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The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you smoke like a chimney.
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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.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 Pips hints, answers for February 13, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Absolute
Green: A streamer
Blue: Bum a smoke
Purple: To decrease
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Downright
Green: Pennant
Blue: Cigarette brands
Purple: Homophones of ways to get smaller
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 #978 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayDownright: PURE, SHEER, STARK, UTTER
Pennant: BANNER, COLORS, FLAG, STANDARD
Cigarette brands: CAMEL, KENT, PARLIAMENT, SALEM
Homophones of ways to get smaller: LESSON, RESEED, SYNC, WAYNE
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 13, 2026Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
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.
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a visual learner.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 MashableBy 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 13, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 13, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: See what I mean?The words are related to educational help.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe information guides.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Visual Aids.
NYT Strands word list for February 13Diagram
Photograph
Infographic
Visual Aids
Chart
Video
Model
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.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a begger.
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 hints today: Clues, answers for February 13, 2026 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 Pips hints, answers for February 13, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:To beg.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?The letter O appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.
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...
MOOCH
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.
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.
The Pitt audience, how are you feeling after Season 2, episode 6? If you're like me, your eyes are moist (if not streaming outright) after the show's emotional send-off to "frequent flyer" patient Louie (Ernest Harden Jr.)
SEE ALSO: Why 'The Pitt' feels more real than any other medical dramaLouie crashed at the end of Season 2, episode 5, before passing away early on in episode 6. His loss hangs over the entire installment, which ends with the staff of the Pitt holding a small memorial service for him. There, they share their memories of treating him, and Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) reveals information about Louie's life outside the trauma center.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Louie was married to a woman named Ronda. She wanted kids, and even though Louie was reluctant at first, he became incredibly excited once she got pregnant. Just before her due date, Ronda and the baby died in a car crash. It's a heartbreaking revelation, one that offers a greater perspective on a sweet patient we knew little about beyond the walls of the Pitt, as well as a look at how much these patients touch caregivers' lives and vice versa.
The end of the scene is accompanied by a new song from Andrew Bird and series composer Gavin Brivik, titled "Need Someone." If you want to relive Louie's memorial scene, or just want an extra dose of emotional damage, courtesy of The Pitt, you can listen to it above.
New episodes of The Pitt Season 2 air Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max.
TL;DR: Get eight new tools with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license for only $34.97 now through Feb. 22.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $34.97Looking to make life a little easier? There’s a reason Microsoft Office has been around for decades — it’s packed with tools to help you tackle your to-do list, both personally and professionally. Right now, you can secure a Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license for just $34.97 — less than $5 an app — now through Feb. 22.
Whether you’re a busy college student, a stay-at-home mom, or an overworked entrepreneur, there’s an app that can help you within the Microsoft Office suite of tools. This Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license gives your PC permanent access to eight essentials, with no subscription fees and no cloud connectivity required.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!This license includes some of the classic apps you know and love from Microsoft — Word for document drafting, Excel for spreadsheet creation, PowerPoint for presentation creation, and Outlook for managing your inbox.
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There's a new iOS update, and along with the bug fixes and security enhancements, Apple has some new features for iPhone users as well.
iPhone users can now upgrade their mobile devices to iOS 26.3, though users need an iPhone 11 or later. Just go to Settings, then General, then tap Software Update on your iPhone.
So, what's new in iOS 26.3?
First up, Apple has created separate Wallpaper options for Astronomy and Weather on your iOS device. Along with that, Apple has released three pre-designed Weather wallpaper options for your lockscreen with different fonts and widget designs.
Limit Precise Location is a new feature in iOS 26.3 that focuses on user privacy. With Limit Precise Location turned on, iPhone users can reduce how precise their coordinates are when relaying that information to cellular networks. Apple says this means your iPhone would share a general neighborhood location instead of an exact street address.
Apple notes that Limit Precise Location only affects the information shared with cellular networks. Exact location data shared with Find My, with friends, or location sharing is not affected when Limit Precise Location is turned on.
While Limit Precise Location is being introduced with iOS 26.3, the feature is only available on iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and iPad Pro M5 Wi-Fi + Cellular devices. Why? As our colleagues at PC Mag note, an iOS device with an Apple C1 or C1X modem is required for Limit Precise Location to work.
Finally, iOS 26.3 is giving users an easier time jumping from the iOS ecosystem with the new Transfer to Android feature. Located within the Settings app, Transfer to Android lets users wirelessly move photos, messages, apps, and other data to Android devices. Some information, like health data and previously connected accessories, will not transfer to Android through this feature. Still, being able to easily move your photos and conversations from an iPhone to an Android device is a welcomed new feature.
TL;DR: Get lifetime access to all 14 Babbel languages for just $159 (reg. $646.20) for a limited time with StackSocial’s code LEARN.
Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $159Mastering a new language can open doors to stronger travel experiences, broader career opportunities, and deeper cultural connections — but sticking with a learning platform long enough to see real results can be the biggest challenge.
Babbel focuses on practical, conversation-driven lessons that help learners build real-world communication skills instead of memorizing phrases they may never use. Lifetime access to Babbel’s full language learning platform is available for $159 (reg. $646.20) when using StackSocial’s exclusive code LEARN at checkout.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The subscription unlocks access to 14 languages and more than 10,000 hours of lessons designed by expert linguists using research-backed teaching methods. Lessons are structured around everyday situations such as ordering food, navigating transportation, and conducting business conversations.
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Apple's augmented reality headset is only just now getting a real YouTube app.
The home for internet videos is now available in app form on the App Store for anyone who owns an M2 or M5 Apple Vision Pro device. With this app, you can watch YouTube videos in a theater-like virtual environment, with full access to playlists, Shorts, and everything else you'd find on YouTube. M5 Vision Pro owners can also watch videos in 8K if they happen to exist in that format.
SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy XR review: A great Vision Pro alternative, but for whom?Really, the bigger news here is that there wasn't a YouTube app on Vision Pro already. That seems like something that should have been available at or shortly after the device launched in early 2024.
Users could watch YouTube videos via the Safari browser, but that was about it. Access to YouTube was never going to make or break the Vision Pro project in general, but it feels like too little, too late, considering recent poor sales for the device.
It never really felt like Vision Pro had much of an audience to begin with. But hey, those who bought it can at least watch 8K YouTube videos now.
AI is once again on the witness stand.
In comments made during preliminary trial proceedings, Manhattan-based U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff decided that documents prepared by an AI tool and then shared with an attorney are admissible in court, existing outside of attorney-client privilege, reported Law360.
SEE ALSO: We need to talk about that Mike Tyson Super Bowl adThe decision relates to the case of Beneficient CEO Bradley Heppner, charged with committing $150 million in securities and wire fraud between 2018-2021. The financial services exec was indicted in November. Prior to his arrest, Heppner used Anthropic's Claude chatbot to create 31 documents later shared with his defense attorney, evidence which was then seized by investigators. Federal prosecutors say that the documents are fair game and should be regarded as a "work product," rather than a confidential legal strategy. They also say that the AI tool's own usage policies do not guarantee confidentially.
The defense argued that, even though they weren't created by attorneys, the documents include information based on conversations with legal representatives that should be shielded. Also, by implicating the defense team itself in the documents, the evidence could create a conflict of interest between Heppner and his own representation, they added. Rakoff said he did not see any basis for claims of attorney-client privilege, but agreed the evidence could result in a witness-advocate conflict and a mistrial.
The comments shine a spotlight on an escalating conflict among AI developers, privacy watchdogs, and safety advocates.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.AI executives, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have suggested extending the same kind of attorney and therapist client privilege, which protects communications from court discovery, to conversations with AI chatbots. Altman has argued that, in particular, increasingly personal uses of AI assistants, including those designed for therapy or health advice, necessitate a reconsideration of what kinds of communications are granted legal privileges. Facing a multitude of lawsuits for copyright infringement and AI's effect on mental health and youth safety, AI developers have fought to keep chatbot conversations behind the black box, despite many providing express permission for government entities to view chat logs.
Meanwhile, chat history data has been essential in cases alleging misconduct and safety failures among AI's big players. Simultaneously, privacy watchdogs have raised concerns about extensive data collection and storage by AI tools, which has in turn prompted AI developers to institute measures to minimize chat history storage and allow users to use AI incognito.
TL;DR: Live stream Hull City vs. Chelsea in the FA Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The FA Cup action continues this week with a number of really interesting matchups, including Hull City vs. Chelsea. All eyes will be on Chelsea as they look to bounce back after dropping points to Leeds United mid-week. Cole Palmer missed a huge chance to grab three points at the end of that game. Can Palmer come good and guide Chelsea into the next round?
If you want to watch Hull City vs. Chelsea in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Hull City vs. Chelsea?Hull City vs. Chelsea in the FA Cup kicks off at 7:45 p.m. GMT on Feb. 13. This fixture takes place at the MKM Stadium.
How to watch Hull City vs. Chelsea for freeHull City vs. Chelsea in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Hull City vs. Chelsea for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Hull City vs. Chelsea for free from anywhere in the world
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 Hull City vs. Chelsea without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the FA Cup before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
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A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Hull City vs. Chelsea in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
It seems that scams are everywhere these days — in our texts, emails, and phone calls to start. And con artists continue to become more sophisticated in the age of AI, so much so that a recent survey suggested that they're increasingly imitating your loved ones.
Some also prey on people's vulnerability and loneliness, pretending to be potential love interests: Romance scammers. New research from antivirus company McAfee found that two in five young adults (ages 18-24) encounter potential romance scams weekly, much more often than adults 65+ (one in 20).
SEE ALSO: The 12 most common internet scams to be aware of in 2025Fifteen percent of Americans said they've lost money to an online dating or romance scam, McAfee reported. Men are more likely to report losses (21 percent) than women (10 percent). And while most losses are under $500 (especially among younger adults who are scammed), some can be in the thousands; only men have reported losses over $5,000.
And it's not just scammers joining the most popular dating apps who are out to scam. Tinder recently required all new U.S. users to scan their faces when signing up, with one reason being to prevent scams. (Hinge will soon be testing this, too.) But bad actors are also creating fake clones of these dating apps.
A third of adults surveyed by McAfee received a fake "exclusive" or "invite-only" dating app invitation, and 14 percent signed up and shared personal or payment information. And Tinder clones accounted for around half of all malicious app activity, McAfee found.
Visa Scam Disruption found similar results, according to Visa's chief risk and client services officer, Paul Fabara, in a blog post about romance scams leading up to Valentine's Day. The team found a romance scheme that was "an entire network of dating sites engineered to mimic affection and funnel unsuspecting people into recurring billing traps."
Romance scam red flagsWatch out for those "exclusive" dating app invitations. There are apps out there that let you apply for membership rather than just create a profile — like Raya — but those are few and far between. If you want to download a dating app, your best bet is going to your phone's app store.
Here are some other red flags to pay attention to:
LovebombingIf someone says they're in love with you after a few messages, that's a red flag — even if they're not after your money. If a potential lover is rushing intimacy, it might be tempting to go along with it, especially if you're lonely, but it's not the norm. The old adage remains: If it seems "too good to be true," it probably is. Same goes with glowing dating app profiles of perfect (filtered?) photos and cutesy bios.
"Romance scams don't begin with money. They begin with trust," said McAfee's head of threat research, Abhishek Karnik. "Scammers blend into everyday dating and social platforms, take time to build emotional familiarity, and make the relationship feel real before the scam ever starts."
Urgent requests for moneyIs someone you matched with on a dating app — or someone appearing to be your long-lost friend — saying they need money this instant? It's a sign they just want that from you: Money. And they might even threaten that the conversation will end, Fabara wrote, in an attempt to keep you hooked.
Asking for sensitive informationAre you asking to go out, and they're asking for your bank details first? Be cautious. Just like asking for money, begging for this sensitive data isn't what someone would want to do if they're just trying to get to know you. These people might just want to get to know your bank accounts.
Trying to get you off the app — but not IRLIf a match is sending you weird QR codes, links, or asking for a verification code? That's a bright, bursting red flag. Again, don't send money, and it's best practice not to click any strange links, either.
Especially worse is if someone you're talking to refuses to video chat or meet in person. "Consistent excuses to dodge face‑to‑face interactions signal they may be hiding their real identity," Fabara wrote.
As scams become trickier to navigate, we have to learn the clues. Stay safe this Valentine's Day.
In the wake of xAI losing two of its co-founders and other prominent employees, Elon Musk held an all-hands meeting at his his AI company, which recently merged with SpaceX.
And in an unusual move, xAI posted the entire 45-minute meeting online.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.No time to watch or listen? We've got you. Here are the main takeaways:
xAI splits into teamsThe most consequential news from the meeting: xAI is splitting into four different teams.
"Grok Main & Voice" will handle the Grok chatbot. "Coding" will maintain the apps's backend systems. "Imagine" is all about AI-generated video capabilities.
And then there's "Macrohard," which is a new Musk project seeking to "simulate" software companies with AI. Macrohard is a play on Microsoft's name, just in case you couldn't tell.
X updates and statsThere was also some news about Musk's social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, which was itself merged with xAI.
X product head Nikita Bier said that the company has 1 billion users, and brings in $1 billion in annual revenue from X Premium subscriptions. Users also spend 55 percent more time on the app than they did 6 months ago, Bier claimed, adding that January was the platform's best month ever for user engagement.
X plans to launch a standalone app for X Chat, the site's new private messaging system. X Money, the platform's cash-sending app, will also begin testing in the coming months.
Bier also stated that X does not have plans to display ads on Grok. OpenAI began rolling out ads for ChatGPT this month.
Musk's predictions — and aliensNaturally, Elon Musk had plenty to say — and a few grand predictions regarding the combined SpaceX and xAI company.
Musk said he'd like Earth to utilize one million times more of the sun's energy than it currently does. In order to do that, Musk said, we need to move "the next step beyond Earth data centers" which are "Earth orbital data centers."
When SpaceX acquired xAI, Musk's reasoning was that it would help his plan to send AI data centers into outer space.
The next step beyond that, Musk said: AI satellite-building factories on the moon, and a sci-fi-esque system to launch those AI satellites into deep space. Essentially, Musk was talking about building a giant catapult on the moon.
The combined company would then build a civilization on the moon, then Mars (which is 20 years away, Musk now says, after having previously claimed we'd get there by 2025).
This may all culminate into humans meeting aliens or discovering ancient alien civilizations, Musk concluded.
"Maybe we’ll meet aliens. Maybe we’ll see some civilizations that lasted for millions of years. And we’ll find the remnants of ancient alien civilizations. But the only way we’re gonna do that is if we go out there and we explore. And this is a path to making it happen," Musk said.
In the ongoing struggle between 2,700 immigration agents sent to Minneapolis this winter, and the large majority of Minnesotans who oppose them, it was supposed to be ICE that had technology on its side.
ICE agents have been using battlefield tech to make arrests. They've boasted about using facial recognition (made by Clearview AI as well as the controversial Mobile Fortify app) on neighborhood observers as well as undocumented immigrants. The agency is using 24/7 social media surveillance tools and Israeli spyware that can hack into phones. Palantir, having been awarded $30 million for "ImmigrationOS," an AI system designed to track individuals for deportation, built a database of real-time locations for ICE's Minneapolis operation.
"The conglomeration of all these technologies together is giving the government unprecedented abilities," a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, which is suing the Department of Homeland Security on civil rights grounds, told the New York Times.
But if all that technological terror was supposed to intimidate the people, someone forgot to tell the people — who are feeling more empowered than ever. In part, that's because every neighborhood in the Twin Cities has developed its own conglomeration of technologies — on regular smartphones.
ICE tracking apps were banned in app stores under government pressure. Nevertheless, the cameras, apps and wikis in their pockets let residents follow, frustrate, and most importantly broadcast ICE's excesses — including the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti — to a stunned world. Late night hosts, awards shows, and some big names in Silicon Valley took note, even as tech's top leaders stayed mute.
Now there are signs that this basic-tech coalition is turning the tide. Last week Homeland Security announced a reduction in force, to the tune of 700 ICE agents. The remaining 2,000 officers have seen no let-up from a determined, neighbor-loving, highly-connected populace.
As ICE continues to ramp up operations at breakneck speed across the U.S., many among the two-thirds of Americans who oppose those operations will be looking to learn what worked this winter in the frozen north.
Civil disobedience with high (and low) tech A woman filming a man flipping the bird to ICE agents. Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images"What we’ve seen in Minneapolis has been hugely inspiring, and there has been a ton of creativity that has come out of the movement," says Mark Engler, longtime activist and co-author (with his brother, Paul) of This is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt is shaping the 21st Century.
The book's 10th anniversary edition hits stores this month. In a new afterword on the second Trump administration, the Englers call for "continued evolution in organizing practice ... movements in this country must be clearer than ever that their goal is to win over a majority of the public."
But Minneapolis was way ahead of them; it's the evolution of organizing around the sentiment of a majority, on steroids. "There are all sorts of new tools and tactics that activists are innovating," Engler notes, from the high tech of Signal all the way down to low-tech whistles. "The creativity of people coming together, including a ton of people who have never been a part of something like this before, should not be underestimated."
So how exactly has Minneapolis' creative resistance to ICE used modern tech? Everything listed below has been a part of the puzzle — starting with the one piece that federal forces have found the most frustrating.
Signal chats and calls: The secret sauce An ICE resistance organizing sign sits in front of a home. Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images"Over four percent of every single neighborhood is in a Signal chat," Minneapolis organizer Aru Shiney-Ajay told one labor writer. And that was just the Signal chats her organization, the Sunrise Movement, was tracking as of Jan. 26. The real percentage — Sunrise being only one part of a growing community resistance puzzle — is now very likely much higher. But it's in the nature of the encrypted app that we don't know how many: Perfect for a decentralized movement.
Sunrise starts each day creating a new "rapid response" Signal group chat for each neighborhood — and they're such a hit, you often can't get in if you're not an early bird. Shiney-Ajay gave the example of one highly organized St. Paul neighborhood, Frogtown: "Every day by 11 a.m., that chat hits its limit of a thousand people — which is to say that, at any given moment in one neighborhood, there are 1,000 people out patrolling."
Much of that patrol, according to ride-along reports in the Atlantic and Mother Jones, is in constant voice contact as well. Dispatchers use Signal group calls to stay in touch with "commuters," volunteer drivers who are directed to where they're most needed, and offer license plates of suspected ICE vehicles for the dispatcher to look up.
SEE ALSO: What is Signal? The basics of the most secure messaging app."The calls have the feel of an amateur police radio," Mother Jones summarized. "Volunteers use quirky aliases and the military alphabet but sometimes don’t remember—a caller might say something along the lines of, "This is Cheese Curd, and I’d like a plate check on Texas plate One Three Four Six Charlie, uh, Robert.""
Government vehicles are required by law to identify themselves clearly. Looking up license plates of taxpayer-funded vehicles is self-evidently legal. More dubious was FBI Director Kash Patel's announcement (on a podcast, no less) that he was personally investigating Minneapolis Signal chats. Patel's investigation met with head-scratching from constitutional scholars on the right as well as the left.
But Minneapolis hasn't quit on Signal. Nor does it need to worry about the prying eyes of the FBI, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital privacy and free speech nonprofit.
"Signal is the best in class encrypted chat app, and yes, it is still secure," Cooper Quintin, EFF Senior Staff Technologist, told Mashable. "The people who work at Signal can't read them and the FBI can't compel them to decrypt them, even with a warrant."
But Quintin also offered a word of caution: "ICE [or other] law enforcement can and will make their way into large group chats. If you are on a large group chat where you don't personally know everyone, the safest thing to do is to not say anything that you wouldn't want read back to you in court."
Smartphone video: The eyes of the world A man's hands holding a smartphone takes video of federal officers. Credit: Scott Olson/Getty ImagesYou can see it in the eyes of ICE agents caught in the glare of smartphones: Being recorded from multiple angles is simply unnerving, especially if you're trying to hide your identity. You can also see it in the other residents, a sense of the phone as a shield — a powerful aid to nonviolent protest. Simply recording video can be a superior alternative to chanting slogans or pumping fists.
"Filming ICE," Engler says, "can be a way of defiantly showing the authorities that lots of people are watching what they do, and that the community is not intimidated."
Thousands of Twin Cities residents have undergone constitutional observer training that instructs them to not "interfere, obstruct or escalate a situation" — and the peacefulness of the result is encouraging others. "The communities of people who are showing up for each other are not acting in the way that the administration wants, and that is adding to the power of the popular mobilization," Engler says. "People are not taking the bait."
But recording was also what Alex Pretti was doing just before ICE agents shot him. So how can smartphone-wielding observers stay safe? "The biggest question here is physical safety," the EFF's Quintin says. For which he advises: Keep your distance from ICE, keep your fellow observers close. Engler theorizes that "a solid wall of observers" could record from closer range, especially with burner phones and cameras that could be snatched.
As for digital safety, Quintin says, "disabling face unlock and fingerprint unlock and having a strong password are important for keeping ICE out of your phone. If you can record while your phone remains locked, for example by using the camera button on the lock screen, that is a better option for safety. If you can leave your phone powered off and record with a different device that is the most safe option."
Was streaming sidelined? A masked observer behind a fence in Minneapolis. Credit: Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesSo far, straight-up video footage of outrageous ICE acts in Minneapolis has grabbed most of the media attention. "Recording might be better than live streaming for preserving the evidence," notes the EFF's Quintin. That doesn't mean live streamers haven't had a role in the resistance; one journalist was arrested by federal agents while live streaming a church protest. A handful of Twitch streamers can be found tackling the topic. Some streamers have been accused of inflaming the situation.
But in general, this isn't a streaming situation. Following and recording ICE seems too haphazard a process to alert a wide audience before any encounter; streaming has mostly acted as a way of discussing the issue rather than documenting it.
Free 3-D printed whistles work An observer backs away from an ICE agent as he holds a whistle in his mouth. Credit: Scott Olson/Getty ImagesThe use of whistles to warn of ICE raids began in Chicago in 2025, but has been enthusiastically embraced in Minneapolis. For example, the woman who filmed a crucial video of the Alex Pretti shooting was in the area because she heard whistles.
But those whistles are not all as low tech as you might think. Free 3-D printed whistles are being distributed by multiple individuals and groups around the U.S., with one "whistle crew" claiming to have shipped 200,000 in the first week of February alone. A Whistle Crew Wiki exists to get anyone with a 3-D printer started on fulfilling local requests.
The resistance will be advertised Activists run billboards that read "Ice agents aren't about Minnesota law. Illegal conduct can be prosecuted." Credit: Adam Bettcher/Getty Images for Democracy for America Action FundSmartphones and 3-D printed whistles are not the only 21st century means to alerting the public. One donation-funded group bought time on a bunch of electronic billboards — including one at the Minneapolis airport, above, where ICE agents arrive. "ICE agents aren't about Minnesota law," the sign reminds viewers, advising them to call 911 if they see crimes being committed. "Illegal conduct can be prosecuted."
A made-for-social-media event A man in front of a line of masked officers. Credit: Photo by Arthur Maiorella/Anadolu via Getty ImagesThere's much about social media in 2026 that's highly toxic, and the discussions around Minneapolis, rife with AI-based misinformation, are no exception. One analysis at the end of January found that bots were driving more than one-third of online conversations about ICE, both in English and Spanish.
But as for the social media posts coming from ICE observers and protestors in the Twin Cities? In many cases, Hollywood couldn't have scripted them better. Many residents are so dedicated to observing ICE activities on the fly, they're grabbing phones and going out in their bathrobes in the snow — including one iconic bathrobed local public radio journalist filming armed federal agents at the scene of a crash.
For a big Hollywood finale, however, there's nothing better than a choir trying to sing the ICE agents out of town outside their hotel:
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Minnesota. Nice. Minnesota's residents are politically active. Credit: Scott Olson/Getty ImagesUltimately, all the technology in the world won't help a movement as much as fostering a culture of helping friends and neighbors. And that, as Minnesotans have been telling journalists repeatedly, is the state's real secret sauce.
No one does civic engagement like Minnesota, with or without smartphones. The state lead the nation in voter participation; around 80 percent of registered voters here participated in 2020, and just a hair under that in 2024. The Twin Cities have strong, proud labor unions, plenty of faith-based activism, and a history of "happy warriors" for civil rights — not to mention the national movement protesting the police killing of George Floyd that kicked off here in the summer of 2020.
"Networks developed in those previous waves of protest have fueled the current round of resistance," Engler notes. "Ultimately, this creates the conditions where you can win elections, and where all of the institutions of society help to impede the authoritarian program that the Trump administration is trying to impose."
PlayStation 5 owners might want to have YouTube open on Thursday afternoon.
As announced earlier this week, PlayStation is holding one of its State of Play livestreams on Thursday at 5 p.m. ET. These events are basically Nintendo Directs but for PlayStation, and this is a particularly beefy one at about 60 minutes in length. You can watch it on the PlayStation YouTube channel when the time is right.
SEE ALSO: The PlayStation DualSense Edge controller is still marked down to its best-ever price at AmazonAs for what to expect, it's difficult to say without diving into the realm of unsubstantiated internet rumors. Based on developer comments, it seems fairly certain that Marvel's Wolverine from Insomniac Games will not make an appearance, which is somewhat surprising for a game that is supposed to launch this year. Aside from that, it really is open season for PlayStation. The stream could showcase just about anything, which makes its 60-minute length particularly exciting.
If you're on the East Coast, this will be a great way to wind down the workday. If you're working a 9-to-5 anywhere else in the U.S., just make sure you switch to a different tab if anyone else walks by.
TL;DR: Live stream Dortmund vs. Mainz in the Bundesliga for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
For a long time it has seemed like Bayern Munich would walk towards the Bundesliga title, but the gap at the top has been closing in recent weeks. Now Dortmund are only six points behind the leaders. They face Mainz at home this weekend, a game they'll expect to win. Mainz have the talent to shock the Westfalenstadion, but they'll need to be at their very best to beat a confident Dortmund.
If you want to watch Dortmund vs. Mainz in the Bundesliga for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Dortmund vs. Mainz?Dortmund vs. Mainz in the Bundesliga kicks off at 7:30 p.m. GMT on Feb. 13. This fixture takes place at the Signal Iduna Park.
How to watch Dortmund vs. Mainz for freeDortmund vs. Mainz in the Bundesliga is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Dortmund vs. Mainz for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Dortmund vs. Mainz for free from anywhere in the world
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 Dortmund vs. Mainz without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the Bundesliga before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
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Up to 10 simultaneous connections
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A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Dortmund vs. Mainz in the Bundesliga for free with ExpressVPN.
If you've been patiently awaiting Nintendo's pastel purple and green Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers since their unveiling last month, you can now officially add them to your cart.
Officially called "Light Purple" and "Light Green" — though the green is definitely more of a pastel teal — the new set is available for $99.99 as of Feb. 12. Aside from the color, the controllers are an exact match to the ones that come with the Switch 2. They feature the same magnetic connectors, wrist straps, HD rumble, C button for GameChat, and can be used as a mouse for compatible games.
Credit: NintendoMany are already criticizing the controller variant online, as the purple and green shades are only visible on the inner rails. In other words, you can't even see the colors when connected to a Switch 2 console, unlike previous Joy-Con variants that covered the whole shell. Still, if you have $100 to spare and want to give your Switch 2 some new life, the pastel controllers add a fun (yet subtle) pop of color. You can officially purchase them at Nintendo, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and GameStop, as of Feb. 12.
Where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con color variant: Nintendo Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Light Purple / Light Green $99.99 Shop Now Amazon Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Light Purple / Light Green $99.99 Shop Now Best Buy Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Light Purple / Light Green $99.99 Shop Now Target Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Light Purple / Light Green $99.99 Shop Now GameStop Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Light Purple / Light Green $99.99 Shop NowIt's been a big week for Sony. The brand just launched the new XM6 earbuds which have proven to be some of the most well-rounded noise-cancelling earbuds Mashable has ever tested. But if you're more of an over-the-ear headphones type of person, Sony has something exciting in store for you.
If you're a fan of pink, the new colorway can do no wrong. Credit: SonyOn Feb. 12, Sony introduced the Sand Pink colorway to the lineup of XM6 headphone options. Previous colorway options included Black, Midnight Blue, and Platinum Silver, so this pink addition adds nice variety to the much-adored headphones.
The Sand Pink stands out among the other options for the XM6 heaphones. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / MashableIn Mashable's testing, the Sony XM6 headphones got major points for overall sound quality and noise-cancellation. Plus, Sony added a foldable earcup designed to this model, making them more travel friendly compared to the previous XM5 headphones. The XM5 colorway options include a Smoky Pink, but the new Sand Pink XM6 has a warmer and brighter pink hue.
Sony XM5 on the left in Smoky Pink with the new Sand Pink XM6 on the right. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Sony XM5 on the left in Smoky Pink with the new Sand Pink XM6 on the right. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / MashableMaybe best of all, the new Sand Pink is already on sale at Amazon. The XM6 headphones come with a list price of $459.99, but they're already on sale for $398, or a 13% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony XM6 headphones (Sand Pink) $398 at AmazonIf you're not one who likes to sport black or white headphones, this new Sand Pink option adds a major pop of color to the lineup. Plus, we're pretty obsessed with it as spring rolls around with Valentine's Day right around the corner.
President's Day is upon us and while it means a three day weekend, it also means one of the first big sale events of the year. President's Day, which falls on Monday, Feb. 16, is already bringing the savings. All our favorite retailers — Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart — have launched sales, bringing major savings to headphones, laptops, and much more.
The real darlings of Presidents' Day are mattresses and TVs. The savings on both are abundant, including savings up to 50% off a Mashable Choice mattress. So if you're ready to shop this weekend, we've rounded up all of the best deals across retailers and categories, finding you the best savings available over Presidents' Day weekend.
Best Apple deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at WalmartThe Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) is down to $299 right now. That’s a $100 discount, which isn't too shabby for a deal this early in the year. It's the lowest price we’ve tracked on this model (according to CamelCamelCamel, it last hit this price on Dec. 30, 2025).
The Series 11 is a Mashable Choice Award winner that features advanced health tracking, up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge (normal use), and a more durable exterior that’s 2x more scratch-resistant than the previous generation.
More Apple dealsAirPods
Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $139.99 $179 (save $39.01)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $209.99 $249 (save $39.01)
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — $449 $549 (save $100)
Apple Watches
Apple Watch SE, 2nd Gen (GPS, 44mm) — $159 $279 (save $120)
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) — $219 $249 (save $30)
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS + cellular, 40mm) — $269 $299 (save $30)
Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) — $299 $499 (save $200)
Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) — $329 $359 (save $30)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) — $299 $399 (save $100)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + cellular, 42mm) — $399 $499 (save $100)
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS+Cellular, 49mm) — $549 $799 (save $250)
iPads
Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16 chip, WiFi, 256GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) — $399 $499 (save $100)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $489.99 $599 (save $109.01)
Apple iPad Mini, 8.3-inch (A17 Pro, WiFi, 256GB) — $499 $599 (save $100)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 256GB) — $589.99 $699 (save $109.01)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $679.99 $799 (save $119.01)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi + Cellular, 128GB) — $689 $749 (save $60)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $899 $999 (save $100)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $942 $999 (save $57)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,099 $1,199 (save $10
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,199 $1,299 (save $100)
MacBooks
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849 $999 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,049 $1,199 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249 $1,399 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249.99 $1,399 (save $149.01)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,449 $1,599 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,599 $1,799 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,799 $1,999 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,249 $2,499 (save $250)
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Max, 48GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,599 $2,899 (save $300)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,899 $3,199 (save $300)
Macs
Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $549 $599 (save $50)
Apple iMac, 24-inch (M4 chip with 8-core CPU and GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $150)
Apple iMac, 24-inch (M4 chip with 10-core CPU and GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,349 $1,499 (save $150)
AirTags
Apple AirTag (1st Gen), 4-pack — $64 $99 (save $35)
Apple Pencils
Apple Pencil (USB-C) — $69 $79 (save $10)
Apple Pencil Pro — $94.99 $129 (save $34.01)
iPhone cases and accessories
Apple iPhone Air Bumper — $17.72 $39 (save $21.28)
Apple Crossbody Strap — $29.74 $59 (save $29.26)
Apple iPhone Air Case with MagSafe — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Silicone Case with MagSafe — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Silicone Case with MagSafe — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro TechWoven Case with MagSafe — $49.99 $59 (save $9.01)
Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe — $50.99 $59 (save $8.01)
Apple iPhone Air MagSafe Battery — $79 $99 (save $20)
Apple chargers, charging cables, and adapters
Apple 60W USB-C to USB-C Woven Charge Cable (1 m) — $14.99 $19 (save $4.01)
Apple 20W USB-C Compact Power Adapter — $13.30 $19 (save $5.70)
Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable (1 m) — $13.47 $19 (save $5.53)
Apple 240W USB-C to USB-C Woven Charge Cable (2 m) — $18 $29 (save 11)
Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max — $27.30 $39 (save $11.70)
Apple MagSafe Charger (1 m) – $34.99 $39 (save $4.01)
Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter — $39 $59 (save $20)
The non-ANC AirPods are some of our top budget earbuds. They connect seamlessly with iPhones, sound great, and last for up to five hours at a time. (Their included charging case offers up to 30 total hours of juice.) Amazon and Walmart both have them on sale for $99, or 23% off. They're 99 cents pricier at Best Buy.
Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods 4.
More headphones and earbuds dealsJLab Go Air Pop earbuds — $19.99 $29.38 (save $9.39)
JLab Flex Open earbuds — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)
JBL Tune 245NC — $59.95 $179.99 (save $50)
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)
Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones — $129.99 $199.95 (save $70)
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $139.99 $179 (save $39.01)
Bose QuietComfort earbuds — $149 $179 (save $30)
Shokz OpenDots One — $169.99 $199.99 (save $30)
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)
Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298 $398 (save $100)
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — $449 $549 (save $100)
The Yoga 7i gives you enough screen real estate for multitasking while also being portable enough to throw in your bag, and the 360-degree hinge lets you prop it up for movies without the keyboard getting in the way. At $400 off, the specs are hard to beat: you get the snappy Intel Core Ultra 7 and a 1TB SSD, which is double the storage you typically see in this price bracket. It's a little heavy to use as a handheld tablet for long, but as a flexible workstation, it’s solid.
More laptop and tablet dealsHP 14-inch Chromebook (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) — $139 $329 (save $190)
LG 27-inch UltraGear FHD gaming monitor — $139 $169 (save $30)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (WiFi, 64GB) — $159.99 $219.99 (save $60)
HP Stream 14-inch laptop (Intel Processor N150, 4GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) — $179 $229 (save $50)
TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus tablet (WiFi, 256GB) — $224 $249 (save $25)
ASUS 15-inch Vivobook Go (Intel i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $249 $296 (save $47)
Apple 11-inch iPad (A16 chip, WiFi, 128GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)
HP 15.6-inch Full HD Touch-Screen Laptop (AMD Ryzen 5 752OU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $319.99 $599.99 (save $280)
Samsung 15.6-inch Galaxy Book4 (Intel Core 7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $499.99 $899.99 (save $400)
HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 (AMD Ryzen AI 340, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $549.99 $849.99 (save $300)
Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $899 $999 (save $100)
ASUS 16-inch ROG Strix G16 (AMD Ryzen 9, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,229 $1,749.99 (save $450.99)
Lenovo Legion 5i (Intel Core i9 14900HX, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,399 $1,849.99 (save $450.99)
Meta Quest 3S + Batman: Arkham Shadow bundle — $249 $299 (save $50)
PlayStation 5 Fortnite Flowering Chaos bundle — $449 $549.99 (save $100.99)
According to our pals at ZDNET (also owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis), "This QD Mini-LED display delivers stunning brightness and impressive contrast on par with OLED TVs at a far more accessible price." It combines QLED and OLED technologies to deliver a picture that's rich, deep, and bright in any circumstance. It also features a 144Hz refresh rate, Game Accelerator 288, Dolby Atmos Audio elevated by Bang & Olufsen speakers, and AIPQ Processor PRO. All in all, the 85-inch model is an excellent value for under $1,800.
More TV dealsInsignia 24-inch F20 Series LED HD TV — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20)
Insignia 32-inch F20 Series LED HD TV — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)
Insignia 32-inch Class FE Series Smart Fire TV (NS32-FEFL26) — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)
TCL 43-inch F35 Series 4K UHD LED TV — $139.99 $249.99 (save $110)
Insignia 50-inch Class F50 Series Smart Fire TV (NS-50F502NA26) — $169.99 $299.99 (save $130)
Insignia 55-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV — $179.99 $349.99 (save $170)
Hisense 43-inch E6 Cinema Series Smart Fire TV (43E6QF) — $187.99 $209.99 (save $22)
Vizio 50-inch 4K TV — $198 $268 (save $70)
LG 55-inch UA7050 Series LED AI 4K UHD TV — $249.99 $389.99 (save $140)
Hisense 65-inch R6 4K TV — $295 $378 (save $83)
Samsung 65-inch U7900F 4K TV — $328 $429.99 (save $101.99)
Samsung 65-inch U7900 UHD 4K TV — $329.99 $469.99 (save $140)
Samsung 43-inch Q8F QLED 4K TV — $427.99 $549 (save $121.01)
Samsung 75-inch U7900 UHD 4K TV — $449.99 $649.99 (save $200)
Hisense 75-inch E6 Cinema Series Hi-QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV — $497.99 $599.99 (save $100)
Samsung 65-inch Q7F QLED 4K TV — $499.99 $649.99 (save $150)
TCL 65-inch QM6K QD-Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $529.99 $999.99 (save $470)
Hisense 65-Inch Class QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV — $896.99 $1,097.99 (save $201)
Samsung 75-Inch Class QLED Q8F 4K UHD Smart TV — $897.98 $1,297.99 (save $400)
Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED 4K UHD Google Smart TV — $996.99 $1,297.99 (save $301)
Samsung 65-inch LS03D The Frame QLED 4K TV — $999.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,000)
Samsung 85-inch QN70F Neo QLED 4K TV — $1,697.99 $2,099 (save $401.01)
One of the most slept on streaming services, this Starz Presidents' Day offer allows you to diversify your movie and TV lineup for only $2.99 per month for three months. It typically costs $10.99 per month, so you'll save about $24. Not only does Starz have its own original series like Sweetpea and Three Women, but it's also the first stop Lionsgate theatrical releases make in the streaming circuit. Recent additions include The Long Walk and The Strangers: Chapter 2, while upcoming films include The Housemaid and Greenland 2: Migration.
More Presidents' Day streaming dealsDirecTV MySports — $59.99/month for 2 months $69.99/month (save $10/month)
Disney+ and Hulu bundle — $9.99/month for 1 month $12.99/month (save $3/month)
NFL Sunday Ticket — $16/month for 12 months $31.50/month (save $186)
Spotify Premium — Free for 2 months $12.99/month (save $12.99/month)
Sundance Now — $3.99/month for 3 months $7.99/month (save $4/month with code SN50)
YouTube TV — free 10-day trial, then $59.99/month for 2 months $82.99/month (save $23/month)
Right now, you can get the Roborock Q10 S5+ robot vacuum-mop combo for $299.99, down from $549.99. This is the lowest price we've ever tracked for this model, and it's our all-time favorite "quietest" robot vacuum.
Mashable's vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, says this combo vac offers the best bang for your buck. With 10,000 Pa of suction and an auto-lift feature for the mop (so it doesn't wet your carpets), you honestly can't go wrong with the Q10 S5+.
More robot vacuum dealseufy 11S MAX — $139.99 $279.99 (save $140)
Shark AV753 ION — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)
Shark AV2501S AI Ultra — $299.99 $549.99 (save $250)
Dreame Z20 Cordless Vacuum — $169.99 $389.99 (save $220)
Levoit LVAC-300 Cordless Vacuum — $269.95 $349.99 (save $80.04)
Dyson V9 Motorbar Cordless Vacuum — $299.99 $599.99 (save $300)
Roborock H60 Hub Ultra — $329.99 $599.99 (save $270)
Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty — $399.99 $549.99 (save $150)
Tineco Pure One S70 Cordless Vacuum — $419 $569 (save $150)
The Amazon Echo Show 11 (2025 release) was just announced this past October as part of Amazon’s big smart home refresh, and it’s already hitting its lowest price ever. Right now, you can grab it for $179.99, which is an 18% discount off the list price of $219.99.
It features a vibrant 11-inch Full-HD display (offering 60% more viewing area than the Echo Show 8) and room-filling spatial audio, making it a legitimate kitchen TV for streaming Netflix or Prime Video while you cook. It runs on the AZ3 Pro chip for faster responses and includes Alexa+ integration. Plus, the camera is upgraded with auto-framing and zoom for better video calls.
More Amazon device dealsAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)
Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)
Amazon Echo Dot Max — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Amazon Echo Show 15 — $254.99 $299.99 (save $45)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite two-pack (16GB) — $269.99 $319.98 (save $49.99)
Dreo 1500W space heater — $35.99 $59.99 (save $24)
Bissell Little Green portable upholstery cleaner — $87.94 $129.99 (save $42.05)
Last spring when I tested the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress, I was shocked by the quality to price ratio. It feels like a luxury mattress you'd encounter at a 5-star hotel, but its price falls into the affordable range. In fact, a single night's stay at some 5-star resorts would cost more than this mattress.
The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid bed that combines a plush pillow-top with ultra supportive memory foam and coil layers. The edge-support is also noteworthy. When testing, I felt like this was a great option for couples thanks to the motion isolation or anyone who's a combination sleeper and needs support in several positions.
The DreamCloud Presidents Day Sale tosses in a mattress protector, bamboo sheet set, and two cooling pillows. If you're shopping for a queen-size, you'll be able to get the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid with these accessories for $1,099.
More mattress and bedding dealsAmerisleep — save $1,000 on a mattress with code PD2026
Avocado — take up to 20% off organic mattresses and 10% off organic bedding and pillows
Awara — save 50% on select mattresses
Bear — save 35% off sitewide
Beautyrest — save up to $1,000 on select mattress and adjustable base sets
Big Fig — get $500 off any mattress + 25% off everything else with code PRES
Birch — take 25% off sitewide with code PRES25
Brooklinen — take 20% off sitewide
Brooklyn Bedding — save up to 35% on mattresses
Bryte — save up to $1,000 off sitewide
Casper — take up to 30% off on mattresses and 35% off bedding bundles and pillows
Coop Sleep Goods — save up to 40% sitewide
Helix — take 25% off sitewide with code PRES25
Eight Sleep — save up to $350
Essentia — take 21% off sitewide
Eli & Elm — buy one pillow, get a second for 50% off
FluffCo — take 20% off sitewide
Layla — take up to $200 off mattresses and get two free Layla Pillows and free bamboo sheet set
Leesa — take 30% off mattresses and 25% off bedding
Lull — save 60% on all mattresses and get free sheets, pillows, and a mattress protector
Naturepedic — take 20% off sitewide
Nectar — save up to 60% on mattresses and 66% on bundles
Nest — save up to 15% on mattresses and 20% on pillows
Nolah — take 35% off sitewide with free in-home set-up and removal on qualifying orders
Puffy — save up to $1,350
Purple — take up to $500 off a mattress and earn up to $300 in gift credit
Silk & Snow — get a free sleep bundle with mattress purchase
Sleep Number — 50% off Limited Edition mattress
Tempur-Pedic — save up to $500 and get $300 in free accessories; BOGO pillows and sheets bundles
Tuft & Needle — save 20% sitewide
WinkBeds — save 30%
Woolroom — save up to 40%
It might still be cold in your area in mid February, but we promise spring is on its way and once the warmer weather hits, it's time for an ice cream celebration. Make your own sweet treats this year with the fan-favorite Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine. Thanks to Amazon's coupon, the ice cream maker is on sale for just $93.40, marked down from the normal price of $129.95.
The insulated freezer bowl means you'll be on your way to a frozen treat in under 30 minutes. Each batch can produce two quarts of your favorite ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or sherbet.
More kitchen dealsStanley Quencher Flowstate tumbler (30-ounce) — $24.97 $40 (save $15.03)
Keurig K-Express Essentials single-serve coffee maker — $49 $54.97 (save $5.97)
Hamilton Beach programmable slow cooker (7-quart) with Party Dipper food warmer — $54.99 $89.99 (save $35)
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker (8.5-quart) — $98 $119 (save $21)
Cuisinart FastFreeze 5-in-1 Dessert Maker — $101.95 $119.94 (save $17.99 with on-page coupon)
Ninja Crispi — $119 $139 (save $20)
Ninja Mega Kitchen System — $149.99 $219.99 (save $70)
Ninja Creami Deluxe — $219.99 $249.99 (save $30)
KitchenAid Deluxe tilt-head stand mixer (4.5-quart) — $279 $449.99 (save $170.99)
Ninja Slushi — $299 $349.99 (save $50.99 + get a $14.01 Amazon credit)
Breville Barista Express Impress — $649.95 $799.95 (save $150)
De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine — $699.95 $999.95 (save $300)
Before we know it, we'll be back to spending weekends at the campground. But this year, upgrade your setup with a portable power station. This will allow you to keep phones charged up, recharge the drone batteries, and have a functional coffee maker. I've tested dozens of power stations and it's hard to go wrong with the Anker Solix C1000. It has plenty of ports for keeping gadgets charged up while camping, and there's even a lightbar for better illumination.
On Anker's website, the Solix C1000 has a list price of $999, but it's on sale at Amazon for only $397. Grab a solar panel to also pack along while camping, and you'll be in line for unlimited battery power.
More outdoor dealsSawyer Mini Water Filtration System — $23.87 $28.99 (save $5.12)
Owala FreeSip (32 ounce) — $32.99 $34.99 (save $2)
Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight One Pot Cook Set — $59.96 $79.95 (save $19.99)
Rumpl Original Puffy National Park Blanket — $74.95 $99.95 (save $25)
Solo Stove Pi Prime Pizza Oven — $379.99 $449.99 (save $70)
Ooni Koda 12-inch Gas Pizza Oven — $398.95 $449 (save $50.05)
Bote Wulf Aero Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Kit — $449 $559 (save $110)
Solo Stove Yukon 27-inch Smokeless Fire Pit — $466.99 $559.99 (save $93)
Spring is on its way and with it will come stunning blooms. If you feel like bringing some of that inside without worrying about keeping it alive (or pollen), Amazon is full of Lego deals this Presidents' Day. The Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet is on sale for 20% off, bringing it down to $47.98 compared to the list price of $59.99.
The bouquet features eight species of wildflowers, all on adjustable stems. You'll be adding lavender, poppies, daisies, lupins, and larkspur to your home thanks to this cheery Lego set.
More Lego dealsLego Looney Tunes Sweetheart Tweety Bird — $23.99 $34.99 (save $11)
Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box — $24.88 $34.99 (save $10.11)
Lego Botanicals Tiny Plants — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)
Lego Star Wars Rebel U-Wing Starfighter — $55.99 $69.99 (save $14)
Lego Bluey: Bluey’s Family House — $58.99 $69.99 (save $11)
Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon A New Hope 25th Anniversary Collectable Model — $67.99 $84.99 (save $17)
Lego Technic Kawasaki Ninja H2R Motorcycle — $72.99 $84.99 (save $12)
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