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SAVE $38.03: As of Jan. 2, the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro is down to a new best-ever price at Amazon. Get it for just $60.97 in the light green colorway — a savings of 38%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $60.97 at Amazon
$99 Save $38.03   Get Deal

Nobody was as surprised as we were that a sub-$100 smartwatch dominated the competition in 2025. Nothing's CMF Watch 3 Pro, which earned a near-perfect rating in our testing, is easily one of the best smartwatches of last year. And as of Jan. 2, it's hit a new record-low price.

An excellent value at its full cost of only $99, you can pick up the CMF Watch 3 Pro to kick off the new year for a best-ever price of $60.97 at Amazon. That's 38% in savings and even cheaper than it was earlier this week. The only catch? You'll have to go with the light green colorway (which is arguably the best choice anyways).

When Mashable Contributor Lauren Allain tested the watch for herself, she said it "looks, feels, and functions like a smartwatch that costs hundreds more." Not only can it last over two weeks on a charge, blowing the Apple Watch out of the water, but it is also packed with features like blood oxygen monitoring, stress tracking, and precise heart-rate monitoring. Runners will love the included running coach feature, while athletes of all kinds will appreciate the dual-band GPS tracing, which is so precise it can tell which side of the road you're on. The Watch 3 Pro's only drawbacks are that it's a little bulky for smaller wrists and that the ChatGPT integration only works if you also have a Nothing phone.

If you're not a fan of the light green, you can also grab the watch in dark gray, orange, or ash gray. While none of those colorways are quite as discounted as the green, they're all still on sale as of Jan. 2. You'll pay less than $90 no matter which option you choose.

GET $100 CREDIT: Sign up at Samsung for free to receive $100 in Samsung Credit toward select 2026 products.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Free $100 Credit Use toward select 2026 Samsung tech. Get Deal

It's finally 2026, and that means plenty of new tech is on the way. CES 2026 is around the corner, and as usual you'll be able to sample some of the latest and greatest from companies like Samsung. And because the newest gadgets are going to likely be pretty pricey, Samsung wants you prepped and ready to buy with a special deal of its own you can lock in now.

Right now, you can sign up at Samsung for free to receive $100 in Samsung Credit toward select 2026 products. All you need to do is provide your name, email, optional cell number, state, and zip code. In return you'll receive email updates from Samsung, and you'll be eligible to receive up to $100 off qualifying Samsung tech, all of which can be verified as eligible here.

SEE ALSO: What to expect from Samsung at CES 2026

Whether you're a regular Samsung die-hard or you just plan on picking up some new tech now that we're finally in 2026, a $100 credit is hard to beat, especially when you don't have to do much to get it.

Be sure to grab your qualifying signup as soon as possible, as CES 2026 is happening in just a few days, from Jan. 6 to Jan. 9. There, you'll get a look at some of the best Samsung will have to offer, and you'll be rest assured that at least some of it can be yours for up to $100 off. These days, as you're likely well aware, every little bit helps.

SAVE 35%: As of Jan. 2, you can get the Beats Solo 4 for $129.95, down from $199.95. That's a 35% discount or $70 in savings.

Beats Solo 4 $129.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $70   See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy See It at Walmart

Whether you’ve actually started going to the gym (on Jan 2?! Good on you!) or you just need a way to block out the world so you can focus on your first deadlines of the year, a solid pair of headphones is basically a self-care requirement at this point.

SEE ALSO: We tested the best headphones and earbuds for working out

As of Jan. 2, the Beats Solo 4 are on sale for $129.95, down from $199.95, at Amazon. That's a 35% discount or a $70 price cut. While this isn't an all-time low (we saw them priced at $99.99 during Black Friday), $70 is still a decent discount on a top-notch pair of headphones. Even without the discount, the Beats Solo 4 are our favorite budget Beats headphones for their balance of performance and value.

The Beats Solo 4 are built for a more immersive listening experience; thanks to their re-engineered 40mm transducers and Personalized Spatial Audio, you should feel like your music is surrounding you rather than just blending into a single baseline. You'll get up to 50 hours of listening time on a single charge, which is literally double the battery life of the much more expensive AirPods Max. If you're heading out and realize you're low on power, a quick 10-minute charge will give you an additional five hours of playback. They're also ultra-lightweight and have plush ear cushions, so they won't feel like they're crushing your skull during a long work session.

SAVE $196.39: The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar (Graphite) is on sale at Amazon for $253.60, down from the usual price of $449.99. That's a 44% discount and a record-low price at Amazon. But act quick, as this is a limited-time Lightning Deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Instinct 2X Solar (Graphite) $253.60 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $196.39   Get Deal

Now that we're officially in 2026, some people are thinking about resolutions. Fitness goals are always some of the most popular, and if you fall into that category, you probably want a fitness tracker to keep better tabs on your progress. Garmin makes some of the most versatile models, and there's a massive discount today at Amazon.

As of Jan. 2, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar (Graphite) is on sale for $253.60 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $449.99. That's a major 44% discount that takes $196.39 off the price. It's also a new record-low price at Amazon.

Some tech advancements make so much sense that it feels silly we went without them for so long. In this example, I'm talking about a watch face that serves as a way to recharge via solar. It just makes so much sense. Garmin claims that the Instinct 2X Solar produces 50 percent more energy through the Power Glass lens compared to its predecessor. When exposed to three hours of sunlight each day, you'll be in line for never-ending battery life.

SEE ALSO: 5 fitness apps to help with your 2026 New Year’s resolutions

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar will help top up the battery while you're outside on a run, dog walk, or simply out running errands. But more than that, it's a tough and durable fitness tracker that's ready to accompany you on adventures.

Garmin packed the Instinct 2X Solar with features you'll want on the trail, like 24/7 health tracking, a three-axis compass, a barometric altimeter, a built-in flashlight, and even an SOS strobe mode. Of course, you also get more standard features like heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and a pulse oximeter.

Keep in mind this is an Amazon Lightning Deal, and at the time of writing, it was 89 percent claimed. If the sale on the Graphite colorway sells out before you get to it, toggle over to the Whitestone colorway option, which is also on a nice 36% discount. It's not quite the 44% discount on the Graphite, but it's still well worth it.

Before your 2026 trail runs, swims, or off-grid hikes kick into full throttle, upgrade to the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar while it's on sale for a record-low price at Amazon.

Dating Sunday is almost here. 

Landing in the sweet spot between the winter holiday season and Valentine's Day, Dating Sunday — typically the first Sunday of the year — is when eager singles emerge from hibernation to swipe on dating apps in droves. The term traces back to 2016, when apps took notice of the post-New Year's Day frenzy. In 2020, Match's chief dating expert Rachel DeAlto went so far as to call the day the "Super Bowl of dating apps."

When is Dating Sunday this year?

With this kind of marketing, it's easy to have high expectations for Dating Sunday, which falls on Jan. 4, 2026. As a seasoned veteran of both the day and dating apps in general, however, I'm here to tell you that those hopes may not be met. You may not find the love of your life on Dating Sunday — and that's OK.

SEE ALSO: Our 5 predictions for dating in 2026

To the apps' credit, there are stats behind the hoopla: OkCupid typically sees a 70 percent increase in user activity on Dating Sunday. Tinder estimates that 10 percent of all January swipes occur on that date as well.

The reasoning behind it also makes sense. People may take time off dating during the holidays to focus on family, yet the time can remind us of our singleness; December is "proposal season," after all. Plus, January is often seen as a "fresh start," and daters may have newfound optimism to go out and find a partner. Throw in the close proximity to Valentine's Day, and it's totally logical that our thumbs are a-swiping. 

One day — or even a month — of swiping won't determine what the rest of the year will be like. 

Liubomyr Pivtorak, chief product officer at Hily dating app, says Dating Sunday isn't just about an increase in traffic to the apps. "We see a sharp increase in matches and conversations, with people replying faster and sustaining longer exchanges than usual," says Pivtorak. "It's the moment when motivation is still high and everyone’s giving dating a real try, right before that drop-off kicks in.”

I understand why Dating Sunday falls when it does, but I believe starting out the year with it could be detrimental. If you fail to find a match on Dating Sunday, you may think it's somehow a sign of what's to come during this year, that 2026 is doomed to be like last year and the year before. 

This isn't true. One day — or even a month — of swiping won't determine what the rest of the year will be like. The most popular apps (like Tinder and Bumble) have millions of users, and they'll be active well beyond Dating Sunday. There will be more opportunities beyond the first two Sundays of the year. Perhaps the days in between may be lucrative too! Or the days, weeks, and months afterwards.

The danger is treating it like a sprint, when dating is really a marathon.

"If you’re not careful, you can burn out before you’ve even started," says Sylvia Linzalone, dating expert at UK-based dating app Wisp. "The danger is treating it like a sprint, when dating is really a marathon."

SEE ALSO: 5 ways dating changed in 2025

"Dating Sunday isn’t about finding ‘the one’ in 24 hours," Linzalone says. "It’s about starting the year with clarity. Use the energy of the day to set better habits – whether that’s messaging with more intention, meeting sooner, or being clearer about what you want." 

Remember: How Dating Sunday shakes out won't be a predictor for the rest of the year. Don't participate if you don't want to; you can find love another time. Those excited singles won't vanish when Monday rolls around.

You want a potential match that puts in the effort, so you should do so too.

If you do want to put your best foot forward, however, by all means do it. On Dating Sunday, experts recommend that you complete your bio and include at least three photos of yourself. You want a potential match that puts in the effort, so you should do so too.

I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir in terms of managing expectations. Just remember what Linzalone says: it's a marathon, not a sprint.

This article was first published in 2022 and republished in 2026.

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

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 2, 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: To notate

• Green: A skit

• Blue: A guideline

• Purple: Greens

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Write

• Green: Shtick

• Blue: Benchmark

• Purple: Vegetable minus 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 #936 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Write: JOT, LOG, NOTE, RECORD

• Shtick: BIT, GAG, NUMBER, ROUTINE

• Benchmark: BAR, EXAMPLE, METRIC, STANDARD

• Vegetable minus starting letter: ALE, EEK, HIVE, QUASH

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 2, 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 hate the cold.

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 2, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 2, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Home is where the hearth is

The words are related to coziness.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe ways to heat up.

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 Stay Warm.

NYT Strands word list for January 2

• Blanket

• Slippers

• Cocoa

• Stay Warm

• Robe

• Fireplace

• Cuddles

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 love true crime.

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 2, 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 2, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Evidence.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter O 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...

PROOF

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 2, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Hype

• Green: Casino moves

• Blue: Robin Hood

• Purple: Almost hockey

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Full of energy

• Green: Actions with a deck of playing cards

• Blue: Archery terms

• Purple: NHL teams, with the last letter changed

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 #466 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Full of energy - FRESH, INVIGORATED, RESTED, RESTORED

• Actions with a deck of playing cards - CUT, DEAL, DRAW, SHUFFLE

• Archery terms - ARROW, BULLSEYE, NOCK, QUIVER

• NHL teams, with the last letter changed - BLUEY, DUCKY, START, WILT

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 2, 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 2, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 2 Pips

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

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

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally.

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

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 2 Pips

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 4-0, placed horizontally.

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

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-3 placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 2 Pips

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

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

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 Friday, Jan. 2, 2026:

AcrossFill in the ___

• The answer is Blank.

Large quantity at a pot dispensary

• The answer is Ounce.

Remove one's name from, as an online photo

• The answer is Untag.

Org. whose upcoming Artemis II mission will launch astronauts around the moon

• The answer is NASA.

Parched

• The answer is Dry.

DownHop like a kangaroo

• The answer is Hop.

___ lander (moon vehicle)

• The answer is Lunar.

Squirming in one's seat

• The answer is Antsy.

College Football Playoff org.

• The answer is NCAA.

Beer dispenser

• The answer is Keg.

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.

Stranger Things has finally come to an end, with the series finale streaming New Year's Eve on Netflix. However, reactions to Stranger Things' grand finale have been mixed, with many left unsatisfied with how the popular series ultimately concluded.

SEE ALSO: 'Stranger Things' series finale trailer teases final battle against Vecna

The Duffer Brothers' retro sci-fi series has significantly evolved since its 2016 premiere, starting with a small town teen's disappearance and ending with a potentially world-ending supernatural fight. Stranger Things fans were eager to find out how it all ended, and learn the fate of beloved characters such as Steve (Joe Keery), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and Max (Sadie Sink).

Featured Video For You Gaten Matarazzo on 'Stranger Things' 'SNL' shoutout, Dustin and Steve's big fight, and why AI is 'lame'

Unfortunately, not everyone received a completely happy ending. 

Beware, massive spoilers ahead.

Did Eleven die in Stranger Things? Credit: Netflix

Season 5 revealed Vecna's (Jamie Campbell Bower) grand plan to merge Hawkins' dimension with an alternate one labelled the Abyss, uncovering the Upside Down's true nature as a wormhole connecting the two. In 'Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up,' the group ventured into the Abyss to confront both him and the Mind Flayer in a dramatic final fight, eventually emerging victorious thanks to their combined efforts (and projectile weaponry).

Yet while most of the party made it back to Hawkins relatively unscathed, not all did. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) failed to return to Hawkins with her friends, choosing to deliberately stay behind and sacrifice herself to ensure her blood couldn't be used to restart Hawkins Lab's human experimentation program. Though Mike (Finn Wolfhard) comes up with a theory as to how she may have secretly survived, Stranger Things ultimately leaves Eleven's fate ambiguous.

"There are two roads that Eleven could take," Matt Duffer said in an interview with Netflix. "There’s this darker, more pessimistic one or the optimistic, hopeful one. Mike is the optimist of the group and has chosen to believe in that story."

"There was never a version of the story where Eleven was hanging out with the gang at the end," Ross Duffer agreed. "For us and our writers, we didn’t want to take her powers away. She represents magic in a lot of ways and the magic of childhood. For our characters to move on and for the story of Hawkins and the Upside Down to come to a close, Eleven had to go away. We thought it would be beautiful if our characters continued to believe in that happier ending even if we didn’t give them a clear answer to whether that’s true or not."

Stranger Things' finale leaves fans dissatisfied Credit: Netflix

Despite the Duffer Brothers' reasoning, Eleven's fate upset many viewers who had hoped for an unequivocally happy ending. Online reactions to Stranger Things' finale have been largely negative, as fans expressed their frustration with the ending they were given.

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Eleven's fate wasn't the only issue fans had with Stranger Things' finale either. Many viewers also felt that the final battle was anticlimactic, and that the series' conclusion failed to reward the characters for their efforts throughout past seasons — or the viewers for their loyalty. 

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Some fans further speculated that Stranger Things' cast may be just as dissatisfied by the ending as its viewers. In a popular X post, Stranger Things X fan account @stonetflix likened Brown's seemingly apprehensive reaction to being asked about the ending before it aired to that of actor Emilia Clarke answering a similar question about the Game of Thrones finale. Game of Thrones' conclusion was notoriously poorly received, with many viewers upset by the ending given to Clarke's character Daenerys Targaryen.

Though widespread sentiment is that Stranger Things' ending was nowhere near as bad as Game of Thrones', the fact that the parallel is being drawn at all isn't a great sign.

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Fortunately, while many reactions to Stranger Things' finale were negative, not everyone was disappointed. While in the minority, a few fans expressed satisfaction with the series' end and appreciation for what it was.

"A lot of the finale is about growing up," said Matt, touching on Eleven's ultimate choice. "It’s the end of a long coming-of-age story and part of coming of age is leaving your parents and making your own decisions. That’s the moment where Eleven reaches that point and Hopper realizes he does have to let go."

"[There were] discussions with ourselves and also with the other actors, and everyone had very specific ideas of where their characters would end up," said Ross. "We wanted them to continue the journeys that they had all started."

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Stranger Things' final season is available to stream now on Netflix.

The MCU is about to take a good hard look at itself from within itself in the upcoming Disney+ miniseries Wonder Man, from Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton and Community writer Andrew Guest. And looking at the trailer, we're in for some actual fun. Remember fun?

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as Simon Williams, an actor trying for that big break when a superhero role emerges on the horizon. Who better to teach him the art of faking it till you make it? None other than Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), the performer we last saw playing the role of terrorist leader The Mandarin in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The thing is, Simon seems to be developing actual powers himself.

It's one of the shows we're most looking forward to this January, and you can check out our 2026 TV preview on Mashable.

Wonder Man premieres Jan. 27 on Disney+.

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.

TL;DR: Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 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 a number of really interesting NBA games over the first weekend of 2026, but Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder might be the best of the bunch. Can the old guard of the Warriors stop the Thunder juggernaut?

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

When is Warriors vs. Thunder?

Warriors vs. Thunder in the NBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Jan. 2. This game takes place at the Chase Center.

How to watch Warriors vs. Thunder for free

Warriors vs. Thunder 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: Live stream New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks 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's no new year break for the NBA. The games come thick and fast in 2026, with New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks one of the most interesting contests as we head into the weekend. Both teams look strong this season, but Knicks fans will be expecting a win at the Garden.

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

When is Knicks vs. Hawks?

Knicks vs. Hawks in the NBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 2. This game takes place at Madison Square Garden.

How to watch Knicks vs. Hawks for free

Knicks vs. Hawks 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: Don’t miss Microsoft Office 2019 Home & Business for Mac for just $29.97 (reg. $229) — a one-time purchase that gives you lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams Classic with no ongoing subscription fees.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac $29.97
$229 Save $199.03   Get Deal

If you’ve been relying on free productivity apps and finding their limitations a little more noticeable each day, this offer arrives at the perfect time.

Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac is available for just $29.97 (reg. $229), giving you lifetime access to the full suite of essential tools — no monthly subscription fees, no cloud dependency, and no need to stay online just to get work done.

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This version of Office was rebuilt specifically for the modern Mac environment. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams Classic all benefit from macOS-optimized performance, including Retina display clarity, full-screen support, and smooth, responsive interfaces.

Whether you’re drafting reports, managing business emails, creating presentations, or organizing personal projects, the apps feel fast, familiar, and offline-ready.

Office 2019 Home & Business is a strong fit for anyone balancing work and personal tasks on the same device. From families managing schedules to small teams collaborating remotely, the suite offers tools that help streamline workflows without requiring constant updates or cloud syncing.

Because this license ties to your Microsoft account rather than your physical device, you can reinstall anytime you upgrade your hardware — ideal for long-term use. And with instant digital delivery, you can start working right away.

If you’re ready to give your Mac a productivity suite that feels stable, powerful, and refreshingly subscription-free, this one-time purchase may be the easiest upgrade you make all year.

Get Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac is available for just $29.97 (reg. $229).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Browse the web with peace of mind thanks to this Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router, on sale now for $159.97 (reg. $219) through Jan. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Connect Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router $159.97
$219 Save $59.03   Get Deal

Do you have a lot of travel planned for 2026? Whether you’re a jetsetter or you’ve got improving your home online security on this year’s resolution list, VPNs are an easy way to upgrade your cybersecurity.

The Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router is an easy-to-use option that can tag along anywhere, and right now it’s on sale for $159.97 (reg. $219) until Jan. 11.

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!

It’s time to take your online security more seriously. Luckily, the Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router is on sale just in time. This option offers military-grade encryption, so your data stays safe everywhere you go — from public Wi-Fi to your parents’ house.

This VPN Travel Router not only safeguards your information from hackers, but also lets you browse the web freely without geographical restrictions. You won’t have to miss an episode of your favorite show, as you can access whatever streaming services you want from anywhere. You can also watch seamlessly with blazing-fast speeds thanks to the 300 Mbps connection.

There are parental control options in Deeper Connect for the kids in your life, plus an ad blocker for an even more peaceful browsing experience. You can also use it on up to five devices simultaneously, so you can share the safety and security.

Unlike most VPNs, you can pay just once and use the Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router for life — no subscription fees required. A plug-and-play configuration makes it easy to use, and it’s pocket-sized, so it’s easy to bring along anywhere.

Get this Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router, on sale now for $159.97 (reg. $219) until Jan. 11.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

We're just a day away from the Full Moon, and it’s already starting to light up the night sky. If you look closely, you might catch some of the bigger craters and dark patches on its surface.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Friday, Jan. 2, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to The Sky Live, 98.9% of the moon will be lit up tonight.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Jan. 3. The last full moon was on Dec. 4.

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.

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

Insulting.

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

SNIDE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

___ and bone.

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

FLESH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Convulsion.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 2 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 2, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SPASM

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Out of shape.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for January 2 Hurdle Word 4 answer

RUSTY

Final Hurdle hint

Foliage.

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

FLORA

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