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SAVE $15.99: As of Feb. 6, get the Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) - 4-Pack for $99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $114.99. That's a discount of 14% and the lowest price we've seen. Alternatively, pick up a 4-pack of last-gen AirTags for just $64 right now to save even more cash.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) - 4-Pack $99 at Amazon
$114.99 Save $15.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirTag - 4-Pack $64 at Amazon
$99 Save $35   Get Deal

If you're the type of person who loses things often, you might want to pick up a smart tracker like the Apple AirTag. It's an easy solution that could mean the difference between lost luggage or a misplaced wallet and getting on with your day knowing where everything is. Apple recently debuted the new 2nd Gen AirTag, so you can get the upgraded version right now while saving a few bucks to boot.

As of Feb. 6, get the Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) - 4-Pack for $99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $114.99. That's $15.99 off and a discount of 14%. It'a also the lowest price we've seen. Alternatively, pick up a 4-pack of last-gen AirTags for just $64 right now to save even more cash.

SEE ALSO: I compared AirTag 2 to the original: All the new and improved features

The AirTag needs you to only remove its label and put it near your iPhone to set it up in minutes. You'll need to name it and wait for it to sync, and you're finished. From there, drop it into a purse or bag, leave it in your car, put it on a keychain tag, and place it wherever you need to make sure you don't lose something.

It uses the Apple Find My app to help you locate items by playing a sound (a louder one with the newest model) or assigns directions so you can find it using your phone. The new version even has an expanded range so you have even more of a chance of coming across your item, with a battery that can last up to a year before you need to swap it out or buy another AirTag.

If you're prone to losing things or just want some peace of mind, this is a great deal to pick up while you can. Use up all your tags or hand them out to your family and see if you can stop some lost-item chaos early.

Hinge, the dating app "designed to be deleted," has risen in popularity in recent years. Mashable recently reported that in the second quarter of 2025, revenue and paid users of the app had increased, while Tinder's declined. Both are owned by the conglomerate Match Group, but it seems that daters these days are leaning towards Hinge.

As such, they might have questions about how Hinge works. Mashable has the answers.

How many likes do you get on Hinge?

Free users are able to send seven likes a day, the app confirmed to Mashable. It's also free to send a comment to someone you're interested in while you're "liking," and seeing everyone who sends you a like (which most apps make you pay for). 

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps, reviewed: I swiped until my thumb hurt

Free Hinge members can also set specific preferences, such as location, age range, distance, and religion.

Does Hinge have read receipts?

Some apps, like Instagram, have read receipts on private messages, meaning you will know when the person you're chatting with reads the message. You might be afraid of being left on read — or leaving someone else on read. 

But in Hinge's case, you don't have to worry. Hinge confirmed that the app doesn't have read receipts, so you can glance at your match's latest DM in peace, and message back when you're ready.

While daters on Hinge cannot send photos or videos directly to their matches, they can send voice notes.

What does a Hinge Boost do?

A Hinge Boost makes a user's profile more visible to potential matches for one hour, while a Superboost does so for 24 hours. 

"Think of it as a way to speed up the process; because while good things take time, sometimes a little extra visibility helps," Hinge's Help Center states.

The prices of Boost and Superboost are dynamic and depend on one's location and other factors. 

Other users won't know you Boosted yourself, and the app will notify you when the Boost period is over and will give you a summary of the impact. 

How do you change your gender on Hinge?

You can change both your gender and sexuality on Hinge. In the app, tap the Photo icon on the far right of the navigation bar. Tap the Pencil icon, scroll down and tap Gender.

You can choose Man, Woman, or Nonbinary, and within those options choose a gender identity — options include gender fluid, genderqueer, and intersex.

To change your sexuality on the app, tap the Pencil icon and scroll to Sexuality under Identity. Choose an option from the list.

You can choose whether you want your gender and/or sexuality displayed on your profile. (Check or uncheck "Visible on Profile.")

Who am I excluded from on Hinge?

When Hinge daters select "prefer not to say" for details like family plans, dating intentions, or drinking habits, they're excluded from being seen by people who've set dealbreakers around those compatibility factors, the app stated.

How do I delete my Hinge account?

If you want to permanently delete your account, removing the app from your phone isn't enough. Here's a step-by-step guide to deleting your Hinge account:

Total Time

• 2 minutes

What You Need

• smartphone
• Hinge app

Step 1: Go to Hinge app

Step 2: Tap your Photo icon on the far right

Step 3: Tap the Gear icon to open Account Settings

Step 4: Scroll to the bottom and tap Delete Account, then confirm

This article was originally published in 2025 and updated in 2026.

We're heading towards the Third Quarter phase of the Moon. This occurs when about half of the Moon’s surface is illuminated. In the Northern Hemisphere, the lit portion appears on the left side, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it appears on the right.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, Feb. 6, the Moon phase is Waning Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 80% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

So, what can we see tonight? Without any visual aids, you should be able to catch a glimpse of the Mares Vaporum and Imbrium and the Aristarchus Plateau. With binoculars, you'll also be able to see Clavius, Gassendi, and the Archimedes Craters. And, with a telescope, you'll see all this plus the Apollo 12 and 15 landing spots.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will be on March 3.

What are Moon phases?

NASA says that a complete lunar cycle takes about 29.5 days, which is the time the Moon needs to orbit Earth once. During this cycle, it goes through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the visible portion that is illuminated changes as the Moon travels along its orbit. The varying amount of sunlight reflected off the Moon is what causes it to appear fully lit, partially lit, or nearly dark at different stages. The eight phases of the Moon are:

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.

One of the most impressive traits of Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max is the battery life. I've been using it as a daily driver for half a year now, and I don't think I've ever had to charge it mid-day.

Apple's next flagship phone, however, might be even better in this regard. A leaker called Digital Chat Station (via MacRumors) claims that the iPhone 8 Pro max will come with a 5,100 to 5,200mAh battery, which is slightly better than the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 5,088 battery.

But the iPhone 18 Pro Max should also be more efficient than its predecessor. It's likely to come with Apple's new A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2-nanometer production process, which should be significantly more efficient than the A19 Pro chip.

Combine the two, and you might get a phone that should easily last you 1.5 - 2 days, depending on the usage.

Even if the report is true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max probably won't be the iPhone with the biggest battery out there. The foldable iPhone Fold, which is rumored to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max next fall, will probably come with a 5,500mAh battery.

It's too early to tell which phone will have better battery life, though. The iPhone Fold should have a much larger, 7.8-inch display when unfolded, so it might also drain more battery than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

SEE ALSO: What is Lockdown Mode on iPhone and how do you enable it?

Either way, it appears that battery life won't be a problem for iPhone users, at least not those who are willing to spend the big bucks for Apple's most expensive devices (the iPhone Fold will likely cost more than $2,000).

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The 2026 Winter Olympics are nearly here! This year marks the fourth time Italy has hosted the Winter Games (the last time was Turin in 2006). There will be plenty of fan-favorite sports and even an entirely new one joining the list — snow mountaineering. Here's hoping it sparks another viral moment like the 2024 Summer Olympics' newest sport.

Things officially kick off with the Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium on Feb. 6 (though a few events will begin before that). If you don't want to miss a minute of the action, we've compiled all the essential details you need to know to watch live, including which streaming service you'll need and how to score a deal on it.

Let's go, Team USA!

How to watch the 2026 Olympics with or without cable

No cable? No problem. You'll be able to catch all the action with a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription.

A Peacock subscription gives you access to the full NBC broadcast of the Winter Olympics, including Opening and Closing Ceremonies, plus a livestream of every single sport, competition, and medal ceremony. You'll also get access to always-on Olympics channels, replays, highlights, documentaries, and nonstop commentary. Basically, Peacock is your one-stop shop for everything Olympics.

If you're watching the Olympic Games in the U.S., keep in mind that Eastern time is six hours behind Milan and Cortina. Some broadcasts will be delayed until primetime, depending on the time zone. If you have cable, you'll be able to watch live competitions throughout the day, as well as enhanced showcase events at night on NBC. USA Network and CNBC will also air Olympics coverage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $10.99 per month Get Deal

A Peacock Premium subscription costs $10.99 per month with ads or $16.99 per month without. There are also a few ways to save some money on a subscription, so keep scrolling for the latest Peacock streaming deals.

When and where are the 2026 Winter Olympics?

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy from Feb. 6 to 22.

Here are some of the major dates to mark on your calendar:

• Feb. 6: Opening ceremony

• Feb. 7: First gold medal events

• Feb. 8: Gold medal, women's Alpine skiing downhill

• Feb. 13: Gold medal, men's figure skating

• Feb. 18: Gold medal, women's Alpine skiing slalom

• Feb. 19: Gold medal, women's figure skating. Gold medal game, women's ice hockey. First gold medals in ski mountaineering.

• Feb. 22: Gold medal game, men's ice hockey. Closing ceremony.

Which sports are in the Winter Olympics?

Nearly 3,000 athletes will be competing across 16 different sports in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Categories range from skiing and snowboarding to figure skating and hockey. Below is a full list — for more information on each individual sport, head over to the official Olympics website.

• Alpine Skiing

• Biathlon

• Bobsleigh

• Cross-Country Skiing

• Curling

• Figure Skating

• Freestyle Skiing

• Ice Hockey

• Luge

• Nordic Combined

• Short Track Speed Skating

• Skeleton

• Ski Jumping

• Ski Mountaineering

• Snowboard

• Speed Skating

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest Peacock deal: Save 17% on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $109.99 per year or $169.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the best Peacock deal on any given day is the annual subscription plan. It costs $109.99 (with ads) or $169.99 (ad-free) up front, as opposed to the $131.88 or $203.88 you'll pay if you choose a monthly plan. That ultimately ends up getting you about two months for free — a total savings of $21.89 on the Premium plan or $33.89 with the Premium Plus plan.

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If you're an Xfinity customer, we highly recommend checking out the eligibility details below before signing up for Peacock — you might be able to score a subscription for free.

Here's a breakdown of who is eligible to get Peacock for free through Xfinity (head to Xfinity.com for more details):

• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

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Students and young adults can take $5 per month off a Peacock Premium subscription all year long. Just verify your student status via SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to knock the price down to just $5.99 instead of $10.99. After the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price again unless you cancel.

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First responders, medical professionals, military personnel, and teachers can all secure a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) for a discounted rate of $6.99 per month. Just verify your professional status via SheerID to retrieve a unique promo code.

Those who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew their subscription at a discounted rate each year — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code. Rates are also subject to change year to year.

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On top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders, an Instacart+ membership ($99.99 per year) now unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value). If you're new to Instacart+, you'll even get a free two-week trial to kick things off. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged the full amount.

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Walmart+ members can now choose Peacock Premium (or Paramount+) as a free perk with their membership. The $98 subscription also gives you access to free shipping at Walmart.com (with no order minimums), fuel discounts, a Scan & Go checkout tool, and early access to deals during Walmart's major shopping events. Since Peacock Premium is a $109.99 value, Walmart+ is already a better deal than paying for Peacock on its own. Plus, you'll get many other perks.

Watch the Olympics in theaters

NBC is bringing the 2026 Winter Olympics to the big screen, so you and your friends can watch the world's greatest athletes go for gold in select theaters. The Opening and Closing ceremonies, as well as NBC’s live daytime coverage, will be available to watch live in theaters across the country. Check out AMC Theatres or Fandango for tickets.

There are two different types of Hot Ones guests: The celebrities who work their way through the increasingly spicy wings without breaking a sweat, and the celebrities that bravely struggle on despite obvious pain and misery.

MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, falls firmly into the latter category, with the streamer admitting at the start that he's not a spicy food person before going on to prove as much over the next 20 minutes — all while answering questions on everything from Beast Games Season 2 and to his record-breaking YouTube channel.

Credit where credit's due — although he has to consume copious quantities of ice cream and chocolate milk along the way, he does still make it to the end. But at what cost?

SAVE OVER $10: As of Feb. 6, the Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $19.99 at Amazon. This is $15 off its list price of $34.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $19.99 at Amazon
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Streaming your favorite shows and films doesn't have to break the bank. If you're hoping to find a streaming device on the more affordable side, the Fire TV Stick HD can set you up with 1080p Full HD picture quality at a more budget-friendly price. As of Feb. 6, it's on sale for just $19.99.

This deal saves you $15 on the Fire TV Stick HD's list price, but what makes this deal even better is it's just a couple of dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $17.99. What better time to grab it and start catching up on shows like Bridgerton or A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?

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This Fire TV Stick's support for Full HD picture quality is great for pairing with an HD TV, allowing you to enjoy shows and films with up to 1080p resolution. It also comes with 8GB of built-in storage, so you have plenty of space to download your favorite streaming apps. Plus, the Alexa Voice Remote makes finding something new to watch simple and easy by using just your voice.

It's currently listed as a limited-time deal, so be quick to pick up the Fire TV Stick HD for $19.99 at Amazon. If you're looking to jump to higher picture quality, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Stick 4K Plus are also on sale right now.

Donald Trump's sexist treatment of female journalists continues, with the U.S. president insulting CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins during a press conference on Tuesday. The journalist, doing her job, asked Trump about the Epstein files and what he would say to survivors of the convicted sex offender — to which the president responded with a string of insults, ending with, "I don't think I've seen you smile."

"She's asking you about a notorious sex trafficking ring that the world's wealthiest and most powerful people are connected to," said Seth Meyers during his Late Night segment on Trump's behaviour on Thursday night. "It's not her fault you're in a bad mood because the grilled cheese you made for lunch is bumping up against the hamburger in your belly full of Diet Coke.

SEE ALSO: Jimmy Kimmel responds to Trump's latest insult to a female journalist

"Now to you, a normal person watching this at home, you might think the president telling a female reporter to 'smile' while she asked a question about a sex trafficker might make him look like a dick, but what if you asked another dick? What would they think of that exchange?" Meyers added.

Cut to footage of JD Vance's interview with Megyn Kelly, in which the vice president called Trump's comment to Collins "actually like, so perceptive."

"You think telling a woman to smile more is perceptive?" responded Meyers. "Then let me introduce you to New York's many construction workers. They're veritable Oracle of Delphis. You know, I'm also a little perceptive now and then, and I do perceive JD Vance as the wormy little chud he is."

Jimmy Kimmel and The Daily Show's Michael Kosta also slammed Trump's comments on their shows.

TL;DR: Live stream Patriots vs. Seahawks in the Big Game for free on 7Plus, TVNZ+, or Channel 5. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Something special is taking place at Levi's Stadium this weekend. No, we're not talking about Bad Bunny's halftime show. It's the small matter of New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game. Yes, the NFL season ends here with a dramatic showdown between these two juggernauts.

The Seattle Seahawks are strong favorites going into this game. They clinched the NFC's top seed with a regular season record of 14-3, before beating the 49ers and Rams in the playoffs. Sam Darnold will be looking to lead Seattle to their first title since 2014. Standing in his way is a rejuvenated Patriots led by Drake Maye. Last year's 4-13 record is long forgotten.

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If you want to watch Patriots vs. Seahawks in the Big Game for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Patriots vs. Seahawks?

New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game takes place at 6.30 p.m. ET on Feb. 8. This fixture will be played at Levi's Stadium.

How to watch Patriots vs. Seahawks for free

New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game is available to live stream for free on the following platforms:

• Australia — 7Plus

• New Zealand — TVNZ+

• UK — Channel 5

These free streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, New Zealand, or the UK, meaning you can live stream New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game for free from anywhere in the world.

Follow these simple steps to secure access to Patriots vs. Seahawks for free:

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 Australia, New Zealand, or the UK

4. Visit 7Plus, TVNZ+, or Channel 5

5. Watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming require a subscription, but leading VPN services also offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can leverage these deals to get access to live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it will give you time to watch Patriots vs. Seahawks in the Big Game (plus the Winter Olympics) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 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 a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Patriots vs. Seahawks in the Big Game from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you have a caffeine addiction.

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 February 6, 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: Cup of Joe

• Green: Patterned

• Blue: Bugs

• Purple: Ways to say hello

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Items at a coffee station

• Green: Things with stripes

• Blue: Words before "Fly" in insect names

• Purple: Homophones of greetings

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 #971 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Items at a coffee station: CUP, LID, STIRRER, STRAW

• Things with stripes: CANDY CANE, CROSSWALK, REFEREE, TIGER

• Words before "Fly" in insect names: BUTTER, DRAGON, FIRE, HORSE

• Homophones of greetings: CHOW, HAY, HIGH, YEOH

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 6, 2026

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're good at reading facial expressions.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 6, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 6, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Let's face it

The words are related to the dace.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe unique characteristics.

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 Features

NYT Strands word list for February 6

• Brows

• Cheeks

• Eyes

• Mouth

• Features

• Hairline

• Forehead

• Nose

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're familiar with the courtroom.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 6, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 6, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A judge uses one.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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...

GAVEL

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 6, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, Feb. 6, 2026:

AcrossBT(W)

• The answer is Way.

TL(C)

• The answer is Care.

NP(R)

• The answer is Radio.

L(A)N

• The answer is Area.

T(G)IF

• The answer is God.

DownWalked through water

• The answer is Waded.

Opera solo

• The answer is Aria.

Lead-in to "man," for a naval title

• The answer is Yeo.

Pulitzer-winning writer Robert, famous for his four-book series on Lyndon Johnson

• The answer is Caro.

Cleaning cloth

• The answer is Rag.

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

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

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

SAVE OVER $150: As of Feb. 6, Bose QuietComfort headphones have dropped to $199 at Amazon. This 45% discount is $160 off their list price of $359.

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Bose headphones are always worth a look when you're shopping for new headphones, especially when they're on sale. If you've been hoping to grab a discounted pair, Amazon is here to help. The retailer is currently offering Bose QuietComfort headphones for $199.

This saves you $160 off the usual Bose QuietComfort price of $359, making for 45% in savings. Several colors in this line are on sale at Amazon (not counting the chilled lilac or moonstone blue).

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While the more premium-priced QuietComfort Ultras are our favorites in our roundup of the best Bose headphones and earbuds, the QuietComfort headphones are our runner-up pick, as they "provide an affordable entry point that doesn't sacrifice quality." Alongside boasting great sound quality and up to 24 hours of battery life, these headphones also offer noise-canceling features — Quiet and Aware Modes — that let you choose between fully blocking outside noises or allowing some in for extra awareness.

Mashable's Samantha Mangino is a big fan of these headphones, writing in her review that "I've had the Bose QuietComfort headphones for over a year, and I've used them daily since I got them. They're comfortable, have actually intuitive controls, and boast impressive noise cancellation and sound."

If the Bose QuietComfort headphones have caught your eye, now is your chance to grab them for just under $200.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easy if you follow winter sports closely.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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: Event locations

• Green: Icy leaps

• Blue: USA athletes

• Purple: Same first word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Italian Olympic hosts

• Green: Figure skating jumps

• Blue: Americans at the 2026 Winter Olympics

• Purple: Ski _____

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 #501 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Italian Olympics hosts - CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, MILAN, ROME, TURIN

• Figure skating jumps - AXEL, LOOP, LUTZ, SALCHOW

• Americans at the 2026 Winter Olympics - CHOCK, MALININ, STOLZ, VONN

• Ski ____ - CROSS, JUMPING, MOUNTAINEERING, RESORT

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.

Like Jimmy Kimmel, The Daily Show also spent time discussing Donald Trump's recent NBC interview. But while Kimmel focussed on the president's comments about ICE, host Michael Kosta put the spotlight on his baffling remarks about a secret U.S. weapon called "the discombobulator". Yes, really.

"The discombobulator? That sounds like the worst ride at Six Flags," says Kosta, playing footage of Trump waffling about the weapon that the U.S. apparently used during its attack on Venezuela — and something he's apparently not meant to talk about.

"So you said you're not allowed to talk about it, but it kind of feels like you talked about it?" says Kosta. "This dude cannot keep a secret. This is how you know there's no aliens, because day one Trump would have been like, 'I'm not supposed to say anything, but they have three boobs.'"

Kosta goes on to play a clip of Trump saying he was the one that came up with the name.

"And it is a great name, Mr President," says Kosta. "It does not sound like a weapon in Paw Patrol at all."

SAVE OVER $10: As of Feb. 6, the Kindle Essentials Bundle is down to $142.97 at Amazon. This is $19 off its full bundle list price of $161.97.

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With Valentine's Day coming up next week, now is the time to sort out a gift. If your special someone is a big fan of reading, why not gift them an e-reader? The standard Kindle, which we consider to be the best budget Kindle, is worth checking out. Amazon even has its Essentials Bundle on sale right now, which can set you up with the e-reader, a cover, and a power adapter all in one package.

The Kindle Essentials Bundle is currently marked down to $142.97. This saves you $19 compared to buying everything separately at full price.

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This Kindle has plenty of space to store all of their favorite novels. It's an excellent travel companion thanks to its smaller size, and its glare-free display makes reading in any lighting a breeze. Even if they like to read before bed, it has an adjustable front light that helps dim the screen to make reading feel more comfortable.

Its battery can last up to six weeks on a single charge, so there's no need to worry about frequently plugging it in. Plus, the additional cover in the bundle helps keep the display protected.

Amazon has this listed as a limited-time deal right now, so if the Kindle Essentials Bundle seems like a great Valentine's Day gift, now is the time to buy.

SAVE $400: As of Feb. 6, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is on sale for $799 at Amazon. That's a 33% discount on the list price.

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If you’re looking for a reliable portable power station, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is back on sale at Amazon. This is a strong unit, capable of powering several devices at once. And right now it’s down to just $799 at Amazon, saving you $400 on list price.

With this Jackery power station you’ll get a 2,200W output and a large 2,040Wh capacity, with three AC ports and a USB-C PD 100W port. But despite its high capacity, it’s still compact and lightweight, so it’s handy for camping or RV vacations. Charging is quick too, reaching 80% in just 66 minutes via AC power. If you upgrade to include solar panels, it can fully charge in around six hours.

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It also features 20ms switching for uninterrupted power if you experience outages. So, devices like routers or medical equipment don’t cut out before rebooting. And it’s built to last, with the LiFePO4 battery designed to last up to 10 years. It even comes with an advanced temperature control system that minimizes fan noise, keeping it running both smoothly and quietly.

This portable power station deal is only available for a limited time at Amazon, so don’t miss out.

SAVE $40: As of Feb. 6, the Shokz OpenRun are on sale for $89.94 at Amazon. That's a 31% discount on list price.

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If you run or exercise outdoors, it's important to stay connected to your surroundings, even if you need a great playlist to keep you going. To balance your music and spatial awareness, traditional earbuds aren’t always ideal. That's where the Shokz OpenRun headphones come in. They use something called bone conduction technology which sends sound through your cheekbones, keeping you tuned in to both your music and whatever is happening around you.

And as of Feb. 6, you can get the Shokz OpenRun on sale for just $89.94 at Amazon. That's $40 off the list price. This discounted rate is available for the black and blue models.

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They're robust and can cope with all kinds of runs. And with an IP67 waterproof and sweat resistance rating, these are ideal for running in the rain and intense gym sessions. They even have a moisture detection alert to keep charging safe for when they take on a little too much water.

The battery life will last up to eight hours on a single charge, and a quick 10-minute top-up gives you around 1.5 hours of listening. That's ideal when you don't have time for a full charge.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so act fast to avoid missing out.

SAVE $20: As of Feb. 6, the Fire Stick 4K Plus is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% discount on the list price.

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The Amazon Fire TV Stick range has had a shake up. There's a new product in the lineup, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, and the Fire Stick 4K is now the Fire Stick 4K Plus. And as of Feb. 6, it's on sale for its best price so far this year. Right now you can save $20 with the sale price of $29.99.

This streaming device is optimized for 4K TVs. It gives a far better performance with sharp 4K Ultra HD picture quality, plus support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio. It also has built-in Alexa, making finding something to watch quick and easy.

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The setup couldn't be any easier. Plug the Fire Stick into your TV's HDMI port and connect it to a wall outlet. Turn on your TV with the new remote (which now becomes your single control for the TV), set up the WiFi and login details, and you're good to go. You now have easy access to Fire TV channels as well as streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.

It also gives you access to Xbox cloud gaming with Game Pass, letting you play hundreds of games without needing a console.

Get this streaming deal from Amazon now.