If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

Hurdle Word 1 hint

To carry.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

BRING

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To transport.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CARRY

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

Possessive.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

THEIR

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To delay.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

DEFER

Final Hurdle hint

A yellow fruit.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

LEMON

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

As we hit day four of the lunar cycle, the Moon is starting to appear more illuminated. Keep reading to find out what you can spot tonight.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Tuesday, April 21, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 20% of the moon will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

If you're looking at the Moon with just your naked eye, you should be able to catch a glimpse of the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. If you have either binoculars or a telescope, you'll see these as well as the Endymion Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon is predicted to take place on May 1, the first of two in May.

What are Moon phases?

NASA says that the Moon completes a full orbit around Earth in about 29.5 days, during which it passes through eight stages. Although the same face of the Moon is always turned toward us, the portion illuminated by the Sun shifts as it travels along its path, producing the familiar cycle of full, half, and crescent shapes. These variations are referred to as lunar phases, and there are eight altogether:

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.

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub for free with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites from Australia is ExpressVPN.

The world of porn continues to be impacted by age-verification laws. Back in early 2025, more than a third of U.S. states introduced age verification laws for online adult content. Pornhub hit back by blocking users from those locations. A similar situation took place France and the UK, and now Australians are facing the same set of challenges.

The porn blocks arrived just days before new online safety codes came into effect, requiring organisations to verify the ages of users. It's the same story we've seen before, with the same straightforward workaround.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Australia, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Australia

VPNs are tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub from Australia by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

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The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment. The situation may have changed before the free-trial period comes to an end.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

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A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free in Australia with ExpressVPN.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, 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 on to 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 with 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:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• 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 April 21 Pips

Number (17): Everything in this purple space must add up to 17. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this red space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 0. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally; and 0-5, placed vertically.

Less Than (6): The domino half in this yellow space must have less than 6 pips. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for April 21 Pips

Equal (2): Every domino half in this purple space must have 2 pips. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this red space must add up to 8. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally; and 0-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): The domino half in this light blue space must have less than 2 pips. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this yellow space must add up to 8. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically; 4-5, placed vertically.

Number (1): The domino half in this dark blue space must have 1 pip. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Every domino half in this green space must have 6 pips. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this purple space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 0-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Every domino half in this red space must have 2 pips. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for April 21 Pips

Equal (4): Every domino half in this purple space must have 4 pips. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 4-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Every domino half in this red space must have 1 pip. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically.

Does Not Equal: Every domino half in this yellow space must have a different number of pips. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 4-4, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically; and 2-3, placed vertically.

Number (6): The domino half in this dark blue space must have 6 pips. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.

Number (0): The domino half in this green space must have 0 pips. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this purple space must add up to 12. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): The domino half in this red space must have less than 2 pips. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this green space must add up to 6. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this yellow space must add up to 12. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 3-6, 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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is a tough one. At least, it was for us!

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. The sports 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 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 before 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:

• Yellow: Draft day

• Green: Track and field gear

• Blue: First words...

• Purple: Fill in the blank

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: People Involved in Making a Draft Pick

• Green: Pole Vault Equipment

• Blue: First Words of Baseball Positions

• Purple: T.J. ____

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 #575 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• People Involved in Making a Draft Pick — COACH, GM, OWNER, SCOUT

• Pole Vault Equipment — CROSSBAR, MAT, POLE, SPIKES

• First Words of Baseball Positions — CENTER, DESIGNATED, FIRST, THIRD

• T.J. ____ — FORD, HOCKENSON, HOUSHMANDZADEH, WATT

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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love action movies.

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

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

What is Connections?

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Walk leisurely

• Green: Nonsense

• Blue: Purses

• Purple: Action films

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Amble (in)

• Green: Balderdash

• Blue: Kinds of bags

• Purple: Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles

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 #1045 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Amble (in): BREEZE, MOSEY, STROLL, WALTZ

• Balderdash: BALONEY, BILGE, BULL, BUNK

• Kinds of bags: CROSSBODY, HOBO, MESSENGER, SADDLE

• Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles: GOLD, MOON, OCTOPUS, THUNDER

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love an adventure.

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

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

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

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Risky business

The words are related to courage.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe daring people.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Daredevils.

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NYT Strands word list for April 21

• Adventurous

• Gutsy

• Daredevils

• Courageous

• Intrepaid

• Bold

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you like to travel in groups.

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

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A cluster.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

CLUMP

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

BookCon 2026 returned for the first time in six years, and fans returned in droves, selling out the event fast. We were on the ground at the event, covering panels and chatting with authors and BookTok creators. But just like the attendees, we also hit the exhibition floor to explore all the gadgets on display. With the popularity of e-readers, we expected to see a ton of devices on the floor, but there was a surprising lack thereof, and the enthusiasm focused on physical books.

But we looked at what BookCon attendees had on hand, too, including the tech they used to capture the event and the essentials for navigating the chaos of BookCon. Here are all the bookish tech and products we spotted at BookCon 2026.

Rakuten Kobo

Rakuten's Kobo e-readers were the only e-readers on display at BookCon 2026. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

On the show floor, while Kindle cases were a popular item to score, Kindle devices were noticeably absent. Instead, Rakuten Kobo was the only e-reader making an appearance. We've tested both brands at Mashable and love Kobo's color e-readers, including the Kobo Clara and Kobo Libra, both of which were on display at BookCon. Plus, the Kobo Remote was on display at Rakuten's booth, as the brand is the first to launch its own e-reader remote.

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Credit: Kobo

Kobo Clara

$139.99 at Amazon

 

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Credit: Kobo

Kobo Remote

$33.99 at Amazon

 

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Author Clock

Tell time through literary quotes with the Author Clock. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Also on the floor at BookCon was the Author Clock, a digital device that shows you the time with a literary twist. For every single minute, the clock displays a literary quote that features the time. It's perfect for literary enthusiasts — whether that be you or a friend. The brand recently launched a new device for weather forecasts, too. The Author Forecast connects to WiFi to detect your local weather and then reflect it with a literary passage on the device.

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Credit: Author Clock

Author Clock

$209 at Amazon

 

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Credit: Author Clock

Author Forecast

$209 at Uncrate

 

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DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and Mic Mini

While they weren't on display, DJI products were in the hands of attendees on the show floor. We spotted the DJI Osmo camera everywhere, similar to what we experienced at VidCon. Fans were using it to capture the event, so we're expecting to see lots of BookCon vlogs on BookTok soon. Plus, we also saw attendees using the DJI Mic Mini, which could easily be clipped on to wear around the event.

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Credit: DJI

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

$499 at Amazon

 

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Credit: DJI

DJI Mic Mini

$79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20

 

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Handheld fans

At this point, personal fans are a staple at conventions. At 9 a.m. on Saturday, when just VIP and the press were admitted to the exhibition floor, things were already steamy, and people had broken out their handheld fans. While we didn't spot Shark's new ChillPill or Dyson's new HushJet at BookCon, the cheap handheld fans you can score on Amazon are still the most popular choice.

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Credit: TriPole

TriPole Handheld Fan

$11.99 at Amazon

 

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Collapsible stools

It was evident that BookCon fans come prepared. I saw dozens of attendees with colorful disks strapped crossbody throughout the event, and when I asked one person what it was, my jaw dropped as they revealed a collapsible stool — a genius way to have a seat with you while waiting in long lines.

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Credit: Boreeman

Boreeman Folding Stool

$25.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $4

 

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Macopro folding utility cart

The name of the game at BookCon was free books. Publishers and authors were doling out free advanced copies of books. Attendees came prepared to take home all the free things with folding utility carts. By far, the MacoPro folding utility cart was the most popular option. Plus, with its flat top, it's basically a portable chair, too.

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Credit: Macopro

Macopro Folding Utility Cart

$64.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $15

 

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SAVE $90: The DJI Mini 4K drone is on sale at Amazon for $209, down from the list price of $299. That's a 30% discount and the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

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Credit: DJI

DJI Mini 4K

$209 at Amazon
$299 Save $90

 

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You might have heard that DJI faced an FCC ban back in December. However, you can still score DJI drones in the U.S., just not directly from DJI. So long as you keep a close eye on the reputation of a third-party seller, you have access to tons of DJI drone models and this particular mini option happens to be a on a great sale today.

As of April 20, the DJI Mini 4K drone is on sale at Amazon for $209, marked down from the normal price of $299. That's a 30% discount that saves drone pilots $90. It's also the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

DJI is well known as one of the best creator-friendly brands. There's the social-media famous DJI Mic Mini and the vlogger paradise DJI Osmo Pocket 3. But of course, the brand is excellent at creating drones. The DJI Mini 4K is a perfect model if you're looking for a compact and functional drone that's also beginner friendly.

Whether you're a content creator, in the real estate business, or simply curious about the areas you explore, the DJI Mini 4K would like an invitation to tag along. Weighing under 249 grams, the drone doesn't require a license to operate and it's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

Today's sale price applies to the DJI Mini 4K with one battery which will get you just a bit over 30 minutes of flight time. There's also the benefit of 10-kilometer video transmission (about six miles), and an auto return-to-home function.

The DJI Mini 4K has a wind-resistance of level 5, or a bit over 23 miles per hour. DJI also offers beginner tutorials and easy editing of footage.

Before this sale price disappears, snatch up this $209 deal on the DJI Mini 4K drone. A solid model for both experienced and beginner drone pilots, now's a great time to upgrade.

The iPhone Fold (or is it the iPhone Ultra?) won't be arriving until at least September, but early leaks of Apple's foldable show a wider design than typical foldable phones.

The global smartphone market is already adapting to offer similar designs, and Samsung is rumored to be releasing a Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide model in July to compete with the foldable iPhone. However, Chinese smartphone brand Huawei has beaten them both to the punch with the April 20 launch of the Huawei Pura X Max, which officially ushered in the era of the wide foldable.

Now, YouTuber Vincent Zhong has posted an unboxing video showing an up-close look at the new Huawei foldable. The video is titled "HUAWEI Pura X Max hands on: the foldable iPhone will look just like this!"

The iPhone Fold is rumored to have a roughly 7.8-inch internal, foldable OLED display and a 5.5-inch outer OLED display, making it noticeably wider than most foldable phones. The Huawei Pura X Max has a 7.7-inch internal display and a 5.4-inch external display, as well as the rounded edges seen in alleged iPhone Fold leaks.

As a result, the smartphone in Zhong's video should closely resemble the first-ever Apple foldable, if the leaks prove true.

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"It can't really be called 'thin and light,' after all, it is a relatively large-screen foldable," Zhong says in the video, according to YouTube's translation of the video transcript.

"But the in-hand feel is excellent. You can see here, my thumb can reach from the second app on the left all the way to the top. Its width is designed so that when the large screen is opened, it's similar to — it can be similar to an iPad mini, forming a small vertical tablet."

Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Vincent Zhong / YouTube

SAVE $1,602: As of April 20, the Samsung 77-inch S90F OLED 4K TV is on sale for just $1,897.99 at Amazon. That's over 45% off its original list price and its lowest price on record.

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Credit: Samsung

Samsung 77-inch S90F OLED 4K TV

$1,897.99 at Amazon
$3,499.99 Save $1,602.00

 

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If you prioritize picture quality above all else in your TV buying journey, the Samsung S90F OLED 4K TV is tough to beat — especially when you find it on sale.

As of April 20, Amazon slashed the cost of the 77-inch model down to just $1,897.99. According to the original listing on Samsung's website, it's actually a $3,499.99 TV. So technically, you're saving $1,602 (not $600, as the Amazon listing shows) and it's even more on sale than Amazon is letting on. At over 45% off, it's the cheapest we've ever seen this particular model.

Mashable's sister site CNET (also owned by Ziff Davis) tested the Samsung S90F and dubbed it the "best OLED TV for most users" as well as "the holy grail for gamers." With its deep black levels and rich colors, the OLED panel is stellar for watching movies. Even if you're having a marathon of old lower-resolution films or TV shows, an AI processor will upscale the content to look the best it can. It offers support for 144Hz VRR, which means there's minimal lag time and no screen tearing when you're playing your favorite games or watching sports.

It lacks a few of the upgraded specs from the more expensive S95F, like a glare-free coating and Dolby Vision HDR, but its price to picture quality ratio makes up for it. At full cost, it's out of most people's price range, but with a $1,602 price cut, this is one of the best big screen TVs you can buy. Grab the Samsung 77-inch S90F OLED 4K TV for just under $1,900 while you can.

TL;DR: AI can simplify your nutrition and workouts — and NutriAI gives you lifetime access to do it all for a one-time $39.99 (reg. $499).

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Credit: NutriAI

NutriAI Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription

$39.99
$499 Save $459.01

 

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AI might raise a few eyebrows, but when it comes to everyday habits — like eating better and staying active — it can actually be a game changer.

NutriAI takes the parts of fitness that tend to feel overwhelming (planning meals, tracking macros, figuring out workouts) and turns them into something structured, simple, and surprisingly manageable. And lifetime access is on sale for a one-time $39.99 (reg. $499).

Instead of juggling multiple apps or guessing your way through routines, NutriAI brings everything into one place. It builds personalized meal plans based on your goals, helps you track calories and macros without overthinking it, and creates workout programs that adapt as you progress.

It’s less about perfection and more about consistency — something most people actually need.

The platform also connects the dots between planning and execution. Think built-in grocery lists that match your meals, progress tracking that shows what’s working, and analytics that help you stay on track over time.

Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or just maintaining a healthier routine, it gives you a clear path forward without making it feel like a full-time job.

It offers a low-commitment way to see how AI can support your health goals — no subscriptions, no complicated setup, just an easier way to approach your routine.

Get lifetime access to NutriAI while it’s just $39.99 (reg. $499) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: If you’re looking for true internet privacy, you need this three-year subscription to VP.NET VPN, on sale now for $129.99 (reg. $199.95).

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Credit: VP.NET

VP.NET VPN (3-Year Subscription)

$129.99
$199.95 Save $69.96

 

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When it comes to taking your online privacy seriously, VPNs are an easy option. But how do you know they’re actually doing the job? VP.NET VPN gives you privacy you can verify, so you don’t have to just blindly trust that your information is safe.

Right now, you can secure a three-year subscription for just $129.99 (reg. $199.95).

VP.NET VPN is not your average VPN service. It’s the world’s first “zero-knowledge” VPN that makes your online privacy truly enforceable, using secure enclave technology to prevent anyone from checking out or logging your online activity.

Not even the company itself can see your activity. And if you ever have any doubts, there’s a way you can confirm it anytime with built-in verification.

While it offers true security, VP.NET also provides industry-standard encryption, so your data is protected no matter where you sign online, even on public Wi-Fi.

If your connection is ever interrupted, you don’t need to panic. A kill switch will automatically cut your internet connection. You’ll also enjoy IP masking and leak protection, and unlimited bandwidth that lets you stream freely. Speaking of streaming, the global access lets you watch content from around the world and bypass any censorship.

You can use this VPN on up to five devices, so you can enjoy the security over multiple devices. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Take this as your sign to upgrade your online security with this three-year subscription to VP.NET VPN, on sale now for $129.99 (reg. $199.95).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

Tim Cook, age 65, just named the date of his retirement ... sorta. The Apple CEO is stepping back this fall to become "executive chairman," the company announced Monday.

Surprising exactly no one who was paying attention, the company also announced the name of the executive who will take the CEO role starting this fall: John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering.

The transition from the Cook era to the Ternus era was approved unanimously by the Apple board, the company said.

"I love Apple with all of my being," Cook said in the announcement — and pivoted quickly to praising his successor.

"John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor," Cook wrote. "He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future."

Cook sought to assure investors that he'd still be involved, as the $3 trillion company makes its first CEO transition since Steve Jobs bowed out prior to his death in 2011.

"I look forward to working closely with [Ternus] on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman," Cook wrote.

Apple's announcement, surprising only in its timing, spent most of its paragraphs — nine out of 14 — talking about Cook's achievements (including the reduction of Apple's carbon footprint).

But more than a third of it was devoted to introducing Ternus, who is still not widely known despite overseeing the development of the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods, among many other Apple hits. In his comments, Ternus was keen to stress continuity.

"I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor," Ternus said. "I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century."

Ternus added that he was "filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come."

The stock market didn't exactly agree or disagree with Ternus on that score. Apple stock dipped in after-hours trading on the announcement of Cook's retirement, but reversed nearly all of those losses within an hour.

If it seems like products are usually cheaper on Amazon than at retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, and Chewy, that's no accident. According to a bombshell filing in an ongoing antitrust lawsuit from the state of California on Monday, each of those companies was a victim of Amazon's illegal price fixing.

Amazon, which topped Walmart to become the U.S.'s largest retailer in 2025, got there in part with a pattern of bullying and colluding, the filing says. In some cases it outlines in detail, merchants such as Levi Strauss and Allergan were told by Amazon to make products (such as khaki pants and eye drops) more expensive at Walmart.

In other cases, Amazon leaned on rivals directly, as when it allegedly forced Home Depot to raise its fertilizer prices so Amazon would be cheaper. And in all cases, California appears to have brought receipts in the form of emails.

"The company is price fixing, colluding with vendors and other retailers to raise costs for Americans beyond what the market requires," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. "Amazon is illegally working to rake ⁠in the profits by making sure consumers have nowhere else to turn to for lower prices."

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Amazon denies the charges and is vigorously contesting multiple price-fixing lawsuits. In its statement, the online retailer emphasized its "pride" in having the lowest prices across a broad range of products.

But if these emails are to be believed, Amazon's pride is the pride of a mob boss with mighty companies under their thumb.

"I'm really hoping we can show this as a proof case so we can resolve issues going forward," one Levi's employee wrote meekly to an Amazon executive, according to the filing. Amazon had expressed "concern" that Walmart was selling Levi's khakis for just over $25. Levi's then allegedly persuaded Walmart to raise the pants' prices by nearly $5.

Even if true, however, the wheels of justice are grinding slow on this one. Bonta's antitrust lawsuit was filed in 2022; a trial will not take place until January 2027 at the earliest. It remains to be seen if the bad publicity from this filing will have any effect on consumers, many of whom shrug and plan their next Amazon delivery regardless of price-fixing news.

Apple's first foldable iPhone, unofficially dubbed the iPhone Fold, is expected to debut in September. Now new leaks show how the phone will likely differ from the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 lineup.

Apple is several years late to the foldable smartphone market, but don't count Apple out based on speed. After all, the company was late to MP3 players and smartphones — and the iPod and iPhone were the results.

Leakers with decent track records are showing dummy cases for the iPhone Fold on X. And that gives us a clear sense of how this foldable will set itself apart from the competition.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

iPhone Fold vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Design differences

Most flagship foldables have roughly the same width and length as a regular smartphone when folded, but earlier leaks suggest Apple has adopted a wider design.

You can see that in the latest photos of alleged iPhone Fold dummy units and cases, from @MajinBuofficia on X (via Android Authority).

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Meanwhile, Samsung seems set to introduce a new version of its flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold Wide, that will have similar dimensions as the iPhone Fold. Recent leaks from Android Headlines show what the Fold Wide could look like. Still, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will likely retain a similar design and proportions as last year's Z Fold 7.

Square edges on last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Early photos of the Z Fold 8 lineup show phones with sharper corners, like the Z Fold 7, while Apple appears to be embracing more rounded edges.

Both phones are expected to be ultra-thin, with an unfolded width under 5 mm, just like the Z Fold 7.

Samsung and Apple foldables: Other key differences

Apple will reportedly place the volume buttons on the top edge of the iPhone Fold, with a power and Touch ID button expected along the right edge.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 unfolded. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

A hypothetical rendering of the iPhone Fold. Credit: Mashable

The iPhone Fold will be running iOS (presumably iOS 27), while the Galaxy foldables will be running the latest version of Android.

More importantly, the iPhone Fold appears to have only two rear cameras, while the Z Fold 8 is expected to have three rear cameras. Leaks of the Z Fold Wide show two cameras, matching the iPhone Fold.

The iPhone Fold could have one big advantage over the Galaxy Z Fold 8 — it will fit more easily in pockets.

In design, Apple's device sits somewhere between flip-style foldables and tablet-style foldables. Overall, it looks more like the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which wasn't particularly well-received by our reviewer — or by the tech world at large.

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Againm we're mostly working from leaks and rumors at this point, and we don't know what we don't know. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a highly trusted name in this realm, recently reported that the iPhone Fold is on track for a 2026 launch, while the new Galaxy Z Fold smartphones are rumored to launch July 22.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

For book fans, book-to-screen adaptations can be a sore subject of changed endings and miscastings. But authors aren't as precious about them. In the final panel of BookCon 2026, authors Andy Weir (Project Hail Mary, The Martian), Emily St. John Mandel (Station Eleven), May Cobb (The Hunting Wives), and Robinne Lee (The Idea of You) were joined by moderator Jason Blitman (host and producer of the Gays Reading podcast) to discuss the the joys and limitations of bringing a book to the screen.

Cutting straight to the heart of the topic, Blitman kicked things off with the ultimate question: What makes a successful adaptation? Across the panel, there have been varied adaptations. Weir's Project Hail Mary and Cobb's The Hunting Wives had mostly faithful adaptations, while The Idea of You and Station Eleven are larger departures from the source material.

St. John Mandel answered regarding the adaptation of Station Eleven, saying, "They changed every single plot, but they did retain the spirit of the original."

Lee added, "How can I be true to what readers fell in love with and still create something that's going to appeal to a wider audience?"

A potentially surprising sentiment shared by all four authors is that, regardless of their involvement in the adaptations, there was a lack of preciousness toward the projects. That's not to be confused with enthusiasm, however, as everyone on the panel echoed wanting to be champions and cheerleaders for the adaptations.

Novels, television, and movies are such widely different media that change is inevitable in an adaptation, as Weir says, "There are things you can do in a visual medium that are very difficult to do in a narrative medium."

On screen, when you don't need to spend pages filling in interiority or describing scenes and settings, there's room to play and expand characters. Cobb found this to be true in The Hunting Wives as "The husband that takes out the trash is now running for governor."

Lee made the most apt analogy of the panel, saying, "You are going to look at your book as your baby, but you have to look at any adaptation as a kind of distant relative." She went on to say, "When you go to that adaptation, suddenly other people are taking it over, and people are owning those characters. People judging the film, to me, doesn't feel as personal. It doesn't feel like a judgment of my work."

While there's often an adversarial relationship between fans and adaptations of their favorite books, authors enter these projects with an open mind. "I feel like I'm almost like pathologically welcoming of changes in the adaptation process," said St. John Mandel.

Cobb, who first met The Hunting Wives producer, Rebecca Cutter, when she came to visit Texas, recalls driving through the back woods of East Texas. She said Cutter pitched Cobb on her vision for the TV show, describing how she wanted to change the ending, which Cobb met with excitement, saying, "Where were you when I was writing the book?"

In fact, Weir said in his book Artemis, which has been on the adaptation backburner for several years, that when there is movement on the project, he has a list of changes ready to go: "I have identified a bunch of problems in Artemis that I feel are places where the writing is weak. I'm gonna give the directors and the people who are pitching it to studios, I'm going to give a bullet point list of an alternate plot sequence for Artemis."

The panel was the final of BookCon, which returns in 2027 on April 10 and 11.

Blend yourself some midnight margaritas, because the Owens sisters are back!

The witches at the heart of 1998's Practical Magic return for a sequel almost 30 years in the making, directed by Susanne Bier and written by Akiva Goldsman and Georgia Pritchett. Practical Magic 2 is based on the final novel in Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic series, The Book of Magic.

Practical Magic 2 takes place 25 years after the first film. By this point, Sally and Gillian (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) are still practicing magic in Massachusetts alongside their aunts Frances and Jet (Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest). They're also still cursed when it comes to matters of love.

Taking an even bigger role in Practical Magic 2 are Sally's daughters, played by Joey King and Maisie Williams. In the original film, the characters of Kylie and Antonia Owens were played by Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip. Wood confirmed she was not asked to return for the sequel, and that the role was being recast.

As Sally's daughters' begins to develop, ancient family secrets come to light that will force three generations of Owens sisters to fight back against their ancestral curse. Their journey will take them from Massachusetts to the United Kingdom.

The teaser trailer for Practical Magic 2 is full of Practical Magic greatest hits, including Harry Nilsson's song "Coconut," which plays during the midnight margaritas scene in the first film. It also introduces new characters, including Lee Pace as a new companion for Sally and Gillian's travels.

Practical Magic 2 hits theaters Sept. 11.

SAVE $100: The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $899.99, down from the list price of $999.99. That's a 10% discount.

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Credit: Roborock

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow robot vacuum and mop

$899.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $100

 

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Mashable's resident vacuum expert Lead Stodart has tested over 25 models of robot vacuums that also mop. She hadn't written off robot vacuums that have a roller mop, but she was yet to be impressed by performance. However, the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 impressed, and lucky for us, it's on sale today.

As of April 20, the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $899.99, marked down from the usual price of $999.99. That's a 10% discount that takes $100 off the price.

In Stodart's testing of the new Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow, it did a damn fine job at every challenge she tossed its way. While it has 20,000Pa suction power, it picked up sprinkles off a deep carpet as efficiently as the 35,000Pa Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete. "Though the Dreame vacuum is significantly stronger with 35,000 Pa of suction power, I honestly think that the Curv 2 Flow did just as good a job — the pickup rate of both was almost perfect. When I got down on eye level to see if the Curv 2 Flow cleaned up crushed chips on my tufted living room rug, it was spotless aside from a single long hair," noted Stodart.

The roller mop was also impressive in its ability to clean corners, something that doesn't seem physically possible with a robot roller. "The roller sits in a sliding case that visibly extends an inch or two past the vacuum's circumference when an edge is sensed," according to Stodart. "The Curv 2 Flow has provided an extremely close scrub against walls, including the wall of my bathtub, where there are always tiny pieces of hair and kitty litter dust stuck in dried soap droplets."

While this powerful do-it-all model is sitting at a sale price, offload the task of cleaning the floors and enlist the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow robot vacuum and mop to handle the job.

It's hard to escape Timothée Chalamet in film these days. First, he was Wonka, then he conquered Bob Dylan, and now he's taking audiences into the high-stakes world of 1950s table tennis as ping pong star Marty Mauser.

The best streaming deals to watch 'Marty Supreme' at home:

---

Best non-streaming option

Buy or rent "Marty Supreme" on Prime Video

$19.99 or $7.99

Shop Now

---

Best for most people

HBO Max (With Ads)

$109.99/year (save $21.89)

Get Deal

---

Best ad-free option for most people

Max Standard

$184.99/year (save $36.89)

Get Deal

---

Best for students

HBO Max Student

$5.49 per month for 12 months (save 50%)

Get Deal

---

Best way to watch for free

HBO Max Basic With Ads

Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $10.99/month)

Get Deal

---

Best bundle deal

Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max

$19.99 per month (with ads), $32.99 per month (no ads) (save up to 42%)

Get Deal

---

Best for Verizon customers

Netflix and HBO Max (with ads)

$10/month for Verizon myPlan customers (save $8.98/month)

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Directed by Josh Safdie and distributed by A24, Marty Supreme was a major contender during awards season. Chalamet won the Golden Globe for his performance as Marty, and while he didn't take home the Oscar, the movie was a nine-time nominee, which is still something to brag about. Beyond Chalamet, the sports dramedy also has a fantastic ensemble cast that includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, Tyler Okonma (aka Tyler, the Creator), Abel Ferrara, and Fran Drescher.

After a lengthy wait, Marty Supreme is finally hitting the streaming circuit. Here's everything you need to know to catch it from your couch.

What is Marty Supreme about?

Inspired by the real-life story of table tennis champion Marty Reisman, Marty Mauser (Chalamet) is a man with a big dream — to achieve greatness and bring ping pong to the masses. Already a legend in his own mind, though he's barely scraping by, Marty just needs to pay his way to the championship overseas first. And he'll do anything to get there.

"Exploding with chaos, character, and kinetic energy, Marty Supreme is a movie about the city's scoundrels, their sins, and why we love them anyway," writes Mashable's entertainment editor Kristy Puchko.

Check out the official trailer for a glimpse at Marty Supreme:

Is Marty Supreme worth watching?

Now the highest-grossing A24 film domestically, Marty Supreme has surpassed Everything Everywhere All at Once in North America with over $80 million. Audiences didn't just show up for it; they loved it. Currently, the sports comedy holds an 82 percent audience rating and an impressive 93 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes — with most cheering on Chalamet's performance. He won the Golden Globe and was nominated for the Best Actor in a Leading Role Oscar. That's not all, though; the film was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing, Best Directing, Best Cinematography, Best Casting, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Screenplay.

"This zinging dialogue, racing score, and electric cast collide to create cinema that celebrates New York, while recognizing its warts with a bleeding grin. All of this makes Marty Supreme an unusual crowdpleaser," Mashable's Puchko writes in her review. "Full of wild humor and shocking turns, it has its audience in a chokehold of tension and surprise, rarely letting up for us to breathe. And yet, what a thrill to be breathless."

Check out Mashable's full review of Marty Supreme.

How to watch Marty Supreme at home

Credit: A24

A24 released Marty Supreme on digital back on Feb. 10, so we've had quite a wait for its streaming debut. Now that it's finally arrived, we've broken down the details below.

Buy or rent on digital

Marty Supreme made its at-home debut at digital-on-demand retailers on Feb. 10. You can purchase the film for your digital library for $19.99 or rent it for only $7.99. If you choose to rent, you'll get access for 30 days, but just 48 hours once you start watching.

Quick links to buy/rent Marty Supreme on digital:

• Apple TV — buy for $19.99, rent for $7.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $19.99, rent for $7.99

• Google Play — buy for $19.99, rent for $7.99

• Prime Video — buy for $19.99, rent for $7.99

• YouTube — buy for $19.99, rent for $7.99

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Credit: Prime Video

Buy or rent 'Marty Supreme' at Prime Video

$19.99 or $7.99

Shop Now

Stream it on HBO Max

Marty Supreme will finally make its streaming debut on HBO Max on April 24, 2026. While it feels like a long wait, this is actually right on the money for A24 theatrical releases. Other recent A24 movies, like Sorry, Baby, Bring Her Back, and The Smashing Machine, followed the same theater-to-streaming trajectory. A24 just renewed its output deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, so we can expect more A24 theatrical releases (Pillion, The Drama) to hit the streamer in the coming months.

HBO Max subscriptions start at $10.99 per month (thanks to its most recent price hike), but there are some ways to save some money on your plan. Check out the best HBO Max streaming deals below.

The best HBO Max streaming deals

Best for most people: Save 16% on HBO Max annual subscriptions

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Credit: HBO Max

HBO Max Basic with ads annual subscription

$109.99 per year (save $21.89)

Get Deal

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Credit: HBO Max

HBO Max Standard annual subscription

$184.99 per year (save $36.89)

Get Deal

The best way to save on HBO Max on any given day is to sign up for the annual plan over the monthly plan. The HBO Max Basic plan with ads typically costs $10.99 per month, but if you pay for an entire year upfront, that price drops down to just $9.17. You'll pay $109.99 total for the year, which saves you about 16% compared to paying each month.

Rather go ad-free? The annual HBO Max Standard or Premium plans will also save you about 16% over their monthly counterparts. The Standard tier costs either $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year (about $15.42 per month), while the Premium tier costs either $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year (about $19.17 per month). Both tiers unlock ad-free viewing, but the Premium tier also adds 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and the ability to download more offline content.

Get HBO Max for free: Switch to Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan

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Credit: HBO Max / Cricket

HBO Max (with ads)

Free for Cricket customers on the Supreme Unlimited plan

Get Deal

Want to get HBO Max for free? One of the best ways in 2026 is to switch your phone plan to Cricket's $60 per month Supreme Unlimited plan. It includes HBO Max Basic with ads for free — a $10.99 per month value. When you open up the HBO Max app or website, you'll just select Cricket as your provider and use your credentials to log in.

Best HBO Max deal for students: Save 50% on HBO Max Basic with ads

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Credit: HBO Max

HBO Max Student

$5.49 per month for 12 months

Get Deal

College students can watch Marty Supreme when it hits streaming by signing up for an entire year of HBO Max with ads for half price. Verify your student status through UNiDAYS and retrieve the unique discount code to drop the price from $10.99 to just $5.49 per month. After 12 months, the price will jump back up to the full $10.99 monthly fee unless you cancel.

Best bundle deal: Get HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 42% off

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Credit: HBO Max / Hulu / Disney+

Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max

$19.99 per month (with ads), $32.99 per month (no ads)

Get Deal

You'll get the most bang for your buck if you opt for the Disney+ bundle deal that includes Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max for just $19.99 per month with ads. That lineup of streamers would usually cost you $34.97 per month if you paid separately for each, so you'll keep an extra $15 in your pocket monthly. If you prefer to watch without ads, the bundle will run you $32.99 per month as opposed to $56.47. That's up to 42% in savings for unlimited access to all three streaming libraries.

Another great bundle deal: Save $9/month on HBO Max and Netflix (with ads) with Verizon MyPlan

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Credit: Netflix / HBO Max

Netflix and HBO Max

$10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $8.98 per month)

Get Deal

Verizon customers with myPlan can get both Netflix and HBO Max with ads for only $10 per month ($8.98/month in savings). An $18.98/month value, that essentially gets you Netflix Standard with ads for free. Eligible Verizon customers include those on the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plans. After enrolling in the promo, you'll have to complete the account setup separately for each service. Verizon's support page has all the eligibility details, terms, and FAQs.

UPDATE: Apr. 20, 2026, 11:35 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest streaming information for "Marty Supreme."

When Apple revealed its colorful new budget laptop, the MacBook Neo, to the world earlier this year, I predicted Apple would sell millions of them. (Ten million, by some counts.)

Less than two months later, 9To5Mac reports that Apple has sold out its April supply of the MacBook Neo, with the $599 MacBook Neo backordered until May. While you can still find the MacBook Neo in stock at Amazon and Best Buy, rumor has it that after selling out its initial stock, Apple was forced to place rush orders with its manufacturers earlier this month.

The MacBook Neo has an unbeatable price for its feature set, and students and educators can get the laptop for just $499 by taking advantage of the Apple Store's education offer. (That might be why the laptop is backordered at Apple but still available elsewhere.) A version with Touch ID and 512GB of storage is available for $699, or $599 with education pricing.

As I explained in my MacBook Neo review, this laptop has no true competitor. Windows laptops and Chromebooks at that price point have much weaker displays, speakers, and overall specs — and that's before you factor in the Apple status symbol and cool factor as well.

So, if you can't get your hands on the MacBook Neo or prefer Windows, what should you buy instead? All of these MacBook Neo alternatives come with some tradeoffs, but they won't break your budget or slow you down too much.

Your best bet: Wait for more inventory

Honestly, unless you prefer Windows or need a gaming laptop, we recommend waiting until the MacBook Neo is available again at the Apple Store. And if you don't qualify for education pricing, you can still find the Neo in stock at Amazon and Best Buy, for now.

Apple MacBook Neo, 13 inches (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$589.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon

Apple MacBook Neo, 13 inches, Touch ID (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$689.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon

Best for Windows users: Windows 11 Ultimate College Bundle

Last week, Microsoft released a new savings offer for college students that seems designed to compete with MacBook Neo shoppers. Microsoft recently raised prices on its Microsoft Surface devices, and has no true competitor to the Neo. However, this offer does come with a lot of perks for students.

When you buy a Windows 11 laptop, the company will also give you one year of Microsoft 365 Premium, one year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and an Xbox Wireless Controller for free, a more than $500 value.

The offer includes popular cheap laptops like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x and the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop. (See all offers at the Microsoft store.)

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Credit: Lenovo

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x Copilot+ PC, 15.3 inchesSnapdragon X, 16GB Memory, 256GB SSD)

$449.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $350

 

Get Deal

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Credit: Acer

Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop, 15.6 inches (Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)

$999.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now

Best for AI users: Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514

Acer's popular Chromebook Plus Spin 514 will cost you more than the MacBook Neo, but it comes with 12 months of the Google One AI Premium plan, which includes 5TB of cloud storage. It's also a 2-in-1 convertible laptop with a touchscreen, so if offers more versatility than a MacBook. In terms of spec, you also get more RAM and a larger display, though you'll lost out on the MacBook Neo speakers and Retina display.

Again, if you had your heart set on the MacBook Neo, we'd recommend waiting until it's back in stock at Apple or shopping through Amazon in the meantime.

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Credit: Acer

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra, 12GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$749

+12 months of the Google One AI Premium plan

Get Deal

Also consider: The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, a Mashable Choice product available at Best Buy for $699.

Best Apple alternative: The M1 MacBook Air

In our performance tests, the new MacBook Neo's A18 Pro chip performed almost exactly like the original M1 chip on the Geekbench 6 benchmark test. The M1 MacBook Air was also one of the most award-winning laptops ever, and while it's no longer officially sold, you can still find it in stock at Walmart. However, you can grab it refurbished at Amazon and Best Buy for under $500, which is the most we'd pay for this old model.

The M1 chip is ancient compared to the new M5 chips, but it holds up surprisingly well given its age. There's a reason Apple silicon has been so disruptive in the laptop market.

Don't forget: Because this laptop is six years old, it won't be supported with updates for as long as a newly designed device.

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Credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Air, 13 inches (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

Refurbished models starting at $439

Get Deal

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Credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Air, 13 inches (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$618.19 at Walmart

 

Get Deal

Save $31.99: Take 10% off the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds at Amazon as of April 20. This brings them down to $298, instead of their list price of $329.99.

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Credit: Sony

Sony WF-1000XM6

$298 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $31.99

 

Get Deal

As a headphones reviewer, I get plenty experience testing out the latest and greatest audio has to offer. As a budget-buys lover, I don't always see the point of increasingly high price points.

Then, I tried the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds. At $329.99, these earbuds aren't cheap, sitting at an even higher price than Bose's flagship earbuds and the Technics EAH-AZ1000, another Mashable favorite. However, as of April 20, the Sony buds are down to a slightly better $298, marking a return to their lowest price ever.

Don't get me wrong — I get that $300 isn't exactly chump change. That said, I consider these earbuds an investment for anyone who wants the absolute best blend of sound, comfort, and noise cancellation. To be clear, I still think the Bose QC Ultra 2 buds lead the category on the comfort scale, but between the best noise cancellation and sound I've tried on a pair of earbuds, I get why these are priced the way they are.

As these are Sony buds, the companion app also offers great customization, with a 10-band equalizer for finding the sound that's just right. At eight hours per charge, their battery life is also competitive with other noise-cancelling favorites of Mashable's, like the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

I loved the XM6 earbuds when I first reviewed them earlier this year, and I continue to love them months later. Unless the audio space throws a real curveball, I imagine these will be one of the best releases of the year.

SAVE 20%: As of April 20, you can get the Sony QD-OLED 77-inch BRAVIA XR A95L Series 4K Ultra HD TV for $3,999.99, down from $4,999.99. That's a 20% discount or $1,000 savings.

Sony QD-OLED 77-inch BRAVIA XR A95L Series 4K Ultra HD TV

$3,999.99 at Amazon
$4,999.99 Save $1,000

 

Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart

Hooking up a PlayStation 5 to a mediocre screen is a quick way to ruin the graphics you paid for. If you want your games to look the way they were intended, you need a TV that can keep up with the console.

Right now, you can get the Sony QD-OLED 77-inch BRAVIA XR A95L Series 4K Ultra HD TV for $3,999.99 at Amazon, down from $4,999.99. That's a 20% discount, or $1,000 in savings.

Since Sony makes both the console and the TV, you'll get exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping that optimize the picture quality while you play. It has HDMI 2.1 for 4K gaming at 120Hz, so you don't have to deal with lag, and there's a dedicated Game Menu to adjust your settings on the fly. When you put the controller down, the QD-OLED screen gives you pure blacks and bright colors for movie night, with Google TV built in so you have all your streaming apps in one place.

SAVE $120: As of April 20, the DJI Mini 3 beginner-friendly drone is on sale at Amazon for only $299 with an on-page coupon. That's nearly 30% in savings and its best price on record.

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Credit: DJI

DJI Mini 3

$299 at Amazon
$419 Save $120

with on-page coupon

Get Deal

Everyone from real estate agents to marketing managers to casual Instagrammers could use a drone to capture more enticing footage. But drones don't typically come with the most affordable price tags, which is why we're highlighting this deal we spotted on the DJI Mini 3. At nearly 30% off, it's the cheapest we've ever seen it.

As of April 20, the beginner-friendly DJI Mini 3 is down to $299 with an on-page coupon at Amazon. That's $120 off its list price of $419 and just the second time we've seen the price drop this low. Just be sure to check the box that says "coupon price" to score the discount.

Weighing in at just half a pound, the DJI Mini 3 is true to its name. It folds up to an even more compact size for transport. It captures 4K HDR video and its innovative gimbal design allows for true vertical shooting and dynamic angles. Translation: you'll be able to snap some truly epic shots for social media. You'll get about 38 minutes of flight time before you need a charge or battery swap, but you can extend that to up to 51 minutes if you purchase the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (sold separately).

The Mini 3 is level 5 wind-resistant, so you can still take flight and capture footage in less than ideal conditions. Plus, intelligent features like auto takeoff, RTH (return to home), and precise hovering help beginners get started without a steep learning curve.

It's not every day the popular DJI Mini 3 goes on sale for $120 off. If you're in the market for a beginner-friendly drone, click on that coupon box and snag it while you can.

A world half-marathon record was broken at a race in China this weekend. But the winner wasn't an Olympian or even a competitive racer. It was a bright red humanoid robot. Nickname? Lightning.

The autonomous robot was competing in a robot versus human half-marathon race in Beijing, China, an annual event featuring the country's top robotics companies in a foot race test against their human counterparts.

Lightning was built by Honor, a Chinese robotics and smartphone maker. The company tested other running robot variants at the race, including the bots that took home second- and third-place titles.

Mashable got an early look at Honor's new line of AI-powered humanoid bots at the latest Mobile World Congress. The bots had an impressive stability (many of these two-legged bots are prone to tumbling) and even a crowd-pleasing dance performance. The company also debuted a new "Robot Phone," featuring a robotic eye and arm that juts out from the smartphone to take photos and respond to requests.

During Sunday's race, the company showed that the new era of humanoid robots aren't just dancers, but competitive athletes, with Lightning taking home the gold in a 50-minute and 26-second sprint — that's six minutes quicker than the fastest human and nearly two hours faster than its time in last year's race. Honor engineers explained that the robot's fast upgrade came from modeling its design after top athletes, including elongated legs and an internal liquid-cooling system.

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This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Chinese robotics companies have been accelerating their development of humanoid robots over the last several years in direct competition with U.S. manufacturers. Lightning's record-breaking win was taken as a sign that the country's investments may be paying off.

Still, many of the robots needed assistance to cross the finish line. In addition to starting line stumbles and a few falls, about 60 percent of the competing bots were remotely operated by their human teams.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE 33%: As of April 20, you can get the 65-inch Toshiba Class Z670R Series Smart Fire TV for $999.99, down from $1,499.99, at Amazon. That's a 33% discount or $500 savings.

65-inch Toshiba Class Z670R Series Smart Fire TV

$999.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $500

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Replacing your living room TV can be expensive, which is exactly why people put up with a dying screen or terrible speakers for years. But you don't have to spend a ridiculous amount of money just to get a good picture. Toshiba's 65-inch Mini-LED 4K TV gives you all the high-end specs you want without the usual sticker shock.

Right now, you can grab this 2026 model for $999.99 at Amazon, down from $1,499.99. That's a 33% discount or an extra $500 in your wallet for a soundbar, or important things, like bills.

This QLED screen uses Mini LED technology and full-array local dimming to keep blacks deep and highlights bright. It has a native 144Hz refresh rate to keep motion looking smooth, and with a built-in Fire TV, you won't need an extra streaming dongle to access your live channels or apps. Toshiba also included a REGZA Power Audio Pro system with a dedicated bass woofer, so you get resonant audio straight out of the box.

Save 42%: As of April 20, you can grab a four-pack of first generation Apple AirTags on sale for $56.99 at Woot. This sale slashes their price down $42.01 from $99.

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Credit: Apple

Apple AirTags, first generation (4-pack)

$56.99 at Woot
$99 Save $42.01

 

Get Deal

Sometimes, shopping in the off-season can get you the best deals on a product (think space heater in the middle of summer). And sometimes, as is the case with this Apple deal, products go on sale at the perfect time.

Just in time for spring and summer travel, a four-pack of the first generation Apple AirTags are on sale at Woot for $56.99. That comes out to just $14.25 per AirTag, compared to the $29 a single AirTag will run you. It's also the best price we've ever seen on the Bluetooth trackers, besting their record-low of $59.99 they hit in March.

Of course, a Bluetooth tracker can be useful year-round, not just during travel season. AirTags are small enough to be slipped in your purse, wallet, on a keychain, and for some people, even as a collar for their pets. A new generation of AirTags did just hit the market in February, but in comparing the two generations side by side, Mashable's Stan Schroeder found that the differences between the two trackers weren't vast, with the first generation especially reigning superior for older iPhone compatibility.

The newer trackers have a better tracking range, and a louder signal. Still, it's hard to beat value, and at this sale price, the first generation AirTags are undeniably offering that.

The dating app Tinder wants more women on the platform, its CEO said.

"Winning women is critical to us," Spencer Rascoff, who joined Tinder's parent company, Match Group, last year and also took the helm of Tinder in July 2025, told the Financial Times in an interview published Sunday.

Rascoff continued that reaching "gender parity is very challenging, but we absolutely need to do a better job of driving outcomes for women, and when we do that, more women will choose to use our apps."

Tinder's user gender split isn't public, but 2022 Pew Research Center data found that 34 percent of American men said they've used a dating site or app, compared to 27 percent of American women. Around 75 percent of Tinder users are male, according to data insights website Demandsage.

Seeing as Tinder's direct revenue and paying users have decreased year-over-year both in 2024 and 2025, Rascoff has been working to reverse that trend. Shortly before he joined the app last year, he said he wanted to move Tinder away from its "hookup reputation" to attract Gen Z, a generation known for not wanting to participate in "hookup culture."

Rascoff also told Financial Times that Match's board has given him leeway to prioritize investments in new products and advertising, and now he's trying to increase the total number of people on Tinder as opposed to solely focusing on increasing paid users, as he figures the more people use the app, a segment would decide to pay for it.

He also bucked the notion that people have swiped left on dating apps entirely. "It's ridiculous to say people don’t like dating apps," he said. "That's just not true, people don’t like dating apps that are ineffective."

While dating app users themselves may disagree, as fatigue and cynicism for dating apps have been increasing over the past few years, one Match Group property keeps rising: Hinge. While Tinder's direct revenue and paying users have declined, Hinge's have risen in both 2024 and 2025.

The interview comes weeks after Tinder announced a suite of new features, including an AI-driven matchmaker called Chemistry.

April 20 has become the day to celebrate cannabis culture in the United States. We're not going to tell you how you should celebrate this occasion, but we are going to point out the fact that a number of popular restaurants are offering food deals on this date. You never know when the munchies are going to hit, so it's best to stay prepared.

You can find limited-time food offers from the likes of Wingstop, Chipotle, Subway, and Taco Bell, and more. We've checked out everything on offer to bring you the very best 4/20 food deals.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

On April 20, score a Pizookie for only $4.20.

Blazed Pizza

On April 20, Blaze Pizza is offering its BFF Bundle for $25.99. This deal is online only.

Chipotle

On April 20 at participating restaurants, score a Buy One Get One Free entree by wearing a hockey jersey.

Del Taco

Score a Buy One Get One Free deal on Carne Asada Fries from April 17-20. You can also get free delivery on orders over $20.

Dog Haus

Rewards members can get a free cheeseburger slider for spending $4.20 or more on April 20.

Insomnia Cookies

On April 20, Insomnia Rewards Members can buy four classic cookies and get two for free. This offer is available for in-store and pickup orders only.

KFC

On April 20, score a Pot Pie Combo for only $4.20, a Chick N’ Nug Meal for only $20, and two for $2.95 Original Recipe, Extra Crispy Chicken, or Hand-breaded Tenders. This offer is only available in-app or online.

Subway

Sub Club members can get a Buy One, Get One Free Footlong deal with the promo code FLBOGO.

Taco Bell

Spend $20 or more through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Postmates and get a large Nacho Fries for free.

Wingstop

On April 20, Wingstop is giving away 420 limited‑edition collectible trays at select locations in Los Angeles, San Jose, New York City, and Atlanta. This is available with the purchase of a Hot Box while supplies last.

SAVE $250: The Roborock Qrevo robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $399.99, down from the list price of $649.99. That's a 38% discount and the same sale price we saw last month during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

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Credit: Roborock

Roborock Qrevo robot vacuum and mop

$399.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $250

 

Get Deal

Robot vacuums used to be something that needed babysitting. They would stumble down the stairs or get stuck under furniture and cry (beep) for help. But these days, we have smarter robot vacuums and ones that can mop your home, too. If you're in the market for a powerful robot vacuum and mop that doesn't cost a fortune, check out this Amazon deal.

As of April 20, the Roborock Qrevo robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $399.99, marked down from the standard price of $649.99. That's a 38% discount that shaves $250 off the price. It's the same sale price we saw last month during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

With 8,000Pa suction power, an anti-tangle brush, and an all-in-one charging dock, the Roborock Qrevo robot vacuum and mop would like to take over the tasks of vacuuming and mopping your home. The suction is designed to rid your floors of hair, fur, dust, crumbs, and other debris on any surface.

In terms of mopping, the Roborock Qrevo uses high-speed rotation to clean any mess. With 30 levels of water floor, even a sticky spill should get cleaned with the 200rpm dual spinning mop pads. The obstacle avoidance makes this model suitable for all homes and it can map up to four floors.

While it's back at the same price we saw during the Amazon Big Spring Sale, upgrade your home's cleaning routine with the Roborock Qrevo robot vacuum and mop. Many combo vacuum and mop models can cost hundreds more, so this is a great chance to score a dual-cleaning robot for less.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be launching a tariff refund site for international importers on Monday, April 20.

The current tariff situation is, frankly, confusing. First, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in February that President Donald Trump does not have the power to unilaterally impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), striking down one of the president's signature policies. After the ruling, Trump called the justices "fools" and "lapdogs" and pledged to implement a 10-percent global tariff.

As a result of the ruling, many importers will be eligible for refunds for the unconstitutional tariff fees levied against them.

What is the new tariff refund site?

The tariff refund site will be administered through U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is scheduled to launch on Monday, April 20.

The new Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal will be available through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) website. More information can be found in a regularly updated CBP blog post.

"CAPE is designed to consolidate refunds of IEEPA duties including interest rather than processing refunds on an entry-by-entry basis," the website states.

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Who is eligible for refunds?

The CAPE portal is designed for companies who paid tariff fees, importers of record, and authorized customs brokers. These entities will need to submit a declaration through the CAPE portal.

"Importers and authorized brokers should anticipate that valid IEEPA refunds will generally be issued within 60-90 days following acceptance of the CAPE Declaration, unless a compliance concern requires further CBP review," the CBP writes.

Can American consumers get refunds, too?

While the CAPE portal is designed for importers, companies like Costco and FedEx have pledged to pass along refunds to affected customers, according to Axios.

If you're hoping for prices to come down as a result of the Supreme Court ruling, as we reported at the time, this is unlikely.

"Consumers shouldn’t see meaningful price relief soon," Ravin Gandhi, CEO of GMM Nonstick Coatings and an expert on tariffs, told Mashable in February.

"Tariffs were just one piece in the overall pricing structure — and businesses don’t typically lower prices immediately when a cost input disappears — especially with so much inflationary pressure," Gandhi said. "Even though the ruling is legally significant, the short-term economic impact may not happen as fast as the headlines are suggesting."

SAVE 25%: As of April 20, you can get the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses for $224.25 at Amazon, down from $299. That's a 25% discount or $74.75 savings.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses (Gen 1)

$224.25 at Amazon
$299 Save $74.75

 

Get Deal at Amazon

If you're tired of your earbuds falling out during calls or reaching for your phone every time it dings, you might want to consider a smart wearable like the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

Right now, you can get 'em for $224.25, down from $299, at Amazon. That's a 25% discount, or $74.75 in savings, and the lowest price we've seen these smart glasses go for yet.

You wouldn't know it just by looking at them, but these frames have a lot going on. Mashable's former East Coast Tech Editor, Kimberly Gedeon, tested them out on her commute and called the open-ear audio "crisp, full, and rich — total ear candy." They also feature an ultra-wide 12MP camera for hands-free photos and 60-second videos, plus a built-in Meta AI that can answer questions or translate languages in real-time.

And, if wearing a microphone and camera on your face sounds a little intimidating, you can easily tweak the privacy settings or turn off voice commands whenever you want.

TL;DR: Live stream New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Playoffs for free on YouTube. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA has entered into its dramatic final stage. The NBA Playoffs are here to deliver huge matchups over the next few weeks. Expect huge performances from star players, big moments that will be talked about for years to come, and incredible energy from fans. And you don't get much more passionate than Madison Square Garden in the playoffs.

The New York Knicks are 1-0 up in the series. Can they go 2-0 before heading to Atlanta?

If you want to watch Knicks vs. Hawks in the NBA Playoffs for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Knicks vs. Hawks?

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Playoffs starts at 8 p.m. ET on April 20. This game takes place at Madison Square Garden.

How to watch Knicks vs. Hawks for free

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Playoffs is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN (we tested ExpressVPN and it worked great)

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

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

4. Visit YouTube

5. Watch the NBA for free from anywhere in the world

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Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like YouTube, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream select games from the NBA Playoffs for free on YouTube. Live stream the NBA for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA is a unique sport. There's nothing else in which incredibly tall athletes can be made to look absolutely tiny by aliens who can dunk without leaving the ground. And almost all of these shockingly tall athletes display a skillset that mere mortals can't even fathom.

The NBA could make a legitimate argument that it hosts the very best athletes in the world. Sure, the NFL might disagree. And rugby definitely attracts some special specimens. But the NBA has a bunch of seven footers dunking on each other. That's tough to beat.

If you are interested in watching the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the NBA?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America made up of 30 teams (29 from the United States and one from Canada). The defending champions are the Oklahoma City Thunder.

When is the NBA?

The 2025–26 NBA season is the 80th edition of the competition. The regular season runs from Oct. 21 to April 12. The play-in tournament is scheduled to be played on April 14-17, followed by the playoffs on the next day, and concluding with the NBA Finals from June 4 to June 21.

The in-season NBA Cup will take place from Oct. 31 to Dec. 16.

How to watch the NBA for free

Select games from the NBA Playoffs are available to live stream for free on YouTube.

These free live streams are geo-restricted to India, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN (we tested ExpressVPN and it works great)

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

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

4. Visit YouTube

5. Watch the NBA for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select NBA games before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for YouTube?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing live streams on platforms like YouTube, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including India

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be a little easier if you know your sports teams.

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. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise 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 before the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

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

• Yellow: Golden state

• Green: Almost Boston teams

• Blue: Olympic glory

• Purple: Running destinations

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: California Baseball Teams

• Green: Shortened Nicknames for Boston Teams

• Blue: Associated with the Miracle on Ice

• Purple: World Marathon Majors

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 #574 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• California Baseball Teams — A'S, ANGELS, GIANTS, PADRES

• Shortened Nicknames for Boston Teams — B'S, C'S, PATS, SOX

• Associated With the Miracle on Ice — 1980, BROOKS, HOCKEY, LAKE PLACID

• World Marathon Majors — BERLIN, BOSTON, CHICAGO, TOKYO

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 today's Connections.

SAVE $30: As of April 20, the AirPods 4 (without ANC) are on sale for $99 at Amazon. This is $30 off their list price of $129.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple AirPods 4

$99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30

 

Get Deal

Apple users, it's time to celebrate! Amazon has dropped the price of the AirPods 4 (without ANC) back down to $99. If you've had your eyes on these earbuds but have been waiting for a nice discount to come around, this is a great opportunity to grab them for less.

Usually the AirPods 4 (without ANC) are listed for $129, so this deal saves you $30 overall. It's a pretty nice sub-$100 offer to take advantage of right now, and one that may not be live for long. So if you've been hoping to add them to your Apple collection, this is the time to make a move.

AirPods 4 may not come with noise-canceling features, but they still boast great sound quality that lets you enjoy your favorite music, audio books, podcasts, and more while you're out and about this spring. We consider them the best cheap AirPods in our roundup of the best budget earbuds, noting that they, "deliver five hours of battery life and smooth sound quality." That battery life can even be pushed up to 30 hours with the charging case.

This roundup also adds that, "even if you go for the pair without ANC, you'll save $50 and still enjoy the multi-dimensional audio that the AirPods can provide. Not to mention, the microphone is crisp and clear on the AirPods 4 so you can take calls on them without a problem."

Treat yourself to some new AirPods with this great deal on AirPods 4 at Amazon.

The staggering visuals from the Artemis II mission just keep coming.

On Sunday, Commander Reid Wiseman shared an extraordinary video he shot on an iPhone 17 Pro Max from inside NASA's Orion spacecraft, and it's a stunner.

"Like watching sunset at the beach from the most foreign seat in the cosmos, I couldn’t resist a cell phone video of Earthset," Wiseman wrote in an X post. The moment when Earth appears to sink below the moon's horizon, Earthset was captured by the Artemis II crew from Orion on April 6, 2026, during the historic lunar flyby.

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"I could barely see the Moon through the docking hatch window but the iPhone was the perfect size to catch the view," Wiseman added.

For this "uncropped, uncut" video, the commander used an iPhone 17 Pro Max, which has a 48 megapixel triple rear camera array with 8x optical-quality zoom (which Apple claims is "the longest iPhone Telephoto ever"). When Mashable's Stan Schroeder reviewed the iPhone 17 Pro Max, he praised the zoom as "not just a parlor trick" and recommended "you should use the zoom feature on this phone, and use it often." Turns out shooting Earthset from space was an optimal opportunity to put said zoom to the test, one few of us will ever get.

Latest model iPhones aren't the only gadgets the Artemis II team had onboard. The shutter sound you can hear in the video, Wiseman noted, is mission specialist Christina Koch snapping away with her Nikon D5 (7731.T) camera, ​a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) model with a 400-millimetre lens, using three-shot bracketing (triggering rapid automatic shots to capture the same image multiple times). Two Nikon cameras (the D5 and a Z9), alongside four modified GoPros (reportedly Hero 11s), allowed the astronauts to document the visual delights of their mission.

Koch's resulting Earthset images, just like Wiseman's video, are nothing short of marvellous — as NASA writes, "is reminiscent of the iconic Earthrise image taken by astronaut Bill Anders 58 years earlier as the Apollo 8 crew flew around the Moon."

Earthset, captured Apr. 6, 2026, by Christina Koch. Credit: NASA

Where were the other two Artemis II astronauts during this glorious Earthset? Reid said pilot Victor Glover "was in window 3 watching," with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen "next to him." As Mashable space reporter Elisha Sauers explains, "They spent about seven hours rotating through observation shifts on the sixth day of the mission, swapping lenses, calling out features, and firing off photos as the spacecraft arced around the far side of the moon."

The historic Artemis II mission has seen the internet fiercely glued to their social media feeds, with the crew beaming home content during the 10-day flight around the moon. Just because they're back on Earth doesn't mean the content stops.

Prediction markets, which essentially allow users to gamble on almost anything, are on the rise. But what are the ethics of companies that allow people to bet on the possibility of nuclear war?

In the latest episode of Last Week Tonight John Oliver unpacks that exact question, while also digging into other issues — like the possibility of insider trading — faced by leading platforms Kalshi and Polymarket.

"It sure seems like right now we've effectively got gambling sites operating even in states where gambling is illegal, and offering bets on things that there have been laws against for over a decade now," Oliver says in the clip above. "There are a bunch of cases making their way through the courts right now, but it's not clear how they'll resolve, and it's probably going to be in front of the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Congress is considering a number of proposals tackling aspects of this issue, although given that the President of the United States has a kid currently advising both major companies, I wouldn't hold your breath."

Meaningful policy change in the near future, Oliver says, seems unlikely.

"But at some point we do need to put in place some basic guardrails here. And until then, if we can't change how these sites operate, we should at least try and change how we individually see them. One thing that would frankly help is if news organisations stopped laundering these companies' reputations for them by putting their odds on screen like they are actual news," the host continues.

"Look, on a personal level, if you're considering using these markets to gamble, try and remember that you are statistically likely to lose money. And while I am not against gambling per se, there is something so grim about these sites turning every aspect of our lives into a bet. Because sure, money can be won on them. But in that happening, something also gets lost. Specifically a society where things aren't only weighed in financial terms and where people engage with news for what it means to human beings, not just because they have $50 riding on it. And when something unexpected happens in the world, it would be really nice not to have to automatically question whether it's only because someone is trying to move a market."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Tesla's Robotaxis will hit the streets in two more cities: Dallas and Houston.

Announced by the Elon Musk-owned company on X over the weekend, Tesla is rolling out its autonomous rideshare vehicles in additional Texas locations, after launching in Austin in June 2025.

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Tesla also shared maps of where Robotaxis will be available in Houston and Dallas, which are much less initially penis-shaped maps than its Austin release. In Houston, Robotaxis will be available in the northwest around Jersey Village and Willowbrook; in Dallas, the service will cover a central/north area around Highland Park.

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The service, which has come with its fair share of teething issues, lets passengers be chauffeured around town by autonomous Tesla Model Y cars. In the video shared by Tesla on Saturday (above), there is no human driver or safety monitor in the passenger seat — exactly how "unsupervised" the Robotaxi rides technically are has made a few headlines about remote human oversight.

"We began testing driverless Robotaxis in Austin in December and began removing the safety monitor from customer rides in January on a limited basis, which will unlock further expansion of our Robotaxi fleet and coverage area in the Austin-metro," reads Tesla's Q4 earnings deck from Jan. 2025. Tesla has also been testing Robotaxi pickups from San José Mineta International Airport in the San Francisco Bay Area, "with plans to expand to other major airports in the Bay Area upon receiving required permitting."

Tesla's main competitor, Waymo, already operates for select riders in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio in Texas, as well as being open to the general public in Austin and major U.S. cities including Nashville, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Phoenix, the San Francisco Bay Area, and most recently, Miami and Orlando — though it hasn't been a smooth rollout by any means.

In 2026, following a $16 billion financing round, Waymo is eyeing the likes of over 20 more cities including New York, Chicago, Charlotte, and many more; beyond the U.S., London and Tokyo are up next.

Uber, meanwhile, also has its sights set on Dallas, recently committing $10 billion to robotaxis in ​at least 28 cities by 2028.

SAVE $80: As of April 20, the Anker Solix C300 DC power bank station has dropped to $169.99 at Amazon. This is $80 off its list price of $249.99.

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Credit: Anker

Anker Solix C300 DC Power Bank Station

$169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80

 

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Portable power stations are mighty helpful machines to have around. Whether they're used as backup power during an outage or to keep you powered up while you're out on a camping trip, they can keep your favorite devices charged and ready to go.

If you've been hoping to buy one before summer, Amazon has quite a few on offer at the moment. This includes a deal on the Anker Solix C300 DC power bank station. As of April 20, the Anker Solix C300 DC power bank station is on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. Overall, this saves you $80 from its usual list price of $249.99, but it won't last long. It's currently marked as a limited time deal, so now is the time to make a move on it.

When it comes to camping or outdoor activities, the Anker Solix C300 has an incredibly portable design that's easy to take around on your adventures — you could even put it in a backpack, or wear it over your shoulder with the add-on strap that's sold separately. It boasts plenty of power, offering up 300W output and 288Wh capacity. It also features a variety of ports for charging, including one 120W car socket, two 140W USB-C ports, one 100W USB-C port, one 15W USB-C port, and two 12W USB-A ports.

This limited time deal may not last long. Be quick to save on the Anker Solix C300 DC power bank station at Amazon.

Curious what other portable power banks are out there and worth picking up? Have a look at our roundup of the best portable power stations to see some of our favorites.

SAVE $100: As of April 20, the Apple Watch Series 11 is on sale for $329 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Apple

Apple Watch Series 11

$329 at Amazon
$429 Save $100

 

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The Apple Watch Series 11 is back on sale at Amazon If you've been looking for a new fitness tracker, we named this one the best smartwatch fitness trackers, so you know you're getting something that delivers. And as of April 20, this Apple watch is reduced by $100, taking the price down from $429 to $329.

The Apple Watch Series 11 is an advanced smartwatch that does so much. As well as being a great fitness companion, it's also great for monitoring your overall health. It includes features designed to track things like high or low heart rate, irregular rhythm, and potential blood pressure concerns. It also has tools for tasks like ECG readings, blood oxygen tracking, and sleep scoring.

For fitness tracking, you'll get incredibly detailed stats on everything from heart rate zones to training load, as well as the option to use guided workouts. And if water-based activities are your go-to sport, this watch has 50 meter water resistance.

For functionality, you'll get up to 24 hours of battery life, so you won't be caught out even during serious endurance sports. It's also compatible with fast charging, and is built with a durable, scratch-resistant display. It even has built-in safety features like fall detection and crash detection. These alerts are able to detect incidents and help connect you with emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.

You can get this Apple deal at Amazon now.

TL;DR: Own Microsoft Office 2024 for life and learn how to actually use it with included training courses for a one-time $114 payment (reg. $409.99).

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Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business + The Premium Microsoft Office Training Certification Bundle

$114
$409.99 Save $295.99

 

Get Deal

There’s something satisfying about having the full Microsoft Office suite ready to go — no subscription fees, no “trial expired” pop-ups. But having the tools is only half the story. Knowing how to use them well? That’s where things really start to click.

With Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business bundled together with a full training package, this setup is less about installing apps and more about actually improving how you work.

You’re getting the essentials — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote — installed directly on your device for offline access and everyday reliability. It’s a one-time purchase tied to your Microsoft account, which means no recurring fees and no juggling subscriptions.

But the real standout here is the training bundle. Instead of figuring things out as you go, you get structured courses that walk you through everything from Excel basics to advanced formulas, filtering techniques, and even using Excel alongside tools like ChatGPT.

There are also dedicated courses for Word, PowerPoint, and OneNote, so you’re not just opening apps — you’re learning how to use them efficiently.

Office 2024 itself brings some thoughtful upgrades, too. Performance improvements — especially in Excel — make it easier to handle large datasets without slowdowns, while AI-powered suggestions help with writing, formatting, and data insights. Features like dynamic arrays, smarter research tools, and presentation recording in PowerPoint make everyday tasks feel more streamlined and modern.

It’s also designed to be more intuitive overall, with a cleaner interface and better collaboration tools like co-authoring and version history when you need them.

Whether you’re managing work projects, running a small business, or just trying to make spreadsheets less painful, this bundle makes the whole experience feel a lot more approachable.

Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business plus 8 courses for a one-time $114 (reg. $409.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Mashable readers can save 30% on select Nomad eSIM plans with the code MASH30.

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Credit: Nomad

Nomad eSIM: 30% off with code MASH30

 

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If you have a big love for travel, or a lot of business trips planned in 2026, it's important to make sure you've got enough data to keep up with your adventures. This is where an eSIM comes in handy, as they provide international connectivity without relying on your carrier's (often expensive) roaming options.

Nomad can set you up with a solid eSIM data plan. And better yet, Mashable readers can score 30% off Nomad eSIM plans right now with the help of code MASH30.

With over 200 connected destinations worldwide, a Nomad eSIM plan makes a whole lot of sense (especially with this Mashable-exclusive discount). There are a few things to keep in mind with this deal: it's only valid for registered users and only applies to full plans, not add-on data. It also can't be applied to Day Plans or plans under $5.

Speaking from experience, a Nomad eSIM is a very helpful investment. I recently used it on an international trip and found the setup to be quick and stress-free. Its app is very easy to navigate, and after finding the right data plan for my trip and location, it gave me a step-by-step process to activate my eSIM right from when I landed. I was able to text my friends and family immediately without any hiccups, which was a huge relief.

Another huge benefit was how the app let me keep an eye on how much data I was using, so I had no worries about going overboard while I was out and about. It's something I'd happily use again, and I definitely recommend Nomad if you're someone on the hunt for a reliable eSIM provider ahead of your next trip. And with this new discount code, it's very likely a cheaper option than your regular carrier's roaming charges.

Before finding a plan that works for you, you'll also want to double-check that your device is compatible with Nomad's eSIM plans. Thankfully, Nomad has a page dedicated to eSIM-compatible devices so you can see if it works with your handset.

Act fast to score 30% off Nomad eSIM data plans with code MASH30.

SAVE $5: As of April 20, the Roku Streaming Stick HD is on sale for $24.99 at Amazon. That's a 17% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Roku

Roku Streaming Stick HD

$24.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $5

 

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The Roku Streaming Stick HD is back on sale at Amazon, so if you've been looking for a simple and affordable way to upgrade your streaming setup, look no further. The HD streaming stick is the most affordable in the range, giving you access to HD streaming for just $24.99.

This is a nice and compact streaming device, with a design that limits unnecessary cables. It plugs directly into the TV without blocking other ports and, unlike many streaming devices, can be powered by the TV itself.

It comes with a single remote that, once set up, will control both the TV and streaming functions (even the volume and power). The remote also has voice commands, so you can use it to search through multiple streaming apps at once or even ask the device to look up something online.

As well as access to the major streaming platforms (Netflix, Prime Video, and more), you'll also get over 500 free live TV channels.

Get this Roku deal at Amazon while it's still live.

SAVE $250: As of April 20, the Google Pixel 10 is on sale for $549 at Amazon. That's a 31% discount on the list price.

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Credit: Google

Google Pixel 10

$549
$799 Save $250

 

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Looking to upgrade your phone without committing to a two-year contract? Check out the latest deal on the Google Pixel 10, down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

As of April 20, it's reduced by $250, bringing the price down from $799 to $549. And there's three colors to choose from: indigo, lemongrass, and frost. This is an unlocked device, meaning it works across major carriers so you have flexibility with provider and plans.

This smartphone is built around Google’s Tensor G5 chip, so it's designed to give you strong performance for everything you do. It has integrated AI features through Gemini that will help make all your daily tasks easier and quicker. Other features include an advanced camera which has an upgraded triple rear camera system, including a 5x telephoto lens with up to 20x Super Res Zoom, along with Night Sight for low-light photography and tools to help guide shots.

And if you're clumsy, this phone is built with durable materials, including Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It's also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance.

Find this Google deal at Amazon.

We're well and truly in the new lunar cycle, and after nights of no joy, keen moon gazers can finally spot some surface features again tonight. Keep reading to find out what you can spot on the Moon tonight.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, April 20, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 11% of the moon will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

Visual aids or not, tonight you're in luck. If you're looking up at the Moon with just your naked eye, expect to catch a glimpse of the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. If you have either binoculars or a telescope, you'll see these as well as the Endymion Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon is predicted to take place on May 1, the first of two in May.

What are Moon phases?

NASA says the Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to orbit Earth, going through eight distinct phases along the way. We always see the same side, but the part lit by the Sun changes as it moves around its orbit, creating the familiar sequence of full, partial, and crescent shapes. These changing appearances are known as lunar phases. There are eight in total:

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.

If you’ve even so much as dipped your toes in the online dating world, you’ll be aware of AdultFriendFinder. After all, it was founded all the way back in 1996 and managed to become one of the 100 most popular sites in the U.S. by the late 2000s. But despite its obvious popularity, it’s never managed to break into mainstream consciousness like Tinder or Hinge.

There’s a very good reason for that.

AFF, as it’s known among members, is explicitly an “adult” dating site — a badge it wears proudly, but one that also has hindered its mainstream reach.

But what if you’re curious about how it works, whether it works, or who it works for? What if you’ve always wondered whether you’re missing out on the best-kept online dating secret and want to join the party? Or maybe you’re worried it’s more hype and chatbots than organic, spicy fun. We did the work for you, breaking down the AdultFriendFinder experience and what you can realistically expect if you decide to dip your toes into these naughty waters.

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Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

Learn More

AdultFriendFinder isn’t a traditional dating site

If you sign up for AdultFriendFinder expecting a traditional online dating experience, you’ll need to adjust your expectations — fast. It’s not that AFF members aren’t interested in serious dating; it’s that sex and sexuality are placed front and center, with everything else emerging from there.

That much is obvious almost from the moment you log in. Unlike mainstream dating sites, which ban nudity from profile photos, AFF allows it — meaning conventional dating-app selfies sit side by side with full-frontal nudity and live webcam feeds. There is a content filter, accessible in your profile settings, but it defaults to "off," so if you would rather not see any nudity, or only see it when you deliberately choose to click on a NSFW picture, you should navigate to this setting ASAP.

For some people who aren't looking for a bare-all experience, this might be off-putting, but to those who are looking for exactly that, it’s refreshing. Unlike traditional dating apps, where early conversations often revolve around figuring out what the other person actually wants, AFF members tend to be refreshingly upfront and transparent (wink wink) about their intentions.

How to meet people on AdultFriendFinder

Every online dating site lives or dies by its algorithm, with new platforms constantly rolling out novel ways to connect singles. AdultFriendFinder, however, takes a maximalist approach to interacting with strangers.

You can search for members the conventional way, using specific criteria like gender, sexual orientation, age, location, and more, but you can also jump into themed chat rooms or follow members’ live streams. Through the “Who’s Hot” tab, which highlights popular members as well as trending photo and video uploads, you can easily discover someone you might otherwise never have come across.

One thing you’ll notice quickly, however, is the presence of obviously fake profiles. When I searched for singles near me, I encountered a surprising number of stunningly beautiful women in a small rural town near my city — all with airbrushed photos and vague, AI-sounding profile descriptions.

AFF makes it extremely easy to sign up and create a profile, requiring little more than a username, password, and basic personal information. The upside is that it lowers the barrier to entry; the downside is that scammers can exploit that same simplicity.

To counter this (aside from relying on common sense), AdultFriendFinder offers a blue checkmark verification system and even incentivizes users to complete it by boosting their visibility. Verification requires a government-issued ID, which AFF uses to confirm your age, photo authenticity, location, and gender. It's an optional step, but one worth completing since it helps you signal to others that you are who you say you are.

If avoiding scammers and catfishers is a priority, looking for that blue checkmark before engaging is a smart move.

What kind of success rate can you expect from AdultFriendFinder?

So far, so good, but there is a catch. While you can browse and explore AFF for free, meaningful one-on-one interaction requires a paid Gold membership, available in one-month ($39.95/month), three-month ($26.95/month), or one-year ($19.95/month) packages, all of which renew automatically.

Understandably, most people hesitate to pay for a dating site without a clear proof of concept. And because AFF places many of its best features behind a paywall, there’s undeniably a leap-of-faith element here. That said, the premium membership largely justifies its price.

With an AFF Gold membership, you unlock unrestricted messaging, high-resolution member videos and webcam streams, expanded profile galleries, and advanced filters that make narrowing down potential matches far easier.

Does paying guarantee attention from everyone you message? Of course not. The usual dating-app dynamics still apply — heterosexual men, for instance, should expect to work harder for responses than heterosexual women. Being attractive, fit, or witty helps, and being all three helps even more.

What works in your favor is the sheer breadth of the AFF community. Members span a wide range of ages, body types, orientations, and interests, making it easier to find someone — particularly if you’re looking for something casual and fun rather than long-term commitment.

Based on my personal experience, as well as the limited statistics AFF has released, the platform skews male (roughly 60:40 in my area) and slightly older. That male/female ratio mirrors most dating sites. The older skew can actually be an advantage if, like me, you prefer connecting with people closer to your own age.

One final piece of advice: don’t ignore AFF’s broader community features. If you rely solely on search results and direct messages, you’ll face roughly the same odds as any other dating app. But if you explore the themed chat rooms — covering everything from erotic fiction to body modification — you’re far more likely to stumble into the kind of connection you’re actually looking for.

SAVE $600: As of April 20, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is on sale for $698.99 at Amazon. That's a 46% discount off the list price.

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Credit: Jackery

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

$698.99 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $600.01

 

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The powerful Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station with solar panels is back on sale at Amazon. If you're looking for a power solution to keep your whole house running, look no further. This impressive setup includes the power station as well as a 200W solar panel. And as of April 20, it's $600 off. Right now you can purchase this model for $698.99 at Amazon.

This unit gives you 1,500W of AC power (3,000W surge) with a 1,070Wh battery, so it is capable of running appliances like fridges, small AC units, and other everyday devices. But it's not just great for home use. Thanks to its lightweight build (just 23.8 pounds) and foldable handle, it’s great for use during camping, road trips, or anywhere where you need to carry it with you.

It also supports fast charging, reaching full capacity in around one hour with the Jackery app’s emergency mode. There's also alternative options including alternator and solar charging. The unit uses a durable LFP battery rated for around 4,000 charge cycles while retaining over 70% capacity, giving you a lifespan of more than 10 years.

Get this portable power station deal at Amazon now.

TL;DR: Walmart has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Build and Battle Box up for preorder at $59.99 with free shipping, while TCGplayer’s unopened listings start at $64.66 shipped.

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Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Build and Battle Box

$59.99 at Walmart

 

Pre-order Here

If you’re the type of Pokémon TCG collector who loves to play the actual trading card game, you can now preorder the upcoming Chaos Rising expansion’s Build and Battle Box for under market price. 

As of April 20, Walmart has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Build and Battle Box listed for $59.99 with free shipping, sold and shipped by Cataclysm Games. By comparison, over at TCGplayer, unopened presale listings start at $64.66 with shipping included, with the listed median sitting at $64.67 and the current market price at $64.38.

That makes Walmart the better buy right now by just under $5, which is a strong dip for a preorder price on a Pokémon TCG expansion — where newly dropped pricing can usually be pretty tight between retailers.

As for what you’re getting compared to Chaos Rising ETBs and Booster Bundles, Build and Battles Boxes are designed to get you gameplay ready with the new expansion from the get-go — by including both a pre-built deck and booster packs to tweak it with.

Specifically, each Chaos Rising Build and Battle Box includes: 

• A 40-card ready-to-play deck

• One of four unique foil promo cards

• Four Mega Evolution Chaos Rising booster packs

• A code card for Pokémon TCG Live

The four possible promo cards are Delphox, Ampharos, Crobat, and Goodra. The Pokémon Company says these boxes will also be used at prerelease events starting May 9, ahead of the expansion’s official May 22 release.

Chaos Rising includes over 120 cards and continues the Mega Evolution series with Pokémon like Mega Greninja ex, Mega Pyroar ex, Mega Floette ex, and Mega Dragalge ex. 

For even more packs and extras from the new Pokémon TCG expansion, the Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box is also available to preorder for slightly under $115. If you haven’t had the chance to try the current expansion yet, the Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Build and Battle Box is now ready to buy for less than $40.

TL;DR: Walmart has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Box up for preorder at $244.99 with free shipping, while TCGplayer’s market price is currently sitting at $245.34.

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Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Box

$244.99 at Walmart

 

Pre-order Here

Chaos Rising is already shaping up to be as big as Ascended Heroes in the list of Pokémon TCG releases this year, and collectors can now lock in a full Booster Box for under market price.

As of April 20, Walmart has preorders for the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Box listed at $244.99 with free shipping, sold and dispatched by Cataclysm Games. TCGplayer, meanwhile, has unopened presale listings starting at $243.99 before $2 shipping, totalling $245.99 at the lowest.

Compared to the Chaos Rising Booster Box’s current market price of $245.34 on TCGplayer and the listings on the dedicated trading card platform, Walmart is the cheapest option by a dollar while keeping the box slightly below market value. 

Each Chaos Rising Booster Box includes 36 booster packs from the upcoming expansion. At Walmart’s $244.99 price, that works out to roughly $6.81 per booster pack before tax. 

This saves you major money compared to buying Chaos Rising Booster packs individually, which are currently available for $10.92 at the cheapest. Saving you $4.11 per pack from the Pokémon TCG expansion, buying the 36-pack Chaos Rising Booster Box means you’re spending around $147.96 less compared to buying them individually. 

Among other best prices on Pokemon TCG preorders, the Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box is available to buy for just under $115 at Walmart and TCGplayer. As for other boxes of a few dozen boosters, the 36-pack Perfect Order Booster Box is also available for just over $200. 

If you've chatted with any single friend lately or scrolled through social media, you know the general consensus: People are exhausted by online dating. App fatigue is real, it's excruciating, and it makes finding a genuine connection online feel impossible. As someone who's been testing and reviewing dating apps for years, I get asked one question constantly: Which dating apps work?

My answer is always the same: The only "hack" is choosing the right app for what you actually want. Someone on eharmony is looking for a ring, while users on hookup apps like Tinder are... well, you know what they're looking for.

"Dating apps can feel overwhelming because there are so many of them, but the truth is the platform matters a lot less than the mindset you bring to it," Davide De Pierro, author of The Letters I Never Sent, tells Mashable. "You can download all of them if you want, but eventually you still have to show up as yourself, which is the scary part, but also the freeing part. Because once you do that, you don’t have to keep track of which version of yourself you’re pretending to be. If you’re honest about who you are and what you want, the right connection can happen anywhere."

I always follow up this advice with one more piece of wisdom: Don't give up! Despite burnout, the best dating apps remain among the most reliable ways to meet a partner. A 2025 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus found that 65 percent of people aged 18 to 29 have used a dating app, and a 2023 Pew Research Center report found that one in five young people met their significant other on one.

You just need the right tool. That's why I've put in the hours, the swipes, and the subscription fees to find the best dating app for every kind of single person. To help you find your match, these are all of the top dating apps worth downloading in 2026.

If you need even more personalized advice, check out our guides to the best dating apps for men, women, and the LGBTQ community.

The dating apps I'd skip (and why)

You'll probably notice a few popular apps are missing from my list. That’s intentional. Part of my job is to filter out the platforms that aren't worth your time, money, or sanity. An app doesn't get my recommendation just because it's well-known — it has to be effective and safe.

Here are a few popular dating apps I'd skip:

• Plenty of Fish (POF): I know this one shows up on a lot of lists, but in my opinion, it's a dating app ghost town. POF launched as a dating site back in 2003, and it shows. In my experience (and based on widespread user feedback), the platform is filled with bots and scams, and the odds of finding a quality connection are stacked against you. Unless you enjoy sifting through fake profiles, I think your time is better spent elsewhere.

• Raya: Raya is basically the Soho House of dating apps. It's exclusive, expensive, and not for the average person. You have to fill out an application to use it, and the vetting process can take anywhere from a few days to a few years. While it might be great for networking or bagging an influencer, it's just not a practical recommendation for most people who are simply looking for a date. (See also: The League.)

• Niche "hookup" sites (like BeNaughty, Fling, etc.): There's a chance you've seen ads for sites like these, which promise quick, no-strings-attached fun. Based on my research and countless user reviews, I'd advise you to steer clear. These platforms are notorious for being overrun with bots and having questionable billing practices, with users reporting unexpected and hard-to-cancel subscription charges.

TL;DR: TCGplayer has Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle presale listings starting at $59.49 with shipping included, while the current market price is sitting at $59.58. Walmart also has preorders live at $59.98 with free shipping, putting TCGplayer just under market value and slightly cheaper.

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Credit: The Pokemon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle

$59.49 at Walmart

 

Pre-order Here

Preorders for the Chaos Rising expansion from Mega Evolution have started appearing at Pokémon TCG retailers, and it turns out TCGplayer is currently the best place to get the coveted six-pack Booster Bundle. 

As of April 20, TCGplayer has unopened presale listings for the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle starting at $59.49 with shipping included. That puts it just under the current $59.58 market price, with the most recent sale at $59.61 and the listed median also sitting at $59.61.

For comparison, Walmart has the same Chaos Rising Booster Bundle listed for preorder at $59.98 with free shipping. Prices are likely to creep up in price as we get closer the expansion’s release date of May 22. 

Similar to those that came before in the trading card game, each Chaos Rising Booster Bundle includes six booster packs from the new Mega Evolution expansion. That works out to about $9.92 per pack at TCGplayer’s current lowest shipped price, before taxes. The lowest price you can currently buy single Chaos Rising booster packs is for $10.92 at TCGplayer, which means buying the Booster Bundle at this price saves you just over $1 per pack.

Chaos Rising is following the theme of Perfect Order and Ascended Heroes by focusing on new and returning Mega Evolutions in the Pokemon TCG, including those featured in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, such as Mega Greninja ex, Mega Pyroar ex, Mega Floette ex, and Mega Dragalge ex among its 120+ cards —  including more than 20 Trainer cards and over 35 special illustration cards. 

For ETB fans, preorders for the Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box are also available for just under $115. As for the Pokémon TCG’s current expansion, Perfect Order Elite Trainer Boxes are back in stock at Amazon for just over $80.

SAVE $500: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,049 at Amazon. That's over $500 off the list price of $1,599.

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Credit: DJI

DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo

$1,049 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $550

 

Get Deal

What's in store for the drone market in 2026? We're honestly not sure. Legislative pressure is mounting on DJI imports, but we expected stock to be dipping already. That's clearly not the case, because stock is readily available on Amazon and some of the most popular drones are heavily discounted for a limited time.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is down to $1,049 at Amazon. That's over $500 off a beginner-friendly drone that offers professional specs without the hassle of FAA paperwork.

Lightweight drones like this have historically had to compromise on quality, but that's not the case here. The Mini 5 Pro offers a massive 1-inch CMOS sensor, so whether you’re shooting 50MP stills or 4K/120fps slow-motion, the dynamic range is staggering.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro also makes use of forward-facing LiDAR that powers the new Nightscape Omnidirectional Sensing, allowing the drone to dodge branches, power lines, and buildings even when you can’t see them on your screen. The last thing you want to do is crash your brand new $1,099 drone. This helps avoid that haunting scenario.

You're also getting 42GB of internal storage with this discounted drone. That means you can actually capture a full afternoon of 4K footage without needing an external card at all. It's a simple feature that makes a huge difference for users.

Save over $500 on the DJI Mini 5 Pro this week.

TL;DR: Get a free iPhone 17e when signing up for a T-Mobile plan with no trade-in required. You can also get the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when signing up for an Experience More plan and trading in an eligible device.

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Credit: Apple

T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 17 for free

 

Get Deal

In the mobile carrier world, "free" is a word that usually comes with a whole lot of catches. Free deals usually force you into a premium plan and demand you trade in a pristine flagship phone to qualify for the discount. However, T-Mobile’s latest offer for the iPhone 17e is surprisingly straightforward.

For a limited time, you can score the newly-released iPhone 17e for free by simply opening a new line with T-Mobile. The standout feature of this deal? You don't need a trade-in. T-Mobile is covering the full $599 retail price of the iPhone 17e via 24 monthly bill credits.

Want something with a little more power? You can also pick up the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when signing on for 24 months of an Experience More plan and trading in an eligible phone. This deal gets you unthrottled 5G data, 4K streaming, and heaps of international roaming, but it's does fall into that standard trade-in/premium plan category of free deal.

You might not need to upgrade to the iPhone 17, because the iPhone 17e packs a serious punch. It utilizes the same A19 chip found in the standard iPhone 17, meaning it’s fully compatible with the latest Apple Intelligence features. As Mashable’s Stan Schroeder notes in his first-hand look: "The combination of having Apple's latest chip and a decent amount of storage means this phone will be relevant for at least four to five years." So it sounds like you've covered for the forseeable future with this budget-friendly handset.

We should point out that you still need to pay taxes on the full retail price upfront, plus a $35 device connection fee. And, of course, you’re locked into a data plan for two years. But you've got a shiny new iPhone 17, so you're still winning.

Score an iPhone 17e for free at T-Mobile.

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, April 20, 2026:

Across

All-caps reply to a spammy political text

• The answer is Stop.

Number of seasons that "Seinfeld" and "The Office" each ran

• The answer is Nine.

Wild party, informally

• The answer is Rager.

Swedish furniture giant

• The answer is Ikea.

Long-lasting salon treatment

• The answer is Perm.

Down

Chinese zodiac animal

• The answer is Snake.

Chinese zodiac animal

• The answer is Tiger.

Hour following midnight

• The answer is One AM.

The "p" of m.p.h.

• The answer is per.

Tombstone letters

• The answer is RIP.

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 the latest Mini Crossword.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

Hurdle Word 1 hint

To exert.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

WIELD

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Plain.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BLAND

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

Postage.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

STAMP

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Rugged.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

ROUGH

Final Hurdle hint

Cheeky.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

SASSY

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

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, 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 on to 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 with 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:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• 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 April 20 Pips

Number (24): Everything in this purple space must add up to 24. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally; and 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Every domino half in this red space must have 0 pips. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 12. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally; and 3-3, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for April 20 Pips

Less Than (2): The domino half in this purple space must have less than 2 pips. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (5): The domino half in this red space must have more than 5 pips. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Every domino half in this light blue space must have 5 pips. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Every domino half in this yellow space must have 2 pips. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 5. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Every domino half in this green space must have 5 pips. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this purple space must add up to 12. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for April 20 Pips

Number (1): Everything in this purple space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): The domino half in this red space must have more than 1 pip. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (0): The domino half in this light blue space must have 0 pips. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this yellow space must add up to 2. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Every domino half in this dark blue space must have 2 pips. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): The domino half in this green space must have more than 1 pip. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (1): The domino half in this purple space must have more than 1 pip. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Does Not Equal: Everything in this red space must have a different number of pips. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically; 6-2, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed vertically; and 1-6, placed vertically.

Number (2): The domino half in this light blue space must have 2 pips. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 12. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 4-4, placed horizontally; and 4-0, placed vertically.

Number (0): The domino half in this green space must have 0 pips. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this purple space must add up to 7. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically; 3-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): The domino half in this light blue space must have more than 3 pips. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): The domino half in this yellow space must have 5 pips. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 12. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this red space must add up to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 6-0, 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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you enjoy angling.

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

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

What is Connections?

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

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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.

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Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Hazy

• Green: "Good catch!"

• Blue: Deadly bite

• Purple: Start the week

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Mass of smoke

• Green: Fishing gear

• Blue: Associated with Black Widow spiders

• Purple: ___ Monday

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 #1044 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Mass of smoke: BILLOW, CLOUD, PLUME, PUFF

• Fishing gear: BAIT, HOOK, NET, ROD

• Associated with Black Widow spiders: CANNIBALISM, HOURGLASS, VENOM, WEB

• ___ Monday: BLUE, CYBER, MANIC, MEATLESS

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a shining star.

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

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

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

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Gloriously glaring!

The words are related to shine.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things that shine brightly.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Catch the Light.

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NYT Strands word list for April 20

• Glisten

• Gleam

• Glitter

• Catch the Light

• Glimmer

• Glow

• Glint

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you knit.

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

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Intertwine.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

WEAVE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

TL;DR: Score a one-year BJ’s membership for $15 (reg. $60) and save up to 20¢/gal. on gas through April 30 — just in time for spring shopping and road trips.

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Credit: BJ's Wholesale Club

1-year The Club Card Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal

$15
$60 Save $45

 

Get Deal

The warmer weather tends to sneak up fast, and so do those grocery bills and gas receipts. A one-year membership to BJ’s Wholesale Club is one of those simple upgrades that can make everyday shopping feel a little more manageable.

You can currently grab a Club Card Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal for just $15 (reg. $60) through April 30, which opens the door to savings across groceries, household essentials, and even your weekend cookout prep.

Let’s start with the obvious, though. Gas prices. Members already get everyday savings at BJ’s Gas, but during this promo window, you’ll get an extra 15¢ off per gallon stacked on top of the usual 5¢ discount — bringing your total to 20¢ off per gallon through April 30.

Inside the club, it’s all about stretching your dollar further. BJ’s is known for offering competitive pricing on national brands, plus a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, bakery items, and deli favorites. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, stocking up for a party, or just trying to cut down on weekly grocery runs, buying in bulk can help simplify things.

There’s also something to be said for convenience. Fewer trips to the store, more options in one place, and access to seasonal items that make spring and summer feel extra special.

Get a one-year Club Card Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal® for just $15 (reg. $60) and enjoy an extra 15¢ off per gallon at any of the 199 BJ’s gas stations through April 30.

Grabbing this deal? Build your cart to $100+ and score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 free with code GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) through April 19.

Gift with $100+ purchase promo ends April 19, 2026. Exclusions apply. Only one promo code applicable per order. Prices subject to change.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

With the fervor of Heated Rivalry, there's a fierce desire among book readers for even more hockey. On Sunday, April 19, at BookCon, the "You Had Me at Hockey: A Look at One of Sports Romance's Hottest Genres", authors Rachel Reid (Heated Rivalry, Game Changer), Emily Rath (Pucking Around), Ngozi Ukazu (Check Please), Stephanie Archer (The Wild Card), and Kate Cochrane (Wake Up, Nat & Darcy) were joined by moderator and fellow author Bal Khabra (Collide) to discuss the rise and continued success of hockey romance.

Khabra kicked off the panel, asking just how hockey became so popular. Ukazu joked that it was as if the genre "escaped containment," like when the Omegaverse went mainstream, while Reid described the mystery around hockey, saying, "what [the players] are doing seems impossible." Archer also added that the sport itself is exceptionally hard on the body, and the celebrity around players, especially in Canada, is fun to play with.

But there's more to the genre's success than the tropes. "It has to be said," Rath argued, "that the cornerstone of why this is so popular in publishing is racism." She went on to say that straight, white women's voices dominated the romance genre for so long, pointing out that hockey is also the whitest sport. Among major league sports, the NHL is the most predominantly white. In 2022, ESPN reported that 83.6% of league players and staff were white, compared to the NFL, where 25-27% of players are white, or the NBA, where white players make up 17.5% of the league.

Zooming into the genre, the authors also spoke about the writing process. They dove into the deeper aspects of their work, even the smut. Rath said, "I think the least sexy thing you can ever do is write a sex scene." A similar sentiment came up during Reid's Saturday panel, where she described using the sex scenes to further the emotional arc. When readers ask authors if they can skip the spice, Archer says of her own books, "No, you can't skip the sex scenes. You're missing so much character development if you don't go on the journey with them."

The panel turned to the future, too. Many of the authors write BIPOC and queer representation into their novels, in a genre that often centers on whiteness and homophobia. "We're writing the world as we want it to be," Rath said.

Reid has found that there is progress toward a future that these authors and their readers want to see, saying that the NHL is interested in working with them. "People on the inside, they really want to work toward change and want to make this happen."

With the hockey fandom at an all-time high, there's a whole team behind these authors ready to drive change.

Apple's got new headphones in its lineup. Or does it?

The new AirPods Max 2 are the first proper upgrade to the company's first and only set of over-the-ear headphones, which came out in 2020; the revised version in 2024 only got a USB-C port instead of Lightning, and Apple, again, just called them AirPods Max.

Now, the AirPods Max 2 are here, but the list of upgrades is once again pretty short. I've spent about a week with a pair to see whether these are worth their price; here's what I found.

Design, colors, battery life: No changes

This is the first time, and possibly the last time, I'm lumping all of these together in a headphone review. The reason is simple: They're all the same. The design, weight, and dimensions haven't changed at all. Even the colors on offer are the same: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange.

I've had an old pair of Midnight AirPods Max with USB-C (check my full review), and the new ones Apple sent me were Blue. There's literally no way of telling that these are different model numbers and two years apart.

On the left, the new AirPods Max 2. On the right, the old AirPods Max. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

To be fair, there isn't very much I'd change here, design-wise. These headphones look great, they're incredibly sleek and comfortable, and even though I rarely use the physical controls on the right earcup, I have no improvement suggestions there, either.

Some people complain that the AirPods Max are too heavy. At 386.2 grams, they are pretty chunky; for comparison, Sony's WH-1000XM6 and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra headphones, which are also wireless, over-the-ear headphones with active noise cancellation, both weigh roughly 130 grams less. I don't mind the weight, but if you do, just note that nothing has changed in this regard since the very first AirPods Max model.

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What does annoy me is the fact that the AirPods Max can only be fully folded inwards, and when you do that, the chance of one earcup chaffing and scratching the other gets very high with each movement. Apple's Smart Case is practically a must-carry for this reason alone, but I'm unhappy to report that the case is still the same as before: Unsightly and not very protective.

I like the look of the AirPods Max 2, and I don't mind the fact that they're pretty heavy but...they are pretty heavy. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The Blue color was nicer than I thought, because it's far more silver than blue. It is a lot flashier and more noticeable on your head than Midnight, so if you're looking for something subdued, Blue isn't it. It is odd, however, that Apple didn't introduce at least one new color with the new model.

Battery life is still listed at 20 hours with noise cancellation on, and I didn't notice any difference between the old and the new model.

They sound pretty much the same, too

If you're shopping for a pair of headphones, the way they sound should be pretty high on your list of priorities. With the AirPods Max 2, Apple left most of the hardware unchanged, with the biggest difference being the new H2 chip.

In theory, it should improve sound quality; in its marketing materials, Apple says the new model offers "elevated sound quality."

As hard as I tried, I couldn't hear the difference when it comes to sound quality. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Both the old AirPods Max and the new ones sound excellent. They offer a wide soundstage and plenty of detail across all frequencies. The sound is tuned so that the bass and treble are pronounced, while the mid-range is a little subdued. I prefer to fix that with a trick: On the iPhone, go to Settings - Accessibility - Audio & Visual - Headphone Accommodations; turn the setting on, and select "Tune audio for Balanced Tone". I have it set to Moderate, which makes the overall sound brighter and the vocals more present.

With or without such tinkering, I could not hear the difference between the old and new models. My initial setup was to remove all equalization, turn off Bluetooth, connect the headphones to a MacBook Pro with a USB-C cable, and play some hi-res lossless track on Apple Music, while alternating between the two models. In such a setting, the two models sounded exactly the same.

With the biggest improvement to the new model being the H2 chip, I thought perhaps I could get a bigger difference by going wireless, and switching between various modes and options, including Transparency mode and Noise Cancellation. Nope. I still couldn't hear a difference, aside from noise cancelling being better on the new model (more on that in a bit).

Better noise cancellation and tons of new software features

The noise cancellation has been improved. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple says the new H2 chip improves noise cancellation by 1.5x compared to the old model. I can't vouch for that exact figure, but the noise cancellation has been audibly improved. I've tested it by blasting white noise and jet engine noise on various speakers around the house, and not only did the new AirPods Max 2 blocked more noise, but they were also better at reducing noise depending on where I turned or how I moved my head.

That said, Apple's AirPods Max 2 still aren't particularly great at noise cancellation. While not directly comparable as they're a different type of headphone, Apple's own AirPods Pro 3 earbuds are a better choice, and not by a little. Wearing them on a busy street makes the outside noise vanish in a spectacular fashion; the AirPods Max 2 make the noise more tolerable, but the effect isn't nearly as noticeable.

The AirPods Pro 3 are worth mentioning here because they also have the H2 chip, and with this latest upgrade, Apple's AirPods Max 2 are essentially catching up with them. This means the AirPods Max 2 now also have features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, Voice Isolation, Personalized Volume, Loud Sound Reduction, and Siri Interactions. These are all great since they're optional. For example, I like to manually switch Noise Cancellation on and off, but if you prefer the headphones to do it automatically, Adaptive Audio is the way.

Still pretty great, but not all that new

The AirPods Max 2 are still a great product, but if you have an old model, you don't really need to upgrade. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The AirPods Max 2 are Apple's only over-the-ear headphones (if you don't count Beats), and they're an excellent product. They sound pretty good, play nice with Apple hardware, they look great, and they're very comfy (if you don't mind the weight). They're pricy, and you can get better-sounding headphones for the money, but you will never get all of the features listed above in one product.

As a second-generation product, however, they aren't great. They're basically the same as the original, with the only meaningful upgrade being the new H2 chip. This does enable a number of new features as well as improve noise cancelling, but that's where the list of improvements ends. And yes, they're still priced at $549, which is more than you'll pay for similar headphones from Sony, Bose, or Sennheiser.

As a result, I can recommend the new AirPods Max 2 in one case only: If you're an avid Apple user shopping for over-the-ear headphones for the first time. If you have a pair of old AirPods Max at home, it's not worth upgrading, and I'd argue that if you just need something that cancels noise well, you'd do better if you just bought the AirPods Pro 3.

Apple AirPods Max 2

$529.99 at Amazon

 

See It at Amazon

With May the 4th coming up, my nephew and I are getting ready for our mandatory apartment tradition: hitting up BrickinBad (a local "Lego collector hub") so he can pick out a new set for us to build together over the weekend. Neither of us is a huge Star Wars fan, but you don't have to be to appreciate a good Lego build.

Lego's annual May the 4th drop is known for being an expensive, shelf-clearing event. But looking at the 2026 lineup, the prices are pretty reasonable. Yes, there's a $250 Ultimate Collector Series ship in the mix, but most sets run just under $50.

The official promotional event runs from May 1 to May 6, but seven of the eight new sets hit shelves early on April 26. But, if you hold off and buy them in May, Lego will throw in exclusive freebies — like a free Darksaber set if you spend over $160.

Whether you're treating yourself to some new desk decor or taking a kid on a weekend toy run, here's the full breakdown:

Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter (75442)

If you're going to splurge this Star Wars day, make it this one. Credit: Lego

It wouldn't be May the 4th without a ridiculously detailed Ultimate Collector Series model to anchor the event. This 1,809-piece N-1 Starfighter is the priciest set of the bunch at $249.99, but buying it automatically scores you an exclusive Mandalorian and Grogu Display gift. It drops on May 1 for Lego Insiders and May 4 for everyone else, so you'll want to jump on it before it sells out.

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Credit: Lego

Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter (75442)

$249.99 at Lego

 

Shop Now

Lego Star Wars The Razor Crest (75447)

If you want a more affordable weekend project ($250 is kind of steep), Mando's iconic original ship is a great alternative. This 930-piece version of the Razor Crest hits shelves on April 26, and if you wait to buy it during the May event for $149.99, it qualifies for a free Razor Crest mini-build.

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Credit: Lego

Lego Star Wars The Razor Crest (75447)

$149.99 at Lego

 

Pre-order Here

Lego Star Wars Grogu, Mandalorian Apprentice (75446)

Because there's no such thing as too much Grogu. Credit: Lego

For fans who prefer building characters over ships, this 1,200-piece model portrays Grogu in his apprentice era. (Holding off to buy this one in May also gets you the free Razor Crest mini-build.) It's intricate enough to display on an office desk without looking too toy-ish, plus there's really no such thing as too much Grogu merchandise in your apartment.

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Credit: Lego

Lego Star Wars Grogu, Mandalorian Apprentice (75446)

$129.99 at Lego

 

Pre-order Here

Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship (75445)

A must-have if you love Babu Frik. Credit: Lego

If you're a fan of Babu Frik and his adorable droidsmith species, this 701-piece ship is a mid-range option. It drops on April 26 for $74.99 and is another set that'll score you the free Razor Crest mini-build if purchased during the promotional window.

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Credit: Lego

Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship (75445)

$74.99 at Lego

 

Pre-order Here

Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust (75439)

Come to the dark side. Credit: Lego

You can grab this 349-piece Darth Vader bust starting April 26. It's great if you just want a small, $49.99 piece of the May the 4th action for your desk. If you want to complete a classic trilogy display while building up your cart to hit that $160 Darksaber freebie threshold, you might want to consider adding the Yoda bust to your cart too.

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Credit: Lego

Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust (75439)

$49.99 at Lego

 

Learn More

Lego Star Wars AT-RT Attack

A fun, action-focused build. Credit: Lego

At 297 pieces, this AT-RT Attack is the smallest and most affordable set of the entire drop. It hits shelves on April 26 for $44.99, giving you a quick, action-focused build that qualifies you for the free Razor Crest mini-build. It's also a great pick if you're taking a kid on a toy run and don't want to do any real damage to your bank account.

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Credit: Lego

Lego Star Wars AT-RT Attack

$44.99 at Lego

 

Learn More

Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian and Grogu: Allies & Villains (40856)

A solid mid-size build to celebrate the iconic duo. Credit: Lego

This 661-piece set drops just ahead of the holiday on April 26 and leans heavily into the Mando hype. At just $39.99, get a decent amount of bricks to keep you busy for an afternoon without emptying your wallet. Plus, it's an easy add-on to throw in your cart if you're just trying to cross that $160 finish line for the free Darksaber.

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Credit: Lego

Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian and Grogu: Allies & Villains (40856)

$39.99 at Lego

 

Learn More

Lego Star Wars Yoda Bust (75438)

A quick, affordable build for fans of the original trilogy. Credit: Lego

If you prefer the classics over the newer Disney+ shows, this 399-piece Yoda bust is a quick and affordable build. It won't take up your entire weekend to finish, but still helps you hit the $160 minimum to get the free Darksaber set.

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Credit: Lego

Lego Star Wars Yoda Bust (75438)

$39.99 at Lego

 

Learn More

TL;DR: Visual Studio 2026 brings AI-assisted coding, real-time collaboration, and cross-platform development into one powerful IDE, and it’s on sale only through today.

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Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026

$42.97
$499.99 Save $457.02

 

Get Deal

Modern development demands more than just a code editor — it calls for a smarter, faster, and more collaborative environment. And Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 is designed to simplify things in a very real way.

This latest version leans heavily into what modern developers actually need: speed, flexibility, and smarter tooling. Built as a fully 64-bit IDE, it handles large solutions and complex workloads without the usual slowdowns, which is especially noticeable when you’re working across multiple projects or environments.

One of the biggest upgrades here is how seamlessly AI is integrated into your workflow. Instead of feeling like an add-on, features like IntelliCode actively learn from your codebase to suggest entire lines or blocks of code, help refactor on the fly, and reduce repetitive tasks. It’s less about replacing your workflow and more about quietly speeding it up.

On the cross-platform side, Visual Studio 2026 keeps things flexible. You can build everything from .NET MAUI mobile apps to web apps with Blazor, and even target Linux or container-based environments — all without jumping between tools. Add in hot reload, and you can make changes in real time without breaking your flow.

Collaboration also gets an upgrade. With Live Share, teammates can jump into your session, edit, debug, and test code together without needing to clone repos or configure their entire setup. It’s a small shift that can make a big difference in how quickly teams move.

Then there’s CodeLens, which surfaces insights like test status, commit history, and code references directly in your editor, so you’re not constantly context-switching just to understand what’s going on.

Don’t miss this 2026 upgrade while it’s on sale. Get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 while it’s just $42.97 (reg. $499.99) through April 19.

Grabbing this offer? Once your cart hits $100+, add Microsoft Office 2021 and apply GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) at checkout to get a lifetime license for free. Ends April 19.

Gift with $100+ purchase promo ends April 19, 2026. Exclusions apply. Only one promo code applicable per order. Prices subject to change.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Charge On the go with 56% off this 8-in-1 keyring cable when you get the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable for just $21.99 (Reg. $49.99).

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Credit: GoCable

GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable

$21.99
$49.99 Save $28.00

 

Get Deal

Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or a newbie to the outdoors, there are certain tools you need, including (but not limited to) adequate hydration, proper gear, and backup power options for your phone. With the GoCable, 8 features are combined into one portable tool that might optimize your outdoor experiences.

Despite its tiny and discreet design, the eight features included in this versatile cable include:

• Portable charging: 100W fast charging to speed up how long it takes to juice up your devices.

• Universal compatibility: Type-C to Type-C + Apple Lightning connectivity.

• LED display: Track your charging status with real-time visibility

• Magnetic cable consolidation: Manage your cables with a discreet design and magnets that prevent tangles.

• Bottle opener: Conveniently placed bottle opener for opening drinks on the go.

• Hidden cutter: Sleek and sharp cutting tool, tucked away for safety.

• Carabiner clip: Secure attachment with a clip-on carabiner.

• Fast transferring and processing: High-speed file transfer capability.

This portable keychain is just as at home on your backpack or on your desk. Unify all of your charging tools with this one streamlined tool, which doesn’t sacrifice charging speed for efficiency.

Whether you need to charge a device quickly while transferring files or you need an extra boost of charge on the go, this portable charger and keyring consolidates your convenience devices and your tech tools.

And with the carabiner, you can clip this keychain onto anywhere — from your clothes to your bags.

Get the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable for just $21.99 (Reg. $49.99).

Grabbing this offer? Once your cart hits $100+, add Microsoft Office 2021 and apply GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) at checkout to get a lifetime license for free. Ends April 19.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

Hurdle Word 1 hint

The edge.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

BRINK

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Moody.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

POUTY

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

America's bird.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

EAGLE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A platform.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

FORUM

Final Hurdle hint

Cheapskate.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

MISER

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

After days of almost (and complete) darkness, the Moon is finally starting to reappear. We're currently in the Waxing Crescent phase of the lunar cycle, which means each night until the Full Moon we'll see it get more illuminated from the right side.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, April 19, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 5% of the moon will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

Despite more of it now being illuminated, the percentage of surface is still too little to be able to spot any surface details. Check again tomorrow.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon is predicted to take place on May 1, the first of two in May.

What are Moon phases?

NASA states that the Moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit Earth, during which it passes through eight distinct phases. We always see the same side of the Moon, but the amount of sunlight reflecting off it changes as it moves along its orbit, creating the familiar pattern of full, partial, and crescent shapes. We call these the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:

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.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, 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 on to 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 with 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:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• 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 April 19 Pips

Equal (0): Every domino half in this red space must have 0 pips. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Every domino half in this purple space must have 3 pips. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically.

Number (1): The domino half in this light blue space must have 1 pip. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Every domino half in this yellow space must have 4 pips. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Every domino half in this dark blue space must have 2 pips. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for April 19 Pips

Number (7): Everything in this purple space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Every domino half in this red space must have 0 pips. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Every domino half in this light blue space must have 5 pips. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (7): Everything in this yellow space must add up to be less than 7. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 7. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Every domino half in this green space must have 6 pips. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (1): The domino half in this purple space must have more than 1 pip. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for April 19 Pips

Number (2): Everything in this purple space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this red space must add up to be less than 2. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally; and 0-0, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this yellow space must add up to 5. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 1-6, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Every domino half in this green space must have 3 pips. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this purple space must add up to 9. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 3-6, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this red space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 2-6, 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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be a little easier if you love baseball.

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. The sports 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 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 before the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

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

• Yellow: East Coast

• Green: Back end

• Blue: They don't call it soccer

• Purple: Past and present names

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: AL East Teams

• Green: First Words of Football Positions

• Blue: Premier League Managers

• Purple: Nicknames for the Dodgers Franchise, Over Time

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 #573 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• AL East Teams — BLUE JAYS, ORIOLES, RAYS, YANKEES

• First Words of Football Positions — DEFENSIVE, RUNNING, TIGHT, WIDE

• Premier League Managers — EMERY, GUARDIOLA, MOYES, SLOT

• Nicknames for the Dodgers Franchise, Over Time — BRIDEGROOMS, DODGERS, ROBINS, SUPERBAS

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 today's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you have a sweet tooth.

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

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

What is Connections?

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Lippy

• Green: Gowns

• Blue: Played in Vegas

• Purple: Sweet treats

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Cheeky

• Green: Dress measurements

• Blue: Cards in Texas Hold 'Em

• Purple: Last words of candy brands in the singular

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 #1043 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Cheeky: ARCH, FRESH, SASSY, WISE

• Dress measurements: BUST, HIPS, LENGTH, WAIST

• Cards in Texas Hold 'Em: FLOP, HOLE, RIVER, TURN

• Last words of candy brands in the singular: CAP, DUD, KID, MINT

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're constantly changing.

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

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

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

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Small change

The words are related to changes.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe fine-tuning.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is There I Fixed It.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

NYT Strands word list for April 19

• There I Fixed It

• Adjust

• Modify

• Alter

• Improve

• Tweak

• Refine

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you can never sit down.

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

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To rise.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

STAND

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

TL;DR: This rare Microsoft bundle deal gives you a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro for only $42.97 (reg. $418.99) through May 17.

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Credit: Microsoft

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle

$42.97
$418.99 Save $376.02

 

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Looking for an affordable way to make your old PC feel new again? If you don’t have the funds to buy a brand new computer, don’t worry. The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is the next best thing, offering your computer a total upgrade for only $42.97 through May 17.

Don’t count out your dusty old PC. This Microsoft bundle is here to give it a total facelift for less than $50. It kicks off with a lifetime license to some of the brand’s most popular tools — Microsoft Office, which you’ll pay for once and enjoy without any subscription fees.

You’ll get permanent access to a suite of eight helpful apps with Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows. It includes staples that have been around for decades, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. You’ll also get newer favorites like Teams, OneNote, Access, and Publisher.

Once you’ve loaded the apps onto your device, you can upgrade your OS to Windows 11 Pro. It’s an operating system made for modern professionals, with tools that support your workflow. Enjoy a more powerful search experience, improved voice typing, a seamless interface, snap layouts, and much more.

You can rest easy knowing Windows 11 Pro takes your cybersecurity seriously. You’ll have biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and advanced antivirus defenses to keep your data secure.

Show your PC some love with the Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro bundle for only $42.97 (reg. $418.99) now until May 17.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Interested in buying a Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold? You might be permanently out of luck.

As spotted by 9to5google, Samsung has updated the online listing for the very big foldable phone to say that the "limited run" device is "now completely sold out." Presumably, that means you simply will not be able to get one at any point in the near future, if ever. 9to5google pointed out that Samsung had never referred to the TriFold as a "limited run" device before this website update.

Now, the site recommends users check out the Galaxy S26 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold 7 instead.

"Keep visiting samsung.com to make sure you don't miss upcoming one-of-a-kind innovations, and shop the latest foldables and premium mobile devices now from Samsung Galaxy," the site now reads.

If you've been following the TriFold saga closely, this isn't terribly surprising. The device launched in Asia late last year, made its western debut at CES in January, and we were already hearing that it might have a limited run by March. Samsung did one final restock online and at a handful of Samsung retail stores around the U.S. in early April, and that was seemingly the end of the line for the TriFold.

Maybe this was always the plan, or maybe Samsung quickly realized there was no sustainable way to keep manufacturing a nearly $3,000 smartphone in the age of global memory shortages. Regardless, it seems like anyone who wanted a TriFold either already has one, or will never get one.

The first panel at BookCon drew lines of fans an hour before its start. Fans have shown up in style. I spotted dozens of iterations of t-shirts with the faces of actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storie plastered on them. Boston Raiders, Montreal Metros, and New York Admirals jerseys are in abundance, too. 3,000 fans are here, waiting to see Rachel Reid and Jacob Tierney in conversation for the first time.

But while this may be the first public conversation between the Heated Rivalry author and show creator on a grand stage, it's clear that these two have been in perfect sync since their first Zoom call. Moderated by former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Versha Sharma, Reid and Tierney took to the stage at BookCon for a session called "Game Changing TV: Heated Rivalry." The conversations spanned across their entire collaboration, from their very first DM to the music that makes the show, to how their lives have changed since the show aired.

Tierney, whose knack for comedy shines through, discussed how the show moved at a lightning pace. The adaptation kicked off in August 2023, with the first episode airing on November 28, 2025. Heated Rivalry's inception and creation happened at lightning pace for television. Tierney, who was the co-creator and director of Letterkenny, said that, rather than the show being slowed down by roadblocks, at every turn it appeared to accelerate instead. The show was sold to HBO before it was even finished, with episode six only finishing four days before it aired.

Reid, who has penned six novels in the Game Changers series, has been involved in the journey since the beginning, first meeting Tierney over Zoom. The author said that throughout the process, she felt respected and involved in reading script drafts and audition tapes.

While the show's leads, Hudson Williams, who portrays Shane Hollander, and Connor Storie, who portrays Ilya Rozanov, weren't physically present at the panel, both asked questions on behalf of the pair. Storie's question was apt, asking the pair what made them such a mutually good fit for this adaptation. The pair said that their visions have felt instinctively aligned, with Reid noting that, as she wrote the infamous kiss between Scott and Kip depicted in episode 5 of Heated Rivalry, she had an image of the cinematic version, which Tierney was able to bring to life.

The show, which has become known for its intimate and plentiful sex scenes, is not there just for the sake of it. Tierney said he wanted to make a show with queer joy and a horny show at that, but more so, sex is a vehicle for the show's characters to be honest and vulnerable with each other.

Music also came up, with the show's needle drops, including Tatu's "All The Things She Said" and Wolf Parade's "I'll Believe in Anything," having a renaissance two decades after their release. There's no formal equation to the music; instead, they let the songs be like casting the right actor, with Tierney noting that songs should serve a "specific task."

Tierney is in the midst of writing season two of Heated Rivalry, which takes on Reid's sequel, Long Game. The writer and director called Long Game "an emotionally sophisticated book" and said that parts of Reid's Role Model will find their way into season two. For Reid, a new book in the Game Changer series, Unrivaled, is due for a 2027 release. The author is still in the writing stage, mentioning that while she felt pressure writing Long Game, the previous book in the series, Unrivaled presents a whole new challenge because of the show's massive popularity.

Fans in the room seemed alight, hearing first-hand from the author and creator of Heated Rivalry, basking in an hour dedicated to a show that set the internet and book world ablaze. Moderator Versha Sharma ended on the sentiment that the whole room could agree on: "Rachel Reid's universe is the world as it should be."

Meta is adding a feature to the web version of Threads that, honestly, probably should've been there a while ago.

As spotted by Engadget, Threads executive Connor Hayes posted an image showcasing a new redesign for the web browser version of the Twitter-like social network. It's a pretty substantial redesign, including a bunch of new elements on the left sidebar such as the ability to easily switch between different feeds. Eagle-eyed viewers will also undoubtedly notice the addition of a direct message inbox. That feature has been available in the Threads mobile app since last June, but web users have been without it for almost an entire year. That, seemingly, will change soon.

Hayes' post didn't include a specific timeframe for when this new redesign will go live, so don't get too excited just yet if you're a web-based Threads user who wants to send and receive DMs. The only hint Hayes gave is that users can expect to see some of these updates "in the coming weeks."

Longtime social media users might find it strange that there has been such a massive gulf in feature availability between the mobile and web versions of Threads, but it makes a certain amount of sense. Threads has actually become pretty popular, but largely on mobile. X is still the preferred microblogging service on web browsers, at least going by user count. Meta is just operating where its bread is buttered. At least now web users can rest assured that they haven't been forgotten.

TL;DR: Live stream Verona vs. AC Milan in Serie A for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Serie A showcases a number of interesting matchups this weekend, including Verona vs. AC Milan. These teams are at either end of the table, so most fans will be expecting a comfortable victory for the visitors. There's always the possibility that the slim chance of survival will drive Verona on to do something special at the Marcantonio Bentegodi.

If you want to watch Verona vs. AC Milan in Serie A for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Verona vs. AC Milan?

Verona vs. AC Milan in Serie A kicks off at 9 a.m. ET on April 19. This fixture takes place at the Marcantonio Bentegodi.

How to watch Verona vs. AC Milan for free

Verona vs. AC Milan in Serie A is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Verona vs. AC Milan for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Verona vs. AC Milan for free from anywhere in the world

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Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Verona vs. AC Milan without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from Serie A before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Verona vs. AC Milan in Serie A for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Atletico Madrid are fresh from beating Barcelona in the quarter-final stage of the Champions League. They're going to come up against Arsenal in the next round, but first they face off against Real Sociedad in the final of the Copa del Rey.

Atletico Madrid are comfortably above their opponents in La Liga, but Real Sociedad possess the quality to beat any side on their best day. The likes of Mendez and Oyarzabal will likely cause problems for Diego Simeone's team this weekend.

If you want to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad?

Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on April 18. This fixture takes place at the Estadio de La Cartuja.

How to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad for free

Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the Copa del Rey for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Copa del Rey without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final for free with ExpressVPN.

Sceye’s High-Altitude Platform System has completed endurance testing, marking a step toward wider deployment. The floating infrastructure aims to deliver internet from the stratosphere. Here’s what this means for the future of connectivity.

After seven years — a metric eternity in tech time — Sony has finally ventured back into the world of Bluetooth turntables. This spring, the company released the Sony PS-LX3BT ($399.99) and the Sony PS-LX5BT ($499.99), a pair of replacements for its original PS-LX310BT record player.

These newcomers have big shoes to fill. Long regarded as one of the best beginner-friendly turntables, the PS-LX310BT was a popular, perennial favorite for its easy setup, fully automatic operation, and minimalist look. It also helped that it was easy to find on sale for under $200 in its later years.

Admittedly, I never rode the PS-LX310BT hype train. The record player I've used for the past 10-odd years is an entry-level wired, manual turntable that's served me well for the most part, save for some occasional needle issues. I like it a lot... or at least, I thought I did until I used the new PS-LX3BT for a month (the cheaper option). It made me feel so spoiled that I was genuinely bummed to ship it back at the end of my testing period. If you're a vinyl novice in the market for a solid plug-and-play turntable, your search still ends with Sony.

Sony PS-LX3BT Full Auto Playback Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity

$368 at Amazon
$398 Save $30

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Sony

Sony PS-LX3BT review: Setup and hands on

The PS-LX3BT ships in a few parts and looks a little intimidating right out of the box, but assembly wound up being a cinch. You just pop on its aluminum platter, hook a rubber belt around its motor pulley, place a slip mat on top, and snap some hinges onto its plastic dust cover. (You can also use it without the cover.) Sony's instructions are easy enough to follow, but there are plenty of setup tutorials on YouTube if you need extra guidance.

Here's what the Sony PS-LX3BT looks like right out of the box. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The PS-LX3BT is a belt-drive turntable, which means its motor is separate from its platter, the plate-shaped thing underneath your record. (They're connected by the aforementioned belt.) This produces less vibration when the motor is running, preserving audio quality, though the belt can stretch out over time and may need to be replaced eventually. The other kind of turntable you'll encounter is the direct-drive variety, which has a motor that's attached to the platter. These are more durable and have more consistent speeds, but they can be noisy. Professional DJs generally prefer direct-drive turntables, but belt-driven ones, which tend to be cheaper, are fine for the rest of us.

I did notice that the PS-LX3BT made a mechanical whirrr sound when it was on, but it was impossible to hear once a record started playing. This will only bother the pickiest audiophiles.

The Sony PS-LX3BT's main housing, or plinth, has a dark gray finish. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The PS-LX3BT is stupidly simple to use. Hit the "Bluetooth" button on the left-hand side of its base, or plinth, to connect it to a wireless speaker, soundbar, or wireless headphones. An indicator light next to the button glows blue when it's paired.

You can also hook up the PS-LX3BT to wired speakers if you're really worried about latency or sound quality. (Bluetooth compresses audio for the trade-off of portability, which, to vinyl purists, defeats the point of listening to analog vinyl.) There's an attached audio cable and a built-in phono preamp, so you just need to plug in your speakers of choice.

Two other buttons near the Sony PS-LX3BT's Start button let you manually stop and raise or lower the tonearm as needed. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Once the PS-LX3BT is connected to some kind of audio output device, you just have to press the green "Start" button on the opposite side of its plinth. Your record will start spinning, and the tonearm will automatically move over, drop down, and start playing it from the beginning. When it reaches the end of the record side, the tonearm rises and returns to its cradle. It makes some mechanical clacking noises along the way, which might bug some folks, but it's great in that it's completely fuss-free.

The PS-LX3BT supports standard 12-inch albums or 7-inch singles, and you can play either of them at 33 1/3 or 45 revolutions per minute (RPM). There are knobs that let you switch between the two sizes and speeds on the right-hand side of its plinth. Sony throws in an adapter for 7-inchers, which you can stash in a slot within the plinth.

You can rip vinyl records onto your laptop using the Sony PS-LX3BT's USB-B port. Its power cable is removable (right), but its audio cable (left) is not. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable composite

The PS-LX3BT's rear connectivity includes a USB-B port that lets you rip vinyl tracks onto your laptop. I didn't have a USB-B cable on hand when I was testing the turntable, so I couldn't try it myself (it's sold separately). But this is a cool feature that I would absolutely use to digitize physical-exclusive bonus tracks, B-sides, and vinyl releases that differ from the streaming versions. I can't be the only one who misses the "Milkshake" sample on Beyoncé's Renaissance.

For $100 more, the premium PS-LX5BT model nets you a detachable audio cable, a slightly thicker slip mat, and a gold-plated audio jack, which "supports a high-grade wired connection," according to Sony. (From what I've read, it's mainly a durability thing.) Its plinth is black, while the PS-LX3BT is more of a dark gray.

The Sony PS-LX3BT's cartridge has a tracking force of 3.5 grams, which puts it on the heavy side. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The pricier PS-LX5BT also has a lighter, removable cartridge (the part that houses the needle on the end of its tonearm). Its cartridge has a tracking force of two grams, while the cheaper PS-LX3BT's cartridge has a tracking force of 3.5 grams. I think this is the biggest advantage of splurging on the PS-LX5BT: Lighter cartridges equal less wear and tear on your vinyl.

A tracking force of one to three grams is generally ideal, which makes the PS-LX3BT's cartridge a bit heavy. It's not adjustable, unfortunately, though you might be able to jerry-rig a counterweight yourself if you're concerned about long-term vinyl damage. Someone on Reddit lightened the tracking force of their PS-LX310BT (Sony's older turntable) by putting a kneaded eraser on the back end of its tonearm.

Sony PS-LX3BT vs. Sony PS-LX310BT: What's new?

The original Sony PS-LX310BT (top) versus the newer Sony PS-LX3BT (bottom). Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable composite

My sister, who lives nearby, happens to own the original PS-LX310BT, so I stopped by her apartment to check it out. There are a couple of small differences between it and the newer PS-LX3BT, but overall, the latter is a pretty iterative update. (My colleagues have said similar things about Sony's latest XM6 headphones and earbuds. That's modern consumer tech for you.)

Here's what sets them apart:

• The PS-LX3BT adds support for AptX and AptX Adaptive Bluetooth codecs.

• The PS-LX310BT's Start, Stop, and Up/Down buttons are flush on the side of its plinth. The same buttons protrude on the surface of the PS-LX3BT.

• The PS-LX310BT's record speed and size dials are knobs on the PS-LX3BT.

• The PS-LX310BT's dust cover has a smoky gray tint. The PS-LX3BT's cover is clear.

The PS-LX310BT retailed for $449.99 at launch, though it was often on sale for half that in recent years. I think it's still worth buying if you can catch it at a very cheap price, but it's getting tougher to find in stock nowadays.

The Sony PS-LX3BT's transparent dust cover lets you see colorful pressings clearly. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

If you already own the PS-LX310BT, there's no world in which you'd need to upgrade to the PS-LX3BT. Its design tweaks are minimal, and its tonearm-moving mechanism is exactly the same. In theory, its AptX and AptX Adaptive support translates to better wireless audio quality, but the records I spun on my sister's PS-LX310BT didn't sound worse.

Sony PS-LX3BT review: Final thoughts

I'm a Sony convert if my current record player dies. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The PS-LX3BT is a stylish turntable with idiotproof plug-and-play functionality. Its Bluetooth connectivity and automatic operation will turn off vinyl purists, but they're boons for newbies.

As someone who came to the PS-LX3BT from a wired, manual record player, I can't deny the appeal of this convenience — and if mine ever gives out, I'll seriously consider defecting to Sony. I'm precious with my vinyl collection, so I'd go with the nicer PS-LX5BT model for the lighter cartridge.

The PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT are both expensive compared to other top-rated turntables, so try to buy them on sale. (I think you're mostly paying a premium for the Sony name, though I'm inclined to trust its build quality over other random brands you might find at Best Buy or Amazon.) At the time of writing, both models were up to $30 off at major retailers.

Sony PS-LX3BT Full Auto Playback Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity

$368 at Amazon
$398 Save $30

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Sony

Sony PS-LX5BT Full Auto Playback Premium Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity

$498 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Sony

Robot vacuum releases for 2026 kicked off in February and have been relentless since. Compared to multiple pre-spring release dates, Narwal's April 13 launch of the Narwal Flow 2 feels a little behind. A new roller mop robot entering the fold at this point would need to have a little extra sparkle to stand out — to the average buyer, and to me, a vacuum reviewer who has had at least three robot vacuum and mop combos under her roof at any given point since January.

The roller mop is more flat and rectangular than most cylindrical ones. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Flow 2 comes with detergent that auto-dispenses into the water tank. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

What's special about the Narwal Flow 2?

Seemingly nothing, if you were merely comparing the bullet points in the Flow 2's Amazon description to the Amazon listings for other robovacs in its price range. 31,000 Pa suction power? A self-cleaning roller mop? Dual camera AI object recognition? On paper, it's nothing we haven't heard before. In practice, though, the Narwal Flow 2's AI skills around obstacles and messes have proven more reliable than other 2026 flagships that claim the same thing.

I've realized that the Flow 2's specs are actually loaded for how much Narwal is charging — especially with the Flow 2 at its launch sale price of $1,099.99. 31,000 Pa suction is quite strong for barely costing over $1,000, and heated water mopping is hard to come across at all. The Dreamxe X60 Max Ultra Complete mops with hot water, too, but it's not a roller mop vacuum (and it costs more).

The Narwal Flow 2 might have the best AI mess detection I've seen

Every big robot vacuum is flaunting AI-powered cleaning and obstacle recognition this year. The thing is, AI robot vacuum features mean nothing to me if they're dodgy. Most fancy AI robot vacuums I've tested recently seem to struggle with consistent mess detection, especially around liquid. The Narwal Flow 2 and its Freo Mind AI mode have been different, though.

When Narwal says that the Flow 2 "sees everything," it's honestly not that much of a stretch. When upcoming piles of debris or liquid spills are substantial enough, the Flow 2's front-facing camera snaps a picture before adjusting its cleaning approach accordingly. For instance, the Flow 2 knew that tracked kitty litter around the Litter-Robot was "scattered debris." Suction power audibly boosts when the Flow 2 crosses any area it thinks is heavily soiled.

Every robot vacuum I review has to take the Litter-Robot area test. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Flow 2 identified the field of dry scattered debris (and got Sansa in the picture). Credit: Screenshot / Narwal

Most AI robot vacs use live imaging like this for behind-the-scenes processing while cleaning, but photographic evidence of what the vacuum is seeing isn't always readily available. I appreciate that the Flow 2 is so transparent about its thought process — it's been fun to make a mess on the floor, then immediately check the app to see if the Flow 2 accurately recognized it.

Narwal's small obstacle avoidance has also been spot-on so far. The Flow 2 successfully avoids charging cords, shoes, and slippers on a daily basis, and even made it a point to steer around large clumps of potting soil (thinking they were pet waste). The app drops a little pin in the map, noting what type of obstacle it found, and you can see a photo of those, too. This is how I found out that the Flow 2 noticed more niche obstacles in its peripherals, like the very out-of-the-way power cord to my Mill food recycling bin and my cat's crinkle ball toys.

Is the Narwal Flow 2 good at mopping?

The Narwal Flow 2 is a beast at soaking up liquid spills. Instead of the traditional cylindrical roller mop design, this roller has flat slides like a conveyor belt. Narwal says this covers 0.157 square feet of floor surface per pass, which is allegedly more direct surface coverage than the sliver of a rounded roller mop hitting the floor at any given point. I believe that. The Flow 2 was super effective at fully soaking up runny spills like wine and thicker droplet consistencies like ranch and pancake batter.

The Flow 2 zeroed in on the wine and navigated around it more carefully. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

It took forever, but the Flow 2 did end up leaving the area spotless. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Most notably, the Flow 2 left no sticky residue behind after mopping several drops of syrup — and every robot vacuum struggles to fully wipe syrup up. This has to be due to the roller mop's use of heated water, which we rarely see in roller mop robot vacuums. The combination of heat with a pressurized flat roller seems to be an elite pairing for melting away caked-on grime.

I realize that 140 degrees Fahrenheit isn't enough to kill bacteria by science's standards. But for me, the heated scrubbing provides an extra layer of sanitation (and subsequently, comfort) for walking around in bare feet.

Is the Narwal Flow 2 good at vacuuming?

The Narwal Flow 2's rug cleaning is definitely in the top percentile of the many flagship robot vacuums I've tested since January. I'd unsurprisingly rank it just below the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete's 35,000 Pa, but would surprisingly rank it above the Roborock Saros 20's 36,000 Pa. If you just want to compare the suction power to other roller mop robot vacuums, the Flow 2 is a smidge better than the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow's 20,000 Pa.

There's a lot of variety in the Narwal app's customized vacuuming settings. There are four suction options from "quiet" to "super powerful," plus the occasional pop-up option for "vortex suction," depending on the floor type. You can choose between a standard or meticulous route, the latter taking longer as the Flow 2 scrupulously cleans in two zigzag patterns, one running perpendicular to the first to create a crosshatch pattern. My favorite part is being able to choose up to THREE cleaning passes for extra good measure.

I entrusted the Flow 2 with tackling daily rug buildup like shedded cat hair and long head hairs from my own personal shedding, small crumbs, and litter lodged in the fibers of my plush bath mats. All of those saw a 95 to 97 percent pickup rate. After recently watching the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai miss a ton of tiny quinoa pieces that I dumped into the fluffy hallway rug, I experimented with the Flow 2's handling of the same exact mess. It went much better this time.

From sticky water bowl stains to flung food, the Flow 2 always excels in the cat bowl area. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

If the Flow 2 missed any cat food on the first pass, it always grabs it on the second or third. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Flow 2's performance on hardwood and tile has been solid, too. I was constantly sending it to clean up kibble and crusted wet food flung from my cats' bowls, fallen dryer lint, and two types of cat litter. None of the missed debris or dust here and there has been egregious, confirmed by the laser on one of my Dyson stick vacuums. Not even a minuscule stem was left behind after the Flow took several passes over dried bouquet remnants that my cat knocked out of a vase.

Factors to keep in mind

As helpful as the meticulous cleaning and navigational settings have been, they're sometimes granular to the point of being more complicated than they need to be.

The Narwal refused to go near the wine just because of the setting it was on. Credit: Screenshot / Narwal

Narwal's cleaning settings were... hyper-vigilant when I wanted the Flow 2 to clean up a puddle of wine. No matter how many times I sent it to vacuum and mop this cleaning zone, the Flow 2 would clean the entire rectangle but the few inches with a wine splatter — even though I could see in the app that a liquid spill was detected. It took me forever to figure out that I had the Flow 2 in a custom "vacuum and mop at the same time" mode, and that the Flow 2 didn't want to vacuum over a liquid spill. I'm obviously thankful that the Flow 2 won't just drive through a puddle and suck wine up into the dust bin, but I'm surprised that the Flow 2 can't tweak its cleaning strategy, regardless of whether it's in custom mode. A heads-up like, "I'm not ignoring this spill just to annoy you. Switch me to Freo mode!" would have been nice.

After its initial mapping run, the Flow 2 quietly defaulted rug settings to "cross the carpet without cleaning it." That's the Freo smart cleaning system trying to avoid getting rugs wet when mopping, but that feels like an illogical extra step. Other premium robot vacuums automatically clean both floor types on the fly, and simply cut water flow and lift the mop on soft flooring. This setting is buried in the map management maze, and I don't think most people would assume that it's a setting they could even toggle. They'd just get pissed off that their new robot vacuum is refusing to vacuum the rug.

Our appetite for hearing more about open relationships is increasing. 

While monogamy may have been considered a given in previous generations, the big "tick" of conventional relationships, Google search interest in "ethical non-monogamy" (ENM) has increased astronomically, with searches increasing by 400 percent over the last five years. IRL, more people are considering giving ethical non-monogamy a whirl. In June 2025, Feeld's State of Dating report found that a third of heterosexual men and 11 percent of women in the UK said they'd be open to more than one long-term partner.

Perhaps it's not surprising, then, that representations of ENM have become increasingly visible in pop culture, from HBO's Industry to high-profile memoirs to Lily Allen's West End Girl. But how exactly do these books, TV shows, and albums represent ethical non-monogamy and do they get it "right"?

Depicting open relationships in pop culture 

Open relationships appear to be everywhere right now, from our shelves to our screens. Writer Lindy West's explosive memoir Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane explored her experiences of polyamory within her marriage, setting the internet ablaze with TikTok theories about whether West is fully on board with the arrangement. 

Ask Me How It Works: Love in an Open Marriage by Deepa Paul explores her experience of being a mother and wife within an open marriage. Miranda July's novel All Fours, which sees a perimenopausal woman open up her marriage, also caused intrigue and critique.

On TV, in the latest season of Industry, Marisa Abela's Yasmin navigates opening up her relationship with her husband Henry (Kit Harington) as a means of escaping the "gilded cage" her marriage represents to her, and encouraging a sexual encounter with a younger employee. Abuse of power, much? Robin Wright's The Girlfriend and Dakota Johnson's Splitsville explored open relationships within the thriller and comedy genres. And  reality TV series Open House: The Great Sex Experiment saw therapists guide real-life couples through the reality of open relationships.

Probably one of the most famous discussions of non-monogamy of the last year, Lily Allen's explosive album West End Girl includes tracks such as "Nonmonogamummy," "Pussy Palace," and "Dallas Major," which outline Allen's personal experiences of being in an open marriage, the latter depicting her discomfort navigating dating apps within that space ("I hate it here"). Most notably, the legendary song "Madeline" explores her partner breaking the boundaries of their open agreement with one specific woman. The release of West End Girl led to a huge spike in Google searches around non-monogamy and open marriages, with Google searches around Allen and her open marriage reaching towering levels.

With this kind of notoriety came thinkpieces, TikToks, and conversations down the pub. Can open marriage work? Who is the ultimate villain here? One TikTokker called Allen's album a "warning label for anyone thinking of opening their relationship". Allen herself said in an Elle UK interview that while music execs were concerned that material about open relationships wasn't universal enough, after its release, women inundated her DMs with their own negative experiences of non-monogamy. 

But is one woman's experience a fair assessment of an entire community and their relationship dynamics? Is the way pop culture represents open relationships and non-monogamy reflective of, and faithful to, the actual reality of ENM? 

Biased on-screen depictions of non-monogamy

When it comes to recent pop culture representations of polyamory, there may actually be such a thing as bad publicity. 

The mass reaction to West End Girl and other pop culture representations of open relationships leaves a lot of nuance to be desired. While many people, women in particular, felt seen by Allen's raw lyrics, her story is an example of non-monogamy practiced unethically, or perhaps, one-sidedly. Does West End Girl and other stories like it reflect the reality and nuance of all non-monogamous relationships? Or are they giving them a bad name? 

Polyamory educator and queer sex therapist in training Leanne Yau, who has worked with over 1,000 polyamorous clients as a relationship coach, believes that portrayals like West End Girl do, unfortunately, "add to quite a lot of stigma about polyamory in our culture."

"If there was already a lot of positive representation to balance it out, then whatever," Yau adds. "But a lot of the narratives around polyamory are so overwhelmingly negative." Yau says there wasn't enough positive representation of polyamory in the album to "balance out what was otherwise a vulnerable and emotionally resonant piece of art." Entertainment and education are both important here, and they can be hard to reconcile.

In Michael Angelo Covino's Splitsville, a 2025 screwball comedy, two couples open up their marriages to avoid divorce. Yau views this as a trope used often in portrayals of open relationships, describing the film as "passive aggressive," lacking honest communication, and concentrating on the "wrong reasons" that couples may choose to open up their marriage, namely to not split up. For these reasons and more, Yau commended Splitsville in terms of entertainment value but she didn't view it as a good portrayal of polyamorous relationships.

Non-monogamy can be portrayed as entertainment, instead of truthful experiences

For relationship therapist and sexologist Madalaine Munro, a key issue with these portrayals of ethical non-monogamy is a prioritised "desire to entertain" within pop culture. This is arguably what leads portrayals to be sensationalised and dramatised, instead of being accurate.

"When looking at how ethical non-monogamous relationships are portrayed in TV, film, music, and literature, we can see that most mainstream media is driven primarily by the desire to entertain, which means stories are crafted around conflict, rupture, and emotional intensity rather than how harmonious healthy relationships can be," Munro tells Mashable. 

"Because of this, the love, trust, and communication that are central to healthy ENM are rarely depicted, and instead what we see are exaggerated scenarios in which boundaries are ignored, agreements are broken, or characters behave with secrecy and betrayal."

Munro adds that these portrayals subsequently shape false ideas about how non-monogamy functions. "This narrow, sensationalised framing is unhelpful because it can lead people to associate ENM with instability, chaos, or betrayal, rather than recognising that when practiced with integrity, these relationships rely on a strong foundation of trust, transparency, and clear communication," Munro says. "It subtly reinforces the idea that anything outside of monogamy must naturally involve harm or irresponsibility, which can deepen the social stigma around ENM and lead to the assumption that non-monogamous people are somehow less loyal or less committed."

Here, Munro says, many storylines and character arcs don't reflect "the emotional maturity and relational skill involved in sustainable ENM."

Yau agrees with Munro that ENM relationships are so often portrayed with betrayal or conflict at the centre. "One of my main gripes about polyamorous representation in the media is that so many stories start from a place of cheating. I don't think that's actually representative of reality," she says. 

"In real life, if a polyamorous relationship starts from a place of cheating, it is very, very unlikely to survive, because you need such a foundation of trust in order to be in a relationship anyway, and you need to trust each other even more to navigate polyamory. And starting from a place of cheating completely destroys the trust that you would need… So it's just not realistic."

The impact of novels about open marriage and relationships on representation

Like West, July, and Paul, writers are exploring the world of open relationships and ethical non-monogamy in novels and memoirs — and they seem to be doing a much better job at representation.

Author and journalist Cassie Werber, who has been in an open relationship for a decade with her now husband, published her 2024 novel Open Season wanting to see more realism in written relationships.

"All the depictions of open relationships I had seen or read assumed that they were actually about betrayal, and that they would always end in heartbreak," she tells Mashable. "Open relationships can be very complex and hard to explain. I had seen it done badly, and wanted to do it better."

Author Roxy Dunn's second novel, which was released in Jan. 2026, sees protagonist Misty come out of a long-term, conventional relationship and connect with Christopher, who is in a long-term, open relationship with the mother of his child, Sara. Dunn tells Mashable that her central question when writing the book was whether relationships – monogamous or non-monogamous – can offer a form of safety. Dunn was inspired by the cultural shift towards exploring non-monogamy, particularly on dating apps like Feeld. "I think people are questioning the status quo a lot more in terms of what a relationship ought to look like," she tells me, adding that having books that reflect the lives and situation of those practicing ENM is "really important".

With more elements of pop culture touching on the experience of polyamory and open relationships, diverse representations of these dynamics has never been more important. As Munro says, inaccurate portrayals of polyamory and open relationships in pop culture "flatten a complex, intentional, and relationally rich way of loving into a dramatic device". 

"As a result, they fail to represent the depth of inner work, clear communication and care that takes place in relationship structures outside monogamy, and by doing so may stop people from exploring something that may support their relationship needs."

You've likely seen the viral clips: Sydney Sweeney's Cassie, in dog ears and a heart-shaped dog nose, saying "woof woof" as Jacob Elordi's Nate pulls her leash. Or maybe you've seen the clip of Cassie dressed as a baby to shoot content for her OnlyFans — though HBO has apparently already altered it after intense backlash.

This is Season 3 of HBO's Euphoria, which Mashable's entertainment reporter Belen Edwards rightfully called gross rather than great. Euphoria seems to proudly showcase the salaciousness of sex work to gain viewers and viral moments, all while real sex workers struggle to maintain a voice online amidst censoring legislation.

What 'Euphoria' gets wrong about sex work

Mainstream portrayals of sex work are far from new, especially on HBO (See: The Deuce, Minx, and earlier seasons of Euphoria). But writer, director, actor, and OnlyFans performer Megan Prescott told Mashable she hasn't seen a good portrayal of sex work or online sex work on TV so far.

"I think there is such a snobbery in the world in general around sex work," said Prescott, who is also chair of National Ugly Mugs, a UK-based charity dedicated to sex worker protection and justice. "For some reason, we think that they [sex workers] don't know their own industry better than anyone else." She said mainstream shows often don't have real-life sex workers as consultants. 

Euphoria cast porn performer Chloe Cherry as Faye in Season 2, but it's unclear whether there are any sex worker consultants behind the scenes. HBO representatives for Euphoria didn't respond to Mashable's request for comment.

It's not a stretch to believe the show doesn't. As Edwards said in her Season 3 review, "Cassie's sex work has no depth to it, and in her 'right-wing suburban bubble,' everyone heaps shame on her, from her fiancé to her friends. Euphoria doesn't interrogate these biases or examine the intricacies of sex work further. Instead, it's happy to keep the shame coming," in the form of the now-infamous clip of Cassie dressed as a baby.

"We've just had someone write a show about their fantasy of a type of sex work, and in doing that, the general public will be like, 'Oh my god. On OnlyFans, you can dress up as a baby. That's disgusting,' which is just not accurate," Prescott said. 

OnlyFans' Acceptable Use Policy prohibits "illegal activity including actual, claimed, or role-played: exploitation, abuse, or harm of individuals under the age of 18." But Euphoria creators either didn't consult actual OnlyFans performers to create the show, or didn't care that they were portraying it inaccurately. 

We don't know the intentions of Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and the people behind the show; it can be provocation for provocation's sake. But when inaccuracies about sex work are broadcast to the world, sex workers feel the brunt of the fallout. There are already campaigns to ban porn or at least severely restrict access to it, and this portrayal could fuel those calls. But banning porn would make performers turn to more dangerous forms of sex work.

"Portrayals of sex work in mainstream media such as Euphoria rely on reductive and harmful stereotypes, which often shape public perception of sex workers in ways that justify harmful policy," said Diana Rotten, digital strategist for the campaign Scotland for Decrim.

Sex workers in the UK and beyond are facing increasingly hostile legislation, Rotten continued. This is partly due to the Online Safety Act, the UK's age-verification law. Age-verification statutes typically require proof of age, like a facial scan or government ID, to access explicit content — and sometimes content that's not at all explicit but still deemed "adult." 

Beyond age-verification, there have also been pushes to implement the "Nordic model" of in-person sex work, Rotten said, which criminalizes buyers of sex as opposed to sellers. But many sex workers highly criticize the Nordic model, saying it keeps them unsafe. For instance, Northern Ireland implemented the Nordic model in 2015, and from 2016 to 2018, there was a 225 percent increase in reported violence against sex workers. Sex workers often advocate for decriminalization instead.

The public's first impression of sex workers shouldn't be shaped through sensationalized and voyeuristic lenses, but grounded in the lived experience of sex workers themselves, Rotten continued. "Too often, the film and television industry is happy to create moral projections and spectacle on sex workers whilst failing to adequately demand improvement of their working conditions," Rotten continued.

Maedb Joy, founder and creative director of Sexquisite Events, a performing arts company that platforms sex worker artists, said similar, that unless you have sex workers in the decision-making process, it's not going to be accurately represented. She said portrayals are often one-dimensional (Anora came to mind) or reduced to stereotypes.

The 'gap' between TV and porn

Prescott is a former child actor and starred on the UK series Skins as Katie Finch. She said she was 16 when she did her first sex scene, and she didn't have a chaperone. (Today, working children must be chaperoned if they're under 16 or 18, depending on the UK territory.) Nor was it a closed set, meaning non-essential people were also present. Everyone was fine with that, she said.

"But as a 30-year-old woman, I started an OnlyFans, and there was an absolute uproar," despite how she's "done exactly the same thing on national television as a 16-year-old." 

Further, the gap between what someone might do on mainstream TV and OnlyFans is getting smaller (such as simulated sex), but society only demonizes the latter. But starring in someone else's TV show means relinquishing control of your image and sexuality, while OnlyFans can mean taking ownership of and profiting from it, Prescott said.

"I can only speak for myself, [but] I felt a lot safer doing sex work than I have in the acting industry, particularly before the MeToo movement," she said. "There's so many parallels between sex work and mainstream acting that the fact that actors have so many more rights than sex workers do is just appalling to me."

Real-world consequences from TV

It's not all bad news. Joy said representation of sex workers on mainstream TV is "getting there," noting the New Zealand series Madam, about a woman who opens a brothel after her husband has an affair with a sex worker. 

Another TV show out now, Margo's Got Money Troubles, may be another example of better representation. Based on the novel by Rufi Thorpe, the show follows a young mother who starts an OnlyFans account to support herself and her baby. Thorpe, who also executive-produced the show, paid OnlyFans models to consult on the story.

The reality is, to have an accurate portrayal of one of the most marginalized groups, they must be consulted. If you're not listening to sex workers or sex worker organizations, your idea of what sex work is like comes from media depictions of it, said Prescott, and those perceptions can turn into actual laws that impact people. 

As it is, Hollywood is profiting off of sex workers while actual sex worker income has recently decreased due to the enactment of age-verification laws. And sex workers have been banned or shadowbanned from major platforms for years now, thanks in part to previous legislation. FOSTA/SESTA, twin laws enacted in 2018, outwardly tried to stop online sex trafficking, but studies show they actually pushed sex workers offline into less safe situations. 

Major social media platforms cracked down harder on sexual content after FOSTA/SESTA went into effect, and that's been the trend for years. Just this month, Meta removed sex toy shop Bellesa's Instagram account. Nonprofit Repro Uncensored documented more than 70 queer, reproductive rights, and creative accounts removed from Instagram in April 2026.

Joy said the Sexquisite account had been removed before. "We lost our Instagram account at 26,000 followers just before we went on tour last year," she said. But at the same time, she sees companies like Honey Birdette allowed to promote their lingerie, and Sabrina Carpenter danced on a pole in the "Tears" music video. Sex workers are glamorized and used for aesthetics, but real workers aren't allowed to live those aesthetics, Joy said.

"It's the same old story that people get to take from our culture and profit off it and commodify it, but when it's literally our lives, it's criminalized," said Joy. 

These policies claim to protect women and children, but they often force people into more isolated and precarious working conditions, whilst failing to address poverty, which is the main reason for entry into the sex industry, Rotten said.

Media shapes perception. And in a world that is increasingly harsh on sex workers, we need to shape a better perception. 

Let the sound of clacking fans and roaring audiences lead you to Cats: The Jellicle Ball, a rapturous reinvention of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats.

Now on Broadway after a 2024 run at PAC NYC, Cats: The Jellicle Ball transposes the often confounding pageantry of Cats to the ballroom scene, a haven for LGBTQ art and expression. The move breathes new life and meaning into Webber's work, creating a joyful spectacle that is the only way I'll accept Cats from now on.

Cats: The Jellicle Ball brings ballroom culture to Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The cast of "Cats: The Jellicle Ball." Credit: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Despite its revamped title, Cats: The Jellicle Ball is still Cats. That means it's still the story of the Jellicle Cats gathering for the Jellicle Ball, where the leader of their clan, Old Deuteronomy (André De Shields) will choose one cat to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn.

However, Cats: The Jellicle Ball zeroes in on the "ball" aspect of the original Cats, smartly tying the musical's storyline to contemporary ballroom culture. Pioneered by Black and Latina trans women in the 1960s, but with origins dating back to the drag balls of the Harlem Renaissance, ballroom culture centers on competitive balls where attendees walk or perform in categories for prizes. Examples include "realness," tied to a performer's ability to "pass" as a cishet man, or "virgin vogue," a category for newer dancers. Participants are often members of "houses," which are part team, part chosen family.

All these elements map onto Cats: The Jellicle Ball eerily well, to the point that no part of the show's recontextualization feels awkward or forced. In directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch's vision, "Old Gumbie Cat" Jennyanydots (Xavier Reyes) becomes Mother of the Haus of Dots, whipping her house kittens into shape. The much lusted-after Rum Tum Tugger (Sydney James Harcourt) rules supreme in the realness category, while self-described "fat cat" Bustopher Jones (Nora Schell) rocks the body category. And yes, it all takes place on a catwalk. Here, each cat's introduction is more than just a wave hello to the audience: It's a full-on presentation to the Jellicle Ball's judges.

The presentations themselves are jaw-dropping, full of gravity-defying moves courtesy of choreographers Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons. Their choreography highlights the five elements of vogue, from dips and spins to mesmerizing hand and floor performances. A rousing take on "Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat" even doubles as a lesson in the differences between Old Way and New Ways of voguing, charting the evolution of the art form.

Accentuating these looks further is the stunning costume, hair and wig, and makeup design by Qween Jean, Nikiya Mathis, and Rania Zohny, respectively. In Cats: The Jellicle Ball, performers' looks aren't as explicitly cat-like as those in the original production. You won't find any furry bodysuits or painted-on whiskers here. Instead, the musical pulls inspiration from streetwear and couture alike, creating a colorful blend of styles while still nodding to the show's source material with cat-eared hats, fur coats, or clawed boots. Like with Cats: The Jellicle Ball's dramaturgical shifts (Josephine Kearns served as dramaturg and gender consultant), each design choice cannily acknowledges Cats' past while pushing it into the future. That experience doesn't even let up during intermission, during which you can hear banger remixes of songs from other Webber musicals.

Cats: The Jellicle Ball pays moving tribute to LGBTQ history.

Junior LaBeija and Bryson Battle in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball." Credit: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Cats: The Jellicle Ball's new ballroom setting isn't just an opportunity for the show to rain glitter and general fabulousness on the audience. (Although, trust me, there is plenty of that.) It's also a tribute to the pioneers of ballroom culture, which has entered the mainstream thanks to documentaries like 1990's Paris Is Burning, shows like Pose, and copious references everywhere from Madonna's "Vogue" to RuPaul's Drag Race. Ballroom slang like serving, eating, or clocking it has also become more widely used, if divorced from its original context. But over the course of the two hours you spend at Cats: The Jellicle Ball, the musical hopes to give audience members that context and honor it, too.

The biggest examples come at the beginning of the show's second act, when Old Deuteronomy sings "The Moments of Happiness" to newcomer Sillabub (Teddy Wilson Jr.). As he reflects on the past, projections (courtesy of Brittany Bland) behind him display images of the Founding Mothers of ballroom, including Crystal LaBeija, whose image makes another cameo in the show. That thoughtful moment moves into Gus the Theatre Cat's (Junior LaBeija) self-titled number, in which he regales the Jellicle kittens with tales of his work in the theater. In a vacuum, the song is still a moving remembrance of glory days gone by. But having LaBeija, the iconic emcee featured in Paris Is Burning, perform the song adds a whole new layer of meaning to it. This is a titan of ballroom passing the torch to a new generation and making sure they know their history. The relevance of that casting might not mean something to everyone in the Broadhurst Theatre, especially if Cats: The Jellicle Ball is their first exposure to ballroom. But for those in the know, the effect is endlessly powerful.

Cats: The Jellicle Ball also gestures to the trials and discrimination the LGBTQ community faces, artfully changing up Old Deuteronomy's 11th-hour disappearance to involve a harrowing encounter with police. With that, "Magical Mister Mistoffelees" (Robert "Silk" Mason) becomes a rousing number of resistance and solidarity, albeit with some clever magical humor thrown in. It's a euphoric sequence in a musical full of them. Old Deuteronomy's introduction alone had the audience out of our seats and clacking our fans along for several minutes, overjoyed by the power of sick beats, dance moves, and De Shields boogieing up and down the catwalk. "Memory," sung exceptionally by "Tempress" Chasity Moore's Grizabella, brought the house down. And every runway showdown prompted gasps and approving clacks around the theater.

Would you find this level of collective joy at a more "traditional" Cats staging? I'm not sure. The show's bizarre nature can be alienating, even off-putting. (Let's not forget the horrors of 2019's film adaptation.) Yet with its ballroom angle, Cats: The Jellicle Ball finds a clear focus for Webber's polarizing show and turns it into a weird, wild celebration of an important subculture. Come one, come all, and get swept up in the magic.

Cats: The Jellicle Ball is now on Broadway.

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

Access to Pornhub is in turmoil. Early in 2025, more than a third of U.S. states introduced age verification laws. In response, Pornhub banned visitors from those states from accessing their website. The same situation then took place in France, and although Pornhub is complying with the UK's age verification law, users are now required to provide personal information to access the site.

The situation is constantly changing, but you can stay one step ahead with a quick and easy hack. If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure server in another location. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access adult sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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Credit: ExpressVPN

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The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to your favorite site, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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• 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).

Unblock Pornhub for free with ExpressVPN.

If you're on a budget and things look bleak in the relationship department, don't panic. You don't need to shell out hundreds to find a genuine connection. As the weather warms up and the spring dating pool thaws out, there are plenty of free dating apps that let you chat, match, and meet a partner without shelling out cash upfront.

Dating itself will cost you time and money, so why should dating apps eat at your wallet, too? You don't have to resort to dating an AI to save money. Simply use a dating app's free tier. The good news is, the most popular apps are free to use — no credit card required.

What dating apps are completely free?

Mainstream dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge all have robust free membership tiers that compete with paid subscriptions. Some free, more niche dating apps, like Archer and Lex, are also worth checking out. It just depends on what you're looking for and how much work you're willing to put in to get it.

Critics will tell you that the big-name dating apps (like Bumble, or Match Group giants such as Tinder and Hinge) are all the same, forming a single, amorphous dating platform. However, these apps still have distinct differences. That said, dating app companies are moving more features behind paywalls, frustrating daters on a budget. (We're looking at you, Grindr.)

Below, find our top picks for the best free dating apps. Use them to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between — all without paying a dime.

Note: All the free dating sites listed below offer a free membership option that allows you to talk and match with people at no cost. Though most offer paid premium memberships, these aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay to match or chat with other users. And if you're being pressured to send money to someone on a dating app, you might be involved in a romance scam.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

Hurdle Word 1 hint

To produce.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

HATCH

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Sadness.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

GLOOM

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

A white and yellow flower.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

DAISY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A cold dwelling.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

IGLOO

Final Hurdle hint

Huge.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

LARGE

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

The New Moon has now passed, which means each night the Moon will appear bigger and brighter in the sky. This happens as more of its sunlit side comes into view from Earth. From now, it will become more illuminated each night until the next full Moon.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Saturday, April 18, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 1% of the moon will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

The Moon is starting to brighten again, but for now, there's still to little of its surface lit up to see anything.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon is predicted to take place on May 1, the first of two in May.

What are Moon phases?

NASA states that the Moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit Earth, during which it passes through eight distinct phases. We always see the same side of the Moon, but the amount of sunlight reflecting off it changes as it moves along its orbit, creating the familiar pattern of full, partial, and crescent shapes. These shifting appearances are called lunar phases, and there are eight in total:

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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easy if you love hockey. If you don't, well, then good luck!

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. The sports 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 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 before the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

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

• Yellow: Plus 1

• Green: Champions

• Blue: Physical locations

• Purple: A delicious pun

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Types of Hockey Goals

• Green: Last Four Teams To Win the Stanley Cup

• Blue: NHL Arena Names

• Purple: Hockey Terms That Are Also Food Items

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 #572 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Types of Hockey Goals — EMPTY NET, EVEN STRENGTH, POWER PLAY, SHORT-HANDED

• Last Four Teams To Win the Stanley Cup — AVALANCHE, GOLDEN KNIGHTS, LIGHTNING, PANTHERS

• NHL Arena Names — BALL, CANADIAN TIRE, CAPITAL ONE, TD

• Hockey Terms That Are Also Food Items — APPLE, BISCUIT, GRINDER, ICING

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 today's Connections.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, 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 on to 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 with 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:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• 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 April 18 Pips

Number (11): Everything in this purple space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this red space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically; and 2-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Every domino half in this light blue space must have 3 pips. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Every domino half in this yellow space must have 0 pips. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for April 18 Pips

Less Than (3): Everything in this red space must add up to be less than 3. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

Less Than (7): Everything in this purple space must add up to be less than 7. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this yellow space must add up to 8. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically; 4-6, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this green space must add up to 6. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this purple space must add up to 12. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for April 18 Pips

Number (3): The domino half in this purple space must have 3 pips. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this red space must add up to 0 pips. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (0): The domino half in this dark blue space must have more than 0 pips. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Number (0): The domino half in this green space must have 0 pips. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Every domino half in this light blue space must have 5 pips. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally; and 5-2, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Every domino half in this yellow space must have 4 pips. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Number (3): The domino half in this purple space must have 3 pips. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Every domino half in this red space must have 2 pips. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (5): Everything in this light blue space must add up to be less than 5. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 2-1, placed horizontally; and 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this yellow space must add up to be 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to be 8. The answer is 2-1, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Every domino half in this green space must have 4 pips. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this purple space must add up to be 8. The answer is 5-3, 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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love a fizzy drink.

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

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

What is Connections?

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Gawk

• Green: Currents

• Blue: Surprise victor

• Purple: Pops

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Look at with awe

• Green: Basic electricity terms

• Blue: Unexpected winner

• Purple: Starting with soda brands

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 #1042 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Look at with awe: GOOGLE, MARVEL, STARE, WONDER

• Basic electricity terms: AC, DC, POWER, VOLTAGE

• Unexpected winner: DARK HORSE, LONG SHOT, SLEEPER, UNDERDOG

• Starting with soda brands: CRUSHWORTHY, FANTAGRAPHICS, FRESCAPE, PEPSINOGEN

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love a good deal.

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

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

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

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Not too much

The words are related to saving.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe being economical.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is On the Cheap.

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