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TL;DR: Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 (regularly $199) and enjoy enhanced security, productivity features, and the AI-powered Copilot assistant.​

In the ever-evolving world of technology, keeping your operating system current is essential for optimal performance and security. For a limited time, you can upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97, a significant reduction from its regular price of $199.​

Why upgrade to Windows 11 Pro?

Windows 11 Pro offers a sleek and user-friendly interface designed to enhance your computing experience. Features like Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops allow for efficient multitasking and enable you to organize your workspace with ease. The redesigned Start menu provides quick access to your apps and documents, streamlining your workflow.​

Security is a top priority with Windows 11 Pro. The operating system includes advanced features such as BitLocker encryption and Windows Information Protection, providing robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches. These tools are especially beneficial for professionals handling sensitive information.​

Integrated AI and better graphics

One of the standout additions is Windows Copilot, an AI-powered assistant integrated into the system. Copilot assists with tasks like answering queries, generating images, summarizing web pages, and even planning your next trip, streamlining your workflow and boosting productivity.​

Gamers and creative professionals will appreciate the inclusion of DirectX 12 Ultimate, which delivers enhanced graphics and immersive experiences. Additionally, features like Auto HDR improve color and contrast in games, providing a more vibrant visual experience.​

Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro at this price point offers an affordable way to enhance your PC's functionality, security, and overall performance.​

You can pick up Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97. (reg. $199)

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro £14.97
£199 Save £184.03 Get Deal

SAVE OVER $2,000: The 98-inch Samsung Crystal UHD DU9000 TV is on sale for $1,849.99 at Woot, saving you over $2,000 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 98-inch Samsung Crystal UHD DU9000 TV $1,849.99
$3,997.99 Save $2,148 Get Deal

When you spend hours and hours every day trawling through the best and worst deals that the world has to offer, you become slightly numb. It takes something special to make an impression, and that actually happened when I came across this Samsung TV.

The first thing I noticed is that it's 98 inches. Does anyone need a TV that big? And the second thing I noticed is the discount. The 98-inch Samsung Crystal UHD DU9000 TV is on sale for $1,849.99 at Woot, saving you over $2,000 on list price. That's an absolutely enormous discount on a really enormous TV. That's a deal that gets you up out of your seat.

SEE ALSO: Tesla has launched a robotaxi service, but only for employees

This TV offers an AI-enhanced picture optimized for a super large screen. The Supersize Picture Enhancer reduces noise and increases sharpness, so you get a picture that’s bold and big. 4K Upscaling also transforms each pixel for improved content, so whether you're watching a movie, following your favorite team, or gaming, this TV really delivers.

Save over $2,000 on the 98-inch Samsung Crystal UHD DU9000 TV at Woot.

TL;DR: Live stream Arnaldi vs. Djokovic in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The latest round of 2025 Madrid Open games includes some really interesting matchups, but Djokovic is often the main attraction of any tournament he's playing in. The Serbian faces off against Arnaldi in the Round of 64.

If you want to watch Arnaldi vs. Djokovic in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Arnaldi vs. Djokovic for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Arnaldi vs. Djokovic.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open 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 Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Arnaldi vs. Djokovic without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 Arnaldi vs. Djokovic in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Noskova vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The latest round of 2025 Madrid Open games includes some really interesting matchups, including Noskova vs. Swiatek. Fans will be expecting last year's winner to progress, but Noskova is no slouch. This should be a real battle between two strong players.

If you want to watch Noskova vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Noskova vs. Swiatek for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Noskova vs. Swiatek.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open 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 Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Noskova vs. Swiatek without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 Noskova vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Li vs. Gauff in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Madrid Open has attracted some of the best players in the world as preparations for the French Open ramp up. There are a number of interesting games in the Round of 32, including Li vs. Gauff. This all-American contest is arguably the pick of the round.

If you want to watch Li vs. Gauff in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Li vs. Gauff for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Li vs. Gauff.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open 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 Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Li vs. Gauff without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 Li vs. Gauff in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final for free on RTVE. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

In the world of football, it really doesn't get any bigger than Barcelona vs. Real Madrid. And when these two famous sides meet in a final, the world stops and watches.

The 2025 Copa del Rey final brings together these star-studded teams for a showdown in Seville. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski will battle it out for the trophy. It's going to be an epic night, and fans from around the world can watch all the action without spending anything.

If you want to watch Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Barcelona vs. Real Madrid?

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final starts at 9 p.m. CEST on April 26. This fixture takes place at the Estadio La Cartuja.

How to watch Barcelona vs. Real Madrid for free

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Barcelona vs. Real Madrid for free 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 Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Live stream Barcelona vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 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 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game 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 sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa in the FA Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup is creeping towards its dramatic conclusion, with the four remaining teams heading to Wembley. Crystal Palace face off against Aston Villa in the first semi-final matchup. It's set to be a really close contest between two evenly-matched teams, with the likes of Eberechi Eze and Marcus Rashford taking center stage.

If you want to watch Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa?

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa in the FA Cup starts at 5:15 p.m. BST on April 26. This fixture takes place at Wembley Stadium.

How to watch Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa for free

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa for free 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 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 Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game 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 sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) in the 2025 NBA playoffs for free on Ran.de. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA playoffs is delivering a number of really interesting first-round series, including LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets. These star-studded teams have both had their issues this season, but anyone with Kawhi Leonard or Nikola Jokić will always have a chance of moving through the rounds.

If you want to watch LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) in the 2025 NBA playoffs for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4)?

LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) starts at 6 p.m. ET on April 26. This game takes place at the Intuit Dome.

How to watch LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) for free

LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) in the 2025 NBA playoffs is available to live stream for free on Ran.de.

Ran.de is geo-restricted to Germany, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Germany, meaning you can access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 Germany

4. Connect to Ran.de

5. Watch LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) for free

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA playoffs before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Ran.de, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Germany

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% 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 LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) for free with ExpressVPN.

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: The holy grail

• Green: A slot

• Blue: They lead a team

• Purple: Share a first word

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: What one strives for

• Green: Room to run

• Blue: College football coaches

• Purple: Box ___

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 #215 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• What one strives for - AIM, GOAL, OBJECTIVE, TARGET

• Room to run - GAP, HOLE, OPENING, SPACE

• College football coaches - DAY, LANNING, SMART, STOOPS

• Box ___ - LACROSSE, OFFICE, SCORE, SEAT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 26 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Face time

The words are primarily used by women.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are things that are meant to be used on the face.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is MakeupExam.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 26

• Concealer

• Foundation

• Powder

• Bronzer

• Primer

• MakeupExam

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 26 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: Tinge

• Green: Land between hills

• Blue: They share a first name

• Purple: Tints unscrambled

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: Tint

• Green: Valley

• Blue: Bobs

• Purple: Color anagrams

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 #685 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Tint: COLOR, HUE, SHADE, TONE

• Valley: DALE, DELL, GLEN, HOLLOW

• Bobs: DOLE, HOPE, MARLEY, ROSS

• Color anagrams: DRE, GARY, GENRE, LUBE

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 26

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.

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 26 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 26, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To fight.

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...

CLASH.

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 26

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.

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 plant native to Mexico.

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

AGAVE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Typically sung during the holidays.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 26, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CAROL

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A common sleeping position.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 26, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

FETAL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A tropical fruit.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 26 Hurdle Word 4 answer

MANGO

Final Hurdle hint

A measuring device.

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

SONAR

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

The best streaming deals to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs at a glance: BEST OVERALL Sling TV Orange $23/month for your first month (save $23) Get Deal BEST FOR TNT GAMES Max Standard annual plan $139.99 for your first year (save $30) Get Deal BEST INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $59.99/month for two months (save $46) Get Deal HONORABLE MENTION Hulu + Live TV 3-day trial, then $82.99 per month Get Deal

It's the most wonderful — and stressful — time of year for hockey fans: the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The first round of the 2025 NHL playoffs kicked off in mid-April after a record-breaking year (literally). After a historic 20th season in the NHL, Alex Ovechkin is now the greatest goal scorer of all time, breaking Wayne Gretzky's record that many thought was unbreakable. Not to mention, the Washington Capitals as a whole have had a tremendous season — falling only to the Winnipeg Jets in the standings.

Of course, as hockey fans know, anything can happen in the NHL playoffs. If you want to witness the excitement (and frustration) of playoff hockey live, here's everything you need to know.

When do the Stanley Cup playoffs start?

The first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs kicked off on April 19 with a matchup between the St. Louis Blues and No. 1 seed Winnipeg Jets. Teams generally play every other day, with games scheduled through May 4 if necessary. The dates for the second round, third round (conference finals), and Stanley Cup final will depend on how the first series pans out. The final will take place no later June 23. You can check out the full schedule on the official NHL website.

What channels are the NHL playoffs on?

If you have cable or access to a cable login, live games will air on the ESPN/ESPN2/ABC and TNT/truTV/TBS family of networks throughout the postseason. Each series is not strictly designated to one broadcaster — for example, games in a series could air on TNT, ABC, and ESPN within the same week.

Check out the official playoffs schedule on NHL.com to find out which channel to tune into for specific games.

How can I watch the Stanley Cup playoffs without cable?

Here's where things get complicated. If you don't have cable access or a cable login, you'll need at least one streaming service to catch all the playoff games live. To watch games that air on the TNT family of networks, you can either tune in through the Max app or via a live TV streaming provider like Sling TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. You'll be able to catch a fraction of the games that air live on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 through ESPN+, but definitely not all of them. Instead, you'll need a paid TV provider (either cable or live TV streaming via YouTube TV, Sling TV, etc.).

For die-hard hockey fans who can't fathom missing a live game, your best bet is to subscribe to a live TV streaming service. You'll get the most bang for your buck, despite the cost being a bit higher.

Different from cable, live TV streamers rely on the internet and offer you a live channel lineup without a monthly contract. You can cancel any time it no longer suits you — no strings attached. These services aren't cheap, but many offer introductory rates and are still generally more affordable than a monthly cable bill. Plus, you get your money's worth with access to live and local channels spanning news, sports, and entertainment. It'll serve you long after a team is awarded the coveted Stanley Cup, should you choose to keep your subscription.

Here's a breakdown of the best services and streaming deals to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs live.

Best for TNT, TBS, and truTV games: Max yearly plan Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Standard yearly plan $139.99 for your first year (save $30), then $169.99/year Get Deal

Through May 7, you can save $30 on a yearly Max Standard plan, dropping the cost down to just $139.99 per year or $11.67 per month. That's about 32% in savings compared to paying for the monthly plan. A Max Standard subscription includes the B/R Sports add-on, which includes access to the NHL on TNT games (and simulcast TBS and truTV games). Of course, this only covers about half of the postseason, so you'll still need another way to tune into ESPN and ABC broadcasts. Also note that after your initial discounted year is up, the price will revert to the typical annual plan fee, which is $169.99.

The most games for the lowest price: Sling TV Orange plan Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Orange plan $23 for your first month (save $23), then $46/month Get Deal

Sling TV's Orange plan is your best bet to watch the most postseason NHL games for the lowest price. The Orange plan includes access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT, and TBS, plus 30 other channels. While that doesn't include ABC, most ABC NHL games are also available through ESPN3, so you'll be all set. Sling subscriptions are a la carte, so you can add to and take away from your plan with no worries and cancel or pause your subscription at any time. The Orange plan costs $46 per month, but new users can slash 50% off their first month, knocking it down to just $26.

Best introductory offer: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV free 5-day trial, then $59.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

We're big fans of YouTube TV's massive 100+ channel lineup, which includes all of the networks you'll need to tune into the Stanley Cup playoffs live. On the other hand, we're not the biggest fans of the $82.99 per month cost. Fortunately, through July 31, new users can sign up with a killer introductory offer. Kick off your subscription with a five-day trial, then pay just $59.99 per month for your first two months — long enough to last through the Stanley Cup final. After your introductory period, the price will revert to $82.99, so be sure to cancel ahead of that.

Honorable mentions:

• Fubo TV (no TNT or TBS) — 7-day free trial, then $54.99 for first month $84.99 per month (save $30)

• Hulu + Live TV (all networks) — 3-day trial, then $82.99 per month

• ESPN+ (select games) — $11.99/month or as part of $16.99/month Disney+ bundle

Can I watch the NHL playoffs for free?

Penny pinchers can watch at least part of the postseason for free by utilizing free trials. You'll have to be extremely strategic to get the most out of it, but we'll leave all the details up to you. Here are your options.

• YouTube TV currently offers a free 20-minute preview, then a free five-day trial. To unlock the trial, you'll have to enter your credit card information. After your five days are up (you can keep an eye on how much time you have left), you can either cancel or pay $59.99 per month for your first two months — that's $46 in savings.

• You can also unlock a free seven-day trial through Fubo TV, then cancel before you get charged $54.99 for the first month. The only downside is that fuboTV doesn't give you access to TNT networks.

• Hulu + Live TV gives you another three days for free when you sign up. Just be sure to cancel before the three days are up to avoid that steep $82.99 per month fee.

That's a grand total of 15 days of free live NHL games. If you plan accordingly, you can watch a pretty big chunk of the Stanley Cup playoffs for free.

TL;DR: Get an AI Magicx lifetime subscription for $59.99 with code MAGIC35 (reg. $99.99).

You know the feeling — you ask ChatGPT for help with a creative project, and it spits out something…underwhelming. It’s fine, but it could be better. That’s why so many writers, designers, and creators are moving to this new AI tool for content creation.

AI Magicx is what ChatGPT wishes it could be. The layout of preset templates for writing, images, coding, and more is insanely refreshing compared to the simple chatbot’s text-based prompts. Using them is even sweeter — and cheaper. Own AI Magicx for $64.99 using code MAGIC35 at checkout (reg. $99.99).

The content creator’s dream tool

No more arguing with ChatGPT when you have a deadline on that article or marketing ad — see what AI Magicx’s tools have to offer. Having prebuilt templates for each need makes it much easier to communicate with each AI and get better results.

Let’s say you want to generate an AI logo. Rather than sending over a muddled paragraph to ChatGPT, simply:

1. Describe your logo in a text box

2. Choose a logo style

3. Select a color palette and background color

4. Hit generate

AI Magicx also hardly limits you as a creator. Each month, you get an unlimited number of AI words and up to 500 images and logos.

Own these AI writing and design tools for life with code MAGIC35 at checkout, dropping the price from $99.99 to $59.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AI Magicx AI Magicx: Lifetime Subscription (Rune Plan) £59.99
£99.99 Save £40.00 Get Deal

SAVE 77%: As of April 25, you can score a Bestway Hydro-Force Ventura Elite Inflatable Kayak Set for just $59.99, down from $259.99, at Woot. That's a 77% discount and a savings of $200.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bestway Bestway Hydro-Force Ventura Elite Inflatable Kayak Set $59.99 at Woot
$259.99 Save $200 Get Deal

I’m not an outdoorsy person, but I am impressed that you can get a whole ass kayak from Woot for under $60. And it's not a flimsy kid's kayak, either.

As of April 25, you can get the Bestway Hydro-Force Ventura Elite Inflatable Kayak Set for just $59.99, down from $259.99. That’s 77% off and a $200 discount. Plus, it comes with a hand pump, aluminum paddle, two fins, a gear bag, a carrying bag, and a repair patch kit. There’s also a storage compartment underneath the seat to stow away anything you need on the water.

SEE ALSO: Turn your car into a cozy camping retreat with the Carsule Pop-Up Car Cabin

This kayak only holds one person, but it’s built to comfortably fit someone up to 286 pounds. It’s also made from oil-proof, waterproof, and high-density materials that are resistant to sun damage.

We haven’t tested this kayak ourselves, but it has solid ratings. But you’ll have to buy it within the next six days to get this deal.

Seeking cinema that won't break the bank? Want a binge-watch that doesn't demand a monthly fee to finish? Then you should check out Kanopy, the video streaming service that offers over 30,000 titles. All you need to access its vast catalog of movies, TV, documentaries, and shorts is your library card.

Mashable offers watch guides for plenty of streaming services, from Hulu to Netflix, and more. Now Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko is working with Kanopy to bring must-watch recommendations to you with The Film Library: A Kanopy Podcast, a Kanopy Originals production helmed by Jason Tyrrell and executive produced by Christian Pierce.

Season 2 of the podcast has just launched, with Kristy and internet film critic Jeff Rauseo as co-hosts. Together they'll offer 10 movie or TV recommendations each episode, so Kanopy users have enthusiastic guides for the service's spectacular selection.

The first episode of Season 2 gives listeners to chance to get to know Kristy and Jeff through five of their favorite movies now streaming on Kanopy. Their lists include quirky comedies, chilling true-crime dramas, campy classics, and a recent Best Picture Winner. You can watch the episode above or on Kanopy. And you can give it a listen by downloading the audio podcasts.

In episode 2, The Film Library explores "Acting in April," celebrating movies and documentaries with phenomenal performances, legendary actors, and plenty of panache. Whether you favor dashing leading men, sassy dames, slapstick legends, or truly iconic divas, Kristy and Jeff have something for you. And there's much more to come!

The Film Library: A Kanopy Podcast will deliver new episodes twice a month, bringing new recommendations of hit films, hidden gems, misunderstood movies, and much, much more. Kanopy's catalog includes titles from BBC, Criterion, NEON, Samuel Goldwyn, HISTORY, A&E, The Great Courses, Kino Lorber, A24, and IFC Films. So, there's plenty to pick from whenever you log in!

How to watch: The Film Library: A Kanopy Podcast is available on Kanopy, YouTube, and wherever you download podcasts.

SAVE $49.99: As of April 25, get the Fitbit Versa 4 for $149.95, down from its usual price of $199.95, at Amazon. That's a discount of 25%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50 Get Deal

If a new smartwatch or fitness tracker is in the cards for you, you've got a ton of options to choose from. Many, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, are a bit on the pricier side. But there are still plenty of affordable picks out there that can do just about anything you need them to at a much more palatable price. Case in point: the Fitbit Versa 4, on sale at Amazon right now.

As of April 25, get the Fitbit Versa 4 for $149.95, down from its usual price of $199.95, at Amazon. That's $49.99 off and a discount of 25%. This discount applies to all three colorways: Pink Sand/Copper Rose, Black/Graphite, and Waterfall Blue/Platinum.

This fitness tracker is great for a variety of use cases, and it comes in an aesthetically pleasing package. It looks good as a regular watch on your wrist, and it comes with a wealth of fitness tracking options as well as lifestyle functionality. You can choose from over 40 sports tracking modes for cycling, swimming, running, and more.

Beyond that, the watch has sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and built-in GPS for tracking the rest of the important parts of your day and your lifestyle. Pair this with the ability to get notifications on your phone and its crisp, bright screen and you've got a candidate for an excellent fitness tracker under $200 right now.

Generative AI's impact on the environment is still deeply understudied, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and its human effects are just as unclear.

In the latest of several AI technology assessments conducted by the GAO — a nonpartisan agency that provides audits and evaluations to Congress, executive agency leaders, and the general public upon request — the legislative office outlined multiple human and environmental risks posed by the tech's unhampered development and widespread use. "Generative AI may displace workers, help spread false information, and create or elevate risks to national security," the report reads. Threats to data privacy and cybersecurity, the use of biased systems, and a lack of accountability could have unintended effects on society, culture, and people, writes the GAO.

And just as pressing is the need to determine how much of an energy drain AI's training (and ongoing use) presents and how we can mitigate it.

SEE ALSO: As AI manufacturing grows, so does the tech's environmental damage

"Training and using generative AI can result in substantial energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water usage," the GAO asserts. "The environmental effects of using generative AI have received less attention than the effects of training it... Definitive statements about these risks and challenges are difficult to make because generative AI is rapidly evolving, and private developers do not disclose some key technical information."

The lack of data from AI's developers is increasingly stymying environmental research, the GAO explains, hampering the evaluation of generative AI and its use cases, including those designed "for good." And existing policy actions, the GAO found, may not effectively address the human impact of generative AI over generations.

The Trump administration, and controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leader Elon Musk, have not shied away from implementing artificial intelligence in the federal government, including new memoranda focused on accelerating the use of a "high-impact" American-made AI system. On April 24, Trump signed an executive order creating an Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force, which will facilitate AI adoption among educators and K-12 students.

The AI order followed earlier executive orders rescinding the Biden administration's commitments to AI oversight. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance have both said they want to maintain the country's "global dominance" in artificial intelligence and push back against "excessive regulation" of the technology, declining to sign onto to international AI agreements, including the recent Paris summit declaration on inclusive AI — the United Kingdom also chose not to sign on.

Trump's anti-climate science agenda has careened forward, bolstered by the president's withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and slashing of federal science grants and research funding, including allotments to federal agencies like NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA). Meanwhile, Trump has aligned himself (and received funding from) some of AI's biggest proponents, including xAI's Musk and OpenAI's Sam Altman.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

SAVE 62%: As of April 25, you can get the Dewalt (DCPR320B) 20V Max pruning shears for $79.99, down from $208.22, at Woot. That's a 62% discount and a savings of $128.23.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dewalt Dewalt (DCPR320B) 20V Max pruning shears $79.99 at Woot
$208.22 Save $128.23 Get Deal

If you need a new set of pruning shears, don’t waste your time going to the hardware store.

As of April 25, you can get a pair of Dewalt (DCPR320B) 20V Max pruning shears for just $79.99, down from $208.22. That’s a 62% discount and a savings of $128.23. While this is the lowest price we’ve seen on this particular tool, we noticed that the list price looks a little inflated.

SEE ALSO: The Plantaform smart indoor garden uses NASA tech to grow plants with fog

Other retailers have it for around $119. Still, it’s a pretty good deal if you’re looking for a high-quality set of pruning shears. You have four days left to get it before it sells out. After that, we can’t promise you’ll be able to find it at this price again.

These shears are cordless and designed to cut everything from bushes to nuisance branches and roots. Dewalt’s tool has a cutting capacity of 1 1/2 inches, which is fairly standard for pruning shears. And you can make up to 1,100 cuts per charge.

It only weighs three pounds, so you can get whatever it is you need to get done without straining too hard. According to the product description, it requires 16 times less effort on average to use these shears compared to manual ones.