Technology

The worst part of some scams lies in their ability to disguise themselves as harmless tasks. But how do you spot them and protect yourself?

Smart homes might seem like a pricey way to save time and effort, but there are many ways in which they can actually save you money. Here's how.

"It would've been nice to get an audition," mused Count Orlok (Sarah Sherman) during Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update, sharing their thoughts on Robert Eggers’ 2024 Nosferatu remake.

Referred to only as "Original Nosferatu," Orlok admitted they liked the movie but couldn’t resist taking a jab at New Nosferatu, played by Bill Skarsgård. "He’s not scary enough," Sherman quipped through the makeup, likening Skarsgård’s look to "a shirtless Ned Flanders."

SEE ALSO: 'SNL' has Dave Chappelle on 'Pop the Balloon'

But things really took a turn when "Original Nosferatu" set their sights on Weekend Update host Colin Jost. In true Sarah Sherman fashion, the rest of the segment devolved into a roast session. Jost endured cutting insults about his anatomy, alleged assistant-creeping tendencies, and a supposed coke habit.

The highlight? When Jost, recoiling as Sherman reached for his face, said, "The last thing I need is you sucking on my nose." Sherman quipped back “Suck on your nose? No thanks, I don’t want to be up all night. Because of the cocaine, Colin."

It was less an interview with the vampire and more of a bloodbath — but in the best way possible.

Microsoft 365 is a go-to for managing calendars, but if privacy is your priority, Proton Calendar is a great alternative. Thinking of making the switch? To keep things seamless, you'll want to bring over your existing calendars. Here's how to move your Outlook calendar into Proton Calendar.

YouTube’s hit dating show Pop the Balloon or Find Love just got the Saturday Night Live treatment — and it’s as chaotic as you’d expect. The series, known for its lineup of singles clutching red balloons and ruthless eliminations, has become an internet obsession, especially within the Black community.

SEE ALSO: 'SNL' Weekend Update ponders what it means to live without TikTok

SNL’s parody captures the chaos perfectly. Contestants are swiftly eliminated for ridiculous reasons, like when Heidi Gardner’s character popped a balloon after hearing, “I like to cook,” and declaring, “I really don’t like the smell of food.”

But the sketch's highlight is Dave Chappelle's surprising appearance as Silky Johnson, his foul-mouthed, over-the-top Chappelle’s Show character. Understandably, all the women popped their balloons, but that didn't stop Silky from giving musical guest Glorilla another one so he could pop it himself for "her sass."

Apple Intelligence's Writing Tool is truly amazing, allowing you to check grammar, adjust the tone of your writing, and summarize content. Since Microsoft has yet to introduce a similar feature for Windows, you can use an open-source app as an alternative to optimize your writing on Windows.

As Americans sat down to tune into the latest Saturday Night Live episode, TikTok quietly went offline, pulling the plug on U.S. users despite reassurances from the Biden administration that it wouldn't be enforced until the new administration took office.

Though it felt like it for many, the world did not end, and SNL, for what it's worth, kept on peddling jokes as the country mourned the app's loss.

SEE ALSO: TikTok banned: Why you’re seeing a pop-up when you open the app

Cast member Michael Longfellow and Weekend Update host Michael Che dug into why it was so upsetting, debating the heightened emotional response, because, lest we forget, we didn't even have it for that long.

What about the data and national security concerns regarding China, the Michaels wondered. Who cares, Longfellow argues. It teaches us things. It diagnosed my ADHD. It ruined my mental health and attention span, he opines, but at least there was something to do.

"I know I lived a life before TikTok. But that boy is dead."

Did you hide some photos on your iPhone but have forgotten how to access them? Here's how to view the hidden album on an iPhone, and enable it again if you're disabled the feature.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunrday, January 19, 2025:

AcrossWith 9-Across, Dick who starred in a Coldplay music video released on his 99th birthday in December 2024

• The answer is Van.

Turn away, as one's gaze

• The answer is Avert.

Seattle's Space Needle, for one

• The answer is Tower.

"Ah, gotcha"

• The answer is I see.

See 1-Across

• The answer is Dyke.

DownTank in a factory

• The answer is Vat.

Steer clear of

• The answer is Avoid.

Filled with the latest gossip

• The answer is Newsy.

Smell terrible

• The answer is Reek.

Stereotypically simple role in a school play

• The answer is Tree.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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.

Without backups, you risk losing everything from important documents to irreplaceable family pictures. Deja Dup makes it easy to automatically back up your entire Ubuntu system. Let me show you how to set it up in just a few minutes.

Modern web browsers offer ways to back up browsing data on one device and sync it on another. It's a convenient way to pick up where you left off when you switch devices. All it takes is a few clicks.

While fires were raging in California, my corner of the US was hit by snowstorms. We lost power for a spell, and when we did, I was surprised just how much I appreciated having a book-style foldable phone.

After reviewing so many keyboards, I’m not easily impressed. So, HyperX must have done something right for its Alloy Rise 75 Wireless Keyboard to join the ranks of one of my favorites. Even an annoying software bug wasn’t enough to make me set down the simple but satisfying board.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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 January 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 19 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: I get the message

These words are functions of an inbox.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are actions you might take when you get a message.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is EmailLabel.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for January 19

• Inbox

• Sent

• Trash

• Drafts

• Spam

• Snoozed

• Starred

• EmailLabel

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

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

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

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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 today: Hints and answers for January 19 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's The Mini crossword answers for January 19, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Term for boat athlete.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

ROWER.

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 January 19

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

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

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

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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's The Mini crossword answers for January 19 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: A collection or pool of money or resources

• Green: Legal terms for documents or proceedings submitted in court

• Blue: Natural features of Earth's surface

• Purple: Objects and concepts associated with lights or a sea creature

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Fund

• Green: Court Filing

• Blue: Landforms

• Purple: They Have Rays

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 #588 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Fund: KITTY, POOL, POT, PURSE

• Court Filing: ACTION, CASE, CLAIM, SUIT

• Landforms: BASIN, BLUFF, CAPE, PLAIN

• They Have Rays: AQUARIUM, GEOMETRY, SUN, TAMPA BAY

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 January 19

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.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

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 precise

• Green: Positions on the ice

• Blue: HOFers who played in the Bay Area

• Purple: Leader of the Bills

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Inaccurate

• Green: Ice hockey positions

• Blue: Giants Hall of Famers

• Purple: Associated with Josh Allen

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 #118 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Inaccurate - AWAY, OFF THE MARK, OUTSIDE, WIDE

• Ice Hockey Positions - CENTER, DEFENSEMAN, GOALTENDER, WINGER

• Giants Hall of Famers - MARICHAL, MAYS, MCCOVEY, OTT

• Associated with Josh Allen - 17, BUFFALO, QB, WYOMING

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.

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.

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for $39.99 and own it forever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac $39.99
$229.00 Save $189.01 Get Deal

If you’re tired of renting your software through never-ending subscriptions, Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac offers a refreshing alternative. For just $39.99, this lifetime license gives you access to essential apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook — all without recurring fees.

While it’s not the latest version, it’s compatible with macOS Mojave and newer, ensuring you can continue using Office even if you haven’t upgraded to the newest macOS releases.

You can craft professional documents in Word, analyze data in Excel, create engaging presentations in PowerPoint, and keep your inbox under control with Outlook. This version also includes offline access, which is a significant advantage for those who work in areas with spotty internet connections or prefer to keep their data off the cloud.

For Mac users, this deal offers a solid productivity solution at a fraction of the cost of ongoing Office 365 subscriptions. The predictable, one-time payment eliminates the worry of surprise price hikes or unexpected renewal fees, giving you peace of mind and control over your software expenses.

Unlike subscription models that tie you to recurring costs, this lifetime license lets you own the software outright. That means you get the full suite of productivity tools with no need to worry about losing access if you decide to stop paying a monthly fee. For many users, this kind of stability and control is a significant advantage over cloud-based alternatives.

Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 may not have every cloud-connected feature of newer versions, but it still delivers a robust, reliable, and feature-rich experience for everyday use. 

This offer is perfect for cost-conscious professionals and small business owners who need reliable tools without the ongoing cost of a subscription. It’s also a great fit for freelancers who want to invest in their productivity without breaking the bank.

At just $39.99, it’s one of the best offers you’ll find for Microsoft Office — a suite that has become a staple in workplaces worldwide.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Own a lightweight, grade-A refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air, 13.3-inch (Intel Core i5 1.8GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) for $229.97 — perfect as a primary or backup device.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air, 13.3-inch (Intel Core i5 1.8GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $229.97
$999.00 Save $769.03 Get Deal

When it comes to tech, even your backup computer should be reliable. That's why we love the idea of perusing refurbished units.

This grade-A refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air, 13.3-inch (Intel Core i5, 1.8GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) is a sleek, lightweight, and power-packed laptop that can keep up with your day-to-day life, whether it’s your daily driver or a safety net. And at just $229.97, you’re getting serious Apple quality without the Apple price tag.

This grade-A refurbished MacBook Air features a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 128GB SSD storage, making it ideal for everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and streaming.

With 12 hours of battery life, you can power through your to-do list and still have time to unwind with your favorite shows. Plus, the 13.3-inch widescreen display delivers crystal-clear visuals, whether you’re watching videos or working on a presentation.

WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity ensure you stay connected wherever you go, while the lightweight design makes it easy to carry around — no more lugging around a clunky laptop. And since it’s grade A refurbished, it’s near-mint condition without the mint-condition price.

Think of this MacBook Air as your trusty sidekick. Need a laptop for work-from-home days? It’s got you covered. Traveling and want to pack light? No problem. Worried about your primary laptop crashing mid-project? This MacBook's got you.

Plus, Apple fans know that MacBooks hold their value and remain reliable for years. This isn’t just a bargain — it’s an investment in tech that's built to last.

Pick up a refurbished MacBook Air for the incredibly low price of $229.97 (reg. $999) while stock is still available.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Charge up to five devices simultaneously in over 190 countries with the G6 Pro USB-C 100W Travel Adapter with GaN on sale for $49.99 (reg. $79).

Opens in a new window Credit: Chargeasap G6 Pro USB-C 100W Travel Adapter with GaN $49.99
$79.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal

If you’ve ever had your phone die mid-adventure, or your laptop blink out during an airport layover, you know the importance of a reliable travel adapter. Enter the G6 Pro USB-C 100W Travel Adapter — your new best friend for charging on the go.

Designed for frequent flyers, remote workers, and digital nomads, this sleek little powerhouse delivers fast, efficient charging for up to five devices at once, no matter where in the world you are. And it's on sale for just $49.99.

The G6 Pro is compatible with over 190 countries, meaning you can use it from Bangkok to Berlin without needing to carry a bag of bulky plug adapters. Simply slide between the UK, EU, AU, and US plugs with the push of a button, and you’re ready to power up. However, it should be noted that this does not work as a voltage converter.

The secret to the G6 Pro’s power lies in GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology. Unlike traditional chargers, GaN chargers are smaller, faster, and cooler — both in temperature and style. This tech allows the G6 Pro to pack a whopping 100W output in a device small enough to slip into your pocket.

What does that mean for you? This means you can charge your MacBook Pro, smartphone, tablet, and even headphones — all simultaneously. No more competing for outlets or waiting for your devices to charge one by one. And with four USB-C ports and one USB-A port, everyone in your travel group can stay powered up, too. 

And it’s not just for travel. The G6 Pro’s sleek design and fast charging capabilities make it ideal for everyday use at home or in the office. Why settle for a slow, single-port charger when you can power up all your devices?

Get your G6 Pro USB-C 100W Travel Adapter with GaN for just $49.99 (reg. $79) while you can.

StackSocial prices subject to change.