IT General

I've been using Linux on and off for over 20 years at this point, I'd dual-boot for a few months, or always have a Linux VM or two spooled up on my Windows PC to keep abreast of the latest state of open-source operating systems. The first time I used Linux as my daily driver OS was during my postgraduate studies, where the little netbook I took to class could only handle Linux and not Windows.

When I first ditched Microsoft's software, I expected I'd be in for a downgrade, especially since I was still using Windows. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised. Many of the open-source options available today are as good as Microsoft 365, and they're completely free.

Netflix might be full of long, saga-length series like Stranger Things that you can really make a meal out of. But sometimes you just want the satisfaction of and closure of getting through an entire season or series in one go.

TL;DR: Walmart has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box up for preorder at $114.99, down from $149.99. TCGplayer's unopened listings start at $118.56 with shipping included.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box $114.99 at Walmart
$149.99 Save $35.00   Pre-order Here

Chaos Rising is the next stage of the Pokémon TCG’s popular Mega Evolution set, and you can already secure its ETB under market price.

As of April 17, Walmart has preorders for the Pokémon TCG’s Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box listed for $114.99, marked down from $149.99 with free shipping. Over at TCGplayer, presale listings are starting at $118.56 shipped. The ETB’s market price is sitting at around $119.

Compared to the higher prices of the Mega Evolution’s most popular expansion, Ascended Heroes, a cent short of $115 is a decently tempered price for a hotly-anticipated set of trading cards — set to come out on May 22. As Amazon preorders for Chaos Rising aren’t up at the time of writing, we expect Walmart’s allocation to sell out quickly. So grab yours now if you want the lowest price currently possible. 

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Similar to other ETBs in the Pokémon TCG, the Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box will grant you the following, no matter who you buy from: 

• Nine booster packs

• Full-art foil promo card (Fennekin)

• 65 sleeves

• 40 Energy cards

• Player's guide

• Six damage-counter dice

• Coin-flip die

• Plastic coin

• Collector's box with six dividers

• Code card for Pokémon TCG Live

Similar to Perfect Order, Chaos Rising will feature over 120 cards, featuring Pokémon and Mega Evolutions featured in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A video game — including Mega Greninja ex, Mega Pyroar ex, Mega Floette ex, Mega Dragalage ex, and Espurr. 

Speaking of Perfect Order, you can also buy the Pokémon TCG’s Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box for as low as $70 — following restocks at Amazon, Walmart, and TCGplayer. If it’s just packs with no extras you’re after, the Perfect Order Booster Bundle is available for around $40. 

Google is most famous for its search engine, email service, and Android phones, but over the years they've developed dozens of great applications. Here are some of my favorites you can still download and use today.

SAVE $10: As of April 17, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick Plus $29 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.99   Get Deal

Streaming devices are a great way to upgrade your streaming. Whether it's making it easier to watch from your laptop or you have an older TV that needs some help, they make watching the next hit Netflix original nice and easy. And if you’re considering purchasing one, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus is on sale right now.

As of April 17, this model is $10 off, bringing the price down from $39.99 to $29.99. With this streaming stick, you'll get 4K picture and bright HDR color for everything you watch.

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The setup is nice and simple, and unlike other TV sticks, this one doesn't require power from a wall outlet. It's directly powered from the TV. All you need to do is plug it into the HDMI port and start watching. Less cables and clutter is always a good thing.

It also comes with a single remote that will control both your TV and streaming device. This even has a voice search function for searching for content across various platforms. You'll also get access to all the major streaming apps in one place (Netflix, Prime Video, etc.), plus over 500 free live TV channels.

This Roku deal is available at Amazon now, so don't miss out.

At a Pentagon worship service on Wednesday, defense secretary Pete Hegseth recited an air rescue group's prayer he said drew from the Bible's Ezekiel 25:17. In reality, Hegseth delivered Samuel L. Jackson's Bible-inspired monologue from Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. The Pentagon later defended Hegseth's "custom prayer.

Stephen Colbert called it out during The Late Show on Thursday night, showing Hegseth delivering said "custom prayer" beside the scenes from the 1994 film. The edit is really something. Watching the U.S. defense secretary essentially quoting Jackson's Jules Winnfield, from a scene in which the hitman interrogates and executes a man after eating his Big Kahuna Burger, is kind of an out-of-body experience.

"Despite all this, I want Hegseth to succeed," said Colbert. "He's the Secretary of Defense. If he succeeds, that means America succeeds. So please join me in prayer. God, I'm talking to you. You talking to me? Are you talking to me? War is like a box of chocolates. I'm tired of these MFing sins on my MFing soul."

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box back in stock for $83.90 with free shipping, while Walmart has it for $69.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box $83.90 at Amazon
$93.99 Save $10.09   Shop Now

The Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box is arguably the most affordable way into this Pokémon TCG expansion right now. Stock has been low for some time, but Amazon has finally found some product to sell.

As of April 17, Amazon is listing the Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box in stock at $83.90, down from a listed $93.99. Walmart is already sitting at a lower $69.99, and TCGplayer has multiple unopened shipped listings clustered in the low-$70 range. 

Since launching on March 27, the once-high preorder prices on Perfect Order have dipped and settled in the $70-85 range. While Walmart and TCGplayer are indeed the best places to buy the Perfect Order ETB, plenty of Amazon stock is readily available at its slightly higher price point for those who prefer shopping at that particular retailer. 

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Similar to other ETBs, the Pokémon TCG’s Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box will grant you nine booster packs, a full-art foil promo card (Tyrunt), 65 sleeves, Energy cards, a player’s guide, damage-counter dice, a competition-legal coin-flip die, a plastic coin, a collector’s box with dividers, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Grabbing a Perfect Order ETB will give you a chance of pulling the trading card game expansion’s most valuable chase cards: 

• Mega Zygarde ex (Mega Hyper Rare) — $180.14 (market price)

• Meowth ex (Special Illustration Rare) — $165.69 (market price)

• Mega Zygarde ex (Special Illustration Rare) — $101.32 (market price)

• Rosa’s Encouragement (Special Illustration Rare) — $81.72 (market price)

• Mega Starmie ex (Special Illustration Rare) — $81.02 (market price)

To save even more on packs of new Pokémon cards, you can buy the Perfect Order Booster Bundle for around $40. If you’ve got even more in your budget, you can grab the Perfect Order Booster Display Box for around $200. 

Spotify has updated its iOS and Android apps to look better on tablets and foldable phones.

The new design, launched for everyone on Thursday, makes better use of the extra space you get on a tablet. For example, on an iPad, you can browse in a larger window on the left side of the screen while still having your now playing sidebar on the right, with album art, controls, and even lyrics.

SEE ALSO: Spotify now sells physical books

The app is also more adaptive than before; switch from portrait to landscape mode and it will reconfigure the interface (instead of just resizing it) to make it look better in a particular move.

The design is adaptive, and the interface will accomodate to vertical or horizontal orientation as needed. Credit: Spotify

That sidebar on the right can be collapsed with a touch of the down arrow in the top left, or expanded to fit the entire display. Besides hosting controls and information on the song that's currently playing, it also has additional content down below, including related videos, information about the artist, and more. Another improvement is a prominent "Switch to Video/Audio" button.

“Tablets give you more room to explore, so we designed it to let you browse and discover new favorites alongside what’s already playing," Nicole Burrow, head of design at Spotify, said in a statement. "The goal was simple: Wherever you open Spotify, it should feel unmistakably like Spotify.”

The timing of the update is notable, as this update makes the Spotify app better not only on tablets but also on foldable devices. Apple is rumored to be working on its first foldable phone, the iPhone Fold, with a launch window late in the year, and other phone makers have been introducing foldable phones at an increasing pace.

Featured Video For You How TikTok is Changing the Music Industry

In the first moments of The Mandalorian and Grogu's final trailer, we see the little guy sitting and meditating in a forest, in an image we've seen before, in an Empire Strikes Back galaxy far, far away...

Directed and co-written by The Mandalorian series creator Jon Favreau, with Lucasfilm president Dave Filoni, The Mandalorian and Grogu sees bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) hitting the big screen, teaming up with an early days New Republic and Colonel Ward (Sigourney Weaver) to eliminate Imperial war criminals. (Like the show, the film is set after Return of the Jedi and before The Force Awakens.)

Unveiled at CinemaCon, the trailer is action-packed, with plenty of Star Wars-level battles on an array of planets, and a herd of AT-ATs. But it also feels like one last ride for our two heroes...

The Mandalorian and Grogu hit cinemas May 22, 2026.

SAVE $1,500: As of April 17, the Toshiba 100-inch Z670 Series Mini-LED 4K TV is on sale for $2,499.99 at Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Toshiba Toshiba 100-Inch Z670 Series Mini-LED 4K UHD TV $2,499.99 at Amazon
$3,999.99 Save $1,500   Get Deal

If you're looking for a new TV and want to go all-out on an extra large screen, Amazon's here to help. As of April 17, the retailer has dropped the price on the massive Toshiba 100-inch Z670 Series Mini-LED 4K TV, making now a great time to scoop it up for less.

This TV is usually listed for $3,999.99, but Amazon has dropped the price down to $2,499.99 for a limited time. This means you can save $1,500 right now. Not to mention, it marks its lowest-ever price at the retailer, which is a huge bonus.

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And what an upgrade this TV is. This Toshiba TV's 100-inch screen size is sure to make you feel completely absorbed in what you're watching or playing. Its 4K resolution, Mini LED technology, and QLED Color will highlight every color and detail on screen. Gamers can enjoy smooth motion as well thanks to a native 144Hz refresh rate, and it also comes with VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync Premium.

Plus, it's a Fire TV, so you can have all of your favorite streaming apps available to access right from the home screen. With so many exciting things to stream right now, it's nice to be able to jump into your favorites quickly and easily.

Since the Toshiba 100-inch Z670 Series Mini-LED 4K TV is marked as a limited time deal, it may not be on sale at this price for long.

SAVE $15: As of April 17, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $19.99. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $19.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $15.00   Get Deal

Amazon's Fire TV Sticks are a simple and affordable way to transform your streaming setup. And right now it's an even cheaper streaming solution, because the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for a limited time. As of April 17, this model is down to $19.99 from $34.99, saving you $15.

This isn't just a great option for streaming at home, it's a completely portable device so you can take it with you when you travel. Just plug it into your TV or laptop HDMI port and power the Fire Stick with a wall outlet and you're good to go. It's much easier than logging into your apps and streaming platforms on other devices, and negates the need to remember to log out when you leave.

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And speaking of streaming platforms, you'll have access to the whole lot. Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Peacock, Tubi, and more are all available to download. They'll also sit neatly on one home screen, so it's easy to pick up shows and movies where you left them. More of a live TV watcher? Not a problem, you'll also have access to services like SLING TV and YouTube TV, as well as access to popular music apps such as Amazon Music and Spotify.

Head to Amazon to find this Fire Stick deal.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, April 17, 2026:

AcrossSound made while sinking into a hot tub

• The answer is Ahh.

March Madness pick

• The answer is Team.

Like "status quo" and "mea culpa"

• The answer is Latin.

Large venue for a comedian

• The answer is Arena.

Piece of bacon

• The answer is Strip.

DownBook of maps

• The answer is Atlas.

❤️

• The answer is Heart.

Constant critic

• The answer is Hater.

Car that's easy to park

• The answer is Mini.

Much of the afternoon, for a toddler

• The answer is Nap.

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

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

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

Written and directed by YouTuber Curry Barker, Obsession has been gaining buzz among critics and horror fans since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall. This creepy thriller about a crush gone carnage will hit theaters just as summer love could bloom. So, see it early — either as a cautionary tale, a way to get your heart pumping hard, or as a litmus test for your situationship.

Mashable has teamed up with Focus Features for advanced screenings in New York and Chicago ahead of the film's theatrical release. All you need to do to get in on the freaky fun is sign up:

Sign up for Mashable's NYC screening of Obsession.

Sign up for Mashable's Chicago screening of Obsession.

How to see Obsession early?

Join Mashable and Focus Features for an advanced screening in Chicago and New York City, the latter of which will be hosted by Mashable's Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko.

Details for each advanced screening are below:

Obsession NYC Advanced Screening

Monday, May 11 | 7:00 p.m. ET

AMC 19th St  | 890 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Obsession Chicago Advanced Screening

Monday, May 11 | 7:00 p.m. CT

AMC River East | 322 E Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611 

How to get Obsession advance screening tickets?

To secure your seat for these advance screenings — at no cost — all you have to do is fill out the linked entry form, either for NYC or Chicago. Focus Features operates both forms. No purchase is necessary to enter.

From there, watch out for an email confirmation. Please note: Seating at the events will be first come, first served. No one will be admitted without being on Focus Feature's confirmation list.

Obsession opens nationwide on May 15.

TL;DR: Consider this your sign to upgrade your laptop while this MacBook Air is on sale for just $199.97 (reg. $999) through April 19.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air (2017) 13" i5 1.8GHz 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) $199.97
$999 Save $799.03   Get Deal

It’s not every day that you can snag a MacBook for less than the cost of an iPad. But right now, you can bring home this powerful and portable MacBook Air for only $199.97. You’ll just have to act fast — this deal only runs for two more days and ends April 19 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

The MacBook Air is one of Apple’s most popular devices for good reason. It’s the brand’s most portable laptop — weighing in at just 2.97 pounds — but don’t be deceived by its size. This model doesn’t skimp on power.

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This MacBook Air is packed with a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, letting you multitask and tackle your entire to-do list from anywhere.

Save important files locally and download all your go-to apps thanks to 128GB of storage. The 13.3-inch widescreen display lets you work or play, all with crisp and vibrant visuals, thanks to the Intel HD Graphics 6000.

The 12-hour battery life lets you get through a full workday without powering back up, and easy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to connect from anywhere.

Curious how you’re saving $800 on this device? It comes with a Grade A/B refurbished rating, so you may receive a device with light scratches, dents, or scuffs, but after a comprehensive process, its functionality and quality are ensured.

Act fast to lock in the major savings on this MacBook Air and get it for just $199.97 until April 19.

Grabbing this deal? Score a Microsoft Office 2021 license for free when you apply a code at checkout through 4/19: GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan is on sale for $79.97 (reg. $540), combining multiple AI models and tools for writing, images, and more in one platform.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $79.97
$540 Save $460.03   Get Deal

The promise of AI is doing more with less effort. The reality sometimes — err, often — looks like juggling multiple apps to get there. 1min.AI aims to simplify that by bringing multiple AI models and tools into a single platform, and its Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription is on sale for $79.97 (reg. $540) for a limited time.

Instead of switching between separate apps for writing, image editing, and document processing, 1min.AI puts a wide range of features in one place. You can generate and refine text, create and edit images, analyze PDFs, and even work with audio or video tools, all from the same interface. It supports multiple AI models, including GPT, Claude, and Gemini, so you can choose the one that best fits your task, whether that’s drafting content, optimizing websites, or brainstorming ideas.

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For content creators and professionals, that kind of consolidation can save you so much time. Tools like article generators, paraphrasers, and summarizers can help overcome writer’s block, while image, video, audio, and document tools add flexibility across different workflows. That said, like most AI platforms, it works best as an assistant rather than a replacement, so outputs may still need editing and review.

The plan uses a monthly credit system to determine how much you can generate across tools. With this tier, you get 4 million credits per month, which can translate to over a million words, thousands of SEO keywords, or more than a thousand images, depending on usage.

You can also share the subscription with up to 20 team members, with built-in tools that make collaboration easier.

If your setup already involves multiple AI tools, having them in one place can simplify things, or at least cut down on the tab-switching.

Get the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription for $99.99 (reg. $540).

Grabbing this deal? Build your cart to $100+ and score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 free with code GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) through 4/19.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Unblock TNAFlix from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Your access to porn sites is often restricted, which is probably a good thing. However, there is a time and a place for everything. And when the time is right, you shouldn't have to put up with online restrictions.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like TNAFlix from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock TNAFlix for free

VPNs can unblock porn sites by connecting you to secure servers in other locations.

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, bypassing geo-restrictions to secure access to porn sites like TNAFlix from anywhere in the world. This might sound complicated, but you can unblock your favorite porn sites in just a few simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to TNAFlix

4. Visit TNAFlix

5. Watch TNAFlix content from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can unblock porn sites and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're traveling or temporarily away from home.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like TNAFlix from anywhere in the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking porn sites like TNAFlix, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock TNAFlix for free with ExpressVPN.

For the first time in six years, BookCon is back. Celebrating the book industry and its fans, BookCon returns to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on April 18 and 19. The two-day convention is jam-packed with panels, author signings, and a robust show floor, and Mashable will be on the ground at the event, covering every must-see moment.

The event follows a big year for books. Heated Rivalry, based on Rachel Reid's bestselling series, has everyone headed to the cottage, and the movie adaptation of Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary took us to space. BookTok is one of the loudest and most influential spaces on the internet, literally reviving book sales in the modern age. Now BookCon can be an IRL space for book fans to celebrate their passion.

“It has been a dream for our team to bring back BookCon, and we are thrilled with how the book community has come together to help us build this incredible programming lineup full of diverse voices, genres, and perspectives," said Jenny Martin, Event Director for BookCon.

Leading up to the event, there's been a lot of chatter, so before the big weekend, here's everything you need to know about BookCon.

When and where is BookCon?

BookCon takes place Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19. It will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

How to attend BookCon?

BookCon is a ticketed event, but it's unfortunately sold out. Tickets went fast, with BookCon posting on Dec. 3, 2025, that the event was officially sold out.

View this post on Instagram Which authors will be at BookCon?

The BookCon lineup features tons of people's favorite authors, with panels and signings all weekend long. Rachel Reid (Heated Rivalry) will be there celebrating the show alongside the TV show's EP, Jacob Tierney. Authors of the buzziest adaptations including Andy Weir (Project Hail Mary, The Martian), Emily St. John Mandel (Station Eleven), May Cobb (The Hunting Wives), Robinne Lee (The Idea of You), and Casey McQuiston (Red, White, and Royal Blue) will be present. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Divergent, Veronica Roth will be in attendance. Other authors attending BookCon include Jasmine Guillory, Leigh Bardugo, and RF Kuang. The full list of attendees can be found on BookCon's website.

What's the BookCon controversy?

While there is plenty of excitement around BookCon, the return of the event sparked quite a bit of noise online. Tickets sold fast, leading to some disappointment from fans who were hopeful to attend — but even fans in attendance have shared concerns.

Author signings and some panels require reservations for ticket holders. When the reservations went live, attendees had spreadsheets of all the events they wanted to attend and patiently waited in an online queue to sign up. Unfortunately, even after waiting an hour, some ticket holders couldn't secure any reservations. Now there's an active community on the BookCon subreddit trading reservations in hopes of scoring the spots they didn't get the first time.

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A post shared by Jess 📚 🐉 ✨ (@jessonemorepage3)

Another controversy surrounding the event came forth when authors and fans questioned BookCon's association with ICE. ReedPop, which runs a variety of conventions including BookCon, is owned by parent company Relx. One of Relx's subsidiaries is LexisNexis, which has a multi-million dollar contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Several authors, including Rebecca Thorne and Sabaa Tahir, called out the connection, with Tahir no longer attending BookCon.

View this post on Instagram View this post on Instagram

ReedPop has since issued a statement to clarify: "We at ReedPop do not sell customer information to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ReedPop/RX operates entirely at arm’s length and independently. None of our data is shared for marketing or commercial use by any other entity within our parent company."

View this post on Instagram Where can I follow along with what's happening at BookCon?

We'll be on the ground at BookCon, so be sure to check back at Mashable.com and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X.

It's the most wonderful (and stressful) time of year for hockey fans: the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The first round of the 2026 NHL playoffs kicks off this weekend after one of the wildest endings to the regular season. I'm still flabbergasted that the Buffalo Sabres are at the top of the Atlantic division and that the Philadelphia Flyers managed to clinch a playoff berth with only 26 regulation wins.

The best ways to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs at a glance: The most games for the lowest price Sling TV Orange plan $115 for 3 months (save $22.97) Get Deal FOR TNT/TBS GAMES HBO Max Standard $18.49/month or $184.99/year Shop Now For ESPN/ABC games ESPN Unlimited $29.99/month Shop Now BEST INTRO PRICE YouTube TV Sports plan 10-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 year (save $120) Get Deal

It's been a pretty exciting year for hockey in general. Team USA bringing home the gold at the Olympics brought the NHL many new spectators. Beyond that, the smash hit Heated Rivalry also put a surprising spotlight on the league. New fans are in for a treat this postseason, as playoff hockey takes the action and the energy to new heights.

Veteran hockey fans know that anything can happen in the battle for the Stanley Cup. If you want to witness the excitement (and extreme frustration) of playoff hockey live, here's everything you need to know.

When do the Stanley Cup playoffs start?

The first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs kicks off on Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m. ET. Teams generally play every other day, with games scheduled through May 3 if necessary. The dates for the second round, third round (conference finals), and Stanley Cup final will depend on how the first series pans out. The final will take place no later than June 21. You can check out the full schedule on the official NHL website.

What channels are the NHL playoffs on?

If you have cable or access to a cable login, live games will air on the ESPN/ESPN2/ABC and TNT/truTV/TBS family of networks throughout the postseason. Each series is not strictly designated to one broadcaster — for example, games in a series could air on TNT, ABC, and ESPN within the same week.

Check out the official hockey playoffs schedule on NHL.com to find out which channel to tune into for specific games.

How can I watch the Stanley Cup playoffs without cable?

As always, here's where things get complicated. If you don't have cable access or a cable login, you'll need at least one streaming service to catch all the hockey playoff games live in 2026.

To watch games that air on the TNT family of networks, you can either tune in through the HBO Max app ($18.49 per month for the Standard plan) or via a live TV streaming provider like Sling TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. To catch all of the games that air live on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, you can subscribe to ESPN Unlimited ($29.99 per month) or a live TV streaming provider.

Subscribing to a live TV streaming service will definitely get you the most bang for your buck, despite the cost being a bit higher (most are between $65 and $85 per month). But you can also choose to subscribe to both HBO Max and ESPN Unlimited for a combined $48.48 per month for access to every game. It's all up to preference.

Different from cable, live TV streamers rely on the internet and offer you a live channel lineup without a monthly contract. You can cancel any time it no longer suits you — no strings attached. These services aren't cheap, but many offer introductory rates and are still generally more affordable than a monthly cable bill. Plus, you get your money's worth with access to live and local channels spanning news, sports, and entertainment. It'll serve you long after a team is awarded the coveted Stanley Cup, should you choose to keep your subscription.

Here's a breakdown of your streaming service options to watch the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs live, as well as the best deals available for each.

For TNT, TBS, and truTV games: HBO Max Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Standard $18.49/month or $184.99/year Shop Now

An HBO Max Standard subscription (not Basic) includes the B/R Sports add-on, which includes access to the NHL on TNT games (and simulcast TBS and truTV games). Of course, this only covers about half of the postseason, so you'll still need another way to tune into ESPN and ABC broadcasts. HBO Max Standard will cost you $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year (16% savings).

HBO Max deals:

• HBO Max Standard annual subscription — $184.99/year $221.88/year (save $36.89/year)

• Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle — $32.99/month $56.47/month (save $23.48/month)

For ESPN and ABC games: ESPN Unlimited Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99/month Shop Now

ESPN finally launched a direct-to-consumer streaming service last year, so sports fans can enjoy the full suite of ESPN networks under one subscription: ESPN Unlimited. For $29.99 per month, you'll be able to watch every NHL playoffs broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC live. Of course, you'll need to pair it with HBO Max for the whole roster of postseason games, which would cost you $48.48 per month total.

ESPN Unlimited deals:

• ESPN Unlimited annual subscription — $299.99/year $359.88/year (save $59.89/year)

• Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle — $35.99/month $53.97/month (save $17.98/month)

• ESPN Unlimited and Fox One bundle — $39.99/month $49.98/month (save $9.99/month)

The most games for the lowest price: Sling TV Orange plan Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Orange plan $45.99/month Get Deal

Sling TV's Orange plan is your best bet to watch the most postseason NHL games for the lowest price. The Orange plan includes access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT, and TBS, plus 30 other channels. While that doesn't include ABC, most ABC NHL games are also available through ESPN3, so you'll be all set. Sling subscriptions are a la carte, so you can add to and take away from your plan with no worries and cancel or pause your subscription at any time. The Orange plan costs $46 per month, but you can also prepay for three months and save.

Sling deals:

• Sling TV Orange 3-month prepay plan — $115 $137.97 (save $22.97)

• Sling TV Orange 7-day pass — $14.99 $34.93 (save $19.94 compared to single-day pass)

Best way to watch for free: YouTube TV Sports Plan 10-day trial Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV Sports plan free 10-day trial, then $54.99/month for your first year Get Deal

We're big fans of YouTube TV's massive 100+ channel lineup, which includes all of the networks you'll need to tune into the Stanley Cup playoffs live. On the other hand, we're not the biggest fans of the $82.99 per month cost. Fortunately, not only did the streamer launch a more affordable sports-based plan recently, but it also comes with a 10-day free trial and a discounted first year.

YouTube TV deals:

• YouTube TV Sports — free 10-day trial, $54.99/month for your first year $64.99/month (save $120)

• YouTube TV Base — free 10-day trial, $67.99/month for your first 3 months $82.99/month (save $45)

Honorable mentions:

• Hulu + Live TV (includes all networks) — 3-day trial, then $82.99 per month

• DirecTV My Sports (includes all networks) — 5-day trial, then $44.99/month for two months $64.99/month (save $40)

In the Venn diagram of tablets and books, our favorite e-readers fall perfectly in the middle. They're thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet. The best Kindles and e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library, really — into a tiny frame.

And having tested a lot of e-readers and tablets for Mashable, I can tell you the Amazon Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices. All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle and how to make the most of it. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don't have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.

Ready to buy? Here's our guide to the best Kindles.

2026 Kindle updates

On April 7, 2026, Amazon sent a notice to some Kindle users stating that as of May 20, 2026, Kindle e-readers released in 2012 or earlier will no longer be supported. After May 20, Amazon will no longer lend software updates or provide web services to these devices, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.

The affected Kindles include:

• Kindle (1st generation)

• Kindle (2nd generation)

• Kindle DX

• Kindle DX Graphite

• Kindle Keyboard

• Kindle 4

• Kindle Touch

• Kindle 5

• Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)

Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

• How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

• I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.

• What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

• What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month

• Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

• Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle