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Never take notes again with this AI voice recorder, now 32% off

Mashable - 4 hours 43 min ago

TL;DR: This voice-to-text recorder uses AI to transcribe and summarize meetings and lectures, and it's now 32% off with free shipping at the Mashable Shop.

Taking notes in a fast-paced meeting or class lecture is tough — and annoying. You try your hardest to stay engaged, but you’re stuck writing everything down, hoping nothing important slips by. By the end, all you have are scribbled notes.

Instead, let this AI audio recorder capture every single word, instantly taking your notes for you and summarizing all the key points. Save 32% on this time-saver and pay just $99.99 with free shipping.

It could change the way you work or study

How is this smart voice recorder any different than just taking videos of meetings or classes on your phone? Here’s exactly why:

  • It only records when it detects sound to save memory and battery

  • AI enhances voice clarity while minimizing background noise

  • OpenAI’s Whisper transcribes voices into text with 98% accuracy, including timestamps

  • AI automatically summarizes conversations 

  • If you’re in a language course or international business meeting, you can also get AI translations in over 120 languages

Sure, you could record that hour-long lecture on your phone, upload it to ChatGPT, and see if you get a decent transcript to summarize. Or, you could just hit record on this gadget and have it all done automatically.

Listen to your recordings and view the transcripts and summaries on the iOS and Android app. You’ll also be able to easily share files with anyone, if you’re feeling generous. 

Take one of these meeting and lecture recording tools home for $99.99 with free shipping (reg. $149) before they’re sold out.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Focais Focais: Meet One - Voice-Activated AI-Powered Recorder $99.99
$149.00 Save $49.01 Get Deal

This travel VPN and router might just make you ditch your old VPN in 2025

Mashable - 4 hours 43 min ago

Save 22% at the Mashable Shop: Instead of paying monthly for digital VPN services, pay once and keep this portable VPN router for life for $169 with free shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Network Deeper Connect Air Portable VPN Travel Router $169.00
$219.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

A VPN is a smart investment, but it gets exhausting to pay a monthly fee for a VPN that feels impossible to connect to. A bad VPN could even slow you down as you're browsing and streaming. Want a subscription-free alternative? Switch over to this travel VPN router, currently on sale for Mashable readers.

Meet the Deeper Connect Air, a portable VPN router that's yours for life. You'll never have to pay a recurring fee for protection again once you pay the one-time fee of $169 (reg. $219). It even comes with free shipping.

How a VPN router works

Connecting your devices to this VPN router is as simple as connecting your devices to Wi-Fi. Just plug it into your USB-C port and connect to your preferred network. You'll be able to pair it with up to five different devices.

Once you're set up, you can connect your smart TV to international networks, unblock your favorite shows and movies while streaming on your laptop, and even block annoying ads on your smartphone. You might even notice faster load speeds, as the Deeper Connect's servers go up to 300Mbps.

You might especially appreciate this VPN router if you're browsing on your laptop on public Wi-Fi. To shield your device and data from bad actors, join one of this router's many servers.

With this VPN router, your data is protected with military-grade encryption. Speaking of security, this device ensures your network is completely decentralized. Unlike digital VPNs that use centralized private networks, a decentralized private network enhances security and boosts your device's performance since there isn't one single point of failure.

Leave your VPN subscription behind in 2025. Get the Deeper Connect Air Portable VPN Travel Router for $169 (reg. $219) with free shipping while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Get a lifetime pass to every Babbel language course at a special price

Mashable - 4 hours 43 min ago

TL;DR: Learn 14 languages at your own pace with Babbel’s lifetime subscription, now just $149.99 (reg. $599) with code LEARN20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $149.99
$599.00 Save $449.01 Use code 'LEARN20' Get Deal

Learning a new language shouldn’t feel like cramming for finals. With Babbel’s lifetime subscription, you can kiss the pressure goodbye and embrace a more relaxed, effective way to expand your horizons. Whether you're prepping for a trip to Paris, aiming to spice up your resumé, or simply want to understand what your favorite K-drama is saying without subtitles, Babbel can help.

This isn’t just another language app — it’s your passport to fluency in up to 14 languages, including Spanish, French, German, and even Turkish. Lessons are bite-sized (10 to 15 minutes), practical, and built to fit into your busy life.

Babbel also stands out for its personalized review sessions, which help your lessons truly stick. These sessions use spaced repetition techniques to reinforce vocabulary and grammar at just the right intervals, helping you retain your new knowledge.

What makes Babbel even more remarkable is that it was developed by a team of over 100 expert linguists. These language professionals crafted lessons specifically designed to get users to speak and understand languages quickly.

Babbel's practical approach to language learning makes it easy to master real-life skills like ordering food or navigating public transport. This language learning app makes studying feel less textbook-y and more like actual life skills.

Plus, Babbel syncs seamlessly across devices, from your phone to your desktop, and even works offline. Whether you’re stuck in a subway tunnel or lounging at home, you can keep learning. Speech recognition technology ensures you’re not just mumbling through vocabulary but pronouncing the words like a local.

So instead of spending your time doom-scrolling on TikTok, why not learn how to order sushi in Japanese instead?

Be sure to use the discount code LEARN20 at checkout to save even more on the price for a lifetime subscription to Babbel's languages. Through Feb. 2 at the Mashable Shop, pay just $149.99 — a 75% discount.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The 100-inch Hisense U76 Series 4K QLED TV for under $2,000? This is the stunning upgrade you desperately need.

Mashable - 5 hours 1 min ago

SAVE $1,100: As of Jan. 27, the Hisense 100-inch U76 Series 4K QLED Smart TV is available at Best Buy for $1,899. That’s $1,100 off its original price of $2,999.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 100-inch U76 Series 4K QLED Smart TV $1,899.99 at Best Buy
$2,999.99 Save $1,100.00 Get Deal

If you're craving a living room upgrade that'll make your neighbors jealous, look no further than the Hisense 100-inch U76 Series 4K QLED Smart TV. This massive screen isn't just a TV available at Best Buy for $1,899 (a hefty $1,100 off). It's a cinematic experience waiting to happen.

With Hisense's ULED technology, you get deep contrast, vibrant color accuracy, and picture-perfect motion for everything from your favorite movies to edge-of-your-seat sports action. Everything feels larger than life at this size, but don't let the screen size intimidate you — the bezel-less design keeps it sleek and sophisticated, blending into your space without overpowering the room.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

The tech packed into this TV is impressive. Full Array Local Dimming dynamically adjusts the LED backlight zones for precision contrast to give you richer blacks and brighter highlights. Quantum Dot Color Technology delivers over a billion colors, making every sunset and explosion on-screen pop like never before. If you're a fan of Dolby tech, this TV has you covered. With Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound, you'll experience jaw-dropping visuals and immersive audio that'll make you feel like you're in the middle of the action.

For gamers, this is where it gets even better. Hisense's Game Mode Pro optimizes settings for smooth, lag-free gameplay. Including VRR, FreeSync Premium, and a lightning-fast 120Hz native refresh rate ensures your gaming experience is responsive and blur-free, whether exploring vast open worlds or battling it out in competitive matches. Even more exciting, this TV supports Dolby Vision Gaming, taking your console setup to the next level with 4K visuals and next-level clarity.

Streaming is a breeze thanks to the built-in Google TV. With access to all your favourite streaming services and apps, plus Google Assistant integration, you can search, switch inputs, or launch content with just your voice. Suppose the remote vanishes into the couch; no worries. You can activate the handy Find My Remote feature on the TV's buttons.

At just $1,899, the Hisense U76 is an absolute steal, especially considering it comes with a two-year warranty for extra peace of mind. This TV is future-proof with features like WiFi 6E compatibility and Bluetooth audio support. If you've ever dreamed of bringing the cinema home, this deal is the perfect excuse to go big. Literally.

The 42mm Apple Watch Series 10 is $70 off — perfect for your wrist and your wallet

Mashable - 5 hours 5 min ago

SAVE $70: As of Jan. 27, the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) is on sale for $329 at Best Buy. That’s $70 off its regular price of $399.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $329.00 at Best Buy
$399.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

It’s time to ditch that outdated fitness tracker because the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) is on sale for just $329 at Best Buy. This deal shaves $70 off the regular price, making it a brilliant upgrade without blowing your budget. This is the slimmer, sleeker Series 10, and the 42mm size strikes the perfect balance between comfort and functionality. It’s big enough to see all your notifications but won’t look like a spaceship strapped to your wrist.

So, what makes this watch worth it? You get 30% more screen space than earlier models, so checking messages, closing your rings, or navigating with Siri feels more effortless than ever. And speaking of effortless, its fast-charging capability gets you to 80% battery in just half an hour. That means no more awkward waiting around before your next workout (or sneaking a midday charge at your desk).

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

If you’re into fitness, the Series 10 has all the tools to keep you on track. From customizable Activity Rings to advanced workout metrics, it’s got everything to measure your progress. It even handles swimming like a pro, thanks to water resistance up to 50 meters. Plus, there’s the bonus of three months of Apple Fitness+ to kickstart your goals, whether it’s yoga, HIIT, or just dancing like nobody’s watching.

Let’s talk about safety for a second. With Fall Detection and Crash Detection, this watch isn’t just there to tell you the time; it’s got your back. If anything goes wrong, it’ll notify emergency services or your chosen contact, giving you peace of mind wherever you are. Throw in health tracking with ECG readings, sleep apnea alerts, and menstrual monitoring, and you’ve got a device that’s as much about wellness as it is about convenience.

At $329, the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) is one of the best deals around. It’s stylish, practical, and packed with features you’ll actually use. Go grab it before the price ticks back up!

$70 off the Apple Watch Series 10 is a no-brainer

Mashable - 5 hours 11 min ago

SAVE $70: As of Jan. 27, the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) is on sale for $359 at Best Buy. That’s $70 off its regular price of $429.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) $359.00 at Best Buy
$429.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Listen, if you’re still rocking an old Apple Watch or wondering what smartwatch to get, now’s the time to sort yourself out. The Apple Watch Series 10 is down to $359 at Best Buy, a tidy $70 saving off its usual $429 list price. What’s so special about it? Let me explain why this watch has earned a spot on so many wrists (and why you’ll want it on yours, too).

First, the screen is massive (30% bigger, to be exact), so no more squinting to check your texts or track your workout. It’s also slimmer and lighter, making it ridiculously comfy to wear all day, hit the gym, swim, or doss around without rubbing your wrist. Oh, and it charges ridiculously fast. You’ll hit 80% in about 30 minutes, so even if you forget to juice it overnight, you’re sorted by the time you’ve made coffee.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

The health stuff? Next level. You can whip out an ECG anytime, track your sleep down to your respiratory rate, and even get a nudge if it thinks you might have sleep apnea. The Workout app now tracks training loads for fitness fans, helping you push harder without overdoing it. And if you’re into diving or swimming, this thing handles depth and water temps like a pro. They’re even throwing in three months of Fitness+, so you have no excuse not to get moving.

And here’s the cherry on top: safety features that actually make a difference. The watch has Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and an Emergency SOS button. It’ll automatically alert loved ones if you’re in trouble. You can get directions to your iPhone when you lose it for the 10th time this week. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

At $359, you’re getting a smartwatch that’s more than just a fancy gadget. Your health coach, safety net, and personal assistant are all rolled into one. Grab this deal now, and thank me later.

Price drop: Babbel is now just £104 for life with our unbeatable discount code

Mashable - 9 hours 43 min ago

TL;DR: Through 2 February, you can save 78% on a Babbel lifetime subscription with our unbeatable discount code. Pay just £104.12 (reg. £479.79) for life when you use the code BABBEL40 at checkout.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) £104.12 at the Mashable Shop
£479.79 Save £375.67 Use code 'BABBEL40' Get Deal

Now that 2025 is here, it’s time to get cracking on your goals. If you’ve always wanted to learn a new language, then 2025 is the year to finally do it — especially if you plan to travel or make a career change.

Babbel makes language learning easy with linguist-designed courses accessible online and offline. And for a limited time at the Mashable Shop, you can unlock lifetime access for only £104.12.

Here’s how Babbel can help:

  • Explore 14 popular languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, and more, all within a single subscription.

  • Babbel's short lessons fit seamlessly into your days, making it easy to stay motivated, even when you’re busy.

  • Babbel prioritises practical conversational skills, helping you communicate with native speakers in real-life situations — at home or abroad.

  • Babbel adapts to your individual needs and skill level with personalised review sessions.

  • Download lessons in advance and continue learning even without an internet connection; great for travel or commutes.

This limited-time sale on Babbel ends 2 February at 11:59 p.m. PT. So, get a shift on and unlock access for life with a one-time payment of £104.12 (reg. £479.79).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

How to watch Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues online for free

Mashable - 9 hours 43 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

You can livestream NHL games for free on Prime Video, including the matchup between the Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues.

The Canucks are sitting in the middle of the Pacific Division. The Blues are also having an average season in the Central Division. Based on their records, it's safe to say that this could be a close game.

If you want to watch Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues for free from anywhere in the world, here is everything you need to know.

When is Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues?

Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 27. This fixture will be played at the Enterprise Center in Saint Louis.

How to watch Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues for free

Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues is available to live stream on Prime Video in Canada, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this game. Fans in Canada can watch Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues (plus more Monday Night Hockey fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the NHL for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

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

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

  4. Open up the app and connect to a server in Canada

  5. Watch Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the NHL without actually spending anything. This is obviously only a short-term solution, but this gives you enough time to watch select NHL fixtures before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for the NHL?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. This deal includes a bonus of three months of coverage, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 27, 2025

Mashable - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 22:00

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

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

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

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

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 27 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Tiny portions of food

  • Green: Natural layers that shield living organisms

  • Blue: Forms the name of a cooking oil

  • Purple: Classic Stanley Kubrick horror movie

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: Small Amount of Food to Try

  • Green: Protective Coverings in Nature

  • Blue: "Extra Virgin Olive Oil"

  • Purple: Seen in "The Shining"

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #596 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Small Amount of Food to Try: BITE, MOUTHFUL, SAMPLE, TASTE

  • Protective Coverings in Nature: BARK, SCALES, SHELL, SKIN

  • "Extra Virgin Olive Oil": EXTRA, OIL, OLIVE, VIRGIN

  • Seen in "The Shining": AXE, HEDGE MAZE, TWINS, TYPEWRITER

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 27

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

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

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 27, 2025

Mashable - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 22:00

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 today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for January 27 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 27, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Divert or shift.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

SHUNT.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 27

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

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

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

NYT Strands hints, answers for January 27

Mashable - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 22:00

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 27 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 27 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Viva Las Vegas

These words are popular in casinos.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are games you'd find in Vegas.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Gambling.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for January 27
  • Poker

  • Slots

  • Blackjack

  • Craps

  • Roulette

  • Baccarat

  • Gambling

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Trumps foreign aid freeze halts funding for digital diplomacy bureau

Mashable - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 15:27

Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that effectively put a freeze on most foreign aid.

One lesser-known effect of this 90-day freeze? Funding has been halted for the State Department's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP), a fairly new bureau that utilizes diplomacy to create technological partnerships and tackle emerging cyber threats.

SEE ALSO: Will Oracle take over TikTok? Trump says he'll make a decision in 30 days

According to a new report by The Record, the freeze on foreign aid has effectively brought the bureau, which has tens of millions of dollars in funding, to a "standstill."

The report notes some of the projects that the CDP has worked on such as deploying a "cyber incident response team" in Costa Rica, training with the Vietnamese government on nefarious cyber activity from North Korea, and landing a subsea telecommunications cable in Tuvalu.

In addition to the halt in funding, the U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace & Digital Policy Nate Fick left his position on Monday. Fick was the first cyber ambassador in the U.S.

Congress created the CDP in 2022 for the U.S. to build diplomatic relations around the world with a focus on cyber threats and working together on new technologies. Its more than $90 million in funds comes from the bureau's baseline budget, the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, and its Digital Connectivity and Related Technologies Fund.

The CDP's last post on its X account was a retweet of the State Department's official account welcoming Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the position. The CDP account has not published a post of its own since January 17, before Trump's inauguration. 

Timothée Chalamet stars in unhinged Grandmas Birthday SNL sketch

Mashable - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 11:23

There was a time when I was a more innocent person until a group of Saturday Night Live writers decided to ruin my morning.

SEE ALSO: 'SNL': What if Timothée Chalamet was a dumb dog that did human things?

The sketch reads like a logline straight out of Hell: "Hot twink BF farts on grandma to bring her back to life." That’s the premise of this wildly absurd bit, starring host and musical guest Timothée Chalamet as the aforementioned "hot twink BF."

It was five minutes of pure madness I’ll never get back, but watching Kenan Thompson’s character flat-out refuse Chalamet’s unorthodox "help" during his own heart attack was comedy gold. "Just puppet me around like Weekend at Bernie’s until he’s out of here."

Unhinged. Iconic. Horrifying. There’s nothing else to say.

SNL: What if Timothée Chalamet was a dumb dog that did human things?

Mashable - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 10:56

The premise of this Saturday Night Live sketch, with Timothée Chalamet pulling double duty as host and musical guest, is simple: "What if a pack of dumb little dogs talked and acted like humans?"

SEE ALSO: Timothée Chalamet jokes about Dune popcorn bucket, constantly losing at award shows in SNL open

Let’s be real — not every SNL sketch can be a home run. But at least this one had the cast fully committing to the absurdity.

From random moments of staring into space to full-on tongue kissing and some, uh, enthusiastic humping, it’s clear the cast had a blast both writing and performing this. And honestly? Sometimes that's all that matters.

Timothée Chalamet jokes about Dune popcorn bucket, constantly losing at award shows in SNL open

Mashable - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 10:24

Timothée Chalamet was the guest host for the first Saturday Night Live since Donald Trump was inaugurated as president (again). Chalamet was also the first musical guest as well. 

While Chalamet didn't mention Trump, being both host and musical guest was something he made sure to joke about in his opening monologue on this weekend's Saturday Night Live.

SEE ALSO: 'SNL': AI Timothée Chalamet can't hurt you

Chalamet hosted SNL for the third time, but as he pointed out, it was the first with his much-talked-about facial hair or lack thereof. He also brought up his role as Willy Wonka and his most recent work in A Complete Unknown as Bob Dylan.

Chalamet also poked fun at how many times he's been nominated for Academy Awards – and how he's lost each time. Clips played of his expressions at previous Oscars ceremonies as they announced the winners.

"Just another lonely night with my Dune popcorn bucket," Chalamet joked before asking the SNL crowd to allow him to give the speech he'd like to give if he did win an Academy Award.

Chalamet tried to set the mood by having an audience member announce a "winner." However, even in this fictitious scenario, Chalamet lost to SNL cast member Kenan Thompson.

SNL: AI Timothée Chalamet cant hurt you

Mashable - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 10:16

In this Saturday Night Live sketch, host Timothée Chalamet and cast member Bowen Yang play AI-generated podcast hosts designed to make school more engaging for kids. The only problem? The AI hosts are hilariously dysfunctional.

SEE ALSO: 'SNL' barista Timothée Chalamet is funnier than you

Their "educational" facts are completely off the mark, and their dynamic feels more like gossipy brunch besties than professional co-hosts. As the skit continues, the AI duo spirals into an existential crisis, questioning their own purpose.

On top of the absurdity, Chalamet breaks character a few times, adding to the hilarity.

SNL barista Timothée Chalamet is funnier than you

Mashable - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 09:52

If there’s one thing to know about Timothée Chalamet hosting Saturday Night Live, it’s that the Dune star always commits to the bit — no matter how bizarre.

SEE ALSO: Timothée Chalamet is a bungee instructor in this 'SNL' skit

Take this sketch, for example. Chalamet plays a shy new barista-in-training tasked with brainstorming coffee puns for the shop’s chalkboard. While his coworkers toss out solid, punny ideas, Chalamet veers completely off-script, launching into a Chris Rock-style impromptu standup routine that has nothing to do with coffee.

And because subtlety isn’t his style here, his routine is paired with full-on musical cues and dance breaks, leaving his increasingly baffled managers (Mikey Day and Heidi Gardner) wondering how they got here.

With moments like this, it’s only a matter of time before Chalamet’s rocking a Five-Timers Club jacket.

Will Oracle take over TikTok? Trump says hell make a decision in 30 days

Mashable - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 09:51

TikTok has less than 75 days before facing another ban after President Donald Trump signed an executive order granting the viral video app an extension to find a buyer.

With the clock ticking, the Trump administration is facilitating talks between potential U.S. buyers and TikTok's China-based parent company, ByteDance.

According to a new report from NPR, the current deal in the works features the business-oriented software company Oracle taking over and overseeing "the app’s algorithm, data collection and software updates." Other U.S. investors, such as Microsoft, are also involved in the acquisition process, according to a source close to the discussions.

However, ByteDance wouldn't be completely out of the picture. The current deal in the works would allow the company to hold a minority stake in TikTok.

President Trump has since denied the report, saying that "numerous people are talking to me, very substantial people, about buying it" and that he will make his decision within the next 30 days.

Obviously, things could change at this point, but Trump has previously shared his preferences for an Oracle takeover of TikTok.

Time is ticking for TikTok

The latest TikTok deal talks come just one week after TikTok went dark after being removed from Apple and Google's mobile app stores. The removal came in response to a law, passed by a bipartisan Congress and signed into law by then-president Joe Biden, requiring that TikTok cut ties with its China-based owner over national security concerns pertaining to China's government.

Trump, who previously spearheaded the original plan for the U.S. government to ban TikTok, had a sudden change of heart this time around. Citing his own usage of the platform in his successful 2024 election campaign, Trump vowed to make a deal to "save" TikTok. Shortly after his inauguration, Trump signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension.

With a nod to Trump, TikTok has since restored its service for U.S. users. However, Apple and Google have yet to restore the app on app stores due to potential fines they can receive as a result of the TikTok ban law. TikTok cannot push updates or fixes for the app to U.S. users as a result of the removal. Users who want to reinstall the TikTok app or install it on a new device are currently unable to do so.

Oracle's TikTok?

Oracle is no stranger to these TikTok takeover talks.

The software company was originally floated as the lead buyer for TikTok during Trump's last presidency when he required that ByteDance sell off the app. While an acquisition deal never went through, a result of the talks saw Oracle partnering with TikTok to provide cloud services for its U.S. data. 

In fact, TikTok has become such a major customer of Oracle's, that the latter said a ban on the former would hurt its business. Other U.S. investors are also involved in the TikTok takeover talks.

Microsoft, which was one of the leading interested parties alongside Oracle last time around, is said to be one of those companies.  One major party that was involved in talks last time around that is missing from this round of discussions is Walmart. The big box retailer is said to be sitting out of this one due to TikTok's estimated asking price.

While these talks can change, it does appear that Oracle is at least President Trump's preference for taking over TikTok. A few days ago, Trump was asked by a reporter if he was open to Elon Musk buying TikTok.

While Trump said he was fine with that arrangement, he offered up his own suggestion for a buyer.

“I’d like Larry to buy it, too," Trump said, referring to Oracle's billionaire founder Larry Ellison.

It looks like we'll know more about TikTok's future sometime in the next 30 days.

Timothée Chalamet is a bungee instructor in this SNL skit

Mashable - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 09:31

Who knew Timothée Chalamet could pull off Douchebag Bungee Instructor Energy? Apparently, the answer is Saturday Night Live.

In his latest hosting gig, Chalamet dives into chaotic comedy as a hilariously smug bungee class instructor, and yes, it’s every bit as absurd as it sounds. The sketch feels like one of those “let the cast cook” situations, with the vibes teetering between unhinged and weirdly relatable.

Chalamet’s character radiates douchey workout bro energy, immediately throwing shade at a member (played by Heidi Gardner) who dared to bring her boyfriend (Michael Longfellow) to class. What follows is a petty, ego-fueled showdown disguised as fitness instruction.

It’s chaotic, it’s messy, and somehow, it’s perfect.

Elon Musk, Video Game King? Well, Maybe Not.

NYT Technology - Sun, 01/26/2025 - 05:01
Gaming is a big part of the billionaire’s public persona. But other players are questioning whether he has the time or the skill to be as accomplished as he claims.

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