IT General

Without a protective case, your brand-new iPad Air 13-inch is vulnerable to drops, scratches, bumps, and spills. Safeguarding your tablet gives you peace of mind. And, with a range of great-looking cases to choose from, you can upgrade aesthetics, too.

For streaming your collection, Plex is an excellent tool, but it can do even more by acting as a middleman to your streaming services. It's so handy that you'll find yourself opening Plex more than the other apps.

Can you enjoy Netflix with your friends without upgrading your subscription plan to support more people? Yes, there are a few ways you can make streaming a social experience without shelling out extra money. Here's all you need to know.

I might spend money on random networking equipment I don't need, but when it comes to my cell phone plan, I save money at every turn. This includes switching to a family phone plan instead of being on my own.

I’ve reviewed my fair share of robot vacuums over the last few years, and the Roborock Saros 10R is the best of the bunch, bar none. With its next-level cleaning capabilities and numerous in-app customizations, my upright vac has finally been able to take some vacation days.

Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.

TL;DR: Learn something new daily with lifetime access to EDU Unlimited by StackSkills, now just $19.97 through March 30.

Who couldn't use more flexibility? Whether you're a student, a business owner, a freelancer, or a stay-at-home parent, it can be hard to fit extra courses into your schedule. Online courses offer just that flexibility, letting you chip away at topics on your own time. 

If you've been meaning to learn a new skill, dive deep into a topic, or make a total career change, EDU Unlimited by StackSkills is ready to help. And you can score lifetime access to this wealth of over 1,000 online courses for just $19.97 (reg. $600) if you purchase before March 30. 

Make learning fit your busy schedule

Learning new things has never been more convenient in the digital age. Instead of heading back to the classroom, sign on to StackSkills and start absorbing new content. Its easy-to-use interface and progress-tracking features make it easy to jump right in (and hop out if needed) without any deadlines. 

With beginner to advanced course options, StackSkills is filled with more than 1,000 courses. Lifetime access puts them all at your fingertips, so starting a side hustle, earning a promotion, or switching to a totally new field is possible... and for less than the price of a textbook you'd need at a community college.  

There are courses on blockchain, iOS development, graphic design, finance, business, IT, marketing, and more. They're taught by over 350 highly rated, elite instructors who are all experts in their respective fields. 

Tackle as much or as little as you'd like with this lifetime access online learning deal, which also includes the new courses added monthly. 

Learn for life with lifetime access to EDU Unlimited by StackSkills, now $19.97 (reg. $600) through March 30.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSkills EDU Unlimited by StackSkills: Lifetime Access $19.97
$600 Save $580.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Outfit your PC with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $54.97 (reg. $219.99) through March 30. 

There's a reason the Microsoft Office apps have had such amazing staying power — they really work. The same tools you used as a kid growing up in the '90s on that bulky desktop are still helping you tackle work tasks on your laptop at the office. 

If you've been without the fleet of helpful apps, you've probably already run into numerous scenarios where you needed them. Give your PC the gift of these eight go-to's with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $54.97 — that's 75% off the usual $219.99 price tag. 

Fall in love with the Microsoft Office apps all over again

Lifetime access to Microsoft Word for less than $7? Microsoft Office Professional makes that a possibility, including favorites like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Newer apps like Access, Teams, OneNote, and Publisher round out this deal. 

Don't be deceived by the year 2021 in its name; this older Microsoft Office Professional version still has all the tools you need — and at a lower price. It offers a more budget-friendly way to enjoy these apps, offering them at a low one-time price instead of Microsoft 365's monthly subscription costs. And a 2021 version offers three more apps than the most recent 2024 license. 

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 also offers familiar interfaces. There are no AI integrations like in later versions, so there's no extra tech knowledge required. And once you install the apps, you can easily work offline from anywhere, making this a great option for travelers. 

Make sure your computer's operating system is updated to Windows 10 or 11 prior to purchase. Once you buy, you'll receive an instant delivery and download, so you can get started working with these apps right away.

Let this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows make life a little easier, now at less than $7 an app with this $54.97 deal running through March 30. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $54.97 at the Mashable Shop
$219.99 Save $165.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Scan anything, anywhere, with this lifetime subscription to iScanner, now $24.99 (reg. $199) with code SCAN through March 30.

Raise your hand if you've had to drive to your parent's house to borrow their printer. If most of us don't have the space for clunky printers, chances are we also don't keep a scanner at home. That's what iScanner is for: transforming your iPhone or iPad into a handy scanning machine. 

Right now, a lifetime subscription to this convenient way to scan is just $24.99 wide code SCAN, saving you $175 if you act fast and purchase before March 30. 

This multi-tasking app saves you serious desk space

Even if you're one of the few with a physical scanner still in your presence, you can now clear some counter space thanks to iScanner. And while you're at it, you can throw away that dusty old filing cabinet, too. 

iScanner is the number one US-based scanning and document management tool, letting you knock items off your to-do list from anywhere. Need to save a receipt for taxes? Do you have a contract you need to digitize? You can scan any document using just the phone on your iOS device. 

Students, entrepreneurs, educators, and stay-at-home moms alike will all find endless uses for a scanner in your pocket. The AI-powered tools ensure your documents' borders are detected and automatically adjusted while also straightening scan pages and ditching curves and skews. 

Thanks to AI, you can also use iScanner to help you solve complicated math problems. Or put its OCR technology to the test and let it help you decipher text in up to 20 languages.

Once things are scanned, the app becomes a full PDF editor and file manager. Edit your scans, including signing them, adding text, or auto-filling them with custom templates. Then, use the file manager's folder via drag and drop to keep them safe and organized. 

Scanning something confidential? You can also protect files and folders by locking them with a PIN. 

Secure iScanner for life with code SCAN, bringing the price down to $24.99 through March 30.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription $24.99
$199.99 Save $175 Get Deal

TL;DR: Lock in a lifetime subscription to FolderFort's 2TB of Cloud Storage Pro Plan for just $109.97 with code SECURE2TB now through March 30.

Did you know you can secure cloud storage without hefty monthly fees? Though the most popular cloud storage services require expensive subscription fees, FolderFort lets you secure ample storage for a low, one-time price. 

Keep your files safe forever with a lifetime subscription to FolderFort 2TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan. It's available now for only $109.97 (reg. $499.99) with code SECURE2TB through March 30. 

Check out all that FolderFort has to offer

Whether you're still dragging around clunky external hard drives or paying Dropbox or Apple a small fortune month after month, there's a better way to safeguard your important data. You can pay once and enjoy 2TB of storage for life with FolderFort. 

The learning curve won't be steep with FolderFort. The interface is super user-friendly, and it offers cross-platform accessibility so those with PCs, Macs, or smartphones can easily log in and share files.  

Though it can be hard to grasp how much data 2TB holds, think of it as approximately 400,000 5MB photos or millions of text documents. That means you hopefully won't be running out of space anytime soon, and this investment is truly enough to secure memories for a lifetime. 

Have a baby? Adopt another dog? If you ever need more space, that's not an issue. You can upgrade at anytime and enjoy increased storage instantly. 

Besides saving you money, FolderFort also offers reliability. Unlike the big guys, their guaranteed 99.99% uptime means you won't be waiting to access files when your cloud storage platform goes down. Speedy upload speeds save you time, while BackBlaze encryption keeps all your data safe. 

Keep 2TB of your precious data safe and tucked away with a lifetime subscription to FolderFort 2TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan, now just $109.97 with code SECURE2TB through March 30. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: FolderFort FolderFort 2TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $109.97
$499.99 Save $390.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your files are safe with this lifetime subscription to 2TB of FileJump Cloud Storage, now just $89 (reg. $467).

Whether you serve as your family's personal photographer and have a phone filled with memories or you're a small business needing to store and share your important files, deciding where and how to secure your data is an important decision.

If you're looking for a cloud storage option that doesn't break the bank, check out FileJump's offer. You can secure 2TB of cloud storage for a lifetime for just $89 if you act fast. 

Secure 2TB of data safely for life for under $100

Don't be deceived by this low price tag. FileJump is a premium cloud storage solution that lets you save files in all formats — from images and videos to MS Excel files. This makes it a versatile option for use at both home and work. 

Uploading is a breeze thanks to their drag-and-drop user interface. Just drop them directly into your FileJump dashboard. Once they're in the cloud, rest easy knowing 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption protects your data's safety.

Built-in preview support for photos, videos, spreadsheets, and more makes later access easier. And whether you're sharing with family members or work colleagues, the process is equally easy. Share your files or folders via links or have them create free accounts for easy access.

This lifetime subscription is only available to new users and includes 2TB of storage, unlimited downloads, and 15GB per file upload. You'll also get access to customer support and PWA Mobile and Desktop apps.

Secure 2TB of cloud storage with this lifetime subscription to FileJump, now 80% off the usual price and just $89 for a limited time. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $89
$467 Save $378 Get Deal

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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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.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Multiple games

• Green: Teams in the Lone Star State

• Blue: Legendary DB's

• Purple: Music-related, but make it sports

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

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

• Yellow: Terms for competitions

• Green: Texas college teams

• Blue: First names of Hall of Fame Defensive Backs

• Purple: Music genres, but in sports terms

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #174 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Terms for competitions - CUP, INVITATIONAL, SERIES, TOURNAMENT

• Texas college teams - AGGIES, BEARS, COUGARS, LONGHORNS

• First names of Hall of Fame defensive backs - CHAMP, DEION, RONDE, TROY

• Music genres, but in sports terms - BIG DANCE, CHECKED SWING, ROCK CLIMBING, UTAH JAZZ

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

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

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

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

VPNs are useful security tools that can protect your identity and data, bypass online restrictions to access extra content, and much more. If this is all very new to you, you've probably got a lot of questions. Don't worry, because we can help.

We've done all the hard work for you and thoroughly researched these services to provide the information that matters to you. Here's everything you need to know about VPNs.

What is a VPN?

VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) provide important protection for your data and identity when you're online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). This means that all of your activity is untraceable and secure.

Basically, you can think about VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN?

Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. There's no need to panic, because whether you're sending important emails, doing some online shopping, or paying essential bills, VPNs make sure that everything remains private and anonymous.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for your iPhone

First and foremost, VPNs are designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services: streaming more content from around the world. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming services into thinking that you are based in a different country. This means that you can watch all of the shows and films from global libraries, like all the extra content on U.S. Netflix. This is the quickest and easiest way of boosting your content options, without the need to rely on a dodgy stream.

What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?

There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to VPNs, but we don't have all day. Instead of listing off every feature offered by the best VPNs, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about.

Before you make any sort of decision, you should look out for connection speed, server network, number of logins, and more important features:

• Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.

• Connection speed — Using a VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept a significant drop that is going to result in buffering. Be sure to select a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't watch a film or download a file without frustration.

• Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade," which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.

• Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. Others limit you to just a single device. You should look out for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time.

• Server network — The very best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. It's useful if a VPN has a lot of servers in key locations, because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing anonymously. It's not a straightforward case of more is better, but it's always good to have options.

• Privacy policy — It's worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't clear, it's best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, it's absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.

There are other things to consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. So why would you ever pay for a VPN?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

What we're saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN?

There are a lot of VPN providers out there all offering different sets of features, with different pricing structures. We recommend taking some time to carefully access your options, and decide on what you really need from a VPN. Once you have established your priorities, you can check out this definitive list of the best VPNs this month.

We have tracked down everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best VPNs for streaming, shopping, and everything else. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list. All you need to do is weigh up these options against your own set of priorities, and then pick a favourite from the bunch.

These are the best VPNs in 2025.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

In a world where online dating and casual hookups have become the norm, dating can still feel exhausting. Sometimes, just the thought of putting on proper clothes, coming up with witty conversation starters, and commuting to the actual meetup spot can be tiring.

No matter what kind of encounter you plan, when it comes to dating, there'll always be some sort of physical effort required. The good news? There is a loophole: Sexting.

What is sexting?

Sexting is the art of sending sexually explicit photos or messages to one or more people via text. Thanks to its recent rise in popularity, there are now apps for sexting and new sexting features in apps that are otherwise for dating in person.

What do you need to know about sexting?

Whether you're interested in giving sexting a try or you're a seasoned pro, there are a few things to keep in mind when downloading and using a new dating app to sext. Sure, there are fewer inhibitions when scoring a new sexting partner when compared to finding a long-term lover, but there are rules you should follow in order for all parties to feel at ease. Here are three big ones:

• Mutual respect — Assess the situation and know your audience. Usually, it doesn't take much more than a few pre-sext texts (or pre-sexts) to gauge whether or not someone is interested in doing the cyber-dirty with you. Take the time to figure that out before you lead with something raunchy and uncalled-for. AKA, don't just start throwing dick pics at people left and right if they didn't ask.

• Mutual trust — Be respectful: Privacy is sacred. The internet has the scary ability to make fleeting moments very permanent. If someone asks you to keep something to yourself, do it. While sexting can be light and fun, it also requires a serious level of trust. If you betray that trust, you're ruining it for everybody.

• Privacy — No app can completely protect your privacy for you — that's your job. Though there are apps that have certain features that are designed to protect your identity/content, they don't rule out all scenarios. For example, someone doesn't need to take a screenshot to capture a picture you send. They could easily use another phone or device to snap or record your photos and/or videos. You should always keep this in mind before sending anything that could be compromising, and do your best to make sure you trust the person who's receiving your messages.

Keep these points in mind when engaging in NSFW messaging.

Should you engage in sexting?

Real-life dating is obviously the best way to get to know somebody long-term, especially if you're looking for any kind of serious, in-person relationship. And real sex will always be better than sexting. However, sexting is an alternative that may help you out in ways you didn't even think about.

• Convenience — Whether you plan to wine and dine on your date or just meet to hook up, it always requires some extra effort. For those with super hectic schedules or those who just don't have room in their life (for whatever reason) for a steady in-person relationship, sexting is practically a saving grace. After all, your sex drive doesn't go away just because you're busy. Sexting allows you to take care of your sexual needs without putting yourself out.

• Exploring trust and intimacy — Getting comfortable with another person in close quarters doesn’t always come naturally for everyone — but opting for sexting gives way to a new level of exploration in terms of intimacy and trust. You don’t ever have to meet the person behind the screen if you don’t want to, but being able to practice feeling vulnerable without any strings attached can be a great lesson in being more open.

• Freedom — As is the case with most behind-the-screen activities, with sexting, you can let go of your inhibitions and get comfortable exploring your sexual side. Knowing there's a certain barrier between you and the other person may allow you to experiment with language and ideas that you wouldn't otherwise explore in person.

• Fun — A little honesty, please. A night of sexting is always going to be a lot more fun than endlessly swiping right on a dating app and starting the same conversation over and over. Having the option of opening an app on your phone and engaging in a little virtual foreplay offers instant gratification and (almost) guaranteed pleasure.

• Safety — We've touched on the reasons why sexting might not be completely safe in terms of privacy, but to its credit, sexting offers an element of safety that in-person meetings don't. Sexting allows you to interact with both people you know and total strangers without putting yourself in dangerous or unwanted physical situations. Your experience should always be what you want it to be, and with sexting, if it's not going in the direction you want, it's just a matter of closing an app.

The benefits are clear for all to see, so not give it a try?

What makes an app good for sexting?

You'll want to look for certain features in an app if you're planning on sexting:

• Ease of use — You don’t want to find yourself in a hot and steamy conversation trying to figure out how to attach an image or a voice note. When it comes to sexting, the more user-friendly the platform is, the better. You’ll want something that’s efficient and fast.

• Privacy features — What happens in a sexting app doesn’t always stay in a sexting app; there are no guarantees that your conversations or selfies won’t wind up a screenshot on someone’s phone. That said, certain apps include instant self-destruction features that delete photos and conversations after a certain amount of time.

• Safety — If you’re looking for a night of no-strings-attached fun online, it doesn’t really matter if the person on the other end of your conversation has been verified — but if you do want to ensure you’re not being catfished or chatting with a bot, consider using an app that links social media or verifies users.

• Subscription pricing versus free features — How much are you willing to pay for bells and whistles? There are several free apps out there, but if you're looking for something a little fancier, you can pay a few pounds a month for premium features.

With these features in mind, you should be ready to select an app and start sexting. You've got this.

What is the best app for sexting?

Since sexting, by nature, comes with a lot of factors to consider (consent and privacy, for example), we've picked out the best sexting apps to get you off — to a good start, that is. We've tried to line up something for everyone, so check out these options, and pick your favourite.

These are the best sexting apps in 2025.

TL;DR: Live stream Liverpool vs. Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Carabao Cup final brings together Liverpool and Newcastle United in what looks like an absolutely electric contest. Liverpool are flying high on all fronts this season, but Newcastle United possess the talent to upset the odds in this final. Can Eddie Howe lead Newcastle United to their first trophy since 1955?

If you want to watch Liverpool vs. Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Liverpool vs. Newcastle United?

Liverpool vs. Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final starts at 4:30 p.m. GMT on March 16. This fixture takes place at Wembley Stadium.

How to watch Liverpool vs. Newcastle United for free

Liverpool vs. Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Liverpool vs. Newcastle United by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream Liverpool vs. Newcastle United for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Liverpool vs. Newcastle United without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Liverpool vs. Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Need a reliable PDF app? Mashable readers can get a lifetime license to PDF Converter Pro for only £18.56 (reg. £79.41) when they use the discount code SAVE20 through 30 March.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter Pro: Lifetime License £18.56 at the Mashable Shop
£79.41 Save £60.85 Use discount code 'SAVE20' Get Deal

PDFs are common. Good PDF apps are not. Sure, Adobe has Acrobat, but Adobe apps aren't exactly cheap. 

Whether you’re a student juggling multiple assignments or a business professional needing to convert files for reports, if you need a low-cost PDF app, check out PDF Converter Pro. This all-in-one PDF app lets you convert PDF documents into various formats or edit PDFs, and you can get it for life for just £18.56 (reg. £79.41) — but not for much longer. 

To get this newly discounted price, use the code SAVE20 when you purchase a lifetime license through the Mashable Shop.

What can PDF Converter Pro do?

Tired of convoluted app menus? PDF Converter Pro gives you a simple, user-friendly interface where you can convert or alter PDFs. You can change PDFs into editable Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, enabling seamless editing and sharing without losing the original layout or content. That means images, text, and hyperlinks are preserved, so you don’t have to worry about losing important details during the conversion process.

PDF Converter Pro’s built-in OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology is a game-changer, allowing you to extract text from image-based PDF documents. If you have any ancient, faded master copies lying around, you can finally scan them to make a new version that you can actually edit. Students, that means you can also scan your readings and turn them into searchable documents. 

This all-in-one PDF app even lets you edit existing PDFs with tools for merging and splitting, extracting images, and compressing files to reduce their size without sacrificing quality.

On sale but not for much longer

30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT is the deadline to get a lifetime license to PDF Converter Pro for just £18.56 (reg. £79.41). Be sure to use the code SAVE20 during checkout.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

TL;DR: You can get an Internxt 10TB cloud storage lifetime subscription for £216.56 (reg. £270.71) when you use the code STORAGE20 at checkout through 30 March. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan £216.56
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Worried about an economic recession? Even if you're not, you’re probably looking for ways to save as much money as possible. Many people are canceling subscriptions, and the first one to go could be Dropbox or Google Drive. Instead, store your files with this lifetime cloud storage deal.

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TL;DR: Watch the 2025 Australian Grand Prix for free on 10Play. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Australian Grand Prix is almost here, kickstarting a fascinating new season of F1 action. There are so many interesting storylines to follow closely this year, and although you can never really trust pre-season testing, fans are hoping for some really competitive and unpredictable racing.

Lando Norris is on pole for this opening race, with his teammate Oscar Piastri making it a McLaren one-two. All eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari, but he starts from back in eighth after an underwhelming qualifying.

If you're interested in watching the 2025 Australian Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2025 Australian Grand Prix?

The 2025 Australian Grand Prix takes place at the 5,278 km Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne. The full schedule can be found here:

• Practice 1 — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. AEDT on March 14

• Practice 2 — 4 to 5 p.m. AEDT on March 14

• Practice 3 — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. AEDT on March 15

• Qualifying — 4 to 5 p.m. AEDT on March 15

• Race — 3 p.m. AEDT on March 16

The good news for fans is that it's possible to live stream the 2025 Australian Grand Prix without spending anything.

How to watch the 2025 Australian Grand Prix for free

The 2025 Australian Grand Prix is available to live stream for free on 10Play. This free streaming service is offering coverage of qualifying and the race.

10Play is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams of F1 from anywhere in the world.

Unblock 10Play from anywhere in the world by following these 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 Australia

4. Connect to 10Play

5. Watch the 2025 Australian Grand Prix from anywhere in the world

Please be aware that Formula 1 take the view that the use of a VPN to watch content from another territory may be a breach of the relevant broadcasters’ terms of service and may constitute copyright infringement. It is your responsibility to ensure that your use of a VPN is legal and Mashable does not encourage any illegal use of a VPN.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the2025 Australian Grand Prix before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming F1 live is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for F1?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

• Fast streaming speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2025 Australian Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.

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 March 16 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: A set of things

• Green: The last letter isn't pronounced

• Blue: Films featuring notorious murderers

• Purple: Begins with star groups

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: Bunch

• Green: Ending with a silent "T"

• Blue: Serial killer movies:

• Purple: Starting with constellations

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 #644 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Bunch: CLUSTER, COLLECTION, CONSTELLATION, GROUP

• Ending with a silent "T": BALLET, DEBUT, RAPPORT, TAROT

• Serial Killer Movies: MONSTER, PSYCHO, SEVEN, ZODIAC

• Starting with constellations: DRACONIAN, HYDRANT, LEONARDO, LIBRARY

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 16

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.

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for March 16 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 16, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A popular collectible.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

STAMP.

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 March 16

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.