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The $15/month mistake you’re still making

Mashable - Tue, 04/22/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Save $70 on an Internxt 10TB lifetime cloud storage subscription with code STORAGE20 at checkout through April 27.

That $15 monthly cloud storage fee might seem small now, but give it a year or two, and you’ll realize you’ve spent more on renting space for your files than you would owning it. Enter Internxt’s lifetime cloud storage plan: 10TB of encrypted storage for a one-time $279.99 payment with code STORAGE20 at checkout (reg. $349.99).

Dropbox vs. Internxt

Why should you break up with Dropbox? Let’s start with the obvious: no recurring fees.

But this Internxt cloud storage deal isn’t just about saving money — it actually delivers on features. You’ll get access to desktop and mobile apps for easy uploads, 10TB of storage space (enough for 2.5 million photos or 2,000 hours of HD video), and full end-to-end encryption to keep your files private.

Its privacy is another thing to brag about. Unlike the big-name providers, Internxt’s code is open-source. That means anyone — developers, or even yourself if you know how to examine it — can look for hidden risks. That level of transparency is a major green flag.

For anyone developing subscription fatigue, this is your chance to break away from one of the most annoying charges out there.

Get 10TB of cloud storage with an Internxt lifetime subscription at $279.99 with code STORAGE20 at checkout (reg. $349.99). This code expires on April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

The 9 best headphones of 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/22/2025 - 05:00

There are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and, of course, prices. And these days, you can grab a random pair off the digital shelf without too much research and find that they do the job just fine.

However, if you're tired of settling for "just fine", then it's worth investing in the best headphones available. Through hours and hours of listening, we sorted through dozens of headphones to find the very best models.

How to choose the best headphones

We won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite headphones brands like Bose, Sony, and Apple put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and performance.

SEE ALSO: Review: Dyson's headphones have awe-inspiring features and a clunky design

All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and certifications, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.

To help you pick, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut) to bring you the best for noise cancellation, music, budget shoppers, and wired connections. So, read on to find the best new pair of headphones or earbuds for you.

What are the best wireless headphones of 2025?

With the exception of the Marshall Mode earbuds, we focused primarily on wireless Bluetooth headphones and earbuds in our testing. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us.

Below, you'll find our favorite Bluetooth headphones picks for different scenarios — whether you want exceptional noise cancellation, mind-blowing sound quality, or all-day comfort.

Samsung’s colossal 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 is over $500 off

Mashable - Tue, 04/22/2025 - 04:54

SAVE $550: As of April 22, Samsung’s 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Dual UHD monitor is available for $1,749.99 with a $50 upgrade credit included. That’s a total saving of $550 off its regular $2,299.99 price directly from Samsung.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung’s 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Dual UHD monitor $1,749.99 at Samsung
$2,299.99 Save $550.00 Get Deal

I didn’t think I’d ever use the words “dual UHD” in a non-ironic way, but here we are. Samsung’s 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 is a curved behemoth of a monitor, and it’s $550 off right now directly from Samsung. That brings it down to $1,749.99 if you apply the bonus $50 upgrade credit at checkout. And frankly, I’m tempted to clear my desk, sell a kidney, and make it happen.

This thing is like the IMAX of gaming monitors. The wraparound 1000R curve, the dual 4K resolution, and the Quantum Mini-LED tech all combine into a screen that’s as much a flex as it is a display. It’s giving “gaming shrine,” not just “gaming setup.”

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

I think what pushes this monitor into dream territory is its specs. A 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time means you can finally blame your losses on actual skill, not screen lag. It’s also got AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and supports DisplayPort 2.1, so it’s ready to party with the latest GPUs.

For folks who like their enemies crisp and their shadows dramatic, the 1,000 nit peak brightness and HDR 1000 support will have you squinting into digital sunsets and spotting campers in the bushes without breaking a sweat.

Specifications:

  • Price: $1,749.99 $2,299.99 ($50 upgrade credit)

  • Retailer: Samsung

  • Display: 57-inch Dual UHD, Quantum Mini-LED

  • Refresh Rate: 240Hz

  • Response Time: 1ms (GtG)

  • HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 1000

  • Brightness: 1,000 nits peak

  • Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1

  • Curvature: 1000R

  • Connectivity: DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, USB Hub

  • Gaming Features: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, CoreSync and Core Lighting+

  • Other Features: Ergonomic stand, Picture-by-Picture, Auto Source Switch+

And yes, it’s not all about speed. The lighting is customizable with CoreSync, the stand is ergonomic because hunching is so 2020, and it’s packing all the inputs you could want. DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and USB ports mean no fiddling with adapters or sacrificing your streaming setup for frame rate.

If you’ve been dreaming about a monitor so big it might qualify for its own ZIP code, I think this is the moment to go for it. A $550 discount does not come around often on a display this over-the-top in the best way.

The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is live. Over 1,000 romance books are available to download for free.

Mashable - Tue, 04/22/2025 - 04:52

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on April 22. Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Authors, is offering romance books in a wide range of subgenres.

We know that the last Stuff Your Kindle Day literally just ended, but another event just went live. We're not complaining about the frequency of these events, because they provide an awesome opportunity to stock up on thousands of books for absolutely nothing. And the books that you download are yours to keep forever.

That sounds like a pretty good deal, right?

SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025

The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is focused on romance books. Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Authors, is offering romance books in a wide range of subgenres. If you're feeling romantic, this is your chance to stock up on over 1,000 books without spending anything.

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The Stuff Your Kindle Day schedule has been hectic in 2025. We had a couple of events in January to warm everyone up, and then February, March, and April have got out of hand. It has been the year of the bookworm.

And now on April 22, Romance Book Blast is showcasing a wide selection of free romance books from a massive selection of subgenres.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The great thing about Stuff Your Kindle Day is that anyone can participate. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone, as you can also find these free titles on the Google Play and Apple Books apps.

Which e-books are free?

Finding all of these free romance books is straightforward. There's a helpful hub page with everything organized by subgenre, with something for everyone:

All of the listed titles could be yours for absolutely nothing or at a heavily discounted rate.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books per month that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow, so don't hold back.

Shop Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited $109.99 at Amazon
$145.96 Save $35.97 Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Prices start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited absolutely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months per month. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for April 22, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/22/2025 - 04:33

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, April 22, 2025:

AcrossWork like a ___
  • The answer is Dog.

Work like a ___
  • The answer is Charm.

Voice type that falls between soprano and alto, informally
  • The answer is Mezzo.

Black-and-white snacks
  • The answer is Oreos.

Move one's head in agreement
  • The answer is Nod.

DownTotally out of it
  • The answer is Dazed.

Rice-shaped pasta
  • The answer is Orzo.

Engineered crops, for short
  • The answer is GMOS.

"You can't be serious!"
  • The answer is Cmon.

Villain's counterpart
  • The answer is Hero.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 22

Mashable - Tue, 04/22/2025 - 04:25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Yellow: Protective gear

  • Green: Same town

  • Blue: Athletic gear

  • Purple: Out of this world competitors

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: Headgear

  • Green: Philadelphia Teams

  • Blue: Tennis racket brands

  • Purple: Sports meets outer space

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 #211 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Headgear - HAT, HELMET, MASK, VISOR

  • Philadelphia Teams - 76ers, FLYERS, PHILLIES, UNION

  • Tennis racket brands - BABOLAT, HEAD, PRINCE, WILSON

  • Sports meets outer space - ASTROS, GALAXY, STARS, SUN

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

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

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

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

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 22

Mashable - Tue, 04/22/2025 - 04:08

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 22 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Counter offers

The words are delicious.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are food and drink related.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is CafeMenu.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 22
  • Pastries

  • Juices

  • Soup

  • Chai

  • Sandwiches

  • CafeMenu

  • Espresso

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.

Turn your smartphone into a scanner for life for A$65

Mashable - Tue, 04/22/2025 - 03:00

TL;DR: Let SwiftScan handle all your scanning needs right from your smartphone, with a lifetime subscription available now for just A$65 (reg. A$313) with code TAKE30 through April 27.

Surprised at how often you could use a scanner in 2025? Though we no longer own those clunky scanner-printer combos from the '90s...we have something way better.

SwiftScan VIP not only turns your smartphone or tablet into a scanner, but it also helps you edit files and easily upload them to your cloud storage service of choice. A lifetime subscription is now available for just A$65 with code TAKE30. 

This app is more than just a document scanner

Don't groan next time you need to scan something. SwiftScan simplifies the document scanning process using the camera on your smartphone or tablet. Once you're done, it helps you send and organize your files and even serves as your personal PDF editing tool. 

Just open the app and hold your device above the document. It automatically detects the edges, crops the scan, and enhances the quality with color filters, auto-optimization, and blur reduction. Then, choose if you'd like to save it as a PDF or JPG with just one tap.

Once saved, SwiftScan helps you get your document where it needs to go. You can send it as a fax or an email or upload it directly to your preferred cloud storage service like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox. 

Need to scan multiple pages? That's not a problem for SwiftScan, which can combine those pages into a single document if needed. 

After scanning, editing is just as easy with the user-friendly interface. If you need to work with a PDF file, SwiftScan can help you navigate these pesky file formats — from signing to annotating or redacting information. 

SwiftScan also saves and organizes your scans in folders. If you ever need an older scan, the app includes OCR technology that makes them easily searchable later without endless scrolling.

Enjoy a lifetime of easy scanning access and PDF editing with this subscription to SwiftScan VIP, now just A$65 (reg. A$313) with code TAKE30 through April 27.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: SwiftScan SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription AU$65
AU$313 Save AU$248 Get Deal

Scan anything, anywhere with this $42 app

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

TL;DR: Always have a scanner on hand with a lifetime subscription to this handy app, SwiftScan VIP, now $41.99 (reg. $199) with code TAKE30 through April 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription £41.99
£199.99 Save £158 with code TAKE30 Get Deal

Don't have a chunky scanner lying around the house? That's no problem once you have SwiftScan VIP, an app that turns your smartphone or tablet into a high-quality scanner. 

From receipts you want to save to signing contracts, digitizing documents has never been easier. And a lifetime subscription can be yours now for only $41.99 with code TAKE30 until April 27. 

Never be without a scanner again

Your phone or tablet can double as a scanner with SwiftScan. All you have to do is open the app and point your camera at the page. SwiftScan will automatically detect the edges and crop for you. If you need to scan more than one page, it's easy to combine multiple pages into a single document. 

Once you've scanned your document, you can enhance the quality with built-in tools like color filters, blur reduction, and auto-enhancements. Then save it as a PDF or JPG and send it via email or fax. You can also upload it to your preferred cloud storage service. 

SwiftScan organizes all your scans into folders, and their OCR technology makes searching a breeze if you need to access them later. 

If you have to deal with a PDF, SwiftScan also doubles as a PDF editor. Sign, annotate, or even redact information from PDFs right on the app. 

Keep a scanner on hand for life with SwiftScan VIP, now only $41.99 (reg. $199) with code TAKE30 through April 27.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Hurdle hints and answers for April 22, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

A kind of bird.

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

SNIPE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Weighed down.

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

LADEN

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Grown up.

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

ADULT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Geeky.

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

NERDY

Final Hurdle hint

What you do to wet clothes.

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

WRING

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

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 22, 2025

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 22:00

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 22 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: To cut short

  • Green: Artistic supplies

  • Blue: Slick and slimy

  • Purple: Natural warmth

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

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

  • Yellow: Cancel, as a project

  • Green: Seen in a pottery studio

  • Blue: Things that are slippery

  • Purple: Natural producers of heat

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #681 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Cancel, as a project: AXE, CUT, DROP, SCRAP

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 22

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

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

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 22, 2025

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 22:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for April 22 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 22, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Creative.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

ARTSY.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 22

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

FTC sues Uber over deceptive Uber One subscriptions

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 17:08

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easy to sign up, incredibly hard to cancel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





FTC Sues Uber Over Billing for Its Uber One Subscription Service

NYT Technology - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 16:28
The suit is an indication that the commission’s close scrutiny of the tech industry will continue in the Trump administration.

Reminder: Only true gamers get to pre-order Switch 2 from Nintendo

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 14:44

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Netflix alternative is here, and it’s only A$23 for a lifetime subscription

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 13:48

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

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

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

Wait…how does it work?

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

Subscriptions are overrated — own Microsoft Office Pro for life for just A$78

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 13:45

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

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

What you get with your purchase
  • One-time purchase, lifetime access — no monthly fees, just essential Office apps

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

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

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

Pope Francis warned against new technology replacing human relationships in final weeks

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:52

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is your last chance to score 25% off certified refurbished tech at Sonos

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:50

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

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

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

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

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

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

Google rolls out Gemini Live screen sharing to all Android users

Mashable - Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:37

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

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

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

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

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