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TL;DR: For $49.99, you can get an AdGuard VPN 5-year subscription and a lifetime ad blocker — and you won’t find a better deal anywhere else (reg. $439.99).

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Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Software Limited AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite $49.98
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Despite the enthusiasm of actors in Swiffer commercials, few people are smiling at the workout that is manually mopping their floors.

If you experience similar dread when faced with vacuuming, the best robot vacuum and mop combos will cross those two chores off of your list (three, if you count digging your old mop out of the closet as a chore in itself).

Are robot vacuums good at mopping?

I'm not saying you can expect a hybrid robot vacuum to scrub your kitchen grout with the same tenacity you would get with a toothbrush, but robot vacuums have gotten much better at mopping over the past few years.

Since 2020-ish, most robot vacuum companies have added at least one (several, in most cases) hybrid model to their lineup, with prices ranging from $200 to well over $1,000. You can generally expect the mopping technique to get a little more meticulous as price goes up, so the type of mess that your 2-in-1 model will need to conquer becomes a big deciding factor. Are you mostly concerned with wiping up spur-of-the-moment spills, or will you be a stickler about dried-on stains that call for more heavy-duty scrubbing?

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

Fortunately, both ends of the pricing spectrum provide way more bang for their buck in 2024 than they did in the early 2020s. The mere presence of a cloth and a water tank is far from good enough at this point — now, the best robot vacuums and mops are armed with more mechanics attempting to mimic the elbow grease that a human with a mop or Swiffer would provide, like pressurized and/or spinning mopping pads (rather than lackadaisical, stationary ones). Most modern 2-in-1 robot vacuums can also mop with real germ-fighting cleaning solution rather than just water — key in upping my own personal confidence in walking around barefoot.

SEE ALSO: Top 3 best robot vacuums from CES 2025, from coolest to most practical

But arguably, the most pivotal shift 2-in-1 robot vacuums saw in the past year isn't on the robot vacuums themselves but in their docks. Past automatically emptying the dust bin, the best robot mop combos also cross post-mopping maintenance off of your list by automatically washing and drying their own mopping pads, then refilling themselves with clean water from the dock. With one of these fancy self-cleaning stations, your robovac will be ready to mop again almost immediately — a clutch change from an older, more basic design that had us all choosing between manually washing a smelly mopping pad after each use, letting it mop with a dirty pad, or just avoiding the mopping feature altogether.

Not sure how fancy of a hybrid robot vacuum you even need at home? I've tested 15+ of the most popular robot vacuum and mop combos at a range of prices on my own floors at home, narrowing down your options to the top four robot vacuums that also wash your floors so far in 2025.

(Note that each vacuum's retail price is listed by default, but that I've also noted the most common sale price each vacuum frequently drops to in "The Good" section. And yes, robot vacuum deals are common all throughout the year — not just during a shopping holiday like Black Friday.)

UPDATE: Feb. 5, 2025, 5:00 a.m. EST New flagship robot vacuums from Roborock, Eufy, and more were announced at CES 2025 at the beginning of January. I'm in the process of getting my hands on them for at-home testing, and will update this guide accordingly.

The 10 minutes it takes to manually vacuum a 700-square-foot apartment probably isn't enough to send someone over the edge as far as chores are concerned. While the time-saving factor may be a moot point here, it doesn't completely diminish the appeal of using a robot vacuum in a tight space.

It's actually totally plausible that spaces with less square footage get dirty faster because virtually every spot is a high-traffic spot. With that logic, a robot vacuum is absolutely worth it in a small space.

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

However, it is crucial to not automatically assume that less floor to cover means that the cheapest vacuum you can find will suffice. Cramped furniture arrangements and quick changes between floor types actually call for a vac that's relatively good at navigating, or you'll risk coming home not to a clean home, but to a vacuum that got stuck in kitchen chair legs during the first five minutes of cleaning. Before getting into my specific robovac recommendations, let's chat about the specs to keep in mind to make this robot vacuum a smart purchase.

Do robot vacuums work in small apartments?

While some heavy-duty robot vacuums with large do-everything docks would probably be overkill in a small space, there are several compact, quiet robot vacuums on the market that make a lot of sense in a small space.

One way to downsize the space a robot vac takes up is to forgo the self-empty dock. While forgoing automatic emptying to save room on the floor may not be ideal, having to empty manually may be a little less damning in a small space, as the vacuum wouldn't be sucking up as much dirt on each run as it would in a big house. However, finding a super compact auto-empty dock nowadays isn't hard.

SEE ALSO: Roomba models, explained: The guide to deciding which Roomba to buy in 2025

If your small apartment has hard floors, a robot vacuum and mop combo is a genius way to downsize chores supplies. This'll save you not only the time it takes to mop manually but also the breath it takes to curse your Swiffer for hogging your scarce closet space. Smart mapping and zone-within-rooms labeling that comes with it are a crucial feature if your home has multiple floor types, despite the fact that your home may not have many specific rooms to select on a map in the first place.

Not sure which robot vacuum would be worth it in your small space? I've hands-on tested a ton of options in my own apartments over the years and have handpicked the three best robot vacuums for apartments, studios, and other one-story homes at the start of 2025. (While each vacuum's retail price is listed by default, I've also noted the most common sale price in "The Good" sections. And yes, robot vacuum deals can be found throughout the year — not just during a shopping holiday like Black Friday.)

SAVE $200: As of Feb. 5, the Apple Studio Display is on sale for $1,999.99 at Amazon. That's a 13% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Studio Display $1,999.99 at Amazon
$2,299.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

If your work setup needs a refresh and you're a MacBook user, you'll love this latest deal on the Apple Studio Display. As of Feb. 5, this impressive monitor is reduced by $200 at Amazon, now priced at $1,999.99. The Apple product has never been priced lower than this, and this is its first discount in 2025.

The screen boasts a 27-inch 5K Retina display with 600 nits of brightness, P3 wide color, and support for a billion colors — so everything looks really high quality and vibrant. It’s got a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage, meaning your video calls stay focused on you, even if you move around.

SEE ALSO: Score $70 off the 10th Gen Apple iPad at Best Buy

The three-mic system is seriously impressive, ensuring your voice comes through loud and clear, and the six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio delivers an immersive listening experience. Perfect for long calls or meetings, or watching movies and TV.

Connectivity-wise, you get one Thunderbolt 3 port and three USB-C ports, plus 96W of power delivery to keep your MacBook charged. And for added comfort, there’s an optional stand that lets you adjust both tilt and height.

This is a limited-time deal, so head to Amazon if you want to add the Apple Studio Display to your setup for less.

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 5, Beats Flex wireless earbuds are available at Amazon for $39 (regularly $69.95). That’s a 44% discount on Bluetooth earbuds featuring Apple’s W1 chip, 12-hour battery life, and tangle-free magnetic design.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds+ $39.00 at Amazon
$69.95 Save $30.95 Shop Now

Finding reliable wireless earbuds that don’t break the bank can be challenging, but today’s deal makes it easy. Right now, Beats Flex wireless earbuds are just $39 at Amazon ($30 off their regular $69.95 price). Fancy solid audio, seamless Bluetooth connectivity, and all-day comfort without spending a fortune? These are the best budget-friendly earbuds you can buy.

The Beats Flex is powered by Apple’s W1 chip. This means fewer dropouts, more extended range, and easy pairing across any device that supports Bluetooth. They also support audio sharing, so you can stream music or movies with a friend using AirPods or Beats.

SEE ALSO: Beats Studio Buds+ are $50 off at Amazon — upgrade your earbuds for less

Battery life is another highlight. Beats Flex offers up to 12 hours of listening time on a single charge, making them perfect for commutes, workouts, or long study sessions. When you need a quick boost, Fast Fuel charging delivers 1.5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge via USB-C.

Comfort and convenience set the Beats Flex apart. The flexible neckband design is lightweight and tangle-free. At the same time, the magnetic earbuds automatically pause your music when clipped together and resume playback when separated. This simple but smart feature prevents unnecessary battery drain. It makes them easy to wear around your neck when not in use.

Call quality is another win. The built-in microphone features wind noise reduction, ensuring clear conversations even in noisy environments. On-device controls let you adjust volume, take calls, and activate voice assistants without reaching for your phone.

At just $39, the Beats Flex wireless earbuds are an unbeatable deal for casual listeners, students, and anyone looking for affordable wireless audio. With this 44% discount, a better time to grab a pair is never better.

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 5, Beats Studio Buds+ are available at Amazon for $119.99 (regularly $169.95). That’s a $50 discount on these true wireless earbuds that feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode, spatial audio, and up to 36 hours of battery life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds+ $119.95 at Amazon
$169.95 Save $50.00 Shop Now

Beats Studio Buds+ is shedding the brand tax, so now’s the time to grab them. Right now, Amazon is offering these premium wireless noise-canceling earbuds for just $119.99 — $50 off their usual price of $169.95. Whether you’re an Apple or Android user, these earbuds are designed for seamless connectivity and powerful sound performance.

Beats Studio Buds+ are built to deliver deep, immersive audio with a custom acoustic platform that ensures a rich, balanced sound profile. They also feature spatial audio support, making them ideal for movies, music, and gaming. If you want complete focus, switch on Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to block out background distractions. Need to hear your surroundings? Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound, keeping you aware of what’s happening around you.

SEE ALSO: The Beats Pill is now only $99.99 — save 33% on this powerful Bluetooth speaker

Battery life is another standout feature. The Beats Studio Buds+ offer up to 36 hours of total listening time with the charging case, meaning fewer interruptions for charging. The USB-C fast charging capability ensures that even a short charge gives you hours of playback.

Comfort is key with any earbuds, and the Beats Studio Buds+ come with four sizes of silicone ear tips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. This creates an optimal acoustic seal, reducing sound leakage and enhancing audio quality.

Beats upgraded the phone call microphones with 3x larger voice-targeting mics, improving clarity and reducing background noise. Your calls will sound crisp and clear even on the windiest walks or the noisiest offices.

With one-touch pairing and native compatibility for Apple and Android devices, these earbuds seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem. They’re IPX4-rated, making them sweat- and water-resistant, perfect for workouts and outdoor adventures.

At $119.99, the Beats Studio Buds+ offers high-end features at a mid-range price. With this limited-time Amazon deal, now is the perfect chance to upgrade your audio experience.

2024 was a tough year for Sonos. The company completely revamped its mobile app, but instead of making it better, Sonos messed it up in a myriad of ways. Now it's scrambling to earn the trust of its user base once again.

The way to do that, it appears, is through a new product category. According to The Verge, Sonos is planning to launch a streaming box, with a price tag between $200 and $400.

The product, codenamed Pinewood, is going to be Android-based. It's going to look like most such devices — The Verge, who has seen images of the product, says it's a "flattened black square and slightly thicker than a deck of trading cards."

SEE ALSO: Sonos Ace headphones review: Hands-on with the first headphones from the audio giant

The Pinewood streamer will reportedly offer content from various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Max, and Disney+, with a unified user experience and universal search to find content across various accounts. It will come with a physical remote control unit with integrated voice control. This is tough to achieve — accessing all these various streaming platforms under one UI — but if Sonos could pull it off, it could be a big incentive to buy the product.

But the Pinewood streamer will come with other interesting options. Thanks to HDMI passthrough functionality, you'll be able to plug other devices, including gaming consoles and 4K Blu-ray players into it. And of course, the streamer will be able to send TV audio, lag-free, to its soundbars and speakers. User should also be able to configure surround sound by using the Sonos speakers they have in their household.

Featured Video For You In Memoriam: The tech that died in 2024

It won't be easy to pull this off. Part of the controversy surrounding Sonos' new app is the fact that it broke integration between various Sonos products, which has always been one of the company's strengths. The new Pinewood streamer sounds like something that aims to become a core component of a user's home audio and video ecosystem, and this will require everything to go extremely smoothly.

There's also some strong competition in the streaming box arena, including devices such as Apple TV, Nvidia Shield TV, Roku's Streaming Stick, Google's TV Streamer, and Amazon's Fire TV stick (all of which cost way less than $200). Sonos reportedly doesn't plan any other new hardware soon, so the Pinewood streamer might turn out to be its most important product of 2025.

FREE 40-INCH TV: As of Feb. 5, the Samsung 85-inch DU7200 Series Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV is on sale for $799.99 at Best Buy (regularly $1,099.99). Not only do you save $300, but you’ll also get a Samsung 40-inch 5 Series Full HD Smart TV ($249.99 value) and a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription ($50 value) for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 85-inch DU7200 $799.99 at Best Buy
$1,099.99 Save $300.00 Shop Now

If you’re looking for a massive 85-inch 4K TV, this impressive Best Buy deal will help you kit out the rest of your home. Right now, you can get Samsung 85-inch DU7200 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV for just $799.99, which is $300 off its usual price. But here’s the epic bit: you’ll also get a free Samsung 40-inch TV and a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription included.

Samsung’s DU7200 Series packs stunning 4K visuals, an ultra-fast Crystal Processor, and HDR support, ensuring everything from movies to sports to gaming looks its best. This 85-inch display delivers an immersive home theater experience at a budget-friendly price. It even smashes gaming.

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

Tizen OS powers this Smart TV, giving you access to your favorite streaming apps, such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Prime Video. With Samsung’s Universal Guide, you can easily browse content across apps, making it even easier to find something to watch.

The included Samsung 40-inch 5 Series Full HD Smart TV is the perfect bonus addition for a bedroom, guest room, or office. It features full HD resolution, smart streaming apps, and Samsung’s reliable picture quality. It's a solid secondary TV that's completely free with your purchase.

On top of that, you’ll also score a three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, worth $50. This means you’ll have access to hundreds of games across console, PC, and the cloud, including AAA blockbusters and day-one releases. If you’re a gamer, this adds even more value to an already fantastic deal.

Considering the 85-inch DU7200 alone usually retails for $1,099.99, getting it for $799.99 with two extra bonuses is an absolute steal. If you’ve been waiting for a big-screen upgrade, this is the perfect time to pull the trigger.

Nearly any robot vacuum can sufficiently clear tile or hardwood floors of the hair and crumbs blowing across them like tumbleweeds. But for a robot vacuum to work on carpet, suction power and time spent cleaning need to be boosted to uproot the debris embedded in any pile height.

Do robot vacuums really work on carpet?

Yes, several robot vacuum cleaners do a pretty phenomenal job on carpets and rugs. In fact, the best robot vacuum brands have been mastering the art for several years, particularly honing in on pet hair pickup and deep cleaning of plush carpet.

For homes with varying floor types and a notable amount of foot traffic, buying the cheapest robot vacuum will likely create more hassle. Every time that bot gets stuck on a rug corner or welcomes you home to pet hair still visibly clinging to the living room carpet, you'll be tempted to do the job yourself — but rest assured that that's not an inevitable experience with every robovac.

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

The best robot vacuums for carpet have powerful suction, of course, aided by brush roll systems designed to dig into low- and high-pile carpet to pinch hair and large chunks while simultaneously inhaling fine debris that a weaker robot vac would pass right over. The most common way to measure suction power is in Pascals (though top contenders like iRobot and Shark just have to be different by not adhering to that method). When suction power in Pascals (Pa) is advertised, look for at least 6,000 Pa, and under no circumstances entertain anything lower than 5,000 Pa. For reference, robot vacuums at the premium end of the spectrum clock between 10,000 and 22,000 Pa.

Our top picks use automatic suction adjustment to customize cleaning based on floor type, leading to stronger cyclonic force on soft floors without you having to specifically request so. All of my top picks also come with a self-emptying dock (or at least offer the option) to mitigate the frequency of trips you'd personally have to make to the trash can — which, ideally, would be a lot if the robovac is deep cleaning the amount of gunk from your carpets that it should be.

What about robot vacuums on different floor types?

If a robot vacuum has mastered carpet — the hardest floor type to tackle — these models definitely won't struggle to sweep up debris from hard floors like hardwood, tile, and laminate. Speaking of hard floors, if you're already eyeing a robot vacuum with market-leading suction power, chances are that that model is also one of the most advanced at mopping. Typically, the super powerful premium robot vacuums are also outfitted with pressurized mopping pads that wash and dry themselves, plus sensors that alert them to stop mopping on carpet. Unless it's a bumbling artifact from 2018, most robot vacuums transition smoothly between floor types. (Though almost every robot vacuum slips up on a bath mat from time to time, the ones that are better at navigating will at least make it out without getting stuck in place.)

Not sure which robot vacuum would work best on your carpets or rugs? I test and compare a ton of top robot vacs as they come out in my own home, narrowing down the best options and refreshing my recommendations as necessary. For this list, I kept an extra close eye on performance on a variety of carpet pile lengths, rugs, and bath mats, pet hair and debris pick up, transitions between floor types, automatic suction settings, and more. Here are my three favorites of 2025:

Long-distance relationships can be rough, but they are create an opportunity for some clever and thoughtful gift giving. Until teleportation is a thing, fill the void with these nifty gifts that can make you feel more connected, keep that spark alive, or simply help your S.O. feel less alone. With Valentine's Day coming up, this is an especially opportune time to let your long-distance loved ones know you're thinking of them with a gift. While some of these gifts are clearly for couples, others aren't limited to a romantic long-distance relationship. Living far away from family members or friends and not seeing them often can be just as hard. Many of these gifts would make just as sweet a gift for your BFF or your family.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, February 5, 2025:

AcrossFacebook's parent company

• The answer is Meta.

Full-length skirts ... and a morning hour read backward

• The answer is Maxis.

Written with pen

• The answer is InInk.

N.B.A. team that nearly renamed itself the Swamp Dragons in the 1990s

• The answer is Nets.

"___ a Wonderful Life"

• The answer is Its.

DownFrench modernist painter … and a morning hour read backward

• The answer is Manet.

What lighted signs mark in theaters

• The answer is Exits.

Altoids containers

• The answer is Tins.

Pose a question

• The answer is Ask.

Short skirt

• The answer is Mini.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

Google has quietly deleted its pledge not to use AI for weapons or surveillance, a promise that had been in place since 2018.

First spotted by Bloomberg, Google has updated its AI Principles to remove an entire section on artificial intelligence applications it pledged not to pursue. Significantly, Google's policy had previously stated that it would not design nor deploy AI technology for use in weapons, or in surveillance technology which violates "internationally accepted norms."

Now it seems that such use cases might not be entirely off the table.

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

"There’s a global competition taking place for AI leadership within an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape," read Google's blog post on Tuesday. "We believe democracies should lead in AI development, guided by core values like freedom, equality, and respect for human rights. And we believe that companies, governments, and organizations sharing these values should work together to create AI that protects people, promotes global growth, and supports national security."

While Google's post did concern its AI Principles update, it did not explicitly mention the deletion of its prohibition on AI weapons or surveillance. 

When reached for comment, a Google spokesperson directed Mashable back to the blog post.

"[W]e're updating the principles for a number of reasons, including the massive changes in AI technology over the years and the ubiquity of the technology, the development of AI principles and frameworks by global governing bodies, and the evolving geopolitical landscape," said the spokesperson.

Google's AI Principles listing the "Applications we will not pursue" as of Jan. 30. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

Google first published its AI Principles in 2018, following significant employee protests against its work with the U.S. Department of Defense. (The company had already infamously removed "don't be evil" from its Code of Conduct that same year.) Project Maven aimed to use AI to improve weapon targeting systems, interpreting video information to increase military drones' accuracy. 

In an open letter that April, thousands of employees expressed a belief that "Google should not be in the business of war," and requested that the company "draft, publicize and enforce a clear policy stating that neither Google nor its contractors will ever build warfare technology."

The company's AI Principles were the result, with Google ultimately not renewing its contract with the Pentagon in 2019. However, it looks as though the tech giant's attitude toward AI weapons technology may now be changing.

Google's new attitude toward AI weapons could be an effort to keep up with competitors. Last January, OpenAI amended its own policy to remove a ban on "activity that has high risk of physical harm," including "weapons development" and "military and warfare." In a statement to Mashable at the time, an OpenAI spokesperson clarified that this change was to provide clarity concerning "national security use cases."

"It was not clear whether these beneficial use cases would have been allowed under 'military' in our previous policies," said the spokesperson.

Opening up the possibility of weaponised AI isn't the only change Google made to its AI Principles. As of Jan. 30, Google's policy listed seven core objectives for AI applications: "be socially beneficial," "avoid creating or reinforcing unfair bias," "be built and tested for safety," "be accountable to people," "incorporate privacy design principles," "uphold high standards of scientific excellence," and "be made available for uses that accord with these principles."

Now Google's revised policy has consolidated this list to just three principles, merely stating that its approach to AI is grounded in "bold innovation," "responsible development and deployment," and "collaborative process, together." The company does specify that this includes adhering to "widely accepted principles of international law and human rights." Still, any mention of weapons or surveillance is now conspicuously absent.

TL;DR: Live stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia for free on 7Plus. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Australia secured a victory in the first Test match against Sri Lanka. It's only a two-Test tour, so this next matchup really matters. Sri Lanka need to win to level the series before the tour moves on to the ODIs.

If you want to watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test)?

The 2nd Test between Sri Lanka and Australia takes place from Feb. 6 to Feb. 10. This Test match takes place at the Galle International Stadium.

The full schedule for Australia's tour of Sri Lanka is as follows:

• Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st Test) — Jan. 29 to Feb. 2

• Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) — Feb. 6-10

• Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st ODI) — Feb. 12

• Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd ODI) — Feb. 14

The good news for fans is that every ball of this tour is available to live stream for free.

How to watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia for free

Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams of Sri Lanka vs. Australia from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Sri Lanka vs. Australia by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit 7Plus

5. Stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream this Test series before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 7Plus?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on 7Plus, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) for free with ExpressVPN.

FREE LEGO: On Feb. 9, build a Lego Valentine's Day Heart at participating stores and take it home with you. Find participating stores here.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego: Free Valentine's Day Heart Learn More

We're always on the lookout for deals that represent great value for money. We search high and low for special offers and limited-time discounts, scouring the online world for anything that could save you cash. But sometimes, we find something that doesn't require any research. The value is there for all to see.

Lego is offering something for nothing ahead of Valentine's Day. On Feb. 9, you can build a Lego Valentine's Day Heart and take it home with you for free. A limited quantity will be available from 12-2 p.m. at participating stores.

SEE ALSO: Grab this Lego Bouquet of Roses ahead of Valentine's Day for 20% off

This special event is intended for participants aged 6+ years, and the Lego Valentine's Day Heart model will be available on a first come first serve basis while supplies last. Participants are also limited to one build each, so you can't stock up.

What makes this free giveaway particularly interesting is that the Valentine's Day Heart model cannot be purchased. So by taking part, you're getting your hands on something pretty special.

Celebrate Valentine's Day by building and taking home a Lego Valentine's Day Heart for free.

TL;DR: A wide range of ChatGPT courses are available to take for free on Udemy.

Udemy is arguably the best place to find online courses covering popular topics.

Udemy hosts an absolutely massive range of online courses covering everything from Python programming to Microsoft Excel. And better yet, some of these online courses are available to take for free, including some highly-rated lessons on ChatGPT.

SEE ALSO: DeepSeek just taught the AI industry 5 hard lessons

We've checked out everything on offer from Udemy and lined up a selection of standout ChatGPT courses to get you started. These are the best online ChatGPT courses you can take for free this month on Udemy:

• AI For Beginners: Learn The Basics of ChatGPT

• AI Prompt Engineering Chatgpt

• Become an AI Accelerated Engineer Using ChatGPT

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: ChatGPT, Github Copilot

• ChatGPT 101: The Complete Beginner's Guide and Masterclass

• ChatGPT for Developers

• ChatGPT in 30 Minutes: New Prompt Engineering and AI Skills

• ChatGPT Made Easy: AI Essentials for Beginners

• ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

• ChatGPT Prompt Engineering

• ChatGPT Quick Guide: Prompt Engineering, Plugins, and More

• ChatGPT Security: Privacy Risks and Data Protection Basics

• Introduction to ChatGPT for Beginners

• Mastering ChatGPT 4.0: From Setup to Advanced Interactions

• Microsoft Excel: Excel for Beginners with ChatGPT

• Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation

• Personalized Coaching with ChatGPT and Generative AI

• Practical Introduction to ChatGPT

• Prompt Engineering Principles: ChatGPT and DALL-E

• Self-Guided Learning with ChatGPT

• Smart ChatGPT Productivity Hacks for Business Professionals

• The Introduction into ChatGPT Content Creation for Beginners

So where's the catch? These free online courses do not offer certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but that's the only downside. You still get unrestricted access to all the video content, so you can start learning at your own pace.

Find the best free ChatGPT courses on Udemy.

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TL;DR: Unblock Redtube from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

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How to unblock Redtube for free

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What is the best VPN for porn?

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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 February 5 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: Work benefits and earnings

• Green: A clue or a sign

• Blue: Actions in a card game

• Purple: Meanings of a common name

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: Parts of a Compensation Package

• Green: Indication

• Blue: Things to do with A Deck of Cards

• Purple: What "Bill" Might Refer To

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 #605 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Parts of a Compensation Package: BONUS, INSURANCE, SALARY, VACATION

• Indication: FLAG, GIVEAWAY, SIGN, TELL

• Things to do with A Deck of Cards: CUT, DEAL, FAN, SHUFFLE

• What "Bill" Might Refer To: BANKNOTE, BEAK, INVOICE, WILLIAM

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 5

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 5 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 5, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Foot-operated lever.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The are no reoccurring letters.

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...

PEDAL.

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 5

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.

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 5 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 5 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: What's your reaction?

These words are common reasons to take Benadryl.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are things that can cause an allergic reaction.

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 Allergens.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 5

• Latex

• Dander

• Dust

• Pollen

• Fragrance

• Mold

• Smoke

• Allergens

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.

According to Jordan Harrison’s museum piece of a play, we are long extinct by 2240. But the future has kept our Betamaxes.