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TL;DR: Find a wide range of free online courses from MIT on edX.
A huge bank of free online courses from some of the biggest and best educational institutions in the world are just sitting on edX, waiting for you to enroll. It sounds too good to be true, but you could become a student of a famous school like MIT without spending anything.
You can find free lessons on useful topics like AI, Python programming, investing, and so much more with edX. There's a lot to consider, so we've got you started with a standout selection of free online courses from MIT.
These are the best free online courses from MIT this month:
Data Analysis: Statistical Modeling and Computation in Applications
Financial Regulation: From the Global Financial Crisis to Fintech and the COVID Pandemic
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python
Machine Learning with Python: From Linear Models to Deep Learning
These free courses do not come with a shareable certificate of completion or graded assignments/exams, but that's the only catch. You can start learning at a pace that suits you, so there's no pressure to commit.
Find the best free online courses from MIT on edX.
Opens in a new window Credit: MIT MIT Online Courses Free at edX Get DealTL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.
Is Pornhub banned where you live? It's not unlikely.
More than a third of U.S. states have introduced restrictions for online adult content. Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee were the latest States to enforce age verification laws, meaning that millions of users in the U.S. are now unable to access Pornhub. There are complicated reasons for these restrictions, but the workaround is straightforward.
If you want to unblock sites like Pornhub for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.
How to unblock Pornhub for freeVPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure server in another location. 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:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
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Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub
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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.
What is the best VPN for Pornhub?ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:
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TL;DR: Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Champions League matchup between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid is undecided. Real Madrid won the first leg 2-1, but Diego Simeone's side will be confident of overturning that deficit in the second leg. It's going to be a tense affair between these fierce rivals.
If you want to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid?Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on March 12. This fixture takes place at the Metropolitano Stadium.
How to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid for freeAtletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.
RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid on RTÉ Player by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland
Sign in to RTÉ Player
Watch Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods 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 Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTÉ 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The first leg between Aston Villa and Club Brugge ended 3-1, but can Villa hold onto that lead and progress into the Champions League quarter finals? They will be favorites to win this one at home, but anything can happen in the Champions League.
If you want to watch Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge?Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on March 12. This fixture takes place at Villa Park.
How to watch Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge for freeAston Villa vs. Club Brugge 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 Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland
Visit Virgin Media Player
Watch Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge for free from anywhere in the world
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 Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge (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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Lille vs. Dortmund in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Lille vs. Dortmund in the Champions League is hanging in the balance. The first leg finished 1-1, and now the action heads to France as these two sides battle it out for spot in the quarter finals.
If you want to watch Lille vs. Dortmund in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Lille vs. Dortmund?Lille vs. Dortmund in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. GMT on March 12. This fixture takes place at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
How to watch Lille vs. Dortmund for freeLille vs. Dortmund 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 Lille vs. Dortmund for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland
Visit Virgin Media Player
Watch Lille vs. Dortmund for free from anywhere in the world
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 Lille vs. Dortmund (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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Lille vs. Dortmund in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.
At SXSW 2025, Qualcomm and Will.i.am hyped up FYI.AI as the future of AI-powered messaging. Instead, it delivered something far more awkward — AI personas that felt uncomfortably close to digital blackface.
As part of that AI future, Will.i.am demoed the AI personas of his FYI.AI app at Qualcomm’s SXSW panel, "AI is the New UI," on Tuesday. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor, Will.i.am claimed the goal of these personas was to make AI more relatable, giving it the "flavor and energy" of real people from different communities.
For those unfamiliar, FYI.AI is an AI-powered productivity app for iOS and Android, built for creators. It helps organize projects, manage calendars, summarize group chats, make calls, send messages, and more — essentially an all-in-one digital assistant meant to replace all your other apps.
The AI personas are part of RAiDiO.FYI, a new FYI.AI feature that simulates a traditional radio experience with curated content and conversational AI. Think Spotify DJ, but with the ability to actually chat with the AI.
During the panel, Will.i.am introduced an AI persona named "Flowing with the vibes," meant to embody a young Black woman. Rather than a thoughtful representation, it felt overly scripted, dropping lines like, "You know I gotta keep it real with you, always bringing that authenticity," and "Chaaa, what's up my peeps!"
The delivery felt more like a corporate AI trying way too hard to mimic Black culture. When AI or digital media imitates Black culture in exaggerated, stereotypical ways — often without Black creators in the mix — it's commonly referred to as digital blackface.
You can see so for yourself around the 39:30 mark on the video.
Qualcomm and Will.i.am clearly want to push the boundaries of AI personalization. The idea of AI that adapts to culture rather than imposing a corporate, one-size-fits-all approach is intriguing. It was an admirable attempt at inclusivity that unfortunately landed closer to parody, raising serious ethical questions about who’s creating these AI voices and how they reflect (or distort) the communities they claim to represent.
"This isn’t about replacing culture," Will.i.am insisted during the panel. "It’s about enhancing it, giving people AI that speaks to them in a way that feels natural."
But if FYI.ai is supposed to feel natural, why did it feel so performative? Meta had the same problem earlier this year with Liv, the "proud Black queer mother of two," that had to be pulled after some backlash. Not to be confused with Meta's AI Personas, which were also pulled but used the likenesses of celebrities, Liv was one of several character accounts for fake AI personalities.
Through his partnership with Qualcomm, Will.i.am is working to establish himself as a key player in AI, expanding his influence from collaborating with LG on XBOOM speakers to naming Jason Derulo as an FYI.AI ambassador.
If Qualcomm and FYI.ai want to push AI forward, they need to do more than just remix identity.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 12 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Baking items
Green: A bull wouldn't like these
Blue: For advanced poets only
Purple: Same second word
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Ingredients in classic pound cake
Green: Things that are red
Blue: Words said to have no exact rhymes
Purple: ____ Candy
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 #639 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayIngredients in classic pound cake: BUTTER, EGGS, FLOUR, SUGAR
Things that are red: CARDINAL, ELMO, KETCHUP, ROSE
Words said to have no exact rhymes: MONTH, ORANGE, PURPLE, SILVER
____ Candy: COTTON, EYE, JOHN, ROCK
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 12Are 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.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Various hurts
Green: Pool toys
Blue: Hockey nicknames
Purple: Baseball visuals
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Common sports injuries
Green: Billiards equipment
Blue: NHL Teams, familiarly
Purple: Items in MLB logos
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 #170 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayCommon sports injuries - BREAK, SPRAIN, STRAIN, TEAR
Billiards equipment - BALLS, CHALK, CUE, TABLE
NHL Teams, familiarly - CAPS, HABS, ISLES, PENS
Items in MLB logos - COMPASS ROSE, CROWN, HALO, MAPLE LEAF
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.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for March 12 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 12, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:A popular fruit.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no reoccurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter 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...
MANGO.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 12Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
If you'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 MashableBy 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 12 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 12 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Bearing giftsThese words aren't referring to bears.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThe words are related to abilities.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Prodigy.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 12Chops
Flair
Skill
Talent
Knack
Prowess
Strength
Prodigy
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.
iRobot doesn't participate in CES, so we don't typically get much new Roomba hype in late winter like we do for some of its competitors.
But for iRobot this year, skipping out on CES doesn't mean skipping out on that prime spring cleaning spotlight. iRobot announced four new series of Roombas on March 11 — and it's not like a Roomba drop you've ever seen before. Prices range from $299 to $999, with all models opening for preorder at irobot.com on March 18 and shipping beginning on March 23.
iRobot was clearly over having blindspots in its lineupRoombas have always been a staple in the robot vacuum market because iRobot is often the first brand to bring innovative new robot vacuum features to the mainstream. Everyone was wowed by a robot vacuum that could remember a map of your home or empty itself with the i7+ in 2018, or a robot vacuum that could avoid phone chargers with the j7 in 2021.
But iRobot tends to plateau after that rush wears off. Other big robot vacuum brands catch up and make those once-fancy features available at lower price points, and both the cheapest and the fanciest Roombas alike struggle to be a bang for your buck. iRobot heard those qualms and did something — a lot of things, actually — about it.
SEE ALSO: Need a robot vacuum that actually works on carpet? These 3 performed the best in my home.I think that this 2025 Roomba showcase has more variety and depth than all Roomba drops from the past few years combined — you could probably go as far as to call it a full overhaul of the Roomba family tree. With circular LiDAR laser towers sitting atop most of the new models and each coming in a white option, there's little resemblance to be seen to the older Roombas.
In total, there are eight new Roombas falling under four different umbrellas: the Roomba 105 or 205, or Roomba Plus 405 or 505. White Roombas are finally an option now for anyone who just doesn't vibe with the black plasticky look. Some mop, some self-empty, some do both, offering opportunities to mix and match the features you prioritize with a price point that feels comfy. One crucial robot vacuum feature applies across the board, though: smart mapping.
Let's get into the differences between the 2025 Roombas.
New budget Roomba: Roomba 105 Series Credit: iRobot Credit: iRobotRoomba 105 (standalone) — $299
Roomba 105 with AutoEmpty dock — $449
Roomba 105 Combo (standalone) — $319
Roomba 105 Combo with AutoEmpty dock — $469
While the mid-range to high-end Roombas at least start off being groundbreaking, the low-end cheap Roombas have had a history of being underwhelming from the jump. For instance, iRobot ushered in two new budget Roombas in April 2024 — neither of which had smart mapping, both of which retailed at $250 or more. The Combo 2 Essential, which does mop and self-empty but still doesn't smart map, later debuted at $424.99. At this point in the game, a robot vacuum that just bumps around and hopes to get to the right spot is all but guaranteed to be more trouble than it's worth, especially if you're paying more than, like, $100.
SEE ALSO: Honest review of Ruggable: Are the washable rugs worth the price?The new Roomba 105 series is a much smarter option for the $300 to $500 range. All 105 models are equipped with LiDAR-powered smart mapping to clean specific rooms on command. Compared to the older mid-range Roomba i3 and i5 models, the Roomba 105s use a four-stage cleaning system instead of three-stage, offering up to 70 times the suction power compared to the old base-tier 600 series Roombas.
If you're on a budget, there's still a lot of room for customization within your Roomba 105 purchase. The two without Combo in the title don't mop, but one of the non-Combos does still offer automatic emptying. Alternatively, you could save money and space by choosing a Combo version without the AutoEmpty dock.
New mid-tier Roomba: Roomba 205 Series Credit: iRobot Credit: iRobotRoomba 205 DustCompactor Vac — $449
Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo — $469
The Roomba 205 DustCompactor series was blessed with the coolest innovation on this list, providing a much-needed alternative to bulky self-emptying docks for people who live in small spaces. Rather than trying to squeeze a self-empty canister into the most compact dock possible, iRobot found a way to simply compact the dust itself. As debris is sucked in, the Roomba 205 condenses it, enough to leave you off the hook from emptying the onboard dust bin for up to 60 days.
With a dock no bigger than your average box of tissues and the Roomba itself omitting the LiDAR tower to stay flat on top, this is a rare option that can be fully stored under a TV stand, credenza, or even a bed — without having to give up the convenience of automatic "emptying."
The Roomba 205 DustCompactor also uses the upgraded four-stage cleaning system and can be purchased in a Combo or non-Combo version.
New premium Roombas: Roomba Plus 405 Combo and 505 Combo The Roomba Plus 405 Combo. Credit: iRobot The Roomba Plus 505 Combo. Credit: iRobotRoomba Plus 405 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $799
Roomba Plus 505 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $999
These last two Roomba releases aren't the first time we've seen the AutoWash Dock from iRobot, but they do mark the first time we've seen a Roomba with self-washing and drying mopping pads debut under $1,000 (or under $800, in the 405's case). This is the meshing of premium maintenance features and practical prices that we've been itching to see from iRobot for years.
Both the 405 and 505 ditch the retractable mopping arm that is iRobot's claim to fame on the Combo j7, j9, and 10 Max lines. In its place are two spinning mopping pads, or what iRobot is referring to as DualClean. In my briefing on these products with iRobot, I learned that the company has found that customers find this dual-spinning pad system to scrub more reliably than one big, flat pad.
SEE ALSO: Dyson's cheapest laser vacuum made me feel bad about my dirty floors...in a good wayOne main difference between the 405 and 505 models is that the spinning pads on the Roomba Plus 505 use iRobot's PerfectEdge technology, meaning they can swing out from under the circular vacuum to mop along edges and in corners. This hinged pad design is one I've experienced in a few Roborock models now, and the attention to detail has been a game changer for me, especially near the kitchen counters. That's the true wall-to-wall robot vacuum experience.
The Roomba Plus 505 also incorporates another navigational non-negotiable of mine: small obstacle avoidance. Because robot vacuums with this technology can avoid random clutter on the floor like charging cords, loose laundry, and pet waste, you can start a spontaneous cleaning without having to tidy up the floor first. I've tested a ton of robot vacuums with this capability in the past two years, but iRobot's PrecisionVision obstacle avoidance has consistently been the most accurate. While several Roombas at multiple price points can already do this, the Roomba Plus 505 Combo is the only Roomba under $1,000 to offer this and the AutoWash Dock. The other option is the Combo 10 Max, which retails for $1,399.
Many interactive installations at the annual XR Experience at SXSW offer a mix of the experimental and the emotional. But in 2025, few offer a wilder ride on these two tracks than Traces: The Grief Processor, an interactive VR installation from Vali Fugulin and Couzin Films.
Unlike many XR Experience projects that lean into spectacle, Traces is quiet and intimate. It’s a multi-user VR experience where four participants step into a space shaped by those who came before them.
And while Traces isn't a substitute for therapy, it is a unique, almost playful way to process your grief — no matter what kind of grief you happen to be experiencing.
Traces makes this clear right at the start, with a deeply personal choice. You’re asked to share a photo that stirs feelings of grief, whether that's a loved one, a lost moment, or something else entirely. You also enter a short phrase, something you’d tell yourself to ease that emotion.
SEE ALSO: When virtual reality meets psychedelic therapyThese elements become a permanent part of Traces, layering on the experience with the echoes of previous users. "During the pandemic, as I grappled with profound grief, I found myself yearning for connection, yet unsure how to express my sorrow," Fugulin says in a statement.
Fugulin says Traces isn’t about mourning recent losses; she even cautions against using photos of someone who just passed. But that didn’t stop attendees from being visibly moved. One teary-eyed user thanked Fugulin and producer Ziad Touma after the session.
And while I haven’t faced a major loss recently, I still found myself caught up in the experience. My contribution was a photo of my cat, because I felt guilty leaving him to attend SXSW.
Others shared snapshots from past vacations or younger versions of themselves — grieving not just people but places, memories, and versions of their own lives that no longer exist. And that’s the point.
As Fugulin puts it, grief isn’t just about death. It’s about change, about time, about the things we can’t get back. And in Traces, those fragments of loss become something new — woven together in a virtual space where grief isn’t just personal but shared.
The journey of Traces is led by Fugulin and her longtime friend, Quebecois actor and ritualist Stéphane Crête. The pair craft a documentary-style VR experience that feels both intimate and immersive — a rare combination at SXSW.
Without giving too much away, Traces invites you into something personal, reflective, and unexpectedly moving. You won’t walk away disappointed — and you might just learn something about yourself in the process.
TikTok is once again expanding its parental control options, launching new Family Pairing features that allow parents and guardians greater control over screen time and access to their kids' followers.
SEE ALSO: Apple's child safety changes put more of the onus on app developersThe app's updated supervision feature lets parents of teen users view their children's followers and the accounts they follow in return, as well as any accounts their teen has blocked. Later this year, TikTok will release an additional feature that allows teens to notify their parents or caregivers when they report a video.
Parents will have more options to limit their teens' screen time with the new Time Away feature, as well, which lets parents block app access for select hours during the day. Parents can also elect their teen into reoccurring, scheduled access, and are given the power to approve teen requests for extended screen time. If a teens opens the app during an unscheduled time, they will be alerted by a pop-up and won't be able to access the app without permission.
In addition, the platform says teens can expect additional "Wind Down" reminders for users under 18 years old (TikTok allows users as young as 13) who are on the app after 10 p.m., part of its larger array of screen time reminders and a platform-wide emphasis on mindfulness and mental health.
Credit: TikTok“TikTok’s latest iteration of its parental controls and online safety tools is a welcome development for families looking to both protect their children from harm and empower them as responsible digital citizens," said Stephen Balkam, CEO and Founder of the Family Online Safety Institute, in a press release. "Most importantly, these tools give parents greater support in fostering open, ongoing conversations about their children’s technology use."
Overall, TikTok has taken longer than some of its other competitors, like Meta, to implement such monitoring tools. TikTok has previously released features like screen time limits, direct messaging controls, and content restrictions, responding to widespread concern about the effect of the social media platform on teen users' mental health.
Tesla stock is plummeting.
Elon Musk's EV car company had its worst day on the stock market since September 2020. All of Tesla's post-election gains on the market have been completely wiped out.
Musk broke his silence after the markets closed on Monday.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed."It will be fine long-term," he said in a reply to a user referencing the biggest single-day drops in Tesla stock history.
While Musk attempts to calm investors, it's clear that Tesla may very well be in trouble.
Tesla is currently facing a large boycott campaign over Musk's ties to President Donald Trump and the far-right. Musk's advocacy for Trump may have been good for his companies in the short term right after the election, but it appears Trump's presidency has been unpopular so far – at least with Tesla's potential consumer base.
Musk directly getting involved as a special government employee with the Trump administration's DOGE has put the Tesla CEO directly involved with dismantling government agencies and programs that many people in the U.S. and around the world depend on.
As a result of all of this, Tesla's sales have been dropping globally, with dramatic decreases in Tesla purchases as high as 76 percent in some countries like Germany. Tesla owners have been reportedly selling their vehicles to avoid being mistaken as a supporter of Musk's politics.
Protests have been popping up around the world at Tesla's showrooms. The situation has been escalating to the point where people are vandalizing Tesla vehicles and charging stations to show their disapproval of Musk.
President Trump is now stepping in to defend Musk and Tesla directly.
On Monday night, Trump declared that activists were trying to "illegally and collusively boycott Tesla," which Trump called Musk's "baby."
"I’m going to buy a brand new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American," Trump said.
Mashable notes that as of Tuesday morning Trump has offered up no evidence that he followed through with his pledge to buy a Tesla vehicle.
As for Musk, he's spent the day personally thanking his fans, such as conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, for voicing their support for Tesla on his social media platform X.
"I FULLY, 1000 PERCENT SUPPORT DOGE AND I AM BUYING MORE TESLA STOCK!!" posted comedian Rob Schneider.
Musk replied to Schneider with a heart emoji.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.TL;DR: Use code FAMPLAN to grab AdGuard's ad-blocker, malware protection, and more for nine devices for only A$25.
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All-in-one ad-blocking and privacy protectionAdGuard handily eliminates ads from your devices, so it's no surprise that it boasts 1,400+ five-star ratings. It's designed to remove distracting banners, intrusive pop-ups, or irritating YouTube ads for pet food, but you can also create filters to customize your experience on different platforms and manually block any missed ads.
In addition to streamlining your browsing, streaming, and gaming, AdGuard acts as a digital bodyguard, shielding your digital activity from trackers and analyzers. It even protects your devices from harmful malware and phishing scams, keeping your digital world safe and secure.
Since this AdGuard plan works on up to nine devices — including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS — simultaneously, it's perfect for families. Those with children will also appreciate this ad-blocker's parental controls. You'll be able to restrict content that's inappropriate for your kids, ensuring they can only watch Peppa Pig, Bluey, and other child-friendly content.
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Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Software AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription AU$25 at the Mashable ShopApple announced the MacBook Air M4 a week ago, and as per the norm, people are clamoring to learn more about Apple’s new, more affordable laptop. Reviews have already sprung up across the Internet from the likes of CNET, MKBHD, and Ars Technica, among others.
There’s good reason to be excited. In our hands-on, Mashable’s Stan Schroeder noted the familiar feel of the modern MacBook Air family while also praising Apple for finally including 16GB of RAM on the base model. For the most part, the M4 MacBook Air appears to focus mostly on refining previous iterations while remaining ultraportable.
So, with a mix of some new features while also including a lot of similarities to prior releases, reviewers at times criticized Apple’s aging design while remaining enthusiastic about some of the upgrades. We encourage you to seek out reviews but if you want a TL;DR, here are the biggest things reviewers liked and disliked about Apple’s new Macbook Air.
4 things reviewers liked about the MacBook Air M4Overall, reviews for the MacBook Air M4 were staggeringly positive. Apple has always been pretty consistent about delivering a complete product, and that’s the general sentiment of reviewers across the Internet. However, here were some things that especially stood out about the M4 to reviewers.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix itIt’s true that Apple only updates its laptop chassis about once every half-decade or so. Thus, the first thing you may notice about the MacBook Air M4 is that it looks strikingly like the MacBook Air M3 and the M2. We’ll talk more about Apple’s penchant for reusing its designs later, but for the vast majority of reviews, everyone appears to be cool with it.
Gizmodo notes that the latest MacBook Air still feels good to use while maintaining a solid display and sound quality from the speakers. The M4 also carries over the quiet, fanless design from prior models, which PCMag was happy to see in their review. (Full disclosure: PCMag is owned by Ziff Davis, the same parent company as Mashable.) Wired echoed this sentiment, stating that Apple reached peak MacBook Air design with the M3 model and that carries over to the M4.
In short, there wasn’t much in the way of negativity when it comes to the basics of the MacBook Air. The keyboard, screen, speakers, and overall design are still highlights, giving consumers a very portable package that still looks and feels good to use. About the only complaint here is the notch for the front-facing camera, which is still as intrusive as it was on the M2 and M3.
The spec upgrades were a long time comingIt shouldn’t come as a surprise that the M4 is faster than the M3, as that tends to happen when new chips come out. For the record, the PCMag notes that the M4 boosts AI performance by a significant percentage, while SixColors did benchmarks to show that it was overall faster than the M3 processor. So, the performance gains are quite good and worthy of praise all on their own.
However, the inclusion of the M4 took a backseat to another performance-related upgrade that users and reviewers alike have been begging Apple to include for a few years now.
That change is the upgrade to 16GB of RAM on the base model of the MacBook Air M4. This is a big deal, as prior base models made do with 8GB. In a fast-paced technological landscape where a single browser tab can eat a couple of GB worth of RAM and AI applications can take up even more, doubling the RAM on the most budget-friendly models signals that Apple really does listen to its customers sometimes. Every reviewer we saw praised the change.
SEE ALSO: Apple announces MacBook Air with M4 chip for less than $1,000 Better cameras, better displaysThe one big change to Apple’s formula that reviewers talked about was the upgraded front-facing camera. It has been upgraded to 12 MP from the 1080p camera that was featured on the MacBook Air M3. Along with the boost to the megapixels, the webcam also features Apple’s Center Stage and Desk View features.
Desk View uses the wide angle on the 12 MP camera to show your face and your desktop at the same time, while Center Stage uses that same wide angle to keep the user centered in the frame while in voice calls. Some reviewers like Wired and MKBHD turned the software features off, but Wired was appreciative of the higher resolution.
It’s a small thing, but Ars Technica noted the differences in quality are noticeable if you look close enough. SixColors noted that the camera is much better in low light than its predecessor. In short, the new webcam is sharper and better, albeit not by a whole bunch. However, it does keep pace with the MacBook Pro M4, which received the same upgrade when it came out last year.
In addition, nearly every review praised the MacBook Air for its newfound ability to connect two 6K displays at 60 Hz without needing to turn the internal display off.
The price tag is on pointThe big narrative that all reviewers enjoyed was that Apple kept the base price of the MacBook Air M4 reasonable. It starts at the same price as the MacBook Air M3, which is $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch model.
Reviewers praised Apple for keeping the price the same between generations. In prior years, the price for a base MacBook Air has fluctuated quite a bit. The MacBook Air M1 went for the usual $999 before Apple bumped up the price for the M2 to $1,199. This was a complaint several people had at the time, and Apple brought the price back down to $999 for the M3 model and appears to be keeping it for the M4 model as well.
So, in short, you can get all of the above upgrades along with Apple’s already excellent design, screen, and speakers for under $1,000 before tax. Most reviewers agree that this makes it the best MacBook for typical use and that an upgrade to a MacBook Pro is only really needed for more hardcore use cases.
SEE ALSO: Hands on with the M4 MacBook Air: The sky blue color is SO subtle 4 things reviewers didn’t like about the MacBook Air M4No product is perfect, even if it’s from Apple, and reviewers made sure to issue grievances to make sure people know that. Reviewers noted a few disappointments, although none of them appear to be deal-breakers. In any case, let’s not bury the lede too far here and get right into it.
That blue ain’t blueApple introduced a new Sky Blue colorway for the MacBook Air M4, and its reception has been lukewarm at best. Virtually all reviewers note that it’s basically a cold silver color, or silver with just a hint of blue. In fact, here at Mashable we had to put the blue MacBook Air next to a standard silver MacBook to see the difference, as it’s not immediately evident under certain lighting conditions.
That isn’t to say that it looks bad, but some reviewers wished the blue had been a bit more saturated. Gizmodo compared the blue to Microsoft’s Surface Pro and noted that the Pro was what they would consider blue, whereas the sky blue MacBook was more silver with a blue tint. CNN wrote in its review that it would’ve called the color ice blue instead of sky blue.
While all reviewers noted the subtlety of the blue, not all of them disliked it. Ars Technica said they liked the subtle blue as an extra option alongside Apple’s three typical colors. Wired noted that the sky blue color made them wish Apple had even more color options to compete with the classic Apple silver, gold, and black. In short, we recommend looking at it in a store before buying so you know what kind of blue you’re getting.
Apple Announces new Sky Blue M4 MacBook Air
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Several reviewers noted that while Apple finally increased the RAM to 16GB, the storage remained at a less-than-stellar 256 GB on the base model MacBook Air M4. The issue here is fairly evident. That amount of storage simply doesn’t get you as far as it used to.
There are myriad reasons for this depending on how you use your laptop. Modern AI applications can take up dozens of GBs, if not more, with add-ons and extras. Modern MacBooks also come with AI Intelligence baked in, which eats into the storage before users have a chance to install anything. Software isn’t getting any smaller either.
Anyone shopping for a MacBook Air and thinking of taking Apple up on any of its expensive upgrades, storage might be the first one we’d look to do.
It’s a boring laptopIt’s unreasonable to expect a flashy new product every 365 days, but that doesn’t make it any less boring when companies don’t do it. While most reviewers praised Apple for putting together a complete package, there isn’t too much about the MacBook Air M4 that separates it from the MacBook Air M3 (or even the M2) except for the upgrades listed above.
Thus, a lot of the pros and cons are the same as in prior years. The latest MacBook Air has the same number of ports (sans the addition of a MagSafe charging port), the same scissor-switch chicklet keyboard, the same large but exceptionally functional trackpad, and the same overall design.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it didn’t give reviewers a lot to latch onto when it came to reviewing the laptop. Ars Technica noted that they had no additional notes, while MKBHD called his review of the MacBook Air M4 “too easy.” CNN said it was “the best boring laptop” they’d ever used. It’s still quite good, but MacBook M2 or M3 users looking for something more splashy will have to look to the MacBook Pro to get something super different.
The 15-inch model is more comfortableThis one isn’t specific to the MacBook Air M4, but a few reviewers said that they would prefer the 15-inch model over the 13-inch model for the sake of comfort. Namely, CNET and CNN noted that they used the 15-inch model more during reviews. (Full disclosure: CNET is owned by Ziff Davis, the same parent company as Mashable.) The reason is that the 15-inch model can fit more stuff on the screen comfortably, while the keyboard deck is a little bigger, allowing for more comfortable use.
This isn’t intrinsic to Apple, though, and is a common theme among smaller laptops. There are plenty of good 13-inch laptops on the market, and they’re superior for portability, especially for students and business travelers. However, there is no denying that those extra two inches of space make for a more comfortable experience. So, if you’re shopping around, make sure to try out both to see if you can live with the 13-inch model.
Hacks' Emmy-winning third season ended with everyone getting what they wanted.
SEE ALSO: 2025 TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream themComedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) became the new host of Late Night, a dream gig she'd once given up on, with her protégé-slash-punching bag Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) joining her as her head writer.
There's just one problem. In the Season 3 finale, Hacks revealed that Deborah had originally lied about the network not wanting to give Ava the position. But in reality, it was Deborah who didn't want her there for fear of rocking the boat too much. Ava retaliated by blackmailing Deborah into giving her the job, and with the release of the Season 4 trailer, we finally get a glimpse of what that aftermath will look like.
The trailer sees Deborah and Ava facing off everywhere from writers' rooms to the Las Vegas Speedway. (My bet's on Deborah for the racing win.) Plus, it gives a glimpse of what supporting characters Jimmy (Paul W. Downs), Kayla (Megan Stalter), Marcus (Carl Clemons-Hopkins), and DJ (Kaitlin Olson) are up to. It seems like there will be a lot of celebrating Deborah's talk show success, even if there is turmoil behind the scenes.
If you're a content creator hoping to bring in big bucks on YouTube, you might want to pivot to chocolate instead. After all, it made MrBeast $20 million last year.
MrBeast, who you may know as Jimmy Donaldson, has certainly diversified his portfolio. The 26-year-old millionaire has leveraged his significant social media following — 372 million on YouTube and 66.5 million on Instagram — to sell a lot more than content. His company, Beast Industries, is a majority owner of Feastables, which sells his chocolate, which Mashable's Tim Marcin calls "pretty good!" The chocolate is so "pretty good" that it generated $250 million in sales and more than $20 million in profits last year, according to documents sent to potential investors reviewed by Bloomberg.
His media business, which includes his YouTube channel and his reality show, produced similar sales but lost nearly $80 million in the same time period, Bloomberg reported.
SEE ALSO: I tried MrBeast's new chocolate bars. They're pretty good!As Casey Lewis pointed out in her newsletter After School, this comes at a time in which YouTube creators are having to spend more money to produce higher quality videos to keep up with a TV-viewing audience without a significant increase in pay from the platform, ads, or brands. This cost issue likely doesn't intimately affect MrBeast's work, but it seems to point towards a larger monetization trend: It might be more profitable to sell your brand in the shape of a chocolate bar than it is to sell your work on social media platforms.
Or it might just mean that people like chocolate.
SAVE $30: As of March 11, get a pair of OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro at OnePlus for $49.99, down from their usual price of $79.99 with promo code LUCKY25.
Opens in a new window Credit: OnePlus OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro for $30 off $49.99 at OnePlusThe weather's warming up. It's time to bust out the shorts and sneakers, at least in many parts of the country, as spring is starting to arrive. That means it's a good time to take a few walks, hang out in your backyard, or just enjoy music while you're out and about. You can do that with a brand new pair of earbuds, and today a pair that we don't get to spotlight often is up for a great discount.
As of March 11, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are $49.99 at OnePlus, down from their usual price of $79.99, with $30 off thanks to promo code LUCKY25. All you have to do to claim the deal is add the buds to your cart, then apply the promo code before you check out. The discount will then be applied. This price applies to both the Soft Jade and Starry Black colorways.
These earbuds, which just debuted last August, offer excellent active noise cancellation and up to 44 hours of listening time per charge. They can cancel up to 49dB of noise, so you can rest assured that loud noises won't be a problem if you decide to listen to music or take calls with the buds. Plus, they offer deep, satisfying bass with Basswave 2.0.
When you've exhausted that, you only need 10 minutes to juice them back up for 11 additional hours, so the music never really has to stop if you don't want it to. And you get all this for under $100 normally, made even cheaper by the special LUCKY25 promo code. If you're on the lookout for some new earbuds, these are definitely a great contender to opt for, especially if you're a newcomer to the brand.
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