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AVAILABLE TODAY: Pokémon TCG: Blooming Waters Premium Collection is restocking at Best Buy for $59.99 as part of the Pokémon Day celebrations. This Best Buy Drops release is app-exclusive.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon TCG: Blooming Waters Premium Collection
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It's happening again. The Pokémon TCG: Blooming Waters Premium Collection is back at Best Buy; this time, you don't have to throw down on Costco palettes to get it. Instead, it's an app-exclusive drop, meaning you need to download the Best Buy Mobile App, turn on notifications, and act fast.

With Venusaur ex, Blastoise ex, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle all making an appearance in foil form (plus a massive jumbo Blastoise ex to flex with), this is an essential pickup for collectors. You're also getting 12 booster packs, so you've got real chances at pulling some Scarlet & Violet 151 gold.

SEE ALSO: Live your Kawaii gamer dreams with this discounted Logitech POP ICON keyboard and mouse combo

Speaking of 151, some of the set's biggest hits pair perfectly with this collection. Special Illustration Rare Venusaur ex has been creeping up in price thanks to its stunning vibrant artwork and annoyingly effective Ability that keeps your team in top shape.

Then there's Blastoise ex, a straight-up powerhouse with damage negation and a scalable attack that only gets better the more Energy you dump into it. If you somehow pull Charizard ex (Special Illustration Rare) you might as well start feeling smug now as it's one of the most valuable cardfs in the set. It features incredible volcanic artwork and is just as dominant in play as in collector circles. And don't sleep on Charmander and Squirtle's Illustration Rares, which continue the Pokémon TCG tradition of making Gen I starters ridiculously valuable.

If you're serious about getting this collection, don't wait. Best Buy Drops are app-exclusive, meaning you need to download the Best Buy Mobile App, opt-in for notifications, and move fast once it goes live. This thing will be gone in minutes, and the next time you see it, it'll be at twice the price.

It finally happened: Apple stopped treating its affordable iPhone as a second class citizen. We expected a new iPhone SE, but we got the iPhone 16e, which sits at the same table as the other iPhone 16 models. It’s not just the name, it’s also the size, the chip that powers it, and a couple of other details that make the iPhone 16e a very interesting entrant into the iPhone 16 lineup.

However, the iPhone 16e is also significantly more expensive than the (now discontinued) iPhone SE. Is it worth it, or should you just dish the extra cash for the “real” iPhone 16? Read on.

Apple iPhone 16e price

The iPhone 16e starts at $599 with 128GB of storage space. Increase that to 256GB and the price goes up to $699, and if you opt for the 512GB variant, the price jumps to $899.

Compared to the old iPhone SE, which cost $429 when it came out in 2022, it’s a big price increase. Given that the iPhone SE has been discontinued (alongside the iPhone 15), the cheapest new iPhone is now the 16e, and it’s in a very different price range.

On the other hand, the iPhone 16e starts at 128GB of storage, which is double what you got with the last generation of the iPhone SE. And unlike the old SE, the iPhone 16e doesn’t immediately scream “old.” Instead, it looks like and performs like a modern iPhone.

The display is a 6.1-inch OLED, very similar to the one on iPhone 16. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I reckon the pricing will incite mixed responses from potential buyers. Folks who will never pay more than five hundred bucks for a phone are now priced out. Others may be excited that they can get a “real” member of the iPhone 16 family for only $599.

Apple iPhone 16e design

When I reviewed the iPhone SE, back in 2022, it was a very different experience. That phone looked dated compared to the top iPhones of the day, with a significantly smaller display and massive bezels on top and bottom.

But the iPhone 16e looks pretty great. On the front, it’s basically an iPhone 14, with a large, 6.1-inch OLED display. There’s no Dynamic Island on top; instead, you get the notch which hides the front camera, the Face ID camera, the speaker, and various sensors.

On the back, there’s only a single camera coupled with a flash light. It’s a big unit, though, and in an odd way it looks better (cleaner, at least) than the multi-camera arrays on more expensive iPhones. Only two colors are on offer, black and white. My review unit was white, and I loved both the matte white glass on the back, and the way the white frame contrasts with the dark display bezels on the front.

The frame is made of aluminum, and just like on the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e also gets the Action Button. It’s nice of Apple to include it; I typically set it to perform one thing and never change it again, but it’s better than the old switch.

Overall, Apple struck the right balance with the iPhone 16e’s design. It’s a no-nonsense iPhone that doesn’t look ancient, and it also doesn't look or feel cheap in any way.

You only get one camera. But it's a two-in-one. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple also sent me a blue and a pink silicone case for the iPhone 16e. The light silicone cases are a good fit for the iPhone 16e, which, at 167 grams, is the lightest phone in the lineup. Compare it directly with any of the Pro models, and you’ll feel a pretty big difference in weight.

There’s one more thing to consider here, and that is size. At 6.1 inches, the iPhone 16e is essentially the same size as the iPhone 16 (it’s a hair shorter, but you won’t notice that). The iPhone SE was a far smaller phone, and with it out of the way, it means that Apple is no longer selling truly small phones.

Apple iPhone 16e performance and battery life

More than any other “affordable” Apple phone, the iPhone 16e strikes me as the businessman’s phone. It looks good but not flashy. It performs, however, just as well as the iPhone 16, and it even beats it in a couple of very important ways.

The iPhone 16e has Apple’s A18 chip inside; it’s the same chip you’ll find inside the iPhone 16, but it only has four GPU cores instead of five. You won’t notice the difference.

Apple doesn’t say how much RAM its phones have, but benchmarks indicate that the iPhone 16e comes with 8GB of RAM, just like the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro models.

Combine that with 128GB of starting storage, and it means that the iPhone 16e performs pretty much the same as the iPhone 16. This was my experience, too: Everything felt fast, no matter how many apps I had open and which apps I used. Yes, even my favorite gaming benchmark, PUBG, was snappy on its highest settings. GeekBench scores confirmed this: with a 3201 single-core, 7423 multi-core score, the iPhone 16e is just a hair slower than the iPhone 16.

You don’t get all the niceties of the Pro models, of course. The iPhone 16e doesn’t have the ProMotion, 120Hz display, or the Dynamic Island, but none of these omissions are dealbrekers for me.

Two colors are on offer, both matte: White and black. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Here’s a big selling point for the iPhone 16e: It has excellent battery life. Apple says it can handle up to 26 hours of video playback, compared to 22 hours on the iPhone 16. I couldn’t compare the two devices directly, but during the week that I used it as my main phone, the iPhone 16e typically lasted two days after being fully charged, and that's with very heavy use.

This is partly thanks to Apple’s C1 cellular chip, which made its debut in the iPhone 16e. The chip worked as intended for me; I never had problems with connectivity, calls or messages. If it can do that whilst adding a couple hours of battery life to the phone, it’s a huge win.

Apple wouldn’t be Apple, however, if it didn’t throw a curveball at prospective buyers by removing MagSafe from the iPhone 16e. If you’ve never used it, you won’t care. To me, it’s a big deal; I use a bunch of MagSafe accessories, including Apple Wallet and wireless charging. The iPhone 16e does support wireless charging, though, so you should be able to get a decent experience with MagSafe accessories by using a MagSafe case. I couldn’t get a sample case fast enough for this text, but once I get it, I’ll definitely try it out and let you know how it works.

Apple iPhone 16e: Apple Intelligence

Being in Europe, I don't get to experience Apple Intelligence on an iPhone yet (it's coming in April). I've played with Apple Intelligence on the Mac, and while nothing seemed essential, the tools are fun and helpful and they'll probably become better over time.

AI is extremely important for Apple (and, frankly, any other phone maker these days), so it actually makes sense that Apple made its "cheap" iPhone a bit more powerful than expected in order to give it full Apple Intelligence support.

Lightning port is out, USB-C is in. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I don't believe people are buying (or even should be buying) phones based on what type of AI features they support, at least not right now. I do suspect that, over time, these features will become as indispensable as having access to search or basic photo editing. In that sense, even if you're in Europe and don't have a good idea what AI on an iPhone is like, it's good to know that the iPhone 16e is fully future-proof when it comes to Apple Intelligence.

Apple iPhone 16e camera

You only get one, 48-megapixel camera on the back of the iPhone 16e. On paper, it's very similar to the one you get on the iPhone 16, though Apple calls this one a 2-in-1 camera system. That's because it can produce 24-megapixel or 48-megapixel wide photos, or 12-megapixel 2x zoom photos.

Sharp (perhaps overly so), detailed, with accurate colors: A typical iPhone photo. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

It's not quite the same as having two cameras, and low light performance can be sketchy. But what you need to know is that the iPhone 16e's camera is not an afterthought like it was on the iPhone SE. Most of the time, you'll get sharp, vibrant photos, and the default, 24-megapixel resolution will give you plenty of detail.

By default, the iPhone 16e takes 24-megapixel photos. But if the conditions are good, you can turn it up to 48 megapixels for those extra details. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Is it even worth zooming in if there's no dedicated telephoto camera? Yes, it actually is. Zooming into the same scene I typically got a better, smoother photo, even in moderately low light. If there's a detail you want to focus on, you should use that 2x button.

Left: On 1x magnification, you get a 24-megapixel photo. The iPhone 16e handles multiple light sources admirably; colors are accurate, and the photo is very sharp, though some of the details get smudgy when you zoom in. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Right: With 2x magnification, you only get a 12-megapixel image, which is a bit more noisy, but it's smoother, with better background details. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

In low light, the results were alright, though you can't expect Pro-level performance here. I took an evening stroll on the island Rab in Croatia, and managed to take some fairly sharp and detailed photos of the historic Romanic buildings.

The iPhone 16e handles low light scenes well, but don't expect miracles. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

But pointing the camera onto the fishing boats in the night's distance yielded very blurry results.

Selfies are pretty great, and you can tune them to your liking by using Photographic Styles, which are somewhat unfairly hidden in the camera settings. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The selfie camera appears to be unchanged from iPhone 16, so there’s not much to write about. It takes great selfies, and yes, Photographic Styles are supported, so you can go to the camera settings and tune them to your liking.

Apple iPhone 16e: Should you buy? The Apple logo on the back has never been this subtle. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The iPhone 16e marks a big change in direction for Apple. The company does not sell any phones cheaper than $599 right now, making the barrier to entry for its ecosystem a lot higher than before.

That said, the iPhone 16e is an excellent phone. It looks good, has all the niceties of a modern iPhone, including a big, OLED display and a modern, 48-megapixel camera. It actually beats other phones in the lineup in several ways; it’s the lightest new iPhone you can buy, and it has excellent battery life. It performs just as well as the iPhone 16, and fully supports Apple Intelligence. It doesn’t have MagSafe, which is a shame, but not everyone will care. Most people who want a no-nonsense iPhone for the least amount of money won’t mind the other omissions, either, such as the lack of Dynamic Island. Finally, it’s future-proof; since it has Apple’s super-fast A18 chip, it’ll probably be fast enough in three, four, or even five years.

All of this makes the iPhone 16e good value for money. But this is not the iPhone SE, and it’s not a cheap Apple phone; those things are gone for now. It’s just a cheaper iPhone 16.

Apple's shareholders voted to continue the tech giant's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives on Tuesday, rejecting a proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) to end them. Predictably, President Donald Trump is mad about it.

The NCPPR's attempt to abolish Apple's DEI initiatives was shot down in a landslide during the company's annual shareholder meeting this week, garnering only 210.45 million votes compared to 8.84 billion against it. In its proposal, the self-described conservative think tank claimed that DEI programs pose "litigation, reputational and financial risks," and that their mere existence potentially breaches companies' duties to shareholders.

Apple's shareholders clearly didn't find its NCPPR's arguments compelling though, ultimately following the board's recommendation that the proposal be rejected. 

SEE ALSO: Google scraps diverse hiring targets following Trump's crusade against DEI

"The proposal is unnecessary as Apple already has a well‑established compliance program and the proposal inappropriately attempts to restrict Apple’s ability to manage its own ordinary business operations, people and teams, and business strategies," Apple wrote in its proxy statement. "Our Board and management maintain active oversight of legal and regulatory risks and compliance for our global business."

Further responding to NCPPR's proposal, Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the company has "never had quotas or targets," but that its DEI programs are key to its corporate culture guided by "dignity and respect for everyone."

"Our strength has always come from hiring the very best people and then providing a culture of collaboration," said Cook.

Despite Apple shareholders' decision to retain the company's DEI programs, Cook did acknowledge that changes in legislation may force adjustments to its policies regardless. But for now, Apple's commitments to equity remain in place.

"As the legal landscape around these issues evolves, we may need to make some changes to comply," Cook stated. "We’ll continue to work together to create a culture of belonging and we’ll remain committed to the values that have always made us who we are."

As of 2022, Apple reported that almost 65 percent of its global workforce was male, while approximately 42 percent are white, 30 percent are Asian, 15 percent are Hispanic/Latinx, and just 9 percent are Black.

The NCPPR has sent similar anti-DEI proposals to over two dozen companies according to the Washington Post, including Airbnb and General Motors. Costco's shareholders voted on its proposal from the NCPPR during their own meeting in January, where it also failed.

Trump criticises Apple's DEI shareholder vote

Of course, Trump was not pleased by the results of Apple's shareholder vote. The president railed against Apple's decision to adhere to its shareholders' decision on his social media platform Truth Social, continuing his aggressive attacks on DEI programs.

"APPLE SHOULD GET RID OF DEI RULES, NOT JUST MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THEM," wrote Trump (emphasis original). "DEI WAS A HOAX THAT HAS BEEN VERY BAD FOR OUR COUNTRY. DEI IS GONE!!!"

Interestingly, Trump's close ally Elon Musk recently took to X to stress the sanctity of the shareholder vote in December. This was in response to a judge ruling that Tesla's shareholders couldn't reinstate Musk's $55.8 billion compensation package after the court had already ruled it unlawful.

Dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion has been one of Trump's primary concerns since his inauguration, with one of his first acts being to issue an executive order terminating all federal DEI programs. While this order only directly impacted government entities, tech giants have also been falling in line with Trump's directive of their own volition. After all, the U.S government is far more likely to grant lucrative contracts to companies whose values align with its own.

Meta preemptively scrapped its DEI initiatives just prior to Trump's inauguration in January, altering its Hateful Conduct policy to be more friendly to divisive and discriminatory content. Similarly, Amazon reportedly told employees it was "winding down" some DEI programs, and scrubbed mention of diversity and inclusion from its recent annual report. Google also got rid of its diverse hiring targets earlier this month — as well as deleted its pledge against using AI for weapons or surveillance.

Stop me if you've heard this one before: An underestimated woman takes over a failing sports team whose players include a gruff veteran, a talented but out-of-control diva, and a sweet newbie. That's Ted Lasso, right? Wrong! It's Running Point.

SEE ALSO: Kate Hudson and Mindy Kaling join forces in 'Running Point' trailer

Or what about this one: A dysfunctional group of four siblings — three brothers, one sister — fights over their father's lucrative empire. Is that Succession? No! It's Running Point!

All this is to say that Mindy Kaling, Elaine Ko, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen's basketball comedy Running Point feels like the love child of two of the biggest shows of recent years — and that's not a bad thing. (Ted Lasso definitely has the dominant genes.) The series mixes familiar storylines with a tone more akin to Kaling's other shows, resulting in a glossy sports comedy buoyed by a winning ensemble.

Running Point remixes the Ted Lasso formula with basketball. Kate Hudson in "Running Point." Credit: Katrina Marcinowski / Netflix

Like Ted Lasso, Running Point brings us behind the scenes of a high-level sports team that's seen better days. This time around, it's the Los Angeles Waves, a fictionalized version of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Waves executive suite is a family affair, with the four Gordon siblings running the organization in the years since their father — the legendary but brash Jack Gordon — passed away. Eldest son Cam (Justin Theroux) is the president, former pro player Ness (Scott MacArthur) serves as the GM, and business-savvy Sandy (Drew Tarver) is the CFO. Meanwhile, the oft-excluded Isla (Kate Hudson) is left to manage the Waves charity, even though she knows more about the game than her brothers care to acknowledge.

SEE ALSO: 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 ending explained: One final game, and a whole lot of mess

Isla gets the chance to put her extensive basketball IQ to the test when Cam unexpectedly appoints her team president. (Isla is loosely based on current Lakers president Jeanie Buss, who serves as an executive producer on Running Point.) Suddenly, she finds herself at the head of a very male-dominated sports organization full of people — including her own family members — ready for her to trip up. Ted Lasso viewers may see quite a bit of Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) in her, from her competitive spirit to her high-profile position in men's sports. However, there are major differences, too, from Isla's bubblier personality to the fact that she doesn't start the series wanting to tank the Waves. Instead, she's tasked with the impossible: turning around a lifeless team.

That's easier said than done, especially when decorated team captain Marcus Winfield (Toby Sandeman) is checked out of the season and point guard Travis Bugg (Chet Hanks) courts controversy at every turn. They're not not similar to Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), just as the players' himbo locker room antics don't not call to mind the Richmond Greyhounds. Yet the basketball elements keep the team dynamic feeling fresh, even if you don't understand much about basketball.

You don't need to watch basketball to love Running Point. Scott MacArthur, Kate Hudson, and Drew Tarver in "Running Point." Credit: Katrina Marcinowski / Netflix

Sure, a bit of basketball knowledge may come in handy while watching Running Point's game sequences or boardroom scenes, where characters rattle off facts about salary caps, outside shooting, and player trades. Still, if you don't know your free throws from your three-pointers, don't worry. Running Point is much more interested in what's happening in interpersonal relationships off the court versus the details of what happens on it. That's because Running Point is, at its heart, the story of a screwed-up family who just happens to run a multi-billion dollar basketball team.

At the start of most episodes, Isla recounts stories about her father Jack in voiceover, recalling his casual misogyny, his judgmental nature, and the way he viewed his players as assets instead of people. Running Point explores the ways these qualities have trickled down into his children and how they're trying to unlearn them. It's as if Succession's Roy kids actually learned to open up emotionally and were way less intense. Plus, Running Point throws in a curveball in the form of Jack's secret son Jackie (Fabrizio Guido), who yearns for familial connection with the other Gordons.

The Gordon family ties allow for a number of laugh-out-loud story beats, including a squabble at an engagement party and an argument about player trades that devolves into a paintball shootout. It also allows Running Point's core cast to showcase their killer chemistry. Hudson leads the team with pitch-perfect comedic timing, committing totally to Isla's many pratfalls. As support, MacArthur and Tarver make for a delightful odd couple: Ness is loud and bro-y, and Sandy is more reserved yet cutting. Theroux is less present, but he's an absolute hoot whenever he shows up, and Guido rounds out the Gordons with an endearing innocence that contrasts nicely with the rest of his siblings' billionaire blunders. Closing out Running Point's all-star team are Brenda Song as Waves chief of staff Ali, Max Greenfield as Isla's fiancé Lev, and Jay Ellis as Waves coach Jay.

Running Point's endlessly watchable cast carries the show through some bumpier pacing moments since, like with many streaming comedies, Running Point feels like it would benefit from a longer season. That way, it wouldn't have to squeeze important events like the lead-up to playoffs into such a short amount of time.

Despite these pacing issues, Running Point remains a sharp comedy that skewers both professional basketball and dysfunctional families with glee. Here's hoping it joins Never Have I Ever as another multi-season Kaling Netflix series. It has all the right pieces, and with a little more time, it could cement itself as an absolute slam dunk.

Running Point is now streaming on Netflix.

TL;DR: Discover the joy of piano with a Skoove Premium Lifetime Subscription for £118.20 (reg. £236.40), giving you unlimited access to interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and music you love.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription £118.20 at the Mashable Shop
£236.40 Save £118.20 Get Deal

Ready to tickle the ivories but tired of the hassle (and cost) of traditional piano lessons? Meet Skoove Premium, your personal piano coach that fits right in your pocket. For just £118.20 (reg. £236.40), you’ll get lifetime access to interactive online piano lessons that adapt to your pace and preferences.

No more rushing to weekly lessons or struggling through boring practice books. Skoove lets you learn piano on your own terms — at home or whenever inspiration strikes. The app offers over 400 lessons with real-time feedback, so you’ll always know if you’re hitting the right notes (literally).

Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced player, Skoove’s AI-powered technology listens to your playing and tailors your learning experience accordingly. You’ll get to play chart-toppers from artists like John Legend, The Beatles, and Adele, as well as classical masterpieces by Bach and Beethoven.

And the best part? No fancy equipment required. Skoove works with any piano or keyboard — digital, acoustic, or USB/MIDI. Use it on your tablet, smartphone, or computer, and practice wherever you are. Plus, with one-on-one instructor support, you’ll never feel stuck.

Skoove keeps things fresh with monthly updates featuring new lessons and songs. So, whether you’re aiming to serenade your loved ones or just looking for a relaxing hobby, Skoove makes piano learning fun, easy, and accessible.

Pay £118.20 (a 50% discount for Mashable readers) for lifetime access to all Skoove has to offer — it’s a one-time investment in a skill that lasts forever.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office for life and Windows 11 Pro for just £43.32 (reg. £345.16) if you buy this bundle before 30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

Tired of software subscriptions? Cancel them. You actually don't need a Microsoft 365 subscription to get access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and all the other productivity tools you rely on. Instead, you can switch to a Microsoft Office lifetime device license that comes with the same apps for a one-time payment. And now, you also get Windows 11 Pro included, and the whole package is just £43.32 (reg. £345.16) at the Mashable Shop.

No more software subscriptions

Microsoft Office Pro gives you lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. There are no hidden fees or recurring costs of any kind. Download each of these apps onto your Windows computer, and your access lasts as long as you have your device.

Now, if you're used to Microsoft 365, these tools might look a little different (but not much). The 2021 Microsoft apps still work great, so you can keep relying on Excel for work or Word for school, minus the constant cost. 

Windows 11 Pro is a serious upgrade, even if you're just coming from Windows 11 Home. It gives you access to more advanced security tools like Bitlocker device encryption and TPM 2.0. You also get to use Windows Copilot, your own built-in AI you can use to generate text, conduct research, or just answer a quick question.

Gamers even get their own boost with DirectX 12 Ultimate, which is super useful for getting the most out of your hardware for graphically intense games. 

Remember: You only have until 30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for just £43.32 (reg. £345.16). 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: UGR Tech The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle £43.32 at the Mashable Shop
£345.16 Save £301.84 Get Deal

TL;DR: Live stream Pakistan vs. Bangladesh in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy action continues with the final round of group-stage games. Pakistan have lost both of their games so far, but they can end on a high against Bangladesh. Surely the defending champions aren't going to exit the competition without a single win.

If you want to watch Pakistan vs. Bangladesh in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Pakistan vs. Bangladesh?

Pakistan vs. Bangladesh in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy starts at 4 a.m. ET on Feb. 27. This ODI takes place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

How to watch Pakistan vs. Bangladesh for free

The following platforms are offering coverage of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy:

• Australia — Prime Video (free with 30-day trial)

• India — Disney+ Hotstar

• New Zealand — Sky TV NZ

• Pakistan — Tamasha (free) and PTV (free)

• UK — Sky Sports

• USA — Willow and Sling TV

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is available to live stream for free in Pakistan. The free streaming platforms are geo-restricted to Pakistan, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Pakistan, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy 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 Pakistan

4. Visit Tamasha or PTV

5. Live stream Pakistan vs. Bangladesh for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (plus every other 2025 ICC Champions Trophy game) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan

• 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% 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 Pakistan vs. Bangladesh in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free with ExpressVPN.

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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 February 27 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: Ways to reach someone over the phone

• Green: Essential car components

• Blue: Building blocks of living organisms

• Purple: References to measurement

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: Contact via Telephone

• Green: Parts of a Car

• Blue: Levels of Biological Organization

• Purple: Ending with Units of Measure

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 #627 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Contact via Telephone: CALL, DIAL, PHONE, RING

• Parts of a Car: BELT, HORN, MIRROR, WHEEL

• Levels of Biological Organization: ATOM, CELL, ORGAN, TISSUE

• Ending with Units of Measure: BIGFOOT, COMPOUND, INSTAGRAM, THERMOMETER

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 February 27

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 February 27 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 February 27, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A place to stay in the woods.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.

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...

LODGE.

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 February 27

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

• Yellow: To protect the catcher

• Green: Not a starter

• Blue: Events for NFL draft prospects

• Purple: After a flag or other penalty

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

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

• Yellow: A catcher's equipment

• Green: Backups

• Blue: NFL Draft tests and evaluations

• Purple: Results of a penalty

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #157 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• A Catcher's Equipment - CHEST PROTECTOR, GLOVE, MASK, SHIN GUARDS

• Backups - BENCH, DEPTH, RESERVES, SUBSTITUTES

• NFL Draft Tests and Evaluations - 40-YARD DASH, INTERVIEW, THREE-CONE DRILL, VERTICAL JUMP

• Results of a Penalty - FREE-THROW, LOSS OF YARDS, POWER PLAY, YELLOW CARD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 27 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 27 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Living large

These words are large, physically or the idea of it.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The words are things that follow the word big.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is BigStuff.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 27

• Spender

• PIcture

• Leagues

• Break

• Foot

• Bird

• Cheese

• BigStuff

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

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

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

The Silicon Valley company, which dominates the market for chips needed to build A.I. systems, said revenue was up 78 percent from a year ago.

The company reached the lunar surface in 2024, and now its Athena lander aims to improve on the feat. Three other spacecraft are also flying on the SpaceX rocket.

Even if you don't know it, there's a pretty good chance you've been to a millennial burger joint. As TikTok has recently noticed, there are numerous tell-tale signs, including, but not limited to, reclaimed wood, metal barstools, truffle fries, $25 burgers, and a menu with sections like "shareable" and "handhelds."

SEE ALSO: TikTok's My Emergency Contact trend, explained

The latest TikTok trend, for one reason or another, centers on poking fun at these restaurants.

It started with folks noticing this was a type of place at all.

It just so happened that Kyle Gordon — the popular TikTokker who often makes parody songs like "Planet of the Bass" — recently released a truly insufferable faux millennial anthem that effectively rips off "We Are Young" by Fun.

The Gordon track became the background audio to lots of TikToks of folks pointing out what defines a millennial burger place and showing examples IRL. And frankly, the TikToks have nailed it.

The burgers are typically pretty expensive, sitting on a brioche bun, and often with too many options for toppings. There's a chalkboard somewhere listing off craft beers or specials. The menu has non-threatening curses like "kick-ass." The decor is a mix of distressed wood and unfinished metal. There are truffle fries served in one of those little fryer baskets. The menu has sections like "handhelds," "shareables," and "sweet treats." The restaurant itself tells the story of how it was started by "two guys with a dream."

The trend itself is pretty harmless fun. Because the thing is, as much as folks poke fun at these places, we've all been to one — and I bet we'll be back, paying $23 for the Kickass, Fire It Up handheld.

Greek mythology and the WWE collide in the trailer for Dimension 20: Titan Takedown.

SEE ALSO: The 'Dimension 20' cast reveal which campaign they would most like to revisit

Headed up by Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan, the four-episode actual play campaign transports viewers to ancient Athens, where gods and heroes take part in the Titan Takedown, which Mulligan dubs "the battle of the millennium."

And who more fitting to play out this story than four WWE Superstars? The trailer introduces Titan Takedown's cast of righteous wrestlers with panache, starting out with Xavier Woods as Julius Mortem. Next up is Bayley, whose minotaur Thea Kittleroo is a barbarian through and through.

SEE ALSO: 'Dimension 20's 'Gauntlet at the Garden' was a euphoric experience for 'Dungeons and Dragons' fans everywhere

Joining them is Kofi Kingston, playing King Adonis Thanaformus. "Spoiler alert, he's a king!" Kingston informs his fellow players.

Rounding out the cast is Chelsea Green as tabaxi rogue Tabatha, or Tabby for short. She may or may not be singing the Pussycat Dolls' "Buttons" as she sneaks around, so brace yourself for cat puns galore.

The rest of the trailer for Titan Takedown teases a mini wrestling ring set, serious drama between the Greek gods, and Mulligan going full WWE announcer mode, complete with a sparkly jacket and drop-down announcer mic. Witness the righteous wrestlers in all their glory in the trailer above.

Dimension 20: Titan Takedown premieres April 2 on Dropout.

TL;DR: A license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home that never expires is now available for a one-time price of A$206 through 30 March, giving you lifetime access to key productivity tools.

Why deal with subscription fees when you can own your productivity tools for life? Microsoft Office 2024 Home (licenses for Mac and PC are available) offers lifetime access with a one-time purchase of A$206 (reg. A$238), letting you unlock the full suite with no recurring payments: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Whether you’re managing projects for work, school, or personal life, this edition provides the tools you need.

What’s new in Office 2024? For starters, Excel now allows you to handle larger datasets and multiple workbooks at once, making it easier to work on complex projects and analyses. PowerPoint ups your presentation game with new features for recording presentations, including integrated voice narration and live camera feeds, which can help add a personal touch, especially during virtual meetings or remote work settings. Outlook now comes with an upgraded accessibility checker that ensures your emails are clear, readable, and meet accessibility standards, helping you communicate more effectively.

Office 2024’s streamlined interface is designed to be intuitive, with a unified look across apps, making it easier to jump between tasks and stay organized. Whether you're preparing financial reports, creating presentations, or simply managing everyday tasks, this suite works seamlessly across both Macs and PCs.

This one-time payment guarantees lifetime access for your device to all of these popular Microsoft tools.

Say goodbye to monthly fees and hello to a better way to work — score a lifetime device license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC for A$206 until 30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License A$206.00
A$238.00 Save A$32.00 Get Deal

Google has secured FDA clearance for its first-to-market pulse detection feature intended to aid smartwatch wearers who may experience isolated medical emergencies.

Powered by an AI-based algorithm and a device "multipath heart rate sensor," the smartwatch can detect "pulselessness" caused by various medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, poisoning, or respiratory arrest. The watch will then automatically call and request a dispatch of emergency services. The feature was designed with input from cardiologists, global authorities on resuscitation, and Emergency Medical Service leaders, dispatchers, and paramedics, according to the company.

SEE ALSO: It's now easier to remove personal information from Google Search results

"When a loss of pulse event happens, it’s usually up to a bystander to give or get help," the company explains. "However, half of all loss of pulse events related to cardiac arrest, for example, are unwitnessed – leaving millions worldwide effectively no chance of receiving emergency care soon after losing their pulse."

Here's how it works: The Pixel Watch 3 harnesses integrated heart rate monitors to detect a loss of pulse, which then trigger additional sensors that search for other signs of pulse or motion. If none are detected, the watch then begins prompting the user with check-in alerts. If there is no response from the wearer, the watch will begin emanating a loud sound and display a countdown on its screen, after which it will call an emergency dispatcher through the LTE-enabled smartwatch or connected smartphone.

Google makes it clear in the fine print, however, that the feature is not intended for those with preexisting heart conditions or who require cardiac monitoring.

The Loss of Pulse Detector feature was first announced in August, available to select market across U.K, France, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. Since then, the feature has expanded to 14 countries and is now finally available to Pixel Watch 3 users in the U.S.

If you're having trouble sending messages on Instagram and Facebook, fret not — you aren't alone.

Users have been reporting on Down Detector that Instagram, Facebook, and Facebook Messenger were all down for about an hour midday on Wednesday, Feb. 26. For Instagram, the main problem seemed to be messaging; the rest of the app was working like usual.

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Meta has not responded to a request for comment from Mashable, but reports that its platforms were down began dwindling about 30 minutes after they peaked, around 1 PM EST.

This story is developing.

SAVE $170.27: As of Feb. 26, get the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE for $279.72, down from its usual price of $449.99, at Amazon. That's a 38% discount and the lowest price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE $279.72 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $170.27 Get Deal

Now's the perfect time buy a new tablet, whether you've been shopping for one or you just have an inkling that your favorite apps and shows might look better on a bigger screen than your phone. One of Samsung's best tablets is on sale for a new low price, beating its previous low from just a few days prior, and you won't want to miss out.

As of Feb. 26, get the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE for $279.72, down from its normal price of $449.99. That's a discount of 38% and the lowest price we've seen. It's an additional $10 off from its previous sale, so strike while the iron is hot.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets in 2025

This tablet is not part of Samsung's premium lineup, but it's every bit worth the price. It's a 10.9-inch display with the Samsung Exynos 1390 chip under the hood, with dual speakers and Dolby Atmos support and 128GB of storage. It's lightweight and perfectly portable, and it comes with an S Pen stylus that can be used to sketch, write, draw, or otherwise use the tablet.

The tablet lasts up to 18 hours per charge, though if you do need to juice it back up, you can do so with fast charging in just 1.5 hours. And it's rugged enough that you can take it with you and not have to worry about water and dust with its IP68 rating.

Be sure and nab this Samsung tablet this time around while it's dropped to a new low price.

SAVE $110.01: The Echelon Smart Connect EX15 stationary bike is on sale at Woot for just $389.99, down from the standard price of $500. That's a 22% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Echelon Echelon Smart Connect EX15 stationary exercise bike $389.99 at Woot
$500.00 Save $110.01 Get Deal

Welcome to the in-between season. We're not totally in the depths of winter anymore since the sun sets after 4 p.m., but we're also not yet basking in the warm spring sun. That means outdoor workouts are still iffy, because who wants to head out for a bike ride when there's a 70% chance of rain? Keep your workouts indoors thanks to this great deal.

As of Feb. 26, the Echelon Smart Connect EX15 stationary exercise bike is on sale at Woot for $389.99, marked down from the standard price of $500. That means you'll get a 22% discount and save $110.01. Plus, an Amazon Prime membership gives access to free shipping at Woot.

SEE ALSO: Tons of camping gear is up to 50% off ahead of spring and summer weather

Echelon earned two slots on the Mashable list of the best Peloton dupes, so you know this bike is coming from a solid manufacturer.

The Echelon EX15 focuses on offering a great workout while taking up a small floor footprint. You can select a magnetic resistance level from one of the 32 options, and the adjustable toe cages mean the pedals will have a secure feeling. Of course, the seat and handlebars are also adjustable so you can find the best fit. The bullhorn handlebars also feature a perfect location for your tablet or phone when following along with a workout or tuning into a show.

Since you might be riding for a while, Echelon equipped the bike with an extra-large padded seat for a more comfortable workout. You'll also get a free 30-day membership to Echelon Premier, which gives you access to over 3,000 live and on-demand fitness classes.

If you're not jazzed about spending thousands on a stationary exercise bike, consider the benefits to health and savings with today's deal on the Echelon Smart Connect EX15. Thanks to the Woot sale, this model is just $389.99.