Blogroll

The best Presidents Day Apple deals — huge discounts on AirPods, iPads, Apple Watches, and more

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 11:00
The best Presidents' Day Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) $299 (save $200) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $489.99 (save $109.01) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 (save $150) Get Deal Best Apple accessory deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen) $17 (save $12) Get Deal

The Apple Store only runs sales during the back-to-school and Black Friday seasons (though they're usually skippable). That leaves third-party retailers in charge of picking up the slack for other holidays throughout the year, including Presidents' Day, which falls on Monday, Feb. 16 this year.

As we head into the long weekend, I'm seeing some pretty decent discounts on Apple gadgets across Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. They're not the steepest markdowns most of these devices have ever enjoyed, but they take some of the edge off a premium tech upgrade — or a really, really nice Valentine's Day gift for someone special.

SEE ALSO: All the new products Apple could release in March: iPhone 17e, iPad Air, MacBooks

Pro tip: Opt for a last-gen model to save the most. Walmart has an Apple Watch Series 10 with cellular connectivity on sale for $200 off, which makes it the same price as a non-cellular Series 11. The big-box store is also selling first-gen AirTags for only $17 a pop. They sold out on Amazon earlier this week after falling to the same price there.

For more good Presidents' Day deals on non-Apple stuff, check out our dedicated guides to Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart's sales this weekend.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon and Walmart
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

The non-ANC AirPods are some of our top budget earbuds. They connect seamlessly with iPhones, sound great, and last for up to five hours at a time. (Their included charging case offers up to 30 total hours of juice.) Amazon and Walmart both have them on sale for $99, or 23% off. They're 99 cents pricier at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods 4.

More Presidents' Day deals on AirPodsBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) $299 at Walmart
$499 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

The previous version of Apple's flagship wearable has a thin, bright OLED display, fast charging, and tons of built-in health sensors, including a blood oxygen monitor. It supports all the latest watchOS 26 features like Workout Buddy, Sleep Score, and hypertension notifications. Compared to the newer Series 11, the only "upgrades" the Series 10 lacks are a slightly better battery life and more scratch-resistant glass.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

More Presidents' Day deals on Apple WatchesBest iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $489.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $109.01   Get Deal Why we like it

With a speedy processor and a long battery life, the M3 iPad Air is our favorite Apple tablet for most people. (The regular iPad is pokier and better for kids, while the iPad Pro is overkill.) "It will be your new go-to device for streaming, reading, or creative projects," writes Mashable's Samantha Mangino. The base model with 128GB of storage is on sale for $489.99 on Amazon, which is its lowest price since Black Friday. It's nearly $60 more expensive at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple iPad Air (M3).

More Presidents' Day deals on iPadsBest MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 at Amazon
$999 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple's current MacBook Air is an exceptional value at full price, so it's a no-brainer recommendation whenever it goes on sale. It features a nice 12MP webcam, a snappy keyboard, and a crisp display, and its M4 chip is miles faster than any other Windows laptop at its price point. It also comes in a slightly pricier 15-inch size if you want a bigger screen and better audio quality. That one's on sale for $150 off at Amazon, too. (Both versions are $50 more expensive at Best Buy, so stick with Amazon.)

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M4).

More Presidents' Day deals on MacBooksDeals on MacsBest Apple accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (1st Gen) $17 at Walmart
$29 Save $12   Get Deal Why we like it

The original AirTag has fallen to its lowest price ever in the wake of its successor's release last month. They're very similar Bluetooth trackers; the newer one just adds a bigger tracking range and a louder speaker. If you need a couple extra for your keys, wallet, or pet, you can snag a four-pack on sale for only $64 at Amazon and Walmart (another all-time low). That works out to just $16 per AirTag. For reference, Best Buy is selling them individually for $24.99 and bundled for $69.99.

Read Mashable's breakdown of the differences between the first- and second-gen Apple AirTags.

More Presidents' Day deals on AirTagsDeals on Apple PencilsDeals on iPhone cases and accessoriesDeals on Apple chargers, charging cables, and adapters
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best horror movies of 2025, and where to watch them

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 11:00

As the holidays approach, it is time to reflect. On how we've spent the year? On how we want to better ourselves or the world in the year ahead? Uh, sure. But I meant on which horror movies hit us the hardest.

2025 was a booming time for horror. Cinema titans like Ryan Coogler, Danny Boyle, and Guillermo del Toro brought fresh excitement to the genre, by bending it with tales twisted and compelling that went beyond the staunch idea of "horror." Indie filmmakers brought out grisly tales of grief, love, and codependency, bringing fresh blood to subgenres like psycho-biddy thrillers, body horror, and haunted house stories.

Remakes of The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and Wolf Man reimagined classics, while sequels like Final Destinations Bloodlines, I Know What You Did Last Summer, M3GAN 2.0, The Black Phone 2, The Conjuring: Last Rites, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, and 28 Years Later invited us back into frightening yet familiar realms. Simply put, so many horror movies came to theaters and streaming that even with a list of 25 of the best, a bunch of solid entries didn't make the cut. But did your frightening faves?

Here are Mashable's top 25 horror movies of 2025, and where to see them.

25. Together

My expectations were sky-high for Together, as critics began buzzing about it out of Sundance last January. Real-life spouses Dave Franco and Alison Brie star as a couple on the brink of breaking up in this body-horror offering. He's a musician, struggling in drive and follow-through. She's a teacher whose work pulls them away from the city and the friends they know. So, while she's got a new job and new friends, he's spiraling, freaking out about their future — and a bizarre and very local missing persons case.

SEE ALSO: 'Together' review: Dave Franco and Alison Brie get grossly close in a body-horror nightmare

If you've seen the teaser posters or the trailers, you know that writer/director Michael Shanks takes the fear of codependency to a flesh-melting place. Yup, these two are drawn to each other in ways deeply gross. But for all the critics' praise, Together felt tame coming in the wake of the truly audacious body horror that was The Substance. Still, if you're craving something sick and sickening, it should entertain.

Starring: Dave Franco and Alison Brie

How to watch: Together is streaming on Hulu and Disney+, and is available for rental or purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video.

24. Shelby Oaks

Watching writer/director Chris Stuckmann's Shelby Oaks, horror lovers will easily spot influences from The Blair Witch Project, Lake Mungo, Barbarian, and more. But rather than making this religious horror film feel derivative, it gives its lore a meta echo of authenticity. In a sense, Shelby Oaks feels like it exists in the same world as those movies without ever directly referencing them.

The film centers on a determined woman named Mia (a riveting Camille Sullivan) who's been searching for her missing sister Riley (a haunted Sarah Durn) for 12 years. Shelby Oaks plays at times like a faux documentary recounting the clues of the case, but soon slides into a more traditionally narrative film as Mia's quest to find Riley reignites after an inexplicable visit and resulting violence. As she follows her sister's last known steps in the ghost town of Shelby Oaks, things get darker and more twisted. And it's a devilish final act that will have horror lovers giddy.

In his review out of the Fantasia International Film Festival, Mashable contributor Jason Adams wrote, "It's twisty as hell, bears some ace performances, and truly gifts audiences with some very sticky and very spooky images. Most of all, it marks the emergence of a horror filmmaker worth keeping an eye on."

Starring: Camille Sullivan, Brendan Sexton III, Keith David, Sarah Durn, Derek Mears, Emily Bennett, Charlie Talbert, Robin Bartlett, and Michael Beach

How to watch: Shelby Oaks is now available for rental or purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video.

23. Death of a Unicorn

The directorial debut of writer/helmer Alex Scharfman presents a deranged reimagining of unicorns. Instead of portraying them as glorious, glittery creatures of light and innocence, Death of a Unicorn presents them as bloodthirsty, beefy beasts, capable of mind-blowing violence. But to be fair, they have their reasons.

Paul Rudd stars in this horror comedy as a Elliot, sniveling lawyer desperate to reconnect with his college-attending daughter (Jenna Ortega). But on their way to visit the mountain estate of the Leopolds — a family dynasty of wealthy pharmaceutical execs —  Elliot accidentally hits a baby unicorn with his car. Before you can say "Sackler," the Leopolds are scheming a way to turn baby unicorn blood into a profitable new product. And let's just say the unicorn's parents are not pleased. A gruesome rampage will follow.

SEE ALSO: Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega and the 'Death of a Unicorn' cast reveal when their minds were utterly blown

While critics were mixed on this wild ride, I wrote in my review, "Death of a Unicorn is a monster movie that is riotously funny, unapologetically dark, and ultimately heartwarming."

Starring: Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant

How to watch: Death of a Unicorn is now streaming on HBO Max.

22. Queens of the Dead

Tina Romero struts in the footsteps of her late father, George A. Romero, by creating a zombie movie that pays tribute to his Night of the Living Dead movies, but through a determinedly comedic and queer lens.

Queens of the Dead follows the hilarious mayhem that breaks out when a zombie contagion hits Bushwick's queer night club scene. Katy O'Brian headlines as a party promoter who's given her blood sweat and tears to build a safe space to dance, flirt, and revel. But when an undead drag queen hits the dance floor, her life is also on the line. Offering a mindful and willfully silly array of queer archetypes, Queens of the Dead is a movie by queer horror fans for queer horror fans. Or as I put in my review, "Drenched in neon, steeped in attitude, and radiant with queer joy, this movie is beyond fine; it's fierce, funny, and fabulous."*

SEE ALSO: 'Queens of the Dead' director Tina Romero reveals why Santa scares her more

Starring: Katy O'Brian, Jaquel Spivey, Riki Lindhome, Jack Haven, Cheyenne Jackson, and Margaret Cho

How to watch: Queens of the Dead is now streaming on Shudder.

21. Lurker

Written and directed by Alex Russell, Lurker is All About Eve for the influencer generation. This psychological thriller follows a young man named Matthew (Théodore Pellerin) who works retail in L.A., but dreams of fame and fortune. So, when he crosses paths with rising music star Oliver (Archie Madekwe), he weasels his way into Oliver's entourage. This gives him a taste of the good life he covets. And he'll do anything to keep it. 

While many movies on this list are celebrated for how surprising they are, Lurker offers a different kind of terror. It's not that the movie is predictable. It's that Russell never hides from how dark his anti-hero's heart is or how blind his ambition. Pellerin is chilling as a sociopathic social climber. So when his eyes lock onto something, it's like watching a shark close in. You know the bite is coming, and your whole body braces for impact.

A gnarly thriller with a keen awareness of the double-edged sword of social media, Lurker will lock you in and leave you sweating.

Starring: Théodore Pellerin, Archie Madekwe, Zack Fox, Havana Rose Liu, Wale Onayemi, Daniel Zolghadri, and Sunny Suljic

How to watch: Lurker is now streaming on MUBI.

20. The Monkey

The first of two horror movies that Osgood Perkins unleashed this year, The Monkey saw the Longlegs director adapting a Stephen King short story into a bloody cinematic spectacle.

Theo James stars as twin brothers whose lives were drastically changed when they found a toy monkey with a little motorized drum in their missing father's things. It turns out that if you wind the crank, the monkey will kill. But who and how are not for the turner of the crank to control. Many, many, grisly deaths will follow — including one that gives Perkins an unhinged cameo. But there's more to The Monkey than mindless violence. Perkins also weaves dark humor and an engaging message about the unpredictability yet inevitability of death.

As I summarized in my review, "All in all, it’s a vicious and hysterical spectacle of blood and brain matter that’ll make you laugh, gasp, gag, and even think."

Starring: Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O'Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott, and Elijah Wood

How to watch: The Monkey is streaming on Hulu and Disney+, and is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

19. Final Destinations Bloodlines

Is this an okay place to admit I've never cared much for the Final Destination movies? Yes, the bizarre death sequences are scary, and that lumber truck one is truly the stuff of nightmares. But the movies themselves got so mean, actively rooting for pretty young people to be stabbed, exploded, or eviscerated, that it got too grim for me.

But when the praise for Final Destinations Bloodlines came flooding in, I reluctantly gave this franchise another shot. And I'm glad I did. Directing duo Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein have been delivering thrills since their underseen sci-fi gem Freaks in 2018. With this franchise, they brought in fresh life with new lore, characters actually worth caring about, and some practical effects that make the requisite death scenes truly eye-popping. Next, they'll be working with Chris Columbus on Gremlins 3. So, expect a new batch of wild sequences gift-wrapped with scare-crafting skills.

Starring: Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Joyner, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd

How to watch: Final Destinations Bloodlines is streaming on HBO Max.

18. Sketch

Inspired by his sister's childhood penchant for doodling creepy things, writer/director Seth Worley created a horror movie that's great for getting kids into the genre.

Sketch follows 11-year-old Amber (Bianca Belle), who channels her rage over the death of her mother into a notebook, which she fills with drawings of menacing monsters. When a magical twist of faith brings these carnage-creating critters to life — crayon scribbles, googly eyes and all — it's up to her, her family, and her friends to save the day. And don't fret, comedic character actors Tony Hale and D'Arcy Carden keep things light, playing Amber's bewildered dad and impressed aunt.

SEE ALSO: Tony Hale plays 'Say Action,' monster movies edition in honor of 'Sketch'

For more on Sketch, you can check out my review. Or you can consider that I took my nieces to see it in theaters, and they had an absolute blast, happily recounting its jokes and jump scares to anyone who crossed their paths.

Starring: Tony Hale, D'Arcy Carden, Bianca Belle, Kue Lawrence, and Kalon Cox

How to watch: Sketch is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

17. Heart Eyes

If you like your slashers silly, you'll appreciate Heart Eyes, the latest horror comedy from Josh Ruben (Scare Me, Werewolves Within).

This slasher parody is set on Valentine's Day, when, for three years running, the Heart Eyes Killer has stalked cute couples for bloody ends. That shouldn't be a problem for Ally (Olivia Holt), as she's spending this could-be date night on a business dinner with her office rival, Jay (Mason Gooding), and she hates him. But their chemistry is so apparent that even the Heart Eyes Killer clocks it. So to stay alive, they'll need to work together. But can they work against the deadly sexy enemies-to-lovers trope?

As I praised in my review, "Heart Eyes simultaneously has a mean streak and a soft heart, which is rare enough for an entry in the horror genre to feel a little special. Ally and Jay — and Holt and Gooding — are good together, and you're rooting for them not just to survive the night but to make it as a couple. This isn't a swooning romance (unless you're easily grossed out and likely to faint), but it's sweet enough when it counts to balance out the ickier bits."

Starring: Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster

How to watch: Heart Eyes is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Keeper

Osgood Perkins delivered a double whammy to horror fans this year, offering not only his wild adaptation of Stephen King's The Monkey but also the original horror film Keeper.

Tatiana Maslany stars in this trippy thriller as a painter who reluctantly agrees to go on a weekend getaway to the family cabin of her boyfriend Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland). But shortly after they arrive, she senses something is just off. Maybe it's the creepy cousin (Birkett Turton) who drops by with a bored party girl (Eden Weiss). Perhaps it's the strange chocolate cake that just appeared on a table, inviting yet off-putting. Where this story — from Dangerous Animals screenwriter Nick Lepard — will go is impossible to predict. But that's part of the fun.

As I declared in my review, "Perkins walks us into a nightmare, baking tension and unhinged treats with sickening sound effects, spectacular creature design, and a smartly savage script. Maslany is our guide, trusted and terrific, radiating strength and vulnerability in a rapturous performance. In a year of killer horror like Sinners and 28 Years Later, Perkins has made his mark with this sly, sickening, and sophisticated thriller."

Starring: Tatiana Maslany, Rossif Sutherland, Birkett Turton, and Eden Weiss

How to watch: Keeper is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

15. Dust Bunny

After giving audiences such sensational (and sensationally twisted) shows as Dead Like Me, Pushing Daisies, and Hannibal, Bryan Fuller makes his feature directorial debut with a monster movie that feels like Amélie meets Léon: The Professional.

The story centers on a young girl (Sophie Sloan), plagued by the monster (a massive dust bunny) under her bed. So, naturally, she looks for a hitman to take care of the creature. Lucky for her, there's one living in her building. And he's played by Hannibal's Mads Mikkelsen. The result is a monster movie that is whimsical, gnarly, thrilling, and fun.

In my review, I wrote, "Dust Bunny is exactly the kind of movie fans should expect from Fuller, but it's also wildly surprising. As soon as it ended, I wanted to watch it again — not just for the fun of it, but to assure myself it was real and not some strange dream sparked from too much sour candy."

Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Sophie Sloan, Sheila Atim, David Dastmalchian, and Sigourney Weaver

How to watch: Dust Bunny is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

14. Companion

Written and directed by Drew Hancock, Companion is a horror movie, and much, much more. For one thing, it begins like a romantic comedy, with Iris (Sophie Thatcher) recounting her meet-cute with her beloved boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid). But the tone changes when this couple joins his friends for a weekend getaway at a remote mountain cabin. There, one friend snarls at Iris, while another pushes her well out of her comfort zone. When a misunderstanding leads to a corpse, a big reveal pitches Companion away from romance (but not comedy) and well into horror terrain, with some sci-fi flair.

As I declared in my review, it's "a deranged delight," and it just might be perfect for date night... as a litmus test.

Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, and Rupert Friend

How to watch: Companion is now streaming on HBO Max.

13. The Rule of Jenny Pen

Psycho-biddy thrillers have long been the domain of women, specifically mad women whose tenuous grip on reality and penchant for violence made them icons of psychological horror. But now, joining the ranks of films like What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte, and Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? — comes The Rule of Jenny Penn, fronted by two formidable leading men.

SEE ALSO: John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush reveal their character inspirations for 'The Rule of Jenny Pen'

Set in a retirement facility, this nerve-wrenching film stars Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow as two residents in a vicious game of power. For decades, Judge Stefan Mortensen (Rush) was respected, even feared. But following a near-fatal stroke, he's as threatening as a kitten. For Dave Crealy (Lithgow), this makes the feeble judge little more than a plaything for his sick bullying, enhanced by a creepy baby doll he calls Jenny Pen.

Beyond an intense battle of wills, The Rule of Jenny Pen is a horror movie about the indignities of aging. As I wrote in my review, "Like in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? someone will lose this battle of wills, but no one will win. And in that, The Rule of Jenny Pen leaves us with a harrowing final image, simple yet unforgettable. In the end, The Rule of Jenny Pen becomes not just a frightening warning but also a haunting call for empathy — a memento mori of sorts, reminding the viewer, 'As I am, you will be.'"

Starring: John Lithgow, Geoffrey Rush, and George Henare

How to watch: The Rule of Jenny Pen is streaming on Hulu, AMC+ and Shudder, and is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

12. A Useful Ghost

One of the most surprising films I saw in 2025 was this treasure out of Thailand. The premise amused me: A ghost tries to be of use by possessing a vacuum cleaner. But I could not imagine how writer/director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke would spin that kooky setup into something hilarious, heartfelt, and thought-provoking.

Far from a scary story, A Useful Ghost is a comedy with some deeply dark turns. It begins when a self-proclaimed "Academic Ladyboy" (Wisarut Homhuan) realizes his new vacuum is coughing up dust at night. He calls a repairman, who instead of just fixing the machine, explains there's a ghost in it. What follows is this hot repairman named Krong (Wanlop Rungkumjad) unfurling a complex saga of two ghosts who'd thrown themselves into vacuums to stay close to their lovers. Within this, a story of love, manipulation, politics, and historical tragedy unfold.

In my review out of the Toronto International Film Festival, I wrote, "With A Useful Ghost, Boonbunchachoke delivers a a delirious vision, a hilarious and thought-provoking comedy that demands to be seen and adored. It's just phenomenal."

Starring: Davika Hoorne, Witsarut Himmarat, Apasiri Nitibhon, Wanlop Rungkumjad, and Wisarut Homhuan

How to watch: A Useful Ghost is available for pre-order on Prime Video.

11. Bone Lake

At first glance, Bone Lake looks pretty stupid. The title could either mean a lake full of the remains of the dead, or a scenic place for sexual shenanigans. And in director Mercedes Bryce Morgan's randy thriller, it is both, and giddily and gruesomely so.

Bone Lake is a slasher movie with a pitch-black sense of humor. It opens with the merciless slaughter of a couple running totally nude through a forest. It's a cold open that doesn't play coy with the unapologetically graphic nature of the film. But the script from Joshua Friedlander proves smarter than you might expect. For one thing, vacationing couple Sage (Maddie Hasson) and Diego (Marco Pigossi) aren't dummies. When they realize their rented lake house has been double-booked with the young and flirty Will (Alex Roe) and Cin (Andra Nechita), the possibility of infidelity and waves of relationship issues is clear from the jump. But the drive to be polite and feign cool is so strong that it's easy to fall into the flow of this slippery-slope thriller.

As I pointed out in my review, "Bone Lake is the rare horror movie that relishes in the trashier aspects of the genre, swooning over sordid sex and grisly violence, but also manages to be cheeky and smart. It'll pull you to the edge of your seat and have you cackling, yelling at the screen, and gasping in delicious shock. Hot, horrifying, funny, and surprising, Bone Lake is a total banger."

Starring: Maddie Hasson, Marco Pigossi, Alex Roe, and Andra Nechita

How to watch: Bone Lake is now streaming on Netflix, and is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

10. Hallow Road

One of our favorites out of SXSW, Hallow Road is a sickeningly tense thriller that preys on your imagination with its clever conceit. Presented in real time, this film from Babak Anvari (Under the Shadow and Wounds) centers on a couple of parents piling in a car and racing to their child in need. Rather that cutting between their crying 18-year-old daughter Alice and her frantic mother (Rosamund Pike) and father (Matthew Rhys), the screenplay by William Gillies keeps us planted firmly in their car. The only contact we have with the girl is over the phone.

I walked into this movie at SXSW with little idea of what was in store. And that was a terrific way to experience Hallow Road. So, rather than reveal anything else about the plot or why it's so damn scary, I'll just share this from my review, "I can tell you without spoilers that Anvari's direction is masterful. Though confined to the car, the cinematography of Kit Fraser brings energy through whip pans between parents, and a very tight close-up hovering over a wide-eyed stare of horror, as they can see only the road ahead of them but can hear something strange on the other end of the line. Pike and Rhys lean into this claustrophobic energy, guzzling up all the air in the car with their combativeness, resentments, and agony. And the soundscape of Alice's tinny voice over the phone colliding with curious sounds in the forest around her are so genuinely frightening that I full-on screamed. Twice."

Starring: Rosamund Pike, Matthew Rhys, and Megan McDonnell

How to watch: Hallow Road is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

9. Dangerous Animals

A deliciously biting thriller. Dangerous Animals reimagines action hero Jai Courtney as a menacing serial killer whose weapon of choice is sharks. You read that right. Sharks.

SEE ALSO: Say More: Jai Courtney on 'Dangerous Animals' and how his career led here

Penned by Nick Lepard (Keeper) and helmed by Sean Byrne (The Loved Ones), Dangerous Animals follows a free-spirited surfer named Zephyr (Hassie Harrison), who is thrown into mortal peril when she crosses paths with a shark tours captain named Tucker (Courtney). A sadistic game of cat and mouse follows, as she seeks a way off his boat that won't end with her in a shark's jaws. And while the plot can get a bit convoluted, Courtney's sublimely scary performance makes this one a must-see.

As I noted in my review, "Jai Courtney is a rip-roaring force of nature in Dangerous Animals."

Starring: Hassie Harrison, Josh Heuston, Rob Carlton, Ella Newton, Liam Greinke, and Jai Courtney

How to watch: Dangerous Animals is now streaming on Shudder.

8. Good Boy

The premise of Good Boy is downright brilliant: a dog in a haunted house. The scares we've come to expect from ghost movies, but the tension cranked up by putting a sweet dog at the center of the story, threatened by a supernatural viciousness.

Married collaborators Ben Leonberg and Kari Fischer created Good Boy by building a movie around their lovable dog, Indy. In my review out of the film's SXSW premiere, I raved, "Beyond being a scary-as-hell watch for dog lovers, Good Boy has a built-in allure as Indy is just a star from his first frame. His dark eyes, floppy ears, and sweet expression make him instantly lovable. But more than that, he is so game for whatever Leonberg directs him to do. Staying and staring into an eerie abyss? Jumping into action? Reacting to a burst of blood? Racing to Todd to protect him? Indy is a good boy, through and through."

This is smart and skillful indie (and Indy) filmmaking you don't want to miss. And hey, if you need to know before you hit play if the dog dies, we've got you covered.

Starring: Indy, Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, and Larry Fessenden

How to watch: Good Boy is now streaming on Shudder.

7. Bring Her Back

First, filmmaking duo Danny and Michael Philippou awed critics and horror fans with their haunted-hand hit Talk to Me. Next, they returned with this gnarly psycho-biddy horror offering starring two-time Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins. This nail-biting film is so intense that it might well have you gagging, covering your eyes, or experiencing some hard-won catharsis. Probing further into grief, the Philippou brothers explore how the unmooring feeling of mourning can make the world around us feel unreal, hostile, and strange.

SEE ALSO: Say More: Danny and Michael Philippou on 'Bring Her Back'

In Bring Her Back, Hawkins stars as a foster mom named Laura, who takes in orphans like Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), and siblings Piper (Sora Wong) and Andy (Billy Barratt). But despite Laura's chipper mumsy demeanor, 17-year-old Andy realizes something is off in her remote forest home. But can he stop the hell that's coming?

In my review for Mashable, I wrote, "Bring Her Back is extraordinary. For those who found Talk to Me sensationally scary, this follow-up will thrill with its deeply deranged tale of heartache and body horror. But the Philippous went deeper, presenting a character-driven drama with flares of psycho-biddy and religious horror. That heady combination not only makes for a satisfyingly scary as hell movie, but also a profound one."

Starring: Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, and Sally-Anne Upton

How to watch: Bring Her Back is now streaming on HBO Max, and is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

6. Presence

Steven Soderbergh's Presence had me hooked from its first shot. Reteaming with Kimi screenwriter David Koepp, the celebrated director and cinematographer tackled a fascinating idea: What if a ghost story was told from the POV of the spirit?

Shot by Soderbergh in first-person perspective, Presence puts audiences in the floating shoes of a ghost that's haunting a suburban house, with no idea why. Through this lens, we watch a family drama unfold, where a workaholic mother (Lucy Liu) coddles her bratty jock son (Eddy Maday), while a concerned father (Chris Sullivan) struggles to connect to his teen daughter (Callina Liang), who is grieving the unexpected death of a friend.

SEE ALSO: 'Presence's Steven Soderbergh and David Koepp on ghosts, horror, and hating winks

"Presence is a remarkable union of a clever concept and a superb execution," I wrote in my review, "Soderbergh's steady hand is so mindful in its performance that you can practically feel the expressions of a face you cannot see. The cast expertly builds a believable and complex family bond while effortlessly completing choreographed blocking. And Koepp delivers a final act that is stomach-churningly tense yet tender. All of this collides to make a sublimely realized ghost story that is easily one of the best films of the year." 

Starring: Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, Eddy Maday, West Mulholland, and Julia Fox

How to watch: Presence is now streaming on Hulu.

5. Weapons

Like Jordan Peele before him, Zach Cregger took a hard turn from sketch comedy — as a member of Whitest Kids U' Know — to horror director with a jaw-dropping vision of terror. In 2022, he gave us the deeply twisted Barbarian. And this year, he gifted us the perfectly witchy icon in Weapons' Gladys (Amy Madigan).

In this deeply creepy tale of 17 children vanishing into the night, the focus leaps from one character to another, eerily unfolding the mystery at the heart of this missing persons case. A tormented teacher, a furious father, a bewildered principal, a cranky cop, and an unhoused goofball will collide in ways wild and unpredictable.

As Belen Edwards wrote in her review of the film, "Elsewhere, elements of body horror and the psycho-biddy subgenre surface, with Cregger happy to alternate between heart attack-inducing jump scares and slower burn frights at a moment's notice. Occasionally, Weapons undercuts its own terrors with well-placed comedic beats, offering us catharsis amidst the ever-escalating mayhem. When Josh Brolin yells, 'What the fuck?' after an especially distressing encounter, we're right there with him."

Starring: Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Toby Huss, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan

How to watch: Weapons is now streaming on HBO Max.

4. The Ugly Stepsister

2025 kicked off hard for horror offerings with The Ugly Stepsister, which scored rave reviews out of the Sundance Film Festival. A fractured fairytale, the film from writer/director Emilie Blichfeldt plays like the grubby baby of Wicked and The Substance.

Cinderella is reimagined as a gnarly body-horror movie that focuses on the heroine's much-maligned stepsister Elvira (Lea Myren). Within this twist in perspective, Blichfeldt delivers not only a deeply empathetic tale of a young girl grappling with a princely crush, sibling rivalry, and crippling societal pressures to conform to cruel beauty standards, but also the grisly scenes to back up its social critique. Be warned: This one isn't for the faint of stomach.

SEE ALSO: 'Sinners,' 'Black Mirror,' and 'The Ugly Stepsister': Film critics weigh in on what's worth watching and what's skippable

In my review for Mashable out of Sundance, I cheered, "The Ugly Stepsister is a deranged and dizzying achievement, folding in a classic story with a bitingly modern satire and bold body horror. Blichfeldt weaves these elements together to make a film that feels both of this moment but aesthetically nostalgic... And yet, her journey, as gross and grim as it is, is threaded with a ribbon of exhilaration, rebellion, and even defiant joy. Simply put, The Ugly Stepsister is savagely brutal and yet strangely beautiful."* 

Starring: Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Ane Dahl Torp, Flo Fagerli, Isac Calmroth, and Malte Gårdinger

How to watch: The Ugly Stepsister is now streaming on Shudder.

3. Frankenstein

Frankenstein is the monster movie Guillermo del Toro was born to make. The heralded filmmaker behind Pan's Labyrinth, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak, and the Oscar–winning wonder of The Shape of Water poured his heart and soul into this stirring adaptation of Mary Shelley's landmark 1818 novel. Pulling from his passion for monsters and from his personal life, del Toro makes this not just a story of mankind and monsters but also fathers and sons.

Oscar Isaac stars as the titular doctor, a mad scientist determined to overcome his childhood trauma of losing his mother (Mia Goth) by resurrecting an exquisite corpse (Jacob Elordi). However, this creature proves more than a science project or a pet. He yearns to grow, learn, and love. But in a world that cannot understand him, his quest will be violent and heartbreaking.

In my review out of TIFF, I proclaimed, "As a whole, del Toro's Frankenstein is a marvel. His vision is clear and mesmerizing. His ensemble is electrifying. His adaptation is unique, soulful, and unforgettable. The man who loves monsters has just made his masterpiece: It's rich, rapturous, and ruthlessly interrogates what it means to be human, with all of our glory and our flaws."

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz

How to watch: Frankenstein is now streaming on Netflix.

2. 28 Years Later

23 years ago, director Danny Boyle rewrote the rules of zombie movies with his hit thriller 28 Days Later. This year, he reteamed with the first film's screenwriter, Alex Garland, to resurrect this frightening franchise with a sequel that basically shrugs off Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's schlocky follow-up 28 Weeks Later. And we're elated for it.

28 Years Later evolves this film series in ways both epic and gloriously horrifying. Centered on the coming-of-age of an adolescent boy named Spike (Alfie Williams) in a post-apocalyptic Scotland, this sequel delivers heart-wrenching family drama, intriguing lore, and a harrowing evolutions of the infected persons, including monstrous beasts known as Alphas. Perhaps the scariest single sequence of 2025 is when this towering terror races after Spike and his desperate dad (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), while a gorgeous twilight shines behind them. Its beauty in contrast to their peril reflects the indifference of the wider world, which has left the UK to fend for themselves against these marauding monsters.

Rich with earnest and intense performances, jaw-dropping gore, and nerve-shredding tension, 28 Years Later isn't just an epic horror film — it counts as cardio.

Starring: Alfie Williams, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell

How to watch: 28 Years Later is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Sinners

Not just one of the best horror movies of 2025, but one of the best movies of 2025 full stop, Sinners is a celebration of genre and cinema. Writer/director Ryan Coogler reimagined vampire lore as a way to explore what it means to be young, Black, and gifted in America.

Michael B. Jordan stars as the Smokestack Twins, Black gangsters turned juke joint proprietors whose opening night is crashed by a vicious white vampire (Jack O'Connell) thirsty for the blood of their magical bluesman, Sammie (Miles Caton in a jaw-dropping debut). The character-building in this 1932-set period piece is rich, developing emotional plotlines of love, loss, and injustice. Supporting cast like Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo had audiences cheering — in packed 70mm IMAX audiences and online. So, by the time O'Connell shows up, you might have been so entranced by this deep Southern drama you'd forgotten vampires were even going to be a part of it. But he proves to be a unique and mesmerizing monster, earning awe and screams in equal measure.

Critics praised the epic scope Coogler applied to his genre-fluid drama — which might be a horror musical. In my review of the film, I wrote, "Sinners is more than a hell of a thrilling vampire movie. Like Black Panther, it expands beyond the expectations of its genre to become a magnificent film, emanating with spirit, power, and purpose. Smoothly blending vampire horror into a unique tale of regret, resilience, and redemption, Coogler and Jordan have made a cinematic marvel that is terrifying, satisfying, and unforgettable."

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Li Jun Li, Yao, Lola Kirke, and Delroy Lindo

How to watch: Sinners is now streaming on HBO Max, and is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

UPDATE: Feb. 12, 2026, 12:22 p.m. This feature was first published on Dec. 30, 2025. It has been updated to reflecting viewing options.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I found the best robot vacuums for every floor, budget, and level of laziness (after testing 30+ models at home)

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 11:00

I test new robot vacuums on a regular basis and compare them to the top performers from previous months, with all my evaluations taking place in my own home on various rugs, tile, and hardwood floors. As I test each robot vacuum and tweak its settings for optimal performance, I keep notes on its overall suction power and scrubbing efficacy (if it's a robot vacuum and mop combo), pet hair pickup, the convenience of its automatic emptying and self-washing mopping pads, accuracy of smart mapping and small obstacle avoidance, and the overall user experience. But the final boss here is cost efficiency — I'll be the first one to point out when a cheap robot vacuum actually works well for the price, or when a high-end robot vacuum is actually worth the splurge or not.

SEE ALSO: The Shark vs. Roomba debate is old news. Here's how both robot vacuum brands got dethroned.

Recent changes to this guide

January 2026: I added the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete as the best robot vacuum right now and shifted the Aqua10 Ultra to the best roller mop robot vacuum. The Roborock Saros 10R, which was listed as the best option for corner cleaning, has been removed from the list. It costs nearly the same amount as the X60 Max Ultra Complete, which has near-identical corner mopping abilities and much stronger suction power.

December 2025: I added a disclaimer to the pick for best Roomba value in light of iRobot's bankruptcy news.

October 2025: I added the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller as the best robot vacuum right now and shifted the Roborock Saros 10R (previously named the best robot vacuum right now) to the option for best corner cleaning.

July 2025: I removed the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum from this guide. While it was a solid budget mopping robot vacuum for its first year or so on the market, it's now a little bit too basic compared to other newer budget robot vacuums.

Other robot vacuums I've tested recently

I tested several other top robot vacuums in the past that didn't make the most recent cut for this list. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, Narwal Freo X Ultra, and various versions of the Roomba j7 were my top recommendations at one point, but have since been overshadowed by newer, more powerful models that are a better bang for your buck.

I've also tested some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were OK, but ultimately aren't a top pick for me. The Dreame X50 Ultra grabbed attention during its CES 2025 debut for its ability to "climb," though the fine print is that it can't scale thresholds taller than 6 millimeters (about 2.36 inches). A slew of new Dreame robot vacuums are slated to come out in fall 2025, among them a model with improved climbing abilities and a model whose self-empty dock can hold three sets of mopping pads. I'll be getting my hands on these as soon as possible and updating my top picks for this list accordingly.

New robot vacuums announced at CES 2026

Several top robot vacuum brands unveiled new flagship models at CES in early January. These include the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic and Qrevo Curv 2 Flow, the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete, and the Narwal Flow 2. I'm in the process of testing these at home and will update this guide accordingly as each are officially released to the public.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 11:00
What to know before you swipe

My number one rule is to be brutally honest about what you’re looking for. You’re here for a good time, not a long time — so own it. That also means staying in your lane; don't go looking for a one-night stand on an app like eharmony.

"Hookup apps help prevent situations where people are on mainstream dating sites with the intention of having a casual hookup but are unclear about these intentions," Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for Biird and author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject, tells Mashable. "They also give women a space to be openly sexual creatures without judgment."

This safe space is more important than ever. According to Feeld, "heteroflexible" is the fastest-growing sexuality (up 193 percent), and interest in kinks like pegging has surged by 200 percent. People are getting more curious, and these apps are the playground where you can explore those specific desires without the awkwardness of bringing them up at a bar.

And here's a little insider secret I picked up from Alexander Liebisch, the CEO and founder of TinderProfile.ai: Timing is everything. He found that people messaging on Tinder's "free tonight" feature after 10 p.m. on a weekend had a 45 percent higher chance of hooking up.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best dating apps for men who are tired of being alone

So, whether you're looking for a one-night stand, a regular FWB situation, or just a space to explore your sexuality, I've got you covered. Based on all my hands-on testing and expert consultations, I’ve broken down the best hookup app for every type of person and mood.

Recent updates to this guide

  • Hinge: Hinge just keeps getting better, so I’ve bumped it up higher on my list as of October 2025. Its user base is growing, and my own recent tests on the app have been surprisingly positive.

  • Sniffies (added September 2025): I've added Sniffies, the map-based app for queer men, because it's been gaining a lot of traction. (It got a little too spicy for Apple and was pulled from the App Store, so it's now technically a dating site.) Don't say I didn't warn you about the NSFW content.

  • FetLife (added September 2025): FetLife is my new favorite "Honorable Mention." It's not your typical hookup app; it's more of a social network for the kink community (and, oddly enough, the best hookup app for gamers). Just remember: it's a community, so don't treat it like Tinder.

Why some popular hookup apps didn't make the cut

You might notice a few apps that pop up in ads or other lists are missing here. That’s intentional. I swipe through the good, the bad, and the downright sketchy so you don’t have to. For an app to make my list, it has to be effective, safe, and worth your time.

Here's a shortlist of apps that didn't make the cut this year:

  • Wild: You’ve probably seen ads for this one. On paper, Wild sounds like the perfect casual dating app. In practice, the paywalls are aggressive, the distance filter doesn't work, and you have to pay for anything that's even remotely useful. Unless you're willing to spend serious cash upfront (and hope for the best), the experience feels limited compared to more open apps like Tinder.

  • DOWN: This app (formerly "Bang With Friends") is known for its simple "Get Down" vs. "Get Date" feature. It sounds clever, but in reality, the experience is messy at best. Many users report feeling scammed by subscriptions that don't deliver matches, or finding that the few real people on there are... let's say "odd." It’s hard to recommend an app when the main user complaint is "Is anyone real?" Hard pass.

  • Facebook Dating: Yes, Facebook has a dating section, and it’s surprisingly massive (and completely free, which is huge). While it's a decent option for casual dating, the vibe tends to be a bit more "friends of friends" and "relationship-focused" than the anonymous, no-strings energy you get from apps like Pure or Feeld. (For Mashable's Chance Townsend, signing up was "the most uneventful dating experience" of his life.) It's worth a shot if you're already on Facebook, but it didn't quite crack my top tier for hookups specifically.

Apps I've cut from the list

  • Plenty of Fish (removed January 2025): POF went through a rebrand recently, and honestly, I'm not impressed. My latest tests showed they got rid of key features like free messaging for non-matches, and I kept running into the same old profiles. At the end of the day, it just doesn't offer anything special that other apps aren't already doing better, so it's off the list.

  • Match (removed August 2025): I know some people say they've found casual hookups on Match, but that's not what it's for. Match is where you go to find a serious, long-term relationship, and I still recommend it for that. But for a hookup? You're just fishing in the wrong pond, so I've removed it from this guide to avoid any confusion.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This huge 49-inch OLED INNOCN gaming monitor has never been cheaper at Amazon — save $300

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 10:38

TL;DR: The INNOCN 49-inch OLED ultrawide curved gaming monitor is currently on sale for $699.99 at Amazon, down from its usual $999.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: INNOCN INNOCN 49-inch OLED Ultrawide Curved Monitor $699.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $300 Get Deal

If you’ve been waiting for a huge OLED ultrawide to dip in price, this latest Amazon discount may provide the perfect opportunity to upgrade your gaming setup. As of Feb. 13, the 49-inch INNOCN curved gaming monitor has dropped to $699.99 on Amazon, marking its lowest price yet (confirmed via price tracker camelcamelcamel) and shaving hundreds off the regular cost. 

Built around a wide and large 32:9 panel with a 5120x1440 resolution, a 49-inch display like this is designed to replace a dual-monitor setup without the distracting bezel gap. The QD-OLED technology promises to delivers deep contrast and vivid colors. At the same time, the 1,800R curve helps keep everything in your field of vision, whether you’re gaming, editing, or juggling multiple windows.

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!

Performance-wise, you’re looking at a 144Hz refresh rate paired with a lightning-fast 0.03ms response time, which should keep fast-moving games — like Fortnite, Apex Legends, or League of Legends — smooth and responsive. HDR 400 support and Adaptive-Sync also mean it can boast reduced screen tearing and boosted visual clarity, making the monitor a strong option for both immersive gameplay and heavy day-to-day workflows.

Alongside its selection of handy connectivity options; with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and USB-C power delivery; it should be easy to hook up laptops, consoles, or a full desktop setup without extra clutter. 

For a curved display from a bigger name brand, the 40-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 monitor is on sale at Amazon. If you’re set on a 49-incher, the OLED Odyssey G9 is also on sale for just $100 more than this model.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Roborock Qrevo Series robot vacuum is $250 off — upgrade for $399.99 at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 10:34

SAVE $250: As of Feb. 13, the Roborock Qrevo Series is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Series $399.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $250   Get Deal

The Roborock Qrevo Series is sporting a new discount at Amazon, so if you've been toying with the idea of purchasing a new robot vacuum, this is your sign to make the leap. As of Feb. 13, this model is reduced by $250, bringing the price down to $399.99. And this isn't just a vacuum, it's also a mop, so you're getting a dual cleaner for under $400.

The vacuum has 8,000Pa HyperForce suction, so it's strong enough to pick up really tough dirt and dust, even if it's embedded into carpet. It has an all-in-one docking station where it will automatically empty any dirt picked up into a sealed 2.7 liter bag. The mop is taken care of here too, and it can do things like refill the 4 liter water tank and wash and dry the mop pads without any intervention from you.

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 have a home with pets, the tangle-free brush system will be your best friend. It combines an asymmetrical side brush with a full-rubber spiral main brush to prevent hair wrapping.

It navigates with the help of PreciSense LiDAR navigation. This helps it scan your rooms to create real-time maps. On the Roborock app, you can also create custom routes for it to follow. The app is also useful for scheduling and maintenance.

Get this robot vacuum deal from Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Presidents Day TV deal has already dropped — get over $400 off this 75-inch Samsung QLED TV

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 10:26

SAVE $400.01: As of Feb. 12, the Samsung 75-Inch Class QLED Q8F 4K Smart TV (2025) is $897.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,297.99. That's a discount of 31%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung 75-Inch Class QLED Q8F 4K Smart TV (2025 Model) $897.98 at Amazon
$1,297.99 Save $400.01   Get Deal

Presidents' Day is right around the corner. It's a great time to buy mattresses, sure, but you can also snag a great TV during one of the many sales going on. That includes some serious savings on this Samsung TV at Amazon, which you can secure right now for an excellent price.

As of Feb. 13, the Samsung 75-Inch Class QLED Q8F 4K Smart TV (2025) is $897.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,297.99. That's $400.01 off and a discount of 31%.

SEE ALSO: The Best Buy Presidents' Day sale is live — shop deals on AirPods, TVs, laptops, and more

This massive QLED TV is a great showpiece for any living room, or wherever else you want to put it. It has a Quantum Dot screen that provides you 100 percent color volume. That means over a billion colors utilized without fading and darker hues without banding. Powered by Samsung's Q4 AI processor, it can also use AI to upscale older content to give your favorite shows and movies a little boost.

If you're more into gaming, you'll be able to take advantage of several features that make it great for even the biggest blockbusters. With VRR gaming support up to 4K 144Hz, you get a lightning fast refresh rate and special gaming mode to ensure lower lag. And if you're into free content, you can use Samsung TV Plus to get thousands of live TV channels to peruse.

If you're ready to upgrade your TV, now's the time. This price likely won't stick around for long, so be sure to get yours before it's gone.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Australia vs. Zimbabwe online for free

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 09:58

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

The 2026 T20 World Cup group stage is slowly getting settled. Australia won their opening game against Ireland, and now face off against Zimbabwe. In fact, both sides have a perfect record going into this clash after Zimbabwe overcame Oman in Colombo.

Australia will be expected to win this fixture and basically guarantee progression into the Super 8 stage. Zimbabwe will fancy their chances of squeezing into second spot, but they'll need to get a result here or against hosts Sri Lanka. That's a tough test for any side.

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

When is Australia vs. Zimbabwe?

Australia vs. Zimbabwe in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 12:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 13. This game takes place at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium.

How to watch Australia vs. Zimbabwe for free

Australia vs. Zimbabwe 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 Australia vs. Zimbabwe 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

Ring and Flock Safety cancel partnership amidst surveillance criticism

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 09:23

Ring and surveillance company Flock Safety have cancelled their partnership, which planned to make it easier for police to access footage from users' personal cameras. This comes less than a week after Ring's widely criticised Super Bowl ad drew further attention to the concerning privacy implications of its home security system.

SEE ALSO: Why so many people hate Ring's 'Search Party' Super Bowl ad

"Following a comprehensive review, we determined the planned Flock Safety integration would require significantly more time and resources than anticipated," Ring wrote in a blog post on Thursday. "As a result, we have made the joint decision to cancel the planned integration. The integration never launched, so no Ring customer videos were ever sent to Flock Safety."

Though Ring states that resource issues are to blame for the partnership's cancellation, its collaboration with Flock Safety has been the subject of significant criticism regarding privacy and surveillance concerns. Distrust toward the Amazon-owned surveillance camera company has escalated, with users reportedly disconnecting, destroying, or returning their Ring devices. Some have also specifically cited Flock Safety's use by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

News of the partnership's cancellation closely follows Ring's poorly received Super Bowl ad, which promoted its AI-powered Search Party feature. Advertised as a tool for finding lost pets, Search Party allows people to upload a photo of their dog so that Ring can search their neighbours' camera footage for the animal using AI detection. 

Concerned viewers quickly pointed out that this technology could very easily be used to track humans as well. Ring introduced facial recognition to its devices late last year, the Electronic Frontier Foundation stating that the feature could potentially violate people's right to privacy.

Why Ring and Flock Safety's partnership raised privacy concerns

Announced last October, Ring and Flock Safety's partnership was promoted as a tool for users to "help solve crime in [their] community." Police would be able to request Ring camera video directly from users, which Flock Safety would send straight to them once approved. Flock Safety has stated that it is partnered with over 5,000 law enforcement agencies.

"When local public safety officers are investigating an active case, local officers using Flock Safety's technology can now post a request directly in the Ring Neighbors app asking for help," Flock wrote in a blog post at the time. "If you decide to share, Flock's system securely delivers your video directly to the public safety agency handling the case."

The planned partnership was met by backlash when initially unveiled, with critics noting that the Flock Safety's services and data have been used by agencies such as the U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) and ICE. 404 Media reported last May that while Flock was not in direct contact with ICE, the agency still accessed its services and data via requests from local law enforcement. 

Flock has since confirmed this, stating that though it does not have a direct partnership with ICE, the agency can still access it through a "local customer." The company has also admitted to working directly with CBP.

Further, Ring has had a historically close relationship with law enforcement as well. A 2019 report from Motherboard revealed that Ring had secret deals with dozens of U.S. police departments, providing free products and a private portal for requesting footage without a warrant. In exchange, law enforcement officers agreed to promote Ring to their local community.

As of 2020, 2,014 government agencies were able to access Ring's camera surveillance network via its Neighbors Portal program. Agencies submitted Ring footage requests for over 22,335 incidents that year, over half of which were approved. Then in 2022, Amazon admitted that it had sent Ring camera footage to the police without users' knowledge or consent.

Ring did axe its Request for Assistance feature in 2024, which had allowed police to request camera footage from users and kept a public record of it (though private requests could still be made). However, it returned to its focus on providing law enforcement with users' videos last year, allowing police to request footage via taser-maker Axon's evidence management system.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The God of War trilogy is getting a remake

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 09:14

The original God of War trilogy is getting a remake over 15 years after it ended. Developer Santa Monica Studio announced the project on Thursday during PlayStation's State of Play showcase.

Very little has been revealed about the God of War remake aside from its existence. However, it does appear as though original voice actor Terrence C. Carson is returning for the game. Carson voiced protagonist Kratos in the original God of War trilogy, and appeared during the remake announcement.

SEE ALSO: PlayStation State of Play February 2026: How to watch, top games we hope to see

"This project is still in the early stages, so it'll be a minute before we get back to share another update," said Carson. "But I'm telling you, I'm telling you, next time we come back, we coming with something big, baby."

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the God of War franchise, with God of War first released for the PlayStation 2 in 2005. The game followed Kratos, a Spartan warrior who served the Greek pantheon, as he embarked on a revenge quest to kill the titular god Ares. The subsequent two games also kept Kratos on a mission of revenge, turning his blades toward the king of the gods Zeus.

All three titles in the God of War trilogy were well-received at the time of their release, widely praised for their brutal, fluid combat. However, other aspects of the games have not aged quite as well, having treated women as sexual objects to be bedded in minigames and then discarded. In one infamous incident in God of War III, Kratos used an enslaved, half-naked woman as a literal object to solve a puzzle, leaving her screaming as she was crushed to death. 

It's currently unclear how the God of War remake might tackle such issues, particularly as the original games are well-known for their highly sexualised depiction of women. The series successfully retooled its approach more recently in a soft reboot, which delivered satisfyingly powerful combat alongside a markedly more mature, evolved, and nuanced approach to both women and masculinity. Even so, 2018's God of War and its follow-up God of War Ragnarök had the benefit of being able to tell new stories, rather than remaking games that fans are already familiar with.

The remake wasn't the only God of War news to drop during Thursday's State of Play, with PlayStation also giving a surprise announcement and release of new 2D action platformer God of War Sons of Sparta.

Developed by Mega Cat Studios with writers from Santa Monica Studio, Sons of Sparta is a prequel to the God of War series, and follows a young Kratos who's still in training alongside his brother. The side-scrolling game features retro-style pixel graphics with Carson narrating as Kratos, reprising the role for the first time since God of War: Ascension in 2013. (Christopher Judge voiced Kratos in the 2018 reboot and its sequel.)

God of War Sons of Sparta is available now for $29.99 on PlayStation 5.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Only one NASA astronaut is in space right now. Help is on the way.

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 09:00

A medical issue at the International Space Station in January required a swift, premature return of four astronauts, leaving just one American in space for the past month. 

That will change when the Crew-12 astronauts launch as early as Friday morning from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The crew — NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Sophie Adenot — along with European Space Agency astronaut Jack Hathaway and cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, will join Chris Williams, who arrived at the station on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in November 2025. 

Members of Crew-11 — Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, Japan’s Kimiya Yui, and Russia’s Oleg Platonov — splashed down off the coast of San Diego, California, on Jan. 15. NASA did not disclose which of the astronauts had a medical issue or what the problem was, citing medical privacy concerns. All four seemed well as they participated in a news conference six days after their landing.

Though Williams was never entirely alone — cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev remained with him — the unprecedented medical evacuation highlights the importance of the staggered "seat swap" with Roscosmos, the Russian Space Agency. The arrangement guarantees at least one American and one Russian are always on board. The operational redundancy ensures personnel from both countries are available to maintain their respective modules orbiting 250 miles above Earth. 

SEE ALSO: Astronomers discover the surprising reason for a star's disappearance How to watch Crew-12 launch

Pending weather conditions, NASA plans to see Crew-12 blast off as early as 5:15 a.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 13. The crew will ride atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in a Dragon spacecraft. 

To watch, NASA will provide live launch coverage starting at 3:15 a.m. ET on its YouTube channel, which you can stream from the video below. 

NASA also will broadcast the event on NASA+, its own free on-demand streaming service. Check NASA's Facebook page and X channel for coverage as well. 

If the rocket lifts off as planned on Friday, Crew-12 will get to the space station at about 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. Upon arrival, the crewmates will begin an eight-month stint aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for February 13, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 06:58

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 13, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for February 13, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 13 Pips

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 4. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 13 Pips

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

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (5): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 13 Pips

Number (17): Everything in this space must add up to 17. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.

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

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically; 1-3, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 2-3, placed vertically.

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

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically; 0-4, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

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

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (24): Everything in this space must add up to 24. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically.

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 13, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 06:41

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is easy if you like tennis.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Winning hands

  • Green: Features tennis

  • Blue: Bears legend

  • Purple: Located in a capital

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Hands in Poker

  • Green: Tennis Movies

  • Blue: Associated with Walter Payton

  • Purple: Teams That Play in World Capitals

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #508 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • Hands in Poker - FULL HOUSE, PAIR, ROYAL FLUSH, STRAIGHT

  • Tennis Movies - BATTLE OF THE SEXES, CHALLENGERS, KING RICHARD, WIMBELDON

  • Associated with Walter Payton - 34, BEARS, JACKSON STATE, SWEETNESS

  • Teams That Play in World Capitals - COMMANDERS, CRYSTAL PALACE, REAL MADRID, SENATORS

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

When Your Change Leader Starts to Conform

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 06:01

You hired a bold leader to challenge the status quo. But now they’re quieter, more cautious, and deferring to peers. Don’t assume it’s a performance issue; it’s likely a signal that the system around them is pushing back. Here’s how to reset expectations and create the conditions they need to drive change and thrive.  Diagnose what’s really going on. Before intervening, get curious. Ask what feels harder now than […]

257257
Categories: Management

Hurdle hints and answers for February 13, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 06:00

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Ta-da!

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

VOILA

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A kingdom.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 13, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

DUCHY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To beg.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 13, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

PLEAD

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A column.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

PYLON

Final Hurdle hint

A stick.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

BATON

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best sexting apps in 2026

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 06:00

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

If you’ve never dabbled in sexting, trust us when we say it opens up unexpected possibilities for your sex life. It’s more than just taking dirty — it’s building anticipation for the main event. Don’t get us wrong: We’re not advising you to slide into someone's DMs uninvited and start typing sweet nothings via a dating app (though feel free to do that very thing on AdultFriendFinder, which is the whole point of its existence). It might seem intimidating with all the options and avenues to navigate — particularly if you’re new to sexting. But we’re here to recommend the best apps for sexting — apps that are purpose-built for digital flirtations and foreplay.

Mashable dating experts have put dozens of these platforms to the test. You can rely on us to know what we’re talking about here. Using expert research, our choices are based on certain key features, including end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and screenshot detection — all essential for safe sexting fun. Because when it comes to sexting, you must always consider privacy, safety, and consent.

It stands to reason that if you believe in safe sex, you should also practice safe sexting. With all that said and understood, here’s a selection of the very best sexting apps available right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lego is running an exclusive Valentines Day event for adults — get a free Lego Blooming Heart on Feb. 13

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 06:00

BEST LEGO DEAL: Lego is running free Blooming Heart make and take events from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 13. This activity is intended for adults and is for LEGO Insiders only (it's free to sign up).

Lego regularly runs make and take events that cause quite a stir in the brick-building community. What are make and take events, we hear you ask. These free giveaways provde an opportunity for participants to head to their nearest participating store, build a money-can't-buy model, and take it home with them for free. It's that simple.

The latest make and take event is a little different from what we're used to, but that's not a bad thing.

Lego is celebrating Valentine's Day this year by running Blooming Heart make and take events at participating stores (5-7 p.m. on Feb. 13). Unlike the majority of these events, this free giveaway is recommended for adults and is exclusive to Lego Insiders. Not already a member? Don't worry, because it's free to sign up and only one Lego Insiders account per household is required. Check participating stores here.

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!

These beautiful Lego Blooming Heart models are available on a first come first serve basis, at participating locations, while supplies last. You're limited to one Lego Blooming Heart build per guest, so you can't turn up and stock up. This model is not available for purchase, so there's always a lot of demand for these exclusive items.

We can't think of a better way to kickstart this Valentine's Day weekend, whether you are looking for an activity to do as a couple or you want something fun to do solo.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 13, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 04:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you smoke like a chimney.

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 13, 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: Absolute

  • Green: A streamer

  • Blue: Bum a smoke

  • Purple: To decrease

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Downright

  • Green: Pennant

  • Blue: Cigarette brands

  • Purple: Homophones of ways to get smaller

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 #978 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Downright: PURE, SHEER, STARK, UTTER

  • Pennant: BANNER, COLORS, FLAG, STANDARD

  • Cigarette brands: CAMEL, KENT, PARLIAMENT, SALEM

  • Homophones of ways to get smaller: LESSON, RESEED, SYNC, WAYNE

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 13, 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 13, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 04:00

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

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 13, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 13, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: See what I mean?

The words are related to educational help.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe information guides.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Visual Aids.

NYT Strands word list for February 13

  • Diagram

  • Photograph

  • Infographic

  • Visual Aids

  • Chart

  • Video

  • Model

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 13, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 02/13/2026 - 04:00

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a begger.

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 13, 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 13, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To beg.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter O appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.

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...

MOOCH

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
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker