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Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a giver.

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 1, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 1, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: It's a gift

The words are related to giving.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe ways to give.

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 Generosity

NYT Strands word list for February 1

• Bonus

• Grant

• Present

• Generosity

• Donation

• Award

• Offering

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 like textured things.

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 1, 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 1, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Prickly.

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...

SPINY

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 1, 2026

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

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

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

TL;DR: Give your Mac a tune-up with this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021, now only $49.97 (reg. $219) through Feb. 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $49.97
$219 Save $169.03   Get Deal

Your Mac is already powerful, but if you’re looking to take it to the next level, it may be time to tap Microsoft’s finest. This Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 lifetime license equips your Apple device with six helpful apps, and right now you can snag them all for just $49.97 (reg. $219) through Feb. 22.

Don’t count out Microsoft just because you have a Mac. You can take advantage of some of their most powerful tools with the Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021. This license gives you permanent access to six powerful apps — making them less than $9 each.

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Curious what you can do with this license? These tools are great for both personal and professional tasks — like Word for document creation, Excel for budgeting and other spreadsheet needs, and PowerPoint for creating eye-catching, impactful presentations.

This suite also includes Outlook to help manage your email correspondence, Teams to stay connected with friends, family, and coworkers, and OneNote to upgrade the way you take notes.

Note that your Mac needs to be running macOS 14 or later. You’ll receive instant delivery and download after purchase, so you can access the apps immediately and permanently, with no subscription fees and no cloud connectivity required.

Get this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 for just $49.97 now through Feb. 22.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Save $5: As of Jan. 31, Amazon has the Etekcity smart scale on sale for $19.98, which is 17% off its list price of $23.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Etekcity Etekcity Smart Scale for Body Weight $19.98 at Amazon
$23.99 Save $4.01   Get Deal

Fewer things have worse vibes than that dusty analog scale at your parents' or grandparents' house that squishes when you step on it, with a dial that isn’t always accurate. Maybe you’ve moved on from that, but the digital scale you inherited from a roommate a million years ago is perpetually low on batteries because it eats AAs like it's its job instead of measuring your weight. Well, the smart scale that holds the #1 spot in the Body Composition Monitors on Amazon is currently on sale this weekend, and it is a lot better than those aforementioned scales of yore.

For just under $20, the Etekcity Smart Scale comes replete with app syncing features and Body Fat/Muscle Mass assessment technology that can supposedly tell you more about your body and health. The scale also comes with 3 AAA batteries that last for quite some time, according to satisfied reviewers.

The compatible app for this scale has really helpful features, including listing muscle mass, BMI, skeletal mass, and more. It also visualizes weigh-in data over time in a helpful linear graph, so you can see trends in your health. Multiple user profiles can be created and connected to the app, so weigh-ins can be private and logged to each user.

SAVE $170: As of Jan. 31, Amazon has the TCL 75-inch UHD Smart TV on sale for $479, 26% off its list price of $649.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch UHD Smart TV $479 at Amazon
$649 Save $170   Get Deal

If you spring for this discounted TCL 75-inch UHD Smart TV this weekend, you could be watching the Super Bowl in truly giant and crisp resolution. The model features 4K Ultra HD resolution, which TCL claims is 4 times the resolution of 1080p full-HD TVs. The TV comes replete with enhanced color, multiple motion enhancement technologies to see fast-paced games as clearly as possible, and a built-in Fire TV streaming OS. As for hardware, the TV has built-in Dolby Atmos speakers, a bezel-less design, two TV stand feet, and a remote (with batteries, which is always nice). 

Reviewers who purchased the 75-inch TCL Smart TV at this size praise the audio quality and power, which match the colossal screen size. A TV this size could end up feeling clunky or overwhelming in one’s space, customers credit its sleek profile and bezel-less design for preventing said crowding.

The price point of this TCL 75-inch UHD Smart TV, given its size and features, is quite hard to beat. Honestly, it will feel so cool to fire up the Super Bowl next weekend and watch Bad Bunny’s half-time show in all its 75-inch UHD glory. 

Another new batch of Epstein files was released by the DOJ on Friday, and this was a huge one. More than three million documents were included in the release related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Among the revelations hidden in the latest trove of Epstein files? Emails showed that Epstein was banned from Xbox Live by Microsoft.

On Thursday, December 19, 2013, Epstein received an official email from Microsoft to his jeevacation@gmail.com personal email address with the title "Xbox LIVE - Notification of Enforcement Action." Being barred from Xbox Live basically means Epstein's account would have been unable to play games online via his Xbox console.

The Microsoft email notified Epstein that his "Xbox Live account privileges have been permanently suspended." The email lists the reasons for suspension as "harassment, threats, and/or abuse of other players" and describes them as "determined to be severe, repeated, and/or excessive."

SEE ALSO: Xbox is preparing to bring ads to cloud gaming

The email from Microsoft about Epstein's Xbox Live ban appears to be a default email that's sent to all users banned under this policy. It does not describe the actions of a specific user. However, the latest Epstein files release includes another follow-up email from Xbox Live sent later that same day, which provides more details about the ban. Microsoft banned Jeffrey Epstein from Xbox Live because Epstein was a registered sex offender. 

In 2012, Microsoft joined an initiative from the New York Attorney General to ban sex offenders from online platforms. According to the follow-up email from Xbox Live, this is the reason why it removed Epstein from the online gaming platform.

"This message is to notify you that Xbox LIVE has permanently suspended the Xbox LIVE account associated with this email address," reads the 2013 email. "This action is based on the New York Attorney General's partnership with Microsoft and other online gaming companies to remove New York-registered sex offenders from online gaming services to minimize the risk to others, particularly children."

Epstein became a registered sex offender in 2009 after serving a 13-month jail term for solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of prostitution with a minor under the age of 18. Another email released in the Epstein files appears to show that Epstein created his Xbox Live account in 2012, meaning it took roughly one year for Microsoft to take action to ban his account.

As The Verge points out, there are other emails from Epstein referring to Xbox, which make it unclear if Epstein was actively using the service or simply had an account in his name for another individual to use.

SAVE $50: As of Jan. 31, Amazon has Apple AirPods Pro 3 on sale for 20% off their list price of $250, which comes down to $50 in savings. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal

Apple’s third iteration of their AirPods Pro was released in September 2025 to some rave reviews, including Mashable's own product reviewer, Adam Doud. "It's not that the AirPods Pro 3 do anything remarkably innovative compared to other wireless earbuds, which are often less expensive — you have your quality sound, active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, and more. They exceeded expectations at every turn," said Doud in his review.

One unique feature of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is heart rate monitoring. However, it’s not a constant HRM capability like that of an Apple watch. Instead, you can utilize the HRM feature of the AirPods Pro 3 when you are actively working out. 

Doud also raved about the classic features of this new AirPods model. "The ANC on these AirPods Pro 3 is seriously impressive. The purpose of ANC is to reduce outside noise… Apple goes further by reducing all sound around you to a near whisper." If you’re looking for a new pair of headphones with wireless capability and excellent noise cancellation, you really can’t go wrong with the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

This weekend on Amazon is a 20% sale on this model, which has happened a few times since its release, but it isn’t super common. 

Samsung Galaxy fans did not let the hefty near-$3,000 price tag deter them from snapping up the TriFold phone on Saturday, when it went on sale.

On the morning of Jan. 30, the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold officially launched in the U.S., and buyers were quick to order the new Samsung smartphone. 

According to our friends at CNET, the $2,9000 TriFold sold out within minutes of going on sale. CNET says multiple people logged in to Samsung's website to make their purchases at the moment the device went on sale. Only one person was able to order the TriFold.

Samsung's website currently lists the TriFold as sold out. Credit: Samsung

If you were planning on buying the TriFold today, you're out of luck. The website currently lists the TriFold as out of stock. While the site also indicates it will be restocked soon, no timeframe is listed for when consumers will be able to order the device again.

There was some question about whether consumers would spend nearly $3,000 on a smartphone, given that it has a foldable screen so big it folds twice. It turns out that people are willing to spend that much money on the TriFold – or at least the early adopters are. 

Pricing aside, the TriFold has been receiving rave reviews from those that tried it out. Mashable enjoyed our hands-on time with the device. Mashable's own Timothy Beck Werth liked the TriFold so much that he walked out of CES 2026 deciding it was among the best tech he saw. In fact, CNET Group, which includes CNET and Mashable, decided as a whole that the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold was the Best of CES.

Mashable will keep readers updated when Samsung restocks the TriFold.

Some TikTok users in the U.S. have reported ‘zero views’ glitches, restrictions, and even account bans they say are related to content about Palestine, criticism of Donald Trump and ICE, and even mentions of Jeffrey Epstein’s name in private messages.

Notably, it happened days after the social media platform closed on a deal to separate its U.S. operations from its global business. In the States, the app is now owned by TikTok USDS Joint Ventures LLC – a private majority company established to oversee TikTok in the country. Immediately following the handover, TikTok suffered outages, and many U.S. users reported difficulties signing in to the platform. Once users could sign in, they were asked to agree to new Terms of Service, which raised privacy concerns among some users.

SAVE $500: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale at Amazon for $1,099, down from the normal price of $1,599. That's a 31% discount that matches the record-low price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,099 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $500   Get Deal

Despite the FCC ban on foreign drones, you can still get yourself a DJI drone. The fine print of the ban explains that any drone already in the country are excluded from the new legislation, which means they're fair game for ownership and operation. However, that means stock is dwindling, so if you're searching for a DJI drone, check out this latest deal.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $1,599. That's a 31% discount that takes a hefty $500 off the price. It also matches the record-low price at Amazon.

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The DJI Mini 5 Pro is a premium drone and the Fly More Combo makes it just that much more appealing. The bundle includes the DJI Mini 5 Pro drone itself, the DJI RC 2 camera-drone remote controller, a set of filters, three DJI Mini 5 Pro Intelligent Flight batteries, three propeller sets, a shoulder bag, and more. Boiled down, this is everything you'd want for an epic drone set-up.

In terms of performance, the DJI Mini 5 Pro is a stellar model. It has a one-inch CMOS camera with 4K HDR filming at 60fps. You can also go with 4K 120fps for slow-motion filming. DJI also made this model especially appealing for night flying thanks to the 360 degree Nightscape Omnidirectional Sensing and Nighttime return-to-home function. DJI's ActiveTrack 360° technology is a must-have feature if you'll be filming moving subjects like a cyclist, skier, or surfer.

While it's still in stock and on sale for a record-low price, snag the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo. The bundle is packed with advanced accessories while still being a perfect model for beginners.

SAVE $50: The M4 Mac Mini is on sale at Amazon for $549, down from the normal price of $599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple M4 Mac Mini (2024, 256GB) $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50   Get Deal

Silicon Valley is going wild for the 2024 M4 Mac Mini, but it's not for the reason you might think. No, it's not being used as a traditional desktop computer in the way we assume. People are using it to run the latest AI assistant, Clawdbot. With a cute lobster mascot, the Clawdbot hype is driving up sales and snatching up stock of the Mac Mini with an M4 chip. Before it becomes impossible to find in-stock, check out this sale price.

As of Jan. 31, the M4 Mac Mini is on sale at Amazon for $549, marked down from the standard price of $599.

Why use a Mac Mini for running Clawdbot? The answers are pretty similar to why you'd want a Mac Mini in the first place. Like the name implies, it's a tiny beast that has 16GB of unified memory and 256GB SSD. Plus, you can leave it running at all times with no issue. If you live in the Apple ecosystem and plan to adopt Clawdbot, a dedicated Mac Mini could be an awesome sidekick.

SEE ALSO: Clawdbot is a viral AI assistant: What it is, how to try it

This 2024 version of the Mac Mini comes with Apple's powerful M4 chip, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, ethernet, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 4 ports. All of that is housed in the compact five inch by five inch Mac Mini housing. This size makes it simple to add to your current desktop setup or take along on the next work trip.

If you're looking for the smallest possible personal assistant, running Clawdbot on a Mac Mini might be your best option. Before demand reaches even higher levels, snag the M4 Mac Mini from Amazon while it's on sale for $549. That's $50 off the normal price.

Energy experts said that governors and legislatures have tools to keep electricity prices from rising further, and might even be able to lower them.

Recent additions to this guide:

• January 2026: We've removed the Sonos Move 2 from this guide because of the high price tag and problems with Sonos software; it's also one of the older speakers on this list.

• January 2026: We've removed the IKEA VAPPEBY portable speaker. It's still a good speaker, but there are more well-rounded options for under $50.

• November 2025: We've selected the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Generation) as our best travel speaker, replacing the IKEA Vappeby (our new honorable mention pick).

• November 2025: We've added the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 as the best party speaker, replacing the older Ultimate Ears Hyperboom.

• November 2025: We've added the Sony ULT Field 7 as the best boombox-style speaker.

Since it entered our gay little world in 2009, Grindr has been the glue keeping queer hookup culture from completely falling apart. Gone are the days of personal ads in glossy magazines and chance encounters under dim bar lights. Now, you can have your phone in one hand and your dick in the other, fire off a few messages, and call it “effort” when someone actually shows up. In just over 15 years, Grindr has singlehandedly made gay hookups easier than brushing your teeth in the morning. 

I can’t say I’ve been on the app since the beginning, but I have been on and off for quite a while. In 2015, I was 18 years old and living in my freshman dorm at Pratt Institute in New York City. It was my second semester, and I’d made a number of connections at that point — both platonic and sexual. Classes, frat parties, campus run-ins, you get the gist. One weekend, my roommate flew to Miami for a date with his sugar daddy, who he’d met on Grindr, leaving me with the dorm room all to myself. I thought, hell, if he can get a sugar daddy to take him on a tropical vacation, why can't I? I downloaded Grindr from my lofted dorm-room bed on a Friday night. And, well, the rest is history. Grindr is now the undisputed king of queer hookup apps.

SEE ALSO: You can now view Grindr's original (and uncensored) content right in the app

I’ve been using Grindr in some fashion for 10 years, toying with every feature the app has to offer. Some Grindr features have changed a lot since I was a baby gay at Pratt, while others have remained relatively the same. After so much change, competition from other gay dating apps, and shifts in how we connect online, is Grindr still worth it in 2026?

That’s what I'm here to figure out.

The key to success on Grindr? Manage your expectations.

I’ve heard about those adorable (ugh) love stories that supposedly started on Grindr (and the rarer-still fulfilling sugar daddy relationship), but that’s never really been my experience — or the experience of the vast majority of queer guys using the app. Sure, I’ve had a few solid dates through Grindr, but nine times out of 10, we've already exchanged nudes by the first "date," and that hardly qualifies as a meet-cute.

While Grindr lets users specify what they’re “Looking For” (Chat, Dates, Friends, Networking, Relationships, or Hookups), we all know Hookups (formerly Right Now) is the main draw. Sure, you’ll occasionally stumble into one-off conversations that’ll have you smiling and twirling your hair, but you're more likely to stumble into unsolicited dick pics (aka cyberflashing) and those three little words: "top or bottom?" So, even if hookups aren’t your goal, remember that it’s the intent of basically everybody else on the app. You don’t go to Grindr to find your Prince Charming — there are plenty of other dating apps for that.

SEE ALSO: I tried Sniffies and it made getting laid as a gay man almost too easy Getting started with Grindr: The profile setup

You can sign up for Grindr with an email and password, or through Facebook, Google, or Apple ID. You also have to give Grindr your phone number to get your stamp of approval. Once you're in, you’re immediately given a blank profile that Grindr pushes you to set up, though you don’t have to. You can leave the whole thing barren if you want that air of mystery, which is a Grindr personality in itself. If you choose to, here’s what you’ll see in your “Edit Profile” section — and keep in mind, you can leave whatever you want blank:

• Photos: Upload up to five photos that make up the front-facing part of your profile. While you can get a little scandalous (you can show butt, but not hole), Grindr will veto any photo it deems inappropriate.

• Display Name: To my knowledge, you can make your display name just about anything as long as it's not hateful or obviously drug-related.

• About Me: Tell them who you are! You’ll see a lot of Grindr-specific terms here that can be confusing at first —  NPNC (no pic, no chat), NSA (no strings attached), and BB (you know what this one means, right?) Keep it short and sweet because you have just 255 characters to write your heart out.

• My Tags: Grindr implemented tags in late 2022. Some are sexual, some are about hobbies, some are about looks.

• Stats: OK, here’s where you pick apart your body and sexual desires so other guys can filter you out in their mind. Sections include Age, Height, Weight, Ethnicity, Tribes, Body Type, and more. Remember: you don’t have to fill out this or any part of the profile.

• Expectations: This is where you tell the boys whether you’re trying to get bent over on their bed or auditioning for a ring by spring.

• Identity: Initially, Grindr was designed specifically for men seeking men. Today, trans and non-binary folks are welcome on Grindr, too.

• Health: This is an awesome option that Grindr includes to ensure users are being sexually conscious. Sections include HIV Status, Last Tested Date, Vaccinations, and more.

• Social Links: I swear, we’re almost done. I see a lot of people who link to Instagram, and a lot of OnlyFans creators like to link to their X account. Linking your Facebook to your Grindr profile? That’s a bit strange to me. Instead, link your Spotify account and add your top songs for people to judge.

Once your profile’s set, it’s time to play.

The Grindr Grid Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Getty Images

When you open the app, you'll be brought directly to the grid, the gay little hub where everything you’ll ever need on Grindr basically lives. This shows every guy on Grindr in your area, with the top-left square reserved for whoever’s basically breathing down your neck in proximity. It gets real awkward if the closest person happens to be your downstairs neighbor. Trust me, I’ve lived it. (Also, hi, Todd.)

The grid has changed a lot over the past few years, but as of January 2026, you can expect around 87 messageable profiles if you’re not using filters and aren’t paying for Grindr XTRA or Grindr Unlimited. If you’re using filters (age ranges, tribe preferences, tags), the number of people will drop significantly. But if you’re using a subscription, you’ll have hundreds more profiles on your grid. If you don’t have a paid subscription, you won’t be able to message some visible profiles past a certain point.

Unlike dating apps like Tinder or Hinge, you don't have to match with anyone. Simply click their photo, scan their profile, and send a message. You can also opt to "tap," the Grindr equivalent of a low-effort "hey" message. Free users will only see a handful of your most recent taps, and you can only message guys that fall within that window. Personally, I suggest sending a real message. It won’t disappear, and you’re actually starting the conversation.

You can also star the profiles you really like, so you can save your favorites like you’re curating a very queer museum exhibit. There are a few more ways to filter profiles, including sorting by who’s currently online, by tags, by sexual position, and more, to narrow down your hunt. You can also filter by age, which is great if you typically veer toward older or younger blokes. You can’t search by a specific age anymore, but Grindr now lets you browse within age ranges of six years or more, starting with 18–23.

You can also hop around the map from the top of the grid, either by typing in a location or dropping a pin. But if you’re on the free version, you only get one message a day to someone outside your area, so make sure he’s cute. (And if you're looking for location-based cruising, give Sniffies a try.)

Your Grindr inbox

This is where all the magic happens. Your Grindr inbox is a blessing and a curse. One minute you’ll be talking to the hottest guy in the city, the next you’ll receive seven unsolicited dick and hole pics from a 76-year-old named Joe who is cheating on his wife and wants to shove a sneaker inside of you. I’m not kidding, either. If you decide to get Grindr, you will get some really creepy messages that will make you wonder why you downloaded the app to begin with. It’s just in the name of the game, sadly.

Also, please remember that Grindr does have rules for messaging. If you encounter any racism, boundary crossing, underage users, harassment, or other types of abuse, you can report the user for violating Grindr's community guidelines.

Your inbox will eventually become a graveyard of every Grindr conversation you’ve ever had. Deleting messages only erases them for you. The other guy still gets to keep your entire chat history like a souvenir. If you reinstall the app, you’re starting fresh, while he’s still scrolling through previous pictures you sent of your dick and balls. Messages only disappear for good when you fully delete your account. Paid Grindr members can also unsend messages for up to 24 hours after hitting send.

You can filter your messages the same way you filter the grid — by who you’ve starred, what’s unread, distance, who’s currently online, or sexual position. Grindr loves a category.

Private Albums on Grindr

Private albums are your saving grace on Grindr, especially if you’re a hoe on the low. You can include up to 10 pieces of content and up to one video in your private album. This is where you keep the nudes you use to entice strangers to your apartment at 3 a.m. Grindr even tells you how many people you’ve shared your album with, whether you want that information or not.

Albums on Grindr are made for discretion. Seriously. Try screenshotting an image on anyone’s album, and you won’t be able to. What comes up instead? A bunch of Grindr emojis covering the image you were trying to save to your camera roll, you sneaky little fuck. Busted. Everything that’s in the album stays in the album — and that’s one of my favorite Grindr features by far. (That said, technically savvy perverts might still find ways around screenshot protections, so act accordingly.)

Paid Grindr customers can make multiple private albums. If you're a free user, choose your dick pics wisely.

Looking for Right Now?

The “Right Now” feature is Grindr’s latest attempt to help you find someone who’s DTF immediately. It opens a map of floating circle profiles (a.k.a. Grindr doing its best Sniffies impersonation) and gives your profile three purple droplets to show you’re ready this instant. In reality, I barely ever see people on it, and I live in a big city. I’m not convinced this feature will survive long-term, but Grindr has kept stranger things alive. I often click it by mistake.

What else can I get from Grindr? Credit: Grindr

Grindr is constantly testing out new features, from fancy new AI tools to original content. Tap on “Grindr Presents” to see uncensored original videos, music, editorials, and playlists that dive headfirst into gay culture and the many flavors of queer existence. It’s new as of 2025, and I’ve literally never once used it. Sorry. However, keep exploring the menu, and you'll find an option to get a free HIV test, read all about Grindr’s safety and privacy, and peep your settings.

SEE ALSO: Grindr's latest updates are wild: Hiding from your ex, verified pics, and faster hookups Should I pay for Grindr?

This is the question every person on Grindr is asking themselves in 2026. I explored this question in my recent piece on Grindr Xtra. It's an undeniable fact that the paid version of Grindr is noticeably better. But I ultimately decided that a recurring subscription to a hookup app just wasn't for me, even if it can be worth it for special occasions.

To quote myself, "Are you touring a new city alone for a week and want your whole cake and to eat it, too? Then, sure — pay for a week-long Grindr XTRA subscription for a little over $2 a day. Go buck wild on your Berlin trip. Are you home on your couch when Pornhub is just a few clicks away in your Safari app? Maybe don’t pay for Grindr XTRA this time. Let it be a little treat every once in a while."

Credit: Grindr Credit: Grindr

Of course, if you choose not to pay for Grindr, you'll have to deal with some really annoying obstacles. For one, the free version of Grindr is riddled with ads that are impossible to avoid. You want to look at a profile? Ad. You want to send a message? Ad. You want to look at someone’s album? Ad. While it has gotten a little bit better in the early weeks of 2026, 2024 through 2025 was an atrocious time to be on Grindr, and the ads made the app borderline unusable. If you pay up, the ads disappear, you get access to way more profiles, and you can filter by tags like a gay detective on a manhunt.

Grindr XTRA starts at $15.99 a week, and honestly, I only recommend springing for it in dire emergencies (like if you’re really horny) or when you’re traveling. You can also opt for Grindr Unlimited, which allows you to see who has been snooping on your profile, slip into Incognito Mode to lurk unnoticed, send unlimited disappearing photos, auto-translate chats, and even use Grindr on your browser, all without a single ad clogging the experience. And, get this, it starts at $9 a day. No thanks.

Is Grindr still worth it?

I have such an insane love/hate relationship with Grindr, and the answer to this question really depends on what you’re currently looking for in life. If you’re hunting for a boyfriend, absolutely not. Run. Run fast and far. (There are plenty of dating apps out there for serious relationships.) But if you’re horny, bored, or trying to dust off your flirting skills? Then Grindr is basically built for that, so get on and have some fun.

And as for your mental health, remember this: you are under zero obligation to be on Grindr. The sheer number of users doesn’t mean everyone is constantly hooking up — that’s just the illusion the grid gives you. If you’re not on the app, that doesn't mean you're missing out on anything. Take care of yourself first. If Grindr starts messing with your head, delete it. You can always come back and make a new account when it feels right.

Ultimately, Grindr is meant to be fun. It’s designed to be exciting. And though those damn ads make everything a little less sexy, Grindr is worth it if you’re looking to have some fun. And, if fun is what you want, let yourself have it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Getty Images Grindr   Learn More

For me, it was a bit nerve-racking to welcome Vic Michaelis to Mashable's Say More couch. The talented comedian appears in a slate of sensational Dropout shows, like Dimension 20: Gladlands, Gastronauts, and Game Changer as well as the new Peacock espionage dramedy Ponies. But Michaelis has also created their own interview parody show, where improv artists wear prosthetics to play Very Important People. 

How do you interview a comedian who has mastered making a bad interview great TV? Well, you can see for yourself in Mashable's full Say More episode with Vic Michaelis on YouTube. But from my perspective, it was truly one of the easiest interviews I've ever done. Where on Very Important People, Michaelis' character (also named Vic Michaelis) is socially awkward and dangerously ambitious, in person they were quick, funny, and game for anywhere the conversation took us — including giving us a taste of the Twisters movie that is their dream project. 

In the interview, we talked about Heated Rivalry, orcas attacking yachts, the groundbreaking "One Year Later" episode of Game Changer, Brennan Lee Mulligan "quitting" Dropout, and their dream guest, Catherine O'Hara, whose passing came days after this conversation took place. But for fans of Very Important People, I wanted to single out all the things Michaelis shared about the creation of the Dropout show that they host and serve as executive producer on. 

So, here's everything Mashable learned about Very Important People from Vic Michaelis. 

When does Michaelis see the full look for their guests?  Vic Michaelis is Vic Michaelis, host of "Very Important People." Credit: Ryan Schude / Dropout

As a producer on the show, Michaelis is in on the early conversations about the look that the costume and makeup teams are building for each guest. However, they choose to keep their distance from the reveal room, where comedians like Paul F. Tompkins, Bobby Moynihan, Jeremy Culhane, Nicole Byer, and Anna Garcia discover what prosthetics, wigs, and wardrobe have been applied while their eyes were closed. 

Michaelis explained to me, Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, "So in the pre-production process, I'm down to know everything. Because often it's like, we're dealing with mood boards. We're dealing with reference images and things like that. So it's easy enough to sort of be like, 'Oh, I can sort of see what the idea is.'"

They continued, "I would say on the whole like, I know the improviser's comedy style very well. So like, I'm like, 'Okay, I think that this would help set this person up for success with this for XYZ reasons.' But on the day, as soon as we get to set, I don't want to see finished costumes until they step on set. I don't want to know anything about them. I don't want them to be married to anything that they say in the reveal room."

"Because if it's like, they have an idea, and then as soon as we get on, we start building something, and they're like, 'Oh no, this is a more fun path. Or, like, I want to change it to this. Or I want this to be a surprise, and I want to get your reaction to it.' I just think it allows for some more freedom," Michaelis said, "In general, I kind of view myself as, like, the head of the talent department. Like, my only goal when people get on set is just to make sure that they feel safe and comfortable and confident to take big swings or make choices, or take stuff back if they want to. I just want to make sure that everyone is having a good time, because it is a daunting process."

Very Important People made one big change between conception and the show's debut. Credit: Ryan Schude / Dropout

Of working on the show, Michaelis said, "It rocks. Genuinely, it really just is the best job in the world. You know, especially in that first season, they really gave us complete free range to do truly whatever we wanted, because they had so many other things going on. And, like, for a long time, Dropout was really, like, all hands on deck. Like, you know, we're gonna do our best." 

Then they revealed how Very Important People was originally intended to have multiple guests and interviews in each episode. "They had initially designed Very Important People to be three episodes in one essentially," Michaelis explained. "So it'd be like they do Anna Garcia's episode ('Princess Emily'), Zac [Oyama]'s episode ('Tommy Shriggly'), and Jacob [Wysocki]'s episode ('Marionette Conqui and Zonton de la Doll'), and that'll all be like one… But then they had so much footage at the end, they were like, it's gonna be three separate episodes."

Vic Michaelis' suit is solo, and maybe staying? Vic Michaelis is on the set of "Very Important People." Credit: Ryan Schude / Dropout

While their guest might wear robes, '90s alt attire, rocks or slime to the set, Michaelis has worn the exact same suit through Seasons 1, 2, and 3. But will this camel suit be a constant?

Asked about the suit's origins, Michaelis asked me what I'd make of a change in wardrobe, and I admitted in my mind this suit is what the character Vic sees as the look for a professional journalist. From there, they admitted that every season it's a discussion. 

"Every season there's talk of like, 'Do we do a new suit? And it ends up looped back to the exact same place," they said, adding, "I love the suit. It's honestly unbelievably comfy. We have the exact same one from Season 1. I had literally brought it home with me, because they were like, 'You can keep the suit after the first season.' Then they decided they wanted the same one for the second season, and I had to bring it back from my house. I'm wearing the pants from that suit in my Smartypants episode. So, you know, it's family at this point.' 

So will there be a change? We'll have to see in Season 4. 

For more from Michaelis on Very Important People, Dimension 20, and the unexpected connection between Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, and Ponies, check out the full Say More episode on YouTube.

Ponies is now streaming on Peacock. Game Changer, Dimension 20: Gladlands, and Very Important People are all streaming on Dropout.

NASA has postponed the pivotal fueling test for Artemis II because of a near-freezing chill in Florida, making a February space launch far less likely. 

The so-called "wet dress rehearsal" will load the Space Launch System with 700,000 gallons of ultra‑cold propellants at the rocket's Kennedy Space Center launchpad in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The trial run, now targeted for Monday, Feb. 2, takes the countdown all the way to 29 seconds before liftoff, then stops. 

How the test goes will determine when NASA actually lights those engines. 

"We need to get through wet dress, we need to see what lessons we learn as a result of that, and that will ultimately lay out our path toward launch," Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell‑Thompson said. "With a wet dress that is without significant issues, if everything goes to plan, then certainly there are opportunities within February that could be achievable."

SEE ALSO: No guarantees: Inside the biggest risks facing NASA's Artemis 2 crew

Artemis II will be the agency's first flight to the moon with a crew in over 50 years. Three U.S. astronauts, Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and one Canadian astronaut, Jeremy Hansen, will ride in the Orion spacecraft, which they named Integrity. The 10-day journey, which could launch as early as Feb. 8, is a necessary flight test before NASA attempts to land astronauts on the lunar surface.

Here's how to watch NASA fill up the 322-foot mega moon rocket in this crucial test. 

Artemis II launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson watches the mega moon rocket roll by the windows of the firing room. Credit: NASA / Aubrey Gemignani When is the wet dress rehearsal? 

NASA has announced the wet dress rehearsal is now scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2 at 9 p.m. ET, two days later than officials had said earlier in the week, though the date and time could continue to change as the agency monitors weather and temperature conditions. 

During the test, teams will fill the rocket with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen and rehearse every major step of launch‑day fueling. Controllers will run through all countdown procedures, including the final "terminal count," stopping at T‑29 seconds. 

Will NASA broadcast the test? 

Yes, although the agency has not released the link to the specific feed, NASA plans to stream the wet dress rehearsal live on its YouTube channel. 

The individual stream links will be available on that page, "closer to activities," according to NASA. It's unclear how much forewarning the agency will provide. It's also likely NASA will broadcast the event on NASA+, its own free on-demand streaming service, though a placeholder link for it was not available as of midday Friday on the service's "scheduled events" page. Check NASA's Facebook page and X channel for coverage as well. 

Since SLS rolled out to the pad on Jan. 17, NASA has maintained a steady 24-7 view of the rocket. But that feed won't be the one capturing the fueling test with commentary, according to officials. 

From left, the Artemis II crew: Christina Hammock Koch, Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, and Reid Wiseman. Credit: NASA / James Blair What's the likelihood of success? 

It's hard to predict the outcome of NASA's wet dress rehearsal, but how smoothly it goes will drive the launch timeline. 

During Artemis I, NASA needed four fueling rehearsals because teams had trouble keeping the liquid oxygen cold enough, found hydrogen leaks where the ground pipes connect to the rocket, and ran into a problem with a valve that lets hydrogen flow back into the tank. From SLS's rollout in March 2022, it was an eight-month campaign before the rocket left Earth.

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

But mission leaders say this time will be different. For Artemis II, they have changed how they pump the fuel, upgraded the connections between the rocket and the ground equipment, and redesigned and tested that troublesome valve with real super‑cold fuel.

"Why do we think that we'll be successful in Artemis II?" Blackwell-Thompson said. "It's the lessons that we learned."

When will Artemis 2 launch? 

A launch window is the span of time when a rocket can lift off and still reach its planned destination in space. NASA has released the launch windows for February, March, and April. Mashable has provided an extensive explainer on launch opportunities for the upcoming crewed mission. 

Because of the latest delays, that leaves only Feb. 8, 10, and 11 for this month before NASA starts looking into March. Despite having only publicized the launch dates through April, mission leaders said they actually have a handful of days available "in just about every month," Blackwell-Thompson said.

We love to see it — that house on the commute home from work that always has festive decorations lit up to celebrate each holiday. Even on horrible days, seeing that cheery house is a nice feeling. There’s just one glaring issue with having festive lights on your home — it’s a massive pain to actually get them up on the house.

Without fail, it always feels like a sketchy situation to get on the ladder and work with arms overhead and a staple gun. Just ask Clark Griswold. That same inconvenience hits if a bulb burns out and needs a replacement. Luckily, Govee is giving us the ability to keep lights on year-round with bulbs that’ll never need replacing.

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism $539.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A never-ending party

For years now, Govee has made outdoor lights that are designed to be permanent. Just one trip up the ladder and/or onto the roof and the lights can stay up year-round.

But in the fall of 2025, Govee launched the new Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism. Unlike previous Govee models, the Prism version has triple-color lighting heads on each light module. In less fancy terms, each individual light consists of three lights that can all display their own individual color. The result looks like the coolest lighting party that your neighbors will envy.

Home is where the celebrations happen, so putting up permanent lights is a top-tier life hack. Holidays, birthday parties, graduation, retirement, backyard barbecues, and every party in between will have a new element of celebratory vibes. Plus, Govee’s app makes choosing your lighting situation incredibly enjoyable. As an added bonus, the lights are awesome for illuminating the front door and your home’s perimeter both for better visibility when walking around and better home security.

A fancy upgrade from the original Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights

As a surprise to no one, Govee does lighting incredibly well and the Prism version of the brand’s permanent outdoor lights are spectacular, in my opinion. The triple-light module makes for an amazing display. I first heard about these lights when I was covering exciting launches at IFA 2025 and I knew they’d be cool, but once I got them up, I was enamored. They’re more than just cool. The triple color effect is really awesome.

You can't deny that's an awesome display. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Govee went all out with this design, from the lights themselves to the durable build. For starters, they’re safe to use in a massive temperature range from -22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit which again, plays into the permanent aspect of these lights. They’re also waterproof, carrying an IP68 rating. The power adapter and control box come with an IP67 rating. 

If you like more technical specs, each light has a rating of 60 lumens with a color temperature range between 2,700K and 6,500K. You’ve probably heard of the RGB term (red, green, blue) but these Govee lights operate with RGBWWIC which adds in warm white, and independent control. That means you get 16 million color options to choose from, all with tunable gradients and brightness levels. If that feels intimidating, you can choose from over 100 preset Govee modes.

A playful app

Immediately, I was in love with the look of the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism. I’m a huge sucker for great ambient lighting as well as lighting that helps set the mood and these lights do both in a majorly successful way.

But knowing I was testing these for others, I went deep into the Govee app to see just what these spendy lights were capable of. What happened next was me sitting outside for hours playing with the app and then looking at the lights to say, “Oh this one is the coolest!” over and over again.

I spent hours in this app clicking through the options. Credit: Govee app screenshot

The Govee app you’ll use to control the lights offers endless options of lighting vibes for every holiday, celebration, event, mood, and more. When I was testing, Govee even had options to celebrate the new release of Zootopia 2, and then I played around with dozens of pre-set options that covered major sports teams from the NFL, NHL, MLB, and more. That’s an awesome feature to immediately switch your lights to your team’s colors on game days. 

There’s also nature scenes, festivals, and the option to have the lights bop along with your music. And then I found Govee’s “Effects Lab.” Here, I tested out light colors and displays that depict settings from all around the world like Santorini, the Sydney Opera House, and the Tokyo Tower. You can display common colors of the lagoon triggerfish or plants or even pulling colors from famous paintings. 

I actually like the Govee AI Lighting Bot 2.0. Credit: Govee app screenshot Get your lights to bop along with your music. Credit: Govee app screenshot

The Govee app is also one of the few instances I can support using AI. The Govee AI Lighting Bot 2.0 was a joy to use, and it crafted me red and white lighting displays after my prompt. But you can also give the Bot 2.0 a vibe you’re going for and it’ll do its best to convey that mood in lighting form. 

What I don’t love

Not everything is 100% perfect with the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism and after having them up for a few weeks, I have two small gripes.

First, the light modules are super spread out. A 100-foot set includes 36 lighting heads. That means there’s about 2.7 feet between each light. I’m gonna assume Govee did this on purpose. Because each light is actually three-in-one and the outer two are angled in such a way to project over a wide area, each light module projects in a fairly wide area. Because of this, I don’t think many people will be upset about the spacing but I wish they were a smidge closer together.

These lights require to get tucked under an overhang. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The only other negative I see about the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism strands is that they need to be attached under an overhang. You won’t be able to get the right effect from these lights if you string them up on a backyard fence or wind them around a pole, for example. The shining performance of these Prism lights with a triple light effect really requires them to project downward onto a wall.

What’s the lifespan of permanent outdoor lights?

Govee notes the Prism permanent outdoor lights can last for up to 50,000 hours. That equals 2,083 days or about 5.5 years if you never turn the lights off, ever. Assuming you would turn the lights off during daylight hours, we’ll adjust that to keeping them on for 10 hours per day. That equals a lifespan of 5,000 days of use or about 13.7 years. 

So these Govee lights are not permanent in the sense that they'll last a lifetime but rather, they’re permanent in that you won’t have to take them down after each holiday. Thanks to their durability, weather-resistance, and LED light technology, these lights should last an incredibly long time. Certainly long enough to stay up on your roof until you move or you decide to upgrade to newer lights with fancier tech sometime within the next 13 years.

Are the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism worth the price?

The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism are top-of-the-line and use some of the most advanced technology we have when it comes to lighting. Because of this and their durable build, these lights don’t come cheap. A 100-foot set has 36 lighting heads and comes with a list price of $539.99. Up that to a 150-foot set with 54 lights and the price jumps to $699.99. A 200-foot set with 72 lightning heads comes with a wincing price tag of $859.99.

The permanent aspect will be well worth the price for many homes. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

That’s a lot of money for exterior lights. But put into real-life context, I think it’s well worth the price for many people. It saves you the hassle, questionable safety, and time of getting up on the ladder and/or on the roof each year to hang the Christmas lights and then take them down in sketchy wet weather come January. The price becomes even more warranted if you typically hire someone to hang Christmas lights for you each year, which can often come with an astronomical price. The permanence of the Govee lights is likely well worth it for plenty of homes.

If you’re not thrilled about paying the premium for the Prism version, Govee makes several other outdoor permanent lights that come in at a more affordable price like the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro and the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2. Both of those options are a downgrade in terms of display options, but they serve the same purpose of getting lights on your house that won’t need to come down for a very, very long time. Plus, they’re awesome, and that counts for quite a bit.

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights options Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism (100 feet) $539.99 at Amazon Shop Now Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism (150 feet) $699.99 at Amazon Shop Now Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism (200 feet) $859.99 at Amazon Get Deal Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro (100 feet) $439.99 at Amazon Shop Now Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 (100 feet) $329.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Want to watch college basketball this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Get Deal Best for affordability Sling TV Orange + Blue $23/month for your first month, then $45.99/month Get Deal Best for top weekend games Paramount+ with Showtime $13.99/month or $139.99/year Get Deal BEST FOR SMALL SCHOOL FANS ESPN+ $29.99/month Get Deal Best for Big Ten games Peacock Premium $10.99/month Get Deal BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 2 months (save $99) Get Deal

It’s not quite March Madness but we’re getting close — the college basketball season is heating up and delivering more action than most b-ball fans can keep up with. Among the big games this week is Arizona State Sun Devils vs. tArizona Wildcats. It’s been a tricky season for the Sun Devils so far, while the Wildcats are at the top of the Big 12 and currently ranked No. 1.

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On paper this should be all about the Wildcats, but there’s nothing like a state rivalry to amp up the excitement. Not to mention the fact that their last meeting this month, won by the Wildcats, was a narrow result. Can the Sun Devils upset the favorites?

When is Arizona State vs. Arizona?

Arizona State vs. Arizona takes place at 2 p.m. ET on Jan. 31. This game takes place at Desert Financial Arena.

Arizona State vs. Arizona is broadcast on TNT Sports.

How to watch college basketball in 2025/26

Fans can live stream college basketball on a wide range of recommended platforms, some of which include free trials, allowing you to follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN+ (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN+ $29.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ESPN+ only

If your favorite team plays in the America East, Atlantic Sun, Ivy League, or Southland conference, then ESPN+ is the only way to watch those teams without going to the games. For many other leagues that don’t have many games on traditional TV channels, ESPN+ is the primary way to watch games.

It's worth noting that an ESPN+ subscription gives you access to ESPN+ only. For the full range of ESPN and sports access, choose an alternative tier.

The ESPN Select tier (for classic content, studio shows, and replays) is priced at $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year. ESPN Unlimited (all ESPN live channels and ESPN+ content) costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year.

Peacock Premium (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $10.99/month Shop Now

The Big Ten Conference will have games exclusively on Peacock this season, so to catch all those conference contests, you’ll need Peacock.

Members of the Big Ten Conference in 2025-26 include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, and Wisconsin.

There are 58 Big Ten men’s basketball games scheduled to be broadcast exclusively on Peacock. Peacock Premium costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ACBS, FOX, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, MSG, NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and USA Network. 

FuboTV will be a great option for the college basketball regular season. Its Pro plan at $84.99 per month will give you access to hundreds of college basketball games. There is also a seven-day free trial. 

If you’re a fan of teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference, you’ll want to upgrade to the Elite plan to get the ACC Network. The Elite plan is $104.99 per month. 

The biggest channels missing from the FuboTV lineup are TBS, TNT, and truTV. Those carry a large chunk of games during the NCAA Tournament, and the 2026 Final Four and national championship game are scheduled to be broadcast on TBS. To get those games, you’ll need to go elsewhere such as the B/R Sports add-on with Max. 

Paramount+ with Showtime (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount Paramount + with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $13.99/month Shop Now

Channels: CBS, CBS Sports HQ

CBS mainly shows college basketball games on the weekends, so if you’re mainly a weekend viewer until March, this would work for you.

Paramount+ gives you a seven-day free trial. To live stream CBS on Paramount+, you need the Paramount+ with Showtime tier, and that is $12.99 per month. You can also choose the annual plan at $119.99 per year, and you save about $3 per month. 

Paramount+ also gives students a 25% discount. CBS Sports Network games are not available to live stream through Paramount+ on its own. You'll need the Showtime add-on.

Sling TV Orange + Blue (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

If you’re a casual college basketball fan, an option like Sling may be a good fit for you. It's a comprehensive sporting service with a wide range of benefits, but you will need to be careful when selecting your plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets — for $45.99 per month (with an introductory deal of 50% off for the first month) — but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually want.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for your first 2 months Shop Now

Channels: CBS, FOX, ACCN, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, FS1, FS2, SEC Network, TBS, TNT, truTV, The CW, USA Network

YouTube TV offers a 7-day free trial. It is then $59.99 per month for the first two months. That will get you most of the way through the 2025-26 college basketball season. After the introductory rate, the rate is $82.99 per month starting in the third month. 

How to watch Arizona State vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world

If you're outside the U.S. for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., allowing you to unblock live streams of college basketball from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Arizona State vs. Arizona 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 U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Arizona State vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• 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. That means 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 (which includes a money-back guarantee).

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

TL;DR: This tool unites the major AI models in one convenient spot, and now you can get a 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription for only $74.97 through tonight (Jan. 31) at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $74.97
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AI is supposed to make our lives easier… so why does it feel so complicated? With dozens of models on the market, each with different strengths, it can be hard to know which one to turn to when. That’s where 1min.AI comes in handy.

This one-stop shop lets you compare results from numerous AI models in one place, and right now a lifetime subscription to 1min.AI’s Advanced Business Plan can be yours for just $74.97 until tonight (Jan. 31) at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Sick of second-guessing which AI model generates the best images? Tired of tab-hopping to see which one has the best answer to your question? 1min.AI puts a stop to the AI runaround, uniting dozens of models in one spot.

With 1min.AI, you can see results from ChatGPT, Mistral, Gemini, Grok, and more in one window. Whether you’re looking for help coding, creating images, or editing videos or audio, you can see the results side by side and pick the one that works best for you. Just always make sure to give the results a human once-over, as light editing may be required.

1min.AI’s Advanced Business Plan gives you weekly updates, an unlimited prompt library, unlimited storage, and unlimited brand voice options. You also get access to 4,000,000 credits a month.

You can use 1min.AI credits to write 1,112,500 words per month, research up to 5,933 SEO keywords per month, generate up to 1,186 images per month, or create up to 37 videos per month. If you end up needing more, it’s easy to earn free ones — just use the app, leave a review, or refer your friends.

Get a 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription for only $74.97 now through tonight (Jan. 31) at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Babbel helps you learn languages for real communication, and you can get lifetime access for 75% off via StackSocial with code LEARN.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $159
$646.20 Save $487.20   Get Deal

Learning a new language does more than expand your vocabulary — it opens doors. Whether you’re navigating a new city, joining an international work call, or simply trying to connect with someone outside your comfort zone, being able to communicate changes the experience entirely.

Babbel is built around that idea. Instead of focusing on isolated words or abstract grammar rules, Babbel teaches you how to use a language in real situations. From travel conversations and workplace discussions to everyday social interactions, lessons are designed to help you speak clearly and confidently when it actually matters.

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With access to 14 languages and more than 10,000 hours of content, Babbel supports learners at every stage, from first-time beginners to advanced speakers refining their fluency. Lessons are short and structured, typically taking just 10–15 minutes, making it easy to stay consistent without burning out.

Babbel’s approach is rooted in research and developed by expert linguists, not guesswork. Features like speech recognition help improve pronunciation, while personalized review sessions reinforce what you’ve learned so it sticks.

An AI-powered conversation partner also lets you practice expressing yourself in real time, which is handy when preparing for trips, meetings, and everyday conversations.

Invest in a skill that keeps paying off, whether you’re traveling abroad, advancing your career, or simply broadening your worldview.

For new users in the U.S., lifetime access to all Babbel languages is currently available for $159 (reg. $646.20) with the exclusive StackSocial code LEARN.

StackSocial prices subject to change.