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It would come as a surprise to more people than you think that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun rather than a generic trademark, though the Band-Aid level interchangeability really does exemplify just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of automated floor cleaners.

That can be attributed to the fact that iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but tracking the best Roombas isn't so chaotic when you consider that only a handful of those models are actually relevant at the time of your shopping.

How to tell the difference between the Roomba models

The arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but nothing that can't be told apart after learning a few super general classification themes.

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

That can be attributed to the fact that iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but tracking the best Roombas isn't so chaotic when you consider that only a handful of those models are actually relevant at the time of your shopping.

How to tell the difference between the Roomba models

The arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but nothing that can't be told apart after learning a few super general classification themes.

When shopping for a Roomba, you'll really only be choosing from what I call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series that are actively sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter and a number (like j9+ or i5) or the word Max is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 692) or just words (like Roomba Vac or Essential).

As of early winter 2025, the five main Roomba collections up for grabs are as follows, from most advanced to least advanced: Max, j series, s series (though nearly obsolete), i series, and Essential series.

SEE ALSO: It wasn't hard to narrow down the Shark robot vacuums to these top 3

A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock, and Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title. Note that there are several Roombas that can be purchased with or without mopping capabilities or self-emptying docks. "Max" is a new layer of Roomba typology that was introduced with the drop of the Roomba Combo 10 Max — it refers to the ability of a mopping Roomba to wash and dry its own mopping pad within the self-empty dock. On the other end of the spectrum, "Essential" means "most basic" in the Roomba family, and that means no smart mapping.

To pinpoint which Roombas have smart mapping, pay close attention to how navigation is discussed in the title or in the list. If you don't literally see the words "Smart Mapping" anywhere, that Roomba cannot map your home and clean specific rooms on command. No, "Smart Navigation" or anything about cleaning in "neat rows" does not count.

When is a new Roomba coming out?

We probably won't see a new Roomba at least until spring 2025, but that probably won't even be the new flagship Roomba. If, in your eyes, a question about "the new Roomba" refers to the next Roomba that'll be a big deal, you'll likely be waiting until August or September 2025.

iRobot is on a different release schedule than most other big robot vacuum brands, who typically debut their new flagship models for the year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. Alternatively, iRobot tends to debut its flagship model for the year in late summer — the past two flagship Roombas (the 2023 Combo j9+ and 2024 Combo 10 Max) were announced in September and July, respectively, both with releases slated for later that fall.

Aside from The Big One, iRobot does drop other Roombas throughout the year, like an updated version of a base-tier Roomba.

Plus, fun stuff happens to the Roombas that are already out all the time. Roombas go on sale pretty frequently, even if it's not the Black Friday, holiday, or Prime Day season. So it's possible that at any point in time you're reading this, the particular Roomba you're eyeing is $100 or $200 off. I list the MSRP for each by default, but will mention the most common sale price that each Roomba drops to in "The Good" section below.)

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

Not sure which Roomba would be the most worth it in your household? I've tested nearly every Roomba series released since 2019 in my own home, and have composed a running Roomba model comparison guide to all of the best iRobot options at any point in the year.

Not every single Roomba model in existence will be listed in this guide, and not every "main" Roomba on iRobot's website will be recommended as one of the best. Rather, I've pulled Roombas from multiple price points that I think offer the best value in various categories that people care about, whether that's mopping, smart mapping, small obstacle detection, the cheapest possible path to all of those features, or budget alone. Each Roomba's battery life and automatic emptying capabilities will be noted, along with my reasoning for choosing the highlighted model over other Roombas with similar prices.

Here's your easy breakdown of all of the best Roomba vacuums at the start of 2025:

Flying was never the most stress-free way to travel, but thanks to never-ending airline delays, unruly passengers, and the incredible shrinking airline seat, it can be a nightmare. If you're ready to upgrade your flying experience, picking up a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can go a long way.

You definitely have options: plenty of headphones, from over-ear headphones to wireless earbuds, offer active noise cancellation. And in 2025, it's not too hard to find ANC headphones that cost under $100. That said, we do recommend spending a little more to enjoy maximum calm at 35,000 feet. To make sure your investment is worth it, we've tried and tested the top noise-cancelling headphones on the market.

SEE ALSO: How we test headphones and earbuds How much should I spend on noise-cancelling headphones?

If you want to find the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying, you should be prepared to pay $250 to $500. Premium headphones offer improved active noise cancellation, customizable settings, and transparency modes that allow you to hear those all-important gate announcements.

Many cheap headphones claim to offer "noise-cancelling" features, but a random pair of $50 over-ear headphones with passive noise cancellation will let a lot of sound through. They'll also struggle to connect and switch between devices easily, or simply feel uncomfortable.

SEE ALSO: United launches Apple AirTag-powered baggage location

At the end of the day, going for that good all-around pair is worth it, because on a flight, ANC on its own won't save the day — otherwise, we'd just direct you to our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones. For long flights, comfort is also key. It won't matter if your headphones block sound if you only want to wear them for two out of five hours of your flight. And because this is a flying-focused roundup, we did give extra points to headphones with thoughtful design that makes storage easy.

If that $250-plus price range feels totally out of the question, we've included a couple of budget earbuds in the under-$100 category, but they come with tradeoffs. If you're okay with a mid-range pick, consider buying wireless earbuds with ANC instead of over-ear headphones.

If the cost of a pair of headphones is off-putting, you can always wait for a sale to start. We see headphones from Bose, Sony, and Apple get marked down year-round — if you don't want to keep your eyes peeled yourself, Mashable's deals coverage is a great place to find any noteworthy headphone deals.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying?

Noise-cancelling headphones are at their most useful on airplanes. It's difficult to find a moment's peace when so much is going on around you. Frequent flyers may prefer to rest or work, and the best way to prepare for either is by using the best ANC headphones to block out the chaos. 

Because shopping for headphones shouldn't be as stressful as heading to the airport, we've done extensive testing to bring you the top options. So, read on to find the best noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes in 2025 — all based on Mashable's hands-on testing.

SAVE OVER $30: As of Feb. 4, the Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) are on sale for $148.99 at Amazon. That's 17% off their list price of $179.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) $148.99 at Amazon
$179.00 Save $30.01 Get Deal

The Apple AirPods 4 with active noise cancelation have only seen minor discounts since the big seasonal sale events last year, knocking about $10 off or so, but we've spotted a nice price drop that's definitely worth jumping on. If you've been hoping to get these earbuds on sale but wanted to wait for a greater discount to appear, now's your chance.

Apple AirPods 4 have dropped from their list price of $179 to $148.99 at Amazon. This saves you $30.01, which is a discount well worth taking advantage of while it's still live. This deal price is only $10 away from their lowest-ever price, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: The Apple AirTag 4-pack bundle is back down to its lowest-ever price

Our review had very high praise for these earbuds, with Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon saying, "The active noise cancellation is elite, allowing me to immerse myself into the honeyed soundwaves that emanate from the AirPods 4. The AirPods 4 are, without a doubt, the best in-ear earbuds I've ever tested in a long while."

In our comparison of Apple AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3, we also found that, "If you’re looking for the best value, the AirPods 4 offers more bang for your buck, particularly the ANC model. You get Siri Interactions, a more findable and compact charging case, and improved bass, mids, and highs."

This deal may not last for long, so act fast to save on the AirPods 4 with active noise cancelation at Amazon.

The standard AirPods 4 without ANC are also discounted right now, if you've been looking to score those instead. They're not the only AirPods deal floating around right now, though. The AirPods Pro 2 are also on sale at the moment, if you want another noise-canceling option to check out.

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 4, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $149.95 at Amazon. That's a 25% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Looking for a new smartwatch with fitness and lifestyle tracking? Look no further than the Fitbit Versa 4. A neatly designed touchscreen watch, this is the perfect companion for sports tracking and daily monitoring, without breaking the bank.

And as of Feb. 4, you can find the Fitbit Versa 4 reduced to just $149.95 at Amazon. This deal can be found in all color options: black, pink sand, and waterfall blue.

SEE ALSO: The Apple AirTag 4-pack bundle is back down to its lowest-ever price

The Versa 4 is a great all-rounder fitness tracker, especially so for those who enjoy lifestyle features and a colorful user interface. There are over 40 sports tracking modes that include running, swimming, cycling, and general workout features. However, it's worth noting that the battery life isn't as long-lasting for long-distance activities as the likes of Garmin or Coros. So if you're into long-distance running, for example, take a look at the Forerunner range.

Other features of the Versa include heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS so you can head outside for activities without your phone. And style-wise, the Versa 4 ticks all the boxes. It has a bright AMOLED display with vibrant colors and images and is touchscreen-controlled so it's easy to use as well as stylish on your wrist.

Interested? This is a limited-time deal, so move fast before it runs out.

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 4, the Apple AirTag four-pack bundle is on sale at Amazon for $69.99. This deal saves you 29% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag 4-Pack $69.99 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal

The Apple AirTag is back on sale at Amazon, and we couldn't be happier about it. These little tracking devices can be attached to almost anything: keys, luggage, passport, anything you find yourself frequently misplacing. And as of Feb. 4, this Apple AirTag four-pack is reduced to just $69.99, saving you $30 on list price.

And the setup for these couldn't be easier. Just attach it to your item of choice and track it in the Find My app. It even has a small built-in speaker, so you can trigger a sound from the Find My app on your Apple device, making it easier to find the AirTag if it's nearby but out of sight.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: The Apple AirPods 4 are on sale for just under $100

But how is it powered, we hear you ask? Well, according to Apple, all AirTags are designed to have a one-year battery life, and that's with regular use. They use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which is user-replaceable. When the battery is running low, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone, giving you plenty of time to replace it. So with this four-back bundle, you'll always have active tracking.

It also has an IP67 water resistance rating, meaning it can cope with a maximum depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes. But let's hope your phone doesn't end up underwater...

SAVE $45: As of Feb. 4, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is on sale for $94.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 32% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet $94.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

If a tablet upgrade is planned, you need to check out Amazon's Fire HD 10. Not being the latest in the range means it's more affordable, but still a great option for both work and play.

As of Feb. 4, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is on sale for $94.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 32% on the list price.

SEE ALSO: Save $15 on the impressive Fire Stick 4K Max at Amazon

This impressive tablet boasts a 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display and is a great all-rounder. Perfect for streaming your favorite shows, reading, and searching the web. Like most Amazon devices, it comes with built-in Alexa for hands-free control and searching. This discount is available on all colorways for the 32GB model (with ads). Without ads, you can purchase for $109.99.

If you want the latest in the Fire tablet range, however, we recommend going for the Fire 11 Max. This model is even more advanced and features an 11-inch display, faster performance with 4GB of RAM, and support for a stylus and keyboard.

This deal is only available for a limited time, so move fast.

SAVE $15: As of Feb. 4, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max is on sale for $44.99 at Amazon, saving you 25% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max $44.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Amazon's famed Smart TV device, the Fire Stick 4K Max, is back on sale. The Fire TV Stick is a streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more. So if your TV isn't particularly smart, you don't need to spend hundreds upgrading. Just pop the handy little device into an HDMI port and start watching.

And as of Feb. 4, you can buy this Fire Stick for just $44.99. This deal saves you $15 on the original price.

SEE ALSO: Save $100 on the Amazon Fire TV 55-inch 4-Series

There's no over-the-top setup to worry about, these remotes are so simple to use. Really, anyone can do it. Just pop the device into your TV's HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels.

The Max has 16GB of storage — double that of the Fire TV Stick 4K and other streaming sticks, so this is the one to choose for big downloads. It also comes with Alexa built-in, perfect for using voice control to search through multiple apps and streaming platforms at once.

If you want it, grab it fast. This deal is only available for a limited time.

President Donald Trump temporarily delayed enforcement of the U.S. TikTok ban last month, stating that he intended to "negotiate a resolution" preventing the popular video sharing app from exiting the country. Now Trump appears to have revealed at least one plan he's considering — namely, having the U.S. government simply buy TikTok itself.

SEE ALSO: As TikTok faces a ban, creators brace for an uncertain future

The president called for the establishment of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund in his latest executive order on Monday, directing new Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick to devise a plan for the fund's creation within 90 days. This plan is to include recommendations for "funding mechanisms, investment strategies, fund structure, and a governance model."

Much like other investment funds, government-owned funds aim to build wealth for a country by investing in foreign and domestic assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. The proceeds are then added to the government's budget.

This means that, if a U.S. sovereign wealth fund is created, the federal government may be capable of purchasing a significant stake in TikTok.

Will the U.S. buy TikTok?

Speaking about his plans for the U.S. sovereign wealth fund, Trump specifically named TikTok as an example of a company it might invest in. The former Biden administration banned TikTok in the U.S. from Feb. 19, alleging that the app is a tool for Chinese surveillance and propaganda. TikTok was thus prohibited from continuing its operations in the country unless its parent company ByteDance sold it to an entity the U.S. deems friendly. 

Of course, there's no entity more friendly toward the U.S. government than the U.S. government itself.

"We're going to be doing something perhaps with TikTok, perhaps not," Trump stated. "If we make the right deal we'll do it, otherwise we won't. But I have the right to do that. And we might put that in the sovereign wealth fund, whatever we make, or if we do a partnership with very wealthy people. A lot of options. But we could put that as an example in the fund."

Trump has previously indicated that said partners may include U.S. companies Microsoft and Oracle, stating that there is "a lot of interest" in TikTok from possible buyers.

If Trump does plan to use this proposed sovereign wealth fund to purchase TikTok's U.S. operations, he'll be on a tight timeline. The temporary stay on the app's ban expires 75 days from Trump's inauguration, meaning the sale may have to be negotiated before April 5. While Bessent expressed an intent to have the fund up and running within a year, that's still well past when the TikTok ban delay expires.

Trump could potentially try to extend the delay, particularly if negotiations for a sale are underway. However, any intent to buy TikTok ultimately means nothing unless ByteDance is willing to sell. The company has shown absolutely no interest in doing so, consistently maintaining that such divestment is "technologically, commercially, and legally infeasible."

Funding the U.S. sovereign wealth fund President Donald Trump signed his executive order concerning a U.S. sovereign wealth fund on Monday. Credit: Chris Kleponis / CNP / Bloomberg via Getty Images

No solid details have been provided regarding exactly where money for a U.S. sovereign wealth fund might come from. However, Trump previously proposed the idea of such a fund during his election campaign, stating last September that it would be funded by "tariffs and other intelligent things." Trump recently announced tariffs on trading partners Mexico, Canada, and China, though the former two have now been temporarily paused at the last minute.

"Other countries have sovereign wealth funds, and they're much smaller countries and they're not the United States," said Trump. "We have tremendous potential in this country. Tremendous."

Countries such as Singapore, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates do already have sovereign wealth funds, however these are typically financed by their budget surplus. In contrast, the U.S. has consistently run at a deficit since 2002, with the country's national debt currently standing at $710.9 billion. 

Australia and China also have sovereign wealth funds despite both currently running at a deficit. Even so, Australia's fund was established in 2006 during a string of budget surpluses, while China's was funded by the sale of special treasury bonds, long-term government bonds which reach maturity after decades.

How will the U.S. sovereign wealth fund be managed?

There is currently little information about how a U.S. sovereign wealth fund might be managed or operated either. Former president Joe Biden previously considered the creation of a sovereign wealth fund in 2024, however issues such as its funding, structure, and strategy were never completely ironed out.

Some have speculated that unelected billionaire Elon Musk may become involved in the proposed fund's management. It isn't an entirely unreasonable notion, particularly considering Trump's admiration of Musk as a "great business guy." 

Musk has quickly become deeply involved in U.S. federal affairs since Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, focusing on the country's finances in particular. Earlier this week, Bessent reportedly granted the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) full access to the federal treasury's database and payment system, raising alarm on the Senate Finance Committee. The White House further announced on Monday that Trump has made Musk a "special government employee," with CNN reporting that he has top secret security clearance. 

Such special employees typically work for the federal government for up to 130 days, while DOGE is scheduled to dissolve on July 4, 2026. Even so, it currently appears unlikely that Musk will bow out of federal affairs after either deadline has passed.

Interestingly, it was recently reported that Musk turned down a dinner with the head of Norway's sovereign wealth fund last October, taking objection to them declining him a "favour" by voting against his $56 billion Tesla CEO compensation package. Norway's fund is one of Tesla's largest shareholders.

A sovereign wealth fund may enable the U.S. government to directly invest not only in TikTok, but in Tesla as well (though there may be measures against this if Musk does become involved in its management). The fund would also theoretically be able to invest in other big tech companies such as Jeff Bezos' Amazon and Mark Zuckerberg's Meta. If it does, it would be a significant payoff for the big tech billionaires' efforts to endear themselves to Trump as of late.

TL;DR: Skip the monthly fees and get lifetime access to Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2019 for Windows for just £28.12 (reg. £184.16) at the Mashable Shop.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows £28.12 at the Mashable Shop
£184.16 Save £156.04 Get Deal

Ready to level up your work life? Mashable readers can get lifetime access to Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2019 for Windows for just £28.12 (reg. £184.16).

You’ll get access to all the core tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, and OneNote — everything needed for productivity, whether at work or home.

Can the apps be used without an internet connection?

Yes; once installed, you can use the apps offline without worrying about connectivity. This is especially useful for anyone working in places with limited internet access.

What’s the advantage of a lifetime license?

A one-time purchase gives you permanent access to all the tools without monthly fees. It's a cost-effective solution for those who prefer owning their software outright. This version comes with regular security updates to keep your software running smoothly and securely over time, ensuring your tools stay current.

Who would benefit most from this 2019 license?

It’s great for students, remote workers, and home users who need reliable, offline access to essential Office apps without the hassle of recurring payments.

How many devices can I install Office on?

This package allows you to install Microsoft Office on one device and is compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.

Ready to own your Office tools for life? For £28.12 (reg. £184.16), you can skip the subscriptions and enjoy a lifetime of productivity with Microsoft Office 2019.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

The online world is not as open as you might think. It seems like you can navigate this world with total freedom, but there are actually content restrictions and blockades all over the place. This doesn't usually get in the way, but from time to time, the ability to bypass online restrictions would be really helpful.

Take porn sites, for example. Your access to your favorite porn sites is not always guaranteed. There's probably a good reason for this, but when the time is right, there's nothing wrong with visiting sites like Xnxx. Fortunately, there is a simple hack that can bypass geo-restrictions to unblock porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world.

If you're looking for the best way to Xnxx for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Xnxx for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions to access porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world.

Unblock porn sites like Xnxx by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for 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 a location that supports access to Xnxx

4. Visit Xnxx

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 bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Xnxx without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when temporarily away from home.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for fast and reliable unblocking of porn sites like Xnxx, 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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 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.

Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN.

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

It's a parental debate for the 21st Century: How much screen time should we allow our kids to have? But because this is the 21st Century, it would be almost impossible to fight screen use entirely, so why not put it to good use by buying the kids a tablet that's good for both entertainment and education?

The good news is that there are tablets made especially for kids, or regular tablets that have great kid-specific features. It's a happy medium between giving your kids the access to tech that they want, without turning them into screen zombies.

With so many tablets on the market, it's hard to know which device is right for you and your kids — you want a tablet that will play to their interests, no matter how young they are, and will serve their specific educational needs. If you're unsure about how to choose a tablet for your kids, here's a quick guide.

Should kids have limited screen time?

Screen learning and screen time restrictions are increasingly significant points of study. Parents' questions often boil down to "how much is too much?" The general advice, as offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is that kids between 2-5 should be limited to one hour of quality content a day. Beyond that, it’s about setting a plan that suits your child and family. Routines are always good and sensible limits will help tackle reported problems that may come from excessive screen use, such as obesity, behavioural problems, and impact on learning or sleep patterns.

How do tablets help kids learn?

Tablets just feel more like playing, and it's not surprising that kids may be more willing to learn when it doesn't feel forced. One study found that students who used tablets saw higher exam scores than those who didn't use tablets, and they were able to recognise 20% more words due to an improved ability to recognise sounds and represent sounds as letters. A 2018 meta-analysis also found that touchscreens are beneficial for some learning, such as science and technology, because apps or games can create a memorable interactive experience (in contrast to simply reading about a science experiment, for instance, and not retaining the information).

What's important to remember is that tablets are a great learning tool as long as they're not a kid's only source of learning. Kids will always need to be comfortable reading print books and doing maths by hand. Sure. But the opportunities for self-sufficient and interactive learning on a tablet can't be understated.

How features do you need in a talblet for kids?

Most tablets made specifically for kids will already be equipped with built-in parent accounts, timers, and pre-selected websites or apps that are strictly for kids. Easy enough. General purpose tablets aren't a bad choice at all — many sites name the iPad as one of the best tablets for kids even though it's technically for everyone. The most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a tablet for kids are as follows:

• Screen Resolution — The required screen resolution will depend on the amount of movie watching and gaming your kids will be doing. If the answer is "not a lot," you won't need anything special.

• Storage — They'll probably have more apps than you do, and may need space for downloads like offline Disney+ movies, music, or some books for school.

• Parental controls — For obvious reasons, you are going to want to pay attention to the level of control you will be able to have over usage.

• Rugged-ness — Because kids are basically adorable destruction machines and you'll probably feel better with a protective case.

Focus on these features and you can't got wrong.

What is the best tablet for kids?

To help you make the best decision for you, your kid, and your life, we have shortlisted a selection of standout tablets for kids. There is something for everyone and every budget in this list, and all you need to do is pick a favourite. You have the choice of impressive tablets from the likes of Amazon, Apple, and more.

These are the best tablets for kids in 2025.

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 February 4 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 February 3, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A Bone structure found in the mouth.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letters O and T appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

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...

TOOTH.

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 February 4

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 February 3 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: Keeping things safe for later

• Green: Used for refining surfaces

• Blue: Betting-related language

• Purple: Descriptive food terms

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: Conserve

• Green: Smooth Using Friction

• Blue: Sports Gambling Terms

• Purple: Words Before "Fingers"

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 #604 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Conserve: KEEP, PRESERVE, SAVE, STORE

• Smooth Using Friction: BUFF, FILE, GRIND, SAND

• Sports Gambling Terms: FAVORITE, PARLAY, SPREAD, UNDER

• Words Before "Fingers": BUTTER, CHICKEN, LADY, STICKY

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 4

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.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

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

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 Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Nimble.

• Green: Athletic group name

• Blue: Southern state teams

• Purple: Same suffix.

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

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

• Yellow: Agile

• Green: NWSL

• Blue: Louisiana sports teams

• Purple: ____ DOME

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #134 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Agile - ATHLETIC, LIMBER, LITHE, SPRIGHTLY

• NWSL - LEAGUE, NATIONAL, SOCCER, WOMEN'S

• Louisiana sports teams - GREEN WAVE, PELICANS, SAINTS, TIGERS

• ____ DOME - ASTRO, KING, METRO, SUPER

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.

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.

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 February 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Elf-centered

These words are different mythical creatures.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are mischievous, elf-like beings.

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 Impish.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 4

• Gremlin

• Hobgoblin

• Leprechaun

• Fairy

• Pixie

• Sprite

• Impish

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.

The billionaire is creating major upheaval as his team sweeps through agencies, in what has been an extraordinary flexing of power by a private individual.

A top official at the General Services Administration said artificial intelligence could be used to identify waste and redundancies in federal contracts.

During the early morning of Monday, Feb. 3, protesters flooded the Washington, D.C. street that marks the entrance to the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The group wasn't trying to enter the federal premises in a violent takeover, but rather act as a wall of defense between the government agency and a directive to cease the organization's work as a matter of fiduciary foresight. Later that afternoon, the USAID office shut down. The official USAID website is no longer available.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's DOGE takeover is reportedly being spearheaded by young college grads

The decisions came after Elon Musk — newly-appointed leader of DOGE, a non-government agency with no official government powers or legal precedent for intervening in federal spending — declared he would be cutting off USAID, halting tens of billion in foreign aid spending. Musk, incentivized by President Trump's commitment to "cut federal spending" set his sights on what he called an "evil" "criminal organization," and a "viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America."

Federal employees were then barred from entering the D.C. premises, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared he would step in as de-facto USAID administrator, calling the humanitarian organization "a completely unresponsive agency" that needed to be "aligned" with U.S. foreign policy.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted What is USAID?

The U.S. Agency for International Development operates the federal government's global aid budget and associated programs, serving as "the principal U.S. agency to extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms," according to the agency's archived website (accessible on the Internet Archive Wayback Machine).

USAID was established in the 1960s under an executive order by President John F. Kennedy, a result of the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act intended to streamline foreign aid and efficiently administer humanitarian aid on behalf of the U.S. government. USAID is overseen by the president, secretary of state, and the National Security Council, and seeks to invest in longterm economic assistance abroad as part of the country's larger foreign policy.

USAID operates through dozens of international field missions in more than 60 countries, each with a different focus area, including disaster and poverty relief, socio-economic development, and assistance with global issues — USAID frequently administers programs globally through collaborations with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Why did Elon Musk target USAID?

To put it simply, the agency oversees a lot of crucial spending. As of 2023, USAID was allocated around half of the U.S. government's total budget for international aid, a sum of about $68 billion.

Following Trump's order, and then reversal, of a government-wide federal spending freeze, Musk took aim at USAID as part of his mandate to rid the U.S. government of so-called corruption and superfluous spending. And while both Trump and Rubio had declared humanitarian aid would be waived under the auditing process spearheaded by DOGE, Musk moved forward with an attempt to eliminate USAID as a singular entity. Trump had recently made references to removing and replacing the "radical lunatics" overseeing USAID, as well. On Feb. 3, USAID Director for Security John Vorhees and Deputy Director for Security Brian McGill were fired.

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Simultaneously, Musk has been pushing for greater access and control over federal systems and their offices. After requesting and being denied access to internal systems through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on Feb. 2, Musk reportedly pushed to oust administrators who had refused his requests, with two anonymous OPM officials losing access to the system shortly after. Musk and his allies later gained control of internal U.S. Treasury databases.

According to the BBC, USAID's activities will be rolled into the workings of the State Department with a significant reduction in funding and workforce. It's unclear how this will effect ongoing programs, including charity contributions, abroad.

What can DOGE actually do?

DOGE, otherwise known as the Department of Government Efficiency, was announced by Trump in November, shortly after he won the 2024 presidential election. The department's mandate, at the time, was described as modernizing federal systems and slashing inefficiency — Trump called it a new "Manhattan Project" set to overhaul the government's IT systems.

But DOGE is not a government agency with the same powers as the offices it's trying to eliminate. Instead, DOGE was established as an advising body under the United States Digital Service (now the U.S. DOGE SERVICE) and the Office for Personnel Management. Under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, it should only be able to exercise advisory powers to federal spending, while Congress retains oversight and decision-making for large budgetary actions, despite the promises of Trump and Musk.

In practice, however, DOGE and its leader are exercising power they may not legally have a right to, and operating on a path that some refer to as a forcible takeover of government.

As DOGE head Elon Musk works to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID's official website has gone dark.

Following Musk's threats to kill the office in charge of distributing foreign aid — including humanitarian allotments — Musk officially announced on Monday that President Trump had signed off on his so-called cost-cutting measures involving the agency, immediately shutting down the office and reportedly instructing security officers to stop federal employees from entering the premises.

SEE ALSO: [Update] Elon Musk shuts down USAID, calls it a 'ball of worms'

Not long before USAID's end, and in what appears to be the new strategy of the Trump administration, the agency's website was pulled. It now serves visitors with a notice that the server is unable to load. At the time, government employees and Democratic lawmakers expressed concern, as individuals were redirected to a State Department webpage merely summarizing USAID's work.

Previously, the administration pulled websites for the shelved Office for Gun Violence Prevention and multiple pages making referencing to LGBTQ (specifically transgender) resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

Credit: Screenshot

Nearly one million Discord users just had their account details – including usernames, IP addresses, and Discord IDs – exposed in a hacking forum.

However, Discord, the popular chat room service, doesn't appear to have suffered from a data breach directly. Instead, a third-party backup solution known as RestoreCord has been breached.

As first noticed by cybersecurity website Leakd, a file containing a massive leak of Discord user data was posted freely on a popular hacking forum called BreachForums. The data, which includes users' Discord IDs, IP addresses, and usernames, was posted by a BreachForums user with the handle "Sythe."

RestoreCord is a service used by some Discord users to backup their servers on the platform. RestoreCord says on its website that it is "the only Discord Bot that you will ever need to protect and recover your server from raids, nukes, and more." RestoreCord boasts that it serves 99 million members, including 100,000 paying customers, and backs up 55,000 Discord servers.

The FBI seized BreachForums last year after the site became a well-known haven for buying and selling stolen data. However, one of BreachForums' domains popped back up just a few weeks after the May 2024 takedown.

BreachForums' founder Conor Fitzpatrick was arrested in 2023 on a range of charges connected to the site. However, Fitzpatrick just recently made news a few weeks ago after a U.S. appeals court overturned the lenient sentence he originally received.

It is unclear as of publishing as to how the data was obtained or if there has been any malicious activity connected to what's included in the leak. Mashable has reached out to RestoreCord for more information and will update this piece when we hear back.