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Switch 2 Nintendo Direct: When is it and how to watch

Mashable - 4 hours 39 min ago

Back in January, Nintendo did us all a solid and told us that the Switch 2 is real and we would hear more about it soon. "Soon" is now.

Nintendo is holding a Nintendo Direct livestream at 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, April 2 to tell us (presumably) everything we want to know about Switch 2. You will be able to watch it live on Nintendo's YouTube channel. Unfortunately, Nintendo hasn't yet said how long the Direct will be, as it generally does when announcing these things. Given that Nintendo Directs are usually about 40 minutes long when there isn't a new console to show, one could reasonably assume that this one will be longer than that.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 patent seems to confirm mouse functionality for the new Joy-Cons

As for what to expect from the Switch 2 Direct, all we can do is speculate. It would be shocking if Nintendo didn't at least reveal the price and release date of the console during this stream. There will also be a bunch of trailers for upcoming Switch 2 games, as well as some idea of which ones will be available at launch.

Aside from the new Mario Kart title that was shown briefly during the Switch 2 reveal video in January, though, it's nearly impossible to say what else will be shown during this Direct.

Either way, the time is almost upon us. Get ready, folks.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 2

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 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: Move quickly

  • Green: Where to medal

  • Blue: Best football catchers

  • Purple: Same second name – not simultaneously

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: Run fast

  • Green: Future Olympic host cities

  • Blue: NFL's leading receivers in 2024

  • Purple: Cities the Athletics have called home

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 #191 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Run fast - DART, DASH, SCOOT, SPRINT

  • Future Olympic host cities - BRISBANE, LOS ANGELES, MILAN, SALT LAKE CITY

  • NFL's leading receivers in 2024 - CHASE, JEFFERSON, LONDON, THOMAS

  • Cities the Athletics have called home - KANSAS CITY, OAKLAND, PHILADELPHIA, SACRAMENTO

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 Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 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 2 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: Sudden change

  • Green: Category

  • Blue: They share a last name

  • Purple: Heteronyms

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: Caprice

  • Green: Ilk

  • Blue: Williamses

  • Purple: Words pronounced differently as proper nouns

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
  • Caprice: FANCY, IMPULSE, LARK, WHIM

  • Ilk: KIND, LIKE, SORT, TYPE

  • Williamses: HANK, ROBIN, TENNESSEE, VENUS

  • Words pronounced differently as proper nouns: HERB, JOB, NICE, READING

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 2

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 2, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 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 2 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 2, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To use a bad word.

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 C.

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...

CURSE.

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 2

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 2, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 22:00

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

Often made of logs.

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

CABIN

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A deep interior.

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

BOWEL

Hurdle Word 3 hint

An open position.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 2 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

STEAD

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To prepare.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 2 Hurdle Word 4 answer

EQUIP

Final Hurdle hint

A military trainee.

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

CADET

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

Trump Set to Meet With Top Aides to Decide TikTok’s Fate

NYT Technology - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 21:13
They are expected to convene on Wednesday to discuss a potential sale of the app, which faces a Saturday deadline to change its ownership structure.

Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup: Every game we predict will be available at launch

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 14:31

The big Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation is almost upon us. Let's make some predictions.

On Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. ET, Nintendo is going to blow the doors off the Switch 2, most likely telling us how much it will cost and when it will come out. That stuff is cool and good to know, but what about the games? At this point, Nintendo has only sort of confirmed one Switch 2 game that we're pretty sure will be part of the console's launch lineup. Everything beyond that is pure guesswork.

But that's not going to stop me. Here are my rough predictions for what might be available when the Switch 2 launches later this year.

SEE ALSO: Switch 2 release date, price and everything else we expect from Nintendo Direct Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup predictions

To be clear, we have almost nothing to go off of besides a few seconds of footage in the console's January reveal video and various online rumors. But who cares? Let's do this.

Mario Kart 9

When Nintendo first unveiled the Switch 2 via a short teaser video in January, it felt the need to include a few seconds of footage of exactly one new video game running on the console: a new Mario Kart. This will be, numerically speaking, the ninth one, but it's very possible Nintendo calls it something other than Mario Kart 9.

SEE ALSO: Switch 2 release date, price and everything else we expect from Nintendo Direct

And that's pretty much all we have on that. The footage shown in that video confirms that races will expand from 12 contestants to at least 24, and the one track shown looked a lot larger than they usually are in these games. Eagle-eyed viewers also noticed that Donkey Kong has a new character design, the karts themselves appear to have new fuel tanks on them, and there's a mysterious orange glowing item pickup that you can barely see in one of the shots. Is Nintendo adding a boost meter to this game? Maybe!

As for when this game will available, I would bet actual American dollars that it's a launch game.

A new 3D Super Mario adventure

That, unfortunately, is the last rock solid, almost-100-percent-certain prediction I can make about the Switch 2's launch lineup. However, I can make educated guesses from here on out.

It's been nearly eight years since the last mainline 3D Super Mario adventure, which was Odyssey in the first year of the Switch's existence. Odyssey is an incredible game, but eight years is a long time to wait for a new, proper Mario game. Based solely on the fact that it's been a lifetime (by gaming standards) since the last one, and the fact that Nintendo needs to convince people to buy the Switch 2, it would make a ton of sense for a new adventure starring the iconic Italian plumber to grace the Switch 2 early in its lifespan.

Whether it's a proper launch title or something that comes out before the end of 2025, I would bet on seeing this game on store shelves sooner rather than later.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

This one might be wish-casting rather than sober analysis on my part, but whatever. I want Metroid Prime 4 to be a Switch 2 launch title.

Until about five days ago, I would've bet on this happening. Strangely, though, Nintendo plopped a Metroid Prime 4 trailer into the middle of a Switch 1-focused Direct last week, notably failing to give it a specific release date other than "2025." I'm prone to overthinking these sorts of things, and that tells me Prime 4 could genuinely just be a Switch 1 game. However, Nintendo can be surprising, so maybe it gets another trailer during the Switch 2 Direct, with a real release date that happens to coincide with the console's launch. This would give the Switch 2 a more "hardcore" title to complement Mario Kart right out of the gate, especially if the aforementioned 3D Mario game is not ready yet.

At least one big third-party game

The most open-ended prediction on this list is that Nintendo will, at the very least, show off one or two flashy third-party releases during the Direct, just to show off what the Switch 2 can do on a technical level. We even have some news reporting to guide us in the direction of what those might be, too!

For starters, leaks from prominent leaker NatetheHate indicate that Metal Gear Delta: Snake Eater and Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth are coming to Switch 2. Delta has an announced release date in late August, so it might not be available right away, depending on when the Switch 2 launches. As for Remake and Rebirth, these would be pretty big gets for Nintendo, as neither of those games are even available on Xbox right now.

The same leak also indicated Ubisoft might bring one or two recent Assassin's Creed games to the console, namely either Mirage, Shadows, or possibly both. If that's the case, I wouldn't be shocked to see either of those as a launch title. Ubisoft traditionally supports Nintendo consoles early and often, and those could be nice technical showpieces to demonstrate the console's horsepower.

I don't have any insider information related to this, so it's just a guess on my part, but I have this weird gut feeling that Elden Ring could make an appearance, too. That would certainly get people talking.

Possibly a Zelda remaster

It's way too early for a new The Legend of Zelda game, given that we got both Echoes of Wisdom and Tears of the Kingdom in the last two years. I wouldn't count on seeing that at all during the Switch 2 Direct.

However...news reports from a couple of years ago suggested Nintendo first started demonstrating the Switch 2 to corporate partners behind closed doors with a souped up version of Breath of the Wild, the most notable Switch 1 launch title. Nintendo loves selling people games multiple times, so don't be shocked if there's at least a remaster of Breath of the Wild (and maybe even Tears of the Kingdom, too) early in the Switch 2's lifespan.

Other dark horse candidates

Now, back to the "Alex is completely guessing" part of the presentation. There are a couple major Nintendo franchises that saw great success on Switch 1, and could use a new entry early in the Switch 2's life. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll be on store shelves right away, but I wouldn't be surprised if they showed up within a year of launch.

Namely, it's been five years since Animal Crossing: New Horizons saved all of us from pandemic-fueled despair. Those are shockingly complex games for how simplistic they seem on the surface, so a new entry may not be ready for launch, but I wouldn't be totally shocked to at least see an announcement related to Animal Crossing in the Nintendo Direct on Wednesday.

The other big Nintendo franchise I have on my mind here is Fire Emblem. The turn-based-tactics/dating sim franchise reached incredible heights with 2019's Three Houses, and while Engage only came out a couple of years ago, it was so uninspiring and dull that I'm choosing to just kinda ignore it. Whether the next Fire Emblem is a new game or a remake of one of the older Japan-only titles, I expect it to be on Switch 2, and it could theoretically be shown on Wednesday.

There's every possibility that my predictions here are totally and utterly wrong, in which case you're free to pelt me with tomatoes. But all of them at least feel reasonably realistic to me.

Auto Sales Surged in Anticipation of Trump’s Tariffs

NYT Technology - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 14:16
Sales of cars picked up recently partly as buyers rushed to lock in deals before President Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on cars and auto parts go into effect.

Target Circle members can still score 3 free months of Peacock Premium

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 13:07

FREE STREAMING ALERT: Through April 29, Target Circle members can still score three free months of Peacock Premium. That's $7.99 per month or $23.97 total in savings. Not a Target Circle member? Sign up for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium free for 3 months via Target Circle Get Deal

Between consistent price hikes and password sharing crackdowns, the streaming era is becoming kind of a bummer. That's why it's such a delight to see any kind of streaming deal pop up. Bonus points if the deal costs you zero dollars.

Through April 29, Target Circle members can still score three months of Peacock Premium for free. That's $7.99 per month in savings or a total of $23.97. The deal originally popped up ahead of its Circle Week event. Although the sitewide sale is over, the partnership deal with Peacock remains through the end of the month. The only fine print is that you must be a Target Circle member and must not be a current Peacock subscriber.

Not a Target Circe member? No worries. It's free and easy to join. Simply head to Target.com/circle and choose "Create account." Enter your full name, email address, and phone number, then choose whether to use a password or passkey (fingerprint, face ID, or pin) to sign in. Select "Create account" and voila! You are now a Target Circle member and can take advantage of the free Peacock deal.

Peacock is the exclusive home of Universal Pictures (and Focus Features) films like Wicked, Conclave and Nosferatu. You'll also find popular NBC shows like The Office, New Girl, and Yellowstone, plus reality TV faves from Bravo and Peacock Originals like Poker Face and Mrs. Davis. Peacock Premium is the streamer's lowest tier, which means you will have to put up with some ads during shows and movies. But it's hard to complain when you aren't paying a cent.

The perfect productivity pair: MS Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for life

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 13:00

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for only A$87 until 27 April at the Mashable Shop.

Subscriptions are great — until they start piling up on you. If you’re tired of recurring fees, this lifetime license bundle for Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro lets you own the tools you need to stay productive without breaking the bank. Through 27 April at the Mashable Shop, you can get both tools with a one-time purchase of for A$87.

With Microsoft Office 2021, you’ll get lifetime access to essential apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Perfect for handling everything from detailed reports to creative presentations, MS Office offers powerful tools and a user-friendly ribbon interface to simplify your workflow. Whether you’re formatting documents or analyzing data, this suite is built for modern professionals.

On the OS front, Windows 11 Pro offers a sleek, efficient platform packed with features. Snap layouts and virtual desktops make multitasking a breeze, while advanced security tools like BitLocker help keep your data safe. But what really stands out is Copilot, Windows 11’s built-in AI assistant. Copilot helps you with tasks like generating ideas, summarizing web pages, or adjusting settings — all with a simple prompt. It’s like having a personal productivity partner built into your system.

Whether you’re optimizing your work setup or upgrading your personal tech, this deal has everything you need to get ahead.

For just A$87, this bundle of Microsoft Office 2021 Professional and Windows 11 Pro gives you lifetime ownership of two essential tools, freeing you from the hassle of subscriptions.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle AU$87
AU$663 Save AU$576 Get Deal

Microsoft Office 2024 is the last productivity suite you’ll ever need — get it for life for A$206

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 13:00

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC with a one-time purchase of A$206 (reg. A$238) through 27 April 27 — no subscription required.

What can you expect from your one-time purchase of Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC?

  • Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for essential productivity

  • One-time purchase with no recurring fees for lifetime use on one device

  • Redesigned ribbon for quick access to tools based on what you’re working on

  • Co-authoring features let multiple users collaborate in real-time

  • Smarter AI suggestions for text, formatting, and data visualization

  • Optimized for Mac Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia operating systems, as well as Windows 10 or 11 operating systems

  • Create, collaborate, and organize your projects without ongoing subscriptions

Boost your productivity with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC, now just A$206 until 27 April at 11:59 p.m. PT — no monthly fees, just essential tools you can count on.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: InterPlein Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase AU$206
AU$238 Save AU$32 Get Deal

Save over $330 on the Google Pixel 9 Pro at Target

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:51

SAVE $334.95: As of April 1, get the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $664.05 at Target, down from its usual price of $999.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Google Pixel 9 Pro $999 at Target
Get Deal

Ready to add a new smartphone to your tech arsenal? You have more options beyond an iPhone or the latest and greatest Samsung offering. There are tons of great phones out there, in fact, and many of them are much more affordable than the flagships out there from the biggest names in phones. For instance, you might consider trying a Pixel phone, part of Google's lineup. And right now is an especially good time to do so, thanks to this Target deal.

As of April 1, get the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $664.05 at Target, down from its usual price of $999. That's a discount of $334.95.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a formidable smartphone in just about every category. It's affordable, made even more so by this Target deal, and powerful enough to handle whatever you need it for in your day to day life. It features the Google Tensor G4 processor with 16GB of RAM, with a crisp screen that offers 120Hz so you can scroll and game all you want with extra smoothness.

All of this and the phone is fully equipped and ready for all the AI tasks you might want to use (or edit photos with) for Google Gemini. Thanks to its triple camera array and powerful photo tools, you can get some great pictures and video that might even rival your current favorite phone.

If it's time for a hefty smartphone upgrade, this is the time to do it, and you might end up pleasantly surprised with your new Google Pixel.

Earn double reward points on Kindle book purchases on April 1

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:23

EARN DOUBLE POINTS: On April 1, enjoy double rewards on all Kindle book purchases. Shop deals and new releases to spend while you save.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Earn double Kindle Rewards points on every store Get 6 points for ever $1 spent. Get Deal

Still in its beta phase, Kindle Rewards is a loyalty program, where you can earn points on every Kindle book purchase. For every 300 points earned, you get $3 back to use on your next purchase in the Kindle store. Typically, you earn three points for every dollar spent, but on April 1, you earn double points on every purchase. That means you earn 6 points per dollar. If you're itching for that $3 reward, if you spend $50 today, you'll accumulate those 300 points fast.

Double points is coming at a good time. Best-selling romance author Abby Jimenez just released her latest novel, Say You'll Remember Me. Or you can maximize your savings and shop deals on Kindle books. Or you can grab The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware, which is soon-to-be a Netflix original, and is discounted to just $2.99.

Explore all the Kindle book deals now and earn double points.

Kindle book deals

4 wild ways ChatGPT image generation is being used now that its free

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:18

ChatGPT's image generation tool rolled out to free users this week — which means pretty much everyone can now use OpenAI's tool to create images.

There are, obviously, endless things you can do with the tool. It all comes down to the prompts you feed into ChatGPT. The new image generator, part of ChatGPT's 4o model, is apparently quite impressive. Folks have been playing around with ways to use the image generator, but here are four wild use cases we've seen thus far.

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

This one, well, doesn't seem great. As TechCrunch reported, users online have been using ChatGPT to create real-looking receipts. At face value, that doesn't seem too wild — but consider all the potential for fraud or scams. You can certainly imagine scammers trying to get reimbursed for things that didn't buy.

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

This use case is certainly less harmful than fake receipts: ChatGPT could help you design your home. Tech journalist Kevin Roose posted an example. He took screenshots of a bunch of furniture and had ChatGPT compose those images into a room design. That could prove to be a helpful tool in designing your home — and saving you the trouble of buying a couch that won't look good.

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

Lots of folks online have posted examples of using ChatGPT's image generation tool to create ads. In general — like most AI — the ads typically copy the style of real ads. But they do look pretty compelling.

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

You can turn pretty much anything into animation with ChatGPT's image creation. X user @BennettWaisbren, for instance, posted Severance characters in different animation styles.

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

With all users now having access to ChatGPT's image tool, there will likely be lots of new use cases to come. And, as always, be careful out there and look out for bad actors creating AI images.

JBL keeps the deals alive post Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:07

GET UP TO $401 OFF: As of April 1st, JBL is offering savings up to 33% off on headphones and speakers.

The best JBL deals live after the Amazon Big Spring Sale Best JBL speaker deal JBL Go 3 $29.95 (Save $10) Get Deal Best JBL headphone deal JBL Tune 510BT $29.95 (Save $10) Get Deal JBL Bar 9.1 Best JBL soundbar deal $799.00 (Save $400.95) Get Deal

JBL is known far and wide for bass that can follow you into the outdoors as well as hi-fi sound that enhances movies and more.

Right now, JBL savings are still live after Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Get up to 33% off on headphones, speakers, and sound bars like the JBL Tune 510BT on-ear headphones.

Here are the JBL deals we're eyeing:

Best JBL Speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Go 3 $29.95 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The JBL Go 3 is a speaker that's meant to move. Easy to clip onto a bag or throw in a pack, this weatherproof speaker is for days in the park, picnics by the shore, and rooftop celebrations. It has outsized bass for its size. Bluetooth connectivity ensures it connects to your smart phone, so you can share your playlist with the world whether they want it or not.

As of now, the JBL Go 3 is on sale for 25% off, get it for $29.95 and save $10. It's right in time for outdoor season.

More speaker dealsBest JBL headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune 510BT $29.95 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

JBL Tune 510BT headphones are meant to go with you. These on-ear headphones connect to your phone wirelessly offering strong bass and clear sound. Touting "JBL Pure Bass," these headphones prioritize a full-bodied sound profile. They're not just for listening however, they also feature a microphone, so you can take calls from your headphones. With up to 40 hours of battery life, they're built to bring your music with you.

Right now, the JBL Tune 510BT headphones are on sale for 25% off, get them for $29.95 and save $10.

More JBL headphone dealsBest JBL Soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Bar 9.1 $799 at Amazon
$1,199.95 Save $400.95 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're considering suping up your in home entertainment system, now's a good time to buy, with the JBL Bar 9.1 steeply discounted. This soundbar hits with 9 channels and a subwoofer, for multi-directional audio that's thrown around the room to envelop and immerse you. With 820 watts, the Bar is loud, delivering the sonic booms and crunch that bring out the best in blockbusters and the fidelity you'll want to watch orchestral performances.

Currently, the JBL Bar 9.1 is on sale for 54%. Get it now for $799.00 and save $401.

The JetBlue Spring into Summer Sale has $49 flights through July

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:00

BOOK ONE-WAY FLIGHTS FOR AS LOW AS $49: Launched today, JetBlue's "Spring Into Summer Sale" has flights for as little as $49 each way for travel between April 22 and July 30. The sale ends on April 3 and some date restrictions apply.

Opens in a new window Credit: JetBlue Spring Into Summer Sale Flights as low as $49 for travel between April 22 and July 30 Get Deal

Summer flights are notoriously expensive. Since demand is high during summer vacation, it can be a struggle to book flights that fall into an affordable category. But while many of us are still in spring break mode, JetBlue is encouraging us to book summer vacation by offering airfare that feels more like low season pricing.

Between April 1 and April 3, book with the JetBlue Spring Into Summer Sale to score flights as low as $49 each way, with departures between April 22 and July 30. Sale prices offered apply to select flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

JetBlue knows how to host a sale, offering us some great prices to desirable destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, and all over the continental U.S. This sale brings the price of flights between New York (LGA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to just $49 or Orlando (MCO) to Montego Bay (MBJ) for $99 each way. New York (JFK) to Atlanta (ATL) start at just $69, which means you could experience peach season in-person this year. For those who live near Los Angeles, snag $124 flights each way from LAX to Fort Lauderdale or fly to New York (JFK) for $129.

SEE ALSO: The Arlo Video Doorbell is still 54% off after the Amazon Big Spring Sale

The JetBlue sale is the perfect reason to get a few friends together and head off for an extra long weekend away, or make that trip home to family you've been meaning to book. JetBlue's route map also works great if you'll be heading off on a summer cruise, since the carrier can get you to major ports like San Diego, Seattle, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa.

Get excited for spring and summer travel thanks to great prices during the JetBlue Spring into Summer Sale. Be sure to travel on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to get the best price. And you'll want to get vacation sorted out quickly, since the sale ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 3.

Upgrade your gaming setup with $650 off the Samsung Odyssey gaming monitor

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:46

SAVE $650: As of April 1, get the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey Curved Gaming Monitor for $949.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,599.99. That's a discount of 41%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung 49-inch Odyssey Curved Gaming Monitor $949.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $650 Get Deal

There's a slew of great games coming out in 2025, and you'll want to be there to experience every one of them. One core way to do this is by getting a new monitor tha can help you fully immerse yourself in each moment, and there are some absolutely fantastic options out there. There's one in particular that's still on sale as part of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, and it's so good you'll want to make sure you snap it up before it ends.

As of April 1, get the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey Curved Gaming Monitor for $949.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,599.99. That's a discount of 41%.

This ultrawide monitor is absolutely massive and will likely take up your entire desk, but if you love feeling like you're right in the middle of your favorite games, that's a small price to pay. Its OLED screen gives you bright, crisp colors with deep contrast, and its 1800R curvature helps wrap around you so you feel like you're really right there.

But it's not just about feeling like you're the main character. It also offers 0.03 ms response time, so you can make precision split-second decisions when it counts. Plus, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro makes sure there's no stuttering when you're trying to live your best gaming life.

This is a massive monitor with plenty of input options, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and USB Hub so it can fit into your setup, with plenty of reasons to jump in and make it your daily driver. If you've been looking for a serious upgrade, now's the time to claim yours while it's still on sale.

The Arlo Video Doorbell is still 54% off after the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:35

SAVE $70: The Arlo Video Doorbell is on sale at Amazon for just $59.99, down from the list price of $129.99. That's a 54% discount that matches the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Arlo Arlo Video Doorbell (2K) $59.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $70 Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale is officially over, but Amazon has an olive branch for those of us wo didn't get around to shopping the sale. We're still seeing plenty of great discounts on Apple products, smart home devices, and kitchen gadgets. If you have plans to ramp up home security, check out this still-live Amazon Spring Sale deal.

As of April 1, the Arlo Video Doorbell is still just $59.99, marked down from the normal price of $129.99. That's a 54% discount that takes $70 off the price. It also matches the lowest price we've ever seen.

The Arlo Video Doorbell comes with all the great features we love about having a camera on a doorbell. For starters, it has a large range of view that measures 180 degrees, so you won't be left wondering what was happening on the corner of the porch. It also has two-way audio which is nice for letting the delivery person know you appreciate their hard work. Plus, the doorbell is weather resistant so there's no issue if your front door area isn't covered.

The Arlo Video Doorbell records in 2K and gives you real-time notifications with motion activation. It also has a night vision mode for better recording while it's dark and you'll have remote siren activation.

If you have spring or summer travel plans, now is a great time to upgrade your home's security before you leave. Thanks to this lingering Amazon Big Spring Sale deal, the Arlo Video Doorbell can be yours for the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon of just $59.99. But since the sale is officially over, it's smart to jump on this deal quickly since it could disappear soon.

Amazon deal of the day: Grab our favorite budget iPad for just $269 post-Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:31
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of April 1: OUR TOP PICK Apple iPad, 10th generation (64GB, WiFi) $279 (save $80) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Sony SRS-XG300 Bluetooth speaker $142.95 (save $207.04) Get Deal BEST KINDLE DEAL Kindle Paperwhite Kids $139.99 (save $40) Get Deal BEST SOUNDBAR DEAL Roku Wireless Soundbar $99.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 $179 (save $50) Get Deal

We blinked and the Amazon Big Spring Sale came and went. But just because the official sale has wrapped doesn't mean the deals have vanished. There are plenty of discounts sticking around post-sale, and you bet we're keeping an eye on them. We've rounded up a few of the best deals you can still shop as of April 1.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. None of these catching your eye? Check out our running list of all the best deals still live from the sale.

Our top pick: Apple iPad, 10th generation Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 10th generation (64GB, WiFi) $269 at Amazon
$349 Save $80 Get Deal

Although the Big Spring Sale is over, the 10th generation iPad is still on sale for a very affordable $269 (23% off its usual $349), thanks to a newer model dropping last month. (Note that this sale price may only be available in some areas.) That's just $10 shy of its best price ever from last Black Friday. Don't count it out because a newer generation is in town; the 10th generation iPad is still our top pick for anyone on a budget. It packs an A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, a landscape camera layout that makes video calls appear better, and upgraded stereo speakers for better sound quality. "It's perfect for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading," Mashable Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino writes.

Sony SRS-XG300 Bluetooth speaker Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony SRS-XG300 Bluetooth speaker $142.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $207.04 Get Deal

"If you're looking for an easily portable outdoor speaker that delivers some serious thunder, the SRS-XG300 earns our Editors' Choice," our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) summed up in their review. Offering 25 hours of battery power, a 10-minute charge boost that delivers another 70 minutes, colorful LED lights, and in-app sound customization, they deemed it as powerful as it is portable. A bit steep on a regular day at $349.99, you can grab it on April 1 for only $142.95. That's 59% in savings and its lowest price on record.

Kindle Paperwhite Kids Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite Kids $139.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $40 Get Deal

The only Kindle deal to stick around post-Big Spring Sale is the Kindle Paperwhite Kids at 22% off (the others end at 12 p.m. ET). As of April 1, it's still sitting at $139.99 instead of the usual $179.99. It's a bit heftier than the typical Paperwhite, which makes for a sturdier design that can stand up to any kid's destructive tendencies (within reason). Parents can monitor the content their child is consuming via built-in parental controls, plus it comes with six free months of Amazon Kids+, which is loaded with lots of age-appropriate books. It's our favorite Kindle for kiddos.

Roku Wireless Soundbar Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Wireless Soundbar $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

If you have a Roku TV, but wish it sounded better, snag yourself the Roku Wireless Soundbar while it's back on sale for 33% off. Usually $149.99, it's down to just $99.99 once again post-Big Spring Sale. It's not packed with a ton of fancy features, but it can "drastically improve the sound your Roku TV can put out," as our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) put it. Not to mention, it can seamlessly fit into any entertainment space and requires no cables to set it up.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 $179 at Amazon
$229 Save $50 Get Deal

Last summer, Google dropped a new pair of Pixel Buds Pro. The second rendition leans heavily into AI, for better or worse, to drastically improve noise cancellation, enhance phone calls, and automatically detect IRL conversations so you don't have to remove them to talk to someone. They also promise a better fit, boosted battery life, and a lighter and smaller design. While we haven't tested them ourselves, our sister site PCMag did and found them to be "great for Pixel users and good for everyone else." Usually $229, they're back on sale for only $179 at Amazon as of April 1. That's 22% in savings.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

April is here and so are new Amazon First Reads picks — get your free book now

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:19

GET A FREE E-BOOK WITH PRIME: As of April 1, Amazon Prime members can snag a free e-book as part of the Amazon First Reads program. Not a Prime member? You can still grab First Reads e-books for just $1.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon First Reads Prime members get one free e-book. Non-Prime members pay $1.99. Get Deal

Prime membership basically pays for itself with all the free next-day shipping you receive on orders, so the extra benefits are truly just extra. For book loving members, the best monthly benefit is the Amazon's First Reads program. Like Book of the Month, there's a new selection of books hand-picked by Amazon's editors for members to grab at a discount. However, unlike Book of the Month, you can pick an e-book at no cost to you.

Each month, Prime Members can pick one book from the First Reads selection that's added to their Kindle library. On the first of the month, the picks are refreshed, so April 1st brings eight new books and one bonus short story ready to be devoured. In April, there's an abundance of thrillers available, including The Undoing of Alejandro Velasco by Diego Boneta, The Boomerang by Robert Bailey, and Three Mothers by Hannah Beckerman.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals still live after Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Last chance to save on MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches

Plus, there's a new release from Mindy Kaling's book studio this month: When Stars Align by Melissa de la Cruz, a coming-of-age story about three darlings of Hollywood and the toll of fame.

Amazon Prime members can select one book for free among the First Reads picks. Non-members can still get in on the fun and pay just $1.99 per book. Choose your First Reads book today and start reading on a Kindle device or the Kindle app.

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