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This AI art generator can even create NSFW images

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Create AI images without monthly fees when you get an Imagiyo lifetime subscription for $29.

AI image generators started out pretty basic. Remember when Dall-E couldn't even render a face? The technology has improved rapidly, and some of the old staples like Midjourney are already becoming outdated. Imagiyo is a new type of image generator that you can use personally or commercially, and a lifetime subscription just went on sale for $29 (reg. $345). 

A lifetime of art at your fingertips

Whether you’re an artist visualizing different ideas, a marketer creating eye-catching images for ads, or someone who wants stunning artwork for social media, Imagiyo can handle it. Powered by advanced AI algorithms like StableDiffusion, Imagiyo translates text prompts into detailed, vibrant images that suit your needs. Want a fantasy landscape? Just describe it. Need a realistic product mockup or abstract digital art? Imagiyo’s AI can generate it in seconds.

One of the things that makes Imagiyo different from other AI art tools is that it supports multiple image sizes, so whether you’re crafting a desktop wallpaper or a precise social media graphic, Imagiyo has you covered.

You can even generate NSFW content using ModelsLab’s Stable Diffusion AI model, as long as you mark it as “PRIVATE.” Every image you create is saved and available for download, so you can build your collection without worrying about losing your work.

Imagiyo’s user-friendly interface makes the creative process smooth and intuitive, even if you’re not tech-savvy. There are no watermarks to deal with, and the images you create are yours to use however you want. Plus, with 250 images per month, you can experiment and produce content without feeling restricted.

It's only $29 to get an Imagiyo subscription that lasts for life. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump Imagiyo AI Image Generator: Lifetime Subscription $29
$345 Save $316 Get Deal

Act fast — this powerful MacBook Pro is under $500 and bound to sell out

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: This budget-friendly 13" MacBook Pro offers all the usual Apple perks for just $449.99 (reg. $1,799), the best price online.

There are a lot of laptops on the market, but perhaps none as powerful as the MacBook Pro. This feature-packed juggernaut has a good reputation for a reason, and right now, you can secure one for the best price online — $449.99, $1,350 off the usual price — while supplies last. 

Powerful performance for a fraction of the usual price

This MacBook Pro has so many features that the usual $1,799 price tag makes sense.

A 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2GHz base speed and a 3.8GHz Turbo Boost makes multi-tasking, even while tackling heavy-duty tasks like gaming or video editing, a seamless, smooth experience.

Go ahead and save your important data right on the MacBook Pro thanks to the 512GB SSD — no clunky external hard drives are needed. The 16GB of RAM offers better performance now and in the future since that's an ample amount for long-term use. 

A 13.3-inch Retina display is armed with Intel Iris Plus Graphics and provides stunning visuals that make everything vibrant, from games to boring work emails. And Apple's signature True Tone Technology adjusts the screen color so you experience reduced eye strain.

This laptop has a Magic Keyboard that truly loves up to its name, offering a comfy experience with responsive typing. It also comes with a Touch Bar for easier access to shortcuts. 

Other cool perks include an impressive 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, four Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports, and Touch ID for easy logging in. 

Wondering how you score the deep discount on this model? This particular model comes with a grade A refurbished rating, which means it shows up to your door in near-mint condition, with virtually no signs of prior use. 

Bring home a MacBook Pro for just $449.99, the best price online, now while supplies last. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13" i5 2GHz (2020) 4 Thunderbolt 3 Ports 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $449.99
$1,799 Save $1,349.01 Get Deal

Ditch ads and stay safer online with this lifetime AdGuard Family Plan, now over $150 off

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Keep your family safe online with an AdGuard Family Plan lifetime subscription, now just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN through April 27. 

Tired of pop-ups disrupting your daily browsing? Sick of the jump scare of a loud ads cutting into your video content? AdGuard can offer a more peaceful internet experience thanks to their sophisticated ad-blocking solution.

Now through April 27, a lifetime subscription to AdGuard Family Plan, which covers nine devices, can protect you and your loved ones for just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN. 

Stop ads in their tracks with this blocker

AdGuard is an intuitive ad blocker ready to make your time online sweeter. It employs three core features — an ad-blocking module, a privacy protection tool, and a parental control system, all ready to keep your family safe and smiling while using the internet. 

Whether you're trying to work more efficiently or relax without tons of distractions, AdGuard offers a clutter-free online experience. It goes beyond your basic ad blocker, thwarting pop-ups, videos, banners ads, and more. 

Aside from saving you the headache of ads, AdGuard protects your data privacy, keeping your information hidden from trackers and activity analyzers. It also shields you against malware and phishing websites, putting you and your family in a protective bubble as your browse. 

Have children at home? AdGuard's parental control features keep your child's eyes safe from inappropriate content. You can think of it as a lifetime online babysitter as they scroll. 

The lifetime Family Plan outfits up to nine devices with AdGuard, keeping everyone under your roof safe from online threats. It also works with both Android and iOS operating systems, so you can use tablets, smartphones, and laptops as needed. 

Act fast to secure your AdGuard Family Plan for life for just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN now through April 27. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02 Get Deal

Beauty tech deals are live in Amazons Big Spring Sale: Save on one of our favorite Airwrap dupes from T3

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 04:57
Best beauty deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best Airwrap dupe deal T3 Aire 360 $254.99 (Save $45) Get Deal Best hair dryer deal Dreame Pocket hair dryer $89.99 (Save $70) Get Deal Best hot tool deal T3 SinglePass Curl X Extra-Long Barrel (1-inch) 105.99 (Save $44) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here, bringing with it a handful of beauty tech deals.

Although the sale's focus is on spring essentials like outdoor deals, the beauty category is getting some love, too. So far, we've spotted markdowns on hair tools exclusively, with hot tools from T3, including one of our favorite Airwrap dupes, plus a selection of hair dryers. (We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for any skincare tech that gets marked down during the sale).

SEE ALSO: I tried 5 Dyson Supersonic dupes that are actually worth the hype

Last year was the first time Amazon hosted its Spring Sale, so we don't have a ton of historical data on what else might be offered over the course of the week-long sale. We can say, however, that popular (and expensive) products like the Dyson Airwrap and Supersonic historically get price cuts around Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday sales, so we'll be keeping our eyes peeled and updating this post regularly.

Below, check out the best beauty tech deals live so far:

Best beauty tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: T3 T3 Aire 360 $254.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $45 Get Deal Why we like it

Multi-stylers like the Dyson Airwrap market themselves on the convenience of having an all-in-one tool, but it wasn't until we tested several of them that we learned a huge point of inconvenience found in most of them: the crazy amount of storage space they require.

The T3 Aire 360 is the only Airwrap dupe we've tested that has a relatively compact storage solution that feels realistic to use on a day-to-day basis. Plus, the ceramic curling barrels gave us the longest lasting and smootheset results of any of the multi-stylers we tried, including the Airwrap. The Aire 360 doesn't often go on sale, making it a great time to grab it.

More beauty deals

Hair dryers

Multi-stylers

Hot tools

Refresh your home with the best home deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 04:56
Best Big Spring Sale home deals Best smart home deal Tapo TP-Link Smart WiFi Light Bulbs $10.79 (save $7.20) Get Deal Best air purifier, fan, and humidifier deal Shark NeverChange Air Purifier $119.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best floor care deal Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best mattress and bedding deal Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress (10-inch, Queen) $174 (save $45.98) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler $26.25 (save $8.75) Get Deal

A new season brings lots of change, especially in the home. It's the time to open the windows to let fresh air in and clear out all that clutter from your closet. As you get into the flow of out with the old and in with the new, you might be realizing where your home could use some upgrades. Luckily, Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here at just the right time.

Running from March 25 to the 31, the Big Spring Sales promises to bring great deals across many categories, but especially things for the home. And luckily, those deals are already starting to roll in. Whether you want to bring in some smart home upgrades or are in need of a new vacuum, these are the best home deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Best smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tapo Tapo TP-Link Smart WiFi Light Bulb $10.79 at Amazon
$17.99 Save $7.20 Get Deal Why we like it

Looking to create a little bit of ambiance at home? The Tapo light bulb offers millions of colors and adjustable warmth for a truly customizable experience. If you need to wake up in the morning, the bulb can bright up to cool white, but when you want to wind down, adjust the bulb to a nice warm white. This Matter-certified deviced works with any smart home system, whether it be Apple Home, Google home, or Alexa, within your local network. And if you're looking for a smart home hub to control your lighting, the Echo Hub is now on sale for $50 off.

Ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, get the Tapo TP-Link WiFi Smart Bulb for 40% off. Normally $17.99, it's down to $10.79, saving you $7.20. It's an affordable solution that will totally transform your space.

More smart home dealsBest air purifier, fan, and humidifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark NeverChange Air Purifier $119.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

After a long, dark winter, it's a relief to see those first signs of life popping through the earth. However, it's also the first sign that spring allergies are upon us. If you want to get ahead of it, an air purifier is your first line of defense inside the home.

Luckily, the Shark NeverChange air purifier is on sale for just $119.99. As implied by its name, this air purifier has an air filter that lasts five years, so you're not spending lots of money every six months for replacements. Its large LED display shows your air quality and clears the room of dust, pollen, dander, and smoke.

Right now, it's $30 off, making the device 20% off ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

More air purifier, fan, and humidifier dealsBest floor care deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $600 Get Deal Why we like it

"More than 40% off a $1,399.99 robot vacuum just sounds like a good deal without any other context. And that's totally accurate. But my brain framed it in a way that makes it look like even more of a steal: You'd be getting a premium robot vacuum and mop combo that washes and dries its own mopping pads and avoids small obstacles and has a pet camera for half the price of the 2025 Roborock flagship I'm currently testing, the $1,599.99 Roborock Saros 10R.

I'm so psyched to see this new record-low price on my favorite vacuum from 2024. The biggest difference between the Qrevo Master and the new Saros 10R are suction power, as the Saros 10R doubles the Qrevo Master's 10,000 Pa. But the Qrevo Master was still more than powerful enough to do a sufficient job on my hard floors and rugs when I was testing it. However, it earned my top spot because of its attentive mopping. Spinning mopping pads are much more exhaustive scrubbers than one big, flat mopping pad in my book. One pad on the Qrevo Master even swings out on a hinge to mop along edges and in corners." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More floor care dealsBest mattress and bedding deal Opens in a new window Credit: Zinus Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress (10-inch, Queen) $174 at Amazon
$219.98 Save $45.98 Get Deal Why we like it

If you've spent all winter tossing and turning on a bad mattress, it's time for a refresh. Amazon's Big Spring Sale provides a perfect time to make some big changes without breaking the bank.

This Zinus 10-inch queen mattress shows up to your doorstep in a box, and unfurls to a medium-firm foundation for a good night's sleep. Ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, it's already discounted. It's down to $174 from $219.98. That saves $45.98 for 21% off.

More mattress and bedding dealsBest kitchen deals Opens in a new window Credit: Stanley Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler $26.25 at Amazon
$35 Save $8.75 Get Deal Why we like it

I don't think we have to say much about the Stanley Quencher Tumbler. These water cups have taken on a larger than life presence online, reaching outrageous popularity. The tumbler keeps drinks cold for days at a time and comes with a handy built-in straw and comfortable handle.

If you've been eye-ing the Stanley Tumbler, the Amazon Big Spring Sale is a good time to buy. You can find it for 25% off at Amazon, bringing it down to $26.25. That saves you $8.75 from its usual $35 price tag.

More kitchen deals

The best Apple deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale: New iPads and M4 MacBook Airs are already on sale

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 04:53
The best Apple deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (Save $50) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Pro $169.99 (Save $79.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $549 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (Save $100) Get Deal

If you're looking for discounted Apple products, Amazon is a reliable place to grab them year-round.

However, with the announcement of its Big Spring Sale, running from March 25 to 31, we're keeping our fingers crossed to see even more deals go live. While the sale focuses primarily on "springtime favorites" like outdoor furniture and garden supplies, last year's inaugural BSS did bring some tech deals. Best of all, exempting a few exclusive offers, most deals are available to all customers, regardless of their Prime membership status.

SEE ALSO: 15+ robot vacuums on sale ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

So far, we have spotted deals on new releases like the M3 iPad Air, 11-inch iPad, and M4 MacBook Airs. In addition to iPads, we also found a $400 markdown on the M3 13-inch MacBook Air and $170 price cut on the Beats Studio Pro. Again, while these deals aren't officially tied to the spring sale and can be found at other times of the year, these are still solid prices for any of these items.

We'll continue updating this post as the sale progresses, so check back if you're looking for the best Apple deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$999 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M4 MacBook Air.

Apple just dropped the M4 MacBook Air, and even at full price, we think it's a really good deal. In a divergence from last year's Air pricing, Apple started its 13-inch model at just $999 — with an M4 chip and the RAM upgrades Apple gave all its laptops last fall, this is the best value we've ever seen on an Apple laptop. Amazon slashed another $50 off the price, which, while admittedly not a jaw-dropping discount, helps make a great value even better. The biggest downside to this laptop is that it might be a little short on ports for some users, and then it tops out at a 60Hz refresh rate, but if you can work with that, the M4 Air is an excellent deal.

More MacBook and Mac dealsMacBook AirMacBook ProMacBest AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro $169.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $79.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the AirPods Pro.

For Apple users, the AirPods Pro are an excellent pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, with some of the best noise cancellation and sound quality in the game. As the USB-C Pros near their second year anniversary, we can't say they're without a doubt the best on the market — their battery life could be better, for instance — but their age works in their favor for this price drop down to $169.99, which certainly makes some of their flaws easier to look past. We have seen these earbuds drop to $154 during Black Friday season, but we haven't seen that deal return since, making $170 the next best deal to grab them at.

More AirPods dealsBest iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

The M3 iPad Air just hit the market earlier this month, but you can already grab it for $50 off. At the time of writing, the previous generation Air costs even more on Amazon at $599 (though you can grab it on sale for $499 at Best Buy). Beyond the chip upgrade, this iPad features plenty of Apple Intelligence integration, from the Photos and Notes apps, to the Writing Tools feature that uses ChatGPT. Though we've yet to test this tablet hands-on for ourselves, the M2 Air is our favorite iPad for most people — we imagine the M3 Air will follow suit.

More iPad dealsiPadiPad AiriPad miniBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

The Apple Watch Series 10 only came out this past fall, making this $100 off deal especially impressive. Along with its larger wide-angle OLED display, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder found this smartwatch to be lighter than its predecessors, with an ultra-fast charge time. This watch generation introduced fitness features like a depth gauge, sleep apnea detection, and a Vitals app, but it's worth noting those features aren't exclusive to the Series 10. However, if your Series 6 has been on the fritz for a while, or you've never owned an Apple Watch, $299 is a solid price to grab Apple's latest smartwatch.

More Apple Watch dealsEven more Apple deals

200+ of the best live deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, hand-picked by Mashables team of experts

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 04:51
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $449.97 (save $60) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (save $50 with on-page coupon) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 65-inch Q65 QLED 4K TV $349.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best headphones/earbuds deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $219 (save $70) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best smart home deal TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulbs (2-pack) $14.98 (save $10.01) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler (40 ounces) $33.75 (save $11.25) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Coleman Montana Camping Tent (8-person) $164.99 (save $105) Get Deal Best book deal "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins $19.59 (save $8.49) Get Deal

Amazon is about to spring a bunch of seasonal deals on shoppers. The retail giant announced last Tuesday that its second-ever Big Spring Sale will run from Tuesday, March 25, through Monday, March 31, ushering in discounts on "end-of-season winter items" and "springtime favorites" across more than 35 categories. Each day of the weeklong sale will feature "themed daily drops" on top of new limited-time offers.

The Big Spring Sale is Amazon's first major savings event of the year — and unlike its flagship summer Prime Day sale, the deals won't be exclusive to Prime members. There are some exceptions: Amazon said Prime members will get access to a handful of special offers. They'll be identified with a "Prime Spring Deal" badge.

SEE ALSO: Amazon announces Big Spring Sale dates and deals: Everything you need to know

Need help sifting through the noise? Mashable's shopping experts are keeping track of the best deals available at Amazon ahead of the Big Spring Sale, and we'll continue to do so once the event is officially live. (Our sister site CNET has extensive coverage of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, too.) With eight years of experience covering Amazon's sales under our belts, we've developed a tried-and-true deal-hunting methodology to find hidden gems among the retailer's myriad listings. We cross-check prices with Amazon's competitors, track pricing trends, and vet products' value based on our hands-on testing, and we only recommend what's most worth buying. You can read more about our deals coverage here.

Below, we've got a running list of Amazon's best early Big Spring Sale deals on smart home devices, Apple gadgets, robot vacuums, outdoor gear, kitchen appliances, books, and much more. Check back daily to see what else we find.

Best Kindle dealsBest Apple dealsAirPodsApple Watches

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

iPads

iPad

iPad Air

iPad Pro

MacBooks

MacBook Air

MacBook Pro

MacsApple accessoriesBest TV deals43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch and 77-inch TVs85-inch TVs and upBest laptop deals

For deals on MacBooks, scroll back up to the "Apple deals" section.

Windows laptops

2-in-1 laptops

Gaming laptopsBest headphone and earbud dealsHeadphonesBest earbuds dealsBest unlocked phone deals Samsung Galaxy phonesGoogle Pixel phonesMotorola phonesBest vacuum dealsRobot vacuumsRobot vacuum mop combosBest home dealsAir purifiersBedding and mattressesEcho smart home devicesHome security equipmentSmart bulbsSmart light switchesSmart plugsBest kitchen dealsAir fryers and countertop ovensBlenders and food processorsCoffee makersDrinkwareInstant PotsRice cookersStand mixersBest fitness tracker dealsBest beauty tech dealsBest outdoor dealsBest power tool dealsBest Lego dealsBest book dealsFictionNon-fictionBest Pokémon deals

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 25

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 04:25

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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: Leaving a team involuntarily

  • Green: Pasttime terms

  • Blue: Same first name

  • Purple: LIERS, PERS, ETS, ETS

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: Move on from a player

  • Green: Baseball stats, abbreviated

  • Blue: Famous Bos

  • Purple: First four letters of NBA team names

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 #183 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

  • Move on from a player - CUT, RELEASE, TRADE, WAIVE

  • Baseball stats, abbreviated - AB, BB, OPS, SO

  • Famous Bos - BICHETTE, JACKSON, NIX, RYAN

  • First four letters of NBA team names - CAVA, CLIP, HORN, ROCK

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 Mini crossword answers, hints for March 25, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 04:15

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, March 25, 2025:

AcrossGrouchy homeowner in Pixar's "Up"

  • The answer is Carl.

Sneezy sound

  • The answer is Achoo.

Speedy sound

  • The answer is Vroom.

Pick up on

  • The answer is Sense.

Facebook message status after "Sent" and "Delivered"

  • The answer is Seen.

Down#1 seed in the N.B.A.'s Eastern Conference, informally

  • The answer is Cavs.

Farmers' lots

  • The answer is Acres.

French wine region

  • The answer is Rhone.

Like lips that sink ships

  • The answer is Loose.

Anomaly taken as a sign, say

  • The answer is Omen.

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

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

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

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

The Trump administration accidentally texted military plans to a journalist. The White House says its fine.

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 03:41

The Trump administration accidentally texted an Atlantic journalist its plans to bomb Yemen last week. It seems obtaining confidential information on U.S. military operations is now easier than ever.

On Monday, The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg reported that he had been inadvertently added to a Signal group chat with several apparent U.S. government officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Fox News host turned Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. Goldberg received the invitation to the group last Thursday, two days after he'd accepted a connection request from an account ostensibly belonging to national security advisor Michael Waltz.

SEE ALSO: What is Signal? The basics of the most secure messaging app.

Signal is a secure messaging app with end-to-end encryption, making it popular among journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and others for whom privacy is a primary concern. As such, it isn't completely bizarre that a politician might reach out to a journalist via this avenue. 

However, it's far less usual for U.S. government officials to use Signal to plan military operations. Such highly sensitive information would typically be discussed either in person or via the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet), the U.S. government's secured computer network system intended for sharing such classified information. Employing a messaging system that's also open to civilians is highly unorthodox, to say the least. 

As such, Goldberg initially had "very strong doubts" about the authenticity of the group chat. He wrote that he couldn't believe U.S. officials would communicate about war plans on Signal, nor that a U.S. national security advisor would carelessly add him to such a chat. 

However, he was soon convinced of the Signal chat's authenticity after U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen took place on Saturday. The chat filled with celebratory messages and emojis within minutes, including a fist, American flag, and fire from Waltz. Two hours prior, a message from Hegseth in the Signal chat had shared the weapons, targets, and timing of the planned strikes.

"The information contained in [the Signal messages], if they had been read by an adversary of the United States, could conceivably have been used to harm American military and intelligence personnel, particularly in the broader Middle East, Central Command’s area of responsibility," wrote Goldberg.

This prompted Goldberg to leave the Signal group, as well as reach out to various U.S. officials about it. 

U.S. officials confirm the Signal group chat was real U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared plans to bomb Yemen in the Signal chat. Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

The U.S. National Security Council (NSC) has since confirmed the Signal chat's authenticity, though did its best to downplay the serious implications and give the egregious breach of security a positive spin.

"This appears to be an authentic message chain, and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain," NSC spokesman Brian Hughes wrote in a statement to The Atlantic. "The thread is a demonstration of the deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials. The ongoing success of the Houthi operation demonstrates that there were no threats to troops or national security."

Of course, the mere success of an operation doesn't prove that there was never any threat at all.

Despite the blunder, it initially seems as though U.S. officials involved in the Signal chat won't face any serious repercussions. Republicans have quickly come to their defence, with Speaker Mike Johnson rejecting the possibility that Waltz or Hegseth might face disciplinary action.

"What you did see, though, I think, was top-level officials doing their job, doing it well and executing on a plan with precision," said Johnson.

The White House has also publicly stood by them, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying in a statement that "President Trump continues to have the utmost confidence in his national security team, including national security adviser Mike Waltz."

However, POLITICO reports that internal discussions among White House officials are considering ejecting Waltz, with Trump to make the decision within the next few days.

For his part, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to deride The Atlantic, posting a link to an article from conservative satirical website The Babylon Bee entitled "4D Chess: Genius Trump Leaks War Plans To 'The Atlantic' Where No One Will Ever See Them." He also shared a screenshot of an X post from his close advisor Elon Musk, in which the billionaire shared the same article and wrote, "Best place to hide a dead body is page 2 of The Atlantic magazine, because no one ever goes there."

Hegseth specifically lashed out at Golberg, accusing him of "peddling hoaxes" and attempting to discredit him despite the Signal messages having been confirmed to be authentic. However, Hegseth also broke rank by outright denying The Atlantic's report.

"Nobody was texting war plans, and that's all I have to say about that," Hegseth said on Monday.

Meanwhile, Democrats are criticising the incident, with some calling for an investigation.

"Incompetence so severe that it could have gotten Americans killed," Rep. Seth Moulton wrote on X. "There is no world in which this information should have been shared in non-secure channels."

JD Vance badmouthing Elon Musk was a deepfake, but the Signal chat was not JD Vance was also the subject of a viral deepfake audio clip over the weekend. Credit: Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Excluding information which Goldberg noted could cause harm, his Atlantic article provided a thorough account of the messages exchanged in the Signal group chat. Interestingly, this included Vance expressing some disagreement with President Donald Trump — a rarity for him as of late. 

Vance expressed dissent about the planned attacks, stating that bombing the Houthis in Yemen to defend international shipping routes would be "bailing Europe out." His reasoning was that a larger percentage of Europe's trade passes through the Suez Canal as compared to the U.S.' trade.

"I am not sure the president is aware how inconsistent this is with his message on Europe right now," Vance reportedly wrote on Signal. "I am willing to support the consensus of the team and keep these concerns to myself."

The vice president's private opinions recently came to attention via a separate incident, with AI-generated audio of Vance criticising Musk going viral over the weekend. In the clip, the deepfaked vice president's voice stated that Musk was "cosplaying as this great American leader" and "making us look bad."

Vance responded to the audio on X, calling it "a fake AI-generated clip," while his communications director William Martin stated that it is "100% fake and most certainly not the Vice President." Several deepfake detection tools and companies have also concluded that the audio was likely generated by AI.

In contrast, Vance's Signal messages have been confirmed to be authentic.

"Vice President Vance unequivocally supports this administration’s foreign policy," Martin said in a statement to The Atlantic. "The President and the Vice President have had subsequent conversations about this matter and are in complete agreement."

The vice president and president disagreeing behind closed doors is a much different matter to doing so in the public eye, where a united front is important. Even so, it's an interesting look at the Trump administration's emoji-filled internal communications, disagreements, and military planning — as well as the ill-advised platform on which they're conveyed.

How to watch Colombia vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifying online for free

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 01:00

TL;DR: Live stream Colombia vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next round of South American World Cup qualification fixtures includes some fascinating matchups. Sure, a lot of attention will be on Argentina vs. Brazil, but Colombia vs. Paraguay deserves some time in the spotlight. These teams are separated by a single point in the standings, so expect a real battle between two evenly-matched sides.

If you want to watch Colombia vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Colombia vs. Paraguay?

Colombia vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on March 25. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez.

How to watch Colombia vs. Paraguay for free

Colombia vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand.

SBS On Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Colombia vs. Paraguay by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit SBS On Demand

  5. Stream Colombia vs. Paraguay for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Colombia vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SBS On Demand, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Colombia vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Venezuela vs. Peru online for free

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 01:00

TL;DR: Live stream Venezuela vs. Peru in World Cup qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next round of South American World Cup qualification fixtures includes some really interesting matchups, including Venezuela vs. Peru. Both sides are struggling near the bottom of the table, so they'll be looking at this game as an opportunity to pick up some much-needed points.

If you want to watch Venezuela vs. Peru in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Venezuela vs. Peru?

Venezuela vs. Peru in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on March 25. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín.

How to watch Venezuela vs. Peru for free

Venezuela vs. Peru in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand.

SBS On Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Venezuela vs. Peru by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit SBS On Demand

  5. Stream Venezuela vs. Peru for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Venezuela vs. Peru in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SBS On Demand, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Venezuela vs. Peru in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Chile vs. Ecuador online for free

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 01:00

TL;DR: Live stream Chile vs. Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

South American World Cup qualification is really heating up, and things are looking very good for Ecuador. Next they face a struggling Chile away from home. Second-placed Ecuador will be expected to win this one, as they look to keep the pressure up on leaders Argentina.

If you want to watch Chile vs. Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chile vs. Ecuador?

Chile vs. Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on March 25. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos.

How to watch Chile vs. Ecuador for free

Chile vs. Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand.

SBS On Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Chile vs. Ecuador by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit SBS On Demand

  5. Stream Chile vs. Ecuador for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Chile vs. Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SBS On Demand, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Chile vs. Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Argentina vs. Brazil online for free

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 01:00

TL;DR: Live stream Argentina vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

When looking at the fixtures for South American World Cup qualification, it doesn't get any bigger than Argentina vs. Brazil. With a win, Brazil could cut Argentina's lead at the top of the standings to just four points. It's not to be easy to do that though, because Argentina are coming off an impressive victory against Uruguay.

If you want to watch Argentina vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Argentina vs. Brazil?

Argentina vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on March 25. This fixture takes place at the Mâs Monumental Stadium.

How to watch Argentina vs. Brazil for free

Argentina vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand.

SBS On Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Argentina vs. Brazil by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit SBS On Demand

  5. Stream Argentina vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Argentina vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SBS On Demand, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Argentina vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Bolivia vs. Uruguay online for free

Mashable - Tue, 03/25/2025 - 01:00

TL;DR: Live stream Bolivia vs. Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

South American qualification for 2026 World Cup continues with Bolivia vs. Uruguay. Both sides lost their last games, but both are still in a good position to qualify for the showpiece event. Uruguay will be favorites to win this one, but anything can happen when Bolivia plays host at altitude.

If you want to watch Bolivia vs. Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bolivia vs. Uruguay?

Bolivia vs. Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on March 25. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Municipal de El Alto.

How to watch Bolivia vs. Uruguay for free

Bolivia vs. Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand.

SBS On Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Bolivia vs. Uruguay by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit SBS On Demand

  5. Stream Bolivia vs. Uruguay for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Bolivia vs. Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SBS On Demand, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Bolivia vs. Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 25

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 22:00

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 25 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 25 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For Starters

The words are food-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are menu items.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Appetizer.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 25

  • Wings

  • Nachos

  • Appetizer

  • Fondue

  • Poppers

  • Sliders

  • Calamari

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.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 25, 2025

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 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.

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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.

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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 March 25 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: Classic color combo

  • Green: Rearranged

  • Blue: Another name for POTUS

  • Purple: The first two words are the same

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: Black-and-white things

  • Green: Anagrams

  • Blue: U.S. presidential nicknames

  • Purple: Clear as ___

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 #648 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Black-and-white things: CROSSWORD, OREO, PANDA, TUXEDO

  • ANAGRAMS: ABEL, ABLE, BALE, BELA

  • U.S. presidential nicknames: ABE, CAL, DICK, TEDDY

  • Clear as __: A BELL, CRYSTAL, DAY, MUD

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 March 25

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.

Hurdle hints and answers for March 25, 2025

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 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

A device used to call someone.

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

PHONE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A woven hairstyle.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 25, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BRAID

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A short trip.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 25 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 25, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

JAUNT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A glimmer.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for March 25 Hurdle Word 4 answer

GLEAM

Final Hurdle hint

The opposite of height.

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

WIDTH

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 25, 2025

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 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 March 25 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 March 25, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A place to store books.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

SHELF.

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 March 25

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.

Anthropic’s AI agent Claude is playing Pokémon and just can’t catch ‘em all

Mashable - Mon, 03/24/2025 - 17:43

Last month, the $61.5 billion-valuated AI startup Anthropic set up a gaming livestream on Twitch. Gaming livestreams are nothing new on Twitch, but this one is a little different: Claude, Anthropic's AI model, is attempting to beat Pokémon Red.

We are now one month in, and the livestream is still going. However, Claude has not progressed all that much. And, at this rate, Anthropic's AI agent may possibly never be the very best, like no one ever was.

According to Anthropic, when it first launched the "Claude Plays Pokémon" project, previous versions of its AI agent Claude failed at some very basic tasks. For example, according to Anthropic, Claude 3.5 would try to run away from almost every battle in June 2024.

SEE ALSO: In 2024, Pokémania is evolving

A few months and a few versions of Claude later, Anthropic said there was a stark change. In February 2025, Anthropic gave Claude 3.7 Sonnet a whirl at playing Pokémon. 

"Within hours, Claude defeated Brock. Days later, it trounced Misty," Anthropic said. "Progress that older models had little hope of achieving."

Anthropic said that Claude 3.7 Sonnet could plan ahead, remember objectives, and learn from its mistakes, unlike previous versions of the AI agent. It also built a knowledge base, saw the screen, and simulated button presses.

However, the progress Claude 3.7 Sonnet originally made in the game seems to have stalled.

For example, livestream viewers watched as Clause 3.7 took 78 hours to get through Mt. Moon in the game. On Reddit, gamers estimated that it would typically take a child just a few hours to advance through the same stage.

SEE ALSO: Hands-on with the Claude AI app: It's pleasant to use, but janky

Claude can be seen going in circles, stumbling around the same paths, and often knocking into walls as it tries to get around the game.

The livestream is engaging, especially as a text box lays out Claude's "thinking" as the AI agent tries to figure out what moves to make next.

According to Anthropic engineers in an interview with Ars Technica, Claude has an easier time with aspects of the game which involve text, such as Pokémon battles. However, it struggles with the more visual aspects of the game, such as moving around from town to town on the map.

Claude 3.7 Sonnet has gone much further in the game than previous Claude models, so there's been progress. However, for those warning that AI will soon be able to take over the world, we're nowhere close to that being a reality yet. Claude still has 151 Pokémon to catch.

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