Mashable

TL;DR: Don't let the weather ruin your plans — get lifetime access to Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus for $27.99 with coupon code TAKE30 through Feb. 23.

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$199.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal What you'll get with your lifetime subscription to Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus

• Stay ahead of the storm with high-definition, real-time radar updates

• Track extreme weather like hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires with advanced map overlays

• Set up instant alerts for nearby lightning, heavy rain, and severe weather warnings

• Get detailed 10-day forecasts and track snowfall, road conditions, and air quality

• Save multiple locations to keep an eye on the weather wherever you go

• Access it all from your phone with a sleek, interactive map and home screen widgets.

• Deal available to new users only

Don’t rely on guesswork — get real-time weather data anytime with a lifetime subscription to Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus for just $27.99 when you enter promo code TAKE30 at checkout.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get SwiftScan VIP for $41.99 with promo code TAKE30 until February 23 — a mobile scanner app designed for the eco-conscious.

Paper stacks up fast — receipts, contracts, class notes, sketches, you name it. Before you know it, your workspace is drowning in clutter. SwiftScan VIP makes it easy to ditch the mess and go fully digital by turning your phone into a powerful mobile scanner, just $41.99 when you enter code TAKE30 by February 23.

With just a tap, you can capture crisp PDFs or JPGs, edit text, add signatures, and share files instantly.

Beyond convenience, SwiftScan is an eco-friendly choice. Businesses and students print thousands of pages every year, leading to massive paper waste. With SwiftScan, you can digitally annotate, sign, and share documents without printing a single page. Whether you’re scanning invoices for your small business, converting class notes, or just trying to declutter, this app helps you stay organized while helping the planet.

SwiftScan isn’t just a scanner — it’s a full document management solution. If you need to edit a PDF, add a signature, or even convert a file to Word or Excel, the app has you covered. With cloud sync options for iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox, you’ll always have access to your files wherever you go. And since this is a lifetime subscription, you’ll never have to pay for scanning software again.

Get lifetime access to SwiftScan VIP for a one-time payment of $41.99 with promo code TAKE30 until February 23 and start scanning the smarter, paper-free way.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription $59.99
$199.99 Save $140.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get the MagTag wallet tracker card on sale for $23.97 while supplies last (reg. $42.99). The last time we ran this deal, they sold out within 48 hours.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card $23.97
$42.99 Save $19.02 Works with Apple Find My App Get Deal

Apple’s tracker has been the go-to choice for keys, but it’s not a great option for wallets or passports. That’s why people are turning to this AirTag alternative — it works with the same Find My app as the AirTag, but it’s in the shape of a credit card.

Another major plus? It’s cheaper. The credit card-shaped tracker is only $23.97, while the AirTag retails for $29. You also won’t have to purchase a keychain holder since this wallet tracker has a lanyard slot. The only catch is we have a limited number of these available at this discounted price.

More to love about the wallet tracker

With this tracker card in your wallet or passport pouch, you can enjoy peace of mind. Once paired with the Find My app on your iPhone, you can:

• See your item’s location on a real-time map

• Get notifications when you leave it behind

• Play a sound to locate it nearby

You may be thinking, "Isn’t this just an AirTag in disguise?" In some ways, you’re right. But there are a couple of differences. One, the MagTag is Qi-wireless rechargeable, whereas the AirTag requires regular battery replacements. This will save you frustration and cash in the long run.

The MagTag is also more resistant to water and dust with an IP68 waterproof rating (the AirTag is rated IP67). If you lose your item outdoors, this extra protection means you may have a greater chance of being able to track your items, even if extreme weather occurs.

Get this wallet tracker on sale for $23.97 (reg. $42.99) while supplies last. No coupon is needed to get this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: You can save hundreds on a Columns AI Premium lifetime subscription: $99 (reg. $900).

Be honest: When was the last time you made a chart in G Sheets without Googling how to do it first? And how long did it take? It seems like it’d be something simple, but somehow, it always turns into a frustrating mess of wrong labels, weird colors, and that one bar that just won’t show up correctly. If you’re sick of it all, it may be time to try this AI graph maker for Google Sheets.

Gone are the days of tweaking with complicated tools — Columns AI is basically like Canva but for your data needs. AI creates your visuals, and you can still customize them to your liking. A lifetime subscription is currently $99 (89% off).

Let AI do the heavy lifting

AI is slowly taking over the most tedious tasks of our lives, so it’s no mystery that it’s coming for another. Columns AI works on any web browser and with data sources like Google Sheets, CSV files, SQL databases, Airtable, and Notion. 

This is how simple it is to generate an AI chart or graph with Columns:

1. Upload your data source.

2. Choose a model for your visual, like a world graph or line chart.

3. Make edits to the data layout, spread, and scale.

4. Customize the design with Canva-like design tools.

5. Export with secure links, SVG or PNG files, or embed in Notion.

Columns can also help you draw AI-powered data insights from your sources. It can create titles, narratives, and summaries, so you have something to present with your visuals — saving you from even more manual effort.

Get lifetime access to this spreadsheet to graph AI tool for $99 (reg. $900).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Columns AI Columns AI: Premium Lifetime Subscription $99.00
$900.00 Save $801.00 Get Deal

The best Netflix deals at a glance: BEST FOR VERIZON CUSTOMERS One year of Netflix Premium Free for Verizon customers who sign up for a +play annual subscription (save $24.99/month) Learn More BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Netflix Standard (with ads) Free for those on most Go5G plans (save $7.99/month) Learn More BEST BUNDLE DEAL Netflix and Max bundle (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $7.99 per month) Learn More MOST AFFORDABLE PLAN Netflix Standard with ads $7.99 per month Get Deal

Awards season is in full swing and another major event is upon us: the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards). The SAG Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding performances in motion pictures and television from the previous calendar year. They also tend to give us insight into what to expect at the Oscars.

The 31st annual SAG Awards will broadcast live globally on Netflix for the second year in a row. Kirsten Bell will host the awards show later this month at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles. Here's everything you need to know to watch the event live.

When are the 2025 SAG Awards?

The 31st SAG Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) and last approximately two hours. For those heavily invested in the awards circuit, that's just one week prior to the 2025 Academy Awards.

Who's nominated for the 2025 SAG Awards?

On the film side, Wicked leads this year's nominations with five nods, followed by A Complete Unknown with four and Emilia Pérez and Anora with three nominations each. All four films are nominated for the top prize of best cast, along with Conclave.

Meanwhile, on the TV side of things, Shōgun picked up the most nominations with five, followed by The Bear with four and The Diplomat with three.

Read the full list of nominations on the SAG Awards website.

How to watch the 2025 SAG Awards at home

You'll need to be a Netflix subscriber to watch the SAG Awards. And since Netflix doesn't offer free trials (and since the platform cracked down on password sharing), you'll need to sign up before the show. Fortunately, Netflix has a few membership tiers; all three options will grant you access to the SAG Awards broadcast.

Watching Netflix with ads is the most affordable option — it'll run you $7.99 per month. If you don't want ads, your next-best choice is to sign up for Netflix Standard for $17.99 per month, which is quite the price jump. Finally, there's a third tier for new subscribers dubbed Netflix Premium. It'll cost you a jaw-dropping $24.99 per month and will let you watch on four household devices at once (as opposed to the other plans' two devices) in 4K Ultra HD + HDR with no ads.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix subscription Starting at $7.99 per month Get Deal The best Netflix deals

If you're lucky enough to be eligible for one of the deals below, you can score Netflix for free — or at least at a discount. Be sure to check the terms for more details and sign up before the deals end.

Best Netflix deal for Verizon customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Premium Free for one year with valid seasonal or annual subscription Get Deal

Verizon standard monthly mobile, 5G Home, LTE Home, and Fios customers can get a free year of Netflix Premium through Verizon's +play portal, which is essentially an online platform that lets you streamline your streaming subscriptions. You can determine your eligibility on the +play promo FAQs page. Through the +play portal, when you buy one valid seasonal or annual subscription, you get Netflix Premium for free.

Here's how to get the deal:

1. Sign in to My Verizon from a web browser (not the Verizon app), then sign in to +play from the Shop tab.

2. Choose "Learn More" on the Buy Annual subscription, click the "Get Netflix on us" tile, then "Get it Now."

3. Enter your information and accept the terms and conditions.

4. Create an Annual subscription account

5. Under the subscriptions tab, click Manage to activate the Netflix account and create a profile (or log in to an existing account).

Best Netflix deal for T-Mobile customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Standard (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get Deal

T-Mobile customers on most Go5G plans can score Netflix Standards with ads for free (reg. $7.99 per month) as long as their account is in good standing. You need to have two or more lines of any type of Go5G or Magenta plan or at least one line of Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, or Magenta MAX in order to be eligible.

While the Netflix subscription is free for eligible customers, you'll have to manually activate it by logging into My.T-Mobile and selecting Manage add-ons. Once there, add Netflix in the Services section and you'll be prompted to either create a Netflix account or sign in to an existing one. T-Mobile will take care of your Netflix bill each month. Check out the terms and FAQs on the promo page.

Best Netflix bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix / Max Netflix and Max bundle (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan Get Deal

As of Dec. 2023, Verizon customers with myPlan can add a Netflix and Max bundle (with ads) for just $10 per month (save $6.99 per month). That essentially gets you Netflix with ads for free. Eligible Verizon customers include those on the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plans. After enrolling in the promo, you'll have to complete the account setup separately for each service. Eligibility details, terms, and FAQs can be found on the Verizon support page.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 Puppy Bowl on Hulu or Sling TV.

The Puppy Bowl is an annual television program that mimics the Super Bowl, only with puppies. The 2025 Puppy Bowl takes place on Super Bowl Sunday.

Wondering how you can watch the 2025 Puppy Bowl online? We have all of the information you need.

When is the Puppy Bowl?

The Puppy Bowl takes place at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 9 on Animal Planet. Dan Schachner is the referee for the bowl, and Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks are the sportscasters.

Best streaming services for the 2025 Puppy Bowl

The Puppy Bowl will air on Animal Planet, as well as Discovery, TBS, truTV, Max, and discovery+. It may be available in some other markets as well.

If you do not have a cable package in those markets, you have options. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the 2025 Puppy Bowl on local networks.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Most popular: Hulu Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV plan Get Deal

Hulu offers over 95 live TV channels and the option to watch on two screens at once. You can try Hulu with a seven-day free trial period. The Hulu + Live TV plan starts at $81.99 per month.

Hulu's channel offerings include ABC, Fox, Animal Planet, CBS, NBC, FX, ESPN, AMC, Disney, and more.

How to watch the Puppy Bowl from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the Puppy Bowl from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch the 2025 Puppy Bowl from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Kendrick Lamar is back on the biggest stage in sports. The rap icon is set to headline the Super Bowl 59 halftime show as the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles — round two in a high-stakes rematch just three years in the making. It marks Lamar’s first return to the Super Bowl stage since his 2022 performance alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige, but this time, he’s running the show solo.

Speculation over surprise guests is at a fever pitch. One name is already locked in: longtime collaborator SZA, which is of no surprise since the two announced they'd be going on tour together.

This is Kendrick Lamar though so there will be more guests. Here’s who else might be stepping onto that stage with him:

Lefty Gunplay

A Lefty Gunplay cameo wouldn’t be surprising — especially if Kendrick wants to make waves in New Orleans. The L.A. rapper is one of several hometown voices featured on GNX, appearing on the standout single "TV Off." If Kendrick adds it to the setlist, bringing Lefty along feels like a no-brainer.

There’s also a real possibility that, much like his The Pop Out event in Inglewood, Kendrick opts for a full-circle moment — bringing the entire GNX roster on stage as a tribute to their shared L.A. roots.

Baby Keem

Family ties run deep. Baby Keem, Kendrick’s cousin and frequent collaborator, has been one of rap’s most exciting new voices. “Family Ties” won them a Grammy, and their chemistry on stage is untouchable.

A Keem appearance would be high-energy, high-impact, and totally expected.

Future & Metro Boomin

The enemy of my enemy is my halftime guest? Metro and Future have both had their issues with Drake, and with Not Like Us sweeping the Grammys, there’s no better time for some strategic alliances.

Metro’s production shaped an era, and Future’s hypnotic flow could turn this into a full-circle moment. If they pop out for “Like That” or “Mask Off,” the subs will be loud, the crowd will be louder, and the internet might not survive.

Pusha T

Continuing the trend of "dudes who have beef with Drake" bringing out Pusha T could be seen as the ultimate power move.

Pusha T already ended one chapter of Drake’s saga with "The Story of Adidon" and with "Not Like Us" solidifying Lamar as hip-hop’s reigning diss champion, this would be the exclamation point.

Lil Wayne

A rap elder statesman and a generational icon — Lil Wayne remains one of the best to ever do it. His respect for Kendrick has always been mutual, but their relationship feels oddly strained at the moment. A surprise halftime cameo could serve as an olive branch.

Wayne hasn’t been shy about his frustration over being snubbed for the Super Bowl in his own hometown, claiming the NFL “ripped” the show away from him. Whether or not he still holds the weight to headline is another debate entirely, but the sting is real.

TL;DR: Upgrade your AI content and pass AI checkers with a lifetime subscription to Undetectable Humaniser AI, available now for a one-time payment of £32.22 (reg. £2,320.52).

Opens in a new window Credit: Evaris Media Undetectable AI: Lifetime Subscription £29.81 at the Mashable Shop
£805.16 Save £775.35 Get Deal

Creating content with AI is a game-changer, but let’s be honest — it doesn’t always hit the mark when it comes to sounding natural. Whether you’re a blogger, marketer, or uni student, you’ve probably found yourself tweaking AI-generated text to make it sound more human, more you. It’s a time-consuming process, and not everyone has the time or patience to craft every word to their liking.

Plus, with AI checkers becoming more common, making your work sound more human is essential. So, what's the solution?

For a limited time, you can get lifetime access to the Undetectable Humaniser AI content app, available at the Mashable Shop for £32.22 (reg. £2,320.52).

This tool revises your content to be engaging, relatable, and authentic. With a few clicks, you can transform AI-generated text into something that reads like it was crafted by a skilled writer. It takes the raw output of your AI tools and gives it that human touch, saving you time and improving the overall quality.

Whether you’re working on a blog post, marketing campaign, school assignment, or social media caption, Undetectable AI polishes your text, making it more persuasive and impactful.

Elevate your writing, connect with your audience, and make AI-generated content truly your own with a lifetime subscription to Undetectable AI on sale for £32.22 (reg. £2,320.52) at the Mashable Shop.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Could the Kansas City Chiefs become the first team to ever win three straight? There's only one way to find out.

The Big Game is finally here, and it's going to be amazing. The Philadelphia Eagles are facing off against the Chiefs this weekend, fresh from smashing the Washington Commanders 55-23 to win the NFC championship. Everything is set up for something special in New Orleans.

Looking for the best way to watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles for free in the UK? We have all the information you need.

When is Chiefs vs. Eagles?

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles starts at 11:30 p.m. GMT on Feb. 9. This fixture takes place at the Caesars Superdome.

How to watch Chiefs vs. Eagles for free

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £80.75 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. Sign up for these deals to access free live streams of the NFL, and it won't cost you anything in the long run. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it's possible to live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for a limited time, saving you 49% on list price. As part of this deal, you also get three bonus months of coverage plus a whole year of unlimited data backup via the cloud and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Scotland vs. Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Scotland and Ireland started their 2025 Six Nations campaigns with victories, but those 100% records are at risk when the two sides come together at Murrayfield Stadium this weekend. It's going to be an absolute battle between two strong teams.

If you want to watch Scotland vs. Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Scotland vs. Ireland?

Scotland vs. Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations starts at 3 p.m. GMT on Feb. 9. This fixture takes place at Murrayfield Stadium.

How to watch Scotland vs. Ireland for free

Scotland vs. Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

Access a free live stream of Scotland vs. Ireland by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Scotland vs. Ireland for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Scotland vs. Ireland without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Scotland vs. Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

UPDATE: Feb. 8, 2025, 7:49 p.m. CST After hours of downtime, PlayStation Network appears to be back online. Reports on DownDetector have plummeted and for now, everything seems stable. We’ll keep an eye on the situation in case anything changes. Read our original story below.

PlayStation console owners who wanted to play online games got a rude start to the weekend.

Users started reporting widespread PlayStation Network outages in the early evening on Friday, per Down Detector (a service owned by Ziff Davis, the parent company of Mashable).

These things typically don't last for an especially long time, which made it all the more interesting that the outage, at least for some, persisted into Saturday morning. PlayStation's official server status page says their services are experiencing issues as of Saturday morning, and at the same time, my PS5 won't load my online friends list.

SEE ALSO: Review: Technics AZ100 Earbuds easily beat the likes of Sony and Bose

This can present all sorts of problems. Obviously, if PSN isn't working, you can't play (or can't easily play, anyway) online games, but it can also potentially block users from playing digitally purchased games. I haven't personally had that problem yet, but it can happen.

Hopefully, Sony fixes this so people who don't care about football can enjoy their weekends.

American football is on everyone's minds right now thanks to the impending Super Bowl, but fascinating things are afoot in the world of association football, too.

According to a statement released by game developer Sports Interactive, Football Manager 25 will not be released in March, like it was supposed to be. It's not being delayed, either, as it was already delayed from November 2024 to March. Instead, it's being canceled entirely, with development efforts being refocused on the next edition of the annual soccer management simulation.

SEE ALSO: Google faked a Gemini AI answer in its Super Bowl commercial

While Football Manager may not have the same name recognition in the U.S. as something like Madden, it's a very popular series for hardcore fans of soccer, focused more on roster management and scouting than in-game skill. It's also been released continuously under that name near the end of every calendar year since 2004; Football Manager 25 being delayed into March was already anomalous by series standards.

As Polygon pointed out, this will be the first year without a Football Manager since the series started. It's incredibly unusual for popular, annually released sports games to get canceled, but Sports Interactive was doing a lot of work to Football Manager 25 that made it understandably hard to finish on time. The interface and visuals were set for an overhaul, and women's soccer was to be included for the first time.

Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until the next release to see any of that stuff.

As we sit around waiting for Super Bowl LIX to start, a Google commercial set to run during the big game has come under fire again.

In a Super Bowl commercial theoretically designed to extoll the virtues of its Gemini AI chatbot, Google actually faked the AI part, according to The Verge. The ad, in which a business called Wisconsin Cheese Mart uses Gemini to come up with a product description for gouda, shows a paragraph-long block of text about gouda that was actually lifted directly from Wisconsin Cheese Mart's website, as seen on the Wayback Machine going back at least as far as 2020:

"Gouda is a Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is one of the most popular cheeses in the world, accounting for 50 to 60 percent of the world's cheese consumption. Smoked Gouda is a variant of this famous cheese, smoked in brick ovens over flaming hickory chip embers. This sweet curd is similar to Edam except that it contains more milk fat, which gives it a creamier texture and causes it to become more buttery with age. Sensational with beer, this cows milk cheese has an edible, smokey brown rind and a creamy, yellow interior."

SEE ALSO: Google Search 'AI Mode' has started internal testing, report says

In case you were wondering, Gemini came into existence three entire years after that block of text was written, and it is copied and pasted verbatim into the commercial as if Gemini wrote it. This starts to look even worse for Gemini when you consider that the same commercial had to be quietly edited because one part that Gemini did include on its own, a stat about gouda being the most widely consumed cheese in the world, turned out to be fake.

So, in other words, the piece of Gemini text that's true was actually written by a human several years ago, and the only part of it that Gemini contributed itself was a falsehood. There has to be a better way to advertise generative AI than this.

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 Friday, February 8, 2025:

AcrossBeer foam

• The answer is Head.

Dance that it takes "two" to do

• The answer is Tango.

Annoying thing to forget on a trip

• The answer is Charger.

Color associated with Barbie

• The answer is Hot pink.

"For all ___ and purposes …"

• The answer is Intents.

Maryland governor Wes

• The answer is Moore.

Cons' counterparts

• The answer is Pros.

DownOldest monthly magazine in the U.S., launched in 1850

• The answer is Harpers.

Front car of a train

• The answer is Engine.

Athlete's representative

• The answer is Agent.

Nerds

• The answer is Dorks.

Body image?

• The answer is Tattoos.

Bonobo relative

• The answer is Chimp.

Pay tribute to

• The answer is Honor.

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.

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 February 8 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 8 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Westminster assembly

These words are used to describe dogs in show.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are generic groupings of dogs that might compete in the Westminster Dog Show.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is DogGroup.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 8

• Sporting

• Herding

• Toys

• Hounds

• Working

• Terriers

• DogGroup

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: 8NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for February 8 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 February 8, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Extremely high.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

STEEP.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 8

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 February 8 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: Seen on a baseball card

• Green: Squeeze together

• Blue: Will see you again

• Purple: Types of food

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: Info on a Baseball Card

• Green: Scrunch, As Fabric

• Blue: Time Adverbs

• Purple: ___Food

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 #607 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Info on a Baseball Card: BIO, PLAYER, STAT, TEAM

• Scrunch, As Fabric: BUNCH, GATHER, PUCKER, RUFFLE

• Time Adverbs: LATER, NOW, SOON, THEN

• ___Food: FAST, FINGER, JUNK, SOUL

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 8

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.

Astrobiologists in Germany are developing a new testing device that could help tease dormant alien microbes into revealing themselves — and its key ingredient is a common amino acid that’s found in abundance inside human blood.

"L-serine, this particular amino acid that we used, [...] we can build it in our bodies, ourselves," researcher Max Riekeles, who is helping to develop the alien-hunting device, told Mashable.

The compound is also prevalent across Earth’s oceans and even down near the dark and otherworldly ecosystems that surround deep sea hydrothermal vents, where life evolved far away from anywhere it could feed itself via photosynthesis. NASA investigators too have found L-serine and similar “proteinogenic” amino acids — which are vital to many organisms’ ability to synthesize their own proteins — buried within meteorites. These and other discoveries have left scientists wondering if any off-world amino acids might have once helped life evolve elsewhere out in the cosmos.

"It could be a simple way to look for life on future Mars missions," according to Riekeles, who trained as an aerospace engineer at the Technical University of Berlin, where he now works on extraterrestrial biosignature research. 

“But, it’s always, of course, the basic question: 'Was there ever life there?'"

SEE ALSO: Aliens haven't contacted us. Scientists found a compelling reason why.

Riekeles and his team’s device benefits from a phenomena called "chemotaxis," the mechanism whereby microbes, including many species of bacteria as well as another whole domain of microscopic organisms called archaea, migrate in response to nearby chemicals.  

Years of research has shown that many tiny organisms have a strong preference for "moving up the L-serine gradient" towards higher L-serine concentrations. This fact led Riekeles and his colleagues to develop their test kit with two chambers divided by a thin, semi-porous membrane: The first chamber would take in a sample from another world, while the second video-monitored chamber would hold a tantalizing concentration of L-serine in water.

“But, it’s always, of course, the basic question: 'Was there ever life there?'"

Granted, the idea of studying single-celled organisms just by watching them move around goes all the way back to the earliest days of microbiology, when Antonie van Leeuwenhoek submitted the first paper on these little beings to London’s Royal Society in 1676. 

"Advances in hardware and software the last few years really bring up the really old fashioned way of doing experiments with visual observations," Riekeles said, "especially when you combine it with big data, machine learning and so on."

A graphic of Mars' Valles Marineris, where robotic missions could seek out potential microbes in briny environments. Credit: NASA / JPL / Arizona State University

For their latest experiments, recently published in the journal Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, Riekeles and his co-researchers focused on three "extremophile" species capable of surviving and thriving in some of Earth’s harshest conditions. Each candidate was selected to approximate the kinds of tiny alien lifeforms that might really live on an inhospitable outer space world — like Mars’ cosmic ray-blasted, desert surface or Jupiter’s icy, watery moons: Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.

"The bacteria Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis, P. halo, it survives in really cold temperatures, for example," Riekeles told Mashable, "and it’s also tolerant of salty environments."

"And the salty environment, when it comes to Mars, is interesting because there are presumed to be a lot of salts on the Martian surface," he added.

In addition to the microbe P. halo, which was harvested from the oceans off Antarctica and can grow happily at below-freezing temperatures as low as 27.5 degrees Fahrenheit (-2.5 degrees Celsius), the team also tested the bacterial spore Bacillus subtilis and archaeon Haloferax volcanii. A form of gut bacteria found across animal species, B. subtilis develops a protective shell capable of enduring temperatures up to 212 F (100 C). And H. volcanii, found in the Dead Sea and other heavily salted areas, can withstand aggressive radiation exposures, drawing frequent comparisons between it and hypothetical Martian microbes.

"It’s not only salt tolerant," Riekeles noted. "If you don’t put it into an environment where there is salt, it won’t survive."

A culture of Haloferax volcanii bacteria. Credit: Granitehead1 / Wikimedia Commons

All three microbes in the study moved from the sample chamber into the test chamber with the L-serine at a fast clip. Within an hour, each produced a "cell density" of roughly 200 percent more microbes in the test chambers that contained about 1.5 grams of L-sirene per liter of water. What's more, B. subtilis climbed to 400 percent more bacteria during tests that doubled the concentration of L-serine molecules.

"We tried, also, other substances, like glucose and ribose," Riekeles added, "but L-serine was, for these three organisms, the most potent."

However, Dirk Schulze-Makuch — a professor of planetary habitability at the Technical University in Berlin, who worked with Riekeles on this project — cautioned that challenges still remain before a device like this can touch down on the Martian surface.

"One big problem," Schulze-Makuch wrote for the website Big Think, "is finding a spot that’s accessible to a lander but where liquid water might also exist." 

"The Southern Highlands of Mars would meet these conditions," he said. Another possibility would be low-altitude spots on Mars like the floor of the expansive canyon Valles Marineris or inside caves, where "atmospheric pressures are sufficient to support liquid (salty) water."

TL;DR: Live stream Utah Jazz vs. LA Clippers in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Utah Jazz head to Intuit Dome to face the LA Clippers in a Western Conference matchup. The Jazz are 12-37, which puts the team in 14th place. The Clippers are 28-22, which puts the team in sixth place.

The Jazz have lost three of their last five games, but are coming off a win over the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers have also lost three of their last five games, and are coming off back-to-back losses to the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors.

When is Utah Jazz vs. LA Clippers?

Utah Jazz vs. LA Clippers in the NBA starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 8. This game takes place at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

How to watch Utah Jazz vs. LA Clippers

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Jazz vs. Clippers basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Jazz vs. Clippers from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Utah Jazz vs. LA Clippers for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Utah Jazz vs. LA Clippers before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice 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 secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Utah Jazz vs. LA Clippers in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Denver Nuggets head to Footprint Center to face the Phoenix Suns in a Western Conference matchup. The Nuggets are 32-19, which puts the team in fourth place. The Suns are 25-25, which puts the team in 10th place.

The Nuggets have won four of their last five games, and all of those wins have come consecutively. The Suns have lost four of their last five games, and are coming off three consecutive losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and back-to-back games to the Portland Trail Blazers.

When is Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns?

Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA starts at 9 p.m. ET on Feb. 8. This game takes place at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Nuggets vs. Suns basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Nuggets vs. Suns from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice 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 secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA with ExpressVPN.