Mashable

Subscribe to Mashable feed
Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 27 min 35 sec ago

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 earbuds are back on sale at Amazon — save $30 right now

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 05:07

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 5, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are on sale for $149.95 at Amazon. That's a 17% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shokz Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 $149.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $30   Get Deal

Looking for a new pair of earbuds for running? As of Feb. 5, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are on sale at Amazon. The perfect choice for runners, these are bone conducting earbuds that are designed to keep you aware of your surroundings. Bone conduction technology work by sending tiny vibrations through the bones of your skull instead of directly through your ear. Those vibrations reach your inner ear directly, letting you hear audio while leaving your ear canals open to the sounds around you.

And right now you can buy them for $30 less, bringing the price down from $179.95 to $149.95. This deal is available in all colors, so you can choose from black, blue, orange, or silver.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

These are ideal for carrying you through all kinds of runs, with a battery life lasting up to 12 hours. The lightweight unibody frame includes memory wire and ergonomic ear hooks too, helping to keep them secure and comfortable even during high-movement activities.

The sound can also be personalized through the Shokz app. Choose between different EQ modes, including a classic bone conduction setting and a volume boost mode for noisier environments.

You can find this deal at Amazon, but it's only around for a limited time.

When to watch the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime show if you only care to watch Bad Bunny

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 05:05

Not everyone is a football person — but a whole heck of a lot of people love Bad Bunny.

Spotify's most-streamed artist of 2025 is set to headline the Super Bowl's halftime show, set to take place on Sunday. There's lots of interest in what songs he'll play — most likely a number of hits from his Grammy-winning album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS — and what message he'll send. Bad Bunny has openly spoken out against ICE — even at the Grammys — and might send a political message to all of America during his performance.

So we've got you covered if the Patriots vs. Seahawks matchup seems like a snoozer, but the show seems like a party.

When to watch Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime show

Unfortunately, football games are not a uniform length so there is no exact way to know when to tune-in for the halftime show. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC (or streaming on Peacock).

In general, past games have shown that a typical Super Bowl broadcast lasts around 3 hours and 44 minutes. That means you can expect halftime roughly 90 minutes after kickoff and for Bad Bunny to hit the stage around 8 p.m. ET.

But, again, football games can go for longer or shorter times depending on stoppages, penalties, and a whole host of other factors. Just to be safe, it might be best to tune-in around 7:30 p.m. ET to check the game-clock. You can even mute the sound until Bad Bunny takes the stage.

Get Sony XM5 headphones for under $300 at Amazon — save over $100 right now

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 05:04

TL;DR: The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are down to $298 on Amazon. That's $101.99 off their usual $399.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $298 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

If you’ve been waiting for a serious price drop on Sony’s XM5 headphones, Amazon has given you a great reason to stick with the older model. As of Feb. 5, Amazon has the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones on sale for $298, knocking over $100 off the list price. This deal also applies to the midnight blue and smoky pink color models. 

When released back in May 2022, these headphones were known for delivering some of the best active noise cancellation you could get in a consumer headset at the time, as mentioned in our review. Sony has used dual processors and eight microphones to actively block out everything from airplane engines to everyday background chatter. 

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

With that, whether you’re commuting, working from home, traveling, or even gaming on your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 console, they do an excellent job of keeping distractions at bay.

Sound quality is another highlight that’s still relevant over three years later and worth the price. The XM5s offer a balanced, detailed listening experience that works just as well for podcasts and movies as it does for high-quality music streaming. You’ll also get up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, plus fast charging that can deliver hours of playback in just a few minutes.

Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either. The lightweight design, soft-fit leather ear cups, and refined headband make these easy to wear for long sessions without fatigue.

If you are willing to spend a little more on the newer model, the XM6 headphones are also on sale at Amazon. For those still shopping around various brands, Mashable has a roundup of the best headphones you can buy right now. 

Trying to go analog in 2026? Stay entertained with these 7 activity books.

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 05:00

In 2026, everyone is looking to get off their phone. If you're trying to tame your screen time habits, you'll need a new outlet to stop your scrolling. Even if you've figured out how to cut back your screen time, whether it be through Bricking your phone or putting it in another room, that doesn't actually solve the issue of your attention.

SEE ALSO: The Brick taught me how to be bored again

If you're feeling a bit bored, first, congrats! Second, now's the time to turn your unused attention toward analog activities. Maybe you're looking for something to do while watching TV, or you just want to have a completely screen-free evening. Regardless, it's time to bring back the activity book.

That's right, it's time to take pen to paper and busy your mind. This can be as lowkey as a coloring book or as stimulating as a crossword. Here are seven activity books to go analog with in 2026.

Cozy coloring books Opens in a new window Credit: Fuzzy Friends Coloring 'Fuzzy Hygge' Coloring Book $9.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Adams Media 'Spring Cheer Mini Coloring Book' $8.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Ohuhu Ohuhu 48 Color Marker Set $42.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7.50   Shop Now

Adult coloring books have hung around for a while and for good reason. They're fun and relaxing, the ideal activity to unwind in the evening. If you're cozy-maxxing this winter, get a coloring book to match your vibe, like the Fuzzy Hygge book. And don't forget a set of markers. TikTok tells me that the Ohuhu ones are the best.

Your favorite New York Times puzzles on paper Opens in a new window Credit: New York Times 'New York Times Puzzle Mania!' $26.60 at Amazon
$38 Save $11.40   Shop Now

So you've put your phone away — but what if you want to play all your favorite New York Times games? Well, they've thought about that. That's where the New York Times Puzzle Mania! book comes in. It includes all your favorites, such as Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, and more. Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern bought this book and uses it to unwind, both as a standalone activity and while watching TV. It's full of stimulating puzzles and brain teasers that go beyond the NYT Games app.

Murder mysteries to solve on the page Opens in a new window Credit: Murdle 'Murdle: Volume 1' $12.78 at Amazon
$16 Save $3.22   Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Murdle 'Murdle: Volume 2' $9.51 at Amazon
$16 Save $6.49   Shop Now

The Murdle series, as the name implies, is a cross between a murder mystery and Wordle. It's a collection of logic puzzles, solving a series of intertwined murders. The puzzles get progressively more difficult, so you can ease into the detective mindset. Plus, there are six total Murdle books, so if you get hooked, there are plenty more to work through.

Sudoku with a mindful twist Opens in a new window Credit: Mindful Sudoku 'Mindful Sudoku' $25.99 at Mindful Sudoku
$37.13 Save $11.14   Shop Now

The point of getting off your phone is to slow down and get away from distractions, so it's nice when an activity embraces that. Mindful Sudoku features 60 puzzles at easy, medium, and hard difficulties. On the opposite side of each puzzle is a mindful prompt so you can journal and reflect in the moment. Plus, there's an included answer key to check your work or provide a little hint.

Crosswords inspired by your favorite movies and TV shows Opens in a new window Credit: A24 'A24 99 TV Crosswords' $34 at A24
  Shop Now

If you love TV and movies but also love crosswords, A24 has made the ultimate puzzle book. The book is 288 pages of nearly 100 puzzles. The crosswords are broken down by puzzle difficulty and then by the amount of TV knowledge you have. It's a good way to exercise and accumulate your TV expertise — hopefully making you a pro at pub trivia, too. A24 also makes a movie version, but it's unfortunately sold out.

How to watch Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid online for free

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're approaching the business end of the Copa del Rey. Two teams have already booked their spots in the semi-final stage, but Real Betis and Atlético Madrid still need to fight it out.

This is probably the toughest quarter-final matchup to predict. Both teams are towards the top end of the standings in La Liga, but Atlético Madrid are probably slight favorites. The question is whether the passionate home support at the Estadio La Cartuja can drive Real Betis towards the next round.

If you want to watch Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid?

Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 5. This fixture takes place at the Estadio La Cartuja.

How to watch Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid for free

Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to stream the Copa del Rey for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey for free by following these simple steps:

  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 the UK

  4. Visit ITVX

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

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Copa del Rey without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding online for free

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Winter Olympics is here to deliver weeks of intense action across a number of disciplines. We get to see some of the best athletes in the world compete in events like alpine skiing, ice hockey, curling, and more in Milano Cortina 2026. There's a lot to watch, so some difficult decisions will need to be made. You can try and watch everything, but that's probably not good for your health.

Check out the busy schedule and pick your priorities. We're not going to tell you what to watch, but we are going to suggest you find some time to watch the snowboarding.

It's tough to compare anything else to the range of snowboarding competitions on display over the next couple of weeks. If you like seeing gravity-defying athletes doing things that no human should be able to do, snowboarding is for you. Frankly, they shouldn't be allowed to do some of the things they do. But anything goes in the quest for medals.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

If you want to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding?

The snowboarding schedule from the 2026 Winter Olympics is busy. Here's the schedule for all the finals:

  • Men's Snowboard Big Air Final — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 7

  • Women's Parallel Giant Slalom Finals — 8:26 a.m. ET on Feb. 8

  • Men's Parallel Giant Slalom Finals — 8:36 a.m. ET on Feb. 8

  • Women's Snowboard Big Air Final — 1:30 p.m. ET ET on Feb. 9

  • Men's Snowboard Cross Finals — 8:56 a.m. ET on Feb. 12

  • Women's Snowboard Halfpipe Final — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 12

  • Women's Snowboard Cross Finals — 8:41 a.m. ET on Feb. 13

  • Men's Snowboard Halfpipe Final — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 13

  • Mixed Team Snowboard Cross Finals — 8:35 a.m. ET on Feb. 15

  • Women's Snowboard Slopestyle Final — 7 a.m. ET on Feb. 17

  • Men's Snowboard Slopestyle Final — 6:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 18

Snowboarding fans can follow all events live without spending anything.

How to watch 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding for free

The 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding is available to live stream for free on a number of services:

These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding 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 access

  4. Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 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 without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the snowboarding plus the rest of the 2026 Winter Olympics before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the 2026 Winter Olympics?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding for free with ExpressVPN.

Get instant AI help exactly where you need it with this discounted tool

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 05:00

TL;DR: Have an AI assistant on hand right in your browser window with this lifetime subscription to BrowserCopilot AI, on sale now for just $69.

Opens in a new window Credit: BrowserCopilot AI BrowserCopilot AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan - Unli Queries per Month) $69
$619 Save $550   Get Deal

Ready for AI to make your workflow even more efficient? BrowserCopilot AI puts an AI assistant right in your Google Chrome browser, letting you skip the tab-hopping and copying and pasting so you can get more done.

Right now, a lifetime subscription to BrowserCopilot AI’s Unlimited Plan can be yours for just $69.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Stop wasting time hopping between tabs to get help from AI. BrowserCopilot puts an AI assistant right in your browser window, ready to help with writing emails, research, document review, and more. It utilizes three popular models — ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini — giving you permanent access without paying their individual monthly fees.

Not only will you enjoy easier access with BrowserCopilot, but you’ll also be able to create your own custom AI copilots for specific workflows, prompts, and writing styles. And advanced prompt engineering helps you build more efficient prompts and save them for later, so you can get top-quality results faster.

BrowserCopilot’s AI Vision feature lets you screenshot any image or text and upload it to ask questions, so you can skip having to type out any background information. You can rest easy knowing that this browser assistant is made with privacy-first architecture, so your content and conversations won’t be stored or used for AI model training.

Get this lifetime subscription to BrowserCopilot AI, on sale now for just $69.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Whats new to streaming this week? (Feb, 6, 2026)

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 05:00

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2025, and where to stream them 13. Splitsville

Man, I hated Splitsville. It's that kind of comedy that's clearly written by its male lead, because it focuses on a loser who has no charm and a mess of a life, yet manages to attract impossibly beautiful women. And Splitsville has two of these frustrating heroes, played by co-writers Kyle Marvin and Michael Angelo Covino, who also directs.

The plot focuses on two men who think the secret to a happy marriage with a super hot wife is an open relationship. But shocker, that doesn't go as they'd like. Exhausting, tedious, and unfunny, Splitsville is technically a movie. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Michael Angelo Covino, and Kyle Marvin

How to watch: Splitsville is now streaming on Hulu.

12. Is it Cake? Valentines

Bakers descend once again to create confections that resemble an array of non-food items, like statues, lips, drums, and more. And hey, because of Valentine's Day, this time it's couples competing. Plus, lots of hearts, and host Mikey Day in a pink suit.

Is it cake? Find out by hitting play. — K.P.

Starring: Mikey Day

How to watch: Is it Cake? Valentines is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Relationship Goals

Kelly Rowland leads Prime Video's new rom-com Relationship Goals, which is casting enough to see me seated. The Destiny's Child icon plays Leah Caldwell, a high-flying producer who's on track to be the first female showrunner at MediaCore studio. That is, until she’s pitted against a male candidate, Jarrett Roy (Cliff "Method Man" Smith). Even worse, they have romantic history together and straight-up despise each other. Even worse, they’re thrown together to produce a show about love and relationships, based on a book Jarrett's reading: Michael Todd's 2020 book Relationship Goals, which happens to be the basis of the film itself. Meta. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Kelly Rowland, Cliff "Method Man" Smith, Robin Thede, Annie Gonzalez, Dennis Haysbert, and Matt Walsh

How to watch: Relationship Goals is now streaming on Prime Video.

9. Field Generals: History of the Black Quarterback

With Super Bowl LX on the horizon, Peacock has the perfect four-part sports docuseries for you to start this week. Taking a weekly look at the history of Black quarterbacks in American pro football, Field Generals: History of the Black Quarterback delves into the trailblazers of the sport, who revolutionised the game despite the prejudice, discrimination, and even threats they experienced. Over four weeks, the series tracks "firsts" in the sport, like Doug Williams becoming the first Black quarterback to both start in and win a Super Bowl, and how current star quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson look up to these pioneers. Expect interviews with legendary quarterbacks including Williams, James "Shack" Harris, Randall Cunningham, Warren Moon, and many, many more. — S.C.

Starring: James "Shack" Harris, Warren Moon, Doug Williams, Randall Cunningham, Vince Evans, Chuck Ealey, Rodney Peete, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, and Lamar Jackson, in addition to Michael Wilbon, Rich McKay, Joe Gibbs, Michael Eric Dyson, Jayne Kennedy, Bomani Jones, Michael Beschloss, and Bob Costas.

How to watch: Field Generals: History of The Black Quarterback is now streaming on Peacock.

8. Even If This Love Disappears Tonight

My heart, it can't take this week's Korean romance addition to Netflix. Based on Japanese author Misaki Ichijo's 2020 YA romance novel, Even If This Love Disappears Tonight follows high school sweethearts Han Seo-yun (Shin Si-a, The Witch: Part 2. The Other One) and Kim Jae-won (Choo Young-woo, Head Over Heels), who fall hard for each other fast. However, Han Seo-yun experiences anterograde amnesia, which means her memories reset each day, and her love story returns to square one. Directed by Kim Hye-young (It's Okay!), this film promises big swelling tears, so if you're due for a cry, pick this one. — S.C.

Starring: Choo Young-woo and Shin Si-a

How to watch: Even If This Love Disappears Tonight is now streaming on Netflix.

7. The Housemaid

Looking for a trashy popcorn movie? Well, The Housemaid should satisfy on that level.

Based on Freida McFadden's novel of the same name, The Housemaid stars Sydney Sweeney as a desperate young woman who is grateful the titular job, and eager to please her mercurial new boss, played by Amanda Seyfried in psycho-biddy mode. While movie audiences turned out in droves for this sexy thriller, I couldn't help but wish its leading ladies were evenly matched in go-for-it gravitas. As I wrote in my review, "In this battle of wild wills, Seyfried is left to shadowbox while Sweeney sleepwalks. Far from fun, The Housemaid is underwhelming as an erotic thriller, a dark comedy, and even a Sydney Sweeney movie." — K.P.

Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar

How to watch: The Housemaid is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

6. The 'Burbs

Inspired by the Tom Hanks-fronted 1989 cult classic, The 'Burbs stars Keke Palmer as a wife, mother, and litigator whose maternity leave includes moving to the suburbs, only to discover a possible criminal conspiracy under her nose.

Befriending some nosy neighbors (Julia Duffy, Paula Pell, and What We Do in the Shadows' Mark Proksch), she begins to investigate the local lore around a long missing girl, and what exactly that has to do with the strange Victorian house across the street.

Season one is eight episodes, which are dropping all at once. So, brace for a binge-watch if you can't get enough of wacky shenanigans, wild secrets, and a twisty mystery. — K.P.

Starring: Keke Palmer, Jack Whitehall, Julia Duffy, Paula Pell, Mark Proksch, and Kapil Talwalkar

How to watch: The 'Burbs premieres on Peacock on Feb. 8.

5. Puppy Bowl XXII

As Super Bowl LX looms, and the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots stare down the championship road, there's another litter of extraordinary athletes gearing up for a big game by doing biiiiiiiiig streeeeetches.

The Puppy Bowl returns for its 22nd year, as Team Fluff goes snoot to snoot with Team Ruff, vying for the ultimate forbidden snack, the Lombarky trophy. Importantly, the Puppy Bowl XXII is a special occasion for viewers to potentially adopt one of the adorable players. A total 150 pups from 72 shelters will be featured during the event, all of whom are adoptable, including senior dogs and dogs with special needs. As a rescue dog parent, hard recommend. — S.C.

Starring: Miss Coco, Brûlée, Button, Litchi, RuPaw, Lobster Roll, Carrie Pawshaw, Oscar, Benito, Fudge, Cheesecake, and Chappell Bone

How to watch: Puppy Bowl XXII airs Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. ET on Animal Planet and will stream at the same time on discovery+.

4. The Secret Agent

Kleber Mendonça Filho's Oscar–nominated, BAFTA–nominated, Golden Globe–winning political crime thriller The Secret Agent is finally available to watch at home — and you absolutely should. Set mostly in the '70s during Brazil's military dictatorship, the film sees Civil War star Wagner Moura delivering a riveting performance as a man trying to evade persecution in his own country.

"Mendonça Filho's film explores a time of political corruption, violence, and warranted paranoia through a human lens," I wrote in my review. "With Moura's powerful performance framed by a reverent, authentic aesthetic, The Secret Agent is a deeply humanised look at a historical moment of authoritarianism and government corruption. It's a must-see." — S.C.

Starring: Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Alice Carvalho, Gabriel Leone, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Hermila Guedes, Isabél Zuaa, and Udo Kier

How to watch: The Secret Agent is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

3. XXV Winter Olympic Games

The Winter Olympics are coming! From all around the globe, athletes at the top of their game will compete for medals and honor for their home nations. The competition begins on Feb. 4, with curling, luge, snowboarding, Alpine skiing, and women's hockey. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 6. It'll begin at 2 p.m. ET, and the first gold medal event will be men's downhill skiing on Feb. 7.

So, whether you like ice skating, skiing, hockey, curling, or snowboarding, you're sure to find reasons to thrill over 2026's Olympic Games. — K.P.

How to watch: XXV Winter Olympic Games will begin streaming live on Peacock on Feb. 6, and will run until Feb. 22.

2. Super Bowl LX

Super Bowl LX is imminent, with the Seattle Seahawks taking on the New England Patriots on Sunday. Maybe you're here for the championship game (human or puppy-based), maybe you're here for Bad Bunny and Green Day's halftime show, maybe you're here purely for the ads. Whatever the reason, you'll need chips, dip, and Mashable's cheat sheet to sounding like you know what you're talking about with Super Bowl LX. — S.C.

Starring: Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots

How to watch: Super Bowl LX airs live on Peacock on Feb. 8, with coverage beginning at 12 p.m. ET.

Best of Streaming this week: The Muppet Show

This is what we call The Muppet Show! For decades, all kinds of folks have tried to reinvent the Muppets. There's been successes (Jason Segel's The Muppets was brilliant), and flops (the 2015 "sad-com" also called The Muppets). But Jim Henson's The Muppet Show was perfect just the way it was. Thankfully, producer Seth Rogen gets that.

For Disney+, Rogen and company meticulously recreated the sets and the chaotic and cheeky — while family-friendly — vibes of The Muppet Show. So, one moment, you're watching Sabrina Carpenter (who's a perfect guest star for the variety show shenanigans) singing "Manchild" to a rowdy crowd of Muppet bar patrons, while chickens serve as her back-up dancers. The next moment, Miss Piggy is bullying Kermit for more stage time, and it's like no time has passed.

As someone who has seen the highs and lows of Muppet movies and shows, I approached Rogen's relaunch with cautious optimism. And I'm pleased to report he's a perfect producer for the wildest batch of dreamers Hollywood has ever seen. This special had me laughing and cheering, with a terrific finale that blends a rock classic with that Muppet ensemble showmanship, I cried. Here's hoping this is the first of many more Muppet Shows. — K.P.

Starring: Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Seth Rogen, Sabrina Carpenter, and Maya Rudolph

How to watch: The Muppet Show is now streaming on Disney+.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

Grindr for lesbians? Here are the best dating apps for LGBTQ women.

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 05:00

Online dating as a lesbian can be a joyous experience, but it can also involve having your space invaded by straight people or seeing your ex-girlfriends (and your ex-girlfriends' ex-girlfriends) show up in your feed over and over.

Over the decades, queer women have turned to personal ads, frequented bars, and relied on word of mouth to find love. These days, it's not too different. From trying to find a date on WLW TikTok to entrapranureal lesbians creating new apps just for them, LGBTQ women are down to get creative to find their special someone.

Thankfully, in 2026, there are both niche and general apps where queer women can find a partner — whether for one night or for life. Which ones are the best dating apps for lesbians? We tested the most popular dating sites and apps and got some insight from our Dating & Relationships writers to find out.

How to find the best dating apps for lesbians Niche lesbian dating apps aren't your only option for finding love. Credit: Stacey Zhu / Mashable

Mainstream dating apps attract the most users — including queer users. That means niche lesbian dating apps aren't your only options for finding love. These days, Hinge, Bumble, OkCupid, and even eharmony all have clear filters to help you match with people of the same gender (or any gender at all), as well as filters that acknowledge the existence of non-traditional relationships (like polyamory). Especially if you don't live in a densely populated area, going for the more popular dating apps over lesbian dating sites can often lead to more results.

With that said, there is one dating app lesbian women should try. HER is an app by and for queer women, and it's grown to have a strong user base. According to its website, the app has more than 15 million registered users worldwide. The app also emphasizes finding community and making friends, in addition to dating, providing you with numerous ways to connect with other queer women and non-binary users.

Check out our guide below for the full rundown of our recommendations and dating app reviews.

Score $25 off the Magic: The Gathering Edge of Eternities Play Booster Box — now near market price at Amazon

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 04:53

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Edge of Eternities Play Booster Box is now down to $139 at Amazon, marking a $25 discount and one of the lowest prices we’ve seen for the set.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Edge of Eternities Play Booster Box (30 Packs) $139 at Amazon
$164.70 Save $25.70 Get Deal

We’ve been seeing a lot more discounts on Magic: The Gathering boxes lately, and this latest deal is perfect for players wanting to catch up on the trading card game’s cosmic expansion. 

As of Feb. 5, Amazon has cut the price of the Edge of Eternities Play Booster Box, bringing it to $139 — a nice $25 off its $164.70 list price. This is only two cents shy of its lowest-ever price, as confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel. For a set that remained relatively steady since launch, this latest dip makes it one of the better opportunities to grab Magic’s first full-on space opera expansion without paying a market premium.

Edge of Eternities sends players to collapsing star systems and distant planets, introducing new mechanics like Station, Warp, Landers, and Void. The Play Booster Box includes 30 Play Boosters, each with 14 cards and a token. Every pack contains one Traditional Foil, along with 1-4 rares or better, and there’s even a slim chance of pulling a borderless foil mythic. That balance makes the box appealing whether you’re drafting with friends, cracking packs casually, or adding to a sealed collection.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

What really helps this deal stand out is how it compares to typical pricing across the wider market. Edge of Eternities Play Booster Boxes often sell closer to the $150–$160 range.

For more savings on Magic: The Gathering Booster Boxes, you can still get the Foundations Jumpstart Box on sale for only $99.95. Meanwhile, the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box is down to a new record-low price on Amazon

The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro wireless gaming mouse is $70 off at Amazon — thats close to the best-ever price

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 04:50

TL;DR: The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro wireless RGB gaming mouse is down to $89 at Amazon, saving you $70 off its regular price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer Basilisk V3 Pro RGB Wireless Gaming Mouse $89 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $70.99 Get Deal

If you’ve been eyeing a premium, big-brand, wireless gaming mouse for a decent price, this deal on an RGB model might be the one for you.

As of Feb. 5, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro Wireless RGB gaming mouse has dropped to just $89 at Amazon, marking a massive $70 discount off its usual $159.99 list price. That’s 44% off one of Razer’s most feature-packed mice, and only one penny off the lowest price we’ve seen for this model — as confirmed on price tracker camelcamelcamel

Designed for gamers who want maximum control and customization, the Basilisk V3 Pro sports Razer’s Focus Pro 30K optical sensor for delivering fast and accurate tracking on a wide range of surfaces — including glass. It also features Razer’s Gen-3 optical switches, rated for up to 90 million clicks, which offer ultra-fast actuation with no debounce delay.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

One of the mouse’s standout features is its HyperScroll tilt wheel, which lets you switch between free-spin scrolling for speed and tactile mode for precision. Also consider its 13 programmable controls and a full 13-zone Chroma RGB underglow, and you’ve got a mouse that’s just as flexible as it is flashy when playing Fortnite, Cairn, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and much more.

Connectivity is equally versatile, with support for Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, Bluetooth, and wired USB. Battery life stretches up to 150 hours over Bluetooth, making it a strong pick for both competitive play and everyday use.

For more gaming mouse deals from Razer, you can still get the Orochi V2 range for at least 50% off.  If you’re open to a different brand, the Logitech G305 gaming mouse range is on sale for under $35 at Amazon

Stephen Colbert reacts to being mentioned in Epstein files

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 03:12

It looks as though Jon Stewart wasn't the only late night host mentioned in the Epstein files. The Late Show's Stephen Colbert has not also addressed being name-dropped in the most recently released batch of files, which contain information on the investigation into convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Fortunately, like Stewart, Colbert wasn't actually involved in Epstein's activities, and was only mentioned in emails. Specifically, one of Epstein's associates recommended he watch Colbert's explanation of Super PACs from his former show The Colbert Report.

"Well, there's no such thing as bad publicity," quipped Colbert. "Just look at our new Times Square billboard: 'The Late Show: It's really funny — think Jeffrey will enjoy watching!'"

Colbert also noted a few other names in the Epstein files which he considers particularly important as a giant Tolkien nerd.

"These files contain the names of folks even more important to me than me, because Epstein also name-dropped Bilbo Baggins, and at one point he compared himself to Gandalf," said Colbert. "All right, that is disgusting. In the immortal words of Gandalf the Grey, 'Eat shit you dead pervert.' It sounds prettier in Elvish."

BLACKPINKs Jisoo lives BookToks wildest dreams in Netflixs Boyfriend on Demand trailer

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 03:09

Netflix has released a teaser trailer for upcoming K-drama Boyfriend on Demand, featuring BLACKPINK's Jisoo living BookTok's wildest dreams.

The series follows overworked webtoon producer Mi-rae (Jisoo), who is tired of her job and fed up with dating, but still dreams of romance and escape. Fortunately for her, Mi-rae soon finds some relief in a subscription-based virtual dating service that allows her to go on amazing fantasy dates with unrealistically perfect fictional men. Judging from the trailer, she even gets to try out different scenarios with her virtual dates, such as being doctors in a hospital or lovers in a historical setting.

Yet even with the world of possibilities this outlet provides, Mi-rae does still have to deal with real men — such as her coworker and rival Kyeong-nam (Doom at Your Service's Seo In-guk).  

Boyfriend on Demand arrives March 6 on Netflix.

This noble lady won the 2026 Westminster Dog Show

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 03:08

The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was held in New York this week, celebrating its 150th anniversary the best way it knows how — with a plethora of perfect pups.

This year's Westminster Dog Show featured over 2,500 entrants from across the world, all of whom were already American Kennel Club champions in their own right. These dogs were categorised into seven groups: Sporting, Herding, Working, Toy, Hound, Non-Sporting, and Terrier. The winner of each group then went on to compete for the coveted title of Best in Show, with dogs individually judged according to the ideal standard for their breed.

This year, the Westminster Kennel Club's award for Best in Show went to four-year-old Doberman Pinscher Penny, the champion of the Working Group. Penny's handler Andy Linton described her as generally "chill," though she can get worked up by a "bad guy" or squirrel, while her co-owner Gregory Chan called her demanding, smart, and "a pleaser — she'll do anything for food."

Penny the Doberman Pinscher, winner of Best in Show and the Working Group. Credit: Roy Rochlin / Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club

Reserve Best in Show went to Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, winner of the Sporting Group. Presumably Cota will assume Penny's duties as Best in Show if for any reason she cannot fulfil them.

Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, winner of Reserve Best in Show and the Sporting Group. Credit: Roy Rochlin / Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club Zaida the Afghan Hound, winner of the Hound Group. Credit: Roy Rochlin / Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club Cookie the Maltese, winner of the Toy Group. Credit: Roy Rochlin / Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club JJ the Lhasa Aspo, winner of the Non-Sporting Group. Credit: Roy Rochlin / Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club Graham the Old English Sheepdog, winner of the Hearding Group. Credit: Roy Rochlin / Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club Wager the Smooth Fox Terrier, winner of the Terrier Group. Credit: Roy Rochlin / Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club

Hurdle hints and answers for February 5, 2026

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 00:00

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

Cheek make up.

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

BLUSH

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To pass out.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 5, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SWOON

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A DJ.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 5 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 5, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

EMCEE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Meaty.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

BEEFY

Final Hurdle hint

An object.

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

THING

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

How to watch France vs. Ireland online for free

Thu, 02/05/2026 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Six Nations is all about unpredictable games between huge rivals. Any team could win any game, and that's the beauty of this famous competition. That being said, the opening game between France and Ireland feels like a final. You expect these sides to be battling it out at the top of the standings come the final round, so the winner here will gain a significant advantage.

The likes of Antoine Dupont and Louis Bielle-Biarrey will lead the way for the hosts. Ireland will need to rely on the talents of Tadhg Beirne, Dan Sheehan, and Jamison Gibson-Park if they want to secure a massive win under the lights in Paris.

If you want to watch France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is France vs. Ireland?

France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations starts at 8:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 5. This fixture takes place at the Stade de France.

How to watch France vs. Ireland for free

France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Live stream France vs. Ireland from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

  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 the UK

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Live stream France vs. Ireland for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 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 France vs. Ireland without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream most of the 2026 Six Nations before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services to watch the Winter Olympics, the T20 World Cup, and more from anywhere in the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the 2026 Six Nations?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

NYT Pips hints, answers for February 5, 2026

Wed, 02/04/2026 - 23:44

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 5, 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 5, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 5 Pips

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 5 Pips

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 2-2, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 5 Pips

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

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

Number (18): Everything in this space must add up to 18. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically.

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

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

Equal (4): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this green space must be equal to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally.

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

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 5, 2026

Wed, 02/04/2026 - 23:30

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easy if you're a fan of pro racing and tennis.

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: Position chart

  • Green: Homerun kings

  • Blue: QB GOATS

  • Purple: Major sporting event

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Football Positions, Abbreviated

  • Green: Members of the 500-HR Club

  • Blue: First Names of QBs to Throw 500 Career TDs

  • Purple: ___500

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 #500 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • Football Positions, Abbreviated - CB, OT, S, TE

  • Members of the 500-HR Club - BANKS, BONDS, FOXX, KILLEBREW

  • First Names of QBs to Throw 500 Career TDs - AARON, DREW, PEYTON, TOM

  • ___500 - ATP, DAYTONA, INDY, WTA

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.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 5, 2026

Wed, 02/04/2026 - 22:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're proud to be an American.

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 5, 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: Patriotic things

  • Green: To clash

  • Blue: They're the smae color

  • Purple: Film icons

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Cultural symbols of the U.S.

  • Green: Collide with

  • Blue: Blue things

  • Purple: Lees of Hollywood

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 #970 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Cultural symbols of the U.S.: AMERICAN FLAG, APPLE PIE, BALD EAGLE, BASEBALL

  • Collide with: BUMP, BUTT, KNOCK, RAM

  • Blue things: BLUE THINGS

  • Lees of Hollywood: ANG, BRUCE, CHRISTOPHER, SPIKE

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 5, 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.

NYT Strands hints, answers for February 5, 2026

Wed, 02/04/2026 - 22:00

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love groups.

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 5, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 5, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Quint-essential

The words are related to numbers.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe bundles of the same number.

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 Give Me Five

NYT Strands word list for February 5
  • Weekdays

  • Vowels

  • Toes

  • Oceans

  • Give Me Five

  • Senses

  • Boroughs

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.

Pages