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SAVE $350: As of Jan. 15, TCL's 75-inch QM7 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED Smart Google TV is on sale for $999.99 at Best Buy. This is $350 off its list price of $1,349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch Class QM7-Series 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED Smart Google TV (2024) $999.99 at Best Buy
$1,349.99 Save $350.00 Get Deal

Best Buy's been offering up some top-notch TV deals recently. If you've been looking for an upgrade to kick off the new year, the retailer has had several options on offer, whether you want something big to immerse you in your favorite shows and films or a smaller pick for your living space. For those hoping to go big with a shiny new screen, this deal on a massive 75-inch TCL QM7 TV is worth a look.

At the moment, Best Buy has the TCL 75-inch QM7 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED Smart Google TV for $999.99. This is $350 off its list price of $1,349.99 and worth every penny for what you're getting.

SEE ALSO: Looking for a premium TV at a low price? The TCL QM85 65-inch QLED Mini LED TV is $500 off.

Boasting 4K UltraHD resolution and QLED PRO Quantum Dot technology, this TV will have your favorite shows, films, and games popping with vibrant color and clarity so you can see every detail really shine. Not to mention, it also features Dolby Atmos Audio, DTS Virtual:X, and an ONKYO speaker system to keep you fully immersed with sound that pulls you in.

All of this is on top of its massive 75-inch screen size, which is perfect for making your own movie theater setup at home. And as a smart Google TV you'll be able to have all of your favorite streaming apps in one convenient spot.

Don't miss out on this excellent deal on the TCL 75-inch QM7 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED Smart Google TV at Best Buy.

As we mentioned earlier, there are plenty more TV deals floating around right now. If you want to make the jump to OLED, have a look at this deal on the LG C4. And if you want to see a budget pick instead, this Samsung Crystal UHD TV is a great pick for $400.

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

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

Amazon's beloved Smart TV device, the Fire Stick Max, is on sale for the first time this year. 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.

It has a remote with Alexa built-in, helping you turn any TV into a Smart TV. (Top tip: using Alexa to search for your favorite movie saves time and effort.)

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Slash 35% off the new and improved Fire HD 8 tablet

As of Jan. 15, you can buy this handy device for just $44.99. This deal saves you $15 on list price.

There's no over-the-top setup to worry about, these handy 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.

This is only a limited-time deal at Amazon, so move fast if you don't want to miss out.

SAVE $50: As of Jan. 15, the Braun IPL Pro 5 is on sale for $299.94 at Amazon. That's a saving of 14% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Braun Braun IPL Pro 5 $299.94 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $50.05 Get Deal

Braun is well known for its high-end hair removal devices, and as of Jan. 15, the Braun IPL Pro 5 is currently priced at $299.94 — around the same as one or two laser hair removal sessions.

The Braun device benefits from skin tone sensors, a handy tool that optimizes the power of every flash to your skin tone. It's also sensitive on the skin, with two sensitive modes for when you use the device in delicate areas such as your face or armpit. And for those awkward-to-reach places, there are different attachments to make sure you're getting the most out of the treatment.

SEE ALSO: Samsung outlines pre-order deals ahead of Galaxy S25 launch

But how does IPL differ from laser treatment? IPL is one of the best long-term solutions for hair removal that can be done at home. It stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is a hair removal process that uses light pulses to target hair follicles, so it reduces hair growth over time. It's not a laser, but works similarly by focusing on the pigment in hair. It's a relatively painless, long-term solution for hair removal.

IPL is slightly less effective than laser treatment, but it is gentler on the skin. It can also be done from home, which is a big plus.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

SAVE $300: As of Jan. 15, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is on sale for $999.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 23% on list price, and its lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $999.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Sales and deals are a great excuse to upgrade your tech. Whether you're on the hunt for a new smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you'll find something reduced with Amazon's Daily Deals. And the latest discount to catch our eye is this great deal on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Reduced by 23% to $999.99, this phone is now at its lowest-ever price at Amazon, and the first time it's been priced lower than $1,000.

SEE ALSO: Samsung outlines pre-order deals ahead of Galaxy S25 launch

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an incredible smartphone and one of the top models in the Galaxy range. Upgrade for the eye-catching 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the 200MP main camera, the ultra-wide, telephoto, and periscope lenses, or even just for the super-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.

The 5,000 mAh battery will keep you going all day, even if you're streaming, working, gaming, or simply browsing. Plus, it supports 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, so when it’s time to charge, you won’t have to wait long.

Grab this impressive deal from Amazon before it runs out.

The James Webb Space Telescope might not have broken our understanding of the universe, after all.

Previously, astronomers used Webb to spot curious, faint, and extremely ancient red dots that they surmised were giant galaxies. But there was a problem. It shouldn't have been possible for such massive galaxies — the earliest of which formed just some 500 to 700 million years after the universe was created — to have enough material to form copious amounts of stars and solar systems. (The universe is about 13.7 billion years old.)

New insights from the powerful space observatory, orbiting 1 million miles beyond Earth, suggest the faint light of these distant "little red dots" is actually generated by active black holes at the center of the galaxies. That means the red light we see isn't coming from the glow of a prodigious number of stars.

"This is how you solve the universe-breaking problem," Anthony Taylor, an astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin who co-authored the research, said in a statement.

"Contrary to Headlines, Cosmology Isn’t Broken," NASA added, referencing earlier news coverage of the cosmic quandary.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

The research was presented at the 245th meeting of the American Astronomical Society.

Astronomers looked at a wide population of the red objects observed so far, spanning a number of different Webb surveys and elapsing hundreds of millions of years. Around 70 percent of the red objects "showed evidence for gas rapidly orbiting 2 million miles per hour (1,000 kilometers per second)," NASA explained. That's a telltale sign of a strong black hole: Black holes — which are objects wielding extreme gravitational power — amass accretion disks of super-heated, rapidly spinning dust, gas, and particles.

If the researchers are correct, the light you're seeing from the red objects below is generated by the black holes at the center of these early galaxies.

Some of the "little red dots" viewed by the James Webb Space Telescope. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Dale Kocevski (Colby College) Tweet may have been deleted

The case, however, isn't fully settled.

Astronomers intend to keep investigating the curious red dots. For example, these objects begin appearing in great numbers around 600 million years after the Big Bang, but then plummet in number around 900 hundred million years later (1.5 billion years after the Big Bang). Why? Are they being obscured?

Webb scientists will continue weighing their novel observations with our understanding of how the universe works.

"There’s always two or more potential ways to explain the confounding properties of little red dots," Dale Kocevski, an astronomer at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, who led the research, said. "It’s a continuous exchange between models and observations, finding a balance between what aligns well between the two and what conflicts."

The Webb telescope's powerful abilities

The Webb telescope — a scientific collaboration between NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency — is designed to peer into the deepest cosmos and reveal new insights about the early universe. It's also examining intriguing planets in our galaxy, along with the planets and moons in our solar system.

Here's how Webb is achieving unparalleled feats, and likely will for decades to come:

- Giant mirror: Webb's mirror, which captures light, is over 21 feet across. That's over two-and-a-half times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope's mirror. Capturing more light allows Webb to see more distant, ancient objects. The telescope is peering at stars and galaxies that formed over 13 billion years ago, just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. "We're going to see the very first stars and galaxies that ever formed," Jean Creighton, an astronomer and the director of the Manfred Olson Planetarium at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, told Mashable in 2021.

- Infrared view: Unlike Hubble, which largely views light that's visible to us, Webb is primarily an infrared telescope, meaning it views light in the infrared spectrum. This allows us to see far more of the universe. Infrared has longer wavelengths than visible light, so the light waves more efficiently slip through cosmic clouds; the light doesn't as often collide with and get scattered by these densely packed particles. Ultimately, Webb's infrared eyesight can penetrate places Hubble can't.

"It lifts the veil," said Creighton.

- Peering into distant exoplanets: The Webb telescope carries specialized equipment called spectrographs that will revolutionize our understanding of these far-off worlds. The instruments can decipher what molecules (such as water, carbon dioxide, and methane) exist in the atmospheres of distant exoplanets — be they gas giants or smaller rocky worlds. Webb looks at exoplanets in the Milky Way galaxy. Who knows what we'll find?

"We might learn things we never thought about," Mercedes López-Morales, an exoplanet researcher and astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics-Harvard & Smithsonian, told Mashable in 2021.

Already, astronomers have successfully found intriguing chemical reactions on a planet 700 light-years away, and have started looking at one of the most anticipated places in the cosmos: the rocky, Earth-sized planets of the TRAPPIST solar system.

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for $119.97 through February 2 — a one-time purchase for lifetime access to top productivity apps on your Mac or PC.

Monthly subscriptions aren’t for everyone. For those who’d rather skip the recurring fees, Microsoft Office 2024 Home offers a smarter way to work. This one-time purchase of $119.97 (reg. $149) gives you lifetime access to essential Office apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, making it perfect for tackling home projects, organizing family life, or even managing a side hustle.

Office 2024 is packed with new features to simplify your workflow. The improved Ribbon interface shows only the tools you need, right when you need them, so you can focus without distractions. Excel introduces dynamic arrays for smarter data handling, letting you sort, filter, and analyze information in real time as your data changes. PowerPoint steps up its game with presentation recording and closed captions, making it a breeze to create accessible content for online classes or family updates.

Collaboration is seamless with real-time co-authoring, chat, and version history across the apps. Whether you’re writing, crunching numbers, or designing presentations, these tools ensure everyone stays on the same page — literally.

What really sets Office 2024 apart is owning the software outright — no subscriptions, no ongoing costs, just reliable productivity tools you can depend on for years to come. It’s the perfect solution for families and individuals who want powerful tools without a monthly bill.

Stop renting your tools.

Make the switch to this lifetime subscription to Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC today for $119.97 until February 2 and take control of your productivity with tools designed to work for you.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase $119.97
$149.99 Save $30.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium for just $59.99 (reg. $299) and crush your goals with bite-sized insights from the world’s best thinkers.

If you’re feeling stuck in a scroll hole and wondering where your time went, it’s time for a new habit — one that actually helps you grow. Headway is the mobile app designed to make personal growth simple, fun, and fast. With concise, 15-minute summaries of the world’s best nonfiction, Headway delivers actionable insights that you can apply to your life right away.

Think of it as a growth hack for your brain. Whether you want to improve your career, relationships, or well-being, Headway gives you the key ideas and concepts from acclaimed bestsellers. The best part? You can listen or read — whatever suits your needs. And at just $59.99 for a lifetime subscription (down from $299), this is a one-time investment in your future self.

This can help keep you up to date with curated content tailored to your goals. From productivity hacks to mindfulness tips, Headway makes self-growth easy and sustainable.

And it’s also about retaining what you learn. Thanks to gamified features like challenges, achievements, and progress tracking, you’ll stay motivated to return for more. Headway turns self-improvement into a fun game that fits into your life, whether commuting, working out, or waiting in line.

So, why waste time scrolling aimlessly when you could be growing on the go? With Headway Premium, you’ll get lifetime access to a growing collection of summaries, personalized learning paths, and thousands of practical tips to help you reach your goals faster.

Ready to trade mindless scrolling for mindful learning?

Headway Premium is just $59.99 for life and can help you make self-growth a habit — without the overwhelm.

StackSocial prices are subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: GTHW App Limited Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription $59.99
$299.95 Save $239.96 Get Deal

TL;DR: Stay powered with the Flash Pro Plus, a 25,000mAh power bank with 100W charging for $229.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Chargeasap Flash Pro Plus 100W USB-C 25000mAh Graphene Power Bank w/ Magsafe Compatibility $229.99
$319.00 Save $89.01 Get Deal

Between work, travel, and everyday life, staying connected means keeping your devices charged.

That’s where the powerful Flash Pro Plus power bank comes in, on sale for $229.99 (reg. $319). Built with Panasonic’s cutting-edge technology, this compact powerhouse is specifically designed to keep MagSafe-compatible devices charged and ready, no matter where you are.

With a massive 25,000mAh battery capacity and 100W of power, it can juice up your MacBook, iPad, iPhone, and more with lightning-fast speed. It features multiple USB-C ports, a USB-A port, and even a wireless charging pad, so you can charge up to six devices at once. No more running out of outlets or carrying bulky chargers.

The Flash Pro Plus is also built to last, using graphene battery technology for better heat management and extended lifespan. Its slim, portable design makes it a perfect companion for road trips, flights, or everyday commutes. Need to check your battery levels? The OLED screen gives you real-time stats, so you’ll always know how much juice you’ve got left.

Successfully crowdfunded on Indiegogo, this power bank has already won over thousands of backers. For $229.99, you can take home the Flash Pro Plus USB-C Graphene Power Bank and never worry about dead batteries again.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan for just $39.99 (reg. $169.99) and protect your family’s devices from ads, trackers, and online threats.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Software AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$169.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal

Tired of dodging pop-ups, dealing with slow-loading websites, and feeling like your every move online might be tracked? You’re not alone. The internet should be a safe, smooth, and private space. The AdGuard Family Plan can help you smooth things out, digitally speaking.

For just $39.99, you’ll get lifetime protection for up to nine devices. Whether it’s your phone, tablet, or laptop, AdGuard blocks intrusive ads, prevents trackers from snooping on your data, and shields your family from possible malicious websites.

Ads aren’t just annoying; they slow down your browsing, eat up your data, and sometimes even carry malware. And if you’ve got kids online, you want to make sure they’re safe from inappropriate content. The AdGuard Family Plan does all that and more. With built-in parental controls, you can filter out harmful sites and ensure your family’s online experience is both secure and enjoyable.

With up to 9 devices covered, the AdGuard Family Plan is perfect for households where everyone’s connected. And because it’s a one-time payment for lifetime access, you’ll never have to worry about recurring fees or annoying subscription renewals. Just set it up and enjoy a seamless, ad-free internet experience.

So, whether you’re protecting your own devices or your whole family’s, AdGuard makes it easy to have a more peaceful online experience. Say goodbye to annoying ads and hello to a safer, faster internet.

Don't miss the opportunity to save on a lifetime of AdGuard Family Plan protection while it's just $39.99 (reg. $169.99) for a limited time. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $329: As of Jan. 15, you can grab the NETGEAR Nighthawk AXE11000 WiFi 6E Router for $270.99 on Amazon, saving a whopping $329 off its $599.99 list price. With 12 streams, tri-band WiFi, and support for up to 60 devices, this router is perfect for 4K/8K streaming, gaming, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netgear NETGEAR Nighthawk AXE11000 WiFi 6E Router $270.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $329.00 Get Deal

If your WiFi setup struggles to keep up with modern demands, the NETGEAR Nighthawk AXE11000 might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. At $270.99, this 55% discount on one of the most powerful routers on the market is hard to ignore.

Let’s start with the basics: this router uses WiFi 6E technology, introducing a shiny new 6GHz band that’s built for speed. Think 4K and 8K streaming, virtual reality gaming, and HD video calls — all without a stutter or buffering wheel in sight. This router keeps your connection rock solid across its 3,500 square feet of coverage for streaming, gaming, or working from home. It’s powerful enough to handle up to 60 devices, so go ahead and connect your phone, laptop, console, smart speakers, and more.

SEE ALSO: How to get free Peacock, Paramount+, and Max streaming through services you might already have

The tech specs here are impressive. You’re looking at a 1.8GHz quad-core processor delivering speeds up to 10.8Gbps — nine times faster than WiFi 5. It’s got four 1G Ethernet ports and a 2.5G port for wired devices, so you can hook up your gaming console or streaming box and enjoy lag-free performance. Features like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Beamforming ensure your WiFi signal is distributed efficiently, so everyone in your household gets a seamless experience.

The Nighthawk app makes setup a breeze, letting you manage everything from WiFi settings to speed tests right on your phone. On the security front, you’ve got NETGEAR Armor (with a 30-day free trial) to protect all your connected devices from cyber threats. Smart Parental Controls help you manage screen time and create healthy internet habits for your family.

At $270.99 from Amazon, this deal offers top-tier performance at a mid-tier price. Ready to upgrade your outdated system or set up a new home network without the stock router? Nighthawk AXE11000 is ready to handle anything you throw at it — and then some.

SAVE $500: As of Jan. 15, TCL QM85 65-inch QLED Mini LED TV is on sale at Amazon for $999.99, down from $1,499.99. With cutting-edge QD-Mini LED ULTRA technology, Dolby Vision IQ HDR, and a 144 Hz refresh rate, it’s a stellar choice for gamers and home theater enthusiasts alike.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL QM85 65-inch QLED Mini LED TV $999.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal

Suppose you’re hunting for a TV that feels just as at home hosting movie nights as it does crushing leaderboard runs in your favorite game. In that case, this TCL QM85 65-inch QLED Mini LED TV deserves your attention. At $999.99, you’re saving $500 on a 2024 model that packs some serious tech muscle.

Let’s talk visuals: the QM85’s QD-Mini LED ULTRA backlight tech combines deep blacks with blazing whites, offering 5,000 local dimming zones and a ridiculous 5,000 nits of peak brightness. Translation? This TV laughs in the face of glare and makes HDR content pop like never before. Quantum Dot Technology (QLED ULTRA) ensures colors are vibrant and accurate, with nearly full coverage of the DCI-P3 color spectrum — perfect for everything from colorful animated films to gritty thrillers.

SEE ALSO: How to get free Peacock, Paramount+, and Max streaming through services you might already have

For gamers, this is where things really get interesting. A 144 Hz variable refresh rate, Game Accelerator 240, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro mean your favorite titles will look smooth, play fast, and feel more responsive. There’s even an auto low latency mode (ALLM) to make sure input lag isn’t holding you back during high-stakes matches. QM85 has your back gaming solo or flexing your skills in co-op.

On the smart side, this TV runs Google TV, giving you easy access to your streaming apps, live TV, and voice commands via the included remote. Alexa compatibility is a nice touch, too, letting you control your entertainment setup without lifting a finger. Plus, with four HDMI inputs, you won’t be juggling cables every time you switch between your gaming console, soundbar, or Blu-ray player.

At under $1,000, this TV’s a beast of a deal. After an upgrade for your living room setup or building the ultimate game station? TCL QM85 has the features to make it happen — and then some.

TL;DR: As of Jan. 15, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Surging Sparks Zapdos blister for $20.69 (31% off the $29.99 list price). With three booster packs and a foil Zapdos promo, this is your shot at pulling set heavyweights like Pikachu ex and Milotic ex.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Surging Sparks Triple Blister $20.69 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $9.30 Get Deal

The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet: Surging Sparks Zapdos blister is back at Amazon for just $20.69. If you’re even halfway serious about Pokémon cards, this is one you don’t want to skip. It has three Surging Sparks booster packs (arguably one of the hottest sets since 151) and a foil Zapdos promo card to sweeten the deal. But let’s be real — you’re not here for the Zapdos. You’re here for the packs and what you might pull.

Surging Sparks is basically the “greatest hits” album of the Scarlet & Violet series so far. Over 250 cards, tons of Trainer staples, and some of the most collectible Pokémon ex cards we’ve seen in years. Remember when pulling a chase card actually felt special? This set delivers that thrill. Cards like Pikachu ex (yes, the Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare) are commanding ridiculous prices. Still, it’s not just about the value. That card is straight-up stunning. Resolute Heart as an ability is bonkers for gameplay, too, letting Pikachu hang on with 10 HP instead of Getting Knocked Out.

SEE ALSO: How to get free Peacock, Paramount+, and Max streaming through services you might already have

The fun doesn’t stop with Pikachu, though. How about Milotic ex, with artwork so beautiful you’d swear it belongs in a gallery? Not to mention its Sparkling Scales ability, which shuts down damage from Tera Pokémon, making it a meta pick for certain matchups. And then there’s Hydreigon ex — a special illustration rare that turns the darkness aesthetic up to eleven. Pulling off its Obsidian attack feels ridiculously satisfying, hitting multiple targets and shredding your opponent’s setup.

If dragons are your vibe, don’t sleep on Alolan Exeggutor ex. It’s colorful, tropical, and capable of doing some wild damage swings. But maybe you’re more into the classic duo of Latios and Latias? Both cards have connected artwork that collectors are losing their minds over, with Latias ex even offering free Retreat Costs for all your Basics in play.

And let’s not forget the Trainer cards. Lisia’s Appeal, one of the set’s Special Illustration Rare cards, is already gaining attention as a potential replacement for Boss’s Orders in future formats. On the cheaper end, you’ve got staples like Mesprit and the ACE SPEC Tera Orb to give your deck some competitive edge.

This blister isn’t just another way to crack packs; it’s a chance to pull cards that could end up defining this era of Pokémon TCG. And with Surging Sparks flying off shelves like it’s 1999, this restock might not stick around long.

RESTOCK: As of Jan. 15, Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Surging Sparks Build and Battle Box is available on Amazon for $46.83 (previously $49.99). Inside, you’ll find a 40-card preconstructed deck featuring one of four unique foil promo cards, four Surging Sparks booster packs, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Surging Sparks Build and Battle Box $46.83 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $3.16 Get Deal

Diving into Pokémon TCG or fine-tuning your deck for competitive play? This Build and Battle Box is a solid pick — and Amazon’s got it at a slight discount. While it’s not the biggest price drop, Surging Sparks boxes have been flying off the shelves since restocking, so snagging one without paying a premium is already a win.

The Build and Battle format is excellent for quick, low-prep matches or deck-building. Each box includes one of four unique promo cards: Zapdos, Milotic, Hydreigon, or Sylveon. These promos come with artwork exclusive to the box, making them tempting pickups for collectors.

SEE ALSO: How to get free Peacock, Paramount+, and Max streaming through services you might already have

But the real treasure? The four Surging Sparks booster packs. With over 250 cards in the set, the thrill of unwrapping one of those secret illustration rares (SIRs) is unmatched. Chase cards like Pikachu ex (SIR) or Latias ex (SIR) are currently commanding hefty prices, with Pikachu ex topping $450. Milotic and Hydreigon ex aren’t far behind, either, with stunning artwork and competitive potential that make them favorites in tournaments and trade circles.

Surging Sparks offers plenty of utility for those who prefer building decks over hoarding chase cards. Staple cards like Tera Orb are cheap and easy to find, while new ACE SPEC Trainer cards bring exciting options for tactical plays. The set’s theme of lightning-fast battles and flashy effects makes it a joy to explore, whether you’re in it for the competition or just the aesthetics.

This box is a no-brainer if you’re already itching to crack some packs and chase after shiny cardboard. At $46.83, it’s not the deepest discount, but with Surging Sparks restocks disappearing almost as fast as they arrive, it’s worth grabbing one while you can.

After a year of pretty practical innovations initially kicked off at CES 2024, it was tricky to predict the direction that CES 2025 robot vacuums would head in.

Welp, there wasn't really a theme at all. This year, robot vacuums were finally on par with the weirdness of the rest of CES.

Robot vacuums are on a whole new level in 2025

Last year, one big feature seemed to take over: self-washing and -drying mopping pads (among other expected upgrades like stronger suction power and more precise small obstacle avoidance). Now that most brands have at least one model that can pretty much take care of vacuuming and mopping without daily human intervention, smart map the home, and avoid obstacles without human intervention, the direction these brands would go in for 2025 felt... open-ended.

SEE ALSO: 22 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can buy right now

It turns out that big brands like Roborock, Eufy, and Dreame all had different ideas of how to ramp up robot vacuum autonomy. I'm comparing the best three robot vacuums and their most unique newfangled features below, plus any information we have on prices, preorders, and release dates so far.

Not necessarily set on buying a CES 2025 drop? Whether you don't feel like waiting or don't feel like paying that much, I'm listing an alternate robot vacuum from last year's crop that I think would offer a similar experience as each of these top three new robot vacuums.

Roborock Saros Z70 Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable Credit: Roborock

• Price: Set to retail for "around $2,000," though no official price is confirmed

• When you can buy it: Set to come out in April

• Biggest wow factor: It has a robotic grabby arm that can pick up small obstacles

Let's kick things off with the feature that probably wasn't on anyone's CES Bingo card: a robot vacuum with an arm.

The Roborock Saros Z70 puts a new spin on small obstacle avoidance technology by not only steering around things like socks or shoes, but picking them up completely and putting them in a designated area like a basket. The claw machine-style OmniGrip arm unfolds from the top of the robot vacuum and can pick up obstacles in four categories as long as they weigh less than 300 grams: socks, paper, small towels, and lightweight shoes. Support for pet toys would be particularly clutch in my household.

The Saros Z70 has another huge headline: 22,000 Pa of suction power. The robot vacuum world hasn't seen a number like that before — that's 3,500 Pa more powerful than the Roborock's previous strongest contender, the viral Roborock Qrevo Curv, and even 2,000 Pa more powerful than the 20,000 Pa clocked by the next-most powerful CES 2025 robot vacuum, the Dreame X50 Ultra. People who are in search of the most thorough carpet clean by a robot vacuum possible could easily be sold by this stat alone.

Though the cool factor of the grabby arm is pretty inarguable, the practicality is still iffy when considering the proposed $2,000-ish price tag. IMO, the Saros Z70 would have to be pretty perfect at literally everything else — actual vacuuming and mopping, navigating, you know the drill — to prove itself worth that kind of money. (In the words of my fellow Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel, "If you can afford it, ask yourself this: Why don't you just hire a maid?"

After struggling to return to its dock several times at the live demo at CES, the verdict on whether this new technology is more of a pain than it's worth is still up in the air. As soon as I review this bad boy in my own apartment, I'll let you know.

The best Roborock Saros Z70 alternative from 2024

If you like the idea of a super perceptive robot vacuum with meticulous cleaning skills — and definitely aren't paying $2,000 for the Saros Z70 when it comes out in the spring — consider the Roborock Qrevo Master. A CES 2024 release, the Qrevo Master ended up being my favorite robot vacuum that I tested in 2024 for a few reasons, many of which are premium features shared with the Saros Z70. First and foremost, there's no arm that tidies up for you, but the Qrevo Master's small obstacle detection has been pretty flawless in my home.

I've never seen a robot vacuum clean corners better than the Qrevo Master does. It's armed with two FlexiArms: no, they're not the OmniGrip arm that picks stuff up, but they do sweep and scrub in 90-degree angles and along edges much more precisely than a side brush or a mop that can't reach much farther than the diameter of the vacuum. Roborock baked these two features into the Saros Z70 as well, but with the Qrevo Master, you can secure that ASMR-like corner cleaning for significantly less money.

10,000 Pa of suction is no 22,000 Pa, but it has still been quite enough to keep up with my two cats. Speaking of cats, the Qrevo Master also has the livestream pet camera that Roborock put on the Saros Z70.

The Roborock Qrevo Master retails for $1,399.99 but has been on sale for as low as $899.99.

Eufy E20 Credit: Eufy Credit: Eufy

• Price: Can be preordered for $499.99 now, but will retail for $549.99

• When you can buy it: Officially comes out on Feb. 10

• Biggest wow factor: It's a robot vacuum that can transition into a cordless stick or handheld vacuum

There are always going to be those spots that even the most detail-oriented robot vacuums simply can't clean — they'll never be able to tackle the crumbs in your computer keyboard or pet fur-covered couch cushions or car seats. This is why I always say that the ideal vacuum setup is one that involves both a robot vacuum and a cordless stick vacuum, rather than putting your entire budget toward the absolute fanciest version of one or the other you can find.

This is the dilemma Eufy aimed to solve with its CES 2025 contender. The 3-in-1 Eufy E20 lets you skip the stress of shopping around for two vacuums by literally building a cordless handheld vacuum into the body of the robot vacuum. You can attach the full-size extender and cleaning head to make it a legit cordless stick vacuum or use it in handheld mode. The robot vacuum maxes out at 8,000 Pa of suction power: the same as the more-expensive Eufy X10 Pro Omni that I loved, but much less power than the other two CES releases in this story. Suction boosts to 30,000 Pa in handheld mode.

The Eufy E20 does have small obstacle avoidance technology but doesn't mop. It's not the most powerful robot vacuum or handheld vacuum, but if you don't have the space or patience to have two different types of vacuums in your home, this design might be the efficient middle ground you've been wishing existed.

The best Eufy E20 alternative from 2024

If you like the idea of the robot-to-cordless versatility but wish the robot vacuum itself was a little more intense of a cleaner, consider the Ecovacs T30S Combo. Released in summer 2024, it's an all-in-one cleaning hub that adds a cordless handheld vacuum to a premium robot vacuum that mops, washes and dries its own mopping pads, and cleans with 11,000 Pa of suction.

Rather than removing the cordless vac from the body of the robot vac like the E20, the T30S station features dual charging docks: one for the robot vacuum and one for the handheld vacuum. This means you'll be skipping the full-size stick vacuum of the E20. But if you're fine with leaving the floor to the robot as long as you have handheld control for the areas a robot can't go, this is a slightly more powerful option than the E20.

The Ecovacs T30S retails for $1,199.99 but has been on sale for as low as $799.99.

Dreame X50 Ultra Credit: Dreame Credit: Dreame

• Price: Can be preordered for $1,309.99 with a coupon now, but will retail for $1,699.99

• When you can buy it: Officially comes out on Feb. 14

• Biggest wow factor: It can climb thresholds up to 2.36 inches

The rumor floating around asserting that the Dreame X50 Ultra could climb stairs is a bit of a reach. Sorry. But it does still have more rugged driving capabilities than most other robot vacs thanks to special wheels that hoist it over blockages up to 2.36 inches. This'll be huge in homes that have higher thresholds between floor types in doorways, thick rugs, or even sliding doors that a regular robot vacuum would probably get stuck on.

The Dreame X50 Ultra also clocks 20,000 Pa of suction power — and that should be just as big of a story as the wheel situation. That number easily makes it one of the most powerful robot vacuums on the market, only to be bested by the Roborock Saros Z70's 22,000 Pa. And compared to the Saros Z70, predicted to cost around $2,000, the Dreame X50 Ultra's $1,699.99 price tag is quite modest for such a tenacious cleaner that also takes care of its own dust bin and mopping pads. A $390 preorder coupon brings that price down to $1,309.99, and you definitely won't find a robovac more powerful in the sub-$1,500 price range.

The best Dreame X50 Ultra alternative from 2024

If you like the idea of a brawny robot vacuum that won't get stuck on floor-type changes in your home, consider the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1. While it may not offer the official 2.36-inch clearance that the X50 Ultra does, it still has large lifting wheels that give it some serious air over the rugs and doorway thresholds in my apartment. It's actually the only robot vacuum I've ever tested that lifts high enough to not flip up the corners of my bath mats every single time.

The PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro is also Shark's first robot vacuum to wash and dry its own mopping pad. The only thing is that this Shark won't vacuum carpets or rugs if its current cleaning cycle involves vacuuming and mopping hard floors — instead, it'll come back to the soft floors once it removes its own washing pad at the dock.

The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 retails for $1,199.99 but has been on sale for as low as $699.99.

Unless you're an audio nerd, you might not be familiar with Technics, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary with the launch of new flagship earbuds — the EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds. The buds debuted at the CES 2025 show in Las Vegas, and I've been testing them for the past few weeks.

Technics made the turntable used by DJs since the earliest days of hip-hop and electronic music. More recently, the Panasonic brand has focused on HiFi products for audiophiles. They make studio-quality wired earphones for professional musicians and engineers, as well as luxury speakers, amplifiers, and turntables.

With the AZ100s, Technics wants to bring true high-fidelity, reference-class music quality to an everyday product. But you don't have to be a pretentious audiophile (and I say that will all due respect to the pretentious audiophiles of the world) to appreciate these new wireless earbuds.

Because, damn, do they sound good.

The Technics AZ100 earbuds alongside a miniature turntable. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds specs

You can start listening to music with these buds minutes after unboxing them. I've had no issues with pairing, dropped connections, or lag — even while using multi-point connections. They've also got an impressive feature set:

• Speaker Driver Unit: 10mm

• Frequency Response: 20 to 40 kHz

• Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation

• IPX4 water resistance

• 10 hours of battery with ANC / 28 hours of battery with charging case

• 15-minute quick charge provides 90 minutes of ANC listening

• Supports LDAC lossless audio

• USB-C and Qi wireless charging

• Charging case dimensions: 69 x 36 x 27 mm

• Earpiece sizes: XS, S, M, M/L, L

• Colors: Black and silver

Unboxing the AZ100 earbuds from Technics. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable The AZ100 earbuds with eartips. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The Technics Audio Connect app is also super user-friendly, and the custom ANC, EQ settings, and Voice Focus AI features are simple to set up. Personally, I found the "Dynamic" audio setting worked best for music. When using the buds, I found the touch controls responsive — but not so responsive that I accidentally paused or skipped tracks.

Customizing the touch controls. Credit: Screenshot: Technics Customizing the adaptive ANC. Credit: Screenshot: Technics The AZ100s produce high-fidelity audio for music lovers

In December, Panasonic invited a group of journalists to the Technics Design Studio in Kyoto, Japan, where we got to demo these new earbuds ahead of their CES debut. They deliver richer, fuller, more detailed sound than any earbuds I've ever tested. The only buds I've tried that achieved similar clarity and sound separation were next-gen in-ear monitors that used ultrasound technology.

That means when you're listening to a really layered track — think symphonies from Beethoven or "National Anthem" by Radiohead — you can distinctly hear all the various layers of sound. Instead of notes blurring into each other, you clearly hear each individual chord just as it was recorded.

Basically, they pass the "bop" test. As in, how much do I bop my head and play air drums while using them? It can be hard to articulate exactly why HiFi music sounds so much better, but you know it when you hear it.

I found this to be true across the entire audio range, from bass to treble. I've seen some Reddit reviews that complain these buds have weak bass. In reality, they have incredibly clear bass, whereas too many audio products simply blow out the bass beyond all reason.

These buds are so good they even compare favorably to over-ear headphones and luxury speakers.

Wearing the AZ100 earbuds. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The difference is obvious when switching back and forth between the AZ100s and other buds. Music just sounds more complete. They also produce incredible resonance, giving you a real sense of space.

And if you like to crank up the volume to 11, these earbuds get loud. (Loud enough that sound leaks slightly to the people around you.)

These earbuds made me wonder how close we are to achieving peak earbuds. Beyond incremental improvements to battery life, noise cancellation, and comfort, where do we go from here?

Introducing the Magnetic Fluid Driver

The new Technics AZ100s use a proprietary Magnetic Fluid Driver to produce high-resolution, low-distortion sound that's as close to the original source as possible.

What is a Magnetic Fluid Driver? Per Technics, the driver includes a ring of oily magnetic liquid between the driver magnet and voice coil (the part of the speaker that moves the diaphragm that produces sound waves). This creates more stable movement, higher clarity, and lower distortion. The new driver also uses an ultra-thin aluminum diaphragm for improved detail and sound separation.

I got the chance to demo this tech at a Panasonic demonstration in Kyoto, Japan in Dec. 2024. Here's what the new driver looks like in action:

This Magnetic Fluid tech previously appeared in the Technics EAH-TZ70 in-ear monitors — professional monitors with a $1,199.99 price tag. The new AZ100s feature a miniaturized version of that tech, plus a much more reasonable $299.99 price tag, the same as Bose's flagship QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.

I previously reviewed the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds for Mashable, and I've consistently rated them as the best wireless earbuds of the moment. So, how do they compare in a head-to-head test with the AZ100s?

Comparing the AZ100 to other headphones and earbuds

I've reviewed a lot of audio products for Mashable and other publications. I was surprisingly impressed with the audio quality of the Dyson OnTrac over-ear headphones, and I've previously praised the Bose QuietComfort Ultra line.

Now, premium over-ear headphones have advantages over wireless earbuds — a more comfortable form factor (and no ear wax gumming up the buds), a tighter seal around your ears, and larger speaker components. But unless you splurge on $1,000 in-ear monitors made for professionals, I don't know where you'll find better-sounding earbuds.

That said, I found the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds to be more comfortable for extended use. After three to four hours of wearing the AZ100s, I experienced some ear fatigue. The Bose buds are lighter and use a unique stability band that hugs the contour of your outer ear, and I find this provides a tighter seal and better fit. On the plus side, the AZ100 buds don't stick out too much from your ears, making them relatively comfortable when leaning against a pillow or surface.

A look at the AZ100s' fit. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

In terms of active noise cancellation, the AZ100s are as good as the very best noise-cancelling earbuds I've tested. They filter out human voices extremely well. While testing, I couldn't hear my partner unlocking, opening, and closing a door just seven feet away from me, nor did I hear her yelling my name. They dampened the clamor of the New York City subway, too.

Additional features justify the high price point

If you have an Android smartphone or compatible digital audio player, the AZ100 buds support the LDAC codec, aka lossless audio. Now, I'm just a lowly iPhone and Spotify user, but if you're a true connoisseur of sound, you'll appreciate this.

The AZ100s also support multi-point connection on three Bluetooth devices at once. In my experience, lots of brands claim to offer multi-point connection, but in reality, you have to do a lot of annoying manual switching. Here, multipoint works seamlessly. As I write this, the buds are connected to my iPhone and Macbook, and I can switch back and forth to audio on either device.

Surely, this will be the standard in the years ahead, and I can only hope other brands figure it out.

There are two other features I have to call out.

The buds with their metal charging case. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable The charging case and USB-C port. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

First, the Voice Focus AI. These earbuds use AI to isolate the sound of human voices, which is helpful when listening on ambient mode. It's also very handy for phone calls and online meetings. Truly, it made other sounds disappear like magic on calls. You can activate it on either end of a call, or both.

Lastly, the adaptive aspect of the active noise cancellation is much appreciated. We haven't really seen custom tuning available for ANC since the Bose 700 noise-cancelling headphones disappeared. With the AZ100s, you can fine-tune the ANC to your liking, providing an even better audio experience.

I haven't even mentioned the Dolby Atmos, the 10-hour battery life (with ANC engaged), or the IPX4 water resistance.

If you're curious, here are some of the tracks I used to test out these buds. I listened to these songs repeatedly with the Technics buds and other premium buds and headphones.

The verdict: Wow.

Personally, if I'm being asked to pay $300 or more for a product, I expect more than plastic. And in keeping with the premium tech inside these buds, the AZ100s use a metal charging case and metal accents on the buds themselves. The precision-cut details are a nice touch, especially compared to the all-plastic design of the competition.

Of course, what really matters here is the sound quality. While Bose retains an edge on overall comfort, I'm not aware of any wireless earbuds in the world that offer better, fuller, more accurate sound.

The Technics Reference Class HiFi Wireless Earbuds are priced at $299.99 and are available now at Amazon, Crutchfield, and Panasonic.

Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds $299.99 at Amazon
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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sued Elon Musk, alleging that the billionaire failed to disclose his acquisition of Twitter stocks within the legally required timeframe in 2022. The most surprising aspect of this lawsuit is that it took so long to arrive.

Filed in the District Court of Columbia on Tuesday, the lawsuit concerns Musk's actions in the lead up to his reluctant $44 billion purchase of microblogging platform Twitter three years ago (which he has since rebranded to X). By March 14, 2022, Musk had purchased enough Twitter shares to place him in possession of over five percent of the publicly traded company. As such, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Musk was legally obligated to file a report informing the SEC of his acquisition within 10 days.

SEE ALSO: Twitter shareholder Elon Musk is reportedly being investigated by the SEC. Again.

However, rather than disclosing his purchase by March 24, Musk allegedly waited 11 days past the deadline before finally notifying the SEC on April 4. He also reportedly spent over $500 million to purchase even more Twitter shares in the interim, increasing his stake to 9.2 percent.

Once Musk did report his purchase, Twitter's stock price skyrocketed, pushing the value of Musk's shares up to $2.89 billion. Twitter's stock ended the day 27 percent higher than the previous day's closing price, driven up by news of the billionaire's investment. 

As such, Musk's delay in disclosing enabled him to purchase additional shares at a lower price than they would have sold for if he had fulfilled his reporting obligations. According to the lawsuit, this saved him at least $150 million. Musk's delay also prevented other investors who sold their shares from benefiting from an increased price, the SEC stating that they "suffered substantial economic harm."

The SEC is seeking a fine, as well as for Musk to be forced to give up the profit he gained from his alleged violation.

Reports that the SEC was investigating Musk's Twitter stock purchase first arose in 2022, less than a month after the deal was initiated. It now seems the securities regulator is now ready to act, though whether Musk will take the lawsuit seriously is another matter. The billionaire has made no secret of his disdain for the SEC.

This isn't the only lawsuit Musk is facing due to his delay in reporting. A class action suit was also filed against Musk in 2022 by former Twitter shareholders who sold their stocks during the gap between the billionaire's purchase and disclosure. The case is still ongoing.

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

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

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 15 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 resource

• Green: Not enough

• Blue: Ways to prepare famous spy drink

• Purple: Characters known as "Mr."

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: Means

• Green: Lacking

• Blue: Martini Specifications

• Purple: Fictional Misters

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 #584 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Means: MECHANISM, MEDIUM, TOOL, VEHICLE

• Lacking: LIGHT, LOW, SHORT, SHY

• Martini Specifications: DIRTY, DRY, PERFECT, WET

• Fictional Misters: BIG, PEANUT, ROBOT, TOAD

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 15

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 January 15 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 15 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Thar she blows!

These words are species or classifications of an ocean mammal.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are the mammal you see when you might say, "thar she blows!"

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 Whales.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for January 15

• Gray

• Humpback

• Blue

• Orca

• Beluga

• Baleen

• Right

• Sperm

• Whales

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.

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for January 15 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 15, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A special skill or talent.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter K.

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...

KNACK.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 15

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.