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SAVE $500: As of January 16, you can grab Sony Bravia XR A75L 65-inch OLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV at Best Buy for $1,499.99, down from its usual $1,999.99 price. That’s a solid $500 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Bravia XR A75L 65-inch OLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV $1,499.99 at Best Buy
$1,999.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal

Long story short: this Sony Bravia XR A75L OLED TV is for anyone who wants a ridiculously good screen and isn't afraid to spend a little extra for it — especially when it's $500 off at Best Buy.

OLED screens are the holy grail of TVs, and Sony's are some of the best in the business. The picture quality here is mind-blowing, with self-lit pixels delivering perfect blacks and vibrant colors. Whether you're deep into the latest streaming binge or gaming at full tilt, this TV makes everything look unreal (in a good way).

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

The A75L's Cognitive Processor XR is the brains behind the operation, optimizing contrast, color, and clarity. It takes care of everything — like brightening those epic outdoor scenes or sharpening details in dark, moody shots. It even makes older HD content look better with its fancy 4K upscaling. If you have a PS5, this TV is made for you. It supports 4K at 120Hz, has a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and PlayStation-specific features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping. Translation? Your games will look smooth, feel responsive, and be ridiculously immersive.

But the sound? The sound takes things up a notch. Thanks to Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio tech, the screen acts as the speaker, making dialogue, sound effects, and music align perfectly with what's happening on screen. Add Dolby Atmos into the mix, and you've got a mini home theater without needing a dozen extra speakers.

On the smart TV front, it's got Google TV built-in, so all your favorite apps — Netflix, Disney+, YouTube — are ready to go. Plus, you can boss it around with Google Assistant or stream straight from your phone via Apple AirPlay. And let's not forget, you get exclusive access to Sony's Bravia CORE app, which lets you stream some top-tier 4K movies for free.

At $1,499.99, this TV isn't cheap, but it's one of those splurges that genuinely feels worth it. Setting up your ultimate gaming room? This is the kind of screen you'll be showing off every chance you get.

SAVE $50: As of Jan. 16, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is on sale for $129.99 at Amazon. That's a 28% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ $129.99 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $49.96 Get Deal

We're all for luxurious coffee from the comfort of your own home, and that's always a guarantee with Nespresso. So this latest Amazon deal on the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is definitely something that caught our eye.

As of Jan. 16, you can treat yourself to this stacked machine for just $129.99, saving you 28% on list price. The machine comes with a milk frother and can be purchased in white, red, or mint.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

This impressive machine can make your coffee and espresso in five sizes, from 5 oz to 12 oz coffees and single or double espressos, brewed hot or over ice. It has a design that fits in small spaces, with a removable 25 oz water tank on the side — so even if your space is on the small side, you can squeeze in great-tasting coffee.

There's no fuss involved either, the one-touch system heats up in just 30 seconds and includes a descaling alert when it's time for a clean. And for your coffee of choice, you can choose from a huge selection of Nespresso pods that are fully recyclable after use.

The milk frother makes velvety smooth lattes and cappuccinos with options for hot milk foam, hot milk, or cold froth. It's easy to clean but don't put it in the dishwasher. To wash out the jug, place it under running water and use a non-abrasive cloth or scourer.

This deal is available for a limited-time only, so act quick so you don't miss out.

SAVE $50: As of Jan. 16, Apple AirPods Pro 2 are on sale for $199 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $199.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Apple discounts are something we never skip over at Mashable, especially deals on AirPods. A new pair doesn't have to break the bank, and you don't have to pay full price either. As of Jan. 16, you can treat yourself to the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $199, saving $50 on list price.

The AirPods Pro 2 are a great choice if you're looking for noise cancellation and personalized audio. They boast fantastic quality with amazing features such as a scientifically validated hearing test and clinical-grade hearing protection, both to protect and give insight into improving your ear health.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

Different sound modes will allow you to remain aware of your surroundings, or block it all out. Choose Active Noise Cancellation to block out background noise completely, while Adaptive Audio and Transparency modes deliver a blend of background sounds, keeping you safe and aware while you're listening out of the house. The Conversation Awareness function also adjusts playback for nearby interactions, and the H2 chip provides a strong, immersive sound for both music and calls.

These also come with four pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) to fit a wide range of ear shapes. These tips create an acoustic seal to help keep out noise and secure the AirPods in place.

Head to Amazon to grab this great AirPod deal.

SAVE $200: As of Jan. 16, the Fire TV 55-inch 4-Series is on sale for $319.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 55" 4-Series $319.99 at Amazon
$519.19 Save $199.20 Get Deal

Deals and discounts always make for a great excuse to upgrade your tech, especially your TV. And if your box is starting to feel a little dated, you'll love this Amazon deal on the Fire TV 55-inch 4-Series.

As of Jan. 16, this TV is at its lowest price in over a year, now priced at $319.99. That's a $200 saving on list price. And we're not exaggerating when we say there's a lot to brag about this TV. It has 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, all creating incredible clarity, brighter colors, and vivid detail in your favorite movies and shows.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

Like most Amazon devices, it has Alexa built-in, so you can easily find your favorite movie, launch apps, and control content. It's much easier than manually checking each streaming service. Enjoy shows from Netflix, Disney+, and of course, Prime Video thanks to the TV's Fire operating system.

This TV can also work with your smart home Alexa devices, including doorbells, lightbulbs, and speakers. For example, pair up your TV with your Echo speakers to create an immersive home theater atmosphere. Plus, there are four HDMI inputs to connect gaming devices, sound accessories, cables, and other equipment seamlessly.

Grab this limited-time deal from Amazon now.

SAVE UP TO $1,000: LG dropped new versions of its flagship OLED and QNED TVs at CES, and as of Jan. 16, 2023 and 2024 flagship LG models have gotten discounts at Best Buy for up to $1,500 off.

In case you forgot, LG is the authority on cool screens. From a 5K2K bendable gaming monitor to another portable TV to quite a few regular ol' TVs, the brand's CES 2025 showcase didn't come to play.

New LG OLEDs are brighter and zippier than ever

LG has completely switched up its whole OLED panel situation for 2025. Its two new flagship OLEDs, the M5 and the G5, will be lit by a "four stack engineering process" rather than the MLA (Micro Lens Array) panels it had been using. You can get into the weeds on that tech elsewhere on Google, here's the short version: It's a new lighting panel featuring a fourth OLED layer, and that means brightness, brightness, brightness.

The LG M5 will likely be the most expensive TV in LG's 2025 OLED lineup, but not 100 percent for the reasons you're thinking. While it will have a lot of LG's best specs for picture quality, it'll be special in another way to gamers: it can wirelessly display the content you're casting to it from a console.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

Equally as exciting (from a performance standpoint) is the announcement of the LG G5 OLED. Cost-wise, it'll likely run a bit cheaper than the M5. But that ranking doesn't take away from the fact that it's about to be a beast for gamers and avid movie watchers, packing a lot of premium value into a price that'll likely feel more doable for the average household.

Noteworthy G5 specs include a 165Hz refresh rate (a rarity in a sea of 144Hz TVs), four HDMI 2.1 ports, and Brighter Booster Ultimate mode to make it pop 40 percent more than its predecessor, the G4. LG also says that the G5's peak brightness is three times higher than that of the B5, which was also announced at CES. Unlike the G4 line, the G5 is LG's first flagship OLED that'll come in 48 inches.

The LG C5 and B5 OLEDs were also announced and, as expected, will be LG's more entry-level OLED TVs.

New LG QNEDs *checks notes* ditch quantum dots

LG hasn't yet mastered QNED like it has OLED, but damn, it is trying. LG's 2025 crop of QNED TVs got just as much of an internal makeover as the OLED stacks did: Traditional quantum dots are out, some tech called "Dynamic QNED Color Solution" is in. LG hasn't given much intel into what this means past the fact that it focuses on a wider color gamut, using fluorescent elements to more accurately convert light into purer, more vibrant colors.

SEE ALSO: Samsung and LG TVs add AI with Microsoft Copilot

Contributing to a richer viewing experience is a feature called Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro: an AI-fueled tool that fine tunes HDR effects and zoned brightening for each scene. That AI simultaneously keeps tabs on each scene's audio, quickly separating background noise from voices and making those voices clearer.

The most premium QNED of the 2025 bunch, the QNED92, also features a mini-LED backlight. The mid-tier and entry-level models, the QNED9M and QNED85, both feature regular LED backlights in tandem with the new color gamut system mentioned above. Oddly enough, it's the mid-tier LG QNED that got outfitted with the Zero Connect box for wireless console transmission.

SEE ALSO: Check out the best projectors from CES 2025 — and see which you can shop now

All LG TVs announced at CES are expected to be released in the spring.

Don't feel like waiting (or paying) for LG's latest and greatest TVs? You have LG options from years past to shop on sale right now. As of Jan. 16, several 2023 and 2024 LG OLED and QNED models are quietly on sale at Best Buy — just in time to upgrade your NFL playoffs watching experience.

LG OLED TVs on sale

• 2024 LG 65-inch C4 OLED 4K TV — $1,499.99 $1,799.99 (save $300)

• 2023 LG 77-inch C3 OLED 4K TV — $1,799.99 $2,299.99 (save $500)

• 2024 LG 77-inch B4 OLED 4K TV — $1,999.99 $2,499.99 (save $500)

• 2024 LG 83-inch C4 OLED 4K TV — $3,799.99 $4,499.99 (save $700)

LG QNED TVs on sale

• 2024 LG 43-inch 80 Series QNED 4K TV — $429.99 $549.99 (save $120)

• 2024 LG 65-inch 80 Series QNED 4K TV — $699.99 $899.99 (save $200)

• 2023 LG 50-inch 75 Series QNED 4K TV — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)

• 2024 LG 98-inch 89 Series QNED 4K TV — $4,499.99 $5,799.99 (save $1,500)

SAVE $20: As of Jan. 16, the Amazon Echo Show 5 is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 22% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 5 $69.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

If you're a fan of smart home devices then you need to check out Amazon's range of devices. And as of Jan. 16, one of the most popular in this lineup, the Echo Show 5, is reduced to $69.99 at Amazon, saving you $20 on the original price. This price can be found across all three colors: charcoal, glacier white, and cloud blue.

The Echo Show 5 is essentially a handy smart assistant with a screen. It comes with built-in Alexa, the ability to watch shows, and video chat capabilities. It's also neat and nifty, with the screen coming in at 5.5 inches, perfect for looking at the weather, recipes, or the time at a glance, without taking up too much space in your home.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

You can even stream music from the Echo Show, with compatibility with the most popular streaming apps including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Deezer. This model benefits from deeper bass and clearer vocals for a better listening experience. Plus, the Echo Show 5 is eco-friendly, featuring fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn and an aluminum body crafted from 100% recycled materials.

This deal is only available for a limited time, so head to Amazon now.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned Red Dye No. 3, an additive used to colour food bright red, due to it being carcinogenic. Still, if you've been enthusiastically chowing down on Betty Crocker Red Icing or Brach's Candy Corn, there's no need to freak out. You probably haven't eaten enough to cause cancer, and even if you have, you'd also need to be a rat.

SEE ALSO: Behold, a giant AI-generated rat penis

Also known as erythrosine or E127, Red Dye No. 3 is created from petroleum and is typically found in sweet foods such as candy, cakes, and frozen desserts. The U.S. ban comes in response to a 2022 joint petition by several organisations, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Center for Environmental Health, and the Center for Food Safety. 

In a statement on Wednesday, the FDA acknowledged the petitioners' submission of two studies that showed male lab rats develop cancer after being exposed to "high levels" of Red Dye No. 3. However, it noted that this was "due to a rat specific hormonal mechanism," and further that humans aren't typically exposed to as much Red Dye No. 3 as was used in these studies.

"The way that FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans," wrote the FDA. "Studies in other animals and in humans did not show these effects; claims that the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and in ingested drugs puts people at risk are not supported by the available scientific information."

Nevertheless, the FDA has elected to ban Red Dye No. 3 under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act's Delaney Clause. This clause bars chemical food additives from FDA approval if they have been found to induce cancer in humans or animals, and makes no allowances for prodigious quantities or special rat hormones.

If a substance has been shown to cause cancer, even if in a rat, it's understandable to want to avoid it if you can. Food dyes such as erythrosine offer no nutritional value nor do they enhance taste, and can easily be removed from a person's diet without adverse effects. Even so, there's no reason to be alarmed or rush to your doctor if you've been blissfully enjoying foods coloured by Red Dye No. 3 up until now.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has called this "long-delayed ban" a "win for public health." However, it also noted that knowledge of Red Dye No. 3's carcinogenic properties isn't new, and that the FDA already banned the additive from use in cosmetics and topical drugs 35 years ago in 1990. Red Dye No. 3 has long been banned or restricted as a food additive in other jurisdictions as well, including Australia, New Zealand, and countries in the EU. 

California passed a bill banning Red Dye No. 3 in 2023, with it set to take effect from Jan. 1, 2027. However, other states will be able to continue ingesting Red Dye No. 3 for a little while longer. The FDA is giving food manufacturers a two-year grace period to reformulate their products, with Red Dye No. 3 to be removed by Jan. 15, 2027. Drug manufacturers get an extra year to do the same, with a deadline of Jan. 18, 2028. Imported foods are subject to the FDA's new restriction as well, so you can't get your Red Dye No. 3 fix from overseas (if for some reason that was something you wanted to do).

Red Dye No. 3 isn't to be confused with Red Dye No. 40, a more common additive that also gives food a bright red colour and remains approved for human consumption by the FDA. Though there have been studies which question Red Dye No. 40's safety, with some evidence suggesting it may exacerbate hyperactivity in particularly sensitive children, current consensus is that it poses little risk.

TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Tauson in the 2025 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Aryna Sabalenka is on a quest to win another Australian Open. Can anyone stop her from claiming another crown? It's too early to tell, but Tauson is next in line to face the reigning champ.

If you want to watch Sabalenka vs. Tauson in the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Tauson for free

The 2025 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Sabalenka vs. Tauson.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Australian Open 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 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 Australian Open 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 leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Sabalenka vs. Tauson without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• 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 Sabalenka vs. Tauson in the 2025 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

The Los Angeles Lakers are members of the Western Conference in the NBA. The franchise was founded in 1946 as one of the original eight teams. The team has won 18 championships, 19 conference titles, and 34 division titles.

The team dons a number of jerseys in purple, gold, black, and white. The Lakers are one of only four NBA teams that do not have a mascot.

How to live stream the Los Angeles Lakers

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. The NBA does have its own streaming service, the NBA League Pass, which is $16.99 per month. However, you can also stream NBA TV through most providers, including YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo.

These are the best services for live streaming the Los Angeles Lakers this season:

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV Fubo TV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Where do the Los Angeles Lakers play?

The Lakers play at the crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, which they share with the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks. It's located in downtown L.A., on Figueroa Street. The name changed from Staples Center to crypto.com Arena in December 2021.

Construction started on the original Staples Center in March 1998. It opened its doors in October 1999. Staples Center was affectionately known as, 'The House that Kobe Built,' in honor of the 20 years Kobe Bryant spent playing for the Lakers in Staples Center. Bryant retired in 2016, and died in 2020.

Crypto.com Arena seats 19,067 for basketball games.

Who is the head coach for the Lakers?

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers is JJ Redick.

Redick played college basketball for Duke University before he was drafted by the Orlando Magic. He also played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Dallas Mavericks.

Redick retired from the NBA as a player in 2021, and began coaching when the Lakers hired him in 2024.

Who is on the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024-25 season?

The Los Angeles Lakers roster includes several big names, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

LeBron averages 27.1 points per game, while Davis averages 24.2 points per game. They are the team leaders among the starting five. The rest of the starting five includes Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, and Austin Reaves.

The Lakers also made NBA history before the 2024-25 season started, by drafting LeBron "Bronny" James Jr. On Oct. 23, 2024, LeBron and Bronny became the first father-son duo to appear in a game together.

How did the Lakers perform in 2023/24?

In the 2023-24 season, the Lakers finished with a 47-35 record overall. Los Angeles ended the regular season in seventh place in the Western Conference. They had a 28-14 record at home, and a 19-21 record on the road.

The Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the 2023-24 playoffs, in a 4-1 series loss to the Denver Nuggets.

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC with a one-time purchase of £98.09 (reg. £122.64) at the Mashable Shop through 2 February.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC £98.09 at the Mashable Shop
£122.64 Save £24.55 Get Deal

If you’ve been looking for a simple, reliable way to upgrade your productivity, you might want to jump on this Microsoft Office 2024 Home offer. The newest version of MS Office now has AI integration to make your workflow faster and maybe even smarter.

Designed for individuals and families, this latest version combines the trusted tools of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote with an enhanced user experience and powerful new features. And with a one-time purchase, you get a lifetime device license.

Office 2024 Home is all about working smarter and more efficiently. Its clean, user-friendly design enables you to spend less time searching for tools and more time getting things done. AI-power features like intelligent text suggestions, automatic translations, and data visualisation in Excel give you a head start on your daily tasks.

Whether you’re creating a school presentation, budgeting for your household, or brainstorming the next great idea, Office 2024 has you covered.

The updated Ribbon navigation adapts to what you’re working on, reducing clutter and showing you the most relevant tools. Excel’s dynamic arrays make sorting and analysing data a breeze, while real-time co-authoring lets you and your family work on projects together without endless email attachments. It’s modern productivity, simplified.

With one purchase, you’ll have lifetime access optimised for efficiency and collaboration. There are no ongoing monthly fees — just a one-and-done payment that unlocks your tools for good.

Plus, it works on both Mac and PC, so you can stay productive no matter what device you prefer. Whether you’re writing reports, designing presentations, or tracking finances, Office 2024 makes it easier to create, collaborate, and get results.

Pick up Microsoft Office 2024 for £98.09 (reg. £122.64) and optimise your productivity in 2025 and well beyond. Get it at the Mashable Shop through 2 February at this discounted price.

Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase - £98.09 | Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Djokovic vs. Machac in the 2025 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Novak Djokovic is looking to win his 25th Grand Slam at the Australian Open, but a cast of young stars are standing in his way. Tomas Machac is not one of those stars, but he'll still believe that he can dump out the Serbian legend in the third round.

If you want to watch Djokovic vs. Machac in the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Djokovic vs. Machac for free

The 2025 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Djokovic vs. Machac.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Australian Open 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 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 Australian Open 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 leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Djokovic vs. Machac without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• 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 Djokovic vs. Machac in the 2025 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Gauff vs. Fernandez in the 2025 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

If anyone can stop Aryna Sabalenka from winning another Australian Open, it's probably Coco Gauff. The American faces Fernandez in the third round of the competition.

If you want to watch Gauff vs. Fernandez in the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Gauff vs. Fernandez for free

The 2025 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Gauff vs. Fernandez.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Australian Open 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 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 Australian Open 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 leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Gauff vs. Fernandez without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• 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 Gauff vs. Fernandez in the 2025 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

The Los Angeles Clippers are members of the Western Conference in the NBA. The franchise was founded in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves. They rebranded as the San Diego Clippers in 1978, before moving to Los Angeles in 1984. The team has won just three division titles. The Clippers have never won a conference title, and they have never won a championship.

The team dons a number of jerseys in navy blue, ember red, Pacific blue, and silver. The Clippers mascot is Chuck the Condor.

How to live stream the Los Angeles Clippers

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. The NBA does have its own streaming service, the NBA League Pass, which is $16.99 per month. However, you can also stream NBA TV through most providers, including YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo.

These are the best services for live streaming the Los Angeles Clippers this season:

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV Fubo TV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Where do the Los Angeles Clippers play?

The Clippers play at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, which is located in Inglewood. But, that's new for the 2024-25 season. The Clippers shared Staples Center with the Los Angeles Lakers, which was eventually rebranded to crypto.com Arena.

Construction started on Intuit Dome in September 2021. The dome opened its doors in August 2024.

The Intuit Dome seats 18,000 for basketball games.

Who is the head coach for the Clippers?

The head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers is Tyronn Lue.

Lue played college basketball for Nebraska, before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets as a point guard. He went on to play for eight different NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, and Dallas Mavericks. Lue helped the Lakers win two championships in 2000 and 2001. He retired in 2009 after playing a season with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lue took his first coaching job as an assistant with the Boston Celtics two years after his retirement. He would also serve as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers before he was promoted to head coach of the Cavs in 2014. His time spent coaching in Cleveland is significant, because Lue helped lead the Cavs to their first and only NBA Championship. He left the Cavs to be an assistant coach for the Clippers again, where he was promoted to head coach in 2020.

Who is on the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2024-25 season?

The Los Angeles Clippers roster includes several big names, including James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.

Harden averages 24.1 points per game, while Leonard averages 20 points per game. They are the team leaders among the starting five.

The rest of the starting five includes Kris Dunn, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac.

How did the Clippers perform in 2023/24?

In the 2023-24 season, the Clippers finished with a 51-31 record overall. Los Angeles ended the regular season in fourth place in the Western Conference. They had a 25-16 record at home, and a 26-15 record on the road.

The Clippers were eliminated in the first round of the 2023-24 NBA playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks. They lost the series 4-2.

The New York Knicks are members of the Eastern Conference in the NBA. The franchise was founded in 1946 as one of the original eight teams. The team has won two championships, four conference titles, and eight division titles.

The team dons a number of jerseys in royal blue, orange, silver, black, and white. The Knicks are one of only four NBA teams that do not have a mascot.

How to live stream the New York Knicks

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. The NBA does have its own streaming service, the NBA League Pass, which is $16.99 per month. However, you can also stream NBA TV through most providers, including YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo.

These are the best services for live streaming the New York Knicks this season:

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV Fubo TV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Where do the New York Knicks play?

The Knicks play at the Madison Square Garden in New York, which they share with the NHL's New York Rangers. It's located in midtown Manhattan, between Seventh and Eighth avenue from 31st to 33rd street. Construction on the current Madison Square Garden started in 1964. The arena opened its doors in 1968. But several versions of the Square existed before then, dating back to 1890. It cost $123 million to build in 1969, which is roughly $1 billion now. The arena has also undergone nearly $2 billion in renovations over the years.

As a basketball arena, Madison Square Garden seats 19,812 people.

Who is the head coach for the Knicks?

The head coach of the New York Knicks is Tom Thibodeau.

Thibodeau, affectionately nicknamed Thibs, played college basketball at Salem State College, where he joined the staff as an assistant coach after graduation. He was promoted to head coach in 1984, before leaving to be an assistant at Harvard. Thibodeau eventually took on several assistant coaching positions in the NBA. He landed his first NBA head coaching position in 2010 with the Chicago Bulls.

Thibs coached the Bulls for five years, before moving on to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he coached for 3 years. He was hired by the Knicks in 2020.

Who is on the New York Knicks in the 2024-25 season?

The New York Knicks roster includes several big names, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.

Towns averages 23.1 points per game, while Bridges averages 14.5 points per game. They are the team leaders among the starting five. The rest of the starting five includes Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Precious Achiuwa.

How did the Knicks perform in 2023/24?

In the 2023-24 season, the Knicks finished with a 50-32 record overall. New York ended the regular season in second place in the Eastern Conference. They had a 27-14 record at home, and a 23-18 record on the road.

The Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2023-24 NBA playoffs, four games to one. New York was defeated in Game 7 of the Conference Semifinals by the Indiana Pacers.

The Boston Celtics are members of the Eastern Conference in the NBA. The franchise was founded in 1946 as one of the original eight teams. The team has won 18 championships, 11 conference titles, and 34 division titles.

The team dons a number of jerseys in green, white, black, gold, and brown. They have one mascot, named Lucky the Leprechaun.

How to live stream the Boston Celtics

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. The NBA does have its own streaming service, the NBA League Pass, which is $16.99 per month. However, you can also stream NBA TV through most providers, including YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo.

These are the best services for live streaming the Boston Celtics this season:

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV Fubo TV Pro Plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Where do the Boston Celtics play?

The Celtics play at the TD Garden in Boston, which they share with the NHL's Boston Bruins. It's located in the heart of Boston, directly above the MBTA's North Station. Construction on TD Garden started in 1993. The arena opened its doors in 1995. It cost $160 million to build.

As a basketball arena, TD Garden seats 19,156 people.

Who is the head coach for the Celtics?

The head coach of the Boston Celtics is Joe Mazzulla.

Mazzulla played college basketball for West Virginia University as a point guard. He went undrafted in 2011, which is when he started his coaching career at a Division II school. Mazzulla later joined the Celtics as an assistant coach in 2019, before being named the interim head coach in the 2022-23 season.

In just his second year leading the Celtics, the team won 64 games and an NBA championship. He is only 36 years old, and earned the title of the youngest coach to reach 200 wins since Bill Russell in 1969.

Who is on the Boston Celtics in the 2024-25 season?

The Boston Celtics roster includes several big names, including stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Green, and Derrick White.

Tatum averages 27.8 points per game, while Brown is averaging 24.1 points per game. They are the team leaders.

How did the Celtics perform in 2023/24?

In the 2023-24 season, the Celtics finished with a 64-18 record overall. Boston ended the regular season in first place in the Eastern Conference. They had a 37-4 record at home, and a 27-14 record on the road.

The Celtics defeated the Miami Heat, four games to one, in the first round of the NBA playoffs in the 2023-24 season. Boston then defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 4-1. The Celtics swept the Indiana Pacers to reach the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 4-1.

The Boston Celtics were the NBA Finals champions.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Hired by sports teams

• Green: Hockey teams

• Blue: Teams in Florida, but not in Miami

• Purple: Different types of cards

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Members of a staff

• Green: NHL teams with singular nicknames

• Blue: Orlando teams

• Purple: _____ card

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #115 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Members of a staff - COACH, MANAGER, SCOUT, TRAINER

• NHL teams with singular nicknames - AVALANCHE, KRAKEN, LIGHTNING, UTAH HOCKEY CLUB

• Orlando teams - MAGIC, ORLANDO CITY, PRIDE, UCF

• _______ card - LINEUP, TRADING, WILD, YELLOW

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

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

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

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

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 16 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Bar association

These words are ordered by the 21 and up crowd.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are something you would get in a bar.

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 Cocktails.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for January 16

• Cosmopolitan

• Zombie

• Martini

• Sidecar

• Stinger

• Cocktails

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.

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

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

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 16 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: An exchange of goods and services

• Green: Objects fixed onto a vertical surface

• Blue: Espionage

• Purple: Involves a rat

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: Buying and Selling

• Green: Installed on a Wall

• Blue: Spy

• Purple: ___Rat

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 #585 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Buying and Selling: BUSINESS, COMMERCE, MARKET, TRADE

• Installed on a Wall: BASEBOARD, OUTLET, SCONCE, SWITCH

• Spy: AGENT, ASSET, MOLE, PLANT

• ___Rat: GYM, MALL, PACK, RUG

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 16

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 January 16 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 16, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Hard rock, sparks.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

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...

FLINT.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 16

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.

From surreal Music Dance Experiences to the rooms full of baby goats, Severance is a wonderfully weird show. But nothing in the show comes close to out-weirding the waffle party.

SEE ALSO: I went to the 'Severance' pop-up in Grand Central Station. It was wild.

The waffle party is the reward Lumon gives to the Refiner of the Quarter. Dylan (Zach Cherry) wins this honor as part of the Innies' plan to escape Lumon in Season 1. To receive the reward, he goes to the replica of Kier Eagan's house in the Perpetuity Wing, eats a stack of waffles, and is then treated to a suggestive dance from a quartet dressed as the Four Tempers: Woe, Dread, Frolic, and Malice. The message is clear: The waffle party isn't just a food-based incentive — it's a sex-based one, too.

Ben Stiller and Adam Scott revisited the waffle party in the Jan. 15 episode of The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott, along with podcast guest John Turturro. For Stiller, the waffle party — one of many Lumon terms coined by Severance creator and showrunner Dan Erickson — was "kind of an inflection point."

"It's almost one of the first questions we had to answer that we'd put out there," Stiller said. "You could just be thinking forever, 'What is a waffle party?' But we had to somehow show it."

The question then became, how far could Severance go with the waffle party? How could they establish its risqué nature without alienating the audience?

SEE ALSO: 'Severance' Season 2 may already be the best show of the year: Review

Part of the answer involved the show's stylized depiction of the waffle party, which included choreography by Tara Rodriguez (who also helped craft the Music Dance Experience in Severance's "Defiant Jazz" episode) and masks sculpted by Penko Platikanov.

One of those masks was a Kier Eagan mask, which Dylan wears while lying on a replica of Eagan's bed. That mask in particular stood out to Stiller upon rewatch.

"I hadn't watched [episode] 8 for a while, and for a second I had forgotten that Dylan had the Kier Eagan mask waiting for him on the bed," Stiller said. "Not having watched it for a couple of years... We really went for it in terms of the weirdness of this whole ritual."

The actual shoot for the waffle party took place in Yonkers, New York, in a house that is part of the Hudson River Museum. It was the last scene shot in the Kier Eagan replica house, with Stiller estimating they filmed it at around one or two o'clock in the morning. (They were under pressure to get everything done, because The Gilded Age would be filming there the next day.)

Scott, already wrapped, stayed behind to watch the waffle party take place. "It was incredible," he said. "[The dancers] were so on point. It was really impressive."

For Scott and Turturro, the waffle party took on extra meaning as an incentive for their Innies.

"Since the entire place and the entire culture of Lumon is devoid of any affection or anything that is even anywhere sex, but these are feelings that all of [the Innies] probably have and don't understand, this is the ultimate reward," Scott said.

"If you're starved for any kind of connection, rituals take on a stronger resonance," added Turturro.

Severance Season 2 premieres Jan. 17 on Apple TV+, with a new episode every week.