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Scientists have spotted a defiant galaxy.
Located nearly 1 billion light-years from Earth, the galaxy 2MASX J23453268−0449256 is a spiral, like our home the Milky Way. Yet it does something galactic researchers only thought possible in much more massive elliptical galaxies, which form through mergers of galaxies: It hosts an enormous supermassive black hole that emits powerful jets of energy into space — the type that would wreak havoc and destabilize such a spiral galaxy.
"This discovery upends conventional wisdom, as such powerful jets are almost exclusively found in elliptical galaxies, not spirals," Suraj Dhiwar, a researcher at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics in India who coauthored the new study, told Mashable.
The research was published in the peer-reviewed journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.Spiral galaxies are often considered too delicate to support the kind of extreme black hole activity seen in this galactic system, Joydeep Bagchi, an astrophysicist at Christ University in India who led the research, told Mashable. But this galaxy maintains its well-ordered spiral structure in the face of extreme blasts of energized particles and radiation from a black hole billions of times the mass of the sun, as you can see in the Hubble Space Telescope imagery above and below.
"This discovery upends conventional wisdom."Black holes themselves — so gravitationally powerful not even light can escape their grasp — produce no radiation or light. But galactic material can rapidly spin around black holes, forming a vibrant "accretion disk" that radiates light. And sometimes material falling into a black hole can be rerouted into two giant jets, firing in opposite directions out into the universe.
The Milky Way (bottom) compared to the larger galaxy 2MASX J23453268-0449256. Credit: Bagchi and Ray et al / Hubble Space TelescopeThe cosmic quandary of the expansive spiral galaxy 2MASX J23453268−0449256 calls for more telescopic investigation, the researchers emphasize. "It forces us to rethink how galaxies evolve, and how supermassive black holes grow in them and shape their environments," Dhiwar explained.
So far, observations gathered by the Hubble Space Telescope, the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array reveal that the galaxy doesn't only have an orderly, tranquil spiral appearance. It also maintains a bright nuclear bar-shaped mass of stars near its core (as many spiral galaxies do) and an undisturbed outer stellar ring — home to some vigorous star formation.
Imagery from a radio telescope show two colossal jets shooting out from the supermassive black hole at the center of galaxy 2MASX J23453268−0449256. Credit: Bagchi and Ray et al / Giant Metrewave Radio TelescopeThe unusual circumstance of galaxy 2MASX J23453268−0449256 also has relevance to our galaxy. While the central supermassive black hole in the Milky Way, called Sagittarius A*, is much smaller and currently dormant, it could (one far-off day) awake. A mighty gas cloud or small dwarf galaxy could accrete around the black hole, providing the fuel needed for powerful jets of radiation to blast through our galaxy. These rapidly moving particles could pose a danger to planets.
"If such jets were to form and be directed toward our solar system, they could potentially strip away planetary atmospheres, increase radiation exposure, and even trigger a mass extinction event on Earth," Bagchi said.
Life on Earth has indeed thrived over eons, and eventually bounced back following mass extinctions. But might another, stoked by our massive black hole, be in the cards? Grasping how such active black holes behave in spiral galaxies can help us not just grasp the fate of our galaxy, but others.
"Ultimately, this study brings us one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos, reminding us that the universe still holds surprises beyond our imagination," Dhiwar said.
TL;DR: Only while supplies last, you can buy Microsoft Office for $54.97 and get Windows 11 Pro free (normally a $418 value).
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $54.97Watching web pages spin endlessly? Dealing with apps crashing? Before you spend your weekend laptop shopping — or throw the thing out the window — consider that it might be the software, not your machine, weighing you down.
Upgrading your operating system can speed things up, and a fresh download of Microsoft Office can give you new tools for work, school, or home projects. Right now, you can get Windows 11 Pro free with Office priced at $54.97 until we sell out of codes. We have fewer than 75 left in stock.
How this deal worksThis is a two-for-one Microsoft offer with no coupon required. Simply complete your purchase, and you’ll receive an email almost immediately after with download links and software activation keys for both Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro.
We recommend upgrading to Windows 11 Pro first for the most seamless setup. This deal comes at an opportune time, with Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 later this year. Or, if you currently have the free version of Windows 11 Home, this adds additional features like remote desktop access, hard drive encryption, and Hyper-V.
You’ll also get the AI-powered assistant, Windows Copilot installed right onto your computer. Created from a custom version of ChatGPT-4, it’s like having a paid version of the world’s favorite chatbot at your service to answer questions, generate content, or make images.
Once you’re acquainted with the new operating system, download Microsoft Office for Windows. The 2021 suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Punisher, and Access — all downloaded to your PC for lifelong use.
Don’t miss your chance to get this Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro bundle deal, now $54.97 (reg. $418). No coupon is needed to get this price.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Keep track of important property with the KeySmart® Smart Card, a slimmer tracking option that works with Apple's Find My app. A three-pack is now just $79.97 (reg. $119.97) through March 30.
Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart SmartCard (3-Pack) $79.97Looking for an AirTag alternative that actually fits in small compartments? The KeySmart SmartCard improves upon the bulky shape of the AirTag, offering a sleek alternative that works with wallets and other tight spots.
Right now, you can snag a three-pack of KeySmart SmartCards for just $79.97 — making them under $27 a piece — with free shipping. But act fast; this deal lasts only one more day through March 30.
Keep tabs on important items with this three-pack of KeySmart SmartCardsLooking for a way to easily find your passport? What about your wallet? The KeySmart SmartCard lets you keep track of your possessions via Apple's Find My app, just like an AirTag. But unlike AirTags, these actually fit in super thin places.
The KeySmart SmartCard measures just 2mm thick, roughly the size of two credit cards. This lets it easily slide into wallets, luggage, pet carriers, or other small compartments.
Aside from fitting in more items, this sleeker stature makes this a more discreet tracker. It's a great option if you're hoping to track things without bringing extra attention.
The KeySmart SmartCards offer an IPX8 rating, besting the AirTag's IPX67 rating and allowing them to be submerged in water for longer (one hour in 3.3 feet of water, to be exact). This makes it a great tracking choice for items that may have to brave the elements.
When powering the KeySmart SmartCard back up, its rechargeable battery works with a Qi-enabled wireless charger. This is another benefit, making it easier and more eco-friendly to recharge than the AirTags, which require entirely new batteries.
Find important items by checking your phone with the KeySmart SmartCard, now $79.97 (reg. $119) for a three-pack for just one more day.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Outside my apartment’s living room during work hours, there’s a regular cacophony: revving motorcycles, emergency sirens, honking horns. I love working from home, but a quiet oasis it is not.
That's when I seek restorative, calm bliss from an unlikely source: YouTube.
The age of being extremely online has produced many unusual meditative practices. Many of us apparently enjoy singing bowl TikToks. Others prefer Spotify's spa-like sounds, or their "deep focus" study playlists.
But lately I've come to see YouTube as the most effective option. The world's largest video service has hundreds, if not thousands, of channels claiming to offer white noise and calming music. Nearly all have accompanying images with equally soothing zen vibes, even the AI generated ones.
SEE ALSO: A mindfulness-themed browser is (calmly) shaking up searchThe variety of options is astounding and eclectic, far more so than any white noise machine. To list just five: Birds chirping, waves crashing, gentle electronica beats, the calming engine noise of 24th-century spaceships, the sounds of the DisneyWorld monorail snaking around theme parks. (For many of us, staying on the monorail without plunging into the world of hectic rides is the most soothing thing imaginable.)
Many of these channels run for hours on end and manage to soothe without being redundantly annoying. One plus for videos like this, in my experience: Even without the $13.99 a month YouTube premium service, these content-light channels are rarely interrupted by ads.
Take a video on the Cafe Relaxing Jazz Music channel entitled “Warm Jazz Piano Music with a Sweet Cup of Coffee.” The easy listening jazz runs for nearly two hours. Staring at the steam wafting off its coffee mug can induce a trance-like state.
More suggestions for your white noise YouTube starter kit:
View Escape takes visitors on a "journey to distant locations - particularly those in space." I can recommend the Blade Runner-esque sounds emanating from "Ambient Echoes overlooking Cyberpunk City." You may often wish to return to the channel's imagined bedrooms of spaceships with large windows. Unseen engines gently whir as planets and stars pass by.
MyTranquilitee
This beach channel features the calming sounds of gentle waves, perfect for background sounds or help with sleep. A personal favorite: The Mountains of Moorea, featuring the crystal clear waters of French Polynesia and a perfect green mountain backdrop. Take a quiet journey around the world with beach images and sounds of Anguilla, The British Virgin Islands, St. Barth, Hawaii, and Malibu.
baby.murcielaga
This odd little channel features seriously meditative music and dreamy titles like "Lost in 1983" and "back to 1991." Nevertheless there's a timelessness to these images of drenched parking lots and cloud-covered skyscrapers, which could be from anywhere in the last 60 years. There's something evocative about the expansive sounds paired with the lonely urban landscapes.
"It feels like what I lived when I wasn’t afraid of being alone, or in the dark, or in the cold, or in the open," one commenter wrote in the channel's "For Peaceful Nights" video.
Disney Parks
This channel features lots of fun content for the Disney maniac in your life, including food tours, park updates, and even POV shots of rides. It also features relaxing park-related videos including the Space Mountain Soundscape and the Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana.
We're also partial to the 4 Hours of Monorail Ambience — don't worry, the whining children and screaming parents have been excised. Please stand clear of the doors, Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas, the monorail says simply, as you drift at a distance from the happiest place on Earth.
Severance — Music To Refine To feat. ODESZA
Plugging away at your own version of Lumon Industries? AppleTV has you covered with this "exclusive ODESZA set designed for eight hours of focus—perfect for your innie’s workday." The images chronicle the daily machinations of the hit show's innies — plugging numbers, making coffee, cleaning their spartan offices.
The electronica-infused music certainly has more fast-paced moments than the aforementioned channels, but for some, that's the perfect noise diffuser. And you can keep the music on for your transition to outie life.
TL;DR: These VPN routers are selling out fast: Save $69 and get free shipping while supplies last.
Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Network Deeper Connect Air Portable VPN Travel Router $149.97Instead of paying for digital VPNs each month, some people are switching to this VPN router, which only requires a one-time payment. The Deeper Connect Air portable VPN router may actually give you more features and security than what you’re currently paying for. They’re hot items and hard to keep in stock, but we have them for $149.97 with free shipping right now (reg. $219).
How do VPN routers work?Using these routers is a lot less complicated than it sounds. Simply plug the router into your USB-C computer for power, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, select a server from over 150,000 options, and pair up to five devices.
Then, each paired device is protected with military-grade encryption. Essentially, this means that your browsing activities, downloads, and other data are broken into smaller pieces that cannot be read by anyone who isn’t supposed to be viewing or tracking you.
Another thing this lifetime VPN router can do is unblock content on your streaming services. All you need to do is connect to an overseas server where the show or movie you want to watch is available, then open Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ to watch it.
The Deeper Connect Air will also block ads as you stream — yes, even if you don’t pay to eliminate them on your subscription services — which we think is worth the purchase price alone.
Get a VPN with no subscription fees while we still have these routers in stock at $149.97 with free shipping (reg. $219). No coupon is needed to get this price.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Learn 14 different languages at your own pace with a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning, now on sale exclusively through StackSocial for just $124.99 with code LEARN through March 31.
Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $169.99Fancy yourself a lover of languages? Whether you're fluent in five or trying to stay fluent in your second, learning languages is a fun pastime that's great for your brain.
If you're ready to pick up a few more, get a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning with access to all 14 of their language options for just $124.99 (reg. $599) with the exclusive StackSocial code LEARN through March 31.
Learn languages at your own pace with this lifetime subscriptionWe put our poor brains through a lot. Want to give them a boost? Learning new languages helps your brain form new neural connections while your existing ones are strengthened. This Babbel Language Learning deal lasts for life, so you can continuously keep building those connections forever.
Babbel lets you tackle their 14 language options in a way that works with your busy schedule. Their 10-15 minute sessions can be tackled in line at the grocery store, on your lunch break, or right before you nod off to sleep.
It's a far cry from the boring Spanish classroom in high school, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, researchers at City University of New York discovered that novice learners picked up the equivalent of one semester of Spanish with just 15 hours of Babbel's learning strategy.
Pick up some knowledge on your smartphone or tackle a lesson or two on your laptop. Babbel syncs your progress across devices, so you can always pick up right where you left off. And there are three learning levels offered, beginner, intermediate, and advanced, so you can keep your skills sharp.
Their advanced speech recognition technology helps you with pronunciation as you progress. And Babbel's AI conversation partner is a great way to work on skills in real-time.
Learn German, start speaking Swedish, or immerse yourself in Italian. There are 14 languages to choose from, and this lifetime subscription lets you tackle them all.
Get a lifetime subscription to all languages with Babbel Language Learning for just $124.99 (reg. $599) with StackSocial's exclusive code LEARN through March 31.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Let this 9-inch wireless car display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and phone mirroring give your car's entertainment system an upgrade for just $79.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 9-inch Wireless Car Display $79.99Got a road trip planned this spring or summer? Make sure your car is ready to keep you entertained with some help from this 9-inch wireless car display. It's on sale just in time for long drives at just $79.99 (reg. $179), no coupon code needed.
Enjoy your ride with this feature-packed car displayThis wireless car display makes your car feel brand new again, offering a stunning 1024x600 FHD touchscreen display screen ready to work with your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Enjoy all your smartphone's apps, maps, music, videos, and more, thanks to the easy compatibility. See your next turn on the crisp screen while using your favorite navigation app, or turn on your favorite playlist on your go-to music platform.
Take advantage of the touchscreen or go totally hands-free, as the display can be controlled with your voice by using Siri or Google Assistant. iPhone users can also use Apply AirPlay to sync your phone's video app and enjoy YouTube content or other videos right on the screen.
Use Bluetooth to seamlessly transmit the audio to your car stereo speakers, or score clear and authentic sound with FM wireless transmission or AUX output audio.
This also supports a 1080p reversing camera, so you can make sure you're aware of your surroundings in reverse. And the screen has adjustable brightness so you can make sure you can see adequately any time of day.
This 9-inch wireless car display is compatible with all car models — it's just powered by a wide-voltage cigarette lighter, so installation is a breeze.
Save $100 and bring this 9-inch wireless car display home today for just $79.99, no coupon code required.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
LOWEST-EVER PRICE: As of March 29, the 55-inch Samsung Q60D TV is on sale for $479.99 in the Amazon Spring Sale. This deal saves you 38% on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 55-inch Samsung Q60D TV $497.99 at AmazonWe can't think of a better way to spend your weekend that perusing the best deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale. OK, there are plenty of better ways to spend your free time. You could be watching paint dry, which honestly at this point sounds a little more interesting than scrolling through thousands of deals.
Let someone else do the work whilst you enjoy yourself. Save the hassle and check out the latest deal on the 55-inch Samsung Q60D TV. This premium TV is on sale or $479.99 in the Amazon Spring Sale. This deal saves you 38% on list price, or $300. According to the price tracker camelcamelcamel, this impressive TV has never been cheaper.
SEE ALSO: Grab noise-cancelling Soundcore headphones for just $44 during Amazon's Big Spring SaleThe Q60D is a great mid-range TV featuring object-tracking sound and a Pantone Validated dual LED panel for better color accuracy. It's got a lot of the same great features of more advanced models without the huge price tag. If you're looking for real value from the Amazon Spring Sale, this deal offers that in abundance.
Get the best-ever price on the 55-inch Samsung Q60D TV in the Amazon Spring Sale. For more deals like this, check out our roundup of the best TV deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale.
Mashable's favorite deals from the Amazon Spring SaleApple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.99 (List Price $249.00)
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced Wi-Fi Thermostat — $169.00 (List Price $189.99)
Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid ANC Headphones (Black) — $55.99 (List Price $79.99)
Blink Mini 2 Indoor Wireless 1080p Camera (2-Pack) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)
Apple iPad mini 128GB 8.3" Tablet — $399.00 (List Price $499.00)
Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00)
Sonos Era 100 Wireless Alexa Enabled Smart Speaker (White) — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)
Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) — $39.99 (List Price $59.99)
Fitbit Inspire 3 Health and Fitness Tracker (Midnight Zen/Black) — $69.95 (List Price $99.95)
Roku Express 4K+ Streaming Media Player — $30.22 (List Price $39.99)
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 hintA type of syrup.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerMAPLE
Hurdle Word 2 hintUsed to text and call.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 29, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerPHONE
Hurdle Word 3 hintTwo-legged stand.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 29 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 29, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answerBIPOD
Hurdle Word 4 hintPart of common sorority names.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for March 29 Hurdle Word 4 answerKAPPA
Final Hurdle hintA pessimist.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerCYNIC
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
TL;DR: For one more day only, Mashable readers and Mac users can save £32 on the PDF Expert Premium Plan lifetime subscription — pay just £75.72 (reg. £108.18) through 30 March.
There’s nothing wrong with Adobe Acrobat…until you realize you’re paying for it constantly even though you really only edit a couple of PDFs each month. If you want a program you can own with a one-time payment, check out this Adobe Acrobat alternative. The features are nearly identical, except it’s £75.72 (reg. £108.18) for life — even if you upgrade your Mac.
Fair warning, this is your last call, as this discounted price ends on 30 March.
Opens in a new window Credit: Readdle Limited PDF Expert Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Mac) £75.72Think of it this way, after a few months, this software practically pays for itself when compared to expensive alternatives like Adobe Acrobat.
Here's what you can do with PDF Expert.
Edit PDFs with ease: Fix typos, add images, and adjust formatting directly within your PDFs.
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Make scans searchable: Use OCR to convert scanned documents into editable and searchable PDFs.
Get a PDF editor with no monthly fees for your Mac, now £75.72 (reg. £108.18) for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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: Played with a deck
Green: Where American football might be located during a game
Blue: Information for baserunners
Purple: Part of a logo
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Card games
Green: Areas on a football field
Blue: Things a third base coach might signal
Purple: Components of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' logo
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 #187 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayCard games - BRIDGE, EUCHRE, HEARTS, PINOCHLE
Areas on a football field - BACKFIELD, END ZONE, LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, SIDELINE
Things a third base coach might signal - BUNT, HIT AND RUN, STEAL, TAKE
Components of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' logo - FLAG, FOOTBALL, SKILL, SWORDS
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 March 29 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: Seen at fine dining establishments
Green: Types of bottoms you'd wear in the summer
Blue: Reads the same backwards as forward
Purple: You would've watched them 40 years ago
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Materials associated with fancy dining
Green: Kinds of shorts
Blue: Nouns in a famous palindrome
Purple: Movies from 1985
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 #657 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayMaterials associated with fancy dining: CHINA, CRYSTAL, LINEN, SILVER
Kinds of shorts: BERMUDA, BIKE, BOXER, CARGO
Nouns in a famous palindrome: CANAL, MAN, PANAMA, PLAN
Movies from 1985: BRAZIL, CLUE, COMMANDO, WITNESS
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 29Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for March 29 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 29, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Apologetic.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?The letter R appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.
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...
SORRY.
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.
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Save $120: As of March 28, you can grab the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 projector for just $379.99 at Amazon. At this price, you'll be saving 24% on the projector's $499.99 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nebula Capsule 3 $379.99 at AmazonMaybe you don't have the room for a TV or maybe you prefer some portability when deciding where to watch your favorite shows — in either case, you deserve better than using your laptop.
Portable projectors can be a great solution to this problem, but they aren't exactly cheap (especially in comparison to the price of a TV). However, during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, Anker's Nebula Capsule 3 projector is down to its lowest price ever, at just $379.99.
SEE ALSO: 350+ of the best live deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale, picked by Mashable's team of expertsIf you've never used a projector before, you should expectation set that the picture won't be as bright or as a clear as that of a TV — that's normal, especially in the this price range. Specifically, in terms of picture quality, the Capsule 3 supports 4K input and has a native 1080p resolution. However, you can get a much bigger picture that maxes out at 120 inches, and the option to move your projector wherever you like, especially with the Capsule 3, which weighs less than two pounds, and has an on-board battery that can stream up to two and a half hours of video and eight hours of audio.
It's also incredibly easy to turn it on and start streaming content, thanks to its autofocus and auto keystone features, and of course, the built-in Google TV and Netflix. The LED light won't give you the absolute best picture quality you can find on a projector out there, but as our sister site PC Mag (also owned by Ziff Davis) puts it in their review, "Just a little bigger than a soda can, the 1080p Anker Nebula Capsule 3 projector delivers more-than-acceptable quality plus robust audio, making it an excellent mini projector."
X owner Elon Musk announced late Friday that the social media site had been sold ... to xAI, Musk's own Artificial Intelligence company.
"xAI and X’s futures are intertwined," Musk posted on X. "Today, we officially take the step to combine the data, models, compute, distribution and talent ... this will allow us to build a platform that doesn’t just reflect the world but actively accelerates human progress."
xAI purchased X in an all-stock transaction, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The AI company is now valued at $80 billion, with X valued at $33 billion, which includes $12 million in debt.
Musk purchased X, then known as Twitter, for $44 billion in October 2022.
What does this mean to the X user? Likely that AI will be integrated more fully into the X experience. The social media site has aggressively pushed its generative AI chatbot, Grok, on users since it launched in 2023. Musk also changed its terms of service shortly after the November election, requiring users to agree to have AI trained on their tweets.
In announcing the sale, Musk claimed X has 600 million "active users." He didn't say "monthly active users," which experts believe to be almost half that number.
The now-private company has shed millions of users by multiple measures since Musk's purchase, and is projected to lose millions more in 2025.
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Amazon has brought plenty of beauty tech deals live for its spring sale, but one of the best (and rarest) ones we've spotted this week isn't actually available on the retailer's site.
Coinciding with the Big Spring Sale is SharkNinja week, which allows customers to save 20% on orders over $200 with the code SN20. That means that the Shark FlexFusion, which starts at $349 and goes up to $399 depending on the model, is getting a rare discount. If you've been waiting to catch it on sale, now's a good time to grab it — the promo code is valid through March 31 at 2:59 a.m. ET (and at the time of writing, one model has sold out).
SEE ALSO: 350+ of the best live deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale, picked by Mashable's team of expertsIf you're not familiar with the Shark FlexFusion, it's essentially an even more versatile Shark FlexStyle that can heat style with and without air. This is especially useful if you want to style day two hair, or hair that's no longer wet, as styles will hold better thanks to the heat element. It is worth noting that Shark FlexStyle attachments cannot be used with the FlexFusion or vice versa — though they're similar, at the end of the day they are different hair tools.
Depending on which model you get, the FlexFusion comes with three or four different attachments. At the time of writing, here are the models that are on sale:
Shark FlexFusion Air Styler Brush Set — $279.99 $349.99 (save $70 with code SN20)
Build-your own Shark FlexFusion with Air Styler Straightener Set — $279.99 $349.99 (save $70 with code SN20)
Build-your-own Shark FlexFusion with Air Styler Straightener and Brush set — $303.99 $379.99 (save $76 with code SN20)
Shark FlexFusion Air Styler Straightener and Brush Set — $319.99 $399.99 (save $80 with code SN20)
Along with the discount, each of these FlexFusions comes with a free travel case. For an even more in-depth breakdown on the differences between these tools, you can check out our additional coverage on the Shark FlexFusion.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexFusion Save up to $80 with code SN20 Get DealOK, so I wouldn’t usually recommend shopping at Amazon for sex toys, but Amazon’s Big Spring Sale has a few good deals on legit sex toys and products that you can trust. (They're few and far between, but I've included some non-Amazon deals at the bottom of this post.) Most aren’t marked with red “Spring Sale” badges, but the discounts are still worth a look — a discount’s a discount, right?
SEE ALSO: Are vibrating sex toys on the way out?Some standout brands I found include plusOne, LELO, and Tracy's Dog. Tons of lube is discounted, too, including some from Überlube and Astroglide.
Here are the best sex toy deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale that are worth adding to your cart ASAP:
Best vibrator deal Opens in a new window Credit: plusOne plusOne Bullet Vibrator $12.44 at AmazonIf you’re new to sex toys, a simple bullet vibrator, like this one from plusOne, is a great place to start.
PlusOne is one of the most affordable sex toy brands out there, and they’re made with body-safe silicone. You can find this brand in just about any drugstore and Target, so you know it’s legit.
The plusOne Bullet Vibrator is waterproof, has 10 vibration settings, and is small enough to bring anywhere. It’s pocket-sized (three inches long) and can fit right in your makeup bag or purse.
It comes with a pin charging cable (you’ll get two hours off a single charge) and a finger sleeve, which may be helpful for people who struggle to hold smaller toys.
More vibrator dealsAva — $13.97 $22.47 (save $8.50)
plusOne dual rabbit vibrator — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)
Tracy's Dog thrusting vibrator — $44.99 $49.99 (save $5)
LELO MIA 3 — $74.10 $99 (save $24.90)
TENGA is a leader in the male sex toy space. (They’re the company that makes the TENGA Egg, which would be a super cute Easter gift.)
Right now, the TEGA Spinner is on sale for $21.58. That’s not a huge discount, but it’s a good price for a reusable toy with more than 6,000 reviews on Amazon.
Many of the reviewers say that this product helped their marriage, aided in penile sensitivity, and helped with erectile dysfunction. (Tons of reviewers also mentioned that it’s “like the real thing.”) And, there are a surprising number of wives who reviewed the toy, saying it amped up their sex lives.
Note: Lube is a non-negotiable with this toy. So stock up!
More male sex toy dealsCalExotics Packer Gear FTM stroker — $7.89 $11.99 (save $4.10)
CalExotics Dr. Joel Kaplan premium prostate massager — $18.56 $28.99 (save $10.43)
Tracy's Dog realistic male masturbator — $24.99 $29.99 (save $5)
You can’t really use any sex toy without lube. I mean, you can, but it’s likely going to be uncomfortable, and you can risk damaging your sex toy or your intimate bits, depending on what it’s made from.
If you’re looking for a latex-safe lube that’ll last, the Überlube Home and Travel Bundle is on sale for $35.63. (My favorite lube is SUTIL Rich, but they’re not pushing any deals right now).
This bundle includes one Überlube Silicone Base Lube (55 ml) and one travel-sized Überlube Silicone Lube (15 ml) in a pretty red casing, so no one knows what’s in your bag.
More lube dealsAstroglide water-based lube (5 oz) — $8.98 $11.99 (save $3.01)
SKYN All Night Long silicone-based, long-lasting lube (2.7 oz) — $9.97 $11.99 (save $2.02)
K-Y Ultragel water-based personal lubricant (4.5 oz) — $11.43 $13.88 (save $2.45)
While the Amazon Big Spring Sale is our main focus here, there are tons of sex toy sales happening outside of the Bezo-sphere.
Here are the best sex toy deals you can find on the internet today:
Babeland: Up to 70% off sex toys
FemmeFunn: Discounted sex toy bundles
Good Vibes: Up to 70% off sex toys
Le Wand: Up to 76% off select sex toys
Lovehoney: Up to 70% off sex toys and lingerie
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