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On Tuesday, Insta360 launched the X5, a 360-degree action camera that pairs with an "invisible" selfie stick. The next iteration in the company's flagship series is tougher than ever before, and has the ability to produce footage at 5.7K and 60fps with HDR support (or 8K non-HDR footage). Not bad for a camera that can fit in your pocket.

The double-sided camera can capture truly panoramic footage, and the Chinese company showed off the new camera's capabilities in a teaser video ahead of its launch. The X5 is available for sale now from Insta360 and Amazon, with a base price of $549.99.

With the X5, Insta360 increases the pressure on GoPro, the brand that is — for now, at least — still synonymous with action cameras. While the GoPro Hero13 Black may still be the action camera standard bearer, Insta360 has caught up in key respects. The company's Ace Pro 2 features a Leica lens, and the X5 beats GoPro's new Max 360 camera in video resolution and battery power (GoPro's newly updated 360-degree action camera is more affordable, however).

The Insta360 X5 360-Degree Action Camera: Key Specs

The 360-degree camera's key features include replaceable lenses with tougher optical glass, better low-light performance, longer battery life, and a wind guard for enhanced audio. It's even waterproof up to 49 feet (or 15 meters).

Credit: Insta360 Credit: Insta360

Priced at $549.99, here are the most important specifications:

• Sensor size: 1/1.28 inches

• Lens aperture: F2.0

• Focal length: 6mm

• Video resolution: 8K, 5.7K, 4K, 1080p

• Frame rate: 30 fps (8K), 60 fps (5.7K), 120 fps (4K)

• Photo resolution: 18MP-72MP

• Video format: MP4

• Weight: 200 grams

• Battery: 2400mAh

• Runtime: Up to 185 minutes in 5.7K24fps Endurance Mode

• Waterproof: Up to 15 meters

The Chinese company already makes a variety of action cameras, and the X5 is the successor to the X4.

SEE ALSO: Insta360 launches GO 3S, a tiny 4K action camera with Apple's Find My The X5's key features to know

Insta360 is introducing a "Shoot First, Point Later" feature in the X5, which allows you to capture 360-degree and traditional video simultaneously, giving creators a lot more options while editing videos. The X5 will also come bundled with an invisible selfie stick that can't be seen while filming, giving it a unique floating camera effect from a third-person perspective.

In a press release announcing the launch, Insta360 also says the X5’s sensors are 144 percent larger than the X4, enabling  a new AI-powered low-light mode. 

And in a key first, Insta360 says this camera is the first of its kind to feature replaceable lenses.

We haven't had the chance to test the X5 yet, but we're hoping to review the new 360-degree camera soon.

Where to buy the Insta360 X5 camera

The Insta360 X5 camera officially launched on April 22 and can be purchased from Insta360 and Amazon for $549.99. An Essentials Bundle with additional accessories is also available for $659.99.

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Like the inevitable final days of high school, Heartstopper is coming to an end, with Netflix announcing a film to close the beloved series.

Three years since the release of Season 1, the streaming service revealed in an Instagram post on Tuesday that Heartstopper will return with a movie to send off Charlie Spring (Joe Locke), Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), and their marvellous crew. Production is set to begin this year.

SEE ALSO: Every book in 'Heartstopper' Season 3

The Heartstopper film will be based on the unreleased sixth volume of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, with Netflix revealing the narrative will revolve around Nick and Charlie preparing to go long-distance as Nick gets ready to start university out of town.

Still Alice director Wash Westmoreland will helm the project with series director Euros Lyn acting as an executive producer alongside Locke, Connor, and Oseman.

"I am completely overjoyed that we will get to tell the end of the Heartstopper story," Oseman said in a press statement. "I’m so grateful to everyone who has worked hard to make this possible and to the incredible fans of Heartstopper for your patience and passion. I cannot wait to bring this story to a magical conclusion."

Featured Video For You 'Heartstopper’s Joe Locke and Kit Connor talk teenage vulnerability

Considering we left the Paris Crew on the precipice of maturity and deciding what comes after high school in Season 3, there are plenty of loose ends to tie up. And although the rest of the cast hasn't been announced, it wouldn't be the same without Tao (William Gao), Elle (Yasmin Finney), Isaac (Tobie Donovan), Tara (Corinna Brown), Darcy (Kizzy Edgell), Imogen (Rhea Norwood), or Tori (Jenny Walser).

SAVE $100: As of April 22, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are on sale for $248 at Amazon. That's 29% off their list price of $348.

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A good pair of noise-canceling headphones are a game-changer. If you frequently listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts, they can help you feel even more immersed in what you're listening to. While high-end models often come with high price tags, occasionally some very nice deals pop up that are worth taking advantage of. At the moment, Amazon's offering a great deal on the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones.

Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones have received a 29% discount at Amazon, dropping their price from $348 to $248. That's a very nice deal to jump on if you've had your eye on these great headphones. Multiple color options are on sale right now as well, so you can choose between midnight blue, black, and silver headphones.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best headphones of 2025

Alongside noise cancelation that'll keep sounds from the outside world from getting in the way, the Sony WH-1000XM4s feature a comfortable design and up to 30 hours of battery life so you can keep listening for longer. We consider them the best overall headphones in our roundup of the best wireless headphones for every budget, with Mashable's Miller Kern saying, "The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have superior sound quality and noise cancellation. They're comparable to the Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones, but have a more stylish look in our opinion — the ear cups are less bulky."

If you've been waiting to upgrade your headphones, now's a great time to do it with discounts like this floating around. Don't miss out on 29% off the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones at Amazon.

Another great Sony headphone deal that's worth checking out right now is on the Sony ULT WEAR headphones, which are over $50 off at Amazon. If you're looking for a bit more bass in your headphones, these are worth a look.

Collecting all your favourite snacks and drinks, surrounding yourself with comfortable cushions and blankets, and then spending hours in front of a screen can be a truly therapeutic experience. Unfortunately, there is one big problem with this hobby: There is a limited amount of content out there to keep you entertained.

We're a greedy bunch, and regular streamers can easily get to a point where it feels like there's nothing left to watch. What are you supposed to do then? Don't panic, because there is a simple solution to this frustrating issue.

If you've reached this point of streaming shortage, you should consider investing in a VPN. It will likely unlock a lot of shows and movies on services to which you're already subscribed.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

SEE ALSO: 30 best movies on Netflix to stream right now

The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country.

Do you need a VPN?

VPNs are used to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. This isn't the only reason VPNs are so popular though, because these tools can be also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location.

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you could watch all the extra films and shows on American Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the U.S. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN.

Everyone is in need of something that can bypass geo-restrictions to access all of this blocked entertainment, and that something is a VPN. These services are keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love.

How to unblock U.S. Netflix

If you think accessing American Netflix is going to be difficult with a VPN, think again. It's actually a really simple process that absolutely everyone can understand:

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

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

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

4. Visit Netflix to watch movies and shows from the U.S. content library

If you're worried that this whole thing sounds a bit illegal, then maybe we can reassure you. It's currently legal to watch Netflix while using a VPN, although we should point out that Netflix states in its terms of service that it may restrict your account without compensation or notice if you are engaged in "improper" use. We're not entirely sure what that means, but consider yourself warned.

We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs, so why would you ever consider paying for a service? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

There is always a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will be just fine if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this isn't going to work. Free trials are different as come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you generally need to pay up. That being said, services like ProtonVPN offer an impressive set of features for free. However, you might have trouble streaming Netflix with this free version.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

There are a lot of VPN services out there that can effectively unblock American Netflix, but which is the best? There are plenty of strong options for you to consider, but we wouldn't want you wasting your time checking everything out. To save you time, we've handpicked your best options. Each service has a different set of features that will suit some users better than others, and it's all about finding something that works for you.

ExpressVPN is at the top of this list because it combines essential features with impressive results, but it isn’t the only option available to you. We have lined up all the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix, with something for everyone on this list. We've highlighted the best deals on the likes of Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN.

These are the best VPNs for Netflix in 2025.

The online world can be a dangerous place, with hackers, viruses, and surveillance software lurking in every corner of the web. We're not trying to scare you, but have you ever considered just how much of your personal data is exposed to this sort of thing whilst you're browsing? If not, you probably should. You might be surprised by the results.

Your data is seriously valuable stuff these days, and everyone is looking to get their hands on it. Once you come to understand that the internet is insecure, it's perfectly normal to feel a little concerned about how much of your data is up for grabs. There's no need to panic though, because there is a simple and effective way that you can stay protected.

To stay safe online and keep all of your data and personal information secure, you really should consider investing in a VPN.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide protection for your data and identity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure because everything passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside is protected against online threats. This means that hackers, governments, and your internet service provider will be unable to access any of your information.

Do you need a VPN?

Investing in a VPN is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and anonymity online. VPNs are vital tools in the fight against scammers and cybercriminals, but there's another reason you might consider these security services. And it has nothing to do with security.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for remaining anonymous online

VPNs can be used to unlock streaming services from around the world, including the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. How do they do this? It's actually a really simple process, and it can significantly boost your content options. All you need to do is open up your preferred VPN, connect to a server from another country in order to spoof your IP to another address, and then head to your preferred streaming site. This process tricks the site into thinking you are based in another country, meaning you can watch all that great content that is normally blocked.

VPNs are really useful for cybersecurity and streaming, which means they should be a worthwhile investment for just about everyone.

What should you know before subscribing to a VPN?

Selecting a VPN that is right for you is not easy, because there are a lot of options all offering similar packages. To make the decision a little simpler, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to consider before making any sort of purchase:

• Connection speed — This is absolutely vital whether you're looking to use a VPN for online security or streaming. It's normal for a VPN to result in a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything significant.

• Encryption — We know that a lot of people will be using VPNs for streaming, but these services are primarily designed to provide cybersecurity, so encryption is important. The best VPNs will offer powerful protection for your data, meaning that everything is unreadable and untraceable.

• Number of connections — You should seek out a VPN that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time. This is also beneficial for large families or households with multiple people likely to be online at the same time.

• Privacy policy — The best VPNs should be very clear about how they handle, store, and use your data. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't super clear, you should look elsewhere.

• Server network — The best VPNs provide access to thousands of servers located all around the world. This is useful as you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing.

There are plenty of other things that are worth considering, like bandwidth, apps for certain operating systems, and customer support, but these are probably the most important features to keep in mind.

Should you use free VPNs?

With free versions of popular VPNs and free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan, why would you ever pay? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN?

There are a lot of VPNs out there, and we recommend taking some time to carefully access all your options. Once you have established exactly what you need, you can turn your attention to finding the best deals on all the top VPNs.

We have reached out to partners in order to line up a list of the best deals on the most popular providers, to help you save big. You can find all the best deals on the likes of ExpressVPN, NordVPN, PureVPN, and more.

These are the best VPN deals in 2025.

The Oscars has landed squarely on the fence about the use of AI in potentially nominated films.

Following a widely publicised controversy around the use of artificial intelligence in Best Picture nominees The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, the Academy has made its position of impartiality clear.

In the latest update to the Oscars rules, released on April 21 to apply to the upcoming 98th Academy Awards set for March 2026, there's an addition to the "Eligibility" section:

"With regard to Generative Artificial Intelligence and other digital tools used in the making of the film, the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination.

The Academy and each branch will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award."

Essentially, AI won't help films get nominated for an Oscar, nor hinder their chances. Then, it will be up to the Academy's voters to decide whether the movie deserves the award.

SEE ALSO: 'The Brutalist' AI backlash, explained

Brady Corbert's Best Picture nominee The Brutalist found itself amid public debate in January when editor Dávid Jancsó revealed in an interview he had used AI software by Respeecher to refine the Hungarian pronunciation of actors Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones (the former of whom won Best Actor). Jancsó also said that AI was used to create architectural sketches by Brody's protagonist Laszlo Toth. But The Brutalist wasn't alone, with Best Picture nominee Emilia Pérez also confirmed as having used AI to fine-tune lead Karla Sofia Gascón's singing voice.

It's a neutral decision from the Academy during a time where the use of generative AI has sat firmly at the top of the list of concerns for Hollywood. During the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes, it was (and remains) a core issue.

Featured Video For You After the Oscars, we hold space for 'Wicked'

There's a few more rules added to the new Oscars rules, too. In probably the most "uhhh what?" update of the Oscar rules, the Academy specifies that "members must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round for the Oscars." Actually watching all the nominees in the category you're voting on? Groundbreaking. As The Hollywood Reporter explains, the Academy will actually track what members are watching on the Academy Screening Room streaming platform to make sure they haven't skipped a movie.

There's a small update for the Oscars' new category for best casting. Defined as "the process by which a casting director collaborates with a film’s director and producers on the creative consideration, and selection of actors who comprise the acting ensemble of a film," the award will allow "a maximum of ten films" on the nominee shortlist.

Plus, the best international film category also got an update, with filmmakers with refugee or asylum status now allowed to be represented by a country outside of their home when submitting. The Academy specified in the rules, "The submitting country must confirm that creative control of the film was largely in the hands of citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status in the submitting country."

SAVE $60: As of April 22, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is on sale at Amazon for $159.99. That's 27% off its list price of $219.99.

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$219.99 Save $60 Get Deal

If you've been looking to invest in a new tablet but don't want to spend a lot of money, the good news is there are some great deals to check out right now. And that includes the 64GB Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, which has received a 27% discount at Amazon for a limited time.

This discount has dropped the price of the 64GB Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ from $219.99 to $159.99. It's currently listed as a limited-time deal at Amazon, so if you're interested in picking it up at this low price, you'll want to act fast.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets in 2025

Boasting a large 11-inch screen and quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ will keep you immersed in what you're watching or doing on its display with high-quality images and sound. It also comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor and has a lightweight design that makes taking it on the go nice and easy.

All of that for under $200 is a pretty great deal, so scoop up the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ for 27% off at Amazon while the offer is still live.

There's more where this tablet deal came from, too. Another discount that's worth checking out is on the Fire Max 11 tablet at Amazon, which is still at its Big Spring Sale price right now.

SAVE $400: As of April 22, the roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop is on sale at Amazon for $299.99. That's 57% off its list price of $699.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop $299.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $400 Get Deal

There have been some great robot vacuum deals popping up lately, which is nice if you've been looking for a little extra help to get some cleaning done around the house right now. At the moment, one of our favorite deals is on the roborock Q5 Pro+ robot vacuum and mop, which is currently marked down by over 50% at Amazon.

More specifically, the roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop has received a 57% discount that's dropped its price from $699.99 to $299.99. That's a great discount to take advantage of on such a versatile robot vacuum. It's worth keeping in mind that it's listed as a limited-time deal as well, so it may not stick around at this price for very long. If it has caught your eye, now is the time to pick it up.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 20+ robot vacuums and these are the best for every budget in 2025

From hard floors to carpets to tile, the roborock Q5 Pro+ will keep a variety of surfaces neat and tidy as it zooms around. It features a 5500Pa suction and dual rubber brushes that'll take care of any dirt or hair that's hiding away on your floors, and the mop will give harder surfaces a nice shine. It's also self-emptying, so you can keep it going for up to seven weeks before needing to empty the dust bag.

Don't miss out on 57% off the roborock Q5 Pro+ robot vacuum and mop at Amazon.

This isn't the only cleaning device deal that's caught our eye. At the moment you can also save on the Dyson V11 Origin if you're just looking for a regular vacuum to have around the house.

FREE LEGO: On April 27, build a Mother's Day Flower model at participating stores and take it home with you for free. Find participating stores here.

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Lego's make and take events provide an opportunity for fans to take home something exclusive for absolutely nothing. In 2025, Lego has run a number of these generous events, and they are showing no signs of slowing down.

Following in the footsteps of the Steering Wheel, Valentine's Day Heart, and Grogu events, Lego is now offering a Mother's Day Flower model for free.

SEE ALSO: Building the 'Twilight' Lego set was the therapy session I didn’t know I needed

Visitors to select Lego Stores on April 27 (from 12-2 p.m.) will have the chance to participate in a Lego Mother's Day Flower model make and take event. During this event, participants can build and bring home a stunning Flower model for free. This event is intended for participants aged 6+ years, and the model will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis, at participating locations in the U.S. and Canada, while supplies last.

What's important to note is that the Flower model is not available for purchase. So you're getting your hands on something exclusive in this special event. The only catch is that you're limited to one build per participant, which seems fair.

Build and take home an exclusive Mother's Day Flower model for free on April 27.

If you found The Last of Us Season 2, episode 2 an emotional viewing experience, just imagine what it was like for the main cast.

In the Max video above, stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey sit down to chat about everything from their last days on set to what Ramsey thinks their character Ellie wishes she could have said to Joel before he died.

"I guess that Ellie wished she'd said 'I love you' to Joel," says Ramsey. "I don't think those words are ever really brought up. Together, they're like, I don't know, quite repressed."

It's going to take us all a while to get over this.

A NASA rover taking rock samples on Mars has uncovered a plentiful mineral that was invisible to orbiters studying the Red Planet from space.

Scientists say the discovery of siderite, a type of iron carbonate, could be crucial evidence to support the theory that Mars once had a thick carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere, allowing a warm enough environment to support oceans, lakes, and streams.  

Curiosity, a car-sized lab on six wheels, performed a chemical analysis of four rock samples drilled at different elevations of Mount Sharp, a mountain it has been exploring within Gale Crater. Three of the samples showed considerable amounts of siderite. Another sample, which had no significant traces of siderite, contained other iron-rich minerals that can form as siderite breaks down. 

This iron carbonate mineral is known to form on Earth under specific chemical conditions involving water, iron, and carbon dioxide. The study, published in the journal Science, suggests more carbon is stored in the Martian crust than previously thought. And if similar carbonates exist in other sulfate-rich regions, they could represent a hidden trove of Mars’ ancient atmosphere.

"The discovery of abundant siderite in Gale Crater represents both a surprising and important breakthrough in our understanding of the geologic and atmospheric evolution of Mars," said Benjamin Tutolo, lead author of the paper, in a statement.

SEE ALSO: These scientists think alien life best explains what Webb just found NASA's Curiosity rover snaps a selfie image on lower Mount Sharp in Gale crater in August 2015. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS

The results contribute to mounting evidence that ancient Mars had the right chemical and environmental conditions not only to have liquid water but also to trap and cycle carbon in the air — factors that may speak to the planet’s past habitability.

Scientists have had a long-standing theory that Mars used to have surface water. But for that to happen, the planet also would have needed to be warmer, with higher air pressure. That has led them to believe that though Mars' atmosphere is extremely thin today, it must have been thick and carbon dioxide-rich in the past. 

Volcanoes could have released large amounts of carbon dioxide into the air. Over time, some of that gas escaped into space, but enough probably stayed to support lakes and rivers. 

Over the past three decades, researchers have found lots of evidence that water flowed on ancient Mars. But up until now there's been a missing puzzle piece for the atmosphere within the rock record: Carbon dioxide in the air and water almost certainly would have reacted with rocks to create various carbonate minerals, so where are they?

At a Martian site nicknamed Ubajara, NASA's Curiosity rover discovers siderite, an iron carbonate mineral that might solve a mystery about how the planet lost its thicker atmosphere. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS

After drilling less than 2 inches below the surface, Curiosity used its CheMin instrument to conduct X-ray diffraction analyses of rock and soil samples, according to the new paper. The presence of siderite in them means the rocks likely formed in calm water like lakebeds, not volcanoes or lava. On Earth, siderate tends to form in shallow lakes and swamps. 

Curiosity also detected sulfates, minerals that form when water evaporates. Geologists glean clues about a planet's past from the order in which minerals formed. That siderite came first in the sequence suggests a gradual drying of ancient Martian lakes, leaving behind these other minerals. The sample that didn't have siderite but had evidence of its breakdown materials supports the notion that Mars’ carbon cycle used to be active but became unbalanced over time.

"Drilling through the layered Martian surface is like going through a history book," said Thomas Bristow, a NASA research scientist and co-author of the paper. "Just a few centimeters down gives us a good idea of the minerals that formed at or close to the surface around 3.5 billion years ago."

If similar carbonates are found in other sulfate-rich layers across Mars, they could hold large amounts of carbon — perhaps equal to or even more than the carbon dioxide in Mars’ air today. Future observations could confirm these findings and illuminate how the planet changed as it lost its atmosphere.

Bluesky is introducing new ways to recognize genuine, verified accounts on the social media platform.

According to an official update on Bluesky's blog, certain accounts will now get a blue checkmark next to their names.

Bluesky will also let "select independent organizations" verify accounts of their employees directly, with one example being the New York Times which can now issue blue ticks to its journalists.

SEE ALSO: NFL bars teams from using Bluesky

Users will be able to see which organization granted the mark to a user by tapping on a verified account's blue check.

The new scheme echoes the blue checkmark verification system that Twitter had before Elon Musk bought the platform, renamed it X, and made checkmarks available to anyone who paid for a Twitter Blue subscription.

Bluesky did not share exact criteria as to which accounts can get a blue checkmark, besides saying it will proactively verify "authentic and notable" accounts.

Featured Video For You Our favorite robots at CES 2025

This is another layer of verification on top of Bluesky's verified domain system, which allows individuals and organizations to set their domain as their user name. This is still available to all users.

As for the blue checks, Bluesky said in its update the platform is currently not accepting direct applications for verification; instead, it will launch a request form for notable and authentic accounts which are interested in becoming verified and/or trusted verifiers.

SAVE $20: As of April 22, the Google TV Streamer 4K is available for $79 at Amazon. That’s $20 off its regular $99.99 price and the lowest price across seven major retailers.

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$99.99 Save $20.99 Get Deal

I’ve tested my fair share of streaming sticks, dongles, boxes, and whatever other shape they come in. But Google’s TV Streamer 4K? Is arguably the best. Right now, it’s going for just $79 on Amazon, and that’s the best deal you’ll find across all the usual suspects.

This tiny porcelain box delivers fast, customizable streaming with support for 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and even Dolby Atmos audio if you’ve got the right speakers. Basically, it turns whatever sad TV you’ve been putting up with into something you might actually enjoy watching. And it does it fast. The new processor is 22% quicker than the old model and it’s got double the memory, so it’s not going to freeze when you try to load Netflix and YouTube back to back.

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

I think what makes it feel smarter than other streamers is how well it integrates your subscriptions and preferences. It pulls in live TV, on-demand apps, and even over 800 free channels, and then lines everything up on a home screen that doesn’t look like a chaotic ad wall. You get recommendations tailored to your taste, not just whatever the algorithm thinks will go viral.

The remote deserves some love too. It’s got voice search, a customizable button, and a way to make the remote ring when it disappears into the couch cushions. If you’ve ever wasted ten minutes digging through throw pillows, you’ll understand why that matters.

Specifications:

• Price: $79 $99.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Resolution: Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision

• Audio: Supports Dolby Atmos (speakers required)

• Storage: 32 GB

• Processor: 22% faster than previous generation

• Memory: Double the memory of the last model

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Ethernet

• Streaming Services: Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube, Google TV and more

• Free Content: Access to over 800 channels via Pluto TV, Tubi and others

• Remote Features: Voice control, customizable button, lost remote finder

• Smart Home Control: Built-in panel to control compatible smart devices

• Casting: Works with Android and iOS apps

For $79, this is an easy win. You get fluid 4K streaming, serious smart home control, and a remote that isn’t just an afterthought. It's honestly the kind of upgrade that makes you question why you waited this long.

SAVE $100: As of April 22, Dyson V11 Origin cordless vacuum is available for $469.99 at Amazon. That’s $100 off its regular price of $569.99, a solid 18% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum $469.99 at Dyson
$569.99 Save $100 Get Deal

I have a confession. I hate vacuuming. There, I said it. But the Dyson V11 Origin has me reconsidering that stance, mostly because it looks like something from a sci-fi movie and actually makes floor cleaning feel less like a chore and more like an oddly satisfying power move. It’s $100 off right now, bringing the price down to $469.99 on Amazon, and that’s probably as close to a “fun” vacuum purchase as it gets.

This cordless wonder isn’t just about looks. With up to 60 minutes of run time and 60 percent more power than earlier Dyson models, it’s clearly not messing around. I think what makes this vacuum stand out is its ability to handle pretty much anything. Hardwood, rugs, and mystery floor gunk, it eats it all up and asks for seconds.

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

It has three power modes depending on how intense your mess is. I usually hang out in Auto mode like a responsible adult, but Eco is great for longer cleans and Boost is basically the "get it all out now" setting. There’s even an LCD screen that tells you exactly how much run time you’ve got left, like a very polite battery coach.

It also converts into a handheld in seconds, and the hair screw tool is a personal favorite. It handles long hair and pet fur without turning into a tangled mess. You also get a crevice tool, dusting brush, motorbar cleaner head, and a docking station. Dyson even threw in HEPA filtration that traps 99.99% of particles, which is perfect if you're allergic to, well, life.

Specifications:

• Price: $469.99 $569.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Run Time: Up to 60 minutes

• Weight: 6.6 pounds

• Power Modes: Auto, Eco, Boost

• Display: LCD screen with maintenance alerts and run time

• Included Tools: Mini soft dusting brush, crevice tool, hair screw tool, motorbar cleaner head, docking station

• Filtration: Whole-machine HEPA filtration

• Battery Type: Lithium Ion

• Cordless: Yes

• Surface Compatibility: All floors

Look, no one’s thrilled about dropping $469.99 on a vacuum, but this is one of those “buy it once and never think about vacuums again” purchases. And with $100 off, it’s finally not just aspirational.

For supporters of rail travel, which offers more environmental benefits than autos or planes, Earth Day 2025 is the best of times and the worst of times.

Best of times: Privately-funded Brightline is in pre-construction for a project connecting Las Vegas to the L.A. suburb of Rancho Cucamonga, while boasting impressive ridership on its Miami-to-Orlando route. Worst of times: The new administration canceled a grant for a high-speed rail corridor in Texas and initiated a federal review of California's decades-in-the-making high-speed rail connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles.

California high-speed rail (CHSR) currently lacks tens of billions of dollars it needs to complete service between the state's two most important urban centers. The project is even struggling to finish a first phase by the early 2030s that will connect Central Valley cities like Madera, Fresno and Bakersfield.

Still, many Californians are already reaping the benefits of high-speed rail. Aside from the 14,000 construction and planning jobs the project has created, CHSR has funded smaller, local projects that have already opened for business. Most of those, including new grade separations at currently operating rail lines, have flown under the radar.

When the Bay Area commuter rail system Caltrain debuted its electrified train fleet last year, few outside of northern California were aware. But the Caltrain project, part-funded by CHSR (since its future bullet train will use the same electrified tracks), has proven a game-changer for millions of commuters — and become a successful model for other transit systems.

How electrification improved ridership

Caltrain, which goes from downtown San Francisco and winds through Silicon Valley, was struggling post-COVID. In May 2024, ridership remained stubbornly low, at 33 percent of pre-COVID numbers.

Then in September, Caltrain's main route from San Francisco to San Jose switched from diesel to electric trains powered by overhead wires. By October, the first full month of electric service, 753,000 riders had climbed aboard — a 54 percent increase from October 2023. From August 2024 to October 2024 alone, ridership saw a 17 percent jump.

There are now more people using Caltrain than before COVID, according to SF Gate. Weekend ridership is surging; Saturday ridership is up 169 percent in October 2024 compared to October 2023.

With top speeds of 79 m.p.h., Caltrain's electric service doesn't go any faster than the diesel service. But it does let the trains start and stop more quickly. This means an express train between San Francisco and San Jose generally takes less than an hour — which isn't just an improvement on the 65-minute diesel train average, it's less time than it would be to drive the same route even in the lightest traffic.

Meanwhile, local electric trains have shaved 25 minutes off their 100-minute ride from San Francisco to San Jose. Increased efficiency also means shorter headways (the time between trains) at all of Caltrain's 31 stations.

Additional perks on the new electric trains — like WiFi, tables to work on, and ample space devoted to bike storage — have also helped goose ridership. The electric train is smoother than the often bumpy diesel ride, notes SF Gate.

View this post on Instagram Fewer diesel trains meant immediate environmental benefit

It's not just that electric is faster and smoother. When Caltrain took 29 diesel trains out of service this fall, commuters also began breathing easier.

Findings published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters showed that riders on the electric trains were exposed to 89 percent fewer carcinogens than commuters on the system's diesel trains. Even those not riding benefited from the change; studies showed that black carbon concentrations also dropped in and around the San Francisco station.

Caltrain electrification will eventually reach its terminus at Gilroy, a gateway to the central valley. This, the service estimates, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 250,000 tons annually, equivalent to taking 55,000 cars off the roads.

The electric trains have also reduced noise pollution, operating much quieter vehicles than their diesel counterparts.

“Caltrain’s project is an important piece to the bigger vision of electrified rail throughout California,” Ian Choudri, CEO of California High-Speed Rail Authority, said in an August press release.

Which trains to electrify next?

Modernizing other long-distance and commuter rail systems will take a lot of cash. Caltrain's conversion cost more than $2.4 billion, with at least $700 million provided by CHSR.

Southern California's Metrolink offers a much bigger rail network than Caltrain, hence a bigger pricetag for conversion. Metrolink also operates hundreds of miles of track still owned by freight companies, which have little interest in converting their diesel trains that run on the same rails.

Still, some systems are following in Caltrain's lead. The Metra system in Chicago is purchasing eight all-electric battery-powered trainsets. Many of Amtrak's national routes utilize diesel trains, but over 100 electric trains operate in the northeast corridor, including the Acela service between Boston and Washington, D.C.

Last year, Amtrak announced its intent to expand cleaner energy service — but it may have to wait for a different administration to realize those ambitions.

There was a time when the food of TikTok would cost you an entire paycheck to recreate — everyone with a chef's knife seemed to be grilling wagyu. FoodTok skewed toward the aspirational. But not anymore.

You see, Donald Trump got elected president and imposed punishing tariffs, which led to the market tanking and looming threats of prices skyrocketing. And, recently, FoodTok has adjusted to that worrisome economic reality. It seems everyone's posting budget-friendly — or even recession-themed — recipes and food hacks. Scroll through your FYP and you'll notice a distinct shift. Wagyu is out; stretching a bag of rice is in.

Sensing that folks were struggling, Kiki Rough decided she'd post a series on "recession cooking" — meals that aren't necessarily gourmet but keep to a budget and fill a stomach. She wasn't really a cooking creator, per se, but rather someone who'd had hard times and learned to cook through them. In just a couple a months of sharing what she called her "Recession Cooking Series," she went from 60K followers to 250K. Her video explaining the series racked up 4 million views.

"It just resonated with so many people beyond me, which hurts and it's sad," Rough told Mashable in an interview. "I read the comments, and I want so badly to help everyone, and that hurts. ... What inspired the series is just knowing that I had survival knowledge and that with all the shifts in the economy and the people around me being affected, more people were going to need [that knowledge]."

Look around, and you're bound to see other creators who've turned their attention to making budget-focused meals. Popular creator Justine Doiron did a whole series on creating low-waste, cheap meals by emptying her pantry. Creator zielzebub plays an "old poor" person teaching a "new poor" person how to eat for cheap in a number of his posts. Dean Bosko is using the tagline "eating like a medieval peasant until all my credit cards are paid off" to share — you guessed it — budget-friendly meals that rely on cheap staples. These all began in the last couple of months and are quite popular. And some of them are big shifts for their creators: Zielzebub, for instance, didn't really even post about food until his "old poor" hacks started taking off. Now it's pretty much his entire account, with some videos garnering more than a million views. You're likely to see more of the same from other creators.

The data backs this move up: According to TikTok, the hashtag #budgetmeals saw 64.3K posts — a 20 percent jump — from March 16 through April 15.

Rough, who is 28 and lives in the Chicagoland area, actually began posting about recession meals after losing her job in January. She's now balancing three gigs while filming her recipes after work, sometimes late into the night. Rough hopes that one day these posts will make her enough money to slow down that schedule, but for now the response from folks online keeps her going.

"I have one follower, God bless her, her mom is very old and she's her caretaker," Rough said. "And for some reason, I keep hitting the nail on the head and making the stuff her mom wants to eat — so that feels so gratifying."

That gets at the heart of the uptick in budget cooking. Creators want to post videos that get a response. So if budget meals are taking off online, then you're bound to see people hop on that trend. It feels like yet another online recession indicator. But there are also lots of people posting cheap meals because they simply have the knowledge and want to share it. Or because they see people worrying about their finances and want to help.

A creator like @DollarTreeDinners has been doing that for quite some time — with much success — but now, her ideas are inspiring action from others. She started creating shelf-stable recipes using canned goods all wrapped up in a Ziploc bag. The idea was to either have a simple meal in your pantry or have a meal to gift to a local food pantry. That inspired creator @yourbarefootneighbor to raise money to give away hundreds of those meals.

Not to sound like a contestant on Chopped or a Food Network travel show, but food really is about community. Things are scary out there, and sharing cheap, tasty ways for people to fill their stomachs might literally be a lifesaver for them. It's why, in part, Rough ends her videos with, "Please remember to eat, and also I love you."

"The year that I learned how to cook like this was hands down — hands down — the worst year of my life," Rough said. "And in a way, it's like, 'Oh, well, I had to go through that so I can help everyone now.'"

A NASA spacecraft is traveling to the most mysterious asteroids in the solar system. On the way there, it snapped images of the curious, elongated asteroid dubbed "Donaldjohanson."

On April 20, the over 50-foot-wide Lucy spacecraft approached as close as some 600 miles from Donaldjohanson, which is aptly named for the discoverer of the famed Lucy hominid fossil, paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson. The craft sped by at 30,000 mph, and used a specialized camera to capture a detailed view of the five-mile-wide asteroid.

The images show a unique-looking asteroid, with a narrow neck connecting the object's two lobes.

SEE ALSO: If a scary asteroid will actually strike Earth, here's how you'll know

"These early images of Donaldjohanson are again showing the tremendous capabilities of the Lucy spacecraft as an engine of discovery," Tom Statler, a NASA planetary scientist and program scientist of the mission, said in a statement. "The potential to really open a new window into the history of our solar system when Lucy gets to the Trojan asteroids is immense."

New imagery of the asteroid Donaldjohanson captured by NASA's Lucy spacecraft. Credit: NASA / Goddard / SwRI / Johns Hopkins APL / NOIRLab This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

(The asteroid seen in the animation above was observed at a distance of 1,000 to 660 miles away.)

The Trojan asteroids — two swarms of diverse asteroids trapped around the gas giant Jupiter (one in front and one behind) — are of profound interest to planetary scientists. These asteroids can't leave Jupiter's potent gravitational influence, so Trojan meteorites likely don't land on Earth, depriving us of samples. Crucially, researchers suspect these icy rocks are captured relics of our solar system's formation some 4 billion years ago. If so, the Trojans are the smaller building blocks of planets. They can help tell us how Earth, and the other planets, came to be.

"If we want to understand ourselves, we have to understand these small bodies," Hal Levison, a planetary scientist who leads the unprecedented mission to investigate the Trojans, previously told Mashable.

"This is the first reconnaissance of the Trojan swarms," Levison added.

This high-speed flyby of Donaldjohanson is the spacecraft's last "dress rehearsal" before it arrives at its first Trojan in August 2027, named Eurybates. To investigate the Trojans, Lucy is equipped with a suite of powerful cameras, including the Lucy Long-Range Reconnaissance Imager, or L’LORRI, which captured the images above.

While it's not unusual for an object in space to be a "contact binary" — meaning two objects that orbited so closely they eventually merged — NASA noted that "the team was surprised by the odd shape of the narrow neck connecting the two lobes, which looks like two nested ice cream cones."

Donaldjohanson isn't a primary target of Lucy's mission, but its unusual shape and structure will provide further insight into the origins of such primordial space objects, how they formed, and how our world formed.

TL;DR: Deep-dive into juicy secrets of royal families with 71% savings on a True Royalty TV lifetime subscription.

You don’t just like the royals — you like the gossip that comes with them. The family feuds, the leaked letters, the centuries-old scandals that still feel spicy today. And if you’re not already in on the drama, you’re missing out. Big time.

That’s why True Royalty TV is so dangerous (in the best way). One moment, you’re watching a documentary about Princess Diana; the next, you’re three hours deep into royal affairs from five different countries. Go ahead and cancel your plans, because we have a deal on a lifetime subscription that means unstoppable access for a one-time fee: $199.99 (reg. $699.80).

Stream like royalty

We mean that literally. A lifetime subscription to True Royalty TV means you get forever access to a growing library of documentaries, dramas, and exclusive series dedicated entirely to the scandalous, extravagant, and occasionally unhinged world of monarchies. It’s like if the History Channel and a gossip blog had a very posh baby. 

And we’re not just talking about British royalty. You’ll get the goods on royals from all over the world, plus deep dives on fashion, protocol, power grabs, and a few scandals that make The Crown look like a bedtime story. New content drops weekly, so there’s always something fresh to devour.

You can stream True Royalty TV anytime, anywhere, from your laptop, phone, tablet, or smart TV, just like Netflix, but without the spendy monthly fees. The hardest part isn’t signing up, it’s trying to stop watching.

Get lifetime access to this royal family streaming service for $199.99 (reg. $699.80).

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Opens in a new window Credit: True Royalty TV True Royalty TV: Lifetime Subscription $199.99
$699.80 Save $499.81 Get Deal

TL;DR: Save $225 on these Sony wireless, noise-canceling headphones and get free shipping with a near-mint refurbished model — only while supplies last.

It starts with relentless keyboard clicking. Then, it’s Karen’s Zoom call at max volume. And Jeff’s aggravating chip munching. Next thing you know, you’re Googling ‘remote jobs.’ 

Office jobs are relentless, but before you rage-quit, check out these noise-cancelling headphones for an easier escape than today’s job market. They’re Sony brand, refurbished, 56% off, and ship free, so here’s what you need to know:

• Noise cancellation so you can focus: Effectively block out the chatter, keyboard clicks, and other office distractions with advanced noise-cancelling technology optimized for your workspace.

• All-day comfort: Designed for all-day wear in the office, the ultra-lightweight design, soft-fit leather, and 30-hour battery life provide lasting comfort and enough juice for extended wear.

• Seamless device switching for multitasking: Effortlessly switch between your computer for calls and your phone for music during breaks with multipoint Bluetooth connectivity.

• Quick attention for collaboration: Temporarily tune into office conversations or announcements without removing your headphones using the convenient Quick Attention mode.

• Grade “A” refurbished rating: Receive your headphones in near-mint condition with minimal to zero signs of previous use.

Order these Sony noise-cancelling headphones for the office at $174.99 with free shipping (reg. $399.99) — fewer than 50 are left in stock.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (Refurbished) $174.99
$399.99 Save $225 Get Deal

TL;DR: Save $90 on Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for PC or Mac through April 27.

You wouldn’t keep paying for Netflix if you could own your favorite shows, right? So why are you still subscribing to Office apps you use every day? Microsoft 365’s price keeps going up, but there’s finally a way to break free — and it'll cost you way less in the long run.

Microsoft Office 2024 is the answer you've been looking for. Instead of $10 monthly payments, simply pay $159.97 once and be set for life (reg. $249.99). It's that simple. And, yes, this lifetime download works for PC or Mac.

What's included?

This license comes with: 

• Word

• Excel

• PowerPoint

• Outlook

• OneNote 

The newest version of Microsoft Office is a little different from Microsoft 365. But just because you're switching to a lifetime license doesn't mean you'll miss out on some of the most recent updates. Word and Excel both still have AI integrations for text suggestions and smart data analysis, and PowerPoint still has improved tools for recorded presentations. 

Once you've redeemed your purchase, you can install your apps on one computer. After that, they're yours to use however you want. No more subscription fees or sudden price hikes to worry about. 

Why rent when you can own? 

Get a Microsoft Office lifetime license on sale for $159.97 (reg. $249.99) with no coupon needed.

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Opens in a new window Credit: InterPlein Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $159.97
$249.99 Save $90.02 Get Deal