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Sony’s presence in the wireless audio space grows stronger and wider with every new release. The class-leading WF-1000XM5 are considered some of the best wireless earbuds among critics and consumers, edging out the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for true wireless supremacy. Less-popular entries such as the WF-C700N also helped establish Sony’s footing in the mid-range wireless earbuds market.
The WF-C710N is the latest model to join the pack, and it’s a doozy. High-end features combined with Sony’s critically acclaimed sound technologies give these inexpensive in-ears a sonic edge over many similarly priced rivals.
Comparing these buds to the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony sibling WF-1000XM5 isn’t an exaggeration, since they boast many of the same features. Notable omissions include hi-res streaming through Bluetooth and wireless charging. They might fall short of these category titans, but they outperform both versions of the AirPods 4 in the areas that matter most: active noise cancellation, battery life, and — you guessed it — sound. That makes them the superior mid-range option.
Sony WF-C710N wireless earbuds specsPairing the buds to compatible media devices is an effortless task. Hold down the button on the back of the charging case with the lid open and buds in their charging slots to enable pairing mode. Select your unit from the available devices list in the Bluetooth setting on your device. Android users can take advantage of Google Fast Pair for one-tap pairing. There’s even multipoint technology to pair these buds to two devices simultaneously, no matter the platform. Connectivity remains stable within a 40-foot range.
Setting up the earbuds is incredibly easy. Credit: Alex Bracetti / MashableThe WF-C710N’s spec sheet is solid:
Speaker Driver Unit: 5mm
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Advanced Active Noise Cancellation
Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE)
IPX4 water resistance
8.5 hours of battery with ANC on / 12 hours with ANC off
Up to 30 hours of additional playtime with charging case
5-minute quick charge provides 1 hour of ANC listening
Earpiece sizes: S, M, L
Colors: black, glass blue, pink, and white
The Sony Sound Connect app can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play for free. It is streamlined to easily adjust or toggle features. There are many sound settings to play with, which I break down further in this review. The same goes for the WF-C710N’s favorable touch and voice controls.
Balanced sound with beneficial ANCThe WF-C710N sound identical to their predecessor, which is great since the WF-C700N produce punchy, well-balanced sonics that complement most music genres.
Alternative tracks like Hozier’s “Too Sweet” level you with impactful lows, which are spearheaded by an infectious bass line that slaps hard right out of the gate. You can almost feel the pluck of every guitar strum. The singer’s lo-fi vocals also sound crisp. I attribute this to Sony’s DSEE technology, which boosts fidelity on all music files, and does so flawlessly. Be sure to enable it in the app (more on that later).
These buds handle live performances incredibly well. The resolution on Daft Punk’s rendition of “One More Time/Aerodynamic” is superb. You’ll be able to distinguish between individual voices and instruments. The transition into “Aerodynamic” raises bass during the electrifying guitar riff intro and doesn’t distort the soundstage.
The Sony WF-C710N earbuds outperform Apple AirPods 4 in sound quality. Credit: Alex Bracetti / MashableHearing this level of depth and layering through 5mm drivers is a testament to Sony’s impeccable sound engineering. Lows are the most expressive frequency, but mids and highs are given enough attention to create warm, stable sound.
There’s a slight bump in bass when turning on ANC. You’ll hear and feel the difference on bangers like Travis Scott’s “Butterfly Effect.” The booming effects and synths create hair-raising reverberation.
ANC performs mostly well. The buds eliminate up to 85 percent of unwanted noise, with certain high-frequency sounds (e.g., crying babies, sirens) creeping onto the soundstage. Luckily, these noises sound more like background effects on songs. Noise cancellation performed similarly on calls — the only interruptions came from high-frequency sounds.
The feature always came in handy when working on my balcony. It neutralized the construction and landscaping noises near the pool area. Stepping inside the apartment was just as peaceful. Household appliances and loud TVs never caught my attention, nor did my cat’s meows.
Where Sony’s ANC technology always shows out is ambient listening. The 20-level Ambient Sound mode is remarkable and vastly increases awareness in all surroundings. You’ll hear ambulance sirens from three blocks away, while having clear-sounding conversations in proximity without removing the buds.
Comparing the WF-C710N to other earbudsI have over eight years of experience testing headphones and earbuds, which I’ve done for numerous credible tech publications (e.g., Tom’s Guide, Laptop Magazine, CNN Underscored). My benchmark products are the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds for ANC and the WF-1000XM5 for sound.
Audio on the WF-C710N isn’t luxury level like the previously mentioned models. Comfort and spatial audio are also better on these high-priced competitors. However, the WF-C710N sound superior to most buds under $200 (*cough* AirPods 4 cough).
Even without the *best* ANC, these buds do a great job blocking out sound. Credit: Alex Bracetti / MashableThe WF-C710N won’t be considered some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds, but they do a fantastic job of silencing your surroundings. ANC holds up well in both indoor and outdoor settings. Most low- and mid-frequency sounds will go unnoticed. High-frequency sounds are audible, but they aren’t distracting. Transparency mode might be the WF-C710N’s unsung feature. Sony’s mic array demonstrates terrific vocal capture to easily communicate with others or eavesdrop on conversations.
Prime operation translates to flawless usabilityResponsiveness and touch accuracy are marvelous on the WF-C710N. The touch controls not only execute multi-tap commands quickly, but rarely do they misinterpret triple taps for double taps. Voice assistance is dependable — you’ll be able to initiate Siri and Google Assistant commands with ease. Shortcut lovers will appreciate the option to access Amazon Music or Spotify directly on the buds; this can be assigned in the Quick Access setting via the app.
The Sound Connect app expands functionality across the board. Aside from control customization, this is where you’ll enable the ANC mode, sound technologies (e.g., 360 Reality Audio, DSEE), and other popular features like multi-point connectivity and wear detection. Business users should turn on the former since it creates a seamless connection between two media devices at the same time, allowing you to switch audio sources without unpairing.
Sony’s customizable EQ with well-engineered presets steals the show. Each preset is fine-tuned for its assigned category. The Find Your Equalizer feature is the best way to enjoy personalized sound. It automatically creates a sound profile tailored to your hearing. My profile delivered sharper mids than the WF-C710N’s standard EQ.
The Sony Sound Connect app allows for customization and easy access to switching between modes. Credit: Screenshot: Sony Sound Connect Credit: Screenshot: Sony Sound Connect Sony WF-C710N battery lifeBattery life is another area where the WF-C710N satisfy. A full charge generates between 8.5 and 12 hours, depending how you use the buds. Features like multipoint and spatial audio trim off 1.5 hours, though the lasting playtimes are still sufficient and rank higher than most noise-cancelling earbuds. I’ve worn the buds for full work shifts and had enough juice to take phone calls after clocking out. The charging case holds an additional 30 hours (fully charged) to ensure next-day usage.
Are the Sony WF-C710N earbuds worth it?Can you buy quality noise-cancelling earbuds for less than the Sony WF-C710N? Sure. Will they come with the same amount of sound personalization? No. That alone justifies the purchase.
Shortcomings are apparent. It would have been nice if Sony added wireless charging and LDAC support for hi-res streaming over Bluetooth. The bigger issue for some listeners might be discomfort. Luckily, these aren’t dealbreakers.
It’s worth picking up the WF-C710Ns if you have a penchant for Sony’s bass-forward sound signature or want affordable ANC buds with better audio and noise cancellation than the AirPods 4.
The Sony WF-C710N are priced at $119.99 and are available on Sony’s website, as well as popular online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
Sony WF-C710N wireless earbuds $119.99 at AmazonThe beginning of 2025 has already brought us a collection of excellent horror films in every shape and size — from the savage and silly Companion to the genre-transcending vampire flick Sinners to the delightfully gory The Monkey. Based on a Stephen King short story of the same name, The Monkey was originally published in Galley magazine in 1980. Now it's been adapted into a feature film full of "gonzo and gory displays of ultra-violent death," as Mashable's film editor put it. King himself called it "batshit insane," and that's saying something.
If you missed the cymbal-banging monkey murderer in theaters, now's your chance to catch the gruesome horror comedy on the small screen. Here's everything you need to know to watch The Monkey at home.
What is The Monkey about?Written and directed by Osgood Perkins (Longlegs), The Monkey follows twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn (both played by The White Lotus's Theo James, who find their father's old monkey toy in the attic. It's not just a quirky toy; it's a cursed drum-playing monkey that kills without mercy anytime his crank is turned.
The horror comedy also stars Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott, Elijah Wood, and others.
Check out the official trailer for a sneak peek:
Is The Monkey worth watching?The Monkey brought home an impressive $68.4 million at the worldwide box office when it launched in theaters in February. Critics love the sick sense of humor and stomach-churning gore, including Mashable's own film editor, Kristy Puchko. "All in all, it’s a vicious and hysterical spectacle of blood and brain matter that’ll make you laugh, gasp, gag, and even think," she writes in her review of the film. She adds that it feels "like a challenge, as if the monkey — be it his unblinking gaze or the truly outrageous gore he unfurls — dares you to look away."
Audiences are a bit more torn, with only a 57 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as opposed to the 79 percent critics rating. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide.
Check out our full review of The Monkey.
How to watch The Monkey at home Credit: NEONThe Monkey hit theaters in late February, but is now officially available to watch at home as of April 4. You can purchase it for your digital collection through on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV or rent it for 30 days. Fair warning: With rentals, once you start watching, you'll only have 48 hours to finish.
If you'd rather stream The Monkey at home, keep scrolling for more information.
Here are some of the platforms where you can purchase or rent the film online:
Prime Video — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Apple TV — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
YouTube — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Google Play — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Since the indie film distributor Neon has a deal with Hulu, we can all but guarantee The Monkey will make its streaming debut on the service. The question is when. Based on the streaming trajectory of previous Neon films like Anora and Cuckoo, we can make an educated guess that The Monkey will join the Hulu library sometime in July.
Hulu is surprisingly one of the most generous streamers for newbies, as it offers a free 30-day trial. We suggest waiting until the release date is announced to sign up and watch for free. Otherwise, subscriptions start at $9.99 per month. We've also rounded up a few different ways you can save on your subscription below.
The best Hulu streaming dealsBest Hulu deal for most people: Hulu annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get DealOpting for an annual Hulu plan instead of paying monthly can save you 16%. Paid upfront, it'll cost you just $99.99, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month rather than $9.99 per month. It's the best way to keep more money in your pocket in the long term.
Best bundle deal: Get Hulu and Disney+ for 37% off Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Duo Basic bundle: Hulu and Disney+ with ads $10.99 per month (save 45%) Get DealIf you want to get more bang for your buck, sign up for the Disney Duo Basic bundle. You'll get both Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for just $10.99 per month. That's only $1 more than paying for Hulu on its own — a savings of 45%. You could even throw ESPN+ or Max into the mix for just $16.99 per month total. That's 47% in savings on three different streamers.
Best for students: Hulu Student Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student $1.99 per month (save 80%) Get DealStudents can tune into Neon hits like The Monkey, Anora, and Longlegs with a Hulu Student subscription for just $1.99 per month. That's 80% off the typical cost of a Hulu with ads plan. The only requirement is that you can verify your college email address using SheerID.
Best for T-Mobile users: Hulu (with ads) included for one year for Go5G Next customers Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get DealOne of the best ways to get free streaming services, including Hulu, is to switch your phone plan to T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan. Customers on this plan get Hulu with ads for free (as well as Netflix and Apple TV+). Already on the Go5G Next plan? Just head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim the offer. You'll need to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu.
Note: After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll also have to take action in order to keep your subscription alive.
TL;DR: Produce better PDFs and access high-tech editing tools with a lifetime subscription to PDF Expert for $139.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: PDF Expert PDF Expert Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Mac) $139.99Turn to an expert to make your PDFs professional-quality: PDF Expert, the runner-up App of the Year with over 30 million users. A lifetime subscription is now available for just $139.99 to grant you perpetual access to editing tools that shape high-quality files.
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Advanced tools in PDF ExpertIt's not just regular PDF editing tools, either. PDF Expert comes with some of the advanced tools professionals need, like conversions, form filling, and text recognition.
PDF Expert is the all-in-one tool to convert PDFs to Microsoft Office formats like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, image formats like JPG or PNG, or text files.
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TL;DR: Own Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more with this lifetime Microsoft Office 2019 license, now only $29.97 (reg. $229) through April 27.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97It seems as though subscription fees are king in today's day and age. While they're annoying to pay each month, you probably don't want to say goodbye to two-day shipping with Prime or cancel Netflix and never see the new season of Black Mirror. Want to get rid of one of your recurring fees? Swap your Microsoft 365 subscription for a Microsoft Office lifetime license.
Instead of paying nearly $100 a year (Microsoft just announced they're raising the price of 365 from $69.99 a year to $99.99), pay only once to own your favorite productivity apps for life. Grab the Windows-compatible Microsoft Office 2019 suite for only $29.97 (reg. $229) through April 27.
Microsoft 365 vs. Microsoft Office 2019This purchase is a no-brainer if you aren’t taking full advantage of Microsoft 365’s OneDrive storage, mobile app access, and cloud-based backups. Those just wanting the apps should be more than comfortable with a Microsoft Office download.
You might actually like this license more than the subscription. The apps are downloaded directly onto your PC instead of hosted on the cloud. While this does mean there are no built-in cloud backups, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of trying to work offline.
Plus, now that Microsoft added Copilot’s AI features to Microsoft 365, you might be looking for a way to escape them. Not everyone is crazy about having a virtual robot interfere with their work, and these classic apps won’t ever bug you about it.
The price drop on this Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows ends soon, so get your download for just $29.97 (reg. $229) through April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: KeySmart Smart Cards are the credit card-sized, slim Bluetooth trackers you need to protect your wallet, ID lanyard, and more with Apple Find My for just $89.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart SmartCard (3-Pack) $89.99Bluetooth tracker too bulky to protect your slimmer belongings? Get the slim AirTag alternative that better protects your wallet or ID lanyard when you snap up this deal for a 3-pack of KeySmart SmartCards at just $89.99 (reg. $119.97).
The last lost walletWhen you swap to KeySmart SmartCards to protect your wallet and personal belongings, you can feel confident that you've lost your last wallet. SmartCards have a durable design and long battery life meant to help you find your stuff wherever it may be. Keyed to work with the Apple Find My app, you can locate belongings within range of the network. Put it in Lost Mode to make it discoverable with a message and contact info for other users and increase your chances of being reunited.
Lost your wallet nearby? If you're within 200 feet of your lost item, activate an alarm to track by sound. Don't want to forget your luggage while traveling? Turn on a "left behind" notification on the slim tracker in your bag so you get a phone alert if you're mistakenly separated from your baggage.
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TL;DR: There aren't many of these portable VPN Routers left, but you can still get one on sale for $169 (reg. $219).
Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Network Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router $169It seems like everything is a subscription lately. Your apps, your movies, and even your privacy has a monthly fee. That's why some have started switching from subscription-based VPNs over to a full VPN router. Instead of paying monthly forever, you can get one a lifelong privacy solution for $169 (reg. $219) — but we don't have many left.
What do VPN routers do?Setting up the Deeper Connect Air is pretty straightforward. Just connect the router to your USB-C enabled computer for power. Once it's powered up, it connects to an existing WiFi network. Then just pick a VPN server and you're good to go. There's a whole network of over 150,000 options, so the world is your oyster.
You can connect up to five devices at a time, meaning you can protect the whole family or just lock all your own devices down.
Deeper Connect uses military-grade encryption to scramble all the data that travels through it. This means your browsing, downloads, and other online activity become unreadable to anyone who shouldn't be seeing it, which helps stop tracking and keeps your data safe.
This little gadget can also get around those annoying location blocks on streaming services. If a show or movie you want to watch is only available in another country, just connect to a server there. Then, when you open up Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, it'll be like you're browsing from that location, unlocking the content you want.
There's one more thing that makes this such a good device to have on hand: Deeper Connect Air blocks ads, even on streaming services.
Get a Deeper Connect Air while they're on sale for $169. Supply is limited.
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Warning: This story contains spoilers for every Black Mirror episode ever.
Black Mirror is known worldwide as spooky, scary, and bluntly cynical. Who among us doesn't have a friend who keeps their distance from the show lest they spiral into existential dread? Fresh from the new season on Netflix, we decided to figure out just how despondent this show is and ranked each episode based on that.
The only exception is Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, which was not included in this list because viewer decisions affect the ending and therefore the net outcome of the story.
Now, since we like to do things scientifically here at Mashable, we've come up with a simple rubric to determine how pessimistic these episodes are.
How depressing is it? (0 = Happy happy sunshine, 5 = bleak af)
Technology will destroy us (0 = it won't, 5 = it definitely will)
We will destroy ourselves (0 = we won't, 5 = we definitely will)
Here we go.
SEE ALSO: 'Black Mirror' Season 6 is Charlie Brooker versus Netflix 33. "Hang the DJ"Season 4, episode 4
Frank (Joe Cole) and Amy (Georgina Campbell) are set up on a date by "the System," a highly sophisticated algorithm that's guaranteed to pair people with their soulmates. The catch is that you know a relationship's expiration date within moments of meeting the person, but you have to spend the requisite time together regardless. Though they're only given 12 hours at first, Frank and Amy can't stop thinking about each other and wondering if the System really works — so they hang it all and run away together. — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter
How depressing is it? 0. It is 99.8 percent happy.
Technology will destroy us: 0. It might...save us?
We will destroy ourselves: 0. Not this time!
Total: 0
Season 3, episode 4
How-cute-are-they Credit: NetflixLove wins! It wins Emmys, too, with the story of Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis) and Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who fall in love in a simulated reality that reunites them in different eras while they're actually in their dying days of old age. When Yorkie asks Kelly to stay with her, to live forever in this virtual reality, Kelly has to think about everything else that was part of her life, including her family — but in the end, it's them versus the world, and they conquer it. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 1. Only because Kelly doesn't get to be with her family. ONE POINT.
Technology will destroy us: 0. It might have some good in it yet.
We will destroy ourselves: 0
Total: 1
Season 7, episode 3
Issa Rae and Emma Corrin fall in love in "Hotel Reverie." Credit: NetflixLike "San Junipero," "Hotel Reverie" is ultimately about a sapphic romance that plays out in virtual reality. But this time, these lovestruck lesbians (Issa Rae and Emma Corrin) don't get to stay in their cozy coded heaven. Still, there's some comfort in a phone call. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
How depressing is it? 1.
Technology will destroy us: 1. Us, no. The future of cinema? Maybe!
We will destroy ourselves: 0. A lot of noble choices being made here!
Total: 2
Season 5, episode 1
College friends Danny (Anthony Mackie) and Karl (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) enter the sensorially real video game "Striking Vipers" intending to beat the shit out of each other’s avatars, but instead they have crazy, phenomenal sex. This goes on until Danny ends it. But a final night in the game prompts him to tell his wife, and for her to allow "Striking Vipers" once a year on his birthday while she gets a night out as a single woman. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 1 for the deterioration of Danny’s marriage when he’s so absorbed in the game that he won’t even kiss his wife.
Technology will destroy us: 1. The men do disengage slightly from their real lives, but that’s a cakewalk compared to what this episode could have done, trapping them in the game a la “USS Callister” or worse.
We will destroy ourselves: 0. Our main characters come to a shockingly mature and progressive solution for their unique situation.
Total: 2
Season 5, episode 3
Teen Rachel (Angourie Rice) is gifted a cutesy robot companion meant to echo her favorite pop star Ashley O (Miley Cyrus). Meanwhile, the real Ashley’s mental health is in jeopardy, to the point where her evil aunt puts her into a coma to take over Ashley’s career. When Rachel and her sister Jack (Madison Davenport) uninhibit Ashley Too’s cognitive capabilities, she tells them the truth, and they save the real Ashley from certain peril. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 2 for Miley Cyrus’ seriously convincing turn as Ashley, especially when she’s sobbing and pleading for mercy on her medical bed.
Technology will destroy us: 0.5. Seasoned viewers will be rightfully wary of Ashley Too, but Black Mirror doesn't weaponize her or Ashley's downloaded consciousness.
We will destroy ourselves: 0. We won’t and we didn’t! But watch out for evil aunts.
Total: 2.5
Season 6, episode 5
Paapa Essiedu as Gaap in "Demon 79." Credit: NetflixIn 1979 Northern England, Nida (Anjana Vasan) is a lonely shop assistant who finds an unexpected friend in a literal demon (Paapa Essiedu), who takes the form of a disco icon. An accidental blood pact demands that she kill three people in three days, or else the world will end. In a time and place in which she faces rampant racism, Nida faces some tough choices in this surprisingly funny — and romantic! — Black Mirror romp. — K.P.
How depressing is it? 1. The racism is atrocious, and sure, the world ends. But hey, it's a movie within the series! It's not "real."
Technology will destroy us: 1. True, but more nuclear weapons, less watching TV dancers.
We will destroy ourselves: 1
Total: 3
Season 4, episode 1
Video game designer Robert Daly (Jesse Plemons) has made Infinity, a virtual world where he is not only a god but also the captain of a crew and ship all modeled after his favorite TV show, Space Fleet (modeled after our world's Star Trek). And that would be well and good if Robert weren't using a cloning tool to pitch his real-world co-workers into virtual enslavement to his every mad whim. But in the end, a clever mutiny led by newcomer Nannette Cole (Cristin Milioti) frees them all, leaving Robert dead. A shockingly upbeat ending for Black Mirror. — K.P.
How depressing is it? 1. Most of the crew of the eponymous ship survive and get the freedom to set forth to strange new worlds. It's practically a dream.
Technology will destroy us: 1. Possibly, in the hands of a sociopath who puts out a hit on everyone who brings him the wrong coffee.
We will destroy ourselves: 2 points for Richard Daly: one for imprisoning real people in a game, and one for getting what he deserved and ending up trapped in there, too.
Total: 4
Season 3, episode 1
Look up, Lacie! Credit: NetflixIn a world in which ratings are everything, the best things in life go to those deemed worthy by their peers through an Uber-esque star system. When Lacie's (Bryce Dallas Howard) misguided attempts to improve her rating end up doing just the opposite, she finds herself in a rapid decline of lifestyle and sanity. In the end, she decides to live outside the rules and say "fuck it" to the rating system. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 1.5. Lacie's spiral is hard to watch, but we like to think she ended up happy at the end.
Technology will destroy us: 1.5 Not destroy, but govern.
We will destroy ourselves: 2.5. Lacie comes close but emerges victorious, and the rest of society is content to live as things are.
Total: 5.5
Season 7, episode 6
Billy Magnussen, Osy Ikhile, Cristin Milioti, Milanka Brooks, and Paul G. Raymond crew the USS Callister. Credit: NetflixThe rare Black Mirror sequel picks up with the USS Callister crew, who are struggling in the online version of Infinity. Part of the problem is that video game mogul James Walton (Jimmi Simpson) has made existence in the game costly, forcing them to go on raids to fuel their ship. But the bigger issue is that unlike the virtual players, who can respawn, their onscreen deaths aren't just a burst of pixels but their actual demise. So to escape, they'll need to reach once more to their real world. But the heart of Infinity, which might be their salvation, reveals a secret that's sinister and a major threat. — K.P.
How depressing is it? 1. There's some everyday "yeah, that's bleak" to it all.
Technology will destroy us: 1. The tech is mighty, but like the first Callister adventure, it's the rich creeps who own it that are the real problem.
We will destroy ourselves: 3.5. While there's some mega creeps and a cookie murderer who represent some of the worst of human impulses, the heroes of "USS Callister: Into Infinity" prove clever, noble, and loyal to each other.
Total: 5.5
Season 7, episode 2
Rosy McEwen as Verity Green in "Bete Noir." Credit: NetflixWhat if someone you bullied in high school came back for revenge, and they could bend reality to their will just to ruin you? That's the absolute horror that candy creator Maria (Siena Kelly) must face in "Bête Noire." When Verity Greene (Rosy McEwan) begins sabotaging her at work, Maria decides to fight back. And despite the incredible tech Verity has built to leap to alternate timelines at will, she is defeated, leaving her enemy the queen of the universe. — K.P.
How depressing is it? 1. There's far more disturbing shows about classmate conflict.
Technology will destroy us: 1. The tech is mind-bending, but it's power for destruction is all in the hands of humans.
We will destroy ourselves: 3.6. All that power and not being able to move past some admittedly horrid bullying? Girl, therapy is way easier!
Total: 5.6
Season 7, episode 5
Paul Giamatti stars in "Eulogy." Credit: NetflixWhen a tech service called "Eulogy" reaches out to Philip (Paul Giamatti), he is initially reluctant to allow the device and its virtual guide (Patsy Ferran) to dig into his memories of a long-lost lover. But as they pore over pictures and re-enter his recollections, he not only uncovers the real reason Carol walked away from him but also the memory of her smiling face. — K.P.
How depressing is it? 3.
Technology will destroy us: 0. This episode is 100% pro technology.
We will destroy ourselves: 3. A tale of regret and resentment, but that ends with understanding and love. And grief.
Total: 6
Season 2, episode 2
Victoria (Lenora Crichlow) wakes up not knowing where she is or how she got there, and winds up on the run from people she believes are hunting her. Everywhere she goes there are people staring, judging, but never helping. It turns out that Victoria and her cohorts killed a young girl, and the simulated hunt is her daily sentence for this crime, witnessed by paying visitors. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 3. The crime is awful, but the punishment is thought-provoking.
Technology will destroy us: 1. Having her memory wiped causes Victoria intense physical pain, but that's part of a legally sanctioned punishment.
We will destroy ourselves: 2. The culprits sure did.
Total: 6
Season 6, episode 4
Zazie Beetz plays a paparazzo in "Mazey Day." Credit: NetflixSet in 2006, the heyday of paparazzi mayhem, this episode centers on a reluctant paparazzo (Zazie Beetz) in need of one last big payday. Mazey Day is Hollywood's new favorite It Girl — until she abruptly drops out of her massive movie franchise and goes into hiding. One snap of her fingers could mean $30k. But what secrets are hidden behind the locked doors of a very exclusive rehab resort? — K.P.
How depressing is it? 3. The 2000s were a truly grim time for celebrity "culture."
Technology will destroy us: 1. For Black Mirror, the reveal that cameras distance us from the subject feels pretty tame.
We will destroy ourselves: 2. Don't do mushrooms and drive!
Total: 6
Season 1, episode 2
Bing...dare I say it...GET OUT! Credit: Netflix / Channel 4Bing Madsen (Daniel Kaluuya) falls in love with Abi Khan (Jessica Brown Findlay), the first girl he hears singing, because he lives in what's basically a prison where people work for "merits." He gifts 15 million of those to Abi for a talent competition, but when she ends up worse off than before, Bing tries to earn them back and enters himself to overthrow the system. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 3, because there's no escaping the system, even when you're shouting about everything wrong with it.
Technology will destroy us: 1.
We will destroy ourselves: 3, because Bing accepts the TV show offer. But what other choice does he have?
Total: 7
Season 6, episode 2
A cop holds up a missing poster. Credit: NetflixA young couple, Davis McCardle (Samuel Blenkin) and Pia (Myha'la Herrold), decides to turn a small town tragedy into the next true crime doc, sure to thrive on Streamberry (Black Mirror's version of Netflix). A tale of a double homicide and a shady local seems all they need. But some old video tapes turn up harrowing new clues, taking their journey down a dark path they couldn't have predicted. — K.P.
How depressing is it? 2. It's grim, but on a small scale, considering this series.
Technology will destroy us: 0. Technology is not to blame for this horror.
We will destroy ourselves: 5. People are awful! Parents included!
Total: 7
Season 4, episode 5
A woman (Maxine Peake) flees a robotic dog that tracks her ruthlessly. When she finally destroys it, its last act is to shoot her with multiple additional tracking pellets. She slits her own throat knowing that she can't outrun more of them. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 2. She was just trying to do something nice, and the terror as she runs for her life is too real.
Technology will destroy us: 5. That is basically the only thing that happens in this episode.
We will destroy ourselves: 1. Only if we go against the machines!
Total: 8
Season 4, episode 3
A woman (Andrea Riseborough) goes on a murder spree to cover the tracks of a car accident she was involved in years ago that killed a man. The creepy tech part is that there's technology which scans people's memories for reliable eyewitness testimonies, but that ends up being secondary to all the MURDER. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 2.5. Our antihero grows numb to murder, as do we, and we're left feeling more frustrated with her and her questionable motives than emotionally impacted by the episode.
Technology will destroy us: 1. If it knows too much, it has the potential.
We will destroy ourselves: 5. This episode is about murder and paranoia, with technology as a distant afterthought.
Total: 8.5
Season 5, episode 2
Ride-share driver Chris Gillhaney (Andrew Scott) extorts mighty tech giant Smithereen, blaming the company as much as himself for his fiancée’s death due to his own impulse to check an app while driving. Once he releases his leverage — an intern named Jaden (Damson Idris) — Jaden tries to reason with Christopher, who wants to kill himself. The episode ends with a tussle for the gun and a definite casualty, but we never find out who. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 3. Andrew Scott’s performance is enough to elicit tears for Christopher, and the thought that an innocent Black kid died in this mess is too awful to withstand.
Technology will destroy us 3. It ruined Christopher’s life, and he may have inadvertently ended another.
We will destroy ourselves 3. We will if we extort people! And also if tech CEOs freely activate “God mode.”
Total: 9
Season 1, episode 3
Credit: Netflix / Channel 4Liam (Toby Kebbell) has the seemingly perfect life when he starts to suspect his wife (Jodie Whittaker) is cheating on him. He won't let go of the notion, and "grains" implanted in both their minds give him the ability to rewind her memories and find the proof. Their relationship falls apart. Alone, Liam finds himself replaying memories of the good times until he can't stand it any longer and cuts out his grain. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 3. You ruined everything, Liam!
Technology will destroy us: 2. Once again, the tech here will only unravel people if they let it.
We will destroy ourselves: 4. With the right technology, we're highly capable.
Total: 9
Season 4, episode 2
A mother (Rosemarie DeWitt) tests a new technology called Arkangel – a small chip that lets her see what her young daughter is seeing and enable censorship if she deems it inappropriate. That itself is intriguing, but when the mother keeps using it once her daughter grows older, there's a clear ethical conundrum. The helicopter mom threatens the boy her daughter had sex with, and when her daughter finds out, she beats her bloody with the Arkangel tablet. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 3.5 for attempted matricide.
Technology will destroy us: 2. If we misuse it.
We will destroy ourselves: 4. If we act like idiots.
Total: 9.5
Season 3, episode 5
Credit: NetflixA team of military operatives hunt "roaches" — humans who have been infected or corrupted and must be put down. After an encounter that yields an escaped roach, Stripe (Malachi Kirby)starts seeing humans instead of roaches and thinks it's a malfunction with his neural chip. Alas, the organization he works for is tampering with everyone's senses, sending them to assassinate innocent humans and perceive roaches where there are none. Worse yet, Stripe learns that he consented to the procedure which would wipe his memory and let him be part of this. Now in the know and threatened, he makes the same choice again. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 3.5. Fool me twice and all that.
Technology will destroy us: 2.5. Stop letting people into your brains, guys.
We will destroy ourselves: 3.5.
Total: 9.5
Season 4, episode 6
Nish (Letitia Wright) pulls up to a "Black Museum" seemingly in the middle of nowhere, which contains the worst cautionary tales about technology and the human psyche. There's the instrument used by a doctor who became addicted to pain, the stuffed monkey now containing an abandoned mother's consciousness, and the preserved virtual form of a man convicted of a crime he didn't commit. That is Nish's father, tortured perpetually by museum visitors. His conviction led to her mother's death and sent Nish out here to get revenge, which she does. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 3.5, but with a satisfying ending.
Technology will destroy us: 4. It brings only pain and destruction in every vignette.
We will destroy ourselves: 2. The museum curator is responsible for almost all of the misery caused, and you could argue that he brings about his own end. It's also a particularly rough episode that destroys a family because of racial violence, and that the show doesn't think we can overcome this vile societal demon speaks for itself.
Total: 9.5
Season 1, episode 1
Credit: Netflix / Channel 4The British prime minister (Rory Kinnear) receives a threat from someone who's holding a princess hostage: The only way to release her unharmed is for the prime minister to have sex with a pig on live television. Big government doesn't give in to threats lightly, but as the deadline draws near and the princess' life remains in danger, the Prime Minister caves and commits the act in front of an international audience. The princess was released before he actually did it, and his marriage is never the same. — P.K.
SEE ALSO: The 'National Anthem' episode of 'Black Mirror' aged wellHow depressing is it? 4, mainly because this episode occurs with existing technology; it's the mirror part of Black Mirror.
Technology will destroy us: 2. X (formerly Twitter) is the enemy.
We will destroy ourselves: 4, perhaps out of fear of technology.
Total: 10
Season 7, episode 4
Will Poulter returns as game designer Colin Ritman. Credit: NetflixPlaything brings back Bandersnatch game designer Colin Ritman (Will Poulter) with a new game that's destined to change the world. Put into the hands of a lonely gamer (Lewis Gribben and Peter Capaldi), Thronglets seems a cozy game about nurturing adorable digital critters. But when he starts listening to their commands, he puts our world at risk. — K.P.
How depressing is it? 2. The isolation of this story aches.
Technology will destroy us: 5. Cozy gaming takes over the world. Literally.
We will destroy ourselves: 3. If only someone reached out to this lonely guy with something other than LSD!
Total: 10
Season 2, episode 4
Meet Matt Trent (Jon Hamm), who illegally ran a dating coach-esque service for lonely young men and the voyeurs who want to watch them in action – a service he terminated after a client was murdered. Also, meet his roommate, Joe Potter (Rafe Spall), who stalked his ex after she had their baby even though she blocked him, and then killed her father when he found out it might not be his baby and let said baby (now a child) wander into a blizzard. Now see their punishments. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 4. Potter had everything for one shining moment, and then it all fell to shit.
Technology will destroy us: 1. It certainly messes with Greta (Oona Chaplin), whose consciousness ("cookie") gets put into a smart home.
We will destroy ourselves: 5. Tech is a tool humans use to block and torment throughout the episode, with bleaker and bleaker results.
Total: 10
Season 6, episode 3
Aaron Paul plays an astronaut in "Beyond the Sea." Credit: Nick Wall/NetflixAaron Paul and Josh Hartnett play a pair of astronauts on a six-year mission. But they're not cut off from their families, thanks to their Earth replicas, robots that look just like them, and which they can plug into when they sleep. It's a pretty cool work-life balance. Well, until disaster strikes and they end up sharing one replica, sparking forbidden passion and dangerous jealousy. — K.P.
How depressing is it? 5. The first act involves a Manson-like cult and the murdering of children. It doesn't get less bleak from there.
Technology will destroy us: 0. The replicas are not the problem here.
We will destroy ourselves: 5. We are. We are the problem here.
Total: 10
Season 3, episode 2
Is gaming...bad? Credit: NetflixCooper (Wyatt Russell), an American stranded in the UK, tests out a virtual reality game for the extra money. There's a definite haunted house vibe, and a game-within-the-game, none of which matters in the end because the technology is so powerful that it basically short-circuits his brain and kills him within seconds. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 3. We spend the whole episode with our guy as he suffers, and it's all for nothing.
Technology will destroy us: 5. A man died!
We will destroy ourselves: 3. Why do we like technology again?
Total: 11
Season 2, episode 1
Credit: NetflixAn episode so throughly tragic that I've only ever watched it once, "Be Right Back" stars Hayley Atwell as Martha, a recent widow who uses new technology to bring her lost lover Ash (Domhnall Gleeson) back into her life by some degree. Combing Ash's social media posts and other data, a virtual Ash is created who can text and even talk to Martha. Since the episode aired, companies have begun exploring such AI, with mixed results. But what makes this episode so haunting is how even an android who looks like Ash can't help Martha through the grief; it only prolongs her pain. — K.P.
SEE ALSO: 'Eternal You' reveals how AI chatbots aim to resurrect the deadHow depressing is it? 5. Loss is the whole focus, and it will not let up.
Technology will destroy us: 2. The technology is more an enabler than a cause of pain.
We will destroy ourselves: 4. Given the chance to numb our pain through tech, we will. See the popularity of binge-watching, doomscrolling, and online retail therapy. So Martha's story of thwarting herself from moving on feels all too real.
Total: 11
Season 3, episode 6
Buzz buzz, baby. Credit: NetflixA few seemingly unrelated deaths are found leading back to a hateful hashtag. Whomever the nation hates on Twitter ends up dead after a hijacked robot bee flies into the brain and destroys the body. Detectives on the case are horrified and try to protect the next victim, but they realize they need to shut down the insects altogether. Instead, the bees' pilot — who seeks no monetary compensation, just chaos— sends them after everyone who ever used the hashtag to target another person. It's a bloodbath. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 3.5. A lot of people die!
Technology will destroy us: 4. Specifically, robot bees.
We will destroy ourselves: 4. Killer robot bees operated by people. It takes high levels of sadism and planning to execute something like that.
Total: 11.5
Season 3, episode 3
Credit: NetflixSeveral individuals find themselves on the receiving end of catastrophic blackmail unless they follow instructions from an anonymous source. Their puppet master commands them to steal cars, rob banks, even kill each other — just to see how far people will go to protect their reputation. In the end, their reputations are ruined anyway, and they have to live with what they did to save face. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 4, with all the points coming in at the end.
Technology will destroy us: 3. Let's all go off the grid!
We will destroy ourselves: 5
Total: 12
Season 6, episode 1
Credit: NetflixOne of the zaniest episodes of Black Mirror not only dips into issues of the 2023 WGA writer's strike, but also boasts Annie Murphy and Salma Hayek Pinault in a totally outrageous and hilarious comedy (that may be based on real life). Charlie Brooker parodies Netflix's penchant for prestige TV dramas with Streamberry's new show, "Joan Is Awful." It's a real jolt to the real Joan, who watches her life's lowest moments recreated every night on a global streaming platform. To fight back, she'll have to take things to an extreme place. And we cheered all the way. — K.P.
How depressing is it? 4. The real-life ties are harrowing, but our heroine gets a pretty happy ending!
Technology will destroy us: 5. Nightmare fuel on many levels, including the dangerous emergence of AI and the dissolution of our rights to privacy.
We will destroy ourselves: 3. Poor life choices include CHECK THAT USER AGREEMENT!
Total: 12
Season 7, episode 1
Rashida Jones and Chris O'Dowd star in "Common People." Credit: Robert Falconer / NetflixRashida Jones and Chris O'Dowd star as a blue-collar couple who don't have much other than their love for each other. So when she suffers a brain trauma that requires experimental medical intervention, he'll do whatever it takes to keep her alive and happy. But as Rivermind's service expands, it demands more of her brain and more from their bank account. By reimagining America's tiered health industry through the lens of streaming services — with intrusive ads and all — Black Mirror gives Americans a nightmare that feels horrifyingly possible. — K.P.
How depressing is it? 5. It's "Be Right Back," but with new levels of horror.
Technology will destroy us: 3. Tech combined with capitalist greed.
We will destroy ourselves: 5. Capitalism feasting on the poor and ill, an all too common story.
Total: 13
Season 2, episode 3
Credit: Netflix / Channel 4Perhaps the most pessimistic if only because it became reality, "The Waldo Moment" occurs in a world in which a literal cartoon is elected to public office because the public liked his frankness and misguidedly thought it would bring about positive change. — P.K.
How depressing is it? 5
Technology will destroy us: 3.5
We will destroy ourselves: 5
Total: 13.5
Black Mirror Season 7 is now streaming on Netflix.
UPDATE: Apr. 10, 2025, 4:45 p.m. EDT Originally published in 2018, this list has been updated to include the latest episodes of "Black Mirror."
Doctor Who's second season on Disney+ kicked off Saturday with "The Robot Revolution." The season arc revolves around new companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) — latest in a long tradition of reluctant (or "kidnapped") companions aboard the TARDIS.
But that's just the surface level of an episode that contains a surprising number of homages for all its shiny newness, and a real-life story behind the scenes that changed Belinda's very name. Let's dig in!
How Belinda got a star (and planet) named for her.The International Star Registry is one of many real-life companies claiming to give you naming rights for objects in space. Given that its services have been used to name stars for Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, and Princess Diana, this American company may be more well-known in the UK now.
So popular, Who showrunner Russell T Davies tells Mashable, that they had to change her name three times to find one that wasn't already in the registry: "She was originally going to be Belinda Finch!"
Belinda's one-time boyfriend Alan used a fictional version of the service to name a star for her, pointedly adding the "Miss," no matter what she thinks of the designation.
But actually having the star (and the habitable planet around it, and its colonists) take the name MissBelindaChandra, no matter the dubious effectiveness of the registry's names, and demanding she be the planet's queen? That's a plot twist worthy of Douglas Adams. Which is entirely appropriate, because ...
Belinda's outfit is a sci-fi (and Doctor Who) tradition.Belinda Chandra is not (yet) the best-known fictional Brit to be yanked away from Earth before they've had a chance to change out of robe and PJs. That would be Arthur Dent in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (played by Martin Freeman in the movie, and Simon Jones in the radio and TV series). Unlike Belinda, who gets a costume change in the next episode, Arthur's robe becomes his outfit for his entire time-and-space adventure.
Since Hitchhiker's author Douglas Adams was also once a Doctor Who script editor, it seems appropriate that the show is referencing Arthur's nightwear — for two episodes running. Check out what the Doctor was wearing at the start of the Christmas episode "Joy to the World"; not an exact match for Arthur's robe, but clearly a loving homage.
Those robots look familiar.Both the robots' 1950's-style rocket (very similar to one that appeared in the first Disney+ Doctor Who special "The Star Beast" in 2013) and the robots themselves may spark memories in fans old and new.
The robots' emoji-like faces are somewhat similar to the deadly robots in "Smile" (2017), also set on a planet of space colonists terrorized by their machines. "Smile" was also the first outer-space voyage for a new Who companion — in this case Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie), doomed friend of the 12th Doctor (Peter Capaldi).
Older fans may also spot a storyline that's reminiscent of "Robots of Death," (1977) a classic from the Tom Baker era:
Where we've seen the Doctor's hearts before.We've known the Doctor (and by extension, every other Time Lord) has two hearts ever since 1970, when the newly regenerated Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee) was taken to hospital and given an X-ray in "Spearhead from Space." We've learned little bits about how this strange physiology works ever since; in "Smile," Capaldi's Doctor admitted two hearts means he has "really high blood pressure."
But the stunning scene when the Doctor holds up the live X-ray blanket to show Belinda his hearts is only the third time we've actually seen them since "Spearhead from Space" (the others, also both X-rays, were in the 1996 TV movie starring Paul McGann, and the 2005 story "Dalek" starring Christopher Eccleston) — and the first time we see them actually beating. Great news for any Whovian cardiologist who wants to examine the Doctor's blood pressure problem!
This isn't the Doctor's first AI encounter.Oh, you've been worried about out-of-control self-aware AI taking over the planet for the past few years? Try 59 years. The Doctor has been dealing with self-aware machine intelligence since "The War Machines" (1966), when his first incarnation (William Hartnell) defeated WOTAN, which stands for Will Operating Thought ANalogue. Not quite as snappy as "AI," but you get the idea.
Doctor Who didn't actually use the words "artificial intelligence" or "AI" until "Death in Heaven" (2014), when Missy (Michelle Gomez) told an "AI interface" to "kindly delete your opinions." But it's made up for lost time by trotting out the words or the acronym in eight stories since.
Belinda isn't the first nurse on the TARDIS.Belinda Chandra may have decided to call herself "The Nurse" in the style of the Doctor, but she isn't the first member of her profession to travel with him in time and space. That would be Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill), who traveled with wife Amy Pond and the eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) in the early 2010s.
So shouldn't Rory have noted what horrified Belinda at the end of "Robot Revolution" — that scanning her with the Sonic Screwdriver without her consent violates basic medical principles? Different eras, different motivations, Who showrunner Russell T Davies tells Mashable; Rory is primarily "focused on fighting for the love of a good woman."
Meanwhile, at this stage, Belinda knows nothing but her job: "She'd be signing nondisclosure agreements all over the place," Davies says, noting that this is the first consent discussion of any kind in the show. "What's lovely about that moment is she pushes the Doctor into an apology. That's not something you get very often." (Fact check: true.)
We've seen Belinda's face before.Why is the Doctor scanning Belinda's DNA anyway? To confirm his hunch that she's the ancestor of a soldier in the far future of last season's episode "Boom!" That would be Mundy Flynn, also played by Varada Sethu.
Will the DNA connection matter as the Doctor learns more about his mysterious new reluctant companion, or is that the only mention we get of a case where the double casting appears to be entirely accidental? Stay aboard the TARDIS to find out.
TL;DR: Get protection and speed with a three-year Surfshark VPN subscription for $67, a 85% savings as of April 12.
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Why do people seem to love it so much? Well, for one thing, it protects not only your data but everyone in your family's data, thanks to an unlimited number of connections – something most VPNs do not offer. You, your family, and your friends can all enjoy connecting to over 500 torrent-friendly servers with an unlimited amount of data, no matter where on Earth you are. Plus, you never have to sacrifice your surfing speed for your security. You can enjoy content faster than before with optimized online streaming and unlimited bandwidth.
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Opens in a new window Credit: pexels Surfshark VPN Subscriptions — $67 £67If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 12 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 12 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Get your mind out of the gutterThe words are dirty.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words are how you might describe something that is unclean.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is DirtyWords.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 12Filthy
Grimy
Unkempt
Muddy
Stained
Polluted
DirtyWords
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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Anatomy of a shoe
Green: Played with swords
Blue: Make up a bat
Purple: Women's basketball MVPs
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Parts of a sneaker
Green: Fencing terms
Blue: Baseball bat materials
Purple: Last four WNBA Finals MVPs
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 #201 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayParts of a sneaker - EYELET, LACES, SOLE, TONGUE
Fencing terms - EPEE, FOIL, PISTE, SABRE
Baseball bat materials - ALUMINUM, ASH, BIRCH, MAPLE
Last four WNBA Finals MVPs - COPPER, GRAY, JONES, WILSON
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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 12 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: A brief moment
Green: To have a lapse in judgement
Blue: Seen on a basketball court
Purple: Parts of a continent
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Short period of time
Green: Do wrong
Blue: NBA Player
Purple: Starts of African countries
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #671 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayShort period of time: BIT, FLASH, JIFF, SEC
Do wrong: ERR, FALL, SIN , STRAY
NBA Player: BUCK, NET, SPUR, SUN
Starts of African countries: BOTS, CAME, KEN, TAN
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 12Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for April 12 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 12, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Tends to patients in a hospital.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter N.
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...
NURSE.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 12Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintAn English county.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerSHIRE
Hurdle Word 2 hintA female ruler.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 12, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerQUEEN
Hurdle Word 3 hintA loud fight.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 12 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 12, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answerBRAWL
Hurdle Word 4 hintA looped rope.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 12 Hurdle Word 4 answerNOOSE
Final Hurdle hintCurd cheese.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerQUARK
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
To discuss his directorial debut, Eric LaRue, Michael Shannon, his leading lady, Judy Greer, and screenwriter Brett Neveu came by Mashable Studios to talk with Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko.The critically heralded film, based on a play by the same name also penned by Neveu, tells the story of a community looking to heal in the aftermath of a school shooting.
Doctor Who stars Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu try to determine how their characters would tackle classic sci-fi villains (and some morally gray anti-heroes) in Mashable's Slash or Pass.
The former CEO of fintech app Nate has been charged with fraud for making misleading claims about the app's artificial intelligence technology — or lack thereof.
In a bizarre twist from the usual AI narrative, the FBI alleges that this time human beings were doing the work of AI, and not the other way around.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York, Albert Saniger has been indicted for a scheme to defraud investors. “As alleged, Albert Saniger misled investors by exploiting the promise and allure of AI technology to build a false narrative about innovation that never existed," Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said in the release.
Government attorneys say Nate claimed to use AI technology to complete the e-commerce checkout process for customers. In reality, they allege the company hired a team of human contractors in the Philippines to do the work. In total, Saniger raised more than $40 million from investors.
"In truth, Nate relied heavily on teams of human workers — primarily located overseas — to manually process transactions in secret, mimicking what users believed was being done by automation," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. "Saniger used hundreds of contractors, or 'purchasing assistants,' in a call center located in the Philippines to manually complete purchases occurring over the Nate app."
AI boom fuels sketchy startup practicesNate isn't the only startup accused of masking human labor as "AI automation." Drive-thru company Presto, with clients like Carl's Jr., Hardee's, Del Taco, and Checkers, claimed to automate drive-thru orders with AI, but reportedly relied on outsourced workers (also in the Philippines) for 70 percent of its orders, as Bloomberg reported in 2023. And legal startup EvenUp, which purportedly automated personal injury claims, "relied on humans to complete much of the work," according to a 2024 Business Insider report.
Credit: Erik Von Weber / Getty ImagesThe much-hyped AI industry promises to reduce labor costs and increase efficiency across industries. In turn, this has incentivized sketchy startup practices as opportunistic entrepreneurs market their apps based on future-facing potential.
The Information first reported that the Nate app might have "exaggerated tech capabilities to investors" back in 2022. At the time, e-commerce was experiencing a "pandemic-fueled shopping boom," the outlet reported, making fintech startups irresistibly appealing to venture capitalists. According to the new indictment, Saniger "concealed" the app's near zero percent automation rate from investors and even his own employees, restricting Nate's automation data as a "trade secret."
The "fake it till you make it" mentality is a well-established doctrine in the startup playbook, but clearly a risky one, at least, according to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Instead of raising money, Saniger is now facing one charge each of securities fraud and wire fraud; both charges carry maximum sentences of 20 years in prison.
Mashable attempted to contact Saniger, and we'll update this article if we get a response.
Tesla's very bad 2025 is far from over. The latest setback: Current Tesla drivers are ending their relationship with the brand in record numbers.
In March 2025, the number of used Tesla vehicles for sale on the popular automotive marketplace Autotrader reached a record level, according to new data from its parent company Cox Automotive. This development was first reported by Sherwood.
In the last week of March, more than 13,000 Tesla electric vehicles were listed for sale on the online used car marketplace, setting a new record high for Tesla EVs. That's a 67 percent increase year-over-year in listings for used Teslas.
Further emphasizing Tesla's problems, this isn't an industry-wide trend; rather, it's a problem with Teslas specifically. Cox's data shows that the number of used Teslas listed for sale rose more than any other auto company's vehicles.
And as supply increases, the price of used Teslas will likely continue to fall. As Mashable previously reported, the value of used Teslas has been steadily decreasing by thousands of dollars. In addition, Forbes reported last month that the value of a used Tesla Model Y has dropped by $6,000 on average in the past year.
It gets worse: Sales of brand new Teslas are also plummeting around the globe. In Germany, for example, Tesla sales have fallen by 76 percent. Tesla owners looking to trade-in their vehicles have also ballooned, with the company now reportedly turning away Cybertruck owners who want to trade their vehicle.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk plays a controversial role in the Trump administration, and it's increasingly clear that Tesla customers are rejecting Musk through Tesla.
Over the past year, Tesla protests have appeared all over the world as people voice their dissatisfaction with Musk's close relationship with President Donald Trump and his role with DOGE. Through DOGE, Musk has spearheaded massive cuts in federal funding to important medical research and global welfare programs. Combined with growing competition in the EV market from other carmakers, Tesla has found waning interest in the brand — even among their own customers.
Keep checking Mashable for our latest tariff news and explainers, from delayed Nintendo Switch 2 preorders to reports of iPhone 16 panic buying.
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