Feed aggregator

TL;DR: Mashable readers can get lifetime access to FastestVPN PRO on 15 devices for just £31.01 (reg. £465.24) — a 93% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: FastestVPN FastestVPN PRO: Lifetime Subscription (15 Devices) £31.01 at the Mashable Shop
£465.24 Save £434.23 Get Deal

Online security and privacy are extremely important for internet users, so having a reliable virtual private network (VPN) is always a smart idea. Whether you’re conducting online banking, working with sensitive data, or just want some added privacy, you could benefit from using a VPN.

FastestVPN PRO offers a comprehensive solution that not only helps protect your digital life but also enhances your online experience with a plethora of advanced features. And right now at the Mashable Shop, you can get a lifetime subscription to FastestVPN PRO for up to 15 devices while it’s on sale for £31.01 (reg. £465.24) — that's just £2.07 per device.

FastestVPN PRO lives up to its name by providing lightning-fast speeds with a 99.9 percent uptime guarantee. With access to over 350 high-speed servers globally, users can enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, and downloading without any lag or buffering. Whether you're accessing the internet from your Windows PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TV, or router, FastestVPN ensures a smooth and uninterrupted connection.

Using the WireGuard protocol, users experience secure and unhindered speeds of up to 10 GBPS on the fastest available servers. The inclusion of double VPN servers adds an extra layer of protection, encrypting your data twice for enhanced privacy. Plus, the Internet Kill Switch feature ensures that your IP address remains hidden even if your connection drops unexpectedly, preventing any potential breaches.

The inclusion of a NAT firewall and ad blocker ensures that your device is shielded from potential threats and intrusive advertisements. Additionally, the AES 256-bit encryption safeguards your data with military-grade protection, giving you peace of mind knowing that your information is secure.

This VPN is very user-friendly, making it accessible to users of all levels. The intuitive interface allows for easy navigation and setup, while the multi-device login feature enables you to protect up to 15 devices simultaneously.

Head to the Mashable Shop to grab a lifetime subscription to FastestVPN PRO on sale for £31.01 (reg. £465.24).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

FREE CUPCAKES: On March 7, anyone who identifies as a woman can get a free three-pack of bite-size cupcakes from Baked by Melissa. Check participating locations here.

Opens in a new window Credit: Baked by Melissa Baked by Melissa: Free 3-Pack of Cupcakes Learn More

How does International Women’s Day make you feel? Do you feel pride? Do you feel motivated? Do you feel hungry?

On March 7 (the day before International Women’s Day), anyone who identifies as a woman can visit any Baked by Melissa (check participating locations here) to pick up a free three-pack of bite-size cupcakes. This free giveaway is only available while supplies last and no qualifying purchase is necessary. Simply stop by and eat for free.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away an exclusive Steering Wheel for free. Here’s how to get yours on March 9.

And that's not all, because Baked By Melissa is partnering with Girls With Impact to release a limited-edition Women’s History Month 25-pack (costing $37). For every box sold, $5 will go directly to Girls With Impact, helping them reach their goal of empowering 50,000 young women by 2028. This partnership is running until the end of the month.

Celebrate International Women’s Day by picking up a free three-pack of bite-size cupcakes on March 7.

DISNEY+ BUNDLES: Disney+ is offering bundle deals so you can stream the best of its library at a lower price.

The best Disney+ deals and bundles in March 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Basic Bundle Deal Disney Bundle Duo Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal

Whether you're looking to jump into the latest superhero saga or journey to a galaxy far, far away, Disney+ is the streaming service for you.

Home to Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and so much more, Disney+ offers a library that's chock-full of shows and films to keep both adults and kids entertained. This includes the latest Marvel show, Daredevil: Born Again, which we said, "stakes its claim as one of the MCU's strongest TV entries" in our review.

If you've had this streaming service on your radar but are unsure which plan is the best fit for you, we've got you covered with a selection of Disney+ streaming deals.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

There are quite a few bundle deals to check out with Disney+ right now, including the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle. This is a great investment for those who already own the other two streaming services and are looking to cut down on costs. And with streaming prices on the rise (Disney+ even increased its prices just last year), now's a great time to jump on a bundle like that.

We've detailed all of the available bundle deals below, alongside basic information on Disney+ plans if you just want the House of Mouse's service on its own.

Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

The Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle is one of the best available at the moment. Starting at $16.99 per month, you can have three excellent streaming services right in the palm of your hand, which is a great offer to take advantage of given streaming service prices keep going up. The $16.99 per month option is for the With Ads plan, but if you'd prefer to watch your favorite content without ads, the No Ads plan comes to $29.99 per month. Compared to what you'd pay for each of these on their own, you're saving 43% with the ad-supported plan and 42% with the ad-free plan.

• Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)

• Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)

Best Basic Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney Bundle Duo Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If the Disney+, Hulu, and Max mega bundle feels like a bit too much, there are smaller bundle deals to check out instead. One of the most affordable bundle options the service has is the Duo Basic bundle. This brings together Disney+ and Hulu (With Ads) for $10.99 per month. This is a great way to gain access to both of their libraries for only $1 more than what you'd pay for their ad-supported plans on their own.

• Disney Bundle Duo Basic — $10.99 per month

If you'd rather spring for the ad-free version of that bundle, Duo Premium is what you need. This offers both Disney+ and Hulu without ads for $19.99 per month instead. Disney+ also has Trio bundles that throw in ESPN+. The Trio Basic plan, which has ads, runs for $16.99 per month, and the Trio Premium plan without ads costs $26.99 per month.

• Disney Bundle Duo Premium — $19.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Trio Basic — $16.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Trio Premium — $26.99 per month

Disney+ monthly plans

Disney+ offers two standard plans if you just want the service on its own. The Disney+ Basic ad-supported plan comes to $9.99 per month while the ad-free Disney+ Premium plan will set you back $15.99 per month or $159.99 per year if you'd rather pay annually.

• Disney+ Basic (With Ads) — $9.99 per month

• Disney+ Premium (No Ads) — $15.99 per month, $159.99 per year

Disney+ has also created an "extra member" plan for people using your account that live outside of your household as they crack down on password sharing. If you're looking to add another person onto your account, you're only allowed one extra profile and can choose from the following add-on plans:

• Disney+ Basic — $6.99 per month

• Disney+ Premium — $9.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Duo Basic — $7.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Duo Premium — $10.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Trio Basic — $11.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Trio Premium — $14.99 per month

There's a wealth of shows and films to check out on Disney+ after you sign up. If you want some help finding something to watch, check out our roundups of the 12 best TV shows for adults on Disney+ and the 20 best movies on Disney+ to start building out your watchlist.

TL;DR: Live stream Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Manchester United are really struggling in the Premier League, and they are no longer in contention to win the FA Cup after losing to Fulham on penalties. So what now? They can still find success in the Europa League, but it's not going to be easy.

Real Sociedad will be confident of progressing into the quarter finals, and they'll be looking to start strongly at home against Rubem Amorim's side.

If you want to watch Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United?

Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United kicks off at 5:45 p.m. GMT on March 6. This fixture takes place at the Anoeta Stadium.

How to watch Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United for free

Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, 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 Austria, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV 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 Austria

4. Visit ServusTV

5. Stream Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United in the Europa League for free

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to provide free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ServusTV without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria

• 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 also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United for free with ExpressVPN.

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

We've been living in the next generation — by which we mean next gen gaming — for several years now. So whether you're a PS5, Xbox Series X, or souped-up PC gamer, a 4K TV is pretty much mandatory — a crucial companion for your console.

Most 4K TVs come with gaming-friendly features built-in, but not all gaming TVs are made equal. There's spec for every type of gamer. It's a matter of navigating the jargon and finding a 4K TV that will best suit you and your gaming sessions. Most 4K TVs are also loaded with smart features, which are great for when you want to take a break from games, or for when your roommates fancy a good old binge-watch.

With top TV brands updating their TV tech on an annual basis, you can upgrade at pretty much any time. We've done some research to point you towards the best models. Which means you can spend less time reading up online and more time gaming. Here's some useful information and a selection of the best 4K TVs for gaming right now.

What is 4K?

4K is a fancy way of saying ultra-high definition. A 4K TV display has at least 8 million active pixels and a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 — that's four times the resolution of the HD standard of 1080p. More advanced TVs also upscale regular HD and SD content so it looks as clear and detailed as possible.

Do you need a 4K TV for gaming?

In a word, yes. At least, you do if you want to get the most out of your next-gen console. Not only do the PS5 and Xbox Series X boast 4K content, the current wave of 4K TVs are also packed with other features to meet these consoles’ spec. These include eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), 4K at 120Hz (High Frame Rate), HGiG tone-mapping, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and low input lag. These help with smoother gameplay and maximum performance.

How big are 4K TVs?

When it comes to 4K, a bigger screen just makes sense. You sure want to make the most of that 4K resolution. The smallest size in 4K is usually 48 inches, with sizes going up to 55, 65, 75, and even 80+ inch screens. That's a whole lotta TV.

What is low input lag?

This is tech jargon for how long it takes your TV to turn the data it's receiving into an actual image on the screen. The lower the input lag (counted in milliseconds) the better. This means the gaming action will be as up-to-speed as possible, without lagging behind what’s happening on the control pad or your opponent’s screen. What good is it if your trigger and target are out of sync? Milliseconds might not sound like something to worry about, but just 100ms can make a huge difference.

What is ALLM?

This stands for Auto Low Latency Mode. It’s a nifty bit of tech which automatically detects a gaming signal and switches your TV to gaming mode. This essentially shuts down any surplus picture processing power, which in turns speeds up the gaming performance and cuts down on the dreaded input lag. For gamers who like the path of least resistance — i.e. getting into the game with minimal effort — it eliminates the need to switch your TV to its gaming mode before firing up the console.

Do you need HDMI 2.1?

For the PS5 and Xbox Series X, you absolutely need HDMI 2.1. Both consoles use HDMI 2.1 to output games at up to 120fps (frames per second). HDMI 2.1 supports an increased bandwidth of 48Gbps, which means higher resolution, faster refresh rates, and better HDR. HDMI 2.1 also supports eARC for transmitting high-quality audio.

While TVs come with multiple HDMI ports, not all ports will be HDMI 2.1 (2.0 is often included as standard — anything under 2.0 won’t be able to handle 4K resolution at anything higher than 30 frames a second). Fortunately, most of the latest crop of 4K TVs will include at least one HDMI 2.1, which is all you need. This is unless you want to have both a PS5 and Xbox Series X plugged in at once. The PS4 and the last Xbox will happily make do with HDMI 2.0 — as will the Nintendo Switch.

What does 120Hz mean?

This is the refresh rate — how many times the screen refreshes per minute. The higher the refresh rate the smoother the handling of motion and gameplay is. With the PS5 and Xbox Series X pumping out games at 120fps, you want a 4K TV that can handle that with 120Hz. Thankfully, most do. You’ll also find some TVs equipped with VRR. This means Variable Refresh Rate, which keeps pace with sudden changes in a game’s fps output to prevent stuttering within gameplay.

What is the best gaming TV?

From high-end options to more wallet-friendly picks, these are the best gaming-friendly 4K TVs that deliver on fast action, quick response, and overall performance.

These are the best 4K TVs for gaming in 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 6 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 6 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Love is in the apps

These words are for Tinder and Bumble.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The words are related to dating apps.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is OnlineDating.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 6

• Swipe

• Profile

• Meetup

• Chat

• Ghost

• Like

• Match

• OnlineDating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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: Describing a basket

• Green: Famously said by Muhammed Ali

• Blue: Teams in a women's 3-on-3 league

• Purple: Share a first word

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Knock down a shot

• Green: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee"

• Blue: Teams in Unrivaled

• Purple: Ball _______

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 #164 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Knock down a shot - DRAIN, DRILL, MAKE, SINK

• "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" - BEE, BUTTERFLY, FLOAT, STING

• Teams in Unrivaled - LACES, LUNAR OWLS, MIST, VINYL

• Ball ______ - BOY, CLUB, HAWK, MARKER

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.

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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 6 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: Something gradually disappearing

• Green: Taking care of plants

• Blue: Types of footwear

• Purple: Common "sand" phrases

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: Wane

• Green: Do Some Tasks in the Garden

• Blue: Shoes

• Purple: Sand___

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 #634 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Wane: DWINDLE, FADE, PETER, TAPER

• Do Some Tasks in the Garden: PLANT, PRUNE, WATER, WEED

• Shoes: FLAT, MARY JANE, MULE, SLIDE

• Sand___: CASTLE, PAPER, PIPER, STONE

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 6

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 6 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 6, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A watchful state of mind.

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 A.

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...

ALERT.

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 6

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.

Under new rules from President Trump’s Commerce Department, a $42 billion high-speed internet effort will no longer favor fiber-optic cable.

The app has become a mainstay of the video game community and young internet users.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for A$88 through 30 March — boost productivity and upgrade your OS with one affordable bundle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle A$88.00 at the Mashable Shop
A$702.00 Save A$614.00 Get Deal

When productivity meets practicality, you get the Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 + Windows 11 Pro Bundle. This two-in-one deal is tailored for professionals, students, and anyone looking to upgrade their workflow while keeping costs low. With lifetime access, no subscription fees, and seamless integration, it’s a must-have for anyone working smarter, not harder.

Microsoft Office 2021 Professional includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, giving you everything you need to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. With tools like advanced co-authoring and Smart Compose, collaborating with teams or family has never been easier. Plus, its redesigned ribbon interface and customization options make every project efficient and visually stunning. Whether you’re drafting reports or designing creative presentations, Office 2021 ensures you stay on top of your game.

Pair that with Windows 11 Pro, a cutting-edge operating system designed to boost productivity and enhance security. Features like Snap Layouts, desktops, and improved voice typing simplify multitasking, while advanced encryption and biometric logins keep your data safe. Gamers will appreciate DirectX 12 Ultimate for next-level visuals, while professionals can access Azure AD, BitLocker, and Hyper-V for streamlined workflows. And with AI-driven Copilot, you can optimize tasks like never before.

This bundle saves you the headache of recurring fees and ensures you have the tools to tackle your day — from running your business to staying secure online.

For a one-time payment of A$88 until 30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT, it’s time to invest in efficiency, creativity, and peace of mind with this combo of a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Trying the new voice assistant from AI startup Sesame is the first time I momentarily forgot I was talking to a bot.

Compared to ChatGPT's voice mode, Sesame's "conversational voice" feels natural, unforced, and engaging, which totally freaked me out.

On Feb. 27, Sesame launched a demo for its Conversational Speech Model (CSM), which aims to create more meaningful interactions with AI chatbots. "We are creating conversational partners that do not just process requests; they engage in genuine dialogue that builds confidence and trust over time," the announcement states. "In doing so, we hope to realize the untapped potential of voice as the ultimate interface for instruction and understanding." 

Sesame's voice assistant is available as a free demo on the site and comes in two voices: Maya and Miles.

Since Sesame unleashed its voice assistant demo, users have reported awestruck reactions. "I've been into AI since I was a child, but this is the first time I've experienced something that made me definitively feel like we had arrived," user SOCSchamp wrote on Reddit.

Reddit

"Sesame is about as close to indistinguishable from a human that I've ever experienced in a conversational AI," user Siciliano777 wrote on Reddit.

Reddit

After talking to Sesame's bot, I was similarly wowed. I talked to the Maya voice for about 10 minutes about the ethics of using AI as a companion and came away feeling like I had a genuine conversation with a considerate, informed person. Maya's speech had a natural cadence, using interjections like "you know" and "hm," and even making tongue clicking and inhaling sounds.

The strongest impression I got from interacting with Maya was that she immediately asked questions, engaging me in the conversation. The bot started our conversation by asking how my Wednesday morning was going (note: it was indeed a Wednesday morning.) In contrast, ChatGPT voice mode waited for me to talk first, which isn't necessarily a good or bad thing, but it intrinsically shaped the conversation as me using ChatGPT as a tool for something I needed.

Maya asked about the risks of AI companions getting "too good at being human." When I told her I was concerned about the rise of more sophisticated scams and people losing touch with reality by replacing humans with bots, she responded thoughtfully and pragmatically. "Scammers are gonna scam, that's a given. And as for the human connection thing, maybe we need to learn how to be better companions, not replacements, you know, the kind of AI friends who actually make you want to go out and do stuff with real people," said Maya.

When I had a similar conversation with ChatGPT, I received a response that felt more like boilerplate language from a school guidance counselor: "That's a valid concern. It’s really important to balance technology with real human interactions. AI can be a helpful tool, but it shouldn't replace genuine human connections. It’s good that you're thinking about these issues."

While OpenAI pioneered voice mode's ability to be interrupted and have a more fluid back-and-forth conversation, ChatGPT still tends to respond in complete sentences and paragraph blocks, which sounds, well, robotic. When using ChatGPT voice mode, I never forget that I'm talking to a bot, and that's reflected in the conversation, which can feel stilted and forced.

By comparison, AI for Humans podcast co-host Gavin Purcell posted a Sesame conversation on Reddit where it's practically impossible to distinguish which voice is the bot. Purcell prompted the Miles voice by telling it to act like an angry boss.

Reddit

A very silly conversation followed about money laundering, bribery, and a mysterious incident in Malta. Miles didn't miss a step. There was no perceptible latency, and the bot remembered the context of the conversation and creatively advanced the improvisational argument by escalating, calling Purcell "delusional," and firing him.

Of course, there are some limitations. Maya's voice glitched a few times throughout our conversation, and it didn't always get the syntax right, like saying, "It's a heavy talk that come."

According to its technical paper, Sesame trained its CSM (based on Meta's Llama model) by combining the traditional two-step process of training text-to-speech models on semantic tokens and then acoustic tokens, decreasing latency. OpenAI similarly used this multimodal approach to training voice mode. However, it has never released a dedicated technical paper on voice mode's inner workings — it only discusses voice mode in the GPT-4o research. 

Knowing this, it's surprising how much better Sesame's model is at conversational dialog. However, Sesame's launch is just a demo, so it merits further scrutiny when the full model comes out. According to the demo announcement, Sesame plans to open source its model "in the coming months" and expand to over 20 languages.

SAVE $120: As of March 5, get the Samsung Galaxy S25+ for $999.99 at Samsung, down from its usual price of $1,119.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25+ $999.99 at Samsung
$1,119.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal

So, it's time to get a new smartphone. What do you choose? If you're tired of iPhones or you're ready for a Samsung upgrade, there are tons of great options out there. And one in particular is available at a discount right now: the Samsung Galaxy S25+.

As of March 5, you can get the Samsung Galaxy S25+ for $999.99, down from its usual price of $1,119.99 at Samsung. It's available in all colorways: mint, icyblue, silver, shadow, and navy, so you can get the one that you vibe with the most.

SEE ALSO: Time for a new smartphone? Score the Google Pixel 8a for $100 off.

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ has a larger screen than the S25, with a 6.7-inch display compared to the previous model's 6.2-inch screen. It has a larger battery as well, with the same internals under the hood. You can also rely on its Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor for its snappy performance and suite of AI-focused features. Of course, it's also great for just using for regular phone calls, photos, and the like you'd expect out of your daily driver smartphone.

This discount makes getting one of the latest Samsung Galaxy models a much more palatable purchase. But it's a good idea to go ahead and grab yours now while it's still available, as Samsung tends to be a bit hasty with pulling deals and swapping them for other sales or discounts.

SAVE $23.97: Through June 4, those who've never subscribed to Peacock before can score three free months of Peacock Premium (with ads). That's $7.99 per month, or $23.97 in savings. While technically for Samsung phone and tablet users, this deal is open to any new subscriber.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock 3 free months Peacock Premium save $23.97 Get Deal

We're big fans of Peacock at Mashable. Not only is it packed with an impressive catalog of movies and shows, but it's also one of the most affordable streamers and stays dishing out impressive deals as well. That's more than can be said about most other streaming services.

Through June 4, 2025, new subscribers can get three free months of Peacock Premium (the tier with ads) for free through this Samsung Galaxy promo link. Technically, this deal is meant for those who purchase new Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets. However, it appears that any new subscriber can sign up through this link — Samsung user or not (I can confirm this works as a non-Samsung user). That means you can save $23.97 in streaming costs and watch whatever you want for three full months. You'll be charged full price ($7.99 per month) once month four rolls around, so be sure to cancel before then if you want to avoid charges.

SEE ALSO: Streaming alert: 'Moana 2' is floating its way to Disney+

Peacock is the streaming home to Universal Pictures films, which means it will be the exclusive place to stream Wicked as of March 21. It's also home to fellow Oscar nominees Conclave and Nosferatu. On the TV side of things, you'll find popular shows like The Office, New Girl, and Yellowstone, plus reality TV faves from Bravo and Peacock Originals like Poker Face and Mrs. Davis.

Check out our watch guides for the best shows on Peacock and the best movies on Peacock for a night in if you need more convincing. Although, with three months for free, what do you really have to lose?

TikTok is talking about their favorite horror movies, but it has almost nothing to do with actual horror movies.

The latest trend typically focuses on pop culture moments — things in movies, TV shows, or otherwise — that the creator either didn't like or found to be unsettling or sad. So the idea is to post something that was specifically horrific (or horrifically sad) to you while calling it your favorite horror movie. Typically speaking, folks choose sad moments in movies and TV and set it to Gracie Abrams' "I Love You, I'm Sorry."

It's all over TikTok right now.

Like lots of other trends — looking at you, Spotify Wrapped — the favorite horror movie posts are a bit of an exercise in displaying taste. The idea is to post something people love, or something sufficiently cool or, in other cases, something nostalgic, in order to elicit a response. So you'll get broad moments from Marvel or Disney movies, as well as scenes from HBO's Girls. The idea is to post something sufficiently sad that either everyone knows or a specific group of people really loves. It's the same idea as either having Beyoncé atop your Wrapped or a cult favorite band (here's to you, The Hold Steady).

So your TikTok FYP likely has clips from huge movies and esoteric classics, all labeled as horror movies. What your FYP doesn't have, for the most part, are any actual horror movies — at least until the next time Megan Is Missing goes viral again.

SAVE $100: As of March 5, get the Google Pixel 8a for $399 at Amazon, which is $100 off its normal price of $499. That's a 20% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Google Pixel 8a $399.00 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

For anyone buying a new smartphone, a new iPhone or the latest Samsung option might be alluring. But if you can't bring yourself to spend an arm and a leg for the newest model, you still have other phones out there to choose from. The Google Pixel 8a, for example, is one such smartphone that's well worth the price — and it's even on sale right now.

As of March 5, get the Google Pixel 8a for just $399 at Amazon. That's $100 off its usual price of $499, and a discount of 20%. You can choose from four colors: Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain.

SEE ALSO: Samsung has phone concepts that bend, stretch and fold in every possible way

The Google Pixel 8a has a crisp 6.1-inch Actua display with 2400x1080 resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Under the hood, you can expect to find a Google Tensor G3 processor, 128GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM. It also includes several AI features, the same that came with the Pixel 8, including Circle to Search, AI call screening, Magic Editor, and more.

Mashable's Alex Perry appreciated the phone's "elite performance coupled with a flagship-esque display and decent enough camera specs are more than enough to make up for some lackluster returning AI features."

There's plenty to keep you busy with on the Pixel 8a, and most importantly, it'll keep additional cash in your pocket for the time being, which we can all agree is a great thing.

Online, the citizens of America are uniting — not for peace, not for progress, not to defend itself, but for a Vice President who is edited to look like a Gerber baby.

Tweet may have been deleted

It's hard to pinpoint an exact starting point for the JD Vance babyface edits, but Know Your Meme attributes it to X user @DaveMcNamee3000, who posted an edited photo of Vance with a rounder face and larger cheeks on Oct. 2, 2024.

"For every 100 likes I will turn JD Vance into a progressively apple-cheeked baby," the user wrote, to the tune of thousands of reposts and hundreds of thousands of likes. Vance got babier. He got apple-cheekier. The internet joined in. The meme snowballed.

But it seems to have reached a fever pitch this week after Vance, on Feb. 28, asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy if he had "said thank you once" during a meeting between them and President Donald Trump in front of the White House Press Pool. This, X users opined, does sound like something perhaps a baby would say; it is reminiscent of a child refusing to invite you to their birthday party; it is, at best, odd work for the Vice President of the United States.

The internet responded with an electric number of memes depicting the politician as a big, big, baby.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Perhaps what is most remarkable about the trend isn't its oddity but its ability to bring both sides of the political spectrum together. Research from the Carnegie Endowment, for instance, shows that Americans are emotionally polarized, meaning they "harbor [a] strong dislike for members of the other party," an experience often attributed to social media.

But occasionally, social media can give us a bit of respite from that polarization. For instance, these baby-faced memes of Vice President JD Vance.

Making fun of the Republican Vice President might seem like the job for, well, not Republicans, but that's not exactly true. As one post on X pointed out, "Edited fatty JD Vance is the first meme template in a long while where I don’t know if the person sharing it is someone on the Left, or the most virulent Nazi you’ve ever met in your entire life. The entire political spectrum is enjoying these memes, it’s impossible to know."

Tweet may have been deleted

You might think, well, that's just one guy. And that might be true, but the top response is another user who wrote, "It's relatively easy to know, the left can't meme." (The left notoriously can, in fact, meme.) This obviously turned into an Internet Fight.

While not every conservative's post about JD Vance supports the meme, it is beautiful to see us all come together for one unifying cause: JD Vance with a big baby face.

SAVE $80: As of Mar. 5, get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for $219 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $299. That's a discount of 27%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $219.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Looking for a new pair of earbuds? Don't automatically assume AirPods are the only answer. You might want to give Bose's quality offerings a chance. The company knows audio and proves it consistently with its line of products that we have plenty of great things to say about at Mashable. Case in point: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which are on sale today.

As of March 5, get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for $219 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $299. That's a discount of 27%.

SEE ALSO: The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are my go-to earbuds — save $50 for a limited time

Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth had plenty of great things to say about these earbuds, awarding them a 4.6 out of 5 in his review. He praised their "excellent noise cancellation," "very cool" immersive 3D audio tech, and "long battery life," giving them the Mashable Choice Award for their performance.

These earbuds offer deep, satisfying bass and crisp treble, with spatial audio support that puts you right in the middle of the action. Plus, their CustomTune tech adapts to your ears and gives you active noise cancellation tailored to your ears. Change out your earbuds with the nine additional eartips and swap between three listening modes, with up to 6 hours of listening time per charge.

Whether you want a new pair of earbuds for a serious upgrade or you just need something a little different, this is a great option that you don't want to pass up now that they're available at a discount.

SAVE UP TO 55%: Several Tempur-Pedic sleep products are on sale at Amazon for up to 55% off, including mattress toppers, pillows, and sheet sets.

Best Tempur-Pedic deals at Amazon Best mattress topper deal Tempur-Adapt Supreme 3-inch memory foam mattress topper (queen) $198.49 (save $220.51) Get Deal Best Tempur-Pedic pillow deal Tempur-Pedic memory foam Symphony Pillow $53.99 (save $65.01) Get Deal Best Tempur-Pedic sheets deal Tempur ProAir sheet set (king, cool gray) $124.99 (save $144.01) Get Deal

Health and wellness hacks are all around us lately. We have supplements, apps, workout equipment, and more to keep us in tip-top shape and feeling good. But one of the simplest wellness hacks is sleep.

Getting a consistent good night's rest does wonders. Sleep is a great influencer in our overall mood, energy levels, and immune system function. Boiled down, it's worth investing in high-quality products that help you get a better night's sleep.

If your mattress, pillow, or sheets are proving to be uncomfortable, check out these Tempur-Pedic sale products at Amazon. Some offer up to 55% off. Here are some of our favorites.

Best Tempur-Pedic mattress topper deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Supreme 3-inch memory foam mattress topper $198.49 at Amazon
$419.00 Save $220.51 Get Deal Why we like it

If you've been sleeping on a mattress that feels too firm and unsupportive, adding a plush mattress topper can completely transform the feel. The three-inch Tempur-Adapt topper is made with the brand's Tempur material which offers ideal support and pressure relief. In a queen size, the Tempur-Adapt mattress topper is on sale for just $198.49 at Amazon which works out to a 53% discount compared to the usual price of $419.

Tempur material is great for light sleepers who are easily disrupted if a partner rolls over or the dog jumps off the bed. It's designed to reduce motion transfer, giving you a better chance of a restorative sleep.

This mattress topper comes with a removable cover that you can clean in the washing machine, adding to the hygiene of your bedding setup. The cover itself is made with a soft, hypoallergenic material that can be great for sleepers with sensitive skin or allergies.

To keep the topper in place, Tempur-Pedic added corner straps, so you won't need to readjust the topper each morning.

Best Tempur-Pedic pillow deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Pedic memory foam Symphony Pillow $53.99 at Amazon
$119.00 Save $65.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Can't remember the last time you got a new pillow? That could mean it's time for an upgrade. Designed with a luxury soft feel, the Tempur-Pedic memory foam Symphony Pillow could be perfect. It typically sells for $119, but today's deal at Amazon shaves 55% off that price, dropping it to just $53.99.

The pillow measures about five inches in height, and Tempur-Pedic mentions the dual-sided design is great for all sleeping positions. One side of the Symphony pillow is contoured for a flatter shape best suited for side or stomach sleepers. The other side offers contoured support, helping the neck, shoulders, and head.

The Tempur-Pedic Symphony pillow's removable cover is machine-washable and hypoallergenic.

Best Tempur-Pedic sheet set deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tempur-Pedic Tempur ProAir sheet set (king, cool gray) $124.99 at Amazon
$269.00 Save $144.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The Tempur ProAir sheets are made with cotton and Tencel Lyocell which makes these perfect for summer months or for those who tend to sleep hot. On the Tempur-Pedic site, a king-size set of the ProAir sheets sells for $269, but Amazon has them on sale today for just $124.99 in the cool gray colorway.

The ProAir sheets are designed to be light and breathable, giving a smooth and silky feel. While the material itself is moisture-wicking, it's also designed to be long-lasting. Tempur-Pedic added Stay Tight corner straps to the fitted sheet which makes it less likely to shift around or pop off. The set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillow cases, so your bedding setup will be complete.

More Tempur-Pedic deals at Amazon:

• Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Ergo Neck Pillow (Large) — $66 $99 (save $33)

• Tempur ProAir Sheet Set (Azure, Twin) — $78.99 $199 (save $120.01)

• Tempur-Cloud 2-inch Mattress Topper (Queen) — $118.49 $219 (save $100.51)