmin Forerunner 55 — $168.99 $199.99 (save $31)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

Best Google deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 3 (LTE, 45mm) $399.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Google Pixel Watch 3 just dropped in Aug., which makes this discount at Amazon ahead of Prime Big Deal Days its biggest one yet. This is the first Pixel Watch to offer a larger size case, which Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon says is "a visual stunner." Its battery life largely remains the same as its predecessor, but the Pixel Watch 3's dynamic refresh rate might allow you to squeeze out a little more. It also features a whole lot of software upgrades, including enhanced running features, AI-driven form tracking, a new Morning Brief feature via Fitbit, and updated media controls.

More Google deals (including Fitbit)

• Google Pixel Watch 2 (WiFi) — $231.70 $249.99 (save $18.29)

Best smart ring deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring 3 (Horizon) starting at $299.99 (save up to $100) Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Oura Ring 3.

The Oura Ring 4 launches later this month, so it's no surprise that we're seeing the Oura Ring 3 on sale ahead of Prime Day 2. Regardless of the colorway you choose, you'll get a discount between 10% and 22% off. For instance, the stealth and brushed titanium models are 22% off, coming in at $349 (down from $449). The gold and rose gold models, on the other end of the price spectrum, are $449 after a 10% discount. The third-generation ring is a low-profile fitness tracker that offers in-depth info about sleep, workouts, recovery, mindfulness, and more through a variety of sensors, though sleep tracking is truly where it shines.

More smart ring deals

There are currently no other live deals on smart rings, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled.

We showed the 'Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' cast a Charli SCS fan edit calling Sauron 'brat'. This lead to some intense debate!

Amazon’s fall Deals event is right around the corner and if you haven’t made a shopping plan yet, we’re here to help.

Two Harvard students have created a privacy nightmare, according to 404 Media. Real-time facial recognition smart glasses, which pull up names, contacts, addresses, and more about a complete stranger just by looking at them.

On top of the facial recognition software capabilities, the students' project is even more eye-opening considering the hardware they're using to run it: Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

The students – AnhPhu Nguyen and Caine Ardayfio – say they won't be releasing the product nor the software behind it. The project, titled I-XRAY, is meant to raise awareness about what is possible with today's technology. In fact, it's something that Big Tech companies like Google and Facebook have long had the power to do, but they haven't released such capabilities due to the high potential for misuse. 

How it works

Nguyen and Ardayfio were able to create I-XRAY, thanks, in part, to Meta's smart glasses and PimEyes' facial recognition software.

While there are a few facial recognition search engines out there, PimEyes is perhaps the largest one that makes its technology accessible by the public. Users can simply upload a photo to PimEyes, and using facial recognition, the service scans the web for images of the individual in the photo. 

Using the information from PimEyes, I-XRAY can then identify the individual and find out personal information on them by scanning the internet for articles and through data brokers like FastPeopleSearch. This information can include full names, phone numbers, home addresses, social media profiles, and more.

The entire system is automated to start pulling this data as soon as the smart glasses detect an individual's face in the frame. The students uploaded a video to social media to show the process.

Tweet may have been deleted

Meta pointed out in their response to the I-XRAY project that any similar camera product can be adapted to utilize PimEyes in this way. There's nothing particularly unique about Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses' technology itself that allowed this project to happen.

However, Nyugen said there was a specific reason that the two students chose Meta's smart glasses: The creepiness factor of being able to dox complete strangers with hardware that looks just like a normal, everyday glasses. Unlike many wearables, the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses don't look like a tech device. Furthermore, their $300 price point puts them in a fairly affordable range compared to other similar products.

How to protect yourself

As previously mentioned, there isn't a public product or service out there that can do this – yet. But, if you are concerned about the potential to dox individuals on the fly like this, the two Harvard students explained how to protect yourself.

According to Nguyen and Ardayfio, it's as simple as reaching out to these data brokers to get your information removed.

For example, PimEyes provides an opt-out page where people can get their images removed from their facial recognition search engine. Data brokers like FastPeopleSearch also usually provide forms where users can request data removal from the service.

SAVE $170.99: As of Oct. 3, get the Shark Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum for just $329 at Walmart. That's a discount of 38%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Shark Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum $329.00 at Walmart
$499.99 Save $170.99 Get Deal

No one likes doing housework. Maybe you enjoy zoning out while doing dishes. Or perhaps you enjoy the fruits of your labor after cleaning house. But most people absolutely abhor having to drag the vacuum out and handling the housework. That's what robots exist for, people – specifically, robot vacuums. It's 2024, and it's time to leave the dirty work to them thanks to Walmart's Shark Days.

As of Oct. 3, you can get the Shark Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum for just $329 at Walmart. That's a discount of 38% and $170.99 off its normal price of $499.99. The sale is open to all Walmart shoppers, so no Walmart+ needed to take advantage of the deal.

This self-emptying robot vacuum uses Matrix Clean, which gives it up to 50% more suction power, to pull up debris, dirt, and dust from your carpets and hardwood floors. That's thanks to its precision grid that can help it take multiple passes over different areas of the carpet so there aren't any missed areas. When it's done, it can go right back to its base on its own to empty, holding up to 30 days' worth of dirt until you need to dump the reservoir on your own.

This LiDAR-equipped robot vacuum is a great option if you have pets thanks to its tough brushroll. You can set it to target specific rooms and areas of your home that need more care than others with heavy traffic or additional pet hair. When it's finished, it'll go back home to its base and recharge for the next cleaning session. If you're looking for a heavy-duty yet affordable option to clean your home without your input, this is it, so grab it while it's still around.

Time to stock up on literary scares: Today (Thursday, Oct. 3) is Terrify Your Tablet Day.

Hosted by Horrorsmith Publishing for the second year in a row, the 24-hour event is effectively a horror-only version of Stuff Your Kindle Day, where participating authors make their e-books available for free or just 99 cents. Unlike the titles featured in Stuff Your Kindle Day, however, Terrify Your Tablet Day-eligible ebooks are available across several platforms, including Kindle, Kobo, Google Play, Apple Books, Scribd, and via direct download.

SEE ALSO: Another Stuff Your Kindle event is here — this time for the horror fans

There are hundreds of ebooks featured in this year's Terrify Your Tablet Day, and you can see the full list on Horrorsmith's website; it'll be uploading titles in waves throughout the day. Below, we've pulled a selection of Kindle horror picks from the first upload to get you started:

Free horror e-books

• 21 Dares (Stephen Barnard) — $0 $2.99

• And Then There Was Silence (Candace Robinson) — $0 $2.99

• Along About Midnight (Dorian J. Sinnott) — $0 $2.99

• Black Death (David Hardy) — $0 $2.99

• Dark Songs (Keith Evans) — $0 $2.99

• From Dark Waters and Woods (Amanda Leanne) — $0 $2.99

• Home (Ben Young) — $0 $2.99

• Mind the Mirrors (Amanda Leanne) — $0 $2.99

• The Salem Legacy (Paul Carro) — $0 $6.99

• Smilin' Sam's Corn Maze (Stephanie P. Scissom) — $0 $0.99

• To Eat You With You (Kayla Burt) — $0 $2.99

• The Triangle Forest (Edward Flora) — $0 $2.99

• Who is Mara Wildes? (Amanda East) — $0 $2.99

$0.99 horror e-books

Note: Most of the following titles are free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Amazon Prime members can snag a free three-month trial for a limited time.

• Abject Fear (Paul Carro) — $0.99 $6.99 (save $6)

• Awake In The Night (Shauna Mc Eleny) — $0.99 $5.99 (save $5)

• Ditch of the Damned and Other Tales (Ryan Hoyt) — $0.99 $3.99 (save $3)

• Hole: A Small Town Horror Novel (Matthew Doggett) — $0.99 $14.99 (save $14)

• The Naughty Corner (Mark Towse) — $0.99 $15.99 (save $15)

• The Original's Retribution (David Watkins) — $0.99 $2.99 (save $2)

• The Original's Return (David Watkins) — $0.99 $2.99 (save $2)

• Saltblood (T.C. Parker) — $0.99 $4.99 (save $4)

• Sudden Death (Theresa Jacobs) — $0.99 $7.50 (save $6.51)

• Territory (Dan Howarth) — $0.99 $5.99 (save $5)

• The Zombie Effect (Theresa Jacobs) — $0.99 $9.99 (save $9)

• We've Already Gone Too Far (MJ Mars) — $0.99 $5.99 (save $5)