IT General

SAVE UP TO 35%, PLUS GET A FREE TV: As of Feb. 3, Best Buy will give you a free Samsung 50-inch 4K TV (a $299.99 value) when you buy a 2024 or 2025 Neo QLED 8K TV on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs on sale Plus get a free 50-inch TV ($299.99 value) Shop Now

In the sea of TV deals live in honor of the Seahawks vs. Patriots showdown this weekend, one of Best Buy's TV promos stands out with more than a flat discount.

Not only are several Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs from 2024 and 2025 already discounted by $1,000+ themselves, but buying one will also get you a free 50-inch Samsung U7900 4K TV (a $299.99 value). If you're already looking for a premium model to upgrade your living room TV, why not upgrade your bedroom TV or garage TV for free while you're at it?

Sizes on sale range from 65 to 100 inches, and discounts range from 20% to about 34% off. The best deal (the one with the biggest price cut percentage-wise) is the 85-inch Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV on sale for $3,999.99. That's $2,000 off its usual $5,999.99.

SEE ALSO: Sony hands TV business to TCL. What it means for you.

Do you necessarily need an 8K TV right now? Not exactly. There's still not a ton of 8K content out there to even take advantage of an 8K TV's incredible resolution. Being on the expensive side, 8K TVs are a bit of a hard sell at full price. But when they're seeing sale prices like what Best Buy is offering here today, they're a steal. A premium Samsung Neo QLED is still a premium Samsung Neo QLED in all its glory. The Samsung QN900D and QN900F series are exceptionally bright with sensational glare handling, and the mini LED backlight provides quite rich contrast for a non-OLED TV. (Need a refresher on TV specs? Read my super straightforward breakdown.)

This type of free TV promo is quintessential clearing house that we see from the big retailers every winter. The cycle kicks off at CES in early January, when the big brands unveil their 2026 TV lineups. But most of those announced flagship TVs don't actually become available for sale until March or April, leaving February as the key month to downsize stock of last year's TVs. The timing just happens to line up perfectly with the biggest football game of the year.

P.S. The Seahawks vs. Patriots game will be streaming on Peacock. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial of Walmart+ and get a free month of Peacock. That'll also cover the Olympics for you.

Want to see a new Keanu Reeves movie? I almost can't believe I have to ask, but if your answer is "yes" — and it should be! — then put Apple TV's Outcome on your calendar.

SEE ALSO: The 41 best Apple TV shows, ranked

The dark comedy stars Reeves and is directed by Jonah Hill, whose prior directorial work includes Mid90s and Stutz. Here's everything we know about Outcome, from plot to cast to release date.

What's Outcome about? Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill in "Outcome." Credit: Apple TV

In Outcome, Reeves plays beloved Hollywood star Reef Hawk, in a role that I hope will offer up some serious meta comedy. When a blackmailer tries to extort him with a potentially career-ending video, Reef will have to revisit all his darkest moments and worst demons. Bring on the soul-searching!

Who's in Outcome? Matt Bomer in "Outcome." Credit: Apple TV

Reeves leads the cast of Outcome, which also features Cameron Diaz and Matt Bomer as Reef's best friends, and Hill as Reef's crisis lawyer.

Outcome's ensemble also includes Martin Scorsese, Susan Lucci, Laverne Cox, David Spade, Atsuko Okatsuka, Roy Wood Jr., Kaia Gerber, and Ivy Wolk.

Does Outcome have a trailer? Cameron Diaz in "Outcome." Credit: Apple TV

Outcome does not have a trailer or any teasers yet.

When does Outcome come out? Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz, and Matt Bomer in "Outcome." Credit: Apple TV

Outcome hits Apple TV on April 10.

How to watch: Outcome premieres April 10 on Apple TV.

If you're thinking of leaving behind Netflix and other streaming services for a self-hosted Jellyfin server, you're not alone. I've been doing this for years, and I just started using a new video client on my Chromecast TV I'm excited to show you.

Apple TV's MonsterVerse series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters returns for Season 2 this February, and it's introducing a gargantuan new threat, one that's bigger than even the MonsterVerse's head honchos, Godzilla and King Kong.

SEE ALSO: The 41 best Apple TV shows, ranked

Meet Titan X, a bioluminescent, ocean-dwelling beast whose arrival spells the baddest of bad news for Earth. Don't just take my word for it, take Apple TV's: An official press release describes Titan X as "a living cataclysm."

The latest trailer for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 shows us this living cataclysm in action. Rocking a glowing blue and red color scheme and some massive tentacles, Titan X sinks boats all by itself and terrorizes humanity in the process. Plus, it seems like the other monsters worship it as a deity. In the face of all this monstrous power, what are Earth's puny humans to do?

According to the trailer, they'll try to pit both King Kong and Godzilla against Titan X. When has playing God like that gone wrong before?

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters will continue using Season 1's dual timeline format, with father-son duo Wyatt and Kurt Russell playing Army officer Lee Shaw in the 1950s and 2015. This time around, our heroes are headed to Kong's Skull Island. Get ready for some serious monster mayhem.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters also stars Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Joe Tippett, Anders Holm, Takehiro Hira, Amber Midthunder, Curtiss Cook, Cliff Curtis, Dominique Tipper, and Camilo Jiménez Varón.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 premieres Feb. 27 on Apple TV.

Are you ready to go back to the MonsterVerse?

I sure hope so, because Apple TV's Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 roars back to our screens this month, bringing with it a terrifying new Titan for Earth to reckon with.

SEE ALSO: 2026 TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them

Here's everything we know about Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2, from plot to cast to release date.

What's Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 about?

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 continues to examine the rise of Monarch, a scientific organization dedicated to the study of Titans like Godzilla and King Kong. In Season 2, a new Titan is on the loose: Titan X. If you thought Godzilla and Kong were trouble, apparently Titan X is even worse. Described in an Apple TV press release as "a living calamity," this bioluminescent, aquatic monster could be Earth's greatest threat yet.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 will head to Skull Island, bringing the show right to King Kong's doorstep. It will also keep up with Season 1's multiple timelines, swapping between the 1950s and 2015, with father-son duo Kurt and Wyatt Russell playing Army officer Lee Shaw across timelines.

Who is in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2?

Both Kurt and Wyatt Russell are returning for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2, along with Season 1 main cast Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Joe Tippett, and Anders Holm.

SEE ALSO: The 41 best Apple TV shows, ranked

Other stars this season, many of whom are new faces, include Takehiro Hira, Amber Midthunder, Curtiss Cook, Cliff Curtis, Dominique Tipper, and Camilo Jiménez Varón.

Is there a trailer for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2?

There is! You can check it out here to witness Titan X in all its terrifying glory.

When is Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 coming out?

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 premieres Feb. 27 on Apple TV, with a new episode every Friday until May 1.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 premieres Feb. 27 on Apple TV.

Companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google release new flagship phones every year, but if you're tired of the relentless upgrade cycle, you might want to keep an eye on Nothing.

The U.K.-based tech startup that's made its name over the past few years with distinctive-looking, affordable Android phones allegedly has a new one coming out very soon. Leaker Yogesh Brar (via Android Authority) posted on X that the Nothing Phone 4a and 4a Pro models will launch on March 5. The same post indicated that the phones will have upgraded storage, a slight jump in battery capacity, new Snapdragon chips, and a higher price from the Phone 3a, which starts at $379.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Phone quickly sells out online despite near $3,000 pricetag This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The name "Phone 4a" would sort of imply that this is a mid-range take on the Phone 4. The only problem with that assumption is that there isn't a Nothing Phone 4. Company CEO Carl Pei recently confirmed the firm is taking a year off of doing a major flagship release, so it seems like the more budget-friendly Phone 4a models are all we're getting in 2026.

In other words, if the annual race to the top from the other companies is exhausting to you and you need a new Android handset, maybe the Nothing Phone 4a is worth a look.

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 3, you can get a two-pack of Kindle Paperwhite devices for just $269.99. That's 16% or $50 off the usual price of $319.98.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Share the Love 2-pack bundle: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $269.99 at Amazon
$319.98 Save $49.99   Get Deal

Whether you're looking for a special way to celebrate Valentine's Day or you just want a new hobby in 2026, this Share the Love 2-pack Kindle Paperwhite bundle from Amazon is calling your name.

As of Feb. 3, you can get two Kindle Paperwhite devices for just $269.99 instead of the usual $319.98. That's $50 or 16% in savings, knocking the price of each e-reader down to only $134.99. It's the perfect deal for couples, families, or book club friends who want to read and discuss the same titles together. After all, reading is even more fun when you have someone to share it with.

Mashable shopping reporter Sam Mangino has tested every Kindle device and the Kindle Paperwhite comes out on top. "It's "as good as an e-reader can get," she writes. It's incredibly quick and turns pages without stuttering or slowing down. It features a vibrant seven-inch display with adjustable brightness and warmth to make reading as easy on the eyes as possible in any scenario. Plus, it's waterproof (unlike the basic Kindle), so you can read at the beach or in the tub without concern.

While we have seen the Kindle Paperwhite about $10 cheaper before, this is the second-best price on record when you break it down per device. Share the love this season and grab the two-pack deal while you can.

The Mazda Miata is an affordable and fun sports car beloved by enthusiasts from all walks of life. Although compact, there is enough room for most everyday things, from a gym bag and light luggage to a modest load of groceries. Standard safety features for the 2026 model include front and side airbags, side-impact door beams, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

The first major drama of the 2026 Winter Olympics has arrived before the opening ceremony, and the Minions are at the scene of the crime.

Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté said Tuesday that he received last-minute clearance from Universal to use music from the Minions in his short program after copyright concerns briefly derailed his Olympic program. While the situation is ongoing, and he doesn't have all of the music cleared, it's enough to officially say: The Minions are headed to the Olympics.

Why was Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté's Minions music initially blocked?

Just days earlier, Sabaté, 26, revealed on Instagram that he was no longer permitted to skate to the music in his Minions short program at the Milan-Cortina Games. The routine combines multiple songs and sound bites from the Minions franchise: It begins with the Universal theme sung by the Minions, includes Pharrell Williams' "Freedom" from Despicable Me 3, and ends with bass-heavy "Papaya (Vaya Papayas)," which features the Minions singing about bananas and papayas in Minion language.

Sabaté performed this program all season, and had submitted it for approval through the International Skating Union’s ClicknClear system back in August.

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

Despite this, the skater said he was informed of the issue late last week, leaving him scrambling to consider reworking his routine on the eve of his Olympic debut.

"Finding this out last Friday, so close to the biggest competition of my life, was incredibly disappointing," Sabaté wrote. "Nevertheless, I will face this challenge head-on and do everything I can to make the best of this situation."

How did the Minions music get cleared for the Olympics?

The decision was reversed after people rallied online, questioning how the music could be blocked so close to the Games and urging the rights holder to intervene. (The people need their Minions — and, frankly, how dare laws and rules get in the way of whimsy?) On Tuesday, Sabaté confirmed via his Instagram Story that Universal had granted him permission to use the soundtrack for what he described as "this one special occasion."

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"Huge THANK YOU to everyone who reposted, shared, and supported," Sabaté wrote. "Because of you, Universal Studios reconsidered and officially granted the rights."

Figure skating analyst Jackie Wong, reporting from the Milan-Cortina Games, noted that while only two of the four musical cuts in Sabaté's program have been cleared so far, the most difficult hurdle has been resolved. "The Universal one at the beginning was the trickiest," he wrote on X, "and that was the one they got special clearance for."

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

As for Sabaté, he's just relieved that the routine's centerpiece has been saved. "I'm so happy to see that the minions hitting Olympic ice is becoming real again!!" he wrote on IG. "I'll keep you posted."

How did fans influence Universal's decision to approve the music?

Simply, the internet did what it does best and bullied Universal into relenting. Figure skating fans and those fond of joy flooded social media with posts and pleas demanding that Sabaté get his Minions music back.

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. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. What Minions song is Sabaté skating to?

There are multiple, actually. It begins with the Universal theme sung by the Minions, which should be a familiar sound to anyone who has ever seen a Minions film. The program also features Pharrell Williams' "Freedom" from Despicable Me 3 and ends with "Papaya (Vaya Papayas)" from Juan Alcaraz and The Minions — who share artist, writing, arranging, production, and engineering credits on the song, according to EW.

Why did Sabaté choose Minions music for his Olympic program?

Sabaté has skated to songs from the Minions animated film franchise all season, performing his short program in a yellow-and-blue costume inspired by the characters. He previously said the routine was designed to bring joy and a playful style to the ice while still meeting every required technical element.

"This season I competed with my Minions short program to bring joy and a playful style to the ice," Sabaté wrote earlier this week on Instagram, adding that the program was meant to show "that skating as a male Olympic figure skater can be fun."

When will Sabaté compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

While the Milan-Cortina Winter Games open on Friday, Feb. 6, the six-time Spanish men's champion is set to make his 2026 Winter Olympics debut alongside the Minions during the men's single skating short program competition on Feb. 10.

SAVE $549.81: As of Feb. 3, get the TCL 98-Inch Class X11K Series QD-Mini TV for $4,948.18 a Amazon, down from its usual price of $5,498. That's a discount of 10% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon TCL 98-Inch Class X11K Series QD-Mini TV $4,948.19 at Amazon
$5,498 Save $549.81   Get Deal

A new TV is a great way to treat yourself, especially if you're going from a small screen to a large one. And if you're looking for something that's large and in charge, shopping for a massive new display is definitely the move. You can get a massive display right now for a fantastic price right this minute, as long as you act quickly.

As of Feb. 3, get the TCL 98-Inch Class X11K Series QD-Mini TV for $4,948.18 a Amazon, down from its usual price of $5,498. That's $549.81 off and a discount of 10%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best TVs for gaming to get you to next-level play

This massive 98-inch TV is the most affordable it's ever been, and would be a veritable giant in your home. It uses QLED and OLED tech to give you the best possible lighting, colors, and hues. It uses the TCL Halo Control System to supercharge its picture, with "halo-free" images that offer bi-directional 23-bit backlight controls and dynamic lighting. It also utilizes up to 14,000 dimming zones with pure black levels for additional realism.

It supports HDR for a brighter, more colorful picture, as well as a CrystGlow HVA panel that keeps reflections down. As far as audio goes, it has Bang & Olufsen support as well as Dolby Atmos, so your sound is even punchier, even without adding a soundbar into the mix. It's got everything you need for a significant change in your home entertainment system.

You can stop shopping for a new TV now with this mammoth price drop on your new centerpiece display. Just be sure to grab it while it's down and discounted this much.

The vinyl versus CD debate keeps popping up its head, which is something I find personally annoying given that, objectively, CDs are the superior format. But, over time, I've realized that the claims by vinyl fanatics about the supposed audio quality of their beloved medium have less to do with objectivity and almost everything to do with subjectivity.

Crunchyroll is raising prices again.

In an announcement on Monday, the anime streaming service said U.S. subscribers will see price hikes across all tiers starting with their next billing cycle after March 4, 2026. The Fan plan jumps from $7.99 to $9.99 a month, Mega Fan goes from $11.99 to $13.99, and Ultimate Fan rises from $15.99 to $17.99.

SEE ALSO: 'Gachiakuta' might be the most original shōnen anime in years

In the blog post, the company says this is the first price bump for the Fan tier since 2019 and that it’s meant to support continued investment in anime content, features, and member perks.

On paper, Crunchyroll is offering more. New perks include offline downloads on the Fan tier, expanded device support, profile controls, and deeper integration with its Game Vault and digital manga service. The company also points to its massive library of more than 50,000 episodes as justification for the higher cost.

Context matters here, though. Just weeks earlier, Crunchyroll quietly announced it was ending its free, ad-supported streaming plan entirely, officially closing the door on no-cost anime viewing starting Jan. 1, 2026. That move followed years of slowly stripping down what the free tier offered, making the paywall feel sort of inevitable at some point.

Put together, the changes point to a broader shift in how Crunchyroll is positioning itself. Crunchyroll is betting that expanded features, a growing content library, and additional perks will be enough to justify the higher cost as the platform moves further into 2026.

SAVE $35: TurboTax Deluxe 2025 desktop edition for filing state and federal taxes is on sale at Amazon for $44.99, down from the standard price of $79.99. That's a 44% discount and the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: TurboTax TurboTax Deluxe 2025 desktop edition (federal and state) $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

If you're always one to file your taxes as soon as possible, you're probably getting all of your paperwork in order this week. And if you like to file on your own with tax software, you could be looking for the latest edition of TurboTax. If that's the case, you'll want to check out this deal at Amazon.

As of Feb. 3, TurboTax Deluxe 2025 desktop edition for filing state and federal taxes is on sale at Amazon for $44.99, marked down from the usual price of $79.99. That works out to a savings of $35 from a 44% discount. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

If you have a solid grasp on your taxes or they aren't complicated, it can be a breeze to use tax software for filing. TurboTax is one of the biggest names around and the Deluxe version is on sale today at Amazon for a record-low price.

SEE ALSO: Snag the Kobo Clara Colour while it's on sale for the lowest price ever at Amazon

The Deluxe desktop version requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma 14 or newer. So long as your meet that requirement, TurboTax Deluxe can help you with filing both state and federal returns for the 2025 year. You'll be able to take advantage of over 375 deduction and credit options, and you can get access to live tax advice.

TurboTax recommends going with Deluxe if you need to file both state and federal for 2025, own a home, have charitable donations to add to your deductions, or have high medical expenses. Plus, this version allows you five federal returns and one state return, so you can share the federal option with others.

We all have until Wed., April 15 to file our 2025 returns, but somehow that date will creep up quickly. Instead of waiting until the last minute, get things done early this year thanks to today's deal on TurboTax Deluxe.

Typically, an SSD is better for data that you need to retrieve quickly, and not important files, which are relegated to hard drives that have more space.

There are many options for a mini PC, but not all of them have a Nintendo Entertainment System-inspired design. Acemagic wants to fix that with its new Retro X3 mini PC.

Apple still hasn't formally announced the foldable iPhone, but a new leak is giving us a better idea of how it'll feel in our hands.

The still-unannounced iPhone Fold will reportedly require regular iPhone users to remap their muscle memory as it relates to buttons, per a Weibo post from leaker Instant Digital. According to a machine translation of the Chinese post, the power and camera buttons will still be on the right side, as they are on recent iPhones, but the volume buttons are not on the left side of the device, as they usually are on iPhones. Instead, they'll be placed on the top of the device, on the right side, similar to an iPad.

SEE ALSO: The iPhone Flip might be real, you guys

Aside from button layout shenanigans, the post also shared some light specs for the device. The front camera is apparently of the punch-hole variety rather than set in a Dynamic Island like it is on other recent iPhones. Since the device allegedly only uses Touch ID and not Face ID, that makes sense. There are also allegedly two cameras on the back that are arranged horizontally rather than vertically, which is also divergent from how Apple usually does things. Interestingly, the post says the only device color they know about is white, but the rear camera module itself is black, so it'll stand out when viewed from behind.

Oh, and rather excitingly, the post said the iPhone Fold will have the biggest battery in any iPhone. That should be nice.

With each of these leaks, the overall picture of the iPhone Fold becomes a little bit clearer. However, the actual announcement might still be a ways off. According to recent reports, Apple will release the device in the latter half of 2026, so it might be shown off in September at the same time as the iPhone 18 lineup. Be patient, folks.

SAVE UP TO $40: As of Feb. 3, the new Amazon Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 are both on sale for their lowest prices to date. Grab the Echo Show 8 for just $149.99 (reg. $179.99) or the Echo Show 11 for $179.99 (reg. $219.99) — that's a savings of 17% and 18%, respectively.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 8 $149.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 11 $179.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $40   Get Deal

Amazon dropped four new Echo devices last fall that were built specifically for Alexa+, the new AI-enhanced version of the beloved voice assistant. The lineup includes two Death Star-like orb speakers and two upgraded smart displays — and the latter just dropped to their lowest prices since launch.

As of Feb. 3, you can grab the new Echo Show 8 for just $149.99 (reg. $179.99) or the Echo Show 11 for $179.99 (reg. $219.99) at Amazon. That's up to $40 in savings and the best price on record for both devices — even beating Black Friday.

Referred to as Amazon's "most advanced smart displays yet," both the Echo Show 8 and 11 feature the new in-house AZ3 Pro chips and Omnisense technology for AI-based, highly personalized experiences. They both include a new audio architecture with front-facing stereo speakers and a custom woofer for spatial audio. Not to mention, the combination of in-cell touch and the negative liquid crystal design make for the best viewing experience yet, with ambient visuals that adapt to the brightness of your environment. The built-in 13-megapixel camera can even recognize whoever walks up to it and show you the info you want to see.

Needless to say, both Echo Shows also act as smart home hubs for all of your devices as well as tiny entertainment centers. The only real difference between the two is the size — the Echo Show 8 features an 8.7-inch HD display, while the Echo Show 11 features an 11-inch full HD display. Either pick will give you the full Alexa+ experience.

There was a time when only geeky tech enthusiasts used Android phones. That’s certainly not the case anymore, but there’s still some jargon that the average person probably doesn’t know. You might not use these terms in your daily life, but knowledge is power.

FREE VALENTINE'S DAY LEGO: Through Feb. 6, spending $80 at Lego.com unlocks a free Penguins in Love set.

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$14.99 Save $14.99 Free with purchases of $80+ Shop Now

It's not up for discussion at this point. Legos are a universally elite Valentine's Day gift idea, for her or for him.

Building a set together could be a lighthearted way for a longtime couple to end an otherwise mushy night, or a sweet but not too serious date activity for the blossoming situationship. Opt for the classic bouquet of roses or prove how well you know them by gifting a Lego that speaks to their favorite movie or video game. Whatever you decide, just make sure to buy it from Lego.com directly by Feb 6. That's where you'll get a free Penguins in Love set just for spending $80 or more.

It features two lovebirds exchanging romantic gifts themselves (a fish and a pebble), plus three hearts hovering above their date. Free rizz tip: In the card, write: "Penguins mate for life, and I hope we do too."

If roses wouldn't be their flower of choice to receive, the Lego Botanicals collection has such a variety of pretty greenery options: a colorful wildflower bouquet, a potted orchid, a legitimately gorgeous framed landscape featuring Japanese cherry blossoms... there are countless options for a brick-able twist on the traditional V-Day gift.

SEE ALSO: Lego has dropped more Star Wars Smart Play sets, including a Millennium Falcon: Where to buy

Of course, other Lego gift ideas aren't hard to find if you know the person's passions. If they love art, get them a Lego Van Gogh painting. If they love Star Wars, pre-order a Smart Play set for them. (Yes, that still unlocks the penguin set.) Perhaps the very real Lego Crocs would be an immediate staple in their wardrobe.

NASA will forego a February launch for its Artemis II mission after engineers ran into leaks, cold-weather delays, and equipment problems during a key fueling test that ended early Tuesday morning.

The fuel-loading problems were reminiscent of the challenges the space agency faced in 2022 when it attempted to launch Artemis I, the uncrewed maiden voyage of the program. 

The decision pushes the earliest possible launch to March and underscores the technical challenges facing Artemis II, NASA's first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years and a critical step in the effort to return humans to the moon and possibly Mars. The mission will send four astronauts — Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Hammock Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — on a 10-day journey around the moon without landing, testing the Orion spaceship's life-support systems. It's a key test flight before NASA puts boots on the lunar surface in Artemis III. 

NASA concluded a so-called wet dress rehearsal that simulated launch countdown operations by loading 700,000 gallons of super-cold fuel into the 322-foot Space Launch System rocket, sending a team to the pad to complete closeout work on the capsule, and then safely draining propellant out of the rocket. The test is designed to expose problems before liftoff.

"Safety remains our top priority, for our astronauts, our workforce, our systems, and the public,"  said NASA administrator Jared Isaacman in a post on X. "We will only launch when we believe we are ready to undertake this historic mission."

SEE ALSO: No guarantees: Inside the biggest risks facing NASA's Artemis 2 crew

Engineers encountered several issues over the two-day countdown simulation that began Jan. 31 in Cape Canaveral, Florida, NASA said. The agency will review data from the rehearsal and conduct another fueling test before setting an official launch date.

Passing on the February launch window means the Artemis II astronauts will leave quarantine and not travel to Kennedy Space Center this week as planned. The crew has been waiting in Houston at Johnson Space Center since Jan. 21. 

NASA's Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, right, is the launch director for the Artemis II mission. Credit: NASA / Aubrey Gemignani

NASA said the astronauts will return for quarantine about two weeks before the next targeted launch opportunity. With February ruled out, the next window opens March 6 and continues through March 9, with one extra opportunity on March 11.

Cold weather at the launchpad slowed operations almost immediately, delaying the start of propellant loading while teams worked to warm hardware connections.

During tanking on Feb. 2, engineers spent several hours troubleshooting a liquid hydrogen leak where propellant feeds into the rocket’s core stage. Teams paused the flow of hydrogen, allowed the hardware to warm up to refit the seal, and adjusted flow rates.

Despite the delay, engineers ultimately filled all the tanks. A five-person team then went to the launchpad to complete Orion closeout operations as if the astronauts were there and boarding the ship.

The test ended prematurely with about five minutes remaining in the countdown. The ground launch sequencer automatically stopped after sensors detected a spike in the hydrogen leak.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Why hydrogen leaks plague rocket launches

Liquid hydrogen has been NASA's fuel of choice for decades because it has the lowest molecular weight. That's ideal for keeping the tanks as light as possible. It also helps that hydrogen burns with extreme intensity.

But the reason why hydrogen leaks seem to always stymie launches is that those little molecules are hard to wrangle, seeping out of any tiny crevice or crack. The super-cold temperature of the fuel can cause the rocket materials to contract and shrink, leaving minuscule gaps for the propellant to escape.

NASA reported several other problems during the test. A valve linked to pressurization of the Orion hatch required retightening after a recent replacement. Final checkouts took longer than expected. Cold temperatures disrupted multiple cameras and other equipment, which would have required extra attention if that had happened on launch day.

Engineers also experienced intermittent audio communication dropouts across ground teams, an issue they have been working on for weeks apparently. 

"Getting this mission right means returning to the Moon to stay," Isaacman said, "and a future to Artemis 100 and beyond."