Mashable

A new trailer for A24's retro romantic thriller Love Lies Bleeding is here, teasing a cute gym romance about masc women macking on each other. Unfortunately, it all seems doomed to go inevitably, horribly wrong.

Set in the '80s, Love Lies Bleeding follows the budding relationship between introverted gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart) and impressively muscular amateur bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O'Brian). The course of true love never did run smooth though, and in this case is met with the sizeable obstacle of Lou's father Lou Sr. (Ed Harris), a dangerous criminal who has caught the FBI's attention.

It's only a matter of time before things turn bloody, but here's hoping it somehow works out for the couple.

How to watch: Love Lies Bleeding arrives in theatres Mar. 8.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for February 7 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for February 7

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024:

AcrossAmorphous shape

• The answer is blob.

Ingredient in bibimbap and congee

• The answer is rice.

Major work of fiction

• The answer is novel.

Furniture chain with a blue-and-yellow logo

• The answer is Ikea.

"Feel the ___" (slogan for Sanders' 2016 campaign)

• The answer is Bern.

DownAll out of money

• The answer is broke.

It helps detoxify blood

• The answer is liver.

Subject of David Attenborough's "Blue Planet" series

• The answer is ocean.

___ Air, neighborhood in Los Angeles

• The answer is Bel.

Pen tip

• The answer is nib.

Porsche was one of the first traditional sports car manufacturers to jump on the EV bandwagon with its Taycan, which was launched in 2019. The original Taycan was a good looking car with lots of power, though still behind far cheaper rivals such as Tesla Model 3 in terms of range and even acceleration unless you went for the priciest, Turbo S model.

With a refreshed version of the Taycan for 2025, Porsche aims to fix all that in a big way.

On the outside, the new Taycan is quite similar to its predecessor, though it has slightly upgraded, high-res LED Matrix headlights, as well as refreshed taillights.

The differences aren't huge, but the taillight and the headlights have been redesigned. Credit: Porsche

But the Taycan delivers when it comes to power and range. Porsche says the car has a new powertrain with a new rear-axle motor that delivers up to 80 kW more power than the earlier variant on all models. The rear-wheel drive Taycan goes from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds (0.6 seconds quicker than before), while the Taycan Turbo S achieves the same feat in 2.3 seconds, which makes it the "quickest production car Porsche has ever offered to date."

There's also a boost function which gives your Taycan additional power for 10 seconds, though just how much power you get depends on the model. Porsche says that the base Taycan gets 60 kW extra power, while the top-tier Turbo S gets an additional 140kW when using Launch Control, which gives it a maximum output of 700kW or 938hp. According to the company, that makes it the "most powerful production Porsche" ever released.

The Cross Turismo variant will arrive this fall. Credit: Porsche

Perhaps most importantly, the battery on the Taycan has been increased (with the Performance Battery Plus package) from 93 kWh to 105 kWh. According to Porsche, the Taycan now has up to 587 kilometers (364 miles) of range, as measured during a recent test in California. Charging is faster, too; under ideal conditions, owners will be able to charge their Taycans at up to 320 kW at 800-volt DC charging stations.

Additionally, Porsche now offers a 150 kW DC/DC convertor which should optimize charging speeds on 400-volt networks. All in all, Porsche says charging from 10 to 80 percent should take just 18 minutes under ideal conditions. Finally, recuperation capacity during deceleration has gone up from 290 to 400 kW, a 30 percent increase, which should further help owners squeeze a bit more range out of the Taycan.

Apple CarPlay has been more deeply integrated into the car's displays and functions, Porsche says. Credit: Porsche

On the inside, you'll still find lots of screens, but Porsche says it has optimized the user interface and added a new control level behind the steering wheel, allowing for easier control of driver assistance systems.

Other tidbits of note include improved thermal management, better CarPlay integration, a new active chassis with adaptive air suspension coming as standard, more design and customization options, and a longer list of standard improvement, which now includes stuff like Lane Change Assist, ambient lighting, wireless charging tray for phones, and electrically folding mirrors.

SEE ALSO: Porsche's fancy EV charging lounge has snacks and a smart mirror for workouts

Pricing starts at $99,400 for the entry-level model, and goes up to $211,700 if you choose the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo variant. The 2025 Taycan sedan and Cross Turismo can be ordered now, with deliveries starting this summer for the sedan and in the fall for the Cross Turismo.

Amazon Flex is piloting new safety features for its drivers, according to a report from The Information.

This follows a series of incidents in which Flex drivers, who use their own cars for deliveries, have reportedly been met with violence or threat by residents: since 2022, five Flex drivers have been shot in four different incidents and five others said they have had guns drawn on them. In many of these incidents, home owners were reported to have mistaken delivery drivers for intruders due to their cars being unmarked.

Amazon is now implementing measures to prevent this, including a feature in its app that would display a Flex driver's name and photograph to customers awaiting delivery. At this time, the company does not provide customers with any information about who is delivering their packages.

In addition, a select group of Flex drivers is being given Amazon-branded merchandise to display on their cars, such as magnets and lights. These will be handed out to drivers beginning this month. Amazon is also working on a text feature automatically alerting customers when a delivery is about to be made. Drivers currently have the option of independently texting customers themselves.

SEE ALSO: John Oliver slams Amazon over its treatment of delivery drivers

Launched in 2015, Flex is a program where independent contractors can sign up to make Amazon deliveries in their own vehicles. Drivers can work according to their own schedules and availability, with Amazon pitching the program as a side hustle and a way to earn extra money: "Choose the blocks that fit your schedule, then get back to living your life," reads the website. The company says that most of their gig drivers earn between $18 to $25 per hour for their deliveries.

When reached for comment by Mashable, Amazon pointed us to the safety section for Flex. Amazon's current safety recommendations for Flex drivers include wearing a high visibility safety vest, and slip-resistant, closed-heel, and closed-toe shoes. The company also offers free Amazon-branded vests for drivers at their delivery stations.

Back in 2019, Amazon implemented facial recognition via selfies to verify the identities of Flex drivers, as a means to protect customers, reduce fraud, and guarantee that only people authorized to deliver packages were able to do so. The new pilot features are more geared towards protecting drivers. Amazon spokesperson Maya Vautier told The Information that the measures are part of the company's "ongoing comprehensive safety efforts."

"We'll keep listening to Amazon Flex delivery partners, inventing on their behalf," said Vautier, "and piloting new products and services to help improve their experience."

If you count The Last of Us Part II Remastered to the list, this marks the fifth different remake or remaster in Naughty Dog's The Last of Us franchise. Oddly, the studio decided to drop a remaster for its critically acclaimed sequel nearly three years after its initial 2020 release.

However, this isn't to say Part II Remastered isn't worth a buy.

In fact, after having spent some time with the game, you should know that the improved graphics are just the cherry on top of an excellent remaster that's locked and loaded with extra features and game modes. It also doesn't hurt that if you purchased Part II for the PS4 in 2020, you can grab the remaster for just $10 (as opposed to the full price of $49.99).

Here at Mashable, we believe that Part II Remastered is the definitive way to play Part II, and if you're a fan of the game, story, and cast of characters, you won't be disappointed by this remaster. If you need more convincing, we broke down experience with some of the new features and extras added by the developers.

1. The Last of Us Rougelike Violence begets violence or whatever the saying is. Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment

"No Return" is the headline feature of the remastered version of Part II. It's a combat-focused roguelike mode that sees players in randomly generated encounters to get as far as they can without dying. Throughout each run, players can unlock new gear, weapons, upgrades, and additional characters to play with in future runs.

It's a different flavor for the game, specifically designed for those who enjoyed the combat mechanics of Part II. Having played through the story of Part II a couple of times, I can say the combat is not for the faint of heart. It's excruciatingly and unflinchingly graphic to the point, where, throughout my playthroughs of the campaign I've had to stop and take breaks cause the constant agonizing screaming of the NPCs after you kill a comrade or blow a leg off was uncomfortable.

That's kind of the point though, as one of the narrative throughlines of the campaign is the destructive nature of revenge and how it perpetuates a cycle of violence. This, and I'm not the first to point this out, makes it strange that the most marketed feature of Part II Remaster is a game mode that is nothing but a mindless cycle of violence—something that stands at odds with the story the developers were trying to tell.

However, if you're looking for a way to play the game and maximize the potential and efficiency of its combat mechanics, you'd enjoy "No Return." There's no story here to get in the way of all the fighting, with "No Return" offering several different combat scenarios like fighting off waves of enemies or timed-survival trials. There's even a heist scenario that prompts you to break into guarded safes.

If you like the grim combat of Part II, then the remaster is worth it for this alone. But there are other modes for the less violence-inclined TLOU enjoyers.

2. Guitar-free play Honestly the best addition to the game. Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Some would call this icing on the cake for players, but let's be honest, this is the main attraction. If you're unfamiliar, there are a few sections within the campaign of Part II that let you play the guitar using the DualShock controller's touchpad to strum the guitar and the bumpers to change the chords. They're neat interactive sections that have been let loose for players in the remaster, so you can skip all the bleak and depressing story beats and get to the real gameplay.

You can swap between several characters and even play the banjo. Additionally, Naughty Dog added the option to play as series composer Gustavo Santaolalla.

Tweet may have been deleted 3. Lost Levels Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment

One thing that buying DVDs has over video games is the inclusion of behind-the-scenes featurettes and director's commentary. It's rare in the gaming space, which is known for its secretive development cycles, so it was a surprise to see just how much BTS content is available for players who purchase Part II Remastered.

The meat of the BTS content is the lost levels — three cut sections of gameplay from the original story all in various states of completion, complete with an intro by director Neil Druckmann before each level and developer commentary throughout. Players can walk through these levels, although they are missing animations and have close to no voice acting.

As explained by the devs, a lot of the cuts had to do with pacing issues. One level involves a leisurely trek through Jackson, Wyoming, the settlement Ellie and Joel reside in at the start of the game. Another is an additional sewer section during the Seattle Day Two portion of the game. The last follows Ellie as she hunts a boar near– an endeavor that triggers her PTSD.

Players can trigger the developer's commentary that explains the various minutiae behind object placement, story beats, and why every little thing was either cut or kept. It's a captivating addition that delves into what it's like to develop a game of this caliber and a welcome one for any hardcore fans of the franchise.

The second story in the Final Fantasy VII Remake series is almost here, with Rebirth set to release on Feb. 29 — but you can watch an exhilarating 11-minute demo of the RPG already.

In the video above, released Tuesday, you'll join up with Cloud and the gang through all those stunning regions — in Grasslands south of Midgar, through the Junon metropolis, the resort town of Costa del Sol, the glitzy Gold Saucer, and more. You'll get a good look at the gameplay, characters, abilities, combat, and party dynamics, and the developer says it's "fleshed out some of the minigames".

Plus, you'll get to peek at Rebirth's elevated, PS5-ready graphics and visual modes, as well as a listen at the newly recorded music for the game. There's a bigger preview over at IGN if you're keen for more.

Haven't played the first Final Fantasy VII Remake? Check out Mashable's review.

Space intersects with family drama in Netflix's The Signal, a four-part mystery about a vanished astronaut.

After Paula (Peri Baumeister) disappears during a space mission, her husband Sven (Florian David Fitz) must try to get to the bottom of what's happened while navigating strange signals and a fractured home life.

The series was written by Fitz with Nadine Gottmann, and Kim Zimmermann, and directed by Sebastian Hilger and Philipp Leinemann.

Looks intriguing.

How to watch: The Signal is streaming on Netflix from March 7.

We've nearly made it the most relationship-centric day of the year, but year-round, casual dating, hookup culture, and no-strings-attached relationships deserve their flowers too. In this new era of dating, hookup apps are on just about everyone's smartphone. And for good reason. You watch TV on demand (thank you Netflix) and your food can be ordered and delivered to your door while you sit on the couch (hello DoorDash), so why would finding a potential hookup partner be any different?

UPDATE: Dec. 7, 2023, 2:33 p.m. EST We are in the process of reevaluating Feeld's place among our recommendations after the app's recent update arrived with bugs and location-related safety concerns.

What is hookup culture?

The phrase "hookup culture" refers to casual sex or uncommitted sexual encounters — you know, good old-fashioned consensual sex just for the sake of it.

Way back when, before dating apps became a thing, people would rely on chance encounters or social gatherings (mainly parties or bars) to meet someone new to have a casual fling with. But now, with the huge pool of dating and hookup apps available, we've found ourselves firmly in what we'd like to call our hookup culture era, and finding a partner is as easy as swiping right on a profile photo.

The dedicated hookup app is a gateway to hot instant gratification, and the coolest thing is that you can decide where to find your fling and how much or little you'd like to know about the person before getting down and dirty.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know What makes a good hookup app?

The best hookup apps don't have to be a one-and-done situation. Sure, things can be kept as anonymous as taking a nameless person home from the bar, but there's also nothing wrong with ensuring that the person getting to see you naked doesn't have the world's worst sense of humor. Plus, getting along well with a hookup, even if you're not looking for anything serious or exclusive, can help if you are looking for a regular friends-with-benefits situation.

Though many of these hookup apps make it obvious that people are looking for *that,* people on more generalized dating apps can avoid a lot of messiness if a heads-up about intentions is given within the first few DMs. Many apps even include an option to mark what you're looking for so your intentions can be clear from the get-go.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for safe, NSFW fun in 2024 How do I find people to hook up with?

Basically, there's no one "best hookup app" you can use to find guaranteed partners, but you'll probably also want to skip any apps that feature a 10-minute questionnaire about romance and future families or ones that require expensive subscriptions intended for people who want long-term relationships.

Photos are also a huge factor in good hookup apps. Some apps and dating sites hide people's pics unless you have a paid subscription, and we don't really love that — for physical attraction reasons and safety reasons. Apps that show the full view of someone's profile are the way to go.

Whether you want to pay for a hookup app is totally up to you, but we will say Tinder and Hinge have great free versions. You can likely find a hookup by the weekend without paying a cent.

Whether you're looking for casual sex or are simply looking to exchange nudes, here are our picks for the best hookup apps right now:

Have you ever wondered which of the big three — T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T — is the fastest mobile network? Fortunately, we've got the scoop, thanks to a report from Ookla.

In case you missed it, Ookla, a Mashable sister site, recently released data about which mobile network delivers the zippiest upload and download speeds. The analysis even delves into video performance and 5G prowess.

Which is the fastest mobile network for phones?

According to Ookla, T-Mobile is the mobile network you should have on your radar.

As of Q4 of 2023, with its median download speed of 188.96, T-Mobile is the fastest mobile network. Verizon is a distant second at 91.62. AT&T is third at 90.82.

T-Mobile beats the other two by a landslide. Credit: Ookla

When it comes to uploads, it's the same story. T-Mobile led the pack with 12 megabytes per second, and Verizon and AT&T, with less than 10 MBps each, followed not-so-closely behind.

T-Mobile wins again. Credit: Ookla Video performance

Unsurprisingly, T-Mobile took the crown again in the video performance round, delivering better marks for its propensity to run visual content better than the rest.

T-Mobile should be your preferred network for video performance. Credit: Ookla 5G performance

Among phones on 5G networks, guess who knocked it out of the park? You guessed it: T-Mobile once again.

"T-Mobile had the fastest median 5G download speed in the U.S. at 238.87 Mbps during Q4 2023, an improvement on its performance during Q3 2023," Ookla reported.

T-Mobile nailed it in 5G performance, too. Credit: Ookla

T-Mobile also beat its two rivals at a slew of other benchmarks as well, including consistency and latency. Check out the full report here. This analysis is based on mobile devices that run speed tests at Ookla.

TL;DR: As of February 7, get The Ultimate White Hat Hacker Certification Bundle for only $39.99 — you'll save 63%.

Whether you're studying for school or for a tech job, it can be daunting when you're first learning the basics of IT, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity. There's a lot to learn and a ton of complex material, but it could be easier to manage with a reliable instructor. This White Hat Hacker certification bundle is an online training with 10 courses and expert instructors, and it's also on sale for $39.99. 

Lessons on Python, ethical hacking, and more

If you're interested in cybersecurity, this bundle is a great place to start. Not only are there 98 hours of material talking about key concepts and skills in the field but there's also a clear progression to many of the courses, so you could start as a beginner in The Complete Cyber Security Course, Vol.1 and work your way through to Vol.4 for an introduction to End-Point Protection. 

Though these courses do not give their own certification, the CompTIA prep courses could be invaluable resources if you want to seek out certification elsewhere. And courses like Python 3 for Offensive PenTest break down other common skills in the field. 

All courses are available for life once redeemed, so you can study at your own pace, whether that means racing through or browsing the concepts for one that stands out. 

A comprehensive intro to cybersecurity 

You don't need to wait for college to start your IT training, and you don't need to scour the web looking for reliable resources. 

Check out this White Hat Hacker certification bundle for $39.99 for a limited time. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Nathan House The Ultimate White Hat Hacker Certification Bundle $39.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

A NASA telescope orbiting our planet has spotted an intriguing super-Earth — a world some 30 to 70 percent bigger than Earth.

This rocky planet is in another solar system 137 light-years away, which in the vastness of space is considered relatively close (a light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles). The exoplanet, called TOI-715 b, is about 1.5 times the size of Earth. And, crucially, this world orbits inside the habitable, or "'Goldilocks," zone.

"That’s the distance from the star that could give the planet the right temperature for liquid water to form on its surface," NASA explained on its website. "Several other factors would have to line up, of course, for surface water to be present, especially having a suitable atmosphere."

SEE ALSO: NASA rover finds damaged helicopter in the middle of Mars desert

TOI-715 b orbits quite close to its star (each orbit lasts just 19 days) — but scientists don't think its a hellish, scorching world, like some other exoplanets. That's because its star is a "red dwarf," which is both cooler and smaller than our medium-sized star, the sun.

Researchers published the planet's detection in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. From millions of light-years away, we can only see this distant world as a dark dot when it periodically passes in front of its red dwarf star, but NASA has created a conception of what TOI-715 b might look like below:

An artist's conception of the super-Earth TOI-715 b. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech Tweet may have been deleted

The space observatory that found TOI-715 b, NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), is designed to look for exoplanets transiting in front of their stars. This reveals their existence, and other planetary characteristics.

Rocky worlds around cooler red dwarfs are ideal places to look for environments that could potentially host conditions suitable for life, because they tend to have shorter years (such as 19 days), and these quick orbits provide better odds for a telescope like TESS to detect their transits.

"At the moment, they’re the best bet for finding habitable planets," NASA explained.

"At the moment, they’re the best bet for finding habitable planets."

Astronomers plan to further investigate TOI-175 b with the powerful James Webb Space Telescope, an observatory located about 1 million miles from Earth. Webb has the capability to peer inside the atmospheres of distant exoplanets, and better reveal what these worlds might be like.

We have much to learn about super-Earths like TOI-175 b.

"They are indeed very exciting planets," Renyu Hu, an exoplanet researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, told Mashable in 2022.

TL;DR: As of February 7, get Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows for only $29.99 — an 88% savings.

Does your job require complex data sharing? Do org charts and flowcharts take up a big part of your or your team's workweek? If so, you may want to look into this software from the big brains at MS Visio Professional 2021.

This software offers more straightforward ways to present your data. It gives you access to diagramming tools that make it possible to unlock a new realm of productivity and precise communication. And it's on sale for just $29.99 (reg. $249) for a limited time.

If you need flowcharts, you can pick from a huge selection of shapes, stencils, and templates for a more customizable diagram. Work with your team to create a floor plan with a better flow or a new floor plan altogether if you're moving to a new space.

Visio allows you to automatically generate org charts from other software, such as Excel or Microsoft Entra ID. And if you have a touch-enabled device, you can use your finger or pen to create or make notations on diagrams.

There are a variety of templates, including SWOT analysis and fishbone diagrams, that can help you visualize problems and map solutions. For network design, you can streamline design and processes and create an easy-to-understand illustration of how everything works together.

Available to new Visio users, you get lifetime access on one device. You'll also have access to more templates that aren't available on the Visio web version.

If you want to elevate your visual communication, this sale is a great way to get there at a reasonable price.

Get lifetime access to Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 for just $29.99 (reg. $249) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 for Windows $29.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of February 7, get this refurbished MacBook Pro (2017) for just $348.99 — a 41% discount.

While the expense of the holidays is behind us, tax season is around the corner. If you anticipate a refund and want to pick up a new laptop with some of your money, it might be worth it to check out some refurbished devices. They are cleaned up well and inspected to be in great working order and offer some of the best brand features for a drastically lower price. 

That is the case with this refurbished MacBook Air. The Air is lightweight and slim, which means it can easily go with you anywhere. This model comes from mid-2017, so not too far back, and has a grade "A" refurbished rating, which means it is in near-perfect condition with the possibility of very minimal (or no) light scratching. 

This one powers on a 1.8 GHz Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB of RAM for smooth everyday performance. Plus, the Intel HD Graphics 6000 means you can stream and game on the 13.3-inch widescreen display with ease. The onboard storage comes in at 128GB, allowing you to keep files, photos, and apps ready to go on the device.

To stay connected, you have WiFi capability to connect to networks and hotspots and Bluetooth for your peripheral connections like earbuds. And with the 12-hour battery, you should be able to go all day at work and well into your favorite show without needing a charge.

Pick up this refurbished Apple MacBook Air for just $348.99 (reg. $599) while it's on sale for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch (2017) 1.8GHz i5 Core 8GB RAM 128GB - Silver (Refurbished) $348.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of February 7, get these HD Digital Camera Binoculars for $121.99 — usually $199.99.

After Groundhog Day, we bird enthusiasts are more excited for spring than ever. If you’re new to the bird-watching community, you should know that this time of year is quite exciting, since you get to witness the migration of winter birds leaving and summer birds arriving.

However, you might also run into the classic dilemma: should you focus on living in the moment (watching birds through your binoculars) or capturing stills of your favorite species (taking pictures with your camera)? Thanks to these $121.99 (reg. $199.99) digital camera binoculars, you no longer have to decide.

Digital camera binoculars bring the best of both worlds

They’re exactly what they sound like: binoculars and a digital camera combined into one gadget, so you can simultaneously watch birds and snap photos of them. With 12X magnification supporting viewing up to one kilometer away, you could spot crows perching on trees, songbirds visiting your feeders, and possibly even a hawk soaring high above.

When you see something remarkable — maybe a parent feeding their hatchlings in a nest or an eagle feasting on a fish — just press a button to take a picture or start recording. These binoculars are capable of capturing photos up to 5MP and videos up to 1440x1080p resolution. 

Each captured moment is saved to an 8GB TF card (included) for easy transferring and sharing. You could start a blog or Instagram page to share your birding adventures.

Your new favorite way to experience the great outdoors

Of course, these digital camera binoculars aren’t just built for bird watching, but for any outdoor activity, with a waterproof, anti-dust design and an anti-reflective coating that stabilizes light transmission in changing weather conditions. It’s also compact — weighing under one pound and measuring less than six inches long — for easy transport or travel.

Enjoy living in the moment and capturing memories with these digital camera binoculars for $121.99 (reg. $199.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay HD Digital Camera Binoculars $121.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

After closing out a two-and-a-half-year residency in Vegas, most people would take a long, well-deserved break. But Usher is just getting started. The singer wrapped up his Sin City gig in December and is gearing up to release his ninth album (his first in eight years) on Feb. 11, the same day he headlines the Super Bowl Halftime Show for the first time.

When it comes to pop prophesying, our track record is pretty good. Our musings about Rihanna's 2023 Halftime Show setlist correctly clocked 11 of the 14 songs the pop princess performed. But she surprised us by squeezing a whopping 24 of her hits into just 13 minutes, reminding us of just how many chart-toppers she has in her arsenal.

Usher harbors a stockpile of hits himself, and he'll probably want to remind his audience at Allegiant Stadium audience and the millions watching at home of his almost 30 years of pop prowess. We sorted through his discography to craft a setlist that combines his early work, fan favorites, and club bangers.

SEE ALSO: Will Taylor Swift attend the Super Bowl? Tokyo 'Eras Tour' concert will complicate things The club heaters set: OMG, Love in This Club, DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love, and More (RedOne Jimmy Joker Remix)

All Usher has to do is sing the opening words of "OMG" and watch the crowd go wild. The 2010 track was a staple of middle school dances and radio DJ sets alike, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The original features will.i.am, but we think Usher should hold off on bringing out a guest this early and instead move on to another No. 1 hit, 2008's "Love in This Club."

The banger "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" deserves a spot in the set and so does Pitbull, who features on this track. It'd be Mr. Worldwide's first-ever Super Bowl Halftime show appearance, one that's long overdue for the Miami-born hitmaker.

Another club hit, "More" (the RedOne Jimmy Joker Remix, specifically) would be a smart addition to the set. It's bursting with energy and sure to induce dancing, hand-clapping, or toe-tapping from even the most the most curmudgeonly viewer.

The throwback set: My Boo and Confessions Part II (feat. Alicia Keys), There Goes My Baby, Burn, U Got It Bad, Caught Up

Time for Usher to throw it back to his early years. If Pitbull doesn't beat her to it, Alicia Keys can join Usher onstage as the first celeb cameo of the night to perform 2004's "My Boo." Is a "Confessions Part II" duet in the cards? We'd love to see it.

Once Keys exits, a medley of sizzlers commences: 2010's "There Goes My Baby," 2004's "Burn," and 2001's "U Got It Bad."

Time to pick up the tempo ahead of the final set of songs. The chorus of "Caught Up" will do the job.

The megahits: Somebody To Love Remix (feat. Justin Bieber), Yeah! (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris), Without You

We can't think of a more epic Super Bowl Halftime Show moment than one that reunites Usher and Justin Bieber. We may not see them recreate the dance moves from the Somebody To Love Remix music video (released 13 years ago!), but this cross-generational collab would go a long way in satisfying millennial and Gen Z viewers alike.

There's no question that Usher perform his most popular song, "Yeah!" and it's just as likely that he'll bring collaborators Lil Jon and Ludacris out to help.

Last but not least, "Without You" is a David Guetta song and an Usher hit. The track's simple, soaring chorus is a perfect sonic background for a confetti-filled finale.

UPDATE: Feb. 7, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EST iRobot, Shark, and Ecovacs released new robot vacuums at CES 2024, and we're in the process of testing them. We'll continue to shift our top picks in this story accordingly.

Nearly any robot vacuum can sufficiently clear a hardwood, tile, or laminate floor of the hair and crumbs blowing across it like tumbleweeds. But a robot vacuum working on carpet requires much more meticulousness to uproot the debris that clings to carpet fibers for dear life.

SEE ALSO: A ton of robot vacuums also claim to mop, but these 5 hybrids actually do the job

Buying the cheapest robot vacuum you can find will likely create more of a hassle every time it eats a frilly rug corner or welcomes you home to a living room still taken over by shedding. At that point, you'd probably rather just do the job yourself — but rest assured that that's not simply an inevitable experience with every robot vacuum. Not if you buy one specifically designed to master carpet. The best robot vacuum for carpet will easily clear away pet hair, dust bunnies, and everyday debris, and without letting you down on other floor types.

The Mashable team is on a continuous mission to narrow down those options for you. We've hands-on tested dozens of robot vacuums on several pile lengths of carpets, rugs, and bath mats in a variety of home layouts. Here are our favorites for every carpeted situation in 2024.

Moving to a new city or working at a new job where you don't know anybody can seriously be depressing, especially if you're already introverted as it is. What are you supposed to do? Sit at the bar by yourself? And talk to strangers?

Then comes the lightbulb idea: You can make friends online! If online dating is so popular and successful, there's no way there aren't a few legit sites where you can make adult friends in your area with similar interests. Hmm, AdultFriendFinder.com sounds like the right ballpark.

So you're on your lunch break at work, type in the URL, and the next thing you know, you're frantically closing the tab and hoping nobody walked behind you for that split second.

Our point: AdultFriendFinder is not what it sounds like.

Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder What is AdultFriendFinder?

AdultFriendFinder is one of the most well-known sites for finding quick sexual encounters, regular hookups, and literally anything else even remotely related to sex. The rowdy feed of matches, jumble of explicit photos, and stimulating calls-to-action offering all types of sex makes it heaven for anyone looking for a good time with no filter — and hell for someone who wouldn't be caught dead clicking on a "There are hot singles in your area" ad.

SEE ALSO: Sexy Valentine's Day gifts guaranteed to spice things up

Even if you're not using it for real sex, it's always nice to have spank bank material in your back pocket. During the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, sexting, nudes, and Pornhub searches all saw a spike thanks to the vast number of people who started social distancing at home. Those who didn't want to risk quarantine sex or weren't finding people on their level of horniness on Tinder were pretty much guaranteed to get their rocks off somehow via AdultFriendFinder.

On AFF, you can find someone to sext via messaging or video chat (and plan to get it on IRL, if that's what you're looking for), watch live streams, or join niche group chat rooms. Is it worth $20-something per month? Depends on how much fishy content you're willing to overlook for a juicy sexting session.

SEE ALSO: Is Tinder Platinum worth it? I tried it for 3 months to find out.

We reached out to Kalyn Sanders, a business development executive at Friend Finder Networks, for updated AFF demographics. Right up there with Tinder's monthly flock, AdultFriendFinder snags the attention of over 55 million visits around the world per month, on average. (To whet your appetite upon signup, the main landing page flashes a few statistics, including "98,897,765 hot photos" and "3,495,277 connections," but we're not exactly sure what that means.) Most traffic originates from the United States, followed by visitors from the United Kingdom and Canada. SimilarWeb ranks the site as the 25th most-visited adult site in the U.S.

Specifics on the demographic that most people care about — the gender ratio — can be hard to track down. Sanders told us that "there's a two to one ratio of single men versus categories like single women, couples, and groups." The split between men and women is an expected one for a lot of hookup-centric sites. At the end of the day, it's a paradise for straight men, hit-or-miss for straight women and LGBTQ men, and likely an actual hellscape for LGBTQ women.

AFF lets you identify as and search for a man, woman, a couple, or trans. Despite trying to be a sex-positive site with blog posts, groups, a sex academy, and more, its language for the LGBTQ community has historically been anything but inclusive or positive. Previously, the AFF sign-up page listed "TG/TV/TS" as the "trans" gender selection — we'll let you infer what those stand for. Though, we will admit, this language has improved recently with more gender options that are appropriately labeled.

SEE ALSO: How to unblock Xnxx porn for free Is AdultFriendFinder worth it?

If you're 100 percent over being grilled with relationship questions and the slow-and-steady pace on traditional dating sites like eharmony or Match, AdultFriendFinder is your golden ticket to instant communication. Registering takes 30 seconds — it requires nothing from you aside from an email address, a username, a password, and an introduction. Your notifications will start pouring in even without adding any juicy info (because people see nothing wrong with hitting up a profile with a gray silhouette as a profile photo, apparently), but it's probably best to add a few photos and a detailed description — both to up your chances of flirtation or finding someone who shares a super-specific fantasy, and also to signal to other users that you're not a bot.

AdultFriendFinder features a personality questionnaire to personalize your profile and up your chances of finding a compatible match. Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder

After registering, there are a ton of ways to personalize your account (way more than you'd expect for a hookup site, honestly). The more you fill out, the more attractive your profile will be to new viewers. There are the basic physical appearance questions about eye and hair color, and since I identified as a woman, cup size was an option. (If you identify as a man, I'm sure you can guess what question they ask.)

Many self-proclaimed hookup seekers can probably admit that they'd still like to hook up with someone they'd also like to grab a beer with, especially if they plan to see that person multiple times. Those people will appreciate that AFF gives a compatibility score with each user you come across: a metric that rates how well you might mesh with someone in the bedroom based on how you answered questions about what turns you on, whether you're dominant or submissive, and so on.

The site also features a personality test and a "My Kinks" form where you can select whether or not you're "curious about, into, or can't live without" a certain kink (e.g., anal, bondage, role play, etc.). It also lets you choose whether you're a voyeur, the giver, or the receiver.

One weird thing about the Personality Type test is that it asks several questions about whether or not you enjoy shopping at discount stores — not really sure what that's about. It also asks whether or not "a quiet time for prayer should be allowed in school." You can choose "strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, somewhat agree, or strongly agree."

Once you finish the personality test (20 questions), you can opt to have your Personality Type show up on your profile or have it hidden. It will also show you which personality types complement yours.

Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder Finding a match on AdultFriendFinder

Like a traditional dating site, AdultFriendFinder gives you a collage of potential matches and will let you know who's online or close distance-wise. These will be random right after you sign up, but you can opt to update your preferences to refine your results: Choose your preferred gender(s), age range, location and mile radius, race, sexual orientation, body type, and marital status.

You barely have to scroll before noticing that there's no shortage of nudity. Depending on whether you set your preferences to men, women, or both, you'll see all of that stuff up close, personal, swinging around, in action. You name it, it'll pop up.

AdultFriendFinder is basically like a PornHub that you can interact with. We probably don't have to say this, but AdultFriendFinder is NSFW and not safe to be on while kids are in the room. If you'd rather not see the site's raunchier side, it offers a "no nudity" option, but I still wouldn't trust this filter enough to be online in a family setting or at work. Some videos will be blurred out and read "Naughty video" until you upgrade to a Gold Membership, but trust me — you'll get to see a lot, even with the free version.

The message section is set up similarly to a Gmail account, and you can mark things as read or important just as you would on a real email. You'll receive some crude messages instantly (creeps on Tinder do the same thing), but some will be genuinely friendly.

SEE ALSO: Tinder releases yet another feature to stop inappropriate messages AFF is not all bad

Once you get past the in-your-face sexplosion of naked profile pictures, horny AIM-era profile names, and explicit videos, there are actually an impressive number of resources to help make your experience as satisfying as possible. Some will cost money even outside of the paid subscription, which is kind of dumb.

Aside from the NSFW content, the website is relatively straightforward (albeit ugly). Every feature is advertised in big letters, notifications are displayed clearly with labels, and you don't really have to click around to find anything. This makes it super accessible for users of all ages, even those who aren't tech-savvy and can't even figure out Facebook. Buttons are all over the place, but you figure it out after messing around for a few minutes.

Activities range from direct messaging, sending virtual gifts and tips, watching live videos of people in your feed, joining adult chat rooms that can get very niche, or entering photo contests.

AdultFriendFinder is like a PornHub that you can interact with.

Think of AdultFriendFinder as the dating site version of New York City — it never sleeps. You'll find people who work the regular 9 to 5, people who work the night shift, and people in other time zones, so it's nearly impossible to log on and not have people to talk to. You know, like that booty call who's always awake when you text them.

Or at least that used to be the case... 10 years ago. What was once a hot site that a few Reddit users were quick to hype up is now one of the dating sites that Reddit users can't help but diss — in the few instances that AFF is even being discussed at all. It's notable that, on a site where online dating is such a mammoth topic of discussion, AdultFriendFinder has rarely been mentioned in a positive light since the early 2010s. The Reddit community is diverse and open-minded; if a dating site exists, someone on Reddit has used it and has an opinion. When an innocent soul does ask if it's legit, AFF usually gets dragged for sketchy pricing and being riddled with bots.

However, some Reddit members have praised AFF as a site for men meeting men. Even so, the site's still buggy and isn't exactly great for meeting real people who aren't, as one Reddit user so eloquently put it, "busted and unstable."

SEE ALSO: Is Bumble Premium worth it? I tried it for 2 months to find out. Paid memberships are where things get... interesting

You can do a decent amount of exploring without paying a cent: Limited messaging and emailing, visit and like most profiles, and enter some chat rooms. But just a few clicks on AdultFriendFinder can send you deep down the rabbit hole, and a lot of that juicier hidden content can only be unlocked with a paid membership (called the Gold membership) or by earning points.

Points are AdultFriendFinder's non-monetary currency. If you're a free member, you'll have to earn points through on-site activity to unlock stuff that's exclusive to paying members. It's kind of like a game, with points acting like dollar bills at the strip club.

A Gold membership is pretty much the standard if you're a guy looking for girls. While researching on Reddit, we found a few women who said they wouldn't meet a guy unless he's a Gold member. A Gold membership puts a little bit more credibility behind someone's profile and makes the whole encounter feel a bit safer. It's easier to believe that someone's a real person if they're a paying, active member of the site, and it's nice to know that they're taking it slightly seriously. Plus, if you see a picture or profile that looks like it's 10 years old, it really might be — there are a ton of non-active, non-paying profiles from old members and escorts still lingering.

AdultFriendFinder also gives members the option to confirm their identity with ConfirmID. If you do this, the site promises to give you two weeks of Gold for free. The ConfirmID works by entering your legal first and last name, home address, gender, and date of birth and uploading a copy of your driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID.

If you spend more quality time on the site than expected, becoming a paid member is definitely something to consider. Once you're paying, you basically become royalty on the site: Your profile will appear way higher in searches, you can use the most advanced searches, unlock profiles with private photo albums, check out video profiles, and message to your heart's content. A general rule is that increased involvement and payment on your end generally equals more success on the website, as your constant activity and heightened searchability make it easier for others to find you.

Prices for a Gold membership fluctuate but generally get cheaper the longer your subscription is: Get one month for $27.95, three months for $20.95 per month, or 12 months for $14.95 per month. The three-month membership is billed quarterly, while the 12-month membership is billed annually. With a Gold membership, free members cannot contact you, but they can still see your profile.

You can also purchase profile highlights designed to make your profile stand out. They're $9.95 per month or $8.95 per month for a three-month run (billed quarterly). Although it's not super clear how these highlights work, the site promises your profile will "get noticed first in search and browse results" and that your emails will appear highlighted. It also notes that highlights are "colorful and attention-grabbing."

Credit: Screenshot: AdultFriendFinder Good for: Very open-minded people looking to blow off steam

Stating the obvious, AdultFriendFinder is a space for people who want to bang with no strings attached, people who are in a sexual rut, people who are tired of porn, and people who find sites like eharmony boring. Getting to know someone for weeks before meeting up can be exhausting, and sometimes, you want to skip the small talk and do the dirty with a random. It's gonna get kinky out there, and that's great for those who are dying to blow off steam and want someone who will respond well to a brusque, sexy message.

People are so active on this site that it's impossible not to feel desired. You'll probably get a flood of message notifications, and once you come across your first legit suitor, you'll start to loosen up. Even if you're left on read a few times, you'll learn which opening lines and flirty comments work and which don't. But since the site is aimed toward casual sex and encounters and not serious relationships, the whole rejection thing isn't nearly as prevalent.

As with all dating sites, catfishing is a big buzzkill. Your chances of being pursued are way higher if you have a lot of pictures of the same person (AKA you), videos, and a genuine profile that lets people know they're not dealing with something sketchy. Even if you've had bad luck with online dating in the past, AdultFriendFinder is the place to be honest.

Bad for: People looking for a real relationship and the entire socially-conscious community

You know those warnings that thrill rides at amusement parks are required to put up that tell people who get dizzy easily or have heart problems to not get on the ride? AdultFriendFinder could use something like that. This site is not for the faint of heart — if you're a cynic, conservative by any means, get sketched out easily, or aren't a fan of dick pics, you'll probably hate it. Similarly, if you appreciate a well-crafted, aesthetically-pleasing website that feels safe — no matter how badly you want to have sex — one glance at the landing page likely signals that it's not for you.

AdultFriendFinder is not the place to be if you're trying to make friends unless "with benefits" is tacked onto the end. Every inch of the site screams "this website is used to have sex," and you should really listen to that.

As illustrated by the recent flood of artsy activism guides on Instagram, it's clear what content appeals to young people on the internet: Something aesthetically-pleasing, sharable, and digestible. The "sharable" part doesn't totally apply to online dating, but apps like Hinge and OkCupid closely follow this design trend by limiting the number of words (and ads) in each tab, steering clear of endless scrolling, and ensuring that important info isn't cluttered with flashing clickbait.

For instance, Pure is a modern, no-strings-attached hookup app that appeals to your horny side with a single, witty statement about sex rather than bombarding you with boobs and "Have sex in NYC now!" claims. Anyone older than a millennial may be totally used to this pop-up-ridden layout, which seemed to be popular in the early 2000s — but for younger folks, AFF's chaotic approach is way too reminiscent of Omegle.

AFF could do so much more to make people take it seriously

The entire website looks like an ad about hot MILFs that pops up when you're illegally streaming a movie. Seriously, it's bad. Even though the website is technically legit, the pictures, word choice, and exclamation points everywhere scream "scam." No, AdultFriendFinder, "98,897,765 Hot Photos" is not the way to make potential new users trust you.

We're not knocking a quick hookup or no-strings-attached relations. This isn't about morals. Genitals are quite literally in your face from the moment you make an account, and that's just not cute. There are chiller ways to go about insinuating that this is a hookup website without feeling like you're trapped in a sex dungeon with strangers.

I could not get past the fact that the entire site looks like it's about to invite five viruses to your computer. We're talking terrible graphics that look like they were made on Microsoft Paint and pictures of women who look like they're from Pornhub in 2007. (That's when AdultFriendFinder was officially sold and rebranded from its original parent company.) Reddit user Snoo53279 summed it up in a comment from July 2020: "The people on AFF are definitely real, but there is a huge smattering of bots that also get in the way so it can be a bit of a PITA to use." If they're not bots, they could be men posing as a couple to seem less threatening.

The parade of women on the landing page is questionable for two reasons. This shouldn't even need to be clarified, but not everyone is looking for a woman. At the least, the advertising isn't inclusive — but this crosses into fetishization territory. The cherry on top is that the women in the photos (unsurprisingly) probably aren't even members of the site, according to a disclaimer at the bottom of the landing page.

AdultFriendFinder's overall outdated vibe goes past an aesthetic annoyance — it's downright problematic at times. The lack of inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community is nearly unforgivable, and we'd be scared to see some of the related rhetoric that AFF users feel comfortable spewing. Without even a dash of social awareness, it's hard to see how anyone who's not an out-of-touch straight cis man would feel comfortable on this site.

Attempting to navigate the shoddy design might be enough to smother your horniness. Three main issues can make the site borderline unusable: It looks shady as hell, an alarming portion of the user base is made up of bots and spam accounts, and the user interface itself is outdated and rife with bugs.

Other Reddit users mention that the desktop web version won't even load for them at random times — an especially frustrating roadblock for people who want to end their membership and stop monthly charges. A solution to the laggy web version might be to clear your cache or use the smartphone app, but your experience probably won't improve. AFF's mobile page doesn't even mention an Android app, and the link to the iPhone app brings up a "not available" pop-up in the App Store. For a site that claims to have over 50 million visitors each month, the lack of accessibility to a smartphone app is just plain odd — especially in 2023.

Adding to the sketchiness, a network hack in 2016 exposed around 412 million accounts, including "deleted" accounts that weren't actually deleted from the database. If this is enough reason for you to fall back on Tinder for finding a friend with benefits, we don't blame you. Signing up with a burner email and avoiding using your real name as a username are wise moves (pick a naughty word and add 69 to the end, IDK), though keeping your personal information private is hard when credit cards are involved.

In 2007, AFF was involved in a lawsuit with the FTC over allegations that the site used malware to send explicit pop-up ads to computers owned by people who hadn't signed up for the service. Though we haven't seen reports like this recently, so we're hoping those ridiculous ads you see are at least confined to people who actually use the site.

The alternatives to AdultFriendFinder

Surprisingly, AdultFriendFinder feels much more legit than its competitors. While other hookup sites have names like FreeSnapMilfs.com, Fuckswipe.com, and Instabang.com, AdultFriendFinder will be the one you'd hate showing up in your Google search history the least. Most have the same general idea: to find sexual partners, have cybersex, etc., but with names like those, the authenticity is way too questionable. AdultFriendFinder boasts a much larger audience and has built credibility in a Tinder-saturated market where these blunt, friskier competitors may have trouble gaining trust.

SEE ALSO: Best hookup apps and dating sites to find casual sex with no strings attached

No matter how in the mood you are, your hungry eyes may not be able to look past AFF's heinous interface. We mentioned Pure earlier. The aesthetically pleasing, hella-millennial UX design is simply more palatable than AFF and the blueprint of what a modern hookup app should be. Kind of like a Snapchat for sex; your uploaded selfies, personal info, and conversations will self-destruct every 60 minutes. The app will send the hookup version of an Uber request to anyone close and ready to rumble, and you can choose what information to disclose from there.

Remember when we said AdultFriendFinder would be a nightmare for gay and bi women? Feeld was our favorite alternative app dedicated to singles and couples looking for threesomes, foursomes, or however many people you want — minus the unicorn hunting and rampant fetishization that many non-hetero, non-monogamous people face on traditional hookup sites and apps. However, as of Dec. 7, we are in the process of reevaluating Feeld's place among our recommendations after the app's recent update arrived with bugs and location-related safety concerns. Feeld has since told Mashable that locations shared were not users' current exact locations, rather the name of the city, town, or borough.

The final verdict: Is AdultFriendFinder worth it?

AdultFriendFinder is a low-pressure way to find a friends-with-benefits situation without insulting anyone. Everyone is pretty much there for the same reason — and though it'll feel pretty unorthodox if you've only ever used Tinder to scope this type of thing out, AFF's blunt advertising at least means you won't have to explain that you're not looking for a relationship. It's niche-friendly, well-populated, and has a ton of interactive outlets to indulge your primal urges.

But that freedom comes with a price — the price is feeling like one of those people who fall for the ads that pop up before a free Pornhub video. It's not that a site dedicated to sex and sexting is inherently scammy — it's that AdultFriendFinder drowns you with explicit photos on profiles that might not even be real people while asking you to pay for a subscription with every click.

Unfortunately, no matter how in the mood you are, some people aren't cut out for the nothing-left-to-the-imagination approach with grammar mistakes all over the place. It wants to be sex-positive so badly, but the language the site has used in reference to the trans community is the furthest thing from that.

The functionality and safety of the site and the mobile app aren't where they need to be in 2023. If security measures were tightened, graphics and photos were cleaned up to feel more relevant, and decision-makers behind the scenes were given a lesson in inclusivity and pronouns/identities, AdultFriendFinder could be a handy tool to find attachment-free hookups and connect with a community that's down for anything.

This isn't a dating or hookup site we would personally use, but if you're feeling brave, you can register for AdultFriendFinder here. Just don't try this at work.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder Sign up for free See More

ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery are teaming up to create one giant sports streaming service, helping to consolidate your 50 billion different subscriptions.

Set to launch near the end of this year, the as of yet unnamed service will provide subscribers access to an entire slew of linear sports networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, BTN, TNT, TBS, truTV, and ESPN+. If you don't follow sports, just know that this amounts to a lot of sports.

SEE ALSO: Hulu and ESPN+ will crack down on password sharing, following Disney+

"[T]his exciting joint venture [is an] unparalleled combination of marquee sports rights and access to the greatest sporting events in the world," Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a joint announcement.

Subscribers will be able to watch a veritable smorgasbord of events across a range of sports, such as the UFC, the US Open, and the UFL. College sporting events such as the NCAA Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournaments will also be included.

It's good news for anyone who likes pro football, and basketball, and baseball, and hockey, and golf, and tennis, and cycling, and soccer, and combat sports, and motorsports.

The super sports streaming service will be equally owned by ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery, but come under a new brand with an independent management team. It will also be available in a new app, though subscribers will be able to bundle it with Disney+, Hulu, or Max. Pricing is scheduled to be revealed at a later date.

This news doesn't necessarily mean that current sport streaming services are not long for this world. ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery will licence their sports content to the new platform on a non-exclusive basis, so the new streaming Megazord won't be the only place you can catch your favourite sporting events. 

As such, you might end up just sticking with your current subscriptions if all your sporting needs are already met by one service. However, if you're a fan of multiple sports and are tired of juggling multiple subscriptions, the ESPN/FOX/Warner Bros. Discovery Brundlefly sounds like an attractive proposition.

Though certainly a promising announcement, it isn't a done deal. The agreement is only in principle right now, so may still fall through if the three companies can't agree on the details. But if everything works out, your sports streaming subscriptions could soon become much more streamlined.

TL;DR: The Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is on sale for £39.50, saving you 80% on list price.

It can be frustrating if you have a computer that's not running smoothly, doesn't have the productivity apps you need for work or home, or both. If you're considering buying a new one, you might want to hold off. Instead of sinking hundreds of pounds or more into a new computer, you can get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2019 and Windows 11 Pro for just £39.50.

This version of Office might not be the most recent but it still holds up to be a reliable and valuable suite of apps. You'll gain access to seven of the top apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, that will allow you to create, collaborate, and communicate with industry-standard tools. And even though you won't get Teams with MS Office, it does come included with Windows 11 Pro.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops for business

The other part of this offer is Windows 11 Pro, which is the most up-to-date Windows OS. Some exciting updates include AI-integrated tools, such as the new AI assistant called Windows Copilot. Users will find support on a variety of everyday tasks to streamline their work, such as summarising and creating content, launching playlists, and more. 

Windows 11 Pro also has enhanced security features, a new, easier-to-use interface, and Windows Studio Effects that allow you to edit images easily. You'll get a Windows 11 Pro activation key to use on two devices.

Don't miss this chance to power up your slower computer with two big names in software. Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2019 and Windows 11 Pro for just £39.50.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2019 and Windows 11 Pro £39.50 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for Feb. 7's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

The opposite of before.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

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 Wordle #963 is...

AFTER.

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.

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