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TL;DR: Live stream Benfica vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League group stage concluded with some fascinating matchups, but nothing compared to Benfica vs. Real Madrid.

José Mourinho's side secured a spot in the playoff round thanks to a last-minute goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, and now these teams face each other again in a two-legged contest. Can Benfica shock the footballing world and knock out Real Madrid? Los Blancos have looked vulnerable this season, so José Mourinho will see an opportunity to progress.

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

When is Benfica vs. Real Madrid?

Benfica vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 17. This fixture takes place at the Estádio da Luz.

How to watch Benfica vs. Real Madrid for free

Benfica vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Benfica vs. Real Madrid for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

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

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

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Live stream Benfica vs. Real Madrid for free on Prime Video

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 Benfica vs. Real Madrid on Prime Video 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 Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

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

TL;DR: A lifetime Starter Plan for Aivolut AI Book Creator, a tool designed to help plan, write, and prep books for Amazon KDP, is on sale for $118.99 (reg. $696).

Opens in a new window Credit: Aivolut Books Aivolut AI Book Creator: Lifetime Subscription (Starter Plan) $118.99
$696 Save $577.01   Get Deal

Writing a book often gets stuck between a spark of inspiration and a finished draft. The Aivolut AI Book Creator aims to help you with that, and its lifetime Starter Plan is on sale right now for $118.99 (reg. $696).

This software specializes in long-form writing instead of quick prompts. Users begin with an idea or outline — typed or dictated — and Aivolut generates a cohesive manuscript that keeps tone and structure consistent across chapters. Writers can customize voice and style, edit sections or blend in their own material throughout the process. Finished drafts can reach up to 50,000 words, depending on credit usage, which is based on the manuscript length.

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Aside from drafting, Aivolut helps prep books for publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. The platform automatically generates metadata, such as descriptions, keywords, and categories, which can reduce setup time before uploading. For writers looking to self-publish efficiently, this feature can save hours of manual work.

This is great for aspiring authors, marketers and business owners who want to create authoritative books or nonfiction projects without starting from scratch. It can also appeal to first-time authors seeking guidance on structure, as well as seasoned KDP publishers looking to speed up early drafts. Fiction writers may find it useful for planning and consistency, but hands-on editing and originality remain key.

AI-generated drafts still benefit from human revision, and the Starter Plan uses a credit system that caps the amount of content that can be generated at once. Writers looking for unlimited output or advanced features may need a higher-tier plan.

For $118.99 (reg. $696) Aivolut AI Book Creator is a lower-cost option for anyone curious about using AI to move a book project forward.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: This powerful MacBook Pro can be yours for only $409.97 (reg. $1,580) now through Feb. 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (2020) 13" i5 2GHz Touchbar 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $409.97
$1,580 Save $1,170.03   Get Deal

If you’ve always dreamed of owning a MacBook Pro, but the sky-high price tag held you back, we have some good news. This sleek and powerful model can be yours for $409.97 through Feb. 22, while supplies last.

There’s a reason people are willing to spend thousands of dollars on the MacBook Pro. It’s Apple‘s most powerful and portable device, letting you tackle work, play, and more on the go. Luckily, this model is available for a fraction of the price, without sacrificing any bells and whistles.

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This MacBook Pro is equipped with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2GHz base speed and boost speeds up to 3.8GHz, so it can keep up with even heavy workloads. And you’ll be able to tackle it all on a 13.3-inch display that features Apple’s True Tone technology, which can help reduce eye strain by adjusting to your lighting.

512GB of SSD storage lets you save files and download apps directly to the device, while 16GB of RAM lets you handle video editing and coding. You’ll also enjoy unique Apple features like the Magic Keyboard with a Touch Bar, which offers responsive typing and convenient access to shortcuts right at the top.

Keep your device safe with Touch ID. There are four Thunderbolt 3 ports for easy connectivity options, and a full charge delivers an impressive 10 hours of battery life. It’s also optimized for macOS, so you’ll enjoy seamless performance.

You’re saving big on this model thanks to its grade-A refurbished status. That means you get to score a major discount, while the device you purchased arrives in near-mint condition.

Get a MacBook Pro for just $409.97 (reg. $1,580) now through Feb. 22.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025-26 Champions League for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The top club competition in the world of football has to be the Champions League. There is nothing else that brings the very best teams in the world together in a battle for footballing immortality. Sure, winning your domestic league is great. But winning the Champions League is on another level.

If you want to watch the 2025-26 Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Champions League?

The Champions League is an annual club football competition organised by UEFA and contested by top-division European clubs. This year's tournament begins with a 36-team round robin group stage to determine which sides qualify for the double-legged knockout rounds, followed by a single leg final.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2024-25 Europa League online for free

The defending champions are PSG.

When is the 2025-26 Champions League?

The 2025-26 Champions League is the 71st edition of the competition (and the 34th since it was renamed the Champions League). This season's tournament runs from July 8 to 30 May.

How to watch the 2025-26 Champions League for free

It is possible to live stream the 2025-26 Champions League for free on the following streaming platforms:

• Ireland — RTÉ Player and Virgin Media (select fixtures including the final)

• UK — Prime Video (select fixtures including semi finals with 30-day free trial)

These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025-26 Champions League 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 a location with free coverage of the Champions League

4. Visit RTÉ Player, Virgin Media, or Prime Video (free trial)

5. Watch Champions League fixtures 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 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 of the 2025-26 Champions League without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, the fact is you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the Champions League?

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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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 February 17, 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 February 17, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 17 Pips

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 17 Pips

Less Than (2): Everything in this purple space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this red space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (5): Everything in this green space must be greater than 5. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this purple space must be greater than 3. The answer is 2-6. placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 17 Pips

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed vertically; 1-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this red space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this light blue space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 0-2, 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 is easier if you know your podium-worthy competitions.

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.

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.

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: You can go for gold in all of these

• Green: Regionally specific educational institutions

• Blue: Same first name

• Purple: Same second word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Summer Olympic sports

• Green: DC Schools

• Blue: Pauls

• Purple: ____ league

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 #512 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Summer Olympic sports - FENCING, GOLF, JUDO, RUGBY

• DC schools - AMERICAN, GEORGE WASHINGTON, GEORGETOWN, HOWARD

• Pauls - COFFEY, GEORGE, MOLITOR, SKENES

• ____ league - CACTUS, G, GRAPEFRUIT, LITTLE

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 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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026:

AcrossPrefix meaning "eight"

• The answer is Octo.

Classic poem that begins "I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness"

• The answer is Howl.

One of the Jenners

• The answer is Kylie.

As one word: A henchman / As two words: "Please proceed"

• The answer is Goon.

Prickly seedcases

• The answer is Burs.

Down"Stop, I'm blushing!"

• The answer is Oh You.

Indicator of difficulty in Connections

• The answer is Color.

Identical siblings

• The answer is Twins.

Repeated cheer at a soccer stadium

• The answer is Ole.

Soviet spy org.

• The answer is KGB.

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 yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Stephen Colbert has blasted CBS, claiming that the network has barred him from airing his interview with Texas State Rep. James Talarico. He was also allegedly told that he couldn't even mention not having Talarico on. Of course, that didn't stop him.

"Because my network clearly doesn't want us to talk about this, let's talk about this," Colbert quipped.

The Late Show host spent around eight minutes giving audiences a peek behind the curtain, explaining that CBS' lawyers told them "in no uncertain terms" that Talarico could not be on the broadcast. CBS' mandate was apparently due to FCC chair Brendan Carr stating that he's considering eliminating the talk show exemption to the equal time rule. Under this rule, if a program on radio or broadcast television interviews a candidate during an election, they have to do the same with all their opponents as well. 

Carr has claimed that removing the talk show exemption would be an attempt to reduce partisanship in broadcast. However, Colbert noted that the FCC chair has said he's not interested in applying the same pressure to radio shows which are traditionally right-leaning.

"I think you are motivated by partisan purposes yourself. Sir, ya smelt it 'cause ya dealt it. You are Dutch ovening America's airwaves," said Colbert. "Let's just call this what it is. Donald Trump's administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV, because all Trump does is watch TV. He's like a toddler with too much screen time."

Colbert also pointed out that, significantly, Carr hasn't actually eliminated the exemption yet, merely stated that he's thinking of doing it.

"He hasn't done away with it yet, but my network is unilaterally enforcing it as if he had," said Colbert. "I want to assure you, this decision is for purely financial reasons." 

Fortunately, you can still watch Colbert's interview with Talarico, just not on broadcast television. The segment has been uploaded to the Late Show's YouTube page, though Colbert was banned from linking directly to it. As of writing, the video's top comment states, "The FCC not wanting me to watch this made me want to watch this."

Watch Colbert's banned interview with Talarico below.

"The network says I can't give you [a] URL or a QR code, but I promise you, if you go to our YouTube page, you'll find it," said Colbert during the Late Show broadcast.

"So I cannot show you any form of James Talarico. I can't interview James Talarico. I can't show any pictures of James Talarico. I'm not even sure I can say the words 'James Talarico.' But what I can show you is what we always show when we have to pull material at the last minute: this tasteful nude of Brendan Carr."

Apple's iOS 26.4 beta is now available, just one week after the tech giant launched iOS 26.3. Released on Monday, the iOS 26.4 beta doesn't include the long-awaited Gemini-powered Siri, which was rumoured to arrive in this update up until last week. Instead, the latest iOS version focuses on changes to Apple Music and Podcasts, as well as testing out end-to-end RCS encryption for text messages.

The iOS 26.4 beta is currently only available to developers, however a wider public release is expected in the following weeks. Here are a few of the most significant new features you can look forward to.

Apple Music adds AI-generated playlists

Apple Music received a redesign in iOS 26.4 beta, adding full-page artwork and a new feature showing concerts and tour dates in your local area. However, the arguably bigger update is the new ability to create AI-generated playlists based on text prompts. 

Called Playlist Playground, users can type in a description of the type of tunes they're after, such as "evening wind down songs" or "90s grunge hits." Apple Music will then use AI to generate a 25-song playlist based on this prompt, which can be further refined by adding additional prompts as well as manually curating and reordering songs. Once you're happy with your playlist, you can add cover art and a description before saving it.

Apple Podcasts improves video capabilities

Apple Podcasts already supports video, but the iOS 26.4 beta has given this feature an update. Switching between audio and video should be easier, as Apple's communications protocol will automatically adjust playback quality depending upon your network conditions. Users can also swap between horizontal and vertical displays, and download video podcasts to watch later.

In addition to this, podcast creators can now dynamically insert video ads into their episodes, with Apple stating that this enables them to "[unlock] access to the broader video advertising market while maintaining full creative control." The tech giant further noted that video podcast episodes will be included in Apple Podcast features such as in personalised recommendations and editorially curated lists.

RCS end-to-end encryption tests in Messages

The new iOS update tests Rich Communication Services (RCS) end-to-end encryption in Messenger, a security measure which could eventually make texting your Android-using friends more secure. Even so, it's only available for messages sent between Apple devices during this testing stage.

iOS 26.4 beta's release notes state that RCS end-to-end encryption isn't currently available on all devices and carriers during this testing stage. Further, the feature won't be included when iOS 26.4 comes out of beta, Apple stating that it will be added in a future update.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

To make amends.

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

ATONE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Recovery.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 17, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

REHAB

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Glimmering.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 17 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 17, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SHINY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Foundation.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

BASIS

Final Hurdle hint

Preface.

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

INTRO

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're an avid reader.

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.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 17, 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: To fly through

• Green: Asian condiments

• Blue: Done to a book page

• Purple: To fail

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Zoom

• Green: Sauces in Chinese cuisine

• Blue: Riffle (through)

• Purple: Starting with synonyms for "Dud"

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 #982 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Zoom: DART, FLASH, SPEED, ZIP

• Sauces in Chinese cuisine: HOISIN, OYSTER, PLUM, SOY

• Riffle (through): FLIP, LEAF, SKIM, THUMB

• Starting with synonyms for "Dud": BOMBAY, BUSTLE, FLOPPY, MISSUS

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 February 17, 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 love astrology.

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 17, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 17, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: The year of the ...

The words are related to astrology.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe astrological phenomena.

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 Zodiac Signs.

NYT Strands word list for February 17

• Horse

• Snake

• Goat

• Zodiac Signs

• Dragon

• Rabbit

• Monkey

• Tiger

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 traveling in groups.

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 17, 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 17, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A crew.

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...

SQUAD

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.

SAVE $270: The DJI Power 1000 V2 is on sale at Amazon for $429, down from the standard price of $699. That's a 39% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 V2 $429 at Amazon
$699 Save $270   Get Deal

We're living through a lucky time when it comes to portable power. It wasn't all that long ago that we headed to the campground just accepting that our phones would die within the day or we had to run an extension cord across the yard to use power tools in the back shed. But now we have versatile portable power stations that solve our juice problems while we're off grid. If you're looking for a power station to use on content creation days, there's an excellent model on sale today during Amazon's Presidents' Day sale.

As of Feb. 16, the DJI Power 1000 V2 is on sale at Amazon for $429, marked down from the standard price of $699. That's a 39% discount.

Scoring a portable power station that comes with 1,024Wh of battery capacity for under $430 is a good deal. On top of this, DJI packed the Power 1000 V2 with elements that are excellent for creators. The dual SDC ports have the ability to super-fast charge DJI drone batteries. It's also an especially quiet model, operating at as low as 26 decibels. This will be excellent if you'll be filming content in the same room as the portable power station or you'll be using it to power up a CPAP machine at night during a power outage.

SEE ALSO: The Amazon Presidents' Day sale is live — score huge deals on Apple, Lego, Roborock, and more

DJI improved the recharging time on the V2 and you'll now be able to get back to 80% battery power with just 37 minutes of recharging with standard AC power. You'll be able to get back to 100% with 56 minutes of wall recharging on grid power.

When testing the DJI Power 1000 V2, I found it easy to carry around since it weighs about 31 pounds. Another major benefit of the Power 1000 V2 is its expansion capability. Should you want more power, you can connect up to five DJI Expansion Battery 2000 to the Power 1000 V2. Each Battery 2000 brings another 2,048Wh to the party.

Before the next power outage or content creation assignment, upgrade your setup with the DJI Power 1000 V2. It's on sale for $270 off at Amazon.

SAVE $470: As of Feb. 16, you can get the 65-inch TCL Class QM6K Series 4K HDR Smart Google TV for $529.99 at Amazon and Best Buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL 65-inch TCL Class QM6K Series 4K HDR Smart Google TV $529.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL 65-inch TCL Class QM6K Series 4K HDR Smart Google TV $529.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $470   Get Deal

Amazon is pouring so much energy into its Presidents' Day Sale that I think they honestly forgot to tag this TV.

Right now, the 65-inch TCL QM6K Series is down to $529.99. To put that value in perspective, Best Buy is currently selling this exact model for the same price but is explicitly flagging it as a $470 discount. You're basically getting a $1,000 TV for nearly half off, just without the flashy "deal" sticker on the Amazon page.

SEE ALSO: The best Presidents' Day TV deals: Save big on TCL, Samsung, Hisense, and more

This is a 2025 model with Mini-LED and QLED technology (aka deep blacks and blinding brightness), specs that typically cost twice as much. It also features a 144Hz native refresh rate, making it a smart choice for PS5 or Xbox Series X owners who want fluid motion without paying the "Samsung flagship" tax.

TL;DR: Right now, a 1-year BJ’s Club Card Membership is available for only $20 (reg. $60).

Opens in a new window Credit: BJ's Wholesale Club 1-year The Club Card Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal® (Terms apply.) $20
$60 Save $40   Get Deal

Making a budget last is hard enough, but when you factor in things like the price of the gas you burn running errands all over town, you’re basically spending money for the opportunity to spend money. If you want a new way to get your shopping done, check out BJ’s. Whether you’re picking up bulk home essentials or grabbing all your groceries, they’ve always got something to offer, and a BJ’s Club Card Membership is only $20 right now (reg. $60).

BJ’s Wholesale Club is a place to shop for family essentials, including fresh foods, produce, deli items, household staples, and more. BJ’s members can save up to 25% off grocery store prices, but that’s not the only reason to shop there. You can also look out for new clothes, seasonal décor, toys, tech, and furniture.

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Tank running low? Fill up on your way out, and don’t forget you could get extra savings through the BJ’s Fuel Saver Program when you buy eligible products in the club. That’s a whole lot easier than making one more stop on top of all your other errands.

You don’t have to shop in-store to use the membership. BJ’s has an app that lets you shop online and choose curbside pickup or same-day delivery when it’s available in your area. You can also add digital coupons directly to your membership card, so the discount applies automatically at checkout.

This deal is for new members only and gives you a code you can redeem the code directly on BJs.com to create your membership.

Right now, it’s only $20 to get a BJ’s 1-Year Club Card Membership.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The RAM shortage due to AI is impacting tech prices and release dates. In the video game space, the next PlayStation console may be delayed, and the Switch 2 could see a price spike, Bloomberg reports.

SEE ALSO: PlayStation State of Play February 2026: How to watch, top games we hope to see

Sony is considering pushing back the debut of the PlayStation 6 to 2028 or 2029, according to people familiar with the situation interviewed by Bloomberg. Mashable reported back in December that this might happen, so there's only been confirmation of the bad news. Previous leaks estimated the PS6's release for 2027.

Further, due to memory shortages, Nintendo is apparently considering increasing the price of the Switch 2 later this year, according to Bloomberg. In 2025, rumors surfaced about the Switch 2's price increasing due to tariffs, but that didn't materialize.

Neither Sony nor Nintendo responded to Bloomberg's request for comment.

SAVE 45%: As of Feb. 16, you can get the Acer Aspire 14 AI Copilot+ PC (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $459.99, down from $829.99, at Amazon. That's a 45% discount or $370 savings.

Acer Aspire 14 AI Copilot+ PC (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $459.99 at Amazon
$829.99 Save $370   Get Deal at Amazon

Laptops with the new "Copilot+" badge usually start well over $800, and finding one from a major brand for under $500 is almost unheard of, but Amazon’s Presidents' Day sale has delivered one of the best laptop deals I've seen this year.

As of Feb. 16, you can get the Acer Aspire 14 AI Copilot+ PC (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $459.99, down from $829.99, at Amazon. That's a 45% discount or $370 savings. It's also the lowest price we've seen for this model this year. (It was around $439.99 last November.)

SEE ALSO: The best laptops of CES 2026

It features a 14-inch WUXGA display and is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor (Series 2), which includes a dedicated NPU capable of 40 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) for handling local AI workloads. With 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, it offers just enough performance power for multitasking and getting through your workday.

The first solar eclipse of 2026 will hit our skies this week, with an annular eclipse taking place on Tuesday. This type of solar eclipse creates a "ring of fire" around the sun, but unfortunately, many of won't be able to spot this solar phenomenon. Still curious? Keep reading to find out what's happening, and where in the world you need to be to see it.

When is the solar eclipse?

The annular solar eclipse will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 17. According to Time and Date, the first sightings of the eclipse will begin at 6:42 a.m. ET.

Where can you see the solar eclipse?

Unfortunately, this annular solar eclipse is a remote one. The only place to be able to view the full eclipse will be Antartica. However, some places in the Southern Hemisphere will get a glimpse of a partial eclipse, according to Time and Date.

What is an annular solar eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, but is slightly too far away to completely cover the Sun, according to NASA. This creates a bright “ring of fire” around the Moon. This is different to a total solar eclipse where the sun is fully hidden.

A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon only covers part of the Sun. So, from these locations in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sun looks like it has a chunk taken out of it, rather than forming a full ring.

How to see a solar eclipse

If you happen to be in one of the viewing spots for the partial eclipse (or maybe, somehow, you're in Antartica?), it's important to follow specific guidance for looking at the eclipse. Even with an annular eclipse, the same rule of thumb applies to never look at the sun directly.

To safely view the eclipse, NASA recommends using solar viewing glasses or making your own eclipse projector using a cardboard box.

Radio host David Greene is suing Google, alleging that the tech giant copied his voice for its NotebookLM AI tool, the Washington Post and others reported — and Google has responded.

Greene is the former co-host of NPR's Morning Edition and currently the host of the Left, Right, & Center podcast from the NPR member station KCRW. Greene found out about NotebookLM, which autogenerates podcasts, from a former coworker and was "completely freaked out," he told the Post.

SEE ALSO: OpenClaw founder Peter Steinberger joins OpenAI

The complaint, which was filed on January 23 in California, states that Google "sought to replicate Mr. Greene's distinctive voice — a voice made iconic over decades of decorated radio and public commentary — to create synthetic audio products that mimic his delivery, cadence, and persona." The suit claims that Google violated California and common law statutory right to publicity, which concerns unauthorized uses of someone's likeness, and California's unfair competition law. It also alleges that Google unjustly benefited from Greene's voice.

Google told the Post and other publications that NotebookLM has nothing to do with Greene. "These allegations are baseless," Google spokesperson José Castañeda told Gizmodo. "The sound of the male voice in NotebookLM's Audio Overviews is based on a paid professional actor Google hired."

The use of people's likeness in AI models, as well as the use of copyrighted materials to train models, has been a contentious topic in recent years. In 2024, OpenAI took down its AI-powered voice, Sky, after allegations that it sounded like Scarlett Johansson, who explicitly didn't give the company permission to use her likeness. Several lawsuits have been launched against major tech and AI companies using copyrighted material to train their AI.

Back in January, major artists, including Johansson, launched a campaign against AI slop and theft.

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.