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TL;DR: Be prepared for anything with the FlashMini PRO, a 12-in-1 super bright utility flashlight, now just $14.97 (reg. $34) through April 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab FlashMini PRO $14.97
$34.99 Save $20.02 12-in-1 Super Bright Utility Flashlight Shop Now

Power outages usually catch us by surprise. Being prepared for emergency situations can provide some peace of mind, and the FlashMini PRO is a convenient way to make sure you always have light.

The FlashMini PRO is a 12-in-1 super bright utility flashlight with a conveniently sleek design that can tag along anywhere. And right now, you can score one for only $14.97 (reg. $34). 

Light the way with this multitasking flashlight

Let the FlashMini PRO light the way at home and on the go, thanks to a built-in carabiner that easily attaches to keys to backpacks. If you're traveling light, you can pop it into your pocket. 

Aside from serving as a powerful flashlight that shines 30 times brighter than your smartphone's flashlight, the FlashMini PRO offers seven quick-adjust light modes to suit your needs, available in white and yellow light. And a red warning light and emergency strobe are available if needed.

The FlashMini PRO includes a foldable kickstand to adjust the light at different angles. The magnetic base also allows it to attach easily to metal surfaces. And it doubles as a bottle opener, so it'll come in handy if you need to open a beverage. 

Enjoy up to 3.5 hours of use from the rechargeable battery, or one hour of runtime at maximum brightness. It's easy to power back up. 

Whether you're heading out on a hike, off on a camping trip, or simply making sure you're never stuck in the dark, the FlashMini PRO offers plenty of perks. 

Get your own FlashMini PRO, a 12-in-1 super bright utility flashlight, now just $14.97 (reg. $34) through April 27. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: This Apple Mac mini M2 proves bigger isn't always better, and right now, this powerful, compact desktop computer is yours for $359.99.

Looking for a desktop computer that won't take up too much space? Enter the Apple Mac mini, a petite yet powerful device powered by Apple's lightning-fast M2 chip. 

You can currently snag your own Apple Mac mini M2 for just $359.99, $140 off the usual price tag, right here.

Upgrade your workstation with this Apple Mac mini

Whether you're working from home, studying, or setting up a dedicated gaming station, a desktop computer can give your workspace a more professional feel. And this Apple Mac mini M2 saves you much-needed desk space thanks to its tiny casing. 

Don't be deceived by its small size; this Apple Mac mini is powered by an Apple M2 chip that allows for serious power, speedy multitasking, and even 8K video editing. Tackle even the heaviest lifts on your to-do list thanks to the 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. 

256GB of SSD storage allows you to save files right to the device. There's also plenty of input and output options available if you need to hook up an external hard drive with USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone jack. 

The Mac mini has macOS Ventura pre-installed, so you'll be running smoothly with your favorite apps in no time. And connectivity is a breeze thanks to the Wi-Fi 6E, which offers faster wireless speeds for smoother data transfers and easy cloud access.

Curious why you're securing such a great price? This model comes with a grade A refurbished rating, which means your device will arrive in near-mint condition, but you'll still receive the discounted price. 

Bring home your own Apple Mac mini 2 for just $359.99 (reg. $499) while supplies last. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac mini M2 (Early 2023) 8GB RAM 256GB SSD (Refurbished) $359.99
$499 Save $139.01 Get Deal

BEST AMD CUSTOM PC: As of April 16, MAINGEAR’s RUSH Night Drive Artist Series PC is available for $3,498. You’re not saving money here, you’re spending smart: premium AMD parts, artist-driven design, zero bloatware, and hand-built precision with exceptional support.

Opens in a new window Credit: MAINGEAR MAINGEAR RUSH Night Drive Artist Series PC Shop Now

I own this exact PC. I don’t mean I tested it for a week. I mean it’s sitting next to me, powered on, running smooth as ever while I write this. It’s the second system I’ve purchased from MAINGEAR, and I can say without hesitation that this Night Drive Artist Series build is the best gaming PC I’ve ever used. It’s easily the best money I’ve spent on tech.

I’ve been around the block when it comes to building PCs. I’ve spent Saturday afternoons hunched over a kitchen table with thermal paste in my hair. I’ve cursed the awkward shape of a budget mid-tower case while trying to route thick PSU cables through a spaghetti maze of sharp-edged metal. I’ve also spent plenty of time using and messing around with prebuilt systems from the major players, and I know exactly where they tend to fall short. Usually, it’s in ways you don’t notice until something goes wrong.

SEE ALSO: Nvidia vs. AMD: Putting the GPU giants side-by-side

So when I say this: spending $3,498 on a MAINGEAR RUSH Night Drive Artist Series PC is absolutely worth it, I mean it in the most grounded, painfully practical way.

This isn’t me throwing around cash to flex on people with RGB. I’m not here to sell you on the most expensive thing just because it’s shiny. This is me, a seasoned PC user, explaining why I went with a hand-built custom machine from a boutique company over dozens of more affordable options with similar specs.

Let’s break it down, component by component, and experience by experience. Here’s why this setup is something genuinely special.

Specifications and features

• Price: $3,498 for Night Drive Artist Series ($3,099 in standard Rush chassis)

• Retailer: MAINGEAR

• Case: RUSH Mk. IV - Night Drive

• Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT with 16GB GDDR6

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

• Cooling: MAINGEAR Epic 360 RGB liquid cooler

• Fans: 10-count premium RGB fans

• Memory: 32GB T-Force Delta RGB

• Storage: 1TB T-Force A440 NVMe SSD

• Motherboard: MSI Pro B850-P WiFi

• Power Supply: 850W MSI MAG A850GL

• Power Cables: Stock

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

• Warranty: 1-year included

• Shipping Time: Estimated 2 to 3 weeks

The real cost of performance

If you’re chasing raw power, this thing delivers. I chose the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card for a reason. It has 16GB of GDDR6 memory, excellent ray tracing capabilities, and a level of headroom that doesn’t require sacrificing performance just to keep thermals in check. It’s running cool and smooth even when I throw demanding titles at it on ultra settings.

This card is hard to find. At retail, it’s going for around $1,100 when it’s in stock, which is rarely. And that’s your first real value. MAINGEAR has access to the good stuff. You aren’t rolling the dice with your GPU order or crossing your fingers on shipping. You’re getting high-end hardware, installed, tested, and ready to roll.

The CPU? AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This chip is a monster. It’s about $860 on its own and well worth it. It handles CPU-bound titles and productivity workloads without breaking a sweat. Games feel effortless. Renders move faster. And multitasking doesn’t even make the fans spin up.

Those two parts alone are nearly $2,000. That doesn’t include a case, cooler, RAM, SSD, motherboard, power supply, or the skilled labor that makes all the parts work together like a dream.

This is not a budget tower. It’s a work of art.

The RUSH chassis is exclusive to MAINGEAR. I chose the Night Drive Artist Series upgrade, which gives the case a glossy, layered 3D finish. The result looks like a high-end collectible and not a plastic box from an outlet warehouse.

The panoramic tempered glass panel gives you full visibility into the system, which matters when everything inside is wired perfectly. This isn’t a half-effort cable job. Every wire is routed with intention. It looks like a demo unit you’d see at a trade show.

The RGB lighting setup is subtle and seamless. It doesn’t scream. It glows. And when you add the premium fan kit like I did, you get a full system that’s visually unified and acoustically chill. Even under load, this thing doesn’t sound like a stressed-out leaf blower.

Cooling that’s actually effective

Thermal performance is essential, especially in a rig with this much power. MAINGEAR’s Epic 360 RGB liquid cooler isn’t just about showing off. It does the job. Temps stay solid during long sessions, and airflow across the case is well-balanced.

GPU sag? Not happening. They include a custom bracket that supports the card, preventing pressure on the PCIe slot and saving your motherboard’s lifespan. It’s a small touch that shows the level of care that went into the build.

BIOS tweaks included

The system arrives tuned. Not kind of tuned. Fully tweaked at the BIOS level. RAM timings are dialed in. Boost performance is validated. Thermals are tested. This is not what you get with a big box build where BIOS is left on stock settings and your RAM never runs at full speed.

You’re getting every bit of performance your hardware is capable of, and you’re getting it out of the box.

MAINGEAR support is next level

I had a minor issue with my MG-1 build’s RGB lighting. It wasn’t syncing right. I reached out, and their support didn’t just reply with a script. They worked through the problem with me, sent a fix, followed up, and included some extra swag for the trouble. That kind of service doesn’t happen with most manufacturers.

And it’s not a fluke. This build has had zero issues, but I know if something came up, I’d get the same fast, intelligent help again.

A bloat-free experience

MAINGEAR systems ship with clean Windows installs. There’s no antivirus trial waiting to ruin your startup sequence. No random manufacturer utilities trying to launch every time you boot. It’s your system from day one, not theirs.

I installed Steam, Discord, and a few launchers and was gaming within minutes. It’s refreshing not having to spend your first hour uninstalling trashware.

You can go all out or keep it simple

The Night Drive design is part of MAINGEAR’s Artist Series. If the cyberpunk glow isn’t your thing, you can choose the Good Fortune theme or the industrial Machina design instead. They all cost the same and feature that same embossed texture and high-gloss finish.

If you want to keep it minimal and save a bit, MAINGEAR also offers this same build in the original Rush Mk. IV chassis. It has the same internal layout and airflow, just without the art finish. That version drops the price to $3,099.

Built for now. Ready for later.

Here’s the part that really sealed the deal for me. This system isn’t just powerful now. It’s upgradable later. All the components are standard, not proprietary. You can add a new GPU, swap the RAM, drop in a faster SSD, or upgrade to a new CPU when it makes sense.

And if you don’t feel like doing it yourself? MAINGEAR will help you spec out the right upgrade path and even install it for you if you send your system back in. That kind of flexibility and support makes this feel like a long-term investment, not a short-term splash.

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 Wednesday, April 16, 2025:

Across"T-t-t-turn up the heat!"

• The answer is Brr.

Like fare at a fair, fairly often

• The answer is Fried.

A complete unknown?

• The answer is Rando.

A Rolling Stone?

• The answer is Issue.

Witch's spell

• The answer is Hex.

DownIn-your-face assertive

• The answer is Brash.

Help with the dishes

• The answer is Rinse.

Done again in a similar way

• The answer is Redux.

The "F" of T.G.I.F.: Abbr.

• The answer is Fri.

Fawn's mother

• The answer is Doe.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Track events that don't include running

• Green: Played on a table

• Blue: Sports teams that share a state

• Purple: Share a first word/letter

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: Throwing events

• Green: Often found in a game room

• Blue: Ohio sports teams

• Purple: Words that can be preceded by "T-"

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 #205 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Throwing events - DISCUS, HAMMER, JAVELIN, SHOT PUT

• Often found in a game room - AIR HOCKEY, FOOSBALL, PING PONG, POOL

• Ohio sports teams - BEARCATS, BENGALS, CAVALIERS, REDS

• Words that can be preceded by "T-" - BALL, MAC, SHIRT, WOLVES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 16 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Fore!

The words are golf-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are what you swing to hit a golf ball.

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 GolfClubs.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 16

• Driver

• Wood

• Putter

• Iron

• Wedge

• Chipper

• Utility

• GolfClubs

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.

TL;DR: Replace your monthly Dropbox subscription with a 10TB Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Plan on sale for £211.87 with code STORAGE20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan £211.87
£2,269.37 Save £2,057.50 with code STORAGE20 Get Deal

Cloud storage subscriptions are expensive, even if they don't seem like it at first. Dropbox's cheapest plan is £7.56 per month for 2TB of cloud storage. It seems cheap, but that's a little over £90 every year, and you're never actually done paying for it. 

If you want a cheaper alternative to Dropbox, Internxt just dropped the price for a 10TB cloud storage lifetime subscription. Now it's only £211.87 with code STORAGE20.

Pay once for a lifetime of cloud storage

Space isn't the only thing this cloud storage has going for it. Internxt is committed to keeping your data safe. That's why they use end-to-end encryption to secure files during transfer and at rest. Its zero-knowledge architecture means that files are encrypted in a way that Internxt itself cannot access. You're the only one who has access to your files.

You don't even have to manually upload. You can sync all your files and photos across platforms, even Linux. This focus on privacy even extends to its open-source design, so users can inspect the code for transparency and security.

This subscription lasts for life, with no recurring payments of any kind. You can access your cloud storage on unlimited devices, too. 

Use code STORAGE20 by April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an Internxt 10TB Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription on sale for £211.87. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

VPNs are seriously useful security tools that can protect your identity and data, bypass online restrictions to access extra content, and much more. If this is all very new to you, you've probably got a lot of questions. Don't worry, because we can help.

We've done all the hard work for you and thoroughly researched these services to provide the information that matters to you. Here's everything you need to know about VPNs.

What is a VPN?

VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) provide important protection for your data and identity when you're online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). This means that all of your activity is untraceable and secure.

Basically, you can think about VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN?

Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. There's no need to panic, because whether you're sending important emails, doing some online shopping, or paying essential bills, VPNs make sure that everything remains private and anonymous.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for your iPhone

First and foremost, VPNs are designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services: streaming more content from around the world. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming services into thinking that you are based in a different country. This means that you can watch all of the shows and films from global libraries, like all the extra content on U.S. Netflix. This is the quickest and easiest way of boosting your content options, without the need to rely on a dodgy stream.

What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?

There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to VPNs, but we don't have all day. Instead of listing off every feature offered by the best VPNs, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about.

Before you make any sort of decision, you should look out for connection speed, server network, number of logins, and more important features:

• Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.

• Connection speed — Using a VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept a significant drop that is going to result in buffering. Be sure to select a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't watch a film or download a file without frustration.

• Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade," which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.

• Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. Others limit you to just a single device. You should look out for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time.

• Server network — The very best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. It's useful if a VPN has a lot of servers in key locations, because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing anonymously. It's not a straightforward case of more is better, but it's always good to have options.

• Privacy policy — It's worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't clear, it's best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, it's absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.

There are other things to consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. So why would you ever pay for a VPN?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

What we're saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN?

There are a lot of VPN providers out there all offering different sets of features, with different pricing structures. We recommend taking some time to carefully access your options, and decide on what you really need from a VPN. Once you have established your priorities, you can check out this definitive list of the best VPNs this month.

We have tracked down everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best VPNs for streaming, shopping, and everything else. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list. All you need to do is weigh up these options against your own set of priorities, and then pick a favourite from the bunch.

These are the best VPNs in 2025.

FREE LEGO: On May 4, build a Lego Grogu in a hover pram model at participating stores and take it home with you for free. Find participating stores here.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego: Free Grogu for Star Wars Day Learn More

Lego has been running generous make-and-take events all year. Fans have been given the opportunity to build a Steering Wheel, Valentine's Day Heart, and Mother's Day Bouquet for free in 2025, and the giveaways aren't stopping there.

Lego is celebrating Star Wars Day in style this year: Visitors to select Lego Stores on May 4 will have the chance to participate in a Lego Star Wars Grogu Make and Take event. During this event, participants can build and bring home a model of Grogu in a hover pram. Availability varies by store and country, so be sure to check out Lego's Store Locator to see if this event will be featured at a store near you.

SEE ALSO: Building the 'Twilight' Lego set was the therapy session I didn’t know I needed

May 4 is a special date for fans of the franchise, so why not mark this occasion by taking home something exclusive for free. Celebrate your love for Star Wars and Grogu by making plans to attend your nearest event. You know it makes sense.

Build and take home an exclusive Lego Star Wars Grogu for free on May 4.

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from North Carolina with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

More than a third of U.S. states have introduced restrictions for online adult content, including North Carolina. After the introduction of age verification laws, millions of users in North Carolina are now unable to access popular sites like Pornhub. There are complicated reasons for this restriction, but for those left in the dark, there is a simple workaround.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from North Carolina, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in North Carolina

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Unblock Pornhub for free in North Carolina with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Real Madrid vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League quarter finals started with a number of really interesting games, but Arsenal vs. Real Madrid might have been the biggest story. Declan Rice shocked the world with two stunning free kicks to lead Arsenal towards a 3-0 victory. This game should be finished, but you can never count out Real Madrid.

If you want to watch Real Madrid vs. Arsenal in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Real Madrid vs. Arsenal?

Real Madrid vs. Arsenal in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on April 16. This fixture takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Arsenal for free

Real Madrid vs. Arsenal is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, 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 Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Real Madrid vs. Arsenal 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Real Madrid vs. Arsenal for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Real Madrid vs. Arsenal (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Real Madrid vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League matchup between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich is still hanging in the balance. Inter Milan won the first leg 2-1, but everything is still up for grabs. We're expecting a close battle between two talented sides as they do everything they can to progress to the semi-final stage.

If you want to watch Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich?

Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on April 16. This fixture takes place at the San Siro.

How to watch Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich for free

Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, 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 Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

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 biscuit-like pastry.

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

SCONE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Strength.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 16, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

POWER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To add up.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 16, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

COUNT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

The name of something.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 16 Hurdle Word 4 answer

TITLE

Final Hurdle hint

Sleek.

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

SLICK

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

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

In this age of on-demand everything, hookup apps are the go-to for casual dating. If we can stream movies (thank you, Netflix) and order a takeaway with just a few taps, why shouldn't we find a potential partner the same way?

Sometimes all you want is a little fun, and there's an app for that.

How do you find a hookup?

It's still possible to find a connection in the real world. Meeting in bars, clubs, parks, and other real-life locations still happens on a regular basis. You're simply shortening your odds by subscribing to a dating site.

Dating sites and sex apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before meeting up. We know that some dating apps can be expensive, but just think about all those wasted coffees you could avoid by chatting through an app first.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for sending naughty messages

Using dating apps and sites is also a whole lot less intimidating than meeting someone face to face. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you dip your toe into the world of dating from the comfort of your own home.

Should you use free dating apps?

The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are popular options with massive networks of users. Plus, most of the biggest and best dating sites have free versions with limitations on certain features. So yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with dating apps. And sometimes free apps just don't cut it.

For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up some cash. We're sorry to break it to you, but the best dating sites don't come cheap. It all comes down to access to advanced and premium features. You can still find a hookup with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading.

What makes an app good for hooking up?

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hookup apps. What works for your friends might not work for you. Your best bet is to download a handful of options and see which one clicks with your vibe.

Skip the apps that are all about romance and happily ever afters (we're looking at you, eharmony). Instead, keep an eye out for apps that get straight to the point. The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the free ones should have features like profile verification to help keep you safe.

If you really want to pay for a premium membership, that's up to you. But we recommend starting with the free versions of cult faves like Tinder, Grindr, and Hinge. These popular dating apps give you just enough functionality to connect with potential partners for casual encounters — all without spending anything.

What is the best sex and dating app for hooking up?

The good news is that there are absolutely loads of dating sites and sex apps out there for every type of dater and dating situation. The problem with this wealth of options is that deciding on the right site for you can be difficult. This is where we can help.

Whether you're looking to have a one-night stand, exchange nudes with strangers, or have some phone sex before you doze off, we've rounded up the most reliable hookup apps for every type of single. You can download them via Google Play or the App Store and start swiping in minutes.

These are the best hookup sites and apps in 2025.

Need a new pair of headphones? Of course you do. We all do. Headphones are absolutely essential in the modern Bluetooth-connected world, but technology moves at lightning speed. It's always time for an upgrade. The good news is, there are dozens of headphones and earbuds out there to consider. The bad news, however, is that finding the perfect pair to suit you and your lifestyle isn't always easy.

A good way to start is by asking yourself some key questions. What do you actually need thd headphones for? Working out? Commuting? Listening at home? There are more questions: Do you need a super long battery life or quick and easy charging? What about noise cancellation, so you can drown out the world around you? All headphones fundamentally promise the same thing — to deliver great sound — but some pairs are better tailored to your specific lifestyle.

Sure, you could always visit Amazon and nab the cheapest pair, but that’s never a long term solution. You should always do your research before buying a pair of headphones. Let us get the ball rolling with some helpful headphone information and a selection of the best headphones and earbuds available right now.

Which is better — over-ear headphones or earbuds?

There’s no clear-cut winner. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. Some people prefer the old school-feel of over-ear headphones. Others like buds that drill tunes directly into their ears. There are benefits to both. Over-ear headphones tend to have higher-quality sound, and therefore audiophiles should focus largely on over-ear style headphones. Earbuds meanwhile are more compact, portable, and inconspicuous. Generally, earbuds will likely suit anyone who prioritises portability — whether that’s for commuting, air travel, or taking to the gym — and anyone who gets uncomfortable from long, sweaty sessions under padded headphones.

What is true wireless?

This is a term you’ll come across a lot when researching headphones. But wireless is wireless, right? Well, not exactly. Technically there are different types of wireless headphones — particularly when it comes to earbuds. Regular “wireless” means they are independent from the device or stereo — as in, not connected by a wire — but the buds are still wired to each other. “True wireless” means the buds are completely independent and connect via Bluetooth.

Wireless over-ear headphones often aren’t “true wireless” as they might have an optional cable that can be plugged into your device, which is handy for when you run out of juice. Even so, wireless is usually the preference.

What is noise cancellation?

This is another important feature that’s common in the latest headphones. It’s a built-in feature that keeps out or suppresses external noise, allowing you to fully immerse in the music without any distractions. There are two basic types of noise cancellation — passive and active noise cancelling. Passive noise cancellation is achieved by the design of the headphones, which may physically block out noise. Active noise cancellation — or ANC — uses a system of small microphones to pick up incoming sounds and create anti-noise sound waves that cancel them out.

There are other advanced modes, such as ANC that adapts to surroundings (known as adaptive noise cancellation), or a transparency mode that allows in certain ambient sounds. This is especially useful in you work in an office and need to tune into chats with colleagues, or for listening out for announcements on public transport.

What features to headphones have?

Some of the jargon around headphones can be confusing, so we've broken down some of the most important headphone features to help you pick a perfect pair:

• Bluetooth codecs — These are clever bits of software that encode and decode digital audio signals. The codecs decode at a specific bitrate, which determines whether the headphones have a high or low latency (AKA lag), measured in milliseconds. Look out for headphones with low latency that support Qaulcomm’s aptX codecs, which are usually rated as the best codecs for streaming video content or hooking up to a TV.

• Closed-back/open-back — Closed back headphones have completely sealed ear cups, which directs sound to your ears and keeps out ambient noise. Open-back headphones let air into the ear cup but can cause sound leakage that goes both ways — in and out. This is sometimes found on very expensive headphones for clearer, more natural sound. Closed-back are a go-to choice for commuting and loud environments.

• Drivers — These are little cone-shaped gadgets in the ear cups that are responsible for your tunes. They convert electrical signals into sounds. In over-ear headphones they usually measure between 20mm and 50mm in headphones. In earbuds, they measure between 8mm and 15mm.

• Spatial audio — This is an audio technology that's becoming increasingly common, particularly with Apple's premium headphones or headphones that support Dolby Atmos. Spatial audio effectively creates a 3D soundstage and a virtual surround sound experience.

Keep these features in mind when shopping around for your next pair.

What are the best headphones?

We've checked out just about every set of headphones and earbuds, and taken notes to help you decide. Regardless of your budget or requirements, there's a perfect pair of headphones for your needs. Just pick the pair that, well, sounds best.

These are the best headphones in 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 16 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: Worn during a variety show performance

• Green: To graze

• Blue: They're loud

• Purple: Accompanied by Latin music

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: Burlesque wear

• Green: Mess up the surface of

• Blue: They roar

• Purple: Latin dances with a vowel changed

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 #671 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Burlesque wear: BOA, CORSET, GARTER, STOCKINGS

• Mess up the surface of: SCAR, SCORE, SCRAPE, SCRATCH

• They roar: CROWD, ENGINE, KATY PERRY, LION

• Latin dances with a vowel changed: MAMBA, MERINGUE, SIMBA, TANGY

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 16

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

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

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

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for April 16 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 16, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A lesson.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.

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...

MORAL.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 16

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.

Nvidia has announced that its 5060 line of GeForce RTX GPUs will be available for purchase beginning on April 16. The line includes two models: The RTX 5060 Ti, which comes in 8GB and 16GB VRAM variants, and the RTX 5060, which will only come in an 8GB VRAM option. The former GPU releases on April 16 for $379 and $429, respectively, with the latter coming sometime in May for $299.

With the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti, Nvidia is making high-tech features more accessible for gamers who can't afford a $2,000 GPU. In particular, the new 5060 GPUs offer DLSS 4 support and full ray tracing capabilities for enhanced visuals and higher frame rates.

“The RTX 5060 family offers gamers next-generation performance and AI-enhanced visuals starting at $299,” said Vice President of GeForce Marketing Matt Wuebbling in an Nvidia press release. “Powered by the advanced NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and featuring DLSS 4 technology in over 100 games, this new class of GPUs elevates gaming with stunning visuals, high frame rates and quick responsiveness.”

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 tariff impacts: What we know so far

DLSS 4's AI-enhanced capabilities like Multi Frame Generation, Super Resolution, and Nvidia Reflex can all be found in the RTX 5060 GPU family. The company says these features will reduce latency times during gameplay in addition to those speedier frame rates and higher resolution.

Better yet, over 100 games will support DLSS 4 when the new GPUs launch, including Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2, and Black Myth: Wukong. Nvidia says that on the GPU's maximum settings, users can enjoy "stunning ray-traced visuals at over 100 frames per second" on some titles.

If you're planning on buying one to upgrade your current setup, we recommend making your decision as soon as humanly possible, because new Nvidia GPUs tend to go out of stock quickly. (The Nvidia RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs can be particularly hard to find.) We all remember the RTX 3080 dilemma back in 2020, and with the addition of the volatile U.S. tariff policy situation, we aren't exactly sure how this launch is going to unfold. Product pages for the RTX 5060 Ti aren't even posted yet, so you'll probably want to keep your credit card at the ready.

In addition to the GPU announcements, Nvidia revealed that RTX-5060-equipped laptops from every big-name manufacturer will also be available this May starting at $1,099. The new laptops are said to have lower latency and are able to double the frame rates of previous iterations. They'll also come in a range of configurations and sizes starting at 14.9 millimeters.

For updates on the RTX 5060 launch, visit the Nvidia website.

Scientists previously captured rare footage of a giant squid. Now, they've filmed another huge squid species — the colossal squid.

The first specimens of the colossal squid were formally described by biologists a century ago, in 1925. These deep sea dwellers, which live exclusively in Antarctic waters, are rarely seen, so they're largely mysterious. But the Schmidt Ocean Institute, a well-traveled ocean exploration group, has used a high-tech robot to film the first-ever confirmed footage of colossal squid in its natural and remote marine environs.

"It’s exciting to see the first in situ footage of a juvenile colossal and humbling to think that they have no idea that humans exist," Kat Bolstad, a cephalopod expert at the Auckland University of Technology who helped verify the footage, said in a statement. "For 100 years, we have mainly encountered them as prey remains in whale and seabird stomachs and as predators of harvested toothfish."

"This is honestly one of the most exciting observations we've had in my time researching deep sea cephalopods," Bolstad said during a press conference on April 15.

SEE ALSO: A dominant shark lurks in the deep, dark ocean. Meet the sixgill.

The observed colossal squid seen below is quite young and not nearly fully grown, at nearly a foot long. But mature individuals grow to around 30 feet long (though some individuals could be larger), weigh in at over 1,100 pounds (which makes them both the heaviest squid and invertebrate), and have the largest eyes of any animal (at some 10.5 inches across, making them soccer-ball size).

The Schmidt Ocean Institute's ROV SuBastian — a robot fitted with a slew of scientific instruments and capable of descending down to 14,763 feet, or 4,500 meters — filmed the squid on March 9 off the South Sandwich Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The squid was swimming at some 1,968 feet, or 600 meters, beneath the surface.

The Schmidt Ocean Institute's remotely operated vehicle SuBastian. Credit: Alex Ingle / Schmidt Ocean Institute

This long-sought footage was ROV SuBastian's third time capturing first-ever confirmed footage of a squid species in their natural ocean habitat. (The others include Spirula spirula, or Ram’s Horn Squid, in 2020, and the Promachoteuthis.)

Dropping such robots into the depths regularly reveals rare or unprecedented footage. "We always discover stuff when we go out into the deep sea. You're always finding things that you haven't seen before," Derek Sowers, an expedition lead for NOAA Ocean Exploration, previously told Mashable.

Scientists want to shine a light — literally and figuratively — on what's down there. The implications of knowing are incalculable, particularly as deep sea mineral prospectors prepare to run tank-like industrial equipment across parts of the seafloor. Biologists emphasize that rare biodiversity and marine habitats be protected. What's more, research expeditions have found that ocean life carries great potential for novel medicines. "Systematic searches for new drugs have shown that marine invertebrates produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organisms," notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"There's life down there that has the potential to provide and has provided us with medicines," Jyotika Virmani, an oceanographer and executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, told Mashable last year.

OpenAI is reportedly working on a social media prototype for sharing images generated by ChatGPT.

According to The Verge, who spoke with anonymous sources "familiar with the matter," OpenAI is working on a social media feed akin to X that would host ChatGPT-generated images created by users. This would reportedly serve two goals: boosting visibility of ChatGPT's now-viral image generator and serving as a source for real-time user data. (Google, Meta, and X all have vast amounts of user data, some of which can be leveraged for AI training.) The Verge also reports that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been privately asking for feedback on such a tool.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Studio Ghibli-inspired AI art provokes backlash across the internet

It's unclear whether the social feed would be a standalone social networking app or integrated with ChatGPT, similar to the feed of user-generated images on Midjourney. It also calls to mind the video feed that already exists on OpenAI's standalone Sora app, which serves as a space for users to explore how others are using the AI video generator.

Of course, there's a lot of distance between a social networking feed of user-generated content and a genuine social media app, like X or Instagram. If the company did venture into the social media space one day, it would likely make the feud between Musk and OpenAI even more contentious. Sources told The Verge that Grok's relationship with X, which is now also owned by Elon Musk's xAI company, has "made everyone jealous" since "people create viral tweets by getting it to say something stupid."

Musk is currently suing OpenAI for breach of contract by attempting to convert its capped for-profit into a full-fledged for-profit corporation. Recently Musk offered to buy OpenAI for $97 billion, an offer than Altman firmly rejected.

OpenAI would also be taking on Meta, another AI rival. Meta AI benefits from gathering user data to train its Llama models, and the company is also reportedly planning a standalone Llama app to compete with ChatGPT.

Altman has jokingly referred to building a social media app in the past. In response to a February CNBC report, Altman wrote on X, "ok fine maybe we'll do a social app."