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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 kind of bird.

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

SNIPE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Weighed down.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 22, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

LADEN

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Grown up.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 22, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

ADULT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Geeky.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 22 Hurdle Word 4 answer

NERDY

Final Hurdle hint

What you do to wet clothes.

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

WRING

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 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.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 22 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 cut short

• Green: Artistic supplies

• Blue: Slick and slimy

• Purple: Natural warmth

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: Cancel, as a project

• Green: Seen in a pottery studio

• Blue: Things that are slippery

• Purple: Natural producers of heat

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 #681 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Cancel, as a project: AXE, CUT, DROP, SCRAP

• Seen in a pottery studio: CLAY, GLAZE, KILN, WHEEL

• Things that are slippery: BANANA PEEL, EEL, GREASE, ICE

• Natural producers of heat: FIRE, LIGHTNING, SUN, VOLCANO

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 22

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 22 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 22, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Creative.

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...

ARTSY.

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 22

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.

Having a hard time cancelling your Uber One subscription? The U.S. government says you're not alone.

On Monday, the Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against the delivery and rideshare giant Uber alleging that the company partook in "deceptive billing and cancellation practices." The FTC's allegations are in regards to Uber's premium subscription service, Uber One.

“I looked at a credit card bill and I realized that Uber Eats had been charging $9.99 for an Uber One account for the past 8 months. I have never signed up for this service,” reads a typical customer comment cited in the suit. Another customer complaint reads, “I don[’]t have an UBER account and NEVER have but I am being charged a monthly recurring fee of $9.99 for UBER ONE . I don[’]t even know how they got my debit card info.”

This screenshot from the Uber app was included in the FTC filing. Credit: FTC Why did the FTC target Uber with the new suit?

Uber advertised Uber One as a $9.99 per month premium subscription platform that provided customers with exclusive benefits, such as savings on rides and deliveries. However, according to the FTC, Uber mislead consumers on what exactly those savings were.

“Americans are tired of getting signed up for unwanted subscriptions that seem impossible to cancel,” said FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson in a statement. “Today, we’re alleging that Uber not only deceived consumers about their subscriptions, but also made it unreasonably difficult for customers to cancel.”

For example, Uber advertised that customers could save $25 per month as an Uber One member. The FTC disagrees, and the suit shows that the company didn't factor in the $9.99 per month membership fee when advertising supposed savings.

"These claims are false," the government's lawsuit says. "Many consumers do not actually save $25 a month by using Uber One…Uber’s savings claim assumes that the subscription is free; the purported savings does not subtract any costs."

The problems with Uber One went beyond false advertising promises, however. According to the lawsuit, along with the $25 in savings, Uber advertised that users can cancel their Uber One subscription "at any time" with "no additional fees." However, the FTC stated that Uber often charged consumers before the free trial even ended. On top of that, cancelling the subscription wasn't as simple as advertised.

Easy to sign up, incredibly hard to cancel

The suit alleges that Uber deploys deceptive practices known as "dark patterns" to first encourage users to sign up and then discourage them from cancelling their Uber One subscriptions.

The FTC notes that users could sign up with a couple of clicks, but cancelling required up to 32 actions. Credit: FTC

In the app, buttons directing users to “Start saving” or “Try for free” automatically enrolled users in the trial, per the lawsuit. In one case, users were presented with two options, “Start saving” or “Cancel.” The government’s complaint reads, “Once consumers click ‘Start saving,’ they are immediately enrolled in Uber One and will be charged every month or year for a subscription. The only other choice is to ‘Cancel.’ It is unclear what tapping that button would cancel at this point — it could be the delivery or ride they are trying to book; they have not signed up for Uber One and thus could not cancel it."

And in practice, when customers really did try to cancel the subscription, "Uber makes it extremely difficult," the FTC notes.

The FTC says Uber users were "forced to navigate" through a maze of steps in order to cancel their paid Uber One plan. The FTC says that the cancellation process could extend over 23 different screens and force users to take up to 32 different actions just to cancel. And the closer a user got to the end of their current subscription, the harder Uber made it to cancel.

"Uber can require them to say why they want to cancel, urge them to pause their membership or, if that failed, present them with offers to stay," says the FTC.

Some customers were forced to contact Uber customer support in order to cancel, but were not provided a method to contact the company. In addition, many users were charged for the subscription while in the process of cancelling, according to the government. 

Uber's alleged violations and the company's official response

The FTC is charging Uber with five counts under Section 5 of the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA), including misrepresentation and unfairly charging without consent.

In a statement shared with Mashable, Uber disputes any wrongdoing.

"We are disappointed that the FTC chose to move forward with this action, but are confident that the courts will agree with what we already know: Uber One’s sign-up and cancellation processes are clear, simple, and follow the letter and spirit of the law," said an Uber spokesperson. "Uber does not sign up or charge consumers without their consent, and cancellations can now be done anytime in-app and take most people 20 seconds or less."

Uber said that the company used to require that consumers contact the company in order to cancel Uber One if they were within 48 hours of their renewal period. However, Uber has since changed this policy and users can now cancel their subscription from within the app at any time.

The suit is an indication that the commission’s close scrutiny of the tech industry will continue in the Trump administration.

One of America's many long national nightmares (admittedly one of the smaller ones) came to an end last week, as Nintendo announced a new preorder date for the upcoming Switch 2 console.

After an anxiety-inducing delay on preorders in the U.S. caused by President Trump's tariff policies, the new retail preorder date is April 24, and the price of the console is still $449.99 on its own, or $499.99 when bundled with Mario Kart World. With all of that out of the way, now it's time to figure out exactly how to pre-order a Switch 2. You can go the usual route involving various major retail chains at midnight on the 24th, but as a backup option, you can try buying directly from Nintendo. Here's how that works.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide: Everything you need to know ahead of time How to pre-order Switch 2 directly from Nintendo

The good news is that Nintendo has a website set up specifically for this, with the rules clearly explained. The bad news is that the rules, as per usual with Nintendo, are a bit wacky and arcane. The even worse news is that, even if you secure a spot in this carousel, you won't be able to make your preorder until May 8.

First, you need to log into the site with your Nintendo Switch Online account. Yes, you need one of those to kick off this process, and what's more is that it needs to have had a paid membership to the service for at least 12 months in order to be eligible for a preorder. You also need a minimum of 50 gameplay hours tied to your account. This is admittedly a creative way to deal with scalpers, but it also means you need to be a somewhat serious Switch user to get through this process.

Anyway, once you're logged in, you pick which Switch 2 model you want (console or Mario Kart bundle) and click the "Register Interest" button. At that point, you've done all you can do. Starting on May 8, Nintendo will start sending out emails to eligible customers on a first-come, first-served basis. These emails are non-transferable and are limited to one console purchase per Nintendo account, and they expire after 72 hours.

One small sliver of light in all of this is that Nintendo isn't limiting this to just one wave of invite emails on May 8. Additional batches of invites will go out over time, so if you don't get an email on the 8th, you might still get one later. This could be a very solid backup option for anyone trying to get a Switch 2 on April 24. If you can't secure one then, at least you'll have this in your back pocket as a potential opportunity to get one a couple weeks later.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to BitMar’s content finder for A$23 through April 27 only with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$234).

Here’s a challenge: cut the cord with your streaming services. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, all of them. You’re likely paying hundreds each year in subscription fees and, chances are, you still can’t find the one movie you want to watch on any of them.

All of these reasons are probably why so many people are turning to BitMar, a streaming service alternative. You know how you can find some free movies or TV shows available online if you dig hard enough? This powerful search engine does that for you. And, for a limited time, you can get it for A$23 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$234).

Wait…how does it work?

BitMar is powered by the Bing search engine, but it only has eyes for free streaming content. You’ll use a far more user-friendly interface to plug in a channel, genre, actor, or a specific movie or TV show you have in mind, then this content aggregator scours the web to find it.

Is it legal? Yes. BitMar is fully compliant with copyright laws — and it’s simply locating content already available on the web.

If you’re wondering why you wouldn’t just spend the time searching for it yourself, that’s the reason right there — it saves you time. BitMar also filters out the garbage to leave you with high-quality, ad-free content.

Enjoy no subscription streaming with a BitMar lifetime subscription at A$23 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$234). This coupon code expires April 27.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription AU$23
AU$234 Save AU$211 Get Deal

TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office Pro 2021 at just A$78 (reg. A$344) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.

Grab Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows at just A$78 (reg. A$344) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.

What you get with your purchase

• One-time purchase, lifetime access — no monthly fees, just essential Office apps

• Includes must-have tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Teams, and Publisher

• Designed for Windows users — perfect for work, school, and personal projects

• Boost productivity with reliable tools for documents, data management, and communication

• Quick and easy setup that allows you to download it instantly and activate with your product key

• No hidden fees — pay once and use Microsoft Office Professional 2021 forever

Skip the subscription headache — don’t miss this deal and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for A$78. Sale ends April 27.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License AU$78
AU$344 Save AU$266 Get Deal

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic church, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was known for his progressive ideals within a traditionally conservative institution and advocated for both social and economic justice.

In the weeks before Pope Francis passed, he also shared an important and forward-thinking message about new technology.

"How I would like for us to look less at screens and look each other in the eyes more!" Pope Francis said in an official video message translated from his native Spanish language. "Something's wrong if we spend more time on our cell phones than with people."

The Pope's prayer concerning technology was uploaded just 3 weeks before his passing.

Pope Francis's message was a part of the Pope's "Monthly Intentions" for 2025. Each month, the Pope set a “monthly prayer intention,” where he invited people around the world to join him in prayer on a specific topic. April’s intention, the final monthly intention before his death, was focused on new technology. The intention and related reflections posted to the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network specifically mentioned artificial intelligence, video calls, smartphones, and screen time in general.

"It's true, technology is the fruit of the intelligence God gave us but we need to use it well," Pope Francis said in his April video address. "It can't benefit only a few while excluding others."

In his message, Pope Francis called on using technology to "unite, not to divide." He shared that technology should be used to help the poor, the sick, and persons with different abilities. In keeping with his environmentally-conscious messaging throughout his papacy, Pope Francis also called for using technology to "care for our common home" and to connect with one another.

Ironically, many social media users underlined Pope Francis's point about technology immediately after his death, albeit unintentionally. Once the news broke, social networking platforms exploded with memes, many referencing the 2024 film Conclave about the secretive meeting of Cardinals following a pope's death. Others joked about how Vice President JD Vance was among the final people to see the Pope before his death, meeting Pope Francis on Easter Sunday.

"The screen makes us forget that there are real people behind it who breathe, laugh, and cry," Pope Francis said.

In the April prayer on new technology, the Pope shared his hope that "technology does not replace 'person-to-person' contact, that the virtual does not replace the real, and that social networks do not replace social settings."

He concluded, "Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person and will help us face the crises of our times."

SAVE 25%: As of April 21, you can save 25% on Sonos certified refurbished speakers, soundbars, and more. But you'd better hurry! This deal ends April 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Get 25% off select Sonos certified refurbished products Shop Now

If you’re trying to make a conscious effort to spend your money wisely, buying certified refurbished electronics might be the best way to go. And with Earth Day just a day away, we’re seeing some pretty good deals on refurbished tech.

SEE ALSO: Want to avoid tariff price hikes? Shop our giant list of 91 refurbished tech deals.

Right now, you can get up to 25% off certified refurbished speakers, soundbars, headphones, and more at Sonos. The sale features discounts on the Sonos Arc soundbar, Sonos Ace headphones, Sonos Beam, and additional products. You’d better hurry, though, because the sale ends tomorrow.

If you’re worried about the “refurbished” label, don’t be: Sonos says all of its certified refurbished products are “thoroughly inspected and tested to meet Sonos’ high standards” and come with the same warranty as new products. You’ll also be helping 1% for the Planet and reducing your environmental footprint by giving a product a second life.

Google's Gemini Live launched for all Android users over the weekend. That means far more folks now have access to the AI assistant's tool that lets users live-share a video or screen.

The feature rolled out last month to Pixel 9, Galaxy S25, and Gemini Advanced subscribers before now going wide to all Android users, Android Central reported. The move was expected: Google noted earlier this month that the feature was rolling out to all Android users with the Gemini app.

The idea behind the tool is that the AI assistant sees what you see, either via your camera or on your screen. That ability, in theory, could help with any number of tasks. You could, for instance, see if Gemini could help you solve a tech problem like helping you troubleshoot a router that isn't working.

Users can simply point the camera — or scroll down — and talk to Gemini in search of answers. The tool should now be available to Android users in the Gemini app via the "Share screen with Live" button. While it's not quite built-in augmented reality, it does seem close — and certainly something interesting to test out.

SAVE $550: The Anker Solix C1000 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $449, down from the standard price of $999. That's a 55% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $449 at Amazon
$999 Save $550 Get Deal

We're only a month and a few days away from Memorial Day, which means it's time to start thinking about summer camping adventures. After you battle for those campground reservations, consider how you're gonna stay powered up while living off-grid. And then consider this great solution that happens to be on a deep discount today.

As of April 21, the Anker Solix C1000 portable power station is on sale for $449, marked down from the list price of $999. That's a 55% discount that takes $550 off the normal price.

When camping or outdoor adventures take you off the normal power grid, that doesn't mean you need to cook over the fire and head to bed come sunset. Of course, that way of living has some perks but if that's not ideal for you, stay fully powered with the help of a portable power station.

SEE ALSO: Shop sustainably and save money with these Earth Day deals

The Anker Solix C1000 comes with 1056Wh of capacity which can keep your devices and appliances charged up. Anker mentions the capacity can recharge an iPhone 92 times, keep a camping light on for 60 hours, a CPAP for almost 19 hours, and a car fridge for about 33.

You can also use the Anker portable power station to keep your electric grill powered while cooking a campsite dinner and operating the air pump to get your sleeping mats cozy.

The Anker Solix C1000 also comes with some bragging rights when it comes to recharging, taking only 58 minutes to go from 0 to 100% charged when connected to AC power. It also comes packed with 11 ports, so you'll be able to charge up your gadgets via AC plugs, USB-C, or USB.

Instead of roughing it off-grid, pack along the Anker Solix C1000 portable power station and keep essential devices charged up. Cooking over the campfire is something special so you might not need power to make dinner, but it's always reassuring to have your phone charged up. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, the powerful Anker Solix C1000 is 55% off which leaves extra funds for other camping toys like a foldable kayak.

GET UP TO 40% OFF: As of Apr. 21st, Ruggable's End of Season Sale is offering up to 20% off sitewide as well as 40% off select clearance shag and plush styles such as the the Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug using code BYESPRING.

The best deals at the Ruggable End of Season Sale The best Ruggable clearance deals Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug Save 40% using code BYESPRING Get Deal The best Ruggable deals for 20% off Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug Get 20% off with code BYESPRING Get Deal

A new rug reinvents your space, adding color to a bare floor and spring beneath your feet. If you've been eyeing a spring redesign, this Ruggable sale is here for you.

Right now, April 21st, use the code BYESPRING to get 20% off all styles sitewide as well as 40% off select clearance rugs, including shag and plush styles like the Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug. Here are our favorites:

The best Ruggable clearance deals Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug Get 40% off with code BYESPRING Get Deal Why we like it

40% off is pretty generous. The Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug provides a simple, yet tasteful pattern to your space. White, with spare, zigzagging black stripes, this rug will look good in a bedroom or living room.

Plush and fluffy, the Moroccan Zigzag rug is as easy to clean as other Ruggables. Throw it in the wash to remove dirt and spills, then reattach it to its no-slip mat.

The Moroccan Zigzag Plush Rug is available for 40% off with the code BYESPRING. But mind you, this rug is final sale, so you won't be able to return it.

More Ruggable clearance deals

• Moroccan Ornate Plush Rug — Save 40% with code BYESPRING

• Antique Ivory Shag Rug — Save 40% with code BYESPRING

• Botanica Doormat — Save 40% with code BYESPRING

SEE ALSO: Space calendar 2025: Here are the moments you won't want to miss The best Ruggable deals for 20% off Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug Get 20% off with code BYESPRING Get Deal Why we like it

The Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug is deeply agreeable. In neutral tones, this subtle, patterned rug will look good in all sorts of spaces.

This rug is resistant to stains from food, wine, or about anything else. When a spill happens it only needs to go in the wash. Ruggable achieves this by fashioning it from 95% recycled polyester, making it soft under foot, but highly durable.

Right now, the Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug is on sale for 20% off. It comes in numerous sizes and configurations, from runners to rounds. Take advantage of the deal with code BYESPRING.

More Ruggable deals for 20% off

• Architectural Digest Nerissa Teal & Gold Tufted Rug — Save 20% with code BYESPRING

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More Ruggable deals we like

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Star Wars' Empire has always been a fascist regime, but no film or series has showcased its tyranny as effectively as Andor.

In its first season, the Tony Gilroy-helmed series showcased the cold bureaucracy that makes the Empire tick, all without showing the Sith Lord at the head of the table. Instead, the focus was on the Empire's lackeys, be they Imperial Security Bureau workers like Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) or the guards running the Imperial Prison Complex on Narkina 5. No Force shenanigans here, just human cogs in the machine of empire.

SEE ALSO: 'Andor' creator on Lucasfilm censoring f-bomb: 'They were right.'

That trend continues in Andor's much-anticipated second season, which highlights more of the insidious tools at the Empire's disposal. Yes, we know the Death Star is in play after Season 1's post-credit scene, but it's the creeping propaganda, the aggressive audits, and the systemic oppression of entire planets that evoke the most dread (and feel the most prescient) here.

Andor Season 2 counters this dread with the hope of the Rebellion, to which Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), a reluctant joiner in Season 1, is now wholly committed. Star Wars fans know how Cassian's story ends in Rogue One, as well as the fact that the Rebellion eventually succeeds in taking down the Empire. Still, knowing the destination doesn't make the journey any less staggering, and that's exactly what Andor Season 2 is: a staggering account not just of Cassian's relationship to the Rebellion, but of how everyone in his orbit commits to — or, in Syril and Dedra's cases, attempts to dismantle — the cause.

What is Andor Season 2 about? Théo Costa-Marini, Diego Luna, and Alaïs Lawson in "Andor." Credit: Des Willie / Lucasfilm

Andor Season 2 opens one year after the Season 1 finale, and four years before the Battle of Yavin, when Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star. Cassian now regularly undertakes missions for rebel leader Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård). The remainder of his crew from Ferrix — Bix (Adria Arjona), Brasso (Joplin Sibtain), and Wilmon (Muhannad Bhaier) — hide out as workers on the agricultural planet Mina-Rau, hoping to escape the Empire's gaze.

The Empire's gaze, however, is turned toward a new target: the planet Ghorman, only home to a resource the Empire desperately needs. Modeled after interwar Europe and boasting an underground rebel group that calls to mind the French Resistance of World War II, Ghorman continues Andor's trend of grounded, lived-in planets like Ferrix. Over the course of the season, it also becomes a microcosm for the war being fought across the galaxy, serving both as a testing ground for Dedra and Syril as they embrace new roles within the Empire and as a possible new alliance for Luthen and Cassian. Who will prevail here, Empire or Rebellion?

SEE ALSO: 'Andor': more, more! Burning questions for Season 2 of the best Star Wars.

It's fitting that Andor Season 2 spends much of its time on Ghorman, a planet famed for its twill-spinning spiders. Like said spiders (also known as Ghorlectipods), Andor's characters weave dizzying webs of connections across the galaxy. Yet as the season goes on, these webs threaten to come crashing down: Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) reckons with her choice to marry off her teenage daughter in the hopes of securing more funding for the Rebellion. Luthen and his assistant Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau) feel the walls closing in on Coruscant. Every thread is taut to the point of snapping, resulting in several deliciously suspenseful sequences straight out of a spy thriller.

Andor Season 2 is a rousing yet sobering tale of rebellion in the face of fascism. Diego Luna and Adria Arjona in "Andor." Credit: Lucasfilm

In Season 1, Andor found a spark in the manifesto of late rebel Karis Nemik (Alex Lawther), who wrote, "Remember this. The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort."

The flip side to this statement is that rebellion requires constant sacrifice. (In the words of Luthen: "I burn my life to make a sunrise that I know I'll never see.") Andor Season 2's characters are asked to make sacrifice after sacrifice to the Rebellion, to the point that the idea of making your death "worth it" becomes a refrain throughout the season. Victories, when they come, feel like the TV equivalent of a shot of adrenaline. But they almost always come with a cost, creating a bittersweet swirl of emotions that only intensifies when you recall Andor's endpoint, Rogue One, culminates in the ultimate sacrifice from Cassian and the Rogue One crew.

SEE ALSO: 'Rogue One' set up this 'The Last Jedi' storyline and you probably didn't realize it

For his part, Cassian spends much of Andor Season 2 wondering whether he should cut and run, having given so much to the Rebellion already. Due to Andor's nature as a prequel, we know he won't, and while Luna does a strong job portraying Cassian's emotional dilemma, it can sometimes feel frustrating to see characters' roles (mostly Bix) reduced to telling Cassian the Rebellion needs him.

Andor Season 2's structure is a blessing and a curse. Denise Gough and Kurt Egyiawan in "Andor." Credit: Lucasfilm

Obviously, the show is named Andor, so Cassian remains the focus. Yet it's the cast of characters around him who steal the show, from Mon Mothma's politicking to Luthen and Kleya's espionage work to Dedra and Syril's comical domestic dealings. (What can I say, the fascists are evil, but their home lives are very fun to watch.) Bix's trauma from her Imperial torture emerges as a heartbreaking storyline as well, only to be resolved almost too neatly and with little further discussion.

The latter is a result of Andor's unique structure. Every three episodes of Season 2 jump ahead a year, taking us right up to the start of Rogue One. (And I mean right up to.) Andor has no problem catching us up on what happened in the time jumps, clearly having faith that its audience will keep up and read between the lines. Yet the problem with the jumps is rarely one of plot, but of emotion. Often, I found myself wishing that I could live in the fallout from each of these arcs for longer, but that fallout becomes a casualty in Gilroy's "four Star Wars movies" in one season of TV approach.

What Andor Season 2 lacks in connective tissue between time jumps, it makes up for in focus, with each mini arc honing in on a pivotal moment in Cassian and co.'s stories. From intelligence gathering on Ghorman to a flight mission gone astray, Andor crafts immaculate set pieces that dive into the various forms rebellion can take in the galaxy. The result is immersive, deeply felt, and a reminder of why Andor is among Star Wars' best offerings. (Certainly the best on the TV front.) So really, my complaint about structure comes down to the simple fact that I want more of this story, for Gilroy to fill in the gaps further so I can spend extra time with these characters.

Instead, Andor goes out on its own terms, leaving a brilliant, blistering look at fascism and those who fight it in its wake.

The first three episodes of Andor Season 2 premiere April 22 on Disney+, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Best Earth Day deals Best cleaning supplies deal Blueland Get 20% off sitewide Shop Now Best mattress deal Avocado Green Mattress Get 10% off everything Shop Now Best kitchen deal GreenPan Get 60% off sitewide Shop Now Best tech deal Apple Get 10% off Apple accessories Shop Now Best self-care deal Biird Get 15% off non-vibrating toys with code EARTH Shop Now

You might not think of Earth Day as a big sales holiday, but we’ve found tons of Earth Day deals on everything from home and cleaning essentials to eco-friendly mattresses.

Here are the best Earth Day deals to shop this week.

Best cleaning supplies deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blueland 20% off at Blueland Shop Now Why we like it

Blueland is offering up to 20% off sitewide, plus 30% off subscriptions during its Earth Day Sale. You can find select items on sale at Amazon, too. But the real deals are happening on the company's website.

I use Blueland Dishwasher Detergent Tablets and the Multi-Surface Cleaner. I’ve been pretty impressed with the quality and how much plastic waste I’ve been able to cut down by switching to the brand. It’s also helped me declutter my cleaning cabinet! I keep the tablets in one glass jar under my sink.

More cleaning supplies deals

• Get up to 20% off select Cleancult products at Amazon starting April 22

• Get up to 30% off sitewide during Grove Co.'s Earth Month sale

Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avocado Green Mattress 10% off at Avocado Green Mattress Shop Now Why we like it

Avocado Green Mattress is having an Earth Month Sale, where you can get 10% off everything, including mattresses, mattress toppers, bedding protectors, and adjustable bed frames. The sale runs through May 5, 11:59 p.m. EST.

The Avocado brand is known for its certified organic mattresses and bedding, plus they're Climate Neutral Certified. But this also means that they’ll be raising prices due to rising costs and tariffs (as stated on their website). So, if you’ve been eyeing an Avocado mattress, now’s the time to buy.

More mattress deals

• Get up to 22% off sitewide at Naturpedic with code EARTH22

• Get up to 15% off during My Green Mattress' Earth Day Sale

• Get up to $400 off mattresses, plus a free gift at Purple

• Get up to 25% off mattresses at Casper

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: GreenPan 60% off at GreenPan Shop Now Why we like it

GreenPan is offering up to 60% off sitewide during its Earth Day Sale. This is huge considering how expensive GreenPan cookware can be. (I spent nearly $400 on my pots and pans set.) And, if you spend $275 or more, you’ll get a free GreenPan Cook’s Journal Cookbook.

GreenPan sells nonstick cookware that is free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, which justifies the price. They also sell bakeware, kitchen utensils, and small countertop appliances.

More kitchen deals

• Get up to 20% off select Stasher products

• Get up to 20% off select kitchen accessories during IKEA's Together for Earth Month Sale

• Get up to 15% off select Caraway products

• Get up to 30% off Energy Star appliances at Samsung

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 10% off at Apple Shop Now Why we like it

Even Apple is celebrating Earth Day this year by giving customers 10% off an Apple accessory when they recycle an eligible item in-store. Bonus deal: Apple Watch owners can earn an Earth Day limited-edition award by completing any 30-minute workout on April 22.

While 10% off isn’t huge, it’s a great way to get rid of an old device in your home.

More tech deals

• Save on sustainable tech at Nimble

• Shop Plug's Earth Day Sale and save on certified pre-owned tech

• Get up to 20% off generators, electric coolers, and more during GoalZero's Earth Day Sale

Best self-care deal Opens in a new window Credit: Biird 15% off non-vibrating toys at Biird Use code EARTH at checkout Shop Now Why we like it

One of the best self-care deals I’ve spotted is from Biird — one of my absolute favorite sex toy brands. They almost never have a sale, so I was super excited to hear that they’ll be offering customers 15% off all non-vibrating toys with the code EARTH now through April 27.

This includes the brand’s newest silicone dildos and my personal fave, the Kalii (a glass G-spot dildo).

More self-care and beauty deals

• Get up to 20% off select products at Foria

• Get $25 off any sex toy at The Natural Love Company

• Get up to 60% off select products at Lovers

• New customers can get 15% off the Green Jade Calm Collection at Knesko when they sign up for email & SMS

• Get up to 15% off select products at Saltair

• Get 2 for $35 at Polite Society

• Save on conscious beauty at Ulta

It looks like the iPhone 17 will give people some new room to express themselves.

Prominent leaker Majin Bu shared some images on X over the weekend of purported case designs for the iPhone 17 Pro, specifically. The cases themselves aren't all that remarkable, but one thing about them sticks out: a new camera bar that runs the horizontal length of the phone's backside. Not only does this look different on its own, but it opens up some new opportunities for customization, too.

SEE ALSO: Update now: Apple issues emergency iPhone fix for zero-day vulnerabilities This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

As you can see, the triple lens array is in the same spot as it was on the iPhone 16 Pro, but the LiDAR and flash modules are all the way on the right side of the phone now, with a big camera bump encasing all of that. While its look and shape are not all that similar, it's at least spiritually close to what Google has done with most recent Pixel models. There were also some recent leaked dummy models of the new iPhone lineup that matched this leak in that regard, though the base iPhone 17 model didn't have the extended camera bar there.

That's not all, though. Majin Bu would later go on to share some camera covers you'll be able to optionally put over the camera bar for added customization. Since there's plenty of empty space between the lenses on the left and the modules on the right, you'll theoretically be able to put punchy visual designs in that space now.

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

This would not only allow people to further express themselves with new camera covers, but it would be a boon to accessory makers, who would now have a fun new thing to sell people. Apple, of course, could also produce its own camera covers and sell them for "premium" prices. Everyone wins.

Instagram seems to always be testing a new feature or two, and this week, Storylines is on the docket.

App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi posted a screenshot on Threads earlier this month that Instagram was working on Storylines, but posted confirmation of the test on Sunday, along with a screenshot that shows how the feature works.

"Link stories to make a storyline," Paluzzi's screenshot of the feature reads. "Friends can link their story to yours. Followers you follow back can link a new related story to your story."

View on Threads

From this description, it looks like Storylines are basically collaborative Stories built by you and your friends in the app, similar to a more collaborative version of "Add Yours."

"The storyline grows as friends add to it," the screenshot of the feature continues. "As people join, followers they follow back can also add. Change who can join or turn storylines off in settings."

If, for example, you're celebrating a friend's birthday, you can add some pictures to your story, and your friends can add their own birthday content, building an even bigger Story together on the app.

"Stories in a storyline show up together," the feature reads. "Followers can see your story. Anyone can see you're in the storyline."

Meta, Instagram's parent company, did not immediately respond to Mashable's request for information, so it's unclear if the feature will be widely available anytime soon.

TL;DR: Find greater value on your groceries, home goods and more by saving 50% on a Sam’s Club 1-year membership, making it just $25, but only for a few more days.

TikTok tried to convince us that Erewhon Market is the most luxurious place to get groceries, but we’d argue that Sam’s Club takes the cake. It might not have ridiculously expensive berries, but you can get multiple errands done under one roof and skip the checkout line if you download their app.

The only downside is that, like a real club, you have to be a member to get inside the door. If you want in, save $25 here with our Sam’s Club membership deal and get one year for $25 (reg. $50) for a limited time.

VIP savings and shopping perks inside

Sam’s Club members usually have a hard time leaving without the entire store in their carts since they can shop for everything from fresh and frozen groceries (including the ever-elusive eggs) to electronics and furniture in one place. You won’t have to hop between multiple stores to get everything on your list anymore. That's so 2024.

Plus, with bulk-sized goods, you probably won’t have to make as many trips to Sam’s Club as you would with your regular store — that is, if you can handle staying away.

If your cart is full to the brim and the line looks long, there’s no need to stand and wait. With Scan and Go™ on the Sam’s Club app, you can scan your items, show your digital receipt on your way out (everyone has to do this), and be on your way.

Members of Sam’s Club also rave about savings on gas, so don’t forget to fill up your tank on the way home. The club also has a tire and battery center if your car needs more than fuel.

Speaking of members-only, you’ll get even more discounts on hotels, car rentals, live events, movies, and more. We think you’ll earn back that $25 membership fee in no time with how much you’re saving on, well, everything.

Don’t miss out on this Sam’s Club membership offer to start maximizing your shopping budget — get one year of access for just $25 (reg. $50) for a little while longer.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club Sam's Club 1-Year Membership with Auto-Renew! $25
$50 Save $25 Get Deal

SAVE $50: The Fitbit Versa 4 fitness smartwatch is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $199.99. That's a 25% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal

Now that the weather doesn't involve frozen fingers and windchill that dips into the negatives, we're back outside taking little walks for mental health. If you could use a fitness tracker upgrade as we head into the summer months, check out this nice deal at Amazon.

As of April 21, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $149.99 in all colorways on Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $199.99. That's a $50 savings from a 25% discount that beats out the $159.99 sale price we saw during the Amazon Big Spring Sale last month.

The Fitbit Versa 4 comes with all the features we're looking for in a smartwatch that tracks fitness, but it doesn't come with the premium price. That's even more true today thanks to the $50 discount. Of course, it'll track your steps during those neighborhood walks but it also comes equipped with over 40 exercise modes. It's also water resistant up to 50 meters, so you'll be able to leave it on during summer vacation at the pool.

SEE ALSO: Therabody’s eye massager costs $200, but this alternative’s on sale for $50

Fitbit mentions you can expect to get about six days worth of battery life on a single charge, and it comes packed with health features. The Fitbit Versa 4 can track your sleep, heart rate, and skin temperature, to name a few highlights. You'll also get a daily readiness score which can be helpful when planning your day.

The Fitbit Versa 4 includes several other everyday features that come in handy like getting turn-by-turn directions on the watch with Google Maps or enabling Google Wallet on the watch. Plus, the features on the Fitbit Versa 4 are compatible with both Android and iOS.

If your spring and summer plans involve getting active, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a great companion to track your progress. Thanks to today's sale price at Amazon, the smartwatch fitness tracker is down to just $149.99.

The Justice Department said that the best way to address the tech company’s monopoly in internet search was to force it to sell Chrome, among other measures.