Technology

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 winter sports freestyle skiing for free on streaming platforms like 9Now, CBC Gem, and BBC iPlayer. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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

There's so much winter sport on offer right now. It's time to sit back, relax, and watch curling, alpine skiing, ice hockey, and much more over the next couple of weeks. It's a stacked schedule, so we totally understand if you don't have time to watch absolutely everything. But if you've got a little time to spare, we strongly suggest you check out the freestyle skiing.

Freestyle skiing is all the best bits of the discipline. We're talking aerials, moguls, cross, half-pipe, slopestyle, and big air. It's also a sport that showcases some of the biggest names in the game, including Mikaël Kingsbury of Canada and Eileen Gu of China. We're expecting some spectacular moments from freestyle skiing.

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If you want to watch the 2026 winter sports freestyle skiing for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is the 2026 winter sports freestyle skiing?

International freestyle skiing takes place from Feb. 7-21.

How to watch 2026 winter sports freestyle skiing for free

Freestyle skiing is available to live stream for free on a number of services:

• Australia — 9Now

• Austria — ORF

• Canada — CBC Gem

• France — France TV

• Germany — ARD

• Ireland — RTÉ Player

• Italy — RAI

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer

These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports freestyle skiing from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 winter sports freestyle skiing 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 free access

4. Watch the 2026 winter sports freestyle skiing for free from anywhere in the world

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

What is the best VPN for live sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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).

Live stream the 2026 winter sports freestyle skiing for free with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

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

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

Needed for shaving.

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

RAZOR

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To babble.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 7, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BLURT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Compact.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 7 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 7, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

TIGHT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

See-through.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

GLASS

Final Hurdle hint

A cavity.

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

GEODE

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

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

There are a number of really interesting games in the 2026 T20 World Cup opening round, but India vs. USA might be the best of the bunch. Sure, India will be expected to win this one pretty comfortably, but that doesn't mean we're not excited to see these sides battle it out in India.

India are the defending champions and will be expected to march into the knockout rounds without too much trouble. The challenge for USA is being competitive against this incredibly strong side. A result for USA would go down in history as one of the greatest ever shocks in international cricket. It's unlikely, but nothing is impossible in this form of the game.

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

When is India vs. USA?

India vs. USA in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 7. This game takes place at the Wankhede Stadium.

How to watch India vs. USA for free

India vs. USA 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 India vs. USA 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 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream West Indies vs. Scotland 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 has officially started. Before too long we'll get a sense of how the group stage is shaping up, but for now, everything is still undecided.

West Indies take on Scotland in the opening round of games. West Indies will expect to progress from Group C alongside England, but Nepal will pose a problem. Every group-stage game is vital in the quest to make the knockout rounds, so West Indies will be desperate to start strongly against Scotland.

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

When is West Indies vs. Scotland?

West Indies vs. Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 4:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 7. This game takes place at Eden Gardens.

How to watch West Indies vs. Scotland for free

West Indies vs. Scotland 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 West Indies vs. Scotland 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 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Italy vs. Scotland in the 2026 Six Nations for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Six Nations is particularly difficult to predict this year. A lot of fans will have looked on the opening game between France and Ireland as the best indicator of where the title is heading. Others will look for signs of strength from England. But what about Italy vs. Scotland?

This match feels like the forgotten game from the opening round, but don't skip it. Scotland have the potential to beat any team on their day, but this first-round fixture is tricky. Italy have been particularly impressive at home of late, and even beat Australia in last year's Autumn Internationals. We can see this one going either way.

If you want to watch Italy vs. Scotland in the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Italy vs. Scotland?

Italy vs. Scotland in the 2026 Six Nations starts at 2:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 7. This fixture takes place at the Stadio Olimpico.

How to watch Italy vs. Scotland for free

Italy vs. Scotland in the 2026 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

Live stream Italy vs. Scotland from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Italy vs. Scotland 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Italy vs. Scotland without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream most of the 2026 Six Nations before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services to watch the Winter Olympics, the T20 World Cup, and more from anywhere in the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the 2026 Six Nations?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• 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).

Live stream Italy vs. Scotland in the 2026 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Six Nations is always unpredictable, but this year's tournament feels especially open.

France are probably favorites to win, but England and Ireland won't be far behind. And England are coming into this competition on the back of some promising wins in the Autumn Internationals. Borthwick's team secured big wins against Australia and New Zealand in November. They'll be looking to build on that success and start strongly against Wales.

If you want to watch England vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Wales?

England vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations starts at 4:40 p.m. GMT on Feb. 7. This fixture takes place at Twickenham Stadium.

How to watch England vs. Wales for free

England vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Live stream England vs. Wales from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream England vs. Wales 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch England vs. Wales without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream most of the 2026 Six Nations before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services to watch the Winter Olympics, the T20 World Cup, and more from anywhere in the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the 2026 Six Nations?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• 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).

Live stream England vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

The Moon is appearing a little less illuminated each night as we move toward the next stage of the lunar cycle, the Third Quarter. During this phase, any visible features on its surface will be lit on the left side.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Saturday, Feb. 7, the Moon phase is Waning Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 71% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

Looking up with just your naked eye, you should be able to see the Mares Vaporum and Imbrium and the Aristarchus Plateau. With binoculars, you'll also be able to see Clavius, Gassendi, and the Archimedes Craters. If you have a telescope, you'll also be able to see the Apollo 12 and 11 landing spots as well as the Linne Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will be on March 3.

What are Moon phases?

NASA says that a complete lunar cycle takes about 29.5 days, which is the time the Moon needs to orbit Earth once. During this cycle, it goes through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the visible portion that is illuminated changes as the Moon travels along its orbit. The varying amount of sunlight reflected off the Moon is what causes it to appear fully lit, partially lit, or nearly dark at different stages. The eight phases of the Moon are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites for free with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

The online world is full of content restrictions and blockades. It might not always seem like that, but look around. More and more restrictions on your movement are coming into force.

Porn naturally comes with a lot of restrictions, but there's really nothing wrong with adults visiting their favorite sites at entirely appropriate moments. When the time is right, you should be able to bypass content restrictions to access sites like XNXX from any network and location. And fortunately, you can do exactly that with a quick and easy hack.

If you want to unblock porn sites like XNXX from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to unblock XNXX for free

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process can bypass geo-restrictions to access porn sites like XNXX from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: How to unblock Pornhub for free

Unblock porn sites like XNXX by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to XNXX

4. Visit XNXX

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like XNXX without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when temporarily away from a secure network.

If you want to retain permanent access to everything the online world has to offer, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for porn is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for fast and reliable unblocking of porn sites like XNXX, 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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% 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).

Unblock XNXX for free with ExpressVPN.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're great at reading symbols.

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 7, 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: Roll them

• Green: Math signs

• Blue: Found in a sentence

• Purple: Not capitalized

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Pips on a die

• Green: Symbols used in arithmetic

• Blue: Punctuation marks

• Purple: Lowercase letters

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 #972 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Pips on a die: FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO

• Symbols used in arithmetic: DIVIDED BY, EQUALS, MINUS, PLUS

• Punctuation marks: COLON, ELLIPSIS, PERIOD, QUOTATION MARK

• Lowercase letters: I, L, T, X

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 7, 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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're easily bored.

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 7, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 7, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Boo-o-o-o-ring

The words are related to free time.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a lack of excitement.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Watching Paint Dry

NYT Strands word list for February 7

• Watching Paint Dry

• Dreary

• Dull

• Mundane

• Tiresome

• Humdrum

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're an animal lover.

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 7, 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 7, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Baaa.

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 B.

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...

BLEAT

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 7, 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.

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

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

There are so many incredible sporting events taking place in 2026. Fans can look forward to the Winter Olympics, World Cup, and much more this year. And cricket fans don't need to wait long for arguably the biggest showpiece event on the calendar: the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The best international T20 teams are heading to India and Sri Lanks to compete for the top prize. You can expect the likes of India, Australia, South Africa, and England to be fighting it out in the knockout rounds. Those teams are the pre-tournament favorites, but this electric form of the game is unpredictable. Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan possess the talent to beat anyone on their best day.

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

What is the T20 World Cup?

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is a Twenty20 International cricket tournament organised by the International Cricket Council. The event is generally held every two years. India are the defending champions.

In 2026, 20 teams will compete in 55 matches across five venues. The 20 qualifying teams are divided into four groups of five. In the group stage, each team will play four matches in a round-robin format, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the Super 8 stage. At this point, teams will be placed into two groups of four, and will play three matches. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stage.

When is the 2026 T20 World Cup?

The 2026 T20 World Cup is the 10th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from Feb. 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.

How to watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free

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.

Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams 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

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 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 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Pakistan vs. Netherlands 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 is set to deliver weeks of electric action between the best international T20 sides. We're expecting big performances from the likes of India, Australia, South Africa, and England. But what about Pakistan?

Pakistan are probably the best of the rest. Most fans expect Pakistan to progress comfortably from Group A, but anything could happen in the knockout rounds. They did just beat Australia 3-0 in a T20 series, winning the last match by a comfortable 111-run margin. So maybe we should be expecting more from this team.

Most of the conversation around Pakistan has centered on the boycott of the India clash scheduled for Feb. 15, so they'll be looking to start strongly against the Netherlands and make some positive headlines. If you want to watch Pakistan vs. Netherlands in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Pakistan vs. Netherlands?

Pakistan vs. Netherlands in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 12:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 7. This game takes place at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground.

How to watch Pakistan vs. Netherlands for free

Pakistan vs. Netherlands 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 Pakistan vs. Netherlands 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 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

Are investors already getting weary of tech's golden goose, artificial intelligence?

On Friday, tech stocks took a hit on Wall Street, and the underlying cause seems to be alarm over record AI infrastructure spending. Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta, and Oracle were among just some of the companies whose falling shares accounted for $1 trillion in losses from Big Tech stocks, as CNBC reported.

Big tech companies like Amazon and Google have been furiously ramping up capital expenditures to build AI data centers and shifting focus to AI products and services. 

The immediate spark for the Friday sell-off was the Amazon fourth-quarter earnings report. The e-commerce giant projected that its capital expenditures would reach $200 billion in 2026. CNBC reported that Amazon's Capex figure was $50 billion higher than expected, and the stock market reacted accordingly.

Speaking to CNBC, GAM Investments' investment director Paul Markham explained why AI would affect these companies on the stock market.

“Questions over the extent of capex [capital expenditures] as a result of LLM build-outs, the eventual return on that, and the fear of eventual over-expansion of capacity will be persistent,” Markham told CNBC.

However, the cold feet from investors regarding AI seems to be a fairly recent development, at least when it comes to stock market results. Just a few weeks ago, Facebook and Instagram owner Meta announced it planned to allocate an additional 73 percent of its capital spending, or roughly $115 billion to $135 billion, to AI development. Unlike the recent Amazon announcement, Meta's stock went up 10 percent on this news.

There are also reasons to be skeptical of an AI bubble, however.

Also on Friday, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang insisted that massive increases in capital expenditures are "justified," as the tech leader told CNBC's "Halftime Report" hosts. After making these comments, CNBC reported that NVIDIA shares rose 8 percent.

NVIDIA is often seen as a bellwether for a possible AI bubble, as the company sells the chips used by AI companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Google. At Davos, Huang said that the massive investment in AI seemingly proves it's not a bubble. NVIDIA would be a massive loser if AI did prove to be a bubble, of course.

Still, there were signs that Amazon's stock was rebounding slightly after Huang's comments.

Deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein cultivated a network of powerful tech leaders and executives in the early to mid-2010s, according to Mashable's review of some of the documents contained in the Department of Justice's latest release of Epstein files.

A number of boldface names show up in his inbox during that time, including Bill Gates, Reid Hoffman, Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. None of the individuals have been accused of participating in Epstein's abuse and trafficking of minors.

Based on the reviewed documents and previously reported information, Epstein demonstrated a longstanding interest in not only socializing with the tech elite, but also making influential investments and behind-the-scenes moves to influence technological innovation.

SEE ALSO: Seth Meyers has a blunt response to Elon Musk's email to Epstein

The New York Times reported Thursday that he had access to startups and venture capital funds, and the executives leading them, well after he pleaded guilty for soliciting a minor for prostitution in Florida, in 2008. Epstein was, for example, an early investor in the cryptocurrency startup Coinbase, in 2014, according to the records.

Epstein's unusual deal required him to register as a sex offender, and he ultimately served roughly 13 months in jail.

The charge and Epstein's incarceration weren't secrets; The Daily Beast reported on the financier's deal and criminal behavior in 2010. (Former Daily Beast editor Tina Brown recently recounted Epstein's high-pressure legal campaign against the coverage prior to its publication.)

Still, those revelations didn't stop tech leaders from befriending Epstein as e-commerce, social media, and the beginnings of artificial intelligence reshaped the internet, the economy, and society. Per the documents Mashable was able to review, Epstein had different relationships with big players in tech.

Some appeared to be collaborators or friends, such as Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel, and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman. Some, like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Google cofounder Sergey Brin, were cc'd on emails to numerous tech executives that Epstein also received. Others, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, were mentioned in Epstein's schedule, by his assistant, or in conversation with a third party.

The documents give startling insight into how Epstein operated with tech executives.

Epstein and tech execs: Professional, sometimes friendly and familiar

In Sept. 2012, Epstein emailed Musk to ask about "the Al guy in London that you thought was smart." Musk simply replies, "Demis Hassabis". Hassabis is now the co-founder & CEO of Google Deep Mind. Google acquired Hassabis' company DeepMind Technologies in 2014.

Musk's exchanges with Epstein weren't limited to professional matters. Epstein invited Musk to his infamous Caribbean private island home, where Epstein engaged in the rape and sexual abuse of minors, and provided trafficked minors to other powerful men. Over the course of a year, Musk tried to schedule a visit to the island.

In Nov. 2012, Musk asked, "What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?" He had planned to attend with his wife at the time and suggested on X that, as a result, he didn't anticipate anything "actually shady."

In the months of email exchanges, Musk appears to have had scheduling conflicts that prevented him from visiting. Musk recently said on X that he "declined repeated invitations" from Epstein and had never been to his island or on his private plane.

Musk claims that "nobody has fought harder for full release" of the Epstein files than him.

Epstein also emailed Hoffman directly a number of times between 2013 and 2018. Hoffman acknowledged on social media that he met Epstein at his island home for a "fundraising visit." Hoffman has published on X a list of dates he met with Epstein to discuss a "fundraising relationship" he had with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Epstein contributed $850,000 to MIT between 2002 and 2017. Hoffman said on X that "interacting with Epstein post-conviction is something I deeply regret."

In one email from Dec. 2014, Hoffman wrote Epstein to say that he sent two gifts to his New York City address: "1- ice cream. if you have any interest, you should try — else for the girls." It's unclear who Hoffman is referencing when he mentions "girls." (The dash in Hoffman's writing appeared originally; it is not a redaction.)

Mashable reached out to Hoffman for comment about the identity of the girls he referenced. 

"The victims of Epstein’s abhorrent and vile actions deserve all the information they are seeking, and I continue to call on President Trump to deliver that for them," Hoffman wrote on X.

The nature of their respective relationships with Epstein has become the source of an accusatory back-and-forth between Musk and Hoffman on Musk's social media platform X.

The Epstein files contain 6,500 references to "the girls." Epstein's will did not appear to name any biological dependents or beneficiaries aside from his brother.

Epstein wrote personally about "the girls" in a February 2013 email to a contact, noting that "the girls and i are going to see elon musk at space x tomorrow".

In 2014, an email with redacted correspondents discusses arrangements for "the girls. 

"Can you help?," reads the email addressed to a person named Richard. "As I did not hear back from [redacted] and I think that JE wants me to reach out to the girls regarding their individual spaces." The exchange, which includes more detail, is eventually forwarded to Epstein. 

A 2015 email involving Epstein's assistant details "cleaning" arrangements for the girls and their apartments. The redacted respondent says, "Okey (sic) me and Leo's back to weelkly (sic) cleaning with the girls…We apologize for not cleaning the girls this week but we can clean some girls today if you want…" A 2017 email with redacted respondents goes into detail about a cleaning schedule and anticipating guests for the apartments. 

"Get the girls apartments done and 7J for our guest arriving tonight," the email reads.

A list of tech titans who appear in the Epstein files

An appearance by a major tech executive in the files does not imply or indicate that they participated in illegal or criminal behavior. This list is organized in alphabetical order. The number of appearances can include duplicate documents and references.

1. Jeff Bezos: 194 references

Bezos' name appears in the files relatively infrequently compared to people like Gates and Hoffman. In one 2018 email, a contact of Epstein's asked if he should attend a talk given by Bezos. Epstein replies, "yes you can say hello from me".

In a 2010 email, Bezos is cc'd along with several high-profile tech executives (Brin, Musk, Google cofounder Larry Page) in an email from the literary agent John Brockman related to a book that he'd championed. 

Bezos is also mentioned as a potential dinner party guest in a 2011 email to Epstein from investor and inventor Boris Nikolic. Similarly, a 2018 email involving Epstein's assistant listed Epstein as a guest at a 2014 dinner where the RSVPs included Bezos, Brin, and Page.

In 2016, Epstein received a text message from director Woody Allen, who declared, "I think Jeff Bezos is my idol." Epstein replies, "I was with him yesterday".

Mashable reached out to Amazon for comment. 

2. Sergey Brin: 265 references

Brin shows up in the files as early as 2003, years before Epstein pleaded guilty to prostituting minors. Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell met Brin at a TED Conference that year, then reached out via email.

"Just incase (sic) I need to jog your memory as to who I am - I am the crazy girl with short dark hair who flew a Black Hawk in Colombia and a friend of Jeffrey Epstein and [redacted]," she wrote in March 2003.

Brin responded that he traveled to New York City a few times a year and planned to be there in April. Maxwell invited Brin to dinner. The plans ultimately changed locations to Epstein's Manhattan home. "[D]inners at Jeffrey's are always happily casual and relaxed," Maxwell wrote. Brin responded with his availability.

Brin also authored a May 2003 email with the subject line "aircraft carrier" to Maxwell. The body of the message is blank. Similar messages, addressed to Maxwell by Brin but with a blank body, appear in the files.

In a long, heavily redacted letter apparently written by an Epstein survivor, Brin is named as an individual the victim met while on Epstein's island at an unspecified time. The victim does not accuse Brin, who allegedly visited with his then-fiancée, Anne Wojcicki, of any crimes.

Mashable reached out to Google for comment. 

3. Tim Cook: 152 references*

Cook appears in the files because news articles or briefings mention his name in relation to Apple. The documents also contain email messages between Epstein and individuals working to arrange meetings with Cook.

In a Nov. 2012 exchange, someone who meets with Cook tells Epstein that Cook would be "excited" to meet with Epstein but has heard Epstein is forming a company that would require him to decline the invitation.

*Some of Epstein's shipping invoices are addressed to a Tim Cook, care of a yacht harbor in the British Virgin Islands, in the early 2000s. The number of references includes shipping invoices with that Tim Cook's name on them. Mashable has reached out to Apple to determine whether that Tim Cook is the same as the Apple CEO.

4. Bill Gates: 2,527 references

The Microsoft cofounder has admitted, with regret, to a friendly relationship with Epstein. His spokesperson also unequivocally denied salacious allegations contained in the latest batch of files. In two July 2013 emails that Epstein sent to himself, he addresses the messages to Gates and describes a rupture in what he viewed as a close relationship.

Epstein claims that Gates asked him to delete emails "regarding your std, your request that I provide you antibiotics that you can surreptitiously give to Melinda [French Gates], and the description of your penis. You also made it clear to me that I am not to refer to [redacted] as that is another topic that must remain between the two of us."

Epstein also tries to lay out a financial resolution to a business partnership they formed. Gates has said the email was never sent.

"These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false," Gates' spokesperson told NPR. "The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein's frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame."

Gates' relationship with Epstein reportedly played a role in Melinda French Gate's 2021 divorce from her husband. She told NPR that the new allegations in Epstein's files brought up painful times in her marriage.

"Whatever questions remain there of what — I can't even begin to know all of it — those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband," French Gates said. "They need to answer to those things, not me."

5. Reid Hoffman: 2,638 references

As much as Hoffman emphasizes his fundraising ties to Epstein, he appears close to him in emails exchanged over several years, and they also set up Skype calls.

In addition to the aforementioned exchanges, Hoffman wished Epstein well in May 2018 and said, "loo= (sic) forward to being in the same area of the world at some point. ☺" He suggested a Skype call to discuss Epstein investing in a fund, to which Epstein replied, "always can make time for a reid skype. :)"

Years earlier, in Jan. 2014, Epstein wrote to Hoffman, "have some inquiries from some interesting people, re a bitcoin type currency, wait until you hear". Hoffman replied with interest.

Mashable reached out to Greylock Partners, where Hoffman is a partner, for comment. 

6. Elon Musk: 1,086 references

Aside from Musk's early 2010s exchanges with Epstein about visiting his island, a number of references to his name are from bulletins or news aggregators that Epstein's email account received, even as recently as last year. Musk is also referred to in passing as a potential event attendee or briefly as a subject of conversation.

7. Larry Page: 293 references

Page appears at roughly the same frequency as his Google cofounder Sergey Brin.

In 2009, for example, Epstein is included in a forwarded email correspondence that attempts to explain Page's thinking about the emergence of general artificial intelligence.

In one 2010 email, it appears as though Page requested use of Epstein's helicopter through a third party during a trip to St. Barts. A follow-up email from a third party instructs Epstein to disregard the request as Page has chosen to use a boat instead.

In 2014, a redacted sender shared Page's email address to Epstein. Like many of the tech executives, Page is included in guest lists of dinners or events that Epstein might attend, well after his plea deal. Media mentions of Page also account for references to him.

Mashable reached out to Google for comment. 

8. Peter Thiel: 2,273 references

Peter Thiel, a venture capitalist and Republican mega donor, seemed to have a close business relationship with Epstein, according to the documents. 

In July 2025, a Times review of Epstein's estate identified $40 million investments that Epstein made into funds operated by Valar Ventures, a firm backed by Thiel. Epstein also consulted Thiel for investing advice.

His spokesperson told the New York Times that Thiel did not visit Epstein's private island. Thiel has yet to comment on his communication with Epstein. 

According to the newest documents, they appeared to be in frequent contact in the mid- to late 2010s. 

In 2014, Thiel sent a text message to note that he'd just tried calling Epstein. A 2017 message from Epstein's assistant that appears to double as a scheduling alert, simply reads, "August 14, 2017 11:45 AM : Peter Thiel Friday sometime". Other scheduling reminders indicate that Thiel and Epstein met and spoke to each other on the phone with some regularity. They remained in touch, trying to pin down each other's whereabouts, as late as 2019.

9. Mark Zuckerberg: 280 references

In Aug. 2015, an assistant to Epstein sent a message to Zuckerberg's email address noting that the Facebook founder had recently spoken to Epstein at a dinner party hosted by Hoffman and Thiel.

"At the party Mark requested Jeffrey send his contact details to him...could you please pass the below on to Mark?" the assistant wrote, including Epstein's phone number and email address. In a message sent soon after that, Epstein's assistant sent Zuckerberg an hour-long YouTube lecture on the meaning of math.

Zuckerberg appears years earlier in the files, when a contact of Epstein's discusses with his assistant possible meetings in Silicon Valley during a trip in Aug. 2012. Epstein appeared interested in bringing "Woody" along to a meeting with Zuckerberg at Facebook, or for them to meet Zuckerberg at dinner.

It's unclear if the Woody cited is the film director, who communicated often with Epstein and whose name is referenced 7,260 times in the files. 

Mashable reached out to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, for comment.

TL;DR: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for $12.97 (reg. $199), offering a lower-cost upgrade for compatible PCs through March 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $12.97
$199 Save $186.03   Get Deal

If your PC is starting to feel laggy or your operating system no longer keeps up with current demands, upgrading to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro unlocks a faster, more modern experience. At $12.97 through March 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT, this upgrade is a wallet-friendly way to access the latest features and security enhancements without buying a new device.

Microsoft has announced that support for Office apps — including Word, Excel, and Outlook — on Windows 10 will end in October, making this a timely moment to consider an upgrade. Windows 11 Pro stands out as the logical next step for anyone who wants to keep their system secure and compatible, particularly for those who need a standalone license rather than an update through Windows Update.

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!

With Windows 11 Pro, you’ll notice a streamlined, contemporary interface and tangible speed gains from day one. Boot times are faster and navigating the system feels more responsive. Features like Snap Layouts and virtual desktops help you organize windows and multitask with ease, while the revamped search function means less time hunting for files, apps, or settings.

Security also gets a notable boost. Windows 11 Pro adds biometric login, TPM 2.0 support, Smart App Control, and BitLocker encryption, all of which are crucial for small businesses, remote workers, and anyone managing sensitive files. For power users and IT professionals, features like Azure AD integration, Hyper-V virtualization, and Windows Sandbox offer more advanced options without complicating everyday use.

There are also productivity and quality-of-life updates. Voice typing, enhanced multitasking tools, and DirectX 12 Ultimate for improved graphics support gaming and creative workloads. Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot, is built in to help with tasks like summarizing information and navigating settings, which may be useful for school or professional learning environments.

Windows 11 Pro is intended for users ready to move on from older operating systems and take advantage of Microsoft’s latest platform features. At $12.97, the current deal lowers the cost of upgrading, making it easier to consider the switch before Windows 10 support winds down. Get it at its discounted price through March 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Give your kids guilt-free screen time with a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale for just $44.97 with code PLAY now through Feb. 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $44.97
$250 Save $205.03   Get Deal

Want to make learning fun? Pok Pok is a Montessori-inspired app full of entertaining activities for your little ones, in a calm, non-addictive format, so you can feel good about their screen time.

Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok for only $44.97 with code PLAY through Feb. 15.

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

If you want to inspire learning without it feeling like a chore, it’s time to check out Pok Pok. This award-winning app gives kids a gentle introduction to screen time, with low-stimulation, hand-drawn animations, and in-house-made gentle sound effects. It was even made in collaboration with early childhood experts, so you can rest easy knowing every experience has been thoughtfully designed.

Pok Pok is geared toward children ages 2 to 8, offering a Montessori-based teaching style that emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and natural development. Thanks to this style of learning, kids will be able to navigate the app all on their own while learning STEM concepts, numbers, and language, all without rules, levels, objectives, or winners and losers. They just open the app and tap on a toy to get started.

You don’t have to worry about ads or kids being tricked into making a purchase, as Pok Pok is compliant with COPPA and GDPR regulations. Your lifetime subscription also includes new content, with seasonal and cultural updates, and an exclusive surprise gift mailed directly to your door.

Get a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale now for just $44.97 with code PLAY through Feb. 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Dropping serious money on a new car is exciting, right up until it starts living at the dealership. If you’re spending $30,000 or more, you want something built on solid bones, with a proven engine, stable tech, and a track record that shows the bugs have already been worked out.

February is here, and, in addition to the anticipated—or dreaded—Day o’ Love festivities, it also brings with it the celebration of Black History Month. In this week’s recommendations, I omit the lovey-dovey stuff and present you with a hearty cultural mix of drama with special interest, action with gritty crime and biker gangs, and fantasy that includes a suspenseful, witchcraft-enhancing tale.

Modern pickup trucks are faster, more powerful, and more technologically advanced than ever, but one key feature has quietly disappeared along the way. Manual transmissions, once a defining part of the pickup truck experience, have been steadily phased out in favor of automatics and complex driver aids. For drivers who grew up shifting their own gears, that change has removed a level of involvement that today’s trucks simply can’t replicate.