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Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on January 10

Mashable - Sat, 01/10/2026 - 00:00

The Moon is now in its Third Quarter, which means it’s half-illuminated and half in shadow. There's still lots to see on its surface for the time being, so keep reading to find out what you can spot.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Saturday, Jan. 10, the Moon phase is Third Quarter. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 51% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

If you look carefully, there should be lots to see tonight. With just your naked eye, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the Mare Imbrium, Copernicus Crater the Aristarchus Plateau. If you have binoculars, you'll also be able to see the Grimaldi Basin, Alphonsus Crater, and the Mare Humorum. If you have a telescope, set it up and you'll see the Apollo 14 landing spot and the Schiller Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will be on Feb. 1. The last full moon was on Jan. 3.

What are Moon phases?

NASA explains that the Moon takes about 29.5 days to complete a full orbit, a period known as the lunar cycle. As it moves around Earth, the Moon goes through a series of distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces our planet, the sunlight hitting it changes depending on its position in orbit. This is why the Moon can appear fully lit, partially lit, or completely dark at different times. The lunar cycle includes eight main phases:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 10, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 22:00

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know west coast schools.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Yellow: Hockey

  • Green: For short

  • Blue: In brief

  • Purple: The beginning

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: A Western Conference NHL player

  • Green: NBA player nicknames that are initialisms

  • Blue: ACC teams, abbreviated

  • Purple: Starts of NFL team names

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #474 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • A Western Conference NHL player - CANUCK, DUCK, KING, SHARK

  • NBA player nicknames that are initialisms - AD, KD, LBJ, SGA

  • ACC teams, abbreviated - FSU, ND, UNC, UVA

  • Starts of NFL team names - BRON, CHAR, PACK, PANT

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 Pips hints, answers for January 10, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 22:00

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 10, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

  • Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

  • Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

  • Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

  • Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

  • Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for January 10, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 10 Pips

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

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

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

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

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally.

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

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 1-5, placed. vertically; 0-4, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 10 Pips

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

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

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 10 Pips

Less Than (5): Everything in this purple space must be less than 5. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

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

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 3-2, placed vertically.

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

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

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

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

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (10): Everything in this yellow space must be greater than 10. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

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

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.

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

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

Less Than (4): Everything in this red space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically.

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

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 10, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 22:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're always on the go

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 January 10, 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: Long and round

  • Green: Website views

  • Blue: To leave

  • Purple: Calculators

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Hollow cylinders

  • Green: Software platforms

  • Blue: Take off

  • Purple: Units of measure

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 #944 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Hollow cylinders: HOSE, PIPE, STRAW, TUBE

  • Software platforms: APP, DESKTOP, MOBILE, WEB

  • Take off: BOOK, DIP, JET, SPLIT

  • Units of measure: BAR, GRAM, MOLE, VOLT

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 10, 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 January 10, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 22:00

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're always putting things off.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 10, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 10, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: If not now, when?

The words are related to delays.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a time in the future.

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 Procrastinator.

NYT Strands word list for January 10
  • Later

  • Eventually

  • Soon

  • Shortly

  • Tomorrow

  • Procrastinator

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.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 10, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 22:00

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're hysterical.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 10, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for January 10, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Insane.

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 M.

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...

MANIC

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 10, 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.

This $28 scanner app lasts for life

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 18:00

TL;DR: A one-time $27.99 gives you permanent access to iScanner — an all-in-one mobile scanner, PDF editor, and file manager backed by powerful AI, available on iOS and Android through Jan. 11 only.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription $27.99
$199.90 Save $171.91   Get Deal

If you’re heading into the new year determined to be more organized (or at least less buried in paperwork), this offer is perfectly timed. For a few more days, you can score lifetime access to the iScanner app for just $27.99 with code FLASH — and instantly turn your phone into a full scanning and PDF-editing powerhouse.

iScanner is built for people who need clean, professional documents without lugging around a scanner or waiting until they’re back at a computer. Students, freelancers, parents, small business owners — anyone who deals with forms, receipts, or paperwork — gets a huge upgrade here.

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!

Some of what iScanner helps you do in seconds:

  • Scan anything — documents, IDs, receipts, books, notes, and multi-page files

  • Export in multiple formats — PDF, JPG, DOC, XLS, PPT, or TXT

  • Auto-detect edges and straighten pages with AI

  • Remove shadows and fix warped scans for clean results

  • Recognize text in 20+ languages

  • Edit PDFs directly — markup, blur text, add notes, correct colors

  • Sign documents or insert saved signatures

  • Merge, split, number, watermark, and secure files

  • Organize your files with folders and drag-and-drop

  • Lock sensitive documents with PIN protection

  • Use specialty modes like Math Solver, Area Measurement, Object Counter, and QR reader

Everything lives on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device — no ads, no recurring subscription, and no desktop hardware required.

If you want a simple, affordable way to clean up your digital life in 2026, this is it. Get lifetime access to the iScanner App for just $27.99 (reg. $199.90) through Jan. 11 with code FLASH.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Play 1,000s of nostalgic games with this $85 console

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 18:00

TL;DR: Pay just $84.97 (reg. $159.99) to get a retro gaming console packed with thousands of classics, dual operating systems, 4K output, Wi-Fi, and easy plug-and-play fun for long winter nights.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kinhank Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator & Streaming Console $84.97
$159.99 Save $75.02   Get Deal

When winter eventually feels draggy, here’s a fun — and shockingly affordable — way to speed things up: the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro is just $84.97 through Jan. 11, and it’s basically a nostalgia machine disguised as a streaming box.

Plug it into your TV, and boom — thousands of pre-loaded retro and 3D games appear at your fingertips, spanning multiple generations of gaming.

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!

It’s powered by the S905X2 chip, Mali-G31MP2 GPU, and a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU up to 1.8GHz, which is tech speak for “your old favorites will run smoother than you remember.” The console even outputs in 4K UHD, giving classics a crisp upgrade. And because it supports 2.4G + 5G Wi-Fi, downloading extra 3D games or adding wireless controllers is effortless.

One of the coolest perks? You get two systems in one — Android 9.0 for apps and streaming, plus EmuELEC 4.5 for dedicated gaming. That means more flexibility, more entertainment, and more things to do when the weather says “stay inside.”

Multiplayer support also makes this little console a crowd-pleaser: break out Mario-style platformers, retro racing titles, fighting games, puzzlers, and more for instant living-room fun. And if you ever want to expand your library, the microSD slot lets you load even more games.

Whether you need a boredom buster, a nostalgic gift, or a winter hobby that doesn’t involve shoveling snow, this all-in-one retro powerhouse should be a contender.

Get the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro for just $84.97 (reg. $159.99) through Jan. 11 with free shipping.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Character.AI settles lawsuits related to teen deaths

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 16:47

Character.AI and Google have settled several lawsuits filed against both companies by parents of children who died by suicide following lengthy conversations with chatbots on the Character.AI platform. Their exchanges allegedly included concerning discussions of the teens' mental health and well-being.

Character.AI said it could not comment further on the settlement, the details of which must still be finalized by the court, according to The Guardian. Representatives for the plaintiffs did not respond immediately to a request for comment from Mashable.

The most prominent case involved the 2024 death of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III, who became secretly obsessed with a Character.AI chatbot based on the popular Game of Thrones character Daenerys Targaryen.

SEE ALSO: 'Perfect predator': When chatbots sexually abuse kids

Setzer's mother, Megan Garcia, only became aware of his Character.AI account when alerted by a police officer following his death, because the app was open on his phone. Garcia read messages in which Setzer behaved as if he were in love with the chatbot, which allegedly role-played numerous sexual encounters with him. The chatbot used graphic language and scenarios, including incest, according to Garcia.

If an adult human had talked to her son similarly, she told Mashable last year, it would constitute sexual grooming and abuse. 

In October 2024, the Social Media Victims Law Center and Tech Justice Law Project filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of Garcia against Character.AI, seeking to hold the company responsible for the death of her son, alleging that its product was dangerously defective.

The filing also named as defendants the Google engineers Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, Character.AI's cofounders.

Additionally, the lawsuit alleged that Google knew of concerning risks related to the technology Shazeer and De Freitas had developed before leaving to found Character.AI. Google contributed "financial resources, personnel, and AI technology" to Character.AI's design and development, according to the lawsuit, and thus could be considered a co-creator of the platform.

Google eventually struck a $2.7 billion licensing deal in 2024 with Character.AI to use its technology. Part of that agreement brought Shazeer and De Freitas back to AI roles at Google.

In fall 2025, the Social Media Victims Law Center filed three additional lawsuits against Character.AI and Google, representing the parents of children who died by suicide or allegedly experienced sexual abuse in the course of using the app.

Additionally, youth safety experts declared Character.AI unsafe for teens, following testing that yielded hundreds of instances of grooming and sexual exploitation of test accounts registered as minors. 

By October 2025, Character.AI announced that it would no longer allow minors to engage in open-ended exchanges with the chatbots on its platform. The company's CEO, Karandeep Anand, told Mashable the move was not in response to specific safety concerns involving Character.AI's platform but to address broader outstanding questions about youth engagement with AI chatbots. 

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.

CES 2026: TDM’s Neo headphones turn into speakers with a simple twist

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 16:23

Every now and then, you'll come across a new piece of tech at CES that just immediately clicks, and you'll think to yourself, "This is actually genius."

CES 2026 was filled with robotics, AI, and other futuristic tech, yet one of the most impressive things I found was a pair of headphones that turn into speakers called Neo from a company called TDM.

TDM's CES 2026 booth Credit: Mashable

Or are they speakers that turn into headphones? TDM is going with the former by calling the Neo headphones first, but they are, in fact, both.

TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers are a pair of high-quality over-ear headphones that transform into speakers by simply bringing the two headphone sides together and twisting them until they snap into place. From there, your personal audio experience becomes one that can be shared by everyone around you.

TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers as headphones Credit: Mashable

The implementation of transitioning from headphones to speaker and vice versa was so simple, and more importantly, felt seamless. It worked with audio playing in your ears, and then automatically switched to the external audio source with a twist.

Twisting the TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers Credit: Mashable

Sometimes a two-in-one product looks natural in one form but odd in its alternative one, but that's not the case with the Neo headphones. The Neo looks stylish as both headphones and a speaker. Not to mention, they sounded great in both modes, too.

As an additional bonus, TDM realized that you may want to use the Neo in speaker form to store the device, making it more compact. The Neo can be programmed to pause all audio, in addition to other programmable options, when twisted in the speaker form.

Twisting the TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers as speakers Credit: Mashable

TDM states that the Neo can last for more than 200 hours in headphone mode and 10 hours in speaker mode on a full charge before needing to be plugged in.

Personally, the instant use case I thought of for the Neo headphones is when you want to share music with friends. Sometimes, you'll want to introduce a buddy to a new song or artist, so you share earbuds or hand over your headphones. But, with the TDM Neo headphones, you'd be able to twist your device into a speaker and experience the song — and their reaction — in real time with them.

Twisting the TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers look really slick Credit: Mashable

The TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers will go on sale later this month for $249, with black and white color options available.

When it comes to the best things that Mashable saw at CES, TDM’s Neo headphones are definitely up high on my personal list.

Disney+ to add vertical videos to its service later this year

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 12:58

Disney+ will add vertical videos to its streaming service in an effort to boost engagement, Deadline reported. The company made the announcement at the Tech and Data Showcase at CES.

Expect to see various types of content on Disney+'s vertical videos, including original short-form content, repurposed social clips, and scenes from longer Disney+ titles, according to Erin Teague, EVP of product management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, in an interview with Deadline.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026 live updates: See the latest news, surprises, and strange tech from LG, Samsung, and new startups

"We're obviously thinking about integrating vertical video in ways that are native to core user behaviors," Teague said. "So, it won’t be a kind of disjointed, random experience." They're not going to be teasers for longer programs, but rather another experience on the platform.

Disney first experimented with vertical videos on the ESPN app with the "Verts" tab, which launched in August 2025.

Get 50% off the cutest vibes youve ever seen during Nancys New Year Sale

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 12:57

UP TO 50% OFF: As of Jan. 9, you can get up to 50% off select items at Nancy, including the Lem clitoral massager and the Pixie remote-controlled panty vibrator.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nancy Save up to 50% off at Nancy   Shop Now

If you haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions yet, here’s an idea: Make a commitment to self-care by snagging yourself a new vibe at Nancy. (Yes, it’s kind of an odd name, but the vibrators are super cute, super powerful, and half off!) Plus, the less-intimidating shapes make for really great beginner vibes for anyone who’s nervous about buying their first sex toy.

SEE ALSO: The updated Lelo Ina Wave 2 is the best that rabbit vibrators have to offer

As of Jan. 9, you can get up to 50% off select items at Nancy. The Lem Clitoral Massager, which is easily the cutest thing I own, is down to $89, from its usual $159. That’s a $70 price cut on a top-rated clitoral massager. Bonus: Once you add it to your cart, a “free mystery gift” will appear. It’s not clear what the gift is, but it's worth $9.99, so it could be lube or a storage bag.

I can personally vouch for the Lem; it’s tiny, discreet, and just really well-designed. If you want to go all out, the Oh-Oh-Oh Triple Bundle (which includes the Lem, the Uno, and the Lolly Mini Wand is currently $199, down from $399. You’re basically getting three for the price of one.

The best part about Nancy is that everything ships in discreet packaging, and shipping is free worldwide. They also have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so if you’re on the fence about trying a new shape, there’s really no risk. The sale is in its final minutes, though, so I wouldn’t wait too long if you’ve got your eye on something.

Last chance to score a year of Paramount+ for $60 before the price hike hits

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 12:53

SAVE $30: Paramount+ has a price hike going into effect on Jan. 15. This is your last chance to sign up for a Paramount+ Essential annual plan for just $59.99 before it jumps to $89.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential annual plan $59.99/year (save $30 before the price hike) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium annual plan $119.99/year (save $20 before price hike) Get Deal

Paramount+ is ringing in 2026 with a good old fashioned price hike. Come Jan. 15, the prices of both the Essential monthly plan (with ads) and the Premium monthly plan (no ads) will increase by a dollar. The annual plans, on the other hand, will see a $30 and $20 increase, respectively. My advice is to lock in an annual plan now before the price hike hits.

The Paramount+ Essential annual plan is just $59.99, which breaks down to a wildly low $4.99 per month. Once the price hike hits on Jan. 15, that price will jump to $89.99. Compared to the monthly plan, the current Essential annual subscription saves users $35.98 per year, or an impressive 38% (the biggest annual savings of any streamer). The new plan price will only save subscribers $17.89 per year — less than half of the savings under the current plan. If you're looking to save on streaming this year, I highly recommend locking in the Essential annual plan ASAP.

The Premium annual plan won't see quite as big of a price hike, but it's still worth it to lock in a year of streaming before Jan. 15. Currently, a Premium yearly plan costs $119.99 per year, but it will jump to $139.99 next week. Subscribers of the current annual plan will ultimately save $35.89 per year compared to the monthly plan. The new plan price will only save subscribers $27.89.

Is it worth subscribing to Paramount+ for a whole year? I think so, particularly if you're an NFL fan. Paramount+ will give you access to several playoff games coming up, as well as AFC games during the regular season. Not to mention, it's where you can watch Landman, Dexter Resurrection, every season of Survivor and Big Brother, Nickelodeon shows (new and old), Paramount Pictures films straight from the theater, and so much more.

Expand your collection with 33% off the Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy Play Booster Box

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 12:31

SAVE $69.71: As of Jan. 9. get the Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy Play Booster Box for $139.99, down from its usual price of $209.70, at Amazon. That's a discount of 33%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy Play Booster Box $139.99 at Amazon
$209.70 Save $69.71   Get Deal

Looking to collect all of the Final Fantasy cards featured in Magic: The Gathering? You'll have to drop some cash, though thanks to this Amazon deal that gives you a discount on a booster box chock-full of the game-centric cards, you won't have to spend nearly as much. That's an easy shortcut to growing your collection that you'll want to take advantage of.

As of Jan. 6. get the Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy Play Booster Box for $139.99, down from its usual price of $209.70, at Amazon. That's $69.71 off and a discount of 33%.

SEE ALSO: Score the Magic: The Gathering Innistrad Remastered Play Booster Box for $181.89

This box gives you 30 booster packs to open. Each pack nets you 14 cards, with 1 token or art card apiece. You're guaranteed to get 1-4 cards in each pack with a rarity of Rare or higher, as well as ornate borderless alternate art cards thrown in randomly for good measure. And don't forget that each pack contains at least 1 card with a shiny foil design. Lastly, 20% of packs contain a Land card with fun shiny foil art as well.

If you're a serious Final Fantasy fan, you'll find a lot to love in this expansion. It pulls from just about every game throughout the series, including the massively popular MMO Final Fantasy XIV and the classics like fan-favorite Final Fantasy VII. If you have a favorite character, chances are they'll be represented.

This booster box is perfect for adding to your overall collection, building new decks to play with, or just admiring from afar -- they're really gorgeous cards. Better pounce on this deal now before, like many Magic card sets, they sell out completely.

Gmail launches AI inbox and overviews with Gemini

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 12:17

Google has been sneaking in its AI assistant, Gemini, into Gmail for some time. Now Gmail is apparently "entering the Gemini era" officially with an inbox assistant, according to a blog post by Gmail's VP of product, Blake Barnes, published yesterday.

One feature Gmail's launching is AI Overviews, which summarize information in your inbox, apparently building on the already-launched autogenerated email summaries. AI Overview can also be able to answer questions about what's in your inbox, but this feature will only be available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

SEE ALSO: Google says it isn't using your Gmail to train AI

AI Inbox, another addition, is designed to "filter out the clutter" so you can focus on the most important emails. Features include personalized briefings, highlighting to-dos, and identifying emails from contacts.

AI Inbox analysis "happens securely with the privacy protections you expect from Google, keeping your data under your control," the blog post states.

Starting yesterday, all Gmail users can use Help Me Write for email drafts. An update to Smart Replies, called Suggested Replies, also launched for everyone. Gmail also now features a Proofread tool for grammar, tone, and style — but this is only available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

In addition to the blog post, Google published a YouTube video about the new AI tools:

The top (unpinned) comment reads, "Nobody is going to sound human anymore."

Last year, some Gmail users began noticing the "Help Me Write" prompt, complete with the sparkle icon that has become synonymous with AI. Mashable published a guide on how to turn that off.

Save $30 on the ASUS ZenScreen portable monitor at Amazon — a game-changer for remote workers

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 11:48

SAVE $30: As of Jan. 9, the ASUS ZenScreen portable monitor is on sale for $119 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount from its list price and the lowest price we've seen in months.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ZenScreen 15.6-inch portable monitor $119 at Amazon
$149 Save $30   Get Deal

If you plan on working more on the move this year, you don't need to be confined to a measly laptop screen. The ASUS ZenScreen portable monitor doubles your screen real estate wherever you are and you can get it for 20% off this weekend.

As of Jan. 9, the 15.6-inch ASUS ZenScreen portable monitor is on sale for just $119 at Amazon. That's $30 off its usual $149 price tag and the lowest price we've seen in months.

Remote workers know the struggle of hovering over a tiny laptop screen with dozens of tabs open at once. The 15.6-inch ZenScreen extends that workspace instantly, no matter where you choose to work, by plugging into your laptop's USB-C port. There's no need to worry about charging it or even finding an unused outlet. All you need is a single cable to power it up and get to work.

Its slim 10.5mm build can easily slip into your backpack, but I personally recommend snagging a separate case for it. As an owner of the ASUS ZenScreen myself, I will say it feels a bit more fragile than a laptop. A padded laptop bag does the trick for me and I've never had any issues. Its built-in kickstand makes propping it up on any surface a breeze; you can even work in portrait mode if you desire.

Having two screens to work from on the go? Game-changing. And it'll only set you back $119 if you act fast.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 opening turns the Culling Game into unsettling art

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 11:42

Jujutsu Kaisen has entered its Culling Game arc, and its opening sequence makes one thing clear: This is not a game anyone survives unchanged.

Released online yesterday alongside the Season 3 premiere, the opening sequence abandons straightforward hype in favor of something more symbolic and, dare I say, disturbing. Set to King Gnu's "Aizo," the opening depicts the Culling Game as a curated gallery of violence and spectacle, where participation is compulsory for jujutsu sorcerers.

SEE ALSO: For 'Jujutsu Kaisen' fans, Christmas Eve is a day of mourning

Its visuals draw heavily from fine art, weaving echoes of Egon Schiele, Paul Rubens, Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, Gustav Klimt, and John Everett Millais into its compositions. Schiele's influence surfaces in a striking image of Yuji Itadori in the womb, his tiny body distorted and compressed, while Rubens' baroque excess recontextualizes Maki and Mai Zenin as sleeping children — an image of softness already haunted by what's to come. (Don’t get me started on the tragedy of Mai as Ophelia.)

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And then there's Klimt's "The Kiss," reimagined as a slightly terrifying embrace between Yuta Okkotsu and the special-grade cockroach cursed spirit Kurourushi. IYKYK.

All of it unfolds under the shadow of Satoru Gojo, whose continued absence — still sealed — hangs over the season. The opening shifts its attention to the characters we already know, now forced to carry the weight of the Culling Game themselves, while teasing the arrival of new players manga readers will recognize instantly, and anime-only viewers are about to meet. (Kirara and Hakari fans, now is our time.) Looming over everyone is Kenjaku, leering at the chaos like pieces on a game board.

This season isn't just raising the stakes. It’s changing the rules entirely.

New episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 premiere at 12 p.m. ET on Thursdays on Crunchyroll.

Google Guys Say Bye to California

NYT Technology - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 11:26
Sergey Brin is joining his Google co-founder, Larry Page, in reducing ties to the state where they built their fortunes.

4 coolest TVs at CES 2026 are from Samsung, LG, and TCL and feature wildly different tech

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 11:24

The TV arena at CES 2026 wasn't exactly the battle of RGB TVs like we expected. It was way more fun than that.

If you didn't hear the buzz prior to CES, RGB is a newer TV technology that aims to mash up the advantages of mini LED and OLED into one display, without settling for the respective disadvantages of opting for either. Now that all of the big announcements are out, there's still no denying RGB's budding popularity — almost every major TV brand made sure to throw an RGB TV in the ring this year.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026 live updates: See the latest news, surprises, and strange tech from LG, Samsung, Lego, and new startups

However, the 2026 TV showcases also prove that the presence of RGB doesn't automatically mean that mini LED TVs or OLED TVs on their own are obsolete now. Samsung, LG, and TCL are still focusing heavily on those "classic" 4K TV types, and it made for a pretty diverse spread of new TVs hoping to make the list of best TVs in 2026.

Here's a breakdown of the coolest TVs we've seen from CES 2026:

LG Wallpaper Credit: LG

This week's jumble of TV announcements made it easy to forget that Samsung didn't mention The Frame much at CES. For the first time in forever, it was LG's turn in the art TV spotlight. LG announced the W6 Wallpaper TV at CES 2026, where "wallpaper" refers to the TV's ability to lay almost flush against the wall like framed wall art. Adding to its ability to blend in with the wall is the fact that it measures 9 mm thin (smaller than half an inch).

Both of Samsung's Frame TVs measure about an inch, so yes, the W6 Wallpaper is much thinner. But that's hardly LG's only advantage here — the W6 Wallpaper is an OLED art TV, essentially putting it in a league of its own. This means that the Wallpaper's contrast and black levels will handily beat those of the QLED Frame or Neo QLED Frame Pro. In terms of vibrancy for viewing in bright rooms, the W6 Wallpaper uses the same panel as LG's new G6 TV, and LG's G series models are consistently some of the brightest OLED TVs on the market.

SEE ALSO: Acer debuted 3 new gaming monitors at CES 2026 — should you upgrade?

Like the Frame Pro, the W6 Wallpaper is almost completely wireless. That could be of concern for gamers who are strict about input lag. But the W6 Wallpaper does support 165Hz and has a 0.1 millisecond pixel response time, according to LG. With OLED already offering the speedier, more contrast-accurate display for graphics-heavy games, the W6 Wallpaper could quickly become the uncontested art TV for gaming. The only major drawback so far? It's only set to be released in 77 inches and 83 inches.

Interestingly enough, the other big gallery TV news out of CES wasn't about a new Hisense Canvas or TCL Nxtvision. It was about the Amazon Ember Artline, a highly-awaited QLED Fire TV with a matte screen. Amazon's new art TV has 10 possible magnetic frames to choose from and will cost $899.99 for the 55-inch model or $1,099.99 for the 65-inch model. At those prices, Amazon's art TV could pose quite the competition for the non-Pro version of The Frame.

TCL X11L Credit: TCL

TCL launched its first RGB TV in China in September. Naturally, that's the model most people expected to be touted at CES. Instead, TCL doubled down on mini LED and quantum dots by debuting its X11L SQD-mini LED TV instead. SQD technology stands for Super Quantum Dot, which utilizes enhanced quantum dot nano particles to convert colors from a single-chip pure white light source instead of the direct red, green, and blue light sources at the heart of RGB TVs.

The goal is still to harness the ultra-high peak brightness typically associated with mini LED and perfect black levels typically associated with OLED, all in the same TV. With awe-inspiring specs like "up to 20,000 local dimming zones," "peak brightness up to 10,000 nits," and "100% of BT.2020 color coverage," TCL's Super Quantum Dot tech isn't letting RGB become the new gold standard that easily. A simple Google search of "TCL X11L" will quickly give you an idea of how much this TV impressed CES goers who saw it in person.

Samsung Micro RGB Credit: Samsung

Samsung surely won the award for biggest TV on the CES floor, where it hauled in a 130-inch version of its new Micro RGB TV. The Samsung R95H promises to cover 100 percent of the BT.2020 wide color gamut through an array of red, green, and blue LEDs smaller than 100 micrometers (0.004 of an inch). Adding to the grand display, the R95H's TV stand resembled a giant easel (a throwback to Samsung's own Timeless Frame).

Based on the absurdity of the size alone, a 10-foot RGB TV can't not be mentioned in a story about the most exciting TVs from CES 2026. But Samsung is making this new line more accessible for the size of an average living room wall, noting that the R95H line line will be available in 55, 65, 75, 85, and 100 inches. Whether or not the price point for the smaller models will feel accessible to most people is another story.

SEE ALSO: At CES 2026, Samsung’s AI Living vision leaves no device un-AI’d

Hisense also brought a giant RGB TV to CES: The 116-inch 116UXS, which is said to add a fourth color, cyan, to the traditional red, green, and blue spectrum. Two other RGB Mini LED options from Hisense, the UR8 and UR9, will also be available at more realistic pricing (as in, not $30,000) and in more realistic sizes (between 55 and 100 inches).

Samsung Movingstyle Credit: Samsung

On the other end of the sizing spectrum, the other cool new TV from Samsung measures just 32 inches. To be fair, it's small because it's portable, down to wheels on its stand and a handle on the back. The Samsung Movingstyle M7 is a wireless 4K touchscreen display that doubles as a monitor, depending on how you may need to use a screen that day. Its 17.7-inch rolling base can move smoothly between hardwood and carpet, or can be propped up on the most convenient flat surface with the built-in kickstand.

The concept of wheeling a TV from room to room may sound a little extra upon first read. But it'll pop into your head the next time you're watching a YouTube workout or DIY fixit video from your tiny phone screen. With three hours of battery on one charge and a decent price point of $1,199.99, the Movingstyle could actually be a pretty practical option.

Filming on your phone? This DJI Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer gets you the perfect shot — and its now 20% off

Mashable - Fri, 01/09/2026 - 11:13

SAVE $26: As of Jan. 9, get the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer for just $103. That saves you $26 off its list price of $129, saving you 20% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer $103 at Amazon
$129 Save $26   Get Deal

DJI is probably best known for their drones, but at the end of 2025, the FCC banned foreign drones. Luckily, that's not the only device DJI has to offer. The drone maker also makes stellar vlogging cameras that are pocket-sized and perfect for adventures. Plus, the DJI Mic Mini is a favorite among Mashable staff and creators for recording clear, consistent sound. But if you prefer filming on your phone and already have a mic you love, then DJI can help you get a better shot with its stabilizer.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer isn't actually designed to be used on the brand's cameras. Instead, it pairs with your smartphone to get the perfect shot. DJI's Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer can be used as a classic tripod or as a handheld stabilizer for your own the go adventures. Plus, it has a secret. In the gimbal is a charger to keep your phone powered up.

As of Jan 9, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer is down to $103. That saves you $26 off its $129 list price. This deal is available at Amazon, saving you 20% off the stabilizer.

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