IT General

Looking for some deals? Did you finally get that tax return and want something new? This week, you can save big on a new smartwatch, earbuds, a portable SSD, LG's most popular TV, and much more.

SPEND $20, SAVE $5: As of April 9, spend $20 on select Amazon groceries and save $5.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Buy $20, save $5 on select Amazon groceries Get Deal

It's expensive out there. Whether you're trying to fill your cupboards with healthy food, or you just need something to snack on, a trip to the grocery can be a pricey excursion. Saving anything, even a little bit, is more than welcome right now, and thankfully you can head to Amazon to get a bit of a reprieve from paying full price on the essentials you need to round out your stores of food at home.

As of April 9, spend $20 in select groceries at Amazon and get $5 off your order. This offer applies only to a limited selection of grocery options, including brands like Bubly, Bare, Cheetos, Lipton, and more. Simply add the items you want from the promotion page to your cart, and the discount will automatically be applied when you reach $20 in eligible items.

SEE ALSO: Amazon’s 43-inch Fire TV is 43 percent off right now

There's a wide variety of goodies to choose from. Bubly sparkling water, Frito-Lay Classic Mix chips, Quaker instant oatmeal, Pearl Milling Company syrup, and many other items are up for grabs, meaning you can stock your shelves with items you can eat all day long.

You can create multiple orders to benefit from this sale, but the discount can be used only once per order. It may not amount to much overall, but these smaller deals do add up. Stop ordering out and make sure you have plenty to eat at home with these snacks and other food items.

It doesn't matter what age your kid is: Whether it's their very first phone or their fifth, parents are going to worry about what's behind that scrolling and tapping. Parental control apps have come to be a convenient compromise between kids who really don't want to hand over their phone and parents who really don't want to have to confiscate it.

How do parental control apps work?

At their core, parental control software lets you monitor your child's phone, tablet, or computer remotely. Corresponding apps are downloaded both on the parent's device and on the child's device. From there, parents can do anything from monitor internet searches and browsing history, block inappropriate or distracting apps, or limit screen time all together. It's a less invasive and more respectful method than physically snooping through their phone or computer — and when kids know that their activity is being watched or managed, good habits might stick better.

SEE ALSO: What to know about new research on screen time and kids' mental health

Worries of kids turning into technology zombies certainly aren't new, but feel especially relevant in an online landscape ruled by social media. According to the American Academy and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children ages 8-12 spend on average four to six hours a day using screens, with that number sitting higher at nine hours for teens. The time in front of those screens can pose risks: in the past few years alone, both Tiktok and Meta have faced lawsuits alleging that social companies make their platforms intentionally addictive, and can negatively impact users' mental health.

In other words, it's not easy being a kid online — parental control apps can help you and your child foster a safer relationship to online spaces.

Apple's Screen Time vs. third-party parental control apps

If you and your child both have iPhones, generally the easiest option is to use the native iOS solution: Screen Time. Additionally, TikTok, Roblox, and Meta all offer built-in parental control specific to their apps.

Back in 2019, a sweep of third-party parental control apps on the App Store severely curbed functionality on some of the most popular downloads. It was around that same time, in response to accusations that its devices were too addictive, Apple unveiled Screen Time: An iOS-specific screen time tracker that parents could utilize to mitigate their child's usage. Not only is this app relatively comprehensive in what it offers, but it's also completely free. And unlike the parental control landscape of about five years ago, you can get a comprehensive suite of features without paying a cent — that's why two out of three of our picks are free to use.

More recently, Apple also introduced plans to make sure app developers are including child safety settings within apps themselves, including an age range verification that can limit what features of an app are available based on a user's age range.

SEE ALSO: Too much TV screen time for kids: 5 things to know about the risks

The controls baked into iOS will suffice for a lot of people. They can set screen time limits, block certain apps and websites, or restrict new downloads or things with an explicit content rating altogether. But Screen Time becomes useless pretty quickly if the parent or child has an Android or if the parent and child share a device, which is why we included other options on this list.

Use parental controls as a safety tool, not a spying tool

Some parents suggest downloading one of these apps on your kid's phone without telling them. Here's our take: Don't do that. We'd be remiss to omit the possibility of loopholes for kids to look for if they know the app is there, but monitoring their activity behind their back feels like rebellion or resentment waiting to happen. Depending on how much of the content on your child's device that an app can see, it could quickly become a breach of privacy.

Instead, try to agree on a screen time routine and a list of apps and websites that are appropriate. Letting them in on the process can build trust rather than diminish it, and having reinforced but reasonable guidelines for screen time can help curb any device dependencies. Plus, their understanding of why TikTok and Instagram are blocked during homework hours or at bedtime can help them learn a solid set of cyber safety habits.

Here are the best parental control apps for Apple devices in 2025:

Many smartphone owners don't use Wi-Fi calling, with some totally oblivious to the fact that it even exists. And that's quite a shame because Wi-Fi calling provides many clear benefits over cellular calling, including better voice quality in areas with weak cellular coverage.

AS LOW AS $34: On April 9, Spirit Airlines Spring Into Flight Deals event is live offering ticket deals for Saver$ Club and Non-Members alike, starting at $34 one-way for members, and $57 one-way for non-members.

Opens in a new window Credit: Spirit Spirit Airlines Spring Into Flight Deals Ticket deals start at $34 for members and $57 for non-members Shop Now

If you're ready to jet, now's the time. Summer is around the corner, and whether you need a break from the chaos in the news, or you're looking to take a summer vacation early this year, this could be your sign.

On April 9 before 11:59 p.m. ET only, Spirit Airlines' Spring Into Flight Deals event is offering deals on domestic travel. Tickets start at $34 for Saver$ Club members. Non-members can still participate with tickets starting at $57. These flight deals are for travel between April 22 and June 2.

SEE ALSO: The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 with RTX 4060 is $400 off — nab it before tariffs take hold

Spirit's current deals are arranged by departure. They're offering flights to and from major cities all around the country. If you live in Boston, you'll be able to get as far as Nashville for $34 with a Saver$ Club membership ($69.95/year).

Some cities have more opportunities than others: Saver$ in New York only have one flight deal option, while those in Las Vegas currently have 16 flight deal options.

If you're ready for a late spring trip, now is the time.

A while back, I tried learning Python through online courses. Although it was fun, it ultimately didn't end well. But along the way, my experience taught me a few things that might help you to succeed where I failed.

Whether you’re happy or disappointed by your Google Pixel 9’s battery life, you can use a few tips to extend the battery life. These built-in features help conserve battery so you can use your phone for longer without plugging it into the outlet.

Bambu Labs' latest H2D 3D printer launched to a lot of fanfare. However, there's one glaring issue with it that I just can't wrap my mind around. Bambu wants you to give them $1,300 so you can convert your 3D printer into a laser engraver. Here's why you shouldn't do that.

We live in a time when you can find whatever you want online, and you can binge until your heart's content for a low monthly fee. There are streaming platforms for all types of media, yet I still prefer to download digital files directly like it's 2006.

When Kia first confirmed a new pickup for America, many speculated it wouldn't be the Tasman. Some thought it might be a Kia-branded version of Hyundai's collaboration with GM, or perhaps a Sportage-based truck like the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

Over the past year, most of the music I've listened to has come from two labels: Lo-Fi Girl and Chillhop. I find this music so calming, but my wife isn't a fan. This got me wondering why, and I think our childhoods may have something to do with it.

SAVE $100: As of April 9, the Garmin Instinct 2 45mm smartwatch is on sale at Best Buy for $199.99, 33% off its list price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin - Instinct 2 45 mm Smartwatch Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Graphite $199.99 at Best Buy
$299.99 Save $100 Get Deal

If you're looking for a way to stay on top of your health and fitness goals this year, it's worth looking into a fitness tracker or smartwatch. If you've been on the hunt for a good option to buy, there are a few great deals floating around right now that are worth checking out. This includes a nice discount on the 45mm Garmin Instinct 2 at Best Buy.

The 45mm Garmin Instinct 2 has been marked down $100 at the retailer, dropping its price from $299.99 to $199.99. If this discount has caught your eye, it's worth keeping in mind that Best Buy notes on the sale page that the deal ends on April 11, so you'll want to act fast to pick it up at this price while it's still live.

SEE ALSO: The Garmin vívoactive 5 just got its biggest discount this year at Amazon

The Garmin Instinct 2 is a great fit for those with an active lifestyle, featuring a variety of built-in sports apps for running, swimming, and biking, to name a few. Not to mention it has several different health-related features including heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, and more. All of this on top of a great battery life that can last up to 21 days in smartwatch mode.

Looking for more fitness tracker and smartwatch deals? Also at Best Buy, you can score some sweet discounts on the 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch7 and the Fitbit Charge 6 today as part of Best Buy's Deal of the Day.

Streaming platforms keep raising their prices, and cable TV is infested with ads (and sanity-draining 24-hour news channels). A DIY HTPC (Home Theater PC) using a mini PC and Linux is the perfect escape, putting you back in control of the content you watch.

Diagnosing and fixing automotive electrical problems can be incredibly difficult. Today’s vehicles are sophisticated machines with more software than many apps, more processors than a tech company, and more wiring than entire cities.

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 9 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 9, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A grain.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.

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...

WHEAT.

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 9

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.

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 9 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: They share the same shape

• Green: To strike

• Blue: Mentioned in a popular Shakespeare play

• Purple: The second half of the word is the same

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: Round three-dimensional objects

• Green: Punch

• Blue: Animals in the witches' brew in "Macbeth"

• Purple: Fox___

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 #668 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Round three-dimensional objects: BALL, GLOBE, ORB, SPHERE

• Punch: POP, POUND, SLUG, SOCK

• Animals in the witches' brew in "Macbeth": BAT, DOG, FROG, NEWT

• Fox___: GLOVE, HOLE, HOUND, TROT

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 9

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 $40: As of April 9, the Fitbit Charge 6 is on sale at Best Buy for $119.95 as part of its Deal of the Day, 25% its list price of $159.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit - Charge 6 Advanced Fitness & Health Tracker - Obsidian $119.95 at Best Buy
$159.95 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Fitness trackers are a great investment for those looking to stay on top of their health and fitness goals. Especially if you're spending more time outside in the springtime weather, they can be a helpful workout companion. At the moment, there are some nice deals floating around on fitness trackers that are worth checking out, including this discount on the Fitbit Charge 6 at Best Buy as part of its Deal of the Day.

The Fitbit Charge 6 has received a $40 discount at Best Buy, dropping its price from $159.95 to $119.95. This deal applies to multiple colors available as well, so you can save on the obsidian, coral, and porcelain models. Not to mention, your purchase also comes with six months of Fitbit Premium for free.

SEE ALSO: Ready to upgrade? The Google Pixel 9 is on sale for $650 at Amazon.

The Charge 6 is a tracker that's ready to help you hit your health and fitness goals. It tracks a variety of different things, from your heart rate to sleep to how many calories you've burned. It also has over 40 exercise modes and a built-in GPS that's great for tracking distance, especially if you're doing more activities outdoors with the warmer weather. And with Fitbit Premium, you can get access to the Daily Readiness Score, which shows how ready you are to take on the day.

We consider the Charge 6 to be the best fitness tracker for everyday tracking in our roundup of the best fitness trackers, saying, "Fitbit is the name in activity trackers, and the Fitbit Charge 6 is the top device when it comes to everyday health and fitness needs. More of a band than a watch, it will suit regular gym goers and offers a competitive range of specs."

Don't miss out on $40 off the Fitbit Charge 6 at Best Buy as part of its Deal of the Day.

If you're on the hunt for more fitness-related deals, the Beats Fit Pro are discounted right now at Amazon and the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 (40mm) has been marked down at Best Buy, if you're looking to upgrade to a smartwatch instead.

Ed Sheeran and Jimmy Fallon don wigs and dark sunglasses for an NYC busking session in the Tonight Show clip above, singing a rendition of Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club" before they reveal their true identities.

What follows is a fairly cheerful live performance of Sheeran's new son "Azizam", with Fallon bouncing around in the background hitting a tambourine.

SAVE $30: As of April 9, the Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) is on sale at Amazon for $119, 20% off its list price of $149.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) $119 at Amazon
$149 Save $30 Get Deal

If you're starting to spend a bit more time outside in the spring weather, a portable speaker is a great item to have with you to blast some music, enjoy a podcast, or get caught up on an audiobook while enjoying the sunshine. If you're on the hunt for one to have this year, Amazon has had some great deals recently, including a nice discount on the Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker.

The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) has received a 20% discount that's dropped its price from $149 to $119. There are multiple colors available to choose from as well that have been marked down to this price, including the black speaker, alpine sage, blue dusk, petal pink, and sandstone. This price is also only a couple dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $117.81, so there's no better time to pick it up.

SEE ALSO: Enjoy $70 off the Beats Solo 4 headphones for a limited time at Amazon

This Bose SoundLink Flex speaker offers big sound in a smaller build that's perfect for taking on any adventures you go on this year. It boasts up to 12 hours of battery to keep you listening to your favorite sounds for longer and is even waterproof and dustproof, so no matter where your journeys take you it can handle the environment you're in.

Amazon has it listed as a limited-time deal, so if the Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) has caught your eye you'll want to act fast to pick it up at this price.

Looking for more portable speaker deals? Also at Amazon, you can save on the JBL Clip 5 right now and the Sony ULT Field 1 portable speaker has been discounted as well.

The JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition have helped remind me of what’s far and away the most important when looking for headphones—sound quality. Even with a laundry list of other great features like ANC and wireless charging, the poor sound quality spoiled what looked to be a great set of headphones.