Blogroll

Linux Mint might overhaul its release schedule

How-To Geek - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 19:27

Linux Mint has been a popular Linux distribution based on Ubuntu and Debian for years, with new versions coming (roughly) every six months. That might change in the future, though.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal online for free

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 19:00

TL;DR: Live stream Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Domestic football in Europe is turning its attention towards cup competitions this week. We've got some huge FA Cup games on the schedule this weekend, but before that, the Copa del Rey and DFB-Pokal are showcasing some massive matchups. This lineup of games includes Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig.

Bayern Munich have a decent lead at the top of the Bundesliga standings, but they've shown some signs of weakness lately. Still, they go into almost every game as favorites. Any team with Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz is going to be tough to beat. RB Leipzig have a lot of talent, but they'll need to be at their absolute best to make it through to the DFB-Pokal semi finals.

If you want to watch Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig?

Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal kicks off at 2:45 p.m. ET on Feb. 11. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig for free

Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can unblock ServusTV to live stream the DFB-Pokal for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria

  4. Visit ServusTV

  5. Watch Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the DFB-Pokal without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why the Nancy Guthrie kidnappers would demand Bitcoin

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 18:57

When a 5 p.m. PT ransom deadline passed this week in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, investigators were still grappling with a crucial uncertainty: Was the Bitcoin demand real — and if so, who sent it?

In two unverified notes sent to media outlets, the sender claimed to have abducted the 84-year-old mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie and set a deadline for her family to pay a ransom in Bitcoin. Law enforcement officials have said they are taking the messages seriously but have not confirmed their authenticity or received proof of life. There is no evidence that the Guthrie family was targeted for holding cryptocurrency.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's X bans 'InfoFi' crypto projects for posting AI slop and reply spam

Authorities have said they do not know why she was taken or whether her daughter’s fame played a role. But the demand for Bitcoin — regardless of motive — reflects a broader global shift in how criminals seek ransom payments.

While high-profile kidnappings are extremely rare in the United States, organized crime syndicates in Latin America, Asia, and West Africa are known to engage in kidnapping. This has led to a growing kidnapping insurance industry. And for kidnappers, cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin is an attractive vehicle for ransom payments, for a variety of reasons. There is no evidence that the Guthrie family was targeted for holding cryptocurrency.

"Bitcoin is much easier to launder than cash," YouTuber and crypto investigator Stephen Findeisen, known online as Coffeezilla, wrote in an email to Mashable. "A Bitcoin wallet you can create brand new, receive your demand money without it being traced to you personally, and then launder via mixers, privacy coins, or decentralized exchanges that don’t implement KYC (know your customer) restrictions."

Another appeal, experts say, is the irreversibility of crypto exchanges.

Paul Sibenik, CEO of Cryptoforensic Investigators, explained that from a kidnapper’s perspective, Bitcoin eliminates many of the friction points associated with traditional ransom payments. "No need for an in-person meeting or cash drop… entirely digital," he wrote to Mashable over email. Unlike bank wires, which can sometimes be reversed or flagged, "the Bitcoin transaction, once posted to the blockchain, cannot be reversed and it's immutable."

He added that there is "no custodian or entity that could freeze the Bitcoin in the kidnappers' wallet," meaning once the funds move, they move for good.

That finality is central to the appeal. According to Chainalysis data cited by the BBC, more than $3.4 billion in cryptocurrency was stolen in 2025, with an estimated $713 million tied to hacks, scams, or coercion of individuals. Attacks targeting individuals have doubled in recent years.

Physical extortion has followed the money. A 2025 security assessment warned that "crypto kidnappings are happening weekly," as criminals turn to violence to extract digital wealth that cannot be clawed back once transferred.

Sibenik noted that while Bitcoin is traceable on the public ledger, that doesn’t necessarily deter criminals. "Just because Bitcoin is much more traceable doesn't mean that it would be much harder to launder Bitcoin than cash," he wrote, pointing to loosely regulated exchanges and services that can obscure trails.

In Nancy Guthrie’s case, investigators are still trying to determine whether the person demanding Bitcoin is even connected to her disappearance. Retired FBI agents told ABC News that negotiators would typically seek proof of life before any payment is considered.

For now, the motive behind her abduction remains unclear. What is clear is that Bitcoin has become a default ransom currency — not necessarily because victims are crypto holders, but because criminals increasingly view it as the most efficient way to get paid.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Discord age verification: How it works, when it happens

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 18:34

Age verification is spreading on the internet. Following Roblox's implementation of the age verification process, Discord is the next platform in line to do it.

So, what is Discord's age verification process and what happens if users don't go through with it?

We'll break it down.

How to verify your age on Discord

Discord, the online chat platform that's extremely popular with gamers, has announced that it will be rolling out a mandatory age verification process for all of its users starting in March.

Discord age verification prompt Credit: Discord

Users will be met with a prompt asking them to verify their age when the age verification system goes live worldwide next month. To begin the process, users simply need to click the Get Started button on the pop-up.

Next, users will be prompted to upload a selfie or a photo of a government ID. In some instances, if the age verification system has trouble estimating the age of a user simply from their selfie, the user will be required to submit both a selfie and ID.

Discord age verification upload Credit: Discord

According to Discord, uploaded selfie and ID photos are deleted after the verification process is complete.

Once a user submits this information, they will receive a DM on Discord informing them that they've been placed in either the teen or adult age group.

What happens if you don't verify your age on Discord?

According to Discord, all user accounts going forward will be teen-by-default. This sounds exactly like what it is. All users will, by default, be placed in the teen age group. Teenagers will not have to take part in the age verification process as their accounts will already be placed in the appropriate age group.

However, in order to see certain content and take part in certain platform experiences, adults will need to verify their age to be placed in the adult age group. If an adult does not verify their age, their account will be placed in the teen group.

SEE ALSO: Discord defaults to teen experience for all users

Teen accounts will be unable to see certain content. Sensitive content will be blurred by Discord. The only way to unblur content or change that content setting platform-wide will be to verify your age in order to be placed in the adult age group. Discord users in the teen age group will also be unable to access age-restricted channels, servers, and app commands.

When it comes to direct messages, teen age group accounts will have a separate inbox for messages from users that they don't already know on the platform. Teen age group users will also receive warning prompts when they receive friend requests from users they may not know.

Additionally, teen age group users will be unable to speak on stage in Discord servers.

Users who go through the age verification process and are deemed to be younger than the minimum age required as mandated by their country (age 13 in the U.S.) will be banned from Discord entirely.

If the age verification process incorrectly marks a user as underage, Discord has an appeal process that users can follow as well.

Discord has already rolled out the age verification process in the UK and Australia in order to comply with local laws. The company says it will further roll the process out globally in "early March."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Elon Musk wants to build a giant catapult on the moon

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 18:26

For years, Elon Musk has talked about colonizing Mars. Now, he's talking about building Looney Tunes contraptions on the moon instead.

The New York Times reported that Musk told employees at xAI on Tuesday evening that he wants to build a factory on the moon to construct AI data center satellites. Not only that, but Musk wants the factory to include some type of gigantic space catapult, called a mass driver, that would then launch the satellites into space, purportedly for the sake of powering xAI's artificial intelligence network.

"You have to go to the moon," Musk reportedly told employees, per the Times.

In case you're wondering why this plan involves xAI and not just SpaceX, it's because the two just recently merged at the corporate level. Musk said that the merger was necessary to help xAI build AI data centers in orbit around the Earth.

While these plans sound like something straight out of science fiction, Musk does have an impressive track record with SpaceX, which has accomplished many engineering firsts.

SEE ALSO: Sam Altman unloads on Elon Musk in latest X posts

Of course, Musk did not elaborate on how, exactly, this facility would be built, or on what sort of timeline it would come together. Musk has spent decades talking up the notion of using SpaceX to colonize Mars, but he recently pivoted to the moon instead. Musk often talks about the importance of making the human race interplanetary.

As Mashable has reported previously, Musk has a history of making bold announcements that don't come to fruition.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Athletic Club vs. Real Sociedad online for free

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 18:16

TL;DR: Live stream Athletic Club vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Copa del Rey semi finals are absolutely mouthwatering. A lot of fans will be focused on Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona, but the first semi-final matchup is arguably even better.

Athletic Club take on Real Sociedad in the Basque derby. The San Mamés stadium will host the first leg of this fiery rivalry. We're expecting passionate support, intense competition, and of course, drama in abundance. It's going to be electric, and you can enjoy everything that this famous game has to offer without spending anything.

If you want to watch Athletic Club vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Athletic Club vs. Real Sociedad?

Athletic Club vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 11. This fixture takes place at the San Mamés.

How to watch Athletic Club vs. Real Sociedad for free

Athletic Club vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE to live stream the Copa del Rey for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Athletic Club vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain

  4. Visit RTVE

  5. Watch Athletic Club vs. Real Sociedad for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Copa del Rey without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Athletic Club vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Athletic Club vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Reserve a new Galaxy device before Samsung Unpacked and get a free $30 credit

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 18:09

FREE $30 CREDIT: Reservations for a new Samsung Galaxy device come with a free $30 Samsung credit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Reserve a new Samsung Galaxy device Get a free $30 credit Get Deal

Set a calendar event because the next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event is set for Feb. 25 online at both samsung.com and the brand's YouTube channel. If you'll be first in line for one of the new Galaxy S26 devices, there's a special deal in store if you reserve in advance.

Reservations for a new Samsung Galaxy device will earn you a free $30 Samsung credit. In addition, you'll be eligible for a savings of up to $900 on your order, and get entered to win $5,000 to spend at Samsung.

SEE ALSO: The giant 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved gaming monitor is $800 off at Amazon

We have some idea of what the new Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup will include, but we'll all have to wait until Feb. 25 to get solid specs. But if you have intentions of upgrading, there's no harm in securing a reservation and saving $30. All you'll need to do is fill out Samsung's simple form with your name, e-mail address, and your phone number, if you feel like it. Then Samsung will keep you updated about future steps. The discount gets cancelled if you don't end up ordering a qualifying Galaxy device.

Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry said he wouldn't be surprised if the new S26 lineup comes with camera upgrades, in addition to more standard improvements like better battery life.

For those who've been patiently waiting for Galaxy Unpacked, now's your chance to place a reservation on a new Galaxy device with a free $30 credit. It's a win-win for those who are ready for an upgrade.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2026 winter sports figure skating online for free

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 17:53

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 winter sports figure skating for free on streaming platforms like 9Now, CBC Gem, and BBC iPlayer. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Has Heated Rivalry got you all worked up? Do not fear, because your figure skating fix is on the way.

We've already seen some incredible winter sports action over the last few days, but fans of the Canadian romance will only have eyes for the Forum di Milano as the best figure skaters take to the ice to battle it out. Expect the likes of Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Kaori Sakamoto, and Alysa Liu to steal the spotlight.

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If you want to watch the 2026 winter sports figure skating for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is the 2026 winter sports figure skating?

International figure skating takes place from Feb. 6-19 at the Forum di Milano. Here's the full schedule of events:

  • Team Event Ice Dance (Rhythm Dance) — 3:55 a.m. ET on Feb. 6

  • Team Event Pair Skating (Short Program) — 5:35 a.m. ET on Feb. 6

  • Team Event Women Single Skating (Short Program) — 7:35 a.m. ET on Feb. 6

  • Team Event Men Single Skating (Short Program) — 1:45 p.m. ET on Feb. 7

  • Team Event Ice Dance (Free Dance) — 4:05 p.m. ET on Feb. 7

  • Team Event Pair Skating (Free Skating) — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 8

  • Team Event Women Single Skating (Free Skating) — 2:45 p.m. ET on Feb. 8

  • Team Event Men Single Skating (Free Skating) — 3:55 p.m. ET on Feb. 8

  • Ice Dance (Rhythm Dance) — 1:20 p.m. ET on Feb. 9

  • Men Single Skating (Short Program) — 12:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 10

  • Ice Dance (Free Dance) — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 11

  • Men Single Skating (Free Skating) — 1 p.m. ET on Feb. 13

  • Pair Skating (Short Program) — 1:45 p.m. ET on Feb. 15

  • Pair Skating (Free Skating) — 2 p.m. ET on Feb. 16

  • Women Single Skating (Short Program) — 12:45 p.m. ET on Feb. 17

  • Women Single Skating (Free Skating) — 1 p.m. ET on Feb. 19

You can follow international figure skating without spending anything.

How to watch 2026 winter sports figure skating for free

International figure skating is available to live stream for free on a number of services:

These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports figure skating from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 winter sports figure skating by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access

  4. Watch the 2026 winter sports figure skating for free from anywhere in the world

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the figure skating before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 winter sports figure skating for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch England vs. West Indies online for free

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 17:32

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. West Indies in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We've already been treated to a number of interesting matchups in the 2026 T20 World Cup, but England vs. West Indies might be the best so far.

On paper, this looks like a battle for top spot in Group C. England beat Nepal and West Indies overcame Scotland in the first round. Which side will retain their perfect record when they come together in the Wankhede Stadium? You can follow all the action without spending anything.

If you want to watch England vs. West Indies in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. West Indies?

England vs. West Indies in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 11. This game takes place at the Wankhede Stadium.

How to watch England vs. West Indies for free

England vs. West Indies in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Live stream England vs. West Indies in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

  4. Visit ICC.TV

  5. Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup (plus the Winter Olympics) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics online for free

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 17:27

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics for free on 9Now, CBC Gem, BBC iPlayer, and a range of other streaming services. Access these free streaming sites from anywhere in the world with a VPN.

This is shaping up to be an absolutely huge year for sport. Sure, the World Cup is probably the biggest event on the calendar. But there are so many other massive moments to get excited about. And there's really no need to wait, because the action starts early in 2026.

The 2026 Winter Olympics is kicking things off in February with a host of top events including alpine skiing, ice hockey, bobsleigh, snowboarding, and so much more. You can stay warm and dry whilst the best of the best compete for medals in the cold. And better yet, you can follow all the action from Lombardy without spending anything.

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If you want to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Winter Olympics?

The Winter Olympics is a major international event held once every four years for sports practiced on snow and ice.

Eight sports and 16 disciplines will feature on the programme for the 2026 Winter Olympics: Biathlon, Bobsleigh (Skeleton, Bobsleigh), Curling, Ice Hockey, Luge, Skating (Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Short Track Speed Skating), Ski Mountaineering, and Skiing (Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Freestyle Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing, Snowboard).

Norway leads the all-time medal record for the Winter Olympics.

Where is the 2026 Winter Olympics?

The 2026 Winter Olympics takes place at sites across Lombardy and Northeast Italy. This is the first Olympic Games to be officially co-hosted by two cities. Milan will host the opening ceremony and the ice events. Cortina and the Valtellina and Fiemme valleys will host everything else.

When is the 2026 Winter Olympics?

The 2026 Winter Olympics is the 25th edition of the famous event. This year's event will take place on Feb. 4-22.

How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics for free

The 2026 Winter Olympics is available to live stream for free on a number of services:

These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 Winter Olympics from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Winter Olympics by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access

  4. Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics for free from anywhere in the world

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics before recovering your investment.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Want to see Wuthering Heights in IMAX? This Fandango code saves you $14 on 2 tickets.

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 16:49

SAVE $14: Moviegoers can save $14 on two IMAX tickets to Wuthering Heights via Fandango through Feb. 14. Enter the coupon code YEARNFORIMAX at checkout.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fandango $14 off two tickets to 'Wuthering Heights' in IMAX Enter promo code YEARNFORIMAX on Fandango Get Deal

Yearning for some last-minute Valentine's Day plans? Emerald Fennell's take on Wuthering Heights opens in theaters on Feb. 13, and you can save on a pair of tickets if you act fast.

Now through Feb. 14 or while supplies last, the promo code YEARNFORIMAX gets you $14 off two IMAX tickets for Wuthering Heights on Fandango's website. (Tickets were still available at the time of writing.) IMAX tickets range from about $16 to $30, depending on your showtime, theater, and location, so some moviegoers will get their tickets for almost half off. Worst-case scenario, you've got more popcorn money.

SEE ALSO: "Wuthering Heights" review: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi front a perplexing and provocative romance

If you haven't read any Wuthering Heights reviews yet, I'll give you fair warning that this is probably going to be one of those "so bad, it's good" movies — which, to be fair, are often best seen with an audience.

"Fennell's adaptation [of the eponymous Emily Brontë novel] goes both too far and not far enough," writes Mashable film editor Kristy Punchko. "By slicing the book in half and cutting loose a clutch of relatives, she's simplified the story to focus on the love between Heathcliff and Catherine. But for all the substance she's cut away, only style has been put in its place. And it's not enough to make this Wuthering Heights feel full or affecting."

Look at it this way: It'll probably give you and your date plenty to talk about after the credits roll.

For what it's worth, I noticed that Fandango was running another promotion where every Wuthering Heights ticket purchase earns you an exclusive discount on Charli xcx's companion soundtrack on vinyl. After you lock in a showtime, Fandango will email you a link to Charli's online store that saves you 15%. ("Bumpin' that"? More like Brontë that.)

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2026 winter sports curling online for free

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 15:47

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 winter sports curling for free on streaming platforms like 9Now, CBC Gem, and BBC iPlayer. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

There are so many incredible sports on offer right now that we wouldn't usually get the opportunity to watch. We're circling our calendar for the alpine skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, and luge. In fact, we're making time to watch it all.

The busy schedule started with curling. You know, that strategic sport where players gracefully slide granite stones towards a circular target. The battle on the ice is intense. In the men's event, Sweden are defending champions but Great Britain and Canada will be confident of taking gold. In the women's event, Great Britain will be looking to defend their crown against the likes of Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and South Korea.

If you want to watch the 2026 winter sports curling for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is the 2026 winter sports curling?

Curling is scheduled for Feb. 4-22 and takes place in Cortina D’Ampezzo.

How to watch 2026 winter sports curling for free

International curling is available to live stream for free on a number of services:

These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports curling from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 winter sports curling by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access

  4. Watch the 2026 winter sports curling for free from anywhere in the world

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the curling before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 winter sports curling for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pokémon Pokopia is Minecraft for Pokémon, and fans will lose hundreds of hours to it

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 15:00

Sometimes you see a new video game and all you can do is wonder why it didn't get made sooner. That's how I feel about Pokémon Pokopia, coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in March courtesy of The Pokémon Company, Game Freak, and Koei Tecmo.

I got to play roughly an hour of the upcoming Pokémon-themed cozy-core game at a preview event recently, and I've never been more sure after one of these events that, like, half a dozen people I know are going to play dozens or hundreds of hours of a game. Put simply, this is Pokémon meets Minecraft, with a delightfully goofy premise and the potential for lots of town-building fun to be had either by yourself or with a group of friends via online play.

Based on that description, you probably already know if you're in or not.

SEE ALSO: I got to play the new Nintendo Switch Virtual Boy. It has the same problem it did in 1995. It's Ditto's time to shine Of course there's crafting in this game. Credit: Nintendo

Before digging into how Pokopia actually works, I'd be remiss not to mention the bizarre setup for this Switch 2 title. You play as a random Ditto, a member of the original 151 with the ability to shapeshift into any other Pokémon. This Ditto, however, decides to cosplay as a lightly customizable human on an island where humans have long since vacated the premises, leaving behind some ruins strewn about an environment that is otherwise only inhabited by wild Pokémon. Oh, and the Pokémon in Pokopia can talk. That part is important.

As a sort-of-human with a Ditto face, your job is to rebuild the region to attract new Pokémon and maybe even humans again. Minecraft is the most obvious source of inspiration here, as the world is made up of blocks that can be destroyed or rearranged to the player's liking. However, there are also elements of other cozy lifestyle simulation games like Stardew Valley at play here. One of your main duties is to build suitable habitats for various Pokémon, who each have their own preferences. Bulbasaur is attracted to grass, Hitmonchan might emerge if you put down a punching bag next to a bench, and so on.

What's up, player? Credit: Nintendo

Attracting a Pokémon isn't just for aesthetic purposes in Pokopia, as Ditto can copy their abilities to get better at town-building. Bulbasaur gives you the ability to plant grass, and Squirtle gives you the ability to water said grass, for example. Eventually, you'll be able to use moves like Rock Smash to clear out debris and shape the world to your heart's content. I even saw abilities that let you transform into Lapras to cross bodies of water, or Dragonite to fly from place to place. Of course, every transformation still has that goofy-ass Ditto face on it, giving Pokopia a distinct visual personality.

Going back to the Pokémon being able to talk for a moment, that matters because each one has its own likes and dislikes, and you can give them gifts to raise your relationship level with them. Have you ever wanted to really be friends with a Squirtle? Of course you have, who hasn't? Pokémon Pokopia will let you finally do that.

Given that this is not really my kind of game (though I did love Stardew), it's hard for me to judge just how good it is based on such a short preview session. I will say that the tutorials are pretty effective and there's enough early-game direction in the form of construction quests with meaningful rewards to give players a solid footing as they start out. Given the family-friendly nature of Pokémon and Nintendo games in general, I was also pleasantly surprised by how quickly Pokopia stops entirely holding your hand. It seems like you have a decent amount of latitude to do what you please within a reasonable timeframe, which is important for a game like this.

Multiplayer might be where Pokopia really gets fun This is what gaming is all about. Credit: Nintendo

Our hands-on session started with what seemed like the beginning of a new game, but quickly transitioned to an online multiplayer segment. This seems like it might be where the real juice is for Pokopia, as several friends can join together to craft the Pokémon paradise of their dreams.

For the most part, online play feels like solo play, just with other people running around. You can tackle construction projects on your own, but there are also communal projects that everyone can contribute to at their leisure. The demo island Nintendo set up for us was fairly impressive, with a fully featured town complete with houses for all the Pokémon, a beachside bar, and other fun landmarks.

The player's ability to express themselves via construction is going to be important here, and from what I can tell, Pokopia will accommodate that to some extent. Most importantly, it really seems like the developers have built an equal parts fun and weird Pokémon delivery system. Even if it's not entirely for me, I can easily see the appeal of building a town or series of towns for all your favorite Pokémon to live in, free of the burden of having to fight each other on behalf of human trainers.

Pokémon Pokopia launches on March 5 on Nintendo Switch 2.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Want to try Clawdbot? Get the Apple 2024 Mac mini for under $550 at Amazon.

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 13:50

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 11, the Apple 2024 Mac mini ison sale for $549 at Amazon. This is $50 off its list price of $599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2024 Mac mini M4 $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50   Get Deal

The MacBook lineup is always worth considering if you're seeking portable power, but if you're someone who prefers a more permanent setup, it's worth checking out the Mac mini. This desktop computer features a compact build that fits neatly next to a monitor. What's even better is it's currently on sale at Amazon, making now a great time to buy.

As of Feb. 11, the 2024 Mac mini has dropped to $549 at Amazon, an 8% discount from its retail price of $599. Overall, this saves you $50.

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The Mac mini packs the M4 chip into its five-by-five inch build, which provides you with speedy performance no matter if you're using it for work or just casually browsing around the internet. This version also comes with a 10‑core CPU and GPU, 16GB of Unified Memory, and a 256GB SSD. On top of that, you'll find Thunderbolt, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back, and USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front.

If you're still torn between this and a MacBook, writer Matt Binder argued that price is another point to take into consideration. In his breakdown of why you should get the Mac mini over the M4 MacBook Pro, he says the "base model M4 Mac mini has the exact same specs, but comes with a slightly smaller 256GB SSD drive." As for the price difference, you're getting around "one thousand dollars in savings."

Act fast to save $50 on the 2024 Mac mini at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moltbooks real risk isnt AI. Its your data.

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 13:47

There has been a lot of hype around Moltbook, the Reddit-like social media platform for AI bots where humans aren’t allowed to post. But how, exactly, does it work? Should we worry about agentic AI taking over the world, or should we worry about our data?

In this video, Mashable producer Teodosia Dobriyanova spoke to AI ethicist Catharina Doria who talked us through the latest AI hype, the importance of AI governance and data protection, and why she believes the internet is going to move on from AI-generated content into something way more human.

If you're unsure about the latter, just look at 2026 social media trends. Instead of AI content, there is a return to analogue, to offline activities, and mundane realism in most aspects of life  — offline dating, tactile experiences, or the resurgence of early 2000s tech.


Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch CF Monterrey vs. Club Xelaju online for free

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 13:45

TL;DR: Live stream CF Monterrey vs. Club Xelaju in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup for free on YouTube. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Concacaf Champions Cup regularly throws up shock results, but you'd expect the big clubs from Mexico and the U.S. to progress through the first round. That's not going to be totally straightforward for CF Monterrey. They drew 1-1 Club Xelaju in the first leg of their first-round matchup, so they'll need to produce a strong performance at home to progress.

If you want to watch CF Monterrey vs. Club Xelaju in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is CF Monterrey vs. Club Xelaju?

CF Monterrey vs. Club Xelaju in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on Feb. 11. This fixture takes place at the Estadio BBVA.

How to watch CF Monterrey vs. Club Xelaju for free

CF Monterrey vs. Club Xelaju in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

This free live stream is available in most locations around the world, but not in North or Central America. Fortunately, fans in these excluded territories can still access this free live stream with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK (or somewhere else with access), meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.

Live stream CF Monterrey vs. Club Xelaju by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK (or somewhere else with access)

  4. Visit YouTube

  5. Live stream CF Monterrey vs. Club Xelaju for free

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch CF Monterrey vs. Club Xelaju in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream the Concacaf Champions Cup before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for YouTube?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on YouTube, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream CF Monterrey vs. Club Xelaju in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hey, maybe dont apologise for cheating in front of the entire world?

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 13:37

Winning your first individual Olympic medal is a moment worth celebrating. It's a colossal achievement beyond most people's wildest dreams. It is not, however, an opportunity to confess to cheating on someone and attempt to win them back in front of the entire world.

On Tuesday, Sturla Holm Lægreid won his first individual Olympic medal in the 20-kilometre individual biathlon in the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

Shortly after winning, Lægreid gave an interview to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, divulging that he had been unfaithful to his now ex-girlfriend and that he had told her one week ago. The confession exploded on social media and even the most cursory glances at the comments reveal that the internet is almost unanimously not on his side.

SEE ALSO: Cheating has become the ultimate crime online

"Six months ago I met the love of my life — the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. Three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her," Lægreid said, breaking down mid-confession.

"I had the gold medal in life, and I am sure there are many people who will see things differently, but I only have eyes for her," he continued. "Sport has come second these last few days. Yes, I wish I could share this with her."

Why share this very private information with the world, you may well be wondering? Lægreid later elaborated on his reasons for doing so in an interview with Norwegian newspaper VG.

"My only way to solve it is to tell everything and put everything on the table, and hope that she can still love me," he said.

"I've done that for her, and now for the whole world. I have nothing to lose," he added. "I want to be a good role model, but I have to admit when I make mistakes."

Lægreid didn't stop talking, though. In yet another interview, he said he had not received a response from his ex-girlfriend. "I haven't got any reactions from the girl that I mentioned," he said during an Olympic press conference. "I'm happy because maybe she hasn't seen it, maybe she will see it at the right time. I hope I don't make anything worse for her."

"I hope there's a happy ending in the end," he said.

Firstly, she has almost certainly seen it. Secondly, there's a high risk that going public in this way will make the situation worse for her. Thirdly, expressing the hope of a "happy ending" now puts additional pressure on his ex. And commenters are commenting.

"This is emotional manipulation packaged as a grand gesture," reads one comment on the BBC Sport Instagram Reel of Lægreid's follow-up interview. "The happy end is: she won't forgive him!" declares one comment on the same post, which received over 15K likes. "If guilttripping were olympic, he'd win gold," writes another commenter.

TikTokkers have started posting. Podcasters too.

"It's hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world. I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it."

The problem with televised declarations of remorse is that they expose the wronged party to the court of public opinion, a court that has already delivered its verdict. And yeah, it's not looking good for Lægreid.

By opening this story up to the press and social media, Laegreid has invited further attention to the already painful situation. VG, for one press outlet, said it "has been in contact with Holm Lægreid's former girlfriend. She wishes to remain anonymous in this matter, a request VG has accepted as she has not sought publicity regarding a private matter." VG later reported that Lægreid's former girlfriend had provided a written statement: "It's hard to forgive. Even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world. I did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it," she wrote. "We have had contact and he is aware of my opinions on this." When asked by VG, Lægreid declined to comment on her response.

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Perhaps Lægreid thought this would come off as a romantic gesture to grovel for forgiveness at the expense of his own reputation. For all we know, he may have exhausted all other private options for communicating his remorse. I've heard tales of guys who've been blocked by all means of communication, so they resort to trying to contact their exes on Vinted or via transferring small sums of money (we're talking pennies) over bank transfer along with the word "sorry" as the payment reference. These acts of desperation are almost always unwanted. And in many cases, they are intrusive and manipulative.

This private pain has now been turned into public internet fodder. But, what about the woman who might be sitting at home nursing a broken heart, who now has to deal with the additional pressure to react, respond, or even acknowledge his apology?

If this woman were to take him back, she would also face the judgement of large swaths of the internet which is currently imploring her to not give him another chance. Conversely, she may also be judged if she chooses not to respond further. You're damned if you do and damned if you don't. Whether he wanted to or not, Lægreid may have added to this woman's pain and has placed her in a difficult, public position.

It's only been a week since she learned of his betrayal and this woman could still be processing hurt feelings. Even if she were to take him back — heavy emphasis on the 'if' here — it would probably take a hell of a lot longer than one week for her to reach a point of even considering that.

Let the record state: it is perfectly acceptable — and dare-I-say advisable — to ignore this gesture. We all make mistakes in life and some of those inflict real emotional pain on people. But these are sensitive conversations which should happen in private, behind closed doors. You can't force someone to forgive you. Send her an email instead. And if she doesn't respond, you need to respect that silence.

Lægreid later released a statement expressing regret for his confession:

"I deeply regret that I brought up this personal story on what was a festive day for Norwegian biathlon. I am not quite myself today, and I am not thinking clearly," he wrote in a statement published by VG.

"My apologies go to Johan-Olav, who deserved all the attention after the gold. It also goes to my ex-girlfriend, who involuntarily ended up in the media spotlight, I hope she is doing well. I can't change this, but I will now put this behind me and focus on the Olympics. I will not answer any further questions about this."

I hope that this woman has turned off her phone and gone to a spa with some supportive friends. It's time to log off.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 11, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 13:37

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're head over heels.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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 11, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Infatuated

  • Green: Money in

  • Blue: Densely packed

  • Purple: Has wheels

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Act lovestruck

  • Green: Earnings

  • Blue: Compact mass

  • Purple: Roller ___

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 #976 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Act lovestruck: MOON, PINE, SWOON, YEARN

  • Earnings: GAIN, NET, RETURN, YIELD

  • Compact mass: BLOCK, BRICK, CAKE, PUCK

  • Roller ___: BAG, COASTER, DERBY, RINK

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 11, 2026

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for February 11, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 13:37

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a snacker.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 11, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 11, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Crack and snack

The words are related to snacks.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe small, crunchy snacks.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Go Nuts.

NYT Strands word list for February 11
  • Pecan

  • Filbert

  • Macadamia

  • Go Nuts

  • Cashew

  • Pistachio

  • Almond

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 11, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 02/11/2026 - 13:36

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're an animal activist.

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 11, 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 11, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

No animal products.

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 V.

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...

VEGAN

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
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