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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 18, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for January 18, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 20 Pips

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 20 Pips

Number (10): Everything in this purple space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally.

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

Number (10): Everything in this orange space must add up to 10. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally.

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

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 20 Pips

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

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

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed horizontally.

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

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

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed vertically; 2-6, placed vertically.

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

Equal (6): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 6. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically; 6-3, placed vertically.

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

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

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this red space must be equal to 3. The answer is 5-2, laced horizontally; 2-0, placed horizontally.

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

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you remember your childhood games.

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: Enemy

• Green: Mistake

• Blue: Abbreviations

• Purple: W players

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Adversary

• Green: Mess Up

• Blue: NL East Teams, on Scoreboards

• Purple: Nicknames of WNBA Players

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 #484 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Adversary - CHALLENGER, FOE, OPPONENT, RIVAL

• Mess Up - BOTCH, ERR, FLUB, FUMBLE

• NL East Teams, on Scoreboards - ATL, MIA, NYM, PHI

• Nicknames of WNBA Players - KFC, PHEE, POINT GAWD, STEWIE

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.

The Northern Lights are putting on a show for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, delivering a beautiful display of light across several U.S. states. Here's how to watch the aurora borealis this week.

According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), this week's Northern Lights will be visible on Jan. 19 and linger through to the next day in some areas. Even so, you're best off catching the aurora on Monday if you're able, as it will be significantly less prominent later in the week. Those at higher latitudes will have a better chance of seeing the aurora, though the notable strength of this week's display means the Northern Lights may be visible as low as Alabama and northern California.

This wide range of visibility is because Monday's Northern Lights have been caused by the largest solar radiation storm in over 20 years, resulting in a particularly strong aurora. The SWPC has issued a severe G4 geomagnetic storm alert in response, warning that it may cause widespread problems with the power grid, and that GPS navigation and high frequency radio may also be inoperable for hours. Infrastructure operators and authorities have been notified about the expected disruptions.

Fortunately, the SWPC states that there isn't much the general public needs to do in response to the geomagnetic storm. All that's required is that you stay informed and, if weather permits, search for an aurora.

Credit: The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center How to get the best view of the Northern Lights

The easiest way to view the Northern Lights is to simply head outside during the night and look up. Auroras can be visible from over 600 miles away in the right conditions, so it's worth checking even if you're slightly outside the predicted zone of visibility. However, if you would like to give yourself the best possible conditions for viewing an aurora, there are a few factors to keep in mind.

According to the SWPC, the best time to see the Northern Lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., as the level of geomagnetic activity increases during this period. This is also the darkest time of night, providing the strongest contrast with the bright Northern Lights to make them more visible.

Choosing a viewing area with as little light pollution as possible will also enhance your experience. A Certified Dark Sky Place close to the U.S.-Canadian border would be an optimal choice, as all of them have been assessed and recognised for having minimal light pollution. If you can't make it to one, just try to reduce light pollution where you are.

What causes the Northern Lights?

While auroras take place in the Earth's atmosphere, they are actually the result of solar activity.

When a solar flare or coronal mass ejection occurs on the Sun's surface, large amounts of plasma and magnetic field are expelled from the outermost layer of its atmosphere. This creates a high-speed solar wind, or solar storm, which may travel through space to reach Earth. Depending upon the nature of the solar activity, the journey to Earth can take as little as a few minutes or as long as a few days.

Once the solar storm does reach Earth, most of it is reflected back out into space by Earth's magnetic field. However, not all of it is turned away. Some charged ion particles enter the magnetic field instead, then travel to Earth's polar regions where said field is weakest.

The charged ions then collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, creating chemical reactions which emit light: an aurora. The Northern and Southern Lights are both created in this same way. The only difference is that the aurora borealis is in the Northern Hemisphere, while the aurora australis is in the Southern Hemisphere.

TL;DR: Pay $149.99 once (reg. $449.95) and get lifetime access to Jillian Michaels’ personalized fitness app—no subscription fees, no gym, just workouts that adapt to you.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jillian Michaels Jillian Michaels: The Fitness App (Lifetime Subscription) $149.99
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Staying consistent with fitness is hard when workouts feel generic or disconnected from real life. Jillian Michaels: The Fitness App is built to change that by creating workouts that adapt to your goals, schedule, and fitness level instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.

For a limited time, new users can get lifetime access for $149.99 (reg. $449.95) — turning a personalized, expert-led fitness program into a one-time investment rather than another monthly obligation.

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Built around a dynamic workout engine, the app creates personalized routines based on your fitness level, goals, available equipment, and even how much time you have.

What you get with lifetime access:

• 1,000+ workout videos, from HIIT and strength to targeted routines

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Instead of locking you into rigid routines, the app gives you flexibility — short workouts, longer sessions, quiet audio guidance, or full video coaching.

Get lifetime access to Jillian Michaels: The Fitness App while it’s just $149.99 (reg. $449.95).

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Bungie’s long-gestating follow-up project is finally getting a release date. Marathon is set to launch on March 5 for $39.99 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

The game marks Bungie’s first brand-new release since Destiny 2 in 2017, and a modern reimagining of its cult-classic 1990s IP. Set in the year 2850, Marathon casts players as Runners operating in three-person squads, dropping into hostile zones to scavenge loot while fending off both AI enemies and rival players. Unlike 1994’s Marathon, which was a linear, story-driven FPS, this version is firmly positioned as a PvPvE extraction shooter.

SEE ALSO: Yes, GTA VI is officially delayed again. Here's what we know.

Originally slated for a September release, Marathon was delayed last June following mixed-to-negative feedback from its alpha playtest. Players cited a cluttered UI, unexciting gunplay, and a pace that felt sluggish compared to other extraction shooters already on the market. The delay was framed as a chance for Bungie to rework core systems rather than rush the game out the door.

Around the same time, Marathon also ran into a plagiarism controversy after an independent artist discovered that in-game art assets, including decals and signage, closely matched their work. Bungie later confirmed the issue, and by December, the artist indicated on social media that she, the studio, and publisher Sony had reached an agreement to her satisfaction.

The stakes for Sony are high. After recent multiplayer misfires like Concord, the publisher has clear reasons to be cautious. Marathon now arrives nearly six months later than planned and launches into a market that’s already seen a breakout hit in Arc Raiders. Whether Bungie’s extraction shooter can carve out similar staying power remains to be seen — but after years of waiting, players will finally get their answer in March.

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now

It's no surprise that the Indiana Hoosiers have reached the college football playoffs final. They're ranked No. 1 and have an incredible 15 game winning streak this season with zero losses. They're favorites to win the National Championship for good reason.

The Miami Hurricanes are enjoying an incredible underdog run. Ranked at No. 10 and posting a 13-2 record, they've already scored playoffs wins against defending national champions Ohio in the Cotton Bowl Classic and Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. It's been an exciting season full of surprises and unexpected stories. Can the CFP National Championship Game throw up one more twist? Be sure not to miss it.

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

When is Indiana vs. Miami?

Indiana vs. Miami takes place at 7.30 p.m. ET on Jan. 19. This game takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

Indiana vs. Miami is broadcast on ESPN.

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 $29.99 per 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 $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per 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 $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-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 you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-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 for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/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 $76.99 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). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to 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 $329 for 5 months 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 sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. 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 Indiana vs. Miami 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 Indiana vs. Miami 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 Indiana vs. Miami 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

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

Apple’s next front-facing redesign may hinge less on the Dynamic Island and more on where the selfie camera finally lands. According to a growing pile of leaks, the iPhone 18 Pro could move its front camera to a small punch-hole cutout in the top-left corner of the display, a noticeable break from Apple’s centered approach over the past few years.

SEE ALSO: Apple will refine Gemini for Siri use on its own, report says

As first reported by The Information, Apple is expected to introduce under-display Face ID on the iPhone 18 Pro models, allowing the TrueDepth sensors to sit invisibly beneath the screen. That would leave only the selfie camera visible, no longer requiring the pill-shaped cutout we know as the Dynamic Island.

Instead of centering that punch-hole, the leak suggests Apple may tuck the selfie camera into the top-left corner, where the clock currently sits. This aligns with earlier reporting that notes that leaker Digital Chat Station claims only the Pro models will receive this new under-display cutout area, while standard iPhone 18 models keep the existing Dynamic Island

MacRumors adds that if the selfie camera moves, the Dynamic Island may follow it. In a video from Jon Prosser, the Dynamic Island appears shifted to the top-left, expanding outward when needed for Live Activities, calls, or navigation.

If the rumors hold, the iPhone 18 Pro’s most visible change won’t be flashy software tricks, but a quieter repositioning of the selfie camera itself. We’ll likely find out which rumor wins when Apple officially unveils the iPhone 18 Pro later this year.

SAVE 23%: As of Jan. 19, the Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart 2025 Booster Box is on sale for $101.56, down from $131.76, at Amazon. That's a 23% discount or $30.02 in savings.

Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart 2025 Boosters $101.56 at Amazon
$131.76 Save $30.20   Get Deal at Amazon

If you've ever tried to teach a newbie how to play Magic: The Gathering, you know the deck-building phase is usually where you lose them. With Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart 2025 Booster Box, you can skip the intros and get straight to the game.

SEE ALSO: Xbox is preparing to bring ads to cloud gaming

As of Jan. 19, the Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart 2025 Booster Box is down to $101.56 at Amazon. That’s roughly 23% off the list price. The current market price on TCGplayer is hovering around $95, so you're paying about a $5 premium here. Considering that includes Prime shipping (and you don't have to hunt down a specific seller), it's a pretty fair trade-off to get it to your door fast.

The box comes with 24 packs and covers 46 different themes, ranging from Goblins to Ninjas. The system is dead simple: you just grab two packs, shuffle them together, and you have a ready-to-play 40-card deck. It’s ideal for quick games, and since every pack comes with an anime-style alt-art card, it’s not a bad way to pad out your collection, either.

SAVE 10%: As of Jan. 19, you can get the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro (M5) for $899.99, down from $999, at Amazon. That's a 10% discount, or $99.01 in savings.

Apple iPad Pro (M5) $899.99 at Amazon
$999 Save $99.01   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Apple.com

If you’ve been holding out for a price drop on Apple’s newest flagship tablet, the wait is over.

As of Jan. 19, you can get the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro (M5) for $899.99, down from $999, at Amazon. That's a 10% discount, or $99.01 in savings. While it was technically 99 cents cheaper back in November, this is still within a dollar of the all-time low and the best deal we've seen since the holidays.

SEE ALSO: The 4 best iPads of 2026: Which iPad should you buy in the new year?

We recently reviewed the M5 iPad Pro, and our Tech Editor, Timothy Beck Werth, called it a "victory lap" for Apple. It features the new M5 chip and an Ultra Retina XDR display (which is Apple's fancy term for Tandem OLED). It’s also absurdly thin at just 5.3mm and includes dedicated Neural Accelerators to handle on-device AI tasks without draining the battery. You'll also get a landscape 12MP Center Stage camera (finally in the right spot for video calls), a 12MP Wide back camera, and WiFi 7 for blazing-fast connections.

One quick tip from our testing: you might want to grab a microfiber cloth, because the Midnight Black finish is a magnet for fingerprints.

Sometimes TikTok is political. Sometimes it's practical. And sometimes it's just deeply silly.

The latter awaits you on your FYP in the latest trend to hit the platform: people impersonating owls. But reader, TikTokkers aren't just impersonating owls; they're also impersonating people impersonating owls.

SEE ALSO: TikTok says the era of 'delulu' is over. It's time to lock in to reality.

Take @lukefranchina for example, giving an impression of an owl if said owl was Jennifer Coolidge. It's spot on.

There's @diaryofdevin as an owl, if that owl's hips did not lie. And @the_nickdarnell presents an owl of Chris Tucker proportions.

Things are getting deeply specific, with @bemoregaytho doing a perfect impression of an owl untucking backstage at RuPaul's Drag Race while the judges deliberate.

And then there's @ashleybluedefxo who just runs the whole gamut of pop girly owls from Ariana Grande to Charli xcx.

Featured Video For You AI slop is killing the internet

Many on TikTok are also opting for impressions of owlish "hoo" sounds with various accents from around the world, which feels like risky business on thin ice. But there's plenty of fun, situational comedy rolling out — even Netflix is getting into it. At the time of writing, #owl has over 561,000 videos, which is slowly being taken over by impersonations of the noble nocturnal birds but still includes your regular TikTok owl content.

With the 24-hour news cycle being what it is of late, we're going to just lean into this outstandingly goofy TikTok trend with all the escapism of John Hamm on a dancefloor.

TL;DR: The TCL 98-inch Class QM6K Series TV is on sale for $1,697.99 at Amazon. That's over $600 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 98-inch Class QM6K Series TV $1,697.99
$2,299.99 Save $602.00   Get Deal

There is so much incredible sport to watch this year. We've got the Australian Open and the end of the football season taking place right now. Then we've got the T20 World Cup and Winter Olympics, followed by the World Cup. It really doesn't get any bigger than that, which leads us to believe that a TV upgrade probably isn't a bad idea.

And if you're going to watch all that sport, you're going to need a big screen. How about 98 inches? That sounds about right.

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As of Jan. 19, the TCL 98-inch Class QM6K Series TV is on sale for $1,697.99 at Amazon. That's over $600 off the list price. The only time we've seen a better price was over Prime Day and Black Friday. We've got a long wait until the next shopping holiday, so if you're interested, this is probably as good as it's going to get.

If you're looking for superior contrast, rich color, and ultra-smooth motion, you can rely on TCL’s QD-Mini LED technology. It's designed to outperform traditional QLED and OLED TVs, making the QM6K a top choice for streaming, gaming, and, of course, sport.

Save over $600 on the TCL 98-inch Class QM6K Series TV and upgrade your sport game.

Xbox appears to be laying the groundwork for ads in its cloud gaming service, according to a new report from Windows Central.

The outlet spotted reports from several users who were met with a pop-up while launching games on Xbox Cloud Gaming, warning of “1 hour of ad-supported play time per session.” That’s notable, because while Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently included with all tiers of Xbox Game Pass, none of those subscriptions offer an ad-supported option — at least not yet.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI to finally bring ads to ChatGPT

Microsoft confirmed to Windows Central that ads are indeed coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming for users who have purchased Xbox games digitally but do not subscribe to Game Pass, though stopped short of saying when it will happen. In other words, an ad-supported tier is on the way. The company also said the pop-ups seen by users were shown in error, but the broader plan appears very real.

This isn’t exactly a shock. Xbox has been openly exploring advertising as part of its cloud gaming strategy for some time. Console manufacturing costs continue to rise. PC components like DRAM and SSDs are getting more expensive thanks to the AI boom. Add in U.S. trade tariffs, and suddenly the traditional hardware-first model looks increasingly fragile.

Cloud gaming, meanwhile, is quietly gaining traction. A November 2025 report found that Xbox Cloud Gaming usage through Game Pass nearly doubled compared to 2024 as the service expanded into more countries. Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now are positioned as affordable alternatives to buying a $500 console or upgrading a PC every few years.

However, the major issue with cloud gaming is that idle compute is wasted money. Servers sitting unused still cost power, maintenance, and capital. As Windows Central notes, opening up Azure-backed cloud gaming to a free, ad-supported audience could help Microsoft keep utilization high and predictable.

It also provides a convenient justification for building even more data centers — something Microsoft is already eager to do.

SAVE $602.01: The LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $1,096.99, down from the list price of $1,699 at LG. That's a 35% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV $1,096.99 at Amazon
$1,699 Save $602.01   Get Deal

If you happen to be a sports fan, you know there are important football games in the future. In conjunction with these very important games, this is often one of the best times of the year to buy a new TV at a great discount. We've spotted a massive model that's on sale for an equally massive discount.

As of Jan. 19, the LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV is on sale for $1,096.99 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $1,699 at LG. That's a 35% discount that shaves a whopping $602.01 off the list price. Plus, Amazon is tossing in free unboxing in the room of your choice and removal of packaging, should you desire this service.

Want to go big in 2026? Upgrading to a giant TV could be the best move for entertainment. And if you order soon, you'll be able to watch the final few football games of the season on this massive 86-inch LG display.

SEE ALSO: This $25 Amazon find is the fastest way to upgrade your TV to 4K

This LG model comes with a stunning 4K display with LG's Dynamic QNED color, which the brand says offers 100% color volume. The Dimming Pro technology adds to the level of contrast for an even more impressive picture. If you have an LG soundbar or plan on adding one to your setup, you'll be able to take advantage of the LG WOW Orchestra tech which perfectly synchs audio from the LG TV to the LG soundbar.

As an added bonus, Amazon is tossing in some freebies with this LG TV deal. For starters, it comes with one month of free access to Xbox GamePass for new users. But Amazon is also offering free delivery to the room of your choice, unboxing, and removal of packaging, should you be interested. Amazon typically charges $29.99 for this Deluxe Delivery and Unpack service, so you're getting even more savings with today's deal.

Before this deal vanishes, upgrade your binge-watch parties with the LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV while it's on sale at Amazon for $1,096.99. It's over $600 off and with any luck, it'll arrive within the next few days.

SAVE 34%: As of Jan. 19, you can get a four-pack of Apple AirTags for $64.98, down from $99, at Amazon. That's a 34% discount or $34.02 in savings.

Apple AirTag Tracker (4-Pack) $64.98 at Walmart
$99 Save $34.02   Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy Get Deal at Amazon

Whether you're a frequent flyer tired of wondering if your bag made the connection, or you just want to keep tabs on a pet that likes to wander, Apple AirTags are the easiest way to get peace of mind.

As of Jan. 19, the Apple AirTag 4-Pack is on sale for $64.98 at Amazon. That’s 34% off the usual $99 price tag, bringing the cost down to just over $16 per tag. This matches the best price we've seen so far this year.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best headphones of 2026 — see the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

These trackers are the gold standard for iPhone users because they tap into the Find My network. If your luggage (or your dog) ends up out of Bluetooth range, the tag will ping off hundreds of millions of nearby Apple devices to update its location on your map anonymously. For items that are hiding nearby (like keys dropped between sofa cushions), Precision Finding uses Ultra Wideband tech to point you directly to them.

Setup is also super easy. Just one tap connects them to your phone, and the user-replaceable battery lasts over a year. They’re also IP67 water- and dust-resistant, so they can handle rain, puddles, or getting knocked around on a baggage carousel without an issue.

SAVE $389.01: The 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $899.99, down from the standard price of $1,289. That's a 30% discount that comes within $1.99 of the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 curved gaming monitor $899.99 at Amazon
$1,289 Save $389.01   Get Deal

There's something to be said about investing in the best of the best. In certain realms, going bigger really does pay off, and for some people, that's very true when it comes to gaming. A curved gaming monitor can change the entire experience, and going with an ultrawide model is even more of an upgrade. If this is a step you're looking to take this year, check out this great deal.

As of Jan. 19, the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 curved gaming monitor is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $1,289. That's a 30% discount that takes $389.01 off the price. It also comes within $1.99 of the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon, so this is darn close to the best price we've ever seen.

With a 1,800R curvature, the Samsung Odyssey G9 is out to make your gaming dreams come true. Not only does the Odyssey G9 have an ultrawide 49-inch display, the curve takes games to a whole new level. Of course, it comes with ample stats for gaming like a 240Hz refresh rate, a 0.03ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

SEE ALSO: Samsung will pay you $50 to leave your non-Samsung watch party

In addition to having these top performance stats, Samsung equipped this model with other features that are great to have. Samsung gives this model extra burn-in protection with three-year warranty coverage and there's also the slim metal design. The monitor stand's height is adjustable, so you'll be able to find the perfect fit for your gaming sessions.

With the included stand, the curved monitor measures about 11 inches in depth, so double check that'll fit nicely on your desktop. And when you're not gaming, the 49-inch display can be great for working or rewatching Heated Rivalry.

While it's on sale for a near record-low price of $899.99, upgrade your gaming to the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 curved monitor. It'll be a game-changer of an immersive experience.

SAVE OVER $10: As of Jan. 19, the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is on sale for $47.95 at Amazon This is 20% off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses (10328) $47.95 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12.04   Get Deal

The countdown to Valentine's Day has begun, and if you've been shopping around for gift ideas, you can't go wrong with Lego. The Botanicals line, in particular, features an excellent variety of floral arrangements that make for great gifts. If you're hoping to pick up something classic for someone special this Valentine's Day, the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is on sale right now.

Over at Amazon, the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is on sale for $47.95. This saves you $12.04 off its usual list price of $59.99, but more importantly, it's the lowest-ever price at Amazon. If you've had it in mind, now is a great time to grab it and make sure you have it in time for Valentine's Day.

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The Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is sure to look lovely once it's set up. The set (which is recommended for adults) comes with 822 pieces that create a dozen red roses, complete with long green stems for display, alongside four sprigs of baby’s breath to place in between. There's different variations of the roses as well — four in full bloom, four blossoming, and four in bud — so you'll have a nice variety to tweak to your liking.

Sort your Valentine's Day gift ahead of time this year and save a little cash with this deal on the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses at Amazon. If you're curious what other Lego sets are worth gifting this year, have a look at our breakdown of the best Lego sets for Valentine’s Day.

TL;DR: The 32-inch ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor is now only $959.96 at Amazon. That's $340 off for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Swift 32-Inch 4K OLED Gaming Monitor $959.96 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $339.04 Get Deal

If you want a proper upgrade to your gaming setup that will last, it’s best to go with one of the industry’s bigger brands. As of Jan. 19, the 32-inch version of the ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor, with a stunning 4K and OLED display, is now available to buy for $959.96 at Amazon. From its normal price of $1,299, that’s three cents shy of $340 off.

Saving you the price of a Nintendo Switch console, plus a game or two, this great-looking piece of tech provides a 240Hz refresh rate along with those 4K visuals and a 0.03ms response time. The specialized visual features like DisplayHDR and optional uniform brightness are wonderful for getting the very best graphics out of your 4K displays, while the refresh rates and response times can help improve your overall performance. 

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This is especially true of intense, high-octane shooters like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and ARC Raiders — where a millisecond makes all the difference to you winning or losing a game. With the ASUS ROG Swift’s other pristine features, like a custom heatsink, improved airflow, and graphene film for improved heat management, this gaming monitor is a key piece of kit that will keep you scoring victories for years to come. 

If you’re still shopping around, the ultra-wide Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor just dropped to under $300 at Amazon. What’s more, the Samsung Odyssey G50D version of the G5 is also on sale for $249. 

If you're trying to shut down your Windows 11 PC but it just won't do it, we might have a solution.

Last Tuesday, Microsoft released the first 'Patch Tuesday' updates of the year for Windows 11 and Windows 10.

What the release notes don't say is that the update also reportedly introduced a bug, causing some Windows 11 PC to restart when the user tries to shut them down.

As noted by Neowin, the bug only affects Windows 11 PCs which are configured with a feature called Secure Launch, which protects from certain types of malware.

The issue is explained by Microsoft in the company's knowledge base.

"After installing the January 13, 2026, Windows security update (KB5073455) for Windows 11, version 23H2, some PCs with Secure Launch are unable to shut down or enter hibernation. Instead, the device restarts," the company wrote."

SEE ALSO: The 11 best Windows laptops of 2026

Fortunately, there's a fix: The out-of-band (OOB) update KB5077797, detailed here, resolves the shut down issue, as well as another bug that caused sign-in failures for Remote Desktop connections.

Users who are experiencing this issue would do well to install the update, which can be downloaded here.

We know you've only just got over the excitement of National Bagel Day, but there's no rest when it comes to free or heavily discounted food deals that celebrate a somewhat silly occasion. We're all about making the most of these events, and that means the schedule is pretty packed. Don't like free food? Get out of here.

The good news for anyone keen to properly celebrate National Popcorn Day is that there are already a bunch of confirmed promotions. We've lined up some of the best freebies and discounts below. We'll be updating this list with any new deals that drop as we approach Jan. 19.

National Popcorn Day dealsAMC Theatres

With the AMC Popcorn Pass, members can save 50% on large popcorn every day through 2026.

Cinemark

On Jan. 18-19, Moviegoers can bring their own bucket on National Popcorn Day. For $5, customers can get up to 400 ounces of popcorn. The only exception to this rule is if you bring a 5-gallon Lowe's bucket as your container. Cinemark has teamed up with Lowe's and agreed that you can fill the whole thing up (approximately 650 ounces of popcorn).

City Pop

Sspend $50 or more through Jan. 19 and get a free 32-cup Butter Popcorn bag.

Doc Popcorn

Get a free 12-ounce serving of Better Butter popcorn at participating locations on Jan. 19 — no purchase necessary.

Emagine Theaters

Get $5 popcorn buckets of any size on National Popcorn Day.

Evo Cinemas

Customers can get a free regular sized popcorn when they buy a movie ticket on National Popcorn Day.

Marcus Theaters

Ticket holders can pick up a free large popcorn on National Popcorn Day.

NCG

Reward members can get a free 46 ounce popcorn on National Popcorn Day.

Popsmith

Get 30% off Cream and Butter Poppers between Jan. 16-31.

Regal

Score one large popcorn serving for free on National Popcorn Day. There's only one catch. To qualify for this freebie, you need to arrive in costume. Tell someone at the concession stand what you're dressed as and you'll get free popcorn as a reward.

Showcase Cinemas

Starpass Members get a free small popcorn with any purchase on National Popcorn Day.

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 Monday, Jan. 19, 2026:

AcrossCrab's grabber

• The answer is Claw.

"Giant" fruit in a Roald Dahl novel

• The answer is Peach.

Prefix similar to mega-

• The answer is Ultra.

Fast and nimble

• The answer is Fleet.

"Fantastic" animal in a Roald Dahl novel

• The answer is Fox.

DownLarge stringed instrument

• The answer is Cello.

Balloon material

• The answer is Latex.

1/640th of a square mile

• The answer is Acre.

Just ___ the doctor ordered

• The answer is What.

Small bit of wind

• The answer is Puff.

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.