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Mr. Penny, who was acquitted after choking a mentally ill subway passenger to death, was hired to join the firm’s American Dynamism investment team.

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 6 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: Gentle or barely noticeable

• Green: Showing generosity

• Blue: Parts that extend upwards

• Purple: Iconic musicians' monikers

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: Delicate

• Green: Magnanimous

• Blue: Things with Necks

• Purple: First Names in Jazz

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 #606 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Delicate: FAINT, LIGHT, MILD, SOFT

• Magnanimous: GRAND, GREAT, LOFTY, NOBLE

• Things with Necks: BOTTLE, GIRAFFE, GUITAR, LAMP

• First Names in Jazz: CAB, COUNT, DIZZY, DUKE

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 6

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.

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 6 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 6, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

One's protégé.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter P appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

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...

PUPIL.

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 6

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: 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: Sports moves, typically by an organization or GM

• Green: Where you play on the pitch

• Blue: Defensive moves in football

• Purple: Of the foul kind.

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: Transaction

• Green: Soccer positions

• Blue: Types of blitzes

• Purple: Foul __________

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 #136 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Transaction - DEAL, EXCHANGE, TRADE, TRANSFER

• Soccer positions - FULLBACK, GOALKEEPER, MIDFIELDER, STRIKER

• Types of blitzes - SAFETY, SIMULATED, ZERO, ZONE

• Foul _________ - BALL, OUT, POLE, TERRITORY

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 6 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 6 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: I'm a person of my word

These words are common names.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are names that double as words.

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 FirstNames.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 6

• Drew

• Will

• Chuck

• Jimmy

• Robin

• Chase

• Miles

• FirstNames

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.

Geraldine Viswanathan and Meredith Hagner go bride vs. bride in this You're Cordially Invited-themed version of Know Your Role.

You're Cordially Invited is now streaming on Prime Video.

The Silicon Valley giant also said it was reviewing other diversity programs and initiatives and would update them if they seemed risky or ineffective.

Hackers have discovered a new way to remotely take control of your computer — all through the Google Chrome web browser.

A report from cybersecurity company SquareX lays out the new multifaceted cyberattack, which the firm has dubbed "browser syncjacking."

Chrome profile takeover

At the core of the attack is a social engineering element, as the malicious actor first must convince the user to download a Chrome extension. The Chrome extension is usually disguised as a helpful tool that can be downloaded via the official Chrome Store. It requires minimal permissions, further cementing its perceived legitimacy to the user. According to SquareX, the extension actually does usually work as advertised, in order to further disguise the source of the attack from the user.

Meanwhile, secretly in the background, the Chrome extension connects itself to a managed Google Workspace profile that the attacker has set up in advance. With the user now unknowingly signed into a managed profile, the attacker sends the user to a legitimate Google support page which is injected with modified content through the Chrome extension, telling the user they need to sync their profile.

When the user agrees to the sync, they unwittingly send all their local browser data, such as saved passwords, browsing history, and autofill information, to the hacker's managed profile. The hacker can then sign into this managed profile on their own device and access all that sensitive information.

Chrome browser takeover

The attack up to this point already provides the hacker with enough material to commit fraud and other illicit activities. However, browser syncjacking provides the hacker with the capability to go even further.

Using the teleconferencing platform Zoom as an example, SquareX explains that using the malicious Chrome extension, the attacker can send the victim to an official yet modified Zoom webpage that urges the user to install an update. However, the Zoom download that's provided is actually an executable file that installs a Chrome browser enrollment token from the hacker's Google Workspace.

After this occurs, the hacker then has access to additional capabilities and can gain access to the user's Google Drive, clipboard, emails, and more.

Device takeover

The browser syncjacking attack doesn't stop there. The hacker can take one further step in order to not just take over the victim's Chrome profile and Chrome browser, but also their entire device.

Through that same illicit download, such as the previously used Zoom update installer example, the attacker can inject a "registry entry to message native apps" by weaponizing Chrome’s Native Messaging protocol. By doing this, the attacker basically sets up a connection "between the malicious extension and the local binary." Basically, it creates a flow of information between the hacker's Chrome extension and your computer. Using this, the hacker can send commands to your device.

What can the hacker do from here? Pretty much anything they want. The attacker will have full access to the user's computer files and settings. They can create backdoors into the system. They can steal data such as passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, cookies, and more. In addition, they can track the user by controlling their webcam, take screenshots, record audio, and monitor everything input into the device.

As you can see, browser syncjacking is nearly completely unrecognizable as an attack to most users. For now, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from such a cyberattack is to be aware of what you download and only install trusted Chrome extensions.

OpenAI's ChatGPT web search feature is now available for everyone, even those without an account.

On Wednesday, OpenAI posted on social media platform X to announce that the ChatGPT search feature had officially been rolled out to all users without the need to sign up or log in.

Tweet may have been deleted

The ChatGPT web search feature launched in late October last year. It is integrated directly into OpenAI's ChatGPT AI chatbot at chatgpt.com. 

Users simply click the search button to use the search function. ChatGPT then answers their query in a typical conversational AI chatbot fashion. However, ChatGPT also includes relevant information from the Internet, including photos and links citing where it sourced its information. The links are presented in a search engine-esque way.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI launches 'deep research' AI agent for ChatGPT

When the search feature initially launched, it was only available to paying ChatGPT subscribers. In December of last year, OpenAI rolled out ChatGPT search to all users who were already logged into an account. Now, anyone can use ChatGPT search without an account.

A recent report from search engine optimization company Semrush found that while Google still has billions more search users than ChatGPT,  OpenAI's chatbot product was starting to send more and more search traffic to third-party websites.

It will be interesting to observe how users change their online search habits as new options, such as ChatGPT search, become more widely available.

The Google Gemini app now includes a reasoning model that shows its "thought process."

On Wednesday, the tech giant announced the availability of Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental on Gemini's desktop and mobile versions. In addition to making its reasoning model, 2.0 Flash Thinking, more accessible to users, Google shared other announcements related to the Gemini family: the launch of Gemini 2.0 Pro, expanded access to Gemini 2.0 Flash in AI Studio and Vertex AI, and a low-cost model called Flash-Lite.

SEE ALSO: Google deletes policy against using AI for weapons or surveillance Tweet may have been deleted

Over at Google, it looks like business as usual, as the company stays on the course of advancing its AI strategy of incrementally adding more capabilities to its Gemini family. But the introduction of Gemini 2.0 Flash-Lite is interesting timing given DeepSeek's disruption last week. DeepSeek spooked the AI industry with its R1 model that's just as capable as competitor models, but made for a fraction of the cost, upending beliefs that more money equals better models.

Google has previously released a cost-efficient model called 1.5 Flash, and CEO Sundar Pichai downplayed DeepSeek's impact on Google in its Q4 2024 earnings call on Tuesday, saying, "For us, it's always been obvious" that models could become more cost-efficient over time. That said, Google plans to spend $75 billion in capital expenditure, which is a huge uptick from $32.3 billion in 2023.

Google's announcements today seem to cover all the bases of AI development: reasoning models, advanced models, and low-cost models.

Announced in December, 2.0 Flash Thinking rivals OpenAI's o1 and o3-mini reasoning models in that it's capable of working through more complex problems and showing how it reasons through them. Previously, it debuted in AI Studio but now has broad availability in experimental mode as a dropdown option in the Gemini app.

Tweet may have been deleted

There's also a version that integrates with YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Search. With this version, the model might opt to search the web for answers, pull up relevant YouTube links, or query Google Maps instead of relying solely on its own training data.

For example, if you ask 2.0 Flash Thinking without app integration, "How long would it take to walk to China?" it would rely on its own knowledge base to reason through the vagueness and various factors involved. But in the version with the aforementioned apps, it immediately goes to Google Maps for answers (as laid out in its "thinking.")

The Gemini 2.0 Pro release is the most noteworthy announcement in terms of technical advancement. According to Google, 2.0 Pro is its most capable model, best for coding and handling complex tasks (not to be confused with 2.0 Flash Thinking, which can also handle complex problems but shows its work.) Gemini 2.0 Pro is available as an experimental version to Gemini Advanced subscribers and in AI Studio and Vertex AI.

Gemini 2.0 Flash-Lite has a 1 million token context window and multimodal input and runs at the same speed and price as the earlier 1.5 Flash version, so it packs a punch for its size. Flash-Lite is available in preview mode on AI Studio and Vertex AI.

Whiskey stones, funny T-shirts, and cheap cologne — these might be classic man gifts, but unique gifts for men, they are not. The special guys in your life deserve better. While searching for the perfect gift, you may have learned the hard way that finding unique gifts for men isn’t always such a simple task, especially if they have more eclectic, off-the-beaten-path tastes. To find the perfect present for these types of guys — whether they’re your dad, brother, best friend, boyfriend , or husband — you’ll need to do some creative thinking and get something they would have never thought of buying for themselves. For Christmas, birthday gifts, Valentine's Day, and anniversary gifts, these are our picks for the most unique and interesting gift ideas for your favorite guy.

SAVE $250: As of Feb. 5, get the Samsung Music Frame for $149.99, down from its usual price of $399.99. That's a discount of 63%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Samsung Music Frame $149.99
$399.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

You might not have heard of it before, but the Samsung Music Frame is a smart speaker that doubles as a photo frame that you can customize to your liking. And it's on sale today at Woot so you can grab one and add it to your home ASAP.

As of Feb. 5, get the Samsung Music Frame for $149.99, down from its usual price of $399.99, at Woot. That's $250 off and a discount of 63%.

SEE ALSO: The best smart speakers in 2025

This smart speaker and frame has space for a photo that you can swap in and out like a regular photo frame, but you can change out its bezel color and play music from it. It holds photos that are 10" x 8" or 8" x 8" on the front panel, so you've got options to show off your favorite photo or piece of art.

It's compatible with Dolby Atmos, syncs up with your Samsung TV and speakers, and has the ability to stream music wirelessly with WiFi or Bluetooth-enabled devices. So if you want to use it to listen to a podcast or play your Spotify playlist, you can do that as well.

This is a fun little frame with a powerful speaker that's great for any living space. And at this price, it makes a great gift, too.

Visible on both Google Earth and Google Maps, the updated satellite images of Gaza show destruction mostly in the area around the Beit Hanoun neighborhood in northern Gaza. Though recently added, the images date back to October and November 2023, meaning Google still doesn’t have current satellite mapping of Gaza.

The lack of up-to-date visuals on Google Earth is not unique to views of Gaza. From war-torn countries, such as Ukraine, to the central parts of busy mega cities like New York and London, satellite imagery is usually around 2 yeas old. Still, satellite companies have reportedly been delaying the release of their images from Gaza, with a Semafor investigation from late 2024 describing restricted access to visuals of the Gaza Strip from satellite imagery company Planet Labs, which supplies Google.

Up until 2020, the 1997 Kyl-Bingaman Amendment to the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act restricted American companies from publishing satellite images from over Israel and occupied Palestine with resolution higher than two meters per pixel. In June 2020, the U.S. Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs Office began allowing commercial satellite companies to produce higher quality images, but the current satellite photos don't come close to communicating the realities on the ground.

Not knowing what remains of their lives in northern Gaza, displaced Palestinians are now returning to their homes and searching fort their loved ones for the first time after the start of the 15-month war. As part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Israel allowed the first crossing point in central Gaza to open after Hamas agreed to release Israeli civilian Arbel Yehoud. The temporary truce is meant to last for 42 days, and it is still uncertain whether there will be a deal permanently ending hostilities. Recently Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been issued an arrest warning from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, became the first foreign leader to visit the White House since the start of Donald Trump's second term. During a joint press conference, Trump proposed a US takeover of Gaza, suggesting that Palestinians should flee Gaza to 'countries of interest with a humanitarian heart.'

Since Oct. 7, 2023, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 46,000, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, though these numbers only account for people killed by bombs and bullets, and research published in The Lancet medical journal estimates that the actual death toll could be up to 40 percent higher. The report also says that 59.1 percent of those who died from dramatic injuries were women, children, and elderly people.

GET YOUTUBE TV FREE FOR 21 DAYS: YouTube TV is offering a free trial for 21 days. A month typically costs $82.99, which means this deal saves you about $60.

Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube Free 21-day access to YouTube TV base plan at YouTube
Get Deal

Running out of shows to stream? Us too. Winter months have us endlessly scrolling the selection at all the major streaming services while asking friends for recommendations. If you could use a fresh selection of streaming options that include live channels, check out this great free deal.

As of Feb. 5, the YouTube TV base plan is free for your first 21 days. The typical price is $82.99 per month, which means this deal saves you about $60 over the three weeks. You're free to cancel at any time.

SEE ALSO: Get 3 months of MUBI for just $1

Consider YouTube TV a one-stop streaming platform when it comes to live TV. It includes over 100 live channels that you can either watch live or record with unlimited DVR privileges. It's a bit like standard cable used to be, but with a better selection.

YouTube TV includes channels like ESPN, ABC, NBC, HGTV, AMC, bravo, National Geographic, NFL network, and many more. The exact selection will depend on your location, and you can browse the full list of channels here.

YouTube TV is also pretty generous when it comes to sharing passwords. Unlike some streaming platforms, YouTube allows up to six individual accounts with unlimited DVR for all. You'll be able to stream on three devices at the same time with the base plan, which means three family members or housemates can be watching their own streams at the same time.

You're free to tune into YouTube TV from your phone, tablet, TV, gaming console, or computer, which gives you nice flexibility since we're almost always around at least one of these devices.

If you're in the mood for upping your viewing options for the next three weeks, jump on the free 21-day trial of YouTube TV. While the plan usually costs $82.99 per month, you might very well decide it's well worth it since it adds over 100 live channels to your viewing selection.

SAVE 72%: Shop NordVPN's birthday sale and save up to 72% on annual and two-year plans. Sign up for NordVPN's two-year Prime plan and get it for just $201.36. That saves you $542.40 for safe internet browsing.

Opens in a new window Credit: NordVPN NordVPN two-year plans $201.36 at NordVPN
$743.76 Save $542.40 Save up to 72% and get one year free Get Deal

With the constant chaos happening online, it's hard to feel secure while browsing. Plus, with the brief TikTok ban, VPNs are on our mind as a way to keep using the app — and there's a great deal on one of our favorites today.

As of Feb. 5, our preferred premium VPN, NordVPN, is offering a major discount during its annual birthday sale. The best deal you can get on NordVPN's services is on their two-year plans, which are up to 72% off. For even more savings, with the purchase of plus ($105.36 for two years), complete ($129.36 for two years), and prime plans ($201.36 for two years), you'll receive one year of NordVPN free. After your purchase, NordVPN will send you a coupon to redeem one year of their service free. One year plans are also on sale, but the savings aren't as steep, so if you want to make the most of your purchase, swing for a two-year plan.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops you can get for under $500 in 2025

Accessible to both novice and pro VPN users, NordVPN has an easy-to-use platform that offers a variety of features including a password manager, malware protection, and identity fraud insurance in addition to protected browsing.

Shop NordVPN's birthday sale now and get up to 72% off.

With the Uber and Waymo robotaxi launch next month, users in Austin can sign up now for priority access to the new AVs.

On Wednesday, Uber announced the addition of an Interest List on the app. This feature lets users indicate whether they'd like to receive updates from Uber and "increase their chances of being matched with a Waymo autonomous vehicle at launch by opting into the AV preference." The ride-hailing app also unveiled a co-branded Uber x Waymo vehicle, signaling their partnership, which brings Waymo autonomous vehicles exclusively to the Uber fleet. 

Signing up to the Interest List gets you a better chance of being matched with a Waymo AV. Credit: Uber

In its Q4 2024 earnings call on Wednesday morning, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said Uber plans to launch with Waymo "in Austin next month and Atlanta this summer." Uber has been investing heavily in the robotaxi market in the past few years. "I am more confident than ever that Uber is uniquely positioned to capture the $1 trillion+ opportunity that autonomy will unlock in the US alone," said Khosrowshahi about Uber's opportunities in the AV industry.

To date, Uber has partnered with 14 AV companies, which include manufacturers of consumer-facing AVs, sidewalk delivery robots, and autonomous freight trucks.

Austin residents: prepare to start seeing this everywhere. Credit: Uber

Soon, Austin residents calling an Uber might see a driverless car pulling up to greet them. Waymo Ubers will initially cover 37 square miles within Austin and expand coverage in the future. Pricing for Waymo AVs is the same rate as a traditional Uber (UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric), and when it arrives, you can unlock the vehicle with the Uber app and hop in.

To sign up for the Interest List, make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Uber app. Then, go to Account > Settings > Ride Preferences > Autonomous vehicles > Join interest list.

Some Google Maps users can now access more ways to customize their car's icon while using the app.

As it stands, Google Maps only lets you choose one of four icons: an arrow, a red car, a yellow SUV, or a green truck. But, as 9to5Google spotted, some Android users are now prompted about "early access to customize your vehicle icon's style [and] color." When inputting driving directions, they get a notice about setting up "your ride, your way." 

There are a lot more options rolling out. There are five new cars: an off-road pickup, a sports car, a sedan, a hatchback, and an SUV. The are eight new colors, too: white, black, gray, red, blue, yellow, green, and purple.

SEE ALSO: Google Maps is adding new color options for your virtual vehicle icon

We at Mashable covered planned icon additions to Google Maps for iOS in November, but now the changes appear to be rolling out for Android. The new icons are available for Android users running Google Maps beta version 25.06.x.

SEE ALSO: Google Maps will rename Gulf of Mexico to America following Trump's order

Among an array of right-wing personalities and media outlets, the president can do no wrong.

SAVE $220: As of Feb. 5, get a free Le Creuset Heart Mini Cocotte (a $220 value!) with a $250+ purchase. Use code VALENTINE at checkout. Offer ends Feb. 12.

Opens in a new window Credit: Le Creuset Free Le Creuset Heart Mini Cocotte with $250+ purchase at Le Creuset
with code VALENTINE at checkout Get Deal

This Valentine’s Day, Le Creuset is giving away a free Heart Cocotte with any purchase of $250 or more.

Now through Feb. 12, customers can receive this limited-edition enameled cast iron heart-shaped cocotte, a $220 value, with a qualifying purchase of $250 (which shouldn’t be hard to do). You’ll also get free shipping on orders of $99+.

SEE ALSO: 30 Valentine's Day gifts for all the sweethearts in your life

The Heart Cocotte is perfect for baking, roasting, and serving up intimate side dishes, dips, and desserts. Think creamed corn, scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables (especially root vegetables cut into smaller pieces), or a small portion of mac and cheese.

Here are a few discounted items to get to that $250 threshold and earn the free Heart Cocotte:

• Heart Serving Bowl — $24.50 $35 (save $10.50)

• Signature Petite Tasse (set of 4) — $39.99 $56 (save $16.01)

• Heart Serving Platter — $42 $60 (save $18)

• Heritage Fluted Pie Dish (2-piece set) — $79.99 $112 (save $32.01)

• Heritage 3-Piece Rectangular Baking Dish Set — $134.99 $195 (save $60.01)

SAVE $100: As of Feb. 5, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook is $399, down from its usual price of $499 at Lenovo. That's a discount of 20%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook $399.00 at Lenovo
$499.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If it's time to upgrade your daily driver laptop, or you just want to pick one up that's a little more dynamic, you might want to go with a Chromebook. These versatile computers can do it all and then some, and usually come in lightweight, perfectly portable packages that make it easy to work from anywhere. Today's an especially good day to pick up a Chromebook, since you can get one for a fantastic price.

As of Feb. 5, get the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook for just $399 at Lenovo, down from its usual price of $400. That's $100 off and a discount of 20%.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops you can get for under $500 in 2025

Lenovo is particularly good at putting out Chromebooks that feel great to use, and this model is no exception. It can convert between multiple modes, so you can use it like a regular tablet, a tent-like folding mode, or keep it in its laptop form factor. It comes packing a 13th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, Intel UHD graphics card, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, so it's beefy enough to handle just about any task, too.

For the price, you're getting a reliable, versatile computer that can change and shift with you as your needs evolve. It's a great buy at this discount, and well worth even putting away for the kids for their homework needs. It's a limited-time sale, so pounce on it while you can.