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Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're into astronomy.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 25, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 25, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: That's really out there!

The words are related to outer space.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe space objects.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Spacecraft.

NYT Strands word list for February 25

• Satelite

• Lander

• Orbiter

• Module

• Spacecract

• Rover

• Probe

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love to snowboard.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 25, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 25, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To cut up.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

SHRED

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

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

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

The London-based company is building a system that uses artificial intelligence to power autonomous vehicles.

SAVE $110.01: The TCL Nxtpaper 14 tablet is on sale for $359.98, down from the list price of $469.99. That's a 23% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL Nxtpaper 14 tablet $359.98 at Amazon
$469.99 Save $110.01   Get Deal

We all have a solid collection of gadgets these days. If you're in a tech juggling game you don't love, it might be wise to get a multi-purpose gadget that can come with you everyday, proving itself useful for tons of tasks and activities. Check out this tablet deal at Amazon if this sounds like a good upgrade.

As of Feb. 24, the TCL Nxtpaper 14 tablet is on sale for $359.98, down from the list price of $469.99. That's a 23% discount.

The TCL Nxtpaper 14 is a 14.3-inch Android tablet that has plenty of great perks including a paper-like display, an included flip case, and a TCL T-Pen Stylus. These attributes mean it'll serve as an e-reader, a sketch book, digital notebook, and a much better way to stream shows compared to your phone. Plus, TCL added an anti-glare coating and blue-light blocking technology to the tablet's display.

SEE ALSO: Grab this plug-and-play JLab USB microphone for under $25 at Amazon

Today's deal applies to the model that comes with 256GB of storage and 8GB RAM. It's a slim design, measuring just 0.27 inches thick with a weight of 1.67 pounds, so this model will be perfect for taking along on upcoming spring travel.

If you'll be using the TCL Nxtpaper 14 along with your earbuds, you can use the tablet's ability to reserve charge to keep your earbuds powered up should they get low. You can also recharge your phone off the tablet.

While it's on sale for under $360, snag the versatile TCL Nxtpaper 14 tablet from Amazon. You'll be on your way to consolidating tech gadgets for easier travel.

Google officials apologized after the company sent out push notifications about Sunday’s BAFTA controversy that included a spelled-out racist slur.

The notification linked to a Hollywood Reporter article about the BAFTA film awards and included the following text: "See more on [anti-Black slur]," according to Hollywood Reporter sister publication Variety and screencaps shared on X.

Google officials told Variety that the notifications went out only to a small group of people who receive push notifications, and that AI was not to blame for the error. Instead, Google blamed its safety filters, which did not trigger when it "recognized a euphemism for an offensive term on several web pages and accidentally applied the offensive term to the notification text."

The search giant apologized on Tuesday, with a spokesperson saying, "We’re deeply sorry for this mistake. We’ve removed the offensive notification and are working to prevent this from happening again."

Fallout continues over Sunday’s BAFTA awards, the British equivalent of the Oscars, when a man with Tourette syndrome shouted a racist slur as Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the first award. Others in attendance reported on X that Davidson, who was the basis for the BAFTA-winning film I Swear, had other racially charged tics during the night.

SEE ALSO: The NAACP is fighting back against AI data centers

Davidson has coprolalia, the involuntary use of obscene language, which affects approximately 10 percent of individuals with Tourette Syndrome, according to the Tourette Association of America.

While the show was not produced live, the TV airing included the slur, which was audible to most audiences watching it on the BBC. The slur also remained on the BBC's streaming service until it was yanked off the air on Monday morning.

While BAFTA officials informed in-person attendees that a person with Tourette syndrome was in the audience, and host Alan Cumming apologized after the incident to "those offended tonight," many were unhappy about the handling of the slur; Cumming’s wording certainly received much criticism.

Others were upset that the speech by Black film director Akinola Davies Jr. was cut from the same broadcast with the slur, including a portion where he said, "Free Palestine." The BBC didn't provide clarity to Variety about that editorial choice.

Davidson later released a statement where he said he is "mortified" if anyone considers "involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning." BAFTA leaders announced on Tuesday that a "comprehensive review" of the events of the award show was already underway.

Anthropic insists on limits on how its technology is used and could be labeled a supply chain risk if it fails to accept the military’s demands.

SAVE $86.01: As of Feb. 24, get the Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station for $112.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199. That's a discount of 43% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station $112.99 at Amazon
$199 Save $86.01   Get Deal

Tired of losing power in a storm? Or maybe you just want to go off-grid for a little while. Whatever your reasoning, investing in a portable power station is always a good idea, especially when you save a significant amount of money on one. In the case of this Bluetti model. now's the time to go ahead and lock yours in since you can save some serious cash.

As of Feb. 24, get the Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station for $112.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199. That's $86.01 off and a discount of 43%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The Segway Cube 2000 power station is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save over $350

This small but mighty compact power station may be little, but it's a great addition to your preparedness kit, even if it's just something you keep in your car for emergencies. It has 128Wh of battery, which means you'll be able to charge up your phone about six times, or your laptop twice. That makes it a great lifesaver for your tech life, and can help you keep working or stay in communication when necessary.

It's light enough to keep in your car or closet without being a nuisance, too. It's a surprising four pounds, so not only can you pick it up and move it easily if you need to, but it's not too large that it can't accompany you on trips where you'll be without a power source.

This is a great little power station that'll be able to get you out of a pinch more than once. Be sure to grab it while you can at this significant price cut.

TL;DR: FirstResume uses AI to tailor résumés, track applications, and prep interviews so job hunting takes hours — not weeks.

Opens in a new window Credit: FirstResume FirstResume AI Job Hunting Automator: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$899 Save $859.01   Get Deal

Job searching has become a part-time administrative role. Copy a résumé, tweak keywords, adjust bullet points, rewrite a cover letter, track where you applied — then repeat for the next listing. The actual “job search” often becomes document maintenance.

FirstResume approaches the process as a workflow instead of a writing task. And lifetime access to this magic is on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $899).

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You upload your experience once. After that, each job posting you paste into the system generates a tailored, ATS-friendly résumé and matching cover letter automatically. The software analyzes what the employer emphasizes and reorganizes your background around it, rather than forcing you to rewrite everything manually.

It also acts as an application dashboard. Roles are stored, requirements are summarized, and progress is tracked so you don’t have to maintain spreadsheets or dig through email threads later.

For interviews, it builds practice questions and company insights from the same posting — turning preparation into a continuation of the application rather than a new step. The effect is mostly time: fewer late-night edits, less context switching, and fewer forgotten applications.

Instead of compressing effort into bursts, it spreads it intelligently — the kind of efficiency that makes a long search feel manageable. Don’t miss lifetime access to FirstResume while it’s on sale for a one-time $39.99 payment.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Super Vectorizer Pro converts images into editable vector graphics in seconds on Mac or Windows — lifetime access is $19.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: effectmatrix Super Vectorizer Pro: Universal Lifetime License $19.99
$120 Save $100.01   Get Deal

Anyone who’s tried to enlarge a logo or scan an old drawing knows the problem: pixels don’t scale. The bigger the image gets, the worse it looks. The real fix isn’t resizing — it’s converting the artwork into vector graphics.

That’s what Super Vectorizer Pro is designed to easily handle. A lifetime license is currently available for a one-time payment of $19.99 (reg. $120). Instead of manually tracing shapes in complex design software, the app analyzes a bitmap image and rebuilds it as editable paths.

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You drop in a JPG, PNG, scan, or even a screenshot, and it generates scalable formats like SVG, AI, PDF, or DXF. The updated line-tracing engine detects edges, curves, and corners, keeping shapes clean rather than jagged.

You can also choose color modes, grayscale, or skeleton tracing, depending on whether you’re restoring a logo, preparing a cut file, or outlining a sketch.

The practical uses are wide: cleaning up old branding for print, creating cut files for craft machines, preparing embroidery paths, or turning sketches into editable artwork before finishing in Illustrator. Because the software works on both Mac and Windows and supports dozens of file formats, it often becomes a quick first step before detailed design work.

It doesn’t replace creative tools — it removes the tedious part before creativity starts. Get lifetime access to Super Vectorizer Pro for a one-time payment of $19.99 (reg. $120).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut sent a letter to Binance asking about the flow of $1.7 billion from accounts on the crypto exchange to Iranian entities.

If there's anything grandparents and older relatives love, it's getting photos of the kids. That's why the Aura Frame has been my favorite gift to give in recent years.

It lets me upload new photos whenever I want and have them show on loved ones' frames, no matter where they are. It's an easy way to help relatives to stay connected across generations, even when we're physically far apart.

I can send snapshots from my phone to my parents' Aura frame and surprise them with photos while on the go. When you upload photos to the app, you can control whose frames you want to send them to, and they'll appear in the rotation. I love that my parents don't have to look up anything on their phone or set up anything complicated. Other perks include unlimited storage and no subscription fees.

If you're looking for a great gift for a family member that doubles as a conversation starter, the Aura Frame is a tech-y gift suitable for family members of all ages.

This story is part of Holidays With Heart, a series in which Mashable and other CNET Group Perspectives contributors share personal stories involving technology.

TL;DR: Live stream Real Madrid vs. Benfica in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League playoff fixture between Benfica and Real Madrid made headlines for all the wrong reasons, and the focus will inevitably remain on the controversy going into the second leg. Real Madrid carry a 1-0 advantage going into this clash, and will expect to secure their passage into the next round at the Estadio Bernabeu.

If you want to watch Real Madrid vs. Benfica in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Real Madrid vs. Benfica?

Real Madrid vs. Benfica in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 25. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Bernabeu.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Benfica for free

Real Madrid vs. Benfica is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, 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 Ireland, meaning you can unblock RTÉ Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Real Madrid vs. Benfica for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland

4. Visit RTÉ Player

5. Watch Real Madrid vs. Benfica for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

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 Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Real Madrid vs. Benfica (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTÉ Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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 Madrid vs. Benfica in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream PSG vs. Monaco in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The first leg of the Champions League matchup between PSG and Monaco was extremely entertaining. At one point, it looked like the defending champions were going to be dumped out of the competition, but they came fighting back from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Now they face off again in the second leg, this time in Paris.

Désiré Doué was the spark that PSG needed to come storming back in that entertaining game. He'll need to be at his electric best again if PSG want to avoid an upset.

If you want to watch PSG vs. Monaco in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is PSG vs. Monaco?

PSG vs. Monaco in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 25. This fixture takes place at the Parc des Princes.

How to watch PSG vs. Monaco for free

PSG vs. Monaco is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, 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 Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream PSG vs. Monaco for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch PSG vs. Monaco for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

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 PSG vs. Monaco without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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).

Watch PSG vs. Monaco in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Heated Rivalry fans, I know you've quoted Ilya Rozanov's "I'm coming to the cottage" a thousand times over. Now you can make that quote a reality, because the actual cottage seen in the series is for rent on Airbnb.

SEE ALSO: Trump celebrated the men's hockey gold. The women were the punchline.

The Barlochan Cottage, located in Torrance, Canada, will be available for rent starting March 3. The property can host up to six guests. It has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with sunset views, lakefront access, kayaks, canoes, and a fire pit. Yes, the very same fire pit that prompts Ilya's unimpressed "Canada is fun" in Heated Rivalry's Season 1 finale.

According to the listing, the cottage is also a 30-minute drive from Muskoka Airport and a 90-minute drive from Toronto Pearson Airport.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

(In the understatement of the century, the listing also says that "Barlochan Cottage was featured on a TV-hit show this season.")

Owned by Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) in Heated Rivalry, the cottage is the setting of the Season 1 finale, where Shane and Ilya have a sweet, private vacation together and work out what comes next for their relationship. Since then, the word "cottage" has never been the same.

So, what new stories will the cottage's upcoming Airbnb rentals bring? Heated Rivalry watch parties? People looking for their own Hollanov-style romantic getaway? Someone who's never heard of the show but just loves the house's vibe?

Check out the full Airbnb listing here.

Heated Rivalry is now streaming on HBO Max.

As the mobile world awaits the big upcoming announcement from Samsung about its new line of smartphones, a new leak has provided some disappointing news.

Mobile news outlet Ytechb have just acquired the EU labels for the still-unannounced, brand new Samsung Galaxy S26 series of mobile devices. Unfortunately, it seems these new Samsung devices have received a downgrade in battery health.

According to the ratings on the labels, the Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra each have 1,200 charge cycles. This means that the battery will fall to 80 percent health after 1,200 charge cycles.

SEE ALSO: Everything to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: New phones, more AI features

The Galaxy S26 line's predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S25, had 2,000 charge cycles, meaning the battery maintained as close to full health for significantly longer.

On the bright side, however, the Galaxy S26 line of batteries does appear to be much more energy efficient than the Galaxy S25 line, according to the EU labels.

In an EU-standarized battery test, the Samsung Galaxy S26 battery lasted 51 hours. That's 14 hours longer than the Galaxy S25's 37 hours.

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ and S26 Ultra each lasted 55 hours, whereas their predecessors lasted 43.5 hours and nearly 45 hours, respectively.

So, maybe the downgrade in the battery charge cycles is more like a near-even trade off? We will find out a lot more about the new Samsung Galaxy S26 line at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked.

Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked is almost here, and if the leaks are to be believed, the Galaxy S26 series won’t just be a routine refresh. Between hardware tweaks, a redesigned One UI, upgraded earbuds, and a heavier AI push, there’s a lot on deck.

Here’s everything to expect ahead of Galaxy Unpacked 2026 on Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. ET. We'll be covering the event live, and you can watch along with Mashable and our colleagues at CNET during the show.

Galaxy S26 lineup: Base, Plus, Ultra — and maybe more?

Despite earlier rumors of a shakeup, Samsung is now expected to stick with a familiar trio: Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. Reports that the base model would be rebranded as "Pro" and that the Plus would be scrapped appear to have fizzled, with coverage citing a return to the traditional naming scheme.

Leaker Evan Blass recently posted the potential color options on X, including:

• Black

• White

• Silver Shadow

• Sky Blue

• Cobalt Violet

• Pink Gold

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy S26 is almost here: Possible specs, colors, and release date

As for specs, the S26 series is rumored to run on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with some regions potentially getting an Exynos variant. RAM could jump to 16GB across models, and the battery is where things may get more interesting. The S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a 5,500mAh stacked battery, a 10 percent increase over its predecessor.

Camera rumors are mixed. The Ultra could retain a 200MP main sensor (possibly upgraded), while base and Plus models may once again stick with a 50MP + 12MP + 10MP triple-lens setup.

As for the previously rumored S26 Edge? Its fate remains unclear, with reports suggesting it could be delayed or quietly scrapped.

The Galaxy S26 has been leaking like a faucet Credit: Screenshot courtesy of YouTube / Sahil Karoul

If you just can't wait a day, the tech YouTuber Sahil Karoul appears to have secured the Galaxy S26 Ultra in Dubai ahead of its official debut, as we reported earlier today. So, if you want an early potential look at the phone, check out the full video. The rumored Galaxy Buds 4 have also been the subject of a steady drip of leaks lately (more on this shortly).

Galaxy AI features

If there’s one throughline heading into Galaxy Unpacked, it’s AI. Reports suggest Samsung is expanding Galaxy AI in a big way, potentially including an AI-powered notifications summary tool that condenses 24 hours of alerts into a quick digest using its Gauss model.

There are also rumors of deeper third-party integrations, including a possible deal to preload Perplexity on the S26, which could reshape how Samsung’s browser and virtual assistant handle search.

SEE ALSO: Samsung teases new AI image editor for upcoming Galaxy S26 phones

On the creative side, upgraded Photo Assist tools and generative image features will allow users to edit and create visuals more seamlessly, all within a more unified AI editing experience. (The new AI photo features were recently confirmed by Samsung.) Whether that translates to genuinely smarter software or just more AI branding will become clearer once Unpacked kicks off.

Privacy Display and One UI 8.5

The S26 lineup is expected to debut with One UI 8.5, which Mashable previously reported will introduce a significant visual refresh and new features.

One of the most talked-about additions is "Privacy Display," a built-in screen mode that mimics a frosted screen protector to block shoulder surfers. There are also rumors of more transparent UI elements inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic. In January, leaker Ice Universe posted an old video showing a version of Privacy Display on a prototype device.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: See Samsung Galaxy S26's Privacy Display feature in action

On the AI front, Tom’s Guide reports that One UI 8.5 may introduce an AI-powered notifications summary tool using Samsung’s Gauss AI model.

The feature would reportedly condense 24 hours of alerts into a digestible overview and support multiple languages at launch.

Galaxy Buds 4

Samsung is also expected to unveil the Galaxy Buds 4 series alongside the S26 phones.

According to Android Authority, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro could support head gestures, allowing users to nod or shake their head to answer calls or dismiss notifications. The earbuds may also double as a remote shutter for the camera app — pinch and hold to snap a photo.

Another rumored addition: a "Find My Phone" feature triggered by double-tapping the pairing button on the case.

If the lack of background play or downloadable offline content was one of the reasons you were holding off on subscribing to YouTube's most affordable paid subscription plan, then YouTube has some good news for you today.

In an announcement on its website, YouTube shared that both the ability to play content in the background and the ability to download content for offline viewing are coming to its $7.99 per month YouTube Premium Lite subscription plan.

YouTube's ad-free paid subscription plan, YouTube Premium, has been massively successful for the company. 

For $13.99 per month, viewers can have a completely ad-free YouTube experience with YouTube Premium. They also receive subscriber-only features such as background play and content that can be downloaded for offline viewing. YouTube's streaming music service, YouTube Music, is also provided at no additional cost, also completely ad-free.

SEE ALSO: YouTube TV will soon offer cheaper bundles, including a new sports plan

Last year, the company shared that more than 125 million people subscribe to the service. Around the same time, YouTube also announced that it was rolling out a new, more affordable tier of YouTube Premium called YouTube Premium Lite.

YouTube Premium Lite offers an ad-free experience on most of YouTube's content. Ads still appear on YouTube Shorts, music content, and when a user is searching or browsing for content on the platform. The trade-off is that this cheaper tier is only $7.99 per month.

However, YouTube Premium Lite was also missing those additional features — until now.

YouTube Premium Lite subscribers can now play most YouTube content in the background as well as download most YouTube content for offline viewing. The restrictions on which content can be played in the background or downloaded are the same as the ad-free experience. (YouTube Shorts and music content cannot be viewed with background play or downloaded, for instance). Also, ad-free access to YouTube Music remains a YouTube Premium exclusive.

Still, YouTube says that a significant number of users were requesting that background play and downloadable content features be added to YouTube Premium Lite, and now they are.

At this point, Punch the monkey no longer belongs to the zoo. He belongs to the internet.

The 7-month-old macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo first went viral for clinging to a stuffed animal after being abandoned by his mother. (She was just stressed out!) People projected onto him immediately — his loneliness, his resilience, his need for comfort. They rooted for him as if he were the Chosen One in a modern fantasy novel.

SEE ALSO: The internet is worried about Punch the monkey. The zoo says he's OK.

And like any good main character, people want updates. Lots of them. So we're here to provide them to you. For example, just look at this recent clip of Punch jumping into his enclosure:

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Concern for Punch reached such a fever pitch that even joking criticism of him hasn't gone over well. When comedian Jon Stewart mentioned Punch during a recent taping of The Daily Show, audience members booed at the mere suggestion of anything negative happening to the baby monkey. The moment was brief, but telling.

Despite his name, people don't want the little monkey to be a punchline. They want him to be safe. They want him to be happy. Mostly, they want him to be OK.

So, what is Punch doing now?

According to the most recent updates from visitors to the Ichikawa City Zoo, Punch is continuing to slowly integrate with the other macaques.

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He still carries his stuffed animal — his emotional support orangutan from IKEA and the object that made him famous — but he's also spending more time exploring his enclosure and interacting with other monkeys. He's even found himself a bit of a bodyguard within the enclosure.

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According to a Feb. 23 update from one of his keepers, Punch has been having a lot more fun with the other baby monkeys in the enclosure.

"From what I could see, there were no scenes of him being scolded, and he was observed playing with the other baby monkeys," the keeper wrote on the zoo's official X account. "During mealtime, he came down from the keeper’s foot on his own and started eating by himself. He continues to do well."

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That last detail is especially significant. For the first five months of his life, Punch was hand-raised by zoo staff, forming a close bond with the keepers who fed and cared for him. During meals, he often clung to them for comfort instead of eating alongside the other monkeys. Now, he's starting to let go.

Choosing to eat on his own may seem like a small step. But for Punch, it's a sign of something much bigger: independence. A growing confidence. Proof that he's slowly learning how to be a monkey among other monkeys.

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There are other small but meaningful signs of progress, too. In recent videos shared by zoogoers, Punch can be seen learning to groom by observing a larger monkey carefully picking through another's fur and mimicking the social behavior that helps macaques bond with one another.

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In another clip, Punch wobbles forward on two legs, a stick in hand. The posture is tentative, almost childlike. And it's really adorable.

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He's also learned to open doors — a fantastic new skill.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. How can you help Punch?

The outpouring of concern for Punch has been so intense that people have begun asking how they can help or donate directly to Ichikawa City Zoo.

In a recent post on its official social media accounts, the zoo said it has received "a large number of inquiries" about sending money or goods to support Punch and the zoo. Details about an official donation system will be announced soon, the zoo said.

But officials also issued a clear warning: any fundraising efforts not announced through the zoo's official channels are not authorized.

SEE ALSO: Punch the monkey's emotional support plushie is from IKEA. Buy it before it sells out.

"Apart from the announcements made here, the various support activities for our zoo or Punch that are currently being called for in different forms are not officially endorsed,” the zoo wrote. “Please be aware that we cannot take responsibility for any troubles that may arise."

Punch's story has become so global that the zoo says it's now receiving a surge of phone calls from overseas. Staff noted they're unable to respond to inquiries in languages other than Japanese, a sign of just how far concern for the tiny macaque and his Oran Mama plushie has spread.

So, TL;DR — Don't harass the zoo. Punch is doing OK. You can all exhale now.

SAVE UP TO 30%: Through Feb. 26, Southwest promo code ONBOARD saves you up to 30% on select base fares for Southwest flights to the continental U.S. and inter-island HI between April 7 and May 20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Southwest Southwest sale: Up to 30% off base fares   Get Deal

A ray of hope for the northeast U.S. population who has really had enough of the snow, thank you: Through Feb. 26, Southwest plane tickets are up to 30% off for travel this spring break season. Of course, you don't have to be flying from (or flying to) the blizzard zone to take advantage of this Southwest sale — the deal applies to the whole continental U.S. and inter-island Hawaii. Use code ONBOARD to see flight discounts for travel between April 7 and May 20, 2026.

Yes, Southwest makes you pay for bags now. But you could end up saving enough on roundtrip tickets that it ends up covering the $35 each way you would have paid for luggage. Once you plug your destination in and enter code ONBOARD, you can use Southwest's Low Fare Calendar to get an overview of daily fares for a two-month window. The lowest fares will appear crossed out with the new discounted cost. In my own personal research (Philly to Orlando or Philly to Las Vegas), I'm seeing a ton of flights for $40 off each way on multiple days of the week.

iSO 26.4 beta 2 has launched for developers, and there's plenty to test out.

For those early adopters out there, we've already gotten a look at new features and other changes.

Here are a few things to keep an eye out for.

RCS encryption with Android devices

Apple has added encryption for RCS messaging between iPhone and Android devices, which is a big development for security-minded users.

Wrote Apple in its release notes:

"In this beta, RCS end-to-end encryption will become available for testing between Apple and Android devices. This feature is not shipping in this release and will be available to customers in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS 26 releases. End-to-end encryption is in beta and is not available for all devices or carriers. Conversations labeled as encrypted are encrypted end-to-end, so messages can’t be read while they’re sent between devices."

Reduce highlighting effects

As Apple-focused site 9to5Mac spotted, the new beta adds a feature where users can reduce the highlighting effect on the edges of buttons and sliders. This is an accessibility feature.

Home screen editing

The edit menu for the Home Screen — where you can add a widget, customize your wallpaper, and do other tasks — uses even more transparent Liquid Glass, MacRumors spotted.

How to try the new iOS 26.4 beta 2

If you're subscribed to the Apple Beta Software Program, then you can find the new beta in Settings > General > Software Updates. As per usual, you should back up your device before switching to a beta OS. You can also read the full release notes at the Apple Developer portal.

And don't forget that we're expecting big developments from Apple in the coming week. The company has an event scheduled for March 4, and we're expecting announcements related to iOS and new devices.