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The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, February 4, 2025:
AcrossT-shirt or blouseThe answer is Top.
The answer is Write.
The answer is Right.
The answer is Etre.
The answer is Neer.
The answer is Tiger.
The answer is Other.
The answer is Pet.
The answer is Wren.
The answer is Rite.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
SAVE $50: As of Feb. 4, Beats Studio Buds are available for $99.99 at Amazon, down from $149.95. That’s a $50 discount on these true wireless earbuds, featuring active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and sweat resistance for Apple and Android.
Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds $99.99 at AmazonHigh-quality wireless earbuds without the brand tax are hard to find, but the Beats Studio Buds have dropped to $99.99 at Amazon. That's 33% off the regular price, making this one of the best noise-canceling earbud deals.
Designed for premium sound in a compact form, the Beats Studio Buds deliver balanced audio with deep bass thanks to a custom acoustic platform. This means clear and immersive sound whilst listening to your favorite playlists, watching movies, or gaming. Plus, with active noise cancellation (ANC), you can block out distractions on the go, at work, or during workouts. Prefer to stay aware of your surroundings? Just switch to Transparency Mode to hear what's going on around you.
SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphonesComfort is also key, and Beats includes three different ear tip sizes, ensuring a secure fit for all-day wear. Their IPX4 sweat and water resistance makes these earbuds perfect for the gym, running, or daily commutes — so there's no worry about rain or sweat ruining them.
Battery life won't let you down either. You'll get up to eight hours of listening time per charge, with an additional 24 hours from the compact charging case. That's 32 hours before you need to plug in again. And when you do? Fast Fuel charging gives you an extra hour of playback in just five minutes.
Thanks to Class 1 Bluetooth technology, the Beats Studio Buds also effortlessly pair with Apple and Android devices. That means fewer dropouts, extended range, and seamless connection switching.
At $99.99, these earbuds are well worth the price tag, so don't wait too long — this deal won't last forever.
Donald Trump is picking fights with everyone from Canada to Denmark, and Jon Stewart isn't impressed.
"What is happening? The EU, Canada — do we have any friends?" asks the Daily Show host in the monologue above. "Canada? We're picking a fight with our most reliable and pleasant friend, the labradoodle of allies?
Stewart goes on to mock the way the U.S. president is selecting his targets.
"Denmark, Panama, Canada. We're America. We used to fight the Nazis. Now we're scouring the globe for easy marks. What are we, the Jake Paul of nations?" asks Stewart, before going into Trump impression mode. "I know China's out there, but Panama's a legitimate fight! In fact I'm gonna call everyone out in FIFA's Concacaf division! Ohhh, Trinidad and Tobago, you gotta gang up, huh?"
SAVE $20: As of Feb. 4, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is available for $179.99 at Amazon, down from $199.99. That’s a $20 discount on one of the most versatile media streamers available, featuring Dolby Vision HDR, AI-enhanced upscaling, Plex media server functionality, and GeForce NOW cloud gaming.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nvidia Nvidia Shield TV Pro $179.99 at AmazonIf you want a streaming box that does it all, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the best does-it-all streaming box you can buy right now. At $179.99 on Amazon, a $20 saving over its $199.99 list price, this is a gaming and binge-worthy bargain. It's a home theater powerhouse, Plex media server, and cloud gaming rig wrapped into one sleek box.
With Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the Shield TV Pro transforms your living room into a cinematic experience. You'll get crisp 4K visuals and immersive audio from services such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, or HBO Max (subscription-dependent). Older HD content gets treated to AI-enhanced upscaling that sharpens it to near-4K quality for a cleaner, crisper picture.
SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphonesOne of its biggest perks is built-in Plex media server support. If you have a collection of movies, TV shows, or music, the Shield TV Pro can store and stream them across your devices, giving you full control over your personal media library. Unlike regular streaming sticks, this device has USB 3.0 ports, letting you expand storage, connect a keyboard, or even use a USB webcam.
Gaming? No problem. With GeForce NOW, the Shield TV Pro turns into a powerful gaming system with no console required. Play AAA PC games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Fortnite directly from the cloud, with ray tracing and DLSS support for ultra-smooth gameplay. Just connect a controller, and you're ready to go.
Running on Android TV 11, the Shield TV Pro supports all major streaming services, Google Chromecast 4K, and hands-free voice control with Google Assistant and Alexa.
At just $179.99, this deal is a no-brainer. Whether you need a high-end streaming device, a Plex media server, or a cloud gaming machine, the Shield TV Pro does it all — and this discount won't last long.
SAVE $20: As of Feb. 4, the Nvidia Shield TV streaming media player is available for $129.99 at Amazon, down from $149.99. That’s a $20 discount on one of the most powerful Android TV devices, offering 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Vision-Atmos, AI-enhanced upscaling, and GeForce NOW cloud gaming.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nvidia Nvidia Shield TV $129.99 at AmazonThe Nvidia Shield TV just got a rare price drop at Amazon. At $129.99, it’s cheaper than the Apple TV 4K and more feature-packed than any Fire TV Stick or Roku device. With Dolby Vision HDR, AI-enhanced upscaling, and built-in GeForce NOW cloud gaming, this streaming powerhouse is in a league of its own.
The Tegra X1+ processor makes the Shield TV one of the fastest streaming devices, ensuring smooth navigation and instant app loading. If you’ve got a 4K TV, you’ll love the AI upscaling, which sharpens older HD content to near 4K quality. Plus, with Dolby Atmos sound, your movie nights will have cinema-level audio immersion.
SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphonesThis bad boy is also a cloud streaming beast unlike most streaming sticks on the market right now. With GeForce NOW, you can play AAA PC games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Fortnite on your TV without needing a gaming PC. Pair it with an RTX 3080 GeForce NOW membership, and you’ll get ray tracing, high frame rates, and ultra-low latency.
On Android TV 11, the Shield TV supports all major streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, YouTube, and HBO Max. It also comes with Chromecast 4K built-in, letting you stream directly from your phone or tablet. Plus, you can control your TV hands-free with Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility.
At just $129.99, the Nvidia Shield TV is an absolute steal. It’s faster than a Fire TV Stick, more powerful than a Roku, and smarter than an Apple TV — making it the best 4K streaming device you can buy. But at this price, it won’t last long — grab one before it’s gone.
Kiss of the Spider Woman has a rich and varied history, from Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel to the 1985 Oscar-winning drama by Héctor Babenco to the 1992 stage show on which this latest film is based. This makes viewing it in isolation nearly impossible, but even on its own terms, the 2025 musical movie by Bill Condon is a difficult sell.
Set during the latter years of Brazil’s late-twentieth century military junta, it’s a tale of two wildly different prisoners and the escapist cinema they collectively imagine. The story is ripe for visual re-invention — or at the very least, visual panache. And while Condon’s version aims for something grandiose (while featuring updated sexual politics), its execution fails to capture the imagination, let alone anything resembling time and place.
What is Kiss of the Spider Woman about?The film begins when an imprisoned Marxist revolutionary, Valentin Arregui (Diego Luna), is introduced to his new cellmate, Luis Molina (Tonatiuh), a queer and distinctly apolitical hairdresser arrested for public indecency. Condon’s film makes it much more explicit than in other versions — which is to say, through more direct dialogue — that Molina is a trans woman, even though she may not have the right terms to label herself in the movie’s 1981 setting.
Whatever qualms Arregui might have about Molina’s identity fade rather quickly, which allows the duo to quickly become friends, despite their opposing natures. Arregui is a quiet, studious learner, while Molina is a gossip and a chatterbox. However, the former becomes entranced by Molina’s stories about Technicolor Hollywood musicals, especially one titled Kiss of the Spider Woman starring her favorite Latin American starlet, Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez). As Molina narrates the film to Arregui, the two picture themselves as supporting characters in its plot, while Condon cuts back and forth between this imagined cinematic landscape and the more dour prison reality they share.
Molina has also been conscripted as a snitch by the prison’s warden, who forces her to inform on Arregui if she wants to get out and see her mother again, though the duo’s growing closeness makes her question this commitment. This broad plot is not unlike all other versions of the story (with some minor deviations: both films are set in Brazil, while the book and the stage show unfold in Argentina), but the major difference is how central and self-reflexive the very idea of musicals is to the duo’s retellings.
Kiss of the Spider Woman is a musical about musicals.Arregui, a grump and an academic, thinks of musicals as distracting propaganda and an opiate of the masses, while Molina finds beauty and acceptance in them. It’s a simple setup that should, in theory, bring the two characters closer together as Arregui grows more intrigued. However, the film’s Arabian Nights by way of Busby Berkeley telling unfolds in unconvincing ways.
The more Arregui complains about the fantastical nature of musicals (especially the escapism of people bursting out in song), the more Kiss of the Spider Woman ought to counter his assertions with examples of the opposite, but its form is never self-evident enough to be convincing. Instead, during its musical numbers, its frame is too crowded to draw the eye — rarely does Condon use blocking either to tell the story, or to deliver maximum impact — and the film lacks the energy of the golden age Hollywood landmarks it attempts to ape.
This lethargic use of visual form cross-pollinates between the real and the imagined. On one hand, Lopez’s Luna is a dazzling presence, but she seldom elevates Kiss of the Spider Woman beyond its impressions of other movies. Back in the real world, Arregui and Molina’s cramped cell certainly makes for a downtrodden setting, but Condon rarely films it with a sense of space in mind. Tonatiuh is just as impressive as Lopez, but their attempts to imbue their character with a sense of physical struggle, within four walls inching ever closer, is often undone by a haphazard edit.
Something both classical Hollywood musicals and Babenco’s version have over Condon’s version is their use of wide shots, and two-shots, meant to capture actors’ evolving relationships to one another. A major problem with the 2025 movie is that its actors rarely feel as if they’re playing in the same space, so their relationship lands only logistically — as dictated by their dialogue, when they state how they feel about one another — rather than emotionally. This is where it becomes especially hard not to compare this latest iteration to previous versions.
Kiss of the Spider Woman fails where other versions succeeded.The gender politics of Babenco’s film certainly haven’t aged well — few mainstream films from the 1980s do when it comes to trans representation — but it had an emotional authenticity Condon’s version lacks. While William Hurt’s version of Molina was more caricatured on the surface, the writing and editing also allowed his performance more breathing room, resulting in tremendous dramatic depth. Tonatiuh is just as showy (the way a musical-loving character like Molina ought to be), with panther-like movements that create a sense of physical intrigue. And while their baseline harbors a tug-of-war between optimism and uncertainty, this dilemma is something the film’s construction rarely allows them to access. The editing renders their performance too extreme, with its zero-to-sixty gesticulations and emoting. It has a starting point and an ending point, but rarely does it have a path.
These extreme bookends also guided Hurt and co-star Raul Julia, who played a more reserved, more simmering Arregui, but their journey from one end to the other was the entire crux of Babenco’s film. Theirs was a much more rocky relationship, even though we were dropped into it in medias res. While a more bigoted Arregui might make for a less pleasant viewing experience — especially in an escapist musical — Julia’s incarnation results in complex layers to the character being gradually unearthed. Luna, while fine in the same role, is shouldered with something far less rigorous and remarkable, as a man whose inward and outward discomforts are quickly brushed under the rug.
The duo becoming comrades so quickly not only robs the story of its sense of discovery, but also prevents the 2025 film from accessing a fundamental aspect of Puig’s novel. The author’s formal experimentation meant that both characters’ dialogue was presented free from delineation or attribution, separated only by dashes, leaving you to decipher who’s speaking from context clues. They feel, at times, like one and the same person. Babenco’s drama captures the spirit of this flourish by telling a story of two souls gradually becoming one..
In contrast, any hint of romance in the new Kiss of the Spider Woman is dulled and distant, and its sense of optimism has few ugly depths that allow it to stand out through greater contrast. Forty years after Babenco’s film, Condon’s musical may be more palatable and progressive, but his versions of Molina and Arregui never feel like halves of a whole, leaving the movie feeling emotionally incomplete.
Kiss of the Spider Woman was reviewed out of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
TL;DR: Get three dozen farm-fresh roses for $39.99 shipped — a stunning Valentine’s Day surprise without the florist markup.
Nothing says “I love you” like roses — but why stop at a dozen when you can send three dozen for less than the price of a fancy dinner? This Valentine’s Day, make an unforgettable gesture with 36 beautiful, farm-fresh, handpicked roses delivered straight to their door for just $39.99 (reg. $97).
Whether for a partner, a friend, or someone who deserves a little extra love, this bouquet is guaranteed to impress.
These long-stemmed beauties come fresh from the farm, carefully selected for their vibrant colors and quality. The Farmer’s Color Choice means each bouquet is unique, featuring a variety of stunning hues that add an extra element of surprise. Unlike grocery store flowers that may have been sitting around for days, these roses arrive fresh and full of life, claiming to last 10 to 14 days after delivery.
Ordering is easy. After purchase, you’ll receive a digital voucher to redeem on the Rose Farmers' website, where you can schedule delivery anywhere in the continental U.S. Shipping is completely free, and if you want the roses to arrive on a specific date, it's best to order one to two days in advance to allow for possible carrier delays.
Skip the last-minute flower rush and send a bouquet as grand as your love.
Order three dozen Farmer's Color Choice Roses to be delivered for $39.99 and surprise your favorite person with gorgeous flowers this Valentine's Day.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Rose Farmers Get 3 Dozen (36) Farmer's Color Choice Roses for Only $39.99 Shipped! $39.99TL;DR: This refurbished MacBook Pro 16 is only $539.99 while supplies last (reg. $2,399) at the Mashable Shop. Get a powerful laptop with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD.
At one point or another, everyone’s wanted a MacBook. Maybe you want to use iMessage and FaceTime on desktop, run a specific program, or just love the simplicity and beautiful design of Apple products. There's just one problem: the price is holding you back. Here’s how to get around that.
Right now at the Mashable Shop, you can get a refurbished MacBook Pro and save $1,859 on its retail price. Seriously. While it's normally priced at $2,399, you only have to pay $539.99 for this refurbished model with a "Grade A" rating — while supplies last.
Your MacBook dream come to lifeThere are two MacBook lines: Air and Pro. With the Pro, you get a laptop built for multitasking and running intense programs. If you’re a graphic designer, content creator, or someone who always has 20+ Chrome tabs open, you’ll appreciate the Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM that prevent lag. You also get 512GB of storage for apps and projects.
Something you’ll love about this MacBook is the Touch Bar — a touchscreen strip that replaces the usual function row above the number keys. Depending on which apps you have open, the controls change between volume, text tools, a color picker, or fast forward and rewind buttons. It also has Touch ID for fingerprint log-ins.
Your new-to-you MacBook Pro arrives in near-mint condition, almost like it’s brand new. The only difference is that you may notice some light signs of wear and lower battery life (but a minimum of 80% health) — this is why you’re saving 77%.
Grab your 16-inch refurbished MacBook Pro for $539.99 (reg. $2,399) before we sell out.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 16" (2019) 2.6GHz Core i7 Touch Bar 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $539.99TL;DR: Get a second virtual phone line for calling and texting without revealing your real number — now $20 with code SAVE20 until Feb. 23.
The "Do Not Call" list was supposed to save us from spam calls. Yet thanks to data leaks and the army of scammers in the world, you may get multiple junk calls every day.
Hushed Private Phone Line gives you a second phone line you can use. And for a limited time at the Mashable Shop, you can get lifetime access to a second private phone number.
Here's what's included with your one-time purchase with Hushed:
Includes 6,000 texts or 1,000 minutes per year for calling and messaging without a contract
Choose from hundreds of area codes across the U.S. and Canada to customize your second number
Works over Wi-Fi or data so you can make calls without extra service charges
Private and secure — perfect for work, dating, online sales, or any situation where you don’t want to share your real number
Manage everything in one app with call forwarding, voicemail customization, and messaging features
Lifetime access with one number per account — just use it once every 6 months to keep it active
Compatible with iOS and Android so you can take your second number anywhere
Stay connected while keeping your number private — save an extra 20% off the already discounted price of $24.99 (reg. $150) and get a lifetime subscription to a Hushed Private Phone Line. Pay just $19.99 when you use the code SAVE20 at the Mashable Shop through Feb. 23.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Affinity Click Hushed Private Phone Line: Lifetime Virtual Number Subscription $20.00 at the Mashable ShopTL;DR: Get a 10” touchscreen wireless car display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, GPS, and multimedia playback for just $99.97 (reg. $199) — deal ends February 23.
Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can take calls, read messages, and use maps right on your car’s screen
Built-in GPS navigation lets you use Google Maps or Waze for real-time directions without needing a separate device
Auto-switches to rear camera view (camera not included) with parking guidelines when you shift into reverse
Supports audio and video playback with built-in speaker, Bluetooth hands-free calls, and AUX port
FM transmission allows you to sync with your car’s radio for seamless audio output
Comes with everything you need for quick setup, including a mounting bracket, power cord, AUX cable, and GPS antenna
Upgrade your driving experience with this 10" touchscreen Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless car display — on sale for $99.97 through February 23.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay 10" Touchscreen Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Support $99.97UPDATE: Feb. 4, 2025, 5:00 a.m. EST This article has been updated to include the streaming release details for "Longlegs," as well as the latest VOD pricing.
The best streaming deals to watch 'Longlegs': BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent or buy 'Longlegs' on Prime Video $5.99 or $19.99 Get Deal BEST STREAMING DEAL Hulu annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Hulu Student $1.99 per month (save $8 per month) Get Deal MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK Disney Duo Basic Bundle: Hulu and Disney+ with ads $10.99 per month (save $8.99 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Hulu with ads Free for one year for Go5G Next customers (save $99.99) Get DealWe've been anticipating the streaming debut of Longlegs for months, and it finally has a release date — and just in time for Valentine's Day. The horror movie was released on digital back in August 2024, but we had to wait six months for its official streaming release.
Written and directed by Osgood Perkins (I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House) and starring Maika Monroe (It Follows), Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, and the one and only Nicolas Cage, Longlegs was a huge box office hit for the indie studio Neon. Critics called the film "unsettling," to say the least. If you have yet to see Cage in all his serial killer glory or want to make your skin crawl once again from the (dis)comfort of your home, here's everything you need to know about how to watch Longlegs online.
When and where is Longlegs streaming?After quite a long wait, Longlegs officially has a streaming release date. You can watch the Cage-led horror flick on Hulu starting Feb. 14, 2025. The indie film distributor Neon has an output deal with Hulu, so this comes as no surprise. If you're looking to Hulu & Chill on Valentine's Day with a fellow horror lover, then be sure to sign up for Hulu (or a 30-day free trial) before then.
What is Longlegs about?Longlegs follows the FBI investigation of a decades-long serial killing spree in Oregon. There's no other evidence at the crime scenes except for cryptic letters signed "Longlegs." It Follows star Maika Monroe is the lead FBI agent, Lee Harker, who is assigned to investigate the serial killer — and it turns out she might be more connected to the case than it seems. Oh, and that serial killer? It's Nicolas Cage in some extremely haunting prosthetics and makeup.
Here's a glimpse at the horror-thriller in the official trailer:
Is Longlegs worth watching?A surprise hit, Longlegs brought in over $126 million at the worldwide box office. That makes it the highest-grossing indie film of the year and the top-grossing R-rated horror film of 2024. And considering Neon's production budget was under $10 million (before prints and advertising costs), that also makes it a massive success.
Of course, box office numbers don't mean much unless people actually like the film. Fortunately, critic reviews are largely positive for the Nic Cage serial killer thriller. It currently has an 86 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Interestingly, though, audiences aren't quite as enthusiastic, giving Longlegs a 61 percent score based on over 2,500 ratings.
Mashable's own critic noted that while Cage's performance was brilliant, the film "doesn’t fully (or even partway) commit to its most bone-chilling ideas."
Read Mashable's full review of Longlegs.
Can I watch Longlegs at home? Maika Monroe plays Agent Lee Harker in "Longlegs." Credit: NeonLonglegs made its at-home digital debut on Aug. 23, 2024. You can rent or buy the horror-thriller at digital-on-demand retailers like Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV. If you'd rather stream the film, keep reading for more information.
Note: If you choose to rent the film, you'll have 30 days to start watching and just 48 hours once you begin.
Here are some of the platforms where you can rent or purchase the film online:
Prime Video — $5.99 to rent or $19.99 to buy
Apple TV — $5.99 to rent or $19.99 to buy
Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $5.99 to rent or $19.99 to buy
YouTube — $5.99 to rent or $19.99 to buy
Google Play — $5.99 to rent or $19.99 to buy
Thanks to a Neon-Hulu output deal, Longlegs will make its long-awaited streaming debut on Hulu on Feb. 14, 2025. Hulu was one of the most affordable streamers at $7.99 per month, but it recently underwent a price hike, putting it on par with many other streamers at $9.99 per month. Fortunately, there are a few ways to save on your Hulu subscription. Plus, if you're new to the streaming service, Hulu offers a generous 30-day free trial.
Best Hulu deal for most people: Hulu annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get DealRather than paying $9.99 per month for Hulu, which adds up to $119.88 in a year, you can opt for an annual subscription and save 16%. An annual subscription with ads costs just $99.99 up front, which drops the monthly fee down to just $8.33 per month. Sure, you'll have to pay more upfront, but you'll end up keeping more in your pocket in the long run. It also saves you from inevitable price hikes for at least a year.
Best bundle deal: Get Hulu and Disney+ for 44% off Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Duo Basic bundle: Hulu and Disney+ with ads $10.99 per month (save 44%) Get DealIf you're already a Disney+ subscriber or you want to get more bang for your buck, you can sign up for the Disney Duo Basic bundle and get both Disney+ and Hulu for $10.99 per month. That's just $1 more than paying for Hulu alone, or a savings of 44%. Even better, if you're a sports fan, you can throw ESPN+ into the mix for only $16.99 per month total. That's 46% in savings on all three services.
Best for students: Hulu Student Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student $1.99 per month (save 80%) Get DealStudents looking to stream Longlegs and other Neon hits can sign up for Hulu for only $1.99 per month. That's a savings of 80% compared to the full cost of Hulu with ads. You'll just have to verify your college email address using SheerID to score the deal.
Best for T-Mobile users: Hulu (with ads) included for one year for Go5G Next customers Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get DealOne of the best ways to get free streaming services, including Hulu, is to switch your mobile plan to T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan. Customers on this plan get Hulu with ads included in their plan for no extra cost, plus Netflix and Apple TV+. If you're already on a Go5G Next plan, head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim your offer. You'll have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu.
Note: After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll also have to take action in order to keep your subscription alive.
Any time you shop for a new laptop, a lot of people are going to tell you the same thing: Get a MacBook.
We don't blame them. The best MacBooks are fantastic laptops, and while they don't afford you the freedom of customization that other brands offer, that's not something everyone will care about. Most of us just want a high-quality laptop that'll get us through work, school, and play with minimal fuss.
SEE ALSO: The best iPads for reading, working, and streamingAlthough MacBooks can get a bit pricey — with the latest M4 MacBook Pros reaching into truly frightening territory — they justify the price with Apple's signature design, user-friendly OS, and zippy M-series processors. Plus, you can often find MacBook Air and Pro models on sale (with the cheapest ones priced around $850 to $999).
After testing out Apple's entire lineup of laptops, we're here to help you narrow down the choices and take home the Apple machine of your dreams.
Your first big decision: MacBook Pro vs AirWith today's current lineup of MacBooks, you really only have two options: The MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air. So, which is right for you?
If you're a creative who regularly pushes your laptop to the limit with demanding video and photo editing applications, you'll want to aim for the Pro. The name of the game with the Pro line is processing power, and the latest iterations are the speediest and most performance-driven yet.
Testing the M1 MacBook Air after its 2020 release. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Testing the super-powered M3 MacBook Pro. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIf convenience and portability are your top priorities, then the Air will be most suited to you. It's thin and light, and it even comes in a 13-inch option if you'll be lugging it around wherever you go. Plus, ever since the debut of Apple's M Series chips, the MacBook Air has become a pint-sized powerhouse. The most current model utilizes the M3 chip, so you won't be sacrificing all that much in terms of power.
Which generation MacBook is the best?This will come down to what you're willing to give up in performance, and in some cases, quality. But, whatever you do deem worthy of sacrificing, you'll be paid back in savings. For example, the 2022 model M2 MacBook Air won't come with the latest chip, but you'll still be scoring an impressive laptop that frequently goes on sale for just $849.99. That's compared to the $1,249 price tag of the most recent Air, and the $1,599 asking price of the latest Pro.
A photo from Mashable's test of the M1 MacBook Air. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Testing the M2 MacBook Air. Credit: Molly Flores / MashableSo, if you've got a lighter budget, don't fret — you can still get a MacBook at an affordable price. Older MacBooks are still very much worthy of your consideration, and they won't cost you nearly as much.
SEE ALSO: The best Windows laptops we tested in 2024: Our pick lasts longer than the M4 MacBook Pro What are the best MacBooks?After testing out the latest Apple laptops, we think there are five MacBooks worth buying in 2025. Check out our top picks below, their pros and cons, and who we think would like each model best.
It would come as a surprise to more people than you think that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun rather than a generic trademark, though the Band-Aid level interchangeability really does exemplify just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of automated floor cleaners.
That can be attributed to the fact that iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but tracking the best Roombas isn't so chaotic when you consider that only a handful of those models are actually relevant at the time of your shopping.
How to tell the difference between the Roomba modelsThe arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but nothing that can't be told apart after learning a few super general classification themes.
SEE ALSO: A ton of robot vacuums claim to mop, but these 5 hybrids actually do the jobThat can be attributed to the fact that iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but tracking the best Roombas isn't so chaotic when you consider that only a handful of those models are actually relevant at the time of your shopping.
How to tell the difference between the Roomba modelsThe arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but nothing that can't be told apart after learning a few super general classification themes.
When shopping for a Roomba, you'll really only be choosing from what I call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series that are actively sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter and a number (like j9+ or i5) or the word Max is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 692) or just words (like Roomba Vac or Essential).
As of early winter 2025, the five main Roomba collections up for grabs are as follows, from most advanced to least advanced: Max, j series, s series (though nearly obsolete), i series, and Essential series.
SEE ALSO: It wasn't hard to narrow down the Shark robot vacuums to these top 3A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock, and Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title. Note that there are several Roombas that can be purchased with or without mopping capabilities or self-emptying docks. "Max" is a new layer of Roomba typology that was introduced with the drop of the Roomba Combo 10 Max — it refers to the ability of a mopping Roomba to wash and dry its own mopping pad within the self-empty dock. On the other end of the spectrum, "Essential" means "most basic" in the Roomba family, and that means no smart mapping.
To pinpoint which Roombas have smart mapping, pay close attention to how navigation is discussed in the title or in the list. If you don't literally see the words "Smart Mapping" anywhere, that Roomba cannot map your home and clean specific rooms on command. No, "Smart Navigation" or anything about cleaning in "neat rows" does not count.
When is a new Roomba coming out?We probably won't see a new Roomba at least until spring 2025, but that probably won't even be the new flagship Roomba. If, in your eyes, a question about "the new Roomba" refers to the next Roomba that'll be a big deal, you'll likely be waiting until August or September 2025.
iRobot is on a different release schedule than most other big robot vacuum brands, who typically debut their new flagship models for the year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. Alternatively, iRobot tends to debut its flagship model for the year in late summer — the past two flagship Roombas (the 2023 Combo j9+ and 2024 Combo 10 Max) were announced in September and July, respectively, both with releases slated for later that fall.
Aside from The Big One, iRobot does drop other Roombas throughout the year, like an updated version of a base-tier Roomba.
Plus, fun stuff happens to the Roombas that are already out all the time. Roombas go on sale pretty frequently, even if it's not the Black Friday, holiday, or Prime Day season. So it's possible that at any point in time you're reading this, the particular Roomba you're eyeing is $100 or $200 off. I list the MSRP for each by default, but will mention the most common sale price that each Roomba drops to in "The Good" section below.)
SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuumNot sure which Roomba would be the most worth it in your household? I've tested nearly every Roomba series released since 2019 in my own home, and have composed a running Roomba model comparison guide to all of the best iRobot options at any point in the year.
Not every single Roomba model in existence will be listed in this guide, and not every "main" Roomba on iRobot's website will be recommended as one of the best. Rather, I've pulled Roombas from multiple price points that I think offer the best value in various categories that people care about, whether that's mopping, smart mapping, small obstacle detection, the cheapest possible path to all of those features, or budget alone. Each Roomba's battery life and automatic emptying capabilities will be noted, along with my reasoning for choosing the highlighted model over other Roombas with similar prices.
Here's your easy breakdown of all of the best Roomba vacuums at the start of 2025:
Flying was never the most stress-free way to travel, but thanks to never-ending airline delays, unruly passengers, and the incredible shrinking airline seat, it can be a nightmare. If you're ready to upgrade your flying experience, picking up a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can go a long way.
You definitely have options: plenty of headphones, from over-ear headphones to wireless earbuds, offer active noise cancellation. And in 2025, it's not too hard to find ANC headphones that cost under $100. That said, we do recommend spending a little more to enjoy maximum calm at 35,000 feet. To make sure your investment is worth it, we've tried and tested the top noise-cancelling headphones on the market.
SEE ALSO: How we test headphones and earbuds How much should I spend on noise-cancelling headphones?If you want to find the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying, you should be prepared to pay $250 to $500. Premium headphones offer improved active noise cancellation, customizable settings, and transparency modes that allow you to hear those all-important gate announcements.
Many cheap headphones claim to offer "noise-cancelling" features, but a random pair of $50 over-ear headphones with passive noise cancellation will let a lot of sound through. They'll also struggle to connect and switch between devices easily, or simply feel uncomfortable.
SEE ALSO: United launches Apple AirTag-powered baggage locationAt the end of the day, going for that good all-around pair is worth it, because on a flight, ANC on its own won't save the day — otherwise, we'd just direct you to our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones. For long flights, comfort is also key. It won't matter if your headphones block sound if you only want to wear them for two out of five hours of your flight. And because this is a flying-focused roundup, we did give extra points to headphones with thoughtful design that makes storage easy.
If that $250-plus price range feels totally out of the question, we've included a couple of budget earbuds in the under-$100 category, but they come with tradeoffs. If you're okay with a mid-range pick, consider buying wireless earbuds with ANC instead of over-ear headphones.
If the cost of a pair of headphones is off-putting, you can always wait for a sale to start. We see headphones from Bose, Sony, and Apple get marked down year-round — if you don't want to keep your eyes peeled yourself, Mashable's deals coverage is a great place to find any noteworthy headphone deals.
What are the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying?Noise-cancelling headphones are at their most useful on airplanes. It's difficult to find a moment's peace when so much is going on around you. Frequent flyers may prefer to rest or work, and the best way to prepare for either is by using the best ANC headphones to block out the chaos.
Because shopping for headphones shouldn't be as stressful as heading to the airport, we've done extensive testing to bring you the top options. So, read on to find the best noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes in 2025 — all based on Mashable's hands-on testing.
SAVE OVER $30: As of Feb. 4, the Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) are on sale for $148.99 at Amazon. That's 17% off their list price of $179.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) $148.99 at AmazonThe Apple AirPods 4 with active noise cancelation have only seen minor discounts since the big seasonal sale events last year, knocking about $10 off or so, but we've spotted a nice price drop that's definitely worth jumping on. If you've been hoping to get these earbuds on sale but wanted to wait for a greater discount to appear, now's your chance.
Apple AirPods 4 have dropped from their list price of $179 to $148.99 at Amazon. This saves you $30.01, which is a discount well worth taking advantage of while it's still live. This deal price is only $10 away from their lowest-ever price, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.
SEE ALSO: The Apple AirTag 4-pack bundle is back down to its lowest-ever priceOur review had very high praise for these earbuds, with Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon saying, "The active noise cancellation is elite, allowing me to immerse myself into the honeyed soundwaves that emanate from the AirPods 4. The AirPods 4 are, without a doubt, the best in-ear earbuds I've ever tested in a long while."
In our comparison of Apple AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3, we also found that, "If you’re looking for the best value, the AirPods 4 offers more bang for your buck, particularly the ANC model. You get Siri Interactions, a more findable and compact charging case, and improved bass, mids, and highs."
This deal may not last for long, so act fast to save on the AirPods 4 with active noise cancelation at Amazon.
The standard AirPods 4 without ANC are also discounted right now, if you've been looking to score those instead. They're not the only AirPods deal floating around right now, though. The AirPods Pro 2 are also on sale at the moment, if you want another noise-canceling option to check out.
SAVE $50: As of Feb. 4, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $149.95 at Amazon. That's a 25% saving on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at AmazonLooking for a new smartwatch with fitness and lifestyle tracking? Look no further than the Fitbit Versa 4. A neatly designed touchscreen watch, this is the perfect companion for sports tracking and daily monitoring, without breaking the bank.
And as of Feb. 4, you can find the Fitbit Versa 4 reduced to just $149.95 at Amazon. This deal can be found in all color options: black, pink sand, and waterfall blue.
SEE ALSO: The Apple AirTag 4-pack bundle is back down to its lowest-ever priceThe Versa 4 is a great all-rounder fitness tracker, especially so for those who enjoy lifestyle features and a colorful user interface. There are over 40 sports tracking modes that include running, swimming, cycling, and general workout features. However, it's worth noting that the battery life isn't as long-lasting for long-distance activities as the likes of Garmin or Coros. So if you're into long-distance running, for example, take a look at the Forerunner range.
Other features of the Versa include heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS so you can head outside for activities without your phone. And style-wise, the Versa 4 ticks all the boxes. It has a bright AMOLED display with vibrant colors and images and is touchscreen-controlled so it's easy to use as well as stylish on your wrist.
Interested? This is a limited-time deal, so move fast before it runs out.
SAVE $30: As of Feb. 4, the Apple AirTag four-pack bundle is on sale at Amazon for $69.99. This deal saves you 29% on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag 4-Pack $69.99 at AmazonThe Apple AirTag is back on sale at Amazon, and we couldn't be happier about it. These little tracking devices can be attached to almost anything: keys, luggage, passport, anything you find yourself frequently misplacing. And as of Feb. 4, this Apple AirTag four-pack is reduced to just $69.99, saving you $30 on list price.
And the setup for these couldn't be easier. Just attach it to your item of choice and track it in the Find My app. It even has a small built-in speaker, so you can trigger a sound from the Find My app on your Apple device, making it easier to find the AirTag if it's nearby but out of sight.
SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: The Apple AirPods 4 are on sale for just under $100But how is it powered, we hear you ask? Well, according to Apple, all AirTags are designed to have a one-year battery life, and that's with regular use. They use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which is user-replaceable. When the battery is running low, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone, giving you plenty of time to replace it. So with this four-back bundle, you'll always have active tracking.
It also has an IP67 water resistance rating, meaning it can cope with a maximum depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes. But let's hope your phone doesn't end up underwater...
SAVE $45: As of Feb. 4, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is on sale for $94.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 32% on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet $94.99 at AmazonIf a tablet upgrade is planned, you need to check out Amazon's Fire HD 10. Not being the latest in the range means it's more affordable, but still a great option for both work and play.
As of Feb. 4, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is on sale for $94.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 32% on the list price.
SEE ALSO: Save $15 on the impressive Fire Stick 4K Max at AmazonThis impressive tablet boasts a 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display and is a great all-rounder. Perfect for streaming your favorite shows, reading, and searching the web. Like most Amazon devices, it comes with built-in Alexa for hands-free control and searching. This discount is available on all colorways for the 32GB model (with ads). Without ads, you can purchase for $109.99.
If you want the latest in the Fire tablet range, however, we recommend going for the Fire 11 Max. This model is even more advanced and features an 11-inch display, faster performance with 4GB of RAM, and support for a stylus and keyboard.
This deal is only available for a limited time, so move fast.
SAVE $15: As of Feb. 4, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max is on sale for $44.99 at Amazon, saving you 25% on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max $44.99 at AmazonAmazon's famed Smart TV device, the Fire Stick 4K Max, is back on sale. The Fire TV Stick is a streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more. So if your TV isn't particularly smart, you don't need to spend hundreds upgrading. Just pop the handy little device into an HDMI port and start watching.
And as of Feb. 4, you can buy this Fire Stick for just $44.99. This deal saves you $15 on the original price.
SEE ALSO: Save $100 on the Amazon Fire TV 55-inch 4-SeriesThere's no over-the-top setup to worry about, these remotes are so simple to use. Really, anyone can do it. Just pop the device into your TV's HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels.
The Max has 16GB of storage — double that of the Fire TV Stick 4K and other streaming sticks, so this is the one to choose for big downloads. It also comes with Alexa built-in, perfect for using voice control to search through multiple apps and streaming platforms at once.
If you want it, grab it fast. This deal is only available for a limited time.
President Donald Trump temporarily delayed enforcement of the U.S. TikTok ban last month, stating that he intended to "negotiate a resolution" preventing the popular video sharing app from exiting the country. Now Trump appears to have revealed at least one plan he's considering — namely, having the U.S. government simply buy TikTok itself.
SEE ALSO: As TikTok faces a ban, creators brace for an uncertain futureThe president called for the establishment of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund in his latest executive order on Monday, directing new Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick to devise a plan for the fund's creation within 90 days. This plan is to include recommendations for "funding mechanisms, investment strategies, fund structure, and a governance model."
Much like other investment funds, government-owned funds aim to build wealth for a country by investing in foreign and domestic assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. The proceeds are then added to the government's budget.
This means that, if a U.S. sovereign wealth fund is created, the federal government may be capable of purchasing a significant stake in TikTok.
Will the U.S. buy TikTok?Speaking about his plans for the U.S. sovereign wealth fund, Trump specifically named TikTok as an example of a company it might invest in. The former Biden administration banned TikTok in the U.S. from Feb. 19, alleging that the app is a tool for Chinese surveillance and propaganda. TikTok was thus prohibited from continuing its operations in the country unless its parent company ByteDance sold it to an entity the U.S. deems friendly.
Of course, there's no entity more friendly toward the U.S. government than the U.S. government itself.
"We're going to be doing something perhaps with TikTok, perhaps not," Trump stated. "If we make the right deal we'll do it, otherwise we won't. But I have the right to do that. And we might put that in the sovereign wealth fund, whatever we make, or if we do a partnership with very wealthy people. A lot of options. But we could put that as an example in the fund."
Trump has previously indicated that said partners may include U.S. companies Microsoft and Oracle, stating that there is "a lot of interest" in TikTok from possible buyers.
If Trump does plan to use this proposed sovereign wealth fund to purchase TikTok's U.S. operations, he'll be on a tight timeline. The temporary stay on the app's ban expires 75 days from Trump's inauguration, meaning the sale may have to be negotiated before April 5. While Bessent expressed an intent to have the fund up and running within a year, that's still well past when the TikTok ban delay expires.
Trump could potentially try to extend the delay, particularly if negotiations for a sale are underway. However, any intent to buy TikTok ultimately means nothing unless ByteDance is willing to sell. The company has shown absolutely no interest in doing so, consistently maintaining that such divestment is "technologically, commercially, and legally infeasible."
Funding the U.S. sovereign wealth fund President Donald Trump signed his executive order concerning a U.S. sovereign wealth fund on Monday. Credit: Chris Kleponis / CNP / Bloomberg via Getty ImagesNo solid details have been provided regarding exactly where money for a U.S. sovereign wealth fund might come from. However, Trump previously proposed the idea of such a fund during his election campaign, stating last September that it would be funded by "tariffs and other intelligent things." Trump recently announced tariffs on trading partners Mexico, Canada, and China, though the former two have now been temporarily paused at the last minute.
"Other countries have sovereign wealth funds, and they're much smaller countries and they're not the United States," said Trump. "We have tremendous potential in this country. Tremendous."
Countries such as Singapore, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates do already have sovereign wealth funds, however these are typically financed by their budget surplus. In contrast, the U.S. has consistently run at a deficit since 2002, with the country's national debt currently standing at $710.9 billion.
Australia and China also have sovereign wealth funds despite both currently running at a deficit. Even so, Australia's fund was established in 2006 during a string of budget surpluses, while China's was funded by the sale of special treasury bonds, long-term government bonds which reach maturity after decades.
How will the U.S. sovereign wealth fund be managed?There is currently little information about how a U.S. sovereign wealth fund might be managed or operated either. Former president Joe Biden previously considered the creation of a sovereign wealth fund in 2024, however issues such as its funding, structure, and strategy were never completely ironed out.
Some have speculated that unelected billionaire Elon Musk may become involved in the proposed fund's management. It isn't an entirely unreasonable notion, particularly considering Trump's admiration of Musk as a "great business guy."
Musk has quickly become deeply involved in U.S. federal affairs since Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, focusing on the country's finances in particular. Earlier this week, Bessent reportedly granted the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) full access to the federal treasury's database and payment system, raising alarm on the Senate Finance Committee. The White House further announced on Monday that Trump has made Musk a "special government employee," with CNN reporting that he has top secret security clearance.
Such special employees typically work for the federal government for up to 130 days, while DOGE is scheduled to dissolve on July 4, 2026. Even so, it currently appears unlikely that Musk will bow out of federal affairs after either deadline has passed.
Interestingly, it was recently reported that Musk turned down a dinner with the head of Norway's sovereign wealth fund last October, taking objection to them declining him a "favour" by voting against his $56 billion Tesla CEO compensation package. Norway's fund is one of Tesla's largest shareholders.
A sovereign wealth fund may enable the U.S. government to directly invest not only in TikTok, but in Tesla as well (though there may be measures against this if Musk does become involved in its management). The fund would also theoretically be able to invest in other big tech companies such as Jeff Bezos' Amazon and Mark Zuckerberg's Meta. If it does, it would be a significant payoff for the big tech billionaires' efforts to endear themselves to Trump as of late.
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