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The 2024 Mac Mini with the new M4 chip is still $50 off after the Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 04:39

SAVE $50: As of April 1, the 2024 Apple Mac Mini with the M4 chip is available for $549 at Amazon. That’s $50 off its usual $599 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2024 Apple Mac Mini with the M4 chip $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50 Get Deal

I’m not saying I’m ready to ditch my full-size desktop, but this new Mac Mini is definitely making me rethink how much desk real estate a computer actually needs. The 2024 Mac Mini with Apple’s new M4 chip is on sale for $549 at Amazon. That’s $50 off, and if you’ve been looking for a sleek, no-nonsense Mac to plug into your setup, this might be your sign.

This version comes with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, so yes, it’s basically five inches of pure computing ego. Apple designed it to work seamlessly with Apple Intelligence, and while I’m not totally sure what that means yet, it sounds like my Mac might start ghostwriting my emails and I’m not mad about it.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

I think what makes this model really appealing is its flexibility. It has front-facing USB-C ports (finally), Thunderbolt, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet in the back, and it somehow still looks like a clean Apple design dream. You can hook it up to your iPhone, answer FaceTime calls, or just paste something between devices like a tech wizard.

  • Price: $549 $599

  • Retailer: Amazon

  • Processor: Apple M4 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU

  • RAM: 16GB unified memory

  • Storage: 256GB SSD

  • Operating System: macOS

  • Design: 5 x 5 inches, compact mini PC

  • Ports: Thunderbolt, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, front-facing USB-C, headphone jack

  • Compatibility: Works with iPhone, iPad, and Apple Intelligence

  • Notable Features: Fast app performance, iPhone mirroring, seamless Apple ecosystem integration

And let’s be honest: macOS on the M4 chip absolutely flies. Apps like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365 load up so quickly it almost feels rude. You’re getting 16GB of unified memory, a 256GB SSD, and a desktop that weighs less than your cat. If you’ve ever considered downsizing, now’s a good time to actually do it without sacrificing power.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is still $70 off after the Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 04:34

SAVE $70: As of April 1, the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) is available for $329 at Amazon. That’s $70 off the usual $399 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $329 at Amazon
$399 Save $70 Get Deal

Look, I have no business browsing for a new smartwatch right now, but Amazon went ahead and knocked $70 off the Apple Watch Series 10, and now I’m fighting the urge to click “Buy Now” like it’s a competitive sport. This is Apple’s latest and greatest smartwatch, and at $329, it’s suddenly a lot harder to pretend I don’t need it.

I think what makes this deal stand out is that the Series 10 only recently came out, and it rarely sees discounts this steep. It's the GPS model with a 42mm jet black aluminium case and a slick black sport band. It runs watchOS, offers a 30% bigger display than older models, and still manages to be lighter and thinner — because of course it does.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

In my opinion, the health tracking alone justifies the price. You can take ECG readings, track ovulation, get alerts for irregular heart rhythms, and even see if you're showing signs of sleep apnea. The Vitals app is basically a full-body audit, except it won’t shame you for skipping leg day.

If you’re active, you’ll love the workout metrics, water resistance, and even depth sensors for swimming. It also includes three free months of Apple Fitness+, so that subscription guilt hits later.

  • Price: $329 $399

  • Retailer: Amazon

  • Display: 42mm Always-On Retina

  • Case: Jet Black aluminium

  • Band: Black Sport Band, S/M size

  • Storage: 64GB

  • Operating System: watchOS

  • Fitness Features: ECG, Activity Rings, Vitals app, ovulation tracking, sleep apnea alerts

  • Durability: Crack-resistant, IP6X dust resistant, 50m water resistance

  • Battery: 80% charge in 30 minutes

  • Connectivity: GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi

  • Safety Features: Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS

The built-in safety features are no joke either. Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, and Crash Detection are all here. It’s basically a lifeguard for your wrist. Oh, and it charges up to 80% in 30 minutes, which is more than I can say for my own energy levels.

Is this a need? No. Is it a really, really good excuse to upgrade your current watch that’s been glitching since 2022? Absolutely.

Apples AirPods Max now support lossless audio

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 03:58

That took a while, but it's finally real: Apple's AirPods Max over-the-ear headphones now support lossless audio.

Apple announced the upgrade in late March, and now the new firmware for the AirPods Max is out, adding support for lossless audio, as well as ultra-low latency audio, for AirPods Max.

The firmware that you want to get this upgrade is version 7E99, and you'll also need to update the device you're using as audio source (an iPhone, iPad, or Mac) to iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or macOS Sequoia 15.4, respectively.

There's an important caveat here: The upgrade is only available for the USB-C version of AirPods Max. That's the latest version that came out last September; earlier versions with Apple's proprietary Lightning port aren't getting this upgrade.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

Once you get the upgrade, the AirPods Max will support lossless audio up to 24-bit, 48 kHz quality. You'll also get ultra-low latency audio, a feature that musicians will be able to utilise to record and mix music while using the AirPods Max. Gamers will also benefit from ultra-low latency audio, as there should be no discernible delay between the audio they hear in their AirPods Max and the actual gameplay on screen.

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for April 1, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 03:16

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 1, 2025:

AcrossWITH 8-ACROSS, WHAT WAS LEFT ON WHILE MAKING THIS PUZZLE
  • The answer is Caps.

SAN DIEGO BASEBALL PLAYER
  • The answer is Padre.

PAIR OF CYMBALS ON A DRUM SET
  • The answer is HiHat.

MONOPOLY TOKEN RETIRED IN 2013
  • The answer is Iron.

SEE 1-ACROSS
  • The answer is Lock.

DownCAPITAL OF EGYPT
  • The answer is Cairo.

LIKE A TEMPORARY COMMITTEE
  • The answer is AdHoc.

BIT OF APRIL FOOLS' DAY FOOLERY
  • The answer is Prank.

READY-GO GO-BETWEEN
  • The answer is Set.

SINGER COLLINS
  • The answer is Phil.

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 Strands hints, answers for April 1, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 03:10

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 1 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 1 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: It's a sign!

The words are related to a time of year.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are related to signs showing this time of year.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Springtime.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 1
  • Buds

  • Springtime

  • Puddles

  • Robins

  • Blossoms

  • Showers

  • Pollen

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.

IGN Live 2025 tickets are on sale now

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 02:55

IGN has announced that tickets for its annual convention IGN Live 2025 are now on sale. The two-day event will feature playable demos of upcoming video games, new announcements, panels, contests, stage shows, and giveaways. It won't just be games though, with IGN stating that IGN Live 2025 will be "a huge celebration of everything fans love from the world of games, movies, TV, comics, collectibles, and more."

Here's how you can grab your tickets to IGN Live 2025.

SEE ALSO: 'Doom: The Dark Ages' preview: I am a rhino with a gun Where and when is IGN Live 2025?

IGN Live 2025 will kick off on Saturday, June 7 at the Magic Box @ The Reef in downtown Los Angeles and run through the weekend.

Fortunately for those unable to be in Los Angeles this June, the event will also be livestreamed on IGN's website, YouTube channel, Twitch channel, and X account.

Where to buy tickets for IGN Live 2025

Tickets for IGN Live 2025 are on sale now via the event's official website.

Early bird pricing ends April 30, with single-day tickets available for $15 and VIP passes for the whole weekend at $30. After May 1, single-day tickets will cost $25 while VIP passes will be priced at $40.

VIP tickets will also include a gift bag "filled with tons of cool exclusives," valued at $40.

Who are the event partners for IGN Live 2025?

Not many details on what to expect at IGN Live 2025 have been released yet. However, IGN has announced partnerships with Netflix, 2K Sports, Lenovo, and Arcade1Up at IGN Live 2025, with more to be announced soon.

Last year featured appearances by the casts of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and The Legend of Vox Machina, as well as Xbox executive Phil Spencer.

Note: IGN is owned by Mashable's parent company Ziff Davis.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 1, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 02:55

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 1 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: Written money

  • Green: Plus

  • Blue: Expressing emotion

  • Purple: Not left

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: Currency symbols

  • Green: And/together with

  • Blue: Emoticon mouths

  • Purple: "Right"

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 #660 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Currency symbols: $, £, ¥, €

  • And/together with: &, +, N, X

  • Emoticon mouths: (, ), O, P

  • Right: R, →, ∟, ✔️

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 1

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.

Seth Meyers mocks Elon Musks bid for sympathy over Teslas cratering stock

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 02:49

Late Night host Seth Meyers has mocked Elon Musk for complaining about Minnesota governor Tim Walz finding joy in Tesla's cratering stock. Walz isn't the only one.

Tesla's CEO has seen stock for the electric car company plummet, with sales down across the globe as drivers boycott its vehicles — and that isn't even to mention the numerous recalls. Meanwhile, the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been aggressively dismantling the U.S. government, cutting jobs, services, and aid to countless people who need it. 

As such, Tesla's woes have inspired vindictive joy in many. Musk has of course taken objection to those revelling in schadenfreude, calling Walz a "creep" and "huge jerk" for celebrating Tesla's misfortune. Though as Meyers pointed out, you can't actively and joyfully cut federal jobs and benefits then expect people to weep when your multibillion dollar company isn't doing well.

"You're slashing nutritional aid, veteran's benefits, and social security, and you expect us to feel bad about a stock price?" quipped Meyers. "I can't believe this is what happened to the 'fuck your feelings' crowd. They went from 'cry more, libs' to 'stop making me cry, libs.'

"Also, 'Tim Walz is a jerk'? My man, when you run around with a chainsaw on stage, you're celebrating cutting jobs and benefits. To quote I believe it was William Shakespeare, 'the jerk store called and they're running out of you.'"

The UK Government Wouldn’t Ban Smartphones in Schools. These Parents Stepped Up.

NYT Technology - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 00:01
In Britain, amid growing evidence of harm to young people from extreme content online, a “Smartphone Free Childhood” campaign is going viral.

Your Netflix alternative is here, and it’s only £12 for life

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to the BitMar content finder for only £11.60 (reg. £116.11) through 27 April. Just head to the Mashable Shop and use the discount code BITMAR5 at checkout.

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 £11.60 (reg. £116.11) with code BITMAR5 at checkout.

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 £11.60 (reg. £116.11) with code BITMAR5 at the Mashable Shop through 27 April.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription £11.60
£116.11 Save £104.51 Use code 'BITMAR5' Get Deal

Tinders new game tests your flirting skills with AI personas powered by OpenAI

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 00:00

Can an AI voice bot help you land a date? That's what Tinder is aiming for with a new game in collaboration with OpenAI.

On Tuesday, Tinder launched The Game Game, an experience designed to help you practice your conversation skills by talking to an AI voice, powered by OpenAI's GPT-4o model. The Game Game works by dealing you a "stack of cards," each card containing a different AI persona and "meet cute" scenario, like accidentally grabbing someone else's luggage at baggage claim. Your goal is to score a date or a phone number within the time limit. You'll also get a score based on a scale of three Tinder flame icons.

SEE ALSO: Do flirty chatbots generate good IRL dates?

The time limit isn't just there to gamify the experience. "We built the time limit on purpose because this is just a warm up," said Devyn Simone, Tinder's relationship expert in residence, at the launch event. "This is just a game. It is not designed to replace human conversations. Instead, it's actually designed to encourage real conversations with real people in real life." There's also a limit of five games per day, lest you forget the real purpose of using Tinder as a dating app for matching with humans, not bots.

Tinder isn't the only dating app to bring in AI features. Hinge recently launched an AI prompt editor, Grindr is testing an AI wingman, and then there are apps like Rizz and WingAI that are basically AI agents dating on behalf of the user. However, unlike other AI dating app features that are text-based, Tinder's new game brings a sense of realism to practicing your game by using OpenAI's Advanced Voice Mode.

As part of the game, users are rewarded with points by saying flirty and engaging things that would normally keep a conversation going. "The AI rewards curiosity and warmth, listening, asking follow up questions," Simone said during the event. "It's not about being slick or having the best line, it's about being human." Additionally, The Game Game was built with social psychology frameworks that inform the scoring and give you tips and recommendations.

That said, the game isn't meant to be taken too seriously. "The Game Game is intentionally over the top—a low-stakes, playful experience that feels more like improv than a guide to perfect flirting," said a Tinder spokesperson in a follow up email. "It’s about helping people feel comfortable expressing themselves, not following a formula for success."

In other words, the point is to practice your skills in a risk-free environment so you can hopefully feel more confident for the real thing.

I was humbled by Tinder's Game Game

So what's it like to play The Game Game? At the event, I got to test it out. My meet cute was bumping into a lawyer AI persona at a busy mall. We chatted about what "he" was buying (legal books, because, ya know, he's a lawyer) and I made up something about buying an anniversary present for my parents.

The game flashed a warning saying I needed to ask more questions. "So what kind of law do you practice?" I said in a panic, and learned he was a corporate lawyer. As I found myself listening to a boilerplate response about why he liked corporate law, it suddenly felt very much like a real life dating scenario, complete with feigned interest and jilted small talk — both enhanced by the surreal premise that I was talking to a robot.

Our time together ran out before I was able to secure a date — maybe I should have pretended to be more interested in corporate law? Or maybe we just weren't a good match to begin with. But now I can say I've had the unique experience of getting romantically rejected by a bot. For the record, this particular session was on the highest difficulty level, so my ego is still barely in tact.

Did my flirting skills get better? With a time limit and a specific objective, I definitely tried harder to keep the conversation going, so I can see how one could improve after a few more sessions. But while I played the game, I found myself wondering how a human would respond differently to the conversation, which made the whole experience feel unrealistic.

But I guess that's the point. It's supposed to just be a game so you can get out there in the real world and talk to humans instead of bots.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 1

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 22:00

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: Used to swing on the green

  • Green: Wrestling language

  • Blue: St. Louis legends

  • Purple: Greens

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: Golf clubs

  • Green: Wrestling terminology

  • Blue: Cardinal greats

  • Purple: ___Green

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 #190 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Golf clubs - DRIVER, HYBRID, IRON, WEDGE

  • Wrestling terminology - ESCAPE, PIN, REVERSAL, TAKEDOWN

  • Cardinal greats - BROCK, GIBSON, MUSIAL, PUJOLS

  • ___Green - BOWLING, DANNY, DRAYMOND, PUTTING

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.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 1, 2025

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 21:00

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 1 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 1, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A precious gem.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter J.

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...

JEWEL.

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 1

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.

Hurdle hints and answers for April 1, 2025

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 21:00

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 pushcart.

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

DOLLY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

What an Olympian might win.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 1, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

MEDAL

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Not flexible.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 1 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 1, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

STIFF

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Slightly wet.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 1 Hurdle Word 4 answer

MOIST

Final Hurdle hint

With enthusiasm.

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

GUSTO

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

OpenAI Closes Deal That Values Company at $300 Billion

NYT Technology - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 19:17
The start-up’s valuation, which has nearly doubled in six months, shows continued enthusiasm for A.I. among investors.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are the most comfortable headphones we tested — and theyre $100 off

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 17:54

Save $100: Grab the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones on sale for $329 at Amazon, down from their list price of $429. This 23% discount is live as of March 31, the last day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $329 at Amazon
$429 Save $100 Get Deal

When Bose named their QuietComfort line, they hit the nail right on the head.

In that line is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, which have been deemed the most comfortable headphones by not one, not two, but three separate reporters from the Mashable shopping team. And as of March 31, the last day of the Big Spring Sale, Amazon marked them down to $329, dropping their price even further from the $80 price cut we spotted earlier in the sale.

SEE ALSO: 300+ of the best deals from the final day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

I personally tested the Bose QC Ultra headphones in the fall of 2023, shortly after they hit the market. I put them through the ringer in testing their comfort — I left them on for entire work days, wore them with earrings, and even on a cross country flight while wearing glasses. In every situation, they felt cushioned and sturdy, but not too heavy. As Lead Shopping Reporter Dylan Haas put it, "A lot of headphones advertise 'all-day comfort' as a feature, but rarely is that literally true." Like me, he was able to use them for an entire day without any soreness.

With that said, they're not perfect. While their noise cancelling is good (it is Bose, after all), Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino wasn't totally impressed, writing in her review, "while the noise cancellation is really good at blocking out low-pitched noises, it can't wholly block high-pitched sounds unless you turn up the sound to unhealthy volumes." She also felt that the sound quality didn't stand out among other premium options.

I also found that their multipoint pairing could be inconsistent at times, but that's an issue I've experienced across the board with Bose. While annoying, issues like that are easier to overlook when you're not paying full price. If you are looking to get these headphones at the absolute lowest price ever, you might want to pass this time — we've seen them drop down to $299 in the past.

The Owala FreeSip is finally on sale during the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 17:24

SAVE 15%: As of March 31, shop the Owala FreeSip water bottle for 15% off. Down from its usual $34.99, get it for $29.60, saving you $5.39.

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip 32 oz. water bottle $29.60 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $5.39 Get Deal

Based on the speed and velocity with which the Stanley Quencher entered our culture, I never thought something could dethrone it as the 'It Girl' of water bottles. But enter the Owala FreeSip. More traditional in its water bottle design, it comes in flashy colors and has an innovative lid design that sets it apart from the Stanley or Hydro Flasks.

With a two-part design, you can sip or chug from the mouth of the Owala, depending on your hydration needs. The lids feature a two-part lock. The first covers the mouthpiece, while the second prevents you from accidentally hitting the release button. As an Owala user myself, I love the lock design because I can toss it in my bag without fear of spillage. Plus, the second lock can also double as a carry loop for easy toting around.

Beyond all its special features, it's also just a great insulated water bottle. It keeps cold beverages chilly for up to 24 hours. When I fill my water bottle up before bed, it's still perfectly cold by the time I wake up.

Right now, you can find the Owala FreeSip for just $29.60. That saves you $5.39 for 15% off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Make sure to grab it before the deals wrap up.

This Mashable-approved Bose soundbar is at its lowest price ever during the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 17:18

SAVE $100: As of March 31, save $100 on the Bose Smart Soundbar. It's down to $399 from its usual $499, giving you 20% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Smart Soundbar $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 Get Deal

In his review of the Bose Smart Soundbar, Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth asked the question, is the Bose Smart Soundbar worth its $500 price tag? It's a well-rounded device with easy set-up and speakers that really deliver. And as Amazon's Big Spring Sale winds down, it's some of the best savings we spotted.

Normally $499, the Bose Smart Soundbar is 20% off. That knocks $100 off the price bringing it down to $399 — its lowest price ever.

$400 is still a lot to invest in a soundbar, so what can this speaker actually do? Compared to your TV's built-in speakers, the Bose soundbar projects elevated sound that's backed with Dolby Atmos. Sound is deep and well-balanced, coming from the soundbar's five transducers and central tweeter. Plus, real audio nerds can use the Bose Ultra Open earbuds (which are also on sale right now) with the soundbar to create a next-level surround sound experience. It's also loaded with smart features like A.I. Dialogue Mode for better listening experiences.

Shop the Bose Smart Soundbar before the Big Spring Sale comes to a close.

Anker earbuds are 50% off on Amazon — but not for much longer

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 17:06

GET 50% OFF: As of March 31, Soundcore Anker P20i Earbuds are on sale at Amazon's Big Spring Sale for $19.99, saving you 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Anker P20i Earbuds $19.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

If you need a new set of headphones, now is the moment to pounce, with Amazon's Big Spring Sale in full swing.

For a limited time get Soundcore Anker P20i Earbuds for $19.99, netting you a cool 50% off.

SEE ALSO: I found Bang & Olufsen noise-canceling headphones for under $800 in Amazon’s Spring Sale

Whether you're into podcasts or music, these wireless buds will provide bassy sound you can personalize to your taste using the app. Take them on a stroll or use them to enjoy music that your housemates can't abide.

A charging case ensures you get extra battery time. The earbuds already provide up to 10 hours per charge. But lodge them in the case for even more battery — up to 30 hours.

For a limited time, the Soundcore Anker P20i Earbuds are on sale for $19.99 at Amazon's Big Spring Sale. That's 50% off and a deal that's not likely to stick around for very long.

The Eufy robot vacuum that turns into a stick vac is on sale for the first time — get it for $400

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 17:00

SAVE $200: As of March 31, the Eufy E20 3-in-1 robot vacuum, cordless stick vacuum, and handheld vacuum is on sale for the first time since its debut at CES 2025. Get it for $399.99 — a 33% savings.

Eufy E20 $399.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $200 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale has brought us the first discount on a major CES 2025 robot vacuum.

Coincidentally, the Eufy E20 is not only one of the best robot vacuum deals from the sale but also one of the best stick vacuum deals. Yep, you read that right: It's a 3-in-1 robot vacuum that can transform into a cordless stick vacuum (as well as a handheld). If you were having trouble choosing between a robot vac or an upright stick vac, this makes it easy — especially at just $399.99.

In either mode, the Eufy E20 is a pretty powerful cleaner for the price. In robot form, the 8,000 Pa of suction power matches that of the Eufy X10 Pro Omni that I loved last year. In stick form, that bumps up to 30,000 Pa, beating even the most powerful robot vacuums of the year by another 8,000 Pa (the Roborock Saros 10 cleans with 22,000 Pa).

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

The E20 robot vacuum does not have the small obstacle avoidance technology necessary to detect obstacles under 15 millimeters, such as cords or pet waste, but it does still have LiDAR-powered smart mapping to clean specific rooms. Compared to something like the $899.99 (or $549.99 on sale) Eufy X10 Pro Omni, you're kind of just trading true small obstacle avoidance for a different type of vacuum brainpower: the option for an actual human being to operate the vacuum. That freedom will undoubtedly come in handy for sweeping things like furniture, car interiors, staircases, and other tight squeezes where a robot vacuum just doesn't make sense.

Once you find a small sliver of closet or under-bed space to store the stick extender, the motorized part where your hand goes in simply clicks into and lays flush with the robot vacuum.

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