Technology

Mainline Pokémon games are excellent, but they've always been formulaic: pick a starter Pokémon, beat eight gyms and the Elite Four, and save the world. After a while, a Pokémon trainer needs something fresh. That's where Pokémon ROM hacks come in.

Earlier this year, Razer revealed a future of gaming driven by AI. Artificial intelligence aid Project AVA is designed to provide real-time tips and tricks, making it a tool that could finally be used to end the debate surrounding gaming difficulty.

The Last of Us Season 2 trailer has dropped, and you know what that means, don't you? It's time to take all the burning questions we had at the end of Season 2 and add a few new ones in.

In the two-minute clip above we're reintroduced to Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) after a tumultuous ending to the first season, as they head back to the camp in Jackson, Wyoming where Joel's brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) is based.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' Season 2 release date teased with haunting new clip

But the shadow of what Joel did to rescue Ellie hangs over the trailer, as do more monsters and shady-looking groups. We've broken down all the hidden details you may have missed below.

Ellie hiding from something on all fours Credit: YouTube/Max

The trailer opens with Ellie silently creeping through a dark building. It's brief, but in the background we see something scuttling past at the far end of the room. An animal? A Clicker? Or some new kind of Infected creature to be worried about? Gulp.

A creature emitting spores Credit: YouTube/Max

Speaking of creatures, there's a shot of Ellie standing over a poor Cordyceps-covered soul that almost looks more tree than human. The worrying part? We can clearly see the thing exhaling what appear to be spores into the air.

The one mercy of the fungus in Season 1 is that it isn't airborne. Could that be about to change?

Two new factions Credit: YouTube/Max

There are at least two new groups we haven't seen before in the Season 2 trailer. The first is a military outfit that is definitely not FEDRA — these guys have a wolf logo and the letters "WLF" on their tanks and helmets. The second group has more of a cult vibe — hooded robes, old-style weapons, a logo that looks like an eye, the whole shebang.

The trailer makes it seem like both of these groups are threats, as they're shown in a montage just before we hear Ellie (Bella Ramsey) saying "monsters" (and given that we see the hooded group getting ready to murder someone in the woods, this definitely tracks).

Ellie walking away from Joel Credit: YouTube/Max

One of our burning questions after Season 1 was whether or not Ellie would find out that Joel basically butchered an entire hospital worth of Fireflies in order to save her life — remember, Ellie is immune to the Cordyceps infection, and could have been the key to a vaccine. The trailer seems to hint that the answer to this question is a big "yes", with a shot of her yelling "You swore" before another shot of Joel looking upset while she walks away from him in the background. The "you swore" line is a throwback to the finale of Season 1, where Ellie asks Joel to promise her that "everything you said to me about the Fireflies is true" — Joel told Ellie raiders attacked the hospital and he barely got her out of there alive. Looks like that lie will come back to haunt him.

The Last of Us Season 2 is streaming on Max from April 13.

SAVE $39: As of March 10, the Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch is on sale at Best Buy for $160.99. That's 19% off its list price of $199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 55 $160.99 at Best Buy
$199.99 Save $39 Get Deal

With so many options out there to choose from, finding the right fitness tracker to suit your preferred workout routine is important. If you're a runner, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a top pick to keep up with your active routines. We even consider it the best fitness tracker for running in our overall roundup of the best fitness trackers, so you know it's a worthy purchase.

Best Buy has knocked $39 off the price of the Garmin Forerunner 55, dropping its price from $199.99 to $160.99. This is a great price for such a sleek smartwatch that works with both new and experienced runners alike. It boasts a variety of running-focused features to get you started on the right foot, too.

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatch for every wrist

Some of the Garmin Forerunner 55's features include a heart rate monitor, built-in GPS so you can keep track of where you run, stress tracking, the ability to track your energy levels, and much more. It even offers suggestions for daily workouts based on your history with running and fitness level so you can find the routine that best suits you. In our roundup of the best fitness trackers, we called it a "dedicated runner’s watch that has everything you need for smashing those personal best targets."

We also note that, "We hasten to call it a beginner’s watch, though it is perfect for new starters. It’s also packed with so many features, it’s sure to suit runners of most levels. Indeed, unless you’re a super serious runner with very specific goals, this smartwatch is a winner."

Don't miss out on $39 off the Garmin Forerunner 55 at Best Buy.

Looking for even more fitness tracker or smartwatch deals? The Apple Watch Series 10 is enjoying a very nice discount right now at Amazon and you can also save on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra right now at Best Buy.

With the new M4 chip and a sub-$1000 price tag, the 2025 MacBook Air is a compelling laptop. Does that mean you should upgrade? As always, it depends on what you're currently using.

SAVE $80: As of March 10, the 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE (GPS, 40mm) is on sale at Best Buy for $169. That's 32% off its list price of $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE $169 at Best Buy
$249 Save $80 Get Deal

If you've been eyeing up an Apple smartwatch to help you keep up with your daily activities, but don't want to splash out on one of the fancy Ultra models, the 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE is the option to go with. Not only does this smartwatch cover all of your health and fitness basics, but it also comes with an affordable price tag. And that price has dropped even further today at Best Buy.

The 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE (GPS, 40mm) has had an $80 discount at Best Buy, dropping its price from $249 to $169. This is a great deal for such a high-quality smartwatch that fits in perfectly within the Apple ecosystem. As a bonus, purchasing the 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE also comes with four months of Apple Fitness+ for free if you're a new subscriber — which is a perfect way to kick off your fitness journey with the smartwatch — and up to three months of Apple Music for free if you're a new or returning subscriber to listen to your favorite tunes on Apple's service.

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatch for every wrist

The 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE comes with all of the basics to keep you moving and updated on your health and fitness goals. Some of its features include a heart rate monitor that notifies you if you have an irregular heart rhythm, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, advanced metrics for a greater insight into your workouts, and 50m water resistance. All of this on top of the fact that you can take calls and send texts right from your wrist.

If you're an Apple user who has been looking to make the jump into owning a smartwatch, look no further than Best Buy to score $80 off the 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE (GPS, 40mm).

This isn't the only Apple deal that's been floating around recently, either. Both the standard and noise-canceling models of the AirPods 4 have had great discounts at Amazon and you can also save on an Apple MacBook Air right now at the retailer.

NVIDIA has enough money, and I don't particularly want to give them more—but with GeForce NOW, the company has absolutely nailed how to do cloud gaming the right way.

If you tried to log in to Instagram on Monday, you might have had a little trouble.

Users are reporting errors with logging into the Meta-owned social media platform, with many unable to access their accounts.

SEE ALSO: How to translate a message in Instagram DMs

According to DownDetector (owned by Mashable's parent company, Ziff Davis), users in the UK were experiencing the outages. Instagram users in the U.S did not report similar issues at the time of writing. However, the outage follows a similar situation across Meta platforms in late February.

Credit: DownDetector

Folks took to other social platforms including X (formerly Twitter) to ask the same question.

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Mashable has reached out to Instagram for further information. This story is developing...

Mario’s biggest leap involved bursting out of his 2D world and into the third dimension. It took 25 years for Mario to make the move to 3D, but since then he’s never looked back and has given us some of the very best video games there have ever been. Here are all the 3D Mario games ranked from worst to best.

FREE ICE CREAM: On March 20, celebrate Cone Day 2025 by enjoying a free vanilla soft-serve cone at participating Dairy Queen locations.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dairy Queen Dairy Queen Cone Day 2025: Free Vanilla Soft-Serve Cone Learn More

Don't you dare say that we don't ever do anything for you. We have been pointing you in the direction of free giveaways all year, and we're not stopping anytime soon.

We let you know about the free slurpees from 7-Evelen, the free Lego make-and-take events, and the free cupcakes from Baked by Melissa, and now we're focused on what really matters: ice cream. Dairy Queen's Cone Day is making a triumphant return in 2025. On March 20, you can celebrate this special occasion by enjoying a free vanilla soft-serve cone at participating Dairy Queen locations.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away an exclusive Steering Wheel for free. Here’s how to get yours on March 9.

Anyone looking to participate in this free giveaway can visit Dairy Queen or download the Dairy Queen App to find a local restaurant on March 20. The promotion runs all day while supplies last, with a limit of one free cone per person. This free giveaway is not valid on delivery or mobile orders.

Celebrate Dairy Queen's Cone Day with a free vanilla soft-serve cone on March 20.

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 10 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: Types of domestic felines

• Green: Well-known grins from pop culture

• Blue: Landmarks that have changed from their original slate

• Purple: Things closely linked to famous film bum

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: Cat Breeds

• Green: Famous Smiles

• Blue: Attractions Iconically Different From Their Original Forms

• Purple: Associated with "The Dude" Lebowski

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 #638 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Cat Breeds: RAGAMUFFIN, RUSSIAN BLUE, SPHYNX, TURKISH ANGORA

• Famous Smiles: CHESHIRE CAT, COMEDY MASK, JOKER, MONA LISA

• Attractions Iconically Different From Their Original Forms: LIBERTY BELL, STATUE OF LIBERTY, TOWER OF PISA, VENUS DE MILO

• Associated with "The Dude" Lebowski: BATHROBE, BOWLING, RUG, WHITE RUSSIAN

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 10

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 yesterday's Connections.

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.

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

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.

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: Great for montages

• Green: Boss

• Blue: Schools

• Purple: Regrouping tools

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: Work at one's skills

• Green: Leader of a team

• Blue: Pennsylvania colleges

• Purple: Used during a timeout

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 #168 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Work at one's skills - DRILL, EXERCISE, PRACTICE, TRAIN

• Leader of a team - COACH, GAFFER, MANAGER, SKIPPER

• Pennsylvania colleges - DREXEL, PENN, PITT, TEMPLE

• Used during a timeout - CHAIR, TOWEL, WATER BOTTLE, WHITEBOARD

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 yesterday'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 10 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 10, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A selfish desire to hurt or annoy someone.

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...

SPITE.

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 10

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 yesterday's Wordle.

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 10 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 10 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: You're pushing my buttons

These words are labels.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The words are related to TVs.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is RemoteControl.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 10

• Home

• Volume

• Back

• Channel

• RemoteControl

• Power

• Guide

• Mute

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, March 10, 2025:

AcrossLike billionaires and chocolate cake

• The answer is Rich.

Actress Fanning of "A Complete Unknown"

• The answer is Elle.

Stay above water

• The answer is Float.

"Hamilton" character who sings "The Room Where It Happens"

• The answer is Burr.

Swirl of water

• The answer is Eddy.

Down"Hey ___, check your voicemail, you've missed a few calls!" (heckle)

• The answer is Ref.

"Wow, would you look at that!"

• The answer is IllBe.

Stratocumulus, e.g.

• The answer is Cloud.

Got wind of

• The answer is Heard.

Not phone it in

• The answer is Try.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

SAVE $300: As of March 10, the 2024 Apple MacBook Air (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale at Amazon for $999. That's 23% off its list price of $1,299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2024 MacBook Air (512GB) $999 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $300 Get Deal

Apple's MacBooks are pricy laptops, which is why it's always an exciting treat when you can find one on sale. Thankfully, Amazon has dropped a stellar deal on the M3 2024 Apple MacBook Air with a 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM that's worth checking out if you've been looking for an upgrade. It's currently at its lowest price yet, so there's no better time than now to jump on this exciting deal.

This MacBook is currently down to $999, 23% off its usual list price of $1,299. That saves you $300 overall, which is a great price drop. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, it has never hit this low of a price before, making now a great time to take advantage of its discount before it disappears.

SEE ALSO: Here's what you need to know about preordering the new M4 Apple MacBook Air

Boasting the M3 chip, this laptop is a speedy and efficient portable machine that won't slow you down no matter if you're using it for work or play. It's made all the better with a large 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display that makes what's on your screen really pop, and up to 18 hours of battery life to keep you going for longer between charges. And living up to its name, it's lightweight, too. If you need to take it with you, it's wonderfully portable.

• Price: $999 $1,299

• Retailer: Amazon

• Processor: Apple M3 Chip

• CPU: 8-core CPU

• GPU: 10-core GPU

• Memory: 16GB Unified Memory

• Storage: 512GB SSD

• Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina

• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours

• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt, MagSafe 3, 3.5mm headphone jack

• OS: macOS Sequoia

We also consider this the top pick in our roundup of the best MacBooks to buy in 2025, stating "It's undoubtedly the best version of the compact laptop to date. You'll get that thin and light frame, plus plenty of extra power to tackle all of your most demanding tasks."

Don't miss out on the M3 2024 MacBook Air with a 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

If you're looking for even more Apple deals, there are a few more worth checking out right now. Also at Amazon, the 10th-Gen iPad is currently enjoying a nice discount and the Apple Watch Series 10 has had a $100 price drop as well.

The characters in The White Lotus Season 3 are bad enough when sober, so we can't imagine what heavy drinking will do to them.

In the teaser for episode 5 it looks like that's exactly what will be happening next week though, with various characters — the Ratliff family boys (Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola), Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), plus the three friends (Michelle Monaghan, Leslie Bibb, and Carrie Coon) — all glimpsed partying at night.

Elsewhere there's also a shot of Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) lamenting his stolen gun, and Timothy Ratliff (Jason Isaacs) staring at the same gun with his trademark moody contemplation. This is only going to end badly.

The White Lotus is streaming now on Max, with new episodes dropping weekly at 9 p.m. ET Sundays on HBO.

Travelling usually means compromising. Limited luggage space and the need to prioritise practicality often relegates matters of style to an afterthought, if they're thought of at all. This can result in you finally arriving at your picturesque holiday destination only to feel like the most disorganised, dishevelled person on the face of the Earth.

You aren't the only one who's been left haggard by travelling, and hotel staff have likely seen it all before. Even so, a few thoughtful upgrades to your travel kit can help you feel more glamorous than gremlin. Incorporating a little luxury may also help you reframe your travel identity for yourself, transforming from a harried airport sprinter to a poised and put-together globetrotter. After all, it's hard to feel your best when you aren't looking your best.

Here are five essentials to help you travel in style.

SEE ALSO: 7 overlooked and underrated essential travel gadgets 1. DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Credit: DJI

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the type of gadget that might sound excessive when you first hear about it. After all, do you really need a standalone video camera if you already have a smartphone in your pocket? The answer is yes, you very much do. In fact, once you try DJI's fantastic pocket-sized gimbal camera, there's a good chance you'll never want to record videos with your phone ever again. 

At just 5.5 inches long, the Osmo Pocket 3 is a great camera to slip in your bag when you're on the go. It's phenomenally simple to operate, turning on with a satisfying twist of its two-inch rotating display screen, while its facial tracking feature follows your subject for smooth, well-framed, professional-looking shots. Capable of filming 4K footage in landscape and 3K footage in TikTok-friendly portrait, this camera is much less unwieldy than recording on your phone, and turns out better results. In fact, the only reasons any vlogger or content creator wouldn't covet an Osmo Pocket 3 are either because they already have one, or because they haven't heard about it.

While you can just pick up the Osmo Pocket 3 by itself, it's well worth upgrading to the Creator Combo pack if you can afford it. This pack adds a few accessories such as a battery handle, mini tripod stand, and most significantly a DJI Mic 2 transmitter. It's ridiculously easy to connect the Mic 2 to your Pocket 3 — literally just turn it on — and it provides noticeably clearer audio than the Osmo Pocket 3's on-device mic. Just remember to set a bit of cash aside for a good microSD card as well, as the Pocket 3 doesn't have any internal storage.

You should also remember to treat your Osmo Pocket 3 with care, particularly its delicate gimbal. The camera does come with a hard carry case, but unfortunately doesn't fit in the Creator Combo's soft carrying bag, and the easy access design still leaves the Osmo Pocket 3 open to potential damage. Though considering the device's compact size and how fun it is to use, this is probably one you'll keep close by in your carry on anyway.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $669 at Amazon
Shop Now 2. MAISON de SABRÉ Weekender bag Credit: MAISON de SABRÉ

MAISON de SABRÉ's Weekender Bag is the type of bag you travel with if you have your life together and don't mind if everyone knows it. Made of gorgeously supple full-grain leather, this beautiful 23-litre luggage option is both fashionable and functional, firmly establishing you as prime airport crush material.

The Weekender has six internal side pockets to help keep your belongings organised, including a padded sleeve for your laptop and a zipped option on the opposite side. It also has two external sleeve pockets, one of which can be zipped open at the bottom to turn into a luggage passthrough. Though even if you opt not to use the passthrough, The Weekender's structured base allows it to sit neatly on top of your suitcase without you having to worry about it sliding off. The bag also features shoulder carry handles, and comes with a detachable crossbody strap for an alternate carry option.

Featured Video For You One day you might be able to travel by water, land, and sky all in one vehicle – Future Blink

Weighing 1.45 kilograms (3.19 pounds), the Weekender is slightly heavier than MAISON de SABRÉ's 1.42-kilogram Duffle Bag, which also has a larger 35-litre capacity. However, this is because the Weekender is designed to be used more frequently, so has increased reinforcement. Considering how attractive this bag is, you'll probably be searching for any excuse to use it. Though on the other hand, the Weekender is also so pretty that subjecting it to the cruel rigours of travel almost feels like sacrilege regardless of whether it can take it.

Opens in a new window Credit: MAISON de SABRÉ MAISON de SABRÉ Weekender Bag $469
Shop Now 3. Sonos Ace headphones Credit: Sonos

A good pair of headphones is imperative to a good travel experience. Unless you're on a road trip and it's your turn to drive, there's a good chance you'll spend a significant amount of time watching the scenery go by during the travel part of travelling. A decent soundtrack can make these hours feel restorative rather than mundane.

Sonos' Ace headphones are the speaker company's highly anticipated first foray into wearables. With decades of audio experience behind its development, the Sonos Ace offers exceptional sound quality, long battery life, notable comfort, and a well-balanced transparency mode in a sleek, minimalist design. This includes removable magnetic ear cups, so you can swap them out if they get damaged rather than ditching the whole device. The headphones come with a handy carry case as well, so you don't have to worry about them getting tossed around in your bag. 

The Sonos Ace operates via Bluetooth, so that's something to keep in mind if you were hoping to be able to connect via WiFi. However, if you just want to listen to your Spotify playlist on your phone, these headphones should have you covered. Like other Bluetooth headphones, the Sonos Ace can also be used to listen to your plane's in-flight entertainment if you pair it with Twelve South's AirFly wireless adapter. They're a particularly good option if you already have a Sonos sound system at home as well, as you can pair it with the Ace to easily swap audio from your speakers to the headphones and vice versa.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ace headphones $409 at Amazon
$449 Save $40 Shop Now 4. Solbari ultra wide cotton linen hat UPF50+ and Traveller broad brim sun hat UPF50+ Credit: Solbari

Hats are severely underrated travel items. Many people have never had a good quality hat, getting by with miscellaneous branded caps that offer mediocre coverage at best. Considering that a bad sunburn can completely derail a trip, it's an area that travellers would do well to consider more seriously.

Solbari is an Australian brand focused on sun protection — and if anyone knows about sun protection, it's Australians. The country is notorious for its powerfully damaging sun which is seven to 10 percent stronger than in the U.S., resulting in sun safety being baked into its national consciousness as a constant concern for all Australians.

Solbari's ultra wide cotton linen hat UPF50+ is a fashionable yet functional addition to your travel kit. Made of a breathable linen and cotton blend that feels luxurious to handle, this lightweight hat's wide five-inch brim extends even further to six inches at the back, offering fantastic protection against the sun while also looking stylish. The hat even has a small slot at the back for you to pull your ponytail through, so it isn't uncomfortably pressed against the back of your skull.

While Solbari doesn't offer linen in its men's styles, its popular Traveller broad brim sun hat UPF50+ includes four vents to help keep you cool. With a brim measuring three inches at the front and 3.5 at the back, the hat is made of thin, lightweight nylon that's both water- and stain-resistant, features which are always beneficial in travelling gear.

Both of these Solbari hats are UPF50+ rated, and have adjustable chin straps and drawstrings at the back to keep them safely on your head (though the former is removable if that's the look you prefer). The cotton linen hat does fold up more easily than the Traveller which has a stiffer rim, but the latter still packs flat for easy transport. You can always simply loop the chin strap around your luggage handle as well.

Opens in a new window Credit: Solbari Solbari Ultra Wide Cotton Linen Hat UPF50+ $79 at Amazon
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Solbari Solbari Traveller Broad Brim Sun Hat UPF50+ $48.30 at Amazon
Shop Now 5. Insta360 Flow Pro Credit: Insta360

While DJI's Osmo Pocket 3 is a great camera, it definitely isn't in everyone's budget. As the famous saying goes, the best camera is the one that's with you — and more often than not, that's the one on your phone. This doesn't mean you couldn't use an extra gadget to upgrade your photography, though.

The Insta360 Flow Pro is a gimbal, tripod, and selfie stick all in one, helping you perfectly frame your holiday videos. In addition to compensating for shaky hands, the Flow Pro can use AI to track subjects, allowing you to film yourself in steady, cinematic panning shots even when travelling alone. The buttons on its handle also enable you to control your camera, whether you want to change your phone's orientation, switch between the front and back cameras, start and stop tracking and recording, or even zoom in.

Though the Flow Pro is considerably more chunky than the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, it boasts 360-degree tracking. An upgrade from the Insta360 Flow, the Flow Pro further adds one-tap NFC pairing for quick and easy setup, and a light to indicate when tracking is active. This severely souped-up selfie stick even has native tracking within the iPhone camera (though you should definitely update your iPhone to at least iOS 18 to ensure this works properly).

While Insta360 Flow Pro does have extra compatibility with iPhones, Android users can still benefit from this gadget as well. Green bubble adherents won't be able to use one-tap pairing or tracking in their phone's native camera, but will otherwise be able to enjoy the Insta360 Flow Pro's full functionality via the Insta360 app. You'll probably want to use the Insta360 app even if you do have an iPhone anyway, as it offers a smoother experience, improved tracking, and access to features such as 3x3 panoramic photos.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insta360 Insta360 Flow Pro $189.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

UPDATE: Mar. 10, 2025, 4:08 p.m. AEDT This article was originally published September 2024, and has since been updated in March 2025.

From an anti-tangle brush to a highly efficient dock, I’m impressed by the slim Roborock Saros 10. Navigational enhancements such as the retracting sensor and lifting chassis allow for minimal human intervention. Along with its numerous successes, I’ve also noticed a few shortcomings on carpeting.

SAVE $30: As of March 10, Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) are on sale for $148.99 at Amazon, down from $179. That’s a 17% discount on Apple’s latest earbuds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) $148.99 at Amazon
$179 Save $30.01 Get Deal

Apple’s new AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are already on sale at Amazon for $148.99, and considering how rarely Apple products get discounted, this is one to take seriously. These aren’t just a small upgrade over the last model either. Apple actually redesigned them for better comfort, sound, and battery life. If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to swap out your old AirPods, here it is.

Let’s start with what makes these different. The Active Noise Cancellation means you can actually drown out background noise instead of cranking the volume to dangerous levels. But Apple didn’t stop there. They added Adaptive Audio, which automatically blends ANC and Transparency Mode to adjust for your surroundings. There’s also Conversation Awareness, which lowers your music when you start talking to someone, so you don’t have to awkwardly rip out an earbud mid-sentence.

SEE ALSO: I've just scored Apple’s 10th-Gen iPad for under $260 at Amazon. That’s its lowest price in 30 days.

The design has been refreshed too. The shorter stem and contoured fit make them more comfortable for all-day wear. Apple also packs in the H2 chip, which boosts sound quality, improves call clarity, and makes pairing with Apple devices as effortless as ever. Speaking of calls, Voice Isolation ensures that whoever you're talking to can actually hear you, even if you’re calling from a noisy environment.

• Price: $148.99 $179

• Retailer: Amazon

• Chip: H2 headphone chip

• Noise Control: Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode

• Audio Features: Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, Custom high-excursion Apple driver

• Microphones: Dual beamforming mics, Inward-facing mic, Speech-detecting accelerometer

• Battery Life: Up to 4 hours per charge with ANC, 5 hours without, 30 hours total with case

• Charging Case: USB-C, Wireless charging (Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified)

• Resistance Rating: IP54 dust, sweat, and water-resistant

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, effortless pairing with Apple devices

• Controls: Force sensor for music and calls, “Hey Siri” voice activation

Battery life is solid, with up to five hours of listening time per charge, or four hours if ANC is on. The charging case gives you 30 hours total, and yes, it supports wireless charging. You can power it up with a USB-C cable, an Apple Watch charger, or any Qi-certified wireless charger. Apple also made the case dust, sweat, and water-resistant (IP54 rated), so it’s a little more durable than previous models.

Finding brand-new AirPods with ANC for under $150 is rare, and while this isn’t the steepest discount ever, it’s still a great price for Apple’s latest earbuds. If you were waiting for a deal, this is a good one. Amazon doesn’t keep Apple products on sale for long, so grab them before the price jumps back up.