Are investors already getting weary of tech's golden goose, artificial intelligence?
On Friday, tech stocks took a hit on Wall Street, and the underlying cause seems to be alarm over record AI infrastructure spending. Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta, and Oracle were among just some of the companies whose falling shares accounted for $1 trillion in losses from Big Tech stocks, as CNBC reported.
Big tech companies like Amazon and Google have been furiously ramping up capital expenditures to build AI data centers and shifting focus to AI products and services.
The immediate spark for the Friday sell-off was the Amazon fourth-quarter earnings report. The e-commerce giant projected that its capital expenditures would reach $200 billion in 2026. CNBC reported that Amazon's Capex figure was $50 billion higher than expected, and the stock market reacted accordingly.
Speaking to CNBC, GAM Investments' investment director Paul Markham explained why AI would affect these companies on the stock market.
“Questions over the extent of capex [capital expenditures] as a result of LLM build-outs, the eventual return on that, and the fear of eventual over-expansion of capacity will be persistent,” Markham told CNBC.
However, the cold feet from investors regarding AI seems to be a fairly recent development, at least when it comes to stock market results. Just a few weeks ago, Facebook and Instagram owner Meta announced it planned to allocate an additional 73 percent of its capital spending, or roughly $115 billion to $135 billion, to AI development. Unlike the recent Amazon announcement, Meta's stock went up 10 percent on this news.
There are also reasons to be skeptical of an AI bubble, however.
Also on Friday, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang insisted that massive increases in capital expenditures are "justified," as the tech leader told CNBC's "Halftime Report" hosts. After making these comments, CNBC reported that NVIDIA shares rose 8 percent.
NVIDIA is often seen as a bellwether for a possible AI bubble, as the company sells the chips used by AI companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Google. At Davos, Huang said that the massive investment in AI seemingly proves it's not a bubble. NVIDIA would be a massive loser if AI did prove to be a bubble, of course.
Still, there were signs that Amazon's stock was rebounding slightly after Huang's comments.
The tech titans who show up in the Epstein filesElon Musk, Bill Gates, and LinkedIn's Reid Hoffman are among those who directly communicated with Epstein.
Deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein cultivated a network of powerful tech leaders and executives in the early to mid-2010s, according to Mashable's review of some of the documents contained in the Department of Justice's latest release of Epstein files.
A number of boldface names show up in his inbox during that time, including Bill Gates, Reid Hoffman, Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. None of the individuals have been accused of participating in Epstein's abuse and trafficking of minors.
Based on the reviewed documents and previously reported information, Epstein demonstrated a longstanding interest in not only socializing with the tech elite, but also making influential investments and behind-the-scenes moves to influence technological innovation.
The New York Times reported Thursday that he had access to startups and venture capital funds, and the executives leading them, well after he pleaded guilty for soliciting a minor for prostitution in Florida, in 2008. Epstein was, for example, an early investor in the cryptocurrency startup Coinbase, in 2014, according to the records.
Epstein's unusual deal required him to register as a sex offender, and he ultimately served roughly 13 months in jail.
The charge and Epstein's incarceration weren't secrets; The Daily Beast reported on the financier's deal and criminal behavior in 2010. (Former Daily Beast editor Tina Brown recently recounted Epstein's high-pressure legal campaign against the coverage prior to its publication.)
Still, those revelations didn't stop tech leaders from befriending Epstein as e-commerce, social media, and the beginnings of artificial intelligence reshaped the internet, the economy, and society. Per the documents Mashable was able to review, Epstein had different relationships with big players in tech.
Some appeared to be collaborators or friends, such as Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel, and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman. Some, like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Google cofounder Sergey Brin, were cc'd on emails to numerous tech executives that Epstein also received. Others, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, were mentioned in Epstein's schedule, by his assistant, or in conversation with a third party.
The documents give startling insight into how Epstein operated with tech executives.
In Sept. 2012, Epstein emailed Musk to ask about "the Al guy in London that you thought was smart." Musk simply replies, "Demis Hassabis". Hassabis is now the co-founder & CEO of Google Deep Mind. Google acquired Hassabis' company DeepMind Technologies in 2014.
Musk's exchanges with Epstein weren't limited to professional matters. Epstein invited Musk to his infamous Caribbean private island home, where Epstein engaged in the rape and sexual abuse of minors, and provided trafficked minors to other powerful men. Over the course of a year, Musk tried to schedule a visit to the island.
In Nov. 2012, Musk asked, "What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?" He had planned to attend with his wife at the time and suggested on X that, as a result, he didn't anticipate anything "actually shady."
In the months of email exchanges, Musk appears to have had scheduling conflicts that prevented him from visiting. Musk recently said on X that he "declined repeated invitations" from Epstein and had never been to his island or on his private plane.
Musk claims that "nobody has fought harder for full release" of the Epstein files than him.
Epstein also emailed Hoffman directly a number of times between 2013 and 2018. Hoffman acknowledged on social media that he met Epstein at his island home for a "fundraising visit." Hoffman has published on X a list of dates he met with Epstein to discuss a "fundraising relationship" he had with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Epstein contributed $850,000 to MIT between 2002 and 2017. Hoffman said on X that "interacting with Epstein post-conviction is something I deeply regret."
In one email from Dec. 2014, Hoffman wrote Epstein to say that he sent two gifts to his New York City address: "1- ice cream. if you have any interest, you should try — else for the girls." It's unclear who Hoffman is referencing when he mentions "girls." (The dash in Hoffman's writing appeared originally; it is not a redaction.)
Mashable reached out to Hoffman for comment about the identity of the girls he referenced.
"The victims of Epstein’s abhorrent and vile actions deserve all the information they are seeking, and I continue to call on President Trump to deliver that for them," Hoffman wrote on X.
The nature of their respective relationships with Epstein has become the source of an accusatory back-and-forth between Musk and Hoffman on Musk's social media platform X.
The Epstein files contain 6,500 references to "the girls." Epstein's will did not appear to name any biological dependents or beneficiaries aside from his brother.
Epstein wrote personally about "the girls" in a February 2013 email to a contact, noting that "the girls and i are going to see elon musk at space x tomorrow".
In 2014, an email with redacted correspondents discusses arrangements for "the girls.
"Can you help?," reads the email addressed to a person named Richard. "As I did not hear back from [redacted] and I think that JE wants me to reach out to the girls regarding their individual spaces." The exchange, which includes more detail, is eventually forwarded to Epstein.
A 2015 email involving Epstein's assistant details "cleaning" arrangements for the girls and their apartments. The redacted respondent says, "Okey (sic) me and Leo's back to weelkly (sic) cleaning with the girls…We apologize for not cleaning the girls this week but we can clean some girls today if you want…" A 2017 email with redacted respondents goes into detail about a cleaning schedule and anticipating guests for the apartments.
"Get the girls apartments done and 7J for our guest arriving tonight," the email reads.
An appearance by a major tech executive in the files does not imply or indicate that they participated in illegal or criminal behavior. This list is organized in alphabetical order. The number of appearances can include duplicate documents and references.
Bezos' name appears in the files relatively infrequently compared to people like Gates and Hoffman. In one 2018 email, a contact of Epstein's asked if he should attend a talk given by Bezos. Epstein replies, "yes you can say hello from me".
In a 2010 email, Bezos is cc'd along with several high-profile tech executives (Brin, Musk, Google cofounder Larry Page) in an email from the literary agent John Brockman related to a book that he'd championed.
Bezos is also mentioned as a potential dinner party guest in a 2011 email to Epstein from investor and inventor Boris Nikolic. Similarly, a 2018 email involving Epstein's assistant listed Epstein as a guest at a 2014 dinner where the RSVPs included Bezos, Brin, and Page.
In 2016, Epstein received a text message from director Woody Allen, who declared, "I think Jeff Bezos is my idol." Epstein replies, "I was with him yesterday".
Mashable reached out to Amazon for comment.
Brin shows up in the files as early as 2003, years before Epstein pleaded guilty to prostituting minors. Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell met Brin at a TED Conference that year, then reached out via email.
"Just incase (sic) I need to jog your memory as to who I am - I am the crazy girl with short dark hair who flew a Black Hawk in Colombia and a friend of Jeffrey Epstein and [redacted]," she wrote in March 2003.
Brin responded that he traveled to New York City a few times a year and planned to be there in April. Maxwell invited Brin to dinner. The plans ultimately changed locations to Epstein's Manhattan home. "[D]inners at Jeffrey's are always happily casual and relaxed," Maxwell wrote. Brin responded with his availability.
Brin also authored a May 2003 email with the subject line "aircraft carrier" to Maxwell. The body of the message is blank. Similar messages, addressed to Maxwell by Brin but with a blank body, appear in the files.
In a long, heavily redacted letter apparently written by an Epstein survivor, Brin is named as an individual the victim met while on Epstein's island at an unspecified time. The victim does not accuse Brin, who allegedly visited with his then-fiancée, Anne Wojcicki, of any crimes.
Mashable reached out to Google for comment.
Cook appears in the files because news articles or briefings mention his name in relation to Apple. The documents also contain email messages between Epstein and individuals working to arrange meetings with Cook.
In a Nov. 2012 exchange, someone who meets with Cook tells Epstein that Cook would be "excited" to meet with Epstein but has heard Epstein is forming a company that would require him to decline the invitation.
*Some of Epstein's shipping invoices are addressed to a Tim Cook, care of a yacht harbor in the British Virgin Islands, in the early 2000s. The number of references includes shipping invoices with that Tim Cook's name on them. Mashable has reached out to Apple to determine whether that Tim Cook is the same as the Apple CEO.
The Microsoft cofounder has admitted, with regret, to a friendly relationship with Epstein. His spokesperson also unequivocally denied salacious allegations contained in the latest batch of files. In two July 2013 emails that Epstein sent to himself, he addresses the messages to Gates and describes a rupture in what he viewed as a close relationship.
Epstein claims that Gates asked him to delete emails "regarding your std, your request that I provide you antibiotics that you can surreptitiously give to Melinda [French Gates], and the description of your penis. You also made it clear to me that I am not to refer to [redacted] as that is another topic that must remain between the two of us."
Epstein also tries to lay out a financial resolution to a business partnership they formed. Gates has said the email was never sent.
"These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false," Gates' spokesperson told NPR. "The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein's frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame."
Gates' relationship with Epstein reportedly played a role in Melinda French Gate's 2021 divorce from her husband. She told NPR that the new allegations in Epstein's files brought up painful times in her marriage.
"Whatever questions remain there of what — I can't even begin to know all of it — those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband," French Gates said. "They need to answer to those things, not me."
As much as Hoffman emphasizes his fundraising ties to Epstein, he appears close to him in emails exchanged over several years, and they also set up Skype calls.
In addition to the aforementioned exchanges, Hoffman wished Epstein well in May 2018 and said, "loo= (sic) forward to being in the same area of the world at some point. ☺" He suggested a Skype call to discuss Epstein investing in a fund, to which Epstein replied, "always can make time for a reid skype. :)"
Years earlier, in Jan. 2014, Epstein wrote to Hoffman, "have some inquiries from some interesting people, re a bitcoin type currency, wait until you hear". Hoffman replied with interest.
Mashable reached out to Greylock Partners, where Hoffman is a partner, for comment.
Aside from Musk's early 2010s exchanges with Epstein about visiting his island, a number of references to his name are from bulletins or news aggregators that Epstein's email account received, even as recently as last year. Musk is also referred to in passing as a potential event attendee or briefly as a subject of conversation.
Page appears at roughly the same frequency as his Google cofounder Sergey Brin.
In 2009, for example, Epstein is included in a forwarded email correspondence that attempts to explain Page's thinking about the emergence of general artificial intelligence.
In one 2010 email, it appears as though Page requested use of Epstein's helicopter through a third party during a trip to St. Barts. A follow-up email from a third party instructs Epstein to disregard the request as Page has chosen to use a boat instead.
In 2014, a redacted sender shared Page's email address to Epstein. Like many of the tech executives, Page is included in guest lists of dinners or events that Epstein might attend, well after his plea deal. Media mentions of Page also account for references to him.
Mashable reached out to Google for comment.
Peter Thiel, a venture capitalist and Republican mega donor, seemed to have a close business relationship with Epstein, according to the documents.
In July 2025, a Times review of Epstein's estate identified $40 million investments that Epstein made into funds operated by Valar Ventures, a firm backed by Thiel. Epstein also consulted Thiel for investing advice.
His spokesperson told the New York Times that Thiel did not visit Epstein's private island. Thiel has yet to comment on his communication with Epstein.
According to the newest documents, they appeared to be in frequent contact in the mid- to late 2010s.
In 2014, Thiel sent a text message to note that he'd just tried calling Epstein. A 2017 message from Epstein's assistant that appears to double as a scheduling alert, simply reads, "August 14, 2017 11:45 AM : Peter Thiel Friday sometime". Other scheduling reminders indicate that Thiel and Epstein met and spoke to each other on the phone with some regularity. They remained in touch, trying to pin down each other's whereabouts, as late as 2019.
In Aug. 2015, an assistant to Epstein sent a message to Zuckerberg's email address noting that the Facebook founder had recently spoken to Epstein at a dinner party hosted by Hoffman and Thiel.
"At the party Mark requested Jeffrey send his contact details to him...could you please pass the below on to Mark?" the assistant wrote, including Epstein's phone number and email address. In a message sent soon after that, Epstein's assistant sent Zuckerberg an hour-long YouTube lecture on the meaning of math.
Zuckerberg appears years earlier in the files, when a contact of Epstein's discusses with his assistant possible meetings in Silicon Valley during a trip in Aug. 2012. Epstein appeared interested in bringing "Woody" along to a meeting with Zuckerberg at Facebook, or for them to meet Zuckerberg at dinner.
It's unclear if the Woody cited is the film director, who communicated often with Epstein and whose name is referenced 7,260 times in the files.
Mashable reached out to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, for comment.
Upgrade aging PCs with Windows 11 Pro for $12.97Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for $12.97 through March 22, offering a discounted upgrade with improved performance, security, and productivity tools.
TL;DR: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for $12.97 (reg. $199), offering a lower-cost upgrade for compatible PCs through March 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
If your PC is starting to feel laggy or your operating system no longer keeps up with current demands, upgrading to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro unlocks a faster, more modern experience. At $12.97 through March 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT, this upgrade is a wallet-friendly way to access the latest features and security enhancements without buying a new device.
Microsoft has announced that support for Office apps — including Word, Excel, and Outlook — on Windows 10 will end in October, making this a timely moment to consider an upgrade. Windows 11 Pro stands out as the logical next step for anyone who wants to keep their system secure and compatible, particularly for those who need a standalone license rather than an update through Windows Update.
With Windows 11 Pro, you’ll notice a streamlined, contemporary interface and tangible speed gains from day one. Boot times are faster and navigating the system feels more responsive. Features like Snap Layouts and virtual desktops help you organize windows and multitask with ease, while the revamped search function means less time hunting for files, apps, or settings.
Security also gets a notable boost. Windows 11 Pro adds biometric login, TPM 2.0 support, Smart App Control, and BitLocker encryption, all of which are crucial for small businesses, remote workers, and anyone managing sensitive files. For power users and IT professionals, features like Azure AD integration, Hyper-V virtualization, and Windows Sandbox offer more advanced options without complicating everyday use.
There are also productivity and quality-of-life updates. Voice typing, enhanced multitasking tools, and DirectX 12 Ultimate for improved graphics support gaming and creative workloads. Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot, is built in to help with tasks like summarizing information and navigating settings, which may be useful for school or professional learning environments.
Windows 11 Pro is intended for users ready to move on from older operating systems and take advantage of Microsoft’s latest platform features. At $12.97, the current deal lowers the cost of upgrading, making it easier to consider the switch before Windows 10 support winds down. Get it at its discounted price through March 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Turn screen time into hands-on learning with Pok PokGive your kids guilt-free screen time with a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale for just $44.97 with code PLAY now through Feb. 15.
TL;DR: Give your kids guilt-free screen time with a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale for just $44.97 with code PLAY now through Feb. 15.
Want to make learning fun? Pok Pok is a Montessori-inspired app full of entertaining activities for your little ones, in a calm, non-addictive format, so you can feel good about their screen time.
Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok for only $44.97 with code PLAY through Feb. 15.
If you want to inspire learning without it feeling like a chore, it’s time to check out Pok Pok. This award-winning app gives kids a gentle introduction to screen time, with low-stimulation, hand-drawn animations, and in-house-made gentle sound effects. It was even made in collaboration with early childhood experts, so you can rest easy knowing every experience has been thoughtfully designed.
Pok Pok is geared toward children ages 2 to 8, offering a Montessori-based teaching style that emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and natural development. Thanks to this style of learning, kids will be able to navigate the app all on their own while learning STEM concepts, numbers, and language, all without rules, levels, objectives, or winners and losers. They just open the app and tap on a toy to get started.
You don’t have to worry about ads or kids being tricked into making a purchase, as Pok Pok is compliant with COPPA and GDPR regulations. Your lifetime subscription also includes new content, with seasonal and cultural updates, and an exclusive surprise gift mailed directly to your door.
Get a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale now for just $44.97 with code PLAY through Feb. 15.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Bitcoin price climbs Friday, but can it continue? Experts are skeptical.Is Bitcoin rebounding or is a larger crash still imminent? We explore the latest ups and downs (mostly downs) in the crypto market.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency markets are rebounding on Friday after hitting lows not seen in years.
As of publication, Bitcoin has since soared back over $70,300 following yesterday's crash.
But is the worst really over? Or is the worst yet to come? Despite the recent rebound, one of the experts we talked to warned of further decreases to come.
In a statement provided to Mashable before today's bounceback, early Bitcoin investor Michael Terpin foresaw an uptick in the market before another potential downturn.
"Most likely we will have a bounce back over $80k before the final plunge, exhausting weary ETF investors into capitulation, despite how oversold we are right now," Terpin said. "It would be awesome if we could rip the band-aid off quickly and hit the bottom this week or month, but there is really strong buying resistance at $65k and $60k. If we lose that support, price could drop all the way to $45k."
Other analysts have also predicted that Bitcoin could drop as low as $40k if the current market trends continue.
According to a CryptoQuant analysis, investors should still proceed with caution as crypto whales are currently very active and "account for a disproportionately large share of total deposits."
"This behavior typically signals that whales are aggressively moving funds onto the exchange, a precursor often associated with heavy selling (dumping) or hedging activities," the report says.
Head of Bitfire Research Allen Ding told Mashable in a statement that a rebound in the market is "likely to be constrained by the pace of institutional capital returning and the unwinding of market leverage risks."
With big holders still actively selling, analysts say crypto prices could continue to fluctuate and even start to plunge once again.
The current price range, even after the rebound, also provides a challenge for Bitcoin miners. As CoinDesk reports, the current Bitcoin price is well under the average cost of $87,000 to mine a single Bitcoin. The outlet notes that this has traditionally been one of the signs of a bear market.
Pregame with puppies: How to watch the 2026 Puppy BowlIs the Puppy Bowl streaming? Here's everything you need to know to watch the Puppy Bowl 2026.
There's no better way to pregame the Patriots vs. Seahawks game on Sunday than with a puppy palooza. The longest-running call-to-adoption television event is back in 2026 with Puppy Bowl XXII. This year's event includes 150 dogs from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands, which marks a new record.
The reigning champions, Team Fluff's lineup includes Benito, a Siberian Husky-Chihuahua from Puerto Rico, Showgirl, a Chow Chow-Rottweiler, and Chappell Bone, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They'll take on Team Ruff, which includes Lobster Roll, a Bulldog-Border Collie, Brûlée, a Boston Terrier-French Bulldog, and Miso, an American Cattle Dog-Beagle, to get their paws on the "Lombarky" trophy. Prepare for adorable puppies, heartwarming adoption stories, and play-by-play commentary from sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks. A special halftime exhibition game (new this year) with senior dogs on Team Oldies and Team Goldies will also surely tug at your heartstrings.
If you need some cozy and comforting content before the chaos of the Big Game, here's what you need to know to watch the Puppy Bowl.
Puppy Bowl XXII kicks things off on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. ET, making it the perfect pregame for the Big Game at 6:30 p.m. ET. A Puppy Combine pre-show will air just before the 22nd annual adoption awareness event at 1 p.m. ET.
Got cable? You can watch the 2026 Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet, TBS, or TruTV — take your pick. Those without cable have options as well. The event will simulcast on both HBO Max and Discovery+ streaming services. You can also opt for a live TV cable replacement service, which usually will give you a free trial. We've rounded up the best (and cheapest) ways to watch below.
Hands down the best option to watch the Puppy Bowl without spending a cent is to sign up for a free seven-day trial to Discovery+, either through Discovery+ directly or as a Prime Video add-on. After your trial, it'll cost you either $5.99 per month with ads or $9.99 per month without ads unless you cancel first.
If you want to watch both the 2026 Puppy Bowl and the football game, you're going to need a live TV cable alternative. Fortunately, most options offer free trials — including Hulu + Live TV. While you'll only get three days for free, you really only need it for Sunday, Feb. 8, so that's plenty. Just be sure to cancel your subscription before the three-day trial ends, or else you'll be charged full price — *gasp* $89.99 per month. Other options include YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream.
If you don't qualify for the trials above, or if you just want to commit to HBO Max for more than the Puppy Bowl, we recommend signing up for the annual plan over the monthly plan. The HBO Max Basic plan with ads typically costs $10.99 per month, but if you pay for an entire year upfront, that price drops down to just $9.17. You'll pay $109.99 total for the year, which saves you about 16% compared to paying each month.
Rather go ad-free? The annual HBO Max Standard or Premium plans will also save you about 16% over their monthly counterparts. The Standard tier costs either $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year (about $15.42 per month), while the Premium tier costs either $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year (about $19.17 per month). Both tiers unlock ad-free viewing, but the Premium tier also adds 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and the ability to download more offline content.
One of the best ways to get HBO Max for free in 2026 is to switch your phone plan to Cricket's $60 per month Supreme Unlimited plan. It includes HBO Max Basic with ads for free — a $10.99 per month value. When you open up the HBO Max app or website, you'll just select Cricket as your provider and use your credentials to log in.
College students can sign up for an entire year of HBO Max with ads for half price. Just verify your student status through UNiDAYS and use the unique discount code to drop the price from $10.99 to just $5.49 per month. After 12 months, the price will jump back up to the full $10.99 monthly fee unless you cancel.
The Disney+ bundle deal that includes Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max is one of the best deals in streaming. That lineup of streamers would usually cost you $34.97 per month if you paid separately for each, but you can bundle them for only $19.99. If you prefer to watch without ads, the bundle will run you $32.99 per month as opposed to $56.47. That's up to 42% in savings for unlimited access to all three streaming libraries.
The Muppets have always known how to break the internetFrom Rizzo's "Blinding Lights" cover to Sabrina Carpenter's chicken-backed performance, the Muppets’ new special is taking over the internet.
The internet loves a comeback tour, but it adores one with puppet fleece and impeccable comedic timing. Case in point: The Muppet Show special, which returned to the Muppet Theatre on Feb. 4 for a one-night event on Disney+ and ABC — and promptly took over everyone’s feeds.
Seriously. I didn't know I needed a Rizzo the Rat cover of The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" until I saw it, and now I don't ever want to live in a world without it.
The Muppet Show originally ran from 1976 to 1981, pioneering the variety format with a blend of vaudeville silliness, celebrity guest spots, and backstage chaos anchored by Kermit the Frog's perpetually frazzled calm. The new special revives that spirit with all the familiar faces, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and Statler and Waldorf, along with a lineup of contemporary guests, from Maya Rudolph and Seth Rogen (who also serve as executive producers) to pop star Sabrina Carpenter.
But it's the clips that have really sent fans and group chats into a frenzy, proof that the Muppets understand how to play the internet better than most human celebrities.
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Leading the pack is a truly unexpected cover: Rizzo belting out The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" on rat-infested streets. The contrast between the sleek, synth-pop hit and Rizzo's nasally bravado is instant comedy, and social media has embraced it wholeheartedly.
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Then there's Sabrina Carpenter's performance of "Manchild," which has been circulating widely for its playful integration into the Muppet universe. Rather than feeling like a standard guest slot, the performance leans into the show’s absurdity, letting Carpenter spar with the chaos around her — which includes a flock of chickens on backup vocals.
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And then there's the press run. Kermit and Miss Piggy have been popping up together in interviews (including a hilarious episode of Vanity Fair's Lie Detector Test), bantering like a couple who’ve been married, divorced, remarried, and media-trained for decades. Their chemistry feels untouched by time.
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Long before algorithms and engagement metrics, Kermit and company mastered the art of attention. So, really, the Muppets were built for virality long before the concept of virality existed. The internet is just their latest stage.
Lost your job to AI? See the new sci-fi thriller Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die for free.The sci-fi thriller 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' hits theaters next week and you can see it for free if AI took your job.
If you’ve lost your job to AI, Briarcliff Entertainment wants to give you a gift: free tickets to see the highly anticipated sci-fi thriller Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die. Because "Who better to see a film about AI’s impact than those already experiencing it firsthand?" as Tom Ortenberg, the company's CEO, noted.
Directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean) and written by Matthew Robinson (The Invention of Lying), Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die is set to hit cinemas Feb. 13. It stars Sam Rockwell as a man from the future who comes to warn of impending global doom from an AI apocalypse. It's not too far off from reality, TBH. For some, the AI revolution hits a little too close to home, and Briarcliff Entertainment, in partnership with Fever, wanted to give those folks a little something special.
"If you or someone you know has been quietly replaced, sidelined, or optimized in the name of progress, tell us your story and receive a pair of tickets, on the house," a letter on the movie's social pages states.
The first 1,000 folks to sign up will get two free tickets. Just head to the Fever promotional page, log in or sign up using your email or social accounts, and you'll be directed to a checkout page where you can "Tell your story or share your LinkedIn" to secure the tickets. The promotional period ends on Sunday, Feb. 8, so you'll want to act fast. If you're within the first 1,000 signups, you'll receive your coupon to get two free tickets within two days.
The movie doesn't hit theaters until next week, but check out the trailer for a glimpse into the bonkers comedy. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die also stars Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, and Juno Temple.
Fans of HBO's Industry know that Sweetpea Golightly (Miriam Petche) has a bit of a detective streak.
In Season 3, she leveraged her wide web of connections to figure out that Pierpoint & Co. was on the verge of collapse, well before anyone else on the trading floor. Now, in Season 4, she and her colleagues at SternTao are pursuing a new lead: the potential fraudulence of fintech company Tender.
Sweetpea, in particular, is tenacious in her desire to take Tender down. There's a personal angle to this drive: Tender served as a payment processor for adult sites like OnlyFans and the fictional Siren. Sweetpea's anonymous account on those sites got leaked, making her the target of further scrutiny and harassment in the finance world.
Since then, Industry has presented sex work, especially Sweetpea's, in a new light. In Season 3, they highlighted it as empowering. ("I love a woman who doesn't leave money on the table," Harper Stern (Myha'la) says of it in the season 3 finale.) But in Season 4, Industry ponders the exploitative side of Sweetpea's work as well, coinciding with her exposure and her subsequent focus on taking Tender down.
"She feels that this is the most defining thing for her," Petche told Mashable in a video interview. "[She thinks,] 'If I get this right, how bad can it be? If I make myself indispensable at work, then the worst situation can't happen.' She's driven by this desperate need to prove herself, to prove that she's okay and good at what she's doing."
That need to prove herself brings Sweetpea center stage in Season 4, episode 5, "Eyes Without A Face," which sees her and co-worker Kwabena Bannerman (Toheeb Jimoh) heading to Accra to investigate Tender's workings in Ghana. In Sweetpea's words, what they find is "a feedback loop of fakery." Tender, and its cash and clients, is nothing, but it's passing itself off as something quite valuable.
Sweetpea is on fire on the path towards this discovery, embracing her inner Erin Brockovich as she pins down Tender's fraud and even secures a potential whistleblower.
"The things that are compasses to her are her intelligence and her curiosity, and when her curiosity and intelligence are stimulated, it's like a thread that pulls her, and she cannot turn away from it," Petche said.
Yet as fulfilling as pulling on that thread is, this episode also puts Sweetpea through hell. She's violently attacked in a bathroom, with the perpetrator smashing her head into a mirror and breaking her nose in hopes of warning her off the investigation. It doesn't work, and Sweetpea sports a bruised face throughout the rest of the episode, even removing her sunglasses to show it off like a badge of honor.
For Petche, so much of Sweetpea is about how she weaponizes her hyper-competent work persona. "She's someone who has to perform that she's great all the time, and perform that she's productive and of value," Petche said.
However, in "Eyes Without A Face," audiences see Sweetpea's armor slip. Upon arriving home, Sweetpea sits silently by herself before breaking down, all the events and adrenaline of the past episode catching up to her.
"This is someone who believes they have to handle everything on their own," Petche explained. "When things are great, she'll handle it on her own, and when things are bad, I think she thinks that it's her own fault. So that moment was everything unraveling."
The scene is one of the rare moments when audiences see Sweetpea alone, and the effect is sobering. Gone is the usual self-assured clip of one-liners and financial savvy, replaced with gut-wrenching sobs.
Sweetpea's breakdown is made all the worse by the fact that just moments ago, she turned away Harper's offer to comfort her. On top of that, she pushed Harper away further, reminding her of their employer-employee boundary before letting her know that she and Kwabena hooked up in Ghana.
According to Petche, the move comes from a place of Sweetpea wanting to protect herself, but it might not be the right one in the long run.
"She only feels truly safe when she's alone," Petche said. "She has an offer from someone else to come and sit with her, and she says, 'No, please don't.' That might be what she thinks she needs, but what she needs is to be held when she's not performing. That really stuck with me."
New episodes of Industry Season 4 premiere Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms introduces the trial of 7. Whos on each side?In the trial of seven in "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," who is fighting on Dunk's side, and who's on Aerion's?
Trials by combat are out, and trials of seven are in.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' fourth episode, aptly titled "Seven," introduces the latter concept, a twist on Game of Thrones' classic trial by combat. And if Ser Duncan "Dunk" the Tall (Peter Claffey) wants to make it out of Ashford Meadow alive, he's going to have to get very familiar with the trial of seven very quickly.
While a trial by combat sees two champions facing off to determine the guilt of an accused party, a trial of seven ups the ante sevenfold, with 14 champions battling it out. This more archaic form of trial is rooted in Andal tradition. They believed that having seven champions on each side — a number corresponding to the number of gods in the Faith of the Seven — would result in more divine justice.
In "Seven," Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett) demands a trial of seven to judge Dunk's guilt. Dunk stands accused of attacking a Targaryen prince, which he did do, but only because Aerion was harming innocent puppeteers. Will the gods (rightfully) deem Dunk's actions as honorable, as he was defending the defenseless?
Aerion's brother Daeron (Henry Ashton) has also accused Dunk of kidnapping their younger brother Aegon, also known as Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). While this is patently false, as Egg himself will tell anyone who bothers to listen, the trial will go on. With the Targaryen family against him, the odds are decidedly not in Dunk's favor.
Remembering who all 14 champions are in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no small feat. As we head into the actual trial of seven, here are the champions you need to know, on both Dunk's side and Aerion's.
At one end of the jousting lists, we have Team Aerion (Boo! Hiss!), also known as Team Targaryen. This squad is packing some serious royal power, including Aerion himself and his father, Maekar (Sam Spruell). Also taking the field is Daeron Targaryen, but given that he tells Dunk he plans to hang back, and even asks him to give him a knock on his helmet, I don't see him as being much of a threat.
Also fighting for Aerion are three members of the Kingsguard: Ser Donnel of Duskendale (Bill Ward), Ser Roland Crakehall (Wade Briggs), and Ser Willem Wylde, who is not credited in the show but appears in George R.R. Martin's novella The Hedge Knight.
Rounding out the team is the extra dishonorable Ser Steffon Fossoway (Edward Ashley), who claims he'll fight with Dunk only to switch up at the last second in order to get a lordship from Aerion. This un-knightly move leaves Dunk in the lurch, because if he doesn't get seven champions, he'll automatically be found guilty and receive a dire punishment: losing his hand. Luckily for him, he winds up with six other champions after all. Here's who.
With the help of Egg, Dunk recruits a motley crew of knights. His new bestie, Ser Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings) is raring at the opportunity to participate in the first trial of seven in a century, claiming he doesn't want "to miss a chance to bloody up the Kingsguard."
Ser Humfrey Hardyng (Ross Anderson), who broke his legs and lost his horse in a joust against Aerion, has also joined up hoping to settle his score with the tyrant prince. His brother by marriage, Ser Humfrey Beesbury (Danny Collins), has also pledged his help to Dunk. Sure, Aerion has three Targaryens, but Dunk has two Humfreys, so who's really winning here?
One-eyed knight Ser Robyn Rhysling (William Houston) is also on Dunk's side, saying that while he'll always be a faithful servant to the crown, "when the crown goes against the gods, Ser Robyn goes against the crown."
The final two members of Dunk's side are surprises, in different ways. Upon hearing of his cousin's treachery, Raymun Fossoway (Shaun Thomas) steps up to be knighted on the spot by Lyonel. He's not the only last-minute addition to Dunk's team, though. The final honor goes to none other than Prince Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) himself, who values Dunk's honor.
With that, the battle lines are drawn and the stage is set for a divine trial, one with the potential for serious Targaryen-on-Targaryen violence. Which side will come out on top in this once-in-a-century smackdown?
Uber found liable in precedent-setting sexual assault caseUber was found liable for a rider's reported rape and ordered to pay $8.5 million in damages, setting off a potential wave of new cases.
Uber will pay millions in damages following a decision by a Phoenix jury that deems the company liable for rape and violence perpetrated by drivers against passengers.
The case sets a legal precedent for more than 3,000 pending sexual assault and sexual misconduct lawsuits against the ride share company, the New York Times reports, following a California court decision that found Uber wasn't liable for a rider's assault. Instead, the Phoenix jury found that Uber can still be held to account for the misconduct of drivers even if they pass background checks and safety benchmarks.
The suit was brought by passenger Jaylynn Dean, who first reported her Uber driver had isolated and raped her in Nov. 2023, and accused Uber of failing to implement safety provisions that could have prevented the assault. Her team presented internal documents that showed Uber flagged the potential for a "serious safety incident" before she was picked up, but she did not receive a warning from the app.
Despite agreeing to liability, the jury didn't find that the company's actions were “outrageous, oppressive, or intolerable” or "created substantial risk or significant harm," reducing the requested $144 million in damages to $8.5 million. The driver was previously banned from the app, but isn't facing criminal charges.
"This verdict affirms that Uber acted responsibly and has invested meaningfully in rider safety. We will continue to put safety at the heart of everything we do," said Uber spokesperson Matt Kallman. The company says it plans to appeal the decision.
Previously sealed court documents, submitted as part of several lawsuits leveled against Uber in recent history, show a pattern of safety failures and a rise of sexual assault reports between 2017 and 2022. A recent investigation found that drivers with violent felony convictions were allowed on the platform in at least 22 states. In response, Uber has added additional safety tools, including gender-specific ride matching. A cohort of male drivers later sued the company for alleged discrimination.
"I’m doing this for other women who thought the same thing I did, that they were making the safe and smart choice — but that, you know, there are risks of being assaulted," Dean said on the witness stand.
If dark scenes are too dark on your TV, play around with these settingsOLED TVs are top tier for dark scenes, but there are settings you can fix on any 4K TV to make dimly-lit content display better.
Dark scenes being too dark is a common frustration of avid TV watchers. The ironic point of contention famously sent Game of Thrones fans into a spiral when the 2019 episode, literally titled "The Long Night," was borderline indecipherable. The cinematographer said it back then, and it's worth reiterating now: The cinematic content isn't always too dark. Your TV just isn't tuned properly.
It's the same reason why Skinamarink didn't hit as hard for me when other people were mesmerized by it. That was partly my decrepit 2019 4K Roku TV's fault for being basic — from a technical standpoint, the best 4K TVs you can buy can simply render dark scenes better than cheap TVs. I witnessed it firsthand when I ditched that old LED TV for the mid-range TCL QM6K mini LED TV.
But if you'd prefer to just work with the TV you have right now, there are ways to toggle your current TV settings to optimize dark content.
If you're a serious film person doing a lot of movie watching in the dark, your best bet is to upgrade to OLED at some point soon. But whether you're waiting for TVs to go on sale or are convinced that your current TV has potential to improve, there's no harm in tinkering — your TV's default or AI-enhanced settings could actually be doing you dirty. And in most cases, the changes don't even require a nitty-gritty understanding of TV specs.
Select viewing modes vary by brand, and some newer models may let you get more granular than older models. (Samsung's Shadow Detail bar, for example.) But there are a handful of universal tweaks that can be made to most TVs to make dark scenes look better:
Before anything else, make sure the room you're watching TV in is as dark as possible. We've all seen how distracting glare from a lamp or a window can be. Plus, limited external light gives blacks and grays the best shot at being, well, contrasted.
Still, some TVs try to correct their own displays by assessing the lighting in the room and adjusting their brightness, shadows, and highlights accordingly. Many folks find that ambient light sensors in their TVs actually wind up overcompensating for dim environments, brightening the screen so much that the picture becomes inaccurate (and, physically, a headache to look at). Reddit sees several queries about how to optimally handle a TV's auto-dimming setting or light sensors, to which many Reddit users have a short, sweet solution: Just turn it off.
HDR, or high dynamic range, is a technology that can "translate" color and contrast data from the original source (what was originally seen through the camera lens) that a more basic technology, like SDR (standard dynamic range), can't fully interpret. The biggest advantage here is that certain content can get brighter and more contrasted. That's awesome for scenes that are supposed to be vivid, or watching a football game where the field is green and the jerseys are saturated.
But because it relies on your TV to output high nits of brightness, HDR isn't one-size-fits-all magic. For dark scenes, HDR is often a disadvantage. The reliance on backlight and hyper-fixation on differentiating black and white hues often have low-light settings end up looking... gray. It's tricky when a show or movie you're watching flows back and forth between colorful and shadowy, so some calibration might be required to make the TV look better. PCMag's guide on how to calibrate your TV is super straightforward, though many people just have a professional come do it for them. (Mashable and PCMag are owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)
But at the end of the day, there's something so freeing about simply watching stuff in SDR. Standard dynamic range doesn't require such steep peak brightness, making it a much more comfortable situation for many low-to-mid-range TVs or dark scenes. Remember, 4K SDR is absolutely a thing. You can enjoy the resolution-related benefits of 4K upscaling without the risk of HDR creating overly-pixelated shadows in non-HDR content.
It sounds obvious, but ensure that the content you're watching or playing actually supports HDR. This could even come down to the streaming service you're watching on. For instance, only Netflix's Premium tier offers HDR content, and Hulu doesn't have much content with the HDR badge outside of some Hulu originals. If you've been sitting through some borderline unwatchable stuff lately, it's quite possible that your newer TV is trying to force HDR on content that literally doesn't support it — a prime example of HDR makes things worse instead of better.
When being viewed in the right environment, Filmmaker Mode gets dark scenes as close as possible to how awesome they'd look in a theater.
Like HDR, other modern picture processing features don't always do content justice. So, at its core, Filmmaker Mode is kind of exactly what it sounds like: There aren't any noise reduction or motion smoothing effects happening on the set of the movie IRL, so Filmmaker Mode essentially strips back those after-the-fact enhancement settings (that go too hard sometimes) to show the viewer what the filmmaker originally wanted to capture. Most TVs do allow settings like color and tone mapping to be tweaked, even if Filmmaker Mode is on, which can balance out some of the lacking vibrancy from automatic enhancements.
If you're pro movie theater — and pro pitch black living room when movie nights do take place at home — try turning on Filmmaker Mode. And, if Filmmaker Mode has ever made your screen a little too dark, consider the lighting situation of that room. Even the glow of a dim vibey lamp can muddy dark scenes in Filmmaker Mode.
OLED TVs are unanimously recommended for watching in any environment that's not broad daylight. Unlike QLED TVs, which are characterized by a layer of nanocrystals that reflect the light coming from behind them, OLED TVs don't use a backlight at all. OLED screens are made up of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes, or self-lit pixels that can completely turn themselves off when the scene calls for shadows. This allows for deeper blacks and more contrasted dark scenes than what a QLED TV can achieve.
There aren't as many OLED TV options to choose from as there are QLED TVs, but the purchase decision is still a big one — OLED TVs are generally the most expensive type of TV. There are a handful of OLED models that consistently show up as "the best OLED TV" on Google, and they align with the few OLED TVs that people in r/hometheater on Reddit are always hyping up.
SAVE $700: As of Feb. 6, get the Sony 85-inch Bravia 3 TV for $899.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,599.99. That's a discount of 44% and the lowest price we've seen.
There are just a couple of days left before the big game, and if you need a new, larger TV, STAT, you're in luck. You can score a massive TV upgrade that should still arrive for the biggest sports event of the year if you head over to Amazon right now, and save some serious cash while doing so.
As of Feb. 6, get the Sony 85-inch Bravia 3 TV for $899.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,599.99. That's $700 off and a discount of 44%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.
This massive 85-inch TV is a media powerhouse. Not only does it offer excellent picture quality with deep dark hues and plenty of different shades of color, but it also supports Triluminos Pro to make it all a bit sharper. It also features Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, so it has presets ready to go for watching sports or whatever else you happen to be into. It also rocks powerful audio that you can enhance with a soundbar if needed.
If you're into streaming movies and TV shows, it's useful for that as well. It has built-in Google Assistant support, which lets you summon things like apps (Netflix, Prime Video, you name it) via voice and without needing a separate streaming device. And if you prefer to play your own sports or other titles as a gamer, there are tons of preset supports for it as well.
Save big on this TV and and go ham for the big game before it starts, and you'll be in one very popular household.
Samsungs The Terrace 55-inch outdoor TV is $600 offAs of Feb. 6, the 55-inch Samsung "The Terrace" outdoor Smart TV is on sale for $2,891.96, down from $3,497.99, at Amazon.
SAVE 17%: As of Feb. 6, the 55-inch Samsung "The Terrace" outdoor Smart TV (QN55LST7DAFXZA, 2024 model) is on sale for $2,891.96, down from $3,497.99, at Amazon. That's a 17% discount or $606.03 savings.
If you've been dreaming of a movie setup for your patio, the "off-season" is the smartest time to buy. While everyone else waits for the first warm day of spring (when prices are high), Amazon is quietly clearing out premium outdoor tech.
Right now, you can get the 55-inch Samsung "The Terrace" outdoor Smart TV (QN55LST7DAFXZA, 2024 model) on sale for $2,891.96, down from $3,497.99, at Amazon. That's a 17% discount or $606.03 savings.
Unlike a regular TV that you have to panic-drag inside when it starts to sprinkle, this screen is built to handle the elements. It carries an IP56 rating for water and dust resistance, and the "Partial Sun" model uses a Neo QLED 4K panel to boost brightness so you can watch clearly in daylight. It also features anti-reflection technology to reduce glare and a 120Hz refresh rate, which is ideal for watching sports.
Just remember: This model is designed for shaded areas, like a covered deck or pergola, rather than direct sunlight. If you're planning on placing it in direct sunlight, be sure to choose the "Full Sun TV" option.
Grab the Bose Ultra Open earbuds in any color for their best price everThe Bose Ultra Open earbuds are $199 at Amazon in every color. Save $100 on the best-sounding open-ear headphones.
SAVE $100: As of Feb. 6, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are on sale for $199 at Amazon. That's $100 or 33% off their list price and the best price on record in most colors.
If you're curious about open-ear earbuds, but don't want to sacrifice sound quality, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are the best option. And now that they're $100 off, they're an incredible value.
As of Feb. 6, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are down to just $199 at Amazon in every color. That's 33% off their list price of $299 and their best price ever in most color options.
The Ultra Open buds curl around the edges of your ears like earring cuffs instead of going directly into your ear canal. This "open" design helps to keep you in touch with your surroundings while you listen to music, audiobooks, podcasts, etc., which makes them a particularly good pick for runners, cyclists, or commuters who need to stay aware and alert. Most open earbuds can sound muddied because of this design, but Mashable contributor RJ Andersen said that's not the case with the Bose earbuds.
"The sound was well-balanced, and even with my ear completely uncovered, I didn’t notice any issues with the audio sounding distant or muddy. Instead, the Ultra Open Earbuds sounded clear, natural, and pretty lush," Andersen noted in her review.
You'll get over seven hours of listening time and an extra 2.5 charges from the case — not the best, but decent. If you're not into AirPods-style earbuds and want to try something a little different, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are real treat (especially when they're $100 cheaper than usual).
How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony online for freeHow to watch opening ceremony for free. Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Peacock or NBCOlympics.com. Alternatively, you can watch on a number of free streaming platforms including 9Now, CBC Gem, and BBC iPlayer.
We feel truly blessed by all the sport on the calendar this year. We're genuinely overrun with huge events, including the Winter Olympics. You could make the argument that this is the biggest event of 2026, but some people would point to the 2026 World Cup taking place this summer. Frankly, we don't care. We're just going to enjoy everything on offer.
The Winter Olympics doesn't actually begin with the opening ceremony. Curling, luge, snowboarding, skiing, and ice hockey started from Feb. 4, but the opening ceremony is still where things officially get going. Expect a stunning show from the San Siro Olympic Stadium plus extra events from other Olympic territories. The likes of Mariah Carey, Laura Pausini, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Andrea Bocelli will perform.
If you want to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from 2 p.m. ET on Feb. 6. The opening ceremony is expected to run for around three hours.
The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony is available to live stream for free on a number of services:
Australia — 9Now
Austria — ORF
Canada — CBC Gem
France — France TV
Germany — ARD
Ireland — RTÉ Player
Italy — RAI
Spain — RTVE
UK — BBC iPlayer
These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access
Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the opening ceremony plus the rest of the 2026 Winter Olympics before recovering your investment.
How to watch Love Island: All Stars online for freeHow to watch Love Island: All Stars for free. Live stream Love Island: All Stars in 2026 for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the third season of Love Island: All Stars for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
We should all be seeking as little drama as possible in our private lives. There's a lot of joy to be found in a peaceful existence. That being said, there's also a great deal of joy to be found in watching other people's messy lives play out. And that's exactly what Love Island provides.
The hit show delivers weeks of flirting, breakups, and passionate debate between fame-hungry singles. It's exactly what we all need to get through these bleak winter months. And the only thing better than Love Island is Love Island: All Stars. Someone came up with the great idea to invite some of the best Love Island contestants back for a second (or third) chance at finding love.
They're looking for love, OK? They're not heading back for a quick paycheck. How dare you even suggest that.
If you're interested in watching Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
The third season of Love Island: All Stars starts on Jan. 15. This latest season is expected to run for six weeks.
The third season of Love Island: All Stars is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to watch Love Island: All Stars from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Love Island: All Stars for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Stream Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Love Island: All Stars without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to watch a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers
Strict no-logging policy
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Live stream Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TCLs gigantic 98-inch QM6K mini LED TV is on sale for half off — save $1,500Amazon and Best Buy have the 98-inch TCL QM6K Mini LED TV on sale for $1,499.99 (normally $2,999.99). That's half off.
SAVE $1,500: Amazon and Best Buy have the 98-inch TCL QM6K Mini LED TV on sale for just $1,499.99 as of Feb. 6. That's 50% off its $2,999 MSRP, which is its biggest discount ever. Delivery times vary by retailer.
February is one of the best times to buy a new TV because retailers love tying promos to the Big Game. Big-screen QLEDs are especially easy to find on sale right now because they're primo for watching sports, according to Mashable's Leah Stodart. "The vibrant lighting supplied by a QLED panel is ideal for following small details like a ball or tiny score box," she writes.
If you're looking to upgrade your TV to a nice QLED model before the Seahawks take on the Patriots this Sunday, and you've got a large wall to fill, allow me to present the best "go big or go home" deal I could scrounge up. As of Feb. 6, the 98-inch TCL QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV is on sale for just $1,499.99 at Amazon and Best Buy — that's half off its usual retail price of $2,999.99 and a new all-time low. (Ignore Amazon's deflated list price of $2,299.99. The TCL website says it's a $3,000 value.)
According to data on camelcamelcamel, an Amazon price-tracking site, this exact TV has never been on sale for less than $1,599.99 prior to today.
Amazon was listing a delivery range of Feb. 12 to 16 for me at the time of writing, so if you need the 98-inch TCL QM6K sooner, go through Best Buy. It was offering free delivery as soon as Feb. 7 (tomorrow) the last time I checked — though if I needed someone to help me install it, I'd have to wait until Feb. 11 at the earliest. Enter your zip code on the Best Buy website to see what delivery times look like at your local stores.
Stodart is fresh off reviewing the 55-inch version of the QM6K, which she rated a 4.5/5 and deemed a Mashable Choice Award winner for its nice brightness, deep blacks, detailed shadows, and exceptional value.
"The TCL QM6K is an excellent budget mini LED TV for casual home theater purposes," Stodart said. "It's palpably brighter than a regular LED TV in broad daylight. In dark rooms, the deep black levels handle dark scenes way better than you'd expect for the price." Yes, it even makes Games of Thrones' "The Long Night" episode watchable. Read Stodart's full review here.
Dr. Squatch’s Briccd Up soap is back (and on sale)You can grab the Magnum Bricc + Free Condoms for $15 (down from $21.50). If you want to stock up, there’s also a 3-Pack Bundle for $24.
Valentine’s Day is officially next weekend, which means we are in the final stretch of gifting panic. Right on cue, Dr. Squatch and Trojan have teamed up again to bring back their viral collaboration.
Yes, the name is ridiculous — it’s called "Bricc'd Up," a pun I definitely don't need to explain to you. But people legitimately go crazy for this stuff; I’ve even seen bars from last year’s drop being resold on eBay. If you can look past the aggressive "Alpha" marketing, this is a solid buy (I keep Dr. Squatch in my own shower rotation).
I usually swear by the brand's heavy grit bars for exfoliation, but this specific limited-edition block is a "Zero Grit" formula designed for a much smoother lather using silk peptides and horny goat weed. It's also comically huge: The Magnum Bricc weighs nearly 14 ounces, which is roughly three times the size of a standard bar.
But the real reason we're talking about this is the deal. We love a freebie, and right now, you can score the massive Magnum Bricc (plus the free box of Trojan Magnum XL condoms) for just $15. Or, if you want to stock up, the 3-Pack Bundle of standard bars is down to $24. Honestly, for a gift that’s funny, genuinely useful, and saves you an awkward trip to the drugstore later, that's money well spent.
Bitcoin and the rest of the crypto market took a shellacking on Thursday, with prices dropping to their lowest levels since before the boom that occurred after Donald Trump's election. The hit that Bitcoin and the biggest altcoins took was the worst since the crypto crash of 2022.
As of Friday, however, Bitcoin has started to bounce back. As of the publication of this piece, Bitcoin is trading above $68,000.
Bitcoin dropped as low as $60,000 yesterday as institutional investors sold their holdings. But, Bitcoin was able to hold on to that $60k range, which was a key level according to some crypto analysts.
Ethereum, the second-most-popular cryptocurrency, plunged to $1,700 over the past 24 hours. It currently sits around $1,950 but has yet to make a recovery back into the $2,000 range.
Altcoins like Dogecoin and Solana also fell to lows that had not been experienced in years. Dogecoin fell to $0.08, which it last saw in September 2024. Solana dropped into the $70 range, a price point last seen in January 2024.
The crypto market as a whole has been trending upward as of Friday morning; however, prices have yet to return to their pre-crash levels, and it's too soon to say if the latest trend will hold through the weekend.
Stay prepared with the Oupes Guardian 6000 power station for its best price yetAs of Feb. 6, get the Oupes Guardian 6000 power station for its best price yet.
SAVE $500.01: As of Feb. 6, get the Oupes Guardian 6000 power station for $1,698.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $2,199. That's a discount of 23% and the lowest price we've seen.
These days, there are tons of reasons to buy a power station. You might be going on a camping trip and want to have electricity. Or you might lose power in a storm and need to save precious food items. Whatever your reason for buying, getting one for a discount is always the best situation, and you can get a great one on offer at Amazon right now.
As of Feb. 6, get the Oupes Guardian 6000 power station for $1,698.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $2,199. That's $500.01 off and a discount of 23%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.
You can handle just about any emergency thanks to this power station's massive 4608 Wh LiFePO4 battery with 6000W of output, boosted to 7200W as well as its 120V/240V dual voltage, expandable to 41kWh. That means you've got electricity to power everything from your fridge to your phone a few times over to keep you going until the lights are back.
It has five AC outlets and a total of 11 output ports period, with space for everything you need and want to handle. When the battery's drained, it can go from zero juice to a complete charge in just 90 minutes as well, so you won't be left standing around waiting to get back on track.
Now's the time to grab yours before the weather changes and it starts getting nasty again. Dive in before the price goes up.
Googling Heated Rivalry triggers this cheeky exchange between Shane and IlyaGoogle "Heated Rivalry" to trigger a fun new Easter egg: a cheeky chat between Shane and Ilya, helping fans get their fix while they wait for the next season.
Heated Rivalry fans have a new reason to keep refreshing their browsers.
Searching "Heated Rivalry" on Google now unlocks a delightful little Easter egg, one that lovingly calls fans out for being extremely normal about their favorite hockey rivals. The feature sparks a digital back-and-forth between Shane and Ilya, appearing under their text-message aliases, Jane and Lily. It offers just enough content to tide devotees over until the next season.
Naturally, Ilya isn't letting Shane or the fans off easy. Underneath the search bar and above the results, you'll see this cheeky text exchange between the two scrolling from the right, reading:
Lily: "Still obsessed with us?"
Jane: "I'm not obsessed with anything!"
Lily: "How many times have you looked us up?"
And that's only part of their conversation. It's part love letter to the fandom, part online humiliation ritual.
Hockey fever is officially spilling off the ice and into the search bar, and Google is leaning into it.
Google reports that search interest in ice hockey is surging, especially during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Searches for "olympic hockey schedule" are trending alongside figure skating's perennial popularity, while curiosity around hockey rosters, goalie warm-ups, and even the basics of the sport has climbed to multi-year highs. Interest in "hockey players" is at a 10-year peak, and questions about representation — like "are there any gay hockey players" — are reaching all-time highs, signaling a fandom that's both deeply invested and increasingly hockey-curious.
And then there's my personal favorite stat: search interest in "boy aquarium" is also at an all-time high. The tongue-in-cheek term refers to ice hockey rinks themselves, where fans gather behind the glass to watch and admire the male players skating past like handsome fish in a tank.
If I can't go to the cottage, then I'll take one ticket to the boy aquarium, please.
How to get Peacock for free to watch the Seahawks take on the PatriotsFind out how to stream the Big Game and halftime show on Sunday for free with the best Peacock deal.
GET PEACOCK FOR FREE: You can score a free 30-day trial to Peacock Premium by signing up for a Walmart+ subscription. That gives you access to every moment of Sunday's Big Game — including the halftime show — on Feb. 8.
Besides hefty price hikes, the most annoying trend in the streaming world is the removal of free trials. Fortunately, though, there are still ways to watch major events — like the Big Game on Sunday — without paying a cent. We've got you covered.
You can score a Peacock Premium subscription for free to watch the Seahawks take on the Patriots this weekend (and catch Bad Bunny's halftime show) by signing up for a Walmart+ subscription. Originally, a Walmart+ subscription gave you access to Paramount+, but as of Fall 2025, the retailer added Peacock to its perks as well. Now, members can select from either Peacock Premium or Paramount+ Essential every 90 days. The best part? When you sign up, you'll get a free 30-day trial. And yes, as noted on the Walmart+ sign-up page, trial members can access the streaming perks. TL;DR: you can easily watch the game on Sunday for free during your trial by selecting Peacock as your Video Streaming Benefit.
A full Walmart+ membership will cost you $98 per year after a 30-day free trial, though you can cancel before you're charged. Since Peacock Premium typically costs $109.99 per year (or $10.99 per month), the $98 Walmart+ subscription is already a better deal. Plus, it comes with a ton of extra perks, like access to free shipping at Walmart.com with no order minimums, same-day delivery, fuel discounts, a Scan & Go checkout tool, and early access to deals during major shopping events. At the very least, if you choose to cancel before the month is up, you'll save $10.99.
Starbucks is giving out free coffee on Monday, Feb. 9 — heres how it worksStarbucks is giving out free drinks on February 9. Starbucks Rewards members get a free tall coffee with the purchase of any other beverage.
Need a pick-me-up after Sunday's Big Game? Head to your local Starbucks: The coffee chain is giving out free drinks to its Starbucks Rewards members this Monday, Feb. 9.
Members of the loyalty program can score a free tall (12-ounce) iced or brewed coffee with the purchase of any other beverage, so bring a friend — or your very tired, possibly hungover self. Note that any customizations you make to the free drink might cost extra, per a press release.
Starbucks will be debuting special-edition green paper cups and launching a new 1971 Roast coffee blend the same day, according to the release. The cups will be available at participating U.S. Starbucks stores through February while supplies last.
This is the second year in a row that Starbucks has poured free coffee after the Big Game, marking what it's calling "Starbucks Monday."
Last month, Starbucks announced that it was updating its Starbucks Rewards program with a new tiered membership structure — which isn't going over well with customers, judging by some Reddit threads. The changes won't go into effect until Tuesday, March 10.
If you're not a Starbucks Rewards member yet, you can join for free online or in the Starbucks app. Every purchase earns you "Stars" that you can redeem for free drinks, snacks, merch, and drink customizations. (Registering a gift card or preloading money on the app will earn you double the Stars per dollar.) Additionally, you'll get a free drink or food item on your birthday.
Some fine print: You have to be signed up for Starbucks Rewards before Monday in order to be eligible for your free tall coffee. You'll also need the Starbucks app on your phone. A coupon for the free coffee will appear in the "Offers" tab.
If you don't see the coupon, the company recommends ordering in-store and letting your barista know that you're a Starbucks Rewards member.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 4: The prophecy about Dunk and the dragon, explainedIn "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" episode 4, Dunk hears a prophecy from Daeron Targaryen about a dragon. Here's what it could mean.
Another Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode, another prophecy.
Episode 4 sees Dunk (Peter Claffey) coming face-to-face once again with the mysterious drunk man who swore at him in the tavern back in episode 1 — a man that we now know is actually Daeron Targaryen (Henry Ashton), brother of Aegon/Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell).
So what does Daeron, who was wary of Dunk when he first saw him, say this time? And what could it mean?
Asking Dunk for a private word, Daeron stands outside the tent with our favorite hedge knight and tells of a dream he had about him. We've transcribed their exchange below, in full:
Daeron Targaryen: I dreamed of you.
Dunk: You said that. Back at the inn.
Daeron: Did I? Well my dreams are not like yours. Mine come true. An impressive talent for an unimpressive man. Another one of life's little ironies. But I have seen you, ser. And a fire. And a dead dragon. A great beast with wings so large they could cover this meadow. It had fallen on top of you. But you were alive, and the dragon was dead.
Dunk: Did I kill it?
Daeron: That I could not say.
Intriguing. But what exactly does it mean?
As we mentioned when Dunk received his first prophecy in episode 3, some characters are capable of predicting the future in the Game of Thrones universe. Targaryens, in particular, have a proven track record (hello Helaena). All of this means we shouldn't take the words of Daeron — a self-proclaimed seer — lightly. How we decipher them, though, is another matter.
First of all, it's worth noting that there are no dragons left in Westeros at the time of Dunk and Egg. The beast in Daeron's dream is, therefore, most likely a metaphor for a Targaryen. The obvious interpretation would be the upcoming trial of seven. Dunk being trapped below a slain dragon could be taken to mean that he'll defeat Prince Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett) on the field, but maybe get injured in the process?
On the other hand, that may be too obvious. Perhaps Daeron's prophecy reaches further into Dunk's future? If last week's prophecy is to be believed, and Egg is indeed to sit on the Iron Throne one day, then maybe Dunk will be forced to slay other dragons/Targaryens in order to keep his tiny squire safe?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.
Get the iRobot Roomba 104 for $70 less at AmazonAs of Feb. 6, the iRobot Roomba 104 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $249.99, down from $320, at Amazon.
SAVE 22%: As of Feb. 6, the iRobot Roomba 104 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $249.99, down from $320, at Amazon. That's a 22% discount or $70.01 in savings.
If you're still pushing around a heavy vacuum every weekend, it might be time for an upgrade. Robot vacuums have officially graduated from "luxury splurge" to "household essential," and the newest hybrids scrub your hard floors while they sweep. If you're ready to let a robot do the dirty work, Amazon just dropped a major deal on one of iRobot's most capable 2-in-1 models.
As of Feb. 6, the iRobot Roomba 104 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $249.99, down from $320, at Amazon. That's a 22% discount or $70.01 in savings.
The Roomba 104 is a vacuum-mop combo. Unlike older hybrid bots that tend to soak your carpets, this model uses "ClearView LiDAR" navigation to map your home and automatically avoid rugs while in mopping mode. It features "SmartScrub" technology for 2x deeper scrubbing on hard floors and boasts 70x more suction power than standard models. Bonus: It comes with an AutoEmpty dock that holds up to 75 days' worth of dirt. That means you can run it daily and ignore the dustbin for two and a half months.
Everything we know about HBOs Baldurs Gate show"The Last of Us" co-creator Craig Mazin will head up HBO's "Baldur's Gate" series, set in the world of "Dungeons and Dragons."
A TV series based on Larian Studios' award-winning Baldur's Gate 3 is in development at HBO.
As reported by Deadline, The Last of Us co-creator and showrunner Craig Mazin will be helming the series, further cementing his role as HBO's go-to lead for acclaimed video game adaptations.
"After putting nearly 1,000 hours into the incredible world of Baldur’s Gate 3, it is a dream come true to be able to continue the story that Larian and Wizards of the Coast created," Mazin said in a statement to press. "I am a devoted fan of D&D and the brilliant way that Swen Vincke and his gifted team adapted it. I can’t wait to help bring Baldur’s Gate and all of its incredible characters to life with as much respect and love as we can, and I’m deeply grateful to Gabe Marano and his team at Hasbro for entrusting me with this incredibly important property."
Since the show has only just entered development, details on its plot and cast are currently sparse. However, here's everything we do know about the upcoming show, from its plot to a possible release date.
Baldur's Gate 3 takes place in the Forgotten Realms, a Dungeons & Dragons setting. Like Dungeons & Dragons, players can build their own characters to set out on an adventure. But it's dice roll mechanics to move the game along. Between player's choices and virtual dice rolls, there's a wide variety of results for how the game's story will unfold. That makes creating a near one-to-one adaptation like Mazin's The Last of Us series seemingly impossible.
Instead of going down that route, HBO's series will take place immediately after Baldur's Gate 3, picking up with the game's characters, like Astarion, Karlach, Gale, and Shadowheart. However, with different endings possible in the game, HBO and Mazin have yet to announce which ending — or endings? — they'll be engaging with.
No cast has been announced for the Baldur's Gate series yet. However, with The Last of Us, Mazin proved a fan of bringing the source game's actors into TV adaptations. Both Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker appeared in The Last of Us TV show, though in different roles than those they played in the game. Plus, Merle Dandridge and Jeffrey Wright reprised their roles as Marlene and Isaac in The Last of Us. So there's a chance that certain Baldur's Gate 3 actors, like Jennifer English, Neil Newbon, Rim Downie, and Matthew Mercer, may make an appearance, either as cameos or in the roles they originated.
HBO has not yet announced when the Baldur's Gate series would air.
However, if the show follows a similar path to The Last of Us, we could expect the series in about three years. Development on The Last of Us was officially announced in March of 2020, and Season 1 premiered in January of 2023. Of course, every show is different, so there's no guarantee that it will take Baldur's Gate the same amount of time. But hey, think of all the playthroughs you can knock out between now and the show's eventual release.
Find all your lost items with a pack of 2nd Gen Apple AirTags for their best price yetAs of Feb. 6, get a pack of 2nd Gen Apple AirTags for their best price yet.
SAVE $15.99: As of Feb. 6, get the Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) - 4-Pack for $99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $114.99. That's a discount of 14% and the lowest price we've seen. Alternatively, pick up a 4-pack of last-gen AirTags for just $64 right now to save even more cash.
If you're the type of person who loses things often, you might want to pick up a smart tracker like the Apple AirTag. It's an easy solution that could mean the difference between lost luggage or a misplaced wallet and getting on with your day knowing where everything is. Apple recently debuted the new 2nd Gen AirTag, so you can get the upgraded version right now while saving a few bucks to boot.
As of Feb. 6, get the Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) - 4-Pack for $99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $114.99. That's $15.99 off and a discount of 14%. It'a also the lowest price we've seen. Alternatively, pick up a 4-pack of last-gen AirTags for just $64 right now to save even more cash.
The AirTag needs you to only remove its label and put it near your iPhone to set it up in minutes. You'll need to name it and wait for it to sync, and you're finished. From there, drop it into a purse or bag, leave it in your car, put it on a keychain tag, and place it wherever you need to make sure you don't lose something.
It uses the Apple Find My app to help you locate items by playing a sound (a louder one with the newest model) or assigns directions so you can find it using your phone. The new version even has an expanded range so you have even more of a chance of coming across your item, with a battery that can last up to a year before you need to swap it out or buy another AirTag.
If you're prone to losing things or just want some peace of mind, this is a great deal to pick up while you can. Use up all your tags or hand them out to your family and see if you can stop some lost-item chaos early.
All your Hinge questions, answeredHinge dating app answers, like how many 'likes' free users can send a day and whether users can change their gender.
Hinge, the dating app "designed to be deleted," has risen in popularity in recent years. Mashable recently reported that in the second quarter of 2025, revenue and paid users of the app had increased, while Tinder's declined. Both are owned by the conglomerate Match Group, but it seems that daters these days are leaning towards Hinge.
As such, they might have questions about how Hinge works. Mashable has the answers.
Free users are able to send seven likes a day, the app confirmed to Mashable. It's also free to send a comment to someone you're interested in while you're "liking," and seeing everyone who sends you a like (which most apps make you pay for).
Free Hinge members can also set specific preferences, such as location, age range, distance, and religion.
Some apps, like Instagram, have read receipts on private messages, meaning you will know when the person you're chatting with reads the message. You might be afraid of being left on read — or leaving someone else on read.
But in Hinge's case, you don't have to worry. Hinge confirmed that the app doesn't have read receipts, so you can glance at your match's latest DM in peace, and message back when you're ready.
While daters on Hinge cannot send photos or videos directly to their matches, they can send voice notes.
A Hinge Boost makes a user's profile more visible to potential matches for one hour, while a Superboost does so for 24 hours.
"Think of it as a way to speed up the process; because while good things take time, sometimes a little extra visibility helps," Hinge's Help Center states.
The prices of Boost and Superboost are dynamic and depend on one's location and other factors.
Other users won't know you Boosted yourself, and the app will notify you when the Boost period is over and will give you a summary of the impact.
You can change both your gender and sexuality on Hinge. In the app, tap the Photo icon on the far right of the navigation bar. Tap the Pencil icon, scroll down and tap Gender.
You can choose Man, Woman, or Nonbinary, and within those options choose a gender identity — options include gender fluid, genderqueer, and intersex.
To change your sexuality on the app, tap the Pencil icon and scroll to Sexuality under Identity. Choose an option from the list.
You can choose whether you want your gender and/or sexuality displayed on your profile. (Check or uncheck "Visible on Profile.")
When Hinge daters select "prefer not to say" for details like family plans, dating intentions, or drinking habits, they're excluded from being seen by people who've set dealbreakers around those compatibility factors, the app stated.
If you want to permanently delete your account, removing the app from your phone isn't enough. Here's a step-by-step guide to deleting your Hinge account:
Step 1: Go to Hinge app
Step 2: Tap your Photo icon on the far right
Step 3: Tap the Gear icon to open Account Settings
Step 4: Scroll to the bottom and tap Delete Account, then confirm
This article was originally published in 2025 and updated in 2026.
Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on February 6See the Moon phase expected for February 6, 2025 as well as when the next Full Moon is expected.
We're heading towards the Third Quarter phase of the Moon. This occurs when about half of the Moon’s surface is illuminated. In the Northern Hemisphere, the lit portion appears on the left side, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it appears on the right.
As of Friday, Feb. 6, the Moon phase is Waning Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 80% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.
So, what can we see tonight? Without any visual aids, you should be able to catch a glimpse of the Mares Vaporum and Imbrium and the Aristarchus Plateau. With binoculars, you'll also be able to see Clavius, Gassendi, and the Archimedes Craters. And, with a telescope, you'll see all this plus the Apollo 12 and 15 landing spots.
The next Full Moon will be on March 3.
NASA says that a complete lunar cycle takes about 29.5 days, which is the time the Moon needs to orbit Earth once. During this cycle, it goes through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the visible portion that is illuminated changes as the Moon travels along its orbit. The varying amount of sunlight reflected off the Moon is what causes it to appear fully lit, partially lit, or nearly dark at different stages. The eight phases of the Moon are:
New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
Apples iPhone 18 Pro Max will have impressive battery life, report claimsApple's upcoming flagship phone, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, will have even better battery life than its predecessor.
One of the most impressive traits of Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max is the battery life. I've been using it as a daily driver for half a year now, and I don't think I've ever had to charge it mid-day.
Apple's next flagship phone, however, might be even better in this regard. A leaker called Digital Chat Station (via MacRumors) claims that the iPhone 8 Pro max will come with a 5,100 to 5,200mAh battery, which is slightly better than the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 5,088 battery.
But the iPhone 18 Pro Max should also be more efficient than its predecessor. It's likely to come with Apple's new A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2-nanometer production process, which should be significantly more efficient than the A19 Pro chip.
Combine the two, and you might get a phone that should easily last you 1.5 - 2 days, depending on the usage.
Even if the report is true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max probably won't be the iPhone with the biggest battery out there. The foldable iPhone Fold, which is rumored to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max next fall, will probably come with a 5,500mAh battery.
It's too early to tell which phone will have better battery life, though. The iPhone Fold should have a much larger, 7.8-inch display when unfolded, so it might also drain more battery than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Either way, it appears that battery life won't be a problem for iPhone users, at least not those who are willing to spend the big bucks for Apple's most expensive devices (the iPhone Fold will likely cost more than $2,000).
How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics: streaming guideFind out how to watch the Winter Olympics without cable, including which streaming service you need and the best deals.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are nearly here! This year marks the fourth time Italy has hosted the Winter Games (the last time was Turin in 2006). There will be plenty of fan-favorite sports and even an entirely new one joining the list — snow mountaineering. Here's hoping it sparks another viral moment like the 2024 Summer Olympics' newest sport.
Things officially kick off with the Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium on Feb. 6 (though a few events will begin before that). If you don't want to miss a minute of the action, we've compiled all the essential details you need to know to watch live, including which streaming service you'll need and how to score a deal on it.
Let's go, Team USA!
No cable? No problem. You'll be able to catch all the action with a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription.
A Peacock subscription gives you access to the full NBC broadcast of the Winter Olympics, including Opening and Closing Ceremonies, plus a livestream of every single sport, competition, and medal ceremony. You'll also get access to always-on Olympics channels, replays, highlights, documentaries, and nonstop commentary. Basically, Peacock is your one-stop shop for everything Olympics.
If you're watching the Olympic Games in the U.S., keep in mind that Eastern time is six hours behind Milan and Cortina. Some broadcasts will be delayed until primetime, depending on the time zone. If you have cable, you'll be able to watch live competitions throughout the day, as well as enhanced showcase events at night on NBC. USA Network and CNBC will also air Olympics coverage.
A Peacock Premium subscription costs $10.99 per month with ads or $16.99 per month without. There are also a few ways to save some money on a subscription, so keep scrolling for the latest Peacock streaming deals.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy from Feb. 6 to 22.
Here are some of the major dates to mark on your calendar:
Feb. 6: Opening ceremony
Feb. 7: First gold medal events
Feb. 8: Gold medal, women's Alpine skiing downhill
Feb. 13: Gold medal, men's figure skating
Feb. 18: Gold medal, women's Alpine skiing slalom
Feb. 19: Gold medal, women's figure skating. Gold medal game, women's ice hockey. First gold medals in ski mountaineering.
Feb. 22: Gold medal game, men's ice hockey. Closing ceremony.
Nearly 3,000 athletes will be competing across 16 different sports in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Categories range from skiing and snowboarding to figure skating and hockey. Below is a full list — for more information on each individual sport, head over to the official Olympics website.
Alpine Skiing
Biathlon
Bobsleigh
Cross-Country Skiing
Curling
Figure Skating
Freestyle Skiing
Ice Hockey
Luge
Nordic Combined
Short Track Speed Skating
Skeleton
Ski Jumping
Ski Mountaineering
Snowboard
Speed Skating
I've said it before and I'll say it again: the best Peacock deal on any given day is the annual subscription plan. It costs $109.99 (with ads) or $169.99 (ad-free) up front, as opposed to the $131.88 or $203.88 you'll pay if you choose a monthly plan. That ultimately ends up getting you about two months for free — a total savings of $21.89 on the Premium plan or $33.89 with the Premium Plus plan.
If you're an Xfinity customer, we highly recommend checking out the eligibility details below before signing up for Peacock — you might be able to score a subscription for free.
Here's a breakdown of who is eligible to get Peacock for free through Xfinity (head to Xfinity.com for more details):
Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.
NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.
New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.
Students and young adults can take $5 per month off a Peacock Premium subscription all year long. Just verify your student status via SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to knock the price down to just $5.99 instead of $10.99. After the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price again unless you cancel.
First responders, medical professionals, military personnel, and teachers can all secure a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) for a discounted rate of $6.99 per month. Just verify your professional status via SheerID to retrieve a unique promo code.
Those who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew their subscription at a discounted rate each year — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code. Rates are also subject to change year to year.
On top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders, an Instacart+ membership ($99.99 per year) now unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value). If you're new to Instacart+, you'll even get a free two-week trial to kick things off. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged the full amount.
Walmart+ members can now choose Peacock Premium (or Paramount+) as a free perk with their membership. The $98 subscription also gives you access to free shipping at Walmart.com (with no order minimums), fuel discounts, a Scan & Go checkout tool, and early access to deals during Walmart's major shopping events. Since Peacock Premium is a $109.99 value, Walmart+ is already a better deal than paying for Peacock on its own. Plus, you'll get many other perks.
NBC is bringing the 2026 Winter Olympics to the big screen, so you and your friends can watch the world's greatest athletes go for gold in select theaters. The Opening and Closing ceremonies, as well as NBC’s live daytime coverage, will be available to watch live in theaters across the country. Check out AMC Theatres or Fandango for tickets.
MrBeasts Hot Ones episode is painful to watchMrBeast has appeared on "Hot Ones", eating increasingly spicy wings while chatting about "Beast Games" Season 2 and Feastables.
There are two different types of Hot Ones guests: The celebrities who work their way through the increasingly spicy wings without breaking a sweat, and the celebrities that bravely struggle on despite obvious pain and misery.
MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, falls firmly into the latter category, with the streamer admitting at the start that he's not a spicy food person before going on to prove as much over the next 20 minutes — all while answering questions on everything from Beast Games Season 2 and to his record-breaking YouTube channel.
Credit where credit's due — although he has to consume copious quantities of ice cream and chocolate milk along the way, he does still make it to the end. But at what cost?
Amazon has knocked $15 off the Fire TV Stick HD — grab this streaming stick for $19.99As of Feb. 6, the Fire TV Stick HD has been marked down to $19.99 at Amazon, 43% off its list price of $34.99.
SAVE OVER $10: As of Feb. 6, the Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $19.99 at Amazon. This is $15 off its list price of $34.99.
Streaming your favorite shows and films doesn't have to break the bank. If you're hoping to find a streaming device on the more affordable side, the Fire TV Stick HD can set you up with 1080p Full HD picture quality at a more budget-friendly price. As of Feb. 6, it's on sale for just $19.99.
This deal saves you $15 on the Fire TV Stick HD's list price, but what makes this deal even better is it's just a couple of dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $17.99. What better time to grab it and start catching up on shows like Bridgerton or A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
This Fire TV Stick's support for Full HD picture quality is great for pairing with an HD TV, allowing you to enjoy shows and films with up to 1080p resolution. It also comes with 8GB of built-in storage, so you have plenty of space to download your favorite streaming apps. Plus, the Alexa Voice Remote makes finding something new to watch simple and easy by using just your voice.
It's currently listed as a limited-time deal, so be quick to pick up the Fire TV Stick HD for $19.99 at Amazon. If you're looking to jump to higher picture quality, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Stick 4K Plus are also on sale right now.
Seth Meyers responds to Trump insulting CNN correspondent Kaitlan CollinsU.S. president Donald Trump told CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins to "smile" while asking about the Epstein files. Seth Meyers has thoughts.
Donald Trump's sexist treatment of female journalists continues, with the U.S. president insulting CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins during a press conference on Tuesday. The journalist, doing her job, asked Trump about the Epstein files and what he would say to survivors of the convicted sex offender — to which the president responded with a string of insults, ending with, "I don't think I've seen you smile."
"She's asking you about a notorious sex trafficking ring that the world's wealthiest and most powerful people are connected to," said Seth Meyers during his Late Night segment on Trump's behaviour on Thursday night. "It's not her fault you're in a bad mood because the grilled cheese you made for lunch is bumping up against the hamburger in your belly full of Diet Coke.
"Now to you, a normal person watching this at home, you might think the president telling a female reporter to 'smile' while she asked a question about a sex trafficker might make him look like a dick, but what if you asked another dick? What would they think of that exchange?" Meyers added.
Cut to footage of JD Vance's interview with Megyn Kelly, in which the vice president called Trump's comment to Collins "actually like, so perceptive."
"You think telling a woman to smile more is perceptive?" responded Meyers. "Then let me introduce you to New York's many construction workers. They're veritable Oracle of Delphis. You know, I'm also a little perceptive now and then, and I do perceive JD Vance as the wormy little chud he is."
Jimmy Kimmel and The Daily Show's Michael Kosta also slammed Trump's comments on their shows.
How to watch Patriots vs. Seahawks in the NFL online for freeHow to watch NFL for free. Live stream Patriots vs. Seahawks in the 2026 Big Game for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream Patriots vs. Seahawks in the Big Game for free on 7Plus, TVNZ+, or Channel 5. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Something special is taking place at Levi's Stadium this weekend. No, we're not talking about Bad Bunny's halftime show. It's the small matter of New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game. Yes, the NFL season ends here with a dramatic showdown between these two juggernauts.
The Seattle Seahawks are strong favorites going into this game. They clinched the NFC's top seed with a regular season record of 14-3, before beating the 49ers and Rams in the playoffs. Sam Darnold will be looking to lead Seattle to their first title since 2014. Standing in his way is a rejuvenated Patriots led by Drake Maye. Last year's 4-13 record is long forgotten.
If you want to watch Patriots vs. Seahawks in the Big Game for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.
New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game takes place at 6.30 p.m. ET on Feb. 8. This fixture will be played at Levi's Stadium.
New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game is available to live stream for free on the following platforms:
These free streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, New Zealand, or the UK, meaning you can live stream New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game for free from anywhere in the world.
Follow these simple steps to secure access to Patriots vs. Seahawks for free:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia, New Zealand, or the UK
Watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming require a subscription, but leading VPN services also offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can leverage these deals to get access to live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it will give you time to watch Patriots vs. Seahawks in the Big Game (plus the Winter Olympics) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Patriots vs. Seahawks in the Big Game from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
How to watch the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 live online for freeHow to watch T20 World Cup for free. Live stream the 2026 T20 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are so many incredible sporting events taking place in 2026. Fans can look forward to the Winter Olympics, World Cup, and much more this year. And cricket fans don't need to wait long for arguably the biggest showpiece event on the calendar: the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The best international T20 teams are heading to India and Sri Lanks to compete for the top prize. You can expect the likes of India, Australia, South Africa, and England to be fighting it out in the knockout rounds. Those teams are the pre-tournament favorites, but this electric form of the game is unpredictable. Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan possess the talent to beat anyone on their best day.
If you want to watch the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is a Twenty20 International cricket tournament organised by the International Cricket Council. The event is generally held every two years. India are the defending champions.
In 2026, 20 teams will compete in 55 matches across five venues. The 20 qualifying teams are divided into four groups of five. In the group stage, each team will play four matches in a round-robin format, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the Super 8 stage. At this point, teams will be placed into two groups of four, and will play three matches. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stage.
The 2026 T20 World Cup is the 10th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from Feb. 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.
The 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.
This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.
Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access
Visit ICC.TV
Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Watch the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 6, 2026Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you have a caffeine addiction.
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.
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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
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.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Cup of Joe
Green: Patterned
Blue: Bugs
Purple: Ways to say hello
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Items at a coffee station
Green: Things with stripes
Blue: Words before "Fly" in insect names
Purple: Homophones of greetings
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 #971 is...
Items at a coffee station: CUP, LID, STIRRER, STRAW
Things with stripes: CANDY CANE, CROSSWALK, REFEREE, TIGER
Words before "Fly" in insect names: BUTTER, DRAGON, FIRE, HORSE
Homophones of greetings: CHOW, HAY, HIGH, YEOH
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? 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 the latest Connections.
NYT Strands hints, answers for February 6, 2026The NYT Strands hints and answers you need to make the most of your puzzling experience.
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're good at reading facial expressions.
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.
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.
The words are related to the dace.
These words describe unique characteristics.
Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
Today's spangram is Features
Brows
Cheeks
Eyes
Mouth
Features
Hairline
Forehead
Nose
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 the latest Strands.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 6, 2026Here's the answer for "Wordle" #1693 on February 6 as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're familiar with the courtroom.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A judge uses one.
There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.
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...
GAVEL
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Wordle.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for February 6, 2026Answers to each clue for the Feb. 6, 2026 edition of NYT's The Mini crossword puzzle.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, Feb. 6, 2026:
The answer is Way.
The answer is Care.
The answer is Radio.
The answer is Area.
The answer is God.
The answer is Waded.
The answer is Aria.
The answer is Yeo.
The answer is Caro.
The answer is Rag.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
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 the latest Mini Crossword.
Bose QuietComfort headphones are down to under $200 at Amazon — act fast to save over $150As of Feb. 6, the petal pink Bose QuietComfort headphones are on sale at Amazon for $199, 45% off their list price of $359.
SAVE OVER $150: As of Feb. 6, Bose QuietComfort headphones have dropped to $199 at Amazon. This 45% discount is $160 off their list price of $359.
Bose headphones are always worth a look when you're shopping for new headphones, especially when they're on sale. If you've been hoping to grab a discounted pair, Amazon is here to help. The retailer is currently offering Bose QuietComfort headphones for $199.
This saves you $160 off the usual Bose QuietComfort price of $359, making for 45% in savings. Several colors in this line are on sale at Amazon (not counting the chilled lilac or moonstone blue).
While the more premium-priced QuietComfort Ultras are our favorites in our roundup of the best Bose headphones and earbuds, the QuietComfort headphones are our runner-up pick, as they "provide an affordable entry point that doesn't sacrifice quality." Alongside boasting great sound quality and up to 24 hours of battery life, these headphones also offer noise-canceling features — Quiet and Aware Modes — that let you choose between fully blocking outside noises or allowing some in for extra awareness.
Mashable's Samantha Mangino is a big fan of these headphones, writing in her review that "I've had the Bose QuietComfort headphones for over a year, and I've used them daily since I got them. They're comfortable, have actually intuitive controls, and boast impressive noise cancellation and sound."
If the Bose QuietComfort headphones have caught your eye, now is your chance to grab them for just under $200.
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 6, 2026Connections: Sports Edition is a New York Times word game about finding common sports threads between words. How to solve the day's puzzle.
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easy if you follow winter sports closely.
As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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.
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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
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.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Event locations
Green: Icy leaps
Blue: USA athletes
Purple: Same first word
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Italian Olympic hosts
Green: Figure skating jumps
Blue: Americans at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Purple: Ski _____
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 #501 is...
Italian Olympics hosts - CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, MILAN, ROME, TURIN
Figure skating jumps - AXEL, LOOP, LUTZ, SALCHOW
Americans at the 2026 Winter Olympics - CHOCK, MALININ, STOLZ, VONN
Ski ____ - CROSS, JUMPING, MOUNTAINEERING, RESORT
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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 the latest Connections.
The Daily Show responds to Trump waffling about a secret U.S. weapon"Daily Show" host Michael Kosta has responded to Trump talking about "the discombobulator", a secret weapon the U.S. apparently used during its attack on Venezuela.
Like Jimmy Kimmel, The Daily Show also spent time discussing Donald Trump's recent NBC interview. But while Kimmel focussed on the president's comments about ICE, host Michael Kosta put the spotlight on his baffling remarks about a secret U.S. weapon called "the discombobulator". Yes, really.
"The discombobulator? That sounds like the worst ride at Six Flags," says Kosta, playing footage of Trump waffling about the weapon that the U.S. apparently used during its attack on Venezuela — and something he's apparently not meant to talk about.
"So you said you're not allowed to talk about it, but it kind of feels like you talked about it?" says Kosta. "This dude cannot keep a secret. This is how you know there's no aliens, because day one Trump would have been like, 'I'm not supposed to say anything, but they have three boobs.'"
Kosta goes on to play a clip of Trump saying he was the one that came up with the name.
"And it is a great name, Mr President," says Kosta. "It does not sound like a weapon in Paw Patrol at all."
Score $19 off the Kindle Essentials Bundle at Amazon ahead of Valentines DayAs of Feb. 6, the Kindle Essentials Bundle is on sale at Amazon for $142.97, 12% off the bundle list price of $161.97.
SAVE OVER $10: As of Feb. 6, the Kindle Essentials Bundle is down to $142.97 at Amazon. This is $19 off its full bundle list price of $161.97.
With Valentine's Day coming up next week, now is the time to sort out a gift. If your special someone is a big fan of reading, why not gift them an e-reader? The standard Kindle, which we consider to be the best budget Kindle, is worth checking out. Amazon even has its Essentials Bundle on sale right now, which can set you up with the e-reader, a cover, and a power adapter all in one package.
The Kindle Essentials Bundle is currently marked down to $142.97. This saves you $19 compared to buying everything separately at full price.
This Kindle has plenty of space to store all of their favorite novels. It's an excellent travel companion thanks to its smaller size, and its glare-free display makes reading in any lighting a breeze. Even if they like to read before bed, it has an adjustable front light that helps dim the screen to make reading feel more comfortable.
Its battery can last up to six weeks on a single charge, so there's no need to worry about frequently plugging it in. Plus, the additional cover in the bundle helps keep the display protected.
Amazon has this listed as a limited-time deal right now, so if the Kindle Essentials Bundle seems like a great Valentine's Day gift, now is the time to buy.
The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 power station is $400 off at Amazon — get this beast for under $800Find the best power station deal on Amazon. Save 33% on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 at Amazon.
SAVE $400: As of Feb. 6, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is on sale for $799 at Amazon. That's a 33% discount on the list price.
If you’re looking for a reliable portable power station, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is back on sale at Amazon. This is a strong unit, capable of powering several devices at once. And right now it’s down to just $799 at Amazon, saving you $400 on list price.
With this Jackery power station you’ll get a 2,200W output and a large 2,040Wh capacity, with three AC ports and a USB-C PD 100W port. But despite its high capacity, it’s still compact and lightweight, so it’s handy for camping or RV vacations. Charging is quick too, reaching 80% in just 66 minutes via AC power. If you upgrade to include solar panels, it can fully charge in around six hours.
It also features 20ms switching for uninterrupted power if you experience outages. So, devices like routers or medical equipment don’t cut out before rebooting. And it’s built to last, with the LiFePO4 battery designed to last up to 10 years. It even comes with an advanced temperature control system that minimizes fan noise, keeping it running both smoothly and quietly.
This portable power station deal is only available for a limited time at Amazon, so don’t miss out.
The Shokz OpenRun headphones are under $90 for a limited time — act fast to save $40Get the best deal on earbuds for running. Save 31% on the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro at Amazon.
SAVE $40: As of Feb. 6, the Shokz OpenRun are on sale for $89.94 at Amazon. That's a 31% discount on list price.
If you run or exercise outdoors, it's important to stay connected to your surroundings, even if you need a great playlist to keep you going. To balance your music and spatial awareness, traditional earbuds aren’t always ideal. That's where the Shokz OpenRun headphones come in. They use something called bone conduction technology which sends sound through your cheekbones, keeping you tuned in to both your music and whatever is happening around you.
And as of Feb. 6, you can get the Shokz OpenRun on sale for just $89.94 at Amazon. That's $40 off the list price. This discounted rate is available for the black and blue models.
They're robust and can cope with all kinds of runs. And with an IP67 waterproof and sweat resistance rating, these are ideal for running in the rain and intense gym sessions. They even have a moisture detection alert to keep charging safe for when they take on a little too much water.
The battery life will last up to eight hours on a single charge, and a quick 10-minute top-up gives you around 1.5 hours of listening. That's ideal when you don't have time for a full charge.
This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so act fast to avoid missing out.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is $20 off at Amazon — upgrade your streaming setup for lessGet the best Fire Stick deal at Amazon. Save 40% on the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus at Amazon.
SAVE $20: As of Feb. 6, the Fire Stick 4K Plus is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% discount on the list price.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick range has had a shake up. There's a new product in the lineup, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, and the Fire Stick 4K is now the Fire Stick 4K Plus. And as of Feb. 6, it's on sale for its best price so far this year. Right now you can save $20 with the sale price of $29.99.
This streaming device is optimized for 4K TVs. It gives a far better performance with sharp 4K Ultra HD picture quality, plus support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio. It also has built-in Alexa, making finding something to watch quick and easy.
The setup couldn't be any easier. Plug the Fire Stick into your TV's HDMI port and connect it to a wall outlet. Turn on your TV with the new remote (which now becomes your single control for the TV), set up the WiFi and login details, and you're good to go. You now have easy access to Fire TV channels as well as streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.
It also gives you access to Xbox cloud gaming with Game Pass, letting you play hundreds of games without needing a console.
Get this streaming deal from Amazon now.
Stephen Colbert mocks Trumps weird Valentines Day emailDonald Trump sent a Valentine's Day fundraising email to MAGA supporters and Stephen Colbert absolutely noticed.
With ever-rising disapproval ratings and despite the fact that he cannot run for office again, Donald Trump sent a weird fundraising email to MAGA supporters on Tuesday with the subject line "Will I hear from you before Valentine’s Day?"
Stephen Colbert absolutely noticed, especially the fact that the email ends with a button demanding, "Take poll."
"Just what everyone wants on Valentine's Day, a 79-year-old man begging you to 'take poll,'" the Late Show host quipped during his monologue on Thursday. "The spam email, which in this case was addressed to some supporter named Chris, continues: 'I hope you still love me, Chris. I didn't think you'd leave me hanging this close to Valentine's Day.' It's kind of creepy."
Colbert brought up another fundraising email Trump had reportedly sent to supporters reading "Tick, tick, tick. That's the sound of your Trump membership on its last leg."
"Why would your leg be ticking?" asked Colbert, moving into his Trump impression. "Chris, I've strapped a bomb to your thigh, if you ever want to see your shins again, take poll."
The Roborock Qrevo S5V robot vacuum is on sale for $450 off at AmazonGet the best robot vacuum deal on Amazon. Save 39% on the roborock Qrevo S5V at Amazon right now.
SAVE $350: As of Feb. 6, the Roborock Qrevo S5V is on sale for $549.99 at Amazon. That's a 39% discount on the list price.
If you like the idea of clean floors without lifting a finger, this Amazon deal on the roborock Qrevo S5V is for you. Reducing the need to vacuum and mop manually, this robot vacuum could be your new best friend. And as of Feb. 6, you can save $350 with the new sale price, now down to $549.99. You can even get it in black or white, so you can choose what blends in to your home better.
This robot vacuum is a seriously powerful unit. It has a 12,000Pa HyperForce suction powered by a brushless motor, so it can easily pick up stubborn dirt, pet hair, and debris from carpets, rugs, and hard floors. It also has a FlexiArm design with dual spinning mops which helps you reach edges and corners, scrubbing at 200 RPM.
And you don't even need to take care of any maintenance, the smart dock does that for you. Here it will automatically empty dust into a 10-week storage bin, wash and dry the mops, and refill the water tank. It is self navigated too, thanks to the PreciSense LiDAR feature that creates detailed maps, allowing the robot to avoid obstacles like cables, toys, and furniture.
Get this robot vacuum deal from Amazon without delay.
Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling reveal the hardest part of making the hot, queer romance PillionAlexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling reveal the hardest part of making the hot, queer romance "Pillion."
Since its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last spring, Pillion has won praise as a "crowd-pleaser" that's boldly sexy, queer, and sweet.
Harry Melling stars as a timid young man who falls hard for a leatherdaddy biker (Alexander Skarsgård), who invites him into a master-slave BDSM bond.
This film is rich with longing and centers on an often earnest and uncool protagonist, who dares to swing big for what he desires. That means there are some notable similarities between Pillion and the world's current TV obsession: Heated Rivalry.
For Say More, when Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko sat down with Skarsgård and Melling in A24's NY offices to discuss Pillion, she asked not only about shooting those buzzed-about sex scenes, but also the challenge of allowing yourself to be not just vulnerable onscreen but uncool.
She began their conversation by asking what was more of a challenge, the wrestling sequence that involved an intimacy coordinator and some painful-looking choreography, or the scenes that asked Melling and Skarsgård to shed leather and harnesses and be vulnerable in song.
From there, Puchko pointed to Heated Rivalry as a tentpole on the ongoing discourse over who can tell queer stories and who the audience is for them. Melling and Skarsgård tied that back to their goals as actors in Pillion.
Skarsgård also noted that writer/director Harry Lighton researched the kink subculture depicted in the film with the help of London's Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club. Beyond getting to know some of the men in that scene, Lighton took several on as consultants and supporting cast in Pillion, giving greater representation to the queer subculture.
And on top of all this, the interview ends with the Pillion stars each revealing the first romantic movie to make them swoon.
For more Say More interviews, check out our YouTube channel.
Pillion is now playing in theaters.
6 Super Bowl halftime shows that were better than the big gameThe best Super Bowl halftime show performances to ever grace the football field.
There are two kinds of Super Bowl watchers: the ones that watch for the game and the ones that watch for the halftime show.
But, every now and then, a halftime show comes along that is so electrifying, it definitively overshadows the actual sporting event. A good halftime show has the power to transcend barriers, unite viewers all over the world, and make, break, or revitalize a career. These shows also light up the internet with memes and takes (see: left shark).
This is by no means a comprehensive list. But below, in no particular order, are some of the most memorable performances to grace the football field. Actual football performances not included.
Super Bowl LIX between the Chiefs and Eagles was not much of a football game. Philly was up by as many as 34 points before you could blink, and most casual viewers moved onto the chips and dip before halftime. However, halftime brought everyone's attention back to the TV because Kendrick Lamar unleashed incredible hater energy for one of the best halftime shows in recent memory.
Sure, that's not all there was to the show. You had guest appearances by people like Serena Williams and not every Kendrick song is a world-famous diss track. But the one thing everyone wanted from his halftime show was a performance of "Not Like Us," and he gave us that in a big way.
For Super Bowl XLI, the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears braved the pouring rain and driving winds (Colts won 29-17). But Prince fought those same elements while playing a live electric guitar, a pretty metal move considering water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
Unfazed, Prince set a high bar for halftime shows. He started with Queen's "We Will Rock You," and transitioned into his own "Let's Go Crazy," eventually bringing the stadium down with "Purple Rain." Watching him shred on his signature Prince symbol guitar in the pouring rain instantly became an iconic sight and solidified Prince's status as one of the best performers of all time.
Wait, the 2016 halftime show was headlined by Coldplay? We forgot because Beyoncé's special guest appearance completely stole the show. First Bruno Mars crashed the stage with "Uptown Funk," to which Beyoncé responded by storming the field with her perfectly synchronized backup dancers, performing "Formation."
Wearing a military-style getup, a nod to Michael Jackson's halftime show outfit, Bey strutted to the stage and slayed (sorry) in a dance-off with Bruno Mars. By the time Coldplay's Chris Martin came back to the front, even he seemed to realize this was Beyoncé's moment.
(Stefon voice) This show had everything: a giant lion puppet, a historic viral moment, inspired guest appearances, ample costume changes, and a shooting star. The 2015 halftime show may be best remembered for the left shark, but Katy Perry also put on a hell of a show. Perry came riding in the lion, then passed it off to Lenny Kravitz singing "I Kissed a Girl."
Then the left shark captivated the internet with its blasé dance moves. Through it all, Perry brought strong energy and impressively sang live. By the time Perry brought on Missy Elliot who performed "Work It" and "Lose Control," we knew this halftime show was one for the record books. Perry capped it all off by singing "Firework" as she was lifted up onto a shooting star. Bravo.
In the comments of the official recording, one YouTuber said, "This is not just a concert, this is also a history class," which sums it up pretty well. Rapper and producer Dr. Dre's influence on hip hop can't be overstated. He's credited with launching the careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Anderson .Paak, Kendrick Lamar, and many others. And during the 2022 halftime show he brought his famous friends to the stage for a legendary performance.
The "history lesson" started with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg performing "The Next Episode" and "California Love." The show played off the West Coast vs. East Coast rivalry with New York native 50 Cent rapping "In Da Club," while hanging upside down. Then Mary J. Blige belted out "Family Affair" and "No More Pain," followed by Kendrick Lamar delivering powerful renditions of "m.A.A.d City" and "Alright," and Eminem giving everyone goosebumps with "Lose Yourself." Dre even fit in a tribute to 2Pac. The show closed out with everyone on stage performing "Still D.R.E." A perfect close to a celebration of Dre and historic hip hop moments.
Pyrotechnics, mass-coordinated dance routines, and costume changes are de rigeur for halftime shows these days. But not only was Diana Ross the first to do it, her performance still holds up today. Ross performed a medley of some of her biggest hits including "Baby Love" and "Stop in the Name of Love" with her signature smile. Then, in the middle of singing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," her gold cape spread across the entire stage as she rose on a scarily high platform. Then, the platform descended and she covered a banger version of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive."
Up until this point, Ross's performance was solid, but what happened next proves she is the ultimate diva queen. Ross casually said "Oh, here comes my ride," as a helicopter literally came to pick up. She sat on the edge of the chopper and waved to the crowd as it ferried her away, legs still dangling from the open helicopter door. That's how you make an exit.
Apple is about to turn 50, and the company is throwing a party to mark the occasion.
The company was founded on Apr. 1, 1976 (yes, right April Fools' day), and will celebrate its 50th birthday on Apr. 1, 2026. While the company isn't exactly known for lavish parties, this anniversary is too big to pass up.
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that something will be happening on the date at an internal Apple meeting, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported on Thursday.
“When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart sing. It really does. I promise some celebration," he said.
OK, we admit it: The details are scarce. It could very well be an internal party for Apple employees with free pizza and canapés in the hallway. But Cook reportedly did sound quite enthusiastic about marking the date.
"I’ve been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook said.
Apple sometimes launches accessories that mark special occasions, including thematic Apple Watch Bands (check out the new Black Unity band, for example) and iPhone cases that mark the Lunar New Year. Perhaps something like that is in store for the company's 50th, though we wouldn't mind if it were something bigger, like a new (gasp!) iPhone color.
How to watch the 2026 winter sports alpine skiing online for freeHow to watch alpine skiing for free. Live stream the 2026 winter sports alpine skiing for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 winter sports alpine skiing for free on streaming platforms like 9Now, CBC Gem, and BBC iPlayer. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are so many fascinating winter sports to follow right now, so clear your schedule, shut the doors, and gather necessary refreshments. You're sorted for the next few weeks.
We know that's not realistic. We're aware that not everyone is going to be able to completely dedicate themselves to this spectable. Most fans will need to be selective. If you're picking and choosing from the busy schedule, we strongly suggest you make some time for alpine skiing.
Do you like seeing brave individuals throw themselves down a mountain at incredible speed, aiming to shave off fractions of seconds in a desperate attempt to secure glory? Of course you do. This level of skiing is absolutely electric, and the best of the best are competing on this grand stage.
If you want to watch the 2026 winter sports alpine skiing for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The international alpine skiing schedule is absolutely stacked right now. The full schedule of events is as follows:
Men's Downhill — 5:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 7
Women's Downhill — 5:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 8
Men's Team Combined Downhill — 4:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 9
Men's Team Combined Slalom — 8 a.m. ET on Feb. 9
Women's Team Combined Downhill — 4:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 10
Women's Team Combined Slalom — 8 a.m. ET on Feb. 10
Men's Super-G — 5:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 11
Women's Super-G — 5:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 12
Men's Giant Slalom Run 1 — 4 a.m. ET on Feb. 14
Men's Giant Slalom Run 2 — 7:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 14
The great news for fans is that it's possible to follow events live without spending anything.
The 2026 winter sports alpine skiing is available to live stream for free on a number of services:
Australia — 9Now
Austria — ORF
Canada — CBC Gem
France — France TV
Germany — ARD
Ireland — RTÉ Player
Italy — RAI
Spain — RTVE
UK — BBC iPlayer
These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports alpine skiing from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2026 winter sports alpine skiing by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access
Watch the 2026 winter sports alpine skiing for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the alpine skiing before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2026 winter sports alpine skiing for free with ExpressVPN.
Who will join Bad Bunny on the Super Bowl halftime stage?Who might join Bad Bunny onstage at the Super Bowl? From Cardi B and Karol G to Young Miko and longtime collaborators, here are the top contenders.
The Benito Bowl is only a few days away, and the hype is real.
As Bad Bunny prepares to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, fans are already speculating about possible surprise guests.
When the Puerto Rican superstar headlined Coachella in 2023, he filled his set with collaborators tied directly to his biggest songs — from Jhayco and Ñengo Flow to Jowell & Randy, Post Malone, and José Feliciano. And he's seen firsthand how powerful the Super Bowl stage can be: In 2020, he appeared as a guest during the Super Bowl LIV halftime show, joining headliners Jennifer Lopez and Shakira at a pivotal moment in his global rise.
Now, in position to offer that same spotlight to others, his guest list is likely to be just as intentional. From Cardi B to Young Miko and longtime collaborators like Jhayco, several artists stand out as realistic contenders.
Here's who might appear alongside him.
If there's one guest who feels most likely, it's Cardi B. Their 2018 smash "I Like It" remains one of Bad Bunny’s biggest U.S. crossovers (and his first no. 1 in the U.S.), and her arrival would instantly electrify the stadium and social feeds. A Cardi cameo would underline the moment he fully broke into American pop and add undeniable star power to an already massive set.
As for fellow "I Like It" collaborator J Balvin, their rift has been well documented. Balvin has said that while they no longer talk, there's no bad blood between him and Benito — leaving the door technically open, if emotionally complicated.
That said, there’s also a strong case for Bad Bunny keeping English entirely out of his set. In doing so, he could turn the halftime show into a rare, unapologetic showcase of Spanish-language dominance.
Jhayco is one of Bad Bunny's most consistent creative partners and a major part of his biggest hits, including "DÁKITI," "Tarot," and "No Me Conoce." He also appeared both weekends for Bad Bunny's Coachella set.
That loyalty matters. If "DÁKITI" makes the setlist, Jhayco is the natural co-star (though recent legal issues could complicate a potential appearance).
Bringing out Young Miko would signal investment in Puerto Rico's next generation. As one of the most visible queer voices in Latin pop right now, she represents the future of the scene Bad Bunny has consistently supported. A cameo from Young Miko would position him as both superstar in the know and cultural bridge.
If Bad Bunny wants to make his strongest cultural statement, this is it. The group's appearance on "CAFé CON RON" brings plena — Afro–Puerto Rican street music rooted in protest and community — to the mainstream.
On the Super Bowl stage, their presence would highlight the people of Puerto Rico and the island's rich culture.
"Safaera" doesn’t work without Jowell & Randy. As veterans of reggaetón's golden era, they bring history, credibility, and pure chaos. Their return — like at Coachella — would reinforce Bad Bunny’s connection to the genre's foundations.
A Ricky Martin appearance would connect Bad Bunny's generation to Puerto Rico's first wave of global pop exports: the late-'90s and early-2000s Latin artists who first dominated U.S. charts and mainstream media. If paired with "Caro," the collaboration could double as a statement about self-expression across generations.
More than nostalgia, it would read as a recognition of shared history: one artist who helped open the door, and another who blew it wide open.
If Bad Bunny wants to tap into an even deeper well of Latin music history, Marc Anthony would be a powerful choice. As one of the most influential salsa artists of the past three decades, Anthony represents a lineage that predates reggaetón's global takeover and helped establish Latin music as a commercial force in the U.S.
Last year, Bad Bunny wrapped his history-making residency at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, better known as El Choli, alongside the salsa legend. A Super Bowl cameo from Anthony would bridge generations and genres: salsa and reggaetón, old-school romanticism and modern swagger, tradition and reinvention. Together, they'd carry the spirit of the island from San Juan to the U.S.'s biggest broadcast.
Bad Bunny and Spanish artist Rosalía have risen on parallel, seismic trajectories. As two of the most influential Spanish-language artists of the past decade, they've grown alongside each other. When Bad Bunny made his Saturday Night Live debut in 2021, he invited Rosalía to share the moment with him with a sultry, atmosheric rendition of "La Noche de Anoche."
Together, they occupy a creative space where Spanish-language pop, art-pop, and experimental sounds overlap, and their chemistry makes that overlap feel effortless.
Karol G and Bad Bunny share a history that predates their current superstar status, dating back to early collaborations like "Ahora Me Llama." Since then, both have grown into global forces — she as one of Latin pop's most dominant crossover stars, he as its most influential architect.
A Karol G appearance would also reinforce Bad Bunny's long-standing commitment to elevating women in a genre that has often sidelined them. On the Super Bowl stage, the pairing would feel less like a throwback and more like a full-circle moment: two artists who came up together, now meeting again at the peak of their reach.
How to watch the 2026 winter sports curling online for freeHow to watch curling for free. Live stream the 2026 winter sports curling for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 winter sports curling for free on streaming platforms like 9Now, CBC Gem, and BBC iPlayer. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are so many incredible sports on offer right now that we wouldn't usually get the opportunity to watch. We're circling our calendar for the alpine skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, and luge. In fact, we're making time to watch it all.
The busy schedule starts with curling. You know, that strategic sport where players gracefully slide granite stones towards a circular target. The battle on the ice is going to be intense. In the men's event, Sweden are defending champions but Great Britain and Canada will be confident of taking gold. In the women's event, Great Britain will be looking to defend their crown against the likes of Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and South Korea.
If you want to watch the 2026 winter sports curling for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Curling is scheduled for Feb. 4-22 and takes place in Cortina D’Ampezzo.
International curling is available to live stream for free on a number of services:
Australia — 9Now
Austria — ORF
Canada — CBC Gem
France — France TV
Germany — ARD
Ireland — RTÉ Player
Italy — RAI
Spain — RTVE
UK — BBC iPlayer
These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports curling from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2026 winter sports curling by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access
Watch the 2026 winter sports curling for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the curling before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2026 winter sports curling for free with ExpressVPN.
Jimmy Kimmel responds to Trumps dumb and embarrassing NBC interviewJimmy Kimmel has responded to a recent Trump interview with NBC, in which the president spoke about the deadly ICE shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Donald Trump's appearances with the press seem to be going from bad to worse, with the president sitting down recently for an NBC interview in which he spoke about the deadly ICE shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti — saying "he was not an angel and she was not an angel."
"First of all, you don't know anything about those people," says Jimmy Kimmel in the clip above. "How dare you weigh in on what they were or what they weren't? Keep your stupid thoughts in your diaper, where they belong on this subject."
Kimmel goes on to break down all the lowlights of Trump's interview, starting with the president saying ICE feels "worse about it than anybody."
"Right, right. A lot of people would think it'd be the parents, or the spouses, or the children of the victims, but then there are a lot of people who don't have a brain that's shrunken down smaller than one of an oompa-loompa's balls," says Kimmel. "It's like what John Wayne Gacy told the cops when they found all the bodies in his basement: 'Nobody's more tore up about this than me.'
Finally, Kimmel plays a clip of Trump moaning about "bad publicity" the shootings have caused.
"That's the real tragedy, the impact on the publicity," says Kimmel. "Nobody ever talks about the tens of thousands of people we don't murder at these protests. Trump said so many dumb and embarrassing things during this interview he may have to sue himself for another $10 billion."
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TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 winter sports figure skating for free on streaming platforms like 9Now, CBC Gem, and BBC iPlayer. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Has Heated Rivalry got you all worked up? Do not fear, because your figure skating fix is on the way.
We've already seen some incredible winter sports action over the last few days, but fans of the Canadian romance will only have eyes for the Forum di Milano as the best figure skaters take to the ice to battle it out. Expect the likes of Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Kaori Sakamoto, and Alysa Liu to steal the spotlight.
If you want to watch the 2026 winter sports figure skating for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
International figure skating takes place from Feb. 6-19 at the Forum di Milano. Here's the full schedule of events:
Team Event Ice Dance (Rhythm Dance) — 3:55 a.m. ET on Feb. 6
Team Event Pair Skating (Short Program) — 5:35 a.m. ET on Feb. 6
Team Event Women Single Skating (Short Program) — 7:35 a.m. ET on Feb. 6
Team Event Men Single Skating (Short Program) — 1:45 p.m. ET on Feb. 7
Team Event Ice Dance (Free Dance) — 4:05 p.m. ET on Feb. 7
Team Event Pair Skating (Free Skating) — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 8
Team Event Women Single Skating (Free Skating) — 2:45 p.m. ET on Feb. 8
Team Event Men Single Skating (Free Skating) — 3:55 p.m. ET on Feb. 8
Ice Dance (Rhythm Dance) — 1:20 p.m. ET on Feb. 9
Men Single Skating (Short Program) — 12:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 10
Ice Dance (Free Dance) — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 11
Men Single Skating (Free Skating) — 1 p.m. ET on Feb. 13
Pair Skating (Short Program) — 1:45 p.m. ET on Feb. 15
Pair Skating (Free Skating) — 2 p.m. ET on Feb. 16
Women Single Skating (Short Program) — 12:45 p.m. ET on Feb. 17
Women Single Skating (Free Skating) — 1 p.m. ET on Feb. 19
You can follow international figure skating without spending anything.
International figure skating is available to live stream for free on a number of services:
Australia — 9Now
Austria — ORF
Canada — CBC Gem
France — France TV
Germany — ARD
Ireland — RTÉ Player
Italy — RAI
Spain — RTVE
UK — BBC iPlayer
These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports figure skating from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2026 winter sports figure skating by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access
Watch the 2026 winter sports figure skating for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the figure skating before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2026 winter sports figure skating for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch the 2026 winter sports ice hockey online for freeHow to watch ice hockey for free. Live stream the 2026 winter sports ice hockey for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 winter sports ice hockey for free on CBC Gem. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are so many sports being showcased right now that you wouldn't usually get the opportunity to watch. Of course we're making time to watch speed skating, bobsleigh, figure skating, and ski mountaineering taking place over the next couple of weeks.
It's not like we don't get regular opportunities to watch ice hockey. Ever heard of the NHL? But international ice hockey is a different animal.
We get to see the best of the best from the NHL plus a bunch of athletes we've never heard of compete for their countries. There's something uniquely fun about international ice hockey. You get an amplified version of the game we all love, as teams do everything and anything to secure a medal.
If you want to watch the 2026 winter sports ice hockey for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The women's ice hockey schedule runs from Feb. 5-19. The men's ice hockey competition takes place from Feb. 11-22.
International ice hockey is available to live stream for free on CBC Gem.
CBC Gem is geo-restricted to Canada, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Canada, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports ice hockey from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2026 winter sports ice hockey by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Canada
Visit CBC Gem
Watch the 2026 winter sports ice hockey for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the ice hockey before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Canada
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2026 winter sports ice hockey for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Pakistan vs. Netherlands online for freeHow to watch T20 World Cup for free. Live stream Pakistan vs. Netherlands in the 2026 T20 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream Pakistan vs. Netherlands in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2026 T20 World Cup is set to deliver weeks of electric action between the best international T20 sides. We're expecting big performances from the likes of India, Australia, South Africa, and England. But what about Pakistan?
Pakistan are probably the best of the rest. Most fans expect Pakistan to progress comfortably from Group A, but anything could happen in the knockout rounds. They did just beat Australia 3-0 in a T20 series, winning the last match by a comfortable 111-run margin. So maybe we should be expecting more from this team.
Most of the conversation around Pakistan has centered on the boycott of the India clash scheduled for Feb. 15, so they'll be looking to start strongly against the Netherlands and make some positive headlines. If you want to watch Pakistan vs. Netherlands in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Pakistan vs. Netherlands in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 12:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 7. This game takes place at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground.
Pakistan vs. Netherlands in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.
This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Pakistan vs. Netherlands in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free by following these simple steps:
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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Targaryen family tree: How everyone connects"Game of Thrones" prequel "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" introduces new Targaryens. Here's how their family tree fits together.
Another Game of Thrones show means another Targaryen family tree to memorize, and HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no exception.
The prequel series primarily centers on lowborn knight Ser Duncan "Dunk" the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his young squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), following their time at a tournament at Ashford Meadow. However, despite A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' focus on Westeros' smallfolk, it's not long before the Targaryens show up to bring drama (and tons of "ae" names) to the tourney.
If you're wondering how all these new members of the House of the Dragon are related to one another, you've come to the right place. Below, we've laid out the Targaryen family tree as it stands heading into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1. For simplicity's sake, we've pruned some of the branches to show how these family members tie back to House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, and we've focused on the major Targaryen players you'll meet early on. Read on to meet your newest crop of Targaryens — and see how they all connect.
The current head honcho of Westeros is King Daeron II Targaryen, the great-grandson of House of the Dragon's Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen. You won't actually meet him in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, but his reign has molded the Westeros you'll see in the series.
By this point, almost 80 years after the events of House of the Dragon, Westeros is experiencing a period of peace, and it's all thanks to King Daeron II. He put an end to the Blackfyre Rebellion, a bloody coup attempt by legitimized Targaryen bastards, and he also managed to bring Dorne peacefully into the Seven Kingdoms. They don't call him "Daeron the Good" for nothing!
King Daeron II has four sons with his wife, Dornish Princess Myriah Martell: Baelor, Aerys, Rhaegal, and Maekar. For the purposes of this show, you really only need to care about the first and fourth sons, Baelor and Maekar.
Prince Baelor "Breakspear" Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) is the eldest of Daeron II's sons. Not only is he heir to the Iron Throne, he's also Hand of the King. Like his father, he's deeply respected and viewed as wise and just. He has two sons with his wife Jena Dondarrion: Prince Valarr (Oscar Morgan) and Prince Matarys, but only Valarr appears in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Notably, Baelor doesn't have the Targaryens' silver hair, but instead favors his Dornish side with darker hair.
Harsher than his brother (but with much more silver hair), Maekar (Sam Spruell) is the Prince of Summerhall. He also has six children compared to Baelor's two, and several of them will play a larger role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Maekar and his wife Dyanna Dayne have six children together: Daeron, Aerion, Aemon, Daella, Aegon, and Rhae. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms primarily focuses on his sons, leaving Daella and Rhae out of the story.
His first son, Daeron (Henry Ashton), is also known as Daeron the Drunken, a quality audiences get to know firsthand in episode 1, when Dunk meets him in the tavern. We don't officially learn the tavern man's identity until episode 4, though, when Daeron arrives at the tourney in Ashford Meadow. Daeron also has the dragon dreaming gift of select Targaryens, which gives him prophetic visions. House of the Dragon's Helaena Targaryen is similarly gifted.
Maekar's second son, Aerion (Finn Bennett), fits the bill of the classic "mad" Targaryen. Thinking he's a dragon in human form, he dubs himself "Aerion Brightflame" and wears a fiery helmet that is, admittedly, pretty sick. Still, his fashion choices can't make up for his cruelty and sadism.
Game of Thrones fans have already met Maekar's third son Aemon: He's none other than Maester Aemon from Castle Black. Don't expect to see him in Season 1 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, though, as he's currently studying to be get his maester chain in Oldtown. However, his existence in the world of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms serves as a reminder of how the show connects to Game of Thrones, whose events are a little under a century away.
As episode 3 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms reveals, Maekar's fourth son, Aegon, is none other than Egg himself. He's been journeying with Dunk this whole time, and he's shaved his head bald to hide his trademark Targaryen hair. Based on the show so far, Aegon has missed out on the sadistic streak of his brother Aerion, or of many of his Targaryen ancestors. Instead, he's curious, loyal, and protective of the smallfolk he and Dunk meet at Ashford Meadow. Yes, he's young, and there's certainly time for the world to harden him, but for now, he's a good Egg.
New episodes of Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiere Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.
UPDATE: Feb. 6, 2026, 5:18 a.m. EST This story was originally published on Jan. 18. It has been updated to reflect the further information about Daeron Targaryen.
UPDATE: Feb. 1, 2026, 10:47 p.m. EST This story was originally published on Jan. 18. It has been updated to reflect the reveal of Egg's true identity as Aegon Targaryen.
Scarlet review: Mamoru Hosodas latest is the craziest Hamlet adaptation youll ever seeAnime director Mamoru Hosoda turns "Hamlet" into a gender-bent fantasy epic with new film, "Scarlet."
If the first five minutes of Scarlet had been the entire movie, I would have been happy.
In these opening moments, director Mamoru Hosoda (Belle) transports viewers to a fantastic realm, one where the past and future intertwine. Here, a red-haired young woman wanders a desert wasteland filled with discarded armor and slow-creeping magma flows. The clouds in the sky above ripple like ocean waves. A gargantuan dragon swims through the air, leaving crackles of lightning in its wake.
The scene is disorienting and dazzling in equal measure, especially as Hosoda toggles between the desert and a glowing, liminal space where the young woman wears not the cloaked garb of a hardened wasteland survivor, but the brilliant white gown of a princess. It's while wearing this gown that the young woman remembers who she is and why she's in the desert. At that point, Scarlet goes from fascinating fantasy to an absolutely gonzo epic.
That's because the woman's memories reveal that Scarlet isn't solely a surreal fantasy tale. It's also an adaptation of Hamlet. And while a high-concept, animated adaptation of Hamlet can be great — look no further than The Lion King for proof — Scarlet mostly chafes strangely against its source material. The result is a film that's confounding in its adaptation ambitions, yet still manages to be showstopping.
The young woman we first meet in the wasteland is Scarlet (voiced by Mana Ashida), the princess of Denmark. As a young child, she witnessed her Uncle Claudius (voiced by Kôji Yakusho) commit a violent coup against her father (voiced by Masachika Ichimura), executing him right in front of her. (A far cry from Hamlet's Claudius stealthily slipping poison in the king's ear.)
That Scarlet's take on Claudius has him so obviously and visibly responsible for her father's murder means that Scarlet doesn't have to pull from Hamlet's bag of tricks to assess her uncle's guilt. No pretending to be mad or putting on calculated plays for her! Instead, she jumps straight into battle training to take Claudius down. Unfortunately for her, Claudius is two steps ahead and simply has her killed.
But death is not the end for Scarlet like it is for Hamlet. She awakens in the Otherworld, the strange afterlife on display in Scarlet's first scenes. Since the past and future are one in the Otherworld, every dead soul winds up here — including Claudius'. Now, Scarlet has one more chance at vengeance, but even the afterlife comes with peril. Die here, and you vanish into nothingness. And with armies of dead soldiers and Claudius' henchmen standing between her and her goal, Scarlet will have to accomplish the impossible if she is to see her goal through to the end.
From here, Scarlet essentially becomes several different movies. It's partly a fantasy adventure in which Scarlet must fight hordes of soldiers from various time periods. The action sequences are riveting: just the right amount of brutal, while pushing Scarlet's considerable prowess to its limits.
Scarlet is also partly an anti-war treatise, with heaps of pro-immigration and pro-refugee messaging. The former manifests itself in the arrival of Hijiri (voiced by Masaki Okada), a present-day nurse who wants nothing more than to heal the suffering citizens of the Otherworld. He's staunchly anti-conflict, a counterpoint to Scarlet's bloodthirsty nature.
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Scarlet's nature is echoed in the rest of the war-torn Otherworld, which runs rampant with bandits preying on caravans of innocent souls simply trying to make it to Eternity. That promised heaven lies at the top of a mountain range, but Claudius has set up shop in a nearby fortress and walled off the path to Eternity from the Otherworld's masses. The wall imagery draws a clear parallel to current anti-immigration and anti-refugee policies, echoing Trumpian philosophies of exclusion. Subtlety, thy name isn't Hosoda.
The pairing of these big, if simplistic, ideas with Scarlet's Otherworld odyssey is already a lot to take in, and that's without the Hamlet adaptation element. Following Scarlet's death, the story ceases to become the Hamlet you know. Yet Hosoda still puts twists on familiar Hamlet elements. Scarlet must face down minor Hamlet characters like Cornelius (voiced by Yutaka Matsushige) and Voltemand (voiced by Kôtarô Yoshida), with Hosoda turning these bit parts into video game mini-bosses. (Shakespeare's major female characters get far less to do: Ophelia is entirely absent, and Queen Gertrude steals the show in one scene only to disappear otherwise.) Characters regularly speak in lines from the play, prompting me to jolt up and gasp at the screen like a Marvel fan spotting a key Easter egg in an MCU movie.
Then of course, there's the death of it all. As a character, Hamlet is fascinated by death, hence his classic query of "to be, or not to be." Scarlet strands its Hamlet stand-in in death, causing her to fight past the bounds of her own mortality. It's an interesting juxtaposition, yet one Scarlet rarely ponders. Instead, it focuses on Scarlet's choice between vengeance or breaking the cycle of violence. At that point, all the Hamlet references begin to feel more like window dressing than story elements with deeper thematic resonance, and Scarlet's cohesion suffers wildly as a result.
With all these moving pieces, there's no doubt that Scarlet is as maximalist as can be. And that level of boldness, of throwing everything at the wall and hoping it sticks, makes even Scarlet's most bizarre moments exciting. Sure, "Hamlet, but make it warrior princess" doesn't completely hold together over the course of Scarlet's two-hour runtime, but it is undeniably thrilling to watch something so unexpected play out.
Where Scarlet excels the most is the world-building of the Otherworld, which Hosoda renders in an intriguing blend of 3D and 2D animation. At times, the mixture of 2D facial expressions against a more photorealistic 3D landscape can be jarring, yet the effect only adds to the strangeness of the Otherworld.
The Otherworld offers up a rich background where Scarlet and Hijiri's quest can unfold. Its inhabitants come from a blend of cultures and time periods, creating a wonderful aesthetic clash. Elsewhere, small details in the landscape, like a quarry full of cairns, speak to the many, many dead souls who've passed through.
However, the true standout of the Otherworld is its dragon, a massive beast whose hide is peppered with the weapons of those who have tried to slay it. It roars into view during scenes of carnage, bringing earth-shattering lightning and thunder along with it. The dragon's fearsome appearance, combined with composer Taisei Iwasaki's thrumming score, makes for an unforgettable theatrical viewing experience. Truly, I felt like I was levitating out of my seat.
Now, does Scarlet ever dive deeper into the lore around the dragon, or its role in the Otherworld? Not really. But did I care? Not that much!
That mentality sums up the best way to approach Scarlet as a whole. There's no doubting it's messy, but there's also no doubting its capacity to astonish.
Scarlet begins an exclusive IMAX engagement starting Feb. 6th before opening nationwide on Feb. 13.
UPDATE: Feb. 4, 2026, 3:24 p.m. EST This review was first published on Oct. 7, 2025, out of film's U.S. premiere at the New York Film Festival. It has been updated to reflect viewing options.
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Pillion review: Harry Melling accepts Alexander Skarsgård as his biker daddy in an A24 crowd-pleaserHarry Melling accepts Alexander Skarsgård as his biker daddy in the A24 crowd-pleaser "Pillion." Review.
In Harry Lighton's feature-length directorial debut Pillion, a gay introvert's delayed coming-of-age — catalyzed by the advances of a suave, reclusive biker — kicks off a raucous tale of physical and emotional exploration. Although initially sketched in broad strokes, the movie gradually digs into its sexual complications, centering on a dominant-submissive dynamic that lives in the gray area of consent.
Like its 1970s-set source material — Adam Mars-Jones' 2020 leather subculture novel Box Hill — Lighton's electric, modern-day British drama explores a master-slave relationship that's as upsetting as it is invigorating. Led by a pair of fine-tuned performances from Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, the movie walks a fragile tonal tightrope with remarkable flair, resulting in one of the finest (and most crowd-pleasing) experiences at this year's Cannes Film Festival.
Named for the backseat of a motorcycle, Pillion is as much about function as it is companionship, and what happens when those wires are crossed. Worrywart parking attendant Colin (Harry Melling) and secretive motorcycle club leader Ray (Alexander Skarsgård) ought to be ships in the night, as evidenced by the movie's dreamlike, tongue-in-cheek opening.
Colin sits quietly in the backseat of his parents' car as they drive him to a pub performance by his barbershop quartet — of which his father (Douglas Hodge) is also a member — which also happens to be a blind date organized by his mum (Lesley Sharp). Colin is gay, and his parents are politely supportive to the point of overcompensating. In a fleeting tryst with destiny, Colin's vacant gaze out the car window falls upon a mysterious biker as he zips by, his face obscured by his helmet visor, and his slender, toned body clad in leather gear. For a moment, it seems like they lock eyes, but Colin can't be sure.
After his uptight, old-school a cappella performance — complete with pinstripe suit and bowtie — his eyes fall once again on the very same biker, sitting across the room: Ray, a dashing American keeping to himself. The timid crooner extends his boater hat for a tip. Ray ignores him. However, as the night wears on, Ray eventually makes his approach and buys Colin a few bags of crisps — like an adult humoring a child — before slipping him a note, asking him to meet him the following evening.
The inexperienced, scraggly-haired Colin is immediately taken. His parents are enthusiastic too, since their son is finally leaving the house for a social engagement. It's funny and sweet, but the movie soon swerves headfirst into the awkward comedy-drama of wildly differing expectations. What Colin figured would be a romantic evening dovetails quickly into a skeevy, back-alley blowjob. As the cruising, cocksure Ray bosses him around, Colin realizes he likes being told what to do.
Before long, Ray conscripts Colin into a dynamic that the young virgin doesn't understand at first (though Ray assumes he does). What Colin thinks is a booty call turns out to be a demand to clean Ray's house and make him dinner. A request to spend the night at Ray's apartment gives way to orders to sleep on Ray's bedroom carpet, alongside his black Labrador. Their sexual encounters involve humiliation rituals and wrestling, which Colin isn't fully prepared for, though he takes a liking to it.
The rest of Ray's biker club — subs and doms of all stripes, played by real members of the leather scene — are a delightful bunch, and they welcome Colin with open arms, but Ray is a closed book who won't so much as reveal his occupation. The more Colin tries to push Ray to open up, the more he shuts him out, insisting their dynamic is not, and cannot be, one of emotions.
As the film goes on, it centers the questions of how far Ray will push Colin on the presumption of enthusiastic consent, and to what degree Colin will let himself be dominated if it means being desired for the very first time. These combine to create a prolonged and riveting tension, which isn't so much cut by humor as it is enhanced by it.
Colin, for instance, is so hung up on the idea of a traditional romance that he meets even Ray's distinctly untraditional treatment with naïve requests, like asking Ray to dinner with his parents. These scenes are downright side-splitting thanks to Melling's straight-faced delivery and Ray's silent bewilderment in response. However, Lighton isn't satisfied with letting these instances slip away. They are, after all, some of the movie's most dramatically interesting moments too, and some of its most thematically lucid.
While neither man comes right out and lists their desires, they fight to express their wants and expectations in the only ways they know how, jogging right up to the line of explicitness before walking back. The film probes ever deeper into what this relationship — or any relationship — becomes when there's a breakdown of communication, and both parties start acting out. It just so happens that Colin and Ray exist at an extreme end of the spectrum when it comes to socially acceptable taste, though the movie never calls their desires into question.
If anything, the fact that Colin does not (and perhaps, cannot) explain their relationship to his parents is about the only thing that leads to incredulity, when their sweet boy suddenly shows up with a shaven head and a bike lock around his neck. The film derives its humor not from condescension, but from the unease of transformation. However, it also uses this as a source for some of its most affirming moments too — often shot in slow-motion, with a gentle hand — both when Colin finds unexpected self-confidence, and when Ray realizes he might just enjoy something more intimate in return.
In a film so dependent on neither lead character speaking their mind, you need actors who can do the heavy lifting in silence. You also need actors who can meet Lighton on his complicated tonal wavelength, and who neither get bogged down by the story's slowly rupturing emotions, nor swept up in its energetic humor.
Melling and Skarsgård are more than up to the task. Lighton uses their respective "types" from their mainstream genre success — as Harry Potter's oafish cousin Dudley and True Blood's sexy vampire antihero Eric Northman — as jumping-off points to launch an investigation into how being seen a certain way can mold your outlook on the world, and your sense of self. This is especially true when sex and relationships are involved, and neither actor is afraid to access the vulnerability required for its many sexual moments, verging on pornographically explicit.
If anything, that's the easy part. What's more challenging is the way Melling navigates the gestures, the body language, and the all-permeating uncertainty of the kind of character whose embarrassment in social situations is generally the root of comedic scorn. Pillion is the kind of movie that knows full well what people find funny, and it doesn't begrudge them that. But it also forces them to confront the reasons why in the long run, using Melling's moving, captivating performance as a prism, and eventually, a mirror to lifelong anxiety and self-loathing. As a young man in search of himself through the demands of another person, he compliments each broad comedic stroke with a tremendously nuanced look at its effects, whether they gradually break him down, build him up, or some combination of the two.
It also helps to be paired opposite an exceptionally attractive Skarsgård, who's always had a magnetic presence but whose build and poise are practically otherworldly in this film. As Ray, he runs so hot and cold as to sear your flesh and give you frostbite in alternating strokes. After a while, his behavior becomes its own form of mystery, assisted by Lighton's lingering medium shots that capture both his body language and expressions at once — his naked torso and his obfuscated sense of self. However, Pillion doesn't seek to present answers that Ray doesn't want to give, or that Colin cannot find. Because in a film about the complexities of being pushed away — how it devastates and allures in equal measure — being presented with something concrete would mean losing out on the abstract mysteries Ray represents for Colin's mutating sense of self.
To call a queer performance involving nudity "brave" is an age-old cliché, but Skarsgård and Melling's bravery is revealed not through performing queerness. Rather, it's a result of accessing male vulnerability, to such a riveting degree that you perfectly understand the emotional deadlock of what one character desperately wants and the other deeply needs. The slow collision of these two forces is the heart and soul of Pillion, and it makes for some of the most entertaining drama and comedy you're likely to see this year.
UPDATE: Feb. 2, 2026, 5:19 p.m. EST "Pillion" was reviewed out of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. This article, originally published on May 24, 2025, has been updated to include information about the film's theatrical release.
Can we digitise Valentines Day?Between long-distance relationships and increasing costs, more people are digitising their Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day remains a divisive topic. Some criticize it as a capitalistic subsumption of love and religion, while others dislike it for personal reasons, like being single at a time when you're "expected" to be in love.
Despite some cynical opinions, the holiday results in a flurry of dating app activity. Tinder cites its "Peak Season" as the time between New Year's Day and February 14. Internal Tinder data reveals over 298 million more Likes are exchanged, and over 2.1 million more daily messages are sent during this time than the rest of the year.
Hinge revealed to Mashable that in the two weeks leading to Valentine's Day 2024, Likes sent grew by 28 percent, and matches increased by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2023.
On Bumble, matches increased in the U.S. in January 2026 compared to December 2025, the app told Mashable, hinting that singles want a V-Day date.
Even if you are in the spirit, many feel the effect of price gouging in restaurants and generally increased costs, limiting and impacting how celebrations take place and sending us to search other avenues.
As we increasingly rely on the digital world, it's only logical that we integrate our offline holidays into our digital existence. And if we take romance online, what will our Valentine's Day begin to look like?
With so much of our dating lives influenced by the internet, as dating apps move courtship online and COVID restrictions caused multiple remote Valentine's Day celebrations, our relationship with Valentine's Day has been impacted.
"We did a virtual dinner and he sent me some LEGO flowers through the post, as he wasn't sure if real flowers would keep for very long!" says Emily, 25, York, on celebrating Valentine's Day away from her long-distance partner before moving in together.
"For our dinner, we each bought steaks and made our virtual backgrounds look like a fancy restaurant. Definitely one of our most memorable. We laugh about it a lot," she says.
"Sometimes distance can actually make couples more intentional about how they express their love, which can be a beautiful silver lining," according to Amber Robinson, relationship therapist and owner of A Road Through Practice.
Regarding long-distance relationships, Robinson sees couples utilising various apps to maintain their connection. "They're sending good morning selfies, sharing Spotify playlists, [and] watching movies in sync on FaceTime."
Sometimes distance can actually make couples more intentional about how they express their love, which can be a beautiful silver lining.
With Valentine's Day, she's seen an interesting blend of physical and digital realities: "Some couples coordinate to open their gifts together on a video call, others sync up a movie night and order in, and I even had one creative pair who set up identical romantic settings in their homes — same candles, same music, same everything! It was like they were both in the same space despite being thousands of miles apart."
"It still takes an emotional investment, creativity, and intention to make a day like Valentine's Day special," Robinson believes.
Digital romance and intimacy aren't just for those unable to spend time together due to location, nor limited to Valentine's Day. Couples can invite the digital world into their relationship in various ways.
"In many ways, the distinction between digital intimacy and physical, in-person intimacy has become blurred thanks to the ubiquity of technology use in relationships," according to Dr. Ellen Kaufman, senior research associate at the Kinsey Institute.
"We are also seeing a significant increase in use and interest in emerging forms of sex tech — sexual technologies — that promote emotional connection in addition to (remote) physical closeness. Our research demonstrates that people who use erotic webcam modeling sites, for example, want to feel close to the models both physically and emotionally. The underlying technology of these sites — including the integration of WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled sex toys, which are also helping couples reclaim physical intimacy when they're not in the same place — are increasingly helping people meet those needs," Kaufman continues.
Engagement with sex tech has risen among American adults, suggesting a noticeable shift in our views on intimacy, as well as weakening stigmatisation of digital intimacy.
"You can buy your loved one a touch bracelet, have a date night together in the VR world, or FaceTime each other. You can watch a movie together on Netflix or play video games together to help deepen your bond," says relationship and break-up expert at LGBTQ dating app Taimi, Angelika Koch.
For those celebrating Valentine's Day, the digital experience in the lead-up can be intense. There's a looming awareness of social media posts showcasing couples, their relationship, and any Valentine's Day celebration plans. This, amongst a barrage of e-mails and notifications, can impact people both single and in relationships.
"The internet in February makes it worse as couples tend to feel like they need to measure up to unrealistic standards set by those people," says Sean O'Neill, licensed marriage and family therapist at Maple Moon Recovery. He recommends couples avoid comparison and "focus on and [define] what connection means to them."
For those not in relationships, the online world can still revolutionise Valentine's Day.
"I switched off dating and started using [the internet] to meet new people and strike up new friendships," says Jennifer, 32, London, founder and community manager of Ladies in London Official, a recently founded social club for women.
Initially, she connected with women via Bumble for Friends and MeetUp, creating a space for women to build friendships on and offline. Jennifer now uses WhatsApp to connect the group and encourage sign-ups for events. Both digital and physical ones are planned for February, including a Galentine's Day event (brought into existence by the sitcom Parks and Recreation in 2010).
Valentine's Day, whether you'll be spending it online, offline, single, or happily in a relationship, can be what you make of it. It can offer an opportunity to bring us closer together with those we love, to connect with ourselves, or to explore new frontiers of intimacy unencumbered.
There's a great deal of the internet to explore for those avoiding any reminders of Valentine's Day, and a lot of digital experiences waiting for those planning to celebrate.
This article was first published in 2025 and republished in 2026.
Jimpa review: Does Sundances buzzed-about queer family drama live up to the hype?Review of Sophie Hyde’s semi-autobiographical saga, "Jimpa," starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow.
Directed and co-written by Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’s Sophie Hyde, Jimpa is a tale of wish fulfillment on multiple levels — often to its detriment. The first level is its plot, which follows an Australian filmmaker, Hannah (Olivia Colman), taking her nonbinary teenager Frances (Aud Mason-Hyde) to visit her idiosyncratic gay father, Jim (John Lithgow), in Amsterdam, as she begins work on a movie that idealizes her family's past.
The second level is the film's own making. Hannah is a stand-in for Hyde, whose own child, Mason-Hyde, makes their onscreen debut in what amounts to a semi-autobiographical retelling of Hyde's family history, with some poetic license to depict conversations the family could never have before Hyde’s real father passed. These two meta-textual layers imbue Jimpa with intrigue. However, their interplay is informed by a third level, which ultimately kneecaps the movie both visually and thematically. Its desire to present a kind of utopian queer acceptance, while commendable as a real-world end goal, yields flattened characters who speak in grating proclamations, and whose pasts are rendered mere flashes, which the movie fails to emotionally anchor.
Jimpa turns queerness — as identity, history, and lived experience — into texture, but texture alone. Of course, it's hard to dismiss the film outright, because it's incredibly well-meaning, and because it draws on a painful real-world story. But the way it expresses its intent, and its message about queer acceptance, ends up grasping at authenticity. The film never finds its truth, resulting in a painfully languid work that merely gestures toward real drama.
Jim — lovingly called "Jimpa" by his grandchild — left his wife and daughters several decades ago. Hannah was 13 at the time, and she tells us in the movie's opening voiceover that her parents' split was amicable and mutually supportive. Jim was a gay rights activist who felt constrained in Adelaide, Australia. He abandoned his family for life in the Netherlands at a time of burgeoning metropolitan queer culture and community challenges like the AIDS crisis.
Jim, perpetually single and nonmonogamous, also had a stroke a few years ago, and although he's mostly recovered, Hannah wants to take the opportunity for Frances to get to know him better while they still have time. Frances is 16, nonbinary, and quite sure of their identity, but unbeknownst to Hannah and their easygoing father, Harry (Daniel Henshall), they plan to stay on in Amsterdam with Jim instead of returning to Adelaide for their penultimate school year. They only reveal this to their parents while en route to Europe, setting up a clear dramatic throughline involving them getting to know Jim better (while he guides them towards discovering their own sexuality and interest in polyamory). However, the film's oblique relationship to conflict muddles this picture.
At numerous points in the film, Hannah pitches a conflict-free drama about her father to various producers and actors over Zoom, stemming from her rosy view of the past. Jimpa is not exactly that version of events — Hannah's movie speaks to her avoidance of confrontation — but the real and fictitious films are spiritually aligned. In Jimpa, drama is too easily resolved or hand-waved away; people disagree at first, but come to an understanding without much struggle. Even when the film presents emotional challenges (like the question of Frances staying in Amsterdam, or how to proceed when Jim's health inevitably declines), it also provides clear conclusions, and few possible deviations stemming from emotional impulse.
The resultant performances, however, are largely worthwhile.
The ever-reliable Colman and Lithgow create a shared history where the movie fails to do so (narratively and aesthetically), owing to their dialed-in wit peppered with hidden vulnerabilities. Mason-Hyde, while unfortunately unremarkable in more demanding scenes, carries themselves with an adolescent mix of hesitance and eagerness. This is especially true in Frances' scenes of sexual discovery with one of Jim's bisexual students (Zoë Love Smith), though the movie is equally hesitant to capture the character's experience, and the flood of complicated feelings in its aftermath. It's all too content with having characters tell us about these emotions, rather than showing us how they might work through them in real time.
Jimpa's dramatic highlight, however, happens to be Australian actress Kate Box. She appears in only a couple of scenes as Hannah's sister, Emily, but her troubled, rankled character provides illuminating contrast to Hannah's non-confrontational nature. Her prickliness is refreshing (and refreshingly human), because no other character seems to have a negative bone in their body. Even Jim, who jests and jabs at Frances' identity (gender-neutral pronouns are a novelty to his generation), is a loving grandfather who's said to be provocative for provocation's sake, albeit without much thought from the movie as to why he might be this way, or if he feels conflicted about it (or how he feels about it at all).
In addition to being a loving grandparent, Jim also fulfills the role of a queer elder passing down knowledge and experience to Frances who, though they're the president of their school’s LGBTQ club, doesn't have much of a queer community to speak of. This is where Jimpa at least finds some semblance of academic value; Jim is, after all, a university professor, and he collects pins and buttons from various historical queer movements. However, the movie frames even its arguably vital intergenerational conversations as a superficial string of buzzwords — for instance, about gender and sexuality being spectrums, without observing what those spectrums might entail — woven between fleeting historical imagery.
Some of the most animated scenes in Jimpa come courtesy of Jim’s middle-aged and elderly gay friends. Like Emily, this group — comprising actors Erle De Lanooi, Hans Kesting, and Frank Sanders — appear only in a handful of scenes, but have a lively enough presence to add a sense of queer history to Amsterdam. As a combination of Amsterdam natives and transplants who came up with Jim and lived through communal tumult, they're all part of his story, and thus, they pique Frances' curiosity.
However, the way the characters' lives and pasts are portrayed robs this friend group of three-dimensional personhood. The film's use of flashback involves quick glimpses of moments while they’re discussed in dialogue, including bittersweet memories during harrowing times, like weaving AIDS memorial quilts. But every high and low of these characters' lives — including Jim's — takes on a Ford car commercial sensibility, with hazy, high-contrast shots (usually of people dancing to no music) that feel disconnected from one another. The same approach applies to Hannah and Frances' flashbacks, with swift bursts of characters catching the camera's gaze (in brief, head-on close ups), but never meeting it for long enough to create a connection.
This glancing visual approach is technically in tune with how Hyde approaches her story, wherein characters don't so much exchange ideas as they narrate pre-ordained talking points from the latest round of social media discourse on queerness (for instance, a brief, directionless clash over how the word "queer" has been reclaimed by LGBTQ youth, but still holds painful memories for older gay men). That Jimpa lampshades these conversations as familiar is a meaningless gesture if they’re still the movie’s lingua franca and lead to no real self-reflection.
Jimpa, in this way, ends up talking through its broad ideas on queer culture without ever making them felt. The characters have a sense of history, but it never feels fully lived-in, or painful, or joyous. It so rarely feels human the way, say, Andrew Haigh's All of Us Strangers does, a work whose generational queer gaps are filled by wistful and painful drama. Moments of Jim handing down advice to Frances are reminiscent of Luca Guadagnino's Call My by Your Name, in which a father doles out life lessons to his queer son, but Jimpa's version of these swap emotional subtext for verbose soap-boxing destined to never click — to never stir the soul.
Like so much of the movie, these exchanges are all text and no subtext — all words and no feelings — which is, ironically, a facet of modern queerness and label-centric queer culture that Jim jokingly decries. Rather than finding complexity or nuance through differing viewpoints and lived experiences, Jimpa simply ends up highlighting its biggest missteps, via meta-textual moments that almost try to justify them.
Queer art deserves to be joyful and multifaceted, whether it's highlighting oppression or simply portraying the existence of queer people in ordinary circumstances. However, Jimpa tries and fails to split the difference, as a film with smoothed edges that portrays self-discovery on autopilot.
The result is a dramatic void. Jimpa's confrontation of history becomes a sanitized experience worth only a nod of acknowledgement, instead of one that might instill affirmation in the face of prejudice or self-doubt. Rarely has there been a queer movie that, on paper, seems so tender and politically necessary, but ends up so eye roll-inducing in execution, fulfilling the most anti-art demands for representational drama sans conflict or rigor.
Jimpa opens in limited release Feb. 6.
UPDATE: Feb. 4, 2026, 2:28 p.m. This review was first published on Jan. 28, 2025, as part of Mashable's Sundance Film Festival coverage. It has been updated in anticipation of its theatrical premiere.
What to get your girlfriend for Valentines Day: 25+ sweet gift ideas that avoid the obviousThe most romantic gift for your girlfriend is one that shows you pay attention. Shop 25+ Valentine's Day gift ideas that scream "her."
Sure, any everyday product that comes in pink or red technically counts as a Valentine's Day gift. But not every pink or red item is automatically a good Valentine's Day gift. When looking for a memorable Valentine's Day gift for your girlfriend, that's rule number one: Don't force the pink, red, or heart-shaped gift just because it's on theme.
But if you are dating a sucker for all things cutesy, corny, and heart-covered, rule number two applies: Don't skip the lovey-dovey gifts in the name of not being cliché. At the end of the day, a truly thoughtful Valentine's Day gift for your girlfriend is really just one that she can tell you put thought into: a gift inspired by a hobby, a daily struggle, or a little joy that she's mentioned in passing.
To kickstart your brainstorm, we gathered intel from the internet and our own personal lives to curate a list of 25+ unique gift ideas for girlfriends this year. Whether it's your first year of dating, your last Valentine's Day before engagement, or somewhere in between, here are our top Valentine's Day gift ideas for your girlfriend in 2026.
Need more inspiration? We have even more spot-on recommendations in our guides of the best Valentine's Day gifts for her and the best Valentine's Day gifts for your wife.
How to watch the 2026 winter sports snowboarding online for freeHow to watch snowboarding for free. Live stream the 2026 winter sports snowboarding for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 winter sports snowboarding for free on streaming platforms like 9Now, CBC Gem, and BBC iPlayer. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There's a lot of top-level winter sports taking place right now. We get to see some of the best athletes in the world compete in events like alpine skiing, ice hockey, curling, and more. There's a lot to watch, so some difficult decisions will need to be made. You can try and watch everything, but that's probably not good for your health.
Check out the busy schedule and pick your priorities. We're not going to tell you what to watch, but we are going to suggest you find some time to watch the snowboarding.
It's tough to compare anything else to the range of snowboarding competitions on display over the next couple of weeks. If you like seeing gravity-defying athletes doing things that no human should be able to do, snowboarding is for you. Frankly, they shouldn't be allowed to do some of the things they do. But anything goes in the quest for medals.
If you want to watch the 2026 winter sports snowboarding for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The snowboarding schedule is busy right now. Here's the schedule for all the finals coming up:
Men's Snowboard Big Air Final — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 7
Women's Parallel Giant Slalom Finals — 8:26 a.m. ET on Feb. 8
Men's Parallel Giant Slalom Finals — 8:36 a.m. ET on Feb. 8
Women's Snowboard Big Air Final — 1:30 p.m. ET ET on Feb. 9
Men's Snowboard Cross Finals — 8:56 a.m. ET on Feb. 12
Women's Snowboard Halfpipe Final — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 12
Women's Snowboard Cross Finals — 8:41 a.m. ET on Feb. 13
Men's Snowboard Halfpipe Final — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 13
Mixed Team Snowboard Cross Finals — 8:35 a.m. ET on Feb. 15
Women's Snowboard Slopestyle Final — 7 a.m. ET on Feb. 17
Men's Snowboard Slopestyle Final — 6:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 18
Snowboarding fans can follow all events live without spending anything.
The 2026 winter sports snowboarding is available to live stream for free on a number of services:
Australia — 9Now
Austria — ORF
Canada — CBC Gem
France — France TV
Germany — ARD
Ireland — RTÉ Player
Italy — RAI
Spain — RTVE
UK — BBC iPlayer
These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the snowboarding from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2026 winter sports snowboarding by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access
Watch the 2026 winter sports snowboarding for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch snowboarding before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2026 winter sports snowboarding for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics online for freeHow to watch Winter Olympics for free. Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics for free on 9Now, CBC Gem, BBC iPlayer, and a range of other streaming services.
This is shaping up to be an absolutely huge year for sport. Sure, the World Cup is probably the biggest event on the calendar. But there are so many other massive moments to get excited about. And there's really no need to wait, because the action starts early in 2026.
The 2026 Winter Olympics is kicking things off in February with a host of top events including alpine skiing, ice hockey, bobsleigh, snowboarding, and so much more. You can stay warm and dry whilst the best of the best compete for medals in the cold. And better yet, you can follow all the action from Lombardy without spending anything.
If you want to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The Winter Olympics is a major international event held once every four years for sports practiced on snow and ice.
Eight sports and 16 disciplines will feature on the programme for the 2026 Winter Olympics: Biathlon, Bobsleigh (Skeleton, Bobsleigh), Curling, Ice Hockey, Luge, Skating (Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Short Track Speed Skating), Ski Mountaineering, and Skiing (Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Freestyle Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing, Snowboard).
Norway leads the all-time medal record for the Winter Olympics.
The 2026 Winter Olympics takes place at sites across Lombardy and Northeast Italy. This is the first Olympic Games to be officially co-hosted by two cities. Milan will host the opening ceremony and the ice events. Cortina and the Valtellina and Fiemme valleys will host everything else.
The 2026 Winter Olympics is the 25th edition of the famous event. This year's event will take place on Feb. 4-22.
The 2026 Winter Olympics is available to live stream for free on a number of services:
Australia — 9Now
Austria — ORF
Canada — CBC Gem
France — France TV
Germany — ARD
Ireland — RTÉ Player
Italy — RAI
Spain — RTVE
UK — BBC iPlayer
These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 Winter Olympics from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2026 Winter Olympics by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access
Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics before recovering your investment.
Hurdle hints and answers for February 6, 2026Hints and answers to today's Hurdle all in one place.
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.
Tools tighten these.
SCREW
Intended.
MEANT
Feathery.
WISPY
Used to reach the dead.
OUIJA
A record.
INDEX
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
NYT Pips hints, answers for February 6, 2026The New York Times' latest game, Pips, brings domino fun to your desktop. How to play Pips as well as hints in case you get stuck.
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.
Equal (2): Everything in this green space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed vertically.
Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.
Equal (6): Everything in this green space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally.
Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 2-2, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically.
Number (16): Everything in this space must add up to 16. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.
Equal (5): Everything in this green space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.
Number (21): Everything in this space must add up to 21. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.
Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally.
Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally.
Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically.
Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.
Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically.
Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 3. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.
Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed vertically.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Work smarter on your Mac with this Microsoft Office licenseGet six powerful Microsoft apps for life for just $49.97 with this Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 lifetime license, on sale now through Feb. 22.
TL;DR: Get six powerful Microsoft apps for life for just $49.97 with this Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 lifetime license, on sale now through Feb. 22.
Want a major productivity boost? Then give your powerful Mac the best of Microsoft’s tools with this Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 license. It’s an easy way to upgrade your workflow, and right now you can get all six apps for only $49.97 — less than $9 each — until Feb. 22.
From side hustles to schoolwork, Microsoft Office has apps to help you handle whatever life throws your way. And while it used to be reserved for PC users, nowadays Mac lovers can take advantage of these tools too.
This Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 license equips your Apple device with six of the brand’s most powerful tools for life. There are no subscription fees — once you buy them, you own them — and you’ll be able to work offline as needed, since cloud connectivity isn’t required.
Tackle all your document creation needs with Word, build a budget and handle spreadsheets in Excel, and create powerful presentations with PowerPoint. Outlook helps you manage your email correspondence, OneNote elevates your note-taking skills, and Teams makes it easy to connect with your friends, family, and coworkers.
After purchase, you’ll receive an instant delivery and download. Just note that your Mac needs to be running macOS 14 or later.
Get this Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 lifetime license, on sale now through Feb. 22.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Simplify your AI workflow with this one powerful Chrome extensionMake AI even more efficient with this lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan, on sale now for just $79.
TL;DR: Make AI even more efficient with this lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan, on sale now for just $79.
AI is supposed to make our lives easier, but it can be hard to keep up with all the different models and their individual strengths. If you want to simplify the way you’re working with AI on a daily basis, it’s time to check out ChatPlayground AI. This handy tool lets you see results from over 25 AI models in one single window, so you can stop wasting time.
Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan for only $79.
Work smarter with AI, not harder, thanks to ChatPlayground AI. This tool changes the way you use this powerful technology, letting you access over 25 models in one place — from ChatGPT to Gemini and Llama. It displays the results from the different models side by side, so you can pick the one that works best.
ChatPlayground AI works as a Chrome extension, so it’s easy to access whenever you need it. If you need help with your prompt, there’s prompt engineering available to help you get the best response, and you can also upload PDFs or images to get context-aware answers.
Not only is there no more tab-hopping, but you won’t have to pay multiple subscription fees either. ChatPlayground AI saves all your chat history, too, so it’s easy to reference past conversations.
This lifetime subscription gives you access to unlimited monthly messages and priority access to new features and future models. If you run into any issues, you’ll also receive faster assistance from our priority customer support team.
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OpenAI releases GPT-5.3-Codex, a coding model that helped build itselfOpenAI released a new ChatGPT coding model, GPT-5.3-codex, on Feb. 5. The company says it helped build and deploy itself.
OpenAI released a new coding model today, GPT-5.3-Codex. The company said the new model has improved "reasoning and professional knowledge capabilities" and will operate 25 percent faster than its predecessor.
Anthropic, one of OpenAI's chief rivals, also released a new coding model today, Claude Opus 4.6. Earlier this week, OpenAI also launched the Codex app for macOS, a new app interface for managing multiple AI agents at once.
Crucially, OpenAI says that the new GPT-5.3-Codex model is its "first model that was instrumental in creating itself." Anthropic said something similar about Clade Cowork recently, and engineers at OpenAI and Anthropic say almost all their coding is now done by AI.
In a blog post announcing GPT-5.3-Codex, OpenAI wrote, "The Codex team used early versions to debug its own training, manage its own deployment, and diagnose test results and evaluations — our team was blown away by how much Codex was able to accelerate its own development."
Why does it matter if an AI model helped create itself?
People who believe in the technological singularity, or "the singularity," talk about a tipping point at which technology becomes self-improving, leading to an uncontrolled explosion of technological advancement. And now we have some real-world examples of AI improving itself. (At least, according to the AI companies behind the announcements.)
We don't know exactly how much GPT-5.3-Codex was involved in its own development, but the news does reveal just how advanced frontier AI models have become, particularly in writing code.
"With GPT‑5.3-Codex, Codex goes from an agent that can write and review code to an agent that can do nearly anything developers and professionals can do on a computer," the OpenAI blog post reads.
GPT-5.3-Codex is available now in the Codex app.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
Just in time for V-Day — the best dating apps for serious relationshipsThe best dating apps for people looking for a long-term relationship.
Gone are the days when people balk at you if you say you met your partner online. Dating apps have irrevocably changed the way we date — much as social media platforms have changed how we interact with each other. With so many apps, from Bumble to eharmony, it can be challenging to determine which ones to invest in, especially if you're looking for that special someone.
According to 2023 findings from the Pew Research Center, one in ten partnered adults (married, living with a partner, or in a committed relationship) met their partner on a dating app or site. If you're a younger adult and/or LGBTQ, you're more likely to have met your significant other online: one in five adults under 30 and nearly one in four for LGBTQ adults.
The same study found that almost half (44 percent) of dating app users said a major reason for using them was to meet a long-term partner. So, if that's you, you're certainly not alone, despite what you might see people lament on TikTok.
The discourse on dating app culture can be unrelenting. In 2025, singles told Mashable they'd rather meet a potential partner in person, but they're begrudgingly on the apps. Some, like Tinder, have seen their revenue decrease in recent quarters, while Hinge is growing. Even then, though, daters bemoan even the most popular of apps. A Kinsey scientist even recently told Mashable where daters are going wrong; he said to use dating apps as a tool, not to let them run the show — and stop self-optimizing, already.
Despite the frustration over The Apps™, it's undeniable that if you want to date from the comfort and safety of your home, they're the way to do it. If you're, say, introverted or have difficulty approaching someone in person, an app does have its uses.
Considering the variation in experiences on all the dating apps, it's difficult to quantify which ones are the "best." Some people find their spouses on Tinder, while others are disappointed that their matches are only looking for hookups.
That being said, if you're looking for something serious, your best bet is likely an app with a large user base, options for you to indicate what you're looking for in your bio, and filters to weed out who you really want to partner with. There are also apps whose branding is geared towards finding one's ultimate match — like eharmony and Match, both decades-old sites with reputations for helping users find their spouse. Hinge, Bumble, and Coffee Meets Bagel also have a reputation for more "serious" connections.
Depending on the type of relationship you're seeking, you may also benefit from a more niche app. Take one app on our list, SilverSingles, for people over 50. Sure, there are older adults on apps like Tinder and Bumble as well, but you may have more luck finding someone age-appropriate if you're in a space meant just for you.
Mashable has researched to pick out a few from the plethora of dating sites (and apps) out there. These options are available for both Android and Apple users, so the type of phone you have won't determine your options. In terms of monetary investment, you can use some of these for free (like Tinder and Bumble), while others are more pay-to-play. We've also included some "niche" options, like the aforementioned SilverSingles and Elite Singles, so you have more than the standard buffet of dating apps.
Here are the best dating apps for serious relationships:
Google reveals Pixel 10a with one subtle changeGoogle randomly dropped a video revealing the Pixel 10a.
Google just randomly dropped a Pixel 10a reveal on YouTube, and there's at least one noticeable change to the phone's design.
The video itself is very brief, just showing the phone from a few different angles in a sort of light blue color. No new features or software of any kind are shown, though that's to be expected with a budget version of last year's Pixel 10. The one really noteworthy thing we can glean from this video is that the rear camera now appears to be totally flush with the body of the device, rather then protruding in any way.
That's a mild divergence from last year's Pixel 9a. That phone ditched the signature Pixel horizontal camera bar, but the lens itself still stuck out a bit when viewed from the side. Aside from that, again, we really can't divine anything from this video about the phone itself. Its specs and features will have to wait until Google feels like sharing more.
An announcement will probably be soon, given that the pre-order date is set for Feb. 18.
How to watch the 2026 Six Nations online for freeHow to watch the Six Nations for free. Live stream the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Stream the 2026 Six Nations for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Six Nations is a special competition. Want to see incredible speed and skill from supremely talented athletes? Check out the Six Nations. Want to experience intense passion from heated rivalries? The Six Nations offers that in abundance. Enjoy the sight of absolutely huge men smashing into each other at speed? Yep, the Six Nations is for you.
It's a tournament like no other, and fans can follow all the action from the latest edition without spending anything. If you want to watch the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The Six Nations Championship is an annual international men's rugby union competition between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Each team plays every other team once, with home ground advantage alternating from one year to the next.
The current champions are France. England and Wales have won the competition most often (39 titles).
The 2026 Six Nations Championship is the 132nd edition of the competition. This year's competition will take place from Feb. 5 to March 14. Here's the full schedule of games:
France vs. Ireland — 8:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 5 (ITV)
Italy vs. Scotland — 2:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 7 (BBC)
England vs. Wales — 4:40 p.m. GMT on Feb. 7 (ITV)
Ireland vs. Italy — 2:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 14 (ITV)
Scotland vs. England — 4:40 p.m. GMT on Feb. 14 (ITV)
Wales vs. France — 3:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 15 (BBC)
England vs. Ireland — 2:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 21 (ITV)
Wales vs. Scotland — 4:40 p.m. GMT on Feb. 21 (BBC)
France vs. Italy — 3:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 22 (ITV)
Ireland vs. Wales — 8:10 p.m. GMT on March 6 (ITV)
Scotland vs. France — 2:10 p.m. GMT on March 7 (BBC)
Italy vs. England — 4:40 p.m. GMT on March 7 (ITV)
Ireland vs. Scotland — 2:10 p.m. GMT on March 14 (ITV)
Wales vs. Italy — 4:40 p.m. GMT on March 14 (BBC)
France vs. England — 8:10 p.m. GMT on March 14 (ITV)
Fans can watch every game from the 2026 Six Nations without spending anything.
The 2026 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
BBC iPlayer and ITVX are both geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in the UK. This quick and easy action makes it look like you're connecting from the UK, so you can stream on BBC iPlayer and ITVX from anywhere in the world.
Unblock BBC iPlayer and ITVX by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX
Stream the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer or ITVX without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to stream most of the 2026 Six Nations before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to all your favorite free streaming platforms, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream sport for free, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2026 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch France vs. Ireland online for freeWatch the Six Nations for free. Live stream France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Six Nations is all about unpredictable games between huge rivals. Any team could win any game — that's the beauty of this famous competition. That being said, the opening game between France and Ireland feels like a final. You expect these sides to be battling it out at the top of the standings come the final round, so the winner here will put themselves in a very strong position.
The likes of Antoine Dupont and Louis Bielle-Biarrey will lead the way for the hosts. Ireland will need to rely on the talents of Tadhg Beirne, Dan Sheehan, and Jamison Gibson-Park if they want to secure a massive win under the lights in Paris. It's going to be tough for Andy Farrell's side, but they possess the quality to beat anyone.
If you want to watch France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations starts at 8:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 5. This fixture takes place at the Stade de France.
France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.
Live stream France vs. Ireland from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Live stream France vs. Ireland for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch France vs. Ireland without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream most of the 2026 Six Nations before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services to watch the Winter Olympics, the T20 World Cup, and more from anywhere in the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
Tesla driver’s chilling 911 call transcript: ‘It’s on fire. Help please.’A new lawsuit includes a horrifying transcript of a 911 call made from inside a burning Tesla vehicle.
A new lawsuit has shed a terrifying light on a Tesla driver's death in October 2025.
Bloomberg reported on the wrongful death lawsuit, which is centered around 20-year-old Samuel Tremblett, a driver who passed away after a collision involving a Tesla Model Y SUV in October of last year.
According to the lawsuit, Tremblett was driving a 2021 Tesla Model Y outside Boston when he left the road and struck a tree. He survived the initial impact but was apparently unable to exit the vehicle due to an alleged failure of Tesla's signature electric door system. He eventually died as a result of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Before he died, Tremblett called 911, but first responders were not able to rescue him in time.
The most chilling part of this whole story comes from 911 call transcripts found in the lawsuit.
"It's on fire. Please help," Tremblett said, according to the transcript. "I am going to die."
The lawsuit states that police officers arrived quickly to the scene, but were unable to put out the fire or remove Tremblett in time. The lawsuit says it ultimately took firefighters four hours to extinguish the crashed Model Y.
As the fire burned, Tremblett stayed on the phone with the 911 dispatcher:
I’m stuck in a car crash… I can’t get out, please help me… I can’t breathe… It’s on fire, it’s on fire. Help please… I am going to die… I’m dying. Help. I’m dying… Help… Help.
Last year, a Bloomberg report found 15 deaths related to Tesla's electronic door system, part of a wider investigation into the safety of Tesla doors. According to Bloomberg, there is a low-voltage battery in each Tesla vehicle that governs components such as doors, while a higher voltage battery is responsible for propelling the car forward. If the low-voltage battery is disabled for any reason, the doors will not open in their normal fashion.
There is a mechanical release for the doors, but per Bloomberg, many drivers are not aware of this or how to operate it. In addition, panicked drivers in a life-or-death situation may struggle to recall the proper opening procedure.
The lawsuit accuses Tesla of selling vehicles with a “defective and unreasonably dangerous automated door handles.” It further states that “Tesla owed a duty to provide adequate warnings, instructions, and information with the Subject Vehicle before placing it into the stream of commerce” and that “Tesla knew or should have known of the defective and unreasonably dangerous condition of the 2021 Model Y.”
For its part, Tesla said last year that it would update its vehicles so that doors would automatically unlock after a "serious collision." However, the company only reached that conclusion after multiple deaths allegedly involving door failures.
JLab’s comically large new headphones are actually wearable portable speakers — and theyre only $100The JLab Blue XL Speaker Headphones are wearable portable speakers that look like huge headphones. You can buy a pair for $100.
JLab, the California audio brand behind some of our favorite budget headphones, is launching a new pair of oversized headphones with a secret. They're actually Bluetooth speakers you can wear — but around your neck, not on your dome.
The limited-edition JLab Blue XL Speaker Headphones aren't just a bit tied to this weekend's Bad Bunny concert big game. They're a real product you can buy. As of Feb. 4, JLab is selling them on its website for just $99.99 a pair while supplies last.
JLab gave out shiny golden versions of these headphones to playmakers during the 2025 Birmingham Bowl between Georgia Southern and Appalachian State, of which it was the title sponsor. All Georgia Southern Eagles players received a pair of the Blue XLs for winning the game. They come in an aqua colorway, hence their name.
The Blue XLs are equipped with faux leather ear cushions and dual 2.5-inch drivers, and they offer up to 20 hours of playtime with a full three-hour charge. They're compatible with Bluetooth 5.4. And like the regular-sized JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones, our top value pick, you can customize their sound settings using the JLab app.
A JLab rep tells me that the Blue XLs weigh in at 3.3 pounds and that there's a cushion on their band. If your upper traps can't handle the strain, or if you're too shy to wear the Blue XLs in public, the company says you can also prop them up on a table for listening.
JLab's release of the Blue XLs comes hot on the heels of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where the Mashable team encountered a much more practical take on the speaker headphones concept. With a simple twist, TDM.’s Neo Hybrids transform from headphones that play audio from their cups into a compact portable speaker with external audio. Senior Tech Reporter Matt Binder called them "one of the most impressive things I found" at CES. They'll soon launch on Kickstarter for $249.
Snag the budget-friendly Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds for their lowest price yetAs of Feb. 5, get the budget-priced Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds for their lowest price yet.
SAVE $50.01: As of Feb. 5, get the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds for $58.99, down from their usual price of $109. That's a discount of 46% and the lowest price we've seen.
If you're looking to shop for a new pair of earbuds, you've got plenty of options. You don't have to stick to the familiar, like Apple's AirPods, for example. If you're willing to try something else, there's a great pick right now at Amazon, and it's back at its lowest price yet.
As of Feb. 5, get the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds for $58.99, down from their usual price of $109. That's a discount of 46% and the lowest price we've seen.
These earbuds are unique from the top down, from their transparent, square charging case to their budget pricing. They integrate ChatGPT in addition to offering great audio, which means you can use the voice portion of the chat assistant to handle search questions while out in the world. This optional addition makes them a solid choice that you'd be paying far more from another manufacturer for.
Of course, they're also excellent for listening to your favorite songs and podcasts or hanging on calls. They have compact 11mm drivers for great bass as wll as active noise cancellation that can help you block out the world when you don't want to hear it.
While they come with these intriguing additional features for a low price, they're jut an overall all-around good pair of headphones that you'll actually enjoy using -- and others might ask where you got them due to their unique look. Grab yours while they're back at this extremely palatable price.
Our favorite open earbuds, the Shokz OpenDots One, are on sale for $30 offThe Shokz OpenDots One, Mashable's favorite open earbuds, are on sale for $169.95 at Amazon. That's 15% in savings.
SAVE $30: As of Feb. 5, the Shokz OpenDots One open earbuds are on sale for $169.95 at Amazon. That's $30 or 15% off their typical list price.
If you're ready to jump on the open earbuds bandwagon, but aren't sure which pair to grab, we highly recommend the Shokz OpenDots One clip-on buds. They're the best pair we've tested and they're on sale for $30 cheaper than usual.
As of Feb. 5, the Shokz OpenDots One open earbuds are on sale for $169.95 at Amazon. That's 15% off the typical list price of $199.95. While that's not the cheapest we've ever seen them, it's the best price we've seen so far in 2026.
Mashable's reviewer Alex Bracetti called the OpenDots One "a trustworthy running companion that keeps you entertained and fully aware of the world around you." If you plan on using open earbuds mostly for workouts, but also want a solid pair of earbuds for everyday life, we think these offer the most bang for your buck. They have an unobtrusive and modern clip-on design, surprisingly solid sound quality with Dolby Audio support, 10 hours of battery life (40 with the case), full environmental transparency, and intuitive touch controls that actually work. They're not super feature-heavy and can get uncomfortable after hours of wear, but otherwise we think they're the best choice for most people — especially when they're on sale.
Bitcoin price plummets further. Is crypto crashing?Cryptocurrency markets are in a free fall.
It's official: Bitcoin, as well as other cryptocurrency markets, are crashing.
On Thursday, Bitcoin plummeted below $68,000, blowing past a key level that crypto investors were hoping to hold. Bitcoin is now trading at its lowest prices since November 2024, essentially erasing all gains made in more than a year.
Other popular cryptocurrencies like Ether and Solana are also down. Solana, for example, has currently hit a two-year low.
Bitcoin and other altcoins began experiencing a noticeable downturn in the market late last week. Crypto analysts provided key market levels for Bitcoin to hold in order to avoid the worst. Some analysts said holding at $80,000 would be key while others said $70,000. Falling below those levels, analysts said, could drive further decline as investors look to sell off their holdings.
Bitcoin has now fallen below both key levels. Now, some analysts are saying that Bitcoin could land in the $60,000 to $65,000 range while others are forecasting potential further drops landing the cryptocurrency at $40,000.
The downturn isn't unique to crypto, as stocks especially in the tech sector are currently dropping, but cryptocurrency is experiencing the worst of it. As a highly volatile and still largely unproven asset class, crypto is among the first investments to go in a sell-off from institutional investors.
According to a report from CryptoQuant, institutional firms that were buying up tens of thousands of Bitcoin just last year are now net sellers this year.
Social media users are noticing that other whales are also selling off, which further tanks the price of Bitcoin. World Liberty Financial, the crypto company owned by the Trump family, liquidated more than $5 million of its Bitcoin holdings on Thursday.
Save $20 on the new Amazon Echo Dot Max, back down to its lowest priceAs of Feb 5, the Amazon Echo Dot Max is back down to its record low price of $79.99. Shop now and save $20 for 20% off.
SAVE $20: As of Feb. 5, Amazon's Echo Dot Max is back down to its lowest price ever. Shop now for $79.99, down $20 from its $99.99 list price for 20% off.
This week, Amazon made its upgraded Alexa+ available to all Prime users. While you don't technically need an Echo device to use Alexa+, it certainly helps. At the end of 2025, Amazon launched a series of new Echo devices that are compatible with Alexa+, including the Amazon Echo Dot Max. The Echo Dot Max debuted on Oct. 29, but it already has a record low price.
As of Feb. 5, the Echo Dot Max is back down to its all-time low price of $79.99. That knocks $20 off its list price of $99.99 for 20% savings. We haven't seen it go lower than this, so you know it's the best price out there.
The Echo Dot Max is the newest device in Amazon's smart home line-up. It combines delicious rich audio with quick smart home processing thanks to its new AZ3 chip. It features three times more bass than the 2022 Echo Dot. Plus, it operates more complicated tasks with Alexa+. With the new voice assistant you can do more than play music, turn on the lights or adjust the thermostat. Now, it'll help you make a grocery list or plan a date night.
Shop the Amazon Echo Dot Max for just $79.99, saving you $20 and 20% off at Amazon.
Order the new Anker Solix E10 whole-home backup while its on sale at Amazon — save at least $1,500The Anker Solix E10 power module with battery is on sale at Amazon for $4,299, down from the standard price of $5,799. That's a 26% discount.
SAVE AT LEAST $1,500: The new Anker Solix E10 whole-home backup system is available at Amazon and on sale for at least 26% off, depending on your desired package.
If you're heading out camping and want something to keep your campsite's phones and lights powered up, a portable power station is perfect. But if you're looking to keep your home's appliances and HVAC system online when the power goes out, you want something beefier. Anker Solix makes some of the best portable power stations, but the brand now has the new E10 for a whole-home solution, and it's on a great discount.
As of Feb. 5, the Anker Solix E10 whole-home backup system is available at Amazon and on sale for as low as $4,299, down from the normal price of $5,799. That's at least 26% off or a saving of $1,500, depending on your desired package.
A power outage is no one's idea of a fun time. There's the worry about food in the freezer dethawing while also worrying about inside temps dipping into a uncomfortable territory. Solix has a new solution on the market that launched at CES 2026 — the E10 backup system.
Each E10 comes packed with 37.2kW of power, and stacking two together will get you to a major 66kW. If you go with three E10 units, you'll be in line for 90kW which Anker says can keep your home online for up to 15 days. That'll make a massive difference if you live in an area that experiences long outages each winter.
Anker made set-up simple, and all you'll need to do is stack and plug-in to get your home equipped before the next outage. The most affordable option the E10 Power Module with one B6000 Battery Module. This combo also comes with a 240V output cable, 120V AC charging cable, and a fixed bracket. But if you snag this deal before the end of the month, Solix is tossing in a 400W solar panel, power strip, AC generator adapter, a metal pad, and an extended 3-year warranty.
Considering we're still in unpredictable winter weather and the Solix E10 is on sale, this is a great opportunity to make this home upgrade.
How to watch Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid online for freeHow to watch Copa del Rey for free. Live stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey for free.
TL;DR: Live stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
We're approaching the business end of the Copa del Rey. Two teams have already booked their spots in the semi-final stage, but Real Betis and Atlético Madrid still need to fight it out.
This is probably the toughest quarter-final matchup to predict. Both teams are towards the top end of the standings in La Liga, but Atlético Madrid are probably slight favorites. The question is whether the passionate home support at the Estadio La Cartuja can drive Real Betis towards the next round.
If you want to watch Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 5. This fixture takes place at the Estadio La Cartuja.
Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to stream the Copa del Rey for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Watch Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Copa del Rey without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey for free with ExpressVPN.
Every size of Amazons 4-Series Fire TV is at an all-time low priceThe 2025 Amazon 4-Series 4K Fire TV is on sale for its best price ever in every size. Save up to 40%.
SAVE UP TO $180: Amazon's 4-Series 4K Fire TVs from 2025 are all down to new record-low prices in every size — 43 inches, 50 inches, and 55 inches. Save up to 40% in time for the Big Game.
Looking to upgrade your TV ASAP to watch the Big Game in 4K or the Olympics in all their glory? Amazon's 4-Series 4K Fire TVs from 2025 are all down to new record-low prices in every size.
As of Feb. 5, you can grab the Amazon 43-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV for just $199.99 (reg. $329.99), the 50-inch for $239.99 (reg. $399.99), or the 55-inch for $279.99 (reg. $459.99). That's around 40% off each model, which brings prices down to their lowest ever by a long shot. For comparison purposes, we saw the 55-inch model drop to $379.99 on Black Friday, then $359.99 in early January. This deal beats that previous low by an extra $80.
While it's not the most advanced TV in Amazon's lineup, it is the most popular. Most people don't need all the extra bells and whistles anyway. The 4-Series was redesigned last year to sport an ultra-slim bezel that fades into the background, which brings your content front and center. It features a new quad-core processor for speedy navigation and load times, 4K UHD picture quality with support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Sound, and Omnisense technology that wakes up the TV when you enter the room to show you artwork or your favorite comfort show. The 2025 model was also designed with Alexa+, the new AI assistant that can do far more than just answer your questions.
If a TV is on your tech upgrade list, this is the best time to add this particular one to your cart.
Bad Bunnys Grammys pause is now the internets go-to reaction memeBad Bunny's emotional reaction to winning Album of the Year and the 2026 Grammys has become the internet's new favorite reaction meme.
Bad Bunny is truly a man of the people.
The Puerto Rican superstar's moment of quiet humanity at the 2026 Grammys — when he stayed in his seat for a long, stunned beat, hands over his eyes in disbelief, before slowly rising to accept Album of the Year — didn't just make headlines; it's now become immortalized in meme history.
The reaction GIF is everywhere on social media feeds like X, Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky. Honestly, this is the kind of meme that works in any situation, but it hits hardest when paired with moments that are mentally exhausting or emotionally overwhelming: surviving a brutal workday only to realize the week isn't even halfway over, sitting through a long meeting that could have been an email, or finally buying that thing that's been in your cart for weeks...only to remember the money actually has to leave your account.
Somehow, Bad Bunny's quiet, tearful pause perfectly captures that mix of disbelief and pure human vulnerability, making it endlessly relatable.
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In a world full of chaos, sometimes sitting in stunned disbelief is all we need to go viral.
Valve has good news (and bad news) on Steam Machine and VR headset releaseValve updated fans on the launch plans for the Steam Machine, which is on track to be released in 2026.
Valve updated its Steam Hardware FAQ to share some good news and bad news about the highly anticipated Steam Machine, Steam Frame VR headset, and Steam Controller. The new Steam products were originally announced in November.
Let's start with the good news for gamers: Valve confirmed that it still plans to ship all three products in the first half of 2026.
And the bad news: Due to the global memory shortage, the company still can't share any specifics on pricing or launch dates.
From the Steam hardware FAQ:
When we announced these products in November, we planned on being able to share specific pricing and launch dates by now. But the memory and storage shortages you've likely heard about across the industry have rapidly increased since then. The limited availability and growing prices of these critical components mean we must revisit our exact shipping schedule and pricing (especially around Steam Machine and Steam Frame).
Our goal of shipping all three products in the first half of the year has not changed. But we have work to do to land on concrete pricing and launch dates that we can confidently announce, being mindful of how quickly the circumstances around both of those things can change. We will keep you updated as much as we can as we finalize those plans as soon as possible.
A lot of gamers are excited about the upcoming launches. But without knowing the price, it's hard to know how excited to get.
The global memory shortage has caused huge price increases on critical memory components, as AI data centers buy up RAM. The shortage is complicating releases in the mobile, laptop, and gaming markets.
The Steam Machine is an alternative to both gaming consoles and expensive gaming PCs. It's a new type of console that offers the versatility of a gaming PC, only with a much lower price. As Mashable previously reported, the Steam Machine will be "six times more powerful than the Steam Deck and is able to play your entire Steam library, including AAA and indie titles."
As for the Steam Frame, it's a new VR headset and an alternative to the Meta Quest. The Steam Controller is an update to Valve's previous controller.
SAVE $80: As of Feb. 5, get the DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo for $309 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $389. That's a discount of 21% and the lowest price we've seen.
If you're still looking to pick up a drone from DJI, you're probably having a rough go of it. With the FCC banning foreign drones, it's more difficult than ever to find one in stock. But if you act fast, you can snag one if you're savvy. That's why if you're ready to buy, you'll want to hop on this DJI model right now.
As of Feb. 5, get the DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo for $309 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $389. That's $80 off and a discount of 21%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.
This lightweight drone is the perfect option for creators, as well as beginning and advanced drone users. It offers a range of features, includng a one-tap takeoff option, return-to-home button, and even additional tutorials for beginners. It offers clean, 4K ultra HD video and a 3-axis gimbal for better, smoother footage while you're at it, as well as wind resistance and 10km max HD video transmission for getting work done even when you're super far away from the drone.
With a lengthy battery life and additional goodies packaged with the drone, you can get started creating content or just exploring right out of the box, so this kit gets you ready to fly and secures you a drone at the same time. For this discount, it's well worth diving into, especially since it's harder to get DJI drones right now. Be sure to snag yours before it disappears into the ether (and into others' homes) once again.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo is back at a record-low price — save $90 at AmazonThe DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo is on sale at Amazon for $199, down from the list price of $289. That's a 31% discount.
SAVE $90: The DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo is on sale at Amazon for $199, down from the list price of $289. That's a 31% discount that matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
If you're feeling inspired by the upcoming winter Olympics, you might feel like heading out on some of your own winter adventures. If you capture footage while out, you want a worthy camera for recording and something that's rugged enough to keep up. If you don't already own this, check out today's DJI deal at Amazon.
As of Feb. 5, the DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo is on sale at Amazon for $199, marked down from the normal price of $289. That's a 31% discount that that a nice $90 off the price. It also matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 camera records in 4K at 120fps. On top of this, it comes with a 155-degree ultra-wide field of view and a battery that can last for up to 150 minutes. In terms of winter sports, there's no concern about the cold because the DJI Osmo Action 4 can work in temps as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has three stabilization modes to ensure your filming is smooth and level.
Today's bundle deal includes the DJI Osmo Action 4 camera itself, the DJI Osmo Action horizontal-vertical protective frame, the DJI Extreme Battery, a quick-release adapter mount, a lens hood, and more.
After winter activities, take the DJI Osmo Action 4 along on summer swims since it's waterproof at depths of up to 59 feet without an extra case. And DJI mentions this model is extra resistant to drops, so this could be a great model if durability is a priority.
While the DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo is back at a record-low price of under $200, upgrade your ability to record content in 2026. You'll be able to share pro-level footage without spending big money.
The Miniature Wife trailer sees a woman literally made smaller. Yup.The symbolism in the trailer for Peacock's "The Miniature Wife" is hard to miss, starring Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen,
The symbolism in the trailer for The Miniature Wife is hard to miss.
Starring Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen, the upcoming Peacock series sees a woman accidentally shrunk by her husband. You heard me, the act of women taking up space is literally reversed when Lindy (Banks) finds herself the size of a doll (in a dollhouse-sized version of their house, too). And her apologetic husband Les (Macfadyen) seems to be...secretly chuffed by it all. Hmmmmm...
The 10-episode show is based on a short story written by Manuel Gonzales and directed by Superbad's Greg Mottola. The Miniature Wife also stars O-T Fagbenle, Sian Clifford, Ronny Chieng, Zoe Lister-Jones, Sofia Rosinsky, and Aasif Mandvi.
The Miniature Wife premieres April 9 on Peacock.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is back down to its lowest price ever, plus more deals on AirTags and AirPodsAs of Feb. 5, we've rounded up the best savings from Apple. The best savings are on the Apple Watch Series 11, AirTag 4-pack, and AirPods 4 but there are plenty more deals to explore.
Apple makes some of our favorite products and because of that, our eyes are always peeled for the best deals on all they have to offer. You'll never see markdowns on Apple products directly from the brand, so to find sales, look elsewhere.
This week, we hunted for the best prices across Apple Watches, MacBooks, and iPads to find the best deals to shop now. Admittedly, the sales this week are pretty lackluster. There are MacBooks and iPads on sale, but we're not that impressed with their sale prices.
The best savings can be found on the Apple Watch Series 11 which has hit a record low price. Plus, find great savings on AirTags and AirPods, too. Here are all the best Apple deals to shop now.
Now that we're a month deep into 2026, how are your New Years resolutions going? If you're looking for a way to track your workouts, try an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Series 11 with 42mm face and GPS is back to its best price ever of $299. That saves you $100 off its $399 list price for 25% off.
The Apple Watch can track everything from your steps, sleep, heart rate, activity and more. It's even water resistant so you can swim laps with it. But beyond health tracking, it's a hub on your wrist allowing you to take calls and send texts.
There aren't a ton of stellar Apple deals going around, but this sale on the Apple Watch Series 11 is the best one right now.
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) — $599 $699 (save $100)
Apple AirTags are the best Bluetooth trackers for iOS users. You can attach them to keys, wallets, and even luggage so you can have peace of mind over where your belongings are.
During Black Friday 2025, the AirTag 4-pack dropped to its lowest price ever of $62.99. And while we haven't seen that price again, nor do we expect to anytime soon, you can still get them on sale for a pretty good price. Right now, grab the AirTag 4-pack for just $69.98, saving you $29.02 of its $99 list price.
Apple Pencil USB-C — $69 $79 (save $10)
Apple Pencil Pro — $94.99 $129 (save $34.01)
The past few weeks, AirPods prices haven't been that great and while models aren't back to record lows, they're finally shop worthy. Right now you can get the Apple AirPods 4 (without noise cancellation) for just $99.99. That knocks 22% off its $129 list price for $29.01 in savings.
The Apple AirPods 4 are the entry-level earbuds from Apple. They seamlessly connect to iOS devices and last up to 30 hours. The AirPods 4 are Apple's latest generation of earbuds, too, so you're getting the most up-to-date tech.
Apple AirPods 4 (with noise cancellation) — $139.99 $179 (save $39.01)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $229.99 $249 (save $19.01)
Apple AirPods Max — $449.99 $549 (save $99.01)
iPad
Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $299.99 $349 (save $49.01)
Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi + Cellular, 512GB) — $754 $799 (save $45)
iPad Mini
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $489.99 $599 (save $109.01)
Apple iPad Mini, 8.3-inch (A17 Pro, WiFi, 256GB) — $499 $599 (save $100)
iPad Air
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 256GB) — $656.99 $699 (save $42.01)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $679 $799 (save $130)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi + Cellular, 128GB) — $689 $749 (save $60)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 256GB) — $779.99 $899 (save $119.01)
iPad Pro
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $942 $999 (save $57)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,127 $1,199 (save $72)
MacBook Air
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849.99 $999 (save $149.99)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,099 $1,199 (save $100)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,269 $1,399 (save $130)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249 $1,399 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,499 $1,599 (save $100)
MacBook Pro
M4
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,799 $1,999 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB Ram, 1TB SSD) — $2,149 $2,399 (save $250)
M5
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,511.01 $1,599 (save $87.99)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,599.99 $1,799 (save $199.02)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,825 $1,999 (save $174)
Mac Mini
Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $549 $599 (save $50)
DJI makes some of the best gadgets for creators. They tend to come packed with user-friendly features that are nice for both pro creators or those who are just starting out. While we're still in the depths of winter, now is a great time to utilize free time to brush up on some new creator skills, like becoming an expert drone flier or upgrading recording gear for summer adventures.
While February is not synonymous with a major sale period, we're seeing great sale prices from DJI this week. You'll be able to get the content-creator mic, a portable power station to use while creating off-grid, and a new drone, all on a major discount.
If your content set-up could use some upgrades, check out these deals.
In case you haven't heard, DJI is no longer allowed to sell drones in the U.S. because of an FCC ban. However, the ban doesn't apply to DJI drone stock that's already in the country, which means finding a DJI drone both in-stock and on sale is a big deal. Today's deal on the DJI Mini 4K drone combo earns you the drone itself, two batteries, the DJI RC remote control, a spare set of propellers, a shoulder bag, and extra accessories. Yes, all of this is on sale for under $310.
The DJI Mini is a great model if you'll be on the move and traveling with your drone since it fits into the palm of your hand. There's also the benefit of video transmission that reaches up to 10 kilometers away and the 62-minute flight time.
DJI Mini 3 — $439 $549 (save $110)
DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo — $575 $719 (save $144)
DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo — $1,099 $1,599 (save $500)
Check out our full review of the DJI Mic Mini.
The DJI Mic Mini has become the mic for content creators. Scoring it while it's on sale for $79 means you're getting the best discount we've ever seen at Amazon. Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard tested out the DJI Mic Mini and wrote, "After testing out the DJI Mic Mini for weeks and watching it in action with Mashable's social media team, I'm convinced it's one of the best upgrades for content creators."
Today's deal gives you two transmitters, one receiver, and a charging case. Other accessories include those adorable fuzzy windscreens, a carrying pouch, mini clip magnets, and a USB-C phone adapter.
DJI Mic Mini Transmitter — $25 $33 (save $8)
DJI Mic Mini (1 transmitter, 1 receiver) — $45 $59 (save $14)
If you're taking your drone out on an adventure to capture footage, you might need to recharge those batteries. That's not particularly easy if you're out in nature. The easiest solution is to pack along a portable power station and DJI makes models that are especially friendly for DJI drone owners.
The updated DJI Power 1000 V2 gives you access to 1,024Wh of power. The two SCD ports are designed to quick-charge DJI drone batteries, and DJI made this model ultra-quick to recharge with wall power. Plus, it operates at a quiet level which is important if you'll be powering up studio lights while recording in the same room as the Power 1000 V2. Be sure to clip the on-page coupon to score this power station on sale for $399, down from the standard price of $699.
It's also worth noting this model is massively expandable with the DJI Power Expansion Battery 2000, which is also on sale today. Each expansion battery brings 2,048Wh to the power party.
DJI Power 500 — $279 $499 (save $220)
DJI Power 1000 — $399 $999 (save $600)
DJI Power Expansion Battery 2000 — $699 $969 (save $270)
DJI Power 2000 — $699 $1,299 (save $600)
If you've ever tried to leave a colossal city subway station, and felt like the everyday drudgery of it all resembled a hellish maze, watch the terrifying trailer for Exit 8.
A Hundred Flowers director and Monster producer Genki Kawamura is set to thrill with his adaptation of Kotake Create's 2023 hit mystery video game The Exit 8 — and it looks like a chilling, freaky ride.
We meet Kazunari Ninomiya as a man frantically lost in a train station's halls, only to find himself in an eternal loop. But he's not alone, constantly finding himself alongside an unsettling stranger (Yamato Kochi) and a small boy (Naru Asanuma). He also keeps finding strange rules on the station walls, ones that must be obeyed if he is to escape this place and find the eponymous Exit 8. And then there's all that blood...
As far as psychological horror goes, this one seems all too real for commuters.
Exit 8 hits cinemas April 10.
The DJI alternative Skyrover S1 Mini Drone is on sale for $60 offThe Skyrover S1 Mini Drone is on sale at Amazon for $60 off with an on-page coupon. It makes a great DJI drone alternative.
SAVE $60: AS of Feb. 5, you can get the Skyrover S1 Mini Drone for just $289 at Amazon with an on-page coupon. That's 17% or $60 in savings.
In case you haven't been keeping up with drone news in the U.S., the popular brand DJI faced an FCC ban just last December, making it no longer possible to sell its drones in the country. Thus, DJI stock has been selling out by the day. If you're looking for an alternative, Skyrover was founded last year by a small team of engineers with backgrounds at DJI — and the new brand's S1 Mini Drone is not only in stock, but on sale for $60 off.
As of Feb. 5, you can pick up the Skyrover S1 Mini Drone at Amazon for only $289 instead of its usual $349 using an on-page coupon. That's about 17% off its list price. Just be sure to check the box that says "Apply $60 coupon."
The Skyrover S1 Mini Drone is built for beginners. It packs a 48MP camera on board and 3-axis gimbal stabilization for snapping shake-free 4K photos and 60fps videos. Auto-tracking and one-tpa SmartGo modes also allow for hands-free content creation. Other features include a 39,000 feet transmission range, a foldable build that can slip into your pocket, one-tap takeoff and landing, and smart app connectivity for guides and flight tutorials.
The battery will give you about 40 minutes of flight time before it needs a recharge or a swap. If you spend $110 more on the Skyrover S1 Bundle, you'll get three batteries to swap out for a total of 120 minutes of flight time. Or you can stick with the $289 S1 Mini Drone on its own and save your money by waiting for it to charge.
Everything announced at the February 2026 Nintendo DirectNintendo started off Thursday right by showing off a bunch of upcoming Switch and Switch 2 games.
Nintendo held a Direct livestream this morning. Let's talk about it.
Thursday's Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase was, as expected, full of announcements from third-party publishers, with nary a game from Nintendo proper to be seen anywhere. And while the Switch 2 is in full force, Nintendo didn't forget Switch 1 owners, announcing several games or ports of older games for the older console. Here is everything that got announced during the Direct.
Previously announced a couple of months ago, Nintendo kicked off the show with Orbitals, a retro anime-inspired co-op adventure that looks like it has a lot of style. You'll be able to play through Orbitals with a friend or loved one exclusively on Switch 2 in summer 2026.
A sequel to a 2023 cult hit, PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse is a visual novel that is presumably about a curse involving mermaids. It's out on Switch 1 very soon, on Feb. 19
Fans of both anime and soccer will be delighted that Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters is coming to Switch sometime in 2026. It's got more than 100 playable characters and a whole lot of stylistic flair to go around, making it a pretty distinctive take on the beautiful game.
Tokyo Scramble is a new survival horror game coming exclusively to Switch 2 on Feb. 11, just a handful of days from now. While many modern horror games give players ways to fight back against whatever is chasing them, Tokyo Scramble asks players to simply run away from subterranean dinosaurs and set up traps for them if necessary. Interestingly, it also has a co-op mode where up to four players can work together to control one character. One person takes care of movement, another takes care of traps, etc.
Valheim went viral a few years ago during its Early Access period on Steam thanks to its creative Viking survival/crafting shenanigans. Now, it's coming to Switch 2 sometime in 2026, complete with way more features than the game had back in Early Access, and 10-player online play.
The original Hollow Knight is getting a Switch 2 edition with improved visuals. Anyone who owns the game already on Switch can get the Switch 2 version for free. Have fun, folks.
People who love soccer but hate anime should avert their eyes from Captain Tsubasa and look at eFootball Kick-Off! instead. It's coming to Switch 2 this summer and is the successor to the old Pro Evolution Soccer series, featuring real teams and players.
The Adventures of Elliot appeared in a Nintendo Direct for the second time today after being announced last year. The new trailer reaffirmed that it'll be available on June 18 on Switch 2. It's an action RPG with gorgeous "HD-2D" visuals and a fun-looking time travel conceit. There's already a free demo on the Switch 2 eShop, so anyone who is intrigued can go check that out.
Who doesn't love Bomberman? Konami's classic and explosive multiplayer series is getting a collection on Switch and Switch 2 and it's out today. It features several older games from the 8-and-16-bit eras, including a few that were never released in English before.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was one of the best games of 2024 and it's coming to Switch 2 on June 3. That's really all you need to know.
There were several trailers in this Direct for games that are already known quantities, with the trailers themselves not really revealing anything new. One of those was Pragmata, a new third-person sci-fi shooter from Capcom that has an extremely cool hacking mechanic that is central to the gameplay. I played this one a few months ago at a preview event and loved it. There's a demo coming to the Switch 2 eShop later today, so check that out if you can.
The Turok franchise of dinosaur-themed shooters is harder to kill than the dinosaurs were. After a long period of dormancy, it's back in the form of Turok Origins, which can be enjoyed in both first and third-person and with friends in co-op. If you've ever wanted to shoot dinosaurs with guns, this is the game for you. It's coming to Switch 2 in fall 2026.
The successor to a series that goes all the way back to 1985, Kyoto Xanadu is an action RPG that blends side-scrolling exploration, 3D action combat, and everyone's favorite activity, going to virtual high school. It's coming to Switch and Switch 2 in summer 2026.
Coming to Switch and Switch 2 on July 10 after an initial release on other platforms last year, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is an RPG featuring everyone's favorite digital monsters. I haven't played them personally, but people I know dig these games, so if you like Digimon and/or RPGs, this might be for you.
Granblue Fantasy Relink is one of my favorite action RPGs of the last few years, with gorgeous visuals, excellent music, and extremely fun combat featuring a few dozen playable characters who all have unique and interesting mechanics to learn. It's coming to Switch 2 on July 9, and I highly recommend taking a look at it if it looks interesting to you at all.
Monster Hunter Stories is a spin-off series from the popular action franchise, with cartoony visuals, great turn-based combat, and a pretty neat take on Pokémon-style monster collecting mechanics. The new one comes out on Switch 2 on March 13, and there's a free demo going up on the eShop today.
Arcade Archives is a long-running series of very well-regarded re-releases of old arcade games, and it's getting updated with some new titles on Switch this year. There's also a new Console Archives series of re-releases of old console games, including Ninja Gaiden II for NES.
There was a new trailer for Resident Evil Requiem which honestly didn't have much in the way of new information to share about the upcoming survival horror title. If you want to know more about this game, which seems like it might be great, you can read my hands-on preview from a couple of weeks ago.
Nintendo closed out the show with three Switch 2 ports of existing Bethesda games. Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition launches on Feb. 24, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launches on May 12, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered comes out sometime in 2026.
Get great skin with the iRestore LED Face Mask for its lowest price everAs of Feb. 5, get the iRestore LED Face Mask for its lowest price ever at Amazon.
SAVE $400.01: As of Feb. 5, get the iRestore LED Face Mask for $398.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $799. That's a discount of 50% and the lowest price we've seen.
When it comes to skincare, trying the latest and greatest gadgets can be part of the fun. There are tons of different items to try to jumpstart your skin and give it the upgrade you're looking for, and one of those includes infrared light masks and other devices. If you're looking to try to clear up tired, dull skin or even out your tone, light therapy could be what you need. You can get it at home for much less than paying for multiple salon treatments thanks to this deal.
As of Feb. 5, get the iRestore LED Face Mask for $398.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $799. That's $400.01 off and a discount of 50%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.
This red light mask offers 360 LEDs to shine on your face for double the power of your usual mask. It targets fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and dull skin to rejuvenate your look. That means you're going to reveal smoother, firmer skin with each subsequent treatment. Obviously it's important to keep in mind it's not a miracle worker, but it's certainly meant to help you on your way.
In addition to red light, it offers both blue and infrared options to help target different skincare concerns as well, like blemishes, adding collagen, reducing dark spots, and more. All you do is strap on the lightweight mask and wear it for as little as 10 minutes 3 to 5 times a week.
If you're ready to add some oomph to your routine, this might be the route you want to go in, especially since it can get expensive heading to skincare boutiques for the same kind of treatment. Give it a try while it's on sale for this significant discount.
ExpressVPN launches new free privacy tools for subscribers: VPN for email, secure AI, and moreExpressVPN is rolling out a suite of new and reworked digital security tools: ExpressAI, ExpressMailGuard, ExpressKeys, and Identity Defender.
ExpressVPN is rolling out a suite of new and reworked digital security tools for its subscribers. Most of them will join its existing Basic, Advanced, and Pro plans at no extra cost, and current subscribers can start using two of them immediately.
The suite's freshest features include ExpressMailGuard, an email-disguising service, and ExpressAI, an encrypted AI platform that isn't trained on user data. ExpressMailGuard is available globally as of Thursday, Feb. 5, while ExpressAI will launch at a later date.
ExpressVPN is also turning its built-in password manager and identity protection tools into standalone mobile apps for iOS and Android. ExpressKeys, the former, launches today alongside ExpressMailGuard. The other, Identify Defender, is set for release on Thursday, Feb. 26.
It bears mentioning that none of these tools will improve ExpressVPN's actual VPN service. Rather, they add to the value of an ExpressVPN subscription.
The goal here is to turn ExpressVPN into a "broader privacy ecosystem," according to a press release, which puts it more in line with competitors like ProtonVPN and NordVPN.
ExpressMailGuard lets users create disposable email aliases that they can use to sign up for services, apps, and newsletters. If a sender fills your primary email inbox with junk or unwanted messages, you can block the alias associated with them. ExpressVPN said this tool works with any email service and device, "[unlike] existing email alias tools."
ExpressMailGuard makes it so that users don't have to give out their real email address as often, lessening their likelihood of appearing in a data breach. It's "like a VPN for email," said ExpressVPN COO Shay Peretz.
ExpressVPN Basic, Advanced, and Pro subscribers are all receiving varying degrees of access to ExpressMailGuard starting today.
ExpressAI is billed as "the world's first consumer AI platform built on confidential computing." Translation: User conversations, prompts, and files are encrypted to everyone, including ExpressAI's model providers and ExpressVPN itself. The company said the technology involved was previously exclusive to Nvidia's enterprise data centers. Additionally, ExpressAI's models are never trained on user data. Proton released a similar AI assistant, Lumo, last July.
ExpressAI is designed to better protect sensitive content, "like work files, financial questions, and personal details," compared to other AI platforms, ExpressVPN said.
Users can choose from up to five different models depending on their ExpressVPN subscription tier, including GPTOSS 20B, DeepSeek R1 Distill, Qwen2-VL 2B, Qwen3 32B, and Nvidia Nemotron. The same prompt can be run across multiple models simultaneously for easy comparisons.
All ExpressVPN subscription tiers will include access to ExpressAI.
The ExpressKeys app works as a password generator, a password strength checker, a two-factor authenticator, and secure storage for logins, credit card information, and notes. It supports autofill, offline access, and automatic syncing across different devices. Everything is encrypted, so no one can see your data except you.
By moving this tool out of its VPN's mobile apps, where it was previously called "Keys," ExpressVPN will be able to grow it at a greater scale, the company said.
New ExpressKeys users can log in with their ExpressVPN credentials and import information from other password managers. Existing Keys users can continue to use that service until March 5, 2026.
ExpressVPN Advanced and Pro subscribers are getting complete access to ExpressKeys starting today. It's not available for ExpressVPN Basic subscribers.
ExpressVPN Advanced and Pro subscribers will get full access to the Identity Defender app's services later this month. That includes dark web monitoring, $1 million in identity theft insurance, change of address alerts, automatic data removal, and a credit scanner.
ExpressVPN Basic subscribers will not get access to the Identity Defender app.
