IT General

Scientists have discovered that the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way buzzes with activity, shooting out a nonstop stream of flares into space. 

A new study using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has revealed a variety of light coming from the black hole Sagittarius A* — or rather its accretion disk, the ring of rapidly spinning material that surrounds it. 

While some flares are reminiscent of the ephemeral flickers of a candle, lasting just seconds, others are gigantic eruptions, blasting out a half-dozen incredibly bright jets on a daily basis.

These new findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters this week, could help astrophysicists better understand black holes and how they interact with the gas and dust around them. They also may provide new insight into the evolution of the Milky Way.

"We saw constantly changing, bubbling brightness," said Farhad Yusef-Zadeh, the Northwestern University astronomer who led the study, in a statement. "And then boom! A big burst of brightness suddenly popped up. Then, it calmed down again. We couldn’t find a pattern in this activity. It appears to be random."

SEE ALSO: He found a Milky Way black hole 50 years ago, and finally got to see it The first image of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy, released to the public in May 2022. Credit: Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration

Scientists at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, which runs Webb and the Hubble Space Telescope, are calling this the longest, most-detailed research of Sagittarius A*, pronounced "A-star," to date. The study is based on 48 hours of observation time in eight to 10-hour durations over the course of a year. 

Black holes were little more than a theory 50 years ago — a kooky mathematical solution to a physics problem — and even astronomers at the top of their field weren't entirely convinced they existed. 

Today, not only are supermassive black holes accepted science, they're getting their pictures taken by a collection of enormous, synced-up radio dishes on Earth. Supermassive black holes, millions to billions of times more massive than the sun, are thought to lurk at the center of virtually all large galaxies.

What we know is this: Falling into a black hole is certain death. Any cosmic stuff that wanders too close reaches a point of no return. But scientists have observed something weird at the edge of black holes' accretion disks, similar to the swirl of water around a bathtub drain. A tiny amount of that stuff can suddenly get rerouted. When that happens, high-energy particles can get flung outward as a pair of jets, blasting in opposite directions, though astronomers haven't quite figured out how they work.

The video above shows some of the Webb telescope data from April 7, 2024, covering 9.5 hours of observation, with a big flare appearing toward the end.

Yusef-Zadeh and team are trying to help get to the bottom of that. They've likened the new observations to solar flares, but capable of shining across 26,000 light-years of space. Webb saw brightness changes over short timescales, meaning they are coming from the black hole’s inner disk, not far outside its so-called event horizon, that previously mentioned point of no return.

Yusef-Zadeh speculates the biggest and brightest flares are like magnetic reconnection events, a process in which two magnetic fields crash and release accelerated particles, traveling near the speed of light. The shortest bursts may derive from minor disturbances in the accretion disk, similar to solar flares which occur when the sun's magnetic field jumbles, compresses, and erupts.

"Of course, the processes are more dramatic because the environment around a black hole is much more energetic and much more extreme," he said. "But the Sun’s surface also bubbles with activity."

The next step will be to observe Sagittarius A* for a longer, uninterrupted period of time to see if the flares repeat or are indeed random.

With a massive 14.6-inch display, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra attempts to redefine what it means to be a tablet. While it can be tough to handle at times, its best use cases prove size really matters.

From time to time, the U.S. military shows glimpses of its X-37B spaceplane, which can travel to space for years at a time.

We just got another glimpse. The U.S. Space Force — which took the reins from the Air Force's expansive military operations in space in 2019 — has released a view the robotic craft took from Earth's orbit. You can see a portion of the X-37B and an outstretched panel above a view of a partially shadowed Earth.

"An X-37B onboard camera, used to ensure the health and safety of the vehicle, captures an image of Earth while conducting experiments in [highly elliptical orbit] in 2024," the Space Force posted on X. "The X-37B executed a series of first-of-kind maneuvers, called aerobraking, to safely change its orbit using minimal fuel."

SEE ALSO: A dramatic total lunar eclipse is coming. You don't want to miss it.

This is the seventh mission of the X-37B, which orbits 150 to 500 miles above Earth to explore reusable space vehicle technologies and conduct long-term space experiments. The plane was originally built by Boeing for NASA, but the project transferred to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, in 2004. At nearly 30 feet long, it's one-fourth the size of NASA's retired Space Shuttle.

An image of Earth captured by the U.S. Space Force's X-37B spaceplane. Credit: U.S. Space Force Tweet may have been deleted

The X-37B's "aerobraking" maneuver mentioned above involves using close passes by Earth's atmosphere to produce drag, ultimately allowing it to switch orbits without burning too much of its finite fuel.

"This novel and efficient series of maneuvers demonstrates the Space Force's commitment to achieving groundbreaking innovation as it conducts national security missions in space," former secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall explained in 2024.

But the spaceplane, which most recently launched in Dec. 2023, isn't coming back home just yet. The mission is "now continuing its test and experimentation objectives," the Space Force said. After that, the craft will plummet through our planet's atmosphere and land on a runway — an event the U.S. military has released images of in the past.

The military clearly wants to promote the X-37B's successes — without revealing too much about its outer space exploits.

An unassuming loophole might be giving the U.S. government and its private contractors free rein to withhold evidence of unidentified craft traveling well above our skies — in outer space.  

That's the argument made by former Capitol Hill policy advisor and attorney Dillon Guthrie, published this January in the Harvard National Security Journal, a publication run by Harvard Law School. Guthrie spent three years as a legislative assistant to Senator John Kerry covering national security issues and later worked directly for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He describes this UFO loophole as a kind of "definitional gap."

"Congress has redefined what were formerly called 'unidentified flying objects' [UFOs] to first 'unidentified aerial phenomena' [UAP in 2021], and then the following year to 'unidentified anomalous phenomena' [also UAP]," Guthrie told Mashable.

As Americans have been learning a lot lately in the age of Elon Musk's DOGE, the devil is in the details when it comes to the nation's large and complex federal bureaucracies. And an antiquated, mid-century sci-fi concept like "unidentified flying objects" packed a lot of assumptions into one short acronym. That's a reality lawmakers determined would hinder good faith efforts to seriously investigate more credible cases of UAP reported by U.S. military personnel in recent years.

Did the Navy pilots who witnessed the now notorious 2015 "GoFast" UFO, for example, really see something that was aerodynamically "flying"? Or was it just floating, like a balloon? Was it or any other strange airborne sighting truly a hard physical "object"? Or were these cases all something more amorphous and temporary, like the plasmified air of ball lightning? 

SEE ALSO: Aliens haven't contacted us. Scientists found a compelling reason why.

As a term, UAP has offered a more broad and empirically conservative bucket for some of these still as-yet-unexplained events, categorizing them in a way that is not just more palatable to scientists and government officials; it has also made it harder for secretive U.S. defense and intelligence agencies to dodge the new annual reporting requirements now mandated by Congress, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Or, that's the idea, in theory. 

A careful study of the NDAA's most recent definition for UAP, as Guthrie noted in his new article, indicates that "data of any unidentified, spaceborne-only objects may be exempt."

"Under that current statutory definition, there are three kinds of unidentified anomalous phenomena," Guthrie told Mashable. "The first are airborne objects, or phenomena, that are not immediately identifiable. The second are submerged objects [or phenomena] that are not immediately identifiable — so, these would be unidentified objects in the 'sea domain,' or underwater."

"And then there's this third category of UAP, which are 'transmedium objects,'" he continued, "those that are observed to transition between, on the one hand, space and the atmosphere, and, on the other hand, between the atmosphere and bodies of water."

"Just under that strict reading of the definition," Guthrie said, "there is no spaceborne-only UAP." 

NASA's UAP independent study team during a public meeting on May 31, 2023 at the space agency's headquarters. Credit: NASA / Joel Kowsky

Any U.S. intelligence agency or branch of the military, in other words, that tracked a spacecraft circling (but respecting) Earth's border would be free to legally withhold that incredible hard data from Congress. And dozens of very recent cases like this may very well exist: Last November, the Defense Department's official UAP investigators with its All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) disclosed that no less than 49 of last year's 757 cases in their annual unclassified report involved strange sightings of UAP in outer space. 

AARO's 2024 report emphasized, however, that "none of the space domain reports originated from space-based sensors or assets; rather, all of these reports originated from military or commercial pilots or ground observers." But, Chris Mellon — formerly a minority staff director for the Senate Intelligence Committee and a deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Intelligence under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush — believes that this lack of sensor data is likely "a failure of reporting."

"Why is it that none of America's unparalleled space surveillance systems captured and reported what these pilots observed?" Mellon asked in an essay for the technology news website The Debrief this month. 

"Did these systems actually fail to capture any data, or is this another case," the former Pentagon official continued, "in which the information is simply not being shared with AARO or Congress? If the pilots and ground observers were mistaken, cross referencing with these systems could help confirm that as well."

A Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) System site located on Diego Garcia island in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Credit: U.S. Space Force Tweet may have been deleted

Mellon, a longtime advocate for transparency on UAP, recounted his own past government service experience supervising one of these systems, the Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) stations now managed by the U.S. Space Force. First established in the 1980s to effectively spy on spy satellites and other foreign orbital platforms, GEODSS can track objects as small as a basketball sailing 20,000 miles or more above Earth's surface.

"Many years ago, I asked a colleague visiting the Maui GEODSS site to inquire if the system had recorded anything 'unusual' in the night skies lately," Mellon recalled. "Sure enough, just a month or so earlier, the system recorded what appeared to be 4–5 bright objects traveling parallel to the horizon." 

GEODSS personnel reportedly were baffled. These gleaming objects appeared to be at once too slow and consistent in their trajectory to be meteors but too fast, hot and high up in space to be any known aircraft. 

"Site personnel had no idea what the objects were and, in those days, had no incentive to acknowledge or report the data," according to Mellon. "That incident occurred in the 1990s, when the GEODSS system was far less capable than it is today."

And, as Guthrie told Mashable, the full suite of America's space monitoring, missile defense and early warning platforms could easily be recording critical, perhaps world-changing evidence about UAP — which could reveal if it's another nation's advanced spacecraft, something mundane, or something truly unknown. Data from these systems — including the Space Fence, NORAD's Solid-State Phased Array Radars (SSPAR), the Space-Based Infrared Monitoring System (SBIRS), and others — could also be kept under wraps based on just this one technicality. 

"If there are no requirements to report on spaceborne-only UAP," Guthrie said, "then there are no requirements by elements of the defense and intelligence communities to report on those objects using these especially sensitive space collection sensors."

"Our ballistic missile defense people were very concerned."

The now well-known 2004 USS Nimitz "Tic Tac" UFO incident, made famous by The New York Times in 2017 and testified to under oath in Congress, included the monitoring of similar objects in space, according to veteran Navy radar operator Kevin Day. Then a senior chief petty officer supervising radar efforts onboard the USS Princeton, a guided-missile cruiser with the Nimitz carrier strike group, Day told Mashable that crew tasked with looking out for ICBM warheads saw these unexplained tracks moving up at 80,000 feet.

"Our ballistic missile defense people were very concerned," Day told Mashable.

Greater engagement with these kinds of potential UAP risks does not appear to be on the way from some of the United States’ best unclassified collection tools — the worldwide network of astronomical observatories and satellites managed by NASA. Despite much fanfare around NASA’s announcement of a dedicated director of UAP research in 2023, the position has been left quietly vacant since September 2024, according to a recent statement from the space agency’s press office.

Guthrie chalks the crux of this problem up to "an absence of overarching political oversight."

"There have been so many agencies that have been alleged to have been or currently be involved in the UAP matter," he explained. "It's all too easy for any of these agencies to pass the buck."

Tweet may have been deleted

Guthrie hopes lawmakers will take-up the advice offered by former Pentagon official Luis Elizondo, who told Congress last November that it should "create a single point-of-contact responsible for a whole-of-government approach to the UAP issue." 

"Currently, the White House, CIA, NASA, the Pentagon, Department of Energy, and others play a role, but no one seems to be in charge," Elizondo added, "leading to unchecked power and corruption."

Beyond redefining the strict legal definition of what UAP means, or even creating a new acronym that would bring "clarity to this issue," Guthrie argues that this more centralized, whole-of-government approach could also help close-up these kinds of loopholes.

"Breaking down those stovepipes," as Guthrie put it, "and along with those stovepipes the ability of a particular agency to just say, 'Oh, we don't feel the need to further act on this matter.'"

Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.

TL;DR: We have fewer than 50 refurbished MacBook Airs left in stock at $230 (reg. $999).

A MacBook for $230 might sound too good to be true if you haven’t heard of refurbished laptops. But this model, restored to like-new condition and backed by a 90-day warranty, is an excellent choice for anyone on a budget but still craving Apple quality.

Check out this laptop’s specs:

• Run Microsoft Office, browse the web, and multitask with an Intel Core i5 and 8GB of RAM

• Enjoy a 13.3-inch display with Intel HD Graphics 6000 when you’re working or streaming movies in bed

• Download programs or store files with a 128GB SSD

• Work all day without having to find an outlet with the laptop’s 12-hour battery life

Don’t miss this refurbished MacBook Air deal — they’re selling out fast at $230 (reg. $999). No coupon is needed to get this price.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) $229.97
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TL;DR: Enjoy wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in streaming services with the PlayAIBox Wireless Adapter, on sale now for $84.97 (reg. $129) while supplies last.

Tired of plugging and unplugging your phone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? The PlayAIBox Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter offers you the freedom and convenience you want on the road. For just $84.97 (reg. $129), this compact gadget upgrades your car with seamless wireless connectivity and built-in streaming services like Netflix and YouTube.

While hands-free convenience for your maps and music is amazing, this adapter also lets you download apps directly from Google Play, store media on external SD cards, and even mirror your phone screen for an enhanced experience.

Whether commuting to work or heading out on a road trip, the PlayAIBox transforms your ride into an entertainment hub, giving you everything from navigation to streaming in one easy-to-use system.

No more fussing with cables. This adapter supports wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you stay more focused on the road. With dual compatibility for iOS and Android, it works across more than 800 car models and lets you run multiple apps at once, thanks to its Allwinner A133 chip.

Whether you're in extreme heat or freezing cold, the PlayAIBox is built to last with a working temperature range of -30°C to 75°C. And for those long drives or downtime at the rest stop, simply switch over to YouTube, Netflix, or Disney+ for hours of entertainment, all from your car's display.

Keep your digital world at your fingertips without the clutter of cables. Stay connected, stay entertained, and drive confidently with this game-changing wireless adapter.

The PlayAIBox Wireless Adapter is on sale for $84.97 (regularly priced at $129) while this offer still lasts. Inventory is limited.

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TL;DR: Ditch the AI clutter and get one tool that does it all — the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan is available for a one-time payment of $99.99 (reg. $540).

Managing multiple subscriptions for all your creative and professional needs? That’s more juggling than anyone needs — and it’s pricey, too.

Get a lifetime subscription to 1minAI on sale for $99.99 — it's a single platform packed with the tools you’d normally need a bunch of apps to accomplish. From content writing and image editing to data analysis, 1minAI has you covered — all in one convenient spot.

1minAI makes it easy to handle a variety of tasks with a user-friendly setup, so you’re not wasting time hopping between different tools. It includes everything from AI-driven writing assistance to design and photo editing options, letting you switch between projects without the constant app shuffle.

Plus, 1minAI gives you 4,000,000 credits each month, plus the chance to earn up to 450,000 extra credits monthly, giving you plenty of space to test, create, and explore without worrying about extra fees.

While AI tools are incredibly helpful, they aren’t perfect — and 1minAI is straightforward about that. You’ll get support with drafting, designing, and brainstorming, but human editing and oversight can bring your projects to the next level. Think of it as an AI sidekick that keeps things running smoothly, while you remain the creative mastermind.

Simplify your creative process and boost efficiency with 1minAI’s Business Plan lifetime subscription — all for $99.99, with no monthly fees.

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TL;DR: The NanoPhone packs essential smartphone features into a tiny, portable design for 50% off at $99.97 until March 30 (reg. $199).

Sick of lugging around a phone that’s practically the size of a tablet? If you’re someone who values portability without sacrificing functionality, then the NanoPhone could be exactly what you need. This little powerhouse — on sale for $99.97 — includes the smartphone features you need into a device so compact, it could practically disappear in your pocket.

Despite its small size, which is literally the size of a credit card, the NanoPhone doesn’t skimp on the essentials. It comes equipped with a clear, responsive touchscreen that makes navigation a breeze, whether you're scrolling through your contacts or browsing the web. The intuitive interface is designed to keep things simple, so you can easily manage calls, texts, and apps without the bulk of a standard smartphone.

The NanoPhone also includes a built-in camera, perfect for capturing those on-the-go moments when you don’t have your full-sized device handy. Plus, it supports Bluetooth connectivity, so you can pair it with wireless headphones or a smartwatch for a seamless experience.

Battery life won’t be an issue either. The NanoPhone is designed to last throughout your day, whether you’re making calls, streaming music, or checking your emails. And with expandable storage, you can carry all your essential apps, photos, and files without compromise.

Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or just want to travel light, the NanoPhone is a practical solution that could fit your lifestyle.

Small in size and big on features, it's ready to go wherever life takes you.

Get the NanoPhone Miniaturized Smartphone on sale for half off at $99.97 (reg. $199).

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TL;DR: Hurry and grab lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more with a Microsoft Office 2019 license for Windows at $34.97 through February 23.

Your credit card is exhausted from all of today’s subscription fees. While you probably don’t want to cancel Peacock and never see the ending of Yellowstone or say goodbye to two-day shipping with Prime, you could swap your Microsoft 365 subscription for a Microsoft Office lifetime license.

Instead of spending $7 monthly (or $70 yearly), you can pay once and use the apps as much as you’d like. For a little while longer, the Windows software suite is on sale for $34.97 until February 23.

What apps are included?

Microsoft Office 2019 isn’t the newest version available, but it’s the cheaper one for people who just need to use the apps and don’t care about what they look like inside. However, it does have a classic, timeless design.

Here's a list of the apps you get:

• Word

• Excel

• PowerPoint

• Outlook

• OneNote

• Publisher

• Access

Differences between Microsoft 365 and a lifetime license

This purchase is a no-brainer if you aren’t taking full advantage of Microsoft 365’s OneDrive storage, mobile app access, and cloud-based backups. Those just wanting the apps should be more than comfortable with a Microsoft Office download.

You might actually like this license more than the subscription. The apps are downloaded directly onto your PC instead of hosted on the cloud. While this does mean there are no built-in cloud backups, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of trying to work offline.

Plus, now that Microsoft added Copilot’s AI features to Microsoft 365, you might be looking for a way to escape them. Not everyone is crazy about having a virtual robot interfere with their work, and these classic apps won’t ever bug you about it.

The price drop on this lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows ends soon, so get your download for $34.97 until February 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $34.97
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Public and private alarm has spiked since Elon Musk officially began executing the so-called Department of Government Efficiency's agenda by gaining access to sensitive databases, dismantling federal agencies, and unceremoniously firing workers by the thousands.

But now there is another reason to worry about DOGE: Scammers are capitalizing on increased interest in its actions in order to defraud people of cryptocurrency, according to the online protection company McAfee, which researches and monitors digital scams.

Specifically, the scammers are taking advantage of confusion about Musk's DOGE initiative and dogecoin, a cryptocurrency founded in 2013 that Musk has also publicly spoken about. Indeed, Musk apparently derived DOGE's name from the doge meme.

Musk is such a fan of the meme, which features a breed of dog known as a shiba inu, that he once replaced X's famous bird with a picture of the doge icon for a limited time. He also recently posted without comment on X, the social platform that he owns, a cartoon rendering of the shiba inu holding an American flag surrounded by the phrase "Department of Government Efficiency."

Tweet may have been deleted

The scams that McAfee spotted have largely featured Musk or DOGE in some capacity. Some also include a similar logo. The most prominent schemes invite victims to send dogecoin to a private wallet, with the promise that they'll receive more dogecoin in return.

But DOGE has nothing to do with dogecoin. And victims certainly won't receive free dogecoin in return for their contribution.

"The fact that people don't really understand that they're two very different things just adds a lot of confusion," McAfee chief technology officer Steve Grobman told Mashable.

Grobman said it was unclear why victims might believe that they'd profit off giving their dogecoin away. He speculated that Musk's status as the richest person in the world might be persuasive to victims who are hopeful that he'd part with dogecoin simply because he can.

Additionally, Grobman said that scammers can be convincing when they promise guaranteed returns or high profits, and they frequently use the likeness of trusted public figures to promote fake coins or crypto investments.

It's worth noting that big events that involve Musk, like SpaceX launches, tend to attract scammers and command consumers' attention, while cryptocurrency is generally rife with fraud and insider trading.

But on Thursday Musk himself, as well as President Donald Trump, gave people reason to believe that DOGE might be sending money back to American taxpayers in the form of dividend checks, courtesy of the alleged savings DOGE has yielded. Musk floated the idea of a "DOGE Dividend," which would reimburse taxpayers, courtesy of the alleged savings from DOGE's cost-cutting measures and savings; Trump originally suggested a $5,000 refund.

DOGE has claimed an estimated $55 billion in savings so far, but experts say its calculations don't add up. Nevertheless, the prospect of a dividend may give scammers an even bigger opportunity to pounce on unsuspecting victims than they have now.

One scheme McAfee spotted cloned the official DOGE website but added a button to "Claim $DOGE bonus." Victims who provide between 10,000 $DOGE, (roughly $2,500) and 1,000,000 $DOGE (about $250,000) will supposedly receive between 30,000 $DOGE (around $7,500) and 3,000,000 $DOGE (about $750,000).

Grobman said that the scams leveraged classic techniques for deceiving victims, like creating a sense of urgency and portraying the exchange as a limited opportunity to make money.

He recommended strategies for identifying such schemes, like not engaging with an unknown entity in any financial exchange; never sending your cryptocurrency to an unverified wallet; using means of payment that have fraud protection, like a credit card; and carefully studying websites and email addresses for signs that they are legitimate, such as a .gov address.

He also warned against visiting websites that might capture your email or platform credentials. Some crypto scams are designed to harvest victims' personal information or steal the contents of their crypto wallet. In general, Grobman said that if something appears too good to be true, it probably is.

Still, the hype around crypto is becoming widespread. In addition to Musk's own embrace of crypto, the public may also be more receptive to exploring the currency given that Trump launched a memecoin of his own just days before his January 20 inauguration.

The Trump family and its partners made over $100 million from $TRUMP and that's just from the trading fees alone, according to an analysis performed by the New York Times. While a few outliers appeared to get rich, more than 810,000 crypto wallets have lost a combined $2 billion so far, according to the Times. Still, some observers may see a scam that seems affiliated with DOGE and think their bet is worth the risk.

Tweet may have been deleted

Potential victims of DOGE-related scams may also be intrigued by efforts that seem to link their participation with a broader effort to contribute to and achieve so-called government efficiency, like the DOGE website clone.

Musk's DOGE has already posted an open call on X for the general public to send the entity any tips for reducing waste, fraud, and abuse. With consumers invested in a game show-like search for government spending that they find fraudulent, some may feel like a "reward" promised by these scam websites could be a real offer.

Grobman said scammers operate much like legitimate businesses by testing certain strategies, amplifying what works and ditching what doesn't.

"We see some testing going on right now," Grobamn said, referring to the scams invoking DOGE. "If they get good returns from these tests, they'll double down on them."

Matt Binder contributed reporting to this article.

UPDATE: Feb. 22, 2025, 5:00 a.m. EST This article has been updated with the latest streaming details for "Anora," "The Brutalist," "A Complete Unknown," and "Wicked."

In another year of outrageous cinema, 10 films made the cut in the Academy's eyes to earn spots on the Best Picture Oscar nominations list. We found narrowing the best movies of the year down to only 10 to be downright impossible, opting instead for a top 25 list, so it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of snubs this year (zero nominations for Challengers? Seriously?).

Even though we're a little disappointed a few of our favorites didn't make the list, the ones that managed to nab the nomination are certainly worth a watch.

SEE ALSO: 2025 Oscar nominations: See the full list

If you'd like to get up to date on the best films of the year (at least by the Academy's standards), we've rounded up how you can watch all 10. Queue 'em up for a movie marathon that's sure to be phenomenal. We'll update the details as more of the films make their way from the theater to the small screen.

Anora

Anora, winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and Mashable's favorite film of the year, is a Cinderella story that doesn't quite go the way you'd expect. "Anora is magnificently alive," Mashable's reviewer writes, adding that it's "as bold as it is brilliant." It's no surprise to us that not only did it nab a Best Picture nomination at the 2025 Oscars, but also five more nominations, including Best Director, Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.

What's it about?

"In a star-making turn, Mikey Madison (Scream 5) stars as a sex worker whose professional relationship with a young Russian client swiftly swings into a quickie wedding in Vegas. But [Sean] Baker, who's made a career out of compelling films centered on the rich inner lives of sex workers, isn't offering a sloppy retread of Pretty Woman. When cronies come banging on the mansion door, it's up to Anora to fight for the future she wants." — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

Read Mashable's review of Anora.

How to watch it: Stream it on Hulu beginning March 17 Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Stream "Anora" on Hulu Starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now

Still in select theaters across the country, Anora is available to rent or purchase at online retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ as of Dec. 17. It's also set to make its streaming debut on Hulu on March 17, 2025. Hulu is one of the most generous streamers for newbies with a 30-day free trial. Subscriptions then start at $9.99 per month, but you can save 16% if you opt for the annual plan instead.

The Brutalist

"A towering paean to the American dream," as our reviewer wrote, The Brutalist clocked in at number 17 on our list of the best films of 2024. Directed by Brady Corbet, it's also one of the most prominently featured films this awards season, with 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. It already nabbed the Golden Globe for the Best Picture - Drama category, and despite igniting fresh conversation around the use of AI, it's a favorite to take home the Academy Award as well.

What's it about?

"The film, arresting from its first frames, spends three-and-a-half engrossing hours on the tale of László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a fictitious Jewish Hungarian architect and survivor of the Holocaust, whose arrival in America yields both rigorous struggle and tempting opportunity. It embodies the kind of American epics no longer really made by Hollywood studios. All the while, the film also explores the fraught corners of post-World War II Jewish identity in the West." — Siddhant Adlakha, Film Critic

Read Mashable's review of The Brutalist.

How to watch it: Buy it on digital Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video Buy "The Brutalist" on digital Watch Now

As of Feb. 18, you can purchase The Brutalist at digital on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV for $19.99. It will also be available to rent at a later date. There's no official streaming release details yet, but as an A24 film, we expect it to make its debut on Max alongside other A24 theatrical releases in the coming month or so.

Featured Video For You 2025 Oscar snubs A Complete Unknown

It's hard to get excited over yet another biopic, but the reviews of A Complete Unknown — which sees Timothée Chalamet embrace his inner Bob Dylan — have been surprisingly positive. Not only has the Dylan biopic nabbed a nomination for Best Picture, but also Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound. James Mangold is also nominated for Best Director, Chalamet for Best Lead Actor, and Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro for their supporting roles.

What's it about?

A Complete Unknown follows Bob Dylan's (Chalamet) rise to fame in the early '60s, charting his beginnings as a folk singer in the New York music scene. "But once Dylan hits his groove, the film launches forward several years to 1965, when he's an established megastar whose emerging interest in electric guitar threatens to outrage his fanbase at the Newport Folk Festival, and his early allies." — KP

Read Mashable's review of A Complete Unknown.

How to watch it: Buy it on digital Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video Buy "A Complete Unknown" on digital Watch Now

While it's still in select theaters, A Complete Unknown is officially set to make its at-home debut on digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV on Feb. 25. You'll be able to purchase it for your digital collection for $29.99 to start, though the price will eventually drop to $19.99. As a Searchlight Pictures film, we expect it to make its streaming debut on Hulu at a later, unknown date.

Conclave

Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) and set amid the halls of the Vatican, the psychological thriller Conclave made our list of the best movies of 2024. Two-time Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes leads a star-studded cast, which includes Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini, John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay, Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco, and Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes. It's no surprise to us that the Vatican-set tale earned a nod for Best Picture at this year's Oscars. It also scored nominations for Lead Actor, Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, Original Score, Film Editing, and Production Design.

What's it about?

"In the sacred halls of the Vatican, the Catholic church's most revered leaders gather together for a series of secret votes to determine who among them will be God's representative on Earth. And as dean of the conclave, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) is tasked not only with keeping things running smoothly but also sussing out what skeletons lie in the closets of the contenders." — KP

Read Mashable's review of Conclave.

How to watch: Stream it on Peacock Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Stream "Conclave" on Peacock Starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

As a Focus Features film, Conclave made its streaming debut on Peacock back in December. A Peacock Premium subscription will run you $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without ads. Of course, you can also rent or purchase the film at digital retailers like Prime Video for as low as $5.99.

Dune: Part Two

A pop culture phenomenon, Dune: Part Two dominated the box office in 2024 with over $714 million globally. The Denis Villeneuve-directed film — which brings back Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Stellan Skarsgård and adds Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux — "swings bigger and often hits harder, soaring beyond even the epic highs of its predecessor," according to Mashable's Belen Edwards. It cracked the top 10 of our favorite films list of 2024 and has earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

What's it about?

"Dune: Part Two continues the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), who finds himself among the planet Arrakis' indigenous Fremen. There he becomes entangled in the impossible position of hoping to avenge the Harkonnens' attack on his house, while also trying to avoid a future in which he unleashes holy war upon the universe." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Read Mashable's review of Dune: Part Two.

How to watch it: Stream it on Max or Netflix Opens in a new window Credit: Max Stream "Dune: Part Two" on Max starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Stream "Dune: Part Two" on Netflix starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

The second installment of the sci-fi franchise started streaming on Max in May of 2024, alongside Dune: Part One. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month with ads. As of January 2025, Part Two is also available to stream on Netflix. Subscriptions start at just $7.99 per month with ads. You can also rent or purchase the film on Prime Video and other digital retailers for as low as $3.99.

Emilia Pérez

"Jacques Audiard's gaudy, star-studded Cannes winner is stirring and surprisingly philosophical," writes Adlakha. It stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz in a musical transgender modern cartel saga. While it didn't make our top films of 2024 list, it managed to score the most Oscar nominations of any film, including Best Picture, Director, Lead Actress, Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Original Score, Sound, Original Song (x2), Film Editing, International Feature Film, and Makeup and Hairstyling.

What's it about?

"Emilia Pérez centers on the intertwining stories of four women in Mexico. Chief among them is transgender cartel leader Emilia (Gascón), who asks lawyer Rita (Saldaña) to help her fake her own death so she can undergo gender-affirming surgery and live as her true self." — BE

Read Mashable's review of Emilia Pérez.

How to watch it: Stream it on Netflix Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Stream "Emilia Pérez" on Netflix Starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

Originally premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in June of 2024, Emilia Pérez made its streaming debut on Netflix back in November. The cheapest Netflix subscription will cost you $7.99 per month, but you'll have to endure some ads along the way. Don't want ads? The price jumps up to $17.99 per month instead.

I'm Still Here

In a surprise by the Academy, international feature I'm Still Here earned three Oscar nods, including Best Picture, after its star Fernanda Torres won the Golden Globe for her leading role. Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir of the same name, the Walter Salles-directed Brazilian drama has an impeccable 95 percent critic rating and 99 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It's the underdog of the Best Picture category.

What's it about?

I'm Still Here follows the heartbreaking real-life story of Eunice Paiva (Torres), whose husband Rubens disappears at the hands of the Brazilian military dictatorship in the early 1970s. The lonely and frightening battle to learn the truth and keep her family together transforms her into an activist, lawyer, and hero.

How to watch it: See it in theaters Opens in a new window Credit: Fandango See "I'm Still Here" in theaters Watch Now

I'm Still Here just made its theatrical debut on Jan. 17, 2025. That's currently the only way to watch the film, although we're expecting it to make its digital debut soon at retailers like Apple TV and Prime Video. Stay tuned.

Nickel Boys

Cracking the top three of our best films of the year list, Nickel Boys is an "exquisite, powerful adaptation" of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. As Adlakha writes in his review for Mashable, the moving film about a violent reform school in 1960s Florida is truly transformative. Thus, it is no surprise that it earned nominations for both Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at this year's Oscars.

What's it about?

"The film, like the novel, follows 16-year-old Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse), a promising teen from Tallahassee who lives with his grandmother, Hattie (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), and navigates the Jim Crow-era South. On his way to a technical college for advanced classes, the high schooler finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, leading to false charges of theft and internment at the Nickel Academy, an isolated juvenile home on a sprawling estate that presents itself as a place of hard work and reform.

A young adherent of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Elwood's idealism quickly clashes with Nickel's harsh reality of segregation and corporal punishment. However, he also finds guidance and companionship in Turner (Brandon Wilson), a fellow student hailing from Houston whose more upbeat demeanor and slick survival tips exist in close proximity to his own fears of the school's ruthless staff." — SA

Read Mashable's review of Nickel Boys.

How to watch it: Stream it on MGM+ beginning Feb. 28 Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ Watch "Nickel Boys" on MGM+ starting Feb. 28 7-day free trial, then $6.99 per month Watch Now

An Amazon MGM Studios film, Nickel Boys is currently only available to watch in theaters. However, it is expected to make its streaming debut on MGM+ on Feb. 28. That gives you just enough time to watch it before the Academy Awards air on March 2. MGM+ offers a free seven-day trial, then costs $6.99 per month for subscribers. However, if you wish to watch Nickel Boys before the end of February, it will also be available to rent or purchase on digital soon — stay tuned.

The Substance

French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat's The Substance earned spot number 15 on our list of the best movies of 2024, despite our divided staff. Part body horror romp and part Hollywood ageism satire, it stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid and is one of the most surprising hits of the year. Its gruesome imagery shocked and awed critics and managed to nab not only the Best Picture nomination at the Oscars but also four others — a big feat for a horror flick.

What's it about?

"Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, an actress whose star is fading as she ages, and heartless Hollywood execs (exemplified by a shellfish-chomping Quaid) hunger for young beauties and fresh blood. So when a miracle drug allows her to split her life with a perky younger model of herself (Drive-Away Dolls' Qualley), she leaps at the chance. But the brutal cost it takes is ugly." — KP

Read Mashable's review of The Substance.

How to watch it: Stream it on Mubi Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi Stream "The Substance' on Mubi starting at $14.99 per month Watch Now

The Substance made its streaming debut on Mubi on Oct. 31, 2024, which is no surprise considering it's a Mubi original film. A quality streaming service built for cinephiles, Mubi's library is brimming with the best of international cinema. Subscriptions start at $14.99 per month, but you will get a seven-day free trial to test things out. You can also opt to rent or purchase The Substance from digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV for as low as $5.99.

Wicked

What's there to say about Wicked that hasn't already been said? It may not have made our list of the best films of 2024, but it did manage to earn the respect and admiration of the Academy with 10 nominations (including Best Picture). Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star as the green-skinned, magically gifted Elphaba and her pink-loving polar opposite bestie Glinda in the film adaptation of the classic 2003 Broadway musical starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. If the 95 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes is any indication, audiences are loving it, although our own film critic writes that it's "tainted by gray disillusionment, telegraphing the film's climactic reveals."

What's it about?

An adaptation of the Tony award-winning Broadway musical, which is an adaptation of Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Wicked tells the backstory of the green-skinned, misunderstood Elphaba, aka the Wicked Witch of the West, as well as the popular and privileged Glinda the Good. The witches meet as students at Shiz University in the Land of Oz and embark on a journey from loathing to unexpectedly deep friendship. Part one of the two-part saga ultimately questions, "Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?"

Read Mashable's review of Wicked.

How to watch it: Stream it on Peacock beginning March 21 Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Stream "Wicked" on Peacock starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

Wicked made its at-home debut on digital-on-demand retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango at Home on Dec. 31. It's now set to make its streaming debut on Peacock, the streaming service owned by NBCUniversal, on March 21. Peacock subscriptions start at $7.99 per month with ads and $13.99 per month without, although there are a few different ways you can save on your subscription.

Don't let it go to your head, but everybody wants you — more specifically, your browsing data. Personal information about the links you click on and the sites you visit is highly valuable to third parties, including your internet service provider (ISP) and Google, who may want to share or monetize it. Certain government and law enforcement agencies are also eager to peek at your activity online for their own surveillance purposes.

One way to reclaim some of your digital privacy is by getting a virtual private network, or VPN, a service that creates an encrypted connection between your device and one of the VPN provider's private, remote servers before spitting it out onto the open web. In plain English, a VPN lets you browse the internet without being tracked.

Why do you need a VPN?

Even the best VPNs can't make you totally anonymous on the web — the VPN companies themselves can still see what you're doing while you're using their servers. But they can secure your personal info and hide your true IP address from prying eyes on the outside. The most trustworthy VPN providers operate transparently and abide by independently verified no-logs policies to prove that they don't collect or store user data in this process.

SEE ALSO: The best free VPN

Because VPN services conceal your real IP address, they're also useful for spoofing your location. This will allow you to bypass geo-restrictions on content that's not available in your country or region. (This is newly pertinent intel for horny Floridians, South Carolinians, and Tennesseans now that a certain adult site is blocked in their states.)

What is the No. 1 best VPN?

After testing (and retesting) the most popular VPN providers, I believe TunnelBear is the top VPN for most people. Its simple, adorable app supports split tunneling and unlimited simultaneous connections, and it offers a free tier that's limited but plenty usable. (It's the best free VPN I've tried.) TunnelBear is also doing some admirable work on the transparency front: Its privacy policy is plainly written, it undergoes regular security audits, and it issues transparency reports that anyone can read. (Overall, its track record is spotless.)

For users who want a more feature-rich VPN service, NordVPN is the one I recommend. It has a widespread server network that successfully unblocks regional content — hello, Love Island UK fans — and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections. Its nice-looking app includes multi-hop connections, among other specialty server types, and users can upgrade their plans with tons of advanced security features (like an ad/tracker blocker and a data breach scanner).

NordVPN also submits its no-log policy to regular third-party audits, though you need an account to read them, and it only recently started issuing transparency reports. It does have one notable blemish on its reputation due to its handling of a server breach several years ago, but it seems to be heading in a positive direction from a trustworthiness standpoint.

ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN are both honorable mentions for unblocking geo-restricted content and location spoofing, though I wouldn't necessarily recommend either of them for long-term use for reasons I get into below.

What I'm testing next

I recently tried the free version of Proton VPN on Windows and think it's a very strong contender for a future addition to this list: Its business model revolves around transparency and digital safety, it has a huge server network, and its free tier includes unlimited bandwidth. I'm currently using the paid version of Proton VPN on Mac and will make a final judgment call after I've completed our full VPN testing protocol.

Read on for Mashable's guide to the best VPN services of 2025. FYI: Prices for most VPN providers' long-term plans change frequently. The rates listed here were accurate at the time of publication.

TL;DR: Learning fits any schedule with a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium, and it's only £37.96 (reg. £237.28) through 2 March when you use the discount code LEVELUP20. 

Opens in a new window Credit: GTHW App Limited Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription £37.96
£237.28 Save £199.32 Use code 'LEVELUP20' Get Deal

Sometimes, you can sit down with a book everyone else liked and still get absolutely nothing out of it. It doesn't matter if you're a speed-reader, that's still a lot of lost time, and life gets busy. 

If you want a faster way of getting to the meat of a good book, check out Headway. Headway is a mobile app that summarises a ton of nonfiction bestsellers into quick, actionable insights. You can use these either as a lesson in their own regard or as a way to see which books are actually worth reading in full, and a lifetime subscription is on sale for £37.96 (reg. £237.28).

Just head to the Mashable Shop and use the discount code LEVELUP20 to take advantage of this special pricing.

There's finally time to learn

Headway gives you access to a huge collection of titles, and its library is growing all the time. There are already over 1,500 books, with 30-50 more added every month. Headway even gives you an incentive to keep learning and growing by gamifying the whole process. See how many days you can keep your streak going. There are even achievements for the completionists. 

The insights you get from Headway summaries are a quick way to learn the key lessons from a book. It's not quite the same experience as reading the full text, but nothing's stopping you from going back and diving in once you know a book is worth the time. 

Headway tailors recommendations to your unique interests, so every summary aligns with your aspirations. Whether you prefer reading or listening, professionally narrated audio versions let you learn on the go. 

Join over 15 million other users and find time to learn. 

Use the discount code LEVELUP20 to get a Headway Premium Lifetime Subscription through 2 March. 

Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription - £37.96 | See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

TL;DR: Live stream Australia vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The likes of Pakistan and India have started their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaigns, with high expectations for these talented teams. And the same goes for Australia and England. Both of these teams will be expected to progress into the knockout stage of the tournament, but they can't both win this opening match.

If you want to watch Australia vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. England?

Australia vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy starts at 4 a.m. ET on Feb. 22. This ODI takes place at the Gaddafi Stadium.

How to watch Australia vs. England for free

The following platforms are offering coverage of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy:

• Australia — Prime Video (free with 30-day trial)

• India — Disney+ Hotstar

• New Zealand — Sky TV NZ

• Pakistan — Tamasha (free) and PTV (free)

• UK — Sky Sports

• USA — Willow and Sling TV

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is available to live stream for free in Pakistan. The free streaming platforms are geo-restricted to Pakistan, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Pakistan, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Pakistan

4. Visit Tamasha or PTV

5. Live stream Australia vs. England for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 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 access free live streams of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Australia vs. England (plus every other 2025 ICC Champions Trophy game) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan

• 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 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Australia vs. England in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free with ExpressVPN.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Brushes, paints pots, and easels are a thing of the past. Technology has not only digitised the art world but expanded it too. Indeed, technology has made art far more accessible, as well as becoming a go-to option for professionals.

Technology allows graphic designers and illustrators to simulate a variety of mediums by using such tools as a tablet, a stylus, a touch-sensitive pad, and creative software like Adobe Fresco. That flexibility, in addition to a quick turnaround and the end product, makes digital art appealing from a commercial perspective.

Of course, the tablets, styluses, and pads can cost quite a bit. And it's all a bit confusing if you don't know your art-based tech jargon. As far as we're concerned, the best place to start is a drawing tablet. And we can help paint a clear picture on how to choose one.

Should you use a drawing tablet?

A good tablet — plus your software and pen — will affect how well you're able to translate your drawing skills to the screen, or, if you're a total beginner, the control you have over your artistic process. Meanwhile, different software — such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop — will offer different mediums and editing options.

What kinds of drawing tablets are there?

Most drawing tablets can be placed into the below categories:

• Graphics tablet — The simplest of the bunch, essentially a touch-sensitive pad with a pen that you can plug into your computer so you have more control over your cursor (and therefore your digital pen) while drawing. The movement of your stylus on the pad will be reflected on your computer screen.

• Pen display — Probably what most people think of in terms of drawing tablets, these panels will let you see the tracks of your stylus or pen as you go. Instead of having to plug into a computer, these are standalone tablets able to produce art themselves.

• Tablet computer — iPads and their ilk are powerful minicomputers for which drawing is just one of many other functions. Often their use for art will require purchase of a pen or accessory of some sort for better control, and the creative software of your choice.

Keep these categories in mind when shopping around for a new tablet.

Can beginners use a drawing tablet?

Artists of any skill level can use a tablet. But do take your skill level into account before buying. If you're not entirely comfortable drawing without looking at your hand moving across the paper, for instance, you might find a graphics tablet a bit difficult to use, since you'll have to watch the monitor while drawing with your hand. In that case, a pen display or iPad might suit you better.

What's the best type of display for a drawing tablet?

A tablet's display is critical to performance. If you're trying to create photorealistic works of art, a high resolution is worth the price. But if you just want to practice your drawing skills on a more casual basis, a run-of-the-mill tablet with lower resolution is more cost-effective. The thickness of a display will affect parallax — the shifting of a line or object based on a person's perspective, caused by the distance (however small) between pen and interface, separated by the display. Minimising parallax will help keep perspective consistent.

How sensitive are drawing tablets?

They can be different sensitivities, but once again consider what works best for you. Some might prefer a super touch-sensitive screen that will pick up on every feather-light brush of the pen, while others will want a less responsive tablet that they can press harder on to keep a line steadier, or prevent accidental marks.

The feel of a tablet is also crucial. Obviously, it won't feel the same as drawing on paper, but the material and make of the tablet can determine how much give, friction, and glide it has. A tablet's tactile aspect is very important to consider, especially if you're someone who is very particular about your setup.

How big are drawing tablets?

Size and heft is one of the most important aspects to keep in mind — whether you want a tiny, portable thing to carry everywhere with you for sketching or a heavy-duty unit equipped with loads of extra features that will stay on your desk. The size of a tablet typically corresponds to the dimensions of its active area (i.e. the part of the tablet you can actually draw on), so in addition to portability, have a think about the size and detail of the work you intend to do. It's never fun to run out of drawing space.

What is tracking speed?

This means the lag time between stroke of your pen and the corresponding line showing up on screen. The higher the tracking speed (measured in PPS — points per second), the less the lag, and the more instant the result. And while lag is annoying at the best of times — even just in things like loading our email inboxes — it can make finer work like drawing simply impossible.

How do you choose a stylus?

A tablet sometimes comes with a stylus. If not you'll need to buy one separately. Either way, be sure to choose a stylus with a grip you like and features you need. Plus, styluses have their own distinct types: Battery-powered (thicker, needs extra batteries), rechargeable (slimmer, less reliable), and the newest EMR (wireless charging from tablet itself).

What is the best tablet for drawing?

It's always a good idea to try before you buy with a product like this. The feel of it is extremely important. We can't help with that, of course, but we can offer some options to at least get you started and help you figure out the best drawing tablet for you.

These are the best drawing tablets in 2025.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

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: Newbie

• Green: Ways to keep a player from reaching base

• Blue: Basketball stars in Beantown

• Purple: Schools whose location shares a theme

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Inexperienced

• Green: Types of outs in baseball

• Blue: Boston Celtics stars

• Purple: Colleges in state capitals

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 #152 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Inexperienced - FRESH, GREEN, RAW, WISCONSIN

• Types of outs in baseball - FLY, FORCE, STRIKE, TAG

• Boston Celtics stars - BROWN, HOLIDAY, TATUM, WHITE

• Colleges in state capitals - NAVY, TEXAS, VANDERBILT, WISCONSIN

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.

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 the latest Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 22 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Here we (don't) go again

These words are stuck in bumper-to-bumper.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The words are ways to describe a driving situation you don't want to be in for too long.

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 Traffic Jam.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 22

• Congestion

• Gridlock

• Blockage

• Overcrowding

• Traffic Jam

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.

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.

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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: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for February 22 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: Historically successful sports franchises

• Green: Hair styling techniques

• Blue: Common crafting materials

• Purple: "Golden" phrases

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Member of a Team with the Most Championships

• Green: Create Some Volume/Texture in Hair

• Blue: Supplies for Macaroni Art

• Purple: Words After "Golden"

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 #621 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Member of a Team with the Most Championships: CANADIEN, CELTIC, PACKER, YANKEE

• Create Some Volume/Texture in Hair: CRIMP, CURL, FEATHER, TEASE

• Supplies for Macaroni Art: GLITTER, GLUE, MACARONI, PAPER

• Words After "Golden": DOODLE, GOOSE, PARACHUTE, ROD

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 22

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.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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 today: Hints and answers for February 22 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's The Mini crossword answers for February 22, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A dairy product or skincare product.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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...

CREAM.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 22

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.