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Curiosity recorded alien rainbow-colored clouds sweeping over Mars

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 13:00

A rover got a new view of some peculiar extraterrestrial clouds, flecked in rainbow colors and moving across the Martian sky.

Curiosity, a set of NASA's robotic "eyes" on the Red Planet, recorded 16 minutes of so-called noctilucent clouds flying overhead on Jan. 17. These clouds, sometimes referred to as twilight clouds because they're too faint to see in daylight, appear iridescent by scattering light from the setting sun.

Scientists have released a video of the clouds, below in an X post, sped up about 480 times and repeated four times. Amid the flowing clouds are red and green hues.

Though these high fliers also can be observed at the edge of space above Earth, there are distinct differences between Mars' mother-of-pearl clouds and those of our home planet: Mars' are made of dry ice — a type of cloud that doesn't exist in Earth's atmosphere — while Earth's are composed of water ice. Mars simply doesn't have enough water vapor at the highest altitudes necessary for those clouds to form and reflect sunlight after sundown, said Mark Lemmon, an atmospheric scientist with the Space Science Institute in Colorado.

"I think Earth has pretty noctilucent clouds more often, if you live in the right place," he told Mashable. "The best from each planet is pretty spectacular."

In the video, noctilucent clouds can be seen drifting near the top of the frame, at an altitude between 37 and 50 miles. These views were captured with Curiosity's left Mastcam as the rover continues a journey toward the boxwork region below Mount Sharp.

Though the images may look like they're being recorded from the perspective of space, as if gazing at a curved right side of the Red Planet, this is, in fact, a skyward view from the Martian ground. Three corners of the images are missing — giving a similar appearance as the hemisphere of a planet — because the rover's camera happens to have a stuck color filter wheel.

At least as far back as the 19th century, astronomers have gazed up at Earth's sky and wondered about this kind of cloud, the highest in the atmosphere. Rain clouds tend to form no more than 10 miles up, but the noctilucent clouds, composed of water-ice, hover some 50 miles above the planet's surface in a layer of the atmosphere known as the mesosphere.

They were still largely a mystery to scientists until about 20 years ago, when NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere mission studied them. Researchers learned that the clouds form when ice crystals condense on meteor smoke — tiny particles from shooting stars that burn up in the atmosphere. Perhaps even more surprising was that the ice within the mesosphere formed a single continuous layer.

At summertime, these iridescent clouds shimmer at dusk and dawn near Earth's North and South Poles. Astronaut Matthew Dominick shared a spectacular photo he took on the Fourth of July from the International Space Station.

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick photographs a crescent moon over so-called noctilucent clouds from the International Space Station on July 4, 2024. Credit: Matthew Dominick / Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit / NASA Johnson Space Center

"We have had so many great sunrises lately with amazing noctilucent clouds," Dominick said on X in July 2024. "Probably taken a 1,000 images or so in the past week of them."

Iridescent clouds were first seen on Mars by NASA’s Pathfinder mission in 1997. Curiosity didn’t observe them until two decades later in 2019. Though this is the fourth such year the rover has spotted them in the early fall, a looming question is why these mother-of-pearl carbon dioxide clouds haven't been spotted elsewhere on the Red Planet. NASA’s Perseverance rover, located in the northern hemisphere’s Jezero Crater, hasn’t seen any.

Scientists think certain Martian regions might be more inclined to form them. One possibility is that gravity waves, which can cool the air, might be causing carbon dioxide to condense into ice in the southern latitudes.

Lemmon led a paper on Curiosity’s first two seasons of twilight cloud observations. The study was published late last year in Geophysical Research Letters. He recalls that the first time he ever saw them, he actually thought it was a mistake — some kind of color artifact appearing in the images. Now scientists can predict and plan for them.

"Their beauty surprises me every time I see a new example," he said.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 10 best gals-night-in movies on Netflix

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:36

Want to kick back with your gal pals for a much needed movie night? We hear you. No matter if you're able to hang in person or are opting for a video-chat virtual hang, the choices for what to watch together can be overwhelming!

That's why we've dug through Netflix's current selection of rom-coms, buddy comedies, tearjerkers, and female-focused fun to single out the very top of the crop. Whether you want something sweet, snarky, sentimental, suspenseful, silly, or savage, we've got you covered.

2 space objects are traveling so fast, they might exit the galaxy

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:30

For a decade and a half, astronomers have been on the trail of a galactic mystery.

In 2011, a project that surveyed the Milky Way galaxy for exoplanets — which are planets beyond our solar system — spotted an intriguing signal: They found two objects traveling together through the galaxy, one 2,300 times heavier than its companion. Could it be a rogue planet with a moon, or a small star and orbiting world?

During a recent investigation, researchers poured through observations from the Keck Observatory (located 13,599 feet up in Hawaii) and the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite (which surveyed a whopping 2 billion objects in our galaxy). They think they spotted the curious duo again, now located 24,000 light-years away near the center of the galaxy.

But that's not all.

Based on the duo's change in position between 2011 and 2021, the research team gauged that the pair is traveling over 1.3 million miles per hour, or 600 kilometers per second. That's fast enough to propel something beyond the Milky Way's potent gravitational grip.

"If so, the planetary system is destined to traverse intergalactic space many millions of years in the future," NASA wrote.

"If confirmed, the pair sets a record for fastest known exoplanet system," the space agency added. It's moving nearly twice as fast as our solar system is orbiting around the Milky Way.

The research was recently published in The Astronomical Journal.

An artist's conception of the star speeding through the Milky Way galaxy. Reddish and purple lines depict quicker star movement. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / R. Hurt (Caltech-IPAC) A conception of a super-Neptune planet orbiting a star in our galaxy. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / R. Hurt (Caltech-IPAC)

The astronomers suspect the hyper-speed duo is a gaseous exoplanet, more massive than Neptune, but not as large as a gas giant like Jupiter.

"We think this is a so-called super-Neptune world orbiting a low-mass star at a distance that would lie between the orbits of Venus and Earth if it were in our solar system," Sean Terry, a researcher at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said in a statement. "If so, it will be the first planet ever found orbiting a hypervelocity star."

Stay tuned. To confirm this hypervelocity duo is indeed the same duo detected in 2011, researchers will look again in a year or so to see if it's traveling on its expected, high-speed trajectory. If the star continued zooming through space at an unusual speed, they can be confident it's the blazing fast star-planet duo. If the star hasn't moved much, this would suggest the original sighting was indeed a rogue exoplanet, and its exomoon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Domino’s is releasing a pepperoni perfume for Valentine’s Day. Heres how to get yours for free.

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:04

ENTER TO WIN: From Feb. 10-17, you can enter the draw to win a bottle of the Domino's pepperoni-inspired perfume.

Opens in a new window Credit: Domino's Domino's: Win Free Pepperoni-Inspired Perfume Learn More

Valentine's Day just got a whole lot spicier thanks to Domino's.

The popular pizza chain has gone ahead and done what the world has been asking for by launching a pepperoni-inspired perfume. This meaty scent is designed to make you irresistible with notes of pepper and spice, with a warm, woody base. And the pyramid-shaped bottle decorated to look like pizza slices is a really classy touch.

You can't actually purchase Eau de Passion right now, but all is not lost. Anyone who wants to try it can fill out a form from Feb. 10-17 for a chance to win a bottle. The catch is that it's only available in the UK and Ireland, but that situation could change once everyone sees the impact of this scent. Seriously, who wouldn't be all over someone who stinks of Domino’s Pepperoni Passion.

Make the most of this Valentine's Day and enter the draw to win a bottle of the Domino's pepperoni-inspired perfume.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How Gen Z uses the internet to self diagnose and get help

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:00

Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) uses the internet to self-diagnose their own mental health conditions, but not in the ways one might reflexively (or judgmentally) assume.

A new survey and report from the Made of Millions Foundation, a nonprofit mental health advocacy organization, found that only a small fraction of Gen Z youth relies solely on the internet to interpret their symptoms and make their own conclusions about a diagnosis or disorder.

The majority of youth surveyed instead consult online resources, including social media, in conjunction with seeking or receiving mental health care and treatment. The findings counter a prevailing narrative that it's become trendy, and common, for young people to diagnose themselves with a specific condition without any professional help or support.

In fact, of the 970 people between ages of 13 and 28 surveyed for the Made of Millions report, 431 of them were in some phase of what the researchers described as a mental health "journey."

Of the subset of nationally representative participants who had a diagnosis, a mere five percent, or 10 people, said they were self-diagnosed and had no plans to follow up with a clinician. Eight percent intended to see a mental health professional after having made a diagnosis for themselves, based on internet research.

But nearly three quarters of respondents who said they had a diagnosis received it either exclusively from a clinician or through a combination of clinical expertise and independent online searching.

Uma Chatterjee, a neuroscientist and mental health advocate who provided expertise for the Made of Millions report, says she supports young people using the internet to explore information about their symptoms and possible diagnoses.

That information can be particularly validating when someone realizes they may have a condition like OCD, which is often misunderstood, Chatterjee says.

It's so "powerful to show people that something that they never had a word for, or a way to describe, or they just thought was normal, is actually something that is a commonly shared experience, especially when there's so much shame associated with so many of these symptoms," she adds.

How to safely explore self-diagnosis

Chatterjee does encourage young people to adopt a few key strategies when attempting to self-diagnose their mental health concerns online.

Once they've looked into their symptoms and believe that a specific diagnosis might explain what they're experiencing, Chatterjee recommends they seek out trusted nonprofit and professional medical organizations that focus on that condition through research, education, or advocacy. From there, they should look for resources related to finding a local mental health professional who can provide expert guidance.

For example, someone who thinks they may have OCD might look to the International OCD Foundation, which maintains a directory of not only therapists and clinics but also support groups and other organizations that specialize in the condition. (Chatterjee is a volunteer advocate for International OCD Foundation.)

Either way, Chatterjee strongly recommends that someone who's self-diagnosed via internet information searching follow up with a clinician, including a general physician who can make a referral to a therapist or psychiatrist. If a person's self-diagnosis is incorrect, it's highly unlikely that they'll get the tools they need to recover.

Relying only on social media accounts or influencers, even those who seem qualified, for medical and mental health advice can also be dangerous, Chatterjee says. People may be exposed to misinformation or hear about cures that don't exist.

The pros and cons of self-diagnosis

Theresa Nguyen, chief research officer of Mental Health America, says that people are typically developing health literacy through online searching related to their mental health. (Nguyen and Mental Health America were not involved in the Made of Millions report.)

That research can include reading about symptoms, spending time in forums dedicated to a certain condition, viewing influencer content on social media, and taking mental health screeners.

Every year, two million people in the U.S. take a Mental Health America screener for mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Users can print out the results and take them to a physician or therapist for follow-up.

Overall, Nguyen believes that many young people have "enormous capacity" to research mental health online, explore social media, and post their own content, all while making timely decisions about seeking out professional guidance or care.

Still, social media posts with high engagement that treat mental health labels, including textbook diagnoses, with surprising casualness can give the impression that Gen Z is eager to adopt certain conditions as a fad.

Chatterjee says the ease with which Gen Z talks about mental health online can both empower and mislead them, depending on the context and person.

"Just because it's filling a void, doesn't mean that it's actually helping in the long run." - Uma Chatterjee, mental health advocate

There are scammers in the mental health and well-being space, for example, who cultivate a following by validating their fans' experiences and building a well-intentioned community all while selling an unproven treatment or so-called cure.

Chatterjee warns that young people searching for help can fall into these traps, believing they've found an explanation for their emotional or psychological suffering, as well as a community to belong to as they navigate it.

"Just because it's filling a void, doesn't mean that it's actually helping in the long run," Chatterjee says. "Not all content is created equal."

If someone has found an influencer or community they like in the process of self-diagnosis, Chatterjee recommends remaining critical about how those resources contribute to their recovery.

She also advises people to vet the influencers they follow. That can include checking their academic credentials, whether they're affiliated with a professional organization like the American Psychological Association, and evaluating with skepticism any claims they make.

Angel, 23, was diagnosed with OCD as a young adult after receiving an incorrect diagnosis as a teenager. After learning they actually had OCD, Angel spent considerable time online researching the condition and looking for community. (Angel requested that their last name not be used to protect their privacy.)

For Angel, who has often felt isolated by their OCD, the research connected them to important resources and supportive peers. But the internet also became risky at times.

They began spending hours on a subreddit about OCD, partly to make themselves feel better about their own recovery journey. Angel decided at that point to delete Reddit from their phone as a way of balancing their desire for information with maintaining positive well-being.

Angel tries to focus their attention on practical information, like insights about OCD flare-ups and techniques for managing symptoms.

"I feel like the internet can be helpful but also not helpful," Angel says. "It all depends on how you learn to use it. I've been making sure to learn to use it properly."

Categories: IT General, Technology

These tax deductions for small business owners may surprise you

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:00

There’s a lot to love about being a small business owner, but we’d be lying if we said it didn’t come with its fair share of challenges, especially around tax season. From figuring out how to manage quarterly taxes to actually paying what you owe the IRS, the learning curve can be steep.

The process isn’t all bad, though. For example, there are certain tax breaks and deductions that are afforded to small business owners and self-employed individuals that regular employees don’t get to take advantage of.

If you don’t already know about the tax deductions that come with being a small business owner, you’ll want to read on. Here are twenty major tax deductions for small business owners that may surprise you:

Advertising fees

The costs associated with advertising your business are completely tax deductible. This can include things like getting business cards printed, launching a new website, social media campaigns, and even sponsoring a local event.

Bank fees

Bank fees such as PayPal transaction fees, wire transfer fees, and any service charges are 100 percent tax deductible. Keep in mind this only accounts for business banking accounts and doesn’t work for personal bank accounts or credit cards.

Business meals

Business meals are 50% deductible as long as they aren’t considered lavish or over-the-top. Keep in mind that meals for employees, like pizza Fridays, are considered 100% tax deductible.

Car fees

If you have a vehicle that you use entirely for business, all costs associated are tax deductible. If you use your car for personal and business use, you can still deduct certain costs, but only the costs associated with business use.

Charitable donations

You cannot deduct charitable donations as a business expense, but it’s possible to deduct these donations on your personal income tax return as long as they were made to a qualified charitable organization.

Childcare and dependent care

If you have children under the age of 13 or a dependent who is mentally or physically unable to care for themselves, you might be eligible to deduct up to a certain amount of what you spend on childcare and dependent care while working.

Credit card interest

If you’ve opened up a credit card specifically for your business, any credit card interest is completely tax deductible. This also applies to other interest payments (such as a business loan) as long as you can prove that you intend to pay back the loan in full.

Depreciation fees

Depreciation fees are considered the cost associated with normal wear and tear on business-related machinery and tools. Depending on the cost of the items, you can deduct the entire cost of the item in one year or spread it out over several years.

Education

Things like tuition, books, subscriptions to trade-related publications, and workshops to increase your skill set and expertise are all tax deductible as long as they relate back to your immediate field and business.

Employee benefits

Being a good employer means treating your employees well — and you can actually deduct most employee benefits. Things like employee health benefits, achievement awards, and educational assistance are all tax deductions for small business owners.

Freelance labor

If you haven’t required full-time employees yet but still enlist the help of freelancers, the fees associated with freelance labor are also a tax-deductible cost.

Health savings account

Did you know that a health savings account is tax deductible for small business owners? You can use your health savings account up until retirement for things like doctor visits, gym memberships, and even massages.

Home office supplies

Home office supplies — from your laptop to your pens and pencils — are all considered tax deductible for small business owners and solopreneurs.

Internet and phone bills

Business-related internet and phone use is 100% tax deductible, but keep in mind that if you use your phone for both personal and business, only the dollar amount used specifically for business can be deducted.

Legal fees

Legal fees and services required for conducting your business are tax deductible. This also applies to accounting and bookkeeping services required to keep your small business running.

Rent

It doesn’t matter if you rent an office space or you run your small business from your apartment, rent is considered tax deductible. Keep in mind that you cannot deduct the entire amount of your apartment if you work from home but rather the percentage that you use for business.

Retirement contributions

You receive a dollar-for-dollar tax write-off for every single dollar you contribute to your retirement account (up to a total of $77,000). You can also set up an additional pension plan through your business which will allow you to contribute even more.

Tax preparation fees

Small business owners should always work with an accountant at tax season to ensure everything is properly filed. Thankfully any tax preparation fees and services are also tax deductible.

Travel expenses

If travel is part of your business requirements, you’ll want to save as many receipts as possible as there are many deductions available for business travel. As long as your trip is necessary for business, you can deduct everything from plane tickets and hotel fees to laundry and dry cleaning, tips, and parking fees.

Utility fees

Utility fees such as heat and hot water are also tax-deductible expenses. If your business operates out of your home, the entire fee isn’t deductible but rather the percentage you use while you’re actively working.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Think this space station and moon photo is AI? Meet the photographer.

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:00

The International Space Station is nowhere close to the moon, which is about 1,000 times farther away from Earth.

But a new snapshot from an accomplished space photographer makes it look as though the orbiting laboratory is skittering across the lunar surface, both sharply in focus.

The new image, taken on Feb. 5 by Andrew James McCarthy, frames the space station with Shackleton Crater, a famous landmark on the moon near its south pole. The site is a potential future landing spot for NASA astronauts.

Many photos McCarthy has taken of the space station in the past show the ship as a silhouette in Earth's shadow. This time he caught it in direct sunlight, in conjunction with the so-called lunar terminator. That line, also sometimes referred to as the twilight zone, separates the lit and dark side of the moon.

"This might be my new favorite," he told Mashable. "What I love about this one is there's actually dimension to the ISS here because it's illuminated. I've shot it illuminated before, but not in this high resolution."

SEE ALSO: Japan’s moon landing picture might be the space photo of the decade The International Space Station is illuminated as it crosses in front of the moon on Feb. 5, 2025. Credit: Andrew James McCarthy

The arresting image showcases the hard geometric lines of the spacecraft, set against the organic undulations of the moon, mottled with craters and long dramatic shadows.

Getting the shot, which has drawn a few cynics on the internet, wasn't as easy as the click of a button. It required painstaking planning, overcoming several equipment failures, a ride off the beaten path, thousands of frames, and impeccable timing: The space station, spanning the length of an American football field with end zones, flies at about 17,000 mph, or five miles per second. The whole event could have been missed in the blink of an eye.

McCarthy, a former manager for a tech startup, pursued astrophotography after losing his job in a layoff before the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the years, he's developed his acumen, shooting all types of astronomical phenomena. He now makes a living off high-definition pictures that can be blown up into giant prints.

A full view of the International Space Station appears as a bright point of light, upper right, during a lunar transit on Feb. 5, 2025. Credit: Andrew McCarthy

Earlier this month, McCarthy discovered there would be two back-to-back days of space station transits that would make good photo opportunities. Not only were they relatively close, but telemetry apps indicated the space station would appear to have a large angular size, due to its position above the horizon.

His first attempt on Feb. 4 took him to Yuma, Arizona. After getting permission from a business owner, he set up his gear in a private parking lot. The equipment included 14-inch and 11-inch telescopes, a couple of cameras, cell phones, and a Canon R5 with a 1,000-millimeter telephoto lens.

Seconds before the transit, one of McCarthy's laptops quit, and the 14-inch Dobsonian telescope didn't work.

Tweet may have been deleted

In astrophotography, getting the shot is sometimes an odds game, so he resolved to try again the next day. This time the projected path for the transit took him to a remote area about 35 miles east of the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

There was nothing in the path but a dirt road off Highway 60, which seemed to be public. Little did he know the road would be so narrow, the prickly cholla cacti would scrape at both sides of his car.

McCarthy pulled over in a small clearing as far as he could. The ground was uneven, so he wedged rocks under his telescopes to keep them level. Then he set up a Starlink to connect to high-speed internet.

Tweet may have been deleted

The wind whipped, and the sun shone in his eyes. McCarthy was unflapped.

"I've definitely shot in worse locations," he said.

McCarthy's laptop crashed again and nearly botched the session. He made the risky decision to swap out computers, just in the nick of time. The photo's exposure was 1/5,000th of a second, he said.

Afterward, McCarthy kept taking pictures to fill in the rest of the moon at the same focal length. Later, he stitched them together to form a mosaic. Each panel is composed of about 2,000 stacked photos. Because the raw image was taken in black and white, a second camera, the Canon R5, captured color.

Tweet may have been deleted

In this age of artificial intelligence and image generators, the public doesn't always believe such extraordinary photos are real. McCarthy spends a lot of time on social media and his website, showing the "receipts" of his work. He posts the original raw image, along with how it looked in motion — harder evidence to fake.

It convinces some. Others remain skeptical.

"So much of astrophotography is about sharing what's invisible — what's so faint, you can't even see it with your eyes," he said.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Whats new to streaming this week? (Feb. 14, 2025)

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:00

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each one!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more.

But if you're seeking something brand spanking new (or new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too. Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for a moving documentary, the return of Bridget Jones, cannibal teen drama, or some of the best movies of 2024, we've got something just for you.

Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.

11. SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)

Questlove went from beloved musician to Academy Award–winning filmmaker with his critically heralded documentary Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), which explored the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Now, for his follow-up, he's plunged into the life and legacy of the iconic funk band Sly and the Family Stone.

Out of the film's premiere at Sundance 2025, critics cheered Questlove's vision as a director and the engaging energy of the doc. Not only does SLY LIVES! step audiences through the tumultuous effects fame had on frontman Sly Stone, but also, this propulsive movie boasts an array of big names, who reflect on his legacy with awe and empathy. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Jerry Martini, Larry Graham Jr., Greg Errico, Vernon Reid, Q-Tip, D'Angelo, Clive Davis, Chaka Khan, André 3000, and George Clinton

How to watch: SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

10. Waitress: The Musical

Bring a bit of Broadway home with Waitress: The Musical. Based on Adrienne Shelly's hit 2007 rom-com of the same name, this theatrical production centers on a waitress named Jenna Hunterson, who by day serves up unique pies — like the "I Hate My Husband Pie" or the "Pregnant, Miserable, Self-Pitying Loser Pie" — and by night wrestles with her failing marriage and impending pregnancy. Things get even more complicated when she falls for her dashing gynecologist.

Singer/songwriter/star of Girls 5eva Sara Bareilles not only wrote the music and lyrics for the Tony–nominated Waitress: The Musical, but also headlines this recorded performance as Jenna. She's joined onstage (and screen) by an array of stars playing a charmingly folksy array of friends, many of which have love plotlines of their own. Salty and sweet, this could be a perfect treat for Valentine's Day. — K.P.

Starring: Sara Bareilles, Charity Angél Dawson, Caitlin Houlahan, Drew Gehling, Dakin Matthews, Eric Anderson, Joe Tippett, and Christopher Fitzgerald

How to watch: Waitress: The Musical comes to Max on Feb. 14.

9. The Gorge

Anya Taylor-Joy (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) and Miles Teller (Spiderhead) join forces in The Gorge, a sci-fi romance from The Black Phone director Scott Derrickson.

The two play highly trained operatives stationed on opposite sides of a mysterious gorge. Their mission? To keep any of the terrifying creatures within from coming out. Despite being forbidden from making contact with each other, Levi (Teller) and Drasa (Taylor-Joy) strike up a long-distance friendship that quickly becomes something more.

While The Gorge's romance is fairly cheesy — and often at odds with its characters' hardened backgrounds — its action and mystery elements are undeniably fun. Without spoiling any of the film's juicy secrets, let's just say that the gorge itself (and the creepy crawlies within) are the real stars of the film.— Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver

How to watch: The Gorge premieres on Apple TV+ on Feb. 14.

8. Yellowjackets, Season 3

I hope you're hungry for more teen cannibalism, because Yellowjackets Season 3 is on the way. And this time, Hilary Swank is along for the ride.

Unluckily for her, Swank joins the Yellowjackets in a time of crisis, in both the past and present. Season 2 ended with the young Yellowjackets losing their cabin, and with the present-day Yellowjackets experiencing a heart-wrenching death. How will each group respond to these tragedies? My money's on cannibalism and crime — and I can't wait to see where the wilderness takes us next.* — B.E.

Starring: Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Ella Purnell, Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Samantha Hanratty, Steven Krueger, Warren Kole, Christina Ricci, Courtney Eaton, Liv Hewson, Kevin Alves, Simone Kessell, Lauren Ambrose, and Sarah Desjardins

How to watch: Yellowjackets Season 3 premieres Feb. 14 on Paramount+ with the Showtime plan.

7. The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep

For those missing the Continent ahead of The Witcher Season 4, there's a new anime film on Netflix that's quite the crossover between the games and the Netflix series. Directed by The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf's Kang Hei Chul and animated by South Korean animation studio Studio MIR, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep heralds the return of a familiar voice. Geralt of Rivia is voiced by Doug Cockle, who voiced the titular witcher in the games and inspired Henry Cavill's performance. For fans of the TV show, Anya Chalotra and Joey Batey, who played sorceress Yennefer and bard Jaskier, also lend their voices.

Based on a story from Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher novels, Sirens of the Deep sees Geralt and Jaskier caught on the brink of war between humans and merpeople in the seaside kingdom of Bremervoord. In my review, I wrote, "Cockle's performance combined with Studio MIR's spectacular animated fight scenes make Sirens of the Deep a worthy watch for The Witcher fans. If you can survive the awkwardness of the romance scenes, can run with The Little Mermaid parallels, and have long yearned for a Joey Batey bard banger moment, you'll have a decent time." — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Doug Cockle, Anya Chalotra, Joey Batey, Christina Wren, Emily Carey, Camrus Johnson, Mallory Jansen, and Simon Templemen

How to watch: The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Cobra Kai, Season 6, part 3

Cobrai Kai returns for its final season, and we're not ready to say goodbye!

Serving as a sequel to the original Karate Kid films, this Netflix series reunited Ralph Macchio and William Zabka in their opposing roles as Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence. But Cobra Kai offered Johnny's perspective on martial arts and much more as he's positioned as an underdog reopening the titular karate dojo. Over six seasons, the series has thrilled fans for its big heart, rich character development, and of course, thrilling fight scenes. So how will it end? It's time to find out. — K.P.

Starring: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser, Peyton List, Jacob Bertrand, Gianni DeCenzo, Dallas Dupree Young, Vanessa Rubio, Martin Kove, and Thomas Ian Griffith

How to watch: Cobra Kai, Season 6, part 3 debuts on Netflix on Feb. 13.

5. Omni Loop

Ayo Edebiri fans rejoice. You don't need to wait for The Bear's return or the release of Opus to get more good times with your girl. Omni Loop pairs the award-winning comedy actress with the esteemed Mary-Louise Parker for a time-travel trip that boasts an enchanting edge of dark humor.

Parker stars as quantum physicist Zoya Lowe, whose been diagnosed with a peculiar fatal affliction: She's got a black hole growing in her chest.

It'll kill her in one week. Well, it would if she quit taking a mysterious pill that keeps pitching her back in time. Living her last week over and over, Zoya seems doomed to repeat eternally or die — until she comes across Paula Campos (Edebiri), a brilliant research student that might be able to help her cure her Groundhog Day nightmare. In a mind-bending quest to "solve time travel," the pair grows close, and finds a new lease on life in the face of death. Dark stuff! But trust us, well worth the watching. — K.P.

Starring: Mary-Louise Parker, Ayo Edebiri, Carlos Jacott, Harris Yulin, Hannah Pearl Utt, Chris Witaske, and Steven Maier

How to watch: Omni Loop is now streaming on Hulu.

4. The White Lotus, Season 3

Mike White's social satire The White Lotus heads to Thailand for its third outing, bringing its usual staples of class commentary, meme-worthy drama, and an A-list cast along with it. This time around, the guests include Leslie Bibb (Juror #2), Carrie Coon (His Three Daughters), and Michelle Monaghan (MaXXXine) as three longtime friends on a girls' trip; Parker Posey (Beau Is Afraid) and Jason Isaacs (Baldur's Gate 3) as the matriarch and patriarch of a wealthy family about to lose everything; and Walton Goggins (Fallout) and Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education) as a traveling couple. Plus, Natasha Rothwell (How to Die Alone) is back as Season 1's spa manager Belinda. Does she know what happened to Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) at the end of Season 2?

Season 3 of The White Lotus focuses on wellness and spirituality, contrasting those concepts with the unhealthy coping mechanisms people may turn to in order to feel "well." Unfortunately, the results are mixed, with too many characters jockeying for limited narrative space to the point that some stories barely get the chance to breathe. As I wrote in my review, "the disparity between which group of guests gets the most airtime is much higher, making for a more disjointed season... The result is at once overstuffed and underdeveloped, albeit with a slim glimmer of hope that the finale can pull all these disparate threads together in spectacular fashion." — B.E.

Starring: Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong, and Aimee Lou Wood

How to watch: White Lotus Season 3 debuts Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. EST/PST on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.

3. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant all return for the fourth installment of the funny and romantic film series based on Helen Fielding's novels. But in case you've not been keeping up with your reading, brace yourself. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is set after the tragic death of Bridget's beloved Mr. Darcy.

As I recounted in my review for Mashable, her latest romp has her coping with grief while falling into another love triangle. It's a lot to process! Thus, I concluded, "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is the best sequel of the batch. It's joyful, seeded with Easter eggs, and radiant with Zellweger back in full effect, but it's also a tearjerker that might well knock the wind out of you."

Starring: Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Isla Fisher, Josette Simon, and Nico Parker

How to watch: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is now streaming on Peacock.

2. Better Man

Robbie Williams brings a wild makeover to the musical biopic with Better Man. The English pop star plays narrator to his rags-to-riches story, while a collaboration between actor Jonno Davies and Wētā FX transforms the famous bad boy into a fun-loving chimpanzee.

The concept sounds like a bonkers gimmick, but writer/director Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) utilizes this ape to explore not just what happened in Williams' life but also how he felt — like a dancing chimp. The metaphor doesn't get old; over the course of rousing musical numbers that chart William's rise to fame, fall from grace, and finding himself, it opens Better Man up to embrace the surreal and sensational. By rejecting the stodgy standards of a respectful biopic, this movie comes alive.

As I raved in Mashable's review out of TIFF, "Rich in vibrant emotion, body-rocking musical numbers, daring performances, and a scorching tenderness, Better Man more than rocks. It rules."*— K.P.

Starring: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvany, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, and Jake Simmance

How to watch: Better Man is now available for purchase on digital.

1. Flow

One of the best movies of 2024 — and a two-time Oscar-nominee — Flow is a dialogue-free ride through a flooded fantasy world that may leave you feeling as soaked (and stressed) as its unlikely heroes.

Director Gints Zilbalodis puts us in the paws of a little black cat struggling to survive after a watery disaster sweeps it from its home. Stranded on a sailboat with a motley group of animals — including a capybara, a lemur, a secretarybird, and a golden retriever — the cat must learn to cooperate with its crew mates if it's going to adapt to this strange new world.

Flow eschews any hallmarks of how American animation portrays animals, instead going for realistic animal sounds and movements. The result is instantly engrossing. We are initially alienated from the animals' inner thoughts and motivations, yet Zilbalodis renders them clear through hyper-specific characterization and interactions. The animation (all completed in open-source 3D software Blender) is striking too, mixing detailed textures and graphics to create a film that is beautiful yet somewhat unfamiliar. There's no way you can look away from this sweet, layered tale of teamwork and the climate crisis, or the precious feline at its heart.* — B.E.

How to watch: Flow comes to Max on Feb. 14.

Categories: IT General, Technology

They met on Tumblr, and their relationship outlasted their accounts

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:00

Before Tumblr lost its way through multiple sales, banning explicit content and losing droves of users, the microblogging site was the place to be online. Like any good social media platform, it brought people together, including couples.

"It felt like an easier way to connect with someone than just messaging 'hey' to someone on [a dating] app," said Sara, a former Tumblr user who met her partner Kevin on the platform.

SEE ALSO: How one tweet led me to meet my partner From the Tumblr dash to IRL

Sara and Kevin started using Tumblr around 2010, considered its heyday. This was before Tumblr's initial sale to Yahoo, which would lead to changes like a turn towards monetization (including ads).

"The way I used Tumblr back then, it was…the most private-public version of myself," Sara told Mashable, explaining she used the platform like an open journal. Facebook and Instagram were more curated; Tumblr was where she would blog about bad days and everything in between — like GIF sets from TV shows.

Kevin initially used Tumblr as a space to write but eventually used it for personal posts, selfies, and reblogging gif sets.

"We would do the perfunctory 'liking' each other's posts, and eventually we got to reblogging each other's selfies."

Sara and Kevin, who spoke to me on a Zoom call, had mutual friends on the platform and eventually followed each other a few years later, in 2015. Neither of their blogs was dedicated to one fandom or social issue — "I had no real rhyme or reason to it," said Kevin — but both of them tended to follow blogs that liked similar music or TV shows, and they eventually found each other's.

"We would do the perfunctory 'liking' each other's posts," said Sara, "and eventually we got to reblogging each other's selfies."

"The ultimate endorsement on Tumblr — besides having similar beliefs — was getting that coveted selfie reblog," said Kevin, "with something in the tags like, 'cutie,' or whatever." Sneaking compliments in the Tumblr tags was a little social cue to express your crush.

"I remember you did that once," Kevin said to Sara. "That was pretty cool."

Featured Video For You How Tinder and other dating apps use algorithms to find your match — Horny on Main

In late 2015, Tumblr introduced a chat function for users to message each other. When Kevin underwent knee surgery and wrote about it on Tumblr, Sara reached out. They soon discovered that they both lived in New Jersey, and by the next summer, they decided to take their relationship offline. After dates (that they didn't acknowledge were dates at first) like going to a retro arcade and a Beyoncé concert, they made it official.

"This is funny, the way I said it that night…you definitely remember. You still give me crap for it," Kevin said to Sara.

"'We'll give it the old college try,'" Sara recalled with a smile.

Why Tumblr over dating apps

Before he and Sara got together, Kevin was on dating apps, and it was a lot different than Tumblr because it felt like you had to put a more polished version of yourself forward. You also didn't know who you were talking to, which was true of Tumblr as well, but you can "reference things that they've talked about," he said. "If you guys are comfortable with that on Tumblr, reference in real life, bring it up. Talk to them about it."

Sara said it was easier to get a read on someone on Tumblr than you would on a dating app profile. It was also easier to vet someone if you had mutual friends. And on Tumblr, talking about politics and social issues was the norm, so you could more easily gauge political alignment.

"Obviously, you can say whatever on the internet, but in a very simplistic way, it was like an easier way to vet who they are as a person, as opposed to finding out on the third date that you're completely diametrically opposed because that wasn't something you listed on your dating profile," she said.

...it was easier to get a read on someone on Tumblr than you would on a dating app profile.

Tumblr also felt like a more authentic platform. When he was on Tumblr, Kevin expressed his feelings more often than he did on other social platforms. "If you saw that, you were kind of used to me," he said.

One of the reasons their relationship has sustained so long is because they got to know each other in a much more casual and slow manner, Sara said. They had a base of friendship that was established without the pretense of romance.

Now they live together — but that's not the biggest indicator of commitment.

"The most important thing is not just that we live together, but we have a cat together," said Kevin, "and that is the signifier of a serious relationship." (The cat's name is Macaroni.)

A relationship lasting longer than their Tumblr accounts

Neither Sara nor Kevin are on Tumblr anymore. Between issues like increased ads and friends leaving the platform, they stopped using it years ago.

Despite this, "I have a very deep nostalgia for Tumblr because at its peak for me is when I was in college," Sara said, when she was starting to form who she would be as an adult. Tumblr is where she was exposed to different subcultures.

From what Sara hears from single friends, the modern, app-based dating scene is pretty rough. "It makes me really appreciate how we met very organically and got to build this long-term relationship with one another," she said.

Sara is also grateful to Kevin, both because he's been part of her support system during a turbulent time professionally, and because they share internet humor and language.

"It's very nice to have that level of connectedness to someone that thinks stringing together a bunch of words seems sensical in some type of way," said Sara.

"It's very nice to have someone who feels like home," said Kevin, and (evoking a classic Tumblr meme) "also understands what 'they crave that mineral' means."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Kiss Google Drive goodbye — this alternative charges no monthly fees

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:00

TL;DR: Save $67 on a FolderFort 250GB lifetime cloud storage subscription while codes last.

Opens in a new window Credit: FolderFort FolderFort 250GB Cloud Storage Plan Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$107.64 Save $67.65 Get Deal

Thinking of ways to cut costs this year? Look at your subscription services first. Those "small" fees for streaming, meal delivery services, and cloud storage add up fast when you look at the total yearly cost. While you might not be willing to give up on your favorite TV shows or Chipotle treats, we can help you save on digital space.

A lifetime cloud storage plan would free you from the shackles of subscription fees for life. FolderFort offers a 250GB plan for a one-time $39.99 payment (reg. $107). While you won’t find a better price anywhere else, we have a limited number of codes to sell — so get yours before they’re gone.

More about FolderFort

While you probably haven’t heard FolderFort’s name, that’s no excuse not to try it. After all, this 250GB cloud storage plan pays for itself in as little as four months. Those $10 monthly savings add up beyond that, whether you want to put it toward groceries or just a carton of eggs.

You’ll love how simple FolderFort is to use. Open the web app on any device’s browser to upload files, and they’ll be secure with world-leading encryption.

This 250GB plan is enough to store about 60,000 photos, 250 hours of video, or six million documents, depending on their size. And, if your storage needs expand in the future, FolderFort will make it easy and affordable to upgrade.

Get affordable cloud storage with FolderFort: 250GB for $39.99 (reg. $107).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get Microsoft Project for Windows for $20 and make work less of a nightmare

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:00

TL;DR: Microsoft Project for Windows (lifetime license) is on sale for $20 through Feb. 23 (reg. $249.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Project 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for Windows $19.97
$249.99 Save $230.02 Get Deal

Feeling buried under project deadlines and shifting priorities? You’re not alone — in fact, many professionals feel overwhelmed with the work they have these days. Sometimes, finding a task management tool can help ease your stress by laying everything out visually.

Microsoft Project for Windows (lifetime license) is on sale for $20 through Feb. 23 (reg. $249.99).

Here’s how Microsoft Project could help lighten your mental load:

Organize chaotic projects: Bring order to complex projects by breaking them down into manageable tasks and subtasks.
Visualize your workload: See all your tasks, deadlines, and dependencies at a glance with Gantt charts and other visual tools.
Prioritize effectively: Identify time-sensitive tasks and allocate resources strategically.
Track progress effortlessly: Monitor real-time project timelines, budgets, and resource utilization.
Collaborate seamlessly: Share project plans and updates with team members to keep everyone on the same page.

Get this project management tool at a steal. Project is only $20 until Feb. 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT (reg. $249.99) with no coupon needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get an 8-in-1 universal fast-charger for just $21

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:00

TL;DR: The 8-in-1 GoCable features fast 100W charging, universal compatibility, and built-in tools like a bottle opener, package cutter, and keychain clip for just $20.99 (reg. $44.99) through Feb. 23.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab GoCable: The Ultimate 8-in-1 EDC Charger $20.99
$44.99 Save $24.00 Get Deal

Have you ever found yourself scrambling for the right charging cable while your phone clings to its last one percent? Or, worse, realizing you forgot to pack the right adapter while traveling? GoCable can help end that struggle.

This 8-in-1 everyday carry charger isn’t just a fast, universal charging solution — it also features some useful everyday tools in one compact design. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just trying to keep your tech organized, GoCable is the one gadget you’ll always want on hand.

For a limited time, this portable charger is on sale for just $20.99 (reg. $44.99).

With 100W ultra-fast charging, GoCable isn’t just another flimsy travel cord. It powers up everything — phones, tablets, laptops, Bluetooth earbuds, drones, and more. Apple or Android? Doesn’t matter. This cable has universal compatibility, so you’ll never be caught without the right connector again.

Instead of carrying a mess of tangled cables in your bag, GoCable features a magnetic wrap system that keeps things neat and easy to store. And with an LED power display, you can see your charging status in real time — no more guessing if your device is actually powering up.

And guess what? GoCable doesn’t stop at charging. It’s also packed with handy extras that make life easier.

Need to open a package? The built-in safe-proof cutter has you covered. Grabbing drinks with friends? The bottle opener is always within reach. Traveling light? The carabiner clip lets you attach it to your bag or belt loop, so you never leave it behind.

And when you’re not using it? It snaps together compactly so it doesn’t get lost at the bottom of your bag.

Don't miss getting the GoCable 8-in-1 Everyday Carry Charger while it's just $20.99 (reg. $44.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Think you’re the next Beyoncé? Use AI to turn your idea into a hit song.

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:00

TL;DR: Generate AI music with 87% off a Supermusic AI lifetime subscription for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Supermusic Supermusic AI: Lifetime Subscription $39.97
$319.00 Save $279.03 Get Deal

Post-Grammys energy got you thinking you might have star potential? Maybe you have an idea for a hit song or the lyrics sitting in your notes app, but no clue how to bring them to life. Another AI innovation now means you don’t need a studio — or even a guitar — to start making music.

You’ve heard of AI image and article generators, but now, check out an AI music generator. It’s like ChatGPT, except when you enter your prompt, you get a complete song with a melody and vocals. You can get a lifetime subscription to Supermusic AI for only $39.97 (reg. $319) and generate 100 songs every month.

Create serious or silly songs

We on the StackCommerce deals team have had a little too much fun creating songs with AI. Supermusic makes it addicting, whether you want to create a silly theme song about your pet cat or turn lyrics you wrote into an actual song.

Here’s how simple it is to create a song:

Enter your song idea, or paste your lyrics if you have them.
Select a music style, like pop, rock, or country.
Hit ‘generate’ and listen to your AI song.

We think you’ll be surprised at how well the songs turn out, and even with how realistic the vocals sound. Listen to one of the songs we generated:

After you generate a song, Supermusic makes it easy to share on social media so you can laugh with friends or grow your pop star dream. You can also explore other creator’s songs on the app, like an AI version of Spotify.

Create songs from a prompt with a Supermusic AI lifetime subscription, now $39.97 (reg. $319) for a limited time. No coupon is needed to get this price drop.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 13, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:55

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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: 8NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for February 13 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's The Mini crossword answers for February 13, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A lively dance with Cuban origins.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No letters repeat in today's puzzle.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

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...

RUMBA.

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

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

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

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 13, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:54

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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's The Mini crossword answers for February 13 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: A model for creating something
Green: Ways to show gratitude
Blue: Expressing ability or necessity
Purple: Common phrases ending in "trip"

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

Yellow: Template
Green: Demonstration, As of Appreciation
Blue: Modal Verbs
Purple: ___Trip

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 #611 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

Template: BLUEPRINT, GUIDE, MODEL, MOLD
Demonstration, As of Appreciation: EXPRESSION, GESTURE, SYMBOL, TOKEN
Modal Verbs: CAN, MIGHT, MUST, WILL
___Trip: EGO, GUILT, HEAD, POWER

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.

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 13

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:53

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

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: Things you need for a weight-based workout
Green: Different things you can medal in for snow sports
Blue: Soccer mascots
Purple: Words that have a baseball team name in them

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

Yellow: Weightlifting needs
Green: Olympic snowboarding events
Blue: MLS teams
Purple: Ends with a MLB team

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 #143 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

Weightlifting needs - BAR, BENCH, DUMBBELL, SPOTTER
Olympic snowboarding events - BIG AIR, GIANT SLALOM, HALFPIPE, SLOPESTYLE
MLS teams - DYNAMO, EARTHQUAKES, RED BULLS, WHITECAPS
Ends with a MLB team - BETRAYS, HELMETS, HUNDREDS, STRANGERS

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.

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for February 13

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:53

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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.

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 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 13 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: It's in the cards

These words are reasons to celebrate.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are why you might buy a card for someone.

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 Greetings.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 13

Love
Baby
Birthday
Wedding
Sympathy
Congrats
Greetings

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for February 13, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:53

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.

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, February 13, 2025:

Across"___ the gap!" (advice for solving this puzzle)

The answer is Min.

Love, in French

The answer is Amour.

African mammal with armorlike skin

The answer is Rhino.

Major tech company founded in San Fran, as its name suggests

The answer is Cisco.

"Watch your ___!" (advice for solving this puzzle)

The answer is Ste.

DownPainter Chagall and podcaster Maron

The answer is Marcs.

Dramatic cry during a paintball game

The answer is Imhit.

Distraction while working at the library, maybe

The answer is Noise.

Sag

The answer is Droop.

Tar Heels' school, for short

The answer is UNC.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Hulu deals and bundles in February 2025

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:48

HULU BUNDLES: Hulu is offering a range of bundle deals so you can stream from its library without breaking the bank.

The best Hulu deals and bundles in February 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Add-On Deal Disney Bundle Duo Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Best Student Deal Hulu Student Deal Hulu (with ads) for $1.99 per month Get Deal

There's a wide range excellent shows and films to watch on Hulu. From Poor Things to the thrilling (and Golden Globe-winning) Shōgun, it's a library that's full of options to keep you entertained for hours.

In celebration of Valentine's Day, we've even gathered up the 24 best romantic comedies streaming on Hulu that are worth a watch this month. If any of these have caught your eye and have you itching to sign up for Hulu, we're here to help. Outside of the standard ad-supported and ad free plans, there are quite a few bundle deals available with Hulu that are worth exploring if you're looking to save some cash.

With streaming prices on the rise (Hulu even recently increased its prices just last year), there's no better time than now to find a way to save on streaming services like this one. Below you can find details on Hulu's best bundles at the moment — alongside information on both its ad-supported and ad free plan, if you just want the basics — offering you a way to save on the service without going overboard on spending.

You'll even get additional streaming services thrown in at a lower cost, and what's better than that?

Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

Released last July, this is one of the best Hulu bundles available at the moment. Starting at $16.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for the three of them separately. It's an incredible deal to take advantage of, especially if you've already got Disney+ and Max subscriptions. There are two plans to choose from with this bundle, and they are:

Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)
Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)

Best Disney+ Add-On Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney Bundle Duo Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't want to splash out on the full Hulu, Disney+, and Max bundle, the next best thing is the Duo Basic bundle. This comes with just Disney+ alongside Hulu, giving you access to each of their ad-supported streaming platforms for as low as $10.99 per month. If you're already subscribed to Disney+ or have been hoping to jump into its library, this is well worth investing in.

Disney Bundle Duo Basic — $10.99 per month

This isn't the only Disney+ plan available with Hulu, though. For those looking to jump into an ad-free tier for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, there's the Duo Premium (no ads) plan that'll cost you $19.99 per month instead. And if you're a sports fan and want to throw in ESPN+, there are also Disney Bundle Trio Basic and Trio Premium plans, which run for $16.99 per month and $26.99 per month, respectively.

Disney Bundle Duo Premium — $19.99 per month
Disney Bundle Trio Basic — $16.99 per month
Disney Bundle Trio Premium — $26.99 per month

Best Student Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student Deal Hulu (with ads) for $1.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you're a student enrolled at a university, you can score a Hulu (with ads) plan for even lower than the above bundles. Hulu's Student Deal gives eligible college students the ability to buy a Hulu (with ads) plan for just $1.99 per month. Hulu notes that the deal lasts "so long as student enrollment status remains verified," then it goes back up to the standard monthly price.

Hulu Student Deal — $1.99 per month

Hulu's monthly plans

If you're just looking to jump straight into Hulu's library without any fancy bundles, there are a couple of subscription options to consider. The ad-supported tier comes in at $9.99 per month, but you'll get your first month free, which is a great way to test the waters and see if it's the right fit for you. If you want to go ad free, that'll cost you $18.99 per month. Unfortunately, this plan does not offer a free trial like its ad-supported sibling.

Hulu (with ads) — $9.99 per month (get first month free)
Hulu (no ads) — $18.99 per month

If you really want to go big on a streaming investment, there's the Hulu + Live TV plan. This costs a whopping $82.99 per month for its ad-supported plan, but comes with plenty to keep you busy. Hulu + Live TV (with ads) gets you access to 95+ channels, unlimited DVR, Disney+ (with ads), ESPN+ (with ads), and Hulu (with ads). If you want to go even bigger with the ad-free plan — which offers Hulu (No Ads), Disney+ (no ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) alongside Live TV — it'll cost you $95.99 per month. The ad-supported plan also offers a free trial, but for just three days instead.

Hulu + Live TV (with ads) — $82.99 per month (three day free trial)
Hulu + Live TV (no ads) — $95.99 per month

Wondering what to watch once you get set up with a Hulu plan or bundle? We're here to help with that as well. Have a look at our roundups of the 30 best comedies on Hulu, the 25 best sci-fi movies on Hulu, and the 26 best horror movies on Hulu to start building your watchlist. And if you're in the mood to binge-watch a show, check out our breakdown of the 25 best shows on Hulu.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with AI and ANC are on sale for under $135

Mashable - Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:43

SAVE $65: As of Feb. 13, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are on sale for $134.99 at Woot, down from $199.99. That is a 33% discount on a pair of AI-powered noise-canceling earbuds with real-time translation, 360 Audio, high-resolution sound, and IPX7 water resistance.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro $134.99 at Woot
$199.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer next-level sound quality, noise cancellation, and AI-powered features. At $134.99, they are an absolute steal. Suppose you are in the market for high-end wireless earbuds without spending over $200. In that case, this deal is worth grabbing before it disappears.

These earbuds are designed for serious audio lovers. SSC HiFi and UHQ audio codecs deliver 24-bit/96KHz high-resolution sound. Add 360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel, and you get a fully immersive, spatial audio experience that works best with Samsung Galaxy devices.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is also a major highlight. Samsung has improved its noise-blocking capabilities, meaning you can drown out distractions at work, on commutes, or during workouts. AI-powered sound optimization automatically adjusts to your surroundings for the best listening experience.

The AI features go beyond just audio. The real-time translation tool is perfect for frequent travelers, letting you hear translated conversations on the fly when connected to a Galaxy device. You also get AI-enhanced call clarity, with Super Wideband microphones and noise reduction tech that filters out background noise for crystal-clear communication.

Battery life is solid. With ANC on, you can playback for up to 8 hours, and with the charging case for up to 18 hours. Fast charging support means a quick top-up can keep the music going when you are low on battery.

Durability is also a win here. The IPX7 water resistance rating makes them perfect for intense workouts, outdoor adventures, or getting caught in the rain.

For $134.99, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver premium ANC, AI-powered features, and high-resolution sound at a serious discount.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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NYT Strands hints, answers for February 13

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for February 13, 2025

The best Hulu deals and bundles in February 2025

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with AI and ANC are on sale for under $135

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