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TL;DR: Keep a scanner at your fingertips forever with SwiftScan VIP, now just £32.77 (reg. £156.09) with code TAKE30.
Opens in a new window Credit: SwiftScan SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription £32.77We may poke fun at the massive multitasking printers of yesteryear, but having a scanner really did come in handy. If you find yourself missing that addition in your family's old ’00s computer room, let SwiftScan VIP fill the void. A lifetime license is currently £32.77 (reg. £156.09) when you use our discount code TAKE30 at checkout through April 27.
Scanning just got a whole lot easierScan anything right from your smartphone or iPad with a little help from SwiftScan. This genius app lets you create high-quality scans of anything from anywhere. It even enhances the scan quality, utilizing color filters, auto-optimization, and blur reduction.
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Scan anything from anywhere with this SwiftScan VIP lifetime subscription, now £32.77 (reg. £156.09) with code TAKE30 through April 27.
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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 categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Not a catch in football
Green: Positions on the gridiron
Blue: Major American golf tournament champs
Purple: Same first word
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Lose control of the ball
Green: Football positions, abbreviated
Blue: Masters winners
Purple: Triple _________
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 #199 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayLose control of the ball - BOBBLE, FUMBLE, JUGGLE, MUFF
Football positions, abbreviated - CB, DT, P, WR
Masters winners - COUPLES, PLAYER, RAHM, WOODS
Triple _________ - A,CROWN, DOUBLE, PLAY
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy 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 10 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 10 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: What's the buzz?The words are part of an insect.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words are make up a bug that buzzes.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Bumblebee.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 10Antennae
Thorax
Wings
Abdomen
Tongue
Stinger
Bumblebee
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.
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 10 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Cheery, bright hues
Green: Stockpile
Blue: Scrooge
Purple: You might hear these south of the border
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Shades of yellow
Green: Supply
Blue: Anti-spirit of Christmas
Purple: Spanish words
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 #669 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayShades of yellow: CANARY, GOLD, LEMON, MUSTARD
Supply: MINE, RESERVE, STORE, WELL
Anti-spirit of Christmas: BAH, COAL, GRINCH, NAUGHTY
Spanish words: ELLA, GUSTO, MAYO, SOY
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 10Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for April 10 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 10, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:High-speed.
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 T.
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...
TURBO.
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 10Reporting 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.
President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on his reciprocal tariffs, and the stock market is already bouncing back — from the damage caused last week when Trump announced his reciprocal tariffs.
Tech stocks, like Apple, Sony, and Microsoft, shot up quickly following Trump's announcement, with Tesla rising particularly fast. As of this writing, Tesla stock was up 22.69 percent for the day. Meanwhile, Intel gained more than 17 percent; Nvidia was up by over 15 percent; and Meta, Amazon, Alphabet, and more stocks were spiking as well.
Trump made the announcement in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.
"I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately," Trump announced.
SEE ALSO: Trump tariff news: iPhones getting snapped up, laptop sales disrupted – what we knowHowever, according to the president, the pause only affects countries who are engaged in negotiations with the White House. Tariffs put on goods from countries like China, who responded with their own new reciprocal tariffs, have not been paused. In fact, Trump announced a new 125 percent tariff with China. A global 10 percent tariff, announced over the weekend, will also remain in effect.
The slapdash tariff rollout has led to an extremely volatile market. Still, the news of a pause on levies for countries like South Korea and Vietnam was enough to send Apple stock flying upward. Trump's tariffs resulted in the worst 4-day stretch on the stock market for Apple since 2000.
Crypto market also rebounds with tariff newsThe crypto markets also reacted positively to Trump's tariff suspension announcement. Bitcoin was back up over $82,000 as of publication after spending days floundering in the mid-to-upper $70k range. Ethereum also spiked 8 percent after Trump's tariff announcement.
The tariffs that Trump implemented last week wreaked havoc on the global economy. The market looked so bleak over the weekend that some analysts expected a "Black Monday" scenario. On Monday, April 7, rumors spread on Elon Musk's X that Trump was considering a pause on the tariffs, which helped avoid that worse case scenario. According to the White House, those posts were untrue.
Despite a temporary reprieve on most reciprocal tariffs, the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China rages on. So, while Trump's tariff pause was welcome news on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley for the moment, the fallout remains impossible to predict.
How will President Trump’s tariffs affect you? Keep checking Mashable for our latest tariff news and explainers, from delayed Nintendo Switch 2 preorders to reports of iPhone 16 panic buying.
TL;DR: Save A$39 on an AdGuard Family Plan lifetime subscription with code FAMPLAN at checkout for a limited time (reg. A$65).
Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Software AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription AU$26You just want to read an article (thanks, by the way), and suddenly, your screen is filled with pop-ups, banners, or autoplay videos. Even YouTube forces you to suffer through ads just to watch a short clip. But things don’t have to be this way if you grab AdGuard, a lifetime ad blocker that works on desktop and mobile devices.
We’re running a short sale so you can banish these annoyances from your life. When you use code FAMPLAN at checkout, AdGuard’s price drops from A$65 to A$26. You can use it on nine of your devices for life.
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Use code FAMPLAN at checkout to get this mobile and desktop ad blocker for A$26 for a limited time (reg. A$65).
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Remember that man who was rescued from the ocean after calling for help on his Apple Watch last year? Apple has released audio from that call in a new ad highlighting the Watch's safety features.
Rick Shearman was swimming off an Australian beach last July when he was caught in a current and dragged approximately one mile from the shore. Fortunately, he was able to call for help using his Apple Watch Ultra's Emergency SOS feature, which put him in touch with local emergency services (000 in Australia). The Watch also kept them updated on Shearman's coordinates, so the rescue helicopter didn't have to spend too much time searching for him in an endless expanse of blue.
The call is an interesting listen, with Shearman sounding much less panicked than most others would be in his situation (which no doubt contributed to his survival). Though he was clearly tired at that point, freaking out would have been a phenomenally poor use of his depleting energy.
It's also clear enough to be comprehensible even without Apple's helpful subtitles, which is quite the feat considering that Shearman was treading water and holding his wrist to his mouth or ear in turns. It's possible that Apple cleaned the audio up a bit for the ad, but even so, it was still apparently clear enough for Australia's emergency services to understand.
Google has now confirmed that Reddit uses Gemini to power Reddit Answers, an internal AI search tool for Reddit users. Contrary to some early reports, a Google PR representative told Mashable that Reddit Answers was already integrated with Gemini prior to the announcement.
A beta version of Reddit Answers launched last December. And at the Google Cloud Next event on Wednesday, Google shared new details about how Reddit Answers works with Gemini. The tool uses Gemini "to help people more effectively find information, recommendations, discussions, and insights directly from the conversations and communities across Reddit," according to a press release.
The Reddit Answers beta launched in late 2024. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of RedditThanks to an existing partnership between Google and Reddit, which allows the latter to access Google Cloud's Vertex AI platform, Reddit Answers is powered by Google's Gemini AI model, among other tools. This means Reddit Answers has a similar AI search experience as Google tools using Gemini, like the standalone chatbot, Google Search's AI Overviews and AI Mode — except with answers sourced directly from the Reddit community.
"The integration of Vertex AI Search into Reddit Answers means users can find the information they need more quickly and accurately, and easily navigate to the conversations that matter to them," said Michael Clark, president of North America GTM at Google Cloud, in the press release.
The introduction of ChatGPT brought upheaval to the search world, and left Google scrambling to catch up in the AI arms race. A recent survey from media company Future found that up to 27 percent of U.S. searchers already use AI tools like ChatGPT instead of Google (though, the low-quality of recent Google Search results may also be a factor).
Google has made significant changes to its search engine in an effort to re-engage users. This includes features like AI Overviews and AI Mode, but also a licensing deal to train its models on Reddit content. After the Reddit-Google partnership was announced, Reddit's forum pages also became far more visible in Google Search.
With Gemini powering Reddit Answers, the companies are growing ever more entwined.
Adding to growing fears of digital surveillance under the Trump administration, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it will begin screening immigrants' social media accounts in an effort to uncover "antisemitic activity," the department explained.
The department will be on the hunt for content that appears to be "endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity," the order says. Under the new directive, evidence of such online activity, as well as physical harassment of Jewish citizens, determined by the USCIS and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), can be used as grounds for denying immigrant benefit requests.
SEE ALSO: Phone inspections when crossing the U.S. border: What you need to know about your rights and securityIn line with President Donald Trump's executive orders to tighten immigration enforcement and combat antisemitism, the DHS argues such surveillance will "protect the homeland from extremists and terrorist aliens, including those who support antisemitic terrorism, violent antisemitic ideologies and antisemitic terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, or Ansar Allah aka: 'the Houthis.'”
While reports of antisemitism have increased across the U.S., activists argue the policy is less of a protective measure and more of an opportunity to root out criticism of Israel's occupation and siege of Palestinian territories, as well as America's allegiance to the foreign power. Over the last month, several international students who have vocally supported Palestine were clandestinely arrested by immigration agents, including graduate students Rumeysa Öztürk, Ranjani Srinivasan, and Mahmoud Khalil. The latter is currently fighting his deportation in court and has become a symbol of the administration's crack down on Palestinian organizers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked hundreds of visas on such grounds, saying: "We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree, not to become a social activist that tears up our university campus."
The latest policy applies to "lawful permanent resident status, foreign students, and aliens affiliated with educational institutions," providing legal protection to scour the profiles of international students and faculty despite a widespread outcry from free speech advocates across the political spectrum.
"The spirit of Joseph McCarthy is alive and well in the Trump administration, which has spent months dishonestly mischaracterizing legitimate criticism of the Israeli government's war crimes in Gaza as antisemitic, pursuing witch hunts into American colleges, and threatening the free speech rights of immigrants," said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, the national deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in a statement to NPR.
In March, the administration announced it would begin reviewing social media profiles as part of the immigrant benefits request process, including applications for visas, naturalization, and relatives of people who have been granted asylum or refugee status. The decision was estimated to impact more than 3 million people.
Meanwhile, individuals entering the U.S. — citizen or otherwise — are increasingly on alert about securing their digital devices and online privacy in the face of increased electronic checks by federal immigration services on the border and at customs checkpoints.
AI companies have been working on voice models for a while now, but it seems things really ramped up after OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT Voice Mode.
Now, Amazon has just introduced its new "foundation" AI voice model called Nova Sonic. And it really makes Alexa sound like she's living way in the past.
According to Amazon, Nova Sonic "unifies speech understanding and speech generation into a single model, to enable more human-like voice conversations in AI applications." With the samples provided, it certainly does seem more human-like than the company's previous iterations of AI voice models.
SEE ALSO: I compared Sesame to ChatGPT voice mode and I'm unnervedFor example, there are proper pauses, tone, and inflections on words depending on where they are and what they mean in a sentence. Amazon provided some samples you can listen to here and here.
Again, "more human-like" is the key description here. There are still plenty of signs that it's an AI voice, but it also does sound like a big step over previous AI voice assistants like Alexa.
Amazon says that it achieved this by combining multiple models that would traditionally be used, like speech recognition, large language models, and text-to-speech, into one single unified model. According to Amazon, it not only understands the nuances in speech to produce it, but it also understands it when a human inputs their own speech with these nuances as well.
According to TechCrunch, Nova Sonic is already powering Amazon's next-generation AI voice assistant, Alexa+.
Based on recent developments, it does seem like the big AI companies are currently focusing on voice models. So, prepare for competition in that space to heat up. Amazon is already pointing to claims that Nova Sonic is roughly 80 percent cheaper than OpenAI's GPT-4o model and promoting it as “the most cost-efficient."
Nova Sonic is currently available to developers through Amazon's enterprise AI developer platform, Bedrock.
SAVE UP TO 50%: As of April 9, save up to 50% on select Yankee Candle scents at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Up to 50% Off Select Yankee Candle Scents Get DealOne of the best ways to make your home smell great is a good candle. Whether you like the scent of freshly-baked cookies or crave a crisp lemon tang wafting through the kitchen, there's a fragrant candle out there for you that can make your home feel even cozier than it already does. And if you're looking to snag one right now, Amazon has an excellent deal you'll want to take part in.
As of April 9, you can save up to 50% on select 22-ounce Yankee Candle scents at Amazon. Choose from scents like Sage & Citrus ($16.88 from $30.99, a 46% discount), Lemon Lavender ($16.89 from $30.99, a 45% discount), and more. There's a variety of options you can purchase at up to a 50% discount, all of which come in glass jars with brightly-colored wax and their signature Yankee Candle scent front and center.
SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Upgrade to the M4 MacBook Air while it's at its cheapest price to dateThese single-wick candles boast a 110- to 150-hour burn time and typically avoid tunneling. Crafted from premium paraffin wax, and you can feel good about using them: they're 100% recyclable. There are some food-centric fragrances to choose from, like Tangerine & Vanilla, as well as classics like Sage & Citrus, so you've got options if you want to give your home some extra oomph in the vibes department.
If you just can't resist adding another candle to your collection, or you just want a cheap, reliable way to make your home smell great, take advantage of this deal before they sell out.
A year after its initial launch, Sony has expanded its ULT speaker lineup. New additions include the ULT Field 3, ULT Field 5, and ULT Tower 9. This expansion focuses on middle sizes of the Field variations and a smaller tower speaker.
I was stoked to see Sony expand this line because I adore the Sony ULT Wear headphones, and the ULT Field 1 is my go-to portable Bluetooth speaker. Plus, it’s a much-appreciated departure from Sony’s typical naming nomenclature.
I got my hands on the ULT Field 3 speaker and have been testing it out for about two weeks, and overall, it’s a great bass-heavy option for people who host or take their music outside.
Sony ULT Field 3 price and specsThe Sony ULT Field 3 speaker retails for $199, which is the same price as its predecessor, the SRS-XE300. It does have some upgraded specs, so it’s nice to see the price go unchanged. Those specs include:
7-band EQ (compared to the SRS-XE300’s 3-band EQ)
1 woofer, 2 passive radiators, 1 tweeter
ULT mode for extra bass
IP67 waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, rustproof
Multi-speaker connection, with up to 100 paired speakers through Party Connect
Vertical and horizontal listening orientation
USB-C device charging
The ULT Field 3’s battery is supposed to last up to 24 hours of continuous music playback with ULT Power on. That drops down to five hours if the volume is at max level. The speaker does have quick charging, where a 10-minute charge gives you 120 minutes of playback at volume level 22.
SEE ALSO: The 9 best noise-cancelling headphones we use and loveI haven’t had the chance to do a full battery rundown, but I did charge the speaker to 100 percent before running it for an all-day sewing session and kept it going while I got ready for a night out. In total, I played the speaker for about 10 hours straight at 50 percent volume with ULT Power turned on, and the battery dropped down to 60 percent.
Loud, room-filling soundIf you’re just looking for a casual portable speaker to listen to in the shower or while you work, the ULT FIeld 3 is going to be far more than you need. I suggest opting for the smaller, more affordable ULT Field 1.
The ULT Field 3 is best for parties, the outdoors, larger working spaces, or people who just love to blast loud music. This thing gets loud.
The speaker has noticeably fuller sound compared to its predecessor. And while I’m always a big fan of Sony’s audio quality, the ULT Field 3 can sound a bit tinny if you’re right next to it and the volume is cranked. However, if you step away a few feet, it sounds perfectly fine. (For your ear drums’ sake, you probably shouldn’t be so close to a loud speaker anyway.)
I listened to the Sony ULT Field 3 and Bose SoundLink Max simultaneously and back-to-back, and the audio quality is decently comparable between the two. Bose ultimately sounded better, but the SoudnLink Max also costs $200 more, so that was expected. The ULT Field 3 provides generally clear, full sound that can fill a room at a relatively budget-friendly price.
Outside of music, I also listened to a couple of episodes of “The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller and Adam Scott.” Their voices sounded loud and clear from wherever I went in my 1,000-square-foot apartment.
This speaker is definitely for bass lovers Tap the ULT button to boost the bass up a notch. Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableWith the ULT Power turned on, the speaker is incredibly bass-forward. If you don’t like heavy bass, the ULT Field 3 is probably not the best speaker for you. You can obviously turn off the extra bass feature, but at that point, you could just opt for a cheaper speaker instead.
Listening to Bad Bunny’s “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” I felt like I was at a bumping party, even though I was just in my apartment by myself. I could actually feel the bass vibrate while the speaker sat on my desk and I sat in my desk chair.
ULT Field 3 introduced me to background bass that I never even knew existed in “The Last Time (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift and Gary Lightbody. The speaker is great for punching up your music and bringing out little details you might miss on another speaker.
Portability and ruggedness shine The detachable strap is stylish and great for portability. Credit: Miller Kern / MashableLet me start by saying that this speaker is surprisingly lightweight — it doesn’t feel much heavier than the smaller ULT Field 1 speaker. It also comes with a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap that makes transportation easy. The strap has a cute design with Baggu or Off-White vibes.
The speaker is about 10 inches wide x 4.5 inches high x 3 inches deep, so even without the strap, it’s small enough to fit in a tote or backpack.
As I mentioned above, Sony’s ULT Field 3 is IP67-rated waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and rustproof. I took a shower with the speaker sitting on the ledge of the tub, and it was totally unaffected by water spraying all over it. The sound still came out great and the speaker itself was unharmed.
I can see this being a really great speaker for outdoor parties, pool days, hikes, or camping. It’s tough enough to withstand any accidents that might happen with dropping or spillage.
The speaker survived getting drenched in my shower. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable Sony Sound Connect appSony used to have separate apps for headphones and speakers, but now they’re all combined under the Sony Sound Connect app. This is where you can customize your 7-band EQ for the ULT Field 3 or connect the speaker with other Sony speakers. You can also see the speaker’s battery life and swap between other Sony devices in the app. I did have trouble getting the speaker to connect to the app, and then I wasn't able to connect my ULT Field 1, so I couldn't try out the Party Connect between the two speakers. I'm hoping that was just a fluke that will get sorted out.
The app also has DJ Control, where you can isolate audio or add in DJ sound effects like an air horn or record scratch. I found this feature to be very funny and not something I would ever seriously use, but maybe an aspiring DJ who’s more well-versed in the effects would find it more useful.
Where the ULT Field 3 falls in the Sony ULT lineupWhen the Sony ULT lineup launched in 2024, it started with the ULT Wear headphones, ULT Field 1 small portable speaker, ULT Field 7 large portable speaker, and ULT Tower 10 large tower speaker. The 2025 launch includes the ULT Field 3, ULT Field 5, and ULT Tower 9.
The smaller ULT Field 1 (left) with the medium-sized ULT Field 3 (right). Credit: Miller Kern / MashableThe ULT Field 3 sits toward the smaller end of the lineup, larger than the ultra-portable ULT Field 1 but smaller than the ULT Field 5 or 7, which are technically portable but would be better for more stationary uses like house parties. The Field 3 also gets significantly louder than the ULT Field 1. However, it doesn’t have the fun party lights of the ULT Field 5 or Field 7.
Is the Sony ULT Field 3 worth it?The Sony ULT Field 3 speaker is worth it for someone who loves to hear the bass in their music and needs a speaker to fill a large space — or someone who listens to music outdoors often, like at the beach or on a hike.
It’s a decently priced mid-size speaker from one of our favorite audio brands, so I don’t think anyone would regret purchasing it. It has great audio quality (as long as you’re not right next to the speaker), a good battery life, and can withstand tough conditions.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Field 3 Bluetooth speaker $199 at AmazonSAVE UP TO 30%: Amazon has several versions of TurboTax tax software on sale for up to 30% off and H&R Block software for up to 23% off — get max deductions and file before the April 15 deadline in 2025.
Best 2024 tax software deals Best overall TurboTax Deluxe 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $55.99 (save $24) Get Deal Best deal for self-employed folks TurboTax Home & Business 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $95.99 (save $34) Get Deal Best deal for business owners TurboTax Business 2024 Tax Software (federal) $143.99 (save $46) Get Deal Best deal for investors TurboTax Premier 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $82.99 (save $32) Get Deal Best H&R Block deal for Amazon shoppers H&R Block Deluxe + State Tax Software (federal and state) $45.97 (save $14.02) Get Deal Best H&R Block deal for self-employed folks H&R Block Premium Tax Software (federal and state) $72.97 (save $12.02) Get Deal Best H&R Block deal for business owners H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software (federal and state) $85.97 (save $14.02) Get DealThe sun is setting later, we're frolicking in spring flowers, and we're planning summer vacation. Spring is a wonderful time that gives us all fresh air and a renewed lust for life. But there's a dreaded event tucked in there: Tax Day.
This year we're all on the hook for the Tuesday, April 15 deadline, which means we have less than one week left to get all our paperwork gathered and start crunching numbers. Instead of having a mini freak-out session on April 14, why not get taxes done today or even this weekend?
SEE ALSO: Tax season is here: All the details on IRS Free FileThankfully, Amazon has digital versions of TurboTax software up to 30% off, and H&R Block on sale for up to 23% off. That means you'll not only be filing before the deadline this year, you'll be getting an impressive discount on the software to make it happen (correctly).
Here are the best tax software deals to shop at Amazon today.
Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: TurboTax TurboTax Deluxe 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $55.99 at AmazonAt 30% off, Turbo Tax Deluxe is ideal for anyone who owns a home, has tax-deductible charitable donations, paid high medical expenses, or those who need to file both state and federal returns in 2025 for the 2024 tax year. Normally, TurboTax Deluxe costs $79.99, but Amazon has it discounted to just $55.99 for a digital version of the software that's suitable for both PC and Mac.
This version of TurboTax is designed to get you the maximum refund possible, including over 375 potential deductions and credits. You'll be able to import W2 forms, investments, mortgage information, and more from participating companies which will streamline the process.
Keep in mind that this deal gives you five federal e-files and one state file, meaning you can share the federal filing option with family members or friends to get their taxes done this week, too.
Best deal for self-employed folks Opens in a new window Credit: TurboTax TurboTax Home & Business 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $95.99 at AmazonFiling taxes as a freelancer or self-employed person can get complicated. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, pick up TurboTax Home & Business 2024 Tax Software (federal and state). This version focuses on filing for contractors, small business owners, sole proprietors, and other self-employed folks.
Typically, TurboTax Home & Business comes in at $129.99, but the software is on sale at Amazon for $95.99. This version of TurboTax is well-equipped to deal with new business start-up costs, refinances, business expenses, and rental property income, making the task of filing much less daunting. There's also protection that checks your return for audit triggers, helping you sleep better after filing.
Best deal for business owners Opens in a new window Credit: TurboTax TurboTax Business 2024 Tax Software (federal) $143.99 at AmazonFeeling nervous to file your 2024 return as a business owner? Understandable, but enlist the help of TurboTax Business 2024 Tax Software (federal) and you'll be taking major steps in the right direction. With easy-to-navigate guidance, TurboTax helps business owners with maximizing industry-specific credits and deductions. It'll also let you create K-1 forms electronically.
TurboTax recommends opting for this version if you own an S- or C-Corp, have a partnership, manage a trust, or have a multi-member LLC.
Best deal for investors Opens in a new window Credit: TurboTax TurboTax Premier 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $82.99 at AmazonTaxes can get tricky if you're active in trading stock or bonds. Instead of worrying about your investments when working on your 2024 tax return, opt for the guidance of TurboTax Premier 2024 Tax Software (federal and state). The software usually sells for $114.99, but Amazon has it discounted to $82.99.
This version is also ideal if you're a trust beneficiary or you own rental property. Plus, it can handle returns for those who sold employee stock in 2024.
TurboTax Premier scans your return for over 375 potential deductions and credits, plus it has additional help for retirement tax and includes IRA tools.
Best H&R Block deal for Amazon shoppers Opens in a new window Credit: H&R Block H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State (federal and state) $45.97 at AmazonAnyone who shops often at Amazon can benefit from this H&R Block tax software deal. For starters, this bundle offers both federal and state tax filing, offering one state program and five federal e-files, plus it's 23% off.
H&R Block focuses on taking the stress out of tax filing by offering the ability to easily upload W-2 forms, 1099s, 1098s, and information from your 2023 tax return. That even includes importing from TurboTax and Quicken.
But the most unique offering with this H&R tax software deal is the potential for a larger refund. When you snag this deal at Amazon and select to get your tax refund on an Amazon gift card, you could be eligible to get an extra 2% bonus on the gift card.
Best H&R Block deal for self-employed folks Opens in a new window Credit: H&R Block H&R Block Premium Tax Software (federal and state) $72.97 at AmazonBeing self-employed is hard enough, then come the complicated taxes. Take some of the pressure off thanks to H&R Block Tax Software that helps self-employed people by offering advanced Schedule C guidance which can maximize deductions. Like all H&R Block software, it comes with easy-to-follow steps and free in-person audit support should that become necessary.
This deal is also great if you expect a refund and shop at Amazon. With this deal, you can select to receive your tax refund in the form of an Amazon gift card, which comes with an additional 2% bonus refund.
Best H&R Block deal for business owners Opens in a new window Credit: H&R Block H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software (federal and state) $85.97 at AmazonWith support for business owners, H&R Block Premium & Business comes with great features, and it's on sale at Amazon for $85.97. H&R Block recommends this version of e-filing to business owners who are filing corporate or S-corporation taxes. LLC, estate, and trust taxes are also well-supported with this version.
You might also be eligible to get an extra 2% bonus refund if you choose to get your refund in the form of an Amazon gift card.
In a last-minute scramble, tech heavyweights like Apple, Dell, and Microsoft have been fast-tracking shipments of phones and laptops to the U.S. ahead of sweeping new tariffs on Chinese goods.
SEE ALSO: Trump tariff news: iPhones getting snapped up, laptop sales disrupted – what we knowThe report comes via Japanese outlet Nikkei, which says these companies are leaning hard on their Asian suppliers to pump out as much inventory as possible before the new rules land. Unfortunately, the slapdash nature of the tariff rollout has complicated those efforts. "The biggest challenge is that we don't have so many components and materials in stock," one exec told Nikkei. "There's only so much we could ship less than a week before the new tariffs begin."
The tariffs officially hit on April 9, slamming Chinese exports with a staggering 104% hike — made up of a 20% levy already in place, the 34% tacked on last week, and a fresh 50% added by Trump after Beijing refused to walk back its own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.
The Trump administration says its goal is to push American companies to bring manufacturing back home. But here's the catch: the supply chains, factories, and skilled labor needed to build devices at scale in the U.S. simply don’t exist at the moment.
While some tech companies have been rushing to refresh their inventory ahead of the tariff rollout, others are hitting pause. Nintendo has delayed preorders on the Switch 2, while Razer Blade laptops disappeared altogether from the company's online store on April 8.
How will President Trump’s tariffs affect you? Keep checking Mashable.com as we cover the latest impacts on the tech and shopping worlds, from how tariffs delayed Nintendo Switch 2 preorders to iPhone 16 panic buying.
GET 19% OFF: As of April 9, the Vizio 40-inch 1080p Smart TV is on sale at Amazon for $138, down $169.99, saving you $31.
Opens in a new window Credit: Vizio Vizio 40-inch 1080p Smart TV $138 at AmazonIf you're in need of a new TV, then you're in luck, for the moment, there are still deals to be had on products like the Vizio 40-inch 1080p Smart TV. With President Trump implementing tariffs up to 104% on China, and China responding with 84% tariffs on US goods, prices on consumer goods are likely to change very quickly.
As of April 9, you can still get the Vizio 40-inch 1080p Smart TV for $138, down from $169.99, and save $31 for 19% off. That's its lowest price ever.
SEE ALSO: The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 with RTX 4060 is $400 off — nab it before tariffs take holdThe Vizio 40-inch 1080p Smart TV is a high-tech, modern television priced for less. Compatible with Alexa and Google Cast, you'll easily be able to link it to your smart assistant and stream your favorite shows.
With HD resolution and a 60Hz screen refresh time, this TV is as well-equipped for gaming as it is for movies and TV. It uses active pixel tuning with full array LED backlighting, lighting and darkening zones to create rich contrast.
Whether you're upgrading your home theater before hopping into an Avowed playthrough, or you're just trying to replace an aging TV before Trump tariffs decimate global trade, this deal is a great time to buy.
If you've played Fortnite recently, then you've probably been bombarded by, of all people, Sabrina Carpenter.
The pop star is taking center stage as the headliner for Fortnite Festival Season 8, a rhythm-based game that feels like Guitar Hero’s wild little cousin. But don’t think it’s just about playing music — Sabrina’s influence is everywhere. Among the treasures up for grabs this season are a slew of Sabrina-themed goodies, including a Carpenter skin complete with multiple outfits. For those who don’t live and breathe video games, that just means you can deck out your in-game character to look like the "Espresso" singer herself.
And it’s causing quite the buzz. Scroll through social media, and you’ll find an endless stream of screenshots and clips featuring players who’ve decked out their avatars as Sabrina Carpenter. From epic dance moves to full-on Carpenter takeovers, it seems like Fortnite is now Sabrina’s world, and we’re all just living in it.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.As those posts demonstrate, some folks playing as Carpenter are less focused on fighting and more into dancing or just vibing out.
"Dance-related stalemates are on the rise since @SabrinaAnnLynn arrived in Fortnite," the Fortnite account posted on X. "[Battle Royale] is all vibes now."
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.It's a fun addition to the game, but if you're planning to play, just "Please Please Please" get ready for some dance breaks.
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