Feed aggregator

No, you probably don't need another device. But you might need a Kindle. There are a decent number of e-readers on the market, but having tried many of them, Kindles are the best. But which Kindle is the best? Well, that's the Kindle Paperwhite, especially after this year's update.

After a few years of waiting, Amazon finally released a new batch of Kindles. The lineup includes upgrades to every model, including the addition of the Kindle Colorsoft, the brand's first foray into a color e-reader. While we've yet to try the newest entry, we did get our hands on the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite.

The Kindle Paperwhite remains as good as ever, even if it's missing some updates we were hoping for. It's quick, lightweight, and easy to use. Here's why the Kindle Paperwhite is the best e-reader of the moment.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle for every type of reader Kindle Paperwhite price and specs The Kindle Paperwhite is a full-inch bigger than the standard Kindle model. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The 2024 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite costs $159.99 for the ad-supported device, while the model without lock screen ads costs $179.99.

In the past, Amazon has offered different storage options for each Kindle model, but 16GB is the new standard, and to upgrade to 32GB, you have to opt for the Signature Edition. Now, the only choice you have to make when purchasing the Kindle Paperwhite is whether to have ads or go ad-free.

No matter which version you go for, these are the specs for the 2024 Paperwhite.

• 7-inch display, up to 94 nits brightness and 300 ppi resolution (up from 6.8 inches on the 2021 model)

• USB-C charging port with up to 12 weeks of battery life

• 16GB of storage

• IPX8 waterproof rating can be fully submerged in water for up to one hour

• Comes in black, raspberry, and jade

It's fast, with a vibrant screen

Before testing the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite, I thoroughly enjoyed the prior model, and I didn't think there was much to improve upon. It was already a quick-moving e-reader that made reading more convenient. However, the most significant upgrades come to the performance and screen.

The latest Kindle moves fast. The previous generation was already quick, so the 25 percent increase in speed isn't quite noticeable if you're moving from there, but it still improves the reading experience with far less loading in between page turns or stalling when opening and exiting books.

SEE ALSO: Kobo's first crack at a color e-reader should have Amazon worried

While the brightness and resolution specs haven't changed from the previous model, the screen on the 2024 model does look higher resolution, edging closer to the resolution of a tablet and away from the classic, dim e-reader. The Paperwhite's screen still sports a matte finish that is as easy to read outside on a sunny day as in a dark bedroom.

Building a library is cheap and convenient You can buy or borrow books to build your Kindle collection. Credit: Samantha Mangino

You might not believe me when I say buying a $160 device makes your reading habit cheaper, but trust me when I tell you it will. The cost of a Kindle Paperwhite is the same as about five to six hardcover books, but luckily, Kindle e-books are a lot cheaper. If you plan on buying books from the Kindle store, eventually, the Kindle will earn itself in savings. Plus your purchases earn you points through the Kindle Rewards system, where every 300 points is turned into $3 in Kindle book credits. But there are even more affordable ways to read.

If you don't want to buy books, reading library books on your Kindle is so simple. With the Libby app, you can check out e-books from your local library and send them to your Kindle with the press of a button. It's the most effortless Libby integration besides the Kobo's. However, I prefer the Kindle integration as you can use multiple library cards to check out books, while the Kobo only allows you to use one at a time.

Another affordable reading option is the Kindle Unlimited Program. The subscription program lets users borrow books for as long as they want for a monthly fee of $11.99. You don't need a Kindle to use the program, as long as you have the Kindle app you can subscribe. However, with the purchase of a Kindle, you gain access to a free three-month trial.

Amazon also has a First Reads program where Prime members get free early access to editor-selected e-books. During Prime Day months, members get to select two free books.

The library interface is clunky

As much as I love how easy it is to read library books on my Kindle, they can also make the Kindle library clunky. After you read a library book and the loan expires, you won't be able to read the book. However, the cover still appears in your Kindle library.

Just like I want my books tidy IRL, I want them organized on my e-reader, too. However, there's no filter to hide your library books. Instead, if you want to hide the expired titles, you need to make a collection in your Kindle library to separate your library books from those you own.

The Paperwhite is better than the Signature Edition for this one reason

I have spent weeks with both the Paperwhite and the Signature Edition, and despite the SE's extra features, I prefer the Paperwhite. The reason is the ad-free lock screen. Yes, ads are annoying. However, the lock screen with ads forces you to swipe past the screen when you turn it on. This is different from the SE's screen, which automatically pushes past the lock screen when you hit the power button.

On its face, that sounds super convenient, saving you a step. That is until you throw the Signature Edition in your bag and pull it out to discover you've lost your page in your book because it accidentally turned on. Meanwhile, this was never an issue with the Paperwhite, which stayed locked while I was on the go.

This issue will be on any ad-free Kindle, not just the Signature Edition. You can add a PIN as a workaround, but like many users, I'd rather just swipe.

All these updates, but there's still room for improvement

From the previous model, the Kindle Paperwhite remains our favorite e-reader. However, it's missing a few upgrades that I was really hoping to see. Amazon should have moved the power button to the top of the Kindle rather than keeping it on the bottom. I hit the power button while holding the device constantly because of its placement. It could be fine if the Kindle had an internal gyroscope like the Kobo Libra Colour does, and the Kindle could rotate the page, but alas, another missing feature.

Another perk the Kobo Libra has over the Kindle is page-turning buttons. Amazon devastated users by discontinuing the Kindle Oasis in June 2024, taking away the only Kindle with page-turning buttons. I was hopeful that meant this new batch of Kindles would feature buttons, but they're noticeably absent. While the buttons aren't necessary — the Kindle's touchscreen is plenty responsive — having the buttons is just a better reading experience, which is why, in terms of ergonomics, the Kobo Libra is much better.

None of these missing features are dealbreakers, but they do remind us that the Kindle Paperwhite isn't perfect.

Is the Kindle Paperwhite worth it? You can't beat the displays on the Kindle Paperwhite. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Kindle Paperwhite is not just the best Kindle but the best e-reader overall. It's compact and lightweight, just the right size for toting around. The screen strikes the balance of tech and paper, and the adjustable warmth makes reading in the evening better for your eyes. With the release of the 2024 model, it's the fastest Kindle yet, which is good news. When you turn the physical page, it never buffers, so digital readers deserve the same.

While Amazon still leaves some to be desired, it remains the best e-reader you can buy. It's $10 more expensive than the last model but is still a good value.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) $159.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

We now know the identities of the hackers behind the massive AT&T data breach – and we now know exactly how much data was stolen, too.

The U.S. has indicted two individuals, Connor Moucka and John Binns, according to new documents, for hacking third-party cloud data storage and analytics company Snowflake. The Snowflake hack led to data breaches at numerous companies using the platform such as AT&T, Ticketmaster, and more than 150 other corporations.

As TechCrunch pointed out in its report, while the victims are not mentioned by name in the indictment, the descriptions of the victims are quite clear in some cases. For example, AT&T is referred to as Victim-2, which is described as a "major telecommunications company located in the United States." The indictment states that the data breach occurred on April 14, aligning with AT&T’s original statement that it became aware of the breach on April 19.

New details of the data breach

New details have emerged about the Snowflake hack that led to the data breach, revealing information that was previously unknown.

For example, while AT&T originally said it would notify around 110 million customers who were affected by the data breach, it was unclear just how much data had been stolen. According to the indictment, Moucka and Binns extracted around 50 billion phone call and text message records, including dialed numbers.

While the content of those calls and texts weren't stolen, the records alone were apparently enough to extort affected customers. The two hackers extorted at least three victims, obtaining a total of 36 Bitcoin. The indictment says that the Bitcoin amount was worth $2.5 million at the time.

Furthermore, as previously reported, the hackers were able to get AT&T itself to pay $370,000 in exchange for deleting the data they stole.

Both Moucka and Binns have been arrested and are currently being held in custody.

It dwells in the midnight zone.

Scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute identified an intriguing new deep sea species off of California. It's see-through, can glow, and nabs prey with a large hood. At one point while filming, researchers watched it detach one of its finger-like appendages, likely as a decoy for a predator. The glowing appendage floated away.

"When we first filmed it glowing with the ROV, everyone in the control room let out a loud 'Oooooh!' at the same time. We were all enchanted by the sight," Steven Haddock, a senior scientist at the institute, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: A dominant shark lurks in the deep, dark ocean. Meet the sixgill.

Below, you can view brilliant footage of the animal, which biologists have dubbed the "mystery mollusc." It now also has a scientific name, Bathydevius caudactylus, and after years of observation and genetic testing, scientists have concluded it's a species of nudibranch, more popularly known as sea slugs.

But this creature might not resemble, nor behave, like a typical bottom-dwelling slug.

It primarily lives between some 3,300 to 13,100 feet below the ocean surface, a vast region of the lightless sea called the midnight zone (this zone accounts for some 70 percent of seawater on Earth but is largely unexplored). To eat, it uses a hood to "trap crustaceans like a Venus fly trap plant," the institute explains. It's a hermaphrodite (like other sea slugs), and exploits its transparency to hide in plain sight. But as described above, when needed it can detach parts of its body as a decoy.

Behold the "mystery mollusc":

Tweet may have been deleted

Bathydevius caudactylus is so unusual that it took 150 deep water sightings over 20 years before marine biologists could accurately identify the animal. The discovery has been published in the science journal Deep-Sea Research Part I.

"What is exciting to me about the mystery mollusc is that it exemplifies how much we are learning as we spend more time in the deep sea, particularly below 2,000 meters," Haddock said. "For there to be a relatively large, unique, and glowing animal that is in a previously unknown family really underscores the importance of using new technology to catalog this vast environment."

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

Lines are a part of life. The grocery store, the DMV, Target on a Sunday — we're bound to queue up. I remember a time, however, when this was a bad thing.

And you might be thinking, it's still a bad thing, dummy, and to that, I say: Are you sure about that? Nobody would claim to enjoy lines, but we've let them become a far too significant part of our lives. So much so that, I'd argue, the line is now the point of a thing rather than an unfortunate side effect. Let me explain.

Think of anything someone has told you that you had to try recently: the best croissant in town, an exclusive sale, some new pop-up. How often does that thing involve waiting in a long line? I'd wager it usually does.

I blame the internet. It seems counterintuitive, but it tracks. Facebook, then Instagram, and now TikTok have flattened our IRL experience into what's trending. The internet's promise of expanding our respective worlds came true, but then, faced with that vast expanse, we (the royal, cultural We) retreated into the comfort of things people have already said are good. The lines followed.

Let me be clear: This is not everything and everyone. But, overall, line culture has gotten out of control.

Think of the way a song goes viral on TikTok these days. You hear it once, and a second later, you hear it again, and by the end of the week, you know every word of Gracie Abrams' "That's So True" despite never playing it on purpose. Now, imagine you had to line up IRL to play that song on Spotify. It'd be one hell of a line. And you wouldn't even be certain you enjoyed the song. That's effectively what's happening with real-world experiences.

Let's talk about one of life's finest pleasures: tacos. I live in New York City — I know, I know, the whole world is NYC, and NYC is the whole world — and recently, El Califa de León, Mexico City's only Michelin-starred taqueria, opened a pop-up where they cooked their tacos at a local chain. Naturally, it blew up on TikTok, particularly among NYC's food influencer set. Hourslong lines followed, only for many people to give the tacos middling reviews. But the trend — aka the line it wrought — was the point. You had to try that taco if you lived in NYC.

Now, let's talk more tacos. My neighborhood spot, Taqueria Ramirez, blew up last year. It cracked the New York Times' Top 100 restaurants and, in turn, became a destination folks would post about online. Last year, there were so many posts about the spot, and, in turn, the lines were godawful. It'd take 45 minutes of queueing up to get a few (albeit delicious) tacos. As a result, I almost never went to the amazing spot I pass every day.

But then a magical thing happened. Ramirez fell off the Times' Top 100 list. The tacos are no less delicious. They remain the best tacos I've ever eaten. But the lines have shrunken by at least 50 percent. What once stretched around the block is like a dozen people long. What changed? You can no longer make a social media post bragging, "I tried the New York Times' only taqueria in its list of Top 100 restaurants." That's it. Seriously, all those TikToks I linked above were the top hits, and they were all from 2023. Two taco spots of reportedly quite different quality, but the lines only follow the trend of it all — not the deliciousness.

I'm not saying a line always isn't worth it, but I'd argue often it's not. And they are everywhere. We've reached peak Line Culture. Sample sale lines are so out of hand that people can make $500 just to stand there for 12 hours. Tourists sardining themselves for a Mona Lisa selfie has, in part, sparked the Louvre to reconsider how it displays the masterpiece. Swifties flooded Miami's Hard Rock Stadium 24 hours before Taylor's concert to wait 2 hours to purchase tour merch. Does anyone need a T-shirt — that you could maybe even get online — that badly?

Things have gotten so bad that folks have taken to guerrilla measures. Londoners, for instance, "love bombed" a touristy, average spot called Angus Steakhouse to draw social media attention away from the good restaurants overrun by visitors.

SEE ALSO: Don't @ Me: I hate iPhone Tapbacks

The spots with long lines are like field trips for the internet. Often, those field trip recommendations become the same thing for everyone — because the internet has flattened the world into what's viral. You don't have to wait in line for something; you get to wait in line for the Big Thing. What started with the Cronut ridiculousness a decade ago has morphed into its logical endpoint. If you're not fighting for a reservation, you're waiting in line.

That's not to say lines were somehow invented in the last few years. But they've become unnatural. It used to be you showed up somewhere, there was a line commensurate with reality, you waited, did the thing, moved on. But now, thanks to posts like "I waited two hours to get X thing," people line up just to get the thing that requires two hours in line. A line does not a good thing make!

And lest you think this is just me whining about NYC problems — which, fair, I kind of am — it's become a problem pretty much everywhere. A town in Vermont, for instance, banned tourists last year after a horde of influencers descended on the town to snag foliage pics after TikToks about a local spot called Sleepy Hollow Farm went viral. The little town of Pomfret was overrun with traffic (aka lines) and unruly tourists trying to get their shot. Never mind that beautiful fall leaves exist...pretty much anywhere in the Northeast. Sleepy Hollow Farm was the viral spot.

I'm not saying I'll never wait in another line. Hell, I still have to wait in line to get my favorite neighborhood tacos. But maybe next time the internet tells me I have to try something, I — and perhaps you — can leave that job to everyone else.

NBC's St. Denis Medical is a charming workplace sitcom from Superstore and American Auto creator Justin Spitzer and writer Eric Ledgin.

Told as a mockumentary, the series follows a group of nurses and doctors at an Oregon hospital. Between its format and its focus on a group of harried, underfunded employees just trying to do some good, St. Denis Medical contains shades of other shows like Abbott Elementary and Parks and Recreation. But will it also feature the classic workplace sitcom staple of an office (or in this case, hospital) romance? Who will be St. Denis Medical's Jim and Pam? Its Leslie and Ben? Its Janine and Gregory?

SEE ALSO: I was tired of slow-burn sitcom romances. 'Abbott Elementary' changed that.

As of the show's first two episodes, nobody! Kind of. Yes, St. Denis Medical hints at the possibility of a workplace romance between nurses Matt (Mekki Leeper, Jury Duty) and Serena (Kahyun Kim, Cocaine Bear). But it also subverts that same hint in a way that feels genuine, smart, and potentially refreshing for the genre.

Our first hints at a St. Denis Medical romance come less than five minutes into the episode, when head nurse Alex (Allison Tolman) tells Serena their new floor nurse is a "young guy from Montana."

Serena's response? To playfully dry hump the front desk and imagine it's the new nurse, something she straight-up tells St. Denis doctor Ron (David Alan Grier). Who needs boundaries in a hospital anyway?

However, whatever fantasies Serena may have had about the Montana nurse fly out the window when she actually meets him. Matt may be a pleasant goofball, but, to put it simply, he is not smart. He administers an EpiPen to himself instead of a patient on his first day, for crying out loud. Serena can only watch on in horror.

Kahyun Kim in "St. Denis Medical." Credit: Ron Batzdorff / NBC

Later, though, she gives him a small pep talk about how he stepped up during a medical emergency. She even nudges his shoe with her own, a small bit of physical contact that makes Matt's face light up.

In a confessional directly following that scene, Matt reveals that he's starting to think he's got what it takes to be a nurse. "Also," he says conspiratorially, "I might have met the girl of my dreams. So, yeah, I think I'm in the right place."

Cut to Serena, who has a very different thing to say to the documentary crew: "He's definitely getting fired. He's so, so bad."

Serena's response is a great comedic undercutting of Matt's excitement about his "dream girl," but it also shuts down the possibility of any romance between them kicking off right away. After all, if you introduce mutual attraction in your first episode, like Jim and Pam in The Office or Janine and Gregory in Abbott Elementary, you've set yourself a ticking time bomb. The audience knows immediately that these characters will get together at some point. But if that will-they-won't-they dynamic overstays its welcome, you risk exasperation and unfortunate narrative drag. (Yes, Jim and Pam pushed me to my limits.)

That St. Denis Medical seemingly cuts the Matt-Serena romance off at the head means that the show might not even be engaging with a genre trope that's grown a tad overplayed. Or, it could just be buying itself more time, letting the characters develop organically and separately before nudging them together down the line. At least we won't be force-fed pining glances right from the jump.

OK, Matt may still be pining, but Serena will be too busy being competent to notice. Maybe if he learns how to properly work an EpiPen, he'll be worthy of her, and I'll be more ready to root for their pairing.

St. Denis Medical airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock.

TL;DR: Ditch subscriptions with these lifetime licenses to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro, now $52.97 (reg. $438) through November 17.

Like most people, you probably rely on Microsoft apps to get through your personal tasks or workday. If you're accessing them through Microsoft 365, you may be unnecessarily paying for a recurring subscription.

Rather than deal with recurring fees, why not own your essential apps and software with a lifetime license? Gain greater peace of mind and security knowing your tools are truly yours by investing in this bundle featuring Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro. For four more days, you can get this productivity-enhancing package for only $52.97 (reg. $438).

Though it's not the latest edition, Microsoft Office 2021 is equipped with the classic apps you know and rely on daily: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. You'll get unfettered access to these apps to accomplish personal and professional tasks.

Create documents, spreadsheets, meetings, presentations, and other items seamlessly, as each app offers a ribbon-based interface for ease of use. Since this license is yours for life, you won't experience service interruptions or have to deal with subscription renewals ever again.

Windows 11 Pro is tailored for modern professionals, housing security, productivity, and AI-powered features within a sleek interface. Compute without fear of tampering or cybercrime, as it arrives with measures like biometrics login, Smart App Control, and TPM 2.0. You can maximize your productivity with Copilot, the new AI-powered assistant that can answer your queries, summarize web pages, and more.

Aside from the significant savings you'll gain in investing in this bundle, you may find you have more freedom to use these tools without any restrictions that might come with a standard subscription.

Ditch the subscriptions for your most-used apps and software.

You have until November 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT to grab these lifetime licenses to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for just $54.97. Act now while supplies last!

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle

Only $52.97 at Mashable

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $52.97
$438.00 Save $385.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Score permanent access to Skoove Premium piano lessons on sale for $119.99 (reg. $299) while supplies last through Nov. 17.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $119.99
$299.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal

Thinking of fulfilling a lifelong goal of learning to play the piano? Finding an instructor to teach you every week will quickly set you back hundreds, if not thousands — not to mention the coordination of both your schedules. And learning from YouTube can be hard without a solid direction.

Thankfully, there's a way to combine the personal approach from an in-person teacher and the flexibility of learning from videos: interactive piano lessons from Skoove Premium. You can get lifetime access on sale for $119.99 for just four more days.

Skoove uses artificial intelligence to identify and understand what you're playing so it can give real-time feedback. You'll get access to over 400 piano tutorials that are tailored to your preferences, with a variety of genres to choose from like popular music by The Beatles, Adele, and more, as well as classical music by Beethoven, Mozart, etc. And if you need additional help, Skoove music instructors are there to give one-on-one support to supplement your studies. 

Every month, new videos and songs are added, so you'll never get bored. And lifetime access means you only have to pay once — but along with the cost comes the desire to get your money's worth.

If you're ready to tickle the ivories and learn to play the piano on your own schedule, consider Skoove.

Until November 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT, score a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium piano lessons marked down 60% at the price of $119.99. Supplies are limited, so act while you still can.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Upgrade for the new year with a new, open-box Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 laptop on sale for just $579.99 (reg. $1069.99). It's powerful, versatile, and ready to support your 2025 goals.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 (Intel 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $579.99
$1,070.01 Save $490.02 Get Deal

If a tech upgrade is part of your New Year's resolutions, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 laptop is here to make that dream come true. For $579.99 (reg. $1,069), you get a laptop packed with powerful features, designed to support your productivity and creativity. It also makes a generous gift.

Labeled as a new, open-box item, this model is in top condition, offering all the functionality you expect from a new laptop at a fraction of the price. Open-box models are typically just excess inventory from store shelves, so it's still new.

If you’re looking for a device that handles both business and creative tasks with ease, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 stands out with its 360-degree hinge, allowing you to switch effortlessly between laptop, tablet, and tent mode — whether you’re presenting to clients, designing graphics, or simply relaxing with a video.

The 16-inch WUXGA touchscreen display brings clarity and vivid color to all your work, so your spreadsheets look as sharp as your digital art. With TÜV Low Blue Light Certification, you can spend extended time in front of the screen without worrying about eye strain.

The IdeaPad 5i features an Intel® Core i7-150U processor with 10 cores, helping it tackle intensive tasks like video editing, graphic design, and data analysis. Its 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD provide more than enough speed and storage to keep multiple projects and large files within reach.

Rapid Charge Boost gives you up to two hours of battery life from a quick 15-minute charge. The device also includes advanced security features like a fingerprint reader and a webcam privacy shutter, adding peace of mind whether you're working in a coffee shop or a client meeting.

Get the new, open-box Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 laptop for just $579.99 (reg. $1,069) while it's still in stock.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: This 9" wireless car display has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, phone mirroring, and is on sale for $94.97 (reg. $179) through November 17.

Is accessing your apps, music, and messages challenging while driving? If you happen to have an older car or a vehicle without a wireless hub, there are options to make access easy. This 9" wireless car display is designed with an easy installation process, and it's on sale for $94.97 (reg. $179) until November 17.

You don't need to go car shopping just yet. Immerse yourself in clear visuals with the 1024x600 FHD 9" display, providing ample screen real estate for viewing maps, multimedia, and more. Whether navigating through busy city streets or enjoying your favorite music and podcasts, the larger-than-a-phone display offers easy visibility at a glance. It's also a touchscreen, making it simpler and quicker to use on the road.

Enjoy seamless integration with your smartphone's OS, whether you're an Apple or Android user. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, you can easily access your favorite apps, make calls, send messages, and navigate using familiar interfaces. It also has phone mirroring capabilities.

You'll be able to use Bluetooth to transmit audio to your car stereo speakers for playback. There's also the option to use FM wireless transmission audio and AUX output audio.

Don't miss out on a modern driving experience with your digital world safely at your fingertips.

Order this 9" wireless car display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility while it's on sale for just $94.97 (reg. $179) while inventory is still available. This offer ends November 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT!

9" Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility & Phone Mirroring

Only $94.97 at Mashable

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

SAVE $120: As of Nov. 13, the Google Nest WiFi Pro is on sale for $279 at Amazon. That's a 30% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Nest WiFi Pro $279.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $120.99 Get Deal

Black Friday sales have already started at a range of retailers, including Walmart and Best Buy, and while Amazon's Black Friday deals don't officially begin until Nov. 21, there's a range of active discounts that are worth your attention.

The Google Nest WiFi Pro is now at its lowest price in 2024. As of Nov. 13, this WiFi system is reduced to $279, a saving of 30%. This deal is for the three-pack option in the snow color, however, there are discounts available across all options.

SEE ALSO: Save over $300 on this impressive robot vacuum ahead of Black Friday

The Nest Wifi Pro setup offers up to twice the speed of WiFi 6, so if you work from home, stream regularly, or enjoy non-laggy gaming, this is the connection for you. It has a three-router setup, so you'll be covered with up to 6,600 square feet of connectivity. It even monitors itself, diagnoses network issues, and can even fix some common issues on its own.

However, this router system is not compatible with earlier Google or Nest WiFi models but offers superior, automatic adjustments to network performance. It also supports three bands, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.

For security, the Nest Wifi Pro shows all the devices connected to your WiFi network so you can easily pause access for unknown devices that you don’t want to connect. Also, for ultimate privacy, you can create a guest network that uses a different password, so you don’t have to share yours.

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal at Amazon.

SAVE OVER $50: As of Nov. 13, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ and Milk Frother is on sale for $125.97 at Amazon. That's a 30% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ $125.97 at Amazon
$175.95 Save $49.98 Get Deal

Black Friday sales have already started to descend upon us, and while Amazon hasn't officially kicked things off yet (bookmark Nov. 21 in your diary), there is still a mass of discounts to be had. If you're looking for a TV, phone, tablet, or new gaming headset, Amazon's daily deals has you sorted. And coffee lovers don't need to feel excluded, not with this incredible deal on the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ and milk frother combo.

From Nov. 13, this stacked coffee-making machine is reduced by 30% to just $125.97. It comes in three colors — coconut white, mint, and red — all at the same discounted price. Sold separately, the milk frother alone is $70, so this is a great bargain.

SEE ALSO: Save $250 on the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo coffee machine with Best Buy's Black Friday deals

This impressive machine can make your coffee and espresso in five sizes, from 5 oz to 12 oz coffees and single or double espressos, brewed hot or over ice (real ones know iced-lattes don't stop with summer). It has a nifty design that fits in small spaces, with a removable 25 oz water tank on the side — so even if your space is on the small side, you can squeeze in quality coffee.

There's no fuss involved either, the one-touch system heats up in just 30 seconds and includes a descaling alert when it's time for a clean. Choose from a wide selection of Nespresso pods that are fully recyclable after use.

The milk frother is an added bonus, allowing you to make velvety smooth lattes, and cappuccinos with options for hot milk foam, hot milk, or cold froth. It's easy to clean but don't put it in the dishwasher. To wash out the jug, place it under running water and use a non-abrasive cloth or scourer.

This deal is available for a limited-time only, so act quick so you don't miss out.

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

In need of fixing – or money.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for November 13 Hurdle Word 1 answer

BROKE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Data structure consisting of multiple parts.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 13 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

TUPLE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A tool or instrument for measuring.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 13 Hurdle Word 3 answer

GAUGE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To allow or approve.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 13 Hurdle Word 4 answer

GRANT

Final Hurdle hint

Part of the leg where the quad can be found.

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

THIGH

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

SAVE $300: As of Nov. 13, the roborock Qrevo S Robot is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock Qrevo S Robot $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Robot vacuums are having their moment, and we can see why. Who doesn't want to cut down their chore list?

Unfortunately, anything that makes life this much easier doesn't come cheap. But at Mashable we like to keep an eye out for the best deals and bargains on robot vacuums, so everyone can enjoy ticking vacuuming off their chores list. And with Black Friday approaching, there are deals to be found across many brands, including roborock.

SEE ALSO: 4 best robot vacuums and mops to buy on Black Friday, tested

As of Nov. 13, you can save $300 on the roborock Qrevo S Robot, now down to $499.99. But that's not all, for a limited time you can get an additional $40 off with an Amazon coupon. Simply tick the coupon box on the listing and see the discount applied at the checkout.

With both vacuuming and mopping functions, this robot vacuum really is an amazing addition to your home. A large 5 litre water tank supports up to 4,305 square feet of mopping, while the self-emptying bin allows for hands-free cleaning for up to seven weeks. It boasts a 7,000Pa suction power and multi-directional floating brush to make sure carpets, tiles, and hardwood floors are deep cleaned. Dual spinning mops rotate at 200 RPM, so sticky spills and dried dirt are no problem.

And no need to guide the vacuum around your house, this model is equipped with PreciSense LiDAR Navigation and 3D Mapping to detect and avoid obstacles.

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal at Amazon.

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 Nov. 11'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 13 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: You always remember how to ride one of these.

• Green: Order on the court

• Blue: Tourney toppers

• Purple: A shared name

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 - Parts of a bicycle

• Green - Basketball positions, abbreviated

• Blue - NFL teams with big cat nicknames

• Purple - ___ flyers

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 #51 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Parts of a bicycle: HUB, PEDAL, SADDLE, SPOKE

• MLB teams on scoreboards: C, PG, SF, SG

• NFL teams with big cat nicknames: CAROLINA, CINCINNATTI, DETROIT, JACKSONVILLE

• ____ flyers: DAYTON, HIGH, PF, PHILADELPHIA

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.

SAVE $8: As of Nov. 13, the viral sunset lamp is on sale at Amazon for $16.99. That's a 32% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: XEBKOR Sunset Lamp Projector $16.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $8.00 Get Deal

If your TikTok feed is anything like ours, you haven't been able to scroll more than five videos without stumbling across the viral sunset lamp. We're deep into cozy season now, so creating a warm and relaxing vibe in your space is top priority, and this lamp promises to do just that.

As of Nov. 13, you can get the TikTok viral sunset lamp for less at Amazon, currently reduced from $24.99 to $16.99. But the deal doesn't end there; for a limited time you can also get an additional 50% off coupon. Just tick the orange box on the listing and see the discount applied at the checkout.

SEE ALSO: Android users spot a TikTok-style swipe on YouTube’s horizontal videos

This sunset lamp gives you a selection of 21 colors and lighting modes, so you can set the mood with your favorite colors. Controlled from an app on your phone, you can alter the lights from the comfort of your couch or bed. You can even add dynamic effects such as music synchronization, microphone interaction, and a timer mode.

But how does it create a "sunset"? The lamp projects a wide, circle of light onto any surface, mimicking the glow and hues of a real sunset. By adjusting the lamp’s distance from the wall, you can control the size of the projected “sunset” — closer creates a smaller, more intense circle, while moving it farther away creates a larger, softer glow that fills more of the wall.

It also features an adjustable tripod, a 360-degree rotating head, and a size-adjustable projection, making it easy to move about.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so be quick to avoid missing out.

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 Wednesday, November 13, 2024:

AcrossFolded layer of a McGriddle

• The answer is Egg.

Host of the 2024 Summer Olympics

• The answer is Paris.

Plant that's a source for tequila or mescal

• The answer is Agave.

This clue number

• The answer is Past.

Romantic getaway?

• The answer is Tryst.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 13 DownRarin' to go

• The answer is Eager.

Turkey Day topping

• The answer is Gravy.

"What ___?" ("Can you explain this mess?")

• The answer is Gives.

Destination for a time machine

• The answer is Past.

"The document should be in your inbox now"

• The answer is Sent.

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.

SAVE $50: As of Nov. 13, the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) is down to $349 at Amazon. That's 13% off its usual $399 price for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 GPS (42mm) $349.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal

Looking for a Black Friday deal to finally join the Apple Watch crowd? Right now, Amazon is offering the Apple Watch Series 10 for just $349 — a solid $50 off its usual $399 price. Suppose you’ve been eyeing an upgrade or you're new to smartwatches. In that case, this discount makes diving into Apple’s latest wearable tech easier.

So, what’s new with the Apple Watch Series 10? For starters, the Series 10 is Apple’s most advanced watch yet, featuring a larger 42mm display that boasts 30% more screen area than previous models. That extra space means better visibility for apps, notifications, and those oh-so-satisfying Activity Rings.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Ultra 1 vs. Ultra 2: We'll make this simple

Health and safety features are at the heart of the Series 10, making it a powerful companion for anyone looking to stay on top of wellness. The built-in ECG app can take heart readings anytime, while high and low heart rate alerts can keep you informed of any unusual rhythms. It’s also equipped with menstrual cycle tracking, sleep monitoring, and even estimates ovulation, offering insight into your health from all angles. With advanced safety features like Fall Detection and Crash Detection, you’ll be connected to emergency services if you ever need help.

Fitness-wise, the Series 10 is ready for action. It can track steps, workouts, and heart rate and even monitor water depth and temperature for aquatic adventures. Plus, Apple Watch offers free three months of Apple Fitness+, so you can jumpstart your fitness goals without extra cost. The Series 10 GPS model keeps you connected to your iPhone and Wi-Fi, letting you send texts, make calls, stream music, and access Siri without having to reach for your phone. It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters and boasts impressive durability, crack resistance, and dust protection.

This Black Friday discount makes the Series 10 more accessible than ever, especially in classic jet black with a black sport band (or the other color options, if that’s more your style). If you’re ready to bring some smart tech to your wrist, this $50 saving on Apple’s latest is a tempting way to jump in.

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 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 13 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: We're walking

These words are upright.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words for animals that can walk on two legs.

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 Bipedal.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 13

• Human

• Kangaroo

• Pangolin

• Gibbon

• Bipdeal

• Ostrich

• Meerkat

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.

SAVE $70: As of Nov. 13, grab the Beats Solo4 wireless headphones for $129.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount off their usual price of $199.95 for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo4 Wireless Headphones $129.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you’re waiting for Black Friday to snag a deal that sounds as good as it looks, these Beats Solo4 headphones are exactly what you’re looking for. Normally priced at $199.95, the Solo4 headphones are down to just $129.99 at Amazon, saving you 35% and bringing a premium listening experience to your ears without the premium price tag.

The Beats Solo4 aren’t your average headphones; they’re designed with Beats’ signature audio quality, custom acoustic architecture, and updated drivers for that deep bass and crystal-clear sound that makes everything from bass-heavy playlists to true-crime podcasts sound better. Plus, with up to 50 hours of battery life, they’ll go strong long after the Black Friday sales are over.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% on Audible audiobooks and dive into new stories this winter

And if you’re in a rush, don’t worry — Beats has you covered with its Fast Fuel feature, which gives you five hours of playback after a quick 10-minute charge. Perfect for those “I’m-almost-out-the-door” moments. Built with an ultralight, ergonomic design and ultra-plush ear cushions, the Solo4 headphones are made for all-day comfort. Thanks to their flexible headband and angled ear cups, these headphones stay snug without feeling tight — ideal for everything from your morning commute to your late-night binge-watch.

Since they’re compatible with Apple and Android devices, the Solo4 headphones offer one-touch pairing, so you can get connected and start listening without any hassle. Equipped with Class 1 Bluetooth, these headphones keep a strong connection even at longer ranges and effortlessly handle calls and voice commands via their built-in microphone.

This Black Friday discount is a rare chance to get Beats’ quality and style at a seriously wallet-friendly price. So, if you’re ready to treat yourself (or someone else) to a major audio upgrade, grab a pair in matte black, slate blue, or cloud pink before this deal disappears.

SAVE $1,401: As of Nov. 13, TCL’s 98-inch Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV is on sale for $1,598 at Amazon. That’s 47% off its regular $2,999.99 price for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 98-inch Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV $1,598.00 at Amazon
$2,999.99 Save $1,401.99 Get Deal

With this deal on TCL's enormous 98-inch QLED 4K TV, Black Friday has officially entered go-big-or-go-home mode. Typically priced at $2,999.99, this 2024 model is now a whopping 47% off at Amazon, bringing it down to $1,598 — a $1,401 saving that's perfect for anyone looking to create a cinema experience at home.

Let's talk about the show's real star here: that screen. At 98 inches, it's big enough to make any movie night feel like a theater experience — minus the sticky floors and overpriced popcorn. The TCL Q65 QLED packs 4K UltraHD resolution, delivering four times the clarity of 1080p HDTVs. Thanks to its QLED Pro-tech, which uses Quantum Dot to cover almost the full DCI-P3 color spectrum, you get eye-popping colors and true-to-life detail. Even in daylight, this display remains vivid and transparent, making it ideal for both daytime binge-watching and late-night marathons.

SEE ALSO: TCL Flip 3 review: I used this retro-style flip phone for a week like it's 1999

This model's 120Hz refresh rate (up to 144Hz with variable refresh rate) and Game Accelerator 240 make it an absolute beast for fast-paced sports and gaming. Say goodbye to motion blur and lag as TCL's Motion Rate 480 and Auto Game Mode adjust for ultra-responsive visuals. Whether catching the big game or aiming for high scores, the Q65 delivers serious performance without any stutter.

The audio experience isn't left out, either. With Dolby Atmos and a built-in subwoofer, you can expect a deeper, more immersive sound than what you'll find on most standard TVs. And with Alexa compatibility, voice controls let you adjust the volume, change inputs, or search for shows without lifting a finger —tell Alexa to turn up the action.

What's in the box? Alongside this giant screen, TCL includes:

• Voice remote

• Power cable

• Two TV stands

• Quick-start guides (plus batteries for the remote)

And suppose the sheer size of this TV has you nervous about setup. In that case, Amazon's deluxe delivery and unpacking options will have it out of the box and ready for action without any heavy lifting.

For anyone dreaming of a proper home theater upgrade, this Black Friday deal is a rare chance to get a high-end, cinema-sized TV at an affordable price. Grab it before the deal's gone, and prepare to be the new favorite host for every watch party.