Technology

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box has dropped to $99.45 at Amazon — about $10 off its usual $109.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box Mega Lucario $99.45 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $10.54 Get Deal

Elite Trainer Boxes tied to newer Pokémon TCG expansions don’t often fall in price, but Amazon has cut a decent amount off one of 2025’s most popular ETBs. As of Feb. 17, the Mega Lucario version of the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box is now down to $99.45 on Amazon, cutting its usual $109.99 list price. 

For this lower price, you’ll get the same type of content Pokémon fans can expect from other ETBs: 

• Nine Mega Evolution booster packs

• Full-art foil promo card featuring Riolu

• 65 card sleeves

• 40 Energy cards

• Six damage counter dice

• Collector’s storage box with dividers (to help keep everything organized)

If you’ve been keeping an eye on Mega Evolution pricing lately, you’ll already know how rare it is to see these boxes dip below the $100 mark. For months, fluctuating stock levels and inflated reseller listings have kept prices higher than many collectors would like. Thankfully, things are starting to shift again as newer supply settles and discounts begin appearing more frequently on Amazon.

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While prices across trading card marketplaces can vary depending on demand, Amazon remains one of the easier places to pick up Mega Evolution products that are readily available without overly breaking the bank. Dedicated trading card platform TCGplayer is completely out of stock for this version of the Mega Evolution ETB right now, so Amazon is the place to buy.

For more Pokémon TCG deals at Amazon, Ascended Heroes Tech Sticker Collections are still available for around $45. You can also pick up the Pokémon TCG’s Mega Evolution 3-Pack Blister for only $34.99.

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

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

One of the biggest obstacles to upgrading your gaming setup’s monitor to an OLED is the high price point of big-brand models, but Alienware might have just solved that problem. As of Feb. 17, the 34-inch Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitor (AW3423DWF model) has dropped to $499.99 on Amazon, marking the lowest price we’ve seen for this premium ultrawide gaming screen — as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel. 

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

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

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

We knew Nothing would be up to something (sorry) during this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, but the company just made it official by sending us an invite for the launch of its next smartphone, the Nothing 4a.

The event is technically happening during MWC, which is held from March 2 to 5, 2026, but it will take place in London, UK. It starts at 10:30 a.m. GMT (5:30 a.m. ET), and it will be livestreamed on Nothing's website.

SEE ALSO: MWC 2026: What to expect at the world's largest phone show

The invite's tagline is "something new is coming," though there's not a lot of mystery here, as the invite also says that the event is about the Nothing Phone 4a series.

During last year's MWC, Nothing launched two smartphones, the Nothing 3a and Nothing 3a Pro. Both were slick-looking, fairly affordable mid-rangers with big displays, big batteries, and a couple of Nothing-specific software features.

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There's no official world on what, exactly, is coming, but we're probably going to see Nothing Phone 4a and Phone 4a Pro, both featuring Snapdragon 7-series chips. While Nothing is best known for its monochromatic designs, the new phones will probably be available in several colors.

Fun fact: Nothing's launch event will be held just one day after Apple's 'special experience' event, where the company is expected to launch a multitude of new products (as referenced by Nothing CEO Carl Pei's cheeky tweet). As we've said in our recent MWC overview, it's going to be a busy couple of weeks for gadget lovers.

Featured Video For You Samsung first look: Go up close with Galaxy Z TriFold, the futuristic foldable only available in Korea

Are you tired of the GNOME vs. KDE debate when neither feels quite right? Curious if there's a Linux desktop that better matches your actual workflow? Well, here are five underrated desktop environments that might better suit your needs and requirements.

SAVE OVER $90: As of Feb. 17, the Kamrui Hyper H1 Mini Gaming PC has been marked down to $419.97 at Amazon. This saves you $90.02 off its list price of $509.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kamrui KAMRUI Hyper H1 Mini Gaming PC $419.97 at Amazon
$509.99 Save $90.02   Get Deal

If you've been searching for a desktop computer but don't want to splash out on a massive build, it's worth looking into a mini PC. Now is a great time to be shopping, with some great Presidents' Day deals still live. Over at Amazon, the Kamrui Hyper H1 Mini Gaming PC is among the many deals still live, marked down to $419.97 for a limited time.

The Kamrui Hyper H1 Mini Gaming PC usually comes with a price tag of $509.99, but you can save just over $90 right now. Considering it has a "limited time deal" tag right now, it's worth keeping in mind that it may not stay on sale for long. Act fast to score it at this low price.

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Don't let its smaller, compact size fool you. The Kamrui Hyper H1 Mini Gaming PC packs a punch. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor for smooth, speedy performance, alongside 32GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD. It can even support up to three displays simultaneously, which is great if you want a multi-monitor setup to maximize productivity.

Don't miss out on this great deal on the Kamrui Hyper H1 Mini Gaming PC at Amazon. Curious what else Amazon has on sale right now? Have a look at our rundown of Amazon's Presidents' Day sale to see what other deals are still live.

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 17, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE are on sale for $119.99 at Amazon. That's $30 off their list price of $149.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE (2025) $119.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal

We're slowly inching towards spring. Looking forward to getting outside in the sunshine and jamming to your favorite tunes? It's worth investing in a good pair of earbuds that can keep up. Thankfully, even as Presidents' Day sales start to wind down, Amazon has some great deals to check out. This includes a limited-time discount on the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE earbuds.

As of Feb. 17, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE earbuds have been marked down to $119.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you $30 on their list price of $149.99. This deal applies to both the black and gray colors, so you can pick out your favorite pair on sale.

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With the help of Active Noise Cancellation, these earbuds make sure no outside sounds get in the way. And for those moments when you'd rather hear a bit more of what's going on around you, they also feature an Ambient mode. The battery can even last up to 24 hours with the help of the charging case when you have ANC switched on.

This offer on the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE may not last for long. So if they've caught your eye, now is the time to make a move on them.

Looking for even more great deals available at Amazon right now? Check out our breakdown of Amazon's Presidents' Day sale to see what other discounts are still live.

TL;DR: Get the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection for $39.45 at Amazon — $24 cheaper than TCGplayer and with delivery just in time for Pokémon Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection $39.45 at Amazon
Get Deal

Pokémon Day 2026 is only a short while away, and now TCG fans can celebrate the Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary with a remarkable set for a reasonable price. As of Feb. 17, the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection is available for $39.45 at Amazon. Order now to get this set in time for Pokémon Day taking place on Feb. 27. 

Although there is an alternative listing for a slightly lower price at a clean $39, it comes with a slightly longer delivery window of March 2-4 — which would mean this would arrive after the big day. 

To help trading card game fans properly commemorate their love for the Pocket Monsters franchise, the 2026 Pokémon Day Collection comes with the following Pokémon TCG products: 

• Pikachu foil promo card with Pokémon Day stamp

• Three Pokémon TCG booster packs — two Phantasmal Flames and one Mega Evolution

• One official Pokémon Day 2026 coin

The special Pikachu card is the big selling point here. Despite its ‘Random Spark’ attack not being the best competitively, its adorable artwork by illustrator kodama (who’s worked on over 100 cards now) and its obvious exclusivity will likely drive the price up as time goes on. 

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Individual listings for its booster packs — Phantasmal Flames and Mega Evolution —  are currently selling for around $12 and $10 respectively. Getting a bundle of three packs and an exclusive Pikachu card (with a coin to boot) for just under $40 is a solid deal.

For more of the best prices on new Pokémon TCG products via Amazon, you can also grab the Ascended Heroes Tech Sticker Collections for around $45. Meanwhile, you can also pick up the Pokémon TCG’s Mega Evolution 3-Pack Blister for only $34.99 at Amazon.

Ring's newest, most advanced wired doorbell camera is here, and it's a straight upgrade from the previous versions of the product in almost every way. But is it actually superior enough to justify replacing what you already have? That depends on how much you value AI features.

SAVE $250: As of Feb. 17, the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 is on sale for $749.99 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 $749.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $250   Get Deal

Does your gaming setup need a little refresh? If you’ve exhausted all the best gaming accessories, how about a new monitor? And there couldn’t be better timing, because the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 is on sale at Amazon for its best price this year. As of Feb. 17, this impressive monitor is on sale for $749.99, down from $999.99. That’s a saving of $250 on list price. So, what are you getting for your cash? 

This is a curved gaming monitor with a 1,000R design and Dual QHD resolution, so you’re getting full peripheral vision for a more immersive gaming experience. It has a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms (GtG) response time so you can say goodbye to lag. It also has a 1000-nit peak brightness and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, so you can expect vivid colors and deep shadows in every game you play. 

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It’s designed for comfort too, with the Hexa stand and VESA compatibility letting you tilt, swivel, and adjust the height for what suits you best. It also has TÜV-certified eye comfort technology that reduces blue light and flicker. So even during long gaming sessions, your eyes should be protected from strain and discomfort.

Get this gaming monitor deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $18: As of Feb.17, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Select is on sale for $21.99 at Amazon. That's a 45% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K Select $21.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $18.00   Get Deal

Amazon's new Fire Stick 4K Select is back on sale, and it's at its lowest price of 2026.

The Fire Stick 4K range recently had a rejig, with Fire Stick 4K rebranding to the 4K Plus and the introduction of a new model, the 4K Select. The Select is a budget-friendly option, giving you essential 4K streaming features at a more affordable price. And as of Feb. 17, it's down to just $21.99. That's almost half off (45%) and a saving of $1 on list price. And if you have a 4K ready TV, this is a great choice to level up your streaming.

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To get going, start by plugging the Fire Stick into your TV's HDMI port, then connect it to your closest wall outlet. Then pair the included remote with your TV, connect the device to the WiFi, and login to your Amazon account to start watching.

The included remote becomes the primary control for your TV, and is now able to power it on and off and control the volume. You don't need to have a selection of various remotes, as this nifty Amazon control is now all you need. And it even has Alexa built-in. Hold down the blue button to ask your most burning questions or search through various streaming platforms.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so if you're interested in upgrading your streaming setup, head to the retailer now before the price goes back up.

SAVE OVER $600: As of Feb. 17, the Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED TV is on sale for $859.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED TV $859.99 at Amazon
$1,498 Save $638.01   Get Deal

Have you been eyeing up the Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED TV for some time? If you've not already noticed, it has dropped to its lowest-ever price at Amazon. As of Feb. 17, it is priced at $859.99, a saving of over $600 on list price. At time of writing, every size option for this TV is on sale, so you can choose from the 55-inch all the way up to the 100-inch model.

This TV gives you advanced picture and sound technology so you get an amazing home theater display at all times. The Mini LED backlighting gives you up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness and 5,600 local dimming zones, so you're getting incredible quality no matter what you watch.

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Gamers are sorted thanks to the native 165Hz panel with Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Game Boost 288. There's also an enhanced Game Bar that lets you adjust settings and monitor performance without hassle. So it's not just great movies and TV shows — gaming is high quality with next to no lag.

Get this incredible TV deal from Amazon now.

TL;DR: A lifetime Starter Plan for Aivolut AI Book Creator, a tool designed to help plan, write, and prep books for Amazon KDP, is on sale for $118.99 (reg. $696).

Opens in a new window Credit: Aivolut Books Aivolut AI Book Creator: Lifetime Subscription (Starter Plan) $118.99
$696 Save $577.01   Get Deal

Writing a book often gets stuck between a spark of inspiration and a finished draft. The Aivolut AI Book Creator aims to help you with that, and its lifetime Starter Plan is on sale right now for $118.99 (reg. $696).

This software specializes in long-form writing instead of quick prompts. Users begin with an idea or outline — typed or dictated — and Aivolut generates a cohesive manuscript that keeps tone and structure consistent across chapters. Writers can customize voice and style, edit sections or blend in their own material throughout the process. Finished drafts can reach up to 50,000 words, depending on credit usage, which is based on the manuscript length.

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Aside from drafting, Aivolut helps prep books for publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. The platform automatically generates metadata, such as descriptions, keywords, and categories, which can reduce setup time before uploading. For writers looking to self-publish efficiently, this feature can save hours of manual work.

This is great for aspiring authors, marketers and business owners who want to create authoritative books or nonfiction projects without starting from scratch. It can also appeal to first-time authors seeking guidance on structure, as well as seasoned KDP publishers looking to speed up early drafts. Fiction writers may find it useful for planning and consistency, but hands-on editing and originality remain key.

AI-generated drafts still benefit from human revision, and the Starter Plan uses a credit system that caps the amount of content that can be generated at once. Writers looking for unlimited output or advanced features may need a higher-tier plan.

For $118.99 (reg. $696) Aivolut AI Book Creator is a lower-cost option for anyone curious about using AI to move a book project forward.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: This powerful MacBook Pro can be yours for only $409.97 (reg. $1,580) now through Feb. 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (2020) 13" i5 2GHz Touchbar 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $409.97
$1,580 Save $1,170.03   Get Deal

If you’ve always dreamed of owning a MacBook Pro, but the sky-high price tag held you back, we have some good news. This sleek and powerful model can be yours for $409.97 through Feb. 22, while supplies last.

There’s a reason people are willing to spend thousands of dollars on the MacBook Pro. It’s Apple‘s most powerful and portable device, letting you tackle work, play, and more on the go. Luckily, this model is available for a fraction of the price, without sacrificing any bells and whistles.

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This MacBook Pro is equipped with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2GHz base speed and boost speeds up to 3.8GHz, so it can keep up with even heavy workloads. And you’ll be able to tackle it all on a 13.3-inch display that features Apple’s True Tone technology, which can help reduce eye strain by adjusting to your lighting.

512GB of SSD storage lets you save files and download apps directly to the device, while 16GB of RAM lets you handle video editing and coding. You’ll also enjoy unique Apple features like the Magic Keyboard with a Touch Bar, which offers responsive typing and convenient access to shortcuts right at the top.

Keep your device safe with Touch ID. There are four Thunderbolt 3 ports for easy connectivity options, and a full charge delivers an impressive 10 hours of battery life. It’s also optimized for macOS, so you’ll enjoy seamless performance.

You’re saving big on this model thanks to its grade-A refurbished status. That means you get to score a major discount, while the device you purchased arrives in near-mint condition.

Get a MacBook Pro for just $409.97 (reg. $1,580) now through Feb. 22.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025-26 Champions League for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The top club competition in the world of football has to be the Champions League. There is nothing else that brings the very best teams in the world together in a battle for footballing immortality. Sure, winning your domestic league is great. But winning the Champions League is on another level.

If you want to watch the 2025-26 Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Champions League?

The Champions League is an annual club football competition organised by UEFA and contested by top-division European clubs. This year's tournament begins with a 36-team round robin group stage to determine which sides qualify for the double-legged knockout rounds, followed by a single leg final.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2024-25 Europa League online for free

The defending champions are PSG.

When is the 2025-26 Champions League?

The 2025-26 Champions League is the 71st edition of the competition (and the 34th since it was renamed the Champions League). This season's tournament runs from July 8 to 30 May.

How to watch the 2025-26 Champions League for free

It is possible to live stream the 2025-26 Champions League for free on the following streaming platforms:

• Ireland — RTÉ Player and Virgin Media (select fixtures including the final)

• UK — Prime Video (select fixtures including semi finals with 30-day free trial)

These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025-26 Champions League 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 coverage of the Champions League

4. Visit RTÉ Player, Virgin Media, or Prime Video (free trial)

5. Watch Champions League fixtures for free from anywhere in the world

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 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 of the 2025-26 Champions League without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, the fact is 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 Champions League?

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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 17, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for February 17, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 17 Pips

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 17 Pips

Less Than (2): Everything in this purple space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this red space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (5): Everything in this green space must be greater than 5. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this purple space must be greater than 3. The answer is 2-6. placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 17 Pips

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed vertically; 1-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this red space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this light blue space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is easier if you know your podium-worthy competitions.

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.

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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: 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: You can go for gold in all of these

• Green: Regionally specific educational institutions

• Blue: Same first name

• Purple: Same second word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Summer Olympic sports

• Green: DC Schools

• Blue: Pauls

• Purple: ____ league

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 #512 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Summer Olympic sports - FENCING, GOLF, JUDO, RUGBY

• DC schools - AMERICAN, GEORGE WASHINGTON, GEORGETOWN, HOWARD

• Pauls - COFFEY, GEORGE, MOLITOR, SKENES

• ____ league - CACTUS, G, GRAPEFRUIT, LITTLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026:

AcrossPrefix meaning "eight"

• The answer is Octo.

Classic poem that begins "I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness"

• The answer is Howl.

One of the Jenners

• The answer is Kylie.

As one word: A henchman / As two words: "Please proceed"

• The answer is Goon.

Prickly seedcases

• The answer is Burs.

Down"Stop, I'm blushing!"

• The answer is Oh You.

Indicator of difficulty in Connections

• The answer is Color.

Identical siblings

• The answer is Twins.

Repeated cheer at a soccer stadium

• The answer is Ole.

Soviet spy org.

• The answer is KGB.

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

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

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

Stephen Colbert has blasted CBS, claiming that the network has barred him from airing his interview with Texas State Rep. James Talarico. He was also allegedly told that he couldn't even mention not having Talarico on. Of course, that didn't stop him.

"Because my network clearly doesn't want us to talk about this, let's talk about this," Colbert quipped.

The Late Show host spent around eight minutes giving audiences a peek behind the curtain, explaining that CBS' lawyers told them "in no uncertain terms" that Talarico could not be on the broadcast. CBS' mandate was apparently due to FCC chair Brendan Carr stating that he's considering eliminating the talk show exemption to the equal time rule. Under this rule, if a program on radio or broadcast television interviews a candidate during an election, they have to do the same with all their opponents as well. 

Carr has claimed that removing the talk show exemption would be an attempt to reduce partisanship in broadcast. However, Colbert noted that the FCC chair has said he's not interested in applying the same pressure to radio shows which are traditionally right-leaning.

"I think you are motivated by partisan purposes yourself. Sir, ya smelt it 'cause ya dealt it. You are Dutch ovening America's airwaves," said Colbert. "Let's just call this what it is. Donald Trump's administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV, because all Trump does is watch TV. He's like a toddler with too much screen time."

Colbert also pointed out that, significantly, Carr hasn't actually eliminated the exemption yet, merely stated that he's thinking of doing it.

"He hasn't done away with it yet, but my network is unilaterally enforcing it as if he had," said Colbert. "I want to assure you, this decision is for purely financial reasons." 

Fortunately, you can still watch Colbert's interview with Talarico, just not on broadcast television. The segment has been uploaded to the Late Show's YouTube page, though Colbert was banned from linking directly to it. As of writing, the video's top comment states, "The FCC not wanting me to watch this made me want to watch this."

Watch Colbert's banned interview with Talarico below.

"The network says I can't give you [a] URL or a QR code, but I promise you, if you go to our YouTube page, you'll find it," said Colbert during the Late Show broadcast.

"So I cannot show you any form of James Talarico. I can't interview James Talarico. I can't show any pictures of James Talarico. I'm not even sure I can say the words 'James Talarico.' But what I can show you is what we always show when we have to pull material at the last minute: this tasteful nude of Brendan Carr."

Apple's iOS 26.4 beta is now available, just one week after the tech giant launched iOS 26.3. Released on Monday, the iOS 26.4 beta doesn't include the long-awaited Gemini-powered Siri, which was rumoured to arrive in this update up until last week. Instead, the latest iOS version focuses on changes to Apple Music and Podcasts, as well as testing out end-to-end RCS encryption for text messages.

The iOS 26.4 beta is currently only available to developers, however a wider public release is expected in the following weeks. Here are a few of the most significant new features you can look forward to.

Apple Music adds AI-generated playlists

Apple Music received a redesign in iOS 26.4 beta, adding full-page artwork and a new feature showing concerts and tour dates in your local area. However, the arguably bigger update is the new ability to create AI-generated playlists based on text prompts. 

Called Playlist Playground, users can type in a description of the type of tunes they're after, such as "evening wind down songs" or "90s grunge hits." Apple Music will then use AI to generate a 25-song playlist based on this prompt, which can be further refined by adding additional prompts as well as manually curating and reordering songs. Once you're happy with your playlist, you can add cover art and a description before saving it.

Apple Podcasts improves video capabilities

Apple Podcasts already supports video, but the iOS 26.4 beta has given this feature an update. Switching between audio and video should be easier, as Apple's communications protocol will automatically adjust playback quality depending upon your network conditions. Users can also swap between horizontal and vertical displays, and download video podcasts to watch later.

In addition to this, podcast creators can now dynamically insert video ads into their episodes, with Apple stating that this enables them to "[unlock] access to the broader video advertising market while maintaining full creative control." The tech giant further noted that video podcast episodes will be included in Apple Podcast features such as in personalised recommendations and editorially curated lists.

RCS end-to-end encryption tests in Messages

The new iOS update tests Rich Communication Services (RCS) end-to-end encryption in Messenger, a security measure which could eventually make texting your Android-using friends more secure. Even so, it's only available for messages sent between Apple devices during this testing stage.

iOS 26.4 beta's release notes state that RCS end-to-end encryption isn't currently available on all devices and carriers during this testing stage. Further, the feature won't be included when iOS 26.4 comes out of beta, Apple stating that it will be added in a future update.

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

To make amends.

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

ATONE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Recovery.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 17, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

REHAB

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Glimmering.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 17 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 17, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SHINY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Foundation.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

BASIS

Final Hurdle hint

Preface.

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

INTRO

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