Technology
How to watch Lakers vs. Clippers online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. LA Clippers in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
This week's NBA action has an exciting twist. It's Rivals Week, a concept introduced in recent years to highlight long-running and emerging rivalries within the NBA.
Among those rivalries is the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers, a long-standing clash known as the "Battle of LA". Historically, the Lakers have the advantage and have won seven of their last 10 games. The Lakers have a better record so far this season but the Clippers may have the momentum with a six-game winning streak.
If you want to watch Lakers vs. Clippers in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Lakers vs. Clippers?Lakers vs. Clippers in the NBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Jan. 22. This game takes place at Inuit Dome in Inglewood, CA.
How to watch Lakers vs. Clippers for freeLakers vs. Clippers in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S. and UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S. or UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S. or UK
Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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 secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 NBA for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Warriors vs. Mavericks online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The NBA serves up another exciting game as the Warriors visit the Mavericks. Neither franchise is setting the world on fire this season, with both teams in middling positions in the Western Conference. But they've both shown good form in recent weeks, so it feels like either team could clinch it on the night.
The game is also featured as part of Rivals Week, which showcases long-standing and new rivalries within the NBA conferences. Indeed, this rivalry goes back to the 2022 Western Conference Finals, won by Golden State, not to mention the fact that Klay Thompson switched from Golden State to Dallas in 2024.
If you want to watch Warriors vs. Mavericks in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Warriors vs. Mavericks?Warriors vs. Mavericks in the NBA starts at 7.30 p.m. ET on Jan. 22. This game takes place at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.
How to watch Warriors vs. Mavericks for freeWarriors vs. Mavericks in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S. and UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S. or UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S. or UK
Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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 secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 NBA for free with ExpressVPN.
Whats new to streaming this week? (Jan. 23, 2026)
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: 'His & Hers' shocking ending explained 22. The Big FakeForging great artworks is not an easy criminal task — you have to make the viewer believe they're looking at the work of ancient masters like Monet, Michelangelo, or Magritte. It’s the key talent of Toni Chichiarelli (Pietro Castellitto) of Netflix’s The Big Fake, a glitzy drama from Italian director Stefano Lodovichi (The Guest Room). Set in '70s Rome, the film sees Toni drawn into a glamorous underworld of wheeling and dealing in fakes, which gets more tumultuous and dangerous with each masterpiece. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
Starring: Pietro Castellitto, Giulia Michelini, Andrea Arcangeli, Pierluigi Gigante, Aurora Giovinazzo, Edoardo Pesce, and Claudio Santamaria
How to watch: The Big Fake debuts on Netflix on Jan. 23.
21. Drops of God, Season 2Consider yourself a bit of a sommelier? Could you blind taste a glass in front of you? Well, Apple TV's French-Japanese drama Drops of God takes the world of wine extremely seriously. Based on the Japanese manga series of the same name, Drops of God Season 1 followed the death of wealthy wine boss Alexandre Léger (Stanley Weber), who pitted his traumatised daughter Camille (Fleur Geffrier) and dedicated student Issei (Tomohisa Yamashita) against each other in a super somm-off — all to inherit his covetable private wine cellar. This season, there are even more quaffable questions about Léger they'll try to resist answering — but these two can't help themselves when it comes to identifying wine. — S.C.
Starring: Tomohisa Yamashita, Fleur Geffrier, and Tom Wozniczka
How to watch: Drops of God Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV, with new episodes Wednesdays.
20. Free BertStand-up comedian Bert Kreischer get his own sitcom with Free Bert. Known as a shirtless party animal, Bert finds himself in complicated terrain as his daughters get accepted into an elite private school. Sure, all parents embarrass their kids. But being known as the comedian who doesn't wear his shirt? Next-level cringe.
With family fun and plenty of f-bombs, Free Bert is a show of class conflict and ballsy comedy. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
Starring: Bert Kreischer, Arden Myrin, Chris Witaske, and Mandell Maughan
How to watch: Free Bert is now streaming on Netflix.
19. Skyscraper LiveAlex Honnold is about to do something wild, dangerous, and frankly, flummoxing.
The daring Free Solo pro climber gained fame for becoming the first person to climb Yosemite's El Capitan without safety ropes. Now, he is set to do it again — only this time he's picked Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world at 101 stories high. And he's going to do it live on Netflix, in real time.
SEE ALSO: How to watch 'Skyscraper Live': See Alex Honnold climb one of the world's tallest buildings in real timeHonnold's rope-free skyscraper climb will come with live commentary from sports anchor Elle Duncan, with special guests dropping by throughout. Honnold has checked in on Instagram, posting that he was "getting over my jet lag and feeling pretty good. Getting psyched!" — S.C.
Starring: Alex Honnold, Elle Duncan, Emily Harrington, Mark Rober, Seth Rollins, and Pete Woods
How to watch: Skyscraper Live streams live on Netflix Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. ET.
18. Ghostbusters: Frozen EmpireI have no love for these latest relaunched Ghostbuster movies. They retconned the best bits of the previous franchise to turn Egon into a deadbeat dad whose death left behind a sullen daughter (Carrie Coon) and precocious grandkids (Mckenna Grace and Finn Wolfhard), who must bust ghosts despite their generational trauma.
I called Ghostbusters: Afterlife a "soulless ode to nepotism." Yet I admit this frosty sequel isn't so bad. In my review, I wrote, "This makes for a new chapter that is overcrowded with characters, CGI ghouls, and science yelling. While at points, there's jokes that actually land (thanks to the likes of Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt), overall, this sequel is a confounding mix of fan service and inexplicable choices meant to cater to a broad audience." — K.P.
Starring: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, Kumail Nanjiani, and Patton Oswalt
How to watch: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is now on Hulu.
17. Finding Her EdgeAttempting to ride the coattails of HBO's wildly popular sports romance Heated Rivalry, Netflix's latest romance is also set on the ice. Adapted from Jennifer Iacopelli's YA novel and very loosely inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, Finding Her Edge follows figure skater Adriana Russo (Madelyn Keys), whose quest for corporate sponsorship sees her in a pretend relationship with her skating partner, Brayden (Cale Ambrozic). But what of her former skating partner, Freddie O’Connell (Olly Atkins), who also happens to be Adriana's first love?
Reader, you might be thinking, didn't Netflix already have an ice skating YA series? You'd be correct; Netflix cancelled ice skating drama Spinning Out, starring Kaya Scodelario, after just one season in 2022. Hmmm. — S.C.
Starring: Madelyn Keys, Cale Ambrozic, Harmon Walsh, Alexandra Beaton, and Olly Atkins
How to watch: Finding Her Edge is now streaming on Netflix.
16. Handsome Devil: Charming KillerIf you're craving a new true crime watch, this three-part documentary series could scratch that itch — or leave you irritated.
Handsome Devil: Charming Killer dives into the homicidal rampage of Wade Wilson, who, because he shares his name with a certain MCU anti-hero, has been dubbed the "Deadpool Killer." The facts of the case are harrowing, involving a string of assaults, two of which turned into cold-blooded murder. Yet when Wilson's case made headlines, lots of people flocked to social media to swoon over this "handsome devil."
This mini-series attempts to explore the charm (and manipulation) that lured men and women to pursue him romantically while he was behind bars, even as he was on trial for multiple homicides. Alongside lawyers and journalists, the filmmakers also interview a couple of Wilson's exes — including a former fiancee that began their relationship after his arrest. Yet they fall short of answering some nagging questions. The show's makers seem most interested in the shocking details of the crimes and the troubling fans who rose around him than they do the deeper impacts of the case and the online harassment Wilson's survivor faced.
While this one is shocking, it's more infuriating than informative. I'd keep scrolling for a much better true crime doc below. —K.P.
How to watch: Handsome Devil: Charming Killer is now on Paramount+.
15. Queer Eye, Season 10There's been a lot of talk recently about Queer Eye behind the scenes, from alleged feuds to one cast member retreating from promo citing fears of "being bullied." It's been a long road of exposés and of responses. So, after 10 seasons of uplifting makeovers, a whole town revamp, and groundbreaking onscreen representation, it's a strange vibe knowing Queer Eye is dropping its final episodes amid it all. Set in Washington, D.C., the final season will see Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Jonathan Van Ness, and Jeremiah Brent meeting, making over, and inspiring folks from the capital while reflecting on the show's legacy. It's a weird time to bid farewell to one of the most feel-good shows on TV knowing what we know and/or suspect about how the cast really feels about each other. — S.C.
Starring: Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Jonathan Van Ness, and Jeremiah Brent
How to watch: Queer Eye Season 10 is now streaming on Netflix.
14. WWE: Unreal, Season 2Digging its anchor further into the world of WWE, Netflix takes you behind the scenes of the complex production puzzle that is wrestling with docuseries Unreal — and there's a brand-new season. This time around, director Chris Weaver and showrunner Erik Powers give you a seat in Gorilla Position, tracking the road to SummerSlam 2025 at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, through writing, choreography, technical production, backstage drama, and more. Expect appearances by Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Naomi, and many more. — S.C.
Starring: Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll, R-Truth, Iyo Sky, Naomi, Chelsea Green, Penta, and Lyra Valkyria.
How to watch: WWE: Unreal Season 2 is now on Netflix.
13. Venom: Let There Be CarnageThis 2021 superhero movie dared to ask what's better than one extraterrestrial symbiote running amok on Earth? The answer? Two extraterrestrial symbiotes running amok on Earth.
This Spider-Man spinoff sequel stars Tom Hardy as ever-in-trouble Eddie Brock and his symbiote frenemy Venom. This chaotic duo finds their world rocked when an interview with serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson, dusting off that Natural Born Killers energy) gets infected, transforming him into the monstrous Carnage.
In her review for Mashable, Alison Foreman wrote upon the film's release, "Despite the chaos, Let There Be Carnage is supremely watchable. You’ll follow the main narrative with ease, find respite in the moments Michelle Williams’ Anne is forced to take control of her ex-boyfriend(s), and otherwise have an amazingly weird time. It’s breezy, yet bold; silly, yet compelling; a flurry of fuckery you won't want to miss. If you liked the first Venom, you'll enjoy his second outing just as much. After all, 'we are Venom' and three years later, that’s still rad as hell." — K.P.
Starring: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott, Stephen Graham, and Woody Harrelson
How to watch: Venom: Let There Be Carnage is now on Disney+.
12. Star SearchNo need to check your calendar. Star Search, the reality TV competition series before we even called it that, is back. Anthony Anderson steps into Ed McMahon's shows, taking the role of host of this talent competition, while Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Chrissy Teigen will serve as judges for a flood of aspiring singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, and surprising performers.
The original series ran from 1983 to 1995, and featured appearances from the likes of Aaliyah, Adam Sandler, Alanis Morissette, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Dave Chappelle, Beyoncé, and Pitbull. So, watching this Netflix relaunch means you could be watching the a new star be born — live! — K.P.
11. Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!Mel Brooks is a living legend of comedy. Since his outrageously funny directorial debut, 1967's The Producers, Brooks has been making audiences cackle with a long list of sensational spoofs like Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and Spaceballs (to name a few). But how much do you know about the man behind the masterclass of silliness?
In this two-part documentary, Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio look back on Brooks' incredible career and life with the man himself, his collaborators, and a slew of comedians who see him as an inspiration. — K.P.
Starring: Mel Brooks, Ben Stiller, Bill Pullman, Dave Chappelle, Conan O'Brien, and many more
How to watch: Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! is now streaming on HBO Max.
10. Um, Actually, Season 11Do you love trivia? Or being pedantic? Well, then Dropout's Um, Actually is the show for you! Each week, host Ify Nwadiwe challenges three players to find the error in long-winded facts about everything from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Doctor Who to Lord of the Rings and Buffy The Vampire Slayer. And unlike at a party, where such attention to detail can be downright grating, here, it's pretty hilarious.
But hey, remember. It's not enough to be right. You got to start your answer with "Um, actually." After all, this is basically Jeopardy! for funny nerds, like Dimension 20's Brennan Lee Mulligan and Critical Role's Matt Mercer. But that's not all. Take a look at the guest list for Season 11, and feel free to geek out in anticipation. — K.P.
Starring: Ify Nwadiwe, Brennan Lee Mulligan, Matt Mercer, Erika Ishii, Jordan Myrick, Angela Giarratana, Zac Oyama, Jarvis Johnson, Ally Beardsley, and Oscar Montoya
How to watch: Um, Actually Season 11's premiere is now streaming on Dropout.
9. The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePantsSpongeBob SquarePants is the gift that keeps on giving. Created by the late Stephen Hillenburg, the Nickelodeon cartoon series that debuted in 1999 has offered over 300 episodes, spin-off shows like Kamp Koral and The Patrick Star Show, plus a growing list of movies. And it just doesn't get old to see this gleeful fry cook giggle.
In The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, the titular hero is on a quest to become a swashbuckler, like his mentor/boss Mr. Krabs. The ghost pirate known as The Flying Dutchman promises he can get SpongeBob to his goal. But curiously, it's not the goofy goober's bravery or swordsmanship that attracts the attention of this nefarious figure, it's his outstanding bubble-blowing abilities.
This adventure is supremely silly, action-packed, and ultimately sweet. If you're looking for a movie to shut your brain off and just enjoy, you'd be hard-pressed to make a better choice than this. — K.P.
Starring: Tom Kenny, Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Clancy Brown, Ice Spice, Arturo Castro, Mark Hamill, Regina Hall, and Rodger Bumpass
How to watch: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.
8. Springsteen: Deliver Me From NowhereThe Bear star Jeremy Allen White unleashes his inner Bruce Springsteen in this musical biopic from writer/director Scott Cooper. Instead of focusing on the Boss' career as a whole, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere zeroes in on the making of Springsteen's sixth studio album, Nebraska, which he recorded sparsely on a four-track in his bedroom. The film parallels the production with Springsteen's struggles with depression, crafting a solemn portrait of the musician.
While White turns in an admirable performance as Springsteen, the rest of the film pales in comparison, hitting standard biopic beats like troubled childhoods and the flashes of genius that lead to a great song. As I wrote in my review, "While the film's music remains classic as ever, and while White does an admirable job channeling Springsteen, Deliver Me From Nowhere fails to deliver anything revelatory about the actual emotions behind the music."* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser, Stephen Graham, Odessa Young, Gaby Hoffmann, Marc Maron, and David Krumholtz
How to watch: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere comes to Hulu on Jan. 23.
7. Smosh HospitalYouTube comedy collective Smosh skewers your favorite hospital dramas in this ridiculously fun, partially improvised live show, now available on VOD.
In the vein of The Pitt, ER, and Grey's Anatomy, Smosh Hospital follows the personal and professional lives of the nurses and doctors working at Loving Embrace Memorial. There's just one catch: Each character is played by two actors, and every time one of them breaks, the other takes their place. The result is a madcap improv carousel where everyone tries to make their scene partners laugh.
You'll get more mileage if you're already a Smosh fan, especially when it comes to the show's many inside jokes, but if you've got 90 minutes to spare and need a break from the tension headaches caused by The Pitt, this is a worthy cure. — B.E.
Starring: Angela Giarratana, Courtney Miller, Shayne Topp, Arasha, Tommy Bowe, Trevor Evarts, Olivia Sui, Amanda Lehan-Canto, Anthony Padilla, Chanse McCrary, Damien Haas, Keith Leak, Noah Grossman, and Spencer Agnew
How to watch: Smosh Hospital is available for purchase on VOD until Feb. 1.
6. Mother of FliesDo you know the Adams family? We're not talking the fictional spooky, ooky ones. We're talking the real-life filmmaking family behind such trippy indie horror movies as The Deeper You Dig, Hellbender, and Hell Hole.
Their latest, Mother of Flies, is written, directed by, and starring mother Toby Poser, father John Adams, and their youngest daughter, Zelda Adams. This witchy story follows a young woman with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Having convinced her father to drive her deep into the woods to meet a self-proclaimed witch (Poser), the pair set out on a strange adventure of faith and fear. Creepy and trippy, Mother of Flies is sure to make your skin crawl. — K.P.
Starring: Toby Poser, Zelda Adams, Lulu Adams, and John Adams
How to watch: Mother of Flies debuts on Shudder on Jan. 23.
5. The Fall and Rise of Reggie DinkinsFrom the creators of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and 30 Rock comes a mockumentary sitcom that teams up Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe.
Blending a barrage of pop culture references with daffy humor from comedy masters, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins centers on the eponymous former NFL star (Morgan), who was publicly disgraced over a gambling scandal decades ago. Looking to reboot his image, he invites a high-strung documentarian (Radcliffe) into his home, where he's coddled by his young girlfriend, his spoiled son, his dopey bestie, and his manager/ex-wife. But can they all agree on a vision for how this has-been should be seen?
If you like Robert Carlock and Sam Means' previous shows, you'll like relish their latest as well. Frankly, the chaotic possibilities of Morgan and Radcliffe alone have us hooked. — K.P.
Starring: Tracy Morgan, Erika Alexander, Precious Way, Jalyn Hall, Bobby Moynihan, and Daniel Radcliffe
How to watch: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' premiere is now streaming on Peacock, with new episodes on Sundays.
4. Merrily We Roll AlongIn 2023, the hottest ticket on Broadway was Merrily We Roll Along. Sure, the Stephen Sondheim show flopped when first launched in 1981. But this revival offered Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez, three dynamic and massively talented performers who each got a Tony Award nomination for their work here. (Groff and Radcliffe won, and so did the show for Best Revival of a Musical).
SEE ALSO: Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez dish on bringing 'Merrily We Roll Along' from stage to screenBut don't fret if you couldn't get into this heralded live event, because their incredible performances were recorded for posterity — and home viewing.
Directed by Maria Friedman, Merrily We Roll Along is the story a friendship between three aspiring dreamers — told in reverse. The show begins with movie producer Franklin Shepard (Groff) hosting a wild party in his lavish home, where his best friend, Mary Flynn (Mendez), is throwing back booze and throwing out barbs, while his former collaborator, Charley Kringas (Radcliffe), is nowhere to be seen. From there, the show works back to through their highs and lows, to their idealistic youth. It's a stunner of a production, in no small part because of the charismatic trio's verve in tackling such tough material. But be warned, this could kick you into a mid-life crisis — whatever your age. — K.P.
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez
How to watch: Merrily We Roll Along is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.
3. Cosmic Princess Kaguya!Cosmic Princess Kaguya! hits Netflix this week, promising a dazzling trip through the virtual realm of Tsukuyomi, all set to music composed with Yamaha's unique singing synthesizer software known as Vocaloid. The feature debut of Shingo Yamashita (Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen) the anime film is inspired by Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, with songs by Vocaloid producers like HoneyWorks, kz (livetune), ryo (supercell), Aqu3ra, yuigot, and 40mP.
Moon-born Kaguya (voiced by Yuko Natsuyoshi) befriends Earthling, songwriter, and honour student Iroha (Anna Nagase). Not wanting to return to her lunar home, Kaguya instead wants to become Tsukuyomi's top idol, with Iroha's help. But they'll first need to meet "the diva of Tsukuyomi," Yachiyo (Saori Hayami), and suss out the competition.
"Shingo Yamashita's Cosmic Princess Kaguya! presents a virtual world so dazzling and well-run you'll wish it actually existed," I wrote in my review. "A modern fairy tale rooted in gaming and streaming culture, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! not only offers a sweet story of love, independence, connection, and finding your voice, but also imagines a simply beautiful online space devoid of the internet's worst elements." — S.C.
Starring: Yuko Natsuyoshi, Anna Nagase, and Saori Hayami
How to watch: Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is now streaming on Netflix.
2. Kidnapped: Elizabeth SmartElizabeth Smart's survival story is horrific; however, this documentary is hopeful. Among interviews with police officers, witnesses, and the Smart family, Elizabeth herself speaks of her experience with an incredible clarity and a sharp wit that will inspire and may even have you cackling at the expense of her criminal captor.
In 2002, Smart's story made national headlines, first when the 14-year-old was abducted from her family home in the middle of a summer night. Nine months later, the nation was in awe when she was found alive.
The first half of Benedict Sanderson's documentary recounts the details you might remember from the coverage at the time, about the crime, the suspects, and the flummoxed cops. In the second half, Smart reveals what she endured in captivity, but also what she's learned about survival, letting go of shame, and moving on. A thoughtful mix of darkness and light, Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart is a true crime doc well worth your time. — K.P.
Starring: Elizabeth Smart
How to watch: Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart is now streaming on Netflix.
Best of Streaming this week:The Beauty
Ryan Murphy's latest series, The Beauty, opens with a bang, as Bella Hadid spontaneously combusts after going on a Paris catwalk killing spree. (I dare you not to get hooked after that.)
Hadid's character Ruby is one of many supermodels infected with the Beauty, a sexually transmitted disease that turns its hosts into the most beautiful versions of themselves. Side effects include blowing up, which is why FBI agents Madsen and Bennett (Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall) are on the case. In their search, they'll cross paths with the wealthy Corporation (Ashton Kutcher), who plans to sell the Beauty to the masses — and kill anyone who stands in his way.
What follows is a heady cocktail of body horror and corporate conspiracies, punctuated by the occasional on-the-nose commentary on beauty standards. (Of course, the show is adhering to the same standards it critiques, creating a feedback loop of aggravation that never lets up throughout the show.) In the end, though, The Beauty is at its best when it's unhinged, and it's unhinged often. As I wrote in my review, "The Beauty is Ryan Murphy at his Ryan Murphy-est, which is to say that it's maximalist, deranged chaos." — B.E.
Starring: Evan Peters, Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, Ashton Kutcher, Rebecca Hall, Amelia Gray Hamlin, Ari Graynor, Bella Hadid, Ben Platt, Billy Eichner, Isabella Rossellini, Jessica Alexander, Julie Halston, Lux Pascal, Meghan Trainor, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Peter Gallagher, and Vincent D’Onofrio
How to watch: The first three episodes of The Beauty are now streaming on Hulu.
(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.
How to turn a tablet into an e-reader: The best settings and accessories
In a world full of endless specialty devices, do you really need one more thing? For readers, the answer is often yes. E-readers like Kindles and Kobos are devices that bridge the gap between a physical book and a tablet. They're extremely portable, hold thousands of books at once, and are gentle on the eyes. But what if you already have a tablet?
Tablets and e-readers aren't exactly the same — you can do a lot more on a tablet — but both let you read digital books. I've read dozens of books on my iPad and think it makes a perfectly good e-reader — as long as you make a few changes. Here's how to turn your tablet into an e-reader.
Anti-glare screen protectors Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Paperlike Screen Protectors $49.99 at AmazonShop Now
When I first read on my iPad, I experienced some eye fatigue. The glare and bright light of the screen were often too much, even when I turned down the brightness and turned up the display warmth. The solution was easy: a screen protector that adds a matte finish. Paperlike's screen protectors immediately tone down the screen, making it gentler on the eyes. As a bonus, if you're using a stylus or Apple Pencil with a tablet, these screen protectors emulate the feel of writing on paper rather than a slick screen.
Download the essential apps, Libby, Kindle, Apple Books The essential apps for reading on your tablet. Credit: Google / Libby / Apple / MashableTo read on your tablet, you'll need access to books. For iPad users, Apple Books comes pre-installed, and for Android users, there is Google Books. The Kindle app is also available across devices, which provides access to all the e-books you've purchased through Amazon.
Probably our favorite reading app is Libby, which connects to your local library and allows you to borrow e-books. Plus, it's totally free, whereas on Apple Books, Google Books, and the Kindle app, you'll have to purchase books.
Turn on grayscaleColor is new to the world of e-readers, and previously, everything was black and white. If that's part of the appeal of an e-reader, you can adjust the settings on your tablet.
To move to grayscale on your iPad, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size. Within Display and Text Size, navigate to Color Filters. In Color Filters, turn on grayscale.
On an Android tablet, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Color and motion > Color correction. Once you're in color correction, you can select grayscale.
Turn on do not disturbAnother perk to e-readers — they're distraction-free. There's no internet to browse or texts to pop up. With tablets, there will be distractions, and the best you can do to avoid them is to turn on do-not-disturb modes, which should be available on most tablets.
Accessorize with a grip, stand, or remoteE-reader users are a devoted bunch who love to personalize their devices, and why shouldn't that be the same with a tablet? Lots of users like a clear case paired with a PopSockets for their e-reader, something you can easily replicate on a tablet.
Opens in a new window Credit: Moko Moko Clear iPad Case $7.95 at Amazon$9.99 Save $2.04 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets Adhesive Grip $9.97 at Amazon
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Another favorite in the e-reader community? A page-turning remote so you don't actually need to hold your e-reader. Thanks to the world of the endless scroll, there are a variety of page-turning remotes compatible with iPads. Yes, these remotes scroll through your social media, but they also turn the pages on your e-book. Since you don't won't want to hold your tablet either, you'll need a stand, too. This could be as simple as a folio-style case, or maybe you want to go all out with a floor stand.
Opens in a new window Credit: Fikavi Fikavi Scrolling Ring Remote $13.99 at Amazon$19.99 Save $6.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lamicall Lamicall Tablet Floor Stand Holder $55.99 at Amazon
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Pranksters and pickup artists are using Meta Ray-Ban glasses to harass strangers for content
Across Instagram and TikTok, influencers and would-be content creators are churning out low-effort prank and pickup artist videos using the discreet recording features of Meta Ray-Bans and other smart glasses. Many of these clips cross from cringe into outright troubling, with creators harassing women, service workers, and the homeless. In some videos, creators pretend to be mentally disabled, trans, or gay just to provoke reactions from unsuspecting people.
All of these videos have one thing in common: They show that anyone can become the unwitting star of someone else's social media video. Consent doesn't enter into it at all.
The glasses' inconspicuous nature is used to create all kinds of content that regularly pulls in hundreds of thousands of views on Instagram and TikTok. The severity and intrusiveness vary from creator to creator. Some accounts produce more positive content, sometimes referred to as "joybait," by complimenting strangers.
Other videos cross over into outright harassment. Some focus specifically on trying to get women’s phone numbers, with comment sections often dogpiling on the women based on how receptive or unreceptive they are to the advance. The BBC recently documented multiple cases in which women were approached by men wearing smart glasses, unknowingly recorded, and later subjected to sexualized and abusive comments online. Other accounts center on smaller but deliberately irritating interactions, like saying nonsense to a drive-thru worker, trapping cashiers in circular conversations, or showing up minutes before a store closes to try and place a large order.
"I know it’s legal. I don’t care...That’s not the discussion. I think it’s weird and creepy, and it shows a very predatory mindset."The general setup is largely the same: go to a public place and say or do something intentionally off-putting solely to elicit a reaction. In one recurring example, a creator has posted multiple videos approaching women in beauty supply stores like Ulta or James Avery and pretending to shop for a gift for an underage girlfriend.
View this post on InstagramHowever, other accounts lean into far more socially transgressive behavior. Accounts like kemobandz1 and bootyworshipping produce sexually suggestive content involving unsuspecting women. The former records himself inside massage parlors, teasing viewers through captions that his visit will end in a sexual experience, later uploading the full videos as explicit pay-per-view content on sites like No Fans. (This has also been documented by 404 Media.) The latter account is largely self-explanatory, with the creator’s Reels page filled with videos of him non-consensually filming women’s bodies and posting the footage to Instagram for thousands of views.
While reporting this article, I contacted Meta about the ways its smart glasses are being used. After I provided multiple examples, including the two accounts mentioned above, Meta disabled the Instagram accounts for violating its policy on Adult Sexual Exploitation.
In a statement, a Meta spokesperson said that users "are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and for using Ray-Ban Meta glasses in a safe, respectful manner." It continued, "as with any recording device, people shouldn't use them for engaging in harmful activities like harassment, infringing on privacy rights, or capturing sensitive information."
According to a Reuters report, Meta has sold more than 2 million pairs of smart glasses since the product’s launch in 2023, with sales tripling in 2025.
Legal doesn’t mean ethical Credit: Screenshot courtesy of TikTokCrucially, these activities, whether it’s rizz accounts, hassling service workers, or pretending to be mentally disabled to exploit the kindness of firefighters, don't break the law.
"[The] law has not changed, meaning that you do not have an expectation of privacy in public spaces," said Julian Sarafian, a California-based attorney who represents online content creators. "That means you can be recorded in those spaces and have limited legal recourse, if any, against people who publish content that includes you."
According to Sarafian, even when it’s not immediately obvious that cameras are present, the focus of any legal claim is where the recording takes place. That’s why many of these videos are filmed in fast food restaurants, shopping malls, or on busy streets around bars and nightlife areas.
"Some states, like California, are also two-party consent states, meaning that recording conversations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy is not allowed unless both parties consent," Sarafian said. "With prank videos, it comes down to context. A public park? No two-party consent required. A private dining room in a restaurant? Two-party consent required."
But for some creators and observers, the fact that this content is legal misses the point entirely.
Brad Podray, a content creator who formerly went by the name Scumbag Dad, argues that videos filmed with smart glasses rely on people, particularly women, not knowing they are being recorded. In his view, legality has become a convenient shield for predatory and exploitative behavior.
"I know it’s legal. I don’t care," Brad said. "That’s not the discussion. I think it’s weird and creepy, and it shows a very predatory mindset."
According to Podray, the issue is not whether filming in public is technically legal, but how creators extract value from people who never consented to being part of the content. He describes this dynamic as turning unsuspecting subjects into unpaid labor.
He added that creators gravitate toward women and service workers because they are more likely to produce usable reactions and less likely to push back in ways that threaten the content.
"I always thought that was very cowardly, because the women don’t know they’re on camera,” said Podray, who has made several satirical, staged videos critiquing this type of behavior. "The women would roll into the comments section once the video went viral and say, ‘I was just being nice, I wanted you to leave me alone,’ and then the comments would absolutely dogpile them."
View this post on InstagramPodray says the appeal of smart glasses is not just their discretion, but how cheaply and efficiently they allow creators to produce content at scale. Because the people being filmed are not acting, their reactions feel more authentic, which he says makes the videos perform better with audiences.
"They want people who are good on camera, so they’re going to hit fast food employees, and they’re going to hit pretty girls,” Podray said. "A lot of random women walking around aren’t going to want to participate in a skit if you ask them to, so they remove the agency entirely by just running the glasses."
He argues that this dynamic is rarely understood by viewers, who often assume everyone on camera has agreed to participate. When those assumptions are challenged, he says the response is frequently hostile.
"The audience believes everybody on camera is an actor meant for their entertainment," he said. "Any attempt to humanize them is met with cynicism or outright aggressiveness."
For Podray, that disconnect is what makes the trend so troubling. The law allows creators to film in public, and creeps know it.
Creators say it’s just "entertainment" Image pixelated and blurred for privacy reasons. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of TikTokTroll content like prank channels or pickup artist videos is nothing new. For a time, prank channels were among the most popular on YouTube, starting with prank-call-focused channels like Ownage Pranks. As technology evolved and smartphones became more widespread, prank creators shifted toward street content, with channels like Roman Atwood, fouseyTUBE, and LAHWF gaining massive followings.
Over time, prank channels on YouTube began to fall out of favor as larger creators pushed increasingly outrageous stunts for views. It also became clear that many of these channels were hiring actors or staging their content, undermining the original appeal of pranks that were supposedly spontaneous and authentic.
Smart glasses have made it easier than ever to capture the kind of authentic, outlandish reactions that largely disappeared when YouTube prank channels fell out of favor. While Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses include an LED indicator meant to signal when recording is taking place, outlets like 404 Media have reported that wearers can pay third-party services to disable the light. Some creators, including accounts like minddecaycam, have openly admitted to blocking the indicator light.
A screenshot from a recent @minddecaycam video. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of InstagramMashable reached out to several smart glasses creators for comment. While many did not respond in time for publication, one account, HeyMetaGuy, said he views his content as entertainment first.
"Realistically, I’ve made a few other pages for things that are not in the same field, but I just saw content in this way," HeyMetaGuy said. "I was like, I want to make content like this myself, because I know how to edit and whatnot, and just generally pranking people, messing with people, getting their reactions is cool."
When asked about the ethics of filming people who may not realize they’re being recorded, HeyMetaGuy compared the practice to the everyday surveillance already present in public life.
"For the ethical standpoint, I believe no matter where we go nowadays, we’re being recorded," he said. "Whether you walk into an establishment, there’s security cameras everywhere. We’re being recorded."
HeyMetaGuy said he does not disable the LED indicator on his glasses, though he acknowledged that most people don’t understand what the light signifies when they notice it.
"It’s not really hidden," he said. "It’s just more the fact that people don’t know what’s going on. Like, when they see a light, they don’t really know what’s going on."
HeyMetaGuy added that while most people he records laugh about his trolling, he has faced at least one threat of legal action, but he states that filming in public places is clearly permitted.
A serious threat to privacyFor privacy and civil liberties advocates, that growing adoption raises deeper concerns about how easily wearable cameras can blend into everyday life. Jake Laperruque, the deputy director of the Security and Surveillance Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology, said the rise of prank and "social experiment" content filmed with smart glasses highlights how difficult it is to recognize these devices in use.
"It’s very concerning that these and other interactions seem to show these glasses are too inconspicuous to be recognized when they’re recording people," Laperruque said. "Being able to easily buy and use tech to secretly record people creates serious dangers."
While Laperruque does not believe wearable cameras represent a fundamental shift in surveillance culture just yet, he said pushback may come from the public rather than lawmakers.
"People and places of public accommodation might decide this isn’t the type of social engagement they want and push back," he said, adding that he would not be surprised if gyms, bars, and other businesses began banning wearable recording devices altogether.
Looking ahead, Laperruque said the biggest concern is how discreet recording could intersect with other technologies.
"I’m most worried about the risk of people wanting anonymity in sensitive situations and being doxxed," he said. "If devices are able to record secretly and combined with facial recognition, it could be a serious threat to privacy and civil liberties."
A new Stuff Your Kindle Day is live for 24 hours — download free cozy mystery books
FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Jan. 22. The winter edition of the Cozy Mystery Book Blast offers free cozy mystery books for your e-reader.
We know that we literally only just made an announcement that Stuff Your Kindle Day was back for 2026, but we're back to tell you that there are two free giveaways running concurrently right now. Is this too much or are new events always welcome? We'll let you be the judge.
As the name suggests, the winter edition of the Cozy Mystery Book Blast is offering 150+ cozy mystery books for free. And better yet, the books that you download for free are yours to keep forever. We can't think of a better way to spend these winter months. So get comfortable, shut out all the noise, and stock up without spending anything.
SEE ALSO: I tested the best Kindles to help you find the perfect e-readerLooking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.
When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?The winter edition of the Cozy Mystery Book Blast takes place on Jan. 22. Unlike the Play Game giveaway running from Jan. 21-24, this book blast is only live for 24 hours. That means participants need to act fast to secure all the free books on their wishlists. Consider yourself warned.
Anyone can participate in Stuff Your Kindle Day. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone.
Which ebooks are free?The Cozy Mystery Book Blast has a helpful hub page with everything organized into sub-genres. You can find free books grouped into these categories:
You can find links to the Kindle Store and other popular retailers.
Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time.
The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + Kindle Unlimited (3 Months) $109.99 at AmazonGet Deal Why we like it
These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Plus, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase.
The first-ever Lego Pokémon sets have arrived — where to pre-order Pikachu, Eevee, and more
The first-ever Lego Pokémon sets are here. Well, almost. Everyone's favorite Danish toy company revealed the highly anticipated sets on Monday and they're officially available for preorder as of Jan. 12.
There are three main sets in the launch, based on some of the most iconic, fan-favorite creatures from Pokémon's 30-year history. Those include Pikachu, of course, as well as Eevee, Charizard, Venusaur, and Blastoise, all recreated in Lego brick form. Pokémon fans young and old can continue their trainer journey and catch (build?) them all brick by brick.
“As a lifelong Pokémon fan, it's been an incredible honor to help bring these Pokémon to life in LEGO brick form for the first time,” said Siddharth Muthyala, Design Director on LEGO Pokémon in a press release. “Pokémon has inspired generations of fans around the world, so our team approached the design of these sets with immense care and passion, ensuring every detail and pose truly celebrates what makes these characters so beloved."
To coincide with Pokémon Day (yes, that's a real thing), all three sets will officially launch on Feb. 27, 2026. If you want to secure your sets in advance, here are all the preorder details.
Pikachu and Poké Ball Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball $199.99 at LegoPre-order Here
Obviously there couldn't be a Pokémon collection without Pikachu. This 2,050-piece set recreates one of the most iconic scenes from the franchise: Pikachu jumping out of the Poké Ball for battle. It offers two different build options — battle stance and a seated pose with a closed Poké Ball — and includes Easter eggs for fans like a "25" on the base, signifying Pikachu’s Pokédex number. It retails for $199.99 and while it was available for preorder, the limit is now displaying as "exceeded." Here's hoping pre-orders reopen for the most famous Pokémon of all.
Eevee Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Eevee $59.99 at LegoPre-order Here
The cutest Pokémon in the bunch, this 587-piece Lego set builds out to an adorable 7.5-inch tall Eevee. With a movable tail, head, and limbs, builders can pose the fan-favorite in two ways: at rest or ready to jump into action. The most modestly priced of the sets, it retails for $59.99 and is officially up for preorder at Lego.com.
Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise $649.99 at LegoPre-order Here
Not for the faint of heart, the epic Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise set features 6,838 pieces and brings three fan favorites to life in one of Lego's largest display sets ever. Each of the figures can be displayed individually or together on the action base, which is full of Easter eggs for fans. The design details on the base are inspired by each of the Pokémon’s biomes (beach, jungle, and volcano) for further depth. All three also have articulated parts, so they can be posed however you desire. The price is also not for the faint of heart. It retails for *gulp* $649.99 and is officially available for preorder on the Lego website.
If you purchase this set before March 3 (while supplies last), you'll also get a free gift: the Kanto Region Badge Collection set.
The Lego Pokémon Kanto Region Badge Collection is free when you pre-order the new Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set
TL;DR: The Lego Pokémon Kanto Region Badge Collection comes as a free gift with preorders of the new Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Kanto Region Badge Collection Free when you buy the Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set (while supplies last) Get DealWe spend a lot of time sourcing the best deals on just about everything, so we know what sells. And you know what really gets the people going? Lego and Pokémon.
Any sort of shopping opportunity on Lego or Pokémon sends the world into a spin. There really isn't any comparison, so now that the two juggernauts have come together in the form of three sets launching in February, you best believe that we're hunting for every single opportunity to save.
Lego Pokémon sets are now available to pre-order. The Pikachu and Poké Ball is listed for $199.99, Eevee is $59.99, and the Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set is $649.99. These sets will release on Feb. 27. At this early stage, you're not going to find discounts on these preorders. Instead, you should be seeking out free gifts that sweeten the deal.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you purchase the Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set before March 3, you'll get the Kanto Region Badge Collection as a free gift with purchase (while supplies last). Coming in at 312 pieces and recommended for ages 18 and up, this buildable case houses all eight Pokémon Kanto region badges from the first generation of games.
It's a seriously cool set. Will it pursuade shoppers to drop over $600 on the Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set? We're not sure. But if you were already lining up the biggest and most expensive set from this new Pokémon Lego launch, you should note the deadline and the fact that supply is limited.
Act fast to secure the Kanto Region Badge Collection as a free gift with purchase.
How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics online for free
TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
This is shaping up to be an absolutely huge year for sport. Sure, the World Cup is probably the biggest event on the calendar. But there are so many other massive moments to get excited about. And there's really no need to wait, because the action starts early in 2026.
The 2026 Winter Olympics is kicking things off in February with a host of top events including alpine skiing, ice hockey, bobsleigh, snowboarding, and so much more. You can stay warm and dry whilst the best of the best compete for medals in the cold. And better yet, you can follow all the action from Lombardy without spending anything.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you want to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What is the Winter Olympics?The Winter Olympics is a major international event held once every four years for sports practiced on snow and ice. Eight sports and 15 disciplines will feature on the programme for the 2026 Winter Olympics: Biathlon, Bobsleigh (Skeleton, Bobsleigh), Curling, Ice Hockey, Luge, Skating (Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Short Track Speed Skating), Ski Mountaineering, and Skiing (Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing, Snowboard).
Norway leads the all-time medal record for the Winter Olympics.
When is the 2026 Winter Olympics?The 2026 Winter Olympics is the 25th edition of the famous event. This year's event will take place on Feb. 6-22 at sites across Lombardy and Northeast Italy.
How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics for freeThe 2026 Winter Olympics is available to live stream for free on a number of services:
Australia — 9Now
Austria — ORF
Canada — CBC Gem
France — France TV
Germany — ARD
Ireland — RTÉ Player
Italy — RAI
Spain — RTVE
UK — BBC iPlayer
These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can acvcess free live streams of the 2026 Winter Olympics from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2026 Winter Olympics by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access
Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the 2026 Winter Olympics?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics for free with ExpressVPN.
The best MacBooks to buy in 2026
As of January 2026, I think the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air is the best choice for most people. It offers quiet, Pro-level power in a more portable design and at a more reasonable price point. Better yet, it's frequently on sale for under $1,000 at Amazon and Best Buy.
The new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro is the superior pick if you want a nicer 120Hz display, cooler multitasking performance, a better variety of ports, and the best battery life — and you've got some wiggle room in your budget. Its predecessor is still worth considering if you can find it on sale.
Below, I've detailed all of my recommendations for the best MacBooks to buy in 2026, including more options for students, bargain hunters, and creative professionals who can splurge.
What's on deck: Apple's rumored 2026 MacBook lineupBased on its usual update cycle, Apple's 2026 launches will almost certainly include new MacBook Airs in 13- and 15-inch sizes and new MacBook Pros in 14- and 16-inch variants. The Airs will likely come with the base M5 chip (the same one found in the existing 14-inch MacBook Pro), while the new Pros will probably be powered by high-end M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
Word has it that we're also getting a brand-new entry-level MacBook that runs on the A18 chip, the same processor that powered the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus from late 2024. This is according to 9to5Mac, which also reports that the device could start at $699 — the same price point as high-end Chromebooks.
Rumors of a redesigned MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen have been floating around for some time, but that probably won't arrive until late 2026 in the M6 generation at the very earliest, per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
The best Chromebooks for 2026
Mashable staff and contributors have tested nearly a dozen popular Chromebooks over the course of the past two years, and as of early 2026, there are six I recommend in particular. My top pick for most people is the Lenovo 5i Flex Chromebook Plus, a mid-range convertible with excellent build quality, upper-level performance, and an all-day battery life. It's priced at $599.99 in two configurations, and one is usually on sale for well under $400.
My complete guide to the best Chromebooks includes other picks for budget shoppers, splurgers, kids, and casual gamers, so keep scrolling. (And if you aren't sure whether a Chromebook is right for you, check out my explainer on how they're different from regular Windows laptops and MacBooks.)
What's on deckAcer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo all announced new Chromebooks for 2026 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in early January. None of them have set pricing or release dates for their devices yet, but we plan on testing them as soon as they're available. Here's the full lineup:
The 15-inch Acer Chromebook 315 will be powered by MediaTek's new Kompanio 540 chip, a lesser version of its powerful Kompanio Ultra 910 chip (as seen in the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 and the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14).
The Asus Chromebook CM14 and CM15 are clamshell-style models that will come in six color options, though not all of them will be available in the U.S. They'll run on the Kompanio 540 chip, too.
The Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable has a 2.5K 120Hz display, a removable keyboard, and that same Kompanio 540 processor. I saw this one in person at CES and thought it looked a lot like an iPad.
The HP Chromebook 14 and Chromebook Plus 14 are entry-level options with 2K displays and basic Intel processors. The HP Chromebook x360 14 and Chromebook Plus x360 14 are their convertible counterparts. These will probably be some of the cheapest options available.
Lenovo Chromebook Plus 15 i is a 15-incher with an Intel Core i3 processor (hence the "15 i" in its name). It will have a 2K display, a 5MP webcam, and a fingerprint reader, making it a higher-end variant.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for January 22, 2026
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 gameHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026:
AcrossWhen doubled, a breed of dogThe answer is Chow.
The answer is Cherry.
The answer is Garcia.
The answer is I'm easy.
The answer is Psst.
The answer is Champ.
The answer is Here's.
The answer is Orcas.
The answer is Wrist.
The answer is CGI.
The answer is Yay.
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 the latest Mini Crossword.
What is the best Shark robot vacuum? Here are my top 3 picks after testing at home.
Scheduled full-room cleanings are a huge part of the convenience of a robot vacuum. The other half has to do with unexpected messes that need to be dealt with right now with as little clicking around in an app as possible.
In my at-home testing, Shark robot vacuums are extremely straightforward and reliable spot cleaners. Setting a zone for a one-time clean in the Shark app is as black and white as dragging a square in the designated spot cleaning tab. The Shark knows to shift itself into Matrix cleaning mode for any spot cleaning situations, and automatically goes over the spot multiple times from multiple angles. Many other budget robot vacuums won't take a second look unless you remember to toggle the number of cleaning passes from one to two. Matrix cleaning automatically covers one of my tips for making your robot vacuum work better.
Is dependable spot cleaning a Shark-only skill? Of course not. But Shark robot vacuums still get credit for do it while staying firmly in the budget robot vacuum category, and they're on sale frequently.
SEE ALSO: Roborock dropped 3 new robot vacuums at CES 2026. Of course they set a new suction power record.On the other hand, Shark's one big blind spot (literally) is small obstacle avoidance technology. Shark is forever being upstaged by frequent new releases from iRobot, Roborock, Eufy, and Dreame, who all have models at Shark prices that can steer clear of obstacles like cords and pet waste. Based on my experience, Shark hasn't mastered this skill yet. But Shark is due for a major update to its lineup, and has been due for a while — Shark takes forever to release new robot vacuums. A highly-agile Shark robot vacuum has to be on the way in 2026... right?
New robot vacuums announced at CES 2026Shark didn't participate in CES 2026. But several other top robot vacuum brands did, and their new flagship robot vacuum and mop combos are going to create major room for improvement for Shark's flagship PowerDetect robot vacuums, which desperately need a successor. The top robovacs to look out for are the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic and Qrevo Curv 2 Flow, the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete, and the Narwal Flow 2. I will be testing these at home as soon as possible and will update this guide accordingly once all are officially available for purchase.
Ubisoft axes Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake, announces major company restructure
Ubisoft has cancelled the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, as well as axed five other games. Announced on Wednesday, the cancellations come as part of a major company restructure aimed at improving its growth and its finances — with some cost cutting having already been done via layoffs.
SEE ALSO: Ubisoft takes 'Rainbow Six Siege' offline after significant hackThe Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake was initially scheduled for launch on Jan. 21, 2021 when it was first announced in 2020. That date came and went, with Ubisoft announcing multiple delays before moving the game's development from its Mumbai and Pune studios to Montreal in 2022. Unfortunately, the delays continued even after the change in studio, and by 2024 Ubisoft was claiming Sands of Time would arrive in 2026.
Now there will be no release at all, with Ubisoft shutting down production on the game six years after it was announced.
"While the project had real potential, we weren't able to reach the level of quality you deserve, and continuing would have required more time and investment than we could responsibly commit," read a statement posted to the official Prince of Persia X account on Wednesday.
"Prince of Persia as a universe and a legacy continues to matter deeply to us, and this decision does not mean we're stepping away from the franchise."
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Fans have reacted with disappointment, taking to social media to vent their frustration. Wednesday's announcement left many feeling bitter, as they'd been anticipating the Sands of Time remake since its announcement half a decade ago.
Reddit Reddit Reddit Ubisoft announces massive restructureThe Sands of Time's cancellation comes as part of a significant structural shakeup at Ubisoft. Revising its three-year roadmap, the company is refocusing on open-world and live service games, and plans to make "accelerated investments behind player-facing Generative AI."
A pivotal part of Ubisoft's restructure is its new operating model, which is focused on five specialised "Creative Houses." These new units within the company will each focus on a different game genre, and take care of a title's production and publication themselves. Ubisoft is also establishing two new internal organisations, the Creative Network and Core Services, which will provide production support to all five Houses.
"Each [Creative House] is built around a clear genre and brand focus, with full responsibility and financial ownership, led by dedicated leadership teams," said Ubisoft founder and CEO Yves Guillemot. "It is a radical move, relying on a more decentralised creative organisation with faster decision making and best-in-class cross functional core services supporting and serving each Creative House."
CH1 aka Vantage Studios will be dedicated to scaling Ubisoft's biggest franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. CH2 will focus on competitive and cooperative shooters such as The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell. CH3 will be in charge of live games like For Honor, The Crew, and Skull & Bones. CH4 will take care of games that are narrative-driven or take place in fantasy worlds, including Anno, Rayman, Beyond Good & Evil, and yes, Prince of Persia. Finally, CH5 will work on casual and family-friendly brands Just Dance, Uno, and Hasbro.
However, not all of Ubisoft's games will get to move into one of these Houses as Sands of Time and five other titles have been cancelled — a "strategic decision to refocus its portfolio" after reviewing its content pipeline. Four of the cancelled titles had not yet been announced, three of which had been brand new IPs. According to Ubisoft, the six games were axed because they did not "meet the new enhanced quality as well as more selective portfolio prioritisation criteria."
Guillemot stated that though Ubisoft's restructure will have a significant impact on its finances over the next two years, he expects it to come out the other side stronger. Unfortunately, not all its employees will be around to appreciate it. The company has conducted ongoing layoffs in an effort to reduce costs over the last few years, shrinking its headcount from almost 21,000 in 2022 to 17,097 by its earnings call last November.
Further layoffs are expected as Ubisoft continues its cost-cutting program in earnest, with its studios in Halifax and Stockholm having already closed. The company laid off a further 29 workers after restructuring its Abu Dhabi studio earlier this month, and confirmed that it expects to cut 55 jobs from its Massive and Stockholm studios.
How to watch Rybakina vs. Gracheva online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Rybakina vs. Gracheva in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Elena Rybakina has her eyes on winning the 2026 Australian Open. The No. 5 seed reached the final of the Melbourne-hosted tournament in 2023 but she's yet to win it. And she showed how much she wants it in a tough but decisive first-round victory.
While other top seeds Sabalenka and Gauff have advanced to the third round already, Rybakina has to get past her second-round opponent, France's Varvara Gracheva, before she can join them. Will the Kazakstani superstar find Gracheva a tricky draw? Or is this round merely a formality on her way to winning that elusive Australian Open title?
If you want to watch Rybakina vs. Gracheva in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Rybakina vs. Gracheva for freeRybakina vs. Gracheva 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:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
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Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world
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 Rybakina vs. Gracheva 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:
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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).
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How to watch Sinner vs. Duckworth online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Duckworth 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 rumbles on with more games between the best players in the world. Fans will be keeping a keen eye on the progress of second seed Jannik Sinner. The Italian won this Grand Slam in 2024 and 2025 — can he make it three in a row?
The likes of Alcaraz and Djokovic will probably stand in his way in the latter rounds, but for now, he faces off against unseeded James Duckworth. The Australian beat Sinner is straight sets back in 2021, with some tension rising between the two players in that fiery matchup. Will we see more of the same when they come together in Melbourne? You can find out without spending anything.
If you want to watch Sinner vs. Duckworth in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Sinner vs. Duckworth for freeSinner vs. Duckworth 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:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 9Now
Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world
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 Sinner vs. Duckworth 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 Sinner vs. Duckworth in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.
Hurdle hints and answers for January 22, 2026
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 hintA sealant
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerCAULK
Hurdle Word 2 hintA thin, folded dessert.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerCREPE
Hurdle Word 3 hintMay.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answerWOULD
Hurdle Word 4 hintA popular fall/winter drink.
Hurdle Word 4 answerCIDER
Final Hurdle hintLikeness.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerGUISE
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Siri said to be going all ChatGPT as Apple fixes its AI agent
The AI upgrade to Siri, Apple's creaky old voice assistant, has been brewing for some time. Now we have more details, courtesy of a report from Apple super-scooper Mark Gurman.
As expected, the new version of Siri — codenamed Campos — will use a fine-tuned version of Google Gemini for its on-board intelligence. But the bigger claim is how embedded it will be throughout the iPhone experience — and the features it is adding in common with Gemini and its OpenAI rival, ChatGPT.
Here's how Gurman describes what Apple insiders consider the "central feature" of its all-new Siri, apparently set to be unveiled by Tim Cook at WWDC 2026: "A chat-like feel and the back-and-forth conversational abilities of OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini."
If unveiled in June and released in September as reported, all iPhone, iPad, and Mac users will be able to upgrade to ChatGPT-like chatter, courtesy of pressing a button or saying the magic word "Siri." Everything they could formerly do on the ChatGPT app would be directly accessible anytime they're holding their phone.
And oh yes, word to OpenAI (and Google, for that matter) — Apple almost certainly won't include ads, as the free model of ChatGPT is about to add. Apple's business model has long revolved around selling luxury hardware with the least software friction.
What would a ChatGPT-like Siri mean?If this all turns out to be the case, the result could be earthshaking for the AI business. Here's why:
The iPhone is in the lead, breaking away from Samsung for the first time as of this year. Increasingly, it's the world's bestselling smartphone. If the entire iOS gets a chatbot upgrade baked in, and if ChatGPT doesn't give you anything you can't get via Siri, including the friendly chatty l'il know-all chatbot experience, the question becomes: How many out of the estimated 67 million daily active users of ChatGPT would still want the friction of opening an app?
SEE ALSO: Apple is reportedly working on an AI pin wearable that is AirTag-sizedA mass migration on iOS would come at the worst possible time for Sam Altman, who is reportedly burning through a billion dollars of OpenAI's war chest a month.
And Altman's problems may pale in comparison to Nvidia's if another part of Gurman's report pans out. Google and Apple are discussing hosting those millions of iPhone-based Siri chats on Google servers, using the company's specialized TPU chips — a direct rival to Nvidia's line of GPU chips that have made it, for the moment, the most valuable company in the world.
Apple, currently the third most valuable company in the world, in concert with Google, now the second-most valuable, may be about to turn that around — even before the arrival of a new CEO.
NYT Pips hints, answers for January 22, 2026
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 PipsIf 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 January 22, 2026The 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 January 22, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 22 PipsEqual (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally.
Equal (1): Everything in this red space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.
Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 22 PipsEqual (0): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 0. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically; 0-1, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this red space must be equal to 1. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 2-1, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed vertically.
Equal (2): Everything in this red space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed vertically.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 22 PipsNumber (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically.
Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.
Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.
Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed vertically.
Equal (5): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically; 3-6, placed vertically.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (16): Everything in this space must be greater than 16. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 22, 2026
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you remember your childhood games.
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 categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Manic
Green: Championship winners
Blue: Not on TV anymore
Purple: Reads like an NBA team
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: An Energetic Person
Green: Head Coaches Who Won A Super Bowl
Blue: Former ESPN Shows
Purple: Ends in an NBA Team, In Singular Form
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 #486 is...
What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?An Energetic Person - DYNAMO, FIREBALL, GO-GETTER, SPARK PLUG
Head Coaches Who Won A Super Bowl - DON SHULA, JOHN MADDEN, MIKE TOMLIN, SEAN PAYTON
Former ESPN Shows - AROUND THE HORN, DREAM JOB, PLAYMAKERS, STUMP THE SCHWAB
Ends in an NBA Team, In Singular Form - EMPTY NET, JOE BUCK, THE YANKEE CLIPPER, TONY HAWK
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.
