IT General

JBL's new Soundgear CLIPS aren't just traditional earbuds; they're the company's first OpenSound earclips. These are designed to function as genuine open-ear clips with high-quality sound. This means you don't have to choose between your accessories and your music.

The open earbuds market is about to be a lot more crowded.

It wouldn't be CES without an audio announcement from premium headphones and speakers brand JBL — and this year's show is no exception. Announced at CES 2026 on Monday, JBL is diving deep into the open-ear headphones market with five new pairs of earbuds across three different lines.

Open earbuds are one of the most popular earbuds trends from the past few years. They use air conduction to transmit sound to your ears and don't sit directly in your ear canal, allowing you to stay in tune with your environment. The market isn't nearly as saturated as noise-cancelling earbuds, making it a particularly good time for JBL to really throw its hat in the ring. The brand currently has just one pair of open earbuds available for purchase, so this announcement broadens the options for fans of JBL's audio technology.

SEE ALSO: Open earbuds guide: What they are, who should buy them, and why they're popping up everywhere

First up are two open-ear sports headphones in JBL's iconic Endurance line, dubbed the Endurance Zone and the Endurance Pace. These models are designed specifically for sports, giving users ways to train in comfort with uncompromising performance while staying aware. Next, the brand is introducing an OpenSound lineup featuring the JBL Sense Pro and JBL Sense Lite, two ear hook-style open earbuds with premium sound and comfort. And finally, the existing Soundgear lineup (which currently only features the Soundgear Sense earbuds) will double with the addition of the Soundgear CLIPS, ear clip-style earbuds that double as a fashion accessory.

JBL Endurance Series The Endurance Zone earbuds come in white or black with gray. Credit: JBL The Endurance Pace earbuds come in just one color: black with gray (pictured). Credit: JBL

JBL announced four new additions to its sporty Endurance Series at CES on Monday, including two distinct pairs of open-ear earbuds.

"The Endurance line has always been about performance without limits," said Carsten Olesen, President, Consumer Audio at HARMAN. "With this next generation, including JBL’s first open-ear sports headphone, we set out to give active listeners the freedom to train, move, and recover with greater awareness and comfort."

Endurance Zone

The Endurance Zone earbuds utilize JBL OpenSound technology and a secure ear hook design (similar to the brand's popular Peak earbuds) with adaptable memory wire for a secure, flexible fit. They're built to power through any weather or workout, with IP68 certification, a rugged design, and 32 hours of battery life. Using the JBL Headphones app, you can even customize the touch controls to suit your needs. The Zones come in white or black with gray and will be available this month on JBL.com for $179.95.

Endurance Zone specs:

• Ear hook design

• Dual beamforming mics on each bud for four total mics

• Bluetooth 5.3

• IP68 Certified

• Multipoint Connection + Fast Pair enabled by Google

• Battery life up to 32 hours of playtime (eight hours in the earbuds and another 24 hours in the case)

• Speed charge provides three hours in 10 minutes

• Google Finder and Google Audio Switch

• Lanyard hole on the case for convenient carry

• Personalization via the JBL Headphones app

Endurance Pace

The Pace open earbuds feature an even more secure fit for vigorous workouts, thanks to a titanium memory wire neckband that can bend and flex without ever losing its shape. Like the Zone earbuds, they're also IP68-rated for waterproof and sweatproof protection. The OpenSound technology ensures your music hits hard with directional audio and powerful bass, while still keeping you in touch with your surroundings. The battery life is pretty solid at 10 hours, but a 10-minute Speed Charge gives you an extra four hours should you need it. The Endurance Pace open earbuds come in just one color (black) and will be available on JBL.com this month for $89.95.

Endurance Pace specs:

• JBL OpenSound technology

• Neckband design

• Two mics with beamforming algorithm for crystal clear calls

• Bluetooth 5.4

• IP68 Certified

• Multipoint Connection + Fast Pair enabled by Google

• Battery life up to 10 hours for music and eight hours for calls

• Speed charge provides four hours in 10 minutes

• Google Finder and Google Audio Switch

• Personalization via the JBL Headphones app

JBL OpenSound Series The JBL Sense Pro earbuds come in black or white (pictured). Credit: JBL Color options for the JBL Sense Lite include black, white, and purple. Credit: JBL

The new OpenSound Series is JBL's audio-first open earbuds line, featuring the Sense Pro and Sense Lite. Both pairs focus on maintaining high-quality audio that doesn't obstruct the ear canal.

"We’ve harnessed our deep audio expertise to deliver a full, bass-rich sound through air conduction, something previously unheard of in open-ear designs," Olesen said of the new Sense Pro and Sense Lite earbuds.

Sense Pro

The top-of-the-line open-ear headphones in JBL's lineup, the Sense Pros are built for audiophiles who still want to remain in tune with the outside world. They utilize advanced air conduction technology and an Adaptive Bass Boost Algorithm for premium sound quality through 16.2mm drivers. They're also built for busy lifestyles and incorporate four microphones as well as JBL Voice Pickup Sensor technology for clear calls in noisy places. Other perks include spatial sound, wireless charging, and up to 38 hours of battery life. The JBL Sense Pro will be available in black or white for $199.95 in March 2026.

Sense Pro specs:

• JBL Open Sound Technology and Spatial Sound

• Hi-Res Audio Wireless with Adaptive Bass Boost

• Four mics for crisp, clear calls

• JBL Voice Pickup Sensor Technology

• Adjustable ear hook for all-day comfort

• Bluetooth 6.0

• Dual Connect + Fast Pair enabled by Google

• Up to 38 hours of playtime (Earbuds: eight hours; Case: 30 hours) with Speed Charge (10 minutes equals four hours)

• Wireless charging

• Personi-Fi 3.0

• Touch control with customization via the JBL app

Sense Lite

Essentially a pared-down version of the Sense Pros, the Sense Lites offer simplified aesthetics and features. You'll still get Adaptive Bass Boost for powerful sound in a sleek, comfortable design that won't obstruct your ear canals, as well as four mics for crisp calls and customizable touch controls. The battery life is about the same, but the case holds just slightly less of a charge at 24 hours versus 30. With the pared-down features, you'll also pay $50 less. The JBL Sense Lite will be available in black, white, or purple for $149.95 in March 2026.

Sense Lite specs:

• JBL Open Sound Technology

• Four mics for crisp, clear calls

• IP54 water and dust resistant

• Adjustable ear hook featuring a lightweight silicone design with memory wire

• Bluetooth 5.4

• Dual Connect + Fast Pair enabled by Google

• Up to 32 hours of playtime (Earbuds: eight hours; Case: 24 hours) with Speed Charge (10 minutes equals three hours)

• Touch control with customization via the JBL app

JBL Soundgear CLIPS The JBL Soundgear CLIPS come in purple, blue, copper, or white. Credit: JBL Add the CLIPS to your earring stack or pair them with sunglasses without issue. Credit: JBL

Last, but not least — my personal favorite in the new lineup — are the Soundgear CLIPS, which join the existing Sense earbuds in the Soundgear series. The most fashion-forward of the bunch, the CLIPS feature a lightweight design that clips to your ear like an earring cuff (similar to the Shokz OpenDots One). Plus, they come in four translucent colors. Their SonicArc shape positions the speaker for enhanced bass performance with less sound leakage, meaning your calls and tunes will remain private. Paired with the Adaptive Bass Boost algorithm and four AI-enhanced mics, you'll forget the Soundgear CLIPS aren't actually in your ear canals. JBL Soundgear CLIPS will be available in metallic copper, blue, purple, and white colorways for $149.95 in March 2026.

Soundgear CLIPS specs:

• Air conduction powered by JBL OpenSound with enhanced bass and listening privacy

• Bass Boost algorithm for enhanced dynamic sound

• Soft TPU with flexible arc shape that clips onto the ear

• Four mics with AI algorithm for crisp, clear calls

• Up to 32 hours of playtime (Earbuds: eight hours; Case: 24 hours) with Speed Charge (10 minutes equals three hours)

• IP54 water and dust resistant

• Touch control with customization via JBL app

If you deal a lot with code, config files, or big sets of data, you know how important your text editor is. Notepad++ is fast, reliable, and it's easy to load up to make changes to your code. In fact, I use it for minor programs because of how lightweight it is.

BELOW MARKET VALUE: The Pokémon TCG Cynthia’s Garchomp ex Premium Collection is currently $54.44 on Amazon, which is down to market value when compared to TCGplayer listings starting at $57.73.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company Cynthia’s Garchomp ex Premium Collection $54.44 at Amazon
$57.73 Save $3.29   Get Deal

Destined Rivals is the best-looking set to collect in the Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet era, and there are two booster packs in this Premium Collection. There are also four Journey Together booster packs, which have some nice cards, but they’re nothing compared to Destined Rivals for me.

My favourite chase card from Destined Rivals is Ethan's Typhlosion - 190/182. The artist for this Illustration Rare, GIDORA, absolutely nailed the Ethan and Typhlosion partner Pokémon vibe 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!

But this Premium Collection is all about Cynthia’s Garchomp, featuring an Ultra Rare alt art of the ex card with an attack-pose Garchomp, turquoise line work, and a brown-and-gold silhouette of Cynthia in the background. It’s a lovely card and also comes with promo cards for its evolution line (Cynthia’s Gible and Cynthia’s Gabite).

The best chase cards you can pull from Destined Rivals Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you’re buying Premium ex Collection boxes to find the top chase cards from a set, you’ll be spending a lot of money for very low odds. You’ll most likely save more money in the long run by just buying the chase card you want outright. Here are the top five Destined Rivals chase cards, including Cynthia’s Garchomp SIR, with links to buy them now alongside current market value information:

1. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $401.31
   Market price: $413.26
   Most recent sale: $321.75

2. Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $188
   Market price: $193.28
   Most recent sale: $192

3. Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $136
   Market price: $144.22
   Most recent sale: $140.76

4. Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $109.32
   Market price: $116.81
   Most recent sale: $114.31

5. Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 234/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $62.99
   Market price: $66.78
   Most recent sale: $62.99

SAVE OVER $10: As of Jan. 5, the Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet (10313) has been marked down to $47.98 at Amazon. This is 20% off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet (10313) $47.98 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12.01   Get Deal

If you're on the hunt for a little something to brighten up your home this January, look no further than the Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet (10313). This colorful Lego set is a great way to add a pop of color into your life during these winter months, and the good news is it's even on sale right now at Amazon.

The Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet is usually available to buy for $59.99, but it's currently marked down to $47.98 at the retailer. What's more is this 20% discount is only a few cents away from its lowest-ever price of $47.95, making now as good a time as any to add it for your collection.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026: How to watch Lego's press conference

This set is bursting with a brightly colored arrangement that'll keep you thinking of the warmer weather to come in the months ahead. Containing 939 pieces, the Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet features eight species of wildflowers to be pieced together — cornflowers, lavender, Welsh poppies, cow parsley, leatherleaf ferns, gerbera daisies, larkspur, and lupins — alongside 16 individual stems to put them on so you can keep them on display. Keep in mind it's angled towards adults 18 and over, so is a more complicated project than a kids Lego set.

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!

Start the new year off right with a new Lego set to work on. Don't miss out on 20% off the Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet (10313) at Amazon. And if you're on the hunt for even more sets to start out the year, check out our 15 favorite Lego sets to see some of our top picks.

Happy new year, fellow Primers. I hope your holiday season was as magical as the movies are. Speaking of, let’s jump right into what to watch during this first week of what I hope turns out to be your best year yet.

BELOW MARKET VALUE: As of Jan. 5, the Magic: The Gathering Commander Masters Set Booster Box is $492.13 at Amazon, compared to TCGplayer's price of $548.67.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering Commander Masters Set Booster Box $492.13 at Amazon
$548.67 Save $56.54   Get Deal

Originally released in August 2023, Commander Masters surprisingly focuses on the Commander play format in Magic: The Gathering. It’s the most popular multiplayer format, and this set isn’t just about the awesome reprints; there are some killer staple Commander cards in this set that belong in your deck.

You can look forward to Borderless, Frame Break, and Borderless Profile cards in this booster box, although the “new” cards are exclusive to the pre-built Commander Decks. Not to worry, though — the real meat and potatoes of this set are found in the boosters.

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!

You’ll get 24 booster packs, with each one containing 15 cards, specifically:

• 1 art card

• 1 token card or 1 card from “The List” (25% chance)

• 2-6 Rare or higher cards

• At least 1 Traditional Foil card

• 10% chance for a Foil Stamped Signature Art Card

• 1% chance to pull a Borderless Mythic Rare card

Most valuable Magic: The Gathering Commander Masters cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Wizards of the Coast

If you’re after the top-tier Commander Masters cards for your collection, it’s not cheap. But with just a 1% chance of pulling these bangers, it’s going to save you money in the long term to simply buy the single cards you’re after. Here are the top five Commander Masters chase cards, with links to buy them now alongside up-to-date market value information:

1. Jeweled Lotus (Textured Foil) #1066
   Near Mint Holofoil: $417.29
   Market price: $350.60
   Most recent sale: $360.93

2. The Ur-Dragon (Textured Foil) #1065
   Near Mint Holofoil: $117.03
   Market price: $115.98
   Most recent sale: $116.50

3. Fierce Guardianship (Foil Etched) #489
   Near Mint Holofoil: $103.68
   Market price: $103.93
   Most recent sale: $101.65

4. Deflecting Swat (Foil Etched) #532
   Near Mint Holofoil: $128.95
   Market price: $101.62
   Most recent sale: $109.99

5. The Great Henge (Foil Etched) #562
   Near Mint Holofoil: $96.65
   Market price: $83.56
   Most recent sale: $79.99

SAVE $20: As of Jan. 5, the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are down to $29.95 at Amazon. That's $20 off their list price of $49.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Vibe Beam $29.95 at Amazon
$49.95 Save $20.00   Get Deal

It's always nice to have a solid pair of earbuds to take into a new year, especially if you have some travel plans in the months ahead. Thankfully, Amazon still has some deals leftover after the holidays. If you're not looking to drop a ton of cash, the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are a more budget-friendly option that are currently marked down 40% for a limited time.

This discount has brought the price of the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds down from $49.95 to $29.95, allowing you to keep $20. Our review said they're "a decent pair of earbuds with impressive battery life and a comfy fit," so why not pick them up now while they're still on sale?

SEE ALSO: What to expect at CES 2026

The JBL Vibe Beam battery life is truly impressive indeed, boasting up to 32 hours with the help of the recharging case. That's plenty of time to keep you busy on the next trip you have planned. They're even water and dust resistant. So no matter where your journeys take you in 2026, these earbuds will hold up.

When it comes to sound quality, our review from RJ Andersen did note that these earbuds "left us wanting more." But given the price point, they offer "decent sound quality on a budget" and Andersen even states that they "work well for casual listening."

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!

There's likely not much time left to take advantage of this limited-time offer. Don't wait to save $20 on the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds at Amazon. Alternatively, if you want to peruse more budget-friendly options, have a look at our breakdown of the best budget earbuds for some of our top picks.

SAVE OVER $400: As of Jan. 5, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop has dropped to $494.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you $405 on its list price of $899.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $494.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $405   Get Deal

It's a brand new year, and if you've been looking to give your house a fresh clean to start 2026 off right, a robot vacuum can help you out. Thankfully, Amazon still has some post-holiday deals worth exploring, including over $400 off the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop.

The Eufy X10 Pro Omni is usually listed for $899.99, but it's currently on sale for $494.99 for a limited time at Amazon. This saves you 45%, which is well worth taking advantage of as a little new year treat. It even ranks among our list of the best robot vacuums, so why wait to grab it? The deal may not last much longer.

SEE ALSO: The top 6 CES 2026 trends I expect to see at tech's biggest show

It's a robot vacuum that's worth the investment, too. For us, it's the best budget pick with self-washing and drying mopping pads, with Mashable's Leah Stodart saying it's "a stellar find for shoppers who can spend more than a few hundred bucks but who still draw the line at $1,000." It features 8,000 Pa suction to scoop up any dirt and debris stuck in your carpets, alongside MopMaster 2.0 Technology that makes sure any stains on harder surfaces are wiped clean.

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!

On top of that, it also comes with advanced obstacle avoidance that allows it to smartly detect any objects in its way, so it can get a deep clean without running into anything that may knock it off course.

The clock is ticking to save on this sleek robot vacuum. Act fast to score 45% off the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop at Amazon. And if you're looking for more top picks worth buying, our roundup of the best robot vacuums highlights even more worth looking at.

SAVE $34.02: As of Jan. 5, the Apple AirTag four-pack is on sale for $64.98 at Amazon. That's a 34% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag 4-Pack $64.98 at Amazon
$99 Save $34.02   Get Deal

If your new year's resolution is to stop losing your most important items (keys, phone, wallet), you need to check out this latest Amazon deal on the Apple AirTag four-pack. AirTags are Apple's solution for anyone who constantly loses their stuff. They attach to whatever item you deem necessary, and can then be tracked through the FindMy app on your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook.

And as of Jan. 5, the four-pack bundle is down to just $64.98, which works out at just over $16 per tag. That's a saving of over $34 in total.

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!

Each AirTag has a built-in speaker, so if you have tracked the location but still can't see it, you can make it play a noise to help you find it. And for items further away (think lost luggage at an airport), the Find My network, which is made up of hundreds of millions of Apple devices, can help locate them. You can even put an AirTag into Lost Mode to be notified if it’s detected, or even share its location with a third party, like an airline.

Pick up this AirTag deal from Amazon now.

SAVE OVER $200: As of Jan. 5, the Anker Solix C1000 is on sale for $397 at Amazon. That's a 28% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $397 at Amazon
$549 Save $152   Get Deal

The Anker Solix C1000 is back on sale at Amazon, so if you've been wanting to upgrade your portable power station, now’s a good time to do so. As of Jan. 5, this model is back at its lowest-ever price. It's down to $397, saving you $202 on list price.

This is a powerful unit, and it's an ideal option for home backup, power cuts, and even camping vacations. It uses a long-life LiFePO4 battery designed to last for years (so you get your money's worth), and it has enough output to run most household appliances through a mix of ports that include AC outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a car charging port. It is also compatible with solar charging.

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!

This model is also smaller than many similar 1kWh units, so it's easy to carry around with you on vacation, or move around your home easily. And it's nice and easy to control too, with everything monitored from the Anker app. Here you can check things like the charging speeds and usage.

Pick up this portable power station deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $70: As of Jan 5, the Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are on sale for $109.95 at Amazon. That's a 39% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: SHOKZ Shokz OpenRun Pro $109.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $70.00   Get Deal

If you've been looking for an excuse to upgrade your running headphones, we've found the perfect opportunity at Amazon: the Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are down to their lowest-ever price. As of Jan. 5, you can save $70 with the new price of $109.95. This is a new low price for 2026, and a hefty drop from its previous price.

Bone conducting headphones offer a sound technology that keeps you alert and safe on your runs. They work by sending sound as vibrations through the cheekbones directly to the inner ear, instead of through the ear canal. This leaves your ears open, so you can hear your music or podcasts while still being aware of your surroundings.

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!

And because these are made with running in mind, they will sit comfortably and securely, even during intense workouts. They also have a lightweight wraparound titanium frame to help keep them in place. The sound quality is impressive too, and you'll get strong volume and bass.

The battery life is ideal for runs up to 10 hours, whether you're listening to music, on a call, or tuned into a podcast. And if you're heading out the door and realize you forgot to charge, just give them a quick five-minute charge to get up to 1.5 hours of listening time.

Pick up this Shokz deal at Amazon now.

AI is extremely powerful, there’s no denying that. However, AI is not perfect, and I don’t think it ever will be. When it comes to programming apps or building services with AI, it’s a great tool, but it’s still no match for human coders. Here’s why I think experienced developers don’t have to be worried about AI taking over the programming world.

SAVE $70: As of Jan. 5, Beats Solo 4 are on sale for $129.95 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 $129.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $70   Get Deal

If you want to kick off the new year with great sound, check out this latest Amazon deal on the Beats Solo 4. Currently $70 off, you'll be getting a premium pair of headphones available in a wide range of colors, including black and gold, cloud pink, matte black, metallic pink, and slate blue.

The headphones use a custom acoustic design with updated drivers for a strong, balanced Beats sound. They also boast support for personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. They’re lightweight and designed to be worn all day, with a flex-grip headband, angled adjustable ear cups, and UltraPlush cushions, so they're comfortable as well as functional.

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!

The battery life promises to last up to 50 hours, and the Fast Fuel feature will give you around five hours of listening from a 10-minute charge. You can listen to high-resolution lossless audio via USB-C or a 3.5 mm cable, and they work easily with both iOS and Android thanks to one-touch pairing.

And as of Jan. 5, they are down to just $129.95. Get this headphones deal from Amazon now.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a social media addict.

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

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

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for January 5, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Done on Instagram

• Green: The edge

• Blue: Museum subjects

• Purple: A single letter

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Things you can do on social media

• Green: Furthest point

• Blue: Art movements with "-ism"

• Purple: What "V" might mean

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 #939 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Things you can do on social media: COMMENT, LIKE, LURK, POST

• Furthest point: END, EXTREME, OPPOSITE, POLE

• Art movements with "-ism": BRUTAL, IMPRESSION, MANNER, REAL

• What "V" might mean: FIVE, VERSUS, VERY, 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 5, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you don't waste time.

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 5, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 5, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Slapped together

The words are related to pace.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe fast-pased terms.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Quick and Dirty.

NYT Strands word list for January 5

• Brisk

• Swift

• Speedy

• Quick and Dirty

• Grubby

• Filthy

• Stained

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 today's Strands.

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

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 5, 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 5, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A young horse.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter L appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

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...

FILLY

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 5, 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 today's Wordle.

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 Monday, Jan. 5, 2026:

Across"Now I get it!"

• The answer is Aha.

Benoit ___, detective in the "Knives Out" films

• The answer is Blanc.

Give one's two cents

• The answer is Opine.

Time difference between the East and West Coast, in hours

• The answer is Three.

Pirate's assent

• The answer is Aye.

DownGeneration after Gen Z

• The answer is Alpha.

In need of a shave

• The answer is Hairy.

"Bonne ___!" ("Happy New Year!," in French)

• The answer is Annee.

Many a social media antagonist, sadly

• The answer is Bot.

First in "class"?

• The answer is Cee.

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 today's Mini Crossword.

Jimmy Kimmel picked up the prize for best talk show at the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, and he made sure to pay tribute to one of the many people that's made it all possible: Donald Trump.

"FIFA Peace Prize would have been better, but this is nice too," said Kimmel as he took to the stage, making reference to the controversial award given to the U.S. president by football's governing body.

SEE ALSO: Critics Choice Awards nominations 2026: 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another' take a commanding lead

"Thanks to all the writers and actors and producers and union members, many of who are in this room, who supported us, who really stepped forward for us, and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country. Your actions were important, and we appreciate them. And most of all I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump — without whom we would be going home empty-handed tonight," Kimmel continued.

"So thank you, Mr President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day. It's been a banner couple of weeks and we can't wait to get back on the air tomorrow night to talk about them."

Kimmel's speech makes reference to the many people in the entertainment industry, including fellow late show hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, who came to his defence after ABC's parent company Disney suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Sept. 2025. The decision was made following a threat from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr's to punish ABC over comments made by Kimmel during a monologue following the killing of far-right commentator Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel's show was reinstated less than a week later, with the host's return monologue becoming the most-watched on his YouTube channel.

We've rounded up the full list of winners at the Critics Choice Awards on Mashable.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know baseball.

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

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

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

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

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

• Yellow: Striking options

• Green: Missing the same letter

• Blue: Same team

• 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: Golf shots

• Green: Basketball stats in singular form

• Blue: New York Mets retired numbers

• Purple: ____ block

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 #469 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Golf shots - APPROACH, CHIP, DRIVE, PUTT

• Basketball stats in singular form - BLOCK, FOUL, POINT, TURNOVER

• New York Mets retired numbers - PIAZZA, STENGEL, STRAWBERRY, WRIGHT

• ____ block - CHOP, PANCAKE, PASS, RUN

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 today's Connections.