IT General

Brewing coffee at home can give you results that are as good as, if not better than, the drinks that you can purchase from well-known coffeehouse chains. It's not always easy to brew the perfect cup, but there's plenty of technology that can help.

It doesn't always make the headlines, but the performance improvements we've seen since solid state storage went mainstream have been staggering. Which is a little ironic, since most of the things we do on our computers (even most video games) don't really need faster storage than a SATA III SSD provides. Certainly the only time I really get to enjoy my 7GB/s SSD is when I copy files to and from it.

SAVE OVER $150: As of Feb. 16, the DeWalt 5-Tool Combo Kit has been marked down to $449 at Amazon. This 30% discount saves you $190 off its list price of $639.

Opens in a new window Credit: DEWALT DeWalt Tools 5 Tool Power Tool Combo Kit $449 at Amazon
$639 Save $190   Get Deal

If you have some home projects on your to-do list this year and want some new tools to help you get the job done, Amazon has a deal just for you. As of Feb. 16, and for a limited time, the retailer has slashed the price on the DeWalt 5-Tool Combo Kit, dropping it down to $449.

This deal saves you a grand total of $190 on the DeWalt 5-Tool Combo Kit list price of $639. Since it has the "limited-time deal" tag, it's worth keeping in mind that it may not stay at this discounted price for very long. Better to act fast and save than wait too long and watch the deal disappear.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This DeWalt 5-Tool Combo Kit sets you up with five different power tools, so it's certainly ready to take on whatever DIY projects you have planned. You get a 0.5 inch Drill/Driver, a Reciprocating Saw, a 6.5 inch Circular Saw, a Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool, and a 1/4 inch Impact Driver. That's not all, though: It also comes with a 20V MAX 2.0Ah battery, a 20V MAX 4.0Ah battery, charger, and a bag to keep everything stored in.

If it seems like the handy solution that your home project problems need right now, don't miss out on this great deal on the DeWalt 5-Tool Combo Kit at Amazon.

Looking for even more deals on home-related goods? Have a look at our roundup of Presidents' Day deals at Amazon to see what else the retailer has discounted.

TL;DR: The Alienware (AW3423DWF) 34-inch curved QD-OLED gaming monitor is currently on sale for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual $699 list price — a nearly $200 saving on a premium ultrawide display.

Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware Alienware 34-inch AW3423DWF Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor $499.99 at Amazon
$699 Save $199.01 Get Deal

One of the biggest obstacles to upgrading your gaming setup’s monitor to an OLED is the high price point of big-brand models, but Alienware might have just solved that problem. As of Feb. 16, the 34-inch Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitor (AW3423DWF model) has dropped to $499.99 on Amazon, marking the lowest price we’ve seen for this premium ultrawide gaming screen — as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel. 

You’re getting a monitor that’s built around a 34-inch Quantum Dot OLED panel with a 3440x1440 resolution and a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio, and designed to pull you into games without cluttering your desk with multiple displays. The 1,800R curve aims to keep visuals comfortably in view, while the deep contrast and vibrant color performance helps everything from competitive shooters like Fortnite to cinematic RPGs such as Final Fantasy XVI or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

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!

Performance-wise, you’re looking at a speedy 165Hz refresh rate paired with an ultra-fast 0.1ms response time, which should keep fast-paced action feeling smooth and responsive. What’s more, support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 also helps reduce screen tearing and enhance darker scenes; this makes it especially great for both longer gaming sessions or when you’re playing in a well-lit room, which could normally make darker gameplay moments or cutscenes harder to see.

Beyond gaming, Alienware also has its Creator Mode and extensive connectivity options, which make it a flexible pick for content creation or multitasking workflows. Along with customizable AlienFX lighting and a sleek Legend 2.0 design, there’s lots of added value in this almost $200 price cut. 

For other gaming monitors at a bargain price, Amazon has also cut the price of the 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 by 35% for Presidents’ Day. If you don’t want to go for anything much bigger than this Alienware model, the 40-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 Curved gaming monitor is also on sale at $450 off. 

Terminal commands and FOSS philosophies aside, one of the biggest challenges new Linux folks face is just the sheer number of odd and difficult-to-pronounce names for things. I'll explain a few of them and their interesting origins.

In a world where new cars lose value the moment they leave the lot, sports cars are especially brutal. Even names like Ferrari, Porsche, and the Chevrolet Corvette aren’t immune.

The best Presidents' Day Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) $299 (save $200) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $489.99 (save $109.01) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 (save $150) Get Deal Best Apple accessory deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen) $17 (save $12) Get Deal

If you were disappointed that you missed out on any decent Apple deals during the last Black Friday or Prime Day, Presidents' Day has come through with the good stuff. Compared to the Apple store's usually skippable price drops through sale seasons, third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart can offer you far better prices for the same high value the brand is known for.

SEE ALSO: All the new products Apple could release in March: iPhone 17e, iPad Air, MacBooks

Pro tip: Opt for a last-gen model to save the most. Walmart has an Apple Watch Series 10 with cellular connectivity on sale for $200 off, which makes it the same price as a non-cellular Series 11. The big-box store is also selling first-gen AirTags for only $17 a pop. They sold out on Amazon earlier this week after falling to the same price there.

For more good Presidents' Day deals on non-Apple stuff, check out our dedicated guides to Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart's sales this weekend.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon and Walmart
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

The non-ANC AirPods are some of our top budget earbuds. They connect seamlessly with iPhones, sound great, and last for up to five hours at a time. (Their included charging case offers up to 30 total hours of juice.) Amazon and Walmart both have them on sale for $99, or 23% off. They're 99 cents pricier at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods 4.

More Presidents' Day deals on AirPods

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $139.99 $179 (save $39.01)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $209.99 $249 (save $39.01)

• Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — $449 $549 (save $100)

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) $299 at Walmart
$499 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

The previous version of Apple's flagship wearable has a thin, bright OLED display, fast charging, and tons of built-in health sensors, including a blood oxygen monitor. It supports all the latest watchOS 26 features like Workout Buddy, Sleep Score, and hypertension notifications. Compared to the newer Series 11, the only "upgrades" the Series 10 lacks are a slightly better battery life and more scratch-resistant glass.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

More Presidents' Day deals on Apple Watches

• Apple Watch SE, 2nd Gen (GPS, 44mm) — $159 $279 (save $120)

• Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) — $219 $249 (save $30)

• Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS + cellular, 40mm) — $269 $299 (save $30)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) — $329 $359 (save $30)

• Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) — $299 $399 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + cellular, 42mm) — $399 $499 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS+Cellular, 49mm) — $549 $799 (save $250)

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $489.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $109.01   Get Deal Why we like it

With a speedy processor and a long battery life, the M3 iPad Air is our favorite Apple tablet for most people. (The regular iPad is pokier and better for kids, while the iPad Pro is overkill.) "It will be your new go-to device for streaming, reading, or creative projects," writes Mashable's Samantha Mangino. The base model with 128GB of storage is on sale for $489.99 on Amazon, which is its lowest price since Black Friday. It's nearly $60 more expensive at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple iPad Air (M3).

More Presidents' Day deals on iPads

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16 chip, WiFi, 256GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) — $399 $499 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $749.00 $799 (save $50)

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $899 $999 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,229 $1,299 (save $70)

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849.99 at Amazon
$999 Save $149.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple's current MacBook Air is an exceptional value at full price, so it's a no-brainer recommendation whenever it goes on sale. It features a nice 12MP webcam, a snappy keyboard, and a crisp display, and its M4 chip is miles faster than any other Windows laptop at its price point. It also comes in a slightly pricier 15-inch size if you want a bigger screen and better audio quality. That one's on sale for $150 off at Amazon, too. (Both versions are $50 more expensive at Best Buy, so stick with Amazon.)

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M4).

More Presidents' Day deals on MacBooks

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,049 $1,199 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,449 $1,599 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,799 $1,999 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,378 $2,499 (save $121)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Max, 48GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,696 $2,899 (save $203)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,899 $3,199 (save $300)

Deals on Macs

• Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $549 $599 (save $50)

• Apple iMac, 24-inch (M4 chip with 8-core CPU and GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $150)

• Apple iMac, 24-inch (M4 chip with 10-core CPU and GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,349 $1,499 (save $127)

Best Apple accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (1st Gen) $17 at Walmart
$29 Save $12   Get Deal Why we like it

The original AirTag has fallen to its lowest price ever in the wake of its successor's release last month. They're very similar Bluetooth trackers; the newer one just adds a bigger tracking range and a louder speaker. If you need a couple extra for your keys, wallet, or pet, you can snag a four-pack on sale for only $64 at Amazon and Walmart (another all-time low). That works out to just $16 per AirTag. For reference, Best Buy is selling them individually for $24.99 and bundled for $69.99.

Read Mashable's breakdown of the differences between the first- and second-gen Apple AirTags.

More Presidents' Day deals on AirTags

• Apple AirTag (1st Gen), 4-pack — $64 $99 (save $35)

Deals on Apple Pencils

• Apple Pencil (USB-C) — $69 $79 (save $10)

• Apple Pencil Pro — $94.99 $129 (save $34.01)

Deals on iPhone cases and accessories

• Apple iPhone Air Bumper — $17.72 $39 (save $21.28)

• Apple Crossbody Strap — $26.99 $59 (save $32.01)

• Apple iPhone Air Case with MagSafe — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01)

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01)

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro Silicone Case with MagSafe — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01)

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01)

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Silicone Case with MagSafe — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01)

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro TechWoven Case with MagSafe — $49.99 $59 (save $9.01)

• Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe — $47.99 $59.99 (save $12)

• Apple iPhone Air MagSafe Battery ​​​​​​​— $79 $99 (save $20)

Deals on Apple chargers, charging cables, and adapters

• Apple 60W USB-C to USB-C Woven Charge Cable (1 m) — $14.99 $19 (save $4.01)

• Apple 20W USB-C Compact Power Adapter — $13.30 $19 (save $5.70)

• Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable (1 m) — $13.47 $19 (save $5.53)

• Apple 240W USB-C to USB-C Woven Charge Cable (2 m) — $18 $29 (save 11)

• Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max — $27.30 $39 (save $11.70)

• Apple MagSafe Charger (1 m) – $34.99 $39 (save $4.01)

• Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter — $39 $59 (save $20)

Video podcasts are one of the biggest trends in the media space. While many users still listen to their favorite shows, the presence of video adds another element to the podcast landscape. Think of video podcasts as the new form of late-night talk shows.

TL;DR: Live stream Australia vs. Sri Lanka in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 T20 World Cup showcased the biggest game in world cricket over the weekend. India secured a huge victory over Pakistan in the group stage, but there are more massive matchups on the schedule. In a tournament like this, there's no rest.

Australia take on Sri Lanka in the next tantalising contest. Australia desperately need to secure a win if they want to have any chance of progressing into the next round. They lost their last game against Zimbabwe. Hosts Sri Lanka have won both of their opening games. They could dump Australia out of the competition with another win here.

If you want to watch Australia vs. Sri Lanka in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. Sri Lanka?

Australia vs. Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 16. This game takes place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

How to watch Australia vs. Sri Lanka for free

Australia vs. Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Australia vs. Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

4. Visit ICC.TV

5. Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup (plus the Winter Olympics) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 2026 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

As the internet debates the pros and cons of AI, Gore Verbinski's outrageous action comedy Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die is not afraid to take sides. And while some filmmakers (like Darren Aronofsky) are all too happy to toy with this technology, this movie has major beef with the rise of artificial intelligence.

Written by Matthew Robinson (The Invention of Lying), Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die stars Sam Rockwell as a time traveler who crashes into a Los Angeles diner looking for a motley crew to help him stop the rise of an AI tyrant. Joining him in his quest are a pair of high school teachers, played by Zazie Beetz and Michael Peña, who've learned the hard way not to get between their students and their cell phone addictions.

In a virtual interview, Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko asked Rockwell, Beetz, and Peña about what apps have them addicted to their phones and what the future of AI in filmmaking is as they see it.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die is now playing in theaters.

Let's agree on something: Compared to Windows Spotlight, Ubuntu's dynamic wallpaper feature is not very good. Fortunately, Linux is very customizable, and if you don't want to, you don't have to stare at the same wallpapers forever, not when you can use these five methods to control your desktop's aesthetic and how often the wallpaper changes automatically.

John Oliver returned to late night on Sunday with one hell of a Thomas Jefferson-style "so what'd I miss?"

Last Week Tonight premiered Season 13 on Sunday night after a three-month hiatus, with Oliver acknowledging that quite a bit has happened.

“We’ve been off for the last three months, and we have missed a lot. And I mean a lot, a lot," Oliver said before quickly recapping the news, from the latest release of Epstein files to Donald Trump threatening to take over Greenland / Iceland, Zohran Mamdani being elected New York mayor to Norwegian athlete Sturla Holm Lægreid confessing to cheating at the Winter Olympics.

SEE ALSO: 8 of the biggest late night moments of 2025

Then, in one of his signature, 30-minute deep dives, Oliver ripped into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), examining their colossal budgets and $100 million 'wartime recruitment' media blast that Oliver called a "disturbing pattern of what sure seems like white nationalist dog whistles." The host noted that Last Week Tonight did reach out to the department on this.

"We reached out to DHS for comment and they angrily denied any dog whistles, adding 'We will not apologise for using patriotic messaging and symbolism in our advertisements,'" he said. "They also told us, and I quote, 'One could say, we are Homelandmaxxing by removing illegal aliens and defending our borders' is a sentence I genuinely feel dumber for saying out loud."

Oliver also spent time unpacking Donald Trump's DHS secretary, social media promo opportunist, and insistent cosplayer Kristi Noem, who has faced fierce criticism from Republicans and Democrats after the fatal shootings of civilians Renée Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis.

"Noem's been put in charge of DHS at the moment when it's experiencing an unprecedented funding surge," Oliver explained. "Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill last summer essentially doubled DHS' funding over the next four years, and it's worth looking at where all of that money is and, equally importantly, isn't going. Because DHS' resources are now being pointed at immigration more heavily than ever before, to the point that has been called a 'veritable Department of Deportation.' ICE alone was handed an extra $75 billion to spend over Trump's term, tripling its annual budget."

Oliver concluded the segment with a strong statement about the future.

"We need to get rid of ICE, period. Public trust in it right now is hovering somewhere between the Purdue Pharma and the Titan submersible. It is just not salvageable," he said.

"And if you're thinking, well, who will force immigration law if ICE is gone? I don't know, maybe the agencies that did it for decades before 2003? As for DHS as a whole, I would argue it's no longer tenable in its current form. And while maybe there is an argument for having a larger agency coordinating different federal departments, it should probably be redesigned from the ground up — and deliberately, this time, not by suddenly gluing together org charts in a blind panic."

"Even if you get rid of Kristi Noem, which you should, Stephen Miller will still be there," Oliver continued. "And even if you get rid of him, this administration will remain. But even if they are gone and we get rid of ICE and DHS, we're still going to be left with the broken immigration laws that gave them permission to do what they have done. Millions of people will continue to be vulnerable, because, as we've discussed repeatedly before on this show, our current immigration system makes it somewhere from difficult to impossible for many to come in 'the right way.'"

This week, it’s your last shot at a Valentine’s movie recommendation—you know, in case you’re feeling all nostalgic and whatnot. There’s still time to grab your person and settle in for some "holiday" romance, and you can do that with my recommended 2016 Academy Award winner.

ZorinOS has been getting a lot of hype ever since Microsoft dropped support for Windows 10. Turns out the hype is justified. Linux Mint has been my go-to recommendation for Windows users, but testing ZorinOS changed my opinion.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you keep calm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 16, 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 good laugh

• Green: They sound the same

• Blue: Bird noises

• Purple: Reactions

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Knee slapper

• Green: Homophones

• Blue: Sounds a chicken makes

• Purple: Stress responses

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 #981 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Knee slapper: HOOT, LAUGH, RIOT, SCREAM

• Homophones: DO, DOE, DOH, DOUGH

• Sounds a chicken makes: BUCK, CACKLE, CLUCK, SQUAWK

• Stress responses: FAWN, FIGHT, FLIGHT, FREEZE

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 16, 2026

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love being on the ice.

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 16, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 16, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: The cutting edge

The words are related to sports.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a popular winter sport.

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 Figure Skating.

NYT Strands word list for February 16

• Crossover

• Jump

• Spin

• Lift

• Throw

• Figure Skating

• Loop

• Combo

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a bird watcher.

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 16, 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 16, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A bird landing.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter O appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

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...

ROOST

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.

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

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

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

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 16, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for February 16, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 16 Pips

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 16 Pips

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically; 4-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (6): Everything in this space must be greater than 6. The answer is 4-6. placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 16 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically; 1-0, placed horizontally.

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is easy if you know baseball pitchers.

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: Regionally specific basketball

• Green: Visual elements

• Blue: Linked by leadership

• Purple: Baseball soundalikes

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: California NBA teams

• Green: In a "Sportscenter" broadcast

• Blue: Coached by Jim Harbaugh

• Purple: Homophones of CY Young Award winners

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 #511 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• California NBA teams - CLIPPERS, KINGS, LAKERS, WARRIORS

• In a "Sportscenter" broadcast - ANCHOR, CHYRON, HIGHLIGHTS, TICKET

• Coached by Jim Harbaugh - 49ERS, CHARGERS, MICHIGAN, STANFORD

• Homophones of CY Young award winners - BURNS, COAL, COLOGNE, SAIL

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

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

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

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

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, Feb. 16, 2026:

AcrossWhat some people solve the Mini for

• The answer is Speed.

Chat, informally

• The answer is Convo.

Fire truck attachments

• The answer is Hoses.

What other people solve the Mini for

• The answer is Fun.

"Are we there ___?"

• The answer is Yet.

DownAcademy or university: Abbr.

• The answer is Sch.

Like a voluminous winter jacket

• The answer is Poofy.

Come next

• The answer is Ensue.

___ planner (occupation)

• The answer is Event.

Number before tres

• The answer is Dos.

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

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

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