Feed aggregator

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people who love Heated Rivalry.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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: Lone Star sports

• Green: Streetwear

• Blue: Gamechangers

• Purple: Associated with the word "long"

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Texas Teams

• Green: Sportswear Brands

• Blue: Associated with "Heated Rivalry"

• Purple: Long___

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 #527 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Texas Teams - ASTROS, MAVERICKS, STARS, TEXANS

• Sportswear Brands - ADIDAS, CHAMPION, FILA, STARTER

• Associated with "Heated Rivalry" - HOLLANDER, METROS, RAIDERS, ROZANOV

• Long___ - BEACH STATE, JUMP, RELIEF, SNAPPER

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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 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 popular dating app.

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

HINGE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Before.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 4, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PRIOR

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Game points.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 4, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SCORE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A mystical creature.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

FAIRY

Final Hurdle hint

A plant.

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

FICUS

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 NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're persistent.

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 Pips hints, answers for March 4, 2026 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: To chase

• Green: A good sport

• Blue: Children enjoyments

• Purple: Classic films

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Pursue

• Green: Sportsmanlike

• Blue: Classic kid gifts

• Purple: "___Girl" titles

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 #997 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Pursue: HOUND, SHADOW, TAIL, TRACK

• Sportsmanlike: FAIR, HONEST, SPORTING, SQUARE

• Classic kid gifts: BIKE, BOOK, TOY, VIDEO GAME

• "___Girl" titles: GONE, GOSSIP, NEW, WORKING

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 4, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love to bake.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 4, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 4, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Piece of cake

The words are related to pastries.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe pastry ingredients.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is diagonal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Spruced Up.

NYT Strands word list for March 4

• Candles

• Vanilla

• Flour

• Frosting

• Baking Aisle

• Cocoa

• Sugar

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a kleptomaniac.

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 hints today: Clues, answers for March 4, 2026 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 Pips hints, answers for March 4, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Robbery.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter T appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

THEFT

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.

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.

The highest court in the land has decided not to hear a case on whether AI-generated art can be copyrighted under U.S. law, as the battle over digital creation continues.

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal involving an artist refused copyright for digital art created by a personal AI software. Plaintiff Stephen Thaler filed for copyright of a piece of moving digital art in 2018. The application was rejected by the U.S. Copyright Office in 2022. The office argued that the Missouri computer scientist's art was not eligible for copyright protection because it was not created by a human.

SEE ALSO: AI has made us all surveillance targets. This tool helps you fight back.

The decision preceded a 2025 report by the U.S. Copyright Office that offered further interpretation of the law and eligibility for copyright shelter, writing that "unedited outputs of generative AI tools" wouldn't qualify for protection. The report added that art facilitated by AI but "retained the centrality of human creativity" could be eligible, but not expressive elements solely determined by a machine.

The copyright of AI-generated and AI-assisted works of art remains an ongoing battle. The office has previously rejected copyright claims by artists who argue certain forms of art created with the assistance of AI tools — rather than art generated independently by AI software — should fall under the 2025 interpretation of U.S. copyright law.

Thaler has also appealed to the Supreme Court over rejected U.S. Patent and Trademark Office applications, urging the court to decide whether or not AI-generated inventions are eligible for U.S. patent protection. The Trump administration had been placing pressure on the court to deny hearing Thaler's copyright case, CNBC reports.

Thaler's lawyers expressed disappointment in the court's decision not to take the case. "Even if it later overturns the Copyright Office's test in another case, it will be too late. The Copyright Office ​will have irreversibly and negatively impacted AI development and use in the creative ​industry during ⁠critically important years."

TL;DR: Save $749 and get a like-new HP OmniBook X 14-inch (2024) for $649.99 — Snapdragon power, 16GB RAM, and up to 26 hours of battery life.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook X 14-Inch Touch Laptop 2024 (Certified Refurbished) $649.99
$1,399 Save $749.01   Get Deal

A powerful laptop doesn’t have to cost over a grand. The Grade A refurbished HP OmniBook X 14” Touch (2024) is down to $649.99 (reg. $1,399) — delivering modern performance, long battery life, and a premium feel at 53% off.

If you want something fast, portable, and built for everyday productivity, this checks the right boxes without stretching your budget.

What You’re Getting:

• Snapdragon X Elite 12-core processor for responsive, efficient performance

• 16GB LPDDR5X RAM for smooth multitasking

• 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD for fast boot times and storage space

• 14″ IPS touchscreen (2240×1400) with sharp, vibrant visuals

• Up to 26-hour battery life for long workdays and travel

• Windows 11 Home with built-in productivity and security features

• 5MP webcam + integrated mic for clear video calls

• Backlit keyboard for comfortable typing anytime

As a Grade A refurbished model, it arrives in near-mint condition with minimal cosmetic wear.

If you’ve been waiting for a practical, high-performance laptop without paying full retail, this is a smart time to upgrade. Get this like-new HP OmniBook X 14″ Touch (2024) for just $649.99 (reg. $1,399).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Copa del Rey semi finals were set up to be entertaining before a ball was kicked. Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid is obviously a huge matchup, but the Basque Derby is one of the biggest games in football.

Real Sociedad won the first leg 1-0 at the San Mames Stadium. They now need to defend that lead at the Anoeta Stadium. Expect Athletic Bilbao to go on the offensive from the first whistle. It's going to be a fascinating contest between two extremely talented sides. The winner will book a spot in the showpiece event taking place in April.

If you want to watch Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao?

Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on March 4. This fixture takes place at the Anoeta Stadium.

How to watch Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao for free

Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to stream the Copa del Rey for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey 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 ITVX

5. Watch Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Copa del Rey without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Lazio vs. Atalanta in the Coppa Italia for free on Mediaset Infinity. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Copa del Rey, Taça de Portugal, and Coppa Italia are reaching their dramatic conclusions this week. We've got a number of exciting semi-final matchups to consider from these domestic cup competitions, including Lazio vs. Atalanta.

Atalanta will be going into this two-legged semi final as favorites. Atalanta are nine points ahead of Lazio in Serie A, and will be looking to move up from seventh position into the european qualification spots. Lazio possess the talent to make the final, but they'll need to be at their best to advance.

If you want to watch Lazio vs. Atalanta in the Coppa Italia from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Lazio vs. Atalanta?

Lazio vs. Atalanta in the Coppa Italia kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on March 4. This fixture takes place at the Stadio Olimpico.

How to watch Lazio vs. Atalanta for free

Lazio vs. Atalanta in the Coppa Italia is available to live stream for free on Mediaset Infinity.

Mediaset Infinity is geo-restricted to Italy, 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 Italy, meaning you can unblock Mediaset Infinity to live stream the Coppa Italia for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Lazio vs. Atalanta in the Coppa Italia 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 Italy

4. Visit Mediaset Infinity

5. Watch Lazio vs. Atalanta for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Coppa Italia without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Lazio vs. Atalanta in the Coppa Italia before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Mediaset Infinity?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Italy

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Lazio vs. Atalanta in the Coppa Italia for free with ExpressVPN.

House Targaryen apparently isn't just satisfied with conquering our small screens. It's coming for the big screen, too.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 teaser gives fiery glimpse of the Battle of the Gullet

According to Page Six Hollywood, Warner Bros. is working on a Game of Thrones prequel film. Andor writer and House of Cards showrunner Beau Willimon is attached as screenwriter, and has reportedly already submitted a draft of the film's screenplay.

While the plot remains under wraps, Page Six reports that the film will center on King Aegon I Targaryen and his conquest of Westeros. The conquest took place nearly 300 years before Game of Thrones itself, and Aegon carried it out alongside his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys. (Even in movie form, you can't escape Targaryen incest.)

HBO has been discussing a TV show about Aegon the Conqueror since 2023. Among these discussions was the possibility of a companion feature film that would lead into the series. It's unclear yet whether Willimon's film will be acting as a similar bridge into an upcoming show, or if it will be a stand-alone.

Of course, the movie's future could be in flux due to Warner Bros.' possible sale to Paramount Skydance, as the project could be scrapped post-merger. Then again, Game of Thrones is crucial to the Warner Bros. and HBO brands, and that importance may help it come to fruition in a turbulent media landscape.

Apple has finally revamped not one, but both versions of the Studio Display. The 2nd gen Studio Display and all-new mini LED Studio Display XDR will be available to preorder on Wednesday, March 4 for $1,599 and $3,299, respectively. They officially launch and start shipping on March 11.

The new Apple monitors were announced just one day after a new iPad Air and new MacBook Air were unveiled, all building up to a "special Apple experience" happening on March 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Studio Display (2nd gen) $1,599
Preorder starting March 4 Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Studio Display XDR $3,299
Preorder starting March 4 Learn More

Apple fans have been wondering about the existence of an "Apple Studio Display 2" of some sort for a while now. (The original Studio Display came out in 2022, and the original Studio Pro Display XDR came out even earlier in 2019.) Both have tilt-adjustable heads and are available in standard or nano-texture glass.

Noteworthy upgrades for the regular Studio Pro include a 1MP Center Stage camera, a studio-quality microphone system, Spatial Audio, and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.

The 27-inch Studio Display XDR isn't the OLED Studio Display that some Reddit users were hoping for, but the advanced mini-LED backlight does give it a serious premium edge over other high-end monitors. Creatives can see their work in all its glory displayed in 5K and up to 2,000 nits of peak HDR brightness fine-tuned across more than 2,000 local dimming zones. The 120Hz refresh rate should give any motion projects, streaming, or gaming a visible bump in fluidity.

Apple is launching updated MacBook Pros with new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips and double the starting storage, the company announced Tuesday. The new models will be available for preorder starting Wednesday (March 4) and start shipping March 11; stay tuned for links to their listings on the Apple Store and third-party retailers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) Starting at $2,199 Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Max) Starting at $3,599 Learn More

The new MacBook Pros will be available in 14- and 16-inch sizes. The M5 Pro variants will start at $2,199 and $2,699, respectively, with discounts of up to $200 for education shoppers who buy direct. They come with 1TB of base storage. Apple recommends them "for users running complex workflows, like coders optimizing algorithms and photographers processing massive image libraries," according to a company press release.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, raises MacBook starting prices

The 14-inch M5 Max model starts at $3,599 (or $3,299 for students), while the 16-inch size starts at $3,899 (or $3,599 for students). Both models have 2TB of base storage. They're aimed at "those pushing the absolute limits, such as engineers running rigorous simulations," Apple said.

Credit: Apple

While the starting prices of both new MacBook Pro variants are higher than their predecessors', the latter's base models had half the storage. When configured identically, with the same amount of storage and RAM, their prices haven't changed:

• 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,199

• 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,699

• 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max/M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,599

• 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max/M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,899

In keeping with this pattern, Apple has also announced that it's updating the starting configuration of its entry-level MacBook Pro, the 14-inch model with the regular M5 chip (an October 2025 release). It now has 1TB of base storage and a starting price of $1,699. It used to start at $1,599 with 512GB of storage, with a 1TB bump costing $200 extra, so that's actually a better deal than before.

The updated MacBook Pros won't be the only new Apple gadgets that go up for preorder on Wednesday (and launch the following week). We're also getting new M5 MacBook Airs, a new budget iPhone 17e, an M4 iPad Air, and new Studio Displays. A still-unannounced budget MacBook is reportedly joining the party, too. If the rumor mill is correct, it could cost $599 to $799 — giving Chromebooks and cheap Windows laptops some fresh competition.

M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro specs: What else is new Credit: Apple

Both updated variants of the MacBook Pro feature Apple's N1 chip, which adds support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6, some newer wireless connectivity standards. Other than that, they're basically identical to their predecessors. Here's a rundown of the M5 Pro models' spec sheets:

• Sizes: 14- and 16-inch models

• Starting prices: $2,199 and $2,699, respectively

• Processor: M5 Pro with up to an 18-core CPU and up to a 20-core GPU

• Display: Liquid Retina XDR display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits of SDR brightness (1,600 nits peak for HDR content); optional nano-texture finish

• Memory: 24GB to 64GB RAM

• Storage: 1TB to 4TB

• Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6

• Battery life: Up to 24 hours of video streaming

• Webcam: 12MP Center Stage camera

• Ports: Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 charging port, and a headphone jack

• Colors: Space black and silver

And here's a breakdown of the M5 Max variants' components:

• Sizes: 14- and 16-inch models

• Starting prices: $3,599 and $3,899, respectively

• Processor: M5 Max with an 18-core CPU and 32-core GPU

• Display: Liquid Retina XDR display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits of SDR brightness (1,600 nits peak for HDR content); optional nano-texture finish

• Memory: 36GB to 128GB RAM

• Storage: 2TB to 8TB

• Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6

• Battery life: Up to 22 hours of video streaming

• Webcam: 12MP Center Stage camera

• Ports: Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 charging port, and a headphone jack

• Colors: Space black and silver

SAVE $100: As of March 3, get the Bissell FlexClean FurForce Robot Vacuum and Mop for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $599.99. That's a discount of 17%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bissell FlexClean FurForce Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100   Get Deal

If you share your home with pets, you know how dirty things can get in a short amount of time. That's where a robot vacuum comes in. You can tackle tough stains, cut down on pet hair, and cut your cleaning schedule in half by adding one to your home. And this particular deal, which we've found at Amazon, is well worth investing in if you're a parent to some furry friends.

As of March 3, get the Bissell FlexClean FurForce Robot Vacuum and Mop for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $599.99. That's $100 off and a discount of 17%.

SEE ALSO: Shark's new scrubbing-centric robot vacuum finds stains with a UV light. I tested it against other top robot mops.

This robot vacuum and mop offers twice the suction than some of Bissell's other models, with up to 30% more hair pickup and a brush roll that's meant to never tangle. Plus, it uses LiDAR navigation to make a path through your home so you don't have to, all the while picking up all the fur, hair, and other dirt and debris without your input.

When you've handled all the dry messes, the robot can handle mopping on all your hard floors with its Multi-Surface Formula, then it will move to its docking station all its own to empty everything out. It holds up to 8 weeks of dirt in a bagless base, so you don't even have to get your hands dirty when it's time to tidy up the robot vacuum's space.

If you're ready to stop having to handle all of your pets' messes on your own (or just want a more efficient deep clean) this is a great place to start. Just act fast, as this is currently a Lightning Deal on Amazon.

SAVE $16: The DJI Osmo Mobile 7 is on sale at Amazon for $59, down from the normal price of $75. That's a 21% discount that matches the record-low at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Mobile 7 $59 at Amazon
$75 Save $16   Get Deal

DJI is a content creator's best friend. The brand makes the viral DJI Mic Mini, the super convenient Osmo Pocket 3, and even incredible portable power stations for creators. But if you're in the market for a stabilizing gimbal that'll connect to your iPhone or Android, there's a nice deal in store today at Amazon.

As of March 3, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 is on sale at Amazon for $59, marked down from the standard price of $75. That's a 21% discount that takes a nice $16 off the price. It also matches the record-low at Amazon.

Regardless of whether you're a pro content creator, just starting out, or playing around to share with family, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 could be a perfect accessory. It's compatible with both Android and iPhones and will make your content so much smoother. The three-axis gimbal uses DJI's seventh-generation stabilization tech to make sure there's no wobbling or stuttering in your video.

SEE ALSO: Beginners can capture 360° video footage in 4K with this DJI Mini 5 Pro — and it’s on sale right now

DJI equipped this model with ActiveTrack 7.0 which will follow your subjects no matter the activity. From walking around Disneyland to skiing, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 will earn its keep as a great accessory. The Osmo Mobile 7 also functions as a tripod with up to 10 hours of runtime.

Before spring content season hits, upgrade your setup with the DJI Osmo Mobile 7. Since it's sitting at the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon, now is a great time to make the investment.

SAVE UP TO $1,100: Sign up for a T-Mobile plan and get a free iPhone 17e with no trade-in required. T-Mobile is also offering any model of the iPhone 17 or iPad Air for free with an Experience More plan and an eligible trade-in. Pre-orders go live on March 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Get a free iPhone 17e   Pre-order Here

It's an exciting week in the Apple ecosphere. We have a fresh iPhone to swoon over and an iPad Air with the M4 chip (finally). Sure, the iPhone 17e is the brand's new budget-friendly phone option, but the price of $599 can still feel like a bit much. If you'd rather not dish out the funds for new Apple devices, T-Mobile has some nice deals in store.

T-Mobile pre-orders for the new iPhone and iPad Air go live tomorrow, March 4 and the carrier is offering various free deals to those who sign up for T-Mobile service. Snag a free iPhone 17e by signing up for almost any T-Mobile plan for 24 months. You can also get a free iPhone 17 Pro when trading in an eligible phone and signing up for an Experience Beyond plan. For all free Apple deals, T-Mobile will charge taxes and a $35 device connection fee.

SEE ALSO: Apple expects high demand from its March 4 releases

Who's not in the mood to get something for free? If you're already on the T-Mobile network or have plans to switch, you might as well take advantage of these free iPhone offers. Apple just launched the new iPhone 17e which is the brand's fresh budget phone and the first to come with MagSafe abilities. The new phone officially launches on March 11, but pre-orders start tomorrow, March 4.

Starting with 256GB of storage, the iPhone 17e comes with a price tag of $599. That's a major upgrade from the 128GB storage the iPhone 16e started at. It's even more impressive considering the iPhone 16e also started at $599.

If you're interested in pre-ordering the new iPhone 17e or iPad Air tomorrow, be sure to check out the benefits of T-Mobile's free deal. You might be in for some serious savings.

Shark UV Reveal 2-in-1 $1,299.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Shark

The most iconic thing I've seen a Shark robot vacuum do in years is drive down the runway during the season finale of Canada's Drag Race in January 2025. That's partially the Drag Race mega fan in me speaking, but it's also the professional robot vacuum reviewer in me being bored with Shark's robot vacuum features lately.

So I was pleasantly surprised when Shark announced one of the coolest cleaning features I've ever heard with the launch of the Shark UV Reveal 2-in-1. I got to test it at home before its official release on March 3. Here are my first impressions.

After feeling meh about Shark's robot vacuum features for the past two years, I have one thing to say: You better work. Credit: World of Wonder What's special about the Shark UV Reveal?

It's in the name: The Shark UV Reveal uses a UV light to detect stains on the floor that we wouldn't see with a casual glance down. That could be anything from those super-faint water stains on the bathroom floor, to sticky residue from a kitchen spill you thought you wiped up, to invisible droplets of dried pet pee. If there were ever a robot vacuum for Dexter Morgan, it would be this one.

Apparently, the robot vacs I tested last week didn't fully clean up this cat puke. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The UV Reveal also lets you know that doors need to be wiped down every so often. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

UV stain detection is a first for the mainstream robot vacuum industry — the other best robot vacuum and mop combos of 2026 use some combination of LED light sensors and AI camera systems to detect stains. While LEDs are helpful when scoping out wet spills and tiny dry particles, a plain LED bulb won't make an invisible stain glow like it's under a black light (even if it does have the same indigo glow, like the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete's blue light). AI mess detection via cameras, like the before-and-after shots that Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai+ takes, can also only go so far if there's nothing visible to take a picture of. Good ol' homegrown UV proof feels much less subjective, much like the reason that I'm so obsessed with Dyson's stick vacuum laser.

Shark wasn't innovating as hard when designing the UV Reveal's self-empty dock. It's pretty similar to the docks of the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro and Shark PowerDetect ThermaCharged docks from 2025, but the corners of the tank aren't transparent to show the water level. For the $1,299.99 price point, I kind of expect something less plasticky.

Leota appreciates that the self-empty dock is bagless (therefore less wasteful). Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The large mopping pad covers a lot of ground. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Flipping the robovac over, there's another Shark classic underneath: The singular flat mopping pad... again. Shark is the only big robot vacuum brand that hasn't branched out to dual spinning mop pads (elite corner mopping) or a roller mop (elite spill soaking) in at least one model. But there are a few special features baked in to separate this Shark from the basic vacuum mop combos.

Is the Shark UV Reveal good at mopping?

The Shark UV Reveal has provided solid scrubbing so far in my testing, and that's all due to the fact that the mop doesn't just drag across the ground. Shark's HyperSonic mopping vibrates more than 100 times per minute while the vac is in motion, similar to the speedy back-and-forth motion you'd use to chip away at something sticky or dried on with a cloth. (We've seen sonic mopping from Shark plenty of times before, but not this intense.)

The turquoise lights kicking on mean the UV light has detected a stain. The UV Reveal sniffed out a few gross spots on my floor that I wouldn't have necessarily thought about otherwise, like the sticky puddle of soggy kibble and crusty dry food chunks near my cats' bowls and remnants of dried cat puke that I thought another robot vacuum mopped up last week.

The UV Reveal mopped up wet shoe grime, then went around again to ensure the area was clear. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The pad pops in and out every second or two. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The vacuum hovers and scrubs the same piece of floor for a while (almost 30 seconds sometimes) to make sure whatever stubborn grime is getting the extra attention it needs. Depending on the size of the stain, the whole vacuum will also swing back and forth in a half circle to come at the stain from more than one angle (the same idea as Shark's Matrix Cleaning system in previous vacuums). I sent the UV Reveal to deal with the muddy shoe storage zone near my front door, which was caked in both dried slush from the past two days and brown water that was just tracked in a few minutes prior. It left the whole area gleaming — there's not much arguing with a UV light checking the work for you.

After going back to the dock to charge, you might hear (and I quote), "I detected stains. I'm heading back out to aggressively attack them." Bad day to be a stain.

SEE ALSO: I tried the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow: It's cracked the code to roller mopping along edges

But I was most psyched to see that the big mopping pad isn't restricted to the round circumference of the robot vac. Instead, the mopping pad pokes out from under the vacuum's body every second or two. In theory, that should solve a lot of the lazy edge mopping issues that I've experienced with past Shark robot mops. I mean, that design must be a good idea if Roborock thought of it, too — it's an incredibly similar setup to the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic that's coming out later this year. Roborock has long been my most trusted brand for corner mopping, so I can't wait to compare their mopping skills.

The UV Reveal's suction and large mop surface area worked well together when sent to clean up around both litter boxes. The litter box on a tile floor uses crystal litter, and the litter box on a hardwood floor uses finer, dustier grass litter. Both areas of heavy tracked litter were left around 97 percent clean (barring some pieces left near edges).

Is the Shark UV Reveal good on carpet?

The Shark UV Reveal is definitely a mopping-focused robot vacuum, I'll put it that way. It's probably not going to win any "best robot vacuum for pet hair" awards from me, but it's powerful enough for daily upkeep of your carpeted rooms or rugs.

The other flagship robot vacuum releases in 2026 so far clock between 30,000 and 35,000 Pa of suction power. How does the Shark UV Reveal compare to those, you ask? No one knows, at least on paper — Shark infamously does not provide suction power measurements in Pascals as other brands do. If I had to guess, I'd put the UV Reveal somewhere in the 20,000 to 25,000 Pa range.

Sansa is wondering why I keep wasting catnip on vacuum testing. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Shark UV Reveal did leave some quinoa around the edge of the rug, but most robot vacs do. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The most intense rug test I gave the UV Reveal involved a heinous concoction on my fluffiest rug: Way more spilled quinoa than would ever be realistic on a fur rug, spilled catnip, and probably 10 tufts of lint and fur pulled directly from the ChomChom and strewn around the rug's fibers. The UV Reveal actually had the easiest time with the catnip flakes and cat hair puffs, snatching up virtually all traces of either. More quinoa was left behind in the rug and around the edges where the rug hits the hardwood (though most robot vacuums struggle with that). The same thing happened with shredded cheese around the kitchen rug.

Factors I'm keeping an eye on

As I continue to test the UV Reveal at home, I'll be trying to figure out the answer to one main question: Does the Shark UV Reveal provide a premium enough experience to realistically compete beside other robot vacuums in the $1,000+ price range?

There's no doubt that its unique UV stain detection and meticulous scrubbing capabilities earn it lots of points in the sanitation department. But the Shark UV Reveal's mop doesn't rinse itself in real time, while the roller mops I've been testing do. Its frequency for returning to the dock to wash the mop can be toggled to as low as 15 minutes, but that's plenty of time to spread something sticky or smelly across my entire kitchen. At $1,299, it's valid to expect a mop monitoring system that automatically sends the robot back to wash the mop if it gets too dirty. Not that your UV Reveal will have the opportunity to smear large spills around, anyway — it's not really built for soaking up messes larger than a few droplets. (The instruction booklet specifically notes to avoid "liquids.")

At $1,299.99, I also think it's valid to expect a livestream pet camera, and the UV Reveal still doesn't have one.

The SharkClean app is basic as always — not unusable by any means, but also not the precise, premium experience that you'll get from other robot vacuums in this price range.

The SharkClean app's home map doesn't offer much detail. Credit: Screenshot / Shark The Roborock app's home map is more comprehensive and easier to navigate. Credit: Screenshot / Roborock

A few settings are either hard to find or not adjustable at all: The spot cleaning zone that you can drag wherever can't be pinched and made small for a very specific area, and there are no options to customize settings like suction level, water level, or number of cleaning passes for spot cleaning. If one spot cleaning is already underway, you can't add another zone or room to the queue like you can in the Dreame, Roborock, or Eufy app. The SharkClean app also doesn't automatically show the vacuum's cleaning path or point out when small obstacles are found and avoided.

I've never been to Silicon Valley, but based on the trailer for AMC's upcoming The Audacity, it looks like it would be my worst nightmare.

The series, created by Jonathan Glatzer (Succession, Better Call Saul), drops viewers right into the insular world of Silicon Valley, where "billionaire man-children" wreak havoc on the tech world and their families. Among these Big Tech figures is data-mining CEO Duncan Park (Billy Magnussen), who appears to be committing some major fraud in his quest for profit and power.

SEE ALSO: 'The Audacity' teaser promises sharp Silicon Valley satire

Other figures in Duncan's orbit include Carl Bardolph (Zach Galifianakis), a once-idealistic Silicon Valley pioneer, and Dr. JoAnne Felder (Sarah Goldberg), tech bros' go-to therapist. Whatever they're paying her, it's not enough.

The Audacity's latest trailer sees these three characters crashing out in a variety of ways and uttering outrageous one-liners. (What more would you expect from a Succession writer?) It also teases the web of gurus, yes-men, and disillusioned teenagers who inhabit the Silicon Valley bubble.

Through it all, Duncan waxes poetic on his mission. "Genius is not about figuring out the solution," he says in the trailer. "It's about being unhinged enough to do something outrageous with it."

Let's see how unhinged The Audacity is willing to get.

The Audacity also stars Lucy Punch, Simon Helberg, Rob Corddry, Meaghan Rath, Paul Adelstein, Everett Blunck, Thailey Roberge, Ava Marie Telek, and Randall Park.

The Audacity has its world premiere March 14 at SXSW. It premieres April 12 at 9 p.m. ET on AMC and AMC+.

SAVE $86.01: As of Feb. 24, get the Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station for $112.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199. That's a discount of 43% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station $112.99 at Amazon
$199 Save $86.01   Get Deal

Portable power stations can be incredibly useful. Whether you're weathering a storm or heading out on a camping trip, they can ensure you've got plenty of power when you need it. If you still don't have one at your disposal, now's the time to get one as this Bluetti model is back at its lowest price yet.

As of March 3, get the Bluetti Elite 10 mini portable power station for $112.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199. That's $86.01 off and a discount of 43%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The Anker Solix C1000 power station is down to its best price in 2026 — save over $300 at Amazon

This compact power station has everything you need to get back up and running if you lose electricity. It has 128wh of battery, which should net you about six phone charges and two laptop charges. That should keep you afloat long enough to handle business with work or other affairs, or get you additional ways to stay in touch with friends and family.

It's lightweight and super portable as well, making it a no-brainer to stow away in a car or closet, so it's there and not out of reach when you need it the most. And if you just need a power source while camping, it's unobtrusive enough to bring with you on your excursions.

If you're ready to lock in on a power station, grab this one while it's still down at its lowest price yet.

SAVE $3,798.02: The Anker Solix F3800 portable power station, BP3800 Expansion Battery, and 400W solar panel bundle is on sale at Amazon for $3,598.98, down from the list price of $7,397. That's a 51% discount and the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon for this bundle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix F3800 portable power station, BP3800 Expansion Battery, and 400W solar panel bundle $3,598.98 at Amazon
$7,397 Save $3,798.02   Get Deal

The world of portable power stations is expanding by the day. Since things are getting crowded, it can be a challenge to find the right model for your power needs. If you're looking to keep your home online during the next power outage, check out this excellent bundle deal at Amazon.

As of March 3, the Anker Solix F3800 portable power station, BP3800 Expansion Battery, and 400W solar panel bundle is on sale at Amazon for $3,598.98, marked down from the list price of $7,397. That works out to a 51% discount that shaves a massive $3,798.02 off the price. It's also a new record-low price at Amazon for this bundle.

On its own, the Anker Solix F3800 is a solid option for powering up homes during an outage. It packs in a hefty 3.84kWh from long-lasting LiFePO4 batteries, and you'll get a 6,000W AC output. That level is capable of running tons of important appliances in your home like the refrigerator, microwave, and even some central AC units. It also helps that it's capable of 120 and 240V.

SEE ALSO: The Anker Solix C1000 power station is down to its best price in 2026 — save over $300 at Amazon

But today's bundle deal makes the Solix F3800 just that much more function. The BP3800 Expansion Battery doubles the power, bringing it up for 7.68kWh. Plus, Anker is bundling a 400W solar panel with these two batteries. So long as you have access to sunlight, you could be in line for unlimited power that's free, aside from the initial price.

That'll mean your backyard movie nights with a projector can take place while powering the air fryer to make movie snacks outside. It'll also prove its worth during summer RV trips if you'll be parking in an off-grid area.

Before this deal disappears, upgrade your home with this massive Anker Solix bundle while it's over half off. You'll be getting the Anker Solix F3800 portable power station, a BP3800 Expansion Battery, and a 400W solar panel for under $3,600.

SAVE $502: As of March 3, the Samsung 43-inch QN90F Neo QLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for just $797.99. Usually $1,299.99, that's a savings of over $500 or nearly 40%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 43-inch QN90F Neo QLED 4K TV $797.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $502   Get Deal

If a fancy TV is on your wishlist, but you lack the space for a full 65-incher, Samsung's QN90F Neo QLED TV comes in a small 43-inch package. Plus, it's currently over $500 off.

As of March 3, the Samsung 43-inch QN90F Neo QLED 4K TV is on sale for just $797.99 at Amazon. That's a whopping $502 or nearly 40% off its list price. While Amazon has it originally listed for $1,197.99, that actually cuts the deal short a bit. If you check the actual list price at Samsung's own website, it's about $100 more. According to our favorite price-tracking tool, this is also a new all-time low price for this particular model.

Our sister site PCMag wrote in their review for the 65-inch version that the QN90F "is visually stunning and packed with features." However, it failed to secure the title of their Editors' Choice LED TV due to its extremely high cost. With this Amazon deal, that price is a whole lot more palatable.

As Mashable's shopping reporter Leah Stodart explains, "Neo QLED is really just Samsung's proprietary term for QLED paired with Mini LED." Translation: it features a panel of quantum dots over a bunch of tiny LED bulbs (rather than a basic LED panel). The result is a stunning display with spectacular color accuracy, deep black levels, and extremely impressive contrast that'll hold up in all kinds of lightning conditions.