This digest compiles the latest from Mashable.
Today’s Mashable Roundup
This giant 98-inch TCL Class QM6K Series TV is over $600 off at Amazon — save big on this sport-friendly screen
TL;DR: The TCL 98-inch Class QM6K Series TV is on sale for $1,697.99 at Amazon. That’s over $600 off the list price.
There is so much incredible sport to watch this year. We’ve got the Australian Open and the end of the football season taking place right now. Then we’ve got the T20 World Cup and Winter Olympics, followed by the World Cup. It really doesn’t get any bigger than that, which leads us to believe that a TV upgrade probably isn’t a bad idea.
And if you’re going to watch all that sport, you’re going to need a big screen. How about 98 inches? That sounds about right.
As of Jan. 19, the TCL 98-inch Class QM6K Series TV is on sale for $1,697.99 at Amazon. That’s over $600 off the list price. The only time we’ve seen a better price was over Prime Day and Black Friday. We’ve got a long wait until the next shopping holiday, so if you’re interested, this is probably as good as it’s going to get.
If you’re looking for superior contrast, rich color, and ultra-smooth motion, you can rely on TCL’s QD-Mini LED technology. It’s designed to outperform traditional QLED and OLED TVs, making the QM6K a top choice for streaming, gaming, and, of course, sport.
Save over $600 on the TCL 98-inch Class QM6K Series TV and upgrade your sport game.
Xbox is preparing to bring ads to cloud gaming
Xbox appears to be laying the groundwork for ads in its cloud gaming service, according to a new report from Windows Central.
The outlet spotted reports from several users who were met with a pop-up while launching games on Xbox Cloud Gaming, warning of “1 hour of ad-supported play time per session.” That’s notable, because while Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently included with all tiers of Xbox Game Pass, none of those subscriptions offer an ad-supported option — at least not yet.
Microsoft confirmed to Windows Central that ads are indeed coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming for users who have purchased Xbox games digitally but do not subscribe to Game Pass, though stopped short of saying when it will happen. In other words, an ad-supported tier is on the way. The company also said the pop-ups seen by users were shown in error, but the broader plan appears very real.
This isn’t exactly a shock. Xbox has been openly exploring advertising as part of its cloud gaming strategy for some time. Console manufacturing costs continue to rise. PC components like DRAM and SSDs are getting more expensive thanks to the AI boom. Add in U.S. trade tariffs, and suddenly the traditional hardware-first model looks increasingly fragile.
Cloud gaming, meanwhile, is quietly gaining traction. A November 2025 report found that Xbox Cloud Gaming usage through Game Pass nearly doubled compared to 2024 as the service expanded into more countries. Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now are positioned as affordable alternatives to buying a $500 console or upgrading a PC every few years.
However, the major issue with cloud gaming is that idle compute is wasted money. Servers sitting unused still cost power, maintenance, and capital. As Windows Central notes, opening up Azure-backed cloud gaming to a free, ad-supported audience could help Microsoft keep utilization high and predictable.
It also provides a convenient justification for building even more data centers — something Microsoft is already eager to do.
How to watch Love Island: All Stars online for free
TL;DR: Live stream the third season of Love Island: All Stars for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
We should all be seeking as little drama as possible in our private lives. There’s a lot of joy to be found in a peaceful existence. That being said, there’s also a great deal of joy to be found in watching other people’s messy lives play out. And that’s exactly what Love Island provides.
The hit show delivers weeks of flirting, breakups, and passionate debate between fame-hungry singles. It’s exactly what we all need to get through these bleak winter months. And the only thing better than Love Island is Love Island: All Stars. Someone came up with the great idea to invite some of the best Love Island contestants back for a second (or third) chance at finding love.
They’re looking for love, OK? They’re not heading back for a quick paycheck. How dare you even suggest that.
If you’re interested in watching Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world, we’ve got all the information you need.
When is Love Island: All Stars in 2026?
The third season of Love Island: All Stars starts on Jan. 15. This latest season is expected to run for six weeks.
How to watch Love Island: All Stars for free in 2026
The third season of Love Island: All Stars is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to watch Love Island: All Stars from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Love Island: All Stars for free by following these simple steps:
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Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
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Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
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Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
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Visit ITVX
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Stream Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Love Island: All Stars without committing with your cash. This isn’t a long-term solution, but it gives you time to watch a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you’ll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?
ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
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Servers in 105 countries including the UK
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Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers
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Strict no-logging policy
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Fast connection speeds free from throttling
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Up to 10 simultaneous connections
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30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Live stream Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV is $600 off at Amazon ahead of the biggest football game of the year
SAVE $602.01: The LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $1,096.99, down from the list price of $1,699 at LG. That’s a 35% discount.
If you happen to be a sports fan, you know there are important football games in the future. In conjunction with these very important games, this is often one of the best times of the year to buy a new TV at a great discount. We’ve spotted a massive model that’s on sale for an equally massive discount.
As of Jan. 19, the LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV is on sale for $1,096.99 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $1,699 at LG. That’s a 35% discount that shaves a whopping $602.01 off the list price. Plus, Amazon is tossing in free unboxing in the room of your choice and removal of packaging, should you desire this service.
Want to go big in 2026? Upgrading to a giant TV could be the best move for entertainment. And if you order soon, you’ll be able to watch the final few football games of the season on this massive 86-inch LG display.
This LG model comes with a stunning 4K display with LG’s Dynamic QNED color, which the brand says offers 100% color volume. The Dimming Pro technology adds to the level of contrast for an even more impressive picture. If you have an LG soundbar or plan on adding one to your setup, you’ll be able to take advantage of the LG WOW Orchestra tech which perfectly synchs audio from the LG TV to the LG soundbar.
As an added bonus, Amazon is tossing in some freebies with this LG TV deal. For starters, it comes with one month of free access to Xbox GamePass for new users. But Amazon is also offering free delivery to the room of your choice, unboxing, and removal of packaging, should you be interested. Amazon typically charges $29.99 for this Deluxe Delivery and Unpack service, so you’re getting even more savings with today’s deal.
Before this deal vanishes, upgrade your binge-watch parties with the LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV while it’s on sale at Amazon for $1,096.99. It’s over $600 off and with any luck, it’ll arrive within the next few days.
Keep track of your luggage and pets for just $16 a tag
SAVE 34%: As of Jan. 19, you can get a four-pack of Apple AirTags for $64.98, down from $99, at Amazon. That’s a 34% discount or $34.02 in savings.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer tired of wondering if your bag made the connection, or you just want to keep tabs on a pet that likes to wander, Apple AirTags are the easiest way to get peace of mind.
As of Jan. 19, the Apple AirTag 4-Pack is on sale for $64.98 at Amazon. That’s 34% off the usual $99 price tag, bringing the cost down to just over $16 per tag. This matches the best price we’ve seen so far this year.
These trackers are the gold standard for iPhone users because they tap into the Find My network. If your luggage (or your dog) ends up out of Bluetooth range, the tag will ping off hundreds of millions of nearby Apple devices to update its location on your map anonymously. For items that are hiding nearby (like keys dropped between sofa cushions), Precision Finding uses Ultra Wideband tech to point you directly to them.
Setup is also super easy. Just one tap connects them to your phone, and the user-replaceable battery lasts over a year. They’re also IP67 water- and dust-resistant, so they can handle rain, puddles, or getting knocked around on a baggage carousel without an issue.
The giant 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 curved gaming monitor is within $2 of a record-low price at Amazon
SAVE $389.01: The 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $899.99, down from the standard price of $1,289. That’s a 30% discount that comes within $1.99 of the lowest we’ve ever seen at Amazon.
There’s something to be said about investing in the best of the best. In certain realms, going bigger really does pay off, and for some people, that’s very true when it comes to gaming. A curved gaming monitor can change the entire experience, and going with an ultrawide model is even more of an upgrade. If this is a step you’re looking to take this year, check out this great deal.
As of Jan. 19, the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 curved gaming monitor is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $1,289. That’s a 30% discount that takes $389.01 off the price. It also comes within $1.99 of the lowest we’ve ever seen at Amazon, so this is darn close to the best price we’ve ever seen.
With a 1,800R curvature, the Samsung Odyssey G9 is out to make your gaming dreams come true. Not only does the Odyssey G9 have an ultrawide 49-inch display, the curve takes games to a whole new level. Of course, it comes with ample stats for gaming like a 240Hz refresh rate, a 0.03ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
In addition to having these top performance stats, Samsung equipped this model with other features that are great to have. Samsung gives this model extra burn-in protection with three-year warranty coverage and there’s also the slim metal design. The monitor stand’s height is adjustable, so you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your gaming sessions.
With the included stand, the curved monitor measures about 11 inches in depth, so double check that’ll fit nicely on your desktop. And when you’re not gaming, the 49-inch display can be great for working or rewatching Heated Rivalry.
While it’s on sale for a near record-low price of $899.99, upgrade your gaming to the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 curved monitor. It’ll be a game-changer of an immersive experience.
How to watch Sinner vs. Gaston online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Gaston in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2026 Australian Open is finally set to start. We’ve had a painful wait without any major tournaments since the last Grand Slam, but we made it. We made it through the tough times and now we get rewarded with the best players in the world battling it out Melbourne Park.
Jannik Sinner is the top seed in the men’s draw. The defending champion starts his defense against Hugo Gaston. We’re expecting Sinner to progress in straight sets, but you never know.
If you want to watch Sinner vs. Gaston in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Sinner vs. Gaston for free
Sinner vs. Gaston in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.
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 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:
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Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
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Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
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Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
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Visit 9Now
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Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world
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 Sinner vs. Gaston 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:
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Servers in 105 countries including Australia
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Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
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Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
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Fast connection speeds
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Up to 10 simultaneous connections
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30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Sinner vs. Gaston in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.
Gift the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses this Valentines Day — save over $10 at Amazon
SAVE OVER $10: As of Jan. 19, the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is on sale for $47.95 at Amazon This is 20% off its list price of $59.99.
The countdown to Valentine’s Day has begun, and if you’ve been shopping around for gift ideas, you can’t go wrong with Lego. The Botanicals line, in particular, features an excellent variety of floral arrangements that make for great gifts. If you’re hoping to pick up something classic for someone special this Valentine’s Day, the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is on sale right now.
Over at Amazon, the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is on sale for $47.95. This saves you $12.04 off its usual list price of $59.99, but more importantly, it’s the lowest-ever price at Amazon. If you’ve had it in mind, now is a great time to grab it and make sure you have it in time for Valentine’s Day.
The Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is sure to look lovely once it’s set up. The set (which is recommended for adults) comes with 822 pieces that create a dozen red roses, complete with long green stems for display, alongside four sprigs of baby’s breath to place in between. There’s different variations of the roses as well — four in full bloom, four blossoming, and four in bud — so you’ll have a nice variety to tweak to your liking.
Sort your Valentine’s Day gift ahead of time this year and save a little cash with this deal on the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses at Amazon. If you’re curious what other Lego sets are worth gifting this year, have a look at our breakdown of the best Lego sets for Valentine’s Day.
Score over $300 off the ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor at Amazon
TL;DR: The 32-inch ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor is now only $959.96 at Amazon. That’s $340 off for a limited time.
If you want a proper upgrade to your gaming setup that will last, it’s best to go with one of the industry’s bigger brands. As of Jan. 19, the 32-inch version of the ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor, with a stunning 4K and OLED display, is now available to buy for $959.96 at Amazon. From its normal price of $1,299, that’s three cents shy of $340 off.
Saving you the price of a Nintendo Switch console, plus a game or two, this great-looking piece of tech provides a 240Hz refresh rate along with those 4K visuals and a 0.03ms response time. The specialized visual features like DisplayHDR and optional uniform brightness are wonderful for getting the very best graphics out of your 4K displays, while the refresh rates and response times can help improve your overall performance.
This is especially true of intense, high-octane shooters like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and ARC Raiders — where a millisecond makes all the difference to you winning or losing a game. With the ASUS ROG Swift’s other pristine features, like a custom heatsink, improved airflow, and graphene film for improved heat management, this gaming monitor is a key piece of kit that will keep you scoring victories for years to come.
If you’re still shopping around, the ultra-wide Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor just dropped to under $300 at Amazon. What’s more, the Samsung Odyssey G50D version of the G5 is also on sale for $249.
Some Windows 11 PCs can’t shut down after latest update
If you’re trying to shut down your Windows 11 PC but it just won’t do it, we might have a solution.
Last Tuesday, Microsoft released the first ‘Patch Tuesday’ updates of the year for Windows 11 and Windows 10.
What the release notes don’t say is that the update also reportedly introduced a bug, causing some Windows 11 PC to restart when the user tries to shut them down.
As noted by Neowin, the bug only affects Windows 11 PCs which are configured with a feature called Secure Launch, which protects from certain types of malware.
The issue is explained by Microsoft in the company’s knowledge base.
“After installing the January 13, 2026, Windows security update (KB5073455) for Windows 11, version 23H2, some PCs with Secure Launch are unable to shut down or enter hibernation. Instead, the device restarts,” the company wrote.”
Fortunately, there’s a fix: The out-of-band (OOB) update KB5077797, detailed here, resolves the shut down issue, as well as another bug that caused sign-in failures for Remote Desktop connections.
Users who are experiencing this issue would do well to install the update, which can be downloaded here.
National Popcorn Day 2026 deals: How to get free popcorn on Jan. 19
We know you’ve only just got over the excitement of National Bagel Day, but there’s no rest when it comes to free or heavily discounted food deals that celebrate a somewhat silly occasion. We’re all about making the most of these events, and that means the schedule is pretty packed. Don’t like free food? Get out of here.
The good news for anyone keen to properly celebrate National Popcorn Day is that there are already a bunch of confirmed promotions. We’ve lined up some of the best freebies and discounts below. We’ll be updating this list with any new deals that drop as we approach Jan. 19.
National Popcorn Day deals
AMC Theatres
With the AMC Popcorn Pass, members can save 50% on large popcorn every day through 2026.
Cinemark
On Jan. 18-19, Moviegoers can bring their own bucket on National Popcorn Day. For $5, customers can get up to 400 ounces of popcorn. The only exception to this rule is if you bring a 5-gallon Lowe’s bucket as your container. Cinemark has teamed up with Lowe’s and agreed that you can fill the whole thing up (approximately 650 ounces of popcorn).
City Pop
Sspend $50 or more through Jan. 19 and get a free 32-cup Butter Popcorn bag.
Doc Popcorn
Get a free 12-ounce serving of Better Butter popcorn at participating locations on Jan. 19 — no purchase necessary.
Emagine Theaters
Get $5 popcorn buckets of any size on National Popcorn Day.
Evo Cinemas
Customers can get a free regular sized popcorn when they buy a movie ticket on National Popcorn Day.
Marcus Theaters
Ticket holders can pick up a free large popcorn on National Popcorn Day.
NCG
Reward members can get a free 46 ounce popcorn on National Popcorn Day.
Popsmith
Get 30% off Cream and Butter Poppers between Jan. 16-31.
Regal
Score one large popcorn serving for free on National Popcorn Day. There’s only one catch. To qualify for this freebie, you need to arrive in costume. Tell someone at the concession stand what you’re dressed as and you’ll get free popcorn as a reward.
Showcase Cinemas
Starpass Members get a free small popcorn with any purchase on National Popcorn Day.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for January 19, 2026
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.
Here are the clues and answers to NYT’s The Mini for Monday, Jan. 19, 2026:
Across
Crab’s grabber
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The answer is Claw.
“Giant” fruit in a Roald Dahl novel
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The answer is Peach.
Prefix similar to mega-
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The answer is Ultra.
Fast and nimble
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The answer is Fleet.
“Fantastic” animal in a Roald Dahl novel
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The answer is Fox.
Down
Large stringed instrument
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The answer is Cello.
Balloon material
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The answer is Latex.
1/640th of a square mile
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The answer is Acre.
Just ___ the doctor ordered
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The answer is What.
Small bit of wind
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The answer is Puff.
If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.
Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Mini Crossword.
Jon Stewart responds to an audience member asking if hed consider running for office
In a behind-the-scenes clip from The Daily Show, Jon Stewart is asked by an audience member whether or not he’d consider running for office — and he kind of evades the question. But his answer is interesting nonetheless.
“This is a question that comes up a lot, and I think it speaks to — if I may, and I don’t know the motivation — it speaks to this desperation and dissatisfaction that we have with the status quo,” Stewart says. “You see somebody on television who’s saying some of the things that resonate with you, and you think, ‘Well f*** it’. ‘I think you should be president’ is the line that comes right after ‘F*** it.'”
Well, that’s not technically a “no” though, is it?
The creator-favorite DJI Mini 4K drone is finally back on sale at Amazon — snag it for $60 off
SAVE $60: The DJI Mini 4K drone is on sale at Amazon for $239, down from the list price of $299. That’s a 20% discount that matches the record-low price at Amazon.
DJI is not having a quiet start to the year. The brand has been all over the news this winter with the FCC placing a ban on foreign drones. But there’s a slight workaround to this which is that all foreign-made drones already in the country are exempt from the ban. That means if you find a model in stock at Amazon, it’s best to hop on it before it sells out. That’s even more true if the model is on sale.
As of Jan. 19, the DJI Mini 4K drone is in stock and on sale at Amazon for $239, marked down from the standard price of $299. That’s a 20% discount that shaves $60 off the usual price. It also matches the lowest on record at Amazon.
If you’re familiar with the content-creator sphere, you know how much everyone loves DJI. From the brand’s drones to mini mics and even portable power stations, DJI knows how to make products that work really well for creating content. The DJI Mini 4K drone proves itself to be an excellent model for both beginners and advance drone fliers.
DJI equipped this drone with plenty of attributes like one-tap takeoff and landing, a simple return-to-home button, and tutorials for beginners. This Mini 4K drone comes with one battery which will earn you a 31-minute flight with wind resistance up to about 23 miles per hour. Plus, its brushless motor is capable of taking off at altitudes that reach up to about 13,000 feet.
Keep in mind today’s deal on the DJI Mini 4K comes from a third-party seller. Typically, Mashable doesn’t recommend buying from these sellers on Amazon, but since DJI is no longer able to sell drones directly in the U.S., third-party is the best option for now. Hibikin-US, the listed seller at Amazon, has a solid positive performance rating over the last year, and you’re still in line for Amazon’s 30-day return policy.
While it’s still in stock and on sale, upgrade to the DJI Mini 4K drone. You’ll be in good hands with one of the most loved content-creator brands.
Save over $20 on the Soundcore Q30 by Anker headphones at Amazon
SAVE OVER $20: As of Jan. 19, Soundcore Q30 by Anker headphones are on sale for $53.99 at Amazon. This is $26 off their list price of $79.99.
Investing in new headphones doesn’t need to break the bank. If you’ve been looking to buy a more budget-friendly option, the Soundcore Q30 by Anker headphones are worth a look.
As of Jan. 19, the Soundcore Q30 by Anker headphones are marked down to $53.99 at Amazon. Usually they retail for $79.99, so this deal saves you $26. Not to mention, these models are incredibly close to their lowest-ever price of $49.99, so why not grab them if they’ve been on your radar? And if you’re not interested in the black headphones, you can also save on the other available colors (Beige, Blue, and Pink) for a couple of dollars more at $55.99.
No matter if you’re looking to have headphones for long trips or casual listening at home, the Soundcore Q30s boast hybrid active noise cancellation that can keep you focused on what you’re listening to without any interruptions. They also feature 40mm drivers that offer up crisp, clear sound quality and a battery life of up to 50 hours in noise cancelling mode.
Amazon has the Soundcore Q30 by Anker headphones marked as a limited-time deal. Be quick to scoop them up at this discounted price.
If you’re curious about other budget-friendly headphones that are worth a look, check out our breakdown of the best budget headphones to see some of our favorites.
The Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box is down to its best-ever price on Amazon
TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box is now just $26.99 at Amazon. That’s the best-ever price for this product.
The Avatar: The Last Airbender expansion is one of MTG’s best of 2025, and newcomers can’t get started with the trading card game in a better way. As of Jan. 19, Magic: The Gathering’s Avatar: The Last Airbender Beginner Box is at a new low price of $26.99 on Amazon — that’s a 23% cut from its current $34.99 list price.
This MTG beginner box is not only at its best-ever price (confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel), but is also one of the best ways to get into the game. Here’s everything that’s included in the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box:
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Two 20-card starter decks — themed around Aang and Zuko
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Eight themed Avatar: The Last Airbender decks, 20 cards each
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Two playmats
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Two Spindown Life Counters
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Two Learn-to-Play Guides
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Five double-sided tokens
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Rules Reference booklet
This deal almost brings this Beginner Box down to market value vs. TCGplayer. Whether you’re an Avatar fan wanting to give Magic: The Gathering a try or you’re an MTG veteran wanting to dive into one of the most popular franchises, this is definitely the best deal going.
For more MTG bargains, you can also pick up the Avatar The Last Airbender Jumpstart Booster Box at a price closer to market value on Amazon. You can also master the One Piece TCG with its Learn Together Deck Set for $36.99 — a great way to get into another rising trading card game.
The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet 151 Booster Bundle is below market price at Amazon
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 151 Booster Bundle is now $108.87 at Amazon. That’s $12 off and below market value.
There’s no better example of short-supply Pokémon TCG expansions jumping up in price than the Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet 151 Booster Bundle. So any sort of discount is more than welcome.
As of Jan. 19, the Pokémon TCG 151 Booster Bundle is now $108.87 at Amazon — with a rare 10% chopped off its original $120.79 price tag. Including six booster packs from the original 151 Kanto Pokémon, this collection is popular for a reason. And this new price brings the booster bundle below its market value of $109.51 on TCGplayer.
Released in 2023, the Pokémon TCG 151 expansion was one of the most popular selections due to its massive nostalgia power, dedicated to the original 151 Pokémon and packed with gorgeous illustration rares of the various Pocket Monsters. With such high demand and more priority being given to newer sets, getting 151 at a half-decent price is incredibly rare.
For more Pokémon TCG deals, the Mega Kangaskhan ex Box is almost at market price at 37% off on Amazon. What’s more, the Fall 2025 Edition of the Pokémon TCG: Collector Chest is on sale at over $20 off.
The Roborock Q10 S5 robot vacuum and mop is back to its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save over $100
SAVE OVER $150: As of Jan. 19, Amazon has marked the Roborock Q10 S5 robot vacuum and mop down to $229.99. This is 43% off its list price of $399.99, saving you $170.
A robot vacuum can be helpful to have at home, especially if you’re hoping to get a headstart on spring cleaning this year. At the moment, quite a few are on sale, so it’s a good time to shop around. If you’re not looking to invest in one of the super pricey models, the Roborock Q10 S5 robot vacuum and mop is a more budget-friendly option that’s worth a look, especially now that it’s back to its lowest-ever price.
As of Jan. 19, the Roborock Q10 S5 robot vacuum and mop has dropped back to its lowest-ever price of $229.99 at Amazon. Usually it’s listed for $399.99, so you’ll be able to pocket $170, which is a pretty sweet deal. Act fast, as it may not stay at this price for long.
Whether you’re dealing with dirt, crumbs, or pet hair, the Roborock Q10 S5 features 10,000 Pa suction power to clear up your floors. There’s no need to worry about hair slowing it down either, as it has a JawScrapers Comb main brush and an anti-tangle side brush that help to reduce tangles and keep it running smoothly. It even features obstacle avoidance technology that detects obstructions and helps the robot navigate around any items in its way as it cleans.
On top of that, the Roborock Q10 S5 has a VibraRise 2.0 Vibrating Mop System, which cleans up stains on harder surfaces as well. The mopping system even automatically lifts when it detects carpet, so you can get a full clean done around your home without having to manually adjust the vacuum.
Again, keep in mind this is a limited-time deal. Now is a great time to make a move on the Roborock Q10 S5 robot vacuum and mop while it’s still on sale. Curious what other options are worth your time and money? Have a look at our roundup of the best robot vacuums to see some of our favorite picks.
Threads has overtaken X in daily users, but only on mobile
Threads is winning the mobile war against X.
New data from Similarweb (via TechCrunch) indicates that Meta’s short-form social network is winning over X when it comes to daily active users on iOS and Android.
In January, Threads had 141.5 million daily active users on mobile, compared to X’s 125 million daily active users on the two major mobile platforms.
It’s not some sort of short-term fluke, either. The daily active users count has steadily increased over the last year for Threads, while slowly declining for X over the same time period. The two social networks were neck and neck last fall, but now Threads has clearly taken over.
Credit: Similarweb
Threads has been helped out by its parent Meta pushing users from Facebook and Instagram towards Threads. I’ve personally ended up on Threads numerous times without any intention to do so; I merely clicked a link on one of Meta’s other social platforms.
The daily active user count trend is still meaningful, especially when compared to X, which is steadily losing users. The list of reasons why people would want to leave X is long and includes such issues as Grok-generated deepfakes, X owner Elon Musk’s politics, and privacy issues.
On the web, however, it’s a very different picture. Threads is growing there as well, but it only had 8.5 million daily web visits in January, compared to X’s 145.4 million daily web visits.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms weeks ahead trailer teases a life or death trial by combat
Things have started off fairly gently for Dunk (Peter Claffey), but it looks like the stakes are going to get higher pretty soon.
HBO‘s “weeks ahead” trailer above for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms teases Dunk getting in the bad books of Prince Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett), ending with a trial by combat that sees him on a misty battlefield.
Hopefully we’ll still get plenty more phlegm-based humour too, though.
The best open earbuds that stay put, sound great, and keep you aware of the world around you
Though open earbuds share the common feature of sitting on the exterior of the ear, they come in many shapes and sizes, from clip models to ear hook models. Some are more geared toward working out, while others are better for everyday use. The Bose Ultra Open earbuds are an especially popular pick thanks to their sound quality and many colorways, but they’re far from your only option (or the most affordable, at $299).
Below, we’ve compiled some of the best open earbud models available in 2026.
Note: This guide is a work in progress, so we’ll possibly be shifting (or expanding) our recommendations as we continue to test pairs, including those that were announced at CES 2026.
What are open earbuds?
Open earbuds allow you to get as close as you possibly can to the feeling of not wearing earbuds at all. Unlike in-ear earbuds which sit in your ear canal (as the name states), open earbuds sit just outside your ears. Some models hold the speaker component in place with an ear hook while others opt for an ear cuff.
People generally opt for open earbuds for three main reasons:
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They provide a private listening experience while leaving you almost completely aware of the world around you. It’s like the best transparency mode you’ve ever used.
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For some people, not having an earbud physically in their ear is generally more comfortable.
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The hooks and cuffs (along with the general awareness of your surroundings) make them a great option for keeping them in place, and keeping you alert, while you’re working out.
What are the drawbacks of open earbuds?
As you may have gathered from the section above, open earbuds don’t generally come with active noise cancellation. That’s mostly thanks to how much sound they let in (by design) and the difficulty of cancelling out sound without having the device covering your actual ear canal.
Also thanks to the whole open ear-canal situation, these aren’t going to be the earbuds for audiophiles. That’s not to say open earbuds sound bad — if you’ve never tried them, we promise they sound much better than you’re imagining — but you will lose out on some of the nuance of a song without having the earbud actually in your ear.
That said, many pairs still have equalizers on their companion apps to help you make them sound their best. Our upgrade pick, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, even have a spatial audio feature that worked surprisingly well.
Most open earbuds will also boast some form of special technology that keeps them from leaking too much sound. While these pairs do pretty well in keeping the sound just to you, most pairs (including our picks) while be prone to some leakage, especially at higher volumes.
Finally, some open earbuds — mainly those with ear hooks — tend to have slightly bulkier cases. If you like to travel light, it’s something to be aware of.
What about bone conduction headphones?
Bone conduction earbuds work exactly like the name implies they do — they use your skull to conduct sound waves, instead of projecting the sound into your ear, like most of the picks are on list. Typically, a band runs from either side of the users head to help hold the headphones in place.
Shokz, the brand behind our top pick, is a popular maker of these kinds of headphones. While we do consider them open earbuds, we have yet to test any bone conduction earbuds — look out in the future for that update. On that note:
What’s next in our testing pipeline
The open earbuds market is rapidly expanding, so we’ll be testing more as we can get our hands on them. Up next, we’ll be trying out budget pairs of open earbuds under $100, as well as more pairs from Shokz.
In addition to the earbuds that made our final guide in May 2025, we tested out the Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds ($149), the Sony Linkbuds Open ($199.99), the Anker Soundcore AeroClip earbuds ($169.99), and the Shokz OpenFit Air ($119.95). While none of the above were bad earbuds by any means, we found our picks to outshine them in their comfort and sound quality, especially when considering their respective prices.
Visual Studio 2026 brings AI into your IDE for $50
TL;DR: MS Visual Studio Professional 2026 delivers faster coding, smarter AI assistance, and better collaboration — for $49.99 instead of $499.99.
At some point, every developer hits the same moment: the tools that once felt fast start feeling heavy. Projects get bigger, codebases get messier, and collaboration gets harder than it needs to be.
That’s the space Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 is designed for — and why this release feels like a thoughtful upgrade rather than a flashy overhaul.
Available for just $49.99 (reg. $499.99), Visual Studio Pro 2026 builds on what developers already like and quietly makes it better. The 64-bit IDE is built to handle large solutions and complex workloads without slowing you down, making it easier to stay focused even when projects scale.
You’ll also get huge performance boosts (faster loads and builds), and a streamlined, modern Fluent UI with updated themes and settings.
Cross-platform development is front and centre. You can build mobile and desktop apps with .NET MAUI, create modern web interfaces in C# with Blazor, and develop, debug, and test .NET and C++ apps targeting Windows, Linux, and containers — all from one environment.
Hot reload across .NET and C++ lets you apply changes instantly, keeping your workflow moving instead of constantly restarting builds.
AI-powered assistance is woven into the experience rather than bolted on. IntelliCode understands your code context and offers ranked suggestions based on your existing codebase, helping you write cleaner code faster. Built-in AI-assisted refactoring reduces repetitive work and helps catch issues before they become problems.
Collaboration gets a meaningful upgrade, too. Live Share lets teammates edit and debug together in real time without requiring everyone to clone repos or match local setups. CodeLens surfaces key insights — recent changes, authors, tests, and commit history — directly in the editor, so you can make informed decisions without breaking concentration.
With deep integrations for Azure, GitHub, and modern DevOps workflows, this version is designed to support how development actually happens today.
Get lifetime access to Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 for just $49.99 (reg. $499.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Cut monthly cloud storage costs with this lifetime 2TB deal
TL;DR: Stop renting your cloud storage and switch to this lifetime subscription to Drime Secure Cloud Storage for just $129.97 (reg. $299) through Feb. 15.
If you’re looking for wiggle room in your monthly budget, it might be time to cut the cord with your current cloud storage setup. Drime Secure Cloud Storage offers a more permanent option, letting you pay once and enjoy 2TB of space for life.
Right now, this lifetime subscription is even on sale for just $129.97 (reg. $299) through Feb. 15.
Have you ever totaled up how much you spend on cloud storage in a year? Cloud storage doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and Drime Secure Cloud Storage proves that. With this European-based cloud storage provider, you pay one time and receive 2TB of storage space for life.
Since Drime Secure Cloud Storage is a European company, it’s GDPR-compliant, meaning your data is hosted in Europe and never routed through the United States. This allows you to enjoy serious security, and the end-to-end encryption means your files will be inaccessible to anyone but you.
Drime Secure Cloud Storage offers an easy-to-use interface, making it straightforward to upload, sync, and share from all your devices. You can also organize and manage files, clients, and projects within Drime’s collaborative workspaces.
This lifetime subscription gives you 2TB of storage. You’ll have a 90-day file history, password-protected links for file sharing, custom expiration dates, and unlimited signature requests. You can also add 15 members or workspaces with this plan.
Secure this lifetime subscription to Drime Secure Cloud Storage for just $129.97 (reg. $299) now through Feb. 15.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
How to watch Indiana vs. Miami online for free
ESPN Unlimited
(save $15)
Fox One
(save $39.89)
FuboTV
(save $30)
Hulu + Live TV
Sling Season Pass
(save $50.95)
YouTube TV
(save $99)
It’s no surprise that the Indiana Hoosiers have reached the college football playoffs final. They’re ranked No. 1 and have an incredible 15 game winning streak this season with zero losses. They’re favorites to win the National Championship for good reason.
The Miami Hurricanes are enjoying an incredible underdog run. Ranked at No. 10 and posting a 13-2 record, they’ve already scored playoffs wins against defending national champions Ohio in the Cotton Bowl Classic and Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. It’s been an exciting season full of surprises and unexpected stories. Can the CFP National Championship Game throw up one more twist? Be sure not to miss it.
If you want to watch Indiana vs. Miami for free from anywhere in the world, here’s all the information you need.
When is Indiana vs. Miami?
Indiana vs. Miami takes place at 7.30 p.m. ET on Jan. 19. This game takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Indiana vs. Miami is broadcast on ESPN.
How to watch college football in 2026
Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.
ESPN Unlimited (no free trial)
Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX
ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.
Fox One (free trial)
Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network
Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you’ve got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.
FuboTV (free trial)
Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW
FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that’s your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
Fubo takes sports seriously, and that’s something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.
Hulu + Live TV (free trial)
Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW
Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that’s value.
Sling (no free trial)
Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network
Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you’ll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.
YouTube TV (free trial)
Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW
YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that’s a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.
How to watch Indiana vs. Miami from anywhere in the world
If you’re abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Indiana vs. Miami from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
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Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
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Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
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Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
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Sign in to your favorite streaming service
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Watch Indiana vs. Miami from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
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Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
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Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
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Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
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Fast connection speeds free from throttling
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Up to 10 simultaneous connections
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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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
How to watch Rybakina vs. Juvan online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Rybakina vs. Juvan in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2026 Australian Open is now well underway, with numerous top names — including Sabalenka and Gauff — advancing to the women’s singles second round.
No. 5 seed Elena Rybakina, is yet to punch her ticket to the next round. The Kazakhstani dynamo is facing unseeded Slovenian Kaja Juvan. Tennis fans will expect Rybakina to advance — she’s a former Wimbledon winner, after all — but anything can happen on the court.
If you want to watch Rybakina vs. Juvan in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Rybakina vs. Juvan for free
Rybakina vs. Juvan in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.
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 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:
-
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
-
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
-
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
-
Visit 9Now
-
Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world
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 Rybakina vs. Juvan 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 10 simultaneous connections
-
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Rybakina vs. Juvan in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch the 2026 Australian Open online for free
TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It feels like we’re inundated with tennis tournaments over the summer months, and then nothing. After the US Open, tennis fans have a painful wait for the next Grand Slam.
The wait is almost over. The 2026 Australian Open looms on the horizon, promising epic contests between the best players in the world. It’s the first chance to see the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Świątek on the biggest stage.
If you want to watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What is the Australian Open?
The Australian Open is a tennis tournament held annually at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. It’s the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events held each year, followed by the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
The current singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys.
When is the 2026 Australian Open?
The 2026 Australian Open is the 114th edition of the tournament. This year’s event will take place from Jan. 18 to Feb. 1.
How to watch the 2026 Australian Open for free
The 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.
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 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:
-
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
-
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
-
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
-
Visit 9Now
-
Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2026 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 sport 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Martinez vs. Djokovic online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Martinez vs. Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The first Grand Slam of the year is here, with the world’s top tennis stars taking to the courts of Melbourne Park for the 2026 Australian Open.
This first round match sees No. 4 seed Novak Djokovic face unseeded opposition in the form of Spanish 28-year-old Pedro Martinez. We’re expecting a dominant showing from Djokovic, but anything can happen on any given day. Djokovic is a 10-time winner of the Australian Open, though he hasn’t won it — or any Grand Slam competition — since 2023. Is the Serb’s time up as a top contender? Or can he challenge defending champion Jannik Sinner in Melbourne?
If you want to watch Martinez vs. Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Martinez vs. Djokovic for free
Martinez vs. Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.
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 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:
-
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
-
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
-
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
-
Visit 9Now
-
Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world
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 Martinez vs. Djokovic 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 10 simultaneous connections
-
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Martinez vs. Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.
NYT Pips hints, answers for January 19, 2026
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you’re stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play Pips
If you’ve ever played dominoes, you’ll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we’ve shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don’t necessarily have to match.
The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you’ll run into across the difficulty levels:
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Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
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Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
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Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
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Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
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Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
Easy difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 19 Pips
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically
Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 4-2, placed vertically.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 19 Pips
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this red space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically.
Equal (6): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 6. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.
Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 1-4, placed vertically.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 19 Pips
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.
Equal (2): Everything in this red space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically; 2-6, placed horizontally.
Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed vertically.
Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.
Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically; 0-1, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this orange space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 0-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed vertically.
Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally.
If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 19, 2026
Today’s Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you remember your childhood games.
As we’ve shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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.
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.
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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.
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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:
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Yellow: Children’s games
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Green: Movies
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Blue: Famous Raven
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Purple: Gold
Here are today’s Connections: Sports Edition categories
Need a little extra help? Today’s connections fall into the following categories:
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Yellow: Playground Games
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Green: One-Word Sports Movies
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Blue: Associated with Ed Reed
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Purple: Golden_____
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 #483 is…
What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
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Playground Games – FOUR SQUARE, HOPSCOTCH, KICKBALL, TAG
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One-Word Sports Movies – HOOSIERS, INVICTUS, RUDY, SEABISCUIT
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Associated with Ed Reed – HALL OF FAME, HURRICANES, RAVENS, SAFETY
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Golden_____ – BOOT, GOAL, KNIGHTS, SOMBRERO
Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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.
Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on January 19
It’s day one of the new lunar cycle, and over the next few days, a thin crescent will begin to appear as the Moon moves further along its orbit. It’ll take a few days before it comes into view properly, but from tonight you should be able to see a sliver of Moon in the sky.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Monday, Jan. 19, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 1% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.
There’s still too little Moon illuminated for us to spot anything, but it’s only a few more days before the crescent will appear slightly bigger in the sky.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon will be on Feb. 1. The last full moon was on Jan. 3.
What are Moon phases?
Moon phases make up the lunar cycle, which NASA says lasts about 29.5 days, the time it takes the Moon to complete one full orbit around Earth. As the Moon travels around our planet, it passes through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the amount of sunlight illuminating it changes depending on its position in orbit. This is why the Moon can appear full, partially lit, or completely dark at different points in the cycle. The eight phases of the lunar cycle are:
New Moon – The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it’s invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon – The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
End of today’s Mashable roundup.
