Technology

Wearable cameras have become a practical option for creators capturing daily life, travel moments, and POV footage without holding a phone or carrying a full-size camera. When filming is part of the experience rather than the focus, hands-free recording can make content feel more natural and less staged.

They just don’t make them how they used to. Older phones had microSD card slots, removable batteries, and were actually designed to fit in a human hand. Even as companies started to do away with all of that, phones were still exciting. They were innovating, and it wasn’t yet settled how smartphones would end up. Yet no matter how fondly we think back to some of our favorite phones from yesterday—they were not as good as we tell ourselves.

Excel handles numbers beautifully, but it's frustratingly picky about text. When you treat cells like a Word doc, like manually typing units or ignoring hidden spaces, you're onto a loser. Here's how to handle text in Excel without ruining your spreadsheet's logic.

Have you recently switched to Linux? Or are you one of the hardcore, anti-terminal users? I've seen plenty of loathing for the terminal these past few years, but I think it comes from a place of misunderstanding. New users view it as an insurmountable mountain of commands, but it's far simpler than that. If you're keen on moving forward, I have four key steps to guide you.

How often have you reacted to recent Windows feature updates with "who asked for this?" It seems like every time we learn about new and upcoming features for Windows, AI-based or not, that's a question we have to ask because it's far from obvious. It's something I've been thinking about recently, and I have some glimmer of a theory.

Relax, I’m not saying The Pitt is unworthy in any way or that you should avoid it completely. I’m saying it makes for a more impactful, obsessive, and heightened watch if you let the season build so you can binge it. You want that full 15-hour effect—trust me.

In my role as a writer and editor, I work with images, screenshots, and screen recordings every single workday. They’re not an occasional task or something I fire up once a month. They’re part of how I research, explain, and communicate ideas. When capture tools slow me down or add friction, it shows up immediately in my workflow.

It's easy to get fixated on huge Python frameworks and complex libraries. A lot of developers miss how much better their daily coding could be if they just used smaller, targeted utilities that make the experience simpler.

Nothing hits like a Bridgerton string cover. Shonda Rhimes' Netflix show has become synonymous with lively, romantic string covers of pop songs: Celeste's “Strange" from Season 1, Bollywood hit "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" from Season 2, Beyoncé's "Halo" from spin-off Queen Charlotte, and Pitbull's "Give Me Everything" in Season 3.

For Bridgerton's fourth season, showrunner Jess Brownell and music supervisor Justin Kamps continue the show's allegiance to matchmaking its Regency characters' capers with its modern pop soundtrack, alongside Kris Bowers' lauded score.

SEE ALSO: 'Bridgerton' Season 4 review: A Cinderella story to die for

Here's every song in Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1, and which episode we heard it in, so you can be that friend at the watch party.

"Life in Technicolor" by Coldplay (Episode 1)

At the season-launching masquerade ball, Bridgerton stalwarts Vitamin String Quartet bring a Coldplay cover that's hard to miss. The track from 2008's Viva La Vida soars into the halls of Bridgerton House, setting the scene for Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) to sneak into a technicolour world, Cinderella-style.

"DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" by Usher ft. Pitbull (Episode 1)

Bridgerton's not done with Pitbull covers yet. Having heated up carriages last season, Mr Worldwide is back in string form through Usher collab "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" by Strings From Paris. It scores Sophie and Benedict's (Luke Thompson) meet-cute at the masquerade ball. Swoon.

"Never Let You Go" by Third Eye Blind (Episode 1)

Millennials, this one's for us. Third Eye Blind's 1999 single "Never Let You Go" is just as iconic as their other banger from album Blue, but less about crystal meth. It means it's more fitting for the Ton, we guess. Notably, Vitamin String Quartet's cover appears during the masquerade ball right after Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) pleads with Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) to let her leave her royal court. "I'll never let you go" is right.

Featured Video For You ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3 has the internet upset for all the wrong reasons "Enchanted" by Taylor Swift (Episode 2)

OK, this one got me. My dear friends got married to a string cover of Taylor Swift's "Enchanted" and I can't hear it without bursting into happy tears. This exquisite Bridgerton cover by Joseph William Morgan appears in a heart-wrenching moment in episode 2 when Sophie spies on Benedict paying a visit to someone who isn't her. Friends, Swift's lyrics are basically the storyline of Season 4, I don't know what else to tell you.

"All I Wanted" by Paramore (Episode 3)

Excuse me while I sit down after hearing Hayley Williams' frankly outrageous B5 note in string form. The Vitamin String Quartet cover of Paramore's 2009 hit from Brand New Eyes comes in a moment of deep yearning and I frankly can't handle it.

"Bad Idea Right?" by Olivia Rodrigo (Episode 4)

This fire hazard of a Caleb Chan cover of "Bad Idea Right?" asks the perfect question for the scene it scores. Olivia Rodrigo's 2023 Guts banger is an anthem of impulsivity, zero self control, and pure disregard for consequences. Yuuuup.

How to watch: Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Part 2 premieres Feb. 26.

Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 soundtrack is out now via Capitol Records.

"There's so much going on right now — there's too much, really — and then in other areas there's not enough going on. You remember those Epstein files?"

That's how Jimmy Kimmel opens the monologue above, responding to the news that the remaining files concerning convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein will apparently be released "in the near term," despite there still being no specific date.

"You remember those? Those files Congress voted to legally required the Justice Department to release by December 19th of last year? And then December 19th came and went, and now it's the end of January and we still don't have them?" asks Kimmel.

"These Epstein files are like Melania's movie — no one's ever gonna see them."

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know soccer players.

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: Not checkers

• Green: Moves

• Blue: MVP soccer players

• Purple: Same first word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Chess pieces

• Green: Gymnastics terms

• Blue: Premier League Golden Boot winners

• Purple: Water ____

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 #493 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Chess pieces - BISHOP, PAWN, QUEEN, ROOK

• Gymnastics terms - HANDSPRING, ROUND-0FF, SALTO, TWIST

• Premier League Golden Boot winners - HAALAND, KANE, SALAH, SON

• Water ____ - BOTTLE, BOY, HAZARD, POLO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026:

AcrossEmployees, collectively

• The answer is Staff.

The "L" of TTYL

• The answer is Later.

Slowly lessen, as political support

• The answer is Erode.

Dunkin' offering

• The answer is Donut.

Tricky things to navigate with a stroller

• The answer is Steps.

DownToys that go on the decline in winter?

• The answer is Sleds.

Set of fortunetelling cards

• The answer is Tarot.

Make amends

• The answer is Atone.

Out of patience

• The answer is Fed up.

Guitar bars

• The answer is Frets.

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

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

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

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Booster Bundle has dropped to just $52.88 on Amazon. That's down from its usual $59.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Booster Bundle $52.88 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $7.11   Get Deal

Six packs of Mega Evolution joy just got a little cheaper, and that’s a big deal if you’re a Pokémon fan who’s been waiting for the right moment to jump into the expansion. As of Jan. 29, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Booster Bundle has dropped to $52.88 from $59.99, undercutting what was already considered a fair market rate. 

It's worth nothing that these Mega Evolution booster bundles are sold by third-party retailers on Amazon, but price tracker camelcamelcamel has confirmed that this is the best price they’ve had through these sellers.

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!

For anyone unfamiliar, this booster bundle includes six sealed Mega Evolution booster packs, making it one of the simplest ways to experience the set without committing to a full booster box. And you’ll still get a chance of pulling the expansion’s most valuable chase cards like Mega Gardevoir ex and Mega Lucario ex. 

To save even more on in-demand Pokémon cards, you can still get Prismatic Evolutions booster packs on sale at Amazon. If you’re excited for the upcoming Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes expansion, you can still pre-order both the Charmander and Ghastly Tech Sticker Collections for their lowest-ever price at Amazon.

SAVE $100: As of Jan. 29, the Garmin Venu 3S has dropped to $349.99 at Amazon. This is $100 off its list price of $449.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu 3S $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100   Get Deal

Whether you want to keep a better eye on your heart rate or see how you're progressing towards your fitness goals, a smartwatch can help you out. At the moment, there are some great discounts available for those looking to get on a healthier path. Over at Amazon, the Garmin Venu 3S is marked down to $349.99.

This deal price is $100 off its overall list price of $449.99, marking a return to the Garmin Venu 3S's lowest-ever price at Amazon (according to price tracker camelcamelcamel). It applies to several different colors as well, so you can have your pick of the watch that best suits your style, whether that be french gray, dust rose, ivory, pebble gray, or sage gray.

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!

Alongside a stylish design, the Garmin Venu 3S includes plenty of features to keep you informed throughout the day. For those looking to keep an eye on their health, it includes a sleep score so you can see how well you're resting, wrist-based heart rate, fitness age, stress tracking, and much more. There are plenty of great fitness features as well, including workout benefit (which shows you how a workout affects your body) and recovery time.

Furthermore, its battery life lasts up to 10 days when in smartwatch mode, so you can stay focused on your goals rather than constantly putting it on charge. If it's been on your radar, now is a great time to grab the Garmin Venu 3S and save $100 at Amazon.

If you're wondering what other smartwatches are worth checking out this year, have a look at our roundups of the best smartwatches and the best fitness trackers to see some of our top recommendations.

SAVE $55: As of Jan. 29, the Fire HD 8 Plus is on sale for $64.99 at Amazon. That's a 46% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus $64.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal

In need of a new tablet but don't feel like dropping hundreds of dollars? What if we told you you could get an Amazon Fire tablet for under $65?

Meet the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus, a great tablet for reading, streaming, or even video chatting. But the best part? As of Jan. 29, this model is on sale for $64.99. That's a saving of $55, and it's the first time it has been on sale since July 2025. This price is for the 32GB option, however the 64GB tablet is also on sale (down from $149.99 to $94.99).

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!

The Fire HD 8 Plus is like the standard Fire HD 8 tablet, but better. Upgrades to this model include wireless charging, a 9W power adapter, 3GB of RAM, and better quality front and rear cameras. It’s thinner and lighter than the previous generation too, and is built with a strengthened aluminosilicate glass screen that Amazon claims is twice as durable as the iPad mini (2021). So, if you're clumsy, this model should survive your drops.

It performs fast too, thanks to the enhanced hexa-core processor that’s up to 30% faster than the last Fire HD 8 Plus. And the battery life is impressive, lasting up to 13 hours for reading, streaming, or listening to music. You'll also have access to lots of apps and streaming services via Amazon’s App store.

This deal has a "limited-time" stamp, so don't miss out.

TL;DR: Live stream Alcaraz vs. Zverev in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Australian Open finals are fast approaching. Alcaraz faces off against Zverev in the first semi final of the men's draw. Are we heading towards another showdown between Alcaraz and Sinner? It's looking increasingly likely that these two stars will battle it out again on the biggest stage.

Of course, that's not to say that Zverez doesn't stand a chance of beating Alcaraz. The third seed made last year's final, so he's been here before. The big question is whether or not he can make the leap and actually win a Grand Slam for the first time. The prospect of competing with Alcaraz and Sinner is daunting for even the top players.

If you want to watch Alcaraz vs. Zverev in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Alcaraz vs. Zverev for free

Alcaraz vs. Zverev in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open 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 services do tend to offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Alcaraz vs. Zverev without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes 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 Alcaraz vs. Zverev in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Valentine's Day shopping for your wife should be easy in theory. You've known her forever. You hear her talk about her interests and annoyances on a daily basis. But year after year, finding something to showcase how much she means to you is more of an enigma than it is on paper.

You may be stumped on what to get your wife for Valentine's Day this year, but we're not. We've curated a list of 25+ unique Valentine's Day gift ideas for wives of any sort, from the ones who dig romantic gifts (as long as they're not corny) to the ones who get heart eyes over practical gifts that prove you've been listening. For even more ideas, check out our guide to the best Valentine's Day gifts for her.

Grow a Garden. 99 Nights in the Forest. Steal a Brainrot. If you're a parent, you've likely heard your kids talk about one of these games at some point.

They're playing Roblox. Their friends are playing Roblox. Half of all kids under the age of 16 in the U.S. are playing Roblox. But with so many kids on Roblox, predators are taking advantage of the online gaming platform.

As a result, Roblox has been hit with a slew of lawsuits over its alleged failure to keep children safe on the platform.

So, is Roblox safe for your kids? And if your kid is already on Roblox, what should you do?

As a father of three young kids, two of whom play Roblox regularly and one who will likely start playing as soon as she learns to hold a tablet, I've written this guide to help other parents navigate Roblox and ensure their kids' safety while playing the game.

What is Roblox, and should my kids play it?

Roblox is an online game where your character can explore a virtual universe and interact with other Roblox characters. The Roblox world is cartoony, with the characters resembling LEGO people.

Roblox is more like a gaming platform than a standalone game. Users create their own games in the virtual world, which other gamers can play. Roblox even has its own economy, with some developers making hundreds of thousands of dollars or more if their game gets popular. There's an in-game virtual currency called Robux, which can be used to access premium features and items.

You may already have seen Roblox received an official ESRB rating of T for Teen. However, that's just because some of the games warrant that level of rating.

If your child tells you they're playing Roblox, that really doesn't give you much information. It's the equivalent of them telling you they're playing video games. You need to know specifically what games they are playing on Roblox to get an idea of what is or isn't appropriate.

Whether your kids play it or not is up to you. I believe it's fine for my kids in the same way I let them watch their favorite shows on Netflix. There are many movies for adults available on that platform too — but with the right parental controls and monitoring, you can ensure age-appropriate content for your children.

Getting started on Roblox

So, you've decided your child can play on Roblox. Now, this is where you'll discover that Roblox actually has several parental controls in place to keep kids safe on the platform. However, parents need to actually take the time to set these things up.

First things first: Creating your Roblox accounts. 

That's right, I said "accounts" as in more than one. Your child will have an account, and you will too. Create your accounts, and then from your child's account, navigate to Settings> Parental Controls> Add a parent. Input the email for your account, and then accept the link account request in your inbox. You'll need to verify your age and identification to show you are a parent. 

Link a Parent Account Credit: Roblox

Once your account is linked, parents will need to set up a Parental PIN number to access those parental controls and prevent their kids from changing them. After that, you'll then have full access to control your child's account settings and view any pending requests your child receives.

Age Verification: How it works

Starting in 2026, Roblox rolled out an extra layer of child safety measures targeted directly at the platform's most problematic feature: Chat.

All users who want to utilize the chat features must now first have their age estimated by Roblox in order for the platform to assign the account to an age category.

Roblox age verification Credit: Roblox

The mandatory age check can be performed by pressing the Unlock Chat button on the user's account page. Following that, Roblox will access the user's camera on their device in order to scan their facial features. Using that, Roblox then places a user to one of six age categories: Under 9, 9–12, 13–15, 16–17, 18–20, and 21+.

Users cannot interact in chats with other Roblox gamers who are outside of their age cohort.

The age verification is performed by a third-party company called Persona. Roblox says the images used for age verification are deleted after the process, but you may still have privacy concerns. Users have reported being able to trick Roblox's age verification system into thinking a user is older or younger than they actually are.

The addition of the age verification system has basically turned the chat feature off for users who don't partake in the process. In short, there is now yet another barrier of protection for kids on Roblox.

Parental Controls and Content

Once your accounts are created, you'll find that Roblox offers several options to ensure your child's safety on the platform. However, you have to proactively set these things up.

In your account's Parental Controls settings, under Content Maturity, parents can set content restrictions based on the maturity level of the content itself, with levels ranging from Minimal, which means occasional mild violence, all the way to Restricted, which allows unfettered access to the most violence, scary, and crude content on Roblox. You probably don't want that last one. There are two in-between labels for older kids, Mild and Moderate, and these settings can be changed by a parent at any time.

Content Maturity settings Credit: Roblox

Blocked Experiences allows parents to block specific game titles within Roblox, even if they are technically within the Content Maturity options you set in the previously mentioned menu. As games are added to Roblox, parents may find a specific game that adheres to Roblox's content labels but still contains an attribute that makes the content inappropriate for their child. Parents can use the search bar to find these experiences and block them.

Similarly, there is a Sensitive Issues toggle to block games from your child that may be themed around social, political, or religious issues. Parents can choose to block games labeled as Sensitive Issues here, even if these titles fall within the previously set Content Maturity settings.

Sensitive Issues settings Credit: Roblox Child safety controls

Now come the privacy controls that directly address the child safety issues for which Roblox is under scrutiny.

In the Communications section of the parental controls, parents can set who their kids can communicate with in Roblox experiences. For young children, the option is simple: turn those chats off completely by selecting 'No One'.

Experience Chat settings Credit: Roblox

However, as your kids get a bit older and want to interact with their real-life friends from school, there are additional options you'll want to set. Roblox allows users to "friend" one another through Connections. Additionally, they can create a Party or a group of friends that can join experiences together.

Parents can view and manage all of their child's connections to ensure they are only connected with individuals they know and trust in real life. Furthermore, parents can adjust their child's profile visibility so that only Connections can view when their child is on Roblox and which game they are currently playing.

Visibility settings Credit: Roblox

Furthermore, parents can control the Party settings so that their child can only create a Party with users who are their Connections. Parents can also toggle Party options off entirely for small children who won't be interacting with anyone on Roblox. 

Party settings Credit: Roblox

Private Servers are another setting that will likely be vastly different for you based on your child's age. Private Servers essentially allow users to participate in Roblox experiences with a select group of people. For small children, you'll want to likely turn this off entirely. For older kids, setting Private Servers to Connections will allow them to play with their friends.

Private Servers settings Credit: Roblox

While Roblox can always do more to protect its youngest users, the platform does have pretty robust options for child safety. The problem is that parents need to be aware of them and learn how to use them. Hopefully, this guide helps. 

UPDATE: Jan. 26, 2026, 4:37 p.m. EST Added a section on Roblox's new age verification process to access chats on the platform.

TL;DR: Protect your data and your peace online with a lifetime subscription to AdGuard Family Plan, now only $19.97 until Feb. 8.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $19.97
$169.99 Save $150.02   Get Deal

If you want to experience the internet as it was meant to be enjoyed — freely without annoying pop-ups, videos, and banner ads — it’s time to get AdGuard. This tool lets you avoid all the frustrating ads while also keeping you safe from hackers, and right now you can get the AdGuard Family Plan for just $19.97 through Feb. 8.

Get ready for a peaceful internet experience thanks to the AdGuard Family Plan. This tool lets you browse seamlessly by blocking all types of ads, so you can enjoy your time online with no distractions or frustrations.

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!

Not only will AdGuard provide more than your average ad blocker, but it will also protect your privacy by blocking trackers, hiding your data, and stopping malware, phishing sites, and cyberattacks in their tracks.

This family plan lets you protect up to nine devices for life. AdGuard works on both Android and iOS operating systems, so you can equip smartphones, computers, tablets, and more with this handy tool. If you have kids at home, AdGuard also includes parental control features that help keep a watchful eye on them online and shield them from inappropriate content.

This $19.97 lifetime subscription comes to less than $3 per device and includes continuous updates and new features.

Protect the whole family with this lifetime subscription to AdGuard Family Plan, now just $19.97 until Feb. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2025, and where to stream them 14. Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing

Ice skating is a beautiful display of athletics and artistry. But it take a lot of strength for partners to find their rhythm on the ice. This Netflix documentary mini-series will get you pumped up for the Winter Olympics with its deep dive into the work, intricacies, and politics of ice dancing.

They have their eyes on the Olympics, but can't afford to lose sight of each other. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Piper Gilles, Paul Poirier, Laurence Fournier Beaudry, Guillaume Cizeron, Tara Lipinski, and Adam Rippon

How to watch: Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing debuts on Netflix on Feb. 1.

13. Miracle: The Boys of ‘80

Want to get pumped for the Winter Olympics? (Or want more hockey, because you've already rewatched Heated Rivalry five times?) We've got you.

Documentarians Max Gershberg and Jacob Rogal offer a look back at the "Miracle on Ice." It was the 1980 Olympic semi-finals. The U.S. Hockey Team were considered underdogs against the team from the USSR, and yet, despite the odds and naysayers, they came home with gold. This is their story, with firsthand recollections from the players who hit the ice and never-before-seen 16mm footage that's sure to give you chills. — K.P.

How to watch: Miracle: The Boys of ‘80 debuts on Netflix on Jan. 30.

12. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards

The biggest night in music comes this Sunday. Presented by the Recording Academy of the United States, the 68th Annual Grammy Awards will celebrate the best in music across 95 categories, with nominees that including Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Chappell Roan, Rosé, and Bruno Mars — just to name the Record of the Year contenders.

Tune in for the big wins, powerful speeches, incredible fashion, and live performances from a thrilling array of musical acts. Trevor Noah hosts. — K.P.

Starring: Trevor Noah, Addison Rae, Alex Warren, Clipse, Olivia Dean, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Pharrell Williams, Sabrina Carpenter, Sombr, and The Marias

How to watch: The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will air live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on demand on Paramount+ on Feb. 1, from 8 p.m. ET to 11:30 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PT.

11. Old Guy

Christoph Waltz has sunk his teeth into juicy roles, from a charming bounty hunter (Django Unchained) to a gleeful Nazi (Inglourious Basterds), to a mad scientist patron in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein. So, who better to play an aging hit man, whose dwindling physical health pushes him into a mentor role for a killer protege (The Long Walk's Cooper Hoffman)?

From Con Air director Simon West comes an action comedy about some really wild on-the-job training. Generations clash, gunfire kicks off, and dark laughs explode like so much dynamite. — K.P.

Starring: Christoph Waltz, Lucy Liu, Cooper Hoffman, Ryan McParland, Ann Akinjirin, Jason Done, Tony Hirst, Kate Katzman, Conor Mullen, and Rory Mullen

How to watch: Old Guy debuts on Paramount+ on Feb. 1.

10. Pike River

Yellowjackets' Melanie Lynskey and Top of the Lake's Robyn Malcolm headline this tearjerking true story about Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, two women who lost a husband and son respectively in the 2010 Pike River Mine explosion. Twenty-nine people died in the tragedy. After the disaster, it wasn't just grief that tormented their loved ones — it was the decision to close the mine permanently, without retrieving the remains of the dead.

Seeking closure, but more than that justice, Anna and Sonya will go from everywoman to advocate, giving voice to those they lost. For a tale of grief, resilience, and inspiration, don't miss Pike River. — K.P.

Starring: Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm

How to watch: Pike River is available for rental or purchase on Jan. 30.

9. Ella McCay

Writer/director James L. Brooks has brought us such treasures as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Simpsons, Terms of Endearment, and Broadcast News. Ella McKay is his latest, focusing on the titular lieutenant governor (Emma Mackey) as she struggles to balance her personal life and her professional career. Reluctantly connecting with her estranged father (Woody Harrelson), Ella is forced to look back to move forward.

Critics have panned Ella McCay pretty hard, earning it a 22% on Rotten Tomatoes. So, while Brooks is a legendary storyteller, this is not a must-see. — K.P.

Starring: Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn, Julie Kavner, Rebecca Hall, Albert Brooks, and Woody Harrelson

How to watch: Ella McCay is now available for purchase on Prime Video.

8. School Spirits, Season 3

If you like your teen drama with a touch of macabre, you'll fall hard for School Spirits, which offers plenty of angst and a solid slathering of the supernatural.

In Season 1, Maddie Nears (Peyton List) joined the spookiest clique in her high school, one made up of students who'd died over the decades. But Maddie couldn't remember how she'd died. That mystery reveal led to Season 2, when Maddie returned to the land of the living. But her dealings with the dead aren't done. And for bonus horror thrills, Bride of Chucky's Jennifer Tilly joins the cast as Split River High's District Superintendent. — K.P.

Starring: Jennifer Tilly, Peyton List, Kristian Ventura, Milo Manheim, Spencer MacPherson, Kiara Pichardo, Sarah Yarkin, Nick Pugliese, Rainbow Wedell, and Josh Zuckerman

How to watch: School Spirits Season 3 is now playing on Paramount+.

7. Greenland 2: Migration

In 2020, Gerard Butler had audiences at the edge of their seats with the nerve-shredding apocalyptic thriller Greenland. In that disaster movie, everything that could go wrong did, and then some. And yet, the family of three at its center survived!

Greenland 2: Migration picks up five years after the comet Clarke hit Earth with massively devastating effects. In their bunker, John Garrity (Butler), his family, and their neighbors are running out of resources. There's scientific speculation that a far-flung crater in southern France could grant them a new home, untouched by Clarke's worst effects. But getting there will be a harrowing journey, studded with new obstacles and fresh fears to face. Can the Garrity family survive this too? We're already holding our breath to find out.* — K.P.

Starring: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Roman Griffin Davis, Amber Rose Revah, Gordon Alexander, Peter Polycarpou, William Abadie, and Tommie Earl Jenkins

How to watch: Greenland 2: Migration is now available for rental or purchase on Fandango at Home.

6. Wicked Little Letters

If the Academy Awards nominations have you hankering for more from Best Actress frontrunner Jessie Buckley, check out this quirky and profane 2023 period piece.

The Oscar–nominated Hamnet lead stars opposite Oscar winner Olivia Colman in a comedy about a ferocious feud between two neighbors in 1920s Littlehampton. Buckley plays a coarse but loving single mother who is the burr in the sensible shoes of her prim and easily perturbed neighbor (Colman). So when the latter starts being harassed by a barrage of "wicked little letters" (meaning hateful handwritten missives full of expletives), she points the police to her nonconforming neighbor. This is a charming — while a bit rude — comedy. And for bonus bonkerness, it's based on a true story, known as the Littlehampton libels! — K.P.

Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Joanna Scanlan, Gemma Jones, Malachi Kirby, Lolly Adefope, Eileen Atkins, Tim Key, and Timothy Spall

How to watch: Wicked Little Letters is now playing on Hulu.

5. Peter Hujar's Day

In his Mashable review, Siddhant Adlakha praised this "buzzy Sundance fave," writing, "From Ira Sachs — director of the striking contemporary queer drama Passages — the 1970s New York-set Peter Hujar's Day is a confined, two-character experiment that's far more about mood than plot. Set almost entirely in one apartment over the course of a single day, its mere 76 minutes are languidly paced, though that's a major part of its success. Few filmmakers have so distinctly evoked an era without so much as pointing their camera out through a window to capture the street below.

"The film is reconstructed from a transcript, once thought to be lost, of an interview with gay New York photographer Peter Hujar (Passages star Ben Whishaw) conducted by writer Linda Rosenkrantz (Rebecca Hall). The recording resurfaced in 2019 — Rosenkrantz has since published it as a book under the same title as the movie — but Sachs doesn't merely restage the interview as written. Rather, he extrapolates what feels like an entire lifetime from words alone."* — K.P.

Starring: Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall

How to watch: Peter Hujar's Day is now streaming on The Criterion Channel.

4. The Wrecking Crew

Aquaman's Jason Momoa and Guardians of the Galaxy's Dave Bautista team up with Blue Beetle director Angel Manuel Soto for a buddy-cop action-comedy that goes hard.

The stars play a pair of estranged half-brothers, reunited over the mysterious murder of their father. Soto offers plenty of action sequences, which Momoa and Bautista make the most of with their nearly blinding cumulative star power. Then, there's an earnest family drama thrumming at the heart of these bonkers stunts and occasional dick jokes. As I cheered in my review, "Soto blends these bits of comedy, drama, action, suspense, and style into a movie that's a real banger. Here's hoping we get a sequel." — K.P.

Starring: Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Claes Bang, Temuera Morrison, Jacob Batalon, Frankie Adams, Miyavi, Stephen Root, and Morena Baccarin

How to watch: The Wrecking Crew is now streaming on Prime Video.

3. Shrinking, Season 3

Apple TV's beloved comedy Shrinking returns for its third season in 2026, and I wouldn't blame you for already tearing up at the thought of the laughs and life lessons the show has coming down the line. The gang's all back in Season 3, with therapists Jimmy (Jason Segel), Gaby (Jessica Williams), and Paul (Harrison Ford) continuing to navigate their own changing lives alongside those of their patients. Season 3 is also introducing some big-name guest stars, including Candice Bergen and Jeff Daniels. Most notable is Michael J. Fox, who will be playing someone in Paul's orbit as he deals with his Parkinson's disease. Fox himself has Parkinson's, even retiring from acting in 2020 due to the condition. However, Shrinking marks an exciting return for the actor.* — B.E.

Starring: Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, Ted McGinley, Brett Goldstein, Damon Wayans Jr., Wendie Malick, Cobie Smulders, Jeff Daniels, Candice Bergen, and Michael J. Fox

How to watch: Shrinking Season 3 premieres Jan. 28 on Apple TV.

2. Wonder Man

The MCU goes to Hollywood in its latest TV outing. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as Simon Williams, a struggling actor hoping to earn his big break in the upcoming remake of 1980's superhero film Wonder Man. He finds a surprising friend in Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), an actor whose most well-known role is playing the terrorist known as the Mandarin. The two make an endearing pair, but there's a catch: Simon is hiding destructive superpowers, and Trevor is working undercover for the Department of Damage Control to catch him.

Wonder Man soars thanks to the power of Abdul-Mateen II and Kingsley's crackling chemistry, which creates an irresistible MCU bromance. As I wrote in my review, "These unlikely kindred spirits may be the best thing to ever happen to one another, and the resulting relationship is among the most rewarding in the MCU." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, X Mayo, Zlatko Burić, Arian Moayed, Shola Adewusi, Demetrius Grosse, Béchir Sylvain, Kameron J. Meadows, Olivia Thirlby, Byron Bowers, Joe Pantoliano, Josh Gad, and Ben Kingsley

How to watch: Wonder Man is now streaming on Disney+.

Best of Streaming this week:
Bridgerton, Season 4 - Part 1

Dearest gentle readers, I have the great delight to inform you that the new season of Bridgerton is here, and it's downright enchanting. Season 4 focuses on the romance between the ton's well-known rake Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and servant Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). The pair cross paths at a masquerade ball, where dreams can briefly become reality. But when midnight strikes and the masks come off, how will this class-spanning love story continue?

The first four episodes of Bridgerton Season 4 spin the beginnings of a swoon-worthy Cinderella story, with Ha and Thompson giving it their all as the show's latest romantic leads. As I wrote in my review, "[T]he results, like any good fairy tale love story, will sweep you off your feet." — B.E.

Starring: Yerin Ha, Luke Thompson, Adjoa Andoh, Lorraine Ashbourne, Nicola Coughlan, Ruth Gemmell, Claudia Jessie, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, and Emma Naomi

How to watch: Bridgerton Season 4 - Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.