Mashable

Move over Kindle, a new bombshell has entered the e-reader field. DuRoBo's Krono e-reader is coming to the United States and European markets in 2026, and it's all kicking off at CES.

The Krono e-reader — or, as DuRoBo calls it, an ePaper Focus Hub — is a power-packed device coming with a lot more power than you're used to. Measuring 6.1 inches, it's a nearly pocket-sized device, smaller than even the basic Kindle.

All of its controls are housed in its smart dial, which, in addition to letting you navigate menus and adjust settings, also records voice notes on your command. It features a Carta 1200 HD display with 300 ppi resolution, notably the same resolution you'll find on Kindles.

In addition to reading books, browse the internet and listen to music on the Krono. Credit: DuRoBo

What really stands out about the Krono e-reader is its 128GB of storage space. We're used to seeing e-readers max out at 32GB, and now the Krono is quadrupling that. But with its open Android operating system, you'll need that storage space for apps, as you can download Spotify, Reddit, Gmail, Google Drive, and plenty more to the device. It also has a built-in speaker in addition to Bluetooth connectivity, offering flexibility if you want to listen out loud or on a pair of wireless headphones.

The Krono won't be for everyone, as many e-reader users choose the devices for their distraction-free design. However, it bridges the gap between a tablet and e-reader and, with black and white displays, potentially makes it less tempting to scroll.

The Krono e-paper device will be on display at CES 2026, and is arriving to United States and European markets in late January. It will retail for $279.99 and will be available for purchase on DuRoBo's site.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 is on sale for $49.97 (reg. $219), offering a lifetime license with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $49.97
$219 Save $169.03   Get Deal

Subscriptions have their place, but productivity software doesn’t really need to be one of them — especially when it’s something as familiar and widely used as Microsoft Office. Somewhere along the way, there must have been a glitch in the matrix, because buying software quietly turned into renting it forever. Thankfully, Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 skips that model entirely. Its lifetime license is currently on sale for $49.97 (regularly $219), whether you’re using a Mac or a Windows PC.

There’s no need to explain why an Office license still matters. Most people have been using Microsoft Office long before cloud apps and browser-based alternatives became the norm. With this deal, you can install the full Office suite on a single device for lifetime use — at home or at work — without worrying about monthly renewals, annual price hikes, or surprise charges down the line.

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This license includes all the core apps most people actually rely on: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote. That means drafting documents, crunching numbers, building presentations, managing email, and organizing notes using the full desktop versions of each app. Unlike free alternatives or web-based tools, you get access to the complete feature sets, which makes a difference when you’re working on longer documents, detailed spreadsheets, or presentation-heavy projects.

Once you purchase, your license key and download links are delivered instantly, so there’s no waiting around to get started. Microsoft also includes lifetime customer support, which can be helpful if you ever need assistance with installation or troubleshooting.

Instead of committing to yet another recurring subscription, this one-time purchase lets you snag software you’ll likely keep using for years.

Right now, you can grab Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac or Windows for $49.97 (reg. $219). That’s proof that the matrix occasionally still gets things right.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: AdGuard’s Family Plan is available for $15.97 for lifetime access with code FAMPLAN.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02   Get Deal

If each of us had a dollar for every ad we saw online, we’d all be swimming in money by now. The average person is exposed to thousands of ads a day, and they’re practically unavoidable — especially if you live online. Pop-ups, autoplay videos, cookie banners, and targeted ads pile up fast, and that clutter multiplies when several people are using multiple devices under one roof. AdGuard’s Family Plan is designed to block much of that noise at the source, and its lifetime license is currently priced at just $15.97.

If it ever feels like the internet knows a little too much about you, you’re not imagining things. Ads that follow you from site to site and trackers quietly collecting data in the background can make browsing feel less like exploration and more like surveillance. AdGuard aims to dial that back by blocking ads and trackers before they even load, helping protect your privacy across everyday browsing.

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Designed to make the web feel cleaner and more peaceful, AdGuard blocks nearly every type of ad imaginable. Beyond that, it hides your activity from trackers and analytics tools that monitor your online behavior. The result is a faster, less cluttered browsing experience — and fewer eerily well-timed ads popping up in your feed.

Security is another part of the package. AdGuard includes built-in malware and phishing protection to help prevent harmful sites from slipping through. For households with kids, parental controls allow you to restrict access to inappropriate content, making the internet a safer place for your little ones.

The Family Plan works across Android and iOS devices, along with computers, making it a flexible option for most households. This plan supports up to nine devices, which should cover phones, tablets, and laptops without much juggling.

Perhaps the biggest draw is the pricing model. Instead of another recurring subscription, this is a one-time purchase. Pay once, and you get lifetime access, including future updates and feature improvements.

Use code FAMPLAN to get an AdGuard Family Plan lifetime subscription for only $15.97 (reg. $169.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is just a matter of days away, which means it's time to take stock of what to expect from the world's most recognizable tech brands.

Companies like Samsung, LG, and AMD will showcase new products that range from futuristic concepts to more tangible and real-world items you can purchase in the near future. Between foldable phones, fancy new TVs, robots, and computer hardware, there's going to be a lot to talk about in the coming week. Let's dig in.

Here are the biggest tech trends to expect at CES 2026.

SEE ALSO: How to watch CES 2026 live: Streaming schedule, keynotes, events Lots of colorful, big TVs Get ready to hear the letters 'RGB' a lot. Credit: LG

Television sets always take a prominent place at CES, and 2026 appears to be no exception. However, one thing that will be different is the color technology being used in a lot of the TVs on display this year.

Specifically, RGB (which stands for red, green, and blue) TVs are en vogue at CES 2026. A typical TV has backlights that emit white or blue light, depending on what is on screen, but RGB TVs have numerous small red, green, and blue lights that create the picture instead. The idea here is to create greater color accuracy than you'd find on a different kind of display. As a bonus, these screens can achieve higher brightness levels and better contrast as well.

We know for certain that Samsung, LG, and Hisense are all showcasing RGB TVs at CES, but other companies will likely have something on the docket as well. Beyond the RGB of it all, it appears that these same companies are pushing harder on huge displays this year as well. Leaks suggest that Samsung is showcasing a 98-inch version of its Frame TV, while LG's line of RGB sets starts at 75 inches and increases from there. This isn't to say that smaller TVs are going away, but it does mean that huge ones are here to stay.

New laptop chips Intel has some new chips coming. Credit: Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The atmosphere surrounding computer components at CES 2026 is currently a bit muted, given the skyrocketing prices of memory these days. In previous years, we've seen powerful consumer-grade GPUs showcased at CES, but it doesn't seem like that will be the case this year.

Still, that doesn't mean there will be nothing to chew on. For instance, AMD will deliver a keynote address to kick off the show, which it may use to announce its Ryzen 7 9850X3D CPU, reportedly designed for incredibly fast PC gaming. Intel, meanwhile, has already pre-announced its Panther Lake chips, which will likely be showcased in powerful laptops and PCs at CES. The same goes for Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite chip. Whether they're entirely new laptops or refreshes of older models, expect to see machines with those chips inside at the show this year.

As always, keep an eye out for innovative new concepts, such as rollable screens and other unconventional form factors. We don't know of any in this specific category just yet, but there's always something like this at CES.

(Hopefully) helpful robots Where are you? Credit: Kim Gedeon/Mashable

Robots consistently make an appearance at CES in some form, and 2026 appears to be no exception.

In fact, we already know about one in advance. Its name is CLOiD, and it comes from LG. The Korean tech company has yet to share any photos, specs, or price info about CLOiD, but we know it will have two limbs with actuated digits at the end, a menagerie of sensors for navigating and interacting with your home, and an AI-powered robot brain that will personalize its responses to its owners over time. At least, it'll do all of that in theory. CLOiD could be one of those far-off concepts I mentioned earlier, something that doesn't launch for quite some time, if ever.

Speaking of which, Samsung has been threatening to unleash Ballie, a spherical robotic helper, since CES 2020. After that initial showcase, Ballie went silent for several years, reappearing at CES 2024. We still haven't gotten any concrete info about when (or if) Ballie will be available to consumers. There's no guarantee Ballie will show up this year, but it definitely warrants a mention until Samsung provides some answers.

At least two new foldable phones Big phone! Credit: Jung Yeon-je / AFP via Getty Images

The heavily rumored iPhone Fold is unlikely to appear at CES, but other foldables are expected to be showcased.

For starters, Samsung has just recently launched its anticipated Galaxy Z Tri-Fold in Asia, and we expect it to arrive in the U.S. in early 2026. That doesn't necessarily guarantee it will appear at CES, but given Samsung's substantial presence at the show this year, it would not be surprising at all to see the TriFold make its Western debut at the show. In case you haven't been following along, this is the ultra-big, book-style foldable that has two creases instead of just one. In other words, when it's unfolded, it'll almost be like three smartphone displays attached to each other.

Interestingly, Samsung is also reportedly working on another new foldable with a wider display than its previous devices. That one may be further off and isn't guaranteed to appear at CES, but it's worth keeping an eye out for.

And while we know less about this than the TriFold, Motorola is apparently going to show off a new foldable of its own at CES. The company sent physical invites to some media outlets that heavily hinted at a new book-style foldable (as opposed to clamshell-style devices Motorola already makes), and it might have a wood finish, giving it a distinct look. Other than that, though, we know next to nothing about this device. That will probably change next week.

Smart glasses Smart glasses are having a comeback. Credit: IAN MAULE/AFP via Getty Images

Between last year's CES showcase and Meta's increasing market saturation with Ray-Ban, smart glasses made a modest comeback in 2025. Do not be surprised to see more of them at CES 2026.

We don't have many firm predictions about which companies will show which glasses at CES, but in general, you should expect to see more glasses with built-in displays than in previous years. Those have been at CES for a while now, but it's starting to feel like a device category that might actually be used by regular consumers in the near future, rather than just a far-off tech fantasy. Well, maybe, anyway. It depends on whether tech companies can figure out how to navigate all the horrifying privacy implications of wearing a camera on your face.

AI will be everywhere

Lastly, as a general prediction, expect the term "AI" to be frequently used in relation to any and all of the above device categories. New laptop chips will be optimized for AI applications. Smart glasses and home robots will be powered by AI. New TVs will probably use AI in some way. And, of course, foldable phones will come with AI features built in, just like non-foldable phones do.

Will any of it be especially new or novel? It's impossible to say. We'll find out together soon.

Head to the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest news and live updates from the biggest show in tech, where Mashable journalists are reporting live.

Ahead of CES 2026, GE announced the GE Profile Smart Refrigerator with Kitchen Assistant, which boasts a barcode scanner that can add an item to your grocery shopping list — and syncs directly with Instacart.

With the "Scan-to-List" feature, you can scan a product, and the fridge will add it to a shopping list within GE's SmartHQ app. From there, the list can be shared with others, used in-store, or copied to Instacart for fast delivery. You can also add items to your grocery list using your voice — or even ask for unit conversions or product information.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026: The biggest tech trends to watch out for

If you're unsure about what to cook, you can also utilize the fridge's recipe integrations. More than 50 recipes will be added monthly for you to save or add ingredients to your shopping list.

Another feature is "FridgeFocus," which aims to reduce food waste. It's a camera integrated into an LED bar that can snap real-time shots of crisper drawers, which usually contain perishables. So you can check on how your produce is looking while you're away doing next week's grocery shopping.

GE's latest smart fridge "builds on our legacy of kitchen breakthroughs by delivering solutions that adapt to real lives and solve universal stressors such as meal decision fatigue and grocery shopping," Jason May, executive product director of French-door refrigeration at GE Appliances, stated in the press release.

The new smart fridge will be available for purchase in standard-depth or counter-depth models (allowing it to be flush with your cabinetry) on GE's website and at other retailers in April, with a suggested retail price of around $4,899.

Head to the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest news and live updates from the biggest show in tech, where Mashable journalists are reporting live.

For this year's CES, Narwal just announced its Flow 2 robovac and mop, which it calls its "most advanced robotic mop ever."

The Flow 2 boasts two RGB cameras with 1080P resolution, AI that is designed to detect and avoid objects on the floor — such as your cat or lost jewelry — and real-time self-cleaning, according to Narwal's CES page on its website.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026: The biggest tech trends to watch out for

Narwal's Flow 2 also upgrades features of the original Flow, like 30,000Pa of suction (up from 22,000Pa), and 158 degrees Fahrenheit hot water mopping, The Verge reported. The Flow 2 also has two docking stations, one with an automatic refill and draining function and another that's a water tank.

The robovac is expected to be released in April 2026, but pricing and pre-order information aren't yet available. For reference, the Narwal Flow retails for $2,049.98 on the official website.

Head to the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest news and live updates from the biggest show in tech, where Mashable journalists are reporting live.

Samsung is going to have a very busy CES 2026.

The company typically brings new TVs and gaming displays to the show, and that's exactly what's on schedule for CES 2026 as well. But being the consumer tech behemoth that it is, Samsung is firing on all cylinders.

For example, the company pushed out 18 press releases in December alone, many of them pre-announcements of the stuff Samsung is bringing to CES – and that doesn't count the pre-embargoed releases which are scheduled to see the light of day over the next week.

The company has also built an entirely new, massive exhibition space at The Wynn where it can showcase its ambitious AI vision.

Let's take a look at the most interesting stuff we expect to see from Samsung at CES 2026.

Micro RGB TVs Forget about OLEDs (maybe), Micro RGB TVs are coming. Credit: Samsung

Both Samsung and LG have announced a full range of Micro RGB TVs to be launched at CES 2026. For a full explainer what Micro RGB TVs are, go here; the short version is that they're TVs which should come close to OLED picture quality at a lower price.

In particular, Samsung said that in 2026 it would expand its Micro RGB TV lineup with 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, 100- and 115-inch models (the company previously launched a massive, 115-inch TV in 2025).

SEE ALSO: The top 6 CES 2026 trends I expect to see at tech's biggest show

It's still early days for Micro RGB TVs, though, and we're eager to see how good these are with our own eyes.

Gaming monitors No glasses needed for 3D on this one. Credit: Samsung

This is another tradition by Samsung: The company almost always unveils new gaming monitors at CES. This year, the company is bringing its 2026 Odyssey gaming monitor lineup, including the world's first 6K glasses-free 3D gaming monitor called the Odyssey 3D.

Other new devices include the Odyssey G6, the world's first 1,040Hz gaming monitor, as well as several new Odyssey G8 models, including a 6K, 5K, and OLED variant.

Folding phones Samsung's first tri-folding phone is coming to America. Credit: Samsung

The company's first tri-folding phone, the Samsung Galaxy TriFold, was officially unveiled in early December, but for many, CES 2026 will offer a first chance to see the device up close.

Samsung is also rumored to be working on yet another foldable phone with a wider aspect ratio, as it (apparently) prepares to meet Apple's first foldable iPhone head on. We don't expect to see that one at CES 2026, but Samsung Display typically offers a glimpse into future devices by showing us the latest displays the company's been working on.

Wireless speakers and soundbars We don't know how it sounds yet, but it looks good. Credit: Samsung

Samsung is bringing new audio gear to CES 2026, including a couple of new Q-series soundbars. But we're particularly interested in two new WiFi speakers called the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7. The latter is a 3.1.1. channel speaker system with left, front, right and top-firing speakers, which should create a "natural 3D immersion." It supports hi-res audio as well as Samsung's audio tech such as AI Dynamic Bass Control and Audio Lab Pattern Control.

The Music Studio 5 is a smaller version, with a four-inch woofer and dual tweeters. It also includes the AI Dynamic Bass Control and supports WiFi casting, streaming services, and Bluetooth connectivity.

But the coolest thing about these speakers is how they look. Available in black and white, Samsung says their "dot design" has been created by renowned designer Erwan Bouroullec.

AI everything

In Samsung's official words, the company will take the CES 2026 stage to "present its unified AI approach for its Device eXperience (DX) Division and articulate the company’s overall business direction." More importantly for us, Samsung said its AI vision is so ambitious that it built an "industry-leading, large-scale premium standalone exhibition space at The Wynn," where it can showcase its AI innovation with "no limitations."

While AI announcements can sometimes be hard to digest, the above sounds like Samsung's massive exhibition space at the Wynn will be newsworthy in itself. In a few days, we'll be there live to tell you what it's like.

Samsung also said it would unveil a new lineup of AI-connected home appliances, including the new Bespoke AI Laundry Combo (that's a smart washing machine), the Bespoke Samsung AirDresser (that's a smart clothes freshener), the Bespoke AI WindFree Pro Air Conditioner, and a cleaning bot called the Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam.

Finally, the company partnered with Google to add Gemini smarts to some of its hone appliances, including the new Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub and the Bespoke AI Wine Cellar. Yes, in the end everything in your house will be smart; time to get used to it.

The XReal One Pro AR glasses debuted at CES 2025, and now XReal has announced an upgraded version, 1S, in time for CES 2026. Plus, the XReal 1S is available for $449, which is $50 cheaper than the XReal One on the company's website, and $200 cheaper than the XReal One Pro.

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The XReal 1S boasts 3D spatial technology so users can convert 2D games and videos into 3D, and several upgrades compared to other XReal models:

• 500-inch spatial screen, up from 147 inches on the XReal One

• 52 degrees field of view, an increase from 50 degrees on the XReal One (but less than the XReal One Pro's 57 degrees)

• 1200P HD resolution, up from 1080P resolution on both the XReal One and One Pro

• Highest perceived brightness up to 700 nits, more than the One's 600 (but the same as the One Pro)

Like the One and One Pro, the XReal 1S features Native 3DoF (degrees of freedom) spatial anchoring, allowing you to keep the screen in one place. It also features electrochromatic dimming, a USB-C plug-in, and is powered by the X1 chip. The 1S glasses come in a cobalt blue, whereas the other models are black.

The XReal 1S is available for order now on the XReal website or Amazon.

Head to the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest news and live updates from the biggest show in tech, where Mashable journalists are reporting live.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026:

AcrossRon Swanson's "number one favorite food," on "Parks and Recreation"

• The answer is Bacon.

It comes in black and green varieties, depending on ripeness

• The answer is Olive.

Paramour

• The answer is Lover.

In bronze medal position

• The answer is Third.

Feeling resentful, in slang

• The answer is Salty.

DownStreaks of lightning

• The answer is Bolts.

Hawaiian greeting

• The answer is Aloha.

The "C" of A.C.L.U.

• The answer is Civil.

In the open

• The answer is Overt.

Knowledgeable, and proud of it

• The answer is Nerdy.

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.

TL;DR: Live stream Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers 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.

There are plenty of great NBA games taking place over the first weekend of 2026, including Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers. Sure, the Pacers have been pretty poor this season without Tyrese Haliburton. But the Orland Magic are looking to climb the standings.

If you want to watch Magic vs. Pacers in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Magic vs. Pacers?

Magic vs. Pacers in the NBA starts at 3 p.m. ET on Jan. 2. This game takes place at the Kia Center.

How to watch Magic vs. Pacers for free

Magic vs. Pacers 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 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 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:

1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

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 eight 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.

TL;DR: Secure 10TB of data securely with end-to-end encryption, thanks to this lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage, now just $269.97 (reg. $2,900) through Jan. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan $269.97
$2,900 Save $2,630.03   Get Deal

Make 2026 the year you get your digital life in order. If you’ve been meaning to sort out your file storage setup but haven’t found the time, consider this your sign. An Internxt Cloud Storage lifetime subscription gives you 10TB of storage to safeguard your data for life. Right now, it’s available for just $269.97 (reg. $2,900) through Jan. 11.

With Internxt Cloud Storage, you can pay once and rest easy knowing your files are stored for life. This 10TB plan lets you secure years’ worth of data affordably, while also offering top-tier security.

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Your data is protected with end-to-end encryption, meaning it’s encrypted on the sender’s device and decrypted only by the recipient. Not even Internxt can access your data, unlike other cloud storage competitors who may monetize it through targeted advertising and data sharing.

In addition to letting you own your cloud storage and keep it highly secure, Internxt has taken steps to improve transparency. Internxt keeps its code publicly available under an open-source policy and is GDPR-compliant, adhering to strict European laws that protect user privacy and data security.

If you’re already using a popular platform, don’t worry. Internxt has a user-friendly interface and cross-platform compatibility, making it easy to use and integrate across devices and operating systems.

Secure your own 10 TB lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage for only $269.97 (reg. $2,900) now through Jan. 11.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

I’ve been testing dating apps for a long time now, and the question my friends ask me most isn't "how does the algorithm work?" but rather "which app is actually the best?"

Lately, as we've all gotten older (and more willing to settle down), eharmony has snuck into the conversation more often than I’d like to admit. It’s known for being the go-to for the over-50 crowd, but its "hip" new commercials suggest the company is desperate to attract a younger user base.

Whatever their marketing strategy, the claim that "every 14 minutes, someone finds love on eharmony" piqued my interest. So, I decided to give it a real college try to see whether its infamous questionnaire and algorithm-based matching system actually work. Below is my detailed experience with eharmony, from sign-up to connecting with other users.

Getting started on eharmony

Once you download the app, you have two choices: “Join now” or “Log in.” There isn't an option to sign in with Facebook or Google on this screen. (Given the app's older demographic, I honestly expected a Facebook login to be front and center.)

Next, you select your country and your gender. You have three options: woman, man, or nonbinary.

After you pick one, a note pops up letting you know you can "update your gender at any time." This is cool considering eharmony’s history of being less-than-welcoming to gay and nonbinary folks. But that feeling of progress evaporates when you’re asked, “Who are you open to meeting?” You can pick women, men, or nonbinary people — but the app doesn't let you make multiple selections. It’s a major downside for queer and bisexual daters who want a wider pool.

If you decide to keep going, you’ll share what you're looking for (casual, serious, or just browsing) and then get smacked in the face with a massive consent pop-up.

The "Your Consent" pop-up that appears during eharmony's sign-up process. Credit: Screenshot: eharmony

I didn't click “accept all,” and it still let me move forward, so at least there’s no gatekeeping there. Finally, the app asks you to sign up with your email address, Apple, or Google account. It’s weird that they bury this step so deep in the onboarding process instead of putting it at the very beginning, but I eventually chose Google — it’s just easier that way.

You’re in. Now what?

After successfully getting through the initial registration, you’ll get a cute little welcome message: “Congrats — you’re taking the first step towards finding someone who gets you. Now, let’s see what’s next for you.”

This is the part we’ve all been complaining about for years. This extensive questionnaire is a hallmark of eharmony, and it’s what the company claims is the "secret sauce" to its matchmaking success. The first screen is just an intro that basically says to find someone right for you, the best place to look is within yourself. (I think this makes total sense.)

Clicking “continue” brings you to a screen with two tips: Spend 10 to 20 minutes taking the quiz, and go with your gut. (I am curious if the upcoming questions are based on whether you chose man, woman, or nonbinary for your gender preference. It would be interesting to see if a male user gets different phrasing than a female or nonbinary user.)

The welcome screen for eharmony's famous Compatibility Quiz, which takes about 20 minutes to complete. Credit: Screenshot: eharmomy

I’m not going to list every single question, but here’s a quick rundown of the first 15 percent:

• Where is your ideal place to live? (Regardless of where you are now.)

• Why do you want a relationship? You can choose three options, including things like “emotional security,” “so I’m not alone,” and “frequent intimacy” (go eharmony for including that one!).

• Why are you single? (First of all, rude. Also, not sure some of you are ready to go down that rabbit hole.)

• Would you sleep in one bed or separate bedrooms?

One thing I didn’t love is that if you change your mind about an answer, there isn’t a “back” button to revise it. Once you click, you’re committed.

Moving on… the next set of questions focuses on specific interests. Some are multiple choice, while others demand "exactly two answers required." It covers the basics like smoking and drinking, plus lifestyle questions like whether you prefer cooking or going out to eat (again, wondering if they ask the guys this, too). I appreciated that you could choose “none” for sports, but it was weird that it asked if I played an instrument, but never asked which one.

Honestly, by this point, I was ready to tap out, but I’m doing this for all of you singletons out there who are ready to find your forever person.

A glimpse at the "personality" section of the eharmony quiz, which includes abstract shape preferences and situational questions to gauge your reactions. Credit: Screenshot: eharmony

The next section is picture-based and starts to feel a little like a Rorschach test. It gives you two shapes and asks which appeals to you more. Once that’s over, you get an encouraging pop-up: “Halfway there — keep it up!” Then, more pictures — this time of homes, flowers, and nature scenes.

The most interesting part of this section was a question about your “immediate reaction” if someone close to you upsets you. When I picked my first choice, I got a little pop-up scolding me: “Most people tend to pick this answer because it seems the most logical. Please take a moment and make sure you are picking the right answer that applies to you.” OK, eharmony.

It randomly hits you with a climate change question, and then things get serious. However, the marriage question didn’t sit right with me. Not because of what it asked (“What do you think about marriage as an institution?”) but because of the answers it didn’t offer. It felt limited. It also places a question about whether “sex sells” right underneath a question about set mealtimes, which is... a choice.

Once you finally finish, you’re met with a congratulations screen. You made it.

Even more details, if you can believe it

OK, so you’ve made it this far — congrats! Now, you have to fill out your full name, birthday, occupation, height, education level, annual income, whether you have children, religion, and ethnicity. I literally felt like I was filling out a loan application.

They also ask for your marital status. The only options are single, separated, divorced, and widowed. At first, I thought this was weird for a "forever love" app, but then it clicked. Since so many eharmony users are older, knowing if someone is divorced or widowed is actually helpful context. (That said, bad news for the poly crowd: there is absolutely no option for ethical non-monogamy here.)

Next, you choose two required prompts to answer (500 characters max) and write a short bio. Then comes the photo section. Wildly enough, eharmony lets you “skip” this step entirely. If you try, a pop-up gently nudges you to reconsider because you’ll "stand out more," but you can proceed without a face. For a site this serious, that feels like a loophole for catfish.

eharmony is notorious for being pricey, so when a “Welcome Gift” screen popped up, I braced myself for what was to come. Sure enough, clicking “unwrap gift” reveals a 50% off premium subscription offer.

The "Welcome Gift" screen that appears at the end of the sign-up process — spoiler: it's a discount on a paid subscription. Credit: Screenshot: eharmomy

Warning: If you click "Next" on this screen, it immediately asks for payment info. It looks like a paywall, but don’t be fooled — you can hit the “back” button to bypass it and get to the free version. Don't let them trick you.

How much will dating on eharmony cost you?

While you can sign up for eharmony for free, the app really pushes you to get a paid subscription. (The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has actually sued the company for auto-renewals people didn’t consent to, so... proceed with caution.)

Anyway, here's the pricing structure I was offered. Note that yours may differ depending on where you live, when you sign up, etc.

Premium light: $14.90 per month

• Unlimited messaging with 15 matches monthly

• See one photo of each profile

• Unique personality profile

• Search near you

Premium plus: $16.90 per month

• Unlimited messaging with 30 matches monthly

• See all photos

• Unique personality profile

• Search near you

• See who’s seen you

Premium unlimited: $18.90 per month

• Unlimited messaging with all matches

• See all photos

• Unique personality profile

• Search near you

• See who’s seen you

• Filter new members first

The matching process (finally!)

After all that data entry and the predatory subscription BS, the app tells you it's finally ready to show you your “featured profiles” — basically three members you’re supposed to rate. You can skip this section, but I moved forward so I could tell you what happens.

Clicking “Let’s go” brought me to my first profile. I couldn't even view her photo; tapping it immediately triggered a request for payment.

Then I looked at the details. She was a solid two hours and 30 minutes away from me. She was also seven years younger than me (weird, since the app never asked for my age preference earlier). The only good thing? It said she was "online yesterday," which suggests she’s an active user — if she’s real.

The profile did show some info, like height, sports, and our "common trait" (we both "seek comfort when things go wrong," apparently). You get the option to "Like" or "Skip." If you click "Like," it lets you send a message, and I assume it notifies them. My other two "featured" options were also over an hour away, despite the app knowing my zip code.

Once you get through that, it says “See who’s here” and dumps you into a feed of BLURRED PHOTOS. There’s also a bright orange banner at the top, constantly trying to force you into buying a subscription. It feels aggressive.

Is eharmony worth the download?

To be blunt, I think you should try literally any of our other top-recommended apps before considering eharmony. Yes, I often rate it as the "best for marriage," but that’s almost entirely because of the sheer volume of data it collects. (Even after "finishing" the quiz, I found there were still 24 more questions waiting for me in my profile, plus tons of sections to add interests.)

The person who should be on this app is Charlotte York, in every sense. She’s focused on finding her knight in shining armor, she lives in NYC (so she’d have way more options than I do in a small Virginia town), and she has disposable income.

If you fit that profile, then cool — this might actually be the best place to find your soulmate, provided you can dodge the aggressive ads for a premium subscription (though if you’re Charlotte, you can afford it).

But if you’re not willing to shell out any cash and you know you’re not looking for anything serious, I’d say it’s probably fine if you never download the eharmony app.

Opens in a new window Credit: eharmony eharmony Plans start at $14.90 per month Learn More

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know team colors.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Color-specific

• Green: NFL team

• Blue: Basketball team

• Purple: Same colors

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Things that are yellow

• Green: Associated with the Green Day Packers

• Blue: Associated with the Duke Blue Devils

• Purple: Teams that wear purple

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 #468 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Things that are yellow - FOUL POLE, GEORGIA TECH, SOFTBALL, TOUR DE FRANCE LEADER

• Associated with the Green Bay Packers - CHEESEHEAD, FROZEN TUNDRA, LAMBEAU, TITLETOWN

• Associated with the Duke Blue Devils - CAMERON, KRZYZEWSKIVILLE, THE SHOT, TOBACCO ROAD

• Teams that wear purple - NORTHWESTERN, RAVENS, ROCKIES, VIKINGS

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.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 4, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for January 4, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 4 Pips

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 4 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

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

Equal (1): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 1-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this dark blue space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

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

Less Than (1): Everything in this green space must be less than 1. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this red space must be greater than 2. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 4 Pips

Greater Than (4): Everything in this purple space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this red space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically.

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

Less Than (4): Everything in this dark blue space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this green space must be equal to 1. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 3-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this purple space must add up to 4. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

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

Less Than (4): Everything in this light blue space must be less than 4. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this yellow space must add up to 4. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 2-4, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

Now that we've passed the Full Moon phase, the Moon will be getting smaller each night as we move towards the New Moon. This marks the beginning of the waning phase.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Sunday, Jan. 4, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous. According to The Sky Live, 98.6% of the moon will be lit up tonight.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Feb. 1.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to complete a full cycle. This cycle is known as the lunar cycle. Throughout this period, the Moon moves through a series of phases as it orbits the Earth. While the same side of the Moon always faces our planet, the amount of sunlight illuminating its surface changes over time. This is why the Moon appears fully lit, partially illuminated, or not visible at all at different stages of the cycle. The lunar cycle is divided into eight main phases:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a football fan.

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.

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: NYT Pips hints, answers for January 4, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: A journalistic piece

• Green: Spindle

• Blue: NFL moves

• Purple: Rearend

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Paper publications

• Green: Spool

• Blue: Things a defensive football player does

• Purple: Synonyms for butt plus starting letter

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 #938 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Paper publications: COPY, EDITION, ISSUE, PRINT

• Spool: COIL, CRANK, REEL, WIND

• Things a defensive football player does: BLITZ, BLOCK, SACK, TACKLE

• Synonyms for butt plus starting letter: DREAR, ETAIL, GRUMP, SCAN

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 4, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're intuitive.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 4, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 4, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: I just know...

The words are related to intuition.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe supernatural abilities.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Sixth Sense.

NYT Strands word list for January 4

• Medium

• Oracle

• Clairvoyant

• Sixth Sense

• Psychic

• Telepath

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're in a tight-knit group.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 4, 2026 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 Pips hints, answers for January 4, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A clique.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter S appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

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...

POSSE

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 4, 2026

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.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Speed.

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

FLASH

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To torture.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 4, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

WRACK

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A preserved corpse.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 4, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

MUMMY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Unfazed.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for January 4 Hurdle Word 4 answer

STOIC

Final Hurdle hint

To give up.

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

FORGO

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

TL;DR: Windows 11 Pro is available for $9.97 (reg. $199), offering a low-cost upgrade now that Windows 10 support has officially ended.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97
$199 Save $189.03   Get Deal

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 may not feel urgent until something breaks — but as of October 2025, Windows 10 has officially reached the end of its support cycle. That means no more security updates, bug fixes, or long-term protection from newly discovered threats. If you’re still running Windows 10, upgrading your operating system is now one of the simplest ways to keep your PC secure without replacing perfectly functional hardware. Even better, a Windows 11 Pro license is currently on sale for just $9.97 (regularly $199).

Windows 11 Pro doesn’t just refresh how your PC looks — it improves how it works under the hood, too. The operating system introduces a cleaner, more intuitive interface that makes everyday navigation faster and less cluttered. Features like Snap Layouts help you organize multiple windows more efficiently, while improved voice typing and desktop management tools make multitasking feel smoother.

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Security is one of the biggest reasons to upgrade. Windows 11 Pro includes built-in protections such as TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, and biometric sign-in options, which work together to help prevent unauthorized access and malware attacks. With Windows 10 no longer receiving updates, these protections are especially important for safeguarding your personal files, work documents, and other sensitive data.

For users who also game on their PCs, Windows 11 Pro supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, allowing compatible hardware to deliver improved graphics and performance. And for those using their PC primarily for work, Windows 11 Pro includes advanced features like BitLocker device encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V, and Azure AD support, which can be useful for remote work, testing environments, and secure file handling.

Instead of investing in new hardware, upgrading your operating system extends the useful life of your current PC. With Windows 10 support already ended, moving to Windows 11 Pro is now more of a practical update than a cosmetic one.

For a limited time, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for $9.97 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.