IT General

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for 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.

SAVE $89: As of April 9, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is on sale for $210.52 at Amazon. That's a 30% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $210.52 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $89.47 Get Deal

If you're looking for a fitness tracker that has a full range of lifestyle and fitness tracking features, you'll love the Garmin vívoactive 5. It's currently down to its cheapest price so far this year, with a savings of $89.

As of April 9, you can buy it for $210.52, down from $299.99.

The vívoactive is a popular model, with this edition being released in late 2023, bringing a stark upgrade from the vívoactive 4. Unlike its predecessor, the 5 benefits from a bright AMOLED display, making colors incredibly vibrant and much more noticeable. It also has a much-improved battery life, boasting 11 days when in smartwatch mode.

Stats-wise, it's packed with advanced health-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, stress tracking, and in-depth sleep insights. The sleep insights have also had an upgrade, now featuring sleep coaching. Sports tracking includes running, cycling, swimming, and more.

However, if you're looking for in-depth training stats such as training status and readiness, these are not available on the vívoactive 5. For these, take a look at the higher spec watches, such as those in the Forerunner range.

Head to Amazon to grab this great Garmin deal.

SAVE $20: As of April 9, the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is on sale at Amazon for $109. This deal saves you 16% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) $109 at Amazon
$129 Save $20 Get Deal

If a new iPad stylus has been on your wishlist for some time, you're in luck. Amazon's Daily Deals has treated us to another bargain, this time on the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen). As of April 9, it's down to $109, saving you $20.

This Apple stylus is a noticeably more improved design than the 1st gen, especially for those who love to sketch, take notes, or use their iPad for lots of intense editing. The stylus benefits from a magnetic attachment, so it's nice and easy to both store and charge. Double-tap gestures let you switch tools effortlessly, and it’s incredibly responsive, so whether you’re drawing fine details or jotting down quick notes, it feels just like using a real pen or pencil.

It works with various iPads, including: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation), iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation), iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), iPad Air (5th generation).

Compared to its predecessor, The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) features a much sleeker design. The 1st Gen also doesn't have the magnetic attachment for charging and storage, nor the customizable double-tap gestures, so if these are important for you, the 2nd Gen is the stylus for you.

Get this deal from Amazon before it runs out.

SAVE $20: As of April 9, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99 at Amazon, saving you 33% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20 Get Deal

Amazon's beloved Smart TV device, the Fire Stick Max, is back on sale. For those not in the know, the Fire TV Stick is a streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more, basically turning your TV into a smart TV.

And as of April 9, you can save $20 on the list price with the reduced price of $39.99.

It has a remote with Alexa built-in, helping you turn any TV into a Smart TV. (Top tip: use Alexa to search for your favorite movie saves time and effort.)

There's no over-the-top setup to worry about, these handy remotes are so simple to use. Really, anyone can do it. Just pop the device into your TV's HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels.

The Max has 16GB of storage — double that of the Fire TV Stick 4K and other streaming sticks, so this is the one to choose for big downloads.

This is only a limited-time deal at Amazon, so move fast if you don't want to miss out.

SAVE $160: As of April 9, TCL Alto 8 Plus 2.1.2 Channel Dolby Atmos soundbar is available for $99 at Walmart. That’s $160 off its usual $259 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL Alto 8 Plus 2.1.2 Channel Dolby Atmos soundbar $99 at Walmart
$259 Save $160 Get Deal

If your TV’s audio sounds like it’s coming from inside a tin can buried under your floorboards, you’re not alone. Most built-in TV speakers are fine. But “fine” doesn’t cut it when you’re trying to hear whispered dialogue over booming music and car crashes. Enter the TCL Alto 8 Plus, now on sale for just $99 at Walmart. That’s less than what some people pay for HDMI cables, which is its own problem.

This soundbar actually brings some substance. It supports Dolby Atmos, which means sound doesn’t just hit you from the front, but also floats around you with a bit more spatial flair. There’s a wireless subwoofer included too, so you get that satisfying rumble during explosions or when someone dramatically slams a door. And no, you don’t need a surround sound PhD to set it up.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

It works especially well with TCL Roku TVs, letting you adjust settings using your TV remote. But it’s not limited to that setup. There’s HDMI eARC, optical, USB, and Bluetooth support, so you can hook it up however you like. It’s a 39-inch bar that won’t dominate your space but will absolutely dominate your TV’s weak built-in speakers.

• Price: $99.00 $259.00

• Retailer: Walmart

• Channels: 2.1.2 with Dolby Atmos

• Subwoofer: Wireless

• Audio Output: 300W peak

• Connectivity: HDMI eARC, HDMI, Optical, USB, Bluetooth

• Compatibility: Roku TV Ready

• Dimensions: 39.4 x 4.8 x 2.6 inches

• Weight: 14.7 pounds

• Color: Black

• Model Number: TS8212-NA

• Power Source: Corded Electric

At $99, it’s less of a splurge and more of a mercy upgrade for your ears. Honestly, your TV’s sound could probably use the help.