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TL;DR: Get lifetime access to My Notes AI for $39.99 and let AI handle your transcriptions and summaries for effortless note-taking.

Keeping up with meetings, lectures, or brainstorming sessions can feel like a losing battle. My Notes AI makes sure you never miss a detail by automatically transcribing, summarizing, and organizing your notes for you.

For $39.99, you get a lifetime subscription to an AI-powered note-taking tool that works seamlessly across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

With unlimited transcriptions, you can record live audio or upload files and let AI do the rest. Need a quick recap? The built-in summarizer condenses long conversations into clear, actionable insights. If you're using a Mac, you can even record meetings directly from Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams — no extra software or bots required.

Everything stays organized with custom folders, making it easy to find notes by topic, date, or project. When you’re ready to share, simply export your notes in a few taps. Whether you're a student, professional, or someone who just hates typing, My Notes AI saves you time and effort.

Ditch manual note-taking and let AI do the heavy lifting.

Grab a lifetime subscription to this My Notes AI Pro Plan for $39.99 and make every meeting, lecture, or idea count.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: With Bytes My Notes AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription - AI Note Transcriber & Summarizer $39.99
$299.00 Save $259.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license to PDF Converter Pro for $23.99 with code TAKE30 through February 23 and alleviate your PDF headaches.

If you’re tired of clunky online converters and endless subscription fees, PDF Converter Pro is your one-stop solution for all things PDF. For just $23.99 with code TAKE30 (until February 23), you’ll get a lifetime license to this powerful desktop software that lets you convert, edit, and protect your PDFs without relying on the internet.

Need to convert PDFs to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or even JPG and PNG images? Easy. Want to create PDFs from other file formats? You can do that, too. Thanks to built-in OCR technology, you can even extract text from scanned PDFs while preserving the original layout and graphics.

PDF Converter Pro doesn’t stop at simple conversions. You can merge multiple PDFs into one document, split files into individual pages, or compress large PDFs to free up space. Need to protect sensitive information? Add password protection with a click — or unlock PDFs just as easily. Plus, you can extract images from any PDF in a single step.

Designed for both Windows and macOS, the software offers batch processing for handling multiple documents at once, and it’s been updated with editing features like annotations, text changes, and image adjustments (editing features available on Windows only).

Stop relying on slow online tools. 

Manage your PDFs with ease with a lifetime license to PDF Converter Pro for just $23.99 with code TAKE30 until February 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter Pro: Lifetime License $29.99
$99.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through February 23, grab a lifetime virtual phone number from Hushed for $19.99 with code SAVE20 — and keep your personal number private for good.

Your personal number doesn’t need to be everyone’s business. Whether you’re juggling side hustles, navigating the dating scene, or selling some old stuff on Craigslist, Hushed gives you a lifetime private number to keep your real one under wraps — all for just $19.99 with code SAVE20 until February 23.

With Hushed, you can call and text from a virtual number without signing up for another pricey phone contract. You even get to choose your area code from hundreds across the US and Canada, so your new number feels like home (or not — we won’t judge). Use Wi-Fi or data to avoid service charges, and when people call back, they’ll hit your custom voicemail instead of your personal inbox.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, freelancers, or anyone who likes to keep things compartmentalized, Hushed lets you send up to 6,000 texts or make 1,000 minutes of calls per year — without any monthly fees. Plus, you can forward calls, manage everything from one app, and add more credits whenever you need.

Whether you’re making deals, planning dates, or just don’t feel like giving out your real digits, Hushed has your back.

Get lifetime access to your own private number with a lifetime subscription to Hushed Private Phone Line for $19.99 with promo code SAVE20 before February 23.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Affinity Click Hushed Private Phone Line: Lifetime Virtual Number Subscription $24.99
$150.00 Save $125.01 Get Deal

SAVE $100: As of Feb. 18, the Sonos Ace headphones are on sale for $349 at Amazon. That's 22% off their list price of $449.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ace Headphones $349.00 at Amazon
$449.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Even though a lot of Presidents' Day deals are winding down, there are still some nice discounts floating around at various retailers. If you've been hoping to get new headphones, Amazon's offering a great deal on the Sonos Ace right now that's worth a look. For a limited time, you can score them at their lowest price yet.

The Sonos Ace headphones are currently down to $349, 22% off their list price of $449. This also marks a return to their lowest-ever price, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. Amazon has them listed as a limited-time deal, so you'll want to act fast to get them at this price.

SEE ALSO: For gym rats and picky audiophiles alike, these are the 7 best headphones of 2025

Alongside a sleek design, these headphones boast excellent sound quality and noise-canceling features that allow you to feel fully immersed in what you're listening to. We had high praise for them in our review, with Mashable's Miller Kern saying "Audio quality is Sonos’s wheelhouse and where the Ace headphones rise above competitors." And when it comes to noise-cancelation, she says that "The Sonos Ace’s aware mode is probably the best transparency mode I’ve experienced on a pair of headphones. It let me hear what was going on around me without making that all I could hear."

Another bonus to the Sonos Ace headphones is that they can be paired with Sonos soundbars to create an individual home theater experience. In regard to this function, our review says that, "This means you get Dolby Atmos spatial audio and head tracking, which create a surround sound-like experience in the headphones."

This limited-time deal won't last for long, so don't miss out on $100 off the Sonos Ace headphones at Amazon.

If you're looking for even more headphone and earbud deals, you can also save on the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones at Amazon and the AirPods Max are still on sale there, too.

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 18, the Apple AirTag four-pack bundle is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you 29% on 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 can't skip an opportunity to stock up. These little tracking devices can be attached to almost anything: keys, luggage, passports. Basically, anything you find yourself frequently losing. And as of Feb. 18, 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: Upgrade to the Apple Pencil Pro for less at Amazon

And don't worry about it running out of battery. According to Apple, all AirTags are designed to have a one-year battery life, if used regularly. 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.

Head over to Amazon to grab this great deal.

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 18, the Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 23% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil Pro $99.00 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal

The Apple Pencil Pro is the latest in Apple's lineup of stylus pens. Released in 2024, the new and improved pencil features a whole host of impressive upgrades and new features to shout about. And as of Feb. 18, you can get it for $30 cheaper at Amazon, now just $99.

But why upgrade to this new model? Well, this model has much more advanced control than previous Apple Pencils. By just rotating the pencil you can change the brush or pen tool settings mid-drawing. The squeeze interaction is also new and allows users to change modes or activate tools simply by squeezing the pencil.

SEE ALSO: Save $50 on Beats Studio Buds at Amazon

The Pencil Pro also includes haptic feedback. This clever feature essentially mimics the feeling of writing or drawing on real paper, delivering subtle vibrations to match the activity being performed on the iPad.

Similar to the Apple Pencil 2, the Pro can be charged wirelessly by magnetically attaching to the side of compatible iPads. According to Apple, the Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2), and iPad Air 11-inch (M2).

Head to Amazon to snag this great deal.

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 18, the Beats Studio Buds are reduced to $99.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 33% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds $99.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Beats are some of the best headphones and earbuds you can get. Famed for their punchy bass and quality sound, there really are few names as reliable. And as of Feb. 18, you can get a pair of the Beats Studio Buds for less, currently reduced to $99.95 at Amazon.

These earbuds have two listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode. Transparency mode allows you to listen to your music or podcasts while still being able to hear noise around you such as cars, bikes, and other loud noises. This is also ideal for runners who want to remain safe and aware of their surroundings while listening to music.

SEE ALSO: TikTok is back in Apple and Google's U.S. app stores

Like most Beats earbuds, these are designed with comfort in mind. They come with three soft ear tip sizes for a secure and comfortable fit. They also boast an eight-hour battery life, with an additional 16 hours provided by the charging case. And if you take your earbuds on the go, these are IPX4-rated sweat- and water-resistant earbuds, so there's more protection for strenuous use or any accidental mishaps.

Head to Amazon now to grab this limited-time deal.

TL;DR: Live stream Atalanta vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League playoff round gives a select group of teams another chance of making the knockout rounds. Atalanta and Club Brugge are competing at this stage, with the Belgian side winning the first leg 2-1. Everything is still to play for as the action heads back to Italy.

If you want to watch Atalanta vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Atalanta vs. Club Brugge?

Atalanta vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 18. This fixture takes place at the Gewiss Stadium.

How to watch Atalanta vs. Club Brugge for free

Atalanta vs. Club Brugge is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Atalanta vs. Club Brugge for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Atalanta vs. Club Brugge 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Atalanta vs. Club Brugge (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Atalanta vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream AC Milan vs. Feyenoord in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League playoff round has already delivered a number of excellent games, and we're expecting more of the same in the second legs. AC Milan vs. Feyenoord hangs in the balance after Feyenoord won the opening game 1-0. It's all still to play for as this playoff matchup heads to Milan.

If you want to watch AC Milan vs. Feyenoord in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is AC Milan vs. Feyenoord?

AC Milan vs. Feyenoord in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. GMT on Feb. 18. This fixture takes place at the San Siro.

How to watch AC Milan vs. Feyenoord for free

AC Milan vs. Feyenoord is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream AC Milan vs. Feyenoord for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch AC Milan vs. Feyenoord 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream AC Milan vs. Feyenoord (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream AC Milan vs. Feyenoord in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is getting serious. Places in the last 16 are at a premium, with the playoff round delivering huge matchups between Europe's elite.

Celtic and Bayern Munich are facing off in the second leg of their tie. If you want to watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bayern Munich vs. Celtic?

Bayern Munich vs. Celtic in the Champions League starts at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 18. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic for free

Bayern Munich vs. Celtic is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic (plus more Champions League fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Fans from outside the UK will need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League 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 the UK

5. Watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds 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.

Stream Bayern Munich vs. Celtic in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for 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: 8NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for February 18 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 18, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A type of music or film.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter I appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter I.

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...

INDIE.

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 18

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.

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 February 18 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: A hole

• Green: Easy to reach

• Blue: A really good dinner

• Purple: The Queen's English

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: Crater

• Green: Accessible

• Blue: Substantial, As a Meal

• Purple: Britishisms

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 #618 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Crater: CAVITY, HOLE, HOLLOW, PIT

• Accessible: AVAILABLE, HANDY, NEARBY, READY

• Substantial, As a Meal: FILLING, HEARTY, SOLID, SQUARE

• Britishisms: BUTTY, CHIPPY, FOOTY, TELLY

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 18

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: Throw that ____

• Green: Trying to score 3 points in American football

• Blue: Teams in South Florida

• Purple: Women's basketball teams that no longer exist

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: Fastball

• Green: Parts of a field goal attempt

• Blue: Miami teams

• Purple: Defunct WNBA teams

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 #148 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Fastball - CHEESE, FIREBALL, GAS, SMOKE

• Parts of a field goal attempt - HOLD, SNAP, BLOCK, KICK

• Miami teams - DOLPHINS, HEAT, HURRICANES, MARLINS

• Defunct WNBA teams - MIRACLE, SHOCK, SOL, STING

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 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 18 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Ouch!

These words are painful encounters.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The words are creatures that can sting.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Stingers.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 18

• Jellyfish

• Scorpion

• Hornet

• Stingers

• Bumblebee

• Platypus

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.

South Korea is the latest governing body to restrict the Chinese company DeepSeek based on the company's data policies.

South Korean officials on Saturday announced a temporary suspension of downloading the DeepSeek app until it complies with local data protection laws under the country's Personal Information Protection Act.

SEE ALSO: Could Trump ban DeepSeek? What the TikTok ban saga tells us.

After analyzing the app's policies, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) "identified some shortcomings in communication functions and personal information processing policies with third-party service providers," according to a press release translated from Korean to English. The PIPC said it will unblock downloads on local app stores once DeepSeek "meets the requirements of domestic protection laws."

DeepSeeks burst onto the AI scene in January with an advanced reasoning chatbot that was free, open-source, and made for a fraction of the cost of popular models like OpenAI's o1. But its privacy policy was just as newsworthy since the company collects extensive user data and stores it on servers in China, making it accessible to the Chinese government in accordance with local laws.

Countries quickly took note and raised the alarm about data protection and national security risks, given China's status as a foreign adversary. Ireland and Italy have both sent inquiries requesting more information about DeepSeek's policies, and Italy has subsequently blocked downloads. Australia also recently banned the use of DeepSeek on government devices. Since DeepSeek's emergence, U.S. federal legislation has been introduced to ban DeepSeek on government devices and New York and Texas have already moved to do the same in their respective state legislation.

Back in South Korea, the announcement said users who have already downloaded DeepSeek will still have access, but told users to "use the app with caution" and not enter personal information.

Paywalled subreddits are coming this year, confirmed by Reddit CEO Steve Huffman.

In a prerecorded video AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Friday answering redditors' questions about the company's Q4 2024 earnings, Reddit executives shared some more information about its plans to monetize the social media forum.

Reddit

Back in August 2024, Huffman hinted that paywalled subreddits were on the way, saying, "we will unlock the door for new use cases, new types of subreddits that can be built that may have exclusive content or private areas, things of that nature."

When asked about the progress of monetizing subreddits during Friday's video, Huffman said, "it's a work in progress right now so that one's coming. We're working on it as we speak." In a separate question about key features for 2025, Huffman confirmed that users can expect to see the introduction of paid subreddits this this year.

Reddit had remained a pretty consistent platform since its inception in 2005. But its IPO last year triggered some significant changes in an effort to increase shareholder value. The most notorious one was hiking up its API fees, effectively shutting popular third party apps like Apollo. Reddit also made licensing deals with Google and OpenAI in exchange for letting their web crawlers access the site.

There weren't many details about what a paid subreddit model might look like, but as mentioned in the AMA, the platform is actively looking for other ways to bring in revenue. Huffman also mentioned the introduction of a marketplace for buying products through the platform, though he described it as more of a longterm plan.

COO Jen Wong also chimed in about the importance of licensing deals for AI chatbots like Google Gemini and ChatGPT, in addition to "marketing intelligence and social listening" customers. Reddit also has its own AI chatbot called Reddit Answers which sources information from the Reddit community.

All that's to say, expect more changes to come from Reddit, and expect them to come with a cost.

SAVE $100: The GoPro Hero13 Black Creator Edition action camera bundle is on sale at Best Buy for $499.99, down from the standard price of $599.99. That's a 17% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero13 Black Creator Edition $499.00 at Best Buy
$599.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Creating content is no longer just for the pros. These days, anyone can document epic adventures, incredible destinations, or a trip to the grocery store. Regardless of the content, creative minds are coming up with creative ways to showcase their lives and you could do the same thanks to this Presidents' Day sale offer at Best Buy.

Until 11:59 p.m. CT on Feb. 17, the GoPro Hero13 Black Creator Edition action camera is on sale at Best Buy for $499, marked down from the usual price of $599. That means you'll save $100 with the 17% discount. This deal also comes with a free 8x8 photo book from Shutterfly or $25 to spend at Shutterfly.

With the GoPro Hero13 Black Creator Edition, you'll be vlogging, live-streaming, or capturing your best content with ease. GoPro uses its HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization with this model which is fantastic regardless of whether you're filming downhill mountain biking footage or a baking tutorial in your kitchen.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Presidents' Day sale is live now — find all the best deals here

The included battery grip can last for over five hours of recording in 4K. However, the camera can film in 5.3K video which gives crisp detail in every shot. Plus, the built-in buttons give your ultimate control. There's also a wireless mic, an LED light, and a magnetic latch mount. The front and rear LCD screens also help make filming a breeze.

Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth tested out the GoPro Hero13 Black and awarded it a 4.7/5 score which earned it a Mashable Choice award.

If you're ready for an upgrade to creating video content, the GoPro Hero13 Black Creator Edition is a perfect all-in-one package. You'll be getting a top-of-the-line GoPro camera with all the accessories to make your recording task much easier. Plus you can save $100 on the bundle until the end of today when you shop at Best Buy.

From star-studded cameos to resurrected sketches, alien abduction stories to a full-circle Domingo moment, SNL's 50th anniversary special was one for the fans.

Aired on NBC on Sunday night after Friday's anniversary concert (and available to stream on Peacock), the three-hour episode featured a colossal amount of former and current cast members and hosts. Sure, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey's audience Q&A took an awkward Ryan Reynolds turn, but the sketches were nostalgic, celebrity-filled, and chaotic.

SEE ALSO: 'SNL's 'Weekend Update' is full of special guests, but missing a major star

In no particular order, here are the sketches from SNL50 you should watch, from a "Bronx Beat/Coffee Talk" mashup to the revival of "Black Jeopardy."

1. An Oscar-worthy "Close Encounter"

SNL brought back its "Close Encounter" sketch series, with alien abductee Colleen Rafferty (Kate McKinnon) introducing her mother, played by Meryl Streep. Pedro Pascal and Woody Harrelson joined in as fellow alien encounterers, trying to convince the Pentagon officials (Aidy Bryant and Jon Hamm).

2. The "Domingo" skit came full circle

SNL's viral Domingo sketch came full circle with one hell of a cast, including Short n' Sweet singer Sabrina Carpenter.

3. "Black Jeopardy" returns with Eddie Murphy and Tracy Morgan

SNL brought back its Black Jeopardy sketch with a star-studded throwback featuring Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones, Kenan Thompson, Chris Rock, and Tom Hanks.

4. Kristen Wiig brings back Dooneese

Kristen Wiig's canine-toothed character Dooneese rode again alongside Will Ferrell, Scarlett Johansson, Kim Kardashian, and Ana Gasteyer. There was a Kardashian percussion moment.

5. Sally O'Malley returns, kicks, and stretches

Molly Shannon's iconic '90s/'00s SNL character Sally O’Malley returned to the stage, joining Emma Stone to present a history of SNL's physical comedy — but first they needed to "KICK, STRETCH, and KICK!"

6. Andy Samberg and Bowen Yang's absolute banger of an 'SNL' song

Anxiety? A banger? Only Andy Samberg and Bowen Yang could make it happen.

7. Laraine Newman walks through Studio 8H with Chad

SNL legend Laraine Newman took a stroll through Studio 8H with Pete Davidson's recurring idiot character Chad. There was nudity.

8. "Weekend Update" told us about no new clubs

"Weekend Update" hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che ran through the segment's history with special guest appearances including Seth Meyers, Bill Murray, Cecily Strong, Bobby Moynihan, and more. But one notable favourite was missing.

9. "Bronx Beat" met "Coffee Talk"

In a mashup purely for SNL fans, "Bronx Beat" met "Coffee Talk" as Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Mike Myers declared it "sweater weather."

10. A truly chaotic New York Broadway musical number

If you love Broadway but prefer it intact, avoid this chaotic musical segment. Everyone else, come with us, Pete Davidson, David Spade, and John Mulaney through a star-studded tale of New York City.

11. Debbie Downer returns, faces off with Robert De Niro

Ayo Edebiri, Drew Barrymore, Robert De Niro, and Jimmy Fallon's plans to celebrate SNL50 were foiled by Rachel Dratch's iconic character Debbie Downer. But you know who hates home truths? De Niro.

12. Adam Sandler's heartfelt 'SNL' tribute song

A piece of shit car, this is not. Adam Sandler's SNL 50th anniversary song was a moving moment dedicated to its cast.

PRESIDENTS' DAY DEAL: The TCL 75-inch A300W Nxtframe OLED TV is on sale for $1,499.99 for a savings of $1000 at Best Buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch A300W Nxtframe OLED TV $1,499.99 at Best Buy
$2,499.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal

Frame TVs are sweeping living rooms across America and there are few better times to buy than Presidents' Day. Currently, the Best Buy Presidents' Day sale is offering the TCL's frame TV for $1000 off.

This OLED TV is designed to sit on the wall like a picture frame and look just as good displaying still art as it does playing films from Criterion or zipping down the racetrack in your favorite racing game. Get the TCL 75-inch A300W Nxtframe OLED Frame TV for $1,499.99 and save 40%.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Presidents' Day sale is live now — find all the best deals here

With a light wood frame around its edges, the Nxtframe's matte screen contributes to a lifelike effect. The screen provides 4K images with a quick 120Hz refresh rate that will keep up with the action in competitive gameplay. It uses edge-lit pixel technology.

As we expect from cutting-edge TVs, the Nxtframe is smart-enabled and will link with Alexa or Google Assistant.

Link this TV to your favorite photo archive and display rich museum classics or personal photography. Whatever your taste, this screen is ready, live with a cycling carousel of artwork.

Right now the TCL 75-inch A300W Nxtframe OLED TV is $1,499.99 for Presidents' Day, saving you $1000.

Whether you're preparing to dive into the new season of The White Lotus, you're after a gorgeous gaming station, or you're buying for its gorgeous still image display, this screen is a good pick, especially at this special Presidents' Day price.

SAVE $40: As of Feb. 17, you can get the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids for $139.99 during Amazon's Presidents' Day sale. That's a $40 discount and the lowest price we've seen on this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids (16 GB) $139.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Looking for a way to get your kids reading more? The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is a great option. It's designed specifically for ebooks and has features that make it perfect for young readers. Plus, it's at an all-time low for Presidents' Day, so now’s the time to scoop one up.

As of Feb. 17, you can get the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids for $139.99 at Amazon, down from $179.99. That’s a $40 discount and the best price we've seen on this model.

SEE ALSO: Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Which is the best Amazon e-reader?

The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is essentially the same as the regular Kindle Paperwhite but with some kid-friendly extras. For example, it includes six months of Amazon Kids+ (once the six months are up, it’ll cost you $5.99 per month), a durable kid-friendly cover, and a two-year worry-free warranty.

The Kindle Paperwhite Kids has a 7-inch glare-free display that makes reading comfortable indoors or outdoors. It’s also waterproof, so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged if it gets splashed.

Another great feature is the built-in parental controls. You can set a device bedtime, view your child’s reading progress, and more.