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SAVE UP TO 30%: The REI Winter Sale has hiking, camping, travel, winter sports, and fitness gear on sale through Nov. 25.

Best REI Winter Sale deals Best fitness tracker deal Garmin vivoactive 5 $199.99 at REI (save $100.01) Get Deal Best camping deal REI Frostbreak 5 Sleeping Bag $104.25 at REI (save $44.75) Get Deal Best winter sports deal MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes $135.89 at REI (save $34.06) Get Deal Best travel deal Thule Compression Packing Cube Set $33.69 at REI (save $11.26) Get Deal

REI stands as one of the best outdoor retailers in the US. But it's famously rejected the notion that we should spend the holiday period of Thanksgiving at the mall. Since 2015, REI has closed its physical stores on Black Friday, adopting the slogan "Opt Outside," which encourages us (and REI employees) to take the day off as an opportunity to explore the outdoors. But since the weather in late November might be wet and cold, time outside requires good gear.

Thankfully, REI's Winter Sale is already underway, offering thousands of sale products that save you up to 30% through Nov. 25. The sale covers a massive range of products for camping, hiking, snow sports, and fitness trackers.

It's a great time to snag holiday gifts before the chaos of Black Friday arrives, which frees you up to enjoy a relaxing day off after Thanksgiving. If your holiday shopping list includes an outdoor enthusiast, the REI sale is worth checking out. Here are some of our top recommendations this year.

Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vivoactive 5 $199.99 at REI
$300.00 Save $100.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The Garmin vivoactive 5 fitness tracker is ideal for anyone looking to keep tabs on fitness goals, whether you plan on walking around the neighborhood more often or start training for a marathon in 2025. The bright, AMOLED display means you'll be able to easily view your stats while getting up to 11 days of battery life. The Garmin vivoactive 5 also features the brand's Body Battery readout, which gives you an energy score based on metrics like activity level and sleep quality. Plus, the vivoactive 5 not only tracks your sleep, it has automatic nap detection.

The Garmin vivoactive 5 is also great for those who use a wheelchair, offering a mode that tracks pushes instead of steps.

More fitness deals

• Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch — $299.99 $400 (save $100.01)

• Thule Urban Glide 3 Stroller — $519.89 $649.95 (save $130.06)

• Polar Vantage V3 fitness tracker — $569.99 $599.99 (save $30)

Best camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: REI REI Frostbreak 5 Sleeping Bag $104.29 at REI
$149.00 Save $44.71 Get Deal Why we like it

Winter camping can be one of the most rewarding experiences, with the right gear. You'll need a cozy and functional sleeping bag that's rated to handle chilly temps. Enter the REI Frostbreak 5 Sleeping Bag, which is on sale for only $104.29, down from the usual price of $149. Like the name implies, the Frostbreak 5 is rated to handle temps as low as five degrees Fahrenheit. The sleeping bag uses four layers of water-resistant synthetic fill to keep you cozy and warm during chilly nights.

With a mummy shape to the sleeping bag, the face muffler is also great for keeping warm, as is the draft tube which prevents any cold air from seeping in. The unisex sleeping bag comes in short, regular, and long size options so you can find the best fit.

More camping deals

• Gregory Alpaca Gear Box 45 — $44.89 $59.95 (save $15.06)

• Nemo Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair — $149.89 $249.95 (save $100)

• REI Base Camp 4 Tent — $331.79 $474 (save $142.21)

Best snow sports deal Opens in a new window Credit: MSR MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes $135.89 at REI
$169.95 Save $34.06 Get Deal Why we like it

Snowy winter adventures await with the MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes which are 20% off during the REI Winter Sale, bringing them down to $135.89 instead of the usual $169.95. While snowshoeing on a crisp winter day can be fantastic, getting the snowshoes on is no one's favorite part. The MSR Evo Trail aims to make that process easier with two roller buckles and toe stops that are designed to be simple to secure, even while you're wearing gloves. The stretch bindings secure your feet comfortably without squeezing or causing pressure points. The pair weighs about four pounds, so it won't be a massive weight to strap to your backpack should you be hiking up to the snowline.

More snow sports deals

• Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Neck Gaiter — $23.99 $32 (save $8.01)

• Smith Rally Snow Goggles — $64.73 $90 (save $25.27)

• Dakine Daytripper Snow Helmet — $71.19 $95 (save $23.81)

• Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack Cross-Country Skis with Turnamic Bindlings — $174.89 $249.95 (save $74.97)

Best travel deal Opens in a new window Credit: Thule Thule Compression Packing Cube Set $33.69 at REI
$44.95 Save $11.26 Get Deal Why we like it

If you'll be heading off on adventures over the holidays or in 2025, a set of compression packing cubes can be a life-saver. With one small and one medium cube, the Thule Compression Packing Cube Set is on sale for just $33.69 which is a solid 25% discount compared to the normal price of $44.95. Compression cubes help minimize space when packing clothing, so you can take along more outfits in less space. Thule uses high-quality YKK zippers for better durability and a rip-stop nylon material that's also water-repellant.

More travel deals

• Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag — $37.39 $49.95 (save $12.56)

• Cotopaxi Coso 2-liter Hip Pack — $44.99 $60 (save $15.01)

• REI Big Haul 30-inch Rolling Duffel — $195.29 $279 (save $83.71)

We've warned you about QR code scams before. Now, we're warning you about a new QR code scam – one that may show up in your physical mailbox.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in Switzerland has issued a new alert based on a new scheme from hackers and scammers that weaponizes the postal service. The scam involves a physical piece of mail arriving at a target's door, urging them to download an app. 

The app, which can be downloaded via a QR code displayed on the mailer, is actually malware disguised as a legitimate app that can steal data from the user's device.

A new type of QR code scam

The hackers and scammers behind this fraudulent scheme imitate Switzerland's Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, right down to the official governmental seals on the mailed document. The mailer urges recipients to scan the QR code in order to download a "Severe Weather Warning App" for Android devices. 

When the QR code is scanned, users aren't taken to the official Google Play store, but instead a third-party site. Once there, they are asked to download an "AlertSwiss" app.

As first reported on by The Register, there are some obvious discrepancies between the hacker's app and the real one that it copies. There is a genuine government app with the same name, but it's called "Alertswiss," without the capitalized "S." In addition, while the fake app attempts to mimic the app logo, it isn't exactly the same.

The fake app, when downloaded, installs a "variant of the Coper trojan" malware on the target's device. This malware can log the user's activity on the device, stealing passwords, messages, notifications, as well as other sensitive information. In addition, phishing pages can be automatically displayed on the infected device as well.

NCSC told The Register that this was the first time it had ever come across malware being delivered via physical mail in this way. 

Unlike email, there is a cost associated with sending each piece of physical mail, so this attack method must be delivering some level of success to the scammers behind it.

If bad actors aren't already looking at replicating this campaign outside of Switzerland yet, this warning should serve as an important notice to be on the look out for QR code scams being sent to your physical address in the not-so-distant future.

SAVE $150: As of Nov. 19, the Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld with AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, 512GB storage, and 7-inch FHD 120Hz display is just $349.99, down from $499.99, at Target. That's a 30% discount and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Asus ROG Ally $349.99 at Target
$499.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Black Friday may still be over a week away, but that hasn't stopped retailers like Target from serving up some of the best deals we've seen, particularly when it comes to gaming and tech. If you've been holding off on getting a handheld gaming PC, now's the time to do so, since the Asus ROG Ally just dropped to its lowest price yet.

As of Nov. 19, the Asus ROG Ally is on sale for $349.99 at Target, down from its usual price of $499.99. That's a discount of $150, or 30% off. This is the lowest price we've tracked for the handheld so far, so now's a great time to lock yours in.

SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday 2024

This handheld gaming PC is a Steam Deck competitor that won't break the bank. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, has 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM, and has a 7-inch 1080p touchscreen that runs at a 120Hz refresh rate with FreeSync. Suffice to say, this bad boy can handle just about any game you throw at it, though it will eat up your battery pretty quickly if you're playing while on the go.

But you don't have to use it as a handheld; you can also hook it up to a TV or monitor, so you have a gaming PC wherever you go or wherever you stay. It can even quick charge up to 50% battery in 30 minutes, so you don't have to wait long to get your next session in. At this price, you'll want to act fast, so snag yours while it's still up for grabs at Target.

Save up to 37%: As of Nov. 19, more Lego deals hit Walmart ahead of Black Friday.

Best new early Black Friday Lego deals at Walmart: Best Lego gift deal overall Lego Dreamzzz Crocodile Car $27.00 (Save $14.77) Get Deal Best budget Lego deal Lego City Space Explorers Pack $20.00 (Save $11.99) Get Deal Best large Lego Walmart deal Lego City Deep-Sea Explorer Submarine Building Set $70.00 (Save $39.99) Get Deal

With early Black Friday sales unfolding at Walmart and beyond, now is the time to start ticking gifts off the holiday shopping list. Any parent with a Lego-obsessed kid knows the sound of Legos scraping in the box. There are few better times throughout the year to add more Legos to the war chest.

Lego has tons of great options, from exclusives like Lego Dreamzzz to franchise sets. Whether you’re shopping for an engineer, a collector, or a Minecraft-obsessed kid, there's sure to be a set they'll love.

Best Lego gift deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Dreamzzz Crocodile Car $35.00 at Walmart
$41.77 Save $6.77 Get Deal

We love this surrealist Lego Dreamzzz Crocodile Car set that ushers kids into a customizable dream world. The main component is a fire spitting car/beast with four legs, a tail, and a huge blue gator maw. True to dreamland, the set also comes with a black-clad motorcyclist on a pink winged bike, as well as a minion on a fire spitting scooter.

Dreamzzz is about ushering kids into a fantasy dream world, so when they’re done with their crocodile car, the set offers alternate builds, with the car becoming a truck and mini-boat. If you’re buying for someone who like offbeat fantasy, this set is the way to go.

Best budget Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego City Space Explorers Pack $20.00 at Walmart
$31.99 Save $11.99 Get Deal

Looking for a smaller Lego set? The Lego City Space Explorers Pack is value-priced but mighty. With a mech, hover scooter, and an agile space craft, this multi-set ushers kids into future space exploration, and comes with a few set pieces to create the scene, including air and land drones and blue crystals on rock.

With 426 pieces, this three-in-one set is a real Lego value pack. Get it for $20 and save 35%.

Best large Lego Walmart deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego City Deep-Sea Explorer Submarine Building Set $70.00 at Walmart
$109.99 Save $39.99 Get Deal

Learn the secrets of the sea with the Lego City Deep-Sea Explorer Submarine Set. Can this advanced submarine, aqueous mech, and diver squad make it into the shark infested undersea wreckage without getting chomped? As with all Lego, there are many ways for it to play out.

Right now this Lego City submarine set is available for $70 — buy it now and save $39.99.

Sabrina Carpenter's star-studded Christmas special hits Netflix December 6 at 9 p.m. ET. Watch the trailer.

Apple's list of top podcasts for the year is in and it's...not very surprising.

The most popular podcast of the year in the U.S., according to Apple, was the New York Times' The Daily, followed by Crime Junkie, and The Joe Rogan Experience in the third spot.

SEE ALSO: Apple Podcasts are now available on the web

The full list is as follows:

Apple's top podcasts of 2024

1. The Daily

2. Crime Junkie

3. The Joe Rogan Experience

4. Dateline NBC

5. SmartLess

6. Huberman Lab

7. This American Life

8. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

9. Up First from NPR

10. Morbid

Apple actually shared 10 different top lists, including the list of Top New Shows (headed by The Tucker Carlson Show), Top Series (with Serial on top), and Most Shared Shows (with the first places belonging to Huberman Lab).

You can check out all the 2024 top charts in the Browse tab in the Podcasts app. In some markets, you can also check out Apple's curated collection of "standout" shows called Shows We Love.

The company hasn't yet revealed the Show of the Year; that's coming on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Check out all of Apple's top lists (so far), below:

Apple's top new podcasts of 2024

1. The Tucker Carlson Show

2. Three

3. Mortal Sin

4. Drowning Creek

5. The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke

6. Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings

7. Noble

8. Murder in the Hollywood Hills

9. Hysterical

10. Who Killed JFK?

Apple's top podcast series of 2024

1. Serial

2. Up and Vanished

3. Three

4. The Bakersfield Three

5. CounterClock

6. Something Was Wrong

7. Dr. Death

8. The Binge Cases

9. Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra

10. The Binge Crimes

Apple's top podcast episodes of 2024

1. Crime Junkie: “SERIAL KILLER: The Alphabet Murders Part 1”

2. The Joe Rogan Experience: “#2219 - Donald Trump”

3. The Daily: “Harris Baits Trump: Inside Their Fiery Debate”

4. Dateline NBC: “Dangerous Secret”

5. The Bakersfield Three: “Episode 1: Fight Like a Mother”

6. SmartLess: “Vince Vaughn”

7. Three: “Skylar Is Missing | Chapter 1”

8. Serial: “Serial S04 - Ep. 1: Poor Baby Raul”

9. Mortal Sin: “1 – Ashes to Ashes”

10. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce: “Travis Wins on the Road, Jason Celebrates Shirtless and Full Divisional Round Recap | Ep 75”

Apple's most shared podcasts of 2024

1. Huberman Lab

2. Scamanda

3. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

4. The Daily

5. The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

6. The Bible Recap

7. The Mel Robbins Podcast

8. Sold a Story

9. Who Killed JFK?

10. Crime Junkie

Apple's most shared podcast episodes of 2024

1. The Tucker Carlson Show: “Calley & Casey Means: The Truth About Ozempic, the Pill, and How Big Pharma Keeps You Sick”

2. The Mel Robbins Podcast: “The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now”

3. The Daily: “The Year of Taylor Swift”

4. Huberman Lab: “Dr. Stacy Sims: Female-Specific Exercise & Nutrition for Health, Performance & Longevity”

5. The Joe Rogan Experience: “#2219 - Donald Trump”

6. The Ezra Klein Show: “Is Tim Walz the Midwestern Dad Democrats Need?”

7. Honestly with Bari Weiss: “Why the Kids Aren’t Alright”

8. We Can Do Hard Things: “263. Healing from Emotionally Immature Parents with Lindsay C. Gibson”

9. Call Her Daddy: “Vice President Kamala Harris”

10. Good Inside with Dr. Becky: “The Anxious Generation with Jonathan Haidt”

Apple's most followed podcasts of 2024

1. The Joe Rogan Experience

2. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

3. Huberman Lab

4. Call Her Daddy

5. The Tucker Carlson Show

6. The Mel Robbins Podcast

7. SmartLess

8. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

9. Crime Junkie

10. The Daily

Apple's top subscriber podcasts of 2024

1. Apple News+ Narrated

2. Morbid

3. Dateline NBC

4. The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke

5. Dr. Death

6. SmartLess

7. Something Was Wrong

8. Scamtown

9. American Scandal

10. Mortal Sin

Apple's top podcast channels of 2024

1. Wondery

2. iHeartPodcasts

3. The New York Times

4. audiochuck

5. SiriusXM Podcasts

6. Dateline NBC

7. Dear Media

8. iHeart True Crime

9. Scicomm Media

10. Cumulus Podcast Network

"Babygirl" hits theaters December 25.

Germany’s defense minister said damage to two fiber-optic cables on the sea floor appeared deliberate, but a culprit was not known.

Too often, a curious teen comes across the wrong Instagram influencers or accounts and finds their feed flooded with similar suggestions.

It could've been a relatively harmless foray into content they don't want to see all day, every day, like horror movie fan accounts. Or, it could be something more dangerous, such as influencers promoting disordered eating or certain conspiracy theories.

SEE ALSO: Your Instagram Story Highlights might be moving to the grid

Now teens will finally have a way to cleanse their feed of recommended content, which is based on their recent activity and who they follow. On Tuesday, Instagram announced that it's testing a "reset" feature.

The tool, slated to roll out globally after a short testing period, will be accessible in the content preferences menu. With three clicks, users will be able to clear out suggestions for Instagram's Explore, Reels, and Feed products. During the process, users will be prompted to review and unfollow accounts they don't care for any longer.

How to reset your Instagram content recommendations. Credit: Meta

Teens also won't be the only ones to take advantage of resetting their content recommendations. Instagram is making the feature available to everyone, ostensibly because a feed full of uninspiring or mismatched suggestions isn't only a teen problem.

Instagram already allows users to curate their recommendations by labeling specific posts as "interested" and "not interested," as well as hide content with captions that contain certain words or phrases.

Instagram has also debuted other features related to teen safety and well-being in recent months.

In September, it launched restrictive "Teen Accounts" for users under 16. Last month, the platform announced tools to combat financial sextortion, which devastates victims and largely affects teens.

Instagram's parent company, Meta, is a defendant in a lawsuit against it and other major social media platforms. The complaint alleges that the companies' products exploit children and adolescents, including by exposing them to an "algorithmically-generated, endless feed" to keep them scrolling. Meta has disputed the claims.

Jon Stewart spoke about the difference between Democrats and Republicans on "The Daily Show", using a donut to illustrate his point.

There's been a veritable avalanche of great games in 2024, and the big hitters are now up for the gold.

The nominations for The Game Awards were announced on Monday evening, with Game of the Year nominees Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Astro Bot, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, and Metaphor: ReFantazio dominating the list.

Indie games like Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Neva, Indika, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Manor Lords, Pacific Drive, and more are all up for awards, and major releases like Helldivers 2, Silent Hill 2, Star Wars Outlaws, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 are up for awards too — though not Game of the Year.

And for TV fans, Arcane, Fallout, Knuckles, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, and Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft are all nominated for Best Adaptation.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best video games of 2024 (so far)

Notably, one of the biggest snubs was BioWare's excellent Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which only landed one nomination this year for Innovation in Accessibility. I'm sure complete and utter icon Taash would have something to say about this.

Here are the nominations for The Game Awards 2024 — have you played them all?

Game of the Year

Astro Bot

Balatro

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Best Game Direction

Astro Bot

Balatro

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Best Narrative

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Metaphor: ReFantanzio

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Silent Hill 2

Best Art Direction

Astro Bot

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Neva

Best Score and Music

Astro Bot

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Silent Hill 2

Stellar Blade

Best Audio Design

Astro Bot

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Silent Hill 2

Best Performance

Briana White, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Hannah Telle, Life is Strange: Double Exposure

Humberly González, Star Wars Outlaws

Luke Roberts, Silent Hill 2

Melina Juergens, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Innovation in Accessibility

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Diablo IV

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Star Wars Outlaws

Games for Impact

Closer the Distance

Indika

Neva

Life is Strange: Double Exposure

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Tales of Kenzera: Zau

Best Ongoing Game

Destiny 2

Diablo IV

Final Fantasy XIV

Fortnite

Helldivers 2

Best Community Support

Baldur's Gate 3

Final Fantasy XIV

Fortnite

Helldivers 2

No Man’s Sky

Best Independent Game

Animal Well

Balatro

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

Neva

UFO 50

Best Debut Indie Game

Balatro

Animal Well

Manor Lords

Pacific Drive

The Plucky Squire

SEE ALSO: 6 of the coolest upcoming indie games at SXSW Sydney 2024 Best Mobile Game

AFK Journey

Balatro

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket

Wuthering Waves

Zenless Zone Zero

Best VR/AR Game

Arizona Sunshine Remake

Asgard's Wrath 2

Batman: Arkham Shadow

Metal: Hellsinger VR

Metro Awakening

Featured Video For You CES 2024: The AR glasses that let you game on the go Best Action Game

Black Myth: Wukong

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Helldivers 2

Stellar Blade

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Best Action/Adventure Game

Astro Bot

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Silent Hill 2

Star Wars Outlaws

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Best RPG

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Best Fighting Game

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

MultiVersus

Tekken 8

Best Family Game

Astro Bot

Princess Peach Showtime

Super Mario Party Jamboree

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

The Plucky Squire

Best Sim/Strategy Game

Age of Mythology: Retold

Frostpunk 2

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Manor Lords

Unicorn Overlord

Best Sports/Racing Game

F1 24

EA Sports FC 25

NBA 2K25

Top Spin 2K25

WWE 2K24

Best Multiplayer Game

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Helldivers 2

Super Mario Party Jamboree

Tekken 8

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2

Best Adaptation

Arcane

Fallout

Knuckles

Like a Dragon: Yakuza

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

Most Anticipated Game

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Ghost of Yotei

Grand Theft Auto VI

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Monster Hunter Wilds

Content Creator of the Year

CaseOh

IlloJuan

Techno Gamerz

TypicalGamer

Usada Pekora

Best Esports Game

Counter-Strike 2

DOTA 2

League of Legends

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Valorant

Best Esports Athlete

33

Aleksib

Chovy

Faker

ZyWoO

ZmjjKk

Best Esports Team

Bilibili Gaming (League of Legends)

Gen.G (League of Legends)

NAVI (Counter-Strike)

T1 (League of Legends)

Team Liquid (DOTA 2)

The Game Awards will be announced on Dec. 12 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be streaming live on The Game Awards website.

Stephen Colbert has commented on that viral photo of Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and RFK Jr. eating McDonald's on a plane.

We make a lot of noise about all the tech deals you can bag during Black Friday, and it's true that you can find low prices on TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and just about everything else on your shopping list during this busy period. But what about tools? Is Black Friday the best time to find deals on everything you need to build out your toolkit? Of course it is.

Home Depot is offering a bunch of buy one, get one free deals on cordless tools this Black Friday. Decent tools are seriously expensive, so the opportunity to pick up a tool for free is surely worth your consideration.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy is treating most of November like Black Friday

We've gone ahead and checked out everything on offer from Home Depot, and lined up a selection of standout deals. We've included big discounts on popular brands like Milwaukee, Ryobi, DeWalt, and Makita. So whether you're a professional, DIY enthusiast, or an absolutely hopeless amateur, there is a deal for you right here.

These are the best deals on cordless tools this Black Friday.

Best deals on Milwaukee

• Milwaukee 18-Volt Cordless Router — free with Milwaukee Battery Starter Kit

• Milwaukee 18-Volt Cordless Jig Saw — free with Milwaukee Battery Starter Kit

• Milwaukee 18-Volt Angle Grinder — free with Milwaukee Battery Starter Kit

Best deals on Ryobi

• Ryobi 18-Volt Oscillating Tool — free with Ryobi Battery Starter Kit

• Ryobi 18-Volt Reciprocating Saw — free with Ryobi Battery Starter Kit

• Ryobi 18-Volt Power Scrubber — free with Ryobi Battery Starter Kit

Best deals on DeWalt

• DeWalt 18-Volt Router — free with DeWalt Battery Starter Kit

• DeWalt 18-Volt Planer — free with DeWalt Battery Starter Kit

• Dewalt 18-Volt Jigsaw — free with DeWalt Battery Starter Kit

Best deals on Makita

• Makita 18-Volt Jigsaw — free with Makita Battery Starter Kit

• Makita 18-Volt Square-Drive Ratchet Nut Driver — free with Makita Battery Starter Kit

• Makita 18-Volt Angle Grinder — free with Makita Battery Starter Kit

Best deals on Ridgid

• Ridgid 18-Volt Oscillating Tool — free with Ridgid Battery Starter Kit

• Ridgid 18-Volt Orbiting Sander Tool — free with Ridgid Battery Starter Kit

• Ridgid 18-Volt Circular Saw — free with Ridgid Battery Starter Kit

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 November 18 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Tuesday, November 19, 2024:

AcrossAuction off

• The answer is Sell.

When the body can't breathe

• The answer is Anoxia.

Covid-19 Waiter

• The answer is Carhop.

2019 AFC South runners-up

• The answer is Titans.

End of a Threat

• The answer is OrElse.

Pink, as a steak

• The answer is Rare.

DownA system to get products to their destination

• The answer is Sorter.

Give away oxygen

• The answer is Exhale.

First winless NFL team in the salary cap era

• The answer is Lions.

____ in judgment

• The answer is Lapse.

Thespian

• The answer is Actor.

Currency of Nigeria

• The answer is Naira.

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.

TL;DR: Give the gift of portable sound with the JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth speaker — now just $59.99 (reg. $79.95) for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Open Box) $59.99 at the Mashable Shop
$79.95 Save $19.96 Get Deal

Are you on the hunt for something to really wow the music lover or outdoor enthusiast on your shopping list? The JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker can help elevate every adventure with rich, punchy JBL Pro Sound in a compact, durable design. Mashable has named JBL Clip speakers some of the best Bluetooth speakers in the world, praising them for their portability and surprisingly full sound.

At just $59.99, this new, open-box speaker offers big sound and ideal portability, making it a fantastic gift for anyone who loves music on the go. New, open-box items are typically excess inventory from store shelves.

The JBL Clip 5 features an upgraded carabiner clip that can attach to just about anything, so your tunes are always within reach. The IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating ensures it’s ready to handle the elements, whether clipped to a backpack during a mountain hike or set up poolside for a day in the sun.

With an impressive 12 hours of playtime on a single charge and an optional Playtime Boost for extra volume, it’s ready to keep the music flowing all day.

But it’s not just about the sound. The JBL Clip 5 is also smartly designed for flexibility. Pair it with another Clip 5 or other JBL Auracast-enabled speakers to create a wider, more immersive audio experience for your next gathering. And with the JBL Portable app, users can adjust EQ settings to fine-tune their audio for the perfect sound. This speaker is ultra-portable, ultra-durable, and ultra-ready for almost anything.

Whether picking one up for yourself or grabbing a couple for the audiophiles in your life, this price on a new JBL speaker is a can't-miss.

Get a JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker for just $59.99 (regularly $79.95) while supplies last at the Mashable Shop.

JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Open Box) - $59.99 | Get It Here

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TL;DR: Transform your online productivity with Merlin AI’s 26-in-1 assistant — research, create, and organize for just $99 a year.

It was only a couple of years ago that ChatGPT blew our collective minds. So, it's pretty cool to see how much the AI service world has expanded in a couple of short years.

Merlin AI is a powerful new AI assistant that combines 26 different tools right in your browser, and it's always ready to help you research, summarize, and create content at lightning speed. And for a limited time, you can get a one-year subscription for just $99 (regularly $228).

Whether you’re researching complex topics, creating social media posts, or summarizing long reports, Merlin is on call — no more juggling multiple tabs or switching between all the different AI tools.

With instant access to top AI models like Chat GPT-4, Claude, and Gemini, Merlin gives you real-time answers to nearly any question. Imagine being able to chat with any website, document, or PDF to pull out exactly the information you need.

With one click, Merlin can analyze and summarize web content, YouTube videos, or lengthy articles, helping you skip the fluff and get to the essentials. And if you’re active on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter), Merlin can even generate personalized content and replies for maximum engagement, with no extra apps required.

Merlin is also a creative powerhouse with its Merlin Projects and Merlin Crafts features. You can turn your own data into a personalized AI assistant for easy access to information or use Merlin Crafts to generate professional content that’s ready to share. Ideal for professionals, students, and anyone looking to streamline their digital life, Merlin is here to save you time and transform the way you work online.

Explore all this tool has to offer and grab it while it's on sale.

Get a one-year subscription to Merlin AI for just $99 (regularly $228).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Merlin Merlin AI: 1-Year Subscription $99.00
$228.00 Save $129.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: This 2-pack of Apple-compatible Smart Trackers comes with key rings for just $34.99 (reg. $69.98) for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ethos Smart Tracker with Key Ring - Works with Apple Find My App (2-Pack) $34.99 at the Mashable Shop
$69.98 Save $34.99 Get Deal

Finding a truly thoughtful gift can be challenging, but here’s an idea that combines practicality with tech-savviness — a 2-pack of Smart Trackers for just $34.99. An ideal present for busy friends, family travelers, or anyone prone to misplacing their essentials, these trackers are a reliable alternative to Apple’s AirTags for less.

These sleek Smart Trackers work seamlessly with Apple’s Find My app, letting you easily track down your keys, wallet, luggage, and even your pet. Lightweight and compact, they attach to just about anything and connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone, providing instant updates and precise directions for locating items at the tap of a button.

With customizable alerts, you’ll receive reminders for your essential items, helping you avoid that sinking feeling when you realize you left something important behind.

These trackers also offer simplicity and reliability. The Apple Find My integration means iPhone users can keep tabs on valuables with one app without juggling multiple tools. Plus, the massive reach of the Apple Find My network means that if your items do get lost, you're more likely to find them.

And they're made to be incredibly easy to set up and use, which means everyone from the tech-averse to the gadget enthusiast can use them. And with a long-lasting battery and durable design, these trackers offer peace of mind on the go, whether you’re traveling across the world or just tackling a busy day.

So, if you’re looking for unique, useful stocking stuffers that won’t break the bank, this 2-pack of Bluetooth Smart Trackers is a fantastic choice. Get them on sale for just $34.99 (reg. $69.98) for a limited time.

Smart Tracker Includes Key Ring - Works with Apple Find My App (2-Pack) - $34.99 | Get It Here

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TL;DR: Don't miss this Grade-A refurbished MacBook Air for just $399.99 (reg. $1,099), on sale at the Mashable Shop until supplies run out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2019) 1.6GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) $399.99 at the Mashable Shop
$1,099.00 Save $699.01 Get Deal

If someone on your holiday shopping list is hoping for a MacBook this year, we have got a solid option for you. This Grade-A refurbished Apple MacBook Air from 2019 is an affordable workhorse of a laptop.

For just $399.99 (originally $1,099), you can own a MacBook Air that’s terrific for everyday tasks like browsing, multitasking, and getting work done. Quantities are very limited, so once they’re gone, they’re gone.

The 2019 MacBook Air is both powerful and portable. Its 13.3-inch Retina display offers vibrant colors and clear visuals, all adjusted by True Tone for a more natural look. Its Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost lets you breeze through daily tasks and projects, while the battery can last up to 12 hours—meaning it’s ready to keep up with you from morning to night.

And at only 2.75 pounds, this MacBook Air slips easily into a bag, making it an easy travel companion.

You or your giftee will enjoy the convenience of Touch ID for secure login, two Thunderbolt 3 ports for lightning-fast data transfer, and a 720p FaceTime HD camera for staying connected. With Grade-A refurbished quality, this MacBook arrives in near-mint condition, ready to deliver Apple’s signature performance and design without the hefty price tag.

If you’re after a reliable, stylish laptop that covers all the basics, this MacBook Air is a fantastic choice. 

This grade-A refurbished MacBook Air (2019) is just $399.99 (reg. $1,099) while stock is still available.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2019) 1.6GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) - $399.99 | Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

Smaller than a river.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for November 19 Hurdle Word 1 answer

CREEK

Hurdle Word 2 hint

An official part of the storyline.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 19 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CANON

Hurdle Word 3 hint

With speed.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 19 Hurdle Word 3 answer

HASTE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A particular kind of organized crime.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 19 Hurdle Word 4 answer

MAFIA

Final Hurdle hint

Opposite of behind.

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

AHEAD

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

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 the latest 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.

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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.

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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 19 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 - To protect or prevent

• Green - How it's all shaping up

• Blue - Always at the plate

• Purple - Top prospects

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 - Defend

• Green - Ways to show standing in different sports

• Blue - Hall of Fame catchers

• Purple - NFL QBs drafted No. 1

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 #57 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Defend: BLANKET, COVER, GUARD, SHIELD

• Ways to show standing in different sports: LEADERBOARD, RANKINGS, STANDINGS, TABLE

• Hall of Fame catchers: BENCH, FISK, MAUER, PIAZZA

• NFL QBs drafted No. 1: COUCH, LUCK, NEWTON, PALMER

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.