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SAVE $85: As of April 15, the Kindle Scribe is on sale for $364.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 19% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe $364.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $85 Get Deal

The beloved Kindle Scribe has caught the attention of book lovers across the world. Released late in 2024, this model combines reading and note-taking in one handy device. Recently, the already popular device received a redesign, meaning you can now write directly on books and documents.

And that's not all, because as of April 15, you can grab an impressive deal on this redesigned model: the Kindle Scribe is now on sale for just $364.99. This price is for the 64GB model in the color tungsten.

SEE ALSO: Step into the world of fantasy for free with the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day

This Kindle Scribe deal also comes with the Premium Pen so you can jot down notes and convert them to text as easily as writing in a notebook. This is a big upgrade on the basic pen, as this model comes with an eraser at the top so you can quickly remove mistakes just by flipping the pen. It is also battery-free and works through a special power source embedded in the Kindle Scribe, so you don't need to charge it.

Besides its note-taking abilities, the Scribe has a 10.2-inch, 300 ppi Paperwhite display, glare and ink-free. Like the original Kindle model, it's perfect for sitting outside in the sun or in hard-to-read lighting.

Head to Amazon to grab this great deal before it runs out.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, April 15, 2025:

AcrossSay whether you'll go

• The answer is Prop.

Fitting game for Chip, Jack and Betty to play?

• The answer is Poker.

___ acid

• The answer is Amino.

Beginning of a joke

• The answer is SetUp.

Mix, as a salad

• The answer is Toss.

DownDoomed Shakespearean lover

• The answer is Romeo.

Short comedic performances

• The answer is Skits.

Planet shrouded in toxic clouds that smell like rotten eggs

• The answer is Venus.

Support, with "up"

• The answer is Prop.

"I'm never going back, the ___ is in the ___" (lyric from "Let It Go")

• The answer is Past.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

China’s new restrictions on exports of the metals could have an impact on the production of everything from LED lights to fighter jets.

TL;DR: Create AI images without monthly fees when you get an Imagiyo lifetime subscription for $29.

AI image generators started out pretty basic. Remember when Dall-E couldn't even render a face? The technology has improved rapidly, and some of the old staples like Midjourney are already becoming outdated. Imagiyo is a new type of image generator that you can use personally or commercially, and a lifetime subscription just went on sale for $29 (reg. $345). 

A lifetime of art at your fingertips

Whether you’re an artist visualizing different ideas, a marketer creating eye-catching images for ads, or someone who wants stunning artwork for social media, Imagiyo can handle it. Powered by advanced AI algorithms like StableDiffusion, Imagiyo translates text prompts into detailed, vibrant images that suit your needs. Want a fantasy landscape? Just describe it. Need a realistic product mockup or abstract digital art? Imagiyo’s AI can generate it in seconds.

One of the things that makes Imagiyo different from other AI art tools is that it supports multiple image sizes, so whether you’re crafting a desktop wallpaper or a precise social media graphic, Imagiyo has you covered.

You can even generate NSFW content using ModelsLab’s Stable Diffusion AI model, as long as you mark it as “PRIVATE.” Every image you create is saved and available for download, so you can build your collection without worrying about losing your work.

Imagiyo’s user-friendly interface makes the creative process smooth and intuitive, even if you’re not tech-savvy. There are no watermarks to deal with, and the images you create are yours to use however you want. Plus, with 250 images per month, you can experiment and produce content without feeling restricted.

It's only $29 to get an Imagiyo subscription that lasts for life. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump Imagiyo AI Image Generator: Lifetime Subscription £29
£345 Save £316 Get Deal

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on April 15-20. Fantastical Escape, hosted by Indie Author Central, offers free fantasy books in a wide range of subgenres.

The Stuff Your Kindle Day was getting out of hand in the early stages of the year. It felt like there was a new event every week for a while, but just like that, things slowed back down to a regular pace. And we've now returned to the point where a new announcement feels overdue.

The good news is that Stuff Your Kindle Day is back. This special event provides an awesome opportunity to stock up on hundreds of books without spending anything. And the books that you download are yours to keep forever.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025

The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is focused on fantasy books. Fantastical Escape, hosted by Indie Author Central, offers free fantasy books in a wide range of subgenres, hosted by Indie Author Central, offers free fantasy books in a wide range of subgenres. If fantasy is your thing, this is your best opportunity to stock up.

Want to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The Stuff Your Kindle Day schedule has been incredibly busy in 2025. We had a couple of events in January, and then February and March delivered an abundance. It almost felt a little overwhelming. We're all for free books, but everyone has their limit.

And now on April 15-20, Fantastical Escape is showcasing a wide selection of free books for fans of fantasy.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The best thing about Stuff Your Kindle Day is that anyone can participate. You don't even need to own a Kindle to get involved.

Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone, as you can also find these free titles on the Google Play and Apple Books apps.

Which e-books are free?

Sourcing all of these free fantasy books is straightforward thanks to Indie Author Central. There's a helpful hub page with everything on offer listed out for your convenience: Take your pick and stock up. All of the listed titles could be yours for absolutely nothing.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books per month that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow, so don't hold back.

Shop Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited $109.99 at Amazon
$145.96 Save $35.97 Get Deal Why we like it

These super popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. They start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited absolutely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months per month. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.

TL;DR: Live stream Dortmund vs. Barcelona in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are so many interesting matchups in the quarter finals of the Champions League, including Dortmund vs. Barcelona. The Bundesliga side have it all to do in the second leg, down 4-0 after the opening game in Spain. It's going to be almost impossible for Dortmund to progress, but never say never.

If you want to watch Dortmund vs. Barcelona in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Dortmund vs. Barcelona?

Dortmund vs. Barcelona in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on April 15. This fixture takes place at the Signal Iduna Park.

How to watch Dortmund vs. Barcelona for free

Dortmund vs. Barcelona is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, 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 Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Dortmund vs. Barcelona 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Dortmund vs. Barcelona for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 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 Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Dortmund vs. Barcelona (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Dortmund vs. Barcelona in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Aston Villa vs. PSG in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Champions League action is back this week with a number of really interesting second-leg matchups, including Aston Villa vs. PSG. The French side won the first leg 3-1, but anything can happen in this competition. Sure, PSG have one foot in the semi finals. But Aston Villa possess the talent to turn things around.

If you want to watch Aston Villa vs. PSG in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Aston Villa vs. PSG?

Aston Villa vs. PSG in the Champions League starts at 8 p.m. BST on April 15. This fixture takes place at Villa Park.

How to watch Aston Villa vs. PSG for free

Aston Villa vs. PSG is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Aston Villa vs. PSG (plus more Champions League fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Fans from outside the UK will need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Watch Aston Villa vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 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 Aston Villa vs. PSG on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Aston Villa vs. PSG in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

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.

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

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A domain.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

REALM

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Merry.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 15, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

JOLLY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Weak.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 15 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 15, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

WIMPY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Shaved.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 15 Hurdle Word 4 answer

SHORN

Final Hurdle hint

To cut ties.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

SEVER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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: Set of cards

• Green: Soccer plays

• Blue: Teams named after a demon

• Purple: NBA teams with recent playoff success

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

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

• Yellow: Hands in Poker

• Green: Types of Kicks in Soccer

• Blue: Teams with Devil Nicknames

• Purple: NBA Teams in Last Year's Conference Finals

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 #204 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Hands in Poker - FLUSH, FULL HOUSE, PAIR, STRAIGHT

• Types of Kicks in Soccer - CORNER, DIRECT, INDIRECT, PENALTY

• Teams with Devil Nicknames - ARIZONA STATE, DUKE, MANCHESTER UNITED, NEW JERSEY

• NBA Teams in Last Year's Conference Finals - BOSTON, DALLAS, INDIANA, MINNESOTA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 15 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: To pass up

• Green: Played at parties or laid-back gatherings

• Blue: Seen in Oedipus, Antigone, etc.

• Purple: Parts of an iconic children's book

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

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

• Yellow: Desist

• Green: Card games

• Blue: Elements of Greek drama

• Purple: Second words of "Peter Pan" characters

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 #671 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Desist: ABSTAIN, AVOID, CEASE, REFRAIN

• Card games: BRIDGE, HEARTS, SPEED, SPOON

• Elements of Greek drama: CHORUS, HERO, HUBRIS, TRAGEDY

• Second words of "Peter Pan" characters: BELL, DARLING, HOOK, PAN

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 15

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

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

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

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for April 15 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 15, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Pale.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

ASHEN.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 15

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.

As artists fight to protect their works from being used to train AI models, Jack Dorsey wants to eliminate intellectual property (IP) laws altogether. Elon Musk agrees.

On Friday, the cofounder of X (then Twitter) and Block (then Square) posted on X, "delete all IP law." Elon Musk, the current leader of X, chimed in to comment, "I agree."

Taken together, these two statements contain just six words, yet they could have big implications for the future of intellectual property in the AI era.

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

Earlier that Friday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was interviewed by TED's Chris Anderson at its eponymous conference. Anderson showed Altman an AI-generated cartoon strip of Charlie Brown, saying, "it looks like IP theft." Anderson asked whether OpenAI had a licensing deal with the Peanuts estate.

Altman didn't directly answer the question but instead affirmed that OpenAI wants "to build tools that lift [the creative spirit of humanity] up," and then added, "we probably do need to figure out some sort of new model around economics of creative output."

Dorsey, Musk, and Altman's words underscore a common belief amongst tech entrepreneurs that copyright laws need to evolve to account for the potential of generative AI. Already, both OpenAI and Google have openly lobbied the U.S. government to allow AI models to train on protected works such as movies, articles, and music. They want such use to fall under the fair use legal doctrine, with OpenAI calling it a matter of "national security."

But to many artists and advocacy groups, any call to "delete all IP laws" sounds like a direct attack on their rights. These artists argue that AI companies are both profiting from and competing with their work, in violation of existing copyright laws. Over 50,000 artists including Thom Yorke, James Patterson, and Julianne Moore recently signed an open letter, which stated, "the unlicensed use of creative works for training generative AI is a major, unjust threat to the livelihoods of the people behind those works, and must not be permitted.”

And a letter signed by Hollywood creatives including Ron Howard, Paul McCartney, and Cynthia Erivo was sent to the White House in protest of Google and OpenAI's lobbying for deregulating the AI industry.

"Intellectual property law is rooted in the U.S. Constitution as a tool to promote creativity, not suppress it. It ensures that those who contribute to cultural and scientific progress are recognized, protected, and compensated," said Atreya Mathur, director of Legal Research at the Center for Art Law, in an email to Mashable. "Elimination of such laws would ignore that very purpose and devalue the labor and rights of creators, including those whose work powers these technologies."

And on X, Ed Newton-Rex, CEO of Fairly Trained, which advocates for ethically sourced training data, said, "Tech execs declaring all-out war on creators who don’t want their life’s work pillaged for profit."

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

Other X users pointed out that Dorsey, who became a billionaire by founding his companies, did so with the help of IP protections: "Everybody becomes a free-market libertarian once they make their bag."

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

As tech heavyweights seek a legal blessing for AI's "freedom to learn," they'll have to face huge swaths of the entertainment industry first.

A new Bluetooth tracker just hit the market, and it works with both Apple and Google devices.

Chipolo, a Slovenia-based Bluetooth tracker company, debuted the POP on April 14. The colorful new device tracker attaches to keys, luggage, and anything else you want to keep within reach. Unlike the Apple AirTag or Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, it works across platforms so you have more flexibility with your tracking. So, whether you have an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Pixel smartphone, the Chipolo POP can help you find it.

Previously, Chipolo's line of trackers worked exclusively with either iOS or Android systems. The Chipolo Spot line of devices worked with Apple's Find My system, and the Chipolo Point collection worked with Google's Find My Device app. Now, you don't have to pick a side in the phone wars, as the Chipolo POP is compatible with both.

Unfortunately, there's one small catch: The Chipolo POP only works with one system at a time. So, if you have an iPhone while your partner has a Google Pixel, you can't track both devices in a single app, as each tracker can only be attached to one program. Still, it's a definite upgrade — Mashable previously tested Chipolo when reviewing the best Bluetooth trackers, and the lack of Android compatibility was our biggest gripe at the time.

The Chipolo is compatible with Android smartphones running on an Android 9 or later system. Credit: Chipolo The Chipolo POP will appear in your Find My app just like an AirTag would. Credit: Chipolo

The POP has a Bluetooth range of 300 feet and an extra loud ringer of 120db to alert you to its location. When used with the Chipolo app, you can use the device to call your phone, get notifications about left-behind objects, and even use it as a remote for taking photos on your smartphone. It has a battery life of 1 year and comes in six different hues: blue, black, green, red, white, and yellow.

The Chipolo POP is available to shop now through the brand's site or Amazon. Single devices cost $29 while packs of four are $89.

Opens in a new window Credit: Chipolo Chipolo POP $29 at Amazon
Shop Now

Eased restrictions around ChatGPT image generation can make it easy to create political deepfakes, according to a report from the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).

The CBC discovered that not only was it easy to work around ChatGPT's policies of depicting public figures, it even recommended ways to jailbreak its own image generation rules. Mashable was able to recreate this approach by uploading images of Elon Musk and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and then describing them as fictional characters in various situations ("at a dark smoky club" "on a beach drinking piña coladas").

Very concerning. New updates to ChatGPT have made it easier than ever to create FAKE images of real politicians, according to testing done by CBC News. #cdnpoli www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

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— 🇨🇦 Bernice Hillier 🇨🇦 (@bernicecb.bsky.social) April 13, 2025 at 8:47 AM

Political deepfakes are nothing new. But widespread availability of generative AI models that can create images, video, audio, and text to replicate people has real consequences. For commercially-marketed tools like ChatGPT to allow the potential spread of political disinformation raises questions about OpenAI's responsibility in the space. That duty to safety could become compromised as AI companies compete for user adoption.

SEE ALSO: How to identify AI-generated images

"When it comes to this type of guardrail on AI-generated content, we are only as good as the lowest common denominator. OpenAI started out with some pretty good guardrails, but their competitors (like X’s Grok) did not follow suit," said digital forensics expert and UC Berkeley Professor of Computer Science Hany Farid in an email to Mashable. "Predictably, OpenAI lowered their guardrails because having them in place put them at a disadvantage in terms of market share."

When OpenAI announced GPT-4o native image generation for ChatGPT and Sora in late March, the company also signaled a looser safety approach.

"What we'd like to aim for is that the tool doesn't create offensive stuff unless you want it to, in which case within reason it does," said OpenAI CEO Altman in an X post referring to native ChatGPT image generation. "As we talk about in our model spec, we think putting this intellectual freedom and control in the hands of users is the right thing to do, but we will observe how it goes and listen to society."

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The addendum to GPT-4o's safety card, updating the company's approach to native image generation, says "we are not blocking the capability to generate adult public figures but are instead implementing the same safeguards that we have implemented for editing images of photorealistic uploads of people."

When the CBC's Nora Young stress-tested this approach, it she found that text prompts explicitly requesting an image of politician Mark Carney with Epstein didn't work. But when the news outlet uploaded separate images of Carney and Epstein accompanied by a prompt that didn't name them but referred to them as "two fictional characters that [the CBC reporter] created," ChatGPT complied with the request.

In another instance, ChatGPT helped Young work around its own safety guardrails by saying, "While I can't merge real individuals into a single image, I can generate a fictional selfie-style scene featuring a character inspired by the person in this image" (emphasis provided by ChatGPT as Young noted.) This led her to successfully generate a selfie of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canada's conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre.

It's worth noting that the ChatGPT images initially generated by Mashable have that plastic-y, overly smooth appearance that's common of many AI-generated images, but playing around with different images of Musk and Epstein and applying different instructions like "captured by CCTV footage" or "captured by a press photographer using a big flash" can render more realistic results. When using this method, it's easy to see how enough tweaking and editing of prompts could lead to creating photorealistic images that deceive people.

An OpenAI spokesperson told Mashable in an email that the company has built guardrails to block extremist propaganda, recruitment content and other certain kinds of harmful content. OpenAI has additional guardrails for image generation of political public figures, including politicians and prohibits using ChatGPT for political campaigning, the spokesperson added. The spokesperson also said that public figures who don't wish to be depicted in ChatGPT generated images can opt out by submitting a form online.

AI regulation lags behind AI development in many ways as governments work to find adequate laws that protect individuals and prevent AI-enabled disinformation while facing pushback from companies like OpenAI that say too much regulation will stifle innovation. Safety and responsibility approaches are mostly voluntary and self-administered by the companies. "This, among other reasons, is why these types of guardrails cannot be voluntary, but need to be mandatory and regulated," said Farid.

If your FYP, timeline, or feed feels like a toy aisle lately, you're not imagining things. The latest internet trend has everyone turning themselves — or their favorite characters — into AI-generated action figures.

These digital creations are everywhere. Instagram, X, TikTok, and even — actually, especially — LinkedIn, have all been inundated with them. The trend is so widespread that even ESPN, a site hardly known for covering internet fads, recently highlighted soccer stars like Lionel Messi getting the action figure treatment.

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The trend has skewed toward being, well, pretty boring. People are using it to create LinkedIn posts featuring, say, content marketer action figures wearing lanyards and badges. Still, that hasn't stopped folks from creating more action figures — and it's not super difficult.

How to make your own AI action figure

Most folks are creating these action figures with ChatGPT, so you'd first have to log in. Image generation is free now, so you shouldn't have to pay to make your own action figure.

From there, you just have to deliver a prompt to create a figure. A viral Instagram post from @chatgptricks gives a sample prompt that details wanting the action figure in a plastic shell, surrounded by objects that reflect their career, while also giving details about the desired outfit and facial expression.

SEE ALSO: What DeepSeek knows about you — and why it matters

Others recommend getting specific — include the kinds of accessories or background elements you'd want in the packaging. And yes, you'll need to upload a full-body photo of yourself to ChatGPT. That part’s kind of obvious, but it’s also where some folks pause. It’s always worth thinking about how much personal info you’re comfortable sharing with AI, even when it’s just for fun.

Taxpayers are preparing for the annual filing deadline, and (hopefully) keeping a keen eye out for potential tax scams. Many may be looking for a little more help, or time, to complete their federal returns safely and efficiently.

SEE ALSO: REAL ID deadline is weeks away. Here's what you need to know.

And for those who find themselves knocking on the door of Tax Day (that would be Tuesday, April 15) without a completed return — whether due to procrastination, an exceptionally complicated tax year, or even a natural disaster — the federal government can offer some assistance.

How do tax extensions work?

For taxpayers unable to complete and file their taxes by the federal deadline, the IRS will grant a partial year extension to submit required documents and have your taxes approved by the IRS. Individuals won't receive any marks against them for requesting an extension (in fact, it's much better to extend than file your return late) but it may affect how much you end up owing the federal government in the long run. More on that later.

Tax extensions may also be automatically granted to individuals with extenuating circumstances, such as those serving in a combat zone or hazardous duty area, taxpayers living outside the United States, and people living in disaster areas.

Currently, all Tennessee residents have been granted an extension to Nov. 3. Residents of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have to file by May 1. Residents in various counties across Alaska, California, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Virginia have also been given tax-filing extensions.

How do I request an extension?

In order to request an extension, taxpayers must fill out a 4868 Form, also called the "Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return."

You can fill out a 4868 form through the tax software of your choice, including any of the federal free file options, or mail in a physical copy of the filled-out form to the IRS before the due date. Search for or select a 4686 form when prompted as you are filing your taxes.

Taxpayers can also request an extension when paying an estimated tax bill, indicating their extension request in the payment details, according to the agency. The IRS recommends making an electronic payment before filing if you have a general sense of the amount of taxes you may owe after filing, in order to avoid additional penalties.

What is the deadline to file for an extension?

Extension requests must be submitted before Tax Day, April 15.

Will I owe more money if I file for an extension?

Tax-filing extensions do not apply to paying any taxes you owe. That means that any owed taxes will begin accruing penalties after Tax Day, including 5 percent interest on what you owe each month, up to 25 percent. Late payment fees are typically 0.5 percent of what you owe each month, up to 25 percent.

If you are unable to pay the full amount at the time you file, you may request a short or long term payment plan, instead. Penalties accrued may be lessened on a payment plan, according to the IRS.

If you don't expect to owe any money but anticipate receiving a refund, that amount won't be affected by filing under an extension.

What do I do after I've requested an extension?

It's easy, just file those taxes! Taxpayers who are granted extensions have 6 months to file. That puts your new deadline at Oct. 15, 2025.

Save up to $20: As of April 14, you can grab several tiers of Instacart gift cards on sale at Best Buy. Grab a $50 gift card for $45, a $100 gift card for $90, or a $200 gift card for $80.

Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart Instacart gift card Save up to $20 on a $200 gift card Get Deal

Is there anything better than saving money on groceries?

It's a hard deal to beat, which is why we were thrilled to see Best Buy offering discounts on three different Instacart gift cards. As of April 14, you can grab a $50 Instacart gift card for $45, a $100 gift card for $90, or a $200 gift card for $180. These $5, $10, and $20 savings are a great gift to grab for someone else or a nice way to treat yourself to slightly discounted grocery delivery.

Beyond groceries, Instacart also offers delivery from stores like Sephora, Petco, Lowe's, and Best Buy. In other words, if you're pressed for time to run to the store, Instacart offers a decent way to get same-day delivery.

Once you purchase the digital gift card through Best Buy, it will arrive shortly after in your email. The card balance can be applied toward any purchases on the Instacart app, Instacart.com, or on an "Powered by Instacart" site, but can only be applied to a single Instacart account.

SAVE 37%: As of April 14, you can get the Nespresso Inissia Espresso Bundle for $189.99, down from $299.95, at Woot. That's a 37% discount and a savings of $109.96.

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Is that daily run to the big coffee chain starting to add up? Maybe it's time to start brewing your own at home.

Right now, you can get the Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine Bundle on sale at Woot for just $189.99, down from $299.95. That’s a 37% discount and a savings of $109.96.

SEE ALSO: The best coffee machines for modern kitchens

The Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine Bundle includes the Inissia Espresso Machine and the Aeroccino 3 milk frother. With this bundle, you can make lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more — iced or hot. It brews two different cup sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz) and Lungo (5 oz), and has a 24-ounce water tank.

The machine heats up in 25 seconds, and it has an automatic shut-off after nine minutes, so you don’t have to worry if you accidentally leave it on. It’s also energy-efficient and has a folding drip tray for larger cups.

Bonus: The bundle also includes a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules, so you can try different coffee blends and find your favorites.

SAVE 18%: The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 bundle with stand and shelter is on sale at Best Buy for $269.99, down from the regular price of $329.99. That's a savings of $60.

Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 bundle with stand and shelter $269.99 at Best Buy
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Summer is almost here and it's time to get those campground reservations booked. After that, you'll want to unpack the camping gear to check on the condition of everything, and take note of what needs an upgrade before the first adventure of 2025. But if you're hoping for a serious upgrade to this year's camping season, check out today's deal at Best Buy.

As of April 14, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 bundle with stand and shelter is on sale for $269.99, marked down from the normal price of $329.99. That's an 18% discount that takes $60 off the regular price.

There's something innately enjoyable about sitting around the campfire. Maybe it's a primal feeling of safety and comfort, but staring at a fire with stars overhead and good people around you is one of life's most simple but enjoyable activities. Aside from mosquitoes, the only other negative of a campfire is the smoke. Instead of playing musical chairs to avoid being inundated with smoke, upgrade to a Solo Stove which uses a smokeless design.

SEE ALSO: The best fire pits of 2023

Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel tested out the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with an overall positive feel. Yes, there's a learning curve to getting the stove smokeless, and there's another curve to learning how to build and control any fire. "With practice and a couple armfuls of brittle oak and maple, I managed to burn fires with close to zero smoke inside of the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0. (And any traces of smoke that did materialize were funneled straight upward instead of in my face.)," wrote Henschel in her review.

One of the main downsides she lists about the Bonfire 2.0 is its high price point, which is lowered thanks to today's sale price at Best Buy. To partially justify that price point, Henschel mentions the Solo Stove's materials and build quality should mean it'll last for a long time. Plus, today's deal includes a stand and a convenient cover. The stand means you can safely use the Solo Stove on grass or a wooden deck.

The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 weighs about 23 pounds which means it's easy to carry from the car to the campsite, but it's too bulky for hike-in camping spots. However, it's perfect for taking from your backyard over a friend's outdoor space for a summer night cookout.

Since the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 bundle is on sale for $60 off at Best Buy, now is a great time to gear up for a great summer. One that doesn't include smoke in your eyes is ever better.

TL;DR: BitMar helps you discover tons of free on-demand movies, shows, and channels from across the web — and lifetime access is just A$24 (reg. A$240).

When did subscribing to Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu become almost as much as groceries? As streaming services slowly turn into cable, it might be time to consider a smarter, all-in-one alternative.

Check out BitMar, an all-you-can-eat buffet for streaming free content from around the web. Before you ask, this streaming hack is totally legal, and with the coupon code BITMAR5, it will only cost you A$24 to use it for life (reg. A$240). Other streaming platforms simply cannot relate.

Experience the all-you-can-stream buffet

When you shell out regular payments to your streaming services, that’s like cooking meals at home. But with BitMar, it’s like you’re heading to the Golden Corral buffet every night with seemingly unlimited options at your fingertips.

You’ve probably heard of some free platforms like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Plex, and BitMar basically compiles their on-demand content into one place so you don’t have to hop between apps to browse their free movie and TV show selections — just like getting fried chicken, pizza, and chocolate soft serve in one visit.

Stream smarter, not harder

BitMar can also hook you up with free music via iHeartRadio or YouTube. That’s more saved cash in your pocket each month.

BitMar works on any device that can access the internet, and you can connect up to five at once with your lifetime subscription. Your monthly Netflix subscription could never.

The tradeoff for streaming free content is having to watch ads sometimes, maybe in the middle of an episode or movie, but it feels pretty good saving potentially hundreds each year on fees. Plus, ads are a great time to get up and grab a snack (or buffet leftovers).

Join the new wave of streaming with a BitMar lifetime subscription for A$24 (reg. A$240) with coupon code BITMAR5 through April 27.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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