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If you found The Last of Us Season 2, episode 2 an emotional viewing experience, just imagine what it was like for the main cast.
In the Max video above, stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey sit down to chat about everything from their last days on set to what Ramsey thinks their character Ellie wishes she could have said to Joel before he died.
"I guess that Ellie wished she'd said 'I love you' to Joel," says Ramsey. "I don't think those words are ever really brought up. Together, they're like, I don't know, quite repressed."
A NASA rover taking rock samples on Mars has uncovered a plentiful mineral that was invisible to orbiters studying the Red Planet from space.
Scientists say the discovery of siderite, a type of iron carbonate, could be crucial evidence to support the theory that Mars once had a thick carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere, allowing a warm enough environment to support oceans, lakes, and streams.
Curiosity, a car-sized lab on six wheels, performed a chemical analysis of four rock samples drilled at different elevations of Mount Sharp, a mountain it has been exploring within Gale Crater. Three of the samples showed considerable amounts of siderite. Another sample, which had no significant traces of siderite, contained other iron-rich minerals that can form as siderite breaks down.
This iron carbonate mineral is known to form on Earth under specific chemical conditions involving water, iron, and carbon dioxide. The study, published in the journal Science, suggests more carbon is stored in the Martian crust than previously thought. And if similar carbonates exist in other sulfate-rich regions, they could represent a hidden trove of Mars’ ancient atmosphere.
"The discovery of abundant siderite in Gale Crater represents both a surprising and important breakthrough in our understanding of the geologic and atmospheric evolution of Mars," said Benjamin Tutolo, lead author of the paper, in a statement.
SEE ALSO: These scientists think alien life best explains what Webb just found NASA's Curiosity rover snaps a selfie image on lower Mount Sharp in Gale crater in August 2015. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSSThe results contribute to mounting evidence that ancient Mars had the right chemical and environmental conditions not only to have liquid water but also to trap and cycle carbon in the air — factors that may speak to the planet’s past habitability.
Scientists have had a long-standing theory that Mars used to have surface water. But for that to happen, the planet also would have needed to be warmer, with higher air pressure. That has led them to believe that though Mars' atmosphere is extremely thin today, it must have been thick and carbon dioxide-rich in the past.
Volcanoes could have released large amounts of carbon dioxide into the air. Over time, some of that gas escaped into space, but enough probably stayed to support lakes and rivers.
Over the past three decades, researchers have found lots of evidence that water flowed on ancient Mars. But up until now there's been a missing puzzle piece for the atmosphere within the rock record: Carbon dioxide in the air and water almost certainly would have reacted with rocks to create various carbonate minerals, so where are they?
At a Martian site nicknamed Ubajara, NASA's Curiosity rover discovers siderite, an iron carbonate mineral that might solve a mystery about how the planet lost its thicker atmosphere. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSSAfter drilling less than 2 inches below the surface, Curiosity used its CheMin instrument to conduct X-ray diffraction analyses of rock and soil samples, according to the new paper. The presence of siderite in them means the rocks likely formed in calm water like lakebeds, not volcanoes or lava. On Earth, siderate tends to form in shallow lakes and swamps.
Curiosity also detected sulfates, minerals that form when water evaporates. Geologists glean clues about a planet's past from the order in which minerals formed. That siderite came first in the sequence suggests a gradual drying of ancient Martian lakes, leaving behind these other minerals. The sample that didn't have siderite but had evidence of its breakdown materials supports the notion that Mars’ carbon cycle used to be active but became unbalanced over time.
"Drilling through the layered Martian surface is like going through a history book," said Thomas Bristow, a NASA research scientist and co-author of the paper. "Just a few centimeters down gives us a good idea of the minerals that formed at or close to the surface around 3.5 billion years ago."
If similar carbonates are found in other sulfate-rich layers across Mars, they could hold large amounts of carbon — perhaps equal to or even more than the carbon dioxide in Mars’ air today. Future observations could confirm these findings and illuminate how the planet changed as it lost its atmosphere.
Bluesky is introducing new ways to recognize genuine, verified accounts on the social media platform.
According to an official update on Bluesky's blog, certain accounts will now get a blue checkmark next to their names.
Bluesky will also let "select independent organizations" verify accounts of their employees directly, with one example being the New York Times which can now issue blue ticks to its journalists.
SEE ALSO: NFL bars teams from using BlueskyUsers will be able to see which organization granted the mark to a user by tapping on a verified account's blue check.
The new scheme echoes the blue checkmark verification system that Twitter had before Elon Musk bought the platform, renamed it X, and made checkmarks available to anyone who paid for a Twitter Blue subscription.
Bluesky did not share exact criteria as to which accounts can get a blue checkmark, besides saying it will proactively verify "authentic and notable" accounts.
Featured Video For You Our favorite robots at CES 2025This is another layer of verification on top of Bluesky's verified domain system, which allows individuals and organizations to set their domain as their user name. This is still available to all users.
As for the blue checks, Bluesky said in its update the platform is currently not accepting direct applications for verification; instead, it will launch a request form for notable and authentic accounts which are interested in becoming verified and/or trusted verifiers.
SAVE $20: As of April 22, the Google TV Streamer 4K is available for $79 at Amazon. That’s $20 off its regular $99.99 price and the lowest price across seven major retailers.
Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google TV Streamer 4K $79 at GoogleI’ve tested my fair share of streaming sticks, dongles, boxes, and whatever other shape they come in. But Google’s TV Streamer 4K? Is arguably the best. Right now, it’s going for just $79 on Amazon, and that’s the best deal you’ll find across all the usual suspects.
This tiny porcelain box delivers fast, customizable streaming with support for 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and even Dolby Atmos audio if you’ve got the right speakers. Basically, it turns whatever sad TV you’ve been putting up with into something you might actually enjoy watching. And it does it fast. The new processor is 22% quicker than the old model and it’s got double the memory, so it’s not going to freeze when you try to load Netflix and YouTube back to back.
SEE ALSO: Live your Kawaii gamer dreams with this discounted Logitech POP ICON keyboard and mouse comboI think what makes it feel smarter than other streamers is how well it integrates your subscriptions and preferences. It pulls in live TV, on-demand apps, and even over 800 free channels, and then lines everything up on a home screen that doesn’t look like a chaotic ad wall. You get recommendations tailored to your taste, not just whatever the algorithm thinks will go viral.
The remote deserves some love too. It’s got voice search, a customizable button, and a way to make the remote ring when it disappears into the couch cushions. If you’ve ever wasted ten minutes digging through throw pillows, you’ll understand why that matters.
Specifications:
Price: $79 $99.99
Retailer: Amazon
Resolution: Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision
Audio: Supports Dolby Atmos (speakers required)
Storage: 32 GB
Processor: 22% faster than previous generation
Memory: Double the memory of the last model
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Ethernet
Streaming Services: Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube, Google TV and more
Free Content: Access to over 800 channels via Pluto TV, Tubi and others
Remote Features: Voice control, customizable button, lost remote finder
Smart Home Control: Built-in panel to control compatible smart devices
Casting: Works with Android and iOS apps
For $79, this is an easy win. You get fluid 4K streaming, serious smart home control, and a remote that isn’t just an afterthought. It's honestly the kind of upgrade that makes you question why you waited this long.
SAVE $100: As of April 22, Dyson V11 Origin cordless vacuum is available for $469.99 at Amazon. That’s $100 off its regular price of $569.99, a solid 18% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum $469.99 at DysonI have a confession. I hate vacuuming. There, I said it. But the Dyson V11 Origin has me reconsidering that stance, mostly because it looks like something from a sci-fi movie and actually makes floor cleaning feel less like a chore and more like an oddly satisfying power move. It’s $100 off right now, bringing the price down to $469.99 on Amazon, and that’s probably as close to a “fun” vacuum purchase as it gets.
This cordless wonder isn’t just about looks. With up to 60 minutes of run time and 60 percent more power than earlier Dyson models, it’s clearly not messing around. I think what makes this vacuum stand out is its ability to handle pretty much anything. Hardwood, rugs, and mystery floor gunk, it eats it all up and asks for seconds.
SEE ALSO: Live your Kawaii gamer dreams with this discounted Logitech POP ICON keyboard and mouse comboIt has three power modes depending on how intense your mess is. I usually hang out in Auto mode like a responsible adult, but Eco is great for longer cleans and Boost is basically the "get it all out now" setting. There’s even an LCD screen that tells you exactly how much run time you’ve got left, like a very polite battery coach.
It also converts into a handheld in seconds, and the hair screw tool is a personal favorite. It handles long hair and pet fur without turning into a tangled mess. You also get a crevice tool, dusting brush, motorbar cleaner head, and a docking station. Dyson even threw in HEPA filtration that traps 99.99% of particles, which is perfect if you're allergic to, well, life.
Specifications:
Price: $469.99 $569.99
Retailer: Amazon
Run Time: Up to 60 minutes
Weight: 6.6 pounds
Power Modes: Auto, Eco, Boost
Display: LCD screen with maintenance alerts and run time
Included Tools: Mini soft dusting brush, crevice tool, hair screw tool, motorbar cleaner head, docking station
Filtration: Whole-machine HEPA filtration
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Cordless: Yes
Surface Compatibility: All floors
Look, no one’s thrilled about dropping $469.99 on a vacuum, but this is one of those “buy it once and never think about vacuums again” purchases. And with $100 off, it’s finally not just aspirational.
For supporters of rail travel, which offers more environmental benefits than autos or planes, Earth Day 2025 is the best of times and the worst of times.
Best of times: Privately-funded Brightline is in pre-construction for a project connecting Las Vegas to the L.A. suburb of Rancho Cucamonga, while boasting impressive ridership on its Miami-to-Orlando route. Worst of times: The new administration canceled a grant for a high-speed rail corridor in Texas and initiated a federal review of California's decades-in-the-making high-speed rail connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles.
California high-speed rail (CHSR) currently lacks tens of billions of dollars it needs to complete service between the state's two most important urban centers. The project is even struggling to finish a first phase by the early 2030s that will connect Central Valley cities like Madera, Fresno and Bakersfield.
Still, many Californians are already reaping the benefits of high-speed rail. Aside from the 14,000 construction and planning jobs the project has created, CHSR has funded smaller, local projects that have already opened for business. Most of those, including new grade separations at currently operating rail lines, have flown under the radar.
When the Bay Area commuter rail system Caltrain debuted its electrified train fleet last year, few outside of northern California were aware. But the Caltrain project, part-funded by CHSR (since its future bullet train will use the same electrified tracks), has proven a game-changer for millions of commuters — and become a successful model for other transit systems.
How electrification improved ridershipCaltrain, which goes from downtown San Francisco and winds through Silicon Valley, was struggling post-COVID. In May 2024, ridership remained stubbornly low, at 33 percent of pre-COVID numbers.
Then in September, Caltrain's main route from San Francisco to San Jose switched from diesel to electric trains powered by overhead wires. By October, the first full month of electric service, 753,000 riders had climbed aboard — a 54 percent increase from October 2023. From August 2024 to October 2024 alone, ridership saw a 17 percent jump.
There are now more people using Caltrain than before COVID, according to SF Gate. Weekend ridership is surging; Saturday ridership is up 169 percent in October 2024 compared to October 2023.
With top speeds of 79 m.p.h., Caltrain's electric service doesn't go any faster than the diesel service. But it does let the trains start and stop more quickly. This means an express train between San Francisco and San Jose generally takes less than an hour — which isn't just an improvement on the 65-minute diesel train average, it's less time than it would be to drive the same route even in the lightest traffic.
Meanwhile, local electric trains have shaved 25 minutes off their 100-minute ride from San Francisco to San Jose. Increased efficiency also means shorter headways (the time between trains) at all of Caltrain's 31 stations.
Additional perks on the new electric trains — like WiFi, tables to work on, and ample space devoted to bike storage — have also helped goose ridership. The electric train is smoother than the often bumpy diesel ride, notes SF Gate.
View this post on Instagram Fewer diesel trains meant immediate environmental benefitIt's not just that electric is faster and smoother. When Caltrain took 29 diesel trains out of service this fall, commuters also began breathing easier.
Findings published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters showed that riders on the electric trains were exposed to 89 percent fewer carcinogens than commuters on the system's diesel trains. Even those not riding benefited from the change; studies showed that black carbon concentrations also dropped in and around the San Francisco station.
Caltrain electrification will eventually reach its terminus at Gilroy, a gateway to the central valley. This, the service estimates, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 250,000 tons annually, equivalent to taking 55,000 cars off the roads.
The electric trains have also reduced noise pollution, operating much quieter vehicles than their diesel counterparts.
“Caltrain’s project is an important piece to the bigger vision of electrified rail throughout California,” Ian Choudri, CEO of California High-Speed Rail Authority, said in an August press release.
Which trains to electrify next?Modernizing other long-distance and commuter rail systems will take a lot of cash. Caltrain's conversion cost more than $2.4 billion, with at least $700 million provided by CHSR.
Southern California's Metrolink offers a much bigger rail network than Caltrain, hence a bigger pricetag for conversion. Metrolink also operates hundreds of miles of track still owned by freight companies, which have little interest in converting their diesel trains that run on the same rails.
Still, some systems are following in Caltrain's lead. The Metra system in Chicago is purchasing eight all-electric battery-powered trainsets. Many of Amtrak's national routes utilize diesel trains, but over 100 electric trains operate in the northeast corridor, including the Acela service between Boston and Washington, D.C.
Last year, Amtrak announced its intent to expand cleaner energy service — but it may have to wait for a different administration to realize those ambitions.
There was a time when the food of TikTok would cost you an entire paycheck to recreate — everyone with a chef's knife seemed to be grilling wagyu. FoodTok skewed toward the aspirational. But not anymore.
You see, Donald Trump got elected president and imposed punishing tariffs, which led to the market tanking and looming threats of prices skyrocketing. And, recently, FoodTok has adjusted to that worrisome economic reality. It seems everyone's posting budget-friendly — or even recession-themed — recipes and food hacks. Scroll through your FYP and you'll notice a distinct shift. Wagyu is out; stretching a bag of rice is in.
Sensing that folks were struggling, Kiki Rough decided she'd post a series on "recession cooking" — meals that aren't necessarily gourmet but keep to a budget and fill a stomach. She wasn't really a cooking creator, per se, but rather someone who'd had hard times and learned to cook through them. In just a couple a months of sharing what she called her "Recession Cooking Series," she went from 60K followers to 250K. Her video explaining the series racked up 4 million views.
"It just resonated with so many people beyond me, which hurts and it's sad," Rough told Mashable in an interview. "I read the comments, and I want so badly to help everyone, and that hurts. ... What inspired the series is just knowing that I had survival knowledge and that with all the shifts in the economy and the people around me being affected, more people were going to need [that knowledge]."
Look around, and you're bound to see other creators who've turned their attention to making budget-focused meals. Popular creator Justine Doiron did a whole series on creating low-waste, cheap meals by emptying her pantry. Creator zielzebub plays an "old poor" person teaching a "new poor" person how to eat for cheap in a number of his posts. Dean Bosko is using the tagline "eating like a medieval peasant until all my credit cards are paid off" to share — you guessed it — budget-friendly meals that rely on cheap staples. These all began in the last couple of months and are quite popular. And some of them are big shifts for their creators: Zielzebub, for instance, didn't really even post about food until his "old poor" hacks started taking off. Now it's pretty much his entire account, with some videos garnering more than a million views. You're likely to see more of the same from other creators.
The data backs this move up: According to TikTok, the hashtag #budgetmeals saw 64.3K posts — a 20 percent jump — from March 16 through April 15.
Rough, who is 28 and lives in the Chicagoland area, actually began posting about recession meals after losing her job in January. She's now balancing three gigs while filming her recipes after work, sometimes late into the night. Rough hopes that one day these posts will make her enough money to slow down that schedule, but for now the response from folks online keeps her going.
"I have one follower, God bless her, her mom is very old and she's her caretaker," Rough said. "And for some reason, I keep hitting the nail on the head and making the stuff her mom wants to eat — so that feels so gratifying."
That gets at the heart of the uptick in budget cooking. Creators want to post videos that get a response. So if budget meals are taking off online, then you're bound to see people hop on that trend. It feels like yet another online recession indicator. But there are also lots of people posting cheap meals because they simply have the knowledge and want to share it. Or because they see people worrying about their finances and want to help.
A creator like @DollarTreeDinners has been doing that for quite some time — with much success — but now, her ideas are inspiring action from others. She started creating shelf-stable recipes using canned goods all wrapped up in a Ziploc bag. The idea was to either have a simple meal in your pantry or have a meal to gift to a local food pantry. That inspired creator @yourbarefootneighbor to raise money to give away hundreds of those meals.
Not to sound like a contestant on Chopped or a Food Network travel show, but food really is about community. Things are scary out there, and sharing cheap, tasty ways for people to fill their stomachs might literally be a lifesaver for them. It's why, in part, Rough ends her videos with, "Please remember to eat, and also I love you."
"The year that I learned how to cook like this was hands down — hands down — the worst year of my life," Rough said. "And in a way, it's like, 'Oh, well, I had to go through that so I can help everyone now.'"
A NASA spacecraft is traveling to the most mysterious asteroids in the solar system. On the way there, it snapped images of the curious, elongated asteroid dubbed "Donaldjohanson."
On April 20, the over 50-foot-wide Lucy spacecraft approached as close as some 600 miles from Donaldjohanson, which is aptly named for the discoverer of the famed Lucy hominid fossil, paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson. The craft sped by at 30,000 mph, and used a specialized camera to capture a detailed view of the five-mile-wide asteroid.
The images show a unique-looking asteroid, with a narrow neck connecting the object's two lobes.
SEE ALSO: If a scary asteroid will actually strike Earth, here's how you'll know"These early images of Donaldjohanson are again showing the tremendous capabilities of the Lucy spacecraft as an engine of discovery," Tom Statler, a NASA planetary scientist and program scientist of the mission, said in a statement. "The potential to really open a new window into the history of our solar system when Lucy gets to the Trojan asteroids is immense."
New imagery of the asteroid Donaldjohanson captured by NASA's Lucy spacecraft. Credit: NASA / Goddard / SwRI / Johns Hopkins APL / NOIRLab This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.(The asteroid seen in the animation above was observed at a distance of 1,000 to 660 miles away.)
The Trojan asteroids — two swarms of diverse asteroids trapped around the gas giant Jupiter (one in front and one behind) — are of profound interest to planetary scientists. These asteroids can't leave Jupiter's potent gravitational influence, so Trojan meteorites likely don't land on Earth, depriving us of samples. Crucially, researchers suspect these icy rocks are captured relics of our solar system's formation some 4 billion years ago. If so, the Trojans are the smaller building blocks of planets. They can help tell us how Earth, and the other planets, came to be.
"If we want to understand ourselves, we have to understand these small bodies," Hal Levison, a planetary scientist who leads the unprecedented mission to investigate the Trojans, previously told Mashable.
"This is the first reconnaissance of the Trojan swarms," Levison added.
This high-speed flyby of Donaldjohanson is the spacecraft's last "dress rehearsal" before it arrives at its first Trojan in August 2027, named Eurybates. To investigate the Trojans, Lucy is equipped with a suite of powerful cameras, including the Lucy Long-Range Reconnaissance Imager, or L’LORRI, which captured the images above.
While it's not unusual for an object in space to be a "contact binary" — meaning two objects that orbited so closely they eventually merged — NASA noted that "the team was surprised by the odd shape of the narrow neck connecting the two lobes, which looks like two nested ice cream cones."
Donaldjohanson isn't a primary target of Lucy's mission, but its unusual shape and structure will provide further insight into the origins of such primordial space objects, how they formed, and how our world formed.
TL;DR: Deep-dive into juicy secrets of royal families with 71% savings on a True Royalty TV lifetime subscription.
You don’t just like the royals — you like the gossip that comes with them. The family feuds, the leaked letters, the centuries-old scandals that still feel spicy today. And if you’re not already in on the drama, you’re missing out. Big time.
That’s why True Royalty TV is so dangerous (in the best way). One moment, you’re watching a documentary about Princess Diana; the next, you’re three hours deep into royal affairs from five different countries. Go ahead and cancel your plans, because we have a deal on a lifetime subscription that means unstoppable access for a one-time fee: $199.99 (reg. $699.80).
Stream like royaltyWe mean that literally. A lifetime subscription to True Royalty TV means you get forever access to a growing library of documentaries, dramas, and exclusive series dedicated entirely to the scandalous, extravagant, and occasionally unhinged world of monarchies. It’s like if the History Channel and a gossip blog had a very posh baby.
And we’re not just talking about British royalty. You’ll get the goods on royals from all over the world, plus deep dives on fashion, protocol, power grabs, and a few scandals that make The Crown look like a bedtime story. New content drops weekly, so there’s always something fresh to devour.
You can stream True Royalty TV anytime, anywhere, from your laptop, phone, tablet, or smart TV, just like Netflix, but without the spendy monthly fees. The hardest part isn’t signing up, it’s trying to stop watching.
Get lifetime access to this royal family streaming service for $199.99 (reg. $699.80).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: True Royalty TV True Royalty TV: Lifetime Subscription $199.99TL;DR: Save $225 on these Sony wireless, noise-canceling headphones and get free shipping with a near-mint refurbished model — only while supplies last.
It starts with relentless keyboard clicking. Then, it’s Karen’s Zoom call at max volume. And Jeff’s aggravating chip munching. Next thing you know, you’re Googling ‘remote jobs.’
Office jobs are relentless, but before you rage-quit, check out these noise-cancelling headphones for an easier escape than today’s job market. They’re Sony brand, refurbished, 56% off, and ship free, so here’s what you need to know:
Noise cancellation so you can focus: Effectively block out the chatter, keyboard clicks, and other office distractions with advanced noise-cancelling technology optimized for your workspace.
All-day comfort: Designed for all-day wear in the office, the ultra-lightweight design, soft-fit leather, and 30-hour battery life provide lasting comfort and enough juice for extended wear.
Seamless device switching for multitasking: Effortlessly switch between your computer for calls and your phone for music during breaks with multipoint Bluetooth connectivity.
Quick attention for collaboration: Temporarily tune into office conversations or announcements without removing your headphones using the convenient Quick Attention mode.
Grade “A” refurbished rating: Receive your headphones in near-mint condition with minimal to zero signs of previous use.
Order these Sony noise-cancelling headphones for the office at $174.99 with free shipping (reg. $399.99) — fewer than 50 are left in stock.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (Refurbished) $174.99TL;DR: Save $90 on Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for PC or Mac through April 27.
You wouldn’t keep paying for Netflix if you could own your favorite shows, right? So why are you still subscribing to Office apps you use every day? Microsoft 365’s price keeps going up, but there’s finally a way to break free — and it'll cost you way less in the long run.
Microsoft Office 2024 is the answer you've been looking for. Instead of $10 monthly payments, simply pay $159.97 once and be set for life (reg. $249.99). It's that simple. And, yes, this lifetime download works for PC or Mac.
What's included?This license comes with:
Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Outlook
OneNote
The newest version of Microsoft Office is a little different from Microsoft 365. But just because you're switching to a lifetime license doesn't mean you'll miss out on some of the most recent updates. Word and Excel both still have AI integrations for text suggestions and smart data analysis, and PowerPoint still has improved tools for recorded presentations.
Once you've redeemed your purchase, you can install your apps on one computer. After that, they're yours to use however you want. No more subscription fees or sudden price hikes to worry about.
Why rent when you can own?
Get a Microsoft Office lifetime license on sale for $159.97 (reg. $249.99) with no coupon needed.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: InterPlein Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $159.97TL;DR: Save $70 on an Internxt 10TB lifetime cloud storage subscription with code STORAGE20 at checkout through April 27.
That $15 monthly cloud storage fee might seem small now, but give it a year or two, and you’ll realize you’ve spent more on renting space for your files than you would owning it. Enter Internxt’s lifetime cloud storage plan: 10TB of encrypted storage for a one-time $279.99 payment with code STORAGE20 at checkout (reg. $349.99).
Dropbox vs. InternxtWhy should you break up with Dropbox? Let’s start with the obvious: no recurring fees.
But this Internxt cloud storage deal isn’t just about saving money — it actually delivers on features. You’ll get access to desktop and mobile apps for easy uploads, 10TB of storage space (enough for 2.5 million photos or 2,000 hours of HD video), and full end-to-end encryption to keep your files private.
Its privacy is another thing to brag about. Unlike the big-name providers, Internxt’s code is open-source. That means anyone — developers, or even yourself if you know how to examine it — can look for hidden risks. That level of transparency is a major green flag.
For anyone developing subscription fatigue, this is your chance to break away from one of the most annoying charges out there.
Get 10TB of cloud storage with an Internxt lifetime subscription at $279.99 with code STORAGE20 at checkout (reg. $349.99). This code expires on April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan $279.99There are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and, of course, prices. And these days, you can grab a random pair off the digital shelf without too much research and find that they do the job just fine.
However, if you're tired of settling for "just fine", then it's worth investing in the best headphones available. Through hours and hours of listening, we sorted through dozens of headphones to find the very best models.
How to choose the best headphonesWe won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite headphones brands like Bose, Sony, and Apple put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and performance.
SEE ALSO: Review: Dyson's headphones have awe-inspiring features and a clunky designAll this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and certifications, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.
To help you pick, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut) to bring you the best for noise cancellation, music, budget shoppers, and wired connections. So, read on to find the best new pair of headphones or earbuds for you.
What are the best wireless headphones of 2025?With the exception of the Marshall Mode earbuds, we focused primarily on wireless Bluetooth headphones and earbuds in our testing. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us.
Below, you'll find our favorite Bluetooth headphones picks for different scenarios — whether you want exceptional noise cancellation, mind-blowing sound quality, or all-day comfort.
SAVE $550: As of April 22, Samsung’s 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Dual UHD monitor is available for $1,749.99 with a $50 upgrade credit included. That’s a total saving of $550 off its regular $2,299.99 price directly from Samsung.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung’s 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Dual UHD monitor $1,749.99 at SamsungI didn’t think I’d ever use the words “dual UHD” in a non-ironic way, but here we are. Samsung’s 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 is a curved behemoth of a monitor, and it’s $550 off right now directly from Samsung. That brings it down to $1,749.99 if you apply the bonus $50 upgrade credit at checkout. And frankly, I’m tempted to clear my desk, sell a kidney, and make it happen.
This thing is like the IMAX of gaming monitors. The wraparound 1000R curve, the dual 4K resolution, and the Quantum Mini-LED tech all combine into a screen that’s as much a flex as it is a display. It’s giving “gaming shrine,” not just “gaming setup.”
SEE ALSO: Live your Kawaii gamer dreams with this discounted Logitech POP ICON keyboard and mouse comboI think what pushes this monitor into dream territory is its specs. A 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time means you can finally blame your losses on actual skill, not screen lag. It’s also got AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and supports DisplayPort 2.1, so it’s ready to party with the latest GPUs.
For folks who like their enemies crisp and their shadows dramatic, the 1,000 nit peak brightness and HDR 1000 support will have you squinting into digital sunsets and spotting campers in the bushes without breaking a sweat.
Specifications:
Price: $1,749.99 $2,299.99 ($50 upgrade credit)
Retailer: Samsung
Display: 57-inch Dual UHD, Quantum Mini-LED
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response Time: 1ms (GtG)
HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 1000
Brightness: 1,000 nits peak
Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1
Curvature: 1000R
Connectivity: DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, USB Hub
Gaming Features: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, CoreSync and Core Lighting+
Other Features: Ergonomic stand, Picture-by-Picture, Auto Source Switch+
And yes, it’s not all about speed. The lighting is customizable with CoreSync, the stand is ergonomic because hunching is so 2020, and it’s packing all the inputs you could want. DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and USB ports mean no fiddling with adapters or sacrificing your streaming setup for frame rate.
If you’ve been dreaming about a monitor so big it might qualify for its own ZIP code, I think this is the moment to go for it. A $550 discount does not come around often on a display this over-the-top in the best way.
FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on April 22. Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Authors, is offering romance books in a wide range of subgenres.
We know that the last Stuff Your Kindle Day literally just ended, but another event just went live. We're not complaining about the frequency of these events, because they provide an awesome opportunity to stock up on thousands of books for absolutely nothing. And the books that you download are yours to keep forever.
That sounds like a pretty good deal, right?
SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is focused on romance books. Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Authors, is offering romance books in a wide range of subgenres. If you're feeling romantic, this is your chance to stock up on over 1,000 books without spending anything.
Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.
When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?The Stuff Your Kindle Day schedule has been hectic in 2025. We had a couple of events in January to warm everyone up, and then February, March, and April have got out of hand. It has been the year of the bookworm.
And now on April 22, Romance Book Blast is showcasing a wide selection of free romance books from a massive selection of subgenres.
Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?The great thing about Stuff Your Kindle Day is that anyone can participate. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone, as you can also find these free titles on the Google Play and Apple Books apps.
Which e-books are free?Finding all of these free romance books is straightforward. There's a helpful hub page with everything organized by subgenre, with something for everyone:
All of the listed titles could be yours for absolutely nothing or at a heavily discounted rate.
Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books per month that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow, so don't hold back.
Shop Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited $109.99 at AmazonThese popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Prices start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited absolutely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.
Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months per month. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.
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 MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, April 22, 2025:
AcrossWork like a ___The answer is Dog.
The answer is Charm.
The answer is Mezzo.
The answer is Oreos.
The answer is Nod.
The answer is Dazed.
The answer is Orzo.
The answer is GMOS.
The answer is Cmon.
The answer is Hero.
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 GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
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: Protective gear
Green: Same town
Blue: Athletic gear
Purple: Out of this world competitors
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Headgear
Green: Philadelphia Teams
Blue: Tennis racket brands
Purple: Sports meets outer space
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 #211 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayHeadgear - HAT, HELMET, MASK, VISOR
Philadelphia Teams - 76ers, FLYERS, PHILLIES, UNION
Tennis racket brands - BABOLAT, HEAD, PRINCE, WILSON
Sports meets outer space - ASTROS, GALAXY, STARS, SUN
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on 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 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 22 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Counter offersThe words are delicious.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words are food and drink related.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is CafeMenu.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 22Pastries
Juices
Soup
Chai
Sandwiches
CafeMenu
Espresso
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
TL;DR: Let SwiftScan handle all your scanning needs right from your smartphone, with a lifetime subscription available now for just A$65 (reg. A$313) with code TAKE30 through April 27.
Surprised at how often you could use a scanner in 2025? Though we no longer own those clunky scanner-printer combos from the '90s...we have something way better.
SwiftScan VIP not only turns your smartphone or tablet into a scanner, but it also helps you edit files and easily upload them to your cloud storage service of choice. A lifetime subscription is now available for just A$65 with code TAKE30.
This app is more than just a document scannerDon't groan next time you need to scan something. SwiftScan simplifies the document scanning process using the camera on your smartphone or tablet. Once you're done, it helps you send and organize your files and even serves as your personal PDF editing tool.
Just open the app and hold your device above the document. It automatically detects the edges, crops the scan, and enhances the quality with color filters, auto-optimization, and blur reduction. Then, choose if you'd like to save it as a PDF or JPG with just one tap.
Once saved, SwiftScan helps you get your document where it needs to go. You can send it as a fax or an email or upload it directly to your preferred cloud storage service like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
Need to scan multiple pages? That's not a problem for SwiftScan, which can combine those pages into a single document if needed.
After scanning, editing is just as easy with the user-friendly interface. If you need to work with a PDF file, SwiftScan can help you navigate these pesky file formats — from signing to annotating or redacting information.
SwiftScan also saves and organizes your scans in folders. If you ever need an older scan, the app includes OCR technology that makes them easily searchable later without endless scrolling.
Enjoy a lifetime of easy scanning access and PDF editing with this subscription to SwiftScan VIP, now just A$65 (reg. A$313) with code TAKE30 through April 27.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: SwiftScan SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription AU$65TL;DR: Always have a scanner on hand with a lifetime subscription to this handy app, SwiftScan VIP, now $41.99 (reg. $199) with code TAKE30 through April 27.
Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription £41.99Don't have a chunky scanner lying around the house? That's no problem once you have SwiftScan VIP, an app that turns your smartphone or tablet into a high-quality scanner.
From receipts you want to save to signing contracts, digitizing documents has never been easier. And a lifetime subscription can be yours now for only $41.99 with code TAKE30 until April 27.
Never be without a scanner againYour phone or tablet can double as a scanner with SwiftScan. All you have to do is open the app and point your camera at the page. SwiftScan will automatically detect the edges and crop for you. If you need to scan more than one page, it's easy to combine multiple pages into a single document.
Once you've scanned your document, you can enhance the quality with built-in tools like color filters, blur reduction, and auto-enhancements. Then save it as a PDF or JPG and send it via email or fax. You can also upload it to your preferred cloud storage service.
SwiftScan organizes all your scans into folders, and their OCR technology makes searching a breeze if you need to access them later.
If you have to deal with a PDF, SwiftScan also doubles as a PDF editor. Sign, annotate, or even redact information from PDFs right on the app.
Keep a scanner on hand for life with SwiftScan VIP, now only $41.99 (reg. $199) with code TAKE30 through April 27.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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