IT General

SAVE $11.99: As of April 25, get the Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset for $98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $109.99. That's an 11% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset $98 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $11.99 Get Deal

If you spend a lot of time gaming online, you likely do so with friends, at least some of the time. There are tons of great options in terms of headsets you can use for that purpose, especially if you're an Xbox gamer. But if you need an idea for the best one that'll work for your purposes, there's a particular option on sale right now at Amazon that you'll love to use.

As of April 25, get the Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset for $98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $109.99. That's an 11% discount.

We previously named this headset one of the best you can get for Xbox, praising its hardy build, lightweight frame, Bluetooth connectivity, and volume control dial. It's an official Microsoft release that was made specifically for Xbox consoles, and it's also great with Bluetooth syncing with other devices you use every day. So it has multiple uses, which means you can get more out of it than just your go-to Xbox headset.

It offers support for Dolby Atmos, DTS, and Windows Sonic, so you're covered no matter which you choose. All this, with a flexible and lightweight frame and headband with a heaviness and sturdiness that feels like it's going to last. You can also rotate the ear cups to change the volume, so you don't have to do so in-game, saving some precious time.

If you're ready for a new headset, this is the one to get if you're an Xbox fan, and now's your opportunity to save a little cash while doing so.

Writer/director Ryan Coogler's latest collaboration with Michael B. Jordan, Sinners, brings fresh blood to vampire movies, and audiences are swooning over the bloodsucker film and its rapturous musical numbers. Critics are raving; the box office is booming. But behind the glamor of sexy vampires played by Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and Jack O'Connell, Sinners offers a powerful message about art and corruption.

In Sinners, the vampire Remmick (O'Connell) wants nothing more than to make blues musician Sammie (Miles Caton) part of his coven. But to give in to this monster's sweet song (and jig) would cost Sammie his soul.

Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko sat down with Coogler, who wrote and directed Sinners, and Jordan, who stars as twins Smoke and Stack, and asked if they could relate to Sammie's struggle to keep his art uncorrupted. The star of Coogler's Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther, Jordan spoke to his experience as an actor as well as his critically heralded leap to director with Creed III.

For Coogler's part, he touched on the legend of Robert Johnson, a blues musician who, as the story goes, sold his soul to the devil for success. Coogler describes the choice Sammie and his family face in Sinners as a "Faustian deal," saying, "A Delta blues legend of a man selling his soul to be good at guitar for the remainder of his life. You know, that kind of exchange, when you've been dealt a bad hand by society or by faith, what are you willing to give up to escape that?

"More than anything," Coogler continued, "Vampirism is a way out of a situation — with a very high cost."

Be sure to stay through the credits of Sinners to see if that cost is worth it.

Sinners is now in theaters.

TP-Link, that router company whose name occasionally pops up on your list of available WiFi networks, is being investigated by the U.S. government for antitrust violations.

The Department of Justice is investigating TP-Link Systems, Inc. for allegedly setting router prices lower than they cost to make in order to dominate the market, according to Bloomberg. TP-Link told the outlet that it hadn't received an official inquiry from the DOJ, but it plans to cooperate and denies any predatory pricing.

The cheapest TP-Link routers Mashable found are sold by Amazon for around $50, with some gaming routers selling for around $400. For reference, most ISPs will rent customers a router for around $10 to $15, according to Mashable's sibling site CNET, which found it cheaper to buy a router and modem rather than rent them from their internet provider.

The U.S. government's antitrust division has been on a roll lately. Google recently lost two antitrust cases: one for monopolizing the online ad tech industry, and another for monopolizing the search engine market largely wielded by the use of its Chrome browser. (That trial is currently in its remedy phase, and Google plans to appeal the other.) The Federal Trade Commission is also suing Meta for antitrust practices for stifling competition by buying up Instagram and WhatsApp. Globally, antitrust regulators are also on the march, with Japan and the European Union targeting big tech companies like Google, Apple, and Meta.

Under the Biden Administration, the Justice Department ramped up efforts to hold Big Tech companies accountable for anti-competitive practices, and that has continued under the Trump Administration. "Vigorous antitrust enforcement is essential to protect free markets and ensure that we all receive the benefits of competition," said Emma Burnham, director of the Antitrust Division's Criminal Enforcement Section, in a speech in March.

But there's more to the TP-Link story than potential predatory pricing. The California-based manufacturer of the black plastic WiFi router is also suspected of posing a national security risk. According to a December report from The Wall Street Journal, TP-Link, which has ties to China, is being separately investigated by the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Justice. The routers' security flaws were reportedly exploited by Chinese cyberattackers.

"U.S. officials haven’t disclosed any evidence that TP-Link is a witting conduit for Chinese state-sponsored cyberattacks," said the Journal. So it's unclear if TP-Link is believed to be complicit in selling vulnerable routers, but the U.S. government may even be considering banning the devices altogether. Regardless of the outcomes of the various investigations, it's clear that TP-Link's connections to China have put the company under much more scrutiny.

If every time you log onto Facebook, you're bombarded with spam, you aren't alone: Meta said so itself.

Meta announced on Thursday that it's making changes to improve Facebook Feed to get rid of spammy content and give users more control over the content in their feed. Meta acknowledged that some accounts game the system to increase views, followers, and, as a result, monetization, leading to a fairly unpleasant scrolling experience. To fight back, the platform is lowering the reach of accounts sharing spammy content, removing accounts that coordinate fake engagement and impersonate others, and protecting and elevating creators sharing original content.

So, what does this mean for creators and users? Well, creators' content might get seen a bit easier, and your feed should get more enjoyable, in theory. But if you're an engagement farmer or part of a network built around the successes of spammy content, you might want to pivot (please).

"Meta’s platforms are built to be places where people can express themselves freely," the company wrote in a blog post. "Spammy content can get in the way of one’s ability to ultimately have their voices heard, regardless of one’s viewpoint, which is why we’re targeting the behavior that’s gaming distribution and monetization. We want the creator community to know that we’re committed to rewarding creators who create and share engaging content on Facebook. This is just one of the many investments to ensure creators can succeed on Facebook."

The social media platform said it is lowering the reach of accounts sharing spammy content, like when a user posts a particularly long caption with too many hashtags or a caption that doesn't have anything to do with the video. Meta also said it would take "more aggressive steps" to prevent accounts from coordinating fake engagement, like networks of fake comments or fake pages that exist only to inflate reach.

"Along with these efforts, we’re also exploring ways to elevate more meaningful and engaging discussions. For example, we’re testing a comments feature so people can signal ones that are irrelevant or don’t fit the spirit of the conversation," Meta wrote.

The platform will also take down profiles that are impersonating content producers. In 2024, it took down 23 million profiles — now, it intends to take down more.

"In addition to the proactive detection and enforcements we have in place to identify and remove imposters, we’ve added features to Moderation Assist, Facebook’s comment management tool, to detect and auto-hide comments from people potentially using a fake identity. Creators will also be able to report impersonators in the comments," Meta wrote.

Finally, the company said it would enhance Rights Manager to help creators protect their original content from being reused and shared on other accounts without their permission, as this "takes unfair advantage of [creators'] hard work."

This all comes shortly after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's 2022 comments were uncovered, showing he feared that Facebook might be losing cultural relevancy. And Facebook really is losing cultural relevancy — and users. All the while, more AI slop is taking over social media platforms, and Meta is facing massive anti-trust trial.

SAVE $30: As of April 25, get the Meta Quest 3S with Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3-month trial of Meta Quest+ for $269.99 at Target, down from its usual price of $299.99. That's a discount of 10%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Meta Quest 3S $269.99 at Target
$299.99 Save $30 Free Batman: Arkham Shadow and 3 months of Meta Quest+ Get Deal

Gaming in virtual reality is something that truly has to be experienced. You can jump into a completely different world and immerse yourself in tons of different ways, whether you want to fend off zombies in the apocalypse or get fit dancing and slashing blocks. The most accessible way to hang out in VR is by way of a Meta Quest headset, as it requires no wires or fancy PC to get you started. And thanks to a deal at Target, you can scoop one up now at a great price.

As of April 25, get the Meta Quest 3S with Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3-month trial of Meta Quest+ for $269.99 at Target, down from its usual price of $299.99. That's a discount of 10%.

This budget-friendly headset is a fantastic way to play all the games you might be interested in trying in terms of VR. That includes games, entertainment experiences like concerts and movies, and just chatting with friends. Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon called it the "best VR headset for new gamers" and lauded its price as well as its "expansive content library".

This model comes with 128GB of storage to keep all your favorite games, a comfortable headset, and built-in headphones to help you find yourself completely in a new world. It's a complete package that's great for just about anyone, even those who are more tech-inclined, since it just makes entering and enjoying virtual reality easy. It's even easier at this lower price, so be sure to grab yours while you can.

New U.S. automaker Slate has introduced a customizable electric truck that could cost as little as $20,000 after applying the federal electric vehicle tax credit. The stripped-down two-seater has manual roll-down windows, no screens, and a 150-mile range.

“The definition of what’s affordable is broken,” Slate CEO Chris Barman said in a press release. “Slate exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto industry. Slate is a radical truck platform so customizable that it can transform from a 2-seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV.”

The truck has distinctly European proportions. Credit: Slate Instead of a screen, the truck comes with a universal device holder. Credit: Slate

Slate is leaning heavily on the EV's customization options. Not only does a "flat-pack accessory SUV Kit [turn] the truck into a 5-seat SUV," but customers can choose from "Three levels of vehicle wrapping," interior accents, and over 100 accessories. Instead of high-tech bells and whistles, the Slate EV will feature crank windows and old-fashioned knobs on the dashboard.

Some of the different personalization options for the front grille. Credit: Slate Customers will be able to choose a variety of wraps to customize the electric truck. Credit: Slate

Despite the distinctly European size of the petite EV, it's a Made-in-America vehicle. The design also reminds us of Toyota's compact pickup trucks, including the bare-bones $10,000 truck that's gotten so much attention online. (It's also giving old-school Land Rover vibes.)

In so many ways, the Scout electric truck is the opposite of the Tesla Cybertruck, with its America-sized proportions, distinctly sci-fi aesthetic, and emphasis on the latest technology. Amid Elon Musk's hard-right turn into politics, many Tesla drivers are reportedly ditching Tesla, and record numbers of Teslas are now on the resale market. Tesla reportedly had to stop accepting trade-ins for the Cybertruck altogether.

SEE ALSO: Elon to reduce DOGE involvement after dismal Tesla earnings report

Plus, now that Tesla has once again delayed production on its long-rumored affordable Model Y EV, there could be a gap in the market. So, for customers interested in a more-affordable electric vehicle, the Scout EV could be an attractive option. The first models could ship as soon as late 2026, according to Car and Driver, which puts the full price for the truck at $27,500.

According to the press release, the Scout EV will have a 1,400-pound payload. Some key specifications include:

• Motor: Single motor, RWD

• Top speed: 90 miles per hour

• Miles per gallon: 96 mpg

• Range: 150-240 miles

• Battery pack: 52.7-kWh battery pack, 150 kW

• Fast charging: Fast-charge to 80% at 120-kW in under 30 minutes

• Size: 174.6 inches length, 108.9 inches wheelbase, 70.6 inches width, 69.3 inches height

• Interior volume: 55 cubic feet

• Weight: Curb weight 3,602 pounds

• Max payload: 1,433 pounds

• Max towing: 1,000 pounds

Interested customers can pay $50 to register for early access to the new truck at the Slate website.

SAVE 59%: As of April 25, you can score an Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play portable Bluetooth speaker for just $36.99, down from $89.99, at Woot. That's a 59% discount and a savings of $53.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wonderboom Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker $36.99 at Woot
$89.99 Save $53.00 Get Deal

Summer’s almost here — we’ve just got a month or so to go, and then it’s time for beachside bonfires, backyard barbecues, and relaxing by the pool. And if you’re looking for a new portable speaker to bring along with you, we found a pretty solid deal on the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play at Woot.

As of April 25, you can get the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play portable Bluetooth speaker for just $36.99, down from $89.99, at Woot. That’s a 59% discount and a savings of $53. You have five days left to grab this deal, or until it sells out.

SEE ALSO: The best speakers in 2025

This portable Bluetooth speaker has a hand loop, is rated IP67 waterproof and dustproof (you can literally throw it in the pool and it’ll still work), and has a 131-foot range, so you can take it just about anywhere and still hear your tunes. Plus, it has a 10-hour battery life, which should be long enough to last you a day at the beach.

Just be sure to buy a USB-C cable if you don’t already have one. The product description says the speaker doesn’t come with one.

Unless you live under a rock, you know that Sinners is all the rage right now. Ryan Coogler's take on the horror genre (as well as the musical genre, to be honest) has been receiving rave reviews from both critics and audiences, especially those who've gotten the chance to see the film in the 70mm IMAX format, which is only playing in a handful of theaters across the country. The limited-engagement version of the film features much greater detail than the others, including more color and depth, as well as larger aspect ratios so you can see even more of the movie's killer cinematography. If you can get to one of those participating theaters, it's well worth seeing it this way.

SEE ALSO: Ryan Coogler and 'Sinners' cast on their vampire musical being 'genre-fluid'

The 70mm IMAX experience just got even more special, though, because beginning on April 23, some of those participating theaters started giving away Sinners-themed film strips for those seeing the film in this format. It's not literally from the actual roll of film, but it's still a pretty cool commemorative piece for a special experience. If you're into collecting movie memorabilia, this is a must-get.

But how do you get one yourself? All you have to do is go see Sinners in 70mm IMAX at one of the included theaters, and you'll be given one free of charge. Easy! Just note that you can only get one strip per ticket, and they'll be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. They'll only have them while supplies last, and each location will have varying amounts of the souvenir film strips. If you want one, we recommend seeing the film in 70mm IMAX as soon as possible to ensure that you're one of the lucky few.

Opens in a new window Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Check 'Sinners' Showtimes at Fandango Learn More

SAVE 76%: As of April 25, you can score a Google Pixel Watch (1st gen) for just $79.99, down from $329.99, at Woot. That's a 76% discount and a $250 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch (1st gen) $79.99 at Woot
$329.99 Save $250 Get Deal

If you thought you couldn’t get a smartwatch for under $100, we’ve got a surprise for you. While perusing Woot this morning, we found a deal that’s almost too good to be true.

As of April 25, you can get the Google Pixel Watch (1st gen, GPS, cellular) for just $79.99, down from $329.99 at Woot. That’s a 76% discount and a savings of $250.

This watch is no longer available at the Google Store, and even Walmart can’t beat this price. The only catch is that you’ve got exactly six days to take advantage of this deal. If it sells out before then, you’re out of luck.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Google Pixel Watch 2: How are they different?

The first-generation Google Pixel Watch doubles as a fitness tracker and smartwatch. It can track your steps, assess your heart rate, help you monitor sleep, and more. It also has built-in GPS so you can track your run, walk, or bike ride. With its Emergency SOS feature, you can alert emergency services, a friend, or a family member, and quickly share your location in case of an emergency.

It’s compatible with Pixel phones, Pixel Buds, and other Android phones and Bluetooth-enabled devices. But if you don’t want to carry your phone while you’re working out or out and about, you can leave it at home and still get calls, texts, and notifications.

How do you make a movie inspired by a video game that was itself inspired by the horror genre as a whole?

This was the challenge that faced Until Dawn director/producer David F. Sandberg and producer/co-writer Gary Dauberman. They had to find a way into a game that involved a slasher narrative, with elements borrowed from both psychological thrillers and creature-feature flicks. So, to all that, they also added a time-loop device — but not in the way you might predict.

Until Dawn follows Clover (Ella Rubin) and her friends (Michael Cimino, Odessa A'zion, Ji-young Yoo, and Belmont Cameli) as they trace the last steps of her missing sister (Maia Mitchell). But once this crew cross paths with divinely eerie character actor Peter Stormare, reprising his role as Dr. Hill from the game, things go horrifically sideways. Trapped in a time loop, each time they die — from one of the various threats that lurk in Glore Valley — the night resets. To get out, they'll need to survive until dawn.

SEE ALSO: 'Until Dawn' review: How does this horror movie adaptation compare to the hit survival game?

Sitting down with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, Sandberg and Dauberman shared how they chose to bring together the time loop and horror anthology concepts into their adaptation, why Stormare reprising his role was a no-brainer, and the impact The Last of Us has had on the public opinion of video game adaptations.

Until Dawn opens in theaters April 25.

A24's The Legend of Ochi introduces instantly memorable film creatures in the blue-faced, golden-furred Ochi, who live on the fictional island of Carpathia in the Black Sea. These fantastic animals were brought to life using techniques like puppeteering, animatronics, and performers in suits, all of which combine in a beautiful celebration of practical filmmaking.

SEE ALSO: 'The Legend of Ochi' review: This beautifully crafted fantasy adventure will make you feel like a kid again

To learn more about working with the Ochi, Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards sat down with The Legend of Ochi's director Isaiah Saxon, as well as stars Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, and Emily Watson.

"It really was a living thing," Wolfhard said of his first impression of the Baby Ochi puppet.

"It was scary because it was so lifelike," added Zengel, whose character Yuri spends the film trying to bring the Baby Ochi back home to its parents.

For Saxon, who makes his feature debut with The Legend of Ochi, seeing the puppet was the culmination of years' worth of development. In the film, seven puppeteers operate the Baby Ochi, while Paul "The Birdman" Manalatos provided the creature's vocalizations.

"It's kind of a miracle," Saxon said. "It adds up to the feeling of something alive that can share a scene with Willem Dafoe and hold its own."

The Legend of Ochi is now in theaters.

The iPhones that Apple sells in the U.S. might soon all be made in India.

This is according to a new report by the Financial Times which cites people familiar with the matter.

Apple reportedly sells more than 60 million iPhones in the U.S. every year; for comparison, the company sold roughly 226 million iPhones globally in 2024. One estimate says that 80 percent of all iPhones are currently produced in China, with the rest being manufactured in India.

According to the report, Apple would have to double its iPhone assembly in India to reach its goal.

SEE ALSO: How much would the mythical made-in-the-U.S. iPhone cost?

The fact that Apple is planning to partially move iPhone production to India isn't a secret. But now, the company seems to have accelerated these plans, as it reportedly plans to assemble all of the U.S.-sold iPhones in India by the end of 2026.

The reason is obvious: The Trump administration's tariffs have hit China the hardest, and while smartphones and smartphone parts have (temporarily) been exempt from the tariffs for now, Apple is looking to reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturing.

Featured Video For You Apple iPhone 16e is the new affordable Apple phone

The Trump administration levied a 26 percent tariff on India as well (a far cry from the current 145 percent tariff on China), but it has temporarily been put on hold while the two countries work out a deal.

Trump and his aides indicated that they'd like Apple to move iPhone production to the U.S. This, however, isn't viable in the short term, and would likely dramatically increase the price of iPhones sold in America.

SAVE OVER $10: As of April 25, the LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 set is on sale for $81.99 at Amazon. That's 18% off its list price of $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 Building Toy Set $81.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $18 Get Deal

May 4 is coming up soon, and if you've been hoping to score some nice deals on Star Wars items, you don't have to wait for the day itself to save big. A few Star Wars Lego sets have been discounted already, so you can pick up some new builds ahead of the celebration. One of our favorites at the moment is the LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 set, which has received an 18% price drop at Amazon.

This has brought the price of the LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 set down from its list price of $99.99 to $81.99. This popular set comes in at a whopping 1,050 pieces.

SEE ALSO: This Lego Botanicals Wildflower Bouquet is a great Mother's Day gift — save 20% at Amazon

There's more to this build than meets the eye. This R2-D2 set has some fun little details that'll make it stand out in any collection, including a head that rotates 360 degrees, a detachable third leg, plus an attachable periscope and tools. This build also comes with an R2-D2 information plaque, which is a nice touch for display purposes, and minifigures of R2-D2 and Darth Malak.

Don't miss out on 18% off the LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 set at Amazon.

There are a few more Star Wars sets on sale right now that are worth checking out alongside this deal. Also at Amazon, the Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon set has been discounted along with the Lego Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Mos Espa Podrace Diorama. You can also score a free mini Grogu model at select Lego Stores on May 4 (from 12-2 p.m.) as part of a Lego Star Wars Grogu make and take event.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for April 25 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 25, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Familiar.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter N appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter K.

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...

KNOWN.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 25

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 25 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 25 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: It's in the stars

The words are visible in the dark.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are things that can be found among the stars.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Constellations.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 25

• Constellations

• Hunter

• Swan

• Maiden

• Cross

• Centaur

• Dipper

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 today's Strands.

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.

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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.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 25 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Found in a chewy substance

• Green: The beginning

• Blue: Patriotic hymns

• Purple: They share a second word

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Gum flavors

• Green: Starting point

• Blue: Great American songbook songs

• Purple: __ Tube

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 #684 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Gum flavors: BUBBLEGUM, CINNAMON, MENTHOL, WINTERGREEN

• Starting point: CATALYST, LAUNCHPAD, SPARK, SPRINGBOARD

• Great American songbook songs: AUTUMN LEAVES, SUMMERTIME, UNFORGETTABLE, WITCHCRAFT

• __ Tube: FALLOPIAN, INNER, TEST, VACUUM

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 25

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 today's Connections.

SAVE $60: As of April 25, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, GPS, 40mm) is on sale for $189 at Amazon. That's 24% off its list price of $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) $189 at Amazon
$249 Save $60 Get Deal

Warmer weather has arrived, which is a great excuse to spend more time outside. If you're taking this time to go out on more walks or exercise in the sunshine, a smartwatch can be a helpful item to track your progress. If you're looking for something that covers the basics, the Apple Watch SE is a great pick.

Right now, you can score the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, GPS, 40mm) for $189 at Amazon. This is a 24% discount off its usual list price of $249, allowing you to save $60.

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatch for every wrist

If you're already an Apple device owner, the 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE will fit in perfectly with the rest of your setup. It boasts a variety of health and fitness features, including heart rate and sleep tracking, daily activity tracking, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS.

Don't miss out on 24% off the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, GPS, 40mm) at Amazon.

If you'd prefer a smartwatch that's more fitness-focused, another great deal that's worth checking out right now is on the Garmin vívoactive 5.

If there's a Dyson beauty dupe you're curious about, the chances are I've tested it.

As a beauty tech reporter with three years (and counting) on the Dyson beat, I have put my hair through it all in the name of answering the question: "Are Dyson products really worth all that money?"

A quick glance at my coverage on the topic will tell you my short answer: no, not really. In many cases, I think there's a significantly cheaper dupe that does the trick. However, a long answer requires more nuance as to why, so for convenience, I've compiled all my thoughts on Dyson dupes into this single guide (which I'll inevitably be updating as more products hit the market).

SEE ALSO: The Dyson Airwrap is an impressive multi-styler that's by no means essential The cost of Dyson products

In our guide so far, we have dupes for the Dyson Airwrap and the Dyson Supersonic, which are the two most popular beauty products from the brand, but certainly not the only ones available. Their entire lineup is as follows:

• Dyson Airwrap — $599.99

• Dyson Airwrap i.d. — $599.99

• Dyson Supersonic — $429.99

• Dyson Supersonic Nural — $499.99

• Dyson Supersonic r — $569.99

• Dyson Corrale — $499.99

• Dyson Airstrait — $499.99

The list also shows that Dyson's products are expensive, which is why dupes tend to be a popular choice. At the time of writing, I'm testing out the Supersonic Nural and some potential dupes. I also plan to test dupes for the Airwrap i.d., Corrale, and Airstrait for future updates of this guide.

SEE ALSO: Want to avoid tariff price hikes? Shop our giant list of refurbished tech deals.

I've also reached out to a rep from Dyson to see if they anticipate any price increases with tariffs, and will update this guide when I hear back.

How to get Dyson beauty for less

If you're dead set on buying Dyson, there are ways of avoiding the full (painful) prices. Two of my favorite tips for getting Dyson on the cheap:

• Buy refurbished: Dyson's own refurbished marketplace, Dyson Renewed, is a great first place to look. The selection isn't the most extensive, but products can clock in at less than half their original price, along with a year-long warranty for parts and labor. Walmart is another place where refurbished Dyson often goes on sale, but you'll want to double-check the seller — I only recommend buying directly from Walmart or Dyson's authorized seller page, Dyson, Inc., as found on this Supersonic listing.

• Wait for a sale: Dyson products actually go on sale quite often, with Black Friday being the only real time they might drop lower in price than other sales throughout the year. Typically, price drops are $100, so I recommend waiting to buy until you see a sale pop up at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, or Dyson's website. As I'm writing this, the Supersonic, Supersonic Nural, and Corrale are all $100 off. If you prefer not to do your own scanning, our deals team stays on top of any Dyson sales.

Google's AI Overviews have had a rough run with search results, and now they're coming to YouTube.

In a blog post this week (h/t MacRumors), Google announced it has been "experimenting with a new video results carousel" on its video streaming platform that will add algorithmically generated summaries and suggestions in search.

SEE ALSO: Google AI overviews will explain any nonsense phrase you make up

"This new feature will use AI to highlight clips from videos that will be most helpful for your search query, providing another way to discover content when searching on YouTube as well as discover topics and information related to your search query," Google's post reads. The company added that the AI search results on YouTube will be focused on shopping and travel searches.

The feature will function exactly like Google's AI Overviews for search, a tool that's very much stumbled through its first year. Google launched the feature for U.S. users in May 2024 then worldwide in October to dubious results, hallucinations, mistakes, memes, and fudged answers. Essentially, things got immediately weird. Exactly how all this will go with a video streaming platform is beyond our wildest nightmares, but hey, it's happening.

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Google said it was rolling out tests of YouTube AI Overviews "to a small number of YouTube Premium members in the U.S. for some English search queries."

In the meantime, Google's AI Overviews' latest trick in search is that the feature will explain any nonsense phrase you make up. Get creative.

SAVE OVER $10: As of April 25, the Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker earbuds are on sale for $63.99 at Amazon. That's 20% off their list price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker $63.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal

A good pair of earbuds are essential for working out. Music can help pump you up to get what you need done. Or, if you're someone who loves to run or walk outside, they can keep you entertained while getting your steps in. If you've been on the hunt for a new pair to keep you company during your workouts, Amazon's here to save the day with a deal on the Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker earbuds.

These earbuds have received a 20% discount at the retailer, dropping their price from $79.99 to $63.99. There are a few different color options on sale as well, so you can choose between the black, green, and white earbuds to find the best pair that suits your personal style. These fitness-focused earbuds are worth the investment.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Sony, and more

What makes the Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker earbuds a great pick for active individuals is their design. They feature adjustable ear hooks that can fit around your ear to keep them in place. Your music will sound great as well thanks to Soundcore's BassUp technology and noise-canceling features that'll keep the sounds of the gym away from your ears.

On top of that, these earbuds offer an amazing battery life that can go up to 48 hours with the help of the charging case. Of course, this will vary when you're using noise-cancelation, but they'll still keep you going for multiple trips to the gym.

Amazon currently has these earbuds listed as a limited-time deal, so act fast to save on the Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker.

There are a couple of other earbud deals that have caught our eye recently. For another pair focused around fitness, it's worth having a look at this deal on the Beats Fit Pro at Amazon. Sony's WF-C700N earbuds are also on sale right now.