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The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you live in La La Land.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

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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 Pips hints, answers for December 18, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Head in the clouds

• Green: Main character energy

• Blue: Found in Hobby Lobby

• Purple: Civil

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Bit of wishful thinking

• Green: Protagonist

• Blue: Component of an arts and crafts project

• Purple: Social ___

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 #921 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Bit of wishful thinking: DAYDREAM, FANCY, FANTASY, ILLUSION

• Protagonist: HERO, LEAD, PRINCIPAL, STAR

• Component of an arts and crafts project: FELT, GLITTER, PIPE CLEANER, POMPOM

• Social ___: BUTTERFLY, MEDIA, SECURITY, WORKER

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 18, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you seek holistic solutions.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on 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 December 18, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 18, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Natural remedies

The words are related to medicine.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe nature's medicine.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Immune Boosters.

NYT Strands word list for December 18

• Immune Boosters

• Garlic

• Elderberry

• Turmeric

• Honey

• Lemon

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a sports fanatic.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 18, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 18, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A similar sport to football.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

RUGBY

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 18, 2025

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

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

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

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

Heaven-sent.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

ANGEL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A bad spell.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 18, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CURSE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A binge.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 18, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SPREE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To contemplate.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 18 Hurdle Word 4 answer

WEIGH

Final Hurdle hint

To scrape.

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

SCUFF

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

Tesla has filed a very interesting patent in the U.S. and Europe for a new type of car roof.

On Dec. 4, Tesla filed U.S. patent application 2025/0368267, which describes a novel "Vehicle Roof Assembly with Integrated RF Transparency for Electronic Module Consolidation." As first spotted by X user Chansoo Byeon, the patent has fueled speculation that Tesla could be planning to integrate Starlink satellites into its electric vehicles.

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An online copy of the patent filed with the European Patent Office includes several drawings of the proposed roof assembly along with a detailed description and list of potential parts. (While the U.S. version of the patent is indexed by Google, it's not viewable via a web browser at the time of writing.) The patent description states:

An example vehicle roof assembly is disclosed, featuring an outer roof panel made from radio frequency (RF) transparent polymer materials, such as Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA). In some examples, this assembly enables the integration of overhead electrical modules and components, including antennae, directly into the roof structure, facilitating clear communication with external devices and satellites. The design incorporates a membrane effect for enhanced occupant protection during impacts, and the use of integrated foams between the exterior roof and interior headliner improves thermal and acoustic insulation.

(Emphasis added.)

A partial cross-section view of the proposed vehicle roof assembly on a vehicle. Credit: European Patent Office / Tesla The patent application describes this as a "perspective view of an example antenna module and mounting." Credit: European Patent Office / Tesla

Why is this noteworthy?

Tesla vehicles already connect to cellular networks, but by integrating Starlink antennas directly into its vehicles, Tesla could offer its drivers internet connectivity virtually anywhere. Electrek reports that the metal and glass roofs used in modern vehicles can block satellite radio signals. Not only does the new roof assembly allow for RF signals to pass through the roof membrane, but the proposed roof could also integrate a satellite antenna.

Electrek reports that some Tesla owners already retrofit their cars to include Starlink Mini dishes, and there could be a market for satellite-connected electric vehicles. And with both 5G cellular and satellite internet, Tesla vehicles would have far greater connectivity than other vehicles on the road.

Of course, the patent application doesn't specifically mention Starlink, nor has Tesla described any plans to integrate its EVs with Starlink. And companies file patents all the time for products or innovations that never make it to the factory floor.

But it's an interesting look into the potential future of connected cars.

Somehow, we're less than 10 days away from Christmas. Whether you're doing last-minute gift shopping or just starting to decorate, if you've been waiting to buy any holiday Lego sets, it's time to pick them up.

Since we are talking about Lego, it is worth going into your shopping experience with a healthy set of expectations. Lego had new (and old) holiday sets for sale back in October, many of which have either sold out or are on backorder for the next 60 days, like the Up-Scaled Santa Minifig, Family Christmas Tree, and the majority of the Winter Village collection.

Unless you want to prepare way ahead of next year, your holiday-themed set pool is a little more limited, but we still managed to find everything from ornaments to center pieces. Below, find the seven best holiday Lego sets still available (and shippable by Christmas).

Lego Snowman Ornaments

These two snowmen come adorned with all the perfect holiday accessories: a top hat and scarf, a candy cane, and a loop for hanging them on your Christmas tree. At just $12.99, they're the most affordable holiday set still available.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Snowman Ornaments $12.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Santa's Delivery Truck

Lego Santa's delivery truck is sold out on Lego's website, but you can still grab it in stock at Target. In addition to being a cute piece for a mantle, the truck itself also opens to reveal more accessories, including a sticker sheet and Santa's toy sack. Depending on your Target location, you may be able to grab a set for same-day pickup or delivery.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Santa’s Delivery Truck $15.99 at Target
$19.99 Save $4.00   Get Deal Lego Christmas Table Decoration

This 433-piece set strikes the balance between being decorative and too involved for more casual (or younger) builders. The red candle surrounded by foliage, berries, and stars makes for a festive centerpiece minus the fire risk.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Christmas Table Decoration $19.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal Lego Christmas Tree

The $329.99 Family Christmas Tree may be temporarily out of stock, but you can still pick up a much more affordable model (at the time of writing, it's on sale at Target for just $35.99). Builders will have an option between building one larger tree or two smaller trees, both of which can be adorned with ornaments, candles, and a star topper.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Christmas Tree $35.99 at Target
$44.99 Save $9   Get Deal Lego Icons Poinsettia

You've heard of fake trees, but what about the holiday's most iconic plant? Whether you want a pet-safe poinsettia or one that you can use year after year without any worry of upkeep, the Lego Icons set is a great alternative. At the time of writing, its sale price of $34.99 also makes it an especially enticing option.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Poinsettia $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15   Get Deal Lego Botanicals Wreath

There's something extra special about Lego sets you can actually hang on your walls, and this wreath is no exception. The orange, berry, pine cone, and cinnamon adornments ensure that it functions well from fall into winter, and the leaves provide a nice enough texture that's recognizably Lego, but doesn't look like you're hanging a child's toy on your wall. This nearly 2,000-piece set is one of the higher-rated holiday options on Lego's site.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Wreath $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Holiday Express Train

The Holiday Express Train is one of the last available Winter Village sets. This 956-piece set comes with a circular track, four minifigures, and a four-car train set. You can also elect to buy a Lego Powered Up kit to motorize the set (though that particular upgrade will likely have to wait until next year — the train motor kit is currently sold out).

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Holiday Express Train $129.99 at Lego
  Shop Now

Still looking for more Lego gift inspo? Shop the favorite Lego sets of actual Lego fans.

SAVE $500: The Ecovacs Deebot T80 robot vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $499.99, down from the list price of $999.99. That's a 50% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Deebot T80 robot vacuum $499.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $500   Get Deal

The clock says there are 24 hours in each day but December days hit different. Maybe it's the lack of daylight but days in December have maybe two hours of free time outside of work hours. That means there's simply no time for vacuuming. Instead of dealing with crumbs all over the place, send a robot vacuum off on a cleaning journey. If your current model is no longer doing a great job, there's a nice upgrade on sale at Amazon.

As of Dec. 17, the Ecovacs Deebot T80 robot vacuum is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $999.99. That's a 50% discount that matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon. In total, you'll be saving $500.

Taking off with 18,000Pa of suction power, the Ecovacs Deebot T80 will be able to clean up holiday cookie crumbs this month and mop up beverage spills from the family gathering. The Ecovacs model comes packed with features you want like a minimalist design, the ability to recharge at off-peak times, and hot air drying at 113 degrees.

SEE ALSO: Keep a cleaner house for less work with $100 off the Shark Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo

Ecovacs says this model is equipped with the brand's Ozmo roller which has scrubbing power of 220 rpm. Plus, the TruEdge technology cleans with a streak-free shine, even in corners. When it comes to vacuuming, Ecovacs mentions this model is great for pet hair, dust, and crumbs.

While we're all dealing with a packed holiday schedule, gift yourself or a loved one the Ecovacs Deebot T80 robot vacuum while it's on sale for $499.99 at Amazon. Depending on your location, it's likely to arrive before Christmas.

TL;DR: FileJump’s lifetime 2TB cloud storage plan is $79.97 (reg. $467) through Dec. 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $79.97
$467 Save $387.03   Get Deal

If you’ve hit the ceiling on free storage or find yourself managing a maze of cloud logins, FileJump’s lifetime subscription offers a straightforward solution. With 2TB of storage, built-in file previews, and zero ongoing fees, it’s designed to provide lasting flexibility without the burden of monthly charges.

FileJump emphasizes practical features over unnecessary extras. Its intentionally streamlined interface allows users to drag and drop files from the desktop directly into a Chrome or Firefox browser for immediate upload. The platform supports previews for images, videos, and Excel files, so you can review content without downloading, saving time and reducing workflow interruptions. For those who regularly manage large volumes of media or documents, these conveniences can make daily tasks more efficient.

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Security remains central to FileJump’s value proposition. The service employs 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption — the same standard trusted by banks and governments — to protect files in transit and at rest. This level of encryption scrambles your data so thoroughly that even if intercepted, it would be unreadable without your unique key. FileJump also places no limits on download counts and doesn’t throttle transfer speeds. Users can upload files up to 15 GB each, and sharing is simple. Send a direct link or set up free accounts for clients and collaborators who require access.

The lifetime plan is currently $79.97 (reg. $467), which is a significant drop for 2TB of permanent storage. Compared to recurring monthly fees on major platforms, the one-time payment is the standout here. You pay once, and that space is yours for good.

This approach fits freelancers archiving projects, households safeguarding photos and videos, and small teams needing straightforward shared folders. It also appeals to anyone who has outgrown multiple free cloud services and prefers to avoid additional monthly charges. For those looking to consolidate scattered files, FileJump offers a practical solution.

You can streamline your storage, keep your files accessible anywhere, and skip the ongoing bills. FileJump’s 2TB lifetime cloud plan is $79.97 until Dec. 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, a practical deal if you want long-term space without the subscription cycle.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $20: The Kobo Clara Colour is on sale for $139.99 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $159.99. That's a 13% discount and a new record low at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rakuten Kobo Kobo Clara Colour $139.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $20   Get Deal

While the holidays tend to be a chaotic time for many of us, the time off from work and school is a nice opportunity to slow down and take some quiet time for ourselves. Since streaming services have done never-ending price hikes this year, diving into books feels like one of the smartest entertainment options. If you're in the market for an e-reader, there's a nice deal in store today.

As of Dec. 17, the Kobo Clara Colour is on sale at Amazon for $139.99, marked down from the usual price of $159.99. In total, you'll be saving $20 from the 13% discount. While that might not seem like a major discount, Kobo e-readers rarely go on sale and this current deal marks an all-time low price at Amazon.

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You've heard of the Kindle family of e-readers but there's a competitor that's well worth your attention. The Rakuten Kobo lineup has a handful of excellent models if you'd prefer to not own a Kindle. On Mashable's review of the best e-readers, the Kobo Clara Colour earns the top spot as the best Kobo. And the white model, which is on sale today, only launched in September of this year.

SEE ALSO: Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which e-reader is better?

The Kobo Clara Colour uses a lovely matte display that's glare-free and unlike many Kindles, there are no ads on the Kobo. Plus, the color display is wonderful for reading manga or checking out illustrations in books. In Mashable's testing, Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino noted the six-inch size is perfect. "With a 6-inch screen, it's slightly smaller than the Kindle Paperwhite, but it allows you to hold it comfortably for multiple hours at a time without any wrist or arm fatigue," Mangino wrote.

Its waterproof design means it's worthy of packing along on the tropical vacation your have planned for mid-winter and Kobo Rakuten just released a new Kobo remote earlier this month. With 16GB of storage, you'll be able to download hundreds of e-books and if you use the Libby app (highly recommend) you can get millions of titles of free.

If you've been thinking about a new e-reader, today's sale price on the Kobo Clara Colour is a great opportunity to snag one of Mashable's favorite models while it's on a rare discount. Order soon and it's likely to arrive before Christmas.

Apple’s last release of the iMac Pro was all the way back in 2017, a full three years before Apple started using its own silicon in its computers.

The Intel Xeon-powered iMac was discontinued in 2021, and fans of the form factor have wondered if Apple would ever release another. Now, according to the rumor mill, that’s precisely what Apple is doing. 

As first noted by MacRumors, the rumor stems from kernel debug kit files often used by Apple engineers. The files, which have been circulating on Chinese websites like Weibo and BiliBili, sometimes reference unreleased Apple products.

And the list on these particular debug files list suggest a new iMac Pro is in the works — one with an M5 Max chip.

The software references an iMac with the “J833c” identifier running on the “H17C” platform. The H17C is associated with the “Sotra C” codename, which is related to the Apple M5 Max chip.

Of course, there are caveats. Internal testing files does not guarantee a public release. Apple often tests various configurations that do not make it to market. But this one seems more solid than most. Longtime Apple watchers including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believe Apple has been working on a new iMac for quite some time — and that it would use Apple's own silicon. 

The debug files also show MacBook Pros coming with M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, MacBook Airs with the M5 chip, Mac Mini models with the M5 and M5 Pro chip, and a new Mac Studio with the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips.

There was also mention of a low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip. Rumors of that particular budget machine already circulated over the summer. 

Should the M5 iMac Pro be announced, it would be placed above the existing M4 iMac in the Apple product hierarchy. The M4 is quite good, but lacks pro-level configurations.

An iMac Pro with the M5 Max would shore up that pro level desktop experience that Apple currently lacks, and fans of the form factor would certainly enjoy having a refreshed model after all these years. 

A decade ago, staying safe online felt pretty straightforward. You slapped on some antivirus, tried not to click anything promising free smartphones, and hoped your inbox did not explode with weird gift card links. Now the internet feels like the wild west, only with fewer cowboy hats and more AI-generated nonsense. Voice clones, pixel perfect fake stores, scam SMS storms, spoofed calls, and deepfake everything. Antivirus is still important, sure, but it helps protect only part of the field.

That shift is why anti-scam tools have quietly become the gear every Aussie household needs. Maybe you are the family IT help desk. Maybe you are a parent who would really prefer their kid not hand over the family bank details for free ImaginaryGameBux. Or maybe you are just over the constant digital shenanigans. Either way, scams have become the thing most likely to smack you right in the daily life. And unlike malware, scams do not attack your device. They go straight for your judgement.

The rise of scams that look scarily legit

The ACCC keeps pointing out how many billions Aussies lose to scams each year (spoiler: 2.7B in 2023) and the crooks are getting way too good at it. Forget the bad spelling and dodgy logos of the past. Modern scams look sharp and move fast. Some look cleaner than the sites they are copying. Relying on pure gut instinct now feels like trying to fight a bushfire with a water pistol.

This is where real-time scam detection steps up. Instead of waiting for you to click something silly, the smart tools help jump in the moment a dodgy call, message, or website wanders into your general vicinity.

Meet the new guard: Real-time scam defence

Scam Protection Pro inside Norton 360 Advanced is a good example of how the game has changed. It keeps an eye on your calls, texts, emails, and browsing sessions, scanning for the sneaky tells that give modern scams away. And because scam attempts now appear in every corner of your digital life, having something that never clocks off makes more sense than trusting yourself to spot a fake toll payment SMS at 6am before your coffee even hits.

Text message scams are the worst. Safe SMS uses AI to help pick the dodgy ones. Those fake parcel notices are too sharp these days and honestly, a filter is more reliable than your half-awake brain.

Fake websites are another sneaky hazard. Scam sites can pop up and disappear before lunch. Safe Web helps check sites before you hit them and throws a warning if a site is suspicious.

Even phone calls have gone weird. AI-generated voices and spoofed numbers can mimic banks, retailers, or even your mates. Safe Call helps spot the red flags before picking up, using its AI to block scam calls and label incoming ones as scam, spam or a verified business.

Stopping scams is only half the job

A scam is rarely a one hit annoyance. A single convincing phishing page can turn into identity theft, a financial mess, or ongoing headaches that last long after that risky click.

That is why extra layers matter. Dark Web Monitoring helps let you know if your personal information shows up on the dark web. Financial Monitoring can help spot dodgy transactions before they go too far. And if identity theft does happen, having identity restoration specialists on hand to guide you is a lot better than trying to figure out the whole thing solo at the kitchen table with a cold cuppa and a decimated stress ball.

Even normal life chaos can cause problems. Losing your wallet is not just annoying. It can very quickly become an identity theft free for all. Stolen Wallet Assist helps guide you on how to cancel and replace your cards.

Kids and the rest of modern life

Families get a bit of help too with Parental Control features. Being able to set limits, block sketchy content, and see what they are watching gives you a bit of peace without hovering like a drone.

Of course, the basics still come with Norton 360 Advanced. Antivirus, malware protection, Windows PC Cloud Backup, and a VPN for more private browsing on public Wi Fi. And five devices per plan is solid for most Aussie households.

Why antivirus alone is not enough anymore

In 2025, threats do not always smash through the front door. Sometimes they sneak in through your voicemail or a text message that looks perfectly normal until it is not. Antivirus helps protect your system. Anti scam tools help protect you.

And with scammers using AI to copy voices, whip up convincing emails, and throw together fake storefronts in minutes, that extra layer is not a luxury anymore. It is basic survival gear.

Circling back 360 to the point

Antivirus helps keep your devices safe. Anti scam tech helps keep your decisions safe. Both matter in a digital world where trickery is quick, clever, and absolutely everywhere.

Real-time malware protection, identity-theft protection, financial alerts, data backups, and parental controls all sit under the Norton 360 Advanced roof. It helps give Aussie households a proper safety net without turning your online life into homework.

More on Norton 360 Advanced here.

Tesla has found itself in hot water, and it isn’t due to a recall or cratering sales numbers for a change. On Tuesday, a judge in California issued a ruling that slaps Tesla with a 30-day suspension from doing business in the state over Tesla's use of the term "Autopilot" to market its driver assistance systems. The ruling goes into effect on Jan. 15; however, Tesla will have 60 days to either stop using the term Autopilot or make certain changes to the system.

Tesla, for its part, says sales will continue uninterrupted. Earlier this week, the company also reposted a video on X showing a Tesla robotaxi driving in Austin, Texas with no drivers or passengers present in the vehicle at all, along with the tongue-in-cheek comment, "Just saying."

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According to court documents, the California DMV believes that the name “Autopilot” and Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving Capability” (FSD) do not accurately describe the level of autonomy with which the car can drive itself. The DMV filed a complaint, which demanded that Tesla change the names of its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) in order to more accurately describe their capabilities. 

This assertion is based on the NHTSA’s Levels of Automation system, where Level 0 vehicles have no autonomy and Level 5 vehicles are fully autonomous. Autopilot and the Full Self-Driving Capability are both rated at a Level 2, and the court says that they should’ve been at Level 3 or higher to have earned their names, so to speak. The ruling now requires Tesla to either implement changes to bring its driver assistance systems up to Level 3 or stop using the term Autopilot.

Judge Juliet E. Cox, who presided over the complaint, agreed with the DMV, issuing a 30-day stay of business for Tesla. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Tesla responded by openly stating that it intends to ignore the court order.

“This was a ‘consumer protection’ order about the use of the term ‘Autopilot’ in a case where not one single customer came forward to say there’s a problem,” Tesla posted on X.

Per TechCrunch, the judge foresaw this potential pushback and stated that the “DMV’s authority to regulate vehicle advertising does not depend on evidence that any particular advertising has deceived or harmed any person.”

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If Tesla doesn't take mitigating action within 60 days of the order going into effect, the ban will hold, and Tesla will face additional penalties for continuing to sell cars in the state.

Tesla’s loss in court is the latest in several cases in 2025 that involve crashes or deaths from the use of Autopilot. In July, the family of Naibel Benavides filed suit in Miami, Florida, after the driver died while driving an Autopilot-equipped Tesla. The jury in that suit rather quickly found Tesla to be liable and ordered Tesla to pay over $240 million in damages. This was the first such court case where Tesla was found at least partially liable for an automobile accident involving Autopilot. 

However, emerging evidence suggests that driver-assisted and autonomous vehicles may be safer overall than traditional vehicles.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch 2 isn't quite a new Mario Maker game, but it'll do until one comes along.

On Jan. 15, the popular Switch version of the real-time town management series will be getting a $4.99 Switch 2 upgrade for those who already own it on Switch. This will coincide with a pretty substantial free update to both the Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions of New Horizons. (Check out our previous coverage of Animal Crossing's first update in years.)

After watching a hands-off demo of the update courtesy of Nintendo, I can confirm everything seems as advertised; The Switch 2 version has sharper visuals and deeper multiplayer features, and the free update provides a bunch of goofy new things to do on your island, like themed hotel rooms for guests.

The thing that stood out the most: how it uses the Switch 2's mouse controls, which have been under-utilized by just about every game on the new console so far.

SEE ALSO: 'Metroid Prime 4: Beyond' is the 'Metroid' you want 90 percent of the time How mouse controls could rejuvenate Animal Crossing on Switch 2

The demo I saw only briefly focused on mouse controls, but that wound up being the most impactful part of the whole presentation for me. I've been waiting for a game to really justify why Nintendo included mouse functionality at all on Switch 2.

Metroid Prime 4 came the closest, but even that is more comfortable to play with a controller, in my experience. Mouse controls, so far, have felt like a gimmick.

The mouse features in Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Switch 2, from what I can tell, work exactly how you'd want them to. The most obvious application is in interior decoration. You can use the mouse cursor to drag and drop objects around rooms as you see fit, rather than having to do so with an analog stick.

This allows for greater precision and more efficiency in the decoration process, and it's a total slam dunk no-brainer once you see it in action.

This is so much better than using a controller. Credit: Nintendo

The mouse is not just for picking up and placing single objects. You can actually drag the cursor over an entire bundle of elements and move them all at once. For example, if you want to take an entire living room set (including both furniture and the carpet underneath the furniture), just drag the mouse over all of those things, and it'll let you move them all at once.

You can also use the mouse controls to draw designs for shirts and whatnot, which could be a massive boon to the creative side of Animal Crossing.

I'm not the biggest Animal Crossing guy (I bounced off of New Horizons after a week or two), but seeing this in action made me want to give it another shot. Being able to quickly and intuitively decorate and design using the Switch 2's mouse could breathe new life into a game that hasn't gotten any substantial feature updates in four years.

More talented folks than me will definitely be able to use it to create awesome-looking houses or fashionable shirt designs, after years of doing so on controllers.

It's a small thing, overall, but it could wind up being the best part of the Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing. It also gives me hope that Nintendo will find smart ways to incorporate it into other future games. Like, say, a game where you make your own Mario levels.

As they're trying to absorb news about the impending sale of iconic studio Warner Bros., Hollywood found itself stunned again when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that it would stream the Oscars for free on YouTube beginning in 2029.

The Academy, which has hosted the glittering awards ceremony honoring film achievement since 1929, touted the move as a win for global movie fans.

"YouTube will help make the Oscars accessible to the Academy’s growing global audience through features such as closed captioning and audio tracks available in multiple languages," the Academy announced in a press statement.

SEE ALSO: The Oscars announces new rules for using AI. Sort of.

The Academy Awards will be available for free viewing on YouTube, not just for YouTube TV subscribers in the U.S. Other related Oscar events, like the nominees' luncheon, the technical awards ceremony, and red carpet coverage, will also be available on YouTube. The Academy's partnership with YouTube — owned by Google parent company Alphabet — will also enable digital access to certain exhibitions from AMPAS' brick-and-mortar Los Angeles museum and provide resources to digitize part of the museum's massive collection of celluloid artifacts.

The Oscars currently air on Disney-owned ABC and its streaming channel, Hulu, and will continue until the 100th Academy Awards ceremony in 2028. Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on Jan. 22, 2026, with the ceremony taking place in Los Angeles on March 15.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2025, and where to stream them

Match Group, the conglomerate that owns dating apps Tinder and Hinge, knew a serial rapist was on those apps — and recommended him as a match to women anyway, a lawsuit filed Tuesday alleges.

Stephen Matthews, a Denver-based cardiologist, was convicted of drugging and/or sexually assaulting 11 women between 2019 and 2023, and sentenced to 158 years to life in prison in October 2024.

A bombshell investigation by The Markup and the Pulitzer Center's AI Accountability Network, reported in February, revealed that women had reported Matthews on apps like Hinge, but that he was still allowed to remain on the app.

SEE ALSO: Report: Match Group dating apps conceal assault cases

"Match Group fails to have effective systems to institute bans not only within its products, but across products when abusers migrate from one product to another," the new complaint says. The action has been brought by six women against IAC, Inc. (which owned Match until 2020), Match Group, Hinge, Tinder, and Matthews himself.

The suit claims that Match Group began receiving complaints about Matthews drugging and raping women via Hinge no later than September 2020, and that Match "knowingly continued to welcome Matthews on its apps" despite learning its products "were facilitating his rape spree."

The six plaintiffs are women whom Match Group apps recommended to Matthews, and vice versa. Five were drugged and raped after Matthews matched with them on Hinge, and one on Tinder, the suit states.

In September 2020, one of the women reported her incident with Matthews on Hinge the day after it occurred. Hinge Trust and Safety confirmed receiving her report — yet in January 2021, Hinge recommended Matthews to the same woman, the suit alleges. She reported him again, and warned Hinge that it was introducing "a potential threat to other women within the Hinge community."

Hinge Trust and Safety confirmed it received her previous report, the suit says. It also assured her Hinge already banned Matthews and that he'd be banned again, and responded by saying it was taking steps to ensure he'd be permanently banned. But Matthews concurrently used Tinder.

"For the three years that followed, Match Group was armed with knowledge that Matthews was raping its members, yet it continued to give Matthews full access to its products and recommended Matthews to other members and other members to him for in-person romantic encounters," the lawsuit states.

It also says Matthews used his real name, the same photographs and descriptions of his job, and the same phone number for his profiles.

Matthews was arrested in March 2023 after one woman reported him to the Denver police. Nine more women came forward to the police with similar allegations dating back to 2019.

A website called matchgrouplawsuit.com has been set up by the plaintiffs' counsel, encouraging other survivors of Matthews to get in touch.

"Any report of sexual assault or violence is heartbreaking and deeply concerning," a Match Group spokesperson told Mashable. "Safety is foundational to the trust our users place in us and is critical to the success of our business, which is why we have a comprehensive suite of safety tools in place and continue to invest heavily in this area."

The spokesperson continued: "We are committed to strengthening our safety efforts, building innovative new technology, and working closely with industry partners to help protect our users. We will always look for ways to improve our systems and help our community stay safe both online and when they connect in real life."

If you have experienced sexual abuse, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.

The comment from Brendan Carr, a Republican, raised concerns from lawmakers about how President Trump might use the agency.

"Say hi, Dusty Do-gooders!" Brennan Lee Mulligan is back with a new season of Dimension 20 on Dropout. It's called Gladlands.

This time, it seems the inspiration point is Mad Max: Fury Road, where a lack of water has doomed inhabitants to a live in sun-scorched wasteland, full of desperation and feral fashion choices. Witness them!

SEE ALSO: Brennan Lee Mulligan talks 'Dimension 20: Cloudward, Ho!'s breakout NPC

Who will we witness enter the dome for this new season?

Well, Dropout's been teasing the cast with reveals on their Instagram ahead of release. Returning with new characters are Ally Beardsley, Oscar Montoya, Zac Oyama, and Jacob Wysocki. And making their debuts in the dome are Vic Michaelis and Kimia Behpoornia. Together, they'll roll out a new season with seven episodes full of fun, magic, and mayhem.

Dimension 20: Gladlands is set to premiere on Dropout on Jan. 7, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday for six weeks. Each episode will be accompanied by an in-dome Adventuring Party talkback, released the following day on Dropout.

The state of Texas is taking on Chinese tech companies.

This week the office of controversial Texas attorney general Ken Paxton filed lawsuits against TV manufacturers Sony, LG, Samsung, TCL, and Hisense for allegedly using Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology to covertly screenshot what users are watching for data collection purposes.

According to Paxton's press release, ACR captures a screenshot from TVs every 500 milliseconds, and transmits that data back to the manufacturer without the user's knowledge or consent.

There's no way for us to know if these companies are guilty of what Paxton is accusing them of doing right now. ACR is a real thing that's primarily used to drive targeting advertising or personalized programming recommendations. You can turn it off on just about any smart TV, but that would require you knowing that it's turned on in the first place.

SEE ALSO: If your Samsung TV sounds underwhelming, it’s because you haven’t applied these cool hacks

Paxton is not just concerned about targeted advertising. Three of the five companies his office named in lawsuits are not Chinese, but Paxton emphasized the danger of giving viewing data to Chinese companies.

The AG claimed an "ongoing threat" from the Chinese Communist Party to the safety of Texans — without really saying what that threat was, or why it's more dangerous for Chinese companies to collect data than Japanese or Korean companies like Sony and Samsung, respectively.

“Companies, especially those connected to the Chinese Communist Party, have no business illegally recording Americans’ devices inside their own homes,” Paxton wrote. “This conduct is invasive, deceptive, and unlawful. The fundamental right to privacy will be protected in Texas because owning a television does not mean surrendering your personal information to Big Tech or foreign adversaries.”

Regardless of Paxton's fearmongering approach, you probably should check to see if ACR is enabled on your TV and maybe do something about that if it is.

SAVE $20.10: As of Dec. 17, the CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing is down to just $78.90 at Amazon. That's 20% in savings and marks a new best price to date — even beating Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $78.90 at Amazon
$99 Save $20.10   Get Deal

When UK-based tech startup Nothing dropped the CMF Watch 3 Pro in July, we were flabbergasted. An AMOLED smartwatch with direct ChatGPT integration, long battery life, and fitness-tracking features for only $99? Unheard of. And now it's down to a bonkers price ahead of the holidays, making it an ideal gift for practically anyone in your life.

As of Dec. 17, you can pick up the CMF Watch 3 Pro in any color at Amazon for just $78.90. That's 20% off its list price and a new best price on record — even beating its Black Friday price by, drumroll please, 10 cents.

When Mashable Contributor Lauren Allain tested the watch for herself, she gave it a near-perfect rating, claiming it "looks, feels, and functions like a smartwatch that costs hundreds more." It is a little bulky for narrow wrists, and the ChatGPT integration only works with a Nothing phone, but other than that, we are gaga for this budget-friendly watch. It lasts for over two weeks on a charge, features blood oxygen monitoring, stress tracking, and precise heart-rate monitoring. Runners will appreciate the custom running coach feature, and athletes of all kinds will appreciate the dual-band GPS tracing, which is precise enough to tell which side of the road you're on. With its slew of bells and whistles, Nothing should be charging a lot more for this watch. But we're so glad they aren't. It's easily one of the best smartwatches of 2025.

Grab the CMF Watch 3 Pro for its lowest price ever in dark gray, ash gray, teal, or orange — and note that the colorways change the strap and the watch’s bezel.

TL;DR: Save up to 50% at LELO and get a free SONA 2 Travel on orders over $199. The extended Cyber Week sale ends in 20 hours.

Opens in a new window Credit: LELO LELO Cyber Week Sale Score up to 50% off and get a free SONA 2 Travel for all orders $199+. Shop Now

We are well past Cyber Monday, but LELO’s Cyber Week Sale (something the brand is calling its “Come hard, save hard” event, which I’m honestly here for) is still live. During what’s left of the sale, you can get up to 50% off select toys and a free SONA 2 Travel on any order that’s $199+ (which shouldn’t be too hard to reach).

There are quite a few products included in the sale, but my favorites are the ENIGMA Double Sonic and the SMART WAND 2 Large. (I own the ENIGMA Wave and the SMART WAND 2 Medium, so I can vouch for the quality here.)

SEE ALSO: The updated Lelo Ina Wave 2 is the best that rabbit vibrators have to offer

The ENIGMA Double Sonic is a triple stimulation vibe that’s similar to the Wave, but it swaps out WaveMotion tech for the brand’s new DeepSonic tech. This is designed specifically to stimulate the A-spot (located between the cervix and the bladder) to help you reach a vaginal orgasm. You can even connect it to your phone via Bluetooth to use the LELO app, which has a “FINISH ME OFF” mode that slowly builds you up, and an “OUT OF CONTROL” mode if you want to push past your normal limits.

Opens in a new window Credit: LELO ENIGMA Double Sonic $244.30 at LELO
$349 Save $104.70   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: LELO LELO SMART WAND 2 Large $143.28 at LELO
$199 Save $55.72   Get Deal

I know this all sounds like marketing speak, but I can personally vouch for this design — the orgasms are truly delicious in every sense of the word. (Just be sure to follow my golden rule: USE LUBE!) The ENIGMA Double Sonic is $244.30 with the discount, so it automatically qualifies you for that free SONA 2 Travel.

If you’re not into triple stimulation and just want a top-tier wand, the SMART WAND 2 is one of my all-time favorites. It’s powerful, easy to hold, and delivers vibrations intense enough to make you come in seconds. The Large version is $55.72 off right now, but it won't get you to that $199 free gift threshold on its own. I’d recommend pairing it with something like the LYLA 2 (on sale for $84.50). It’s a bullet vibe with a remote, which is perfect if you want to give your partner the reins or get a little adventurous with some public play.