IT General

I've used basic USB hubs for years without thinking much about them. Plug it in, get a few extra ports, move on. But when I recently needed to upgrade to a USB-C dock to support external displays and charging, I ran straight into a wall of vague labels and half-answers. Everything claimed to be "USB-C," but that didn't tell me if my monitor would work correctly, if my laptop would charge properly, or if I was about to spend good money on something that technically worked but didn't actually do what I needed.

Netflix offers a diverse collection of movies and shows across the world, varying from local titles to popular titles that you may not find in the US due to licensing issues. However, with a VPN connection, you can access Netflix's offerings across the world.

That old Wi-Fi 4 router you have sitting in a box collecting dust probably isn't up to the job of running a multi-gigabit network, but that doesn't make it useless. With a software update, you can turn it into a specialized piece of equipment for your self-hosting needs.

If you want to get the most out of your 3D printer, you need to make sure the filament you feed it is in top condition. Buying good-quality filament isn’t enough; you need to reduce the amount of moisture stored within it to avoid some of the most common printing problems.

Are you tired of the GNOME vs. KDE debate when neither feels quite right? Curious if there's a Linux desktop that better matches your actual workflow? Well, here are five underrated desktop environments that might better suit your needs and requirements.

TL;DR: Get the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection for $39.45 at Amazon — $24 cheaper than TCGplayer and with delivery just in time for Pokémon Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection $39.45 at Amazon
Get Deal

Pokémon Day 2026 is only a short while away, and now TCG fans can celebrate the Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary with a remarkable set for a reasonable price. As of Feb. 17, the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection is available for $39.45 at Amazon. Order now to get this set in time for Pokémon Day taking place on Feb. 27. 

Although there is an alternative listing for a slightly lower price at a clean $39, it comes with a slightly longer delivery window of March 2-4 — which would mean this would arrive after the big day. 

To help trading card game fans properly commemorate their love for the Pocket Monsters franchise, the 2026 Pokémon Day Collection comes with the following Pokémon TCG products: 

• Pikachu foil promo card with Pokémon Day stamp

• Three Pokémon TCG booster packs — two Phantasmal Flames and one Mega Evolution

• One official Pokémon Day 2026 coin

The special Pikachu card is the big selling point here. Despite its ‘Random Spark’ attack not being the best competitively, its adorable artwork by illustrator kodama (who’s worked on over 100 cards now) and its obvious exclusivity will likely drive the price up as time goes on. 

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Individual listings for its booster packs — Phantasmal Flames and Mega Evolution —  are currently selling for around $12 and $10 respectively. Getting a bundle of three packs and an exclusive Pikachu card (with a coin to boot) for just under $40 is a solid deal.

For more of the best prices on new Pokémon TCG products via Amazon, you can also grab the Ascended Heroes Tech Sticker Collections for around $45. Meanwhile, you can also pick up the Pokémon TCG’s Mega Evolution 3-Pack Blister for only $34.99 at Amazon.

Ring's newest, most advanced wired doorbell camera is here, and it's a straight upgrade from the previous versions of the product in almost every way. But is it actually superior enough to justify replacing what you already have? That depends on how much you value AI features.

SAVE $250: As of Feb. 17, the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 is on sale for $749.99 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 $749.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $250   Get Deal

Does your gaming setup need a little refresh? If you’ve exhausted all the best gaming accessories, how about a new monitor? And there couldn’t be better timing, because the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 is on sale at Amazon for its best price this year. As of Feb. 17, this impressive monitor is on sale for $749.99, down from $999.99. That’s a saving of $250 on list price. So, what are you getting for your cash? 

This is a curved gaming monitor with a 1,000R design and Dual QHD resolution, so you’re getting full peripheral vision for a more immersive gaming experience. It has a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms (GtG) response time so you can say goodbye to lag. It also has a 1000-nit peak brightness and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, so you can expect vivid colors and deep shadows in every game you play. 

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It’s designed for comfort too, with the Hexa stand and VESA compatibility letting you tilt, swivel, and adjust the height for what suits you best. It also has TÜV-certified eye comfort technology that reduces blue light and flicker. So even during long gaming sessions, your eyes should be protected from strain and discomfort.

Get this gaming monitor deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $18: As of Feb.17, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Select is on sale for $21.99 at Amazon. That's a 45% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K Select $21.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $18.00   Get Deal

Amazon's new Fire Stick 4K Select is back on sale, and it's at its lowest price of 2026.

The Fire Stick 4K range recently had a rejig, with Fire Stick 4K rebranding to the 4K Plus and the introduction of a new model, the 4K Select. The Select is a budget-friendly option, giving you essential 4K streaming features at a more affordable price. And as of Feb. 17, it's down to just $21.99. That's almost half off (45%) and a saving of $1 on list price. And if you have a 4K ready TV, this is a great choice to level up your streaming.

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To get going, start by plugging the Fire Stick into your TV's HDMI port, then connect it to your closest wall outlet. Then pair the included remote with your TV, connect the device to the WiFi, and login to your Amazon account to start watching.

The included remote becomes the primary control for your TV, and is now able to power it on and off and control the volume. You don't need to have a selection of various remotes, as this nifty Amazon control is now all you need. And it even has Alexa built-in. Hold down the blue button to ask your most burning questions or search through various streaming platforms.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so if you're interested in upgrading your streaming setup, head to the retailer now before the price goes back up.

SAVE OVER $600: As of Feb. 17, the Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED TV is on sale for $859.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED TV $859.99 at Amazon
$1,498 Save $638.01   Get Deal

Have you been eyeing up the Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED TV for some time? If you've not already noticed, it has dropped to its lowest-ever price at Amazon. As of Feb. 17, it is priced at $859.99, a saving of over $600 on list price. At time of writing, every size option for this TV is on sale, so you can choose from the 55-inch all the way up to the 100-inch model.

This TV gives you advanced picture and sound technology so you get an amazing home theater display at all times. The Mini LED backlighting gives you up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness and 5,600 local dimming zones, so you're getting incredible quality no matter what you watch.

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Gamers are sorted thanks to the native 165Hz panel with Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Game Boost 288. There's also an enhanced Game Bar that lets you adjust settings and monitor performance without hassle. So it's not just great movies and TV shows — gaming is high quality with next to no lag.

Get this incredible TV deal from Amazon now.

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

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

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

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

When is Benfica vs. Real Madrid?

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

How to watch Benfica vs. Real Madrid for free

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Benfica vs. Real Madrid on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 winter sports ice hockey for free on CBC Gem. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

There are so many sports being showcased right now that you wouldn't usually get the opportunity to watch. Of course we're making time to watch speed skating, bobsleigh, figure skating, and ski mountaineering taking place over the next couple of weeks.

It's not like we don't get regular opportunities to watch ice hockey. Ever heard of the NHL? But international ice hockey is a different animal.

We get to see the best of the best from the NHL plus a bunch of athletes we've never heard of compete for their countries. There's something uniquely fun about international ice hockey. You get an amplified version of the game we all love, as teams do everything and anything to secure a medal.

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If you want to watch the 2026 winter sports ice hockey for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is the 2026 winter sports ice hockey?

The women's ice hockey schedule runs from Feb. 5-19. The men's ice hockey competition takes place from Feb. 11-22.

How to watch 2026 winter sports ice hockey for free

International ice hockey is available to live stream for free on CBC Gem.

CBC Gem is geo-restricted to Canada, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Canada, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports ice hockey from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 winter sports ice hockey 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 Canada

4. Visit CBC Gem

5. Watch the 2026 winter sports ice hockey for free from anywhere in the world

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the ice hockey before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Canada

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the 2026 winter sports ice hockey for free with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

What is the Champions League?

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

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

The defending champions are PSG.

When is the 2025-26 Champions League?

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

How to watch the 2025-26 Champions League for free

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

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

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

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

Access free live streams of the 2025-26 Champions League by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free coverage of the Champions League

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

5. Watch Champions League fixtures for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the 2025-26 Champions League without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for the Champions League?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

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

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for February 17, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 17 Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 17 Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 17 Pips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is easier if you know your podium-worthy competitions.

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

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

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

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

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

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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: You can go for gold in all of these

• Green: Regionally specific educational institutions

• Blue: Same first name

• Purple: Same second word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Summer Olympic sports

• Green: DC Schools

• Blue: Pauls

• Purple: ____ league

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #512 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

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

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

• Pauls - COFFEY, GEORGE, MOLITOR, SKENES

• ____ league - CACTUS, G, GRAPEFRUIT, LITTLE

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

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

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

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

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

AcrossPrefix meaning "eight"

• The answer is Octo.

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

• The answer is Howl.

One of the Jenners

• The answer is Kylie.

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

• The answer is Goon.

Prickly seedcases

• The answer is Burs.

Down"Stop, I'm blushing!"

• The answer is Oh You.

Indicator of difficulty in Connections

• The answer is Color.

Identical siblings

• The answer is Twins.

Repeated cheer at a soccer stadium

• The answer is Ole.

Soviet spy org.

• The answer is KGB.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch Colbert's banned interview with Talarico below.

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

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

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

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

Apple Music adds AI-generated playlists

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

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

Apple Podcasts improves video capabilities

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

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

RCS end-to-end encryption tests in Messages

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

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