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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 Monday, March 10, 2025:

AcrossLike billionaires and chocolate cake

• The answer is Rich.

Actress Fanning of "A Complete Unknown"

• The answer is Elle.

Stay above water

• The answer is Float.

"Hamilton" character who sings "The Room Where It Happens"

• The answer is Burr.

Swirl of water

• The answer is Eddy.

Down"Hey ___, check your voicemail, you've missed a few calls!" (heckle)

• The answer is Ref.

"Wow, would you look at that!"

• The answer is IllBe.

Stratocumulus, e.g.

• The answer is Cloud.

Got wind of

• The answer is Heard.

Not phone it in

• The answer is Try.

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.

SAVE $300: As of March 10, the 2024 Apple MacBook Air (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale at Amazon for $999. That's 23% off its list price of $1,299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2024 MacBook Air (512GB) $999 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $300 Get Deal

Apple's MacBooks are pricy laptops, which is why it's always an exciting treat when you can find one on sale. Thankfully, Amazon has dropped a stellar deal on the M3 2024 Apple MacBook Air with a 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM that's worth checking out if you've been looking for an upgrade. It's currently at its lowest price yet, so there's no better time than now to jump on this exciting deal.

This MacBook is currently down to $999, 23% off its usual list price of $1,299. That saves you $300 overall, which is a great price drop. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, it has never hit this low of a price before, making now a great time to take advantage of its discount before it disappears.

SEE ALSO: Here's what you need to know about preordering the new M4 Apple MacBook Air

Boasting the M3 chip, this laptop is a speedy and efficient portable machine that won't slow you down no matter if you're using it for work or play. It's made all the better with a large 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display that makes what's on your screen really pop, and up to 18 hours of battery life to keep you going for longer between charges. And living up to its name, it's lightweight, too. If you need to take it with you, it's wonderfully portable.

• Price: $999 $1,299

• Retailer: Amazon

• Processor: Apple M3 Chip

• CPU: 8-core CPU

• GPU: 10-core GPU

• Memory: 16GB Unified Memory

• Storage: 512GB SSD

• Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina

• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours

• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt, MagSafe 3, 3.5mm headphone jack

• OS: macOS Sequoia

We also consider this the top pick in our roundup of the best MacBooks to buy in 2025, stating "It's undoubtedly the best version of the compact laptop to date. You'll get that thin and light frame, plus plenty of extra power to tackle all of your most demanding tasks."

Don't miss out on the M3 2024 MacBook Air with a 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

If you're looking for even more Apple deals, there are a few more worth checking out right now. Also at Amazon, the 10th-Gen iPad is currently enjoying a nice discount and the Apple Watch Series 10 has had a $100 price drop as well.

The characters in The White Lotus Season 3 are bad enough when sober, so we can't imagine what heavy drinking will do to them.

In the teaser for episode 5 it looks like that's exactly what will be happening next week though, with various characters — the Ratliff family boys (Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola), Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), plus the three friends (Michelle Monaghan, Leslie Bibb, and Carrie Coon) — all glimpsed partying at night.

Elsewhere there's also a shot of Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) lamenting his stolen gun, and Timothy Ratliff (Jason Isaacs) staring at the same gun with his trademark moody contemplation. This is only going to end badly.

The White Lotus is streaming now on Max, with new episodes dropping weekly at 9 p.m. ET Sundays on HBO.

Travelling usually means compromising. Limited luggage space and the need to prioritise practicality often relegates matters of style to an afterthought, if they're thought of at all. This can result in you finally arriving at your picturesque holiday destination only to feel like the most disorganised, dishevelled person on the face of the Earth.

You aren't the only one who's been left haggard by travelling, and hotel staff have likely seen it all before. Even so, a few thoughtful upgrades to your travel kit can help you feel more glamorous than gremlin. Incorporating a little luxury may also help you reframe your travel identity for yourself, transforming from a harried airport sprinter to a poised and put-together globetrotter. After all, it's hard to feel your best when you aren't looking your best.

Here are five essentials to help you travel in style.

SEE ALSO: 7 overlooked and underrated essential travel gadgets 1. DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Credit: DJI

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the type of gadget that might sound excessive when you first hear about it. After all, do you really need a standalone video camera if you already have a smartphone in your pocket? The answer is yes, you very much do. In fact, once you try DJI's fantastic pocket-sized gimbal camera, there's a good chance you'll never want to record videos with your phone ever again. 

At just 5.5 inches long, the Osmo Pocket 3 is a great camera to slip in your bag when you're on the go. It's phenomenally simple to operate, turning on with a satisfying twist of its two-inch rotating display screen, while its facial tracking feature follows your subject for smooth, well-framed, professional-looking shots. Capable of filming 4K footage in landscape and 3K footage in TikTok-friendly portrait, this camera is much less unwieldy than recording on your phone, and turns out better results. In fact, the only reasons any vlogger or content creator wouldn't covet an Osmo Pocket 3 are either because they already have one, or because they haven't heard about it.

While you can just pick up the Osmo Pocket 3 by itself, it's well worth upgrading to the Creator Combo pack if you can afford it. This pack adds a few accessories such as a battery handle, mini tripod stand, and most significantly a DJI Mic 2 transmitter. It's ridiculously easy to connect the Mic 2 to your Pocket 3 — literally just turn it on — and it provides noticeably clearer audio than the Osmo Pocket 3's on-device mic. Just remember to set a bit of cash aside for a good microSD card as well, as the Pocket 3 doesn't have any internal storage.

You should also remember to treat your Osmo Pocket 3 with care, particularly its delicate gimbal. The camera does come with a hard carry case, but unfortunately doesn't fit in the Creator Combo's soft carrying bag, and the easy access design still leaves the Osmo Pocket 3 open to potential damage. Though considering the device's compact size and how fun it is to use, this is probably one you'll keep close by in your carry on anyway.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $669 at Amazon
Shop Now 2. MAISON de SABRÉ Weekender bag Credit: MAISON de SABRÉ

MAISON de SABRÉ's Weekender Bag is the type of bag you travel with if you have your life together and don't mind if everyone knows it. Made of gorgeously supple full-grain leather, this beautiful 23-litre luggage option is both fashionable and functional, firmly establishing you as prime airport crush material.

The Weekender has six internal side pockets to help keep your belongings organised, including a padded sleeve for your laptop and a zipped option on the opposite side. It also has two external sleeve pockets, one of which can be zipped open at the bottom to turn into a luggage passthrough. Though even if you opt not to use the passthrough, The Weekender's structured base allows it to sit neatly on top of your suitcase without you having to worry about it sliding off. The bag also features shoulder carry handles, and comes with a detachable crossbody strap for an alternate carry option.

Featured Video For You One day you might be able to travel by water, land, and sky all in one vehicle – Future Blink

Weighing 1.45 kilograms (3.19 pounds), the Weekender is slightly heavier than MAISON de SABRÉ's 1.42-kilogram Duffle Bag, which also has a larger 35-litre capacity. However, this is because the Weekender is designed to be used more frequently, so has increased reinforcement. Considering how attractive this bag is, you'll probably be searching for any excuse to use it. Though on the other hand, the Weekender is also so pretty that subjecting it to the cruel rigours of travel almost feels like sacrilege regardless of whether it can take it.

Opens in a new window Credit: MAISON de SABRÉ MAISON de SABRÉ Weekender Bag $469
Shop Now 3. Sonos Ace headphones Credit: Sonos

A good pair of headphones is imperative to a good travel experience. Unless you're on a road trip and it's your turn to drive, there's a good chance you'll spend a significant amount of time watching the scenery go by during the travel part of travelling. A decent soundtrack can make these hours feel restorative rather than mundane.

Sonos' Ace headphones are the speaker company's highly anticipated first foray into wearables. With decades of audio experience behind its development, the Sonos Ace offers exceptional sound quality, long battery life, notable comfort, and a well-balanced transparency mode in a sleek, minimalist design. This includes removable magnetic ear cups, so you can swap them out if they get damaged rather than ditching the whole device. The headphones come with a handy carry case as well, so you don't have to worry about them getting tossed around in your bag. 

The Sonos Ace operates via Bluetooth, so that's something to keep in mind if you were hoping to be able to connect via WiFi. However, if you just want to listen to your Spotify playlist on your phone, these headphones should have you covered. Like other Bluetooth headphones, the Sonos Ace can also be used to listen to your plane's in-flight entertainment if you pair it with Twelve South's AirFly wireless adapter. They're a particularly good option if you already have a Sonos sound system at home as well, as you can pair it with the Ace to easily swap audio from your speakers to the headphones and vice versa.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ace headphones $409 at Amazon
$449 Save $40 Shop Now 4. Solbari ultra wide cotton linen hat UPF50+ and Traveller broad brim sun hat UPF50+ Credit: Solbari

Hats are severely underrated travel items. Many people have never had a good quality hat, getting by with miscellaneous branded caps that offer mediocre coverage at best. Considering that a bad sunburn can completely derail a trip, it's an area that travellers would do well to consider more seriously.

Solbari is an Australian brand focused on sun protection — and if anyone knows about sun protection, it's Australians. The country is notorious for its powerfully damaging sun which is seven to 10 percent stronger than in the U.S., resulting in sun safety being baked into its national consciousness as a constant concern for all Australians.

Solbari's ultra wide cotton linen hat UPF50+ is a fashionable yet functional addition to your travel kit. Made of a breathable linen and cotton blend that feels luxurious to handle, this lightweight hat's wide five-inch brim extends even further to six inches at the back, offering fantastic protection against the sun while also looking stylish. The hat even has a small slot at the back for you to pull your ponytail through, so it isn't uncomfortably pressed against the back of your skull.

While Solbari doesn't offer linen in its men's styles, its popular Traveller broad brim sun hat UPF50+ includes four vents to help keep you cool. With a brim measuring three inches at the front and 3.5 at the back, the hat is made of thin, lightweight nylon that's both water- and stain-resistant, features which are always beneficial in travelling gear.

Both of these Solbari hats are UPF50+ rated, and have adjustable chin straps and drawstrings at the back to keep them safely on your head (though the former is removable if that's the look you prefer). The cotton linen hat does fold up more easily than the Traveller which has a stiffer rim, but the latter still packs flat for easy transport. You can always simply loop the chin strap around your luggage handle as well.

Opens in a new window Credit: Solbari Solbari Ultra Wide Cotton Linen Hat UPF50+ $79 at Amazon
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Solbari Solbari Traveller Broad Brim Sun Hat UPF50+ $48.30 at Amazon
Shop Now 5. Insta360 Flow Pro Credit: Insta360

While DJI's Osmo Pocket 3 is a great camera, it definitely isn't in everyone's budget. As the famous saying goes, the best camera is the one that's with you — and more often than not, that's the one on your phone. This doesn't mean you couldn't use an extra gadget to upgrade your photography, though.

The Insta360 Flow Pro is a gimbal, tripod, and selfie stick all in one, helping you perfectly frame your holiday videos. In addition to compensating for shaky hands, the Flow Pro can use AI to track subjects, allowing you to film yourself in steady, cinematic panning shots even when travelling alone. The buttons on its handle also enable you to control your camera, whether you want to change your phone's orientation, switch between the front and back cameras, start and stop tracking and recording, or even zoom in.

Though the Flow Pro is considerably more chunky than the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, it boasts 360-degree tracking. An upgrade from the Insta360 Flow, the Flow Pro further adds one-tap NFC pairing for quick and easy setup, and a light to indicate when tracking is active. This severely souped-up selfie stick even has native tracking within the iPhone camera (though you should definitely update your iPhone to at least iOS 18 to ensure this works properly).

While Insta360 Flow Pro does have extra compatibility with iPhones, Android users can still benefit from this gadget as well. Green bubble adherents won't be able to use one-tap pairing or tracking in their phone's native camera, but will otherwise be able to enjoy the Insta360 Flow Pro's full functionality via the Insta360 app. You'll probably want to use the Insta360 app even if you do have an iPhone anyway, as it offers a smoother experience, improved tracking, and access to features such as 3x3 panoramic photos.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insta360 Insta360 Flow Pro $189.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

UPDATE: Mar. 10, 2025, 4:08 p.m. AEDT This article was originally published September 2024, and has since been updated in March 2025.

SAVE $30: As of March 10, Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) are on sale for $148.99 at Amazon, down from $179. That’s a 17% discount on Apple’s latest earbuds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) $148.99 at Amazon
$179 Save $30.01 Get Deal

Apple’s new AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are already on sale at Amazon for $148.99, and considering how rarely Apple products get discounted, this is one to take seriously. These aren’t just a small upgrade over the last model either. Apple actually redesigned them for better comfort, sound, and battery life. If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to swap out your old AirPods, here it is.

Let’s start with what makes these different. The Active Noise Cancellation means you can actually drown out background noise instead of cranking the volume to dangerous levels. But Apple didn’t stop there. They added Adaptive Audio, which automatically blends ANC and Transparency Mode to adjust for your surroundings. There’s also Conversation Awareness, which lowers your music when you start talking to someone, so you don’t have to awkwardly rip out an earbud mid-sentence.

SEE ALSO: I've just scored Apple’s 10th-Gen iPad for under $260 at Amazon. That’s its lowest price in 30 days.

The design has been refreshed too. The shorter stem and contoured fit make them more comfortable for all-day wear. Apple also packs in the H2 chip, which boosts sound quality, improves call clarity, and makes pairing with Apple devices as effortless as ever. Speaking of calls, Voice Isolation ensures that whoever you're talking to can actually hear you, even if you’re calling from a noisy environment.

• Price: $148.99 $179

• Retailer: Amazon

• Chip: H2 headphone chip

• Noise Control: Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode

• Audio Features: Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, Custom high-excursion Apple driver

• Microphones: Dual beamforming mics, Inward-facing mic, Speech-detecting accelerometer

• Battery Life: Up to 4 hours per charge with ANC, 5 hours without, 30 hours total with case

• Charging Case: USB-C, Wireless charging (Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified)

• Resistance Rating: IP54 dust, sweat, and water-resistant

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, effortless pairing with Apple devices

• Controls: Force sensor for music and calls, “Hey Siri” voice activation

Battery life is solid, with up to five hours of listening time per charge, or four hours if ANC is on. The charging case gives you 30 hours total, and yes, it supports wireless charging. You can power it up with a USB-C cable, an Apple Watch charger, or any Qi-certified wireless charger. Apple also made the case dust, sweat, and water-resistant (IP54 rated), so it’s a little more durable than previous models.

Finding brand-new AirPods with ANC for under $150 is rare, and while this isn’t the steepest discount ever, it’s still a great price for Apple’s latest earbuds. If you were waiting for a deal, this is a good one. Amazon doesn’t keep Apple products on sale for long, so grab them before the price jumps back up.

SAVE $29: As of March 10, Apple AirPods 4 (USB-C, non-ANC) are on sale for $99.99 at Amazon, down from $129. That’s a 22% discount on Apple’s latest earbuds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (USB-C, non-ANC) $99.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $29.01 Get Deal

Apple’s newest AirPods just dropped to $99.99 at Amazon, and I can already hear my wallet sighing in defeat. If you’ve been using the same pair of earbuds for the past few years and they're starting to sound like a popcorn kettle, it's time to upgrade. These are the latest AirPods, freshly redesigned for better comfort and sound, and Amazon is already shaving $29 off the price. That doesn’t happen often with new Apple gear.

Fourth-gen AirPods aren’t just a rehash either. Apple made some real changes starting with the design. They’ve got a shorter stem and a new contour that’s supposed to be more stable and comfortable for all-day wear. No more constantly readjusting them every five seconds. The H2 chip inside means improved sound, faster pairing, and that classic Apple magic where they just work.

SEE ALSO: I've just scored Apple’s 10th-Gen iPad for under $260 at Amazon. That’s its lowest price in 30 days.

One of the best upgrades is Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, which makes your music and movies feel like they’re happening around you instead of just blasting into your ears. It’s not quite AirPods Pro-level immersive, but it’s a step up from previous models. If you take a lot of calls, the Voice Isolation feature helps cut out background noise, so you won’t sound like you’re calling from inside a wind tunnel. Battery life is solid, with up to five hours of listening time per charge and 30 hours total with the charging case.

• Price: $99.99 $129

• Retailer: Amazon

• Chip: H2 headphone chip

• Audio Features: Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, Custom high-excursion Apple driver

• Microphones: Dual beamforming mics, Inward-facing mic, Speech-detecting accelerometer

• Battery Life: Up to 5 hours per charge, 30 hours total with case

• Charging Case: USB-C, 10% smaller than previous model

• Resistance Rating: IP54 dust, sweat, and water-resistant

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, effortless pairing with Apple devices

• Controls: Force sensor for music and calls, “Hey Siri” voice activation

Speaking of the case, it has been redesigned too. It’s 10% smaller and finally comes with USB-C charging, so if you’ve already switched over to the new MacBooks or iPads, you won’t need to carry an extra cable just for your earbuds. They’re also IP54-rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, which means they can handle workouts and get caught in the rain without a problem.

If you want Active Noise Cancellation, you’ll have to shell out more for the higher-end model, but if you’re just looking for reliable, easy-to-use AirPods that sound great and fit better, these are a steal at this price. AirPods don’t go on sale often, and when they do, they don’t stay there for long. $99 for a brand-new pair? That’s about as good as it gets. Might want to grab them before Amazon remembers they don’t have to discount Apple products this much.

SAVE $300: As of March 10, the 2024 MacBook Air (13-inch, M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $799 at Amazon. That’s an 18% discount, including a $99 coupon at checkout.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2024 MacBook Air (13-inch, M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $300 Get Deal

Amazon just did something wild. The brand-new 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip is down to $799, and I’m trying really hard to come up with a reason not to buy it. Spoiler: I can’t. Apple isn’t exactly known for giving out discounts on a fresh(ish) release, so seeing this price drop feels like some kind of glitch. Normally, you'd be looking at $1,099, but Amazon has it marked down by $200. Then there’s an extra $99 coupon at checkout, bringing the total discount to $300.

The M3 chip is a real step up, making this the fastest and most efficient MacBook Air yet. Apple has been hyping up its future AI-powered features, and the M3 chip is built to handle them. You’re also getting 16GB of memory, which is kind of a big deal since it means this thing won’t start lagging the second you open a few too many Chrome tabs. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is the same stunning screen Apple is known for, with support for a billion colors and True Tone to keep everything looking crisp. Battery life is also ridiculous. Apple claims up to 18 hours, which means you could realistically forget your charger at home and still get through a full day of work, doomscrolling, or streaming.

SEE ALSO: I've just scored Apple’s 10th-Gen iPad for under $260 at Amazon. That’s its lowest price in 30 days.

One of the best things about the MacBook Air is how portable it is. This model is under half an inch thin and weighs just 2.7 pounds, so throwing it in your bag is a no-brainer. The fanless design means it stays completely silent, even if you’re running multiple apps or watching way too many YouTube videos. It’s also got a 10-core GPU, which means it's a decent platform for creative work or casual gaming. If you’ve ever hopped on a video call and cringed at how grainy you looked, the 1080p FaceTime HD camera fixes that problem. The audio setup isn’t bad either, with a four-speaker system and Spatial Audio for immersive sound.

• Price: $799 $1,099

• Retailer: Amazon

• Processor: Apple M3 chip (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)

• Memory: 16GB Unified Memory

• Storage: 256GB SSD

• Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (500 nits, True Tone)

• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours

• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt, MagSafe 3, 3.5mm headphone jack

• OS: macOS Sequoia

Connectivity is solid thanks to two Thunderbolt ports, a MagSafe charging port, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. It even has a headphone jack, which feels like a small miracle in 2025. The seamless integration with other Apple devices makes it even more tempting. You can start an email on your iPhone and finish it on your Mac, copy something on your laptop and paste it on your iPad, or answer text messages from your screen. Apple knows how to keep you locked into its ecosystem, and honestly, it works.

Finding a MacBook Air at this price is rare, and finding a brand-new model for under $800 is almost unheard of. The last time Apple dropped a new MacBook Air, you had to wait months for a meaningful discount. This deal probably won’t stick around for long, so if you’ve been thinking about upgrading now’s the time to make a move. The extra $99 coupon at checkout is easy to miss, so double-check that it’s applied before you hit the buy button.

TL;DR: Mashable readers can save $219 on a Rosetta Stone lifetime subscription while codes last, but fewer than 100 codes are available at this price.

In three months, I’ll be in Japan, and I’d really like to avoid the whole ‘stereotypical tourist’ vibe. I’ve always heard that Rosetta Stone is one of the best language-learning apps, but I’m not sure if it can actually help me learn some Japanese in time for my trip. There’s only one way to find out — I’m putting it to the test.

Mashable has a deal right now where you can get lifetime access for only $179.99 (reg. $399). Not only is this cheaper than buying it through Rosetta Stone’s website, but it’s a far better value than paying month-to-month when I plan on learning other languages for future trips.

Learning Japanese with Rosetta Stone

I just opened Rosetta Stone for the first time, and it’s already throwing me straight into Japanese lessons — no word lists, no grammar drills, just matching pictures with new words and their pronunciation. It feels like how kids naturally pick up language, which is way less intimidating than I imagined. 

I always thought learning Japanese would be overwhelming (especially with the character system), but within minutes, I’m already trying to pronounce words and simple phrases out loud. The speech-recognition tool listens and gives instant feedback, which is super helpful, considering I don’t want to embarrass myself during my trip.

A few weeks in

Right now, I’m working through greetings and everyday phrases — stuff I’ll actually use when I land in Tokyo. If I keep this up, maybe I won’t have to rely on Google Translate the whole trip.

I’m also excited to try learning some of the other 24 languages included in Rosetta Stone. I plan to travel the world in my lifetime, so knowing I have access to Spanish, French, German, and more language lessons at my fingertips is perfect.

Learn languages for travel with Rosetta Stone, now $179.99 for lifetime access (reg. $399).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rosetta Stone Rosetta Stone: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $179.99
$399 Save $219.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: This week only, Mac users can save $42 on a PDF Expert Premium Plan lifetime subscription.

There’s nothing wrong with Adobe Acrobat…until you realize you’re paying for it constantly when you really only edit a couple of PDFs each month. If you want a program you can own with a one-time payment, check out this Adobe Acrobat alternative. The features are nearly identical, except it’s $97.99 for life (reg. $139.99) — even if you upgrade your Mac.

More about PDF Expert

• Edit PDFs with ease: Fix typos, add images, and adjust formatting directly within your PDFs.

• Annotate and review efficiently: Highlight key points, add comments, and use custom stamps for streamlined collaboration.

• Convert between formats: Seamlessly convert PDFs to and from various file types, including Word, Excel, and images.

• Fill and sign forms: Complete interactive forms, add electronic signatures, and redact sensitive information with ease.

• Make scans searchable: Use OCR to convert scanned documents into editable and searchable PDFs.

Get a PDF editor with no monthly fees for your Mac, now $97.99 this week only (reg. $139.99). No coupon is needed to get this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Readdle Limited PDF Expert Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Mac) $97.99
$139.99 Save $42.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: While supplies last, you can get this lightweight 20,000mAh power bank for $67.99 with free shipping (reg. $69.99) — fewer than 50 are available.

Is that a power bank in your bag, or a brick? You try to pack light when heading out for the day or a week-long trip, but that high-capacity power bank really weighs things down. The problem is it wasn’t built for travel like this one that fits in the palm of your hand.

The INIU Leopard power bank packs in 20,000mAh capacity, yet it’s only four inches long and weighs the same as a box of Kraft mac and cheese. It easily fits into pockets for everyday use or travel bags — and it’s TSA-compliant. Order yours here for $67.99 with free shipping before inventory runs out (reg. $69.99).

Other features

Before you ditch your bulky dinosaur of a power bank, you probably want to know what else makes this one so unique. Here’s what else we love about it:

• Charge three devices at once with one USB-A and two USB-C ports

• The power bank supports 65W fast charging, even for laptops 

• When the device needs to be recharged, it only takes two hours

Your purchase also includes a USB-C cable so you can power your devices right out of the box. For added peace of mind, you also get a three-year warranty from the brand.

Get one of these travel-friendly power banks for $67.99 with free shipping ASAP (reg. $69.99) — we have fewer than 50 available at this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: INIU INIU Leopard Power 65W USB-C 20k mAh Power Bank with LED Display $67.99
$69.99 Save $2 Get Deal

SAVE 50% ON ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE: Avast Mobile Security is offering half off its annual paid plans for your first year so you can get better security for your Android devices at a lower price.

The best deals on Avast Mobile Security: Best for basics Avast Premium Security £42.50 (save 50%) Get Deal Best for advanced features Avast Gold One £69.99 (save 50%) Get Deal

Your beloved Android device deserves the best, and that includes proper protection against all of the things that can do it harm: viruses, ransomware, phishing, data breaches, and more potential threats. The online world can be a dangerous place, so it's vital that you equip yourself with reliable antivirus software to keep your device and information safe.

The good news is that there are plenty of impressive antivirus options to consider in 2025, including popular names like Norton to McAfee. But if you're looking for a free mobile antivirus app to get you started, Avast Mobile Security stands out as a great pick for Android devices.

SEE ALSO: The best antivirus software for staying protected online

In our rundown of the best Android antivirus apps, we named Avast as one of the best free antivirus and security solutions for Android. We said Avast "is filled with features that guarantees your Android will stay safe and your information secure. After all, Avast offers both real-time and on-demand scanning and easily checks the security of whatever WiFi connection you’ve logged onto."

Avast's free mobile antivirus app is a great place to start, but if you take your phone's security really seriously, you might want to consider an upgrade. And it's a good time to do exactly that, because Avast is offering a deal on its premium annual plans right now so you can get total protection against mobile threats at a low price.

As of March 10, you can score some of Avast Mobile Security's annual plans for 50% off for the first year. This includes Premium Security and the Avast One Gold, which are available for £42.50 for the first year and £69.99 for the first year, respectively. After that, Premium Security will automatically renew at full price unless cancelled. The process of cancelling this automatic renewal is straightforward, so there's no pressure to pay anything more than the deal price.

So why should you consider upgrading?

• Premium Security — Blocks viruses, ransomware, and malware. Also monitors your apps for any suspicious activity, uses advanced firewall, stops webcam spies, helps you to avoid fake websites, and provides additional protection for your sensitive information.

• Avast One Gold — Offers the same benefits as Premium Security, plus an unlimited VPN. Avast One Gold also monitors your online accounts for any breaches, automatically updates your drivers, keeps an eye out for trackers from advertisers, and helps to clean up your devices.

We consider Avast's Premium Security to be one of the best antivirus software options, noting that "if you're keen to pay for an antivirus rather than rely on a freebie, this is a great option. And it covers a total of 10 devices."

Stay ahead of the game in 2025 and download Avast Mobile security for free today, and then consider one of Avast's premium plans for even more advanced security options.

TL;DR: Grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for £42.58 (reg. £170.40) — get eight essential apps, no subscriptions, and offline access for uninterrupted productivity.

Tired of juggling subscriptions and battling unreliable internet connections? With Microsoft Office Professional 2021, you can own a lifetime license for only £42.58 a fraction of its £170 value. This limited-time offer gives you many of the tools you need — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access — without the hassle of recurring fees. 

Office 2021 is a reliable, offline-friendly solution for productivity. While the 2024 version only gives you five apps, this one includes eight. Whether you’re crafting reports, analysing data, or giving a standout presentation, these familiar apps work seamlessly without requiring an internet connection. You can save, edit, and access files locally, making it a great option for those who travel frequently or work in areas with spotty Wi-Fi.

Unlike the newer MS Office 2024, this version doesn’t overload you with AI integrations or features you may never use. It’s lighter on your system, easier to navigate, and comes with more apps (eight compared to five in Office 2024). Plus, with a lifetime license tied directly to your device, you’ll never worry about subscriptions or unexpected price hikes.

Who could benefit?

• Professionals: Simplify workflow and communications with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Students: Tackle essays, projects, revision, and presentations with confidence.

• Small business owners: Manage finances, communications, and databases efficiently.

• Personal users: Manage household budgets, communicate effectively, and stay organised.

Remember, this offer is only valid for a limited time. Upgrade your Windows PC (Windows 10 or 11 required) and unlock tools designed to boost productivity.

Get a lifetime of Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for only £42.58 (reg. £170.40) through 30 March while this price is still available.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License £42.58
£170.40 Save £127.82 Get Deal

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 10 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 10 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: You're pushing my buttons

These words are labels.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The words are related to TVs.

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 RemoteControl.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 10

• Home

• Volume

• Back

• Channel

• RemoteControl

• Power

• Guide

• Mute

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: 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: Great for montages

• Green: Boss

• Blue: Schools

• Purple: Regrouping tools

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: Work at one's skills

• Green: Leader of a team

• Blue: Pennsylvania colleges

• Purple: Used during a timeout

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 #168 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Work at one's skills - DRILL, EXERCISE, PRACTICE, TRAIN

• Leader of a team - COACH, GAFFER, MANAGER, SKIPPER

• Pennsylvania colleges - DREXEL, PENN, PITT, TEMPLE

• Used during a timeout - CHAIR, TOWEL, WATER BOTTLE, WHITEBOARD

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.

Rick Hatchett (Walton Goggins) has been brooding all over The White Lotus this season, throwing full buckets over his girlfriend Chelsea's (Aimee Lou Wood) attempts at holiday fun and dropping a surprise mystery Bangkok trip into their schedule — one he'll take alone.

But now, after Season 3, episode 4, we've got a strong idea about why they're actually in Thailand at all — and it's not just to have an expensive holiday. Let's get into why Rick chose this particular White Lotus and what his real agenda is.

SEE ALSO: Did you catch this Oscar winner's cameo in 'The White Lotus' Season 3? What happens in The White Lotus Season 3, episode 4? It all comes out on the boat. Credit: Fabio Lovino / HBO

During the guests' cruise around the islands on Greg's (Jon Gries) superyacht, Chelsea hits her limit of Rick's unrelenting gloom. Pulling him aside on deck, she draws a proverbial line in the sand and demands her secretive partner let her in or she's out. When Rick responds asking what Chelsea would like to know, she starts with the question we all have: "Why are we here? What's in Bangkok?"

After resisting, Rick finally tells the truth: "We're here because the fuckin' dude who murdered my father owns this hotel."

OK!

What do we know about Rick's father's murder? Rick's deepest trauma happened before he was born. Credit: Fabio Lovino / HBO

The details of Rick's father's death come up during his stress management session with spiritual counsellor and meditation teacher Dr. Amrita (Shalini Peiris) in episode 2. Here, Rick reveals that his father was murdered before he was born, a loss that forms the core of his seemingly unlawful life choices.

In episode 4, Rick tells Chelsea that while he never knew his father, he knew him to be a "do-gooder" who was in Thailand when he suddenly disappeared in suspicious circumstances. "He came to Thailand to help people," Rick says on the boat. "He was trying to help these locals keep a shitty American from stealing their land — I really don't know all the details. But my father was here trying to do the right thing, and one day he disappeared. They never found him."

We also learn in episode 4 that Rick's mother, who died when he was 10 from a drug overdose, gave him the name of his father's murderer on her deathbed. And that name? Jim Hollinger.

Who is Jim Hollinger?

We've seen Rick staring at glamorous hotel owner, wellness author, and famous singer Sritala (Lek Patravadi) since arriving at the White Lotus, and he's not hid his disappointment over her husband's absence at the hotel.

When Rick and Chelsea first arrive in episode 1, Mook (Lisa / Lalisa Manobal) confirms to Rick that the owners of the hotel are Sritala and her American husband, Jim Hollinger. It's the name Rick's had etched in his brain since his traumatic childhood, and one that brought him here. Having read it in the news, Rick knew Hollinger was in hospital on the island, but unfortunately he's one day late to meet the man — Hollinger flew to Bangkok the day before Rick arrived.

All we really know about Hollinger is that he's a powerful American in Thailand, who owns the White Lotus "and half of Thailand" according to Rick. Did he murder Rick's father for meddling in a land grab? Or is there more to the story?

What's Rick going to do in Bangkok? "The guy ruined my life from day one. He doesn't have to answer to me?" Credit: Fabio Lovino / HBO

Essentially, as Chelsea says to Rick on the yacht, "Is this a bit 'You killed my father, prepare to die?'"

Considering Rick's the type of erratic guy who'll free a bunch of venomous snakes while high, anything's possible once Rick catches up to Hollinger in Bangkok. Despite Chelsea's pleas for Rick not to "do something stupid," Rick says he simply wants to look the man who murdered his father in the face. But will he move beyond confrontation and exact revenge?

"The guy ruined my life from day one. He doesn't have to answer to me?" asks Rick.

"You're not going to just talk to him are you? I know you, Rick, this is what you do," replies Chelsea, alluding to his possibly violent or criminal past. In episode 1, Rick reminds Chelsea he "can't go to Australia," indicating he'd be arrested there, but it's unclear exactly how much she knows about his lucrative line of work.

What will come of this interaction? Credit: Fabio Lovino / HBO

One notable moment we don't yet have answers for lies in episode 3, when Rick introduces himself to Sritala at breakfast. Pretending to be a producer and procuring her business card, he promises a fake meeting with a director in Bangkok, where she is travelling to join her husband. We're thinking this might be a card Rick has to play in future episodes?

The big question is, what exactly will Rick do when he finds Jim Hollinger in Bangkok? Chelsea tells Rick he's a "victim of his own decisions" during their first dinner at the White Lotus — will he remain on-brand?

The White Lotus is streaming now on Max, with new episodes dropping weekly at 9 p.m. ET Sundays on HBO.

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 March 10 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: Types of domestic felines

• Green: Well-known grins from pop culture

• Blue: Landmarks that have changed from their original slate

• Purple: Things closely linked to famous film bum

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: Cat Breeds

• Green: Famous Smiles

• Blue: Attractions Iconically Different From Their Original Forms

• Purple: Associated with "The Dude" Lebowski

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 #638 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Cat Breeds: RAGAMUFFIN, RUSSIAN BLUE, SPHYNX, TURKISH ANGORA

• Famous Smiles: CHESHIRE CAT, COMEDY MASK, JOKER, MONA LISA

• Attractions Iconically Different From Their Original Forms: LIBERTY BELL, STATUE OF LIBERTY, TOWER OF PISA, VENUS DE MILO

• Associated with "The Dude" Lebowski: BATHROBE, BOWLING, RUG, WHITE RUSSIAN

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 10

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 March 10 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 10, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A selfish desire to hurt or annoy someone.

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...

SPITE.

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 10

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.

Hideo Kojima has once again served up a fresh batch of "What the hell did I just watch?"

The legendary game director took the stage at SXSW to unveil a brand-new look at his much-anticipated sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Joining him for the panel were Norman Reedus (returning as Sam Porter Bridges), Troy Baker, and French music director/designer Woodkid. The nearly 10-minute trailer — shown to an eager crowd at the Austin Convention Center — is classic Kojima: jaw-dropping visuals, eerie monsters, and a healthy dose of beautifully bizarre chaos.

It’s weird. It’s stunning. And, honestly, we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Not only did we get fresh gameplay, but we finally have a release date: June 26. Death Stranding 2 picks up where the first game left off, following Sam Porter Bridges as he and his allies wrestle with the existential fallout of their mission. Death Stranding 2's tagline, "Should we have connected?" appears to reference the first game's focus on connecting the scattered remains of the United States. Now, it looks as though the sequel will question whether all that effort was worth it.

This sequel brings a new journey, a fresh setting, and an expanded cast of characters. A previous trailer introduced us to Troy Baker’s crow-inspired maniac, but this latest look unveils Luca Marinelli’s Neil, the leader of a mysterious new faction — sporting a headband that makes him look suspiciously like Solid Snake from Metal Gear.

It’s an exciting time for Kojima and his studio, with the team not only gearing up for Death Stranding 2 but the director also announcing a global concert tour, Strands Of Harmony — and a full-fledged film adaptation in collaboration with the award-winning A24.

You can pre-order Death Stranding 2: On the Beach on March 17, 2025.

If you've ever gotten a direct message on Instagram in a language you don't speak very well, it can be annoying to have to copy the text, open a browser, head to translate.google.com and translate the message, all to just return to the original app and respond. But an Instagram feature released in February allows users to translate messages right in the DM — and it's pretty simple.

"Staying connected with friends and family around the world just got easier. With Instagram’s new message translation feature, you can effortlessly communicate around the globe without worrying about a language barrier," Instagram wrote in a press release about the feature. "Whether you’re catching up with your cousins in Korea or your BFF abroad in Spain – you can translate their messages directly within your DMs, helping you stay close to your loved ones even when you’re apart."

Here's how to translate a message within Instagram DMs.

SEE ALSO: New Instagram DM features allow you to translate, schedule, and pin messages Total Time

• 1 min

What You Need

• phone
• Instagram app

Step 1: Hold down on the message you want to translate

Hard press on the message you want to translate, and a few options will show up. This includes "reply," "forward," "copy," make AI image," "translate," "pin," "delete for you," and "report."

Credit: Screenshot / Instagram

Step 2: Click "translate"

When you click "translate," a message will pop up on your first attempt. The message reads "read messages in your preferred language," and, under that, it says "Text from messages you translate will be shared with Meta to provide translations." This will only pop up the first time you attempt to translate a message. If you wish to continue with the translation, click "OK."

Credit: Screenshot / Instagram

Step 3: See your translated message

After you click translate, the translated message will show in the message section underneath the original message. For instance, if your friend sent you the Spanish Bad Bunny lyric "debí tirar más fotos," it will show "should have taken more pictures" underneath.

Credit: Screenshot / Instagram

The feature isn't yet available on desktop, but it is available for Instagram on iOS and Android.

At SXSW 2025, the panel "Aesthetic Access for VR: Centering Disabled Artistry" showcased Territory, a groundbreaking virtual reality experience that proved that accessibility isn’t just an add-on — it’s an art form.

Created by Kinetic Light and Double Eye Studios, Territory is the first fully "aesthetically accessible" VR experience. Instead of retrofitting an existing VR program with accessibility features like captions and audio descriptions, the team built them into the creative process from the start.

"Access is no longer an accommodation that retroactively makes an experience accessible to disabled audiences," said Kinetic Light's Laurel Lawson during the panel. "Instead, access is the providence of art itself."

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT is ableist toward applicants with disabilities, new study finds

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Territory tells its story through aerial dance, haptic feedback, and spatialized sound. Viewers take on the role of a "witness," feeling the impact of barbed wire both physically and metaphorically. The experience uses custom haptic motifs, allowing vibrations to convey movement and emotion — a game-changer for blind and low-vision users.

Even captions are reimagined. Instead of static text, Territory’s captions move dynamically, following characters and poetically interpreting music and sound effects. "Most of the caption systems that we tested couldn't reach the level of detail [we wanted], so we had to construct something from scratch," said Kiira Benz, Double Eye's executive creative director.

Accessibility in VR is still evolving, but Territory sets a new standard — where access isn’t just about inclusion but innovation. By making accessibility an artistic choice, Kinetic Light and Double Eye Studios challenge creators to rethink how VR can be truly immersive for all.

Lawson emphasized that "access is not backfilling" and should be integrated from the beginning because designing with accessibility in mind deepens artistic practice.