IT General

Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones are under $40 right now at Amazon

Mashable - 9 hours 7 min ago

SAVE OVER $30: As of Feb. 4, Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones have dropped to $39.98 at Amazon. This deal saves you $30.01 off the list price of $69.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore by Anker Q20i Headphones $39.98 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $30.01   Get Deal

Are you on the hunt for new headphones that don't come with a hefty price tag? The Soundcore by Anker Q20i have a much more affordable price tag than higher-end models and yet still offer quality. This is especially true right now, as select models of the Q20i have dropped below $40 at Amazon.

Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones are on sale for $39.98 at Amazon. This is just over $30 off their list price of $69.99, and also incredibly close to their lowest-ever price of $37.99.

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Whether you plan for the Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones to keep you company on your next flight or on a long commute into work, they feature Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling that helps to reduce up to 90% of noises around you. That certainly helps to keep chatty people or loud sounds from interrupting what you're listening to. Pair that with high-quality sound from 40mm dynamic drivers and up to 40 hours of battery life when the noise-cancellation feature is on, and you're all set for a solo listening party.

Keep in mind that both the black and white headphones are marked as limited-time deals right now, so act fast to grab these Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones on sale.

There's plenty more budget-friendly headphones worth your time and money. If you're curious what else is worth a look, check out our rundown of the best budget headphones for more recommendations.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This free app replaced Outlook and made my email feel manageable again

How-To Geek - 9 hours 7 min ago

For most of my working life, Outlook hasn’t really been optional. It’s been the default, tied to work accounts and expectations, and over time it’s grown heavier. More features, more panels, more badges, and more interruptions, many of them designed to keep email front and center at all times. Instead of helping me manage my email, Outlook started to feel like it was managing my attention, constantly reminding me that there was something new, something unread, or something I should probably deal with right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Daily Show unpacks Trumps comments about the midterms

Mashable - 9 hours 15 min ago

Fears that Donald Trump may interfere with — or even cancel — the midterms are growing, and The Daily Show host Michael Kosta isn't taking the comments lightly.

"Forgive me for being serious for a moment, but the president suggesting that he might cancel the midterms appears to be the inflection point toward a dictatorship that our nation cannot return," he says. "This is serious."

Cue footage from January of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responding to a reporter's question about the comments by saying that Trump was "simply joking".

"Oh hahahah, it's a joke!" says Kosta. "Forget it, it was a joke! Phew, that is a relief, oh my God. I guess I was worried that it wasn't a joke, because it's a little unusual for a president to joke about cancelling an election. And also this particular president actually did try to overturn an election, so I guess I don't get the joke?"

Kosta goes on to discuss Trump's recent suggestion that Republicans should "take over the voting", as well as the FBI's recent raid of Georgia's election office.

"I think it's pretty clear that Trump is not joking about meddling in the election this year," says Kosta. "And the only way we can prevent it is if everyone stands up to stop it. Especially Republican."

Categories: IT General, Technology

This tool gave my Home Assistant server a rating (and told me how to improve it)

How-To Geek - 9 hours 37 min ago

Running your smart home with Home Assistant requires a bit more of a hands-on approach than using a rival system from the likes of Google or Amazon. Sometimes, it’s hard to quantify how well you’re doing, but one third-party integration aims to make that a little easier with a numerical score.

Categories: IT General, Technology

That Fallout website countdown? Well, its not what we thought.

Mashable - 9 hours 47 min ago

Three, two, one...it's Fallout: New Vegas remastered a penthouse.

Prime Video's hit Fallout TV series generated buzz around the future of the Fallout video game series with a tantalising countdown on the Amazon show's website. Promising a reveal to coincide with the Season 2 finale on Tuesday, the site had fans speculating about the arrival of a new Fallout game or a remaster of either Fallout 3 or Fallout: New Vegas.

SEE ALSO: 'Fallout' Season 2 is full of game details. Here's a handy guide.

Alas, it was neither, but was instead revealed to be a small Easter egg on the website's map, which includes key Fallout locations featured in the show. This we saw coming — as Mashable's Alex Perry wrote on Jan. 8, "If you scroll to the upper right corner of the map, there's a mysterious countdown timer that ends on Feb. 4, the day that the final episode of Season 2 airs. Of course, everyone is wondering what will happen when that timer expires."

Now, that part of the map includes antagonist Robert House's penthouse atop his New Vegas casino Lucky 38. It's a key location both in Fallout: New Vegas and the Fallout series' second season.

See the penthouse in the upper right corner? That's new. Credit: Amazon / Mashable screenshot

Like the other locations on the map, you can click on the penthouse and explore some behind-the-scenes set photos and interviews with the production team of Fallout and star Justin Theroux, who plays Mr. House.

Credit: Amazon / Mashable screenshot

So, the only Fallout future buzz is that Amazon has already confirmed Season 3 of the series, Nintendo Switch 2 is getting the Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition sometime in 2026, Fallout 76 has a Valentine's release, and Fallout 5 set for...yeah, that's not going to happen for an age.

For now, enjoy the Fallout series game Easter eggs and bring me a bottle of Bobrov's Best Moonshine.

Featured Video For You People are freaking out about 'Fallout' — but are they right?

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG: Mega Charizard X ex Ultra Premium Collection is $80 off at Amazon

Mashable - 9 hours 47 min ago

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection is down to $169.91 at Amazon. That's $80 off its $249.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection $169.91 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80.08   Get Deal

Since launching during the Phantasmal Flames era of Pokémon TCG, the Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection has rarely dipped far below $200, but sellers on Amazon have been delivering some great discounts lately. 

As of early February, the collection is listed for $169.91, representing a 32% discount on its standard $249.99 list price. While it has not reached market price just yet, it still massively undercuts TCGplayer when shipping costs are taken into account.

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Inside, buyers get 18 booster packs spanning multiple modern sets (Phantasmal Flames, Mega Evolution, Destined Rivals, Journey Together, and Surging Sparks), along with two foil promo cards: Mega Charizard X ex and Oricorio ex. The box also includes a full suite of premium accessories, such as 65 themed card sleeves, a Mega Charizard X playmat, deck box, metal coin, six damage-counter dice, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

If you’re hoping to buy more Pokémon TCG product from Amazon, you can also get the Pokémon TCG: Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box for $15 off. You can also get the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Booster Bundle at around $7 off

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dont miss the Fitbit Sense 2 on sale for under $200 at Amazon — get $50 off for a limited time

Mashable - 9 hours 54 min ago

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 4, every color of the Fitbit Sense 2 is discounted to $199.9 at Amazon. This is $50 off its list price of $249.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Sense 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.95 Save $50   Get Deal

A fitness tracker is a worthy investment for those looking to see how they're progressing with their fitness goals or trying to keep a close eye on aspects of their health. If you've been thinking about making a move into the world of fitness trackers and smartwatches, it's always nice to pick one up on sale rather than pay full price. Thankfully, Amazon is offering some nice discounts at the moment, including on the Fitbit Sense 2.

As of Feb. 4, Amazon has dropped the price of the Fitbit Sense 2 to $199.95 from its list price of $249.95. This saves you a grand total of $50. Plus, every color is on sale right now. Choose between the shadow grey/graphite, lunar white/platinum, or blue mist/pale gold tracker, which are all at the same price.

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This is a great tracker for those with workout goals, with features like all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate tracking, over 40 exercise modes, and more. The Fitbit Sense 2 also has a variety of wellness features that are just as helpful. Some of these include all-day stress detection, irregular heart rhythm notifications, a sleep score, and mindfulness content to help you feel a bit healthier in every aspect of life.

These are some of the features that intrigued writer Lois Mackenzie, who wrote in a breakdown of the Fitbit Sense 2 that, "It prioritizes things like stress, sleep, and recovery just as much as steps and heart rate, which makes it stand out in a market that often focuses purely on smashing PRs."

If it's caught your attention, now is your chance to grab the Fitbit Sense 2 for $50 off at Amazon

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple Watch SE 3 has dropped below $220 at Amazon — save $30 right now

Mashable - 9 hours 57 min ago

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 4, the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) is on sale for $219 at Amazon. Normally it's listed for $249, so this 12% discount saves you $30.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 $219 at Amazon
$249 Save $30   Get Deal

If you're part of the Apple ecosystem and want one of the brand's smartwatches, now is a great time to invest. The Apple Watch SE 3 — our pick for the best smartwatch for most people — has dropped down to $219 at Amazon.

Considering it's usually listed for $249, this deal on the Apple Watch SE 3 saves you $30 in total. Not to mention, both the starlight and midnight smartwatches have dropped to this price, so you can pick whichever model suits you best.

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For those who aren't looking to drop a lot of money on a fancy, feature-dense smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE 3 covers the health and fitness basics. It includes plenty of different features, such as an activity tracker, heart rate monitor, temperature sensing, a daily sleep score, and sleep apnea notifications, alongside safety features like Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS. On top of that, it boasts a battery life of up to 18 hours.

As for why we consider it the best smartwatch for most people, Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth notes in our roundup of the best smartwatches that "You get 98 percent of what you need from an Apple Watch or fitness tracker, and at a much better price." So why not grab it when it's even lower than usual?

Don't miss out on the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) down to $219 at Amazon. And if you're hoping to get its more high-tech sibling, the Apple Watch Series 11 is also on sale right now at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Markiplier confirms Iron Lung movies theatrical run extended

Mashable - 9 hours 57 min ago

Popular YouTuber and filmmaker Markiplier confirmed his blood ocean submarining horror movie Iron Lung is getting an extended run after nearly taking the top spot at the weekend domestic box office.

In a stream late Monday night, Markiplier broke down Iron Lung's performance to his followers, which competed neck-and-neck with Sam Raimi's castway horror Send Help before falling to second place for the weekend in the domestic box office.

At the end of the weekend, Send Help earned $19.1 million at the domestic box office while Iron Lung earned $17.8 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

SEE ALSO: 'Send Help' review: GLOP! You're not ready for Rachel McAdams' latest... but I love it

The difference with Iron Lung is that it didn't have a studio-backed marketing strategy. Instead, it was mostly Markiplier speaking directly to his fans and those curious about his independent project.

"Your audacity should be stopped," Markiplier said. "Not by me, I’m not gonna stop you."

Markiplier, whose real name is Mark Fischbach, was named to our Mashable 101 list in 2025 for building a massive audience as a gaming streamer whose fanbase have continuously supported his growing creative endeavors.

"This wouldn’t have happened without you guys," Markiplier said. "It’s fundamentally astonishing."

In addition to an extended theatrical run, Markiplier confirmed he is working out the details for home release, including DVD, Blu-ray, and digital.

"That is all being worked," Markiplier said. "We’re still doing it independently from start to finish."

Markiplier covered a lot of ground over the course of the video, describing the process of making and release Iron Lung as "another step to learn" as he looked to the future.

"Finally, I can feel like I can feel like I can have a foothold to start climbing again," Markiplier said.

Iron Lung is now showing in cinemas.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 Windows apps that prove you’re overpaying for software

How-To Geek - 10 hours 7 min ago

Not every great app costs hundreds of dollars a year in subscription fees. Whether you're looking to edit photos or work with PDFs, here are some of the best free Windows apps available.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab this Pokémon TCG: Phantasmal Flames Booster Pack bundle for $23 off at Amazon

Mashable - 10 hours 9 min ago

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames Sleeved Booster Pack Lot is down to $66.96 at Amazon. That's $23 shaved off its usual $89.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames Sleeved Booster Pack Lot $66.96 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $23.03   Get Deal

Amazon has surprisingly dropped the price on one of the most sought-after Mega Evolution-era Pokémon TCG bundles, making now a great time to stock up if Phantasmal Flames is still on your hit list. As of Feb. 4, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames Sleeved Booster Pack Lot is down to $66.96 at Amazon, saving you $23 off its $89.99 list price. 

This sealed lot includes eight sleeved Phantasmal Flames booster packs, each containing 10 cards, for a total of 80 trading cards pulled directly from the expansion. This bundle works out to just over $8.37 per pack. With individual Phantasmal Flames boosters on Amazon going for $9.87 right now, you’re saving $12 compared to buying eight separately.

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Released as part of the Mega Evolution era, Phantasmal Flames features over 120 cards and introduces more Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, along with a lineup of Trainer cards and more than 15 Pokémon and Trainer cards with special illustrations. It’s an expansion of the Mega Evolution set that’s proven popular with collectors chasing flashy pulls, particularly those drawn to the darker, more vivid art style this collection is known for — like the Special Illustration Rare Mega Charizard X ex worth $644 or the golden Mega Hyper Rare version.

Amazon is also offering free delivery, with faster shipping available depending on your location. Given how quickly sealed Mega Evolution stock tends to dry up once prices dip, this is the kind of deal that may not stick around for long.

For more Pokémon TCG deals from this expansion, you can also get the Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box for $15 off at Amazon. Meanwhile, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Booster Bundle is still available for around $7 off.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jimmy Kimmel responds to Trumps latest insult to a female journalist

Mashable - 10 hours 30 min ago

Another day, another press conference in which the U.S. president insults a female reporter.

In the clip above, Jimmy Kimmel recaps a recent interaction in which Donald Trump told CNN news anchor and chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins "I don't think I've ever seen you smile" after she asked him a question about the latest batch of Epstein files.

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"We are now at the 'women should smile more' stage of his presidency," says Kimmel. "I'm trying to think of a worse time to tell a woman to smile more than when that person is a reporter asking about the Epstein victims — I can't."

Elsewhere, Kimmel also responds to U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche telling Fox News' Laura Ingraham that "it is not a crime to party with Mr Epstein."

"That's right. It's also not a crime to borrow a bottle of baby oil from Diddy," says Kimmel. "They're not crimes. Stop being such a buzzkill, everybody."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save $160 right now

Mashable - 10 hours 32 min ago

SAVE $160: As of Feb. 4, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 is on sale for $499.95 at Amazon. That's a 24% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 $559.95 at Amazon
$659.99 Save $100.04   Get Deal

If you're a chronic allergy sufferer, an air purifier can make a noticeable difference around the home. It can help ease allergy symptoms, but also help cut down on pet hair and dust before they become an issue. It can also tackle cooking smells and generally improve how clean and fresh the air in your home feels.

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 is one of the best purifiers on the market, and it's on sale right now. As of Feb. 4, this unit is down to its lowest-ever price, now just $499.95. That's a saving of $160 on list price.

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This Dyson purifier works by using a fully sealed filter system that combines a HEPA filter with an activated carbon layer to trap tiny particles, allergens, and pollutants, while also removing gases and everyday odors. The entire unit is sealed to HEPA H13 standards, so anything it captures stays inside the machine; nothing sneaks back out into the air.

And it also works as a fan and heater, circulating clean air throughout the room, perfect for cooling in summer and warming spaces in winter. You can even see how good (or bad) the air quality is through the MyDyson app.

Get this Dyson deal from Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

LibreOffice's first big update for 2026 has arrived

How-To Geek - 10 hours 37 min ago

LibreOffice is one of the best alternatives to Microsoft Office and Google Docs, and now it's rolling out a major update. LibreOffice 26.2 has arrived with some new features, compatibility improvements with Microsoft Office, and faster performance.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980 review: An efficient keyboard you’ll never need to plug in

How-To Geek - 10 hours 37 min ago

I haven't charged the Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980 wireless keyboard once since set-up, and that's the point. While its solar charging is nearly its only special feature, it does what it does well, delivering an excellent typing experience, long-lasting battery life, portability, and multi-device support.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 4, 2026

Mashable - 11 hours 20 min ago

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a sports fan.

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 Pips hints, answers for February 4, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: A dispute

  • Green: Possibility

  • Blue: Estimated

  • Purple: Basketball clubs

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Contention

  • Green: Games of chance

  • Blue: More or less, colloquially

  • Purple: Starting with NBA teams

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 #969 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Contention: CONFLICT, DISCORD, FRICTION, RIVALRY

  • Games of chance: BINGO, CRAPS, LOTTERY, WAR

  • More or less, colloquially: APPROX, BOUT, LIKE, ROUND

  • Starting with NBA teams: BULLSEYE, HEATED, MAGICAL, NETSCAPE

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 4, 2026

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for February 4, 2026

Mashable - 11 hours 20 min ago

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you have a side passion.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 4, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 4, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For the enthusiast

The words are related to pasttimes

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe leisure activities.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Hobby Shop

NYT Strands word list for February 4
  • Miniature

  • Puzzle

  • Model

  • Hobby Shop

  • Collectible

  • Game

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 4, 2026

Mashable - 11 hours 20 min ago

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're used to being chastised.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 4, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 4, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To scold.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter 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...

CHIDE

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 4, 2026

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for February 4, 2026

Mashable - 11 hours 22 min ago

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 Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026:

Across"The Rachel Maddow Show" channel, after a 2025 rebranding
  • The answer is Ms Now.

Childhood
  • The answer is Youth.

Greek letter after zeta and eta
  • The answer is Theta.

What helicopter parents do
  • The answer is Hover.

Sound at the dog park
  • The answer is Arf.

Down"Cats always land on their feet," e.g.
  • The answer is Myth.

Neighborhood in both London and Manhattan
  • The answer is Soho.

___ York, Spanish name for New York
  • The answer is Nueva.

Furry mammal that eats crustaceans
  • The answer is Otter.

Docking area
  • The answer is Wharf.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

25+ unique Valentine’s Day gifts for boyfriends: Cute (not cliché) ideas for every type of guy

Mashable - 11 hours 27 min ago

Whether you just started dating or you’re practically engaged, shopping for a unique Valentine's Day gift for your boyfriend can be a surprisingly tricky task. How much should you spend? Is it lame to go for a big romantic gesture, or is it lame to not go all out? Of course, the whole "we're not doing gifts this year" thing is never helpful — you both know you're still getting gifts.

If you're stuck in a gift-giving rut, here's our best advice: Zero in on the items he uses daily (or wishes he had daily) and the topics he brings up whenever you're together. These are easy jumping-off points for thoughtful gift ideas that'll make him feel seen, whether they're on the romantic side or practical side. Need some inspiration? We've handpicked a list of more than 25 cute Valentine's Day gift ideas for boyfriends that aren't the obvious ones he may be expecting. For more gift ideas for guys, we have even more options in our list of the best Valentine's Day gifts for men and the (more general) best gifts for him.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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