Mashable

I spend way too much time staring at screens. When I wake up, I reach for my phone first. In addition to the eight hours a day I spend typing away at my computer, my phone is always there, tempting me to open it and scroll through Instagram rather than getting my work done. When I'm unwinding with a TV show in the evening, my phone is there again, pulling my attention away from the screen. And before falling asleep, I'm once again scrolling through TikTok when I could be reading.

I'm not particularly proud of my screen time numbers or my need to be constantly stimulated. I've created time limits on my most distracting apps and set designated downtime schedules. But honestly, it still hasn't been enough — getting around those limits is as easy as hitting the snooze button.

Ironically, as I tried to lower my screen time, I was targeted with Instagram ads for The Brick, which promises stricter screen time controls to actually curb my phone usage. After testing the Brick for several months, I'm thrilled to say that it helped curb my screen time — cutting it in half — and finally taught me to be bored again.

Opens in a new window Credit: Brick The Brick $59 at Brick
  Shop Now How does The Brick work? The Brick app before, during and after Bricking your phone. Credit: Samantha Mangino

Screen time management apps can be great for ensuring you only spend a certain amount of time on social media a day, but there's a big issue — they're easy to bypass. Using my iPhone's built-in app limits, I quickly fell into the habit of sneaking in one more minute of TikTok, which then became another hour. Brick is also an app, but it adds a physical component, too, which takes away the easy bypass.

The Brick works by locking certain apps when you tap your phone to the Brick. To unlock your phone, you have to tap it against the Brick again. However, if you're in a pinch and really need to access your blocked apps without getting up to tap your phone, the Brick app has five emergency un-Bricks available in total. A word of caution, though, once you've used up these emergency un-Bricks, you have to factory reset your device to make them available again, so use them sparingly.

Previously, the Brick was only available on iOS devices; however, it's now also available on Android smartphones. Multiple devices can be used per Brick, too. My wife and I use the same Brick, keeping it on our refrigerator for easy access.

It's the only thing to truly get my screen time down I keep The Brick on our refrigerator, forcing me to get out of bed or off the couch if I want to un-Brick my phone. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Having the physical component of the Brick means that if you want to access your blocked apps, you can't just press a button. You have to get up and go to your Brick to tap your phone.

And let me tell you, that small physical element makes a world of difference. When I'm lounging on the couch in the evening and want to scroll through Instagram, even though I'm already watching a show, knowing I'd have to get up to un-Brick my phone is enough to deter me from scrolling. My favorite use of Bricking my phone is before bed, as it ensures social media isn't the first thing I see when I wake up and forces me to get out of bed if I do want to look at it.

Plus, the Brick has given me my attention back. When I Brick my phone, it takes away the distraction so I'm not watching my phone when I should be watching TV. But the Brick is even great when I'm not trying to focus on something else. With all my most distracting apps blocked, I'm finally bored again. When I have some downtime, rather than defaulting to scrolling, it motivates me to spend more time reading or finally tackle those errands I've been putting off.

It cut my screen time in half What my screen time looks like when I'm not using Brick. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable What my screen time looks like using Brick. Credit: Samantha Mangino

So what was the result of my using the Brick? It cut my screen time in half.

The best way to quantify the effectiveness of the Brick is through numbers. Before using the Brick, I was averaging about six hours of phone screen time a day. I didn't set out to limit my screen time by a certain number or percentage; I just wanted it to be less. So I was shocked when using the Brick cut my screen time down to an average of three hours a day. Yup, a whole 50 percent less.

Additionally, my whole household has adopted the Brick to limit screen time. I work from home, so I have to exercise a little discipline when I don't have in-person coworkers around. But even my wife, who teaches every day, Bricks their phone before heading to school every morning.

You can create different modes All the different modes I've created for Bricking my phone. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Bricking your phone isn't an all-or-nothing decision. The default setting allows you to block all apps — including your texts and video calls — making it essentially a dumb phone that only allows you to make standard phone calls. However, that's not your only option. You can create different modes, hand-selecting which apps to allow or which to block.

I've created some modes that make my phone similar to a dumb phone — except I do allow for video calls and texts. However, other modes I've created just block the apps that are my biggest distractions: Instagram, TikTok, X, Pinterest, and even Chrome. I also have a light version of this, which helps me stay distraction-free during work but still allows me access to Chrome in case I need to look something up.

Be careful about what apps you select

My only word of caution regarding the Brick is to check which apps get blocked. If you select the option to block all apps, that can end up preventing you access to apps that you might actually need. One time, I Bricked my phone before heading to the gym, only to realize that it was blocking my gym's app, which has my membership card. Another time, my Brick was blocking the Amazon app, which I needed to scan at Whole Foods to get extra savings.

Luckily, that's where Brick's emergency un-Bricking feature helps. Unfortunately, I've already used up two of the allotted five.

I wish it set app limits You can even keep track of how much time you've spent in Brick mode on the activity tab. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

One thing I do like about Apple's built-in screen time is that you can set app limits. Unfortunately, you can't set app limits with Brick. Instead, you just block all apps to try and cut back on your overall screen time. While I quickly adapted to Brick's system, I occasionally missed the app limits that would give me a cue that it was time to ditch social media for the evening.

It's a bit of an investment

Going from using a free screen time feature on my iPhone to paying $59 for The Brick is a little tough to stomach. That being said, it really works. It's the only system that's been able to effectively decrease my screen time. Plus, it's a one-time price to pay.

Other popular screen time apps, like Opal, have free versions, but to access all features, you'll need to pay $99.99 per year.

Is the Brick worth it? Opens in a new window Credit: Brick The Brick $59 at Brick
  Get Deal

The Brick is absolutely worth it. I've been raving about The Brick for months, ever since I started using it and recommending it to everyone I know. If you've been looking for a system to reduce your screen time and have found that built-in app limits aren't enough, the Brick is my favorite option.

The physical limitation of the Brick adds an extra barrier, making it especially effective at preventing you from overriding your screen time and staying truly distraction-free.

If you didn't want to watch Grammy winning, globally popular superstar Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl LX halftime show, then there's news — you can apparently endure Kid Rock performing at an "All American" alternative halftime show instead.

Speaking on The Late Show in the clip above, Stephen Colbert has some thoughts about the lineup.

"As you may have noticed from the poster there, Kid's not rocking this one alone. He'll be joined by country singers Brantley Gilbert, Gabby Barrett, and Lee Brice — powerhouse lineup. Also appearing are Gary Lee Grant, Gilby Branlet, Dilly Barrett, Tandy Breitbart, Billy Gidly, and Baby Bilbo," says Colbert, before quickly making a follow-up announcement. "I don't want to disappoint anybody, but we've just learned that Billy Gidly cannot make it due to health reasons. But in tribute, Trilly Gillson and Brandy Degamble will be performing a Billy Gidly medley."

Recommend deals for you...

• TurboTax Deluxe Desktop Edition 2025 — $44.99 $79.99 (save $35)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $69.98 $99 (save $30.02)

• Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds — $99 $179 (save $80)

• Apple Mac mini — $549 $599 (save $50)

• DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo — $1,099 $1,599 (save $500)

When you think of dating apps, you probably think about Tinder. Approximately 50 million people use the app each month, according to its website, and it's been downloaded over 630 million times. So it makes sense if you've heard of it before — but you might still have questions about what Tinder is and how it works. 

You've come to the right place. Scroll through for the answers to the top questions about Tinder.

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt What is Tinder?

Tinder is a dating app that launched in 2012. Once you make an account, you swipe right to "like" someone's profile — trying to match — and swipe left to "skip" it. In 2026, the swipe model is everywhere on dating apps, but over a decade ago, it was pretty novel. Tinder has evolved over the years from a "hot or not" copy, though, installing safety checks, facial recognition, and robust bio features like adding what you're looking for and personality traits. 

Is Tinder free?

Yes, there is a free version of Tinder — but, like every dating app, there are paid versions that offer more features. For example, if you accidentally swipe left on someone and want to reverse the decision, you'll have to pay Tinder to do so. 

It's free to match and message on Tinder, but free users have limited swipes per day. You also can't see a list of who has liked you, nor can you go incognito or use the Passport feature to swipe in another location. For those features, you'll have to pay for one of three Tinder subscriptions (Plus, Gold, or Platinum).

Here's what every tier gets you:

Tinder Plus

• Unlimited likes

• Unlimited rewinds (reversing a left swipe)

• Passport to any location

• Hide ads

• Incognito mode

Tinder Gold

All Plus features, and:

• See who likes you first

• "Top picks" every day, or curated matches

• Weekly Super Likes (the potential match will know you liked them before they swipe_

• One free Boost a month (this puts you at the top of profiles)

Tinder Platinum

All the aforementioned features, and:

• Message before matching

• Prioritized likes

• See the likes you've sent in the last week

How to get unbanned from Tinder

How to get unbanned from a dating app is a question that users on social media have been asking for years because it's so elusive. While we can't guarantee you'll get your account back, you can appeal the decision if you believe you were banned in error or unfairly. Go to Tinder's Appeals Center, find the violation you want to appeal, and select it. Begin the appeal, and then submit it. You can appeal multiple violations if you wish.

According to Tinder's Help Center article, you'll then receive one of two outcomes to the appeal: approved, meaning the violation was reversed, or denied, meaning the violation was reinforced. 

How to delete your Tinder account

Had enough of the dating app? You can delete your Tinder account by signing into the app or browser version, tapping your profile icon, going to Settings, scrolling to the bottom, and tapping Delete Account.

You can also use the Manage My Account tool. Sign in, tap Delete Account, and confirm.

How to cancel Tinder Gold

Mashable has a whole guide on how to cancel Tinder Gold or other paid Tinder subscriptions if you no longer want to pay for them.

How does Tinder work? How do you use Tinder?

Tinder users are presented a "stack" of profiles. It's your job to swipe through them. If someone seems appealing, swipe right — you might match. You can only message people if you match (unless you have a Tinder Platinum subscription). If you're not feeling the conversation or vibe, you can unmatch someone; they can unmatch you, too.

How to pause your Tinder account

While not called "pause," you can hide your Tinder profile from other people. To do this, tap on your profile icon on the Tinder app or browser, go to Settings, scroll to Enable Discovery, and toggle it off.

You won't be shown to new profiles, but people you already swiped right on will be able to see you, and you can still see and chat with existing matches.

SAVE OVER $30: As of Feb. 4, Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones have dropped to $39.98 at Amazon. This deal saves you $30.01 off the list price of $69.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore by Anker Q20i Headphones $39.98 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $30.01   Get Deal

Are you on the hunt for new headphones that don't come with a hefty price tag? The Soundcore by Anker Q20i have a much more affordable price tag than higher-end models and yet still offer quality. This is especially true right now, as select models of the Q20i have dropped below $40 at Amazon.

Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones are on sale for $39.98 at Amazon. This is just over $30 off their list price of $69.99, and also incredibly close to their lowest-ever price of $37.99.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Whether you plan for the Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones to keep you company on your next flight or on a long commute into work, they feature Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling that helps to reduce up to 90% of noises around you. That certainly helps to keep chatty people or loud sounds from interrupting what you're listening to. Pair that with high-quality sound from 40mm dynamic drivers and up to 40 hours of battery life when the noise-cancellation feature is on, and you're all set for a solo listening party.

Keep in mind that both the black and white headphones are marked as limited-time deals right now, so act fast to grab these Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones on sale.

There's plenty more budget-friendly headphones worth your time and money. If you're curious what else is worth a look, check out our rundown of the best budget headphones for more recommendations.

Fears that Donald Trump may interfere with — or even cancel — the midterms are growing, and The Daily Show host Michael Kosta isn't taking the comments lightly.

"Forgive me for being serious for a moment, but the president suggesting that he might cancel the midterms appears to be the inflection point toward a dictatorship that our nation cannot return," he says. "This is serious."

Cue footage from January of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responding to a reporter's question about the comments by saying that Trump was "simply joking".

"Oh hahahah, it's a joke!" says Kosta. "Forget it, it was a joke! Phew, that is a relief, oh my God. I guess I was worried that it wasn't a joke, because it's a little unusual for a president to joke about cancelling an election. And also this particular president actually did try to overturn an election, so I guess I don't get the joke?"

Kosta goes on to discuss Trump's recent suggestion that Republicans should "take over the voting", as well as the FBI's recent raid of Georgia's election office.

"I think it's pretty clear that Trump is not joking about meddling in the election this year," says Kosta. "And the only way we can prevent it is if everyone stands up to stop it. Especially Republican."

Three, two, one...it's Fallout: New Vegas remastered a penthouse.

Prime Video's hit Fallout TV series generated buzz around the future of the Fallout video game series with a tantalising countdown on the Amazon show's website. Promising a reveal to coincide with the Season 2 finale on Tuesday, the site had fans speculating about the arrival of a new Fallout game or a remaster of either Fallout 3 or Fallout: New Vegas.

SEE ALSO: 'Fallout' Season 2 is full of game details. Here's a handy guide.

Alas, it was neither, but was instead revealed to be a small Easter egg on the website's map, which includes key Fallout locations featured in the show. This we saw coming — as Mashable's Alex Perry wrote on Jan. 8, "If you scroll to the upper right corner of the map, there's a mysterious countdown timer that ends on Feb. 4, the day that the final episode of Season 2 airs. Of course, everyone is wondering what will happen when that timer expires."

Now, that part of the map includes antagonist Robert House's penthouse atop his New Vegas casino Lucky 38. It's a key location both in Fallout: New Vegas and the Fallout series' second season.

See the penthouse in the upper right corner? That's new. Credit: Amazon / Mashable screenshot

Like the other locations on the map, you can click on the penthouse and explore some behind-the-scenes set photos and interviews with the production team of Fallout and star Justin Theroux, who plays Mr. House.

Credit: Amazon / Mashable screenshot

So, the only Fallout future buzz is that Amazon has already confirmed Season 3 of the series, Nintendo Switch 2 is getting the Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition sometime in 2026, Fallout 76 has a Valentine's release, and Fallout 5 set for...yeah, that's not going to happen for an age.

For now, enjoy the Fallout series game Easter eggs and bring me a bottle of Bobrov's Best Moonshine.

Featured Video For You People are freaking out about 'Fallout' — but are they right?

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection is down to $169.91 at Amazon. That's $80 off its $249.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection $169.91 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80.08   Get Deal

Since launching during the Phantasmal Flames era of Pokémon TCG, the Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection has rarely dipped far below $200, but sellers on Amazon have been delivering some great discounts lately. 

As of early February, the collection is listed for $169.91, representing a 32% discount on its standard $249.99 list price. While it has not reached market price just yet, it still massively undercuts TCGplayer when shipping costs are taken into account.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Inside, buyers get 18 booster packs spanning multiple modern sets (Phantasmal Flames, Mega Evolution, Destined Rivals, Journey Together, and Surging Sparks), along with two foil promo cards: Mega Charizard X ex and Oricorio ex. The box also includes a full suite of premium accessories, such as 65 themed card sleeves, a Mega Charizard X playmat, deck box, metal coin, six damage-counter dice, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

If you’re hoping to buy more Pokémon TCG product from Amazon, you can also get the Pokémon TCG: Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box for $15 off. You can also get the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Booster Bundle at around $7 off. 

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 4, every color of the Fitbit Sense 2 is discounted to $199.9 at Amazon. This is $50 off its list price of $249.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Sense 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.95 Save $50   Get Deal

A fitness tracker is a worthy investment for those looking to see how they're progressing with their fitness goals or trying to keep a close eye on aspects of their health. If you've been thinking about making a move into the world of fitness trackers and smartwatches, it's always nice to pick one up on sale rather than pay full price. Thankfully, Amazon is offering some nice discounts at the moment, including on the Fitbit Sense 2.

As of Feb. 4, Amazon has dropped the price of the Fitbit Sense 2 to $199.95 from its list price of $249.95. This saves you a grand total of $50. Plus, every color is on sale right now. Choose between the shadow grey/graphite, lunar white/platinum, or blue mist/pale gold tracker, which are all at the same price.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This is a great tracker for those with workout goals, with features like all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate tracking, over 40 exercise modes, and more. The Fitbit Sense 2 also has a variety of wellness features that are just as helpful. Some of these include all-day stress detection, irregular heart rhythm notifications, a sleep score, and mindfulness content to help you feel a bit healthier in every aspect of life.

These are some of the features that intrigued writer Lois Mackenzie, who wrote in a breakdown of the Fitbit Sense 2 that, "It prioritizes things like stress, sleep, and recovery just as much as steps and heart rate, which makes it stand out in a market that often focuses purely on smashing PRs."

If it's caught your attention, now is your chance to grab the Fitbit Sense 2 for $50 off at Amazon

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 4, the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) is on sale for $219 at Amazon. Normally it's listed for $249, so this 12% discount saves you $30.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 $219 at Amazon
$249 Save $30   Get Deal

If you're part of the Apple ecosystem and want one of the brand's smartwatches, now is a great time to invest. The Apple Watch SE 3 — our pick for the best smartwatch for most people — has dropped down to $219 at Amazon.

Considering it's usually listed for $249, this deal on the Apple Watch SE 3 saves you $30 in total. Not to mention, both the starlight and midnight smartwatches have dropped to this price, so you can pick whichever model suits you best.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

For those who aren't looking to drop a lot of money on a fancy, feature-dense smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE 3 covers the health and fitness basics. It includes plenty of different features, such as an activity tracker, heart rate monitor, temperature sensing, a daily sleep score, and sleep apnea notifications, alongside safety features like Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS. On top of that, it boasts a battery life of up to 18 hours.

As for why we consider it the best smartwatch for most people, Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth notes in our roundup of the best smartwatches that "You get 98 percent of what you need from an Apple Watch or fitness tracker, and at a much better price." So why not grab it when it's even lower than usual?

Don't miss out on the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) down to $219 at Amazon. And if you're hoping to get its more high-tech sibling, the Apple Watch Series 11 is also on sale right now at Amazon.

Popular YouTuber and filmmaker Markiplier confirmed his blood ocean submarining horror movie Iron Lung is getting an extended run after nearly taking the top spot at the weekend domestic box office.

In a stream late Monday night, Markiplier broke down Iron Lung's performance to his followers, which competed neck-and-neck with Sam Raimi's castway horror Send Help before falling to second place for the weekend in the domestic box office.

At the end of the weekend, Send Help earned $19.1 million at the domestic box office while Iron Lung earned $17.8 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

SEE ALSO: 'Send Help' review: GLOP! You're not ready for Rachel McAdams' latest... but I love it

The difference with Iron Lung is that it didn't have a studio-backed marketing strategy. Instead, it was mostly Markiplier speaking directly to his fans and those curious about his independent project.

"Your audacity should be stopped," Markiplier said. "Not by me, I’m not gonna stop you."

Markiplier, whose real name is Mark Fischbach, was named to our Mashable 101 list in 2025 for building a massive audience as a gaming streamer whose fanbase have continuously supported his growing creative endeavors.

"This wouldn’t have happened without you guys," Markiplier said. "It’s fundamentally astonishing."

In addition to an extended theatrical run, Markiplier confirmed he is working out the details for home release, including DVD, Blu-ray, and digital.

"That is all being worked," Markiplier said. "We’re still doing it independently from start to finish."

Markiplier covered a lot of ground over the course of the video, describing the process of making and release Iron Lung as "another step to learn" as he looked to the future.

"Finally, I can feel like I can feel like I can have a foothold to start climbing again," Markiplier said.

Iron Lung is now showing in cinemas.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames Sleeved Booster Pack Lot is down to $66.96 at Amazon. That's $23 shaved off its usual $89.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames Sleeved Booster Pack Lot $66.96 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $23.03   Get Deal

Amazon has surprisingly dropped the price on one of the most sought-after Mega Evolution-era Pokémon TCG bundles, making now a great time to stock up if Phantasmal Flames is still on your hit list. As of Feb. 4, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames Sleeved Booster Pack Lot is down to $66.96 at Amazon, saving you $23 off its $89.99 list price. 

This sealed lot includes eight sleeved Phantasmal Flames booster packs, each containing 10 cards, for a total of 80 trading cards pulled directly from the expansion. This bundle works out to just over $8.37 per pack. With individual Phantasmal Flames boosters on Amazon going for $9.87 right now, you’re saving $12 compared to buying eight separately.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Released as part of the Mega Evolution era, Phantasmal Flames features over 120 cards and introduces more Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, along with a lineup of Trainer cards and more than 15 Pokémon and Trainer cards with special illustrations. It’s an expansion of the Mega Evolution set that’s proven popular with collectors chasing flashy pulls, particularly those drawn to the darker, more vivid art style this collection is known for — like the Special Illustration Rare Mega Charizard X ex worth $644 or the golden Mega Hyper Rare version.

Amazon is also offering free delivery, with faster shipping available depending on your location. Given how quickly sealed Mega Evolution stock tends to dry up once prices dip, this is the kind of deal that may not stick around for long.

For more Pokémon TCG deals from this expansion, you can also get the Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box for $15 off at Amazon. Meanwhile, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Booster Bundle is still available for around $7 off.

Another day, another press conference in which the U.S. president insults a female reporter.

In the clip above, Jimmy Kimmel recaps a recent interaction in which Donald Trump told CNN news anchor and chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins "I don't think I've ever seen you smile" after she asked him a question about the latest batch of Epstein files.

Recommend deals for you...

• Amazon Basics Mini Ceramic Space Heater — $14.99 (List price: $16.99)

• TurboTax Deluxe Desktop Edition 2025 — $44.99 (List price: $79.99)

• Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds — $99 (List price: $179)

• Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise-Cancelling Earbuds — $29.98 (List price: $39.99)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $69.98 (List price: $99)

"We are now at the 'women should smile more' stage of his presidency," says Kimmel. "I'm trying to think of a worse time to tell a woman to smile more than when that person is a reporter asking about the Epstein victims — I can't."

Elsewhere, Kimmel also responds to U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche telling Fox News' Laura Ingraham that "it is not a crime to party with Mr Epstein."

"That's right. It's also not a crime to borrow a bottle of baby oil from Diddy," says Kimmel. "They're not crimes. Stop being such a buzzkill, everybody."

SAVE $160: As of Feb. 4, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 is on sale for $499.95 at Amazon. That's a 24% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 $559.95 at Amazon
$659.99 Save $100.04   Get Deal

If you're a chronic allergy sufferer, an air purifier can make a noticeable difference around the home. It can help ease allergy symptoms, but also help cut down on pet hair and dust before they become an issue. It can also tackle cooking smells and generally improve how clean and fresh the air in your home feels.

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 is one of the best purifiers on the market, and it's on sale right now. As of Feb. 4, this unit is down to its lowest-ever price, now just $499.95. That's a saving of $160 on list price.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This Dyson purifier works by using a fully sealed filter system that combines a HEPA filter with an activated carbon layer to trap tiny particles, allergens, and pollutants, while also removing gases and everyday odors. The entire unit is sealed to HEPA H13 standards, so anything it captures stays inside the machine; nothing sneaks back out into the air.

And it also works as a fan and heater, circulating clean air throughout the room, perfect for cooling in summer and warming spaces in winter. You can even see how good (or bad) the air quality is through the MyDyson app.

Get this Dyson deal from Amazon now.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a sports 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 February 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 dispute

• Green: Possibility

• Blue: Estimated

• Purple: Basketball clubs

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Contention

• Green: Games of chance

• Blue: More or less, colloquially

• Purple: Starting with NBA teams

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 #969 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Contention: CONFLICT, DISCORD, FRICTION, RIVALRY

• Games of chance: BINGO, CRAPS, LOTTERY, WAR

• More or less, colloquially: APPROX, BOUT, LIKE, ROUND

• Starting with NBA teams: BULLSEYE, HEATED, MAGICAL, NETSCAPE

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 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 have a side passion.

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 February 4, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 4, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For the enthusiast

The words are related to pasttimes

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe leisure activities.

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 Hobby Shop

NYT Strands word list for February 4

• Miniature

• Puzzle

• Model

• Hobby Shop

• Collectible

• Game

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 used to being chastised.

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 February 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 February 4, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To scold.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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...

CHIDE

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 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.

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 Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026:

Across"The Rachel Maddow Show" channel, after a 2025 rebranding

• The answer is Ms Now.

Childhood

• The answer is Youth.

Greek letter after zeta and eta

• The answer is Theta.

What helicopter parents do

• The answer is Hover.

Sound at the dog park

• The answer is Arf.

Down"Cats always land on their feet," e.g.

• The answer is Myth.

Neighborhood in both London and Manhattan

• The answer is Soho.

___ York, Spanish name for New York

• The answer is Nueva.

Furry mammal that eats crustaceans

• The answer is Otter.

Docking area

• The answer is Wharf.

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

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

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

Whether you just started dating or you’re practically engaged, shopping for a unique Valentine's Day gift for your boyfriend can be a surprisingly tricky task. How much should you spend? Is it lame to go for a big romantic gesture, or is it lame to not go all out? Of course, the whole "we're not doing gifts this year" thing is never helpful — you both know you're still getting gifts.

If you're stuck in a gift-giving rut, here's our best advice: Zero in on the items he uses daily (or wishes he had daily) and the topics he brings up whenever you're together. These are easy jumping-off points for thoughtful gift ideas that'll make him feel seen, whether they're on the romantic side or practical side. Need some inspiration? We've handpicked a list of more than 25 cute Valentine's Day gift ideas for boyfriends that aren't the obvious ones he may be expecting. For more gift ideas for guys, we have even more options in our list of the best Valentine's Day gifts for men and the (more general) best gifts for him.

SAVE $70: As of Feb. 4, Beats Studio Buds+ are on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's a 41% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds+ $99.95 at Amazon
$169.95 Save $70.00   Get Deal

We're always searching for great deals on earbuds and headphones, and as of Feb. 4, we've found a top deal on the Beats Studio Buds+.

These are seriously impressive earbuds, with built-in noise cancelling and sweat resistance for workouts, and now you can get them for $70 less. Right now, you can buy them for just $99.95, down from the original list price of $169.95. You'll get the choice of three colors: black, ivory, or transparent.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

As you'd expect with any Beats product, the sound quality in these earbuds is second to none. They use Beats’ custom acoustic platform to give a clear and balanced sound. For different listening needs, you can choose between various listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling to block out background noise, or Transparency mode to hear what’s going on around you.

The battery life is impressive and will last up to 36 hours with the charging case. They also work easily with both Apple and Android devices, with quick one-touch pairing and solid Bluetooth connectivity for both. They’re also IPX4 sweat and water resistant, so they're a perfect option for workouts, and you don't need to worry if you're caught listening in a rain shower.

You can find Beats Studio Buds+ on sale at Amazon now, but only for a limited time.

Super Bowl Sunday is nearly here. And even if you're not a sports fan, it remains the biggest unofficial American holiday. Or maybe you are a sports fan but don't understand why there's so much talk about Bad Bunny's halftime show.

No matter your interests, we here at Mashable have you covered. We've collected all the major storylines, important people, and info you need to know for Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8.

Super Bowl LX: The facts

The New England Patriots will face off against the Seattle Seahawks for Super Bowl LX (that's 60 in Roman numerals, by the way). Here are the quick, bullet-point facts you need to know about the game.

• The game kicks off roughly at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 8. It's being played outside of San Francisco and will air on NBC. You can also stream it on Peacock.

• The Seahawks are considered slight favorites to win, having reached the big game largely on the strength of their dominant defense. The Patriots, meanwhile, skyrocketed to success (yet again) after a brief downturn following the end of the Tom Brady era.

• Both quarterbacks in the game have interesting backstories, which brings us to our next section...

The football stars you need to know

The Super Bowl can turn somewhat anonymous NFL players into household names. Here are the stars you should probably know before the game kicks off.

• Drake Maye: The career paths for the Super Bowl LX quarterbacks could not be more different. Maye, who quarterbacks the Patriots, has rocketed upward since being drafted two seasons ago. His first year was promising, but this season — under a new coaching staff — he played at a potentially MVP-winning level. He's one of the most promising young players in the NFL, performing at an elite level well ahead of schedule.

• Sam Darnold: It's been more of a roller coaster ride for Darnold. He was drafted third overall in 2018 by the New York Jets but struggled to find success with the franchise synonymous with failure. He flamed out in New York and with his second-chance franchise, the Carolina Panthers. He spent a year as a backup before joining the Minnesota Vikings, reviving his career with a 14-win season, only to be discarded again. Now here he is in Super Bowl LX with his new team, the Seattle Seahawks.

• Stefon Diggs: Diggs, a New England wide receiver, was once a superstar, even if he's a bit less explosive now at 32 years old. But you also might know him as Cardi B's boyfriend.

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Smith-Njigba is Seattle's star receiver, who had a stunning breakout season. Expect to see him catching the ball. A lot.

• Mike Vrabel: The Patriots coach is sort of a magician. Last year, a version of this roster won a pathetic four games. This season, they won 14 games. You can give a lot of that credit to Vrabel, who took over in 2025.

• Mike MacDonald: The Seattle coach. He's a defensive guru who has totally transformed the franchise in just two years at the helm.

There are, obviously, lots of other stars in the big game, but those are the absolute top-line folks you need to know.

View this post on Instagram Other names you need to know

The Super Bowl is much more than just the game itself. Here are the other folks who'll almost certainly play a role in the broadcast.

• Bad Bunny: The wildly talented Puerto Rican megastar is playing the halftime show.

• Tom Brady: The legendary Patriots QB who led the team to six Super Bowl victories.

• Bill Belichick: The legendary coach of the New England dynasty teams. He's been in the news for less fun reasons lately, namely his thus-far disastrous stint coaching North Carolina, and for being snubbed out of the Hall of Fame.

• Cardi B: The rap superstar is dating Diggs and will almost certainly be at the game.

• Ann Michael Maye: Fans in the Boston area are obsessed with Drake Maye and, in turn, have grown obsessed with his wife, Ann. And, to be fair, their relationship seems quite wholesome. Folks, especially, loved watching Ann's baking exploits on social media, which she dubbed "Bakemas" in the lead-up to Christmas. It was so popular, it has even branched out into a local, baking-focused TV show.

• Malcolm Butler: The Patriots defeated the Seahawks in the 2015 Super Bowl. The game was largely decided by a last-minute, miracle interception by New England defender Malcolm Butler. Get ready to see that play and to hear his name.

A highly anticipated halftime show (and the Trump of it all)

People are super excited to see Bad Bunny perform during halftime, especially fresh off Bad Bunny's Grammy win for Album of the Year. The Puerto Rican star has, however, regularly voiced his opposition to President Donald Trump and directly criticized ICE at the Grammys.

"Before I say thanks to God, I'm gonna say ICE out. We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans," he said onstage.

A certain section of America — roughly the same folks upset at a Spanish-language artist performing at the Super Bowl — don't appreciate that criticism. A major question for folks is whether Bad Bunny will make a political statement during the halftime show, as he performs for America's largest TV audience.

The narratives and drama

Some football fans might not admit it, but the sport is all about the drama. We love a good story. Here are the narratives to know.

• Patriots fatigue: Football fans hated the Patriots for years as they dominated the NFL for much of the past two decades. Finally, with Brady gone, they had fallen back to Earth. Or so we thought. The franchise suffered just five middling years before returning to the Super Bowl. For many NFL fans, that is simply unfair. The Detroit Lions, for instance, are one of the oldest franchises in the league — around since 1930 — and have never appeared in a Super Bowl.

• Who's for real? These two teams are both great. But NFL fans love to doubt. Folks have questioned the ease of New England's schedule — it was one of the easiest in NFL history — and openly wondered if the team is that good. Other NFL fans, meanwhile, question if Darnold might spontaneously play like the guy who flamed out at previous stops.

• A new champion: The last half-decade has been dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs, who've won three Super Bowls since 2020. They typically faced off against the San Francisco 49ers or the Philadelphia Eagles in the big game. But 2026's matchup is completely different and is perhaps a marker of a new era.

There are, of course, a million things that could happen in the Super Bowl. Heck, the last time these teams played in the championship, a miracle interception happened. But now, at the very least, you've got a grasp on all the basics before game day.