Mashable

TL;DR: Stream Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Blackpool and Nottingham Forest couldn't be separated in their third round fixture, so we're starting all over again. Will the Premier League side show their quality? Or will Blackpool surprise everyone with a famous victory? You can find out without spending anything.

If you want to watch Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup?

Blackpool and Nottingham Forest will kick off at 7:45 p.m. GMT on Jan. 17 at Bloomfield Road.

How to watch Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest for free

You can watch the FA Cup replay between Blackpool and Nottingham Forest live on ITV4, with coverage starting from 7 p.m. GMT on Jan. 17. You can also live stream this fixture for free on ITVX.

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

Unblock ITVX by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Steam Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest for free.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Taskio is on sale for £31.37, saving you 92% on list price.

If you need a little help in the productivity department, you may want to enlist Taskio, a helpful AI productivity tool.

You can score a major saving on a lifetime subscription to Taskio. This AI-powered tool can help you maximise your efficiency, and if you act fast you can have it for life for £31.37 — the best price online.

SEE ALSO: 20 of the best free artificial intelligence courses on edX

Get ready to embrace the power of AI with Taskio, an easy way to automate your tasks and help you save precious time and money. From creating AI images for marketing purposes, developing SEO content for your website, or coming up with the perfect social media caption, Taskio can tackle it all and more, serving as a personal assistant housed right on your device.

Aside from boosting your productivity, Taskio can also solve problems. The AI chat gives you answers to questions in real time. And if you need to translate text to another language to reach a new audience, it's no problem, as Taskio's native language translation feature can tackle that. It also offers the ability to transcribe speech to text, thanks to the AI-powered transcription tool. 

Get a lifetime subscription to Taskio for just £31.37.

Opens in a new window Credit: Taskio Taskio (Lifetime Subscription) £31.37 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Stream Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Africa Cup of Nations is a truly special competition, bringing together the best players and fans from the continent.

This is the 34th edition of the tournament, hosted by Ivory Coast for the second time. It was initially planned to take place during the Northern Hemisphere's summer, but was postponed due to adverse weather concerns in the host country. But that's all forgotten about now, because AFCON 2023 officially kicks off with Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau.

If you want to watch Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau?

Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Jan. 13. The opening fixture of the competition will take place at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium (Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé).

How to watch Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau for free

The opening match between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau will be broadcast live on BBC Three, with coverage starting from 7:50 p.m. GMT on Jan. 13. You can also live stream this fixture for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Access BBC iPlayer to stream AFCON 2023 by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Steam Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 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 clearly not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau without actually spending anything.

BBC iPlayer is showing 10 games including both semi-finals and the final, so you could use this process to watch most of AFCON 2023 for free from anywhere in the world. Simply subscribe to ExpressVPN, stream key AFCON 2023 fixtures on BBC iPlayer for free, and then recover your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Australia vs. India for free on 10Play. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2023 AFC Asian Cup is the 18th edition of the competition, taking place from Jan. 12 to Feb. 10.

And no, we didn't make a mistake there. The 2023 AFC Asian Cup is taking place in 2024 due to high summer temperatures and Qatar's participation in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The tournament was postponed while retaining the original name, so there. Stop trying to catch us out.

If you want to watch Australia vs. India in the AFC Asian Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. India in the AFC Asian Cup?

Australia and India will meet at 11:30 a.m. GMT on Jan. 13. This fixture will take place at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Qatar.

How to watch Australia vs. India for free

You can watch all of Australia's AFC Asian Cup matches live and free across Network 10, including the fixture between Australia and India. Live streaming is also available for free on 10Play.

10Play is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access 10Play from anywhere in the world.

Access 10Play to stream Australia vs. India by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a 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 Australia

4. Visit 10Play

5. Steam Australia vs. India for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 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 making the most of these offers, you can gain access to 10Play without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch all of Australia's AFC Asian Cup matches without actually spending anything.

What is the best VPN for 10Play?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking 10Play, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including Australia

• 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 five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Australia vs. India in the AFC Asian Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

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 Jan. 13'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 Wordle answer for Jan. 12.

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.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Though usually Wordle will only accept one correct solution per day, occasionally it has rebelled against the norm and deem two different answers acceptable. This is due to changes the New York Times made to Wordle after it acquired the puzzle game.

The Times has since added its own updated word list, so this should happen even less frequently than before. To avoid any confusion, it's a good idea to refresh your browser before getting stuck into a new puzzle.

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

To hear.

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 H.

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 #938 is...

HEARD.

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.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game 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 January 13's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

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

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: How to get into an event

• Green: To lord over

• Blue: Football lingo

• Purple: To delay

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

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

• Yellow: Credentials for Entry

• Green: Preside Over

• Blue: American Football Positions

• Purple: Postpone

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for December 28

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 Connections #216 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Credentials for Entry: BADGE, INVITE, PASS, TICKET

• Preside Over: CHAIR, DIRECT, LEAD, RUN

• American Football Positions: CENTER, END, SAFETY, TACKLE

• Postpone: HOLD, PUNT, STALL, TABLE

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.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Pre-orders for Apple's "spatial computing" device, the Apple Vision Pro, begin next week. Here's how to get your hands on the tech that Tim Cook promises will commence a "new era" for the company.

When does the Apple Vision Pro go on sale?

Pre-orders for Apple Vision Pro begin at apple.com/apple-vision-pro on Friday, Jan. 19 at 5 a.m. PT. You can buy the Apple Vision Pro at Apple retail stores beginning Friday, Feb. 2.

How much does the Apple Vision Pro cost?

You'll have to shell out a whopping $3,499 to buy Apple's latest gadget, which houses both an M2 chip and the brand-new R1 chip which is dedicated to processing input from the device's cameras, sensors, and microphones to achieve a "virtually lag-free, real-time view of the world." Apple also says the headset's eye-tracking tech will make navigating its visionOS a breeze.

Credit: Apple What do you need to purchase the Apple Vision Pro?An iPhone or iPad with Face ID

Apple will employ its own Face ID technology to determine a "precise fit" of the Apple Vision Pro's Light Seal and headband. So no matter where you order your Apple Vision Pro – on the Apple website, Apple Store app, or in person – an iPhone or iPad with Face ID is required. If you're purchasing through the app, make sure you have the most up-to-date version, which became available on January 11.

A vision prescription (if you wear glasses)

Those who wear glasses should be pleased to hear that unlike some of its more commercial predecessors (namely the Meta Quest and Quest 2), the Apple Vision Pro is meant to be worn without glasses. To achieve this, the company has partnered with ZEISS to create custom optical inserts. A few questions during the ordering process will help determine if you need optical inserts and, if you do, a valid prescription from a U.S. eye‑care professional will need to be uploaded after checkout.

Know before you buy with an in-store demo

Still not sure if the Apple Vision Pro is worth the hype? In-store demos of the device will be available over the launch weekend. Apple says sign-ups begin at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, and that demo times will be available "through the weekend on a first‑come, first‑served basis."

No word on where those demo sign-up links can be found (or if you can show up to the store to physically sign a list), but it's safe to assume they'll at least be available through the Apple website.

They say don't judge a book by its cover, but there's no such saying for wine and its label. So maybe you can judge Josh wine. Yes. Josh wine.

Josh. Wine.

Josh Wine, to be clear, is not the name of an Eastern Kentucky University quarterback from the early 2000s. It's also not a comedian's stage name from the '50s. It is an actual brand. And it's been the subject of viral memes for the past couple of days.

It started with a guy on Twitter with the username @OptimusGrind (sick) who wrote, "I’m not gonna keep telling y’all to grow up and leave that Stella & Barefoot alone" (sicker) while posting a photo holding a bottle of Josh wine merlot (sickest).

Tweet may have been deleted

Notice on the bottle that it says Josh Cellars. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the name of a rom-com actor once hopefully and falsely dubbed "the next James Van Der Beek." It's the name of the brand. But among a certain circle of extremely online connoisseurs, it's more commonly referred to as Josh wine. And the jokes have been fantastic.

Initially, some laughed at the name because Josh Cellars or Josh wine is a patently ridiculous name for a brand. It just is. I love it. But it's silly. It's tremendously silly.

There were also folks poking fun at the original poster for talking down to people who buy Barefoot when he's touting Josh Cellars. Because, you know, how good can Josh wine be? For context, that normal-sized bottle of Josh (lmao bottle of Josh) goes for about $15, while a jug of Barefoot will run you $12. @OptimusGrind might've had a point on the quality difference between the respective vinos, but the memes persisted. And to be honest, the jokes were good.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

The Josh wine discourse has been going steady through Friday. Frankly, it's a welcome relief. For one, it's hilarious to post about wanting a glass of that Josh. But the memes are also an artifact of what Twitter once was. The site has become progressively less fun since around 2016 before taking a steep dive into the Elon Musk/X era. What was once a site for dumb jokes and memes — alongside news — become a cesspool for derision, anger, and bad headlines. It has become infrequent we can get together and make dumbass jokes about something silly, like Josh Cellars.

In fact, to that end, it took about a week for the Josh wine meme to catch on because, well, fun, silly things just don't happen that often on X / Twitter anymore.

So you know what? It's Friday. I've had a long week. Somebody give me a strong pour of the Josh. You know what? Get yourself a chalice of that Josh, pull up some memes, and have a laugh on Twitter for once. We've earned it.

Sexting, as Bo Burnham taught us, isn't sex — it's the next best thing.

I personally wouldn't go that far, but sexting can be pretty fun and downright hot if done right. The rub is that the act can also be an awkward minefield. Thoughts may cross your mind, like: Is now a good time to sext? What do I even say?

To answer these questions, we asked the sexperts. As it turns out, sexting (like sex itself) is an opportunity for you to liberate yourself, explore what you want in bed, and get to know your partner better.

SEE ALSO: Can't stop stalking your crush online? It may be limerence. The joy of sext

Sexting can benefit both you and your budding relationship (or hookup, or however you define it).

By sharing your desires and boundaries together, you're forging a deeper connection. Texting feels lower stakes than talking in person, especially if your relationship is new. Thus, it's a great option if you're shy about sex and have difficulty vocalizing what you want, said Casey Tanner, a certified sex therapist and sex expert for toy brand LELO.

Make no mistake, though: Sexting is legitimate communication, even if it's through screens.

Sending saucy messages back and forth can even be a kind of foreplay. It can build suspense and anticipation for when you see each other in-person next, even if that won't be anytime soon.

Consent first, as always

Before anything else, get consent — both about sexting in general and for individual sessions.

Ask yourself if you trust your partner enough to sext, advised Edwina Caito, a head writer at sex/sex toy blog BedBible. Decide if you're comfortable with the activity in the first place.

If yes, Tanner offered more questions to self-reflect: Is your style more flirty, raunchy, or suggestive? Are you OK sending nudes, and if so, what body parts do you want to photograph?

Have conversations about these boundaries before your first roll around in the digital hay. Set ground rules, said Caito, whether they be time-related — such as, don't send nudes before 6 p.m. when someone may be at work — or about what kind of media and messages you will and won't send.

You can even set a boundary for which messaging services you prefer to use to sext. Apps like Snapchat and Signal have features like disappearing chats, and the former sends a notification when the other person screenshots your messages. Alternatively, turn on Instagram's vanish mode for the same features.

As sexuality educator Jamie J. LeClaire wrote for sex wellness shop Unbound's blog, set an expectation for language used in sexts, too. If you're uncomfortable with some words — say ones that describe genitalia — tell your partner, and encourage them to share any words they dislike in turn.

Furthermore, consent at one time doesn't extend to every time. Always make sure it's OK to send through a naughty text or photo before doing it. A tip from Unbound is having a go-to emoji that serves as a way to ask, "Is now a good time for you to receive some smut?"

And never, ever share messages or other media that a partner sent to you (unless they ask you to, that is).

Sexting is a lower-stakes way to express your desires to your partner. Credit: Bob Al-Greene / Mashable Where should I begin?

Tanner said to keep your messages pithy if you're just starting out. "Keeping messages on the shorter side gives you a little more leeway to ease into something new," she said. "You also give yourself more space to reflect in between texts about what feels good and where your boundaries are."

Your first message can be coy while sparking your partner's interest and making them think (about you, or an experience you both had in the past).

A couple examples Caito gave to get things rolling, are:

• "I'm lying in bed and can't stop thinking about you."

• "I can't stop thinking about what we did the other night."

Another option is to ask your partner questions, like:

• "What would you do if you were here right now?"

• "What was your favorite part about the other night?"

These texts are suggestive enough to gauge how your partner feels at the moment and get the conversation going. Feel free to be more direct if that's your style, though. You can let your partner know that, say, you've just gotten out of the shower and haven't put anything on yet. There's also the classic, "What are you wearing?"

Getting hot and heavy in iMessage

Now that you're engaging in textual coitus, where do you go from here?

Be as explicit as you want to be. You don't need to even refer to actual body parts if you don't want to, euphemistically or not. "I'm so wet" has the same impact as literally describing the state of your crotch, for instance.

Caroline Spiegel, founder of audio porn site Quinn, suggests contextualizing your sexy messages by telling your partner how you feel about them, what you want to do with them, and what you believe are their hottest features.

You can ask your partner to share fantasies, but don't feel pressure to reveal everything about your sexuality in one go, said Tanner. Texting your partner that they'll "just have to wait and see" can be just as tantalizing as revealing your desires.

To that end, you don't need to talk about activities you don't want to do. Instead, guide the conversation back to what gets you going, said Caito.

Compliment your partner, said Spiegel, to show you're really paying attention to them. Some examples she said are:

• "I love the way you look at me when you…"

• "I can't stop thinking about that time when you said…"

Another tip of Spiegel's is to use your partner's actual name as opposed to a pet name. "You might be surprised how hot it is to be called by your real name in a spicy context," she said.

Time to get creative

Texts are great, but you can also incorporate different mediums to produce a multimedia sexting experience.

With iMessage and WhatsApp, for instance, you can send sexy voice notes. "I hear all the time from women how they wish their boyfriends or significant others would send audio notes or videos instead of dick pics," said Spiegel.

SEE ALSO: How to have sober sex

Hearing your partner's voice can be encouraging ("such a hot photo"). Cursing can also go a long way.

You can send photos and videos as well, or even take it to FaceTime if texting just isn't enough. And, of course, GIFs and emoji are easy options if words just can't express what you want to get across.

Caito also suggested an app-controlled sex toy your partner can handle if you're long-distance...but it's a toss-up on whether they'll work. As former Mashable reporter Jess Joho found, Bluetooth sex toys may have more connectivity problems than they're worth.

As with physical sex, it may take time to get in a sexting groove with a partner, and that's OK. The more you communicate your desires, whether vocal or over text, the easier it'll get.

Sexting can be a place to explore fantasies and get creative, said Tanner — all from the comfort of your fingertips.

This article was first published in 2021 and republished in 2024.

It looks like X, the app formerly known as Twitter, is slowly but surely morphing into the "everything app" owner Elon Musk wants it to be by taking cues from Venmo and PayPal.

In a Tuesday blog post, the social media site announced it's rolling out a peer-to-peer payment service to "revolutionize 2024," whatever that means. The post doesn't include any information about when or how that might launch, and Musk does have a track record of launching new features and then retracting them.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's 6 dumbest X / Twitter decisions of 2023

That said, X Payments is registered in at least 32 states, according to TechCrunch, and Musk has floated this idea for a while now, hoping to disrupt the banking industry. It's at least something we know Musk could theoretically accomplish though, since he was one of the co-founders of PayPal.

X also announced that it is going to keep using AI to enhance search and improve ads, that it will continue to enhance its See Similar Posts feature, and will eventually launch a See Dissimilar Posts feature that will "empower users to explore content that aligns with their interests or challenges their perspectives based on their past activity."

It also announced that it intends to continue to invest in creators, which is notable considering that influential creators like MrBeast have publicly called out the platform for its poor monetization tools.

This is all in Musk's attempt to turn X into an "everything app." But is that what its users want? After all, X is now worth 71 percent less than what Musk paid for it, and it's going to take more than peer-to-peer payment opportunities to bring people back to the app.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk doesn't understand creators. Twitter's third-party link ban proves it.

Besides being a royal pain in the ass, robotexts can be a means of identifying potential scam targets and getting people to click on dangerous links that infect phones with malware. Here are 5 ways to stop robotexts.

Mashable reporter Matt Binder presents the new Apple Mudra Band at CES 2024. Unlike the brand's previous watches, the wristband lets users control their devices with the wave of a hand.

SPEND $80, GET A $20 AMAZON CREDIT: As of Jan. 12, you can score a $20 Amazon credit when you spend $80 or more on select P&G products like paper towels, laundry detergent, dishwasher pods, and many other essentials.

Opens in a new window Credit: P&G P&G essentials stock up and save deal Spend $80, get a $20 Amazon credit Get Deal

If you've ever been to Target, then you're probably well aware of the phenomenon that is planning on buying only toilet paper and soap, blacking out, arriving at checkout, dropping $100, and wondering "What did I even get?" Don't worry: It's not your fault. Prices of everyday essentials are constantly rising, making it harder to stick to a budget. So, even if you resisted every urge to buy those cute throw pillows or that tempting new eyeshadow palette, you still spend more than intended.

While we can't "fix" this problem, we have some good news for you. As of Jan. 12, you can get a $20 Amazon credit just for buying the things you actually need. Send $80 on P&G products — including paper towels, medicine, feminine care products, baby wipes, and much more — and get $20 in Amazon credit to spend on whatever you want. After your purchase, you'll receive an email with your promotional credit. Be sure to use it before it expires on September 30, 2024.

SEE ALSO: Shop the best winter clearance sales at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

Here are some of the best P&G products to stock up on to reach that $80 threshold and qualify for the Amazon credit:

Bounty Quick-Size paper towels Opens in a new window Credit: P&G Our pick: Bounty Quick-Size Paper Towels $23.20 at Amazon Get Deal

You may not think you need eight family rolls of paper towels, but trust us, they'll come in handy. Whether it's cleaning up spills, wiping down surfaces, or even using them as makeshift napkins, having a stash of Bounty Quick-Size Paper Towels is always a smart move.

Tide PODS laundry detergent Opens in a new window Credit: P&G Our pick: Tide PODS laundry detergent $25.88 at Amazon Get Deal

With 112 Tide PODS, you'll be set for countless loads of laundry. No need to worry about measuring out liquid or powder detergent — toss a Tide POD into the washing machine and let it do its thing.

Cascade Platinum Plus dishwasher pods Opens in a new window Credit: P&G Our pick: Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods $18.94 at Amazon Get Deal

Cascade Platinum Plus dishwasher pods have twice the scrubbing power compared to other cleaning brands. A 40% larger liquid top accommodates larger loads and helps remove even the toughest food stains, leaving your dishes sparkling clean. So go ahead and run that dishwasher every night — you'll save 20 gallons of water compared to handwashing.

SAVE 40%: As of Jan. 12, get the Google Nest WiFi Pro for just $499.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of $80.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Google Nest WiFi Pro $199.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal

When it comes to whole home WiFi coverage, a mesh WiFi system may be the upgrade you need to have the most reliable connection possible. That means smoother streaming so you can watch your favorite shows, attend work calls on Zoom, or just enjoy gaming sessions with less lag, especially if you live in a large home. While it's true some mesh WiFi systems can be pricey, there are some great routers in the space that aren't just affordable, but great all-around picks to get you up and running. Right now, that includes one of Google's best contenders.

As of Jan. 12, you can get the Google Nest WiFi Pro at Amazon for just $119.99, down from $199.99. That's a 40% discount and $80 off the original price. This price currently only applies to the off-white Lemongrass color.

This mesh WiFi 6E-enabled router is a sleek-looking, simple to install device that can provide up to 2,200 square feet of coverage. If that isn't enough, you can buy additional units for larger spaces, up to 6,600 square feet.

It's powered by a dual-core ARM processor with 1GB of RAM and 4GB of flash memory as well, with a max speed of 600Mbps. Plus, the router supports WPA3 encryption, MU-MIMO streaming, and 160MHz data transmission. Simply put, it's up to date with all the modern niceties you'd expect from a mesh router, all in a slick package.

If you're looking to establish a mesh router system or add to the one you have, this is an affordable option that should work for just about anyone. It's always a good idea to have better, smoother-running internet, after all.

Host Josh Burstein takes us through the science news from the week of Jan 8th: The Webb Telescope just saw something weird on Uranus, Scientists say they conversed with a whale. It may be practice for aliens. and This NASA crew has survived Mars for six months — sort of.

Elon Musk lost his claim as having the most powerful space-worthy rocket when NASA blasted its mega rocket to the moon in 2022.

But the SpaceX founder could win back the title with his company's next big project: Starship.

Though the company was unsuccessful during its first two tests in April and November of last year — the skyscraping rocket and spacecraft blasted off only to explode minutes later — SpaceX is confident its Starship will complete an orbital flight soon, breaking records and making history.

UPDATE: Jan. 12, 2024, 10:37 a.m. EST SpaceX will target a February launch for its third test flight of Starship, said Jessica Jensen, the company's vice president of customer operations and integration.

During its next test flight, the colossal booster needs to separate about three minutes after liftoff and drop in the Gulf of Mexico, according to federal filings. The rocket should then fly in space around Earth at an altitude of over 150 miles before splashing down off the Hawaiian coast. The whole journey should last about 1.5 hours.

This is a crucial demonstration of hardware that NASA is depending on to get humans back on the moon in the next few years. And, if successful, it'll mean Musk is one small step closer to realizing his personal dream of building a city on Mars.

The billionaire business magnate has oversold timelines in the past. Here's what we know so far about when SpaceX will try this daunting feat again.

SEE ALSO: Watch the moment Starship’s booster goes boom Tweet may have been deleted What is the SpaceX Starship?

Starship is a super-heavy-lift rocket and spacecraft, built to carry immense cargo and numerous astronauts into deep space.

The 400-foot-tall stainless steel tower looms over NASA's rocket, the Space Launch System. It would take about five billboards stacked on top of the latter to measure up to Musk's space vehicle. SpaceX estimates its rocket also has about twice as much thrust.

The rocket is made of stainless steel, a material Musk is particularly fond of due to its relatively low price. Unlike NASA's mega moon rocket, which flies on super-chilled liquid hydrogen and oxygen, this beast is fueled with 10 million pounds of liquid methane and oxygen. The new fuel can be stored at more manageable temperatures than liquid hydrogen, meaning it doesn't need as much insulation and is less prone to leaks, a problem that often stymies NASA launches.

SpaceX's Starship is made of stainless steel and runs on liquid methane. Credit: SpaceX

Starship is intended to eventually evolve into a fully reusable launch and landing system, designed for trips to the moon, Mars, and other destinations. Its reusability is "the holy grail of space," Musk said at a company event in South Texas in February 2022, because it will make spaceflight more affordable to the average person.

"It's a very hard thing to do," he said. "It's only barely possible with the physics of Earth."

"It's only barely possible with the physics of Earth." NASA tapped SpaceX to develop a human landing system version of Starship. Credit: SpaceX How will NASA use Starship?

NASA plans to use Starship to land astronauts on the moon during Artemis III and IV, two upcoming missions which could come as early as 2026 and 2028, respectively.

The space agency has tapped SpaceX to develop a human landing system version of Starship with a $4 billion contract. As part of the deal, the company will need to demonstrate an uncrewed test flight to the moon beforehand.

During Artemis III, Starship is supposed to transport astronauts from NASA's Orion spacecraft to the lunar south pole and back. It would be the first human moon-landing since 1972. The U.S. space agency also has promised the mission will see a woman and person of color walk on the moon for the first time. In the fourth mission, Starship might dock at a moon-orbiting space station, the yet-to-be-built Gateway, and ferry astronauts back and forth to the moon from there.

NASA announced on Jan. 9 it was pushing back Artemis III at least a year to 2026, in large part because of Starship's lag in progress. For the SpaceX spacecraft to reach the moon, it will need to refuel in low-Earth orbit from a space tanker, something never done before.

NASA's confidence in Starship seems to have waned somewhat over the past year. During an Artemis news conference in August, the space agency's Jim Free, then associate administrator of exploration systems, told reporters NASA may end up changing the Artemis III mission objectives if slips in the schedule keep occurring.

When is Starship's space launch?

SpaceX is targeting February 2024 for its third orbital test flight, said Jessica Jensen, SpaceX's vice president of customer operations and integration.

The company has already tried to fly Starship twice but hasn't completed the space journey yet.

The rocket first launched on April 20, exploding 24 miles above the Gulf of Mexico about four minutes later. The rocket didn't separate from its colossal booster and flipped as it fell in the air back toward Earth. SpaceX had said the self-destruct system was commanded for both the booster and ship after several of the engines didn’t fire. Some debris plummeted into the ocean after the rocket exploded on its descent.

In a more extensive statement released months later, SpaceX said the aft end of the booster caught fire from leaking fuel, which severed connection to the primary flight computer.

"This led to a loss of communications to the majority of booster engines and, ultimately, control of the vehicle," according to the statement. "SpaceX has since implemented leak mitigations and improved testing on both engine and booster hardware."

SpaceX's Starship didn't make it to orbit during its first attempt to fly in space on April 20, 2023. It appeared to explode on its descent about four minutes after liftoff. Credit: SpaceX

Additionally, the company said it increased the rocket's fire suppression system, reinforced the launchpad, and installed a flame deflector to address damage caused by the launch.

SpaceX also provided further insight into the explosion. Though the vehicle was ordered to self destruct, there was "an unexpected delay" in activation, meaning aerodynamic pressure ultimately caused Starship to break apart, not the explosives —a possible cause reported by Mashable. SpaceX officials said they've since made improvements to the self-destruct system.

The seven-month delay between the first launch attempt and the second one was due to the company's need for the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a new launch license. The agency had opened a mishap investigation following the failed April test. It asked SpaceX to satisfy 63 corrective actions before doing so. After consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the potential environmental impact, the FAA granted the license.

During the second flight test on Nov. 18, Starship exploded about eight minutes into the flight, after successfully demonstrating a new method of separating the booster from the spacecraft in the air, known as "hot-staging." The procedure should increase Starship's lift capacity and help prevent gravity from slowing down the spacecraft. SpaceX hasn't elaborated yet on what triggered the automated flight termination system.

Where will Starship launch?

Perhaps surprisingly, Starship won't lift off from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where most space fans are accustomed to watching historically significant launches.

Instead, it will take off from Boca Chica, Texas, at SpaceX's own spaceport, known as Starbase. Eventually, the company will launch the rocket from a site under construction in the outer perimeter of the famous Florida pad that shot Apollo 11 to the moon.

"Their plan is that they're going to do a few test flights there" in South Texas, NASA administrator Bill Nelson said. "Once they have the confidence, they will bring the missions to the Cape."

Tweet may have been deleted How can I watch the Starship launch?

If you're not on the list to get onto SpaceX's private Starbase but you're in the South Texas area, you could try viewing future flight tests from a public beach on South Padre Island, such as Isla Blanca Park. Locals are known to host watch parties.

For viewers at home, SpaceX will start a live broadcast of the launch countdown about a half-hour before liftoff. The livestream feed will be available on SpaceX's website, and live updates will be posted on X, the social platform owned by Musk.

You can watch Starship's second test flight below:

How likely is Starship to succeed?

Well, SpaceX already struck out on the first and second flight attempt, and that wasn't entirely unexpected.

"We cleared the (launch) tower, which honestly, was our only hope," said Kate Tice, a quality systems engineering manager for the company, during the first flight's live launch broadcast.

SpaceX has launched partial prototypes of Starship to practice landing, and several exploded or crashed in the process. One succeeded in returning unscathed, however, in May 2021, after flying about six miles up in the sky.

Musk, who doesn't parse words when it comes to the realities of spaceflight, once said Starship's test in space wasn't likely to succeed on the first try.

"There's a lot of risk associated with this first launch, so I would not say that it is likely to be successful."

"There's a lot of risk associated with this first launch, so I would not say that it is likely to be successful," he said during a video conference with a National Academies panel in 2021. "But I think we will make a lot of progress."

Administrator Nelson congratulated SpaceX on the bold effort, stating that great achievements through history have demanded "some level of calculated risk."

Tweet may have been deleted What is SpaceX's plan for Mars?

The SpaceX founder's ultimate vision is to use a fleet of Starships to send 1 million humans to Mars by 2050.

To be clear, Musk doesn't just want to establish a place for people to visit but a self-sustaining city. He imagines that, with a bit of warming, humans could restore a thick atmosphere and oceans on Mars, making it a more hospitable environment, even able to grow crops.

"There's a fundamental juncture in the history of really any civilization on a single planet, which is, do you get to the second planet, or do you not?" Musk told the National Academies in 2021. "I propose we do, and I think we should as soon as possible."

SpaceX test fired a Starship prototype spacecraft on the ground in December. Credit: SpaceX "There's a fundamental juncture in the history of really any civilization on a single planet, which is, do you get to the second planet, or do you not?"

The spacecraft would be spacious enough for 100 passengers, along with their luggage, plus the materials to build homes, businesses, rocket fuel stations, and iron foundries.

The journey getting there would be long, Musk said, but the Starship would have entertainment, such as zero-gravity games, movies, lectures, and a restaurant.

"It can't feel cramped or boring," he said at the International Astronautical Congress in 2016, in Guadalajara, Mexico. "It'll be really fun to go. You'll have a great time."

Note: A version of this article was originally published Feb. 4, 2023. It has been updated to reflect progress in Starship's launch campaign.

Whether you're preparing for international travel or simply don't want to be committed to a specific carrier or contract, an unlocked smartphone gives you more flexibility than going the traditional route. With today's sale on unlocked Google Pixel phones at Amazon, you also get the added benefit of saving money.

Here are the best Google Pixel unlocked phone deals as of Jan 12: Best overall deal Google Pixel 8 Pro unlocked phone $799 (save $200) Get Deal Best everyday pick Google Pixel 8 unlocked phone $549 (save $150) Get Deal Best budget-friendly buy Google Pixel 7a unlocked phone $399 (save $100) Get Deal

As of today, Jan. 12, unlocked Google Pixel smartphones are on sale for up to 21% off. Whether you're shopping for a deal on the latest model to take advantage of sophisticated features or you're shopping on a tight budget, today's deals include options at a variety of price points.

Best overall Google Pixel deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Pixel Our pick: Google Pixel 8 Pro unlocked phone $799 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Why we like it

Google Pixel phones are known for their unparalleled cameras, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro is the latest model packed with the most advanced features. While the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Google Pixel 8 aren't different enough to warrant the need for an upgrade if you already own the 8, the Pro is an excellent choice for those who are just making the switch over to Google Pixel phones. It's fast, powerful, and has a host of AI features to explore.

While the unlocked Google Pixel 8 Pro usually lists for $999, it's back to its lowest-ever price at Amazon. We previously saw this same price drop over Black Friday and the December holiday season. It's a good idea to act on this deal before the price goes back up again.

Best everyday Google Pixel deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Pixel Our pick: Google Pixel 8 unlocked phone $549 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Why we like it

As Mashable reviewer Alex Perry noted in his review of the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Google Pixel 8, the Pro doesn't outshine its predecessor by too much. Therefore, if you're keen on spending a little less, the Google Pixel 8 is an excellent value buy. It has up to 8-times zoom compared to the Pro's 30-times, but it still matches the Pro's Best Take technology and Macro focus, two features that the previous generation was missing. Today, the unlocked Google Pixel 8 is on sale for 21% off, taking the price down from $699 to $549. Like the Pro, this model is at its lowest price on record, matching what we saw for the holidays.

Best budget-friendly Google Pixel deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Pixel Our pick: Google Pixel 7a unlocked phone $399 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Why we like it

While the Google Pixel 7a's camera isn't the same caliber as the Pixel 8's, the unlocked Google Pixel 7a does have an ace up its sleeve: a price point of under $400. While we've seen this model hit a slightly lower price of $379 before, today's limited-time deal is hard to compete with, especially when taking features like 24-hour battery life, 128GB of storage, and enhanced security into consideration. When you score today's deal, you get a budget price without stooping down to budget quality.

UP TO 33% OFF: Don't get caught in the cold! As of Jan. 12, you can score up to 33% off space heaters at Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers.

Our top picks: Best portable space heater BLACK+DECKER Portable Space Heater $19.99 at Amazon (save $10) Get Deal Best space heater for large rooms Honeywell Slim Ceramic Tower Heater $52.79 at Amazon (save $13.20) Get Deal Best propane space heater Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable 18,000 BTU Propane Heater $124 at Walmart (save $15.99) Get Deal

If you haven't turned on the news in a while, you may want to flip it on to check the weather forecast. An intense blast of cold weather that the experts call a "bomb cyclone" is set to hit the US this weekend and early next week.

This is a nationwide hit, with just about every state across the lower 48 experiencing some weather warning or advisory. It's the first arctic outbreak of the winter, and temperatures are expected to drop significantly below normal into what they call "dangerously cold" levels.

Before it sets in, it's important to take precautions and ensure you have a reliable heat source and an emergency plan in place. One cost-effective solution to stay warm during this wintery blast is to invest in a space heater, and right now, a ton of them are on sale at multiple retailers.

Here are some of the best deals on space heaters to help you stay warm without breaking the bank:

Best portable space heater Opens in a new window Credit: BLACK+DECKER Our pick: BLACK+DECKER Portable Space Heater $19.99 at Amazon (save $10) Get Deal Why we like it

The BLACK+DECKER Portable Space Heater is a budget-friendly option that heats small to medium-sized rooms. It has adjustable thermostat settings (low heat at 750 watts, high heat at 1500 watts, or fan), safety features like overheat protection, and a compact design for easy storage and portability. (Take it from room to room as you need it!) It also has a six-foot power cord, so you can plug it in without an extension cord.

Like all BLACK+DECKER products, this little heater comes with a one-year warranty.

More deals on portable space heaters:

• BLACK+DECKER Indoor Space Heater — $24.39 $44.99 (save $20.60)

• Lasko MyHeat Personal Electric Portable Space Heater — $24.99 $29.99 (save $5)

• Honeywell UberHeat 5 — $34.49 $39.99 (save $5.50)

• Honeywell HHF360V — $34.88 $42.99 (save $8.11)

Best space heater for large rooms Opens in a new window Credit: Honeywell Our pick: Honeywell Slim Ceramic Tower Heater $52.79 at Amazon (save $13.20) Get Deal Why we like it

If you need to heat a larger space, the Honeywell Slim Ceramic Tower Heater is a solid choice. It features a 360-degree tip-over switch for safety, two heat settings (1500 and 750 watts), and a programmable thermostat. Reviewers also say that the oscillation feature helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the room. Plus, its slim design makes it easy to fit into tight spaces.

More deals on tower heaters:

• BLACK+DECKER Oscillating Space Heater — $35.14 $44.99 (save $9.85)

• Lasko 1500-Watt Full-Circle Warmth Ceramic Tower Space Heater — $89.99 $99.99 (save $10)

• Lasko 1500-Watt Bladeless Ceramic Tower Space Heater — $99.99 $109.99 (save $10)

• Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP07 — $599.99 $749.99 (save $150)

Best propane space heater Opens in a new window Credit: Mr. Heater Our pick: Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable 18,000 BTU Propane Heater $124 at Walmart (save $15.99) Get Deal Why we like it

The Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable 18,000 BTU Propane Heater is an excellent option for those seeking a reliable heat source during power outages or in outdoor settings (it's ideal for heating the garage or camping trips). It has an impressive heat output of 18,000 BTUs and can heat up to 450 square feet.

Its safety features include an auto shut-off, tip-over protection, and a low oxygen shut-off system.

One of the best TVs of CES 2024 is certainly the LG transparent OLED T. It's hard to beat a 77-inch TV that you can literally see through! However, there are other TVs showcased at CES 2024 that deserve a pat on the back, too.

SEE ALSO: The best of CES 2024 The best TVs of CES 20241. The Canvas TV Canvas TV from Hisense Credit: Hisense

This TV is designed to double as a wall painting, sitting flush against your wall. This TV that blends tech and art is from Hisense, and features customizable wood-finish bezels for the frame. It can display curated art while you're not using it, but when you're ready to use it for home entertainment, it can run your favorite programs, too.

2. Rolling Screen Laser TV 4K

Also from Hisense, the Georgia-based company showcased a laser rolling TV that features 4K resolution.

Laser rolling TV Credit: Hisense

You can roll it up to watch it in all of its big-screen glory, but when you're ready to hide it, you can roll it back down.

3. The world's largest QD-Mini LED TV

With a whopping 115-inches of screen real estate, TCL claims that this QD miniLED TV has a peak brightness of 5,000 nits and 20,000 dimming zones for top-of-the-line color accuracy and lighting control.

Mashable's Matt Binder standing in front of the world's largest QD-miniLED TV. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The TV also delivers better, shaper images than all of its predecessors, TCL claims, and taps into AI for advanced upscaling and color reproduction. Plus, this TCL TV is equipped with a beastly Dolby Atmos speaker system as well, so this TV should sound as good as it looks.

Mashable entertainment reporter Belen Edwards speaks to writer Tina Fey and Mean Girls cast Reneé Rapp, Angourie Rice, Auli'i Cravalho, Jaquel Spivey, Avantika, Bebe Wood, and Christopher Briney about borrowing from the original movie, singing numbers from the Broadway musical, and making new out of the well-known.

Mean Girls (2024) is now out in cinemas.