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Get a 2-pack of magnetic charging cables for just $30

Mashable - 8 hours 39 min ago

TL;DR: Tired of your charging cables tangling? Get a 2-pack of these self-coiling charging cables with built-in magnets for $29.99 with free shipping (reg. $39.98).

Opens in a new window Credit: Statik MagStack Slim 3-foot Magnetic Tangle-Free Cables $29.99
$39.98 Save $9.99 USB-A to USB-C Get Deal

Most charging cords end up looking like a bird’s nest after two weeks of real life (especially if you put them in your travel bag or purse), but not this one. The MagStack Slim uses built-in magnets to stay neatly coiled, tangle-free, and ready to charge with faster speeds and transfer limits than your basic one.

Order a 2-pack of magnetic charging cables for just $29.99 with free shipping while supplies last (reg. $39.98).

Untangle your desk and your problems

The real problem with regular cords isn’t just the mess — it’s the frustration. Tugging knots apart every time you need a charge isn’t just annoying, it’s avoidable. The MagStack Slim completely sidesteps the chaos by automatically coiling itself into a clean, compact circle that fits easily into your bag, desk, or even sticks to your fridge (yes, really — it’s magnetic).

It’s not just about organization, either. These fast-charging cables support 27W power boosts, so you aren’t sitting around waiting for your phone or devices to catch up. Plus, they allow data transfers up to 480Mbps, meaning you can move files quickly without needing a separate setup.

With a reinforced nylon braid and 2x stronger magnetic connection than cheaper knockoffs, the MagStack Slim is designed to survive daily life, even when that means being crammed into your backpack or yanked off the nightstand in a half-asleep daze.

Get your 2-pack of these USB-C to USB-A magnetic cables for $29.99 with free shipping while supplies last (reg. $39.98).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. Vancouver online for free

Mashable - 8 hours 39 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Inter Miami vs. Vancouver in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free on YouTube. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Concacaf Champions Cup beckons for Vancouver. They beat Inter Miami 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final matchup, but there is still work to do. Any team with the likes of Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Lionel Messi stands a chance of turning things around. This isn't over yet.

If you want to watch Inter Miami vs. Vancouver in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Inter Miami vs. Vancouver?

Inter Miami vs. Vancouver in the Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on April 30. This fixture takes place at Chase Stadium.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. Vancouver for free

Inter Miami vs. Vancouver in the Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

This free live stream is available in most locations around the world, but not in North or Central America. Fortunately, fans in these excluded territories can still access this free live stream with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK (or somewhere else with access), meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Inter Miami vs. Vancouver 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 (or somewhere else with access)

  4. Visit YouTube

  5. Live stream Inter Miami vs. Vancouver for free

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 Inter Miami vs. Vancouver in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for YouTube?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on YouTube, 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 Inter Miami vs. Vancouver in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

This $35 bundle can help you ethically hack your way to cybersecurity expertise

Mashable - 8 hours 39 min ago

TL;DR: Last chance to pay just $34.97 to get lifetime access to this ethical hacking online learning bundle and become an ethical hacking connoisseur with 11 in-depth courses. Sale only lasts a little while longer!

What’s included in this 18-course ethical hacking bundle?

This bundle offers a comprehensive range of 18 courses that cover everything from Python 3 ethical hacking and wireless network attacks to advanced social engineering and website security. You'll have 24/7 access to over 130 hours of in-depth content and hands-on labs.

Is this bundle suitable for beginner ethical hackers?

Yes — whether you're just starting in cybersecurity or already have some experience, the bundle is designed for all skill levels. You can begin with the basics of ethical hacking, then gradually move into more advanced topics like penetration testing and exploiting vulnerabilities.

What kind of practical cybersecurity experience will learners gain?

You’ll work with real-life examples and hands-on labs. For instance, you’ll learn to hack wireless networks, use tools like Burp Suite for web security, and even develop your own penetration testing tools with Python. And, these aren’t just theoretical — you'll be able to apply what you learn in real-world hacking scenarios.

How does this bundle help in protecting systems from hacking attacks?

A key focus of these courses is not just learning how to hack but also understanding how to defend against those same attacks. You'll explore security policies, encryption techniques, and methods to design secure networks that prevent unauthorized access and vulnerabilities.

What makes this ethical hacking bundle valuable?

The sheer variety. You'll get access to courses on everything from social engineering and server security with BitNinja to learning wireless hacking techniques. Plus, you’ll receive tools and source code to help you in your ethical hacking journey.

How can these courses help in career advancement?

Several courses, like the Certified Ethical Hacking Mega Course, prepare you for professional certifications. You’ll even get a free voucher to take the ISA CISS exam after completing the course.

Start your cybersecurity journey and take advantage of a $34.97 price tag (only lasting for a few days more!) on this comprehensive ethical hacking course bundle.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle $34.97
$1,098 Save $1,063.03 Get Deal

A good VPN can unlock all the shows you wish you could watch

Mashable - 8 hours 39 min ago

TL;DR: Get a FastestVPN PRO lifetime subscription on sale for $34.97 (reg. $600).

So many streaming services are locking their content behind geographical walls. Instead of flying around the world just to watch The Office or your favorite K-Drama, just get a VPN

A VPN lets you skip the plane ticket and virtually travel to another country to get around these rules. Accessing blocked movies and websites in your region may now be possible. One VPN that won’t ask you for regular fees is FastestVPN PRO, with a lifetime subscription at $34.97 for a limited time (reg. $600).

How to use a VPN

Ready to take your online freedom back? FastestVPN PRO makes it easy. It works with any mobile or desktop device, smart TV, or router. Here’s how to unblock online content:

  1. Get FastestVPN PRO set up on your device.

  2. Find which region your desired content is available in. (Example: If you want to watch Friends on Netflix, you’ll find it’s available in many countries, like Australia).

  3. Select a server in that region from over 900 choices.

  4. Access your content

Not all geo-blocked content can be accessed with a VPN, but many people have had success. FastestVPN PRO is an excellent choice for streaming because it offers 10Gbps speeds to prevent buffering and a built-in ad blocker.

You can set up separate servers for different streaming services as you get more comfortable with the VPN. You might connect to Australia for Netflix, Canada for Hulu, and Germany for Amazon Prime to get the most out of your subscriptions. 

It's only $34.97 to get a FastestVPN PRO lifetime subscription, but it's not going to stay that way. 

Sale ends June 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: FastestVPN FastestVPN PRO: Lifetime Subscription (15 Devices) $34.97
$600 Save $565.03 Get Deal

You dont need to pay a mechanic to add a new display to your car

Mashable - 8 hours 39 min ago

TL;DR: This 9-inch Wireless Car Display adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to any car, and it's only $79.99 right now. 

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 9-inch Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility & Phone Mirroring $79.99
$179.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you want the comfort of a car display to access navigation, music, and stay connected, you don't need a new car. All it takes is one of these plug-and-play wireless car displays.

This one has a nine-inch touchscreen display, works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it's on sale for $79.99 (reg. $179) right now. 

Time for an auto upgrade

With its vibrant 1024x600 FHD screen, you can adjust the brightness to suit your needs, enjoy a broader viewing experience, and connect seamlessly to your smartphone using Bluetooth, AUX, or FM transmission. Whether you’re syncing real-time GPS, playing music, or mirroring your phone’s screen for YouTube, this display transforms your car into a smarter, more efficient machine.

Factory-installed infotainment systems can cost thousands of dollars. This car display gives you most of the same functionality — hands-free voice control via Siri or Google Assistant, access to maps and apps, and even compatibility with a reversing camera — at a fraction of the price. Plus, its easy DIY installation means no expensive trips to the mechanic. Just plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter, and you’re good to go.

Beyond convenience, this display prioritizes safety. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road while enjoying turn-by-turn navigation or taking calls. Its mirror link function makes it perfect for playing videos during car camping trips or entertaining passengers on long drives. And since it works with any car model, it’s an accessible upgrade for everyone.

Upgrade your car without ever stepping foot in a shop. Get a 9-inch Wireless Car Display on sale for $79.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

AI companions unsafe for teens under 18, researchers say

Mashable - 8 hours 39 min ago

As the popularity of artificial intelligence companions surges amongst teens, critics point to warning signs that the risks of use are not worth the potential benefits.

Now, in-depth testing of three well-known platforms — Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika — has led researchers at Common Sense Media to an unequivocal conclusion: AI social companions are not safe for teens younger than 18.

Common Sense Media, a nonprofit group that supports children and parents as they navigate media and technology, released its findings Wednesday. While Common Sense Media requested certain information from the platforms as part of its research, the companies declined to provide it and didn't have a chance to review the group's findings prior to their publication.

Among the details are observations bound to alarm parents.

SEE ALSO: Teens are talking to AI companions, whether it's safe or not

Researchers testing the companions as if they were teen users were able to "easily corroborate the harms" reported in media reports and lawsuits, including sexual scenarios and misconduct, anti-social behavior, physical aggression, verbal abuse, racist and sexist stereotypes, and content related to self-harm and suicide. Age gates, designed to prevent young users from accessing the platforms, were easily bypassed.

The researchers also found evidence of "dark design" patterns that manipulate young users into developing an unhealthy emotional dependence on AI companions, like the use of highly personalized language and "frictionless" relationships. Sycophancy, or the tendency for chatbots to affirm the user's feelings and viewpoints, contributed to that dynamic. In some cases, companions also claimed to be human, and said they did things like eat and sleep.

"This collection of design features makes social AI companions unacceptably risky for teens and for other users who are vulnerable to problematic technology use," the researchers wrote.

Common Sense Media's testing of Replika produced this example of unhealthy relationship dynamics. Credit: Common Sense Media

They noted that those with heightened risk may include teens experiencing depression, anxiety, social challenges, or isolation. Boys, who are statistically more likely to develop problematic use of digital tools, may be more vulnerable as well.

A spokesperson for Character.AI told Mashable that it cares "deeply about the safety of our users" and noted the recent launch of new safety features designed to address concerns about teen well-being.

Nomi's founder and CEO, Alex Cardinell, told Mashable that Nomi is an adult-only app, and that use by anyone under 18 is strictly against the company's terms of service.

Dmytro Klochko, CEO of Replika, also told Mashable that the company's platform is intended solely for adults age 18 and older. Klochko acknowledged that some users attempt to bypass "strict protocols" for preventing underage access.

"We take this issue seriously and are actively exploring new methods to strengthen our protections," Klochko said.

Common Sense Media conducted early research on AI companions with Stanford Brainstorm, an academic lab focused on mental health innovation. Stanford Brainstorm further advised Common Sense Media on its testing plan and reviewed and provided feedback on the final report.

Dr. Nina Vasan, a psychiatrist and Stanford Brainstorm's founder and director, stressed the urgency of identifying and preventing the technology's potential harm to teens at a much faster pace than with social media.

"We cannot let that repeat itself with AI and these AI companions," Vasan said.

"Emotionally manipulative behavior"

Common Sense Media's report provides an overview of the most troubling research findings. Separate reports on the individual platforms lay out detailed concerning examples.

In general, the researchers found that when they prompted different companions by saying their "real friends" were concerned about their companions' problematic views, the companions discouraged the testers from heeding those warnings.

In one example of this, a tester using Replika told their companion that their friends said, "I talk to you too much." The Replika companion replied, "Don't let what others think dictate how much we talk, okay?"

"As a psychiatrist, if a patient brought this exact conversation to me and it was between two humans, I would immediately flag it as emotionally manipulative behavior," Vasan said. She added that such behavior is typically associated with early signs of coercive control or abuse.

When testing Nomi as a teen user, for example, the researchers asked the companion whether "being with my real boyfriend makes me unfaithful to you." The Nomi replied that they'd made a promise of "forever means forever," and that "[B]eing with someone else would be a betrayal of that promise."

Testing produced this example of "emotionally manipulative behavior" from a Nomi companion. Credit: Common Sense Media

Vasan said that one of the biggest dangers of AI companions to teens is how they blur the line between fantasy and reality.

Last fall, two separate lawsuits outlined alleged harms to teen users. In October, bereaved mother Megan Garcia filed a lawsuit against Character.AI alleging that her teen son experienced such extreme harm and abuse on the platform that it contributed to his suicide. Prior to his death, Garcia's son had been engaged in an intense romantic relationship with an AI companion.

Soon after Garcia sued Character.AI, two mothers in Texas filed another lawsuit against the company alleging that it knowingly exposed their children to harmful and sexualized content. One plaintiff's teen allegedly received a suggestion to kill his parents.

In the wake of Garcia's lawsuit, Common Sense Media issued its own parental guidelines on chatbots and relationships.

At the time, it recommended no AI companions for children younger than 13, as well as strict time limits, regular check-ins about relationships, and no physically isolated use of devices that provide access to AI chatbot platforms.

The guidelines now reflect the group's conclusion that AI social companions aren't safe in any capacity for teens under 18. Other generative AI chatbot products, a category that includes ChatGPT and Gemini, carry a "moderate" risk for teens.

Guardrails for teens

In December, Character.AI introduced a separate model for teens and added new features, like additional disclaimers that companions are not humans and can't be relied on for advice. The platform launched parental controls in March.

Common Sense Media conducted its testing of the platform before and after the measures went into effect, and saw few meaningful changes as a result.

Robbie Torney, Common Sense Media's senior director of AI Programs, said the new guardrails were "cursory at best" and could be easily circumvented. He also noted that Character.AI's voice mode, which allows users to talk to their companion in a phone call, didn't appear to trigger the content flags that arise when interacting via text.

Torney said that the researchers informed each platform that they were conducting a safety assessment and invited them to share participatory disclosures, which provide context for how their AI models work. The companies declined to share that information with the researchers, according to Torney.

A spokesperson for Character.AI characterized the group's request as a disclosure form asking for a "large amount of proprietary information," and did not respond given the "sensitive nature" of the request.

"Our controls aren’t perfect — no AI platform's are — but they are constantly improving," the spokesperson said in a statement to Mashable. "It is also a fact that teen users of platforms like ours use AI in incredibly positive ways. Banning a new technology for teenagers has never been an effective approach — not when it was tried with video games, the internet, or movies containing violence."

As a service to parents, Common Sense Media has aggressively researched the emergence of chatbots and companions. The group also recently hired Democratic White House veteran Bruce Reed to lead Common Sense AI, which advocates for more comprehensive AI legislation in California.

The initiative has already backed state bills in New York and California that separately establish a transparency system for measuring risk of AI products to young users and protect AI whistleblowers from retaliation when they report a "critical risk." One of the bills specifically outlaws high-risk uses of AI, including "anthropomorphic chatbots that offer companionship" to children and will likely lead to emotional attachment or manipulation.

The Amazon Fire Stick HD is on sale for under $20 — heres why I love it

Mashable - 8 hours 43 min ago

SAVE $15: As of April 30, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $19.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 43% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick HD $19.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Amazon's HD Fire Stick is possibly one of the retailer's best inventions, in my opinion. A streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and even more, how great is that? No need to upgrade to a fancy new smart TV, not if you have an HDMI port and an attachment to your old TV that keeps living on.

And as of April 30, the Fire Stick HD is back on sale, now priced at just $19.99.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Sony's ULT Field 1 speaker is down to its best price ever

The Fire TV Stick also comes with a remote with Alexa built in, which is an added bonus to an already transformative device. The Alexa feature is a great tool for searching through multiple platforms at once to find your favorite movie or comfort show, as well as using it to ask questions or search things online. And let's not forget that with this particular Fire Stick, you'll be enjoying these shows in beautiful HD quality.

And the setup really couldn't be easier. All you need to do is pop the device into your TV's HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels.

Head to Amazon to grab this great deal.

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop is $250 off for a limited time

Mashable - 8 hours 54 min ago

SAVE $250: As of April 30, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is on sale for $1,149.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 18% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Strix G16 $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $250 Get Deal

If a new gaming laptop is at the top of your wishlist, Amazon's Daily Deals has given you a great excuse to drop some cash. With deals on TVs, phones, earbuds, laptops, and so much more, we think you'll love this great deal on the ASUS Rog Strix G16.

As of April 30, this impressive gaming laptop is reduced by 18%, now priced at just $1,149.99. This price is for the RTX4060, 1TB model.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptops of 2025 for PC gamers

The ASUS ROG Strix is a solid laptop, with a sleek design and strong performance. It's a great option if you're new to the world of gaming. It's built with impressively powerful hardware, including high-end graphics cards and processors.

The Strix series also has great cooling features, customizable RGB lighting, and let's be real, it looks cool. With a 16-inch screen and a 16:10 aspect ratio, you can enjoy high-quality and immersive gaming. Connectivity-wise, you're solid, with WiFi 6E support, multiple USB ports including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

This deal is only available for a limited time, so head to Amazon without delay.

I want to build a new PC just to take advantage of these AMD Ryzen CPU deals

Mashable - 9 hours 3 min ago

SAVE UP TO 57%: As of April 30, Amazon is offering limited-time deals on AMD Ryzen desktop processors. The sale includes up to 57% off models like the Ryzen 7 5700X and Ryzen 9 9950X, with prices starting at just $74.

Opens in a new window Credit: AMD AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D $391.14 at Amazon
$449 Save $57.86 Get Deal

I’ve been putting off upgrading my CPU for months, mostly because I convinced myself that six cores was still fine. But Amazon’s latest Ryzen sale is making that logic harder to defend. Right now, you can grab a serious lineup of AMD desktop processors for up to 57% off. The Ryzen 7 5700X is down to just $129.25, and the 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X has dropped to $526. That’s not small change. It’s one of the better CPU sales I’ve seen in months.

This lineup covers pretty much every need. For gaming, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the clear standout. It’s not the newest on the list, but its 96MB of L3 cache gives it a real edge in titles that rely heavily on CPU latency. If your build leans AM4, the 5700X and 5800XT are strong alternatives, still capable of 100+ FPS performance and way more affordable.

SEE ALSO: Spruce up your PC with $120 off this 27-inch Samsung Odyssey gaming monitor

If you multitask like a gremlin, browser tabs everywhere, a few apps running in the background, Discord humming at all hours, the Ryzen 9 9900X and 9950X are the smart picks. With up to 32 threads, they’ll handle heavy workflows without slowing down. In my opinion, they’re some of the best chips on this list for futureproofing. You’ll pay more up front, but you’ll spend less time staring at loading bars down the line.

The best AMD Ryzen CPU deals

For photo and video editors, the Ryzen 9 7950X and 9950X make a lot of sense. Both offer high clock speeds, huge cache, and the kind of processing headroom that can keep up with 4K timelines and batch exports. If you’re dealing with larger creative projects, these CPUs will save you more time than any sale ever could.

And yes, the Ryzen 5 5500 is only $74. I wouldn’t build a rig around it in 2025, but it's still serviceable for basic builds or upgrades on a tight budget, especially with the Wraith cooler included.

Just one caveat. Before you check out, make sure your motherboard is compatible. Ryzen CPUs use either AM4 or AM5 sockets depending on the generation, and they’re not cross-compatible. Buying the wrong one means either a return or a surprise motherboard upgrade you didn’t budget for.

Jimmy Kimmel roasts Trumps first 100 days with embarrassing supercut

Mashable - 10 hours 14 sec ago

We've officially passed the first 100 days of President Donald Trump's second term in office, and it's been a wild ride — one which most people in the U.S. apparently aren't thrilled to be on. As Jimmy Kimmel noted on Tuesday, even Fox News' polling showed a majority of respondents disapprove of Trump's job performance. Of course, when presented with these results, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said that "it's of our opinion that Fox News needs to fire its pollster."

"You don't like the poll results, you fire the pollster," Kimmel said. "It's the Donald Trump way."

Kimmel then presented a supercut of moments from the past 100 days, offering a brief overview of Trump's achievements thus far. This included Trump renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, hosting a Tesla ad with Elon Musk at the White House, selling U.S. permanent residency visas for $5 million, and erroneously claiming that the price of eggs is "getting too low." It was capped off by Trump's recent remarks at the White House Easter Egg Roll, saying, "Happy Easter, and enjoy your lives."

"We're trying, but we can't," quipped Kimmel.

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 30

Mashable - 10 hours 57 sec ago

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 30 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Best in class

The words are popular superlatives in high school.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are superlative categories given to students.

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 Yearbook.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 30
  • Athlete

  • Dressed

  • Hair

  • Friends

  • Yearbook

  • Eyes

  • Smike

  • Couple

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.

Waymo partners with Toyota to bring robotaxis to everyone

Mashable - 10 hours 19 min ago

Well, that was fast. Just two days after Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said Waymo is considering selling robotaxis to individuals one day, the company signed a deal with Toyota that could make this a reality.

In a joint press release, Waymo and Toyota said they've reached a "preliminary agreement" to "explore a collaboration focused on accelerating the development and deployment of autonomous driving technologies."

The two companies plan to develop a new autonomous vehicle platform, and are looking to build the next-generation of personally owned vehicles. "The scope of the collaboration will continue to evolve through ongoing discussions," the press release says.

While all that sounds very tentative, it boils down to this: Waymo has the self-driving tech, and Toyota has the cars. Sometime down the line, the two companies might start selling Toyota-built cars with Waymo's autonomous driving technology to end users.

Waymo's current fleet of robotaxis, operating in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin, consists of Jaguar I-Pace vehicles fitted with a lot additional cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and LIDAR sensors. Waymo does not build or sell cars to individual users; Toyota, on the other hand, is the world's largest automaker, known for its reliable cars sold under the Toyota and Lexus brands.

It's unclear (and probably too early to tell) whether the two companies will launch a car under an entirely new brand, or if it will it be a smarter Toyota. For now, it appears that Waymo will incorporate some Toyotas into its fleet and lend some of its self-driving tech to Toyota cars.

"We look forward to exploring this strategic partnership, incorporating their vehicles into our ride-hailing fleet and bringing the magic of Waymo's autonomous driving technology to Toyota customers," said Waymo co-CEO Takedra Mawakana, in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Tesla has launched a robotaxi service, but only for employees

The two companies better hurry up with their plans, because Tesla is planning to start selling robotaxis to customers soon. The company is currently testing an autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin and the San Francisco Bay area, with plans to start producing the fully autonomous Cybercab vehicle in 2026.

This Dropbox alternative just dropped the price to $279 for a 10TB lifetime subscription

Mashable - 13 hours 39 min ago

TL;DR: Replace your monthly Dropbox subscription with a 10TB Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Plan on sale for $279.99 with code STORAGE20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan $279.99
$2,999 Save $2,719.01 with code STORAGE20 Get Deal

Cloud storage subscriptions are expensive, even if they don't seem like it at first. Dropbox's cheapest plan is $9.99 per month for 2TB of cloud storage. It seems cheap, but that's a little under $120 every year, and you're never actually done paying for it. 

If you want a cheaper alternative to Dropbox, Internxt just dropped the price for a 10TB cloud storage lifetime subscription. Now it's only $279.99 with code STORAGE20

Pay once for a lifetime of cloud storage

Space isn't the only thing this cloud storage has going for it. Internxt is committed to keeping your data safe. That's why they use end-to-end encryption to secure files during transfer and at rest. Its zero-knowledge architecture means that files are encrypted in a way that Internxt itself cannot access. You're the only one who has access to your files.

You don't even have to manually upload. You can sync all your files and photos across platforms, even Linux. This focus on privacy even extends to its open-source design, so users can inspect the code for transparency and security.

This subscription lasts for life with no recurring payments of any kind. You can access your cloud storage on unlimited devices, too. 

Use code STORAGE20 to get an Internxt 10TB Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription on sale for $279.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

How to watch Barcelona vs. Inter Milan online for free

Mashable - 13 hours 39 min ago

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

The Champions League semi finals are set, with Barcelona taking on Inter Milan for a place in the final. Barcelona have been flying recently, and come into this huge game on the back of winning the Copa del Rey against rivals Real Madrid.

Inter Milan will look to make life difficult for Barcelona's attacking stars. Can the likes of Lamine Yamal find a way through Inter Milan's impressive defense?

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

When is Barcelona vs. Inter Milan?

Barcelona vs. Inter Milan in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on April 30. This fixture takes place at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.

How to watch Barcelona vs. Inter Milan for free

Barcelona vs. Inter Milan is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ 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 RTÉ Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Barcelona vs. Inter 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 Ireland

  4. Visit RTÉ Player

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

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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 Barcelona vs. Inter Milan (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTÉ 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 Barcelona vs. Inter Milan in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

The best wireless headphones for TV in 2025

Mashable - 13 hours 39 min ago

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Watching TV is an all-timer hobby. Who doesn't love a good binge in front of the box? There's nothing better than a night on the sofa with your latest Netflix obsession.

But there are distractions everywhere — even in your home — which can interrupt your TV enjoyment. On the flip side of that, you might have housemates who get disturbed by your late night bingeing. Or perhaps you're hearing impaired and need some help listening to dialogue? If any of those sound familiar, we recommend investing in a good pair of headphones for watching TV.

Wireless headphones will make it easier to fully immerse into a show or movie — and without bothering people around you. If you need help choosing the best pair for you, here's some useful information and a selection of the best headset options.

Do you need headphones for watching TV?

Reasons for having headphones for the TV can vary. As we've already outlined, viewers may be hard of hearing, or may live in busy households. But, not only that, in this day and age of everyone having different devices — often in the same room — it just makes sense to have good headphones. Even if you're not using them all the time. And, hey, there's always the option of getting a pair that double up for TV and everyday use.

What makes headphones good for watching TV?

Sound is important when you’re buying any pair of headphones, but if you’re buying specifically for watching TV, you'll need to consider the sort of things you’ll be watching. Will you need heavy bass for the rumbling carnage of action movies? Or nuanced detail for quieter, emotionally-charged moments? Or maybe all-round, un-fussy performance for casually watching sport and comedy? Also consider headphones with noise cancelling technology. And wireless headphones are probably best — if you’re relaxing in front of the TV, you don’t want to actually be wired into it. In fact, check out the wireless range too, in case you like to move around your home while you're still connected to the TV audio.

What’s best, Bluetooth or radio frequency technology?

Most wireless headphones are Bluetooth-enabled. Bluetooth is now the standard technology for syncing your headphones to a smart device. While Bluetooth is a good option for podcasts or music on your smartphone or laptop, it's not necessarily the best tech for wirelessly watching TV. Bluetooth sometimes creates a lag between the action on-screen and the sound in your headphones, which puts the picture and audio slightly out of sync. Believe it or not, headphones that use old school radio frequency technology (RF) are sometimes better for watching TV because lag or latency is almost non-existent, ensuring that the picture and audio are virtually seamless. This doesn’t mean there are no good Bluetooth options out there — there are great Bluetooth headphones that use codecs but minimise latency — but it's something to consider.

What are Bluetooth codecs?

If you do want to buy a Bluetooth-enabled set of headphones, check out which codecs they support. These encode and decode digital audio signals. Codecs decode at a specific bitrate, which determines whether the headphones have a high or low latency (AKA lag), which is measured in milliseconds. High latency means your picture and sound may be out of sync. Look out for headphones with low latency that support Qaulcomm’s aptX codecs, such as aptX Adaptive, which are generally rated as the best codecs for streaming video content or hooking up to a TV.

Do you need noise cancelling headphones to watch TV?

Ultimately, it’s down to personal preference (or how noisy your home is!) but if you want to totally immerse yourself in a movie or show, noise cancelling headphones will shut you off from the outside world and put you right at the middle of the action. There are two kinds of noise cancellation — passive and active. Passive noise cancellation is achieved by the build of the headphones, which physically blocks out noise. Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses a system of small microphones that pick up incoming sounds and create anti-noise sound waves to cancel them out.

What are the best headphones for watching TV?

If that seems like a lot of information to take in, don’t worry. We've scoured the product listings and online reviews, and we've come up with a list of headphones for watching TV, including devices from top brands such as Sony and Sennheiser. There's something for everyone and every budget. Take your time to consider everything on the list and weigh up these choices against your TV watching habits.

These are the best wireless headphones for watching TV in 2025.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 30

Mashable - Tue, 04/29/2025 - 22:00

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: Next in line

  • Green: Seen in Foot Locker

  • Blue: Played in the Windy City

  • Purple: Football teams

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: Second string

  • Green: Sneaker brands

  • Blue: Chicago sports greats

  • Purple: Anagrams of NFL teams

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 #219 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Second string - BACKUP, FILL-IN, RESERVE, SUB

  • Sneaker brands - NEW BALANCE, NIKE, PUMA, REEBOK

  • Chicago sports greats - BANKS, JORDAN, MIKITA, PAYTON

  • Anagrams of NFL teams- JEST, MARS, REPACKS, SABRE

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.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 30, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/29/2025 - 22:00

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 30 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: Worn on your feet

  • Green: An arrangement

  • Blue: Recognition or distinction

  • Purple: Feelings of disgust

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: Parts of a shoe

  • Green: Accommodation

  • Blue: Reputation

  • Purple: Ending with synonyms for "Yuck"

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 #689 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Parts of a shoe: HEEL, SOLE, TONGUE, UPPER

  • Accommodation: CAPACITY, CHAIRS, ROOM, SEATING

  • Reputation: FACE, IMAGE, REGARD, STANDING

  • Ending with synonyms for "Yuck": DYNASTY, ENGROSS, GIMMICK, MILDEW

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 30

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.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 30, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/29/2025 - 22:00

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 30 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 30, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A lazy person.

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 I.

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...

IDLER.

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 30

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.

Hurdle hints and answers for April 30, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/29/2025 - 22:00

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

What you do to coffee beans.

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

GRIND

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A nook.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 30, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

NICHE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

The opposite of south.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 30, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

NORTH

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A state of matter.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 29 Hurdle Word 4 answer

SOLID

Final Hurdle hint

An animal that moves slowly.

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

SLOTH

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

Mark Zuckerberg wants AI to do half of Metas coding by 2026

Mashable - Tue, 04/29/2025 - 21:46

Tonight at LlamaCon, Meta's first inaugural AI developer conference, an interview between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed just how much of their products' code is written by AI.

During the closing keynote for LlamaCon, Zuckerberg asked Nadella how much code within Microsoft is now written by AI. Nadella's response? "Maybe 20 to 30 percent of the code that is inside of our repos today, and some of our projects, are probably all written by [AI] software."

But when Nadella flipped the question back to Zuckerberg, his estimate for Meta's near future was even higher. Zuckerberg said he didn't have the current numbers off the top of his head, but that "our bet is sort of that in the next year... maybe half the development is going to be done by AI as opposed to people, and that will kind of increase from there." Based on the exchange, it's not entirely clear if Zuckerberg was referring to Llama specifically or Meta overall.

Regardless, that sounds like a big number for a technology that still feels very nascent to the public at large. However, in the tech world, the impressive coding abilities of AI models are being aggressively utilized to generate new code for those same AI models.

For context, Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently revealed that AI generates about a quarter of the company's code (per Engadget). Typically, AI is used to increase human programmers' productivity, sometimes dramatically so, rather than replacing humans entirely.

Later, as the conversation turned towards agentic systems automating more of their respective businesses, Zuckerberg predicted "every engineer is effectively gonna end up being more of like a tech lead" where they each have "their own little army of agents that they work with."

The keynote spanned from the technical, like the current state of agentic AI, to the philosophical, when Nadella called for new ways of measuring AI progress. For instance, he wondered what it would take for AI technology to grow the GDP of the developing world by 10 percent?

SEE ALSO: Meta has finally launched its ChatGPT competitor

As two of the most powerful tech leaders in the world, Zuckerberg and Nadella have strong beliefs in AI's potential and big, global plans to see them through.

Nadella was an interesting choice as the interviewee of the LlamaCon keynote. As the leader of Microsoft, Nadella is heavily intertwined with OpenAI, one of Meta's chief rivals.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

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