IT General

Which MacBook should you buy?

As of February 2026, I think the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air is the best choice for most people. It offers quiet, Pro-level power in a more portable design and at a more reasonable price point. Better yet, it's frequently on sale for under $1,000 at Amazon and Best Buy.

The new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro is the superior pick if you want a nicer 120Hz display, cooler multitasking performance, a better variety of ports, and the best battery life — and you've got some wiggle room in your budget.

Below, I've detailed all of my recommendations for the best MacBooks to buy in 2026, including more options for students and creative professionals who can splurge.

What's new

I used to recommend the M4 MacBook Pro as a cheaper alternative to the M5 model, but as of February 2026, it's no longer available in new condition at any third-party retailers. (The Apple Store discontinued it right when the M5 MacBook Pro came out.) As such, I've removed all mentions of it from this guide.

I've also removed the M1 MacBook Air as our budget pick because it's been out of stock at Walmart for several weeks. (If you need a cheap-ish MacBook, finding the M4 MacBook Air on sale is going to be your best bet.) The good news is that Apple is rumored to be launching a new low-cost MacBook very soon — see below.

What's on deck: Apple's rumored 2026 MacBook lineup

Based on its usual update cycle, Apple's 2026 launches will almost certainly include new MacBook Airs in 13- and 15-inch sizes and new MacBook Pros in 14- and 16-inch variants. The Airs will likely come with the base M5 chip (the same one found in the existing 14-inch MacBook Pro), while the new Pros will probably be powered by high-end M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.

Word has it that we're also getting a brand-new entry-level MacBook that runs on the A18 chip, the same processor that powered the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus from late 2024. This is according to 9to5Mac, which also reports that the device could start at $699 — the same price point as high-end Chromebooks. It could launch as soon as March alongside the new Airs and Pros.

Rumors of a redesigned MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen have been floating around for some time, but that probably won't arrive until late 2026 in the M6 generation at the very earliest, per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Online privacy is in short supply, but that doesn't make it any less important. Your data is seriously valuable stuff, and you should be doing everything you can to protect it when navigating the online world. And if you watch porn, you should be even more vigilant.

We're going to take a wild guess that you'd prefer to be protected from the prying eyes of advertisers, your internet service provider (ISP), and your roommates when you're visiting porn sites. If that is indeed the case, you should consider investing in a VPN. These cybersecurity services also provide everything you need to unblock porn sites, circumvent geo-restrictions, and stream adult content anonymously.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide powerful protection for your data and identity when you're online. VPNs offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location), making all of your activity untraceable and secure. Incognito mode could never.

SEE ALSO: AdultFriendFinder is a borderline-porn hookup site that's stuck in the past

This concept can be difficult to grasp, so it can be helpful to think of VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware. It's all about anonymity and cybersecurity, and that's particularly important if you're watching porn.

Do you need a VPN for porn?

There are two key reasons to consider a VPN for porn: anonymity and access.

The first reason is perhaps the most important. If you're concerned about your ISP, housemates, landlord, or someone totally random accessing your data, you could probably benefit from using a VPN. Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. Even porn sites can track your activity if you're unprotected. Pornhub tracks IP addresses for example, which means it has the potential to collect information about your site usage. But with a VPN, your IP address will always remain hidden.

Remaining private and anonymous is the key argument for using a VPN for porn, but there's another point to consider concerning access to your favorite sites. If you're in a location that has a firewall up to block access to porn sites, you'll need to use a VPN to bypass these restrictions. VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a server in another location, meaning you can bypass firewalls to stream on your favorite sites from anywhere in the world.

What features should you consider when selecting a VPN?

There are a number of things to consider before selecting a VPN for porn. We have highlighted a selection of the most important VPN features to help you make a decision:

• Connection speed — VPNs generally produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything significant. Make sure you opt for a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't stream porn without disruption.

• Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and while it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best services will all offer powerful protection for your data. This is obviously vital when navigating porn sites because you need to know that your data is secure.

• Number of connections — Leading VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account, while others limit you to just a single device. Prioritize services that offer multiple simultaneous connections so you can stay secure on all your devices at the same time. You might stream pornography on a number of devices, so it's best to secure everything with the same account.

• Privacy policy — This is something that some users might take for granted, but you need to pay special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of a VPN. These practices should be clearly laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't, you should not subscribe. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. Your favorite VPN should not store these details under any circumstances, as that would negate the whole anonymity thing.

• Server network — The top VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. This is useful because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming porn.

SEE ALSO: Lawsuit says Meta pirated and distributed porn to train its AI

You also need to consider things like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start with your selection process. Once you've picked a favorite option, you can consider the wide range of subscription plans on offer from leading services. There should be something that suits everyone.

Should you use free VPNs?

The big question when it comes to watching porn securely is whether you need to pay for a VPN. The bad news is that, just as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with these cybersecurity services.

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, and free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. The catch is that free versions usually come with limited data usage, meaning you can't really do any streaming or downloading. Free trials come with everything you get in a paid plan, but they obviously don't last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

Considering all of this, the best option for unblocking porn sites and streaming anonymously is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you will need to cough up the cash.

What is the best VPN for porn?

Based on our in-depth tests of the top VPN services, we're here to recommend the best VPNs for porn in 2026.

TL;DR: Lego Insiders can exchange Insiders points for the Mini Pokémon Center. Points are available to redeem from Pokémon Day (Feb. 27), while stocks last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Mini Pokémon Center Only available as a Lego Insiders Reward Learn More

The release of the first-ever Lego Pokémon sets has naturally caused a stir. Whether or not you like what you see, you just know that these sets are going to sell like mad. We regularly see huge interest in anything released by Lego and Pokémon, so any sort of collaboration between these two brands was always going to send the world into a frenzy.

There are three main sets in this initial launch, featuring fan-favorites Pikachu, Eevee, Charizard, Venusaur, and Blastoise in Lego brick form. That's where most of the focus has been directed since preorders went live on Jan. 12, but there's more for fans to consider if you cast your net a little wider.

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!

From Pokémon Day (Feb. 27), Lego Insiders can redeem 2,500 Lego Insiders points for the brand-new Mini Pokémon Center. This member-exclusive build is filled with mini-scale details inspired by all the different versions of the Pokémon Center from the Pokémon games, including sliding doors that open and close using lever functions, a healing station, seating area, and PC. It's recommended for ages 18+ and contains 233 pieces.

Not already a Lego Insider? Don't panic, you can sign up here for free.

This set is available in select markets, while stocks last. Members will get a code to add to their next order. The code is valid for 60 days and must be entered during checkout in the field labelled "enter promo code."

TL;DR: The Lego Pokémon Kanto Region Badge Collection comes as a free gift with orders for the new Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Kanto Region Badge Collection Free when you buy the Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set (while supplies last) Get Deal

We spend a lot of time sourcing the best deals on just about everything, so we know what sells. And you know what really gets the people going? Lego and Pokémon.

Any sort of shopping opportunity on Lego or Pokémon sends the world into a spin. There really isn't any comparison, so now that the two juggernauts have come together in the form of three sets launching on Pokémon Day, you best believe that we're hunting for every single opportunity to save.

Lego Pokémon sets are now available to buy. The Pikachu and Poké Ball is listed for $199.99, Eevee is $59.99, and the Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set is $649.99. These sets went live on Feb. 27. At this early stage, you're not going to find discounts on these set. Instead, you should be seeking out free gifts that sweeten the deal.

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!

If you purchase the Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set before March 3, you'll get the Kanto Region Badge Collection as a free gift with purchase (while supplies last). Coming in at 312 pieces and recommended for ages 18 and up, this buildable case houses all eight Pokémon Kanto region badges from the first generation of games.

It's a seriously cool set. Will it pursuade shoppers to drop over $600 on the Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set? We're not sure. But if you were already lining up the biggest and most expensive set from this new Pokémon Lego launch, you should note the deadline and the fact that supply is limited.

Act fast to secure the Kanto Region Badge Collection as a free gift with purchase.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people who love sports movies and shows.

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: Swap

• Green: Board stuff

• Blue: Pitchers

• Purple: Baseball clubs

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Sub out

• Green: Surfing terms

• Blue: AL CY Young Award winners

• Purple: Starts of MLB team names

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #522 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Sub out - PULL, REPLACE, TAKE OUT, YANK

• Surfing terms - BARREL, CREST, SWELL, WAVE

• AL CY Young Award winners - BIEBER, CONE, FINGERS, PRICE

• Starts of MLB team names - BLUE, BREW, CARD, ROCK

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

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

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

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

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 Friday, Feb. 27, 2026:

AcrossLacking locks

• The answer is Bald.

One of the Great Lakes

• The answer is Erie.

Movie with the fake newspaper headline "Wonder Elephant Soars to Fame!"

• The answer is Dumbo.

Live tweeter?

• The answer is Bird.

The slightest bit

• The answer is A tad.

DownHard thing to leave on a cold day

• The answer is Bed.

Caribbean island northwest of Curaçao

• The answer is Aruba.

The sky, in a saying

• The answer is Limit.

Actress Messing

• The answer is Debra.

Like this clue number

• The answer is Odd.

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

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

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

Where to buy Lego Pokémon sets at a glance: Pikachu and Poké Ball $199.99 at Lego Shop Now Eevee $59.99 at Lego Shop Now Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise $649.99 at Lego Shop Now

The first-ever Lego Pokémon sets are here. Everyone's favorite Danish toy company revealed the highly anticipated sets at the start of the year and they became officially available for preorder from Jan. 12. To coincide with Pokémon Day (yes, that's a real thing), all three sets officially launch on Feb. 27, 2026. That day has finally come.

There are three main sets in the launch, based on some of the most iconic, fan-favorite creatures from Pokémon's 30-year history. Those include Pikachu, of course, as well as Eevee, Charizard, Venusaur, and Blastoise, all recreated in Lego brick form. Pokémon fans young and old can continue their trainer journey and catch (build?) them all brick by brick.

“As a lifelong Pokémon fan, it's been an incredible honor to help bring these Pokémon to life in LEGO brick form for the first time,” said Siddharth Muthyala, Design Director on LEGO Pokémon in a press release. “Pokémon has inspired generations of fans around the world, so our team approached the design of these sets with immense care and passion, ensuring every detail and pose truly celebrates what makes these characters so beloved."

If you want to secure your sets now that they have launched, here are all the details you need.

Pikachu and Poké Ball Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball $199.99 at Lego
  Shop Now

Obviously there couldn't be a Pokémon collection without Pikachu. This 2,050-piece set recreates one of the most iconic scenes from the franchise: Pikachu jumping out of the Poké Ball for battle. It offers two different build options — battle stance and a seated pose with a closed Poké Ball — and includes Easter eggs for fans like a "25" on the base, signifying Pikachu’s Pokédex number.

Eevee Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Eevee $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now

The cutest Pokémon in the bunch, this 587-piece Lego set builds out to an adorable 7.5-inch tall Eevee. With a movable tail, head, and limbs, builders can pose the fan-favorite in two ways: at rest or ready to jump into action. The most modestly priced of the sets, it retails for $59.99 and is officially live at Lego.com.

Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise $649.99 at Lego
  Shop Now

Not for the faint of heart, the epic Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise set features 6,838 pieces and brings three fan favorites to life in one of Lego's largest display sets ever. Each of the figures can be displayed individually or together on the action base, which is full of Easter eggs for fans. The design details on the base are inspired by each of the Pokémon’s biomes (beach, jungle, and volcano) for further depth. All three also have articulated parts, so they can be posed however you desire. The price is also not for the faint of heart. It retails for *gulp* $649.99 and is officially live on the Lego website.

If you purchase this set before March 3 (while supplies last), you'll also get a free Kanto Region Badge Collection set.

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Are you looking for thrilling and unpredictable racing? No we're not talking about F1, unless you like regular pit stops, safety cars, and the same driver winning almost every week. We're talking about a form of two-wheel racing where anything could happen.

MotoGP is where the real action can be found. Every week you see the best riders in the world go wheel to wheel with their rivals, throwing their bikes into corners with absolutely no sense of self preservation. It's an awesome spectacle, and it doesn't need to cost you anything to watch.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

Want to watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

What is MotoGP?

MotoGP is the oldest established motorsport world championship, with the inaugural season taking place in 1949. Races last approximately 45 minutes, without pitting for fuel or fresh tires.

The likes of Ducati, Honda, and Yamaha do battle for the constructors' championship. Marc Márquez is the defending champion.

When is the 2026 MotoGP World Championship?

The 2026 MotoGP World Championship features 22 races held all over the world between March and November:

1. Thailand GP — March 1

2. Brazil GP — March 22

3. USA GP — March 29

4. Qatar GP — April 12

5. Spain GP — April 26

6. France GP — May 10

7. Catalonia GP — May 17

8. Italy GP — May 31

9. Hungary GP — June 7

10. Czechia GP — June 21

11. Netherlands GP — June 28

12. Germany GP — July 12

13. Great Britain GP — Aug. 9

14. Aragon GP — Aug. 30

15. San Marino GP — Sept. 13

16. Austria GP — Sept. 20

17. Japan GP — Oct. 4

18. Indonesian GP — Oct. 11

19. Australia GP — Oct. 25

20. Malaysia GP — Nov. 1

21. Portugal GP — Nov. 15

22. Valencia GP — Nov. 22

The good news for fans is that it's possible to live stream the 2026 MotoGP World Championship without spending anything.

How to watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free

The 2026 MotoGP World Championship is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following this quick and easy process:

1. Sign up for a 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 Austria

4. Visit ServusTV

5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees. By using these money-back guarantees, you can watch MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select races without actually spending anything.

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

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

ExpressVPN is tough to beat when it comes to streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria

• 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

• Impressive streaming speeds without buffering

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream the Brit Awards 2026 for free on ITVX. Access this live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Some of the biggest names in music are performing at the Brit Awards this weekend. Sure, there are a lot of awards to be presented, but that's not really what the Brits is about. It's about incredible performances, risqué jokes from the host, and celebrities behaving very badly. It's always a messy night (in the best kind of way).

If you want to watch the Brit Awards 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What are the Brits?

The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual popular music awards. It's the highest profile music awards ceremony in the UK, with performances from some of the industry's biggest stars. In 2026, Jack Whitehall will host the ceremony for the sixth time. The likes of Olivia Dean, Mark Ronson, Harry Styles, and Rosalía are lined up to perform.

The Brit Awards have featured some of the most notable events in British popular culture, including the final public appearance of Freddie Mercury, the high-profile feud between Oasis and Blur, the Union Jack dress worn by Geri Halliwell of the Spice Girls, and so many more iconic moments.

When are the Brit Awards 2026?

The Brit Awards 2026 takes place on Feb. 28 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester. The awards and performances will begin at 8:15 p.m. GMT.

How to watch the Brit Awards 2026 for free

The Brit Awards 2026 is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the Brit Awards 2026 from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the Brit Awards 2026 from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream the Brit Awards 2026 for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the Brit Awards 2026 before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to access free live streams on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch the Brit Awards 2026 from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Stardew Valley is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade since cosy gamers were first invited to move into Grandpa's old farmhouse in Pelican Town. The popular farming simulator has grown significantly in the intervening years, with official updates adding new areas to explore, multiplayer mode, divorce, and even the ability to drink mayonnaise.

Now developer Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has unveiled more details about Stardew Valley's upcoming major update 1.7, announcing on Thursday that it will turn two of its non-player characters into romanceable marriage candidates. However, many players' excitement was dampened when they learned exactly which characters are joining the marriage market.

SEE ALSO: 'Stardew Valley's massive update lets players drink mayo, 'crit' babies, and put hats on dogs

Barone had teased the addition of new marriage candidates in an interview with IGN earlier this month, prompting fans to eagerly speculate about who they could be. Some dreamed of being homewreckers, hoping that town carpenter Robin would leave her husband in favour of them. Others longed for the magical touch of the Wizard's purple whiskers. The last romance options added to Stardew Valley were depressed alcoholic Shane and saloon employee Emily, who were both made romanceable within eight months of the game's release in 2016. As such, the addition of new potential lovers is a significant development for Stardew Valley.

These newly dateable characters' identities were finally revealed during an anniversary YouTube livestream on Thursday. In it, Barone stated that update 1.7 will allow players to romance Sandy, owner of a store in the Calico Desert, and Clint, the local Pelican Town blacksmith. 

It is Clint that players have taken issue with, subjecting him to an instant, brutal, internet-wide rejection.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Why does everyone hate Clint from 'Stardew Valley'?

Numerous Stardew Valley players have been put off by Clint's self-pitying attitude, accusing him of constantly complaining about his life yet refusing to do anything to change it. Issues with Clint also extend to his behaviour toward women, particularly his unspoken crush Emily. While said crush isn't in itself cause for ridicule, Clint's actions in response to it have caused fans to label him a creepy incel with few redeeming qualities.

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

Yet despite this widespread revulsion, some Stardew Valley players have jumped to Clint's defence, hoping that update 1.7 will finally give him a redemption arc. Barone has previously acknowledged issues such as Clint still expressing his attraction to Emily even after she's married, but stated that he'd been prioritising other work and hadn't gotten around to fixing it just yet.

"Unpopular opinion but I’m so happy it’s Clint," wrote X user @caroldirge. "Before Emily was added as a romance option he had a cute-awkward arc with her that ended with a carnival date. After, he got branded as a weirdo, creep, incel by the community. I want this blacksmith to be happy too."

Reddit Reddit

Of course, new romance options aren't the only additions players can expect from the 1.7 update. Barone previously hinted that it would include a new farm type as well as "more character/social stuff," though it's unclear if this was a reference to the new romances. Either way, it will likely include much more than has been revealed if past history is any indication. Stardew Valley's last major update added the ability to put hats on dogs and "crit" babies when it was released last March.

No release date has been set for Stardew Valley's 1.7 update, with Barone simply stating that it is in development for now. 

"With 1.7, My goal is to add more depth to various areas of the game that are somewhat lacking, without 'bloating' the game with too many systems," Barone wrote in an update on Steam. "More depth, but not necessarily more complexity. I'm confident you'll be happy with the result…  

"Oh, and you'll be able to marry Clint and Sandy. I know you've all been dying to marry Clint... right?  ...guys??  ..........  Welp...."

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

To throw out.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

EJECT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Offspring.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 27, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BROOD

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A hunt.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 27 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 27, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

QUEST

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To dive in.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

DELVE

Final Hurdle hint

Ebony and ___.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

IVORY

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

The Moon is looking big and bright in the sky tonight, and we're not far away from the Full Moon. With so much of its surface illuminated, there will be plenty for you to spot tonight, so keep reading to find out what you can see.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, Feb. 27, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 80% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

There's lots of Moon on display tonight, so plenty of opportunity to do some Moon gazing. With just your naked eye, you'll be able to see the Mares Tranquillitatis, Vaporum and Serenitatis. With binoculars you'll also be able to see the Mare Nectaris, and the Alphonsus and Endymion Craters, and with a telescope you'll see also see he Apollo 16 and 11 landing spots, and the Rupes Altai.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will be on March 3. The last Full Moon was on Feb. 1.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit the Earth. Over the course of this period, it moves through eight recognisable phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of its surface lit by the Sun changes as it continues along its path. The shifts in sunlight create the different appearances we see from Earth, ranging from a fully illuminated Moon to a thin sliver or near darkness. The eight phases are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Los Angeles is finally extending its transit system to the tony streets of Beverly Hills, announcing on Thursday that a 4-mile extension of the D Line subway opens on May 8.

Transit followers eagerly anticipating the new subway extension have long made jokes on Reddit and X about wanting to "ride the D." Metro, LA County’s transportation agency, is not shying away from the randy pun. The agency is selling "Ride the D" t-shirts and crop tops on its online merch store.

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

The minimalist black tops are a steal, too. The crop is going for $20 (excluding taxes and shipping), and the T is $21; both were still available as of Thursday evening.

Along with the jubilation at the long-awaited project — which has been in the works for decades and has two more westward extensions that will open in 2027 and 2028 — there was much astonishment at Metro embracing the cheeky tagline.

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

Metro has been responding directly to riders on X from its @metrolosangeles account, leaning fully into the internet moment.

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

Back in 2007, Seattle welcomed a new streetcar line with a similarly sexual moniker — an acronym of the South Lake Union Trolley.

As we step into March, get ready to update your Netflix watch list with new, exciting titles, as the streaming platform gears up for a promising release slate. With new and returning titles coming to your screen almost every day, this month is sure to fulfill all your streaming needs.

TL;DR: Keep your favorite content watchable for life with this lifetime subscription to Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader, on sale now for $95.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Keeprix Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader: Lifetime Subscription $95.99
$159.99 Save $64.00   Get Deal

Your streaming service bills keep coming month after month, but your media library never grows. If you’re tired of paying a small fortune year after year with nothing to show for it, it’s time to meet Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader. This tool lets you download and save content for later, and right now a lifetime subscription is yours for $95.99 (reg. $159.99).

Tired of streamers taking your favorite shows down? Want to watch content on your own terms? Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader lets you download videos right from your streaming platforms. Save shows and movies from Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more for life.

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!

Though it sounds too good to be true, it’s not. Just open Keeprix and paste in the link of the content you’d like to save. From there, you can download and save it forever. You’ll have unlimited downloads in MP4 or MKV format, compatible with both Windows and Mac devices.

Your Keeprix downloads will be watermark-free. Downloads are lightning-fast, and you can even use batch processing or add multiple videos to a queue to download a large amount of content at once.

Build up your media library and enjoy permanent access to your favorite things with this lifetime subscription to Keeprix. It helps you avoid regional restrictions, DRM limits, and pesky ads, and even allows you to repurpose content for other projects.

Grab this lifetime subscription to Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader for only $95.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Upgrade your Mac with this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021, on sale now for just $59.97 through April 12.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $59.97
$219 Save $159.03   Get Deal

If you’re looking to elevate your Mac, sometimes the best upgrades come from unexpected places. Like this lifetime license to Microsoft Office for Mac, which breathes new life into your Apple device with six of Microsoft’s best products.

Right now, you can score them all with this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 for only $59.97 — less than $10 an app — through April 12.

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!

Give yourself a much-needed productivity boost with this set of six apps from Microsoft. This Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 license gives you new tools to tackle work, school, or personal tasks, including some essentials that have been around for decades.

If you used a computer in the ’90s, you probably relied on Microsoft Office to help you get things done. This license lets you take advantage of those classics today on your Mac, plus newer Microsoft favorites, with no subscription fees required.

Curious what’s included? You’ll get permanent access to Word for all your document creation needs, Excel for handling spreadsheets, and PowerPoint for crafting presentations. Outlook is included to help you manage email correspondence, while OneNote is there to upgrade the way you take notes, and Teams keeps you connected to friends, family, and coworkers.

You’ll receive instant delivery and download after purchase, so you have permanent access to these apps for life. Work offline as needed, and don’t worry about dealing with cloud connectivity. Just make sure your Mac is running macOS 14 or later.

Get this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021, on sale now for just $59.97 through April 12.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

March is upon us, and like the regenerative days and months that lie ahead, Prime Video has unleashed a brand cornucopia of new movies and TV shows to entertain us. The streaming giant just dropped more than 80 new titles that include new Amazon original movies, TV shows, and specials, as well as a pile of new seasons of some of the most anticipated shows of the season.

Since showing up in 2007, the Acura RDX has carved out a steady spot in the U.S. luxury crossover crowd. It’s managed to stick around by blending solid performance, dependable engineering, and pricing that doesn’t feel outrageous for the badge.

The first Android 17 beta is only a week old, but Google has already released a second beta update, giving us a better look at what's coming to phones and tablets later this year. This time around, there are some impressive multitasking upgrades.

Just because the 2026 Winter Olympics have concluded, that’s no reason to cancel your Peacock subscription. In fact, it would be a big mistake. The streamer has an impressive library full of content—plenty of which consists of originals that aren’t just worth watching, they’re full-on addictive, and that's why you must see them.