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Ive tested a lot of headphones, but I cant stray from the Bose QuietComforts
One of the first pairs of headphones I tested for Mashable was the Bose QuietComfort Ultras, the gold standard for the brand. They serve all-day comfort with stellar audio quality. By the time I got around to testing Bose's more affordable QuietComfort headphones, I wasn't expecting much, and certainly not to find my all-time favorite headphones.
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.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones $199 at Amazon$349 Save $150 Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Walmart All-day comfort and battery life I love the Cypress Green QuietComfort headphones for a fun pop of color. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
These are my go-to headphones for everything: going on afternoon walks, running errands, writing from a café, or traveling. They're reliable and, most importantly, comfortable. I can wear these headphones all day with earrings and my glasses on and not experience any ear fatigue. Bose says that the QuietComfort headphones are on-ear headphones compared to the QC Ultras' over-ear design, but I find that the comfort and fit are nearly identical; the most significant difference is just the price you pay for that comfort.
Being able to wear them all day is one thing, but having them run all day is equally important. These are reliable headphones. When I wear them for a couple of hours per day, I can go a couple of weeks without charging them. On a trip to New York, their battery lasted from the time I left my house at the crack of dawn, through the train ride into the city, and into the next day.
The best controls on any headphones I've used That little switch on the side is the best power button I've ever used on a pair of headphones. Credit: Samantha Mangino / MashableI almost always hate the controls on over-the-ear headphones. Touch controls are often unreliable, and the small control buttons can be confusing if you're not looking directly at them. In fact, that was my biggest complaint about the Bose QuietComfort Ultras; I found the buttons on the headphones to be finicky, inconsistent, and confusing to use.
The standard QuietComforts have the perfect controls. The best part is that, rather than a power button, it's a switch. It sits on one of the ear cups, and you can tell when the headphones are on or off just by touch. For me, that means fewer instances of accidentally leaving them on and having the battery run out.
SEE ALSO: The Marshall Monitor III headphones made me realize that mid-range headphones don't get enough love Sound that delivers — most of the time I can wear these headphones with glasses and earrings and experience no pinching or ear fatigue. Credit: Samantha Mangino / MashableSound is crucial, and the audio quality on the Bose QuietComforts is stellar. It showcases the epic haunting notes of Max Richter's "On the Nature of Daylight" and the thumping beats of Charli XCX's "Everything is Romantic" in equal measure. Plus, they immerse you in sound. While they don't have the spatial audio capabilities of the QuietComfort Ultra headphones, I don't miss it, as I find that their active noise cancellation is enough to keep me in the zone, and the audio feels robust.
The ANC on this pair of headphones is just right, too. It isn't the best I've ever experienced, which isn't entirely surprising since the ear cups aren't particularly snug; that's great for comfort, but less effective for passive noise cancellation. But I find that its ANC easily blocks out the noise of busy city streets and the clink and clatter of my local coffee shop.
It tends to falter in the presence of extremely loud noises. While wearing them on a train platform, the sound of the incoming train caused a staticky, high-pitched noise in the headphones.
The more affordable option is the better choiceA more expensive product doesn't always mean a better product, and I find that to be the case with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and standard QuietComfort headphones. For $70 less than the Ultras, the standard QuietComforts are my preferred pick in the Bose lineup. They're comfortable and have intuitive controls and a long battery life.
While I think they're worth buying at full price, keep your eye out for sales. During Black Friday 2025, we saw them reach their lowest price ever of $159.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones $199 at Amazon$349 Save $150 Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Walmart
Tesla launches Model Y with seven seats in the U.S., but not the one you want
Tesla's Model Y in the U.S. can now be bought with a third row of seats – but this is not the larger, six-seater Model Y L that the company is selling in China.
Instead, the third row of seats, which is a $2,500 option for the Tesla Model Y Premium and Performance trims, has simply been squeezed into the current Model Y's trunk.
Yes, it brings the total number of seats in the Model Y to seven, but most adults won't be able to sit in that third row, making it usable mostly for families with small kids.
In contrast, the Chinese Model YL has a larger wheelbase (making the car 186mm longer), and a pretty respectable amount of legroom in the third row. The difference is obvious even in Tesla's official images; check out the Model YL's third row pic below.
Now that's a respectable third row. Credit: TeslaThe seven seater Model Y configuration that Tesla now offers in the U.S. was offered in the U.S. and Europe in the past, and it didn't last very long; we'll see if this one fares any better.
SEE ALSO: Tesla will charge you $150 for puking or smoking in its robotaxis, report saysThis is not the only change to the Model Y in the U.S., though. The company introduced a number of very subtle changes to the Premium and Performance trims (the Standard variant didn't get any of these).
The new Helix wheels do look a lot better than the old ones, we think. Credit: TeslaThese include new, 20'' Helix 2.0 wheels which are now dark grey instead of silver, darker interior headliner, black instead of silver badges on the back of the car, and a larger, 16-inch main display (up from 15.4 inches).
A new Heated Rivalry book is on the way — preorder Unrivaled by Rachel Reid now
Riding the runaway success of Heated Rivalry, Rachel Reid is returning fans to the ice: The bestselling author announced that the next installment in her Game Changers series — reuniting beloved rivals-turned-lovers Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander — will be released Sept. 29, 2026.
The novel, titled Unrivaled, had its cover revealed exclusively by People, which reported that the seventh entry in Reid’s Game Changers series will focus on life after happily ever after.
(For fans of the screen adaptation who prefer to avoid spoilers, Unrivaled's plot details may reveal storylines for Season 2 and beyond.)
View this post on InstagramUnrivaled finds Ilya and Shane in an entirely new phase of their relationship: Out, married, and even playing on the same team.
What is Unrivaled about?Unrivaled continues the story of Rozanov and Hollander after the events of 2022's The Long Game (the sixth book in the hockey romance series), following the couple as they navigate life openly for the first time.
Now married and playing on the same team, the superstar hockey players face new challenges that come with visibility, public scrutiny, and shifting dynamics within the sport. The novel explores what comes after a hard-won happily-ever-after and how love holds up when it’s no longer hidden.
Here's the official synopsis:
A line has been drawn—and the hockey world is divided.
For the first time in their professional hockey careers, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander have nothing to hide. For more than a decade, they kept their love a secret, but now they're out, married, and even playing on the same team. The support is incredible.
Most of the time.
They've gotten a lot of love from fans who are thrilled for them. But some people in the hockey world are still reeling from their relationship reveal, and the backlash—led by popular hockey podcast Top Shelf and the #TakeBackHockey movement—is getting louder.
Ilya and Shane are finally able to stand together in the light, the way they'd always wanted. And now they might be facing their biggest challenge yet.
Reid said she was eager to return to the fan-favorite couple, whose popularity has only grown thanks to the massive success of the Heated Rivalry TV adaptation.
"I'm writing this one for all the Hollanov fans, old and new," Reid told People exclusively. "I can't tell you how much the love my characters have received over the years means to me. It has been a blast writing these guys again, and revisiting the entire Game Changers cast."
Scrolling through social media, it’s clear fans are buzzing about Shane and Ilya's return.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. How can I preorder Unrivaled?Unrivaled is set for release on Sept. 29, 2026. It's available to preorder now in multiple formats, including paperback, Kindle e-book, and Audible audiobook. A Barnes & Noble exclusive edition is also available, featuring a unique cover design, sprayed edges, and bonus content for collectors and fans.
Opens in a new window Credit: Barnes & Noble Unrivaled (B&N Exclusive Edition) (Game Changers, 7) $19.99 at Barnes & NoblePre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon / Harlequin Unrivaled (Game Changers, 7) $18.99 at Amazon
Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Books-A-Million / Harlequin Unrivaled (Game Changers, 7) $18.99 at Books-A-Million
Pre-order Here
The ice is set, the fans are watching, and Reid is back to give Hollanov fans exactly what they’ve been waiting for. Now the question is: What do we do until September?
For fans eager to tide themselves over, revisiting Heated Rivalry or diving into previous books in the series is the perfect way to keep the Hollanov excitement alive.
Give your old PC a fresh start with this Microsoft bundle
TL;DR: Upgrade an old PC with The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle, now just $39.97 (reg. $418.99).
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $39.97$418.99 Save $379.02 Get Deal
In need of a 2026 productivity boost? The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle can help, giving your old computer some fresh tools and a brand-new operating system to conquer any to-do list. Right now, you can score both Microsoft products for only $39.97 (reg. $418.99).
If you’ve got an old PC collecting dust in the corner, you can give it a new life with some help from this pair of Microsoft products. The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle equips your device with a suite of helpful apps and a new operating system to keep things running efficiently.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!First up in this bundle is a Microsoft Office Professional 2021 lifetime license packed with eight tools to help you tackle both personal and professional tasks. From drafting a document in Word, to building a budget in Excel, or staying in touch in Teams, you’ll receive both new and old Microsoft Office staples.
Your license also includes OneNote, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, and Access. All the tools in this Microsoft Office license have been redesigned and are ready to help out everyone, from designers to data analysts.
This bundle doesn’t just include apps — it gives you a whole new operating system to work with thanks to Windows 11 Pro. This OS was made with the modern professional in mind, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll enjoy an improved workflow with features like a seamless interface, snap layouts, a more powerful search experience, and improved voice typing.
Windows 11 Pro also takes your cybersecurity seriously — you’ll have biometric logins and enhanced antivirus protection with this upgrade.
Get The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle for only $39.97 (reg. $418.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Which streaming services offer free trials in 2026?
I think I speak for everyone when I say that streaming prices are getting out of hand. Every year, the monthly fees go up, as does the number of services you need to watch the shows and movies you love.
Fortunately, a good chunk of these streamers will let you test the water before diving in and paying full price for their service. These trials give you the opportunity to sample the streaming library to decide whether it's right for you — or even binge-watch a whole season of a show for free. And watching something for free is a special type of dopamine hit.
SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025, and where to stream them nowA few big dogs in the streaming world — Disney+, Peacock, Paramount+ — no longer offer free trials, following in the footsteps of Netflix and HBO Max. But plenty of other major streaming services (as well as smaller, lesser-known services) let you try before you buy. Here's a list of all of the streaming services that offer free trials in 2026, including our top picks.
Best free trial: Hulu Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (30-Day Trial) Get Deal Why we like itOne of the oldest streaming services around, Hulu still remains a top dog. It's home to Mashable's favorite show of 2024, Shōgun, as well as two of our favorite shows of 2025, Dying for Sex and The Lowdown. Besides its own original content, Hulu is also the streaming home of FX, where you'll find episodes of ABC shows the day after they air, and the place to watch 20th Century Studios, Neon, and Searchlight Pictures films straight from the theater.
It was one of the most affordable streamers at just $7.99 per month, but it underwent two price hikes in as many years, making it now one of the most expensive streamers at $11.99 per month (with ads). Where Hulu truly stands out amongst the crowd, however, is its extremely generous free trial. If you've never subscribed to Hulu before, you can try it out for an entire month before having to pay anything.
Runner-up: Prime Video Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Prime Video (30-Day Trial) Get Deal Why we like itPrime Video can sometimes be an afterthought, as it's just one perk of an Amazon Prime membership. However, the streaming service is actually home to plenty of excellent shows — like one of our favorite shows of 2025, Overcompensating, and two of our favorites from 2024, Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Fallout — as well as hit movies like Hedda, Sinners, Challengers, Wicked, Conclave, and Blink Twice.
It's $14.99 per month if you choose to subscribe to Prime or just $8.99 per month for Prime Video on its own. Either way, you'll get a free 30-day trial to kick things off. And the best part is that it's not just for newbies; returning Prime members are eligible for free trials as well.
Every streaming service that offers a free trial in 2025Acorn TVTrial length: 7 days
Price: $8.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: starting at $6.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: $12.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: starting at $5.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: $10.99 per month
The Cinemax trial is only available via Prime Video as an add-on.
Trial length: 7 days
Price: $9.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: $10.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: starting at $7.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: starting at $5.99 per month
Trial length: 5 days
Price: starting at $84.99 per month
Though Disney+ does not offer a free trial on its own, it’s included in Hulu + Live TV. So, you can try it for free with that trial.
Trial length: 3 days through Hulu + Live TV
Price: $89.99 per month for Hulu + Live TV; $11.99 per month for Disney+
Though ESPN does not offer a free trial on its own, it’s included in Hulu + Live TV. So, you can try ESPN Select for free with that trial. There is no trial for ESPN Unlimited.
Trial length: 3 days through Hulu + Live TV
Price: $89.99 per month for Hulu + Live TV; $12.99 per month for ESPN Select
Trial length: 7 days
Price: starting at $19.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: starting at $6.99 per month
Trial length: 5 days
Price: starting at $55.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: $7.99 per month
Trial length: 30 days
Price: starting at $11.99 per month
Trial length: 3 days
Price: $89.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: $7.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: starting at $29.99 per month
The MovieSphere+ trial is only available via Prime Video as an add-on.
Trial length: 7 days
Price: $4.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: $14.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: starting at $16.99 per month
Though Paramount+ no longer offers a free trial directly (as of Jan. 15, 2026), a free trial of Walmart+ will unlock a free month of streaming.
Trial length: 30 days
Price: $12.95 per month for Walmart+; starting at $8.99 per month for Paramount+
Though Peacock no longer offers a free trial directly, a free trial of Instacart+ will unlock two free weeks of streaming, or a free trial of Walmart+ will unlock a free month of streaming.
Trial length: 14 days through Instacart+; 30 days through Walmart+
Price: $99 per year for Instacart+; $12.95 per month for Walmart+; starting at $7.99 per month for Peacock
Trial length: 30 days
Price: $14.99 per month for Amazon Prime; $8.99 per month for Prime Video only
Trial length: 7 days
Price: starting at $7.50 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: starting at $10.99 per month
Trial length: 7 days
Price: $6.99 per month
Trial length: 5 or 10 days
Price: $82.99 per month
New Lego Star Wars Smart Play sets just dropped — preorders are live at Amazon
CES is always one of the most exciting weeks in the world of tech. This year we got announcements of new smart glasses, a $9,000 smart purse, and plenty of robots. But on a more practical level, we got a major Lego upgrade with the arrival of Lego Smart Play sets.
We didn't need another reason to be obsessed with building Lego sets, but the Danish brand has gone ahead and provided it. The Lego Smart Play system introduces an interactive aspect to a build with sounds, lights, and behaviors that add a new layer of fun. Plus, all you need to enter this new realm is a single Smart Play brick.
Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth attended the Lego announcement ahead of the official CES kickoff in Las Vegas. Lego demonstrated highlights of the new smart bricks and Beck Werth wrote, "With a single smart brick, the CES demo brought Lego creations, characters, and playsets to life. Lego cars revved their engines, a Lego duck quacked and even snored when placed on its side, and a Lego airplane pilot exclaimed 'woah!' to being flipped upside down."
Lucky for us Star Wars fans, the new Smart Play sets debut with a Star Wars theme. The three builds launch the first two days of March and they're all available for preorder at Amazon. Here are the details.
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Throne Room Duel and A-Wing Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Throne Room Duel and A-Wing $159.99 at AmazonPre-order Here
The largest of the Lego Star Wars Smart Play builds takes us back to an iconic scene from Return of the Jedi. The 962-piece Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Throne Room Duel and A-Wing recreates the legendary Luke Skywalker lightsaber battle with Darth Vader. But unlike a standard Lego build, this Smart Play set will hum like a real-life lightsaber battle would. The set also comes with five Lego Smart Tags which add to the interactive experience with extra lights and sounds.
The Lego Star Wars Smart Play Throne Room Duel was on-hand at CES 2026. Credit: MashableEach Smart Brick battery life is about 45 minutes and the set comes with the charger you'll need to continue playing. The Star Wars build comes with a release date of March 1.
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Luke’s Red Five X-Wing Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Luke’s Red Five X-Wing $89.99 at AmazonPre-order Here
Enter Luke's world with this 581-piece build that's a great showcase of the new Lego Smart Play features. A Smart Play block on Luke's X-Wing means it'll come with lifelike sounds and lights like engine sounds, lights, and even repair noises. Smart Luke Skywalker and Smart Princess Leia minifigures are on hand for more interactive and responsive play.
The Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Luke’s Red Five X-Wing at CES. Credit: MashableThe Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Luke’s Red Five X-Wing comes with a price of $89.99 and has a release date of March 1.
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter $69.99 at AmazonPre-order Here
The most affordable of the new Lego Star Wars Smart Play sets is Darth Vader's TIE Fighter build with a price tag set at $69.99. The set has 473 pieces which features Darth Vader, his TIE Fighter, a fuel station, a Rebel Fleet Trooper, and more. In terms of the smart features and interactive additions, you'll get motion-activated engine sounds, lights, and laser-shooting because it simply wouldn't be Star Wars without those sounds. It also has refueling and repair sounds for the TIE.
The Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter on display at CES. Credit: MashableLike the other Lego sets, this comes with a March 1 release date. This set is designed for Lego builders aged eight and up.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for January 13, 2026
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 gameHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026:
AcrossInternet company that popularized chat roomsThe answer is AOL.
The answer is Thats.
The answer is On You.
The answer is Nolan.
The answer is Ads.
The answer is A ton.
The answer is Oh no.
The answer is Layla.
The answer is Toad.
The answer is Suns.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 13, 2026
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know west coast schools.
As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Regionally specific
Green: Swordplay
Blue: Hoops homes
Purple: Same first name
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Teams that play in New York State
Green: Fencing terms
Blue: College basketball venues
Purple: Bills
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 #477 is...
What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?Teams that play in New York State - BILLS, ISLANDERS, METS, SABRES
Fencing terms - EN GARDE, EPEE, FOIL, PISTE
College basketball venues - HINKLE, PALESTRA, PAULEY, THE PIT
Bills - COWHER, PARCELLS, RUSSELL, SELF
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.
NYT Pips hints, answers for January 13, 2026
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 PipsIf 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 13, 2026The 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 13, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 13 PipsLess Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically; 3-6, placed horizontally.
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed vertically.
Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 13 PipsEqual (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed vertically.
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 6-2, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally.
Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally.
Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically.
Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically.
Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically.
Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 13 PipsNumber (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 1-0, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically.
Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.
Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed vertically.
Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 4-6, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally.
Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.
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Mattel reveals first autistic Barbie, complete with fidget spinner
Mattel has launched its first ever autistic Barbie, the latest addition to its diverse Barbie Fashionistas collection.
Designed in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), the new Barbie is intended to reflect real autistic people's experiences, with Mattel stating that it "invites more children to see themselves represented" in the doll.
"Barbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine, and we’re proud to introduce our first autistic Barbie as part of that ongoing work," said Mattel's global head of dolls Jamie Cygielman.
As such, the autistic Barbie comes wearing a loose fitting lavender and white striped dress, flat-soled shoes, and pink noise-cancelling headphones — clothing informed by the sartorial choices people may make when managing sensory processing issues. As fitting her focus on fashion, Barbie's headphones are colour coordinated with her tablet (which shows symbol-based apps designed to enable communication without speaking) and her fidget spinner (which actually spins).
Credit: MattelBarbie's body also features articulated elbow and wrist joints so she can stim, while her gaze is deliberately shifted slightly off-centre. Mattel states that this design choice "reflects how some members of the autistic community may avoid direct eye contact." Her hair is also worn loose, "as autism can impact fine motor skills."
"It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves, and that’s exactly what this doll is," said ASAN executive director Colin Killick. "We're honored to see this milestone come to life, and we will keep pushing for more representation like this that supports our community in dreaming big and living proud."
Mattel has further announced it will donate over 1000 autistic Barbie dolls to various U.S. children's hospitals that provide special services for autistic children.
This autistic Barbie isn't the first doll in the Barbie Fashionistas collection with a disability. The company previously released a Barbie with Down syndrome in 2023, as well as both a blind doll and one with type 1 diabetes last year. The Barbie Fashionistas collection includes over 175 dolls, spanning across different skin tones, body types, and disabilities.
Autistic Barbie is available now for $10.99 at Amazon and Target, and $10.97 at Walmart.
