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How I turned my parents’ Android phone into a simple, emergency-ready device
Does the thought of your parents facing an emergency when you’re not around keep you up at night? Are you worried they won’t be able to use their smartphone when they actually need it? These simple Android tweaks transformed how I care for my aging parents from afar.
This is the best way to install apps on Linux that you aren't using
As great as Linux can be if you're concerned about security, privacy, and customizability, there are a few things that could be improved. One of the best quality-of-life changes I've made has been switching to Flatpak to install most of my apps.
The "hidden" Microsoft Excel feature I wish I’d started using years ago
I've used Microsoft Excel since I was a kid because that's when they started teaching Microsoft Office in school to elementary students. I've been aware of the changes, but one that got away from me is arguably one of the best features Excel ever had.
What are romance scams and how can you avoid them?
"I fell in love with him and he also claimed to feel the same way for me," said a victim of a romance scam, who requested anonymity. They met a man called "Bob" on Facebook, who claimed to be in South Africa working for the military.
After talking for some time, Bob said he wanted to visit the victim, who lives in the United States. Sure enough, he started asking for money: "He told me he had some trouble with his bank card not working in South Africa and couldn’t get funds to pay for his flight," anonymous said. "He asked if I could send the money to pay for his [flight] and other things."
SEE ALSO: Match Group rolls out campaign to stop romance scamsThe victim, like so many others, sent money to the grifter. Romance scams are a multimillion-dollar problem, and it appears to be only getting worse. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people reportedly lost $547 million from romance scams in 2021, an 80 percent jump from the year prior. Then, in 2025, two senators urged the CEO of Match Group to act on romance scams, suggesting that the problem is only getting worse.
But what exactly are romance scams, and how can you avoid them?
What are romance scams?Romance scams are also called confidence scams because they require the scammer to gain the victim's trust. They're a form of social manipulation where scammers often create fake profiles on dating or social media platforms to start talking to victims and get them emotionally attached, said trial lawyer and partner at The Clark Law Office, David Clark.
Scammers often target people who are vulnerable — say if they're elderly or recently divorced or widowed. However, "it's important to remember that these scams can happen to anyone, regardless of their level of financial knowledge," said Tommy Gallagher, a former investment banker and the founder of Top Mobile Banks, a site dedicated to digital banking.
Once they gain victims' trust, scammers will start asking for money. They'll come up with excuses like they have a medical emergency, or even that they want to visit the victim, just like Bob did. When the victim starts sending money, the scammer will demand more and more until they're financially drained, said Clark.
Unfortunately, that's what happened to the victim Mashable spoke to: "Every day, he [brought] up one issue or the other, demanding for more money that I ran out of money and went into debt," they said. "When he realized I had no money left, he stopped replying to my messages and stopped taking my calls." That's when it dawned on them that Bob was a scammer.
"It typically takes a significant loss of money before victims notice things to be wrong and resist.""When it comes to matters of the heart, even the most rational of individuals can throw caution to the wind," said Gallagher.
People may fall for romance scams because grifters meet their emotional needs, commented licensed therapist and vice president of marketing at Divorce Answers, Lauren Cook-McKay. Scammers master what victims want to hear: promises of love, compliments, messages of empathy and compassion.
"In fact, it typically takes a significant loss of money before victims notice things to be wrong and resist," Cook-McKay said. "This is because when our emotional needs are being met, we're willing to look past the negative in an attempt to preserve that source of emotional support."
There are multiple types of romance scams, according to Clark:
Military scam, when the scammer pretends to be a member of the military — like Bob.
Oil rig scam, when they pretend to work as an oil rigger.
Exchanging intimate media, when the scammer gets the victim to send nude photo or video to use them for blackmail.
"But no matter what type of romance scam it is," Clark said, "the scammer will always make excuses to avoid their victim, such as they're too far away and can't meet with the victim or avoid video calls."
How can I avoid romance scams?Be cautious when meeting online, and be skeptical of anyone who asks for personal information or money too soon, said Gallagher. Never give money to someone you haven't met in person, and never share details like bank account numbers or your Social Security number.
Some dating apps, like Tinder, have verification features where users can prove they are who they say they are. Tinder and other Match Group dating apps have even started rolling out features to help people sniff out scammers. In the UK, Match and OurTime partnered up for a similar campaign with the City of London Police and reporting center Action Fraud.
If you're using a service without verification or your match is unverified, you can do a reverse image search. Clark recommends doing this on Google or a site called Social Catfish.
You can also stop talking to someone who refuses to meet in-person or on video; it's a major red flag.
Ask questions pertaining to their identity, or ask for proof. If they say they're in the military, for example, ask to see their military ID card. "They can also ask the person what their MOS [military occupation specialty code] is. The MOS identifies the person's job title," Clark said. "They can also ask questions about the military culture, such as basic training or their favorite MRE [Meal, Ready-to-Eat] treat."
There's new evidence suggesting scammers are increasingly posing as loved ones, so be diligent about that as well. Contact the friend, romantic partner, or whoever else to see if they're being impersonated.
If you've already given a scammer money, contact your bank and credit card companies and let them know what happened, Gallagher said. You can report them to the dating site you met them on, and report them to the FTC as well.
Beyond researching your matches and calling out scammers, Cook-McKay said to "stop falling in love with being in love." Learn how to meet your own emotional needs and validate yourself, so you don't turn to others; seek out the help of a mental health professional if needed.
Most importantly, Gallagher said, don't be ashamed to reach out to friends and family for support. You're not alone. "By being aware of the dangers and taking the necessary precautions," he said, "we can all protect ourselves and our loved ones from the heartless actions of these scammers."
This article was first published in 2023 and republished in 2026.
How long can an HDMI cable be?
HDMI cables are a fact of life, and usually you don't need them to be particularly long. Connecting a console or Blu-ray player to a TV that's right next to it usually means having too much cable rather than too little. However, there are plenty of reasons you'd want a longer cable.
I canceled Gemini for Claude and I'm never going back
Over the last year, I’ve gone from “AI is useless” to “AI is my employee I couldn’t run my business without.” I started out on ChatGPT, and eventually went to Gemini—but Claude is where I feel the most at home.
Last chance to grab the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for under $40 at Amazon
SAVE $20: As of Feb. 19, Amazon has dropped the Fire TV Stick 4K Max down to $39.99. This deal saves you $20 off its list price of $59.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon$59.99 Save $20 Get Deal
Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale was filled with great deals, including Amazon's own streaming devices such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. However, this deal isn’t going to last much longer, according to the countdown timer on the store page. So if you’ve been hoping for a 4K streaming upgrade, this is your last chance to save on this high-quality streaming device.
Through the rest of today, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99. This is a $20 discount off its usual list price of $59.99. If you've been hoping to enjoy the latest and greatest shows and films on streaming services in crisp 4K quality, this is your chance to upgrade your streaming setup for less.
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!No matter what shows or films have your attention right now, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max will make sure you catch every detail thanks to its support for 4K Ultra HD picture quality, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+. Support for WiFi 6E helps provide smooth streaming quality as well, and it even supports Dolby Atmos audio to really help you feel immersed in what you're watching.
On top of that, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max also has 16GB of storage and the Fire TV Ambient Experience. The latter works a bit like Frame TVs by allowing you to show off art or photos when you're not watching something.
Again, this deal only lasts through the rest of today. Act fast to save on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max at Amazon.
This 27-inch QD-OLED Samsung gaming monitor is at its lowest-ever price on Amazon — save $200
TL;DR: The Samsung 27-inch Odyssey QD-OLED G5 gaming monitor is now down to just $349.99 at Amazon. That’s a massive $200 discount off its regular $549.99 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-inch Odyssey QD-OLED G5 Gaming Monitor (G50SF) $349.99 at Amazon$549.99 Save $200 Get Deal
You don’t often see OLED gaming monitors drop into midrange pricing territory, which makes this latest Samsung deal especially tempting. As of Feb. 19, the 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 (the G50SF model) has fallen to $349.99 at Amazon; that is its lowest price to date, as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.
Unlike traditional IPS or VA panels, this model uses QD-OLED technology to deliver deeper blacks and punchier colors (even more so than traditional OLED), helping games look more cinematic without sacrificing speed. The QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution keeps visuals sharp at a comfortable 27-inch size, while Pantone validation and HDR10 aim to bring accurate tones and brighter highlights across everything from competitive shooters to open-world adventures.
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!When it comes to PC gaming, the 180Hz refresh rate and an ultra-fast 0.03ms response time target motion to feel incredibly smooth — altogether becoming more immersive and gripping simultaneously. That’s whether you’re tracking targets in Arc Raiders or navigating fast-paced racing games, like the upcoming Forza Horizon 6. G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync support are also onboard to help reduce tearing and stutter, while glare-free coating helps keep reflections at bay during longer sessions.
In the event you’re willing to spend more on an even larger QD-OLED display, the 49-inch ultrawide Samsung Odyssey gaming monitor is still on sale at Amazon. As for those from different brands, the 34-inch curved Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitor (AW3423DWF) is also $200 off.
Get 3 packs of Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Boosters for a new low price — save $7 at Amazon
TL;DR: A three-pack bundle of Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Boosters is down to $24.99 at Amazon, shaving $7 off its usual $31.99 price and saving you $1.70 per pack.
Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster 3-Pack Lot $24.97 at Amazon$31.99 Save $7.02 Get Deal
If you’ve been eyeing the Magic: The Gathering’s Final Fantasy crossover set but didn’t want to commit to the larger bundle, this smaller three-pack deal is one of the cheapest ways to jump in right now. As of Feb. 19, MTG’s Final Fantasy three-pack Play Booster lot has dropped on Amazon to $24.97 — a $7.02 cut off its original $31.99 price and a noticeable discount compared to buying the packs individually.
If you’ve never brought any packs for yourself, this expansion blends characters, summons, and story beats from across the long-running Final Fantasy RPG gaming franchise into Magic’s card mechanics, making it a popular pick among both longtime MTG players and collectors who love chasing crossover cards. Play Boosters are built with Limited play in mind, but they’re just as appealing if you’re opening packs purely for the thrill of a big pull.
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!Each booster contains 14 cards, typically including a mix of commons, uncommons, and at least one rare or mythic rare, plus a guaranteed Traditional Foil. That balance makes smaller bundles like this a low-risk way to explore the set without diving into a full booster box.
You can still score the six-pack lot of Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Boosters for only $48.69. As for other expansions, preorders on MTG’s new Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box are now selling for only $189.99 at Amazon.
Chick-fil-A is giving away free chicken biscuits — here’s how to claim yours
We feel like it's our civic duty to keep abreast of all the free food and drink giveaways from top retailers. Everyone likes getting something for nothing, but not everyone is aware of just how often these free giveaways go live.
We literally just made some noise about the fact that Dunkin' is giving away limited-edition iced coffee gloves on Feb. 20, but before we could sit down, another giveaway has dropped. So we'll do what we must for the greater good. You can thank us later.
SEE ALSO: How to get the free Lego set for late February: Spend $100 to get the absurdly cute Duck FamilyFrom Feb. 17-28, you can get a free Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit (no purchase necessary). To qualify, simply download the Chick-fil-A app and redeem your free chicken biscuit during breakfast hours while supplies last. The reward will automatically appear under your “Rewards” tab of your app. It's that straightforward. There really is no catch.
The giveaway is included in Chick-fil-A's celebration of the brand's "80-year heritage of quality, service and care," per a press release. Chick-fil-A is also planning to launch retro-inspired packaging plus newly-released Frosted Sodas and Floats and Classic Cups.
Don’t buy a cheap second-hand 3D printer until you’ve read this
It’s never been easier to get into 3D printing, and the cheapest way in is to buy a second-hand model. There’s no shortage of these on the second-hand market, but what might seem like a bargain could cost you in time, parts, and effort down the line.
Score $50 off Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones at Amazon — buy now for under $100
SAVE $50: As of Feb. 19, the Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones have dropped to $99.99 at Amazon. This 33% discount saves you $50 on their list price of $149.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 $99.99 at Amazon$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal
Do you want new headphones, but don't want to spend a ton of cash on an expensive pair? The Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones are a pair we consider to be the most well-rounded budget headphones. And they're even on sale right now at Amazon for under $100.
The Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones are down to $99.99. This is a $50 discount off their usual price of $149.99, and it applies to all of the available colors as well. Choose between the white, black, or blue headphones at this price.
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!From great sound quality to a solid noise cancelling system and a hefty battery life that can last up to 50 hours in noise cancelling mode, the Space Q45 headphoned are a great investment for long travel periods, a commute, or just hanging out at home. Our roundup of the best budget headphones — where they earned the spot of "most well-rounded budget headphones" — said of their sound quality that "Bass dominates the soundstage in a positive way. Headbangers will salivate over the Space Q45’s boomy and energetic low-end presence."
As for their noise cancellation, the roundup also notes that "Enabling noise cancellation slightly increases bass without compromising other frequencies, and the technology is capable of blocking out 80 percent of external sounds. Ambient listening mode is just as rewarding for keeping tabs on your surroundings."
Keep in mind that the Space Q45 headphones are currently listed as a limited-time deal. So if you're interested in picking them up, act fast to get them for under $100.
I've written HTML for years, and I use these 3 tools on every project
I’ve been writing HTML since the late ‘90s, and while the web has evolved in a hundred different ways, the core of it really hasn’t. You still open a file, structure your markup, style it with CSS, and refine it until it looks and behaves the way you want. The fundamentals are the same. The tags are more semantic, the layouts are more flexible, and the standards are tighter, but at its heart, HTML is still crafted line by line.
The 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor has hit a record-low price at Amazon — save $150
SAVE $150: The 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $499.99, down from the list price of $649.99. That's a 23% discount and the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware 27-inch Alienware 360Hz Gaming Monitor $499.99 at Amazon$649.99 Save $150 Get Deal
Welcome to the lingering part of winter. The initial refreshing feel of cold weather and the excuse to stay inside is wearing off, and now we're ready for warmer temps and spring flowers. Unfortunately, that could still be a few weeks away. Instead of sinking into boredom, upgrade your gaming setup and make the last few weeks of winter an epic gaming experience. There's a great deal in store today at Amazon on a gaming monitor with impressive specs.
As of Feb. 19, the 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $649.99. That ends up being a savings of $150 thanks to the 23% discount. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.
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!When it comes to finding the right gaming monitor, size matters. If you don't have a massive desk or your desk is short on space, it's unlikely you have room for a giant curved monitor. Instead, focus on a model that's a moderate size but comes with impressive specs, like the 27-inch Alienware monitor that has a blazing 360Hz refresh rate.
If you gravitate toward games that require speedy movements and response time, the Alienware comes with specs to match your pace. In addition to the impressive refresh rate, there's the 0.03 GtG response time and the QHD resolution of 2560x1440. The monitor also features 111 pixels per inch. All in all, you'll be in line for a blur and lag-free gaming experience.
Alienware added a stable and performance-driven stand to the 27-inch monitor so you'll be able to tilt, swivel, and adjust the display to fit your preferences.
While the 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for a record-low price of $499.99, upgrade your winter gaming experience. And since summer now come with sweltering heat, it'll probably get plenty of use then, too.
Stephen Colbert bought Punch the monkeys IKEA orangutan
In what's probably the saddest and cutest news story of the week, a baby monkey named Punch (Punch-kun), rejected by his mother at Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo, has won the internet's heart by clinging to a stuffed IKEA orangutan for emotional support. As Mashable's Crystal Bell writes, "In the wild, that would have meant certain death. At the zoo, where Punch was raised through hand-rearing, it meant something else: survival, and a substitute for the one thing zookeepers couldn't provide."
Stephen Colbert got the memo on the forlorn mini macaque, unpacking the story during Wednesday night's Late Show.
"After his mom abandoned him — she said she was going out for a pack of bananas, I'm sure she'll be back — Punch struggled to make friends with other monkeys in the exhibit, which is why they gave him the stuffed orangutan, and now he takes it everywhere," Colbert said, explaining that the specific stuffed animal is IKEA's DJUNGELSKOG.
"If you think Punch is sympathetic, wait till you see the official pictures of JUNGELSKOG. She looks like she's regretting all of her life choices," said Colbert, and...yeah. "Here's the thing. We looked it up, and the DJUNGELSKOG retails for only $19.99, and honestly, we can all use a little comfort right about now. So I bought one. You'll never leave me right, DJUNGELSKOG?"
Opens in a new window Credit: IKEA IKEA DJUNGELSKOG plush orangutan $19.99 at IKEAShop Now
The Pokémon TCG: Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box is close to market price at TCGplayer — save $8 vs. Amazon
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG’s Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box is now selling for as low as $86.64 on TCGplayer — that puts it only 64 cents over market price and $8 cheaper than Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company The Pokémon TCG: Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box $86.64 at TCGplayerGet Deal
When it comes to solid Pokémon TCG deals on modern expansions like Phantasmal Flames, TCGplayer regularly offers decent value for money. As of Feb. 19, the Pokémon TCG’s Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box is now selling for as now as $86.64 at TCGplayer — saving you $8.26 compared to Amazon’s best price of $94.90.
Granted, Amazon’s new lowest price for the ETB is the result of an 11% price cut from $106.89, but it can’t be denied that TCGplayer is still the best deal. For transparency, all of these new and unopened ETBs — both through Amazon and TCGplayer — are being sold through third-party sellers on the platforms.
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!Whichever online store you go with, you’ll still get the exact same Pokémon trading card game contents in your new and sealed Phantasmal Flames ETB. Along with nine Mega Evolution: Phantasmal Flames booster packs, you’ll get a full-art foil Charcadet promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, a player’s guide, six damage-counter dice, one competition-legal coin, a plastic coin, a collector’s box with six organizational dividers, and a code for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live.
To save even more on packs from this expansion, you can still buy the Pokémon TCG: Phantasmal Flames eight-booster pack lot at $20 off on Amazon. With Pokémon Day fast approaching, you can still buy the TCG’s Pokémon Day 2026 Collection for under $40 at Amazon.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 19, 2026
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a good cook.
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.
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: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 19, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Resurrection
Green: Warm and cozy
Blue: '70s film
Purple: Chef terms
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Easter supplies
Green: Fireplace accessories
Blue: Elements of "Saturday Night Fever"
Purple: Homophones of ways to cook something
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 #984 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayEaster supplies: BASKET, DYE, EGGS, PEEPS
Fireplace accessories: BELLOWS, POKER, SHOVEL, TONGS
Elements of "Saturday Night Fever": DISCO, JOHN TRAVOLTA, PLATFORM SHOES, POLYESTER SUIT
Homophones of ways to cook something: BOYLE, BRAYS, SEER, STU
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 19, 2026Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.
NYT Strands hints, answers for February 19, 2026
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're an overthinker.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy 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 19, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 19, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Here's a thoughtThe words are related to thinking.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe Aha moments.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Eureka.
NYT Strands word list for February 19Idea
Hypothesis
Concept
Eureka
Postulate
Theory
Notion
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.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 19, 2026
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're uplifting.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 19, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 19, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:To lift.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter H.
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...
HOIST
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.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has hit its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save over $150
SAVE OVER $150: As of Feb. 19, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has dropped to $493.10 at Amazon. This deal saves you $156.89 on its list price of $649.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) $493.10 at Amazon$649.99 Save $156.89 Get Deal
For those hoping to invest in a smartwatch, Amazon still has some great deals to check out after Presidents' Day sales. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is one model that's currently sitting at its lowest-ever price at the retailer, making now an excellent time to grab it for a low price.
While it's usually listed for $649.99, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is currently on sale for $493.10 at Amazon. That saves you a little over $150 on this model, and is even lower than the price we saw in January of $499.98. This deal only applies to the titanium white model, but if that's the one that's caught your eye, this is a great time to buy.
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!If you're an athletic or adventurous individual and want a smartwatch that can keep up with all of your activities, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is ready to help. It's packed with features to help you out throughout the day, including an Energy Score that gives you a better idea of your readiness for the day, Vascular Load monitoring for tracking stress, and a Running Coach that can help you get the most out of your running routine.
Our hands-on review from Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon noted that it's "designed for rugged adventurers." It can "reportedly handle temperatures between -4 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can tolerate deep-sea diving and other challenging environments." That's one tough smartwatch.
Don't miss out on your chance to save big on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra at Amazon.


