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Verizon's network was down for much of Wednesday, the company eventually announcing that it had been restored at 10:20 p.m. ET / 7:20 p.m. PT. Thousands of users across the U.S. were left with their phones in SOS mode due to this outage, meaning they could only make emergency calls. Well, at least in theory. In practice, some attempts to contact 911 reportedly struggled to get through.

SEE ALSO: Verizon outage cause: What we know, what we don't

Though the Verizon mobile network was down for hours, one silver lining was that 911 calls should have still worked. Calls to emergency services can connect to any mobile tower, helping ensure customers of a downed network aren't cut off from help.

Unfortunately, it seems the system might not have worked entirely as intended. Some Verizon users claimed this outage prevented them from calling 911, while multiple official emergency services recommended contacting them via alternate means.

"This light caught fire today and my family was unable to call 911 because of @Verizon's incompetency," X user @OmarMKAhmad alleged, sharing a photograph of a burnt and melted ceiling light. "Thankfully our cleaners happened to be at the house (who have @TMobile) and called 911."

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The Office of Unified Communications (OUC) acknowledged the then ongoing Verizon outage on Wednesday evening via X, warning that the outage was impacting some people attempting to call for emergency services. It also sent a message via AlertDC, the District of Columbia’s official emergency notification system.

"OUC is aware of a nationwide Verizon outage affecting some users trying to reach 911," wrote OUC. "If you have an emergency and cannot connect using your Verizon device, please connect using a device from another carrier, a landline, or go to a police or fire station to report the emergency."

New York's official emergency notification system addressed Verizon's outage as well. Notify NYC stated that the issue "may affect some users trying to call 911," and also recommended people who require emergency services reach out via a different network or a landline, or alternatively seek help in person. Fortunately, people in New York can also use LinkNYC kiosks or FDNY call boxes to contact emergency services. 

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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.

How to play Pips

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 15, 2026

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for January 15, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 15 Pips

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this red space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this green space must be equal to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 15 Pips

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this green space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this purple space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 15 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 0-3, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this dark blue space must be different. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this green space must be different. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this purple space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this green space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 1-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this dark blue space must be greater than 3. The answer is 3-5, 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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know Italian soccer teams.

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.

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: NO

• Green: Italian

• Blue: Scrap

• Purple: Sounds like a Yankee

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Reject a Shot

• Green: Serie A Teams

• Blue: Benches-Clearing Brawl

• Purple: Yankees Greats, With The First Letter Changed

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 #479 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Reject a Shot - BLOCK, DENY, STUFF, SWAT

• Serie A Teams - BOLOGNA, COMO, JUVENTUS, ROMA

• Benches-Clearing Brawl - BROUHAHA, FGHT, FRACAS, RHUBARB

• Yankees Greats, With The First Letter Changed - FUDGE, METER, TERRA, WORD

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 yesterday's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you have a green thumb.

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

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

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

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for January 15, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Landscaping instruments

• Green: Fixed

• Blue: Small units

• Purple: Male titles

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Gardening tools

• Green: Unmoving

• Blue: Things that come in flakes

• Purple: Words formed by two men's names

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 #949 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Gardening tools: HOSE, RAKE, SHOVEL, SPADE

• Unmoving: FROZEN, STATIC, STATIONARY, STILL

• Things that come in flakes: CEREAL, DANDRUFF, SALT, SNOW

• Words formed by two men's names: JACKAL, LEVITATE, MELTED, PATRON

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 15, 2026

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you have great hearing.

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 January 15, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 15, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: The ears have it!

The words are related to a body part.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe parts of your hearing aids.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Hear Hear.

NYT Strands word list for January 15

• Stirruo

• Cartilage

• Lobe

• Hammber

• Anvil

• Hear Hear

• Drum

• Canal

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 geology.

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 January 15, 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 January 15, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A gorge.

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 C.

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...

CHASM

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 15, 2026

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.

In the midst of a widespread service disruption affecting Verizon Wireless customers in the United States, the company is facing a deluge of angry customers on social media.

The company has made a series of statements about the outage, which is ongoing as of this writing.

But what caused the Verizon outage that affected so many mobile customers all over the country? While Verizon hasn't issued any statements addressing the cause, we'll provide more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, here's everything we know so far.

The Verizon service outage cause: What we know

Starting around 11:55 a.m. ET, the platform Downdetector started to receive a spike in user error reports from Verizon customers. Error reports peaked around 12:45 p.m. ET, when Downdetector received "178,284 concurrent reports" within a 15-minute period." So far, the platform has received more than 1.7 million error reports. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.)

Mashable reporters reached out to Verizon with questions about the outage, but the company has yet to say anything concrete about the source of the problem.

SEE ALSO: Verizon support hints at phone bill 'discount' for outage

Instead, the company responded with the same statements it's posted to its website and social media platforms. The statements thank customers for their patience and promise that Verizon engineering teams "remain fully deployed" to address the issue.

A recent statement on X reads:

"Verizon's team is on the ground actively working to fix today’s service issue that is impacting some customers. We know this is a huge inconvenience, and our top priority is to get you back online and connected as fast as possible. We appreciate your patience while we work to resolve this issue."

At this time, it's not clear where on the ground Verizon is working, or what they're working on.

Verizon outage cause: What we don't know

Global mobile networks involve a vast infrastructure, and we don't yet know which part of Verizon's telecommunications system has malfunctioned. It's also possible that the outage is caused by a third-party contractor or vendor that works with Verizon.

Likewise, we don't know if the outage was caused by a software problem, hardware problem, or both, though Verizon has blamed previous outages on software problems.

Mashable reported on several major internet outages in 2025. Typically, the companies responsible for an outage provide an initial update the day of the disruption, followed by a more in-depth report in the weeks ahead.

We will update this story as we learn more about the outage.

Verizon Wireless outage timeline

Verizon experienced a major service disruption on Wednesday, Jan. 14, with confused customers taking to social media to report that their phones were suddenly stuck in SOS mode.

The outage began around noon ET, and Verizon quickly acknowledged the outage in a statement posted on X; a Verizon spokesperson also provided the same statement to Mashable reporters.

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By the evening, some customers reported restored service, though many customers on social media still complained of ongoing problems. While the service was down, many angry Verizon customers criticized the company in social media posts.

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This isn't the first time Verizon customers have experienced an outage.

In September 2025 (and again in October 2025), thousands of Verizon mobile customers experienced brief outages, which Verizon eventually attributed to software issues. A service disruption in 2024 also sent some Verizon customers' phones into SOS mode.

Before Reddit became the de facto "front page of the internet," there was Digg. 

Digg, the crowdsourced content platform, is where "upvoting" links was popularized. However, a failed redesign wrecked the site's popularity with its user base, who fled to Reddit – and the rest was history. Digg flailed under different curated, editorial visions and Reddit became one of the internet's biggest websites.

Now, Digg's original founder Kevin Rose is teaming up with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian to relaunch the platform. Digg is back (again) and looking to take on Reddit with the help of the guy who founded Reddit. (Ohanian left Reddit in 2020.)

On Wednesday, the beta version of Digg officially launched to the public at Digg.com. Interested users can sign up for the beta now.

SEE ALSO: Verizon support hints at phone bill 'discount' for outage

In an interview with TechCrunch, Rose shared his goals with the newly relaunched Digg of building trust with its user base and making sure it's not overtaken by AI bots looking to manipulate the platform. For example, a Digg community for those who own a particular piece of tech hardware could be asked to prove they own said piece of technology.

At launch, the new Digg has 21 general communities around topics such as science, funny, tech, gaming, and entertainment. Around 67,000 users were invited on the platform before the public launch.

With the public launch, anyone can now sign-up and a community could be created around any specific topic or niche. However, at the time, each community can only have one manager. Digg CEO Justin Mezzell told TechCrunch that the company wanted to launch the platform and then build and ship features weekly as Digg evolves.

Digg is also launching with an AI-created podcast called Digg Daily which recaps the biggest stories on the platform each day. According to the company, it's considering bringing in human hosts after hearing feedback from users.

Following the aforementioned failed 2010 redesign which led to the platform's downfall, Digg has been bought and sold by various entities, until Rose and Ohanian acquired the platform and subsequently announced their intent to relaunch Digg last year.

Users can sign up for the new Digg at Digg.com now.

SAVE $400: As of Jan. 14, get the TCL 85-inch T7 QLED 4K TV for $999.99. That's down from its usual price of $1,399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon TCL 85-inch T7 QLED 4K TV $999.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $400   Get Deal

New year, new TV? If adding to your home entertainment setup in 2026 is on the agenda, you can't go wrong with a big screen TV. Whether it's for enjoying movies, sports, or your favorite shows, it's a great idea. And you can save big on one right now.

As of Jan. 14, get the TCL 85-inch T7 QLED 4K TV for $999.99, down from its usual price of $1,399.99. That's $400 off and a discount of 29%.

SEE ALSO: Samsung's new OLED TVs will probably be expensive. Meanwhile, the 2025 S90F OLED is almost 50% off.

This massive screen is part of TCL's more affordable T7 Series, which offer tons of screen real estate with budget-friendly features and options. The quantum dot display offers a crisp picture with a 144Hz refresh rate, an AI processor to optimize color, contrast, and other settings all its own, and support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+. In short, you're getting a ton of great features even for balling on a budget.

In addition to Google TV integration, which means you have plenty of streaming options built-in, you also get settings that work great for gamers: Motion Rate 490 with MEMC Frame Insertion, Game Accelerator 288, and an Auto Game Mode for the best lowered input lag and latency.

There's a lot to love here, so don't count it out for its discount heritage. Snag this TV ASAP before it's no longer available at its discounted price.

TL;DR: The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable replaces multiple chargers and tools in one compact keychain design, and it’s currently on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: GoCable GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable $21.99
$49.99 Save $28.00   Get Deal

Most of us don’t actually need more chargers — we just need smarter ones, or at least ones that do more than just take our phones to 100%. If your bag is still a tangled mess of different cables for every device you own, an all-in-one option can simplify things fast. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable replaces multiple cords with a single, compact setup, and it’s marked down for a limited time.

Labubus are cute, but this keychain actually does something. The GoCable packs eight functions into one everyday carry tool, including, but not limited to, fast charging, data transfer, a bottle opener, cutter, carabiner clip, and multiple connector options — all in a small, pocketable form factor.

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On the charging front, it’s built for speed. If your devices always feel stuck in slow-charging purgatory, the cable is often the culprit. This one supports up to 100W fast charging, which means you can power up phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and handheld consoles significantly quicker than with standard cables. It also handles high-speed data transfer when you need to move files between devices.

Device compatibility won’t be an issue either. Whether you primarily use Apple gear, Android devices, or a mix of both, the GoCable works across ecosystems with Type-C-to-Type-C and Lightning connector combinations. Built-in magnetic cable management keeps the cord tangle-free so you’re not fishing knots out of your backpack on the subway or mid-flight.

Since it’s meant to live on your keys or bag, it earns its space. A built-in bottle opener is there for off-the-clock moments, and the hidden safety cutter can help open packages or slice tags without exposed blades.

Normally $49.99, the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W cable is on sale for $21.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Anthropic’s newest productivity experiment, Cowork, is notable not just for what it does, but for how it was made. Cowork is essentially a version of the AI coding tool Claude Code for non-developers. And according to the company, much of Cowork was built by Claude Code itself, turning the AI into both the product and a key part of the development process.

SEE ALSO: Anthropic AI research model hacks its training, breaks bad

Instead of writing software, users grant Claude access to a folder on their computer and ask it to perform real work, such as organizing files, drafting reports, compiling spreadsheets from screenshots, or cleaning up documents. Unlike a standard chat, Cowork operates with more autonomy. You assign a task, and Claude plans and executes it step by step, keeping you informed as it progresses.

Anthropic says that after launching Claude Code, it noticed users repurposing it for everyday tasks far beyond programming, from planning trips to managing personal data. That behavior directly inspired Cowork’s agentic design.

When asked on X how much of Cowork was built using Claude Code, Boris Cherny, Anthropic’s head of Claude Code, replied simply: "All of it."

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Cowork is launching as a research preview for Claude Max subscribers on macOS, with Anthropic emphasizing that this is an early step toward more agent-like AI tools.

SAVE $150: The Ninja Slushi Max is on sale at Amazon for $349.99, down from the standard price of $499.99. That's a 30% discount that matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi Max $349.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $150   Get Deal

We're down to the final weeks of football season. That means just a few more opportunities to host the football party of all football parties. If you've mastered the snacks, upgraded to a massive TV, and have the most comfortable couch ever, there's only one upgrade left — turn every beverage into a slushy. Thankfully, there's a great deal on an at-home slushy machine today.

As of Jan. 14, the Ninja Slushi Max is on sale at Amazon for $349.99, down from the standard price of $499.99. That works out to a savings of $150 from a 30% discount. This sale price also matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

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Ninja makes some of our favorite kitchen appliances, and the Ninja Slushi is a highlight. In testing the original Slushi machine, Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart found it to be "a serotonin booster worth trying." She slush-ified White Claws, protein shakes, a pre-workout electrolyte drink, and straight Pepsi, finding the machine to get weekly use in her home.

But Ninja went ahead and outdid themselves with the Ninja Slushi Max. It's a steroid-ridden version of the original with a much larger capacity and more versatility in terms of what it can turn into a slushy. For starters, Ninja considers this the party drink machine, crafting up to 150 ounces of frozen dreams.

Perfect for particular parties, the Ninja Slushi Max is also a much better bartender compared to the original. This model can slush cocktails that contain up to 20% alcohol. Ninja notes that'll get you access to enjoying a slushy version of mudslide cocktail, a cosmo, or a Long Island iced tea. On the non-alcoholic side, the machine has a setting for the perfect milkshake or frozen juice. The kids will be thrilled about this treat on warm summer days.

While hosting the final few football parties of the year, impress your guests with the Ninja Slushi Max. You'll be able to get 150 ounces of frozen goodness from each batch and be able to wash most elements in the dishwasher come cleanup.

SAVE $1,200: The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $1,599, down from the list price of $2,799. That's a 43% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus $1,599 at Amazon
$2,799 Save $1,200   Get Deal

Not many people love a power outage. Sure, the first two hours might be fun cuddled up on the couch with a blanket and whatever phone battery you have left, but that charm tends to fade quickly. The moment your phone enters 20% power left or you consider what you'll eat for the next meal, the novelty of relaxing on the couch is gone. Instead of dealing with this inconvenience, a portable power station eases those issues, and there's a beast of a model on sale right now.

Plenty of portable power stations are designed to keep small gadgets charged up while camping or during a short power outage. But for longer outages or for keeping big appliances online, you want something hefty.

SEE ALSO: The Jackery HomePower 3000 power station is over $1,000 off at Amazon

The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus gives off 3,584Wh of battery capacity which can keep your refrigerator going for up to three days. You'll be able to make coffee in the morning or even wash a load of clothes in the washing machine. Don't forget the advantage of being able to keep the WiFi router online, so long as that service is still up and running during the storm.

The wheels and telescoping handle on the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus means it'll be easy to roll this around your home from the kitchen to the living room. Another benefit is major expandability. Jackery made this model compatible with the Jackery Battery Pack 3600 which adds an additional 3,584kWh to the system, doubling the power.

Before the next winter storm hits that knocks out power, upgrade to the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus. You'll be able to keep lights on, make coffee, keep the refrigerator cooling, and even stay connected to to WiFi.

Verizon is suffering from a massive outage today with cellular service down for many of Verizon's customers across the country.

How can it get any worse for Verizon? Well, what if one of their biggest competitors was spiking the football right now on social media, bragging about how their service is still working perfectly?

Because that's exactly what T-Mobile is doing.

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"T-Mobile’s network is keeping our customers connected, and we’ve confirmed that our network is operating normally and as expected," T-Mobile said in a post on X. "However due to Verizon’s reported outage, our customers may not be able to reach someone with Verizon service at this time."

Some of the top replies on T-Mobile's post are from Verizon customers openly pondering whether they should switch cellphone carriers.

"Ice cold," replied one user on X.

However, T-Mobile's post serves an actual purpose beyond just trolling Verizon.

When Verizon went down, many other cellular customers with companies like T-Mobile and AT&T also started reporting that their service was down. Downdetector saw a spike in downtime complaints for T-Mobile, AT&T, and other wireless carriers right around the time Verizon's network experienced outages.

However, as T-Mobile shared, the company wasn't experiencing any network issues. Instead, T-Mobile customers were likely trying to contact Verizon customers and couldn't get through because of the Verizon outage. As a result, some customers may have incorrectly assumed they were experiencing issues too.

So, yes, ice cold comments from T-Mobile, but also a much-needed statement to set the record straight.

For the latest news, Mashable is providing live updates on the Verizon outage.

Verizon customers from Los Angeles to New York City reported phones stuck in SOS mode on Wednesday afternoon as the mobile company experienced a major outage — with no explanation offered.

But as customers complained about the service disruption on social media, one Verizon support account suggested customers may see a discount on a future bill.

"I pay $175 for my Verizon phone bill I better get a discount next bill cycle," a user named "Kardashiangirl" wrote. A Verizon support account replied: "You are very welcome, once service is restored we can review and adjust based on how long the outage occurs." The message was signed by "Sydney," who also offered a happy smiling emoji

Many angry Verizon customers have been complaining on X (and elsewhere) about the cost of their bills and the length of the disruption. Meanwhile, statement from Verizon Support posted on X thanked users for their patience.

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Mashable contacted Verizon to ask if affected customers could be entitled to a discount on their mobile bill, and we'll update this story if we receive a response.

This isn't the first time Verizon has experienced an outage in recent years.

In September 2025, and again in October 2025, many Verizon mobile customers experienced mobile outages, which Verizon eventually attributed to software issues. A previous service disruption in 2024 sent some Verizon customers' phones into SOS mode, as in this 2026 outage.

While in SOS mode, customers are only able to make emergency 911 calls.

As of this writing, T-Mobile and AT&T's networks appear to be operating normally.

This is a developing story...

Many Verizon mobile users experienced a major service disruption on Wednesday afternoon, with customers reporting that their phones suddenly went into SOS mode.

Affected customers who want to check their local area for network problems have several options.

The platform Downdetector has a regularly updated Verizon outage map available online. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.)

The Downdetector heat map shows widespread Verizon outages, as reported by users. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Downdetector

The heat map shows clusters of user error reports in major U.S. cities, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. The outage map also indicates Verizon customers in Los Angeles and Seattle are experiencing problems, suggesting this is a true coast-to-coast problem.

You can also go to the Verizon website to check the company's network status; however, this page appears to be experiencing intermittent problems. Mashable reporters were unable to access an updated map, and instead received the same statement Verizon posted on X previously.

"Verizon engineering teams are continuing to address today's service interruptions. Our teams remain fully deployed and are focused on the issue. We understand the impact this has on your day and remain committed to resolving this as quickly as possible."

Verizon has a tool to check network status, but it did not appear to be working as of this writing. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Verizon

Mashable has been providing ongoing coverage of the Verizon outage, which the company acknowledged in a statement: "We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience."

The company later said that its "engineering teams are continuing to address today's service interruptions."

So far, Verizon has not indicated what caused the ongoing outage or when service would be fully restored.

This is a developing story...

YouTube is adding more ways to ensure the content your kids consume on their feeds is age and developmentally appropriate.

Starting today, parents can set screen limits for teen accounts that specifically monitor the amount of time young users spending scrolling through their Shorts feed. As the feature rolls out, parents will also get the option to set Shorts scrolling time to zero. Time controls can be set for specified periods of the day, and caretakers can also create custom reminders that alert their teens to bedtimes or recommend taking a break.

SEE ALSO: Google reverses key parental control policy

"This is an industry-first feature that puts parents firmly in control of the amount of short-form content their kids watch. This also gives parents flexibility," said YouTube.

The company has also penned new best practices for teen users, which will power an updated recommendation engine specific to minor accounts that amplifies what YouTube and consulted professionals deem "high quality" content. Examples given include videos from education accounts like Khan Academy, CrashCourse, and TED-Ed.

YouTube is one of the most popular platforms among adults and teens, and is used by 9 out of 10 teens in the country, according to a recent report by the Pew Center. It's the only site frequented in equal measure by older and younger adolescents, compared to social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram. The platform has struggled to button up its content moderation and advertising for young users, with past reports of minors encountering graphic content even while scrolling its kids-specific offerings.

YouTube has released a suite of well-being and safety features in response, including a new age verification system powered by AI that flags suspected minor accounts and automatically applies age appropriate settings. Users can upload their IDs to confirm they're adults if they are incorrectly flagged as under 18. The platform joins many other companies cracking down on child safety risks using age assurance technology, as the industry faces ongoing pressure from federal leaders.

If you're in the market for a new pair of earbuds, we have good news: You have a lot of options. The bad news? You have a lot of options, and your decision can get overwhelming, fast. Wasn't life easier when iPhones came with a free pair of earbuds?

While you can still find wired earbuds that plug in and go (you'll even find a pair on this list), the market is flooded with wireless options. Now, you'll find models with advanced noise cancellation to block out the sounds of busy coffee shops and commutes. Plus, a good pair should have a quality microphone so you can take calls on the go.

SEE ALSO: I replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with $19 wired EarPods

Prices on earbuds range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you're going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that's the price of peace and quiet. These days, you can even get hyperspecialized models like sleep earbuds. Our guide also includes our picks for the best earbuds for working out and the best open earbuds.

Our top picks for earbuds are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which provide outstanding sound quality — but keep in mind, both of these models cost $299. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending $300 on a pair of headphones is a lot to stomach. That's also why we recommend shopping for earbuds during Black Friday season. As sales start to kick off, the QC Ultra earbuds are down $50 (their lowest price since their September release date). As we approach the actual day of Black Friday on Nov. 28, we expect to see even more markdowns on our favorite earbuds.

Ready to start shopping now? Here are our top earbud picks of 2026.

Types of earbuds

There are two types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.

Wireless

Wireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don't require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.

While earbuds traditionally don't provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.

Wired

Wired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high tech, they're pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, and you won't find any on our list.

The biggest positive to wired headphones is that they don't need to be charged. They're a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.

New additions to this guide

After extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the best sleep earbuds. You can read her full guide, but as of May 2025, we've added the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people.

As of August 2025, we also updated the best earbuds for working out to the Powerbeats Pro 2 and added the Shokz OpenDots One as the best open earbuds.

What are the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds?

If you're just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We also included the Marshall Mode wired earbuds as an option for folks who don't want to worry about battery.) If you're looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, our most recent recommendation in 2026. Both of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise-cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear.

Still, this guide includes several other earbuds we stand behind. Apple users may prefer the AirPods Pro, while shoppers on a budget may prefer buds from Marshall or Anker Soundcore. If you need help picking the perfect pair, read on.

Starting around noon on Wednesday, many Verizon customers discovered that their phones had gone into SOS mode. Now, Verizon has acknowledged the ongoing outage.

In a statement to Mashable, a Verizon representative said, "We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience."

SEE ALSO: Verizon outage: Why your phone says SOS, what we know so far

The Verizon Support account on X also shared the same message on Wednesday afternoon, as confused customers took to social media seeking answers.

So far, Verizon has not indicated the cause of the problem or the timeline of a potential fix.

The platform Downdetector categorized the outage as "Very High," describing it as a "massive service outage." (Disclosure: Mashable and Downdetector are both owned by Ziff Davis.)

"The impact is categorized as Very High, with the majority of users reporting Mobile Phone issues (63%) and a complete lack of signal (31%)," reads an update from Downdetector provided to Mashable (emphasis in original). "User feedback frequently cites devices entering 'SOS mode,' indicating a high-severity disruption to cellular connectivity."

When in SOS mode, customers are not able to make or receive phone calls or texts, and data services are also unavailable. However, customers should still be able to make emergency 911 calls via satellite, as per usual.

While Downdetector did receive a spike in user error reports for T-Mobile and AT&T, at this time, Verizon seems to be the only major mobile carrier suffering an outage.

This is a developing story...

Last call: The Kindle, Kindle Scribe, and Kindle Colorsoft are still on sale for up to 31% off through tomorrow morning. Secure your e-reader for a steal while you still can.

Kindle deals at a glance: Kindle $89.99 (save $20) Get Deal Kindle Scribe (32GB) $289.99 (save $130) Get Deal Kindle Colorsoft $199.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Several Kindle e-readers have been chilling at discounts up to 31% off for the past few weeks, but all good things must come to an end. If you want to double down on your reading in 2026, an e-reader is definitely a great choice — and Kindles are at the top of the pack. Mashable's e-reader expert calls them "a true must-have device for avid readers" and I must say, I agree wholeheartedly. While they're not overly expensive, they're not exactly cheap either. That's why we suggest snagging them while they're still on sale.

For those who require zero bells and whistles, the basic Kindle is the way to go. It's my pride and joy and I will rave about it until the cows come home. It's the most affordable option in Amazon's lineup on a normal day at $109.99, but with the current discount, you'll only pay $89.99. That's not quite as good as its Black Friday price, but it's still the only option under $100. It's also the smallest option at only six inches, making it the best pick for one-handed reading and traveling.

If you like to scribble down your thoughts and make annotations in the margins of books, the Kindle Scribe is for you. While there's a newer version on the market, you'll save over $200 by opting for the previous generation while it's on sale. It's a bit bigger than a typical Kindle at 10.2 inches, making it a solid choice for someone with vision issues as well.

Finally, the newest Kindle Colorsoft is on sale for $50 off. It's essentially like the Kindle Paperwhite, but with a color screen. It's waterproof, has adjustable warmth and brightness, a long battery life, and it's just seven inches. Mashable's Kindle expert, Samantha Mangino, said she wouldn't recommend it at full price, but for just under $200, it's a much better buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle $89.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $20   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Scribe (32GB) $289.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $130   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Colorsoft $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal