Mashable

TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 17e is free with T-Mobile. To claim this offer, simply switch to T-Mobile on most plans.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 17e for free   Shop Now

We know everyone is obsessing over the iPhone Duo right now. You can even get your hands on Apple's first-ever foldable for $1,000 off this weekend, but that's not what we're here to talk to you about. We're here to discuss free deals.

T-Mobile has been the home of incredible iPhone deals all year. We've been blessed with free giveaways of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 Pro in recent times, and even though those deals are no longer live, you can still walk away with an iPhone for free this weekend.

The Apple iPhone 17e is totally free right now with T-Mobile. To qualify for this wild offer, you simply need to switch to T-Mobile on most plans. If you want to upgrade to the iPhone 17, you can get it for under $100 when you bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in needed).

The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan. If you leave T-Mobile before the end of the three-year commitment, you will need to pay the remaining balance. You do also need to pay local sales tax on the phone's full retail value upfront, plus a standard $35 device connection fee per line at checkout.

We reviewed the iPhone 17e earlier this year. Stan Schroeder said "The iPhone 17e is a decent upgrade over its predecessor, and a good choice if you want the cheapest new iPhone you can get." If you don't need all the power of the iPhone 18 Pro, it's a solid choice for normal users.

Get the Apple iPhone 17e for free this weekend with T-Mobile.

The best Disney+ deals and bundles in October 2026: Best Hulu Bundle Deal Disney+ and Hulu Bundle 6 months for $11.99/month Get Deal Best HBO Max Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Bundle $21.99/month with ads, $34.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best ESPN Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle $35.99/month Get Deal

Whether you're looking to jump into the latest superhero saga or journey to a galaxy far, far away, Disney+ is the streaming service for you.

Home to Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and more, Disney+ offers a library that's stuffed with shows and films to keep both adults and kids entertained. With Disney+, you can watch movies like The Mandalorian and Grogu or Toy Story 5, the new Marvel series VisionQuest, and much more.

The service was just hit with a price hike, but it still offers some great bundle deals if you're hoping to save some cash. Among them is a six-month offer for the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle that brings the price down to $11.99 per month, then renews at $12.99 per month after that six-month period. Its ad-free plan also includes this deal, dropping the price to $19.99 per month for the first six months, then renewing at $21.99 per month.

SEE ALSO: D23 2026: Every movie and series announced and shown at this year's fan event

There's also the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max package, which was unfortunately hit by the price hike as well but is still a great investment for those who already use the other two streaming services and want to cut costs. We've detailed all available bundle deals below, along with basic information on Disney+ plans if you just want the House of Mouse's service on its own.

Best Hulu bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+ and Hulu Bundle Get 6 months of Disney+ and Hulu (With Ads) for $11.99/month, then $12.99/month Get Deal Why we like it

For those interested in the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, the streamer is offering deals on both its ad-supported and ad-free plans. For the plan with ads, new and eligible returning subscribers can lock in at $11.99 per month for six months before it returns to $12.99 per month. And if you're interested in going ad-free, the Premium plan is down to $19.99 per month for six months, then returns to $21.99 per month.

• Disney+ and Hulu Bundle — $11.99 per month for six months, then $12.99 per month

• Disney+ and Hulu Bundle Premium — $19.99 per month for six months, then $21.99 per month

Best HBO Max bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Bundle $21.99/month with ads, $34.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

The Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle is one of the best available at the moment. Starting at $21.99 per month, you can have three excellent streaming services right in the palm of your hand. The $21.99 per month option is for the With Ads plan, but if you'd prefer to watch your favorite content without ads, the No Ads plan costs $34.99 per month. Compared to what you'd pay for each of these on their own, you're saving 38% with the ad-supported plan and 43% with the ad-free plan.

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (with ads) — $21.99 per month (save 38%)

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (no ads) — $34.99 per month (save 43%)

Best ESPN bundle Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle $35.99/month Get Deal

If you're a sports fan looking to add ESPN to your bundles, you're in luck: Disney offers bundles with both ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited. According to ESPN, "ESPN Select includes ESPN+ content only. Fans who want ESPN+ exclusively may subscribe to the ESPN Select plan. ESPN Unlimited includes all of the ESPN networks and services, including ESPN+."

The Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle, which has ads, is available for $35.99 per month. The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited premium bundle without ads is available for $44.99 per month.

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle — $21.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle Premium — $32.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle — $35.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle Premium — $44.99 per month

Best Disney+ monthly plans

Disney+ offers two standard plans if you just want the service on its own. The Disney+ ad-supported plan comes to $12.49 per month, while the ad-free Disney+ Premium plan will set you back $21.49 per month or $214.99 per year if you'd rather pay annually.

• Disney+ (With Ads) — $12.49 per month

• Disney+ Premium (No Ads) — $21.49 per month, $214.99 per year

Disney+ has also created an "extra member" plan for people who use your account but live outside your household, as they crack down on password sharing. If you're looking to add another person to your account, you're only allowed one extra profile and can choose from the following add-on plans:

• Disney+ (With Ads) — $6.99 per month

• Disney+ Premium — $9.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle — $7.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $10.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle — $11.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle Premium — $14.99 per month

There's a wealth of shows and films to check out on Disney+ after you sign up. If you want some help finding something to watch, check out our roundups of the 12 best TV shows for adults on Disney+ and the 20 best movies on Disney+ to start building out your watchlist.

TL;DR: Get a one-year Sam’s Club Plus Membership with Auto-Renew for $120 and make holiday shopping a little easier.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club 1-Year Sam's Club Plus Membership with Auto-Renew* $120
  Get Deal

The holiday season has a way of turning a simple shopping list into a full-blown project. Between festive dinners, gifts, decorations, and everyday essentials, having a single place to handle multiple errands can make a difference. A one-year Sam’s Club Plus Membership with Auto-Renew is $120, making now an ideal time to join before the seasonal rush begins.

At Sam’s Club, members can shop for groceries, kitchen supplies, electronics, furniture, and holiday decorations, along with household staples worth keeping stocked year-round.

The Plus membership adds perks that can make shopping more convenient, especially during busy weeks.

Early shopping hours let Plus members get a head start before regular club hours. Qualifying in-club purchases also earn 2 percent back in Sam’s Cash, up to $500 annually (subject to program terms).

Prefer shopping from home? Plus members can get free shipping on eligible online orders and complimentary curbside pickup.

Membership benefits extend beyond groceries and gifts. Members can access fuel savings at select locations, while Plus perks include pharmacy savings on hundreds of generic medications and optical discounts.

Vehicle-related services include complimentary flat-tire repair, battery testing, and wiper-blade installation.

You’ll also receive a complimentary household card for another eligible household member to shop. For families planning holiday gatherings, the combination of members-only prices, convenient pickup, and early access can help simplify seasonal shopping. And these benefits aren’t just for December. They can be useful throughout the year for groceries, household essentials, and everyday errands.

Get a one-year Sam’s Club Plus Membership with Auto-Renew for $120 and start planning your holiday shopping.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

From Christmas markets to seeing the neighborhood's outdoor lights, I'm a huge fan of the holiday season. I'm the type of person who begins Christmas shopping in the summer in anticipation of watching people open a present I carefully selected after pondering the perfect gift for months. But once December rolls around, I'm all in on Advent calendars.

Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, an Advent calendar is a fun way to get a small surprise each day as a small pat on the back for making it through another day in December, or you can even save it for the chilly, dark month of January. I also think gifting Advent calendars is a fun way to surprise someone on Dec. 1.

However you wish to celebrate, these are my favorite Advent calendars for 2026. Keep in mind some of these are so popular they'll sell out well before December, so it's best to shop early.

A special treat for the coffee crowd

For many of us, coffee is the reason we get out of bed in the morning. We all have our favorite coffee method, be it a Keurig machine, Nespresso, or heading to the cafe. But if you're on board with 24 delicious, quick, and hassle-free coffee beverages, you must go with the Cometeer 2026 Advent Calendar.

If you're new to Cometeer, here's a quick intro. Coming from exceptional coffee companies around the country, Cometeer flash freezes freshly brewed coffee into aluminum capsules. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw the capsule for five minutes in hot water. Then add it to your favorite hot milk or cold water for whatever drink you'd like. No machine needed.

The Cometeer Advent Calendar for 2026 includes some of the company's favorites, such as Joe Coffee, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, and Onyx Coffee Lab. The finale on day 24 is a rare light roast from Stellar Series.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cometeer Cometeer 2026 Advent Calendar $129 at Cometeer
  Shop Now at Cometeer The stationery lover's dream

If you're at all interested in stationery or planners, you're familiar with Papier. Their planners, organizers, journals, and notebooks have made the brand well known as one of the most aesthetically appealing. Bundling 24 days of fun, luxurious stationery items, the Papier 24 Day Advent Calendar is a delight.

I won't give away any spoilers, but the collection of goodies is amazing, not to mention the incredible treasure chest and packaging. If the 24-day option feels a bit too spendy, consider the 12 Day Advent calendar that comes in an adorable keepsake cottage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Papier Papier 24 Day Advent Calendar $195 at Papier
  Shop Now at Papier Opens in a new window Credit: Papier Papier 12 Day Advent Calendar $95 at Papier
  Shop Now at Papier A gift for the adventurous candy fanatic

Candy in an Advent calendar is standard, and maybe even a bit boring, if we're being honest. But fill 24 days with a licorice and chocolate treat from a popular Danish company, and we're in for a delicious experience. The Lakrids by Bülow Advent Calendar features black licorice coated in flavored chocolate, offering two bites of delight per day.

You're in for flavors like salty caramel, passion fruit, sour cherry, frozen mint, dark truffle, and more. Plus, all Lakrids by Bülow in the calendar are both gluten-free and made without gelatin. If you've never heard of this brand and think you hate black licorice, this is the Advent calendar to change your mind.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lakrids by Lakrids by Bülow Advent Calendar + free Lakrids by Bülow Classic Caramel $69.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Wings for the whole season

The brand that's brought us the most ridiculous and enjoyable sporting events has entered the world of Advent calendars. The Red Bull Advent Calendar has 24 standard 8.4-ounce cans in packaging that's so joyful, it's hard to throw away at the end of the season.

The variety pack includes 11 flavors, including the tried-and-true original, the Coconut Edition, and the Peach Edition. It also includes two cans of Red Bull Fuji apple and ginger and the new 2026 Winter Edition flavor of pistachio and berries.

Opens in a new window Credit: Red Bull Red Bull Advent Calendar $54.98 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A season of enjoyment from Lovehoney

This year, Lovehoney didn't hold back on the holiday treats. The brand gave us five Advent calendars to choose from. And yes, that does mean you're gonna need to open five windows on your computer to compare specs. Mashable Contributor Tabitha Britt explained that the Lovehoney Romance Advent Calendar (7-Day) is "ideal for couples who want to add a little ~spice~ to their bedroom routine without spending a fortune."

If you feel like going all-out with 24 days of goodies, the Lovehoney Luxury Advent Calendar (24-Day) is well worth the money, and it comes with a festive candy cane glass dildo.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lovehoney Lovehoney Romance Advent Calendar (7 Day) $129 at Lovehoney
$219.91 Save $90.91   Shop Now at Lovehoney Opens in a new window Credit: Lovehoney Lovehoney Luxury Advent Calendar (24 Day) $369 at Lovehoney
$908.75 Save $539.75   Shop Now at Lovehoney A mini puzzle a day

For some quiet and calm fun, we have Advent calendars in the form of jigsaw puzzles. The Winter Lights 12 Days of Puzzles from Galison is filled with delightful winter scenes on each of the 80-piece puzzles. The 12 puzzles measure just five by seven inches each, so there's always room on the table despite it being covered in sugar from baking and wrapping paper. This option makes a great gift for the beginning of December. Galison uses recycled paper and no dust. The brand makes puzzle pieces that are so high quality, I pretty much refuse any other brand.

Opens in a new window Credit: Galison Winter Lights 12 Days of Holiday Puzzle Countdown $23.03 at Amazon
$26.99 Save $3.96   Shop Now at Amazon Cozy tea time for two

December is a hectic season. Slow down with afternoon tea time and the Twinings Tea Advent Calendar. Each of the 24 doors contains two tea bags, so you can share with a friend. The calendar includes black, green, and herbal teas, including my favorites like Lady Grey, as well as lemon and ginger. Seasonal flavors include Christmas Tea, Gingerbread Joy, and Winter Spice.

Opens in a new window Credit: Twinings Twinings Tea Advent Calendar $23.98 at Amazon
$25.98 Save $2   Shop Now at Amazon A spicy winter surprise

For those who add spice to every dish, we have two Fly by Jing Advent Calendars for 2026. The famous chili crisp brand has a 2026 limited-edition 12-Day Advent Calendar and a 24-Day Calendar for the die-hard fans of keeping things spicy. Both include classic flavors and never-before-launched flavors.

In addition to the edible sauces, both Fly By Jing Advent Calendars include a jar ornament for your tree. Keep in mind, last year's Fly By Jing calendar sold out by Nov. 5, so act accordingly with this one.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fly By Jing Fly By Jing 12-Day Advent Calendar $98 at Fly By Jing
  Shop Now at Fly By Jing Opens in a new window Credit: Fly By Jing Fly By Jing 24-day Advent Calendar $175 at Fly By Jing
  Shop Now at Fly By Jing A chocolate Advent calendar with chocolate that's worth eating

Chocolate, like coffee, has a large range of quality. Some is top-tier, and some is barely worth ingesting. Instead of getting the random grocery store Advent calendar with waxy chocolate, go with the Lindt Teddy Assorted Chocolate Candy Christmas Advent Calendar. The 24 days include Lindt double milk-chocolate balls, Lindt mini hazelnut cream chocolate balls, and other classic flavors. Of course, there's also a Lindt Teddy to enjoy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lindt Lindt Teddy Assorted Chocolate Candy Christmas Advent Calendar $13.97 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Treats for the hair care buff

With 12 doors of curated surprises from Kitsch, your holiday season can be one of beauty. The brand included items such as accessories and festive surprises. Even the brand's everyday products get a festive spin with this calendar. And Kitsch didn't go mini with the Advent calendar. All doors feature a full-size treat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kitsch Kitsch Holiday Advent Calendar $118.99 at Kitsch
$184 Save $65.01   Shop Now at Kitsch A flavorful and sweet season

It's become one of the most popular Advent calendars ever, which means it's time to snag it before it sells out for the year. The Bonne Maman Advent Calendar 2026 includes 24 mini jars of the brand's exceptional jams and spreads. Plus, the mini glass jars with signature red-and-white checkered lids are reusable all year long.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bonne Maman Bonne Maman Advent Calendar 2026 $55.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon 12 ornaments that make for a great gift

Who can deny googly eyes? Brass Monkey's Googly & Bright Holiday Ornament Countdown Calendar comes with 12 delightful holiday ornaments that have (drumroll, please) googly eyes. The food-themed collection is a great Advent calendar for the friend who has everything and needs nothing more. It also makes for a great White Elephant party option.

Opens in a new window Credit: Brass Monkey Brass Monkey Googly & Bright Holiday Ornament Countdown Calendar $25.40 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Chocolate for making it through another day in December

Even if you love the Christmas season, it can be tiring. Add some pep to the day with the Awake Very Caffeinated Christmas Advent Calendar. Each of the 24 days includes one caffeinated chocolate bite from the brand's flavor lineup. There's dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and my favorite salted caramel dark chocolate.

Opens in a new window Credit: Awake Chocolate Awake Chocolate A Very Caffeinated Christmas Advent Calendar $37.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A classic Lego option for all ages

A sell-out every year, the Lego Star Wars Advent calendar is now a staple during the holidays. This year's version has 293 pieces, and some come with a festive twist. This year's calendar has Grogu and the Mandalorian in holiday sweaters. Need we say more?

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2026 $30 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $14.99   Shop Now at Amazon Libations for the month

Gather up friends, family, and neighbors to check out the new 12 Days of Harry & David Christmas Wine collection. The lavish box contains pinot gris, moscato, sav blanc, two bottles of merlot, and two bottles of cab sav, to name a select few.

Unlike most wine Advent calendars, the Harry & Davis features full-size 750-milliliter bottles, so you'll have some for sharing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Harry &David 12 Days of Harry & David Christmas Wine $249.99 at Harry & David
  Shop Now at Harry & David A whole new sock wardrobe

Who couldn't use 24 pairs of new socks? The Happy Socks Advent Calendar Gift Set features a fantastic mix of holiday-themed socks and classics like polka dots. Happy Socks have a reinforced heel and toe, and all pairs are 83% cotton for breathability. As a bonus, this means you don't have to wash socks until Dec. 25.

Opens in a new window Credit: Happy Socks Happy Socks 24-Pack Advent Calendar Gift Set $252 at Happy Socks
  Shop Now at Happy Socks

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 3-day free trial, then $199.99/year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 5-day free trial, then $63.99/month for 1 month (save $25) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Orange & Blue $60.99/month Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 5 months (save $110) Shop Now

Neither the North Carolina Tar Heels nor the Duke Blue Devils are ranked as we head into this Week 7 clash. But that's why it's all to play for as the Atlantic Coast Conference teams meet today — they're out to prove themselves and improve that win-loss record. North Carolina are currently at 4-1, and Duke at 3-2. They're both 1-1 in conference play, so a win here would give either team the edge.

If you want to watch North Carolina vs. Duke for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is North Carolina vs. Duke?

North Carolina vs. Duke takes place at 3.30 p.m. ET on Oct. 17. This game takes place at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

North Carolina vs. Duke is broadcast on ESPN2.

How to watch college football in 2026

Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $31.99 per month, but for an extra $4 per month you can secure a plan that also includes Disney+ and Hulu.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99/year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $38.89 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a three-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers more than 250 live TV channels and lets you watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a five-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters with a trial before you make any commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $99.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). Plus, the first month will only cost $49.99.

The included ESPN+ access provides bonus coverage of even more college football games, on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $60.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sports streaming service that offers a wide range of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue package gives you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, plus ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch North Carolina vs. Duke from anywhere in the world

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

Live stream North Carolina vs. Duke from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch North Carolina vs. Duke from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

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

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to AskAnyModel AI Pro for just $39.99 (reg. $499).

Opens in a new window Credit: AskAnyModel AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$499 Save $459.01   Get Deal

ChatGPT says one thing. Claude has another suggestion. Gemini takes a different approach. Comparing AI responses can be useful, but bouncing between platforms gets old quickly. AskAnyModel AI Pro offers lifetime access for $39.99 (reg. $499), bringing more than 50 AI models into one workspace.

The standout feature is side-by-side comparison. Enter one prompt, select up to six models, and review their answers simultaneously. It’s a practical way to compare writing styles, coding suggestions, research approaches, or brainstorming ideas without constantly switching tabs.

AskAnyModel supports familiar names like GPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, Llama, and Mistral, with a model library that’s regularly updated.

The lifetime plan includes unlimited chats with 30 standard models, so you can handle everyday writing, research, and creative tasks without monthly message limits on those models.

For more advanced work, you’ll receive 500 premium credits each month to use across 19 flagship models. There’s also a Gemini model with Google Search grounding, available for up to 300 chats weekly.

Need visuals? AskAnyModel supports unlimited AI image generation across compatible models without using your premium credits.

You can switch models mid-conversation, view responses as they stream, and access everything directly through a web browser. No downloads or installations are required.

Lifetime access doesn’t mean unlimited use of every premium model. The 500-credit monthly allowance applies to flagship models, while the unlimited chat benefit covers supported standard models.

For anyone regularly experimenting with different AI tools, AskAnyModel offers more flexibility without requiring separate subscriptions to every provider.

Get AskAnyModel AI Pro Lifetime on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $499) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

When dating sites and apps first emerged on the scene, they were not only fairly straightforward in their design and matchmaking abilities, but they were also very much conservative in their outlook, designed for heterosexual singles to find a monogamous relationship. Fast forward to today, however, and mainstream online dating has loosened its restrictions considerably, with a wider embrace of human sexual orientations and a greater legitimacy given to connections of all shapes, sizes, and durations.

Couples dating, however, is still not as widely supported, with only a handful of apps and sites offering native support for non-monogamous lifestyles. Two of the standouts in that respect are AdultFriendFinder, one of the internet's oldest adult dating sites, and Feeld (originally 3nder), an app designed from the ground up for practitioners of polyamory, kink, and swinging to connect.

Whether you're new to couples dating or only recently expanding your search to the digital world, you're probably curious about where it's best to start your search. We put AdultFriendFinder and Feeld in a head-to-head contest to see which one offers couples the best chance of finding connection, whether they're looking for other couples or simply another single to add to their fun. 

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Feeld Feeld   Learn More Interface and ease of use

One immediate difference between the two services is that Feeld looks and feels modern, while AFF's interface has not meaningfully changed in decades, so if you're a digital native with an affinity for apps over web-based dating, you're going to gravitate to Feeld. 

However, as dated as the AFF interface looks, it offers fantastic native support for couples dating and does a great job integrating couples' accounts into its search algorithms. In other words, though it still looks every bit the '90s-era website, its functionality for couples dating is basically unmatched against other web-based dating sites. 

In feel and design, Feeld is AFF's opposite, eminently modern and aesthetically pleasing, but Feeld and AFF share a common support for non-monogamous dating. From the signup screen, you'll be asked about the "group dynamics" that you're interested in, as well as how open you are to exploring outside your comfort zone. And if you are already in an open relationship with another Feeld user or users, you have the option to add them to your "Constellation," a collection of partnered profiles that will be visible to everyone who comes across you on the app and with whom you share an automatic ability to group chat. 

A lot of the decision here comes down to whether you're more comfortable using your phone or computer, but since both services offer extensive native support for couples looking to date, we're not going to give the edge to either. 

Winner: Tie

User base

Both AdultFriendFinder and Feeld have remained relatively tight-lipped about their user counts. AFF has more than its fair share of bots and spam accounts, while Feeld users aren't all active when you want them to be. Feeld claims it has more than 14 million registered users worldwide, with roughly 30 percent year-over-year growth since 2022, while AFF claims to have more than 50 million active users worldwide and more than 100 million registered accounts. 

So, in absolute terms, AFF has almost five times as many active users as Feeld has total users, but the differences don't end there. According to Feeld's own statistics, the most active users are between 28 and 32, while the average AdultFriendFinder user is between 30 and 38. Unfortunately for Feeld, this discrepancy can't exclusively be attributed to preference; Feeld is much less popular among the over-40 crowd, which means anyone middle-aged and above will probably have better luck on AFF.

There's one final difference worth mentioning, though it's harder to quantify with statistics: Feeld users are much more concentrated in cities, especially big cities like Los Angeles and New York, whereas AdultFriendFinder users are much more spread out geographically. If you're already in LA or NYC, you can definitely have great luck on Feeld, but if you live somewhere more remote, you'll quickly realize there just aren't many Feeld users in your area. 

Winner: AdultFriendFinder

Culture

By far the most important aspect when evaluating a dating service for couples is the site's culture, since some sites or apps aren't always welcoming to non-monogamous daters. Religious dating sites, for example, don't even offer the option to date as a couple, while even hookup-oriented services like Tinder don't offer native support for joint profiles, and only recently offered listings for polyamory and ethical non-monogamy in dating profiles. 

Thankfully, this is one area where both AFF and Feeld are clear standouts. Both services have an open-minded user base that doesn't just tolerate but openly accepts non-traditional dating practices.

In other words, from a culture perspective, you can't go wrong with either Feeld or AFF. 

Winner: Tie

Value

For all their other similarities in values and features, one obvious standout between Feeld and AFF is their value proposition. To do almost anything on AdultFriendFinder, from viewing profiles to sending private messages to other singles or couples, you have to have a paid membership. Feeld, on the other hand, operates much like Tinder, allowing non-paying users a wide range of features: swiping through profiles, sending likes and dislikes, and even chatting with matches. You don't even need to be a paying member to use Feeld's Constellation feature. 

The major downside of being a free user of Feeld is that you can only send a limited number of likes per day (much like Tinder!), and that's not much of a downside at all if you're willing to be patient.

In terms of a value proposition, then, the choice is obvious: Feeld offers much more for less. 

Winner: Feeld

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for people who like college football.

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. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise 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 before the game ends.

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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: Swim gear

• Green: English naming conventions

• Blue: Award-winning student athletes

• Purple: Sounds like a WNBA team

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: A Swimmer's Needs

• Green: Words in English Premier League Team Names

• Blue: Heisman Trophy Winners

• Purple: WNBA Teams, Minus the First 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: Sports Edition #754 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• A Swimmer's Needs: CAP, GOOGLES, POOL, SUIT

• Words in English Premier League Team Names: CITY, FOREST, PALACE, VILLA

• Heisman Trophy Winners: BURROW, BUSH, CROUCH, WARE

• WNBA Teams, Minus the First Letter: EVER, IRE, PARKS, REAM

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 catalog.

Released in August 2025, 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 on to 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 with 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 October 17, 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 October 17, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for October 17 Pips

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

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally.

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

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for October 17 Pips

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

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 4-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (8): Everything in this space must be greater than 8. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically.

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for October 17 Pips

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically.

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.

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

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

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 3-day free trial, then $199.99/year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 5-day free trial, then $63.99/month for 1 month (save $25) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Orange & Blue $60.99/month Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 5 months (save $110) Shop Now

The Southeastern Conference showcases another big noon kickoff today, as the Florida Gators visit the Texas Longhorns for a Week 7 clash.

These teams are just one place apart in the SEC standings (Texas are 4-1 overall and Florida are 4-2), though the Longhorns are faring much better in the rankings — they're at No. 7 while the Gators are currently unranked. Both are coming off losses, following Texas's defeat at the hands of also-unranked Oklahoma and Florida's two-game losing streak against Missouri and South Carolina. This could be a crucial showdown for both teams.

If you want to watch Florida vs. Texas for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Florida vs. Texas?

Florida vs. Texas takes place at 12 p.m. ET on Oct. 17. This game takes place at the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.

Florida vs. Texas is broadcast on ABC.

How to watch college football in 2026

Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $31.99 per month, but for an extra $4 per month you can secure a plan that also includes Disney+ and Hulu.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99/year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $38.89 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a three-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers more than 250 live TV channels and lets you watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a five-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters with a trial before you make any commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $99.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). Plus, the first month will only cost $49.99.

The included ESPN+ access provides bonus coverage of even more college football games, in addition to live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $60.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sports streaming service that offers a wide range of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue package gives you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, plus ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Florida vs. Texas from anywhere in the world

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

Live stream Florida vs. Texas from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Florida vs. Texas from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

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

TL;DR: Watch Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Bundesliga has a stacked schedule of exciting fixtures this weekend, including a fascinating clash between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. These teams are separated by two points, so a win for the visitors would see them leapfrog the defending champions.

Bayern Munich are looking to bounce back after a disappointing draw in the Champions League in which Michael Olise was sent off.

If you're interested in watching Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig?

Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga kicks off at 12.30 p.m. ET on Oct. 17. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig for free

Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the Bundesliga?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 3-day free trial, then $199.99/year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 5-day free trial, then $63.99/month for 1 month (save $25) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Orange & Blue $60.99/month Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 5 months (save $110) Shop Now

It's Week 7 of the 2026 college football season, and there's a noon game today that could have big ramifications for the Big Ten — not to mention the AP rankings.

The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes visit the No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers, which is a battle for the top spot in the conference — with an eye on a playoff bid. Both teams have shown exceptional form so far, with Ohio at 5-1 and Indiana undefeated at 6-0. A win for Ohio would put them level for overall wins and losses.

If you want to watch Ohio vs. Indiana for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Ohio vs. Indiana?

Ohio vs. Indiana takes place at 12 p.m. ET on Oct. 17. This game takes place at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana.

Ohio vs. Indiana is broadcast on FOX.

How to watch college football in 2026

Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $31.99 per month, but for an extra $4 per month you can secure a plan that also includes Disney+ and Hulu.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99/year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $38.89 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a three-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers more than 250 live TV channels and lets you watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a five-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters with a trial before you make any commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $99.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). Plus, the first month will only cost $49.99.

The included ESPN+ access provides bonus coverage of even more college football games, in addition to live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $60.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sports streaming service that offers a wide range of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue package gives you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, plus ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Ohio vs. Indiana from anywhere in the world

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

Live stream Ohio vs. Indiana from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Ohio vs. Indiana from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

TL;DR: Watch Real Betis vs. Barcelona in La Liga for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're still in the early stages of the new season, but Barcelona look very strong. They seem to be marching towards another La Liga title, and the big question is whether anyone can trip them up. The defending champions face off against Real Betis in their next clash, a team that has started the season very well. This could be a tough test for Barcelona.

If you're interested in watching Real Betis vs. Barcelona in La Liga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Real Betis vs. Barcelona?

Real Betis vs. Barcelona in La Liga kicks off at 12.30 p.m. ET on Oct. 17. This fixture takes place at the Estadio de La Cartuja.

How to watch Real Betis vs. Barcelona for free

Real Betis vs. Barcelona in La Liga is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Real Betis vs. Barcelona for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Real Betis vs. Barcelona for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Real Betis vs. Barcelona for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Real Betis vs. Barcelona without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more La Liga action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for La Liga?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

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TL;DR: Watch Strasbourg vs. PSG in Ligue 1 for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Ligue 1 has started with some surprising results. PSG are not used to being in sixth place in the standings, but you'd expect the defending champions to climb towards the top. They are fresh from beating Manchester City in the Champions League, after all.

If you're interested in watching Strasbourg vs. PSG in Ligue 1 from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Strasbourg vs. PSG?

Strasbourg vs. PSG in Ligue 1 kicks off at 11:15 a.m. ET on Oct. 17. This fixture takes place at the Stade de la Meinau.

How to watch Strasbourg vs. PSG for free

Strasbourg vs. PSG in Ligue 1 is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Strasbourg vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Strasbourg vs. PSG for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Strasbourg vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Strasbourg vs. PSG without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Ligue 1?

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

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• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Strasbourg vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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.

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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

Perfecting.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

ACING

Hurdle Word 2 hint

More rational.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 17, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SANER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

One of the five senses.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 17, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 17, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

TOUCH

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Prickly plant.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

BRIAR

Final Hurdle hint

Spoiled.

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

MOLDY

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

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 17, 2026 Alert meaning

A warning signal about danger or important information.

Chime meaning

To make a clear ringing sound.

Ding meaning

A short, sharp metallic ringing sound like a bell, timer or doorbell.

Ping meaning

A quick electronic message/signal sent to check someone's status.

Boheme meaning

"The bohemian" or "the bohemian life" in French.

Brea meaning

A thick, black, sticky substance used for waterproofing and roadmaking.

Paz meaning

The word for peace in Spanish.

Scala meaning

A Latin/Italian word for ladder or staircase.

Print meaning

Physical publications like books, newspapers and magazines.

Shot meaning

A single photographic exposure (snapshot) or an uninterrupted sequence of film/video captured by one camera.

Snap meaning

To break something thin or brittle with a sharp, cracking sound.

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Still meaning

A single, unmoving snapshot or film frame.

Fiddler meaning

A musician who plays the fiddle.

Hermit meaning

A person who lives in deliberate solitude and avoids human society.

King meaning

A male ruler or emperor.

Snow meaning

A white, crystallized precipitation that forms in colder temperatures.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're glued ot your phone.

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.

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

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

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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 October 17, 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: "You've got mail!"

• Green: Take a pic

• Blue: Sea creatures

• Purple: Spanish article

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Digital notifications

• Green: Photo

• Blue: Kinds of crabs

• Purple: La __

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 #1224 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Digital notifications: ALERT, CHIME, DING, PING

• Photo: PRINT, SHOT, SNAP, STILL

• Kinds of crabs: FIDDLER, HERMIT, KING, SNOW

• La __: BOHEME, BREA, PAZ, SCALA

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 will be easy if you catch feelings easily.

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 October 17, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Quite the crush

The words are related to feelings.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe developing feelings for someone.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Fall in Love.

NYT Strands word list for October 17

• Stumble

• Giggle

• Babgle

• Fidget

• Fall in Love

• Perspire

• Blush

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 tend to slip up.

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 October 17, 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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Blunder.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter F appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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...

GAFFE

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.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.

When Ukraine struck Russian data centers earlier this week, it was a stark reminder that the massive buildings are becoming a target in warfare. In March, the Iranian military struck Amazon data centers in the United Arab Emirates, which remained out of service several months later.

While warfare attacks on data centers may seem like a distant threat for Americans, a cybersecurity expert tells Mashable that they remain a valuable target for physical and digital breaches, even in the U.S.

SEE ALSO: Did Ukraine’s strikes on data centers really silence Russian bots?

"Everything you do online goes to a data center," says Charles Brooks, an adjunct lecturer in cybersecurity at Georgetown University.

The average person's Netflix viewing, Google Doc usage, and personal online banking, for example, typically rely on the servers housed in data centers.

Additionally, cloud computing services used by the government, healthcare systems, financial institutions, and businesses need data centers. They're also vital for Earth-to-space communications, Brooks says.

That's why stealing sensitive information from data center servers or disrupting their operations altogether has become alluring for state-backed criminal hackers and operatives.

Brooks says the 20-year-old adage of "data is the new oil" feels particularly true today. Just as oil supply and revenue have long been targets of war and government pressure campaigns, data has become immensely valuable and part of critical infrastructure.

"If something does happen it could be catastrophic," Brooks says of a potential data center breach in the U.S.

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3 threats to U.S. data centers

While a foreign drone-powered attack on an American data center is highly unlikely, Brooks says one could become the target of a physical breach with explosives. Though the damage might be limited, such an attack would be a symbolic victory for terrorists, or violent groups opposed to AI and its infrastructure.

Physical security vulnerabilities

Brooks says data centers must be fortified with more than surveillance cameras, alarms, and barbed-wire fences. He recommends electrified perimeters, security guards, and defensive spaces around the control center and water-cooling systems.

The inside job

The most likely source of a breach is the insider who can access servers, data, and infrastructure because they have permission to be in the building, Brooks says. Whether this person is disgruntled, on an adversary's payroll, or makes a costly mistake, they can still provide valuable information to bad actors, share security vulnerabilities, or interfere with a data center's critical operations.

Brooks suggests using AI surveillance to detect unusual behavior and guard against malicious insiders. He believes the trade-off of potential false positives, in which a worker is falsely flagged as acting suspiciously, would be worth it given the types of vital information stored at data centers.

Brooks also supports rigorous background checks similar to the kind staff in hospitals and power plants undergo.

"Who you hire has a responsibility that that may go beyond a normal security job," Brooks says.

AI-powered hacking

AI tools allow bad actors to rapidly scale their hacking efforts, including those against data centers.

For example, Anthropic recently released a security report detailing how individuals, including those backed by foreign governments, have used AI to automate cyber spying operations and conduct espionage.

Brooks says AI makes it easier for criminal hacker groups to efficiently "pan" the internet for clues about how to digitally infiltrate an AI data center. That might mean phishing an employee to access and use their system credentials.

"They're scaling these attacks [with] much greater capacity, and they're using AI software to find vulnerabilities that they didn't know were there before," Brooks says.

Why Americans should care about U.S. data center security

Brooks argues that data center security is a national security issue, given that the facilities have become critical infrastructure.

Even if a digital breach in an American data center feels invisible, it would likely have a ripple effect on ordinary people's lives. People might be unable to work or conduct business or become the victims of a ransomware attack that includes their personal and sensitive data.

Brooks said that data center security should be guided by partnerships between the government and private companies that own them.

Fortifying U.S. facilities, he added, is essential because they're "really the repository of all key data."