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Yes, we've seen numerous rumors about a foldable iPhone in the past couple of years, but this one hits different.

First, it comes from the almost-always reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who shared his latest predictions in a blog post on Thursday. The foldable iPhone, he writes, is likely to be finalized in late 2025 with sales starting in the last quarter of 2026.

But what makes this report interesting is the amount of detail Kuo is sharing, indicating that the foldable iPhone may actually be real and not just a myth.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 16e review: Battery life king

According to Kuo, the foldable Apple iPhone will have a "book-style design," which presumably means it'll be horizontally folding outwards just like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. It will reportedly have a 7.8-inch, crease-free inner display, and a 5.5-inch outer display, though Kuo says all the measurements are approximate. The phone is also reported to have a dual rear camera, and an additional selfie camera that will be available both when the phone is folded and unfolded.

Featured Video For You The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold tech and specs

The foldable iPhone is also said be 9 to 9.5 millimeters thick when folded, and 4.5 to 4.8 millimeters thick when unfolded. In comparison, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 is quite a bit thicker, measuring 12.1 millimeters when folded and and 5.6 millimeters when unfolded.

Tweet may have been deleted

For the hinge, Apple will reportedly use a combination of stainless steel and titanium alloy, while the casing will be made of titanium (just like the current iPhone 16 Pro models). On the side, the phone will have a Touch ID button (likely similar to the one on the 2021 version of the iPad mini)

Finally, the phone will use the same high-density battery cells as the upcoming super-thin iPhone 17; with that phone still being in the realm of rumor, we don't really know much about those cells at the moment.

None of this is set in stone, as Kuo says that final specs will be "locked" in the second quarter of 2025.

With regards to timing, the analyst even goes so far as to predict the next generation of the foldable iPhone, which should enter mass production in the second half of 2027.

About that price. Kuo claims that the first-gen foldable iPhone will retail "above $2,000 and $2,500" — it's unclear what this means, but presumably it could refer to different variants of the device. Despite that hefty price, the analyst predicts that the foldable iPhone will sell well, with shipments reaching 3-5 million units in 2026.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, March 6, 2025:

AcrossSound of mosquito electrocution

• The answer is Zap.

Niche publication printed in small batches

• The answer is Zine.

Nintendo princess

• The answer is Zelda.

Malevolent creatures in "The Lord of the Rings"

• The answer is Orcs.

Cry of delight

• The answer is Ooh.

DownZip

• The answer is Zilch.

"No ifs, ___ or buts"

• The answer is Ands.

Sphere in a stir-fry

• The answer is Pea.

Zip

• The answer is Zero.

What parents with toddlers might compare their household to

• The answer is Zoo.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

SAVE $70: As of March 6, the Amazon Fire TV 40-Inch 2-Series is on sale for $179.97 at Amazon. This deal saves you 28% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series $179.97 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $70.02 Get Deal

Do you want to upgrade to a smart TV, but don't want to spend crazy amounts of money? Well, we've found the perfect deal for you. As of March 6, you can buy the Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series for under $200. Down by 28%, it is now reduced to just $179.97 (specific to the TV-only option). As far as smart TVs go, this one is a stellar option, and not just because of the price.

Like most Amazon devices, this Amazon TV has Alexa voice control. You might not see this as a standout feature for a TV, but trust us, it comes in handy when you need to search through multiple streaming platforms for your favorite show. You can also use Alexa to search the internet and control some of your other smart home devices like speakers or robot vacuums.

SEE ALSO: Listen up! Grab Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for $80 off at Amazon.

For entertainment, the TV runs on Amazon's Fire OS, so you'll have access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It also features two standard HDMI inputs and one ARC input, making it easy to connect gaming devices. And it supports Dolby Audio for even better sound quality. Image quality is great too, with an HD 1080p resolution to enjoy.

And if you have another Fire TV device in your home, you'll be able to watch seamlessly between each, as all stay synced to each other.

Head over to Amazon to secure this limited-time deal.

SAVE $250: As of March 6, the LG 65-inch UT70 Series 4K Smart TV is available for $349.99 at Best Buy. That's a $250 discount from its regular price of $599.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch UT70 Series 4K Smart TV $349.99 at Best Buy
$599.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

This might be your golden opportunity if you’ve been waiting for a budget-friendly 4K TV upgrade. Best Buy has the LG 65-inch UT70 Series 4K Smart TV on sale for $349.99, a massive $250 discount from its usual price of $599.99. A 65-inch TV under $350? That’s not something you see every day.

This TV doesn’t just bring size to the table; it’s loaded with LG’s α5 AI Processor Gen7. It enhances brightness, sound, and picture detail for a more immersive viewing experience. HDR10 Pro ensures improved contrast, so your favorite shows and movies pop off the screen with deeper blacks and vibrant colors. And if you’re a cinephile, FILMMAKER MODE lets you watch content exactly as the director intended. No weird motion smoothing to mess with the visuals.

SEE ALSO: The roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum is down to its lowest-ever price

Gamers aren’t left out, either. The LG Game Optimizer puts all your gaming settings in one place so you can tweak performance on the fly. GeForce NOW support lets you stream games without needing a console, making this a solid pick for cloud gaming.

On the audio side, AI Sound 5.1 up-mixes 2-channel audio into virtual 5.1 surround sound, making action scenes feel more intense without needing a separate sound system.

• Price: $349.99 $599.99

• Retailer: Best Buy

• Display: 65-inch LED, 4K UHD

• Processor: α5 AI Processor Gen7

• HDR: HDR10 Pro

• Gaming Features: Game Optimizer, GeForce NOW support

• Audio: AI Sound 5.1 (virtual surround sound)

• Smart TV OS: webOS with 300+ free LG Channels

• Software Updates: Up to 5 years

• Included Accessories: Standard remote, tabletop stand, power cable, remote batteries

For streaming, webOS provides access to all the big-name apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Hulu. LG Channels gives you access to 300+ free channels, so you’ll never run out of things to watch. With up to five years of software updates, this TV is designed to stay fresh for the long haul.

A 65-inch 4K smart TV for under $350 is a rare deal, so if you’re thinking about upgrading your home theater setup, now’s the time.

SAVE 50%: As of March 6, Sennheiser Accentum headphones are on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's 50% off their regular price of $199.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser Accentum Headphones $99.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $100.00 Get Deal

When it comes to premium audio, Sennheiser is one of those brands that audiophiles swear by. Usually, that kind of quality comes with a hefty price tag, but today, Amazon has slashed the price of Sennheiser Accentum wireless Bluetooth headphones to just $99.99, 50% off their usual price of $199.95. If you’ve been looking for a high-quality pair of noise-canceling headphones without wrecking your budget, this deal sells itself.

So, what makes the Accentum worth your money? Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) lets you fully immerse yourself in your music by blocking out background noise. But if you need to stay aware of your surroundings, Transparency Mode lets external sounds in with a simple toggle.

SEE ALSO: The roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum is down to its lowest-ever price

On the audio side, Sennheiser’s HD stereo sound delivers a rich, well-balanced listening experience. You can even tweak the EQ to match your preferences. Fancy extra bass or crisp highs, built-in five-band equalizer, and customizable sound modes? These bad boy cans let you perfectly fine-tune your audio.

One of the biggest selling points is battery life, a staggering 50 hours on a single charge. That’s more than enough to get you through multiple workdays, long-haul flights, or an entire weekend of binge listening. And if you’re in a hurry, fast charging gives you five hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.

• Price: $99.95 $199.95

• Retailer: Amazon

• Noise Cancelling: Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)

• Sound Mode: HD Stereo with customizable EQ

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, optional USB-A/USB-C dongle

• Battery Life: Up to 50 hours

• Fast Charging: Yes (5 hours of playback from 10-minute charge)

• Microphone: Yes (clear voice pick-up for calls)

• Color Options: Black Copper, Black, White

• Smart Features: Transparency Mode, on-device controls

For those who want seamless device pairing, the ACCENTUM headphones support Bluetooth connectivity with both PC and Mac, and there’s even an optional USB-A/USB-C dongle for a more stable wireless connection with computers. On-device controls let you manage music and calls effortlessly; no need to reach for your phone every time you need to pause or skip a track.

At under $100, this deal is ridiculous for a pair of high-end ANC headphones from a reputable brand like Sennheiser. If you’re looking for crystal-clear sound, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation, grab this deal while it lasts.

SAVE $150: As of March 6, Beats Studio Pro wireless noise-canceling headphones are on sale for $199.99 at Best Buy, down from their regular price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $199.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

I refuse to pay full price for a good pair of headphones when I know deals like this exist. Right now, Best Buy is offering Beats Studio Pro wireless noise-canceling headphones for just $199.99, a massive $150 discount from their regular price of $349.99. If you’ve been hunting for premium sound without the premium price tag, this might be your sign to grab a pair.

So, what makes these headphones worth considering? For starters, active noise canceling (ANC) continuously adapts to your environment, blocking out distractions so you can stay immersed in your music, podcast, or that true crime audiobook you pretend isn’t keeping you up at night. If you still need some awareness of your surroundings, Transparency Mode lets in external sounds with the press of a button.

SEE ALSO: The roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum is down to its lowest-ever price

On the audio front, Beats didn’t hold back. Dolby Atmos sound ensures a fully immersive experience, while Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking adjusts to your movement and feels like the sound is following you. Deep in a gaming session or just vibing with your favorite playlist? This tech makes everything sound rich and dynamic.

Comfort-wise, the UltraPlush leather ear cushions are designed for long listening sessions without feeling like your head is trapped in a vise. And speaking of long listening sessions, the 40-hour battery life (or 24 hours with ANC on) means you won’t constantly be tethered to a charger. Need a quick power boost? Fast charging gives you four hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.

• Price: $199.99 $349.99

• Retailer: Best Buy

• Noise Cancelling: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)

• Sound Mode: Dolby Atmos

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C, 3.5mm audio input

• Battery Life: Up to 40 hours (24 hours with ANC on)

• Fast Charging: Yes (4 hours of playback from 10-minute charge)

• Microphone: Yes (voice-targeting mics for clear calls)

• Ear Cushion Material: UltraPlush engineered leather

• Smart Features: Personalized Spatial Audio, Transparency Mode

Another major perk? Unlike some headphones that are clearly optimized for Apple devices, these work seamlessly with both Apple and Android. You’ll get one-touch pairing, deeper ecosystem integration, and multiple connectivity options including USB-C audio and a 3.5mm headphone jack for old-school wired listening.

At under $200, this deal is about as good as it gets for premium ANC headphones. Beats Studio Pro delivers when upgrading your setup, traveling, or wanting to block out the world for a bit.

Samsung's phones are well-known for the excellent quality of their cameras. This includes a selection of filters in the Camera app, which allow users to jazz up their snaps by choosing preset adjustments to contrast, saturation, and other such settings.

However, if none of these filters are quite what you're after, Samsung also allows you to create your own custom camera filter based on an image in your camera roll. Simply choose a picture, and your phone will emulate its colour and style in a new camera filter.

SEE ALSO: Behold, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Here's how to create and save a custom camera filter on your Samsung phone.

Total Time

• 1 min

What You Need

• Samsung phone

Step 1: Open your Camera app.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 2: Swipe to Photo mode.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 3: Tap the three overlapping circles in the top right corner to open the filter menu.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 4: Tap the plus symbol (+) next to the filter options.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 5: Choose an image from your camera roll to use as the basis for your custom filter.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 6: A camera view demonstrating your filter will appear, with your chosen image below it.

Tap and press the camera view to see it without the filter, and release to turn the filter back on. You can tap your chosen image and then drag the corners to redefine the reference area if you would like the filter to only be based on a certain section. You can also tap the filter name to rename your new filter, then select "Rename" to confirm it.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 7: Tap "Done" to finalise and save your filter.

Samsung currently doesn't allow you to create a custom filter by manually adjusting settings such as the colour temperature, contrast, and saturation via a slider. There is a way around this though, as you can tweak these settings on a preexisting filter. Simply select the filter you want to edit, tap the value you'd like to change in the bar beneath the filter's name, and drag the arrow to alter it.

The Camera app will save these changes to your filter, so you don't have to readjust it whenever you want to take a new photo. You can also tap the reset button by the filter's name to undo them.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Samsung states that you can create up to 99 of your own filters, which seems like way more than you could ever need or realistically manage. The filter feature doesn't work on all resolution and aspect ratio settings, though. If your filter icon is greyed out, try lowering your camera resolution to fix it.

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.

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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.

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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.