Feed aggregator

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

More than a third of U.S. states have introduced restrictions for online adult content, including North Carolina. After the introduction of age verification laws, millions of users in North Carolina are now unable to access popular sites like Pornhub. There are complicated reasons for this restriction, but for those left in the dark, there is a simple workaround.

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

How to unblock Pornhub for free in North Carolina

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

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit Pornhub

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 unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming 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.

Unblock Pornhub for free in North Carolina with ExpressVPN.

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

The Champions League quarter finals started with a number of really interesting games, but Arsenal vs. Real Madrid might have been the biggest story. Declan Rice shocked the world with two stunning free kicks to lead Arsenal towards a 3-0 victory. This game should be finished, but you can never count out Real Madrid.

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

When is Real Madrid vs. Arsenal?

Real Madrid vs. Arsenal in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on April 16. This fixture takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Arsenal for free

Real Madrid vs. Arsenal is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Real Madrid vs. Arsenal for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Real Madrid vs. Arsenal for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Real Madrid vs. Arsenal (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Real Madrid vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

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

The Champions League matchup between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich is still hanging in the balance. Inter Milan won the first leg 2-1, but everything is still up for grabs. We're expecting a close battle between two talented sides as they do everything they can to progress to the semi-final stage.

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

When is Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich?

Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on April 16. This fixture takes place at the San Siro.

How to watch Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich for free

Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

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

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

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

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

A biscuit-like pastry.

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

SCONE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Strength.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 16, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

POWER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To add up.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 16, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

COUNT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

The name of something.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 16 Hurdle Word 4 answer

TITLE

Final Hurdle hint

Sleek.

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

SLICK

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

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

In this age of on-demand everything, hookup apps are the go-to for casual dating. If we can stream movies (thank you, Netflix) and order a takeaway with just a few taps, why shouldn't we find a potential partner the same way?

Sometimes all you want is a little fun, and there's an app for that.

How do you find a hookup?

It's still possible to find a connection in the real world. Meeting in bars, clubs, parks, and other real-life locations still happens on a regular basis. You're simply shortening your odds by subscribing to a dating site.

Dating sites and sex apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before meeting up. We know that some dating apps can be expensive, but just think about all those wasted coffees you could avoid by chatting through an app first.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for sending naughty messages

Using dating apps and sites is also a whole lot less intimidating than meeting someone face to face. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you dip your toe into the world of dating from the comfort of your own home.

Should you use free dating apps?

The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are popular options with massive networks of users. Plus, most of the biggest and best dating sites have free versions with limitations on certain features. So yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with dating apps. And sometimes free apps just don't cut it.

For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up some cash. We're sorry to break it to you, but the best dating sites don't come cheap. It all comes down to access to advanced and premium features. You can still find a hookup with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading.

What makes an app good for hooking up?

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hookup apps. What works for your friends might not work for you. Your best bet is to download a handful of options and see which one clicks with your vibe.

Skip the apps that are all about romance and happily ever afters (we're looking at you, eharmony). Instead, keep an eye out for apps that get straight to the point. The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the free ones should have features like profile verification to help keep you safe.

If you really want to pay for a premium membership, that's up to you. But we recommend starting with the free versions of cult faves like Tinder, Grindr, and Hinge. These popular dating apps give you just enough functionality to connect with potential partners for casual encounters — all without spending anything.

What is the best sex and dating app for hooking up?

The good news is that there are absolutely loads of dating sites and sex apps out there for every type of dater and dating situation. The problem with this wealth of options is that deciding on the right site for you can be difficult. This is where we can help.

Whether you're looking to have a one-night stand, exchange nudes with strangers, or have some phone sex before you doze off, we've rounded up the most reliable hookup apps for every type of single. You can download them via Google Play or the App Store and start swiping in minutes.

These are the best hookup sites and apps in 2025.

Need a new pair of headphones? Of course you do. We all do. Headphones are absolutely essential in the modern Bluetooth-connected world, but technology moves at lightning speed. It's always time for an upgrade. The good news is, there are dozens of headphones and earbuds out there to consider. The bad news, however, is that finding the perfect pair to suit you and your lifestyle isn't always easy.

A good way to start is by asking yourself some key questions. What do you actually need thd headphones for? Working out? Commuting? Listening at home? There are more questions: Do you need a super long battery life or quick and easy charging? What about noise cancellation, so you can drown out the world around you? All headphones fundamentally promise the same thing — to deliver great sound — but some pairs are better tailored to your specific lifestyle.

Sure, you could always visit Amazon and nab the cheapest pair, but that’s never a long term solution. You should always do your research before buying a pair of headphones. Let us get the ball rolling with some helpful headphone information and a selection of the best headphones and earbuds available right now.

Which is better — over-ear headphones or earbuds?

There’s no clear-cut winner. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. Some people prefer the old school-feel of over-ear headphones. Others like buds that drill tunes directly into their ears. There are benefits to both. Over-ear headphones tend to have higher-quality sound, and therefore audiophiles should focus largely on over-ear style headphones. Earbuds meanwhile are more compact, portable, and inconspicuous. Generally, earbuds will likely suit anyone who prioritises portability — whether that’s for commuting, air travel, or taking to the gym — and anyone who gets uncomfortable from long, sweaty sessions under padded headphones.

What is true wireless?

This is a term you’ll come across a lot when researching headphones. But wireless is wireless, right? Well, not exactly. Technically there are different types of wireless headphones — particularly when it comes to earbuds. Regular “wireless” means they are independent from the device or stereo — as in, not connected by a wire — but the buds are still wired to each other. “True wireless” means the buds are completely independent and connect via Bluetooth.

Wireless over-ear headphones often aren’t “true wireless” as they might have an optional cable that can be plugged into your device, which is handy for when you run out of juice. Even so, wireless is usually the preference.

What is noise cancellation?

This is another important feature that’s common in the latest headphones. It’s a built-in feature that keeps out or suppresses external noise, allowing you to fully immerse in the music without any distractions. There are two basic types of noise cancellation — passive and active noise cancelling. Passive noise cancellation is achieved by the design of the headphones, which may physically block out noise. Active noise cancellation — or ANC — uses a system of small microphones to pick up incoming sounds and create anti-noise sound waves that cancel them out.

There are other advanced modes, such as ANC that adapts to surroundings (known as adaptive noise cancellation), or a transparency mode that allows in certain ambient sounds. This is especially useful in you work in an office and need to tune into chats with colleagues, or for listening out for announcements on public transport.

What features to headphones have?

Some of the jargon around headphones can be confusing, so we've broken down some of the most important headphone features to help you pick a perfect pair:

• Bluetooth codecs — These are clever bits of software that encode and decode digital audio signals. The codecs decode at a specific bitrate, which determines whether the headphones have a high or low latency (AKA lag), measured in milliseconds. Look out for headphones with low latency that support Qaulcomm’s aptX codecs, which are usually rated as the best codecs for streaming video content or hooking up to a TV.

• Closed-back/open-back — Closed back headphones have completely sealed ear cups, which directs sound to your ears and keeps out ambient noise. Open-back headphones let air into the ear cup but can cause sound leakage that goes both ways — in and out. This is sometimes found on very expensive headphones for clearer, more natural sound. Closed-back are a go-to choice for commuting and loud environments.

• Drivers — These are little cone-shaped gadgets in the ear cups that are responsible for your tunes. They convert electrical signals into sounds. In over-ear headphones they usually measure between 20mm and 50mm in headphones. In earbuds, they measure between 8mm and 15mm.

• Spatial audio — This is an audio technology that's becoming increasingly common, particularly with Apple's premium headphones or headphones that support Dolby Atmos. Spatial audio effectively creates a 3D soundstage and a virtual surround sound experience.

Keep these features in mind when shopping around for your next pair.

What are the best headphones?

We've checked out just about every set of headphones and earbuds, and taken notes to help you decide. Regardless of your budget or requirements, there's a perfect pair of headphones for your needs. Just pick the pair that, well, sounds best.

These are the best headphones in 2025.

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 16 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 during a variety show performance

• Green: To graze

• Blue: They're loud

• Purple: Accompanied by Latin music

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: Burlesque wear

• Green: Mess up the surface of

• Blue: They roar

• Purple: Latin dances with a vowel changed

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #671 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Burlesque wear: BOA, CORSET, GARTER, STOCKINGS

• Mess up the surface of: SCAR, SCORE, SCRAPE, SCRATCH

• They roar: CROWD, ENGINE, KATY PERRY, LION

• Latin dances with a vowel changed: MAMBA, MERINGUE, SIMBA, TANGY

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 16

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 16 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 16, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A lesson.

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 M.

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...

MORAL.

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 16

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.

The restrictions are the first major limits the Trump administration has put on semiconductor sales outside the United States, toughening rules created by the Biden administration.

Nvidia has announced that its 5060 line of GeForce RTX GPUs will be available for purchase beginning on April 16. The line includes two models: The RTX 5060 Ti, which comes in 8GB and 16GB VRAM variants, and the RTX 5060, which will only come in an 8GB VRAM option. The former GPU releases on April 16 for $379 and $429, respectively, with the latter coming sometime in May for $299.

With the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti, Nvidia is making high-tech features more accessible for gamers who can't afford a $2,000 GPU. In particular, the new 5060 GPUs offer DLSS 4 support and full ray tracing capabilities for enhanced visuals and higher frame rates.

“The RTX 5060 family offers gamers next-generation performance and AI-enhanced visuals starting at $299,” said Vice President of GeForce Marketing Matt Wuebbling in an Nvidia press release. “Powered by the advanced NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and featuring DLSS 4 technology in over 100 games, this new class of GPUs elevates gaming with stunning visuals, high frame rates and quick responsiveness.”

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 tariff impacts: What we know so far

DLSS 4's AI-enhanced capabilities like Multi Frame Generation, Super Resolution, and Nvidia Reflex can all be found in the RTX 5060 GPU family. The company says these features will reduce latency times during gameplay in addition to those speedier frame rates and higher resolution.

Better yet, over 100 games will support DLSS 4 when the new GPUs launch, including Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2, and Black Myth: Wukong. Nvidia says that on the GPU's maximum settings, users can enjoy "stunning ray-traced visuals at over 100 frames per second" on some titles.

If you're planning on buying one to upgrade your current setup, we recommend making your decision as soon as humanly possible, because new Nvidia GPUs tend to go out of stock quickly. (The Nvidia RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs can be particularly hard to find.) We all remember the RTX 3080 dilemma back in 2020, and with the addition of the volatile U.S. tariff policy situation, we aren't exactly sure how this launch is going to unfold. Product pages for the RTX 5060 Ti aren't even posted yet, so you'll probably want to keep your credit card at the ready.

In addition to the GPU announcements, Nvidia revealed that RTX-5060-equipped laptops from every big-name manufacturer will also be available this May starting at $1,099. The new laptops are said to have lower latency and are able to double the frame rates of previous iterations. They'll also come in a range of configurations and sizes starting at 14.9 millimeters.

For updates on the RTX 5060 launch, visit the Nvidia website.

Scientists previously captured rare footage of a giant squid. Now, they've filmed another huge squid species — the colossal squid.

The first specimens of the colossal squid were formally described by biologists a century ago, in 1925. These deep sea dwellers, which live exclusively in Antarctic waters, are rarely seen, so they're largely mysterious. But the Schmidt Ocean Institute, a well-traveled ocean exploration group, has used a high-tech robot to film the first-ever confirmed footage of colossal squid in its natural and remote marine environs.

"It’s exciting to see the first in situ footage of a juvenile colossal and humbling to think that they have no idea that humans exist," Kat Bolstad, a cephalopod expert at the Auckland University of Technology who helped verify the footage, said in a statement. "For 100 years, we have mainly encountered them as prey remains in whale and seabird stomachs and as predators of harvested toothfish."

"This is honestly one of the most exciting observations we've had in my time researching deep sea cephalopods," Bolstad said during a press conference on April 15.

SEE ALSO: A dominant shark lurks in the deep, dark ocean. Meet the sixgill.

The observed colossal squid seen below is quite young and not nearly fully grown, at nearly a foot long. But mature individuals grow to around 30 feet long (though some individuals could be larger), weigh in at over 1,100 pounds (which makes them both the heaviest squid and invertebrate), and have the largest eyes of any animal (at some 10.5 inches across, making them soccer-ball size).

The Schmidt Ocean Institute's ROV SuBastian — a robot fitted with a slew of scientific instruments and capable of descending down to 14,763 feet, or 4,500 meters — filmed the squid on March 9 off the South Sandwich Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The squid was swimming at some 1,968 feet, or 600 meters, beneath the surface.

The Schmidt Ocean Institute's remotely operated vehicle SuBastian. Credit: Alex Ingle / Schmidt Ocean Institute

This long-sought footage was ROV SuBastian's third time capturing first-ever confirmed footage of a squid species in their natural ocean habitat. (The others include Spirula spirula, or Ram’s Horn Squid, in 2020, and the Promachoteuthis.)

Dropping such robots into the depths regularly reveals rare or unprecedented footage. "We always discover stuff when we go out into the deep sea. You're always finding things that you haven't seen before," Derek Sowers, an expedition lead for NOAA Ocean Exploration, previously told Mashable.

Scientists want to shine a light — literally and figuratively — on what's down there. The implications of knowing are incalculable, particularly as deep sea mineral prospectors prepare to run tank-like industrial equipment across parts of the seafloor. Biologists emphasize that rare biodiversity and marine habitats be protected. What's more, research expeditions have found that ocean life carries great potential for novel medicines. "Systematic searches for new drugs have shown that marine invertebrates produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organisms," notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"There's life down there that has the potential to provide and has provided us with medicines," Jyotika Virmani, an oceanographer and executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, told Mashable last year.

OpenAI is reportedly working on a social media prototype for sharing images generated by ChatGPT.

According to The Verge, who spoke with anonymous sources "familiar with the matter," OpenAI is working on a social media feed akin to X that would host ChatGPT-generated images created by users. This would reportedly serve two goals: boosting visibility of ChatGPT's now-viral image generator and serving as a source for real-time user data. (Google, Meta, and X all have vast amounts of user data, some of which can be leveraged for AI training.) The Verge also reports that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been privately asking for feedback on such a tool.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Studio Ghibli-inspired AI art provokes backlash across the internet

It's unclear whether the social feed would be a standalone social networking app or integrated with ChatGPT, similar to the feed of user-generated images on Midjourney. It also calls to mind the video feed that already exists on OpenAI's standalone Sora app, which serves as a space for users to explore how others are using the AI video generator.

Of course, there's a lot of distance between a social networking feed of user-generated content and a genuine social media app, like X or Instagram. If the company did venture into the social media space one day, it would likely make the feud between Musk and OpenAI even more contentious. Sources told The Verge that Grok's relationship with X, which is now also owned by Elon Musk's xAI company, has "made everyone jealous" since "people create viral tweets by getting it to say something stupid."

Musk is currently suing OpenAI for breach of contract by attempting to convert its capped for-profit into a full-fledged for-profit corporation. Recently Musk offered to buy OpenAI for $97 billion, an offer than Altman firmly rejected.

OpenAI would also be taking on Meta, another AI rival. Meta AI benefits from gathering user data to train its Llama models, and the company is also reportedly planning a standalone Llama app to compete with ChatGPT.

Altman has jokingly referred to building a social media app in the past. In response to a February CNBC report, Altman wrote on X, "ok fine maybe we'll do a social app."

Ever since Nintendo indefinitely delayed pre-orders on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. and Canada, Switch gamers have been in limbo.

Now, the wait may finally be over. A new leak from Deal Labs' Billbil-kun on Bluesky (via Kotaku) suggests that U.S. retailers are eyeing either April 21 or April 30 as the official pre-order date. The leaker, who has proven reliable in the past, reports that Canadian retailers are preparing for an April 23 date.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo exec explains $80 price of 'Mario Kart World,' what it means for Switch 2 games

In other words, we could be less than a week away from the end of the tariff-caused delay in pre-orders. Of course, there are reasons to doubt this rumor. For starters, the tariff situation itself is very, let's say, fluid. And that's putting it lightly.

For now, a 10 percent tariff on Vietnam (where many Switch 2 consoles are reportedly being manufactured) remains in effect, though that could change at any time. After a meeting earlier this week between Vietnam and China, President Donald Trump accused the countries of trying to "screw" the United States.

Beyond that, all internet leaks should be taken with a grain of salt, even from a source that is generally reliable. It's very possible that Nintendo itself still isn't certain when it will open pre-orders in the United States and Canada, and if that's the case, retailers wouldn't know, either.

Despite all the uncertainty, Nintendo remains adamant that the Switch 2 will be launching on June 5 as planned.

The Meta chief executive, testifying in a landmark antitrust trial, denied he was trying to snuff out competitors.

For the first time since the late 1990s Microsoft case, federal trials are weighing antitrust breakups, a tactic that harks back to Standard Oil.

SAVE UP TO $40: Through May 7, new and returning customers can sign up for Max yearly streaming subscriptions for up to 20% off. Ad-supported subscriptions are down to just $79.99 per year from $99.99, while ad-free tiers are down to just $139.99 and $169.99 per year from $169.99 and $209.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max annual subscriptions save up to 20% on any plan Get Deal

Max has randomly decided to drop the cost of its annual streaming plans for a limited time, resulting in one of the best streaming deals we've seen since Black Friday.

Through May 7, new and returning subscribers can score a yearly subscription to Max for up to 20% off the usual cost. The ad-supported tier is down to just $79.99 per year from $99.99, which breaks down to just $6.67 monthly. Meanwhile, the ad-free tiers are just $139.99 per year (just $11.67/month) instead of $169.99 or $169.99 per year ($14.17/month) instead of $209.99. That's up to $40 in savings.

Whether you want to see what all The White Lotus hype is about or tune into some of the latest box office hits like Babygirl, Y2K, Heretic, and the Oscar-winning Flow, Max is a treasure trove of excellent content. The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streamer is home to not only Warner Bros. films, but also new A24 theatrical releases and an insane array of original series. Translation: you'll never be bored.

Sadly, like Netflix, the service is expected to start its password sharing crackdown very soon. Hence, there's never been a better time to sign up for your own Max account. Just note that the Max streaming deal is only valid for your first year. Afterwards, the price per year will revert back to full cost. Be sure to cancel before the year is up if you want to avoid that price jump.

TL;DR: Leave recurring costs behind and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for just A$80 (reg. A$352) through 27 April.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License AU$80
AU$352 Save AU$272 Get Deal

With this limited-time offer from the Mashable Shop, you can get an unlimited device license for Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2021 for Windows with a one-time purchase of A$80. Once it's set up on your device, the license will never expire.

Here's what's included with purchase:

• Lifetime access to essential Office apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (free version only), OneNote, Publisher, and Access for all your work and personal projects

• Access these productivity tools without recurring subscription fees

• Fully compatible with Windows 10 and 11, ensuring smooth functionality on modern PCs

• Perfect for business, school, or home use, offering all the apps needed to create, edit, and share documents, presentations, and spreadsheets

• Delivered digitally for quick and easy setup with instant access to your license key

Take advantage of this limited-time price drop on a lifetime license to the complete Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2021 suite on sale for A$80 until 27 April at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Google is under the microscope again — this time in Japan. The country’s Fair Trade Commission has issued a cease-and-desist order against the tech giant, claiming it may have broken Japan’s antitrust laws.

SEE ALSO: Google invented new ways to alter movies with AI for The Sphere. It's sure to be controversial.

The order, signed Tuesday, alleges that Google pressured Japanese smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its apps on Android devices, specifically Google Chrome and the Play Store. A senior investigator speaking to The Japan Times said the practice made it "difficult for other competing search engines to be used on Android phones."

This is a notable first for Japan — it’s the country’s first antitrust move against one of the major U.S. tech players. And while the timing of the antitrust action coincides with tariff-related trade talks between Japan and the United States, a press release from the Japanese Fair Trade Commission states that the investigation into Google's business practices began in October 2023.

The investigation found that Google required manufacturers to preinstall Google apps and offered extra ad revenue to companies that complied with these conditions. According to The Japan Times, the company had such agreements with six manufacturers, accounting for roughly 80% of smartphones produced in Japan.

The cease and desist order instructs Google to end these practices or risk facing financial penalties.

The company has also faced antitrust action in the United States and the European Union.

TL;DR: Keep the lights on with help from the Explorer Bear 4000 Watts Portable Ultra-Quiet Dual Fuel Generator with CO Sentry by Pulsar, now $499.99 (reg. $599).

Opens in a new window Credit: Explorer Bear Explorer Bear 4000 Watts Portable Ultra-Quiet Dual Fuel Generator with CO Sentry by Pulsar $499.99
$599 Save $99.01 Get Deal

Planning some off-grid adventures? Whether you've got some remote plans for the summer or you just want to have backup power on hand in a pinch, the Explorer Bear 4000W is ready to handle both.

This heavy-duty yet portable generator runs on gas or propane and comes equipped with safety features to give you peace of mind — whether you're camping, prepping, or powering through an outage. And right now, it's available for $499.99 (regularly $599).

Enjoy portable power with dual fuel options

We don't know when the next power outage may hit. The Explorer Bear not only gives you peace of mind in an emergency, but also offers versatility with dual fuel options and a telescopic handle that adjusts to different lengths.

The Explorer Bear operates on both gas and propane, with an impressive 4000 peak watts on the former and 3600 peak watts on the latter. And you can even switch between the sources while it's running with the convenient control panel dial. 

Unlike many generators, this one operates quietly, measuring at just 62dB. And it comes with many built-in safeguards — like overload protection, a low oil shutdown, and short circuit protection that shields it from electrical surges and shorts. A CO safety alert system also alerts you to dangerous carbon monoxide levels.

This handy generator is powered by a 5.5HP 149cc 4-stroke high-speed engine, which makes it great for emergencies or other times when you need immediate remote power. 

Stay powered up anytime with the Explorer Bear, now just $499.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Amazon just dropped the dates of its next sale, and this time, it's for the book lovers.

The Amazon Book Sale runs from April 23 to 28, 2025. The savings will be major, offering up to 80% off of e-books, audiobooks under $8, and up to 65% off of print books. But the best news of all is that early savings are already trickling in. Right now, you can find the Amazon Kindle Scribe for $85 off and three months of Audible for $0.99.

Here's everything to know about the Amazon Book Sale.

Who can shop the Amazon Book Sale?

Unlike Prime Day, any Amazon customer can shop the sale; it's not exclusive to Prime members. The deals will be available to customers in the United States, Canada, the UK, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and South Africa.

When is the Amazon Book Sale?

Officially, the Amazon Book Sale runs from April 23 to 28.

However, the deals have already kicked off on both books and e-readers. Amazon is rolling out more deals as the sale approaches. Each day will bring new drops. For example, on April 20, you can find Wedding People by Alison Espach for 49% off.

What deals will the Amazon Book Sale offer? Credit: Amazon

In addition to all the savings on books — both print, Kindle, and audio — the Book Sale will bring discounts on subscriptions, too. Here's what to expect:

• Get three months of Kindle Unlimited for $0.99 and borrow from the Kindle Unlimited catalogue of books.

• Get three months of Audible for $0.99 to enjoy audiobooks on the go.

• Get three months of Comixology Unlimited for $0.99 and enjoy over 45,000 comic books, graphic novels, and manga.

• Throughout the sale, enjoy double and triple points day with Kindle Rewards.

Early Amazon Book Sale deals to shop now

Amazon loves to pre-game its own sales with...more deals. You can find solid savings on books and devices right now. Here are all the deals you can start shopping:

• Savings on Amazon Devices: Get the Amazon Kindle Scribe for $85 off, or the Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet for $35 off.

• Audiobooks under $8: Start shopping audible audiobooks for under $8. Or sign-up for three months of Audible for $0.99.

• Shop e-books up to 93% off: Shop bestsellers and editor's pick e-books up to 93% off. Get page-to-screen adaptations like Normal People: The Scripts for just $1.99.

• Shop print books up to 65% off: Explore editor-selected deals on print books, including award-winning fiction like The Leavers by Lisa Ko and acclaimed series like The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood.